Yazılar

Dubai’s Emirates Signs Preliminary Deal to Add Crypto Payments via Crypto.com

/in /tarafından

Emirates airline has signed a preliminary agreement with Crypto.com to enable customers to pay for flights using the crypto trading platform’s payment service, the carrier’s parent company announced on Wednesday. The partnership is expected to launch next year and aims to attract younger, tech-savvy travelers who prefer using digital currencies, said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly positioned itself as a global hub for cryptocurrency businesses, with numerous firms establishing operations or expanding in the region. The country already permits cryptocurrency payments in sectors such as real estate, education fees, and transportation.

Dubai, in particular, has been proactive in regulating the virtual asset industry, establishing the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in 2022. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the city’s largest free zones, currently hosts over 650 crypto companies.

Other Gulf-based airlines have also embraced cryptocurrencies recently. For example, Dubai-listed Air Arabia announced in May that it would accept AE Coin, a UAE dirham-backed stablecoin, for flight bookings.

The Emirates-Crypto.com deal marks a significant step toward integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream airline payments and reflects the broader trend of digital currencies gaining traction in the Gulf region.

Trump Media Partners with Crypto.com to Launch ETFs Through Truth.Fi

/in /tarafından

Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind the Truth Social platform, announced on Monday that it has partnered with Crypto.com to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and related products under its Truth.Fi brand. This collaboration is aimed at offering financial products that include both digital assets and traditional securities with a “Made in America” focus.

Following the announcement, Trump Media’s shares rose 10.5% in after-hours trading, though the company’s stock has fallen 38% over the past three months.

The ETFs, which will be available through Crypto.com’s broker-dealer Foris Capital, are expected to include cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and cronos, alongside securities from various industries. These funds are slated for launch later this year and will be offered in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Crypto.com will provide key infrastructure, including backend technology, custody services, and cryptocurrency support for the ETFs.

The partnership follows the January launch of Trump Media’s Truth.Fi brand, signaling the company’s expansion into financial services and fintech, particularly in the cryptocurrency space. Trump Media had previously announced plans to invest up to $250 million through Charles Schwab to diversify its cash holdings, which stood at over $700 million at the end of 2024. This new venture includes investments in ETFs, separately managed accounts, and cryptocurrencies.

Trump Media also revealed in February that it has applied for trademarks for several investment products, including the Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, Truth.Fi Made in America ETF, and Truth.Fi U.S. Energy Independence ETF, which focus on sectors like bitcoin, U.S. manufacturing, and energy.

Crypto Industry Celebrates Trump Inauguration with Snoop Dogg and Promises of Policy Changes

/in /tarafından

The cryptocurrency industry marked the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump with a lavish celebration at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Friday night. Dubbed the “crypto inauguration ball,” the event reflected optimism within the crypto community, anticipating significant policy changes under Trump’s administration.

A Gala to Remember

The event featured rap superstar Snoop Dogg, along with performances by Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, entertaining over 1,500 guests dressed in formal attire. Attendees enjoyed a mix of gourmet offerings, including miniature lobster rolls and McDonald’s burgers—Trump’s favorite. Swag included “Make Bitcoin Great Again” hats and Gemini-branded American flag pins, celebrating one of the gala sponsors.

The ball was co-hosted by leading crypto companies such as Crypto.com, Exodus, and the Winklevoss twins’ Gemini exchange. Tickets sold out quickly, with general admission priced at $2,500, while VIP packages at $100,000 offered face time with David Sacks, the incoming “crypto czar” in the Trump administration.

Crypto’s Political Turnaround

The gala marked a striking shift for an industry that had faced significant regulatory hurdles under the Biden administration. Trump, who campaigned as a “crypto president,” is expected to issue executive orders promoting the widespread adoption of digital assets and reducing regulatory barriers.

Jonathan Jachym, Kraken’s global head of policy, highlighted the significance of the event: “The crypto voter showed up in the election, and this event signifies a turning point for crypto policy in the United States.”

Industry Optimism and Policy Changes Ahead

Crypto executives expressed hope for the future under Trump’s leadership. Les Borsai, co-founder of Wave Digital Assets, noted, “If this signifies what the future looks like … I think that’s the optimism we’ve been waiting for.”

Trump’s crypto-friendly policy team is shaping up, with Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto advocate, expected to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin prices have surged on anticipation of these changes, reaching record highs of over $107,000 in December.

Sponsors like Crypto.com and MicroStrategy emphasized their commitment to working with the new administration to advance innovation in digital assets. Meanwhile, Robinhood and other major players showed their support through sponsorships and participation.

A New Era for Cryptocurrency?

Trump, though absent from the event, expanded his cryptocurrency ventures with the launch of a “meme coin” branded with imagery from his attempted assassination, which quickly reached a market capitalization of $5.5 billion.

As the industry revels in newfound political support, Trump’s administration promises to usher in a new era for digital assets in the United States, fostering innovation and growth in the crypto space.