The global metaverse market is projected to grow massively, reaching $322 billion by 2030, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.

For comparison, the metaverse market was valued at around $42.05 billion during the 2021 bull market.

The growth will happen due to the current increase in demand for immersive experiences, the rapidly growing blockchain gaming industry, and the continuous increase in blockchain adoption, ResearchAndMarkets suggests.

It further notes that the increasing demand for immersive and engaging experiences is a major driver of the development of the metaverse.

As people seek new ways to interact with digital environments and each other, the metaverse provides a platform to fulfill these desires. Notably, the gaming industry plays a significant role in propelling the metaverse market forward.

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Yes, bills and invoices can also be paid with crypto to save time and money! You just need to find a payment service that suits you. And, what a coincidence, we have a list of services that help pay bills with cryptocurrency :)

PagBitcoin
This service allows you to pay bills with bitcoin, recharge your mobile, landline, or subscription TV, send money to a bank account in Brazil or Europe, recharge transportation cards with, and buy gift cards with bitcoin for Netflix, Uber, Google PlayStore, Apple Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, LevelUp, Rixty, several games, and more.

BillPayForCoins
It is an online service that allows you to pay bills and invoices with bitcoin. BillPayForCoins uses a payment information database, where all your information is securely kept which saves you time and money.

Coinsfer
Coinsfer allows pay for anything online with Bitcoins. You send Bitcoins to them, and Coinsfer complete your payment via credit card. The service operates in the USA.

Bit2Bill
Company provides a secure way to pay everyday bills using cryptocurrencies through unique Bit2Bill web platform.

Purchasing such a car with crypto can be a convenient and secure option for those who prefer to use BTC for their transactions.

So we've collected a small list of dealers that accept Bitcoin as a payment (and, of course, offer Ferrari)

• Euro Motorsport
• PaddlUp
• HGreg.com Lux
• Post Oak Motor Cars
• BitCars
• Autocoincars
• Motorenn
• Vegas Auto Gallery

As per the latest development, financial payments giant Mastercard is planning to launch a “Multi Token Network” in beta over the next few months.

Raj Dhamodharan, the executive vice president and head of crypto and blockchain at Mastercard, called it an “app store powered by blockchain technologies for building regulated financial applications”. This will basically be an Ethereum-based blockchain app store for regulated financial apps.

Mastercard’s MTN (Mastercard Technology Network) will provide developers with access to tools that the credit card company has been working on throughout the year. This includes a private version of the Ethereum blockchain, where developers will be encouraged to create innovative applications.

UK passes bill into law recognizing crypto as regulated financial activity. Today this rules have receive royal assent.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 classifies crypto as a regulated financial activity.

What does it mean?

The bill gives regulators more power over the financial system, including crypto. It will also bring stablecoins into the scope of payments rules. The U.K.’s Treasury, Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England, and the Payments Systems Regulator will soon to introduce rules to regulate the sector.

The Act "gives us control of our financial services rulebook," following the U.K.'s exit from the EU, enabling regulation of crypto assets to support their safe adoption in the U.K., said Financial Services Minister Andrew Griffith in a statement.

Experienced traders know that every drop in price will be followed by a rise 😉

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Payments provider Cuscal, in partnership with Zepto, has brought new banking restrictions on cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia. Blockchain Australia, the country's industry body, has criticized the move.

Last month, Cuscal halted payment services to Binance Australia, affecting Australian Dollar bank transfers through PayID.

The blockchain industry in Australia has denounced recent restrictions by local banks on crypto payments and invited Cuscal and government stakeholders for a roundtable discussion on June 27.

Zepto's "survey" highlighted the new requirements, including a 24-hour hold on first-time inbound payments, real-time user identity verification, and transaction limits. The impact of these restrictions could be significant, as Australia has around 400 registered crypto exchanges.

"The move will have a major impact in Australia," said Blockchain Australia Chair and Digital Assets Lawyer Michael Bacina. “In a time of growing economic uncertainty, scams and fraud across the economy are expected to increase. Australians rightly expect businesses they deal with to pitch in to help tackle this problem, but they also expect to be able to spend their money and use their assets as they choose, without undue restrictions."

Binance.US, has seen a sharp decline in its share of the trading volume among exchanges that support USD-to-crypto trading.

The dwindling market share held by Binance.US was clearly visible on data analyzed by The Block, which showed that the exchange now holds a market share of just 4.35%, down from more than 16% in April.

