Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # BitIRA® The Trusted Experts in Crypto IRAs ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.bitira.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Digital Currency News](https://www.bitira.com/blog/) - [Blockchain Community Foundation | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-community-foundation-innovators-in-crypto/) - This week's interview is with Samuel Suh, CMO at Archon Technologies and Founder of the Blockchain Community Foundation. The BCF's mission is to educate the public about blockchain and cryptocurrency, advise other non-profits about cryptocurrencies, and raise funds for unique projects in the blockchain ecosystem. Suh was skeptical about cryptocurrency at first, but read his - [Cryptocurrency Insurance Guide](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-insurance-guide/) - Almost every month, a major cryptocurrency theft makes headlines. In January 2018, for instance, hackers stole $534 million worth of digital coins from the crypto exchange Coincheck. Nevertheless, the crypto market grows and develops unabated. These conditions make the space a natural environment for insurance companies to offer their services. Several large insurance companies have - [[Guide] Women in Blockchain and Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/guide-women-in-blockchain-and-crypto/) - Women are currently underrepresented in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. But this trend may be changing. Furthermore, many women have already made significant contributions to blockchain innovation. BitIRA has put together a guide, "Women in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain", that describes the challenges faced today, progress that has already been made, and recommendations for how female - [The Wave of Institutional Investment in Crypto Has Arrived](https://www.bitira.com/wave-of-institutional-investment-in-crypto-has-arrived/) - The entrance of institutional investors into the crypto space is a much-awaited occurrence. The move is seen as something that will further legitimize the market and affirm that large, non-individual investors are willing to place their faith in the newly-minted asset. Yet, as CryptoSlate points out, institutional investors may have already arrived. Bitcoin and other - [Fidelity Now Offers Cryptocurrency to Institutional Investors](https://www.bitira.com/fidelity-now-offers-cryptocurrency-to-institutional-investors/) - One of the biggest money managers will soon launch its crypto branch aimed primarily at institutional investors, reports Forbes. With over $7.2 trillion in managed assets and 13,000 professional clients, Fidelity Investments ranks as the fifth-largest financial advisory in the world. Their unveiling of Fidelity Digital Assets, set to go live in early 2019, marks - [SEC Facilitates Crypto Innovation With New FinHub Portal](https://www.bitira.com/sec-facilitates-crypto-innovation-with-new-finhub-portal/) - In an announcement on October 18, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that it would be opening a fintech-centric office with blockchain as a primary focus, reports CryptoSlate. The new Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology, or simply "FinHub", comes with its own streamlined website, which besides blockchain also covers automated investment advice - [Fidelity and Bitcoin: A Process of Cryptocurrency Adoption Since 2014](https://www.bitira.com/fidelity-and-bitcoin-a-process-of-cryptocurrency-adoption-since-2014/) - Since 2014, Fidelity Investments has been on the cutting edge of cryptocurrency research and insight. Fidelity’s investment into blockchain and digital assets makes the firm unique among its institutional peers as a leader of this technological revolution. It even has an entire department — Fidelity Digital Assets — dedicated to providing institutional-grade digital asset solutions. - [October 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/october-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - Exactly ten years ago--on October 31, 2008--Satoshi Nakamoto published the first Bitcoin whitepaper, which launched the cryptocurrency revolution. Nobody actually knows who Satoshi is (they used a pseudonym), but the impact of the Bitcoin idea has been transformational. Ten years later, let's take a look at what's been happening this past month in the cryptocurrency - [Bitcoin Steady as Stock Market Plummets: A Case for Diversification?