Author: Chris Roslund

Bitcoin, often abbreviated as BTC, is a decentralized digital currency, meaning it operates without the need for a central authority like a bank or government.1 Created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has revolutionized the concept of money and sparked the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies. This article will explain the fundamental principles behind Bitcoin. What is Bitcoin? At its core, Bitcoin is a digital form of money.2 Unlike traditional currencies, which are issued and controlled by central banks, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network,3 allowing users to send and receive payments directly without…

A crypto project with ties to former U.S. leadership has made a notable investment, purchasing $775,000 worth of SEI tokens as part of a continued accumulation strategy in the altcoin market. This development has sparked discussion within the cryptocurrency community, raising questions about the motives behind the acquisition and its potential implications for both the project and the long-term strategy of the SEI network. Details of the Acquisition: While the specific crypto project remains unnamed in the immediate reports, its connection to the previous U.S. administration has generated significant attention. The purchase, totaling a substantial amount of SEI, a layer-1…

The cryptocurrency market is no stranger to volatility, but the dramatic collapse of Mantra’s (OM) token on April 13th, 2025, sent shockwaves through the community. Within a single day, OM’s price plummeted by over 90%, erasing billions of dollars from its market capitalization and leaving investors reeling.1 Once a promising Layer 1 blockchain focused on Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, Mantra now faces a barrage of questions regarding the cause of this catastrophic decline and the likelihood of recovery. The Anatomy of the Crash: On Sunday, April 13th, 2025, the price of OM token experienced a rapid and severe drop,…

Umoja, a novel DeFi protocol, is offering Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) holders the opportunity to earn a compelling 6% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the Base layer-2 network. This yield is achieved through a combination of sophisticated strategies: covered call writing and arbitrage opportunities. This development presents an intriguing option for WBTC holders looking to generate passive income on their assets, but it also brings the inherent pros and cons associated with wrapped Bitcoin and raises questions about the continued prevalence of cold storage. Umoja’s Yield Generation Strategy: Umoja’s approach to generating yield on WBTC is noteworthy. By employing covered call…

A recent study, the 2025 Institutional Investor Digital Assets Survey by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon, reveals a surge in institutional interest in digital assets, signaling a transformative shift in the market’s trajectory.1 This growing enthusiasm, highlighted in the survey of 352 institutional investors primarily from the US and Europe, points towards a future where digital assets are integrated into mainstream finance, bringing long-term stability and fostering sustainable growth.2 The Maturing Market: A Magnet for Institutional Capital The survey paints a compelling picture: 86% of institutional investors already have exposure to or are planning allocations in digital assets in 2025.3 This isn’t…

Despite a recent market downturn triggered by renewed fears of stagflation and a weakening US dollar following unexpected dovish signals from the Federal Reserve, Bitcoin has shown remarkable resilience, according to a recent analysis by Grayscale. Zach Pandl, Head of Research at the digital asset management giant, went as far as to call Bitcoin’s performance since “Liberation Day” – a likely reference to a specific date or event potentially related to market sentiment shift – “the most bullish 8% drawdown I’ve ever seen.” This bold statement raises crucial questions: is Bitcoin outperforming other risk-on investments, and is now an opportune…

Michael Saylor’s unwavering conviction in Bitcoin has transformed MicroStrategy (MSTR) from a staid business intelligence firm into a de facto Bitcoin accumulation vehicle. This dramatic pivot has seen MSTR amass a staggering amount of Bitcoin, funded through a combination of debt offerings, equity sales, and a complete embrace of the cryptocurrency as its primary treasury reserve asset. However, this bold strategy, now at the center of clashing leveraged ETFs and intricate convertible stock plays, has ignited a fierce debate: has Saylor built a fortress of the future, or a precarious house of cards teetering on Bitcoin’s volatile price action? Saylor’s…

Global trade has been the lifeblood of economic growth for centuries, fostering interconnectedness and driving innovation. However, the path of free exchange has rarely been smooth, often punctuated by the imposition of tariffs – taxes levied on imported goods. Understanding the history of these duties, who ultimately bears their cost, and their long-term impact is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of international commerce. What are Tariffs? A Tax on Imports At their most basic, tariffs are taxes imposed by a country on goods or services imported from another country. These taxes are typically levied as a percentage of the…

In a landmark deal signaling a significant acceleration of institutional involvement in the digital asset space, Ripple, the leading provider of enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, has announced its acquisition of prime brokerage firm Hidden Road for a staggering $1.25 billion.1 This move, one of the largest acquisitions in the history of the crypto industry, positions Ripple as the first cryptocurrency company to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker, a development with profound implications for the future of both crypto and traditional finance.2 Hidden Road: Bridging Traditional and Digital Markets Founded by veteran prime brokerage experts, Hidden Road…

Bitcoin, the bellwether cryptocurrency, has concluded its worst first quarter in a decade, sliding a significant 11.7% in Q1 2025. This marks its weakest start to a year since 2015, a period still reeling from the aftermath of the Mt. Gox collapse. The downturn, as reported, stems from investors reducing their risk exposure amidst growing economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, prompting a sell-off in risk assets.1 This lackluster performance raises critical questions about the current state of the crypto market cycle and its potential ramifications for wider financial markets. A Departure from Recent Strength: This Q1 slump stands in stark…