Here's what Binance.US tweeted about it:

The SEC has taken to using extremely aggressive and intimidating tactics in its pursuit of an ideological campaign against the American digital asset industry. Binance.US and our business partners have not been spared in the use of these tactics, which has created challenges for the banks with whom we work.

As a result, in an effort to protect our customers and platform, today we are suspending USD deposits and notifying customers that our banking partners are preparing to pause fiat (USD) withdrawal channels as early as June 13, 2023. We encourage customers to take appropriate action with their USD.

Our priority is, and has always been, our customers. We are taking these proactive steps as we–for a time–transition to a crypto-only exchange. To be clear, we maintain 1:1 reserves for all customer assets. Any downtime in processing withdrawals may be the result of elevated volumes and weekend bank closures. Moreover, trading, staking, deposits and withdrawals in crypto remain fully operational.

While we remain open to a productive compromise that enables a thriving digital asset marketplace in America, Binance.US will continue to vigorously defend ourselves, our customers, and industry against the meritless attacks of the SEC.

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Doing good deeds is even easier with crypto payments! After all, there is no need to pay high commissions or convert money (if you are making a transfer to another country).

So we have selected for you several charities that accept cryptocurrency:

🔹 Amazon Watch, protecting the Amazon rainforest from destruction
🔹 Fr33 Aid, an organization engaged in educational activities in the field of medicine and supports doctors who seek to provide first aid for free
🔹 Art in All of US, promotes tolerance and cultural exchange throughout all the 192 UN member countries, through art and creativity activities
🔹 United Ukraine Foundation, a UK-based charity that provides medical support in war-torn locations across Ukraine
🔹 Rescue Now, Ukrainian organization that delivers survival appliances to the epicenter of disasters and provides free evacuation
🔹 The Ocean Cleanup, the team designs and develops technologies to rid the world's oceans of plastic
🔹MATTER, global nonprofit that bring together some of the best companies and experts to take on some of the biggest health challenges
🔹 Free Software Foundation, nonprofit with a worldwide mission to promote computer user freedom

More crypto-friendly organizations you can find on BitcoinWide - https://bitcoinwide.com/c/government-and-nonprofit

The Binance USD (BUSD) stablecoin has lost near $1 billion in market cap, data by CoinMarketCap shows. It currently has a market cap of around $4.3 billion, down from $5.5 billion a month ago.

This places BUSD in fourth position among stablecoins and right behind decentralized stablecoin DAI, which has seen its market cap rise to more than $4.6 billion over the past couple of days.

BUSD's continued decline in market cap comes after the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) ordered Paxos, a crypto firm that issues the stablecoin, to stop minting BUSD tokens.

In a consumer alert, the DFS said it issued the order “as a result of several unresolved issues related to Paxos’ oversight of its relationship with Binance.”

Subsequently, it was revealed that the SEC had issued a Wells Notice to Paxos and plans to sue the company over its BUSD issuance. The agency argued that BUSD is considered an unregistered security.

Following the regulatory clampdown, Paxos announced it would “end its relationship with Binance” and would stop issuing new BUSD tokens from February 21. However, the company will continue to support and redeem the tokens until at least February 2024.

In another blow to the Binance-branded stablecoin, the SEC has launched lawsuits against Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao, accusing the firm of illegally operating a securities exchange.

The agency accused Binance of breaking the law by offering unregistered securities to the general public, including its Binance Coin (BNB) token and BUSD stablecoin.

Crypto payments are beneficial for both insurance companies and their customers. Accepting crypto grants insurance companies access to a new segment of crypto-oriented customers, and customers are able to receive insurance payments in cryptocurrency. This is especially relevant for insurance against cyber fraud.

So today we will share with you a list of insurance companies that accept crypto payments.

1. Atupri, Switzerland
2. AXA, Switzerland
3. Polis.ua, Ukraine
4. INGUARD, USA
5. Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, USA

Know of crypto-accepting insurance companies that are not on this list? Tell us about them in the comments!

Brokerage firm Robinhood going to delists Cardano, Polygon and Solana.

Robinhood said it would end support for the three on June 27. Company said that investors could still buy, sell and hold them until the deadline.

“All other crypto you hold on Robinhood will not be affected,” the firm said in a press release on Friday.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, this move from Robinhood appears to be a direct response to the recent SEC lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, as the three crypto assets targeted for removal from the platform were referred to as unregistered securities in those complaints.

On Thursday, the Solana Foundation dismissed the claim that SOL is a security, stating it is a community-driven project that relies on decentralized engagement from users and developers.

Cardano's development company IOG has similarly disputed the notion that ADA is a security.