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-steady-as-stock-market-plummets-a-case-for-diversification/) - Last week's steady ride for cryptocurrencies was contrasted by one of the roughest tumbles in the stock market in recent memory, describes CNBC. Although there were signs pointing to volatility heading into Monday, traders hoped that equities would post a strong showing to quell doubts over the market's prospects. Instead, the Dow ended the week - [Crypto Security Report, November 2018](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-november-2018/) - The November edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Price Climbs as Coin Prepares for Hard Fork](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-cash-bch-price-climbs-as-coin-prepares-for-hard-fork/) - Few events have caused as much disagreement in the crypto community lately as the upcoming Bitcoin Cash (BCH) fork, set to go live on November 15. What started as an idea to upgrade the current BCH framework quickly turned into a polarizing issue where each side felt as if the other misrepresented the coin's original - [AMEinfo Reports on Fintech in MENA | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ameinfo-reports-on-fintech-in-mena-innovators-in-crypto/) - In this week's interview, we talk with Hadi Khatib, a business writer at AMEinfo. Founded in 1993, this is a news service focusing on business developments in the Middle East and North Africa. There are substantial centers of finance in the region, and cryptocurrency has made significant inroads into that industry and others. Read why - [IMF Sees Promise in Cryptocurrencies Issued by Central Banks](https://www.bitira.com/imf-sees-promise-in-cryptocurrencies-issued-by-central-banks/) - In a speech at the recent Singapore Fintech Festival, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chairwoman Christine Lagarde touched upon cryptocurrencies while addressing a general shift in the monetary landscape. According to Lagarde, the increasing preference for digital money over paper could hint toward a future where all transactions are cashless, reports Coindesk. Instead of merely converting - [Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet: Best Way to Store Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/hot-wallet-vs-cold-wallet-best-way-to-store-cryptocurrency/) - A cryptocurrency wallet is called a “wallet” because it gives an owner access to Bitcoin and other digital currencies that they own. But don’t let the term mislead you -- a crypto wallet is more similar to an online banking website than a physical wallet. It allows an owner to review, buy, or sell their - [Bitcoin to Be Used by Billions Within a Decade, Says Finance Exec](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-to-be-used-by-billions-within-a-decade-says-finance-exec/) - The CEO of a Bitcoin investment fund has made a bullish prediction for the main cryptocurrency, one that he says should materialize within a decade's time, according to CCN. Like others before him, Pantera Capital's Dan Morehead likens Bitcoin to the internet and expects the former to become just as much of a household item. - [Major Stock Exchanges Still Highly Optimistic About Digital Currencies](https://www.bitira.com/nyse-nasdaq-optimistic-about-digital-currencies/) - Despite the latest string of losses in the crypto market, recent statements show that major players remain as interested as ever in Bitcoin and its derivatives. Speaking at the Consensus Invest conference on Tuesday, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) chairman Jeffrey Sprecher voiced his support for the digital asset. Sprecher said that he and his - [Girls in Technology Organization | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/girls-in-technology-organization-innovators-in-crypto/) - This week, we interview Astha Sharma, who is the Technical Lead for Girls in Technology, an organization in Nepal that helps women develop their careers in technical fields. Read below to find out how Astha came to blockchain and her recommendations for women in the cryptocurrency space. BitIRA: Describe your background and journey to getting - [November 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/november-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world this past month, November 2018: Bitcoin Cash Fork Disturbs Crypto Markets A contentious Bitcoin Cash (BCH) hard fork rocked the cryptocurrency market on November 15, sending BCH price tumbling by over 70% from monthly highs. This significantly impacted the price of Bitcoin (BTC) as well, - [Active Crypto Whales Double Down on Ethereum](https://www.bitira.com/active-crypto-whales-double-down-on-ethereum/) - The latest analysis by Diar shows that some of crypto's largest investors are sticking with the burgeoning asset class despite recent price slashes, according to CCN. The research firm compiled data from 1,000 of the largest Ethereum wallets and looked for buying or selling trends over the past year. Out of the 500 actively-traded Ethereum - [Public Key vs. Private Key: What Are the Key Differences?](https://www.bitira.com/public-key-vs-private-key-what-are-the-key-differences/) - It’s not necessary to know the math behind cryptography before investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. What is important to know, though, are some basic crypto concepts. One such concept is that of cryptocurrency key pairs. Luckily, if you understand how email works, you can understand the basic ideas behind private and public keys. - [Symmetry Blockchain Advisors | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/symmetry-blockchain-advisors-innovators-in-crypto/) - Debbie Hoffman is CEO of Symmetry Blockchain Advisors, Inc. and is an experienced businesswoman, entrepreneur, and attorney. The team that she leads at Symmetry includes experts in all of the key facets of blockchain enterprises. We talked to her this week about the legal and regulatory landscape in the blockchain world, as well as her - [Research: Bitcoin Fundamentals Not to Blame for Recent Price Dip](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-fundamentals-remain-strong/) - As crypto traders seek to understand the mechanics behind the recent Bitcoin price drop, some analysts have pointed toward a possible silver lining in the dip, reports Bitcoinist. A closer look at the data reveals that Bitcoin's fundamentals are strong and that the drop may have instead been driven by a hash war between miners. - [Former Goldman Exec Predicts Long-Term Growth for Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/former-goldman-exec-predicts-long-term-growth-for-bitcoin/) - Despite the latest re-introduction of volatility to the Bitcoin market, several crypto entrepreneurs have doubled down on their bullish bets for 2019 and beyond, reports CCN. One of them is Greg Tusar, Goldman-Sachs' former global head of electronic trading who has since shifted his attention to the budding crypto space. Tusar said in a recent - [Self-Directed IRA and Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/self-directed-ira-and-bitcoin/) - Retirement Growth Opportunity With Cryptocurrency For many investors with individual retirement accounts (IRAs), they hold the most conventional of assets, such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds. That’s because most don’t know that they can hold a wide array of assets in their IRA, including real estate, precious metals, private companies, and more, in what’s - [Launch of Bakkt Could Spur Bitcoin Demand](https://www.bitira.com/launch-of-bakkt-could-spur-bitcoin-demand/) - Despite the initial fanfare surrounding crypto derivatives, there have only been a select few offerings since CME and Cboe began eyeing Bitcoin futures in late 2017. The persistent inability of participants to secure an ETF license has placed further restrictions on the amount of Bitcoin products available. But now, an up-and-coming cryptocurrency trading platform is - [December 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/december-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world in the past month, December 2018: Ohio Takes the Mantle of Crypto Advocacy Ohio is taking a lead in cryptocurrency and blockchain adoption as executives announce that seven Ohio funds will contribute over $300 million for blockchain startups in the next three years. Meanwhile, in - [Born in a Financial Crisis, Bitcoin May Thrive When Fiat Fails](https://www.bitira.com/born-in-a-financial-crisis-bitcoin-thrives-when-fiat-fails/) - When news outlets and analysts discuss Bitcoin, the focus is almost always on the digital currency's meteoric rise in the second half of 2017 and the price reconciliation that followed. Some go a step further and insist that Bitcoin's value will "go back" to zero and, in the process, punish all who took an immediate - [Crypto Security Report, January 2019](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-january-2019/) - The January edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [Ethereum to Go 99% Greener? Plus, Blockchain and Environment Guide](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-99-percent-greener-blockchain-and-environment-guide/) - For some, the biggest criticism of cryptocurrencies lies in the amount of energy necessary to mine them. The process of crypto mining remains intrinsically linked to the use of high-end processing machines, which consume a lot of power. In our Blockchain and the Environment Guide, we sought to dismantle the myth that Bitcoin and other - [NYC Unveils 4,000-ft Blockchain Center in “Silicon Alley”](https://www.bitira.com/nyc-unveils-blockchain-center-in-silicon-alley/) - As the crypto market plows through its current bear cycle, its underlying technology is enjoying an unprecedented rate of adoption, reports CCN. Even amid Bitcoin's all-time highs in late 2017, many pundits and investors preferred to focus on blockchain, the system that powers all cryptocurrencies, and the revolutionary potential it offers. Now, the blockchain boom - [Bitcoin Coming to a Grocery Store Near You](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-coming-to-a-grocery-store-near-you/) - In 2014, Overstock became the first major retailer to accept bitcoin as a form of payment. The move was unprecedentedly bullish for the crypto market, which was still fairly new and mostly propelled by passionate enthusiasts. In retrospect, Overstock's decision seems almost prescient as the cryptocurrency inches closer and closer to becoming a mainstream payment - [Battle Tested Ventures | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/battle-tested-ventures-innovators-in-crypto/) - In this week's interview, we talk with Bijan Bina, a co-host of the Dose of Ether podcast and founder of Battle Tested Ventures (BTV). Read the full interview below to find out how he thinks that "the next 100 million consumers" can be brought into blockchain and why he believes that "every industry will be - [Nasdaq and Vanguard Contribute to $20M for a Blockchain Startup](https://www.bitira.com/nasdaq-and-vanguard-among-investors-of-20m-in-a-blockchain-startup/) - During the crypto boom in 2017, Nasdaq was among the companies that looked into the prospect of Bitcoin futures, along with other exchanges like Cboe and CME. Nasdaq's plans for crypto futures have since been placed on ice, but the famed exchange is as bullish as ever when it comes to cryptocurrency, reports Bitcoinist. In - [Scholarship Winner Announced for BitIRA U (January 2019)](https://www.bitira.com/scholarship-winner-announced-for-bitira-u-january-2019/) - BitIRA is happy to announce that Noah Covey is the winner of the BitIRA U Scholarship for January 2019. The scholarship is for college students and high school seniors in their senior year that write an excellent essay how blockchain will shape the world in the next 20 years. Noah is a high school senior - [Twitter’s CEO Bullish on Bitcoin and Passes Its “Lightning Torch”](https://www.bitira.com/twitters-ceo-bullish-on-bitcoin-and-passes-its-lightning-torch/) - Although virtually everyone with internet access knows about Twitter, not as many are familiar with Jack Dorsey, the man behind the globally-renowned platform. Of those who know about Dorsey, even fewer realize that the entrepreneur is a crypto bull with a particular focus on Bitcoin. In a recent interview on a popular online podcast, Dorsey - [Blockchain and the Future of Data Authentication | BitIRA U Scholarship](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-and-the-future-of-data-authentication-bitira-u-scholarship/) - The winner of the BitIRA U Scholarship for January 2019 has been announced. We do have an honorable mention for the contest. Som Mohapatra, a high school senior from Virginia, wrote an essay about how blockchain can protect users' data privacy in a variety of contexts and applications. Below is the essay that Som submitted: - [January 2019 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/january-2019-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world in the past month, January 2019: Ethereum's Highs and Lows Ethereum (ETH) again regained the #2 cryptocurrency position after a rocky end of 2018, though it continues to jockey for this place with Ripple (XRP). Despite recent price blows, Ethereum on-chain transaction volume actually reached - [Big Bank Faces Service Outages, While Bitcoin Has No Downtime](https://www.bitira.com/big-bank-faces-service-outages-while-bitcoin-has-no-downtime/) - Since the financial crash of 2008-09, private banks have garnered some infamy for their malpractices and failure to provide security and stability for their clients. Last week, Wells Fargo found itself embroiled in a crisis that further boosted the argument for storing some of one's wealth in crypto, reports CCN. On February 7, the 13th - [Consider Crypto for the Long Term, Says Major Pensions Manager](https://www.bitira.com/consider-crypto-today-for-the-long-term/) - A major investment management firm that specializes in pensions and endowments, Cambridge Associates, remarked that cryptocurrency “may very well upend the digital world”, reports CCN. This comes on the heels of a growing trend among financial institutions. For optimists in the crypto space, the most important story in 2018 was that of institutional investment. The - [The Lightning Network: Is It Bitcoin’s Scalability Solution?](https://www.bitira.com/lightning-network-bitcoin-scalability-solution/) - Recent high-profile Bitcoin "torch passes" on the Lightning Network have highlighted an issue that, for some, continues to pose a challenge for the cryptocurrency even after its explosion into the mainstream, writes CoinDesk. The very first comment written after the launch of the Satoshi network in 2008 had to do with the project's scalability. It - [February 2019 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/february-2019-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world in the past month, February 2019: Big Brands Jumping On Board JP Morgan launched its own cryptocurrency, JPM Coin, a move that surprised many given CEO Jamie Dimon's prior opposition to cryptocurrency. Another financial giant, Nasdaq, added Bitcoin and Ethereum indices to its Global Data - [Facebook and JP Morgan Creating Their Own Cryptocurrencies](https://www.bitira.com/facebook-jpmorgan-creating-cryptocurrencies/) - According to a recent New York Times report, Facebook is diving into the crypto space in a direct way by creating a token of its own, reports CoinTelegraph. The report corresponds with an earlier jobs listing and suggests that Facebook hired up to 50 engineers, all of whom are working under the condition of privacy. - [2019 Edition: Cryptocurrency Events Around the World](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-events-around-the-world-2019-edition/) - Success with any cryptocurrency investment requires that you remain in the know about new developments and trends. Below you'll find the most comprehensive list of major cryptocurrency and blockchain related events from around the world. - [Crypto Security Report, March 2019](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-march-2019/) - The March edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [IBM Helps Launch Crypto Custody Solution](https://www.bitira.com/ibm-crypto-custody/) - The crypto custody sector is fast expanding. Until fairly recently, cryptocurrency storage options were binary: holders had to either store their coins and tokens on exchanges or on their own hardware wallet. Both choices left much to be desired for larger investors, which is why a number of high-profile companies are now offering to store - [Crypto Tax Experts Answer Your Questions (2019)](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2019/) - Heading into tax season, many of our readers told us how confused they were about reporting crypto transactions on their tax returns. We heard you, and so we partnered with seven crypto tax specialists to answer your questions. We asked you to send us the income tax questions that concerned you (for the 2018 tax - [Blox.io Automates Crypto Asset Tracking | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/blox-innovators-in-crypto/) - In this week's interview, we talk to Adam Efrima, who is the Co-Founder of Blox, which specializes in crypto asset tracking and accounting software. Read the full interview below to find out why finance professionals shouldn't "rely on outdated spreadsheets for labor-intensive manual [crypto] tracking". BitIRA: What is your background, and how did you - [Stellar Lumens Propelled Upward by New Offerings](https://www.bitira.com/stellar-propelled-upward-by-new-offerings/) - Image by FLYERDIARIES.COM / CC BY 2.0 / Cropped When it comes to freshly-minted altcoins, Coinbase's approval clearly goes a long way. Last Wednesday, the major U.S.-based crypto exchange announced that it would be adding Stellar Lumens (XLM) to its list of available tokens, Bitcoinist reports. Although Coinbase greenlighted XLM right after the announcement, the - [Crypto Custody Services Guide](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-custody-services-guide/) - Cryptocurrency security is an increasing concern in the industry. Some common ways that digital assets may be lost include when private keys are lost (or forgotten) and when digital currency exchanges are hacked. Custodians can help with the important task of safely storing cryptocurrency, along with other services. Some analysts suggest that crypto custody may - [Will the Apple Card Be Good for Crypto?](https://www.bitira.com/apple-card-crypto-adoption/) - Apple's ceaseless expansion has been making news recently. Despite declining iPhone sales, the tech giant shows no sign of slowing down as it prepares to launch a suite of new products. To cryptocurrency enthusiasts, the most interesting among those is likely the newly-revealed Apple Card. Although the card will resemble the bank-issued variety, the focus - [Byte Academy Blockchain Bootcamp | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/byte-academy-innovators-in-crypto/) - Emily Hunt is the Director of Byte Academy, an international FinTech education company. We talk with her about the promise that she saw early on in blockchain tech and why Byte Academy launched one of the first blockchain coding bootcamps. BitIRA: How did Byte Academy come about, and how has its mission evolved or - [March 2019 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/march-2019-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - Crypto Custody Is Booming Many large financial institutions are entering the crypto custody space as Fidelity rolled out its Fidelity Digital Asset Services this Q1. In addition, IBM announced that its cloud platform will be used to develop a crypto custody solution using a hardware security module (HSM). Ledger, a popular hardware wallet manufacturer, also - [Bitcoin’s Fundamentals Are Stronger as BTC Climbs](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-fundamentals-stronger-btc-climbs/) - After months of being stuck in a bearish rut, Bitcoin has finally bounced back up this week, and in a major way. Following numerous dips and an apparent bottom at around the $3,500 level, the world's primary cryptocurrency reversed course in February and has risen since then, breaching the $5,000 level on April 3. Many - [Fed Up with Central Banks, Investors See an Alternative in Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-alternative-central-banking/) - The recent rebound in Bitcoin prices coincided with a 180-degree policy shift by three of the world's most influential central banks. Under pressure from the political arena, the Federal Reserve went from touting a hawkish position to quickly abandoning plans for additional rate hikes and also suggesting that we might enter a period of prolonged - [Can Private Blockchains Coexist with Bitcoin?](https://www.bitira.com/can-private-blockchains-coexist-with-bitcoin/) - Ever since their inception, cryptocurrencies and blockchain ledgers have been associated with decentralization. This feature remains one of the fundamental pillars of nearly every token, true to the original intent of Bitcoin's creator. And while banks and other large enterprises have been relatively lukewarm towards the idea of integrating Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as part - [Shopping on Amazon with Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/shopping-amazon-cryptocurrency/) - Although it has since grown into its own asset class, Bitcoin was initially conceived as an alternate currency to fiat. Merchant adoption and ease of access are generally seen as the two biggest hurdles on the path to true mainstream acceptance. Yet several recent announcements suggest that these obstacles could soon be surmounted, allowing Bitcoin - [STEM Like a Girl Organization | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/stem-like-a-girl-innovators-in-crypto/) - Sarah Foster is the Founder and President of STEM Like a Girl, a nonprofit organization that works to "[inspire] girls to develop interest and confidence in STEM through hands-on activities, parent engagement, and positive female role models". Sarah talks with us about why blockchain technology is a growing industry that girls may want to consider - [Bitcoin Is Coming to Mainstream Trading Platforms](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-mainstream-trading-platforms/) - Popular online stock brokerage E*Trade will soon allow its users to buy and trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly. While lacking official confirmation, insider data states that the platform will provide live crypto trading just as it does for the stock market, and that more coins are scheduled to be added in the future, according to - [April 2019 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/april-2019-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world in the past month, April 2019: Crypto Bear Market Finally Over? The cryptocurrency market may have rebounded, based on several indicators in April. As the price of Bitcoin rose, The Mayer Multiple (MM) indicator, which correctly predicted the 2015 bottom, showed a price bottom - [Coin Rivet Reports Blockchain News | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/coin-rivet-innovators-in-crypto/) - Darren Parkin is Editorial Director at Coin Rivet, a blockchain news and analysis company. He talks to BitIRA about the challenges of covering current events in the cryptocurrency space and also what he hopes for the future of the industry. BitIRA: How did your interest in cryptocurrency develop? Darren Parkin: It was a slow-burn - [Crypto Security Report, May 2019](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-may-2019/) - The May edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [Binance Hack Reveals Crypto Vulnerabilities and Strengths](https://www.bitira.com/binance-hack-reveals-security-vulnerabilities-and-industry-strengths/) - Although reports of attacks on crypto exchanges have been making the headlines for a while, some have dismissed the warnings by thinking that such compromises only happen to smaller or lesser-known websites. Yet news this week of a major hack on Binance, one of the world's most popular crypto exchanges, showed that not even the... - [Chainalysis Builds Trust in Blockchains | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/chainalysis-innovators-in-crypto/) - Michael Gronager, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of Chainalysis, is an international firm that develops blockchain compliance and investigation software. He talks with BitIRA about the inherent challenges of building trust in blockchains while maintaining users’ privacy. BitIRA: What personally drew you to get involved in the crypto industry? Michael Gronager: I’ve always - [Wall Street Admits Bitcoin Is ‘Best Investment of 2019’](https://www.bitira.com/wall-street-admits-bitcoin-is-best-investment-of-2019/) - After a historic 2017 that saw Bitcoin's price vault over the most bullish forecasts, the cryptocurrency ushered in 2018 with a bit of tumult. Although BTC continued to gain mainstream and institutional attention, along with displaying a newfound stability, it would be difficult to ignore its numerous corrections last year. But now, Bitcoin seems to - [Bitcoin Hits Bullish Milestone Not Seen Since 2017](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-hits-bullish-milestone-not-seen-since-2017/) - In February, bitcoin finally broke the bearish trajectory that had many doubters forecasting doom for the crypto market. After more than a year of downward price movement, the top cryptocurrency jumped from around $3,500 at the start of February to over $5,000 by April. The price gain of nearly $2,000 within the span of two - [Best Time to Buy Bitcoin Since 2015, Says Financial Rating Agency](https://www.bitira.com/best-time-to-buy-bitcoin-since-2015-weiss-ratings/) - Bitcoin's spectacular recovery seemed to momentarily cap two weeks ago, when the cryptocurrency briefly touched the $8,000 level before dropping off to just above $7,000. Since then, the top crypto continued its surge and now appears to aim for the $9,000 level, having most recently clocked in at $8,785, the highest in a year. While - [Tech Giants Deliver Blockchain on Demand](https://www.bitira.com/tech-giants-deliver-blockchain-on-demand/) - As traders and investors marvel at Bitcoin’s recent price recovery, one that saw the token rise by roughly 120% over the span of two months, news of blockchain’s ever-increasing adoption have somewhat fallen under the radar. Yet recent developments involving giants such as Microsoft, Amazon and JPMorgan show that... - [Giveth.io Redefines the Future of Giving | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/giveth-innovators-in-crypto/) - Griff Green is the founder of Giveth.io, a Donation Application (DApp) striving to reincentivize giving and to help the nonprofit space thrive by rewarding donors. He spoke with BitIRA about how he got started in crypto, and how his visions for revolutionary blockchain applications have evolved over time. BitIRA: How did you first get - [Why Bitcoin Is Virtually Unstoppable](https://www.bitira.com/why-bitcoin-is-virtually-unstoppable/) - In a recent series of articles, various Bitcoinist contributors examined the myriad of reasons why Bitcoin might be the most durable of all assets, despite having no physical foothold. Ever since Bitcoin's boom towards the end of 2017, numerous governments have tried to impose bans on cryptocurrencies in various forms... - [Bitcoin May Be Ultimate Winner from Facebook Libra](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-ultimate-winner-facebook-libra/) - After months of rumors and speculation, the social-media giant, Facebook, finally announced its own crypto coin, Libra. Details spread quickly, especially when it became apparent that Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have far greater ambitions for the Libra than previously expected. Instead of merely acting as an in-app payments solution akin to the Apple - [Qrypto Queens Minimizes the Gap to Blockchain | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/qrypto-queens-innovators-in-crypto/) - Anu Bhardwaj is a dynamo focused on tackling women's issues on a global scale, including facilitating entrepreneurship and investing. Anu collaborates with key industry players to obliterate barriers to entry and demonstrate to women that systems meant to intimidate them can be easily mastered. She's already inspiring the next generation, as seen from... - [Bitcoin’s New Bull Market Is Full of Surprises](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-new-bull-market/) - Bitcoin's turnaround this year has raised even the most bearish of eyebrows. After a doom-calling 2018 that saw the top coin sink to a low of about $3,200 from a high of nearly $20,000, some saw the latter figure, from December 2017, as a one-and-done deal, or an unsustainable bubble. Over the past three months, - [Bitcoin Price Volatility Yields Long-Term Benefits](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-volatility-benefits/) - Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are often cited as some of the most volatile assets, and with good reason. Few assets can claim to have experienced a rise as sharp as that of 2017, a bearish run as severe as that of 2018, and as stellar of a rebound as the crypto market has seen in the last three months... - [BlockPunk Makes Anime Merch Safe and Accessible | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/blockpunk-breaks-the-status-quo-innovators-in-crypto/) - The wide range of potential applications for innovation via blockchain solutions spans across all industries. As a result, our interest is always piqued when we hear the term "blockchain," and we anticipate a creative application to a mission near and dear to someone's heart. We knew we had to interview BlockPunk's CEO and Co-founder Julian - [Wall Street Sees Digital Currency as a Safe Haven Asset](https://www.bitira.com/digital-currency-safe-haven-asset/) - Once fiat currencies become shaky and the global economy sends off warning signals, it doesn't take long for investors to flock to safe haven assets in order to preserve their wealth. And while the mainstream interpretation of safe haven assets has seemingly been set in stone, the roster appears to be primed for a new - [Crypto Security Report, July 2019](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-july-2019/) - The July edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [11 Common Misconceptions Around Digital IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/common-misconceptions-digital-ira/) - With every new Bitcoin milestone, more and more crypto bears are coming to appreciate the staying power of the cryptocurrency. Furthermore, as blockchain challenges the world monetary system, investors are increasingly diversifying their retirement savings with a Bitcoin IRA. Despite this, numerous misconceptions abound about Bitcoin IRAs (a.k.a. Digital IRAs or Crypto IRAs). Like almost - [Buyaladdin Uses Crypto To Unite Consumers with Retailers | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/buyaladdin-uses-crypto-to-unite-consumers-with-retailers-innovators-in-crypto/) - You can invest in cryptocurrency. You can make charitable donations using cryptocurrency. And now, increasingly, you can use it to safely pay for everyday items in your shopping cart—worldwide. This week, TNC IT Group launched its Buyaladdin app, creating a virtual shopping mall that facilitates digital currency as a way to pay. This app allows - [IMF Says Digital Money Could Surpass Cash and Bank Deposits](https://www.bitira.com/imf-digital-money-could-surpass-traditional-money/) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new report which suggests that cash could be replaced by digital currencies, including e-money and stablecoins, observes Coindesk. The paper, aptly dubbed "The Rise of Digital Money", reiterated the idea of various analysts who noted that banks may find themselves competing with tech companies who are making - [Could Anti-Crypto China Spur Bitcoin's Next Bull Run?](https://www.bitira.com/could-anti-crypto-china-spur-bitcoins-next-bull-run/) - Try try try as hard as it might, China is facing an uphill battle in suppressing use of Bitcoin and other crypto by its citizens. In fact, there's an odd way that their efforts could backfire and send crypto soaring further. Find out how here. - [NGRAVE Claims Superlative Security for Crypto | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ngrave-claims-superlative-security-for-crypto-innovators-in-crypto/) - Security is paramount when it comes to any transaction. Maximum protection of personal information keeps consumers, businesses, and organizations safe from theft and identity fraud. But the field of options for cryptocurrency wallets remains limited, which has major ramifications for industry technology, business, and innovation. We spoke about this with Ruben Merre, Co-founder and CEO - [Justbookitnow Brings Blockchain To The Consumer and Venue | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/justbookitnow-brings-blockchain-to-the-consumer-and-venue/) - Although it retains its cutting-edge status, and it's rapidly evolving in its use to solve lingering problems of accountability across all industries, blockchain's behind-the-scenes implementation continues to grow beyond the visible scope of most consumers. The public may not realize just how rapidly its implementation is growing, and how widely it's being adopted. We sat - [Australia's Cash Ban Inadvertently Makes the Case for Crypto Over Fiat](https://www.bitira.com/australias-cash-ban-inadvertently-makes-the-case-for-crypto-over-fiat/) - In proposing to restrict large transactions with its currency, the nation's treasury department is following the lead of many other nations around the world. Yet the move highlights one big thing that's wrong with fiat currency, and one big thing about crypto that gives it a significant advantage. - [No One Agrees on Why... But Bitcoin Continues to Surge](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-continues-to-surge/) - As Bitcoin begins another ascent in price, seemingly no two analysts can agree on why it's surging. Is it China? The upcoming Brexit? Could it even be Walmart? Here, we lay