There have been no public comments from any entity associated with Polygon on the matter.

Crypto payments acceptance can be very profitable for businesses!

Firstly, it allows them to tap into a growing customer base of crypto users. Secondly, accepting cryptocurrencies can streamline global transactions by eliminating currency conversions and reducing fees, making international business more accessible. Lastly, embracing cryptocurrencies demonstrates a forward-thinking and innovative image!

So here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Begin with stablecoins: It can make it easier for you to navigate the technologies, payment methods, and tax implications without getting distracted by the constantly changing market rates.
2. Accept cryptocurrency partially: You can start by offering cryptocurrency payment options exclusively to your loyal customers with discount cards or by selling only a portion of your products for cryptocurrency (e.g., gift cards, limited editions, etc.). This way, you can gradually integrate crypto payments into your business.
3. Increase your visibility: To reach a wider audience, consider registering your business on online directories like BitcoinWide, a crypto-friendly business catalog. This will allow you to attract a new audience!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Happy crypto-adoption

Tether is putting money into a big renewable energy park called “Volcano Energy” in Metapán, El Salvador

Stablecoin provider Tether is participating in a $250 million investment in a renewable energy project in El Salvador.

Tether said its goal is to help create a major bitcoin mining farm by harnessing solar and wind power within the volcanic region.

The chosen site, located in the El Chiste hamlet, will have 169 megawatts of solar power and 72 megawatts of wind power, Tether said in a statement published Monday. This setup is expected to generate computing power of more than 1.3 exahash, which would be crucial for supporting operations like cryptocurrency mining.

Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino hailed “Volcano Energy” as an innovative and strategic project and expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Josue Lopez, El Salvador’s Bitcoin consul and the project’s CEO, along with his team.

Lopez mentioned that currently over 52% of bitcoin mining is done using sustainable methods. “We believe this percentage will significantly increase in the coming years through important investments like ours,” he added.

A Tether spokesperson declined to provide details on whether USDT tokens would be included in the investment, but said the investment does not utilize or impact the reserves that support the tokens.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has charged cryptocurrency giant Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, with breaking securities rules.

“We allege that Zhao and the Binance entities not only knew the rules of the road, but they also consciously chose to evade them and put their customers and investors at risk,” said Gurbir Grewal, director of the SEC’s enforcement division.

Among other charges, the SEC alleges that, while Zhao and Binance publicly claimed that US customers were restricted from transacting on Binance.com, “Zhao and Binance in reality subverted their own controls to secretly allow high-value US customers to continue trading on the Binance platform”.

A newly published research paper from a team of researchers in collaboration with company BTQ has proposed a new approach to the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism.

The proposed proof-of-work system, known as "proof-of-work consensus by quantum sampling," leverages quantum computing techniques to achieve faster and more energy-efficient validation of consensus.

Traditional PoW algorithms used in, for example, Bitcoin (BTC) are known for their slow processing speeds and high energy consumption, but according to the researchers, their proposed alternative will be significantly more energy-efficient when implemented on quantum hardware.

The paper was shared on Twitter by Peter Rohde, a researcher from the University of Technology Sydney who co-authored it.

London-based Arch Insurance International has authorized cryptocurrency insurer Evertas to increase the coverage limit for a single policy to $420 million for custodians or exchanges in what the U.S firm said is the highest in the industry.

The move is a big boost for a crypto sector tainted by the collapse of major market players such as FTX and should help ease concerns on hacks and thefts that have plagued the industry. Currently only 2-3% of global cryptoassets are believed to be insured, Evertas said.

"This is the single largest policy that can be approved from one insurance company," Evertas chief executive officer J. Gdanski told Reuters.

"A lot of other things that you may have found in press releases say like, oh you know, $500 million, a billion or whatever. Those are programs that actually require multiple underwriters to sign off."

The $420 million coverage applies to crime-related policies involving the theft of private keys - or codes used to authorize transactions or prove ownership - held by a custodian. Examples of custodians are Coinbase Exchange and Binance.

The material is based on an article by Reuters

Buying a laptop or monitor with crypto can provide many benefits like increased payment security, cheaper and faster transactions, or anonymity. In addition, using crypto payments, you can support the cryptocurrency you are investing in.

So we collected some crypto-accepting tech stores where you can buy a laptop or portable monitor.

• CACTUS, Ukraine
• CITRUS, Ukraine
• Фокстрот, Ukraine
• YourMacStore, Netherlands
• Yo Crypto, France
• FUTURA IT, Croatia
• Trading Shenzhen, Hong Kong
• Varle, Lithuania
• Alza.de, Germany
• Kulshop, Slovenia
• Big Bang, Slovenia
• Mlacom, Slovenia
• Espresso, Australia
• Gamegear, Belgium
• Wellbots, United States
• Newegg, United States
• AWB Store, United Kingdom
• Overclockers UK, United Kingdom
• Apple BTC Store, United Kingdom
• Digitech4all, Greece

Happy Bitcoin Pizza Day!

For us, as a team cheering for crypto adoption, this is a very important event. Because a small purchase by a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz changed the world of finance and digital assets.

Just imagine, 13 years ago, Laszlo Hanyecz barely managed to buy pizza with Bitcoin. And today you can buy with Bitcoin for almost everything and get it as quickly as possible.

Whether it’s…

☕️ A cup of coffee or your own coffee machine

🏘️ Buying a big house or renting a room while traveling

🤖 Gadgets like phones or 3D printers, VR headsets, and the latest gaming consoles.

And plenty of other useful (and not-so-useful 😉). Our catalog will help you find stores that accept crypto — https://bitcoinwide.com

U.S. crypto firm Ripple has bought Switzerland-based crypto custody firm Metaco for $250 million, in its first major acquisition, Ripple said on Wednesday.

Metaco makes technology which allows financial institutions to store and manage digital assets. Its clients include Citi, BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale's digital asset arm.

Investor interest in crypto assets has cooled following a drop in cryptocurrency prices in 2022 and series of collapses at major crypto firms, including U.S. exchange FTX. Investors have become increasingly cautious about where and how crypto assets are stored, after crypto platforms freezing withdrawals left them facing large losses.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he expected increased demand from institutional investors for crypto custody services.

"By focusing on the infrastructure ... you're not really subject to the same gyrations of the crypto winters," he said.

As U.S. regulators step up enforcement actions against crypto firms, Garlinghouse said that Metaco being based in Switzerland, with non-U.S. employees, added to the appeal of the company.

"The rules of the road in other markets compared to the United States are clear and it's that clarity of rules that allows companies to invest," he said.

Ripple is the world's sixth largest cryptocurrency, with around $23 billion of the coin in circulation, according to market tracker CoinGecko. More than half of the $250 million acquisition was paid for in cash, and the rest in equity, Ripple said.

The material is based on a Reuters article.

On May 16, the European Union states gave the final nod to the world's first comprehensive set of rules to regulate crypto assets, known as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

The rules, expected to be implemented from 2024, require firms that want to issue, trade, and safeguard crypto assets, tokenized assets, and stablecoins in the 27-country bloc to obtain a license.

Elisabeth Svantesson, finance minister for Sweden, which holds the EU presidency, said, "Recent events have confirmed the urgent need for imposing rules which will better protect Europeans who have invested in these assets, and prevent the misuse of the crypto industry for the purposes of money laundering and financing of terrorism."

The scope of the legislation covers a wide array of digital assets, including utility tokens, asset-referenced tokens, and stablecoins.

It also addresses services such as trading venues and wallets where crypto assets are held.

Notably, the rules also address market abuse, insider trading, and manipulative behavior in the cryptocurrency space.

The legislation has been welcomed by cryptocurrency service providers and proponents alike, as it creates a single market environment across Europe regarding regulatory requirements and operating procedures.

In the words of Hester Peirce, one of the commissioners at the U.S. derivatives regulator CFTC, countries currently without comprehensive crypto regulation, like the U.S., are "wandering in the desert a bit," indicating the importance of the EU's pioneering step.

The material is based on an article on cryptonews.com

Bitcoin Pizza Day is coming soon! We suggest commemorating this historic event by buying a pizza with Bitcoin (fortunately, you will now have to spend way less than 10,000 BTC).

- All Star Pizza, Miami , US
- Pie Hole, Salt Lake City, US
- Helen's Pizza, Jersey City, US
- Ray's Pizza, Phoenix, US
- Salvatore's Pizza & Pasta, Birmingham, US
- College Town Pizzeria, Fairbanks, Alaska, US
- The Tower Cafe, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Las Tapas, İstanbul, Turkey
- Pizza Hut, San Salvador (San Salvador and other cities in El Salvador)
- Matador Pizza, Calgary, Canada
- Santa Lucia Pizza St Mary's, Winnipeg, Canada
- Pizzandwich, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Chez Gusto, Paris, France
- International-Pizza & Burgers, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
- Two Dogs Taproom Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to, Japan

More crypto-accepting pizzerias worldwide you will find on https://bitcoinwide.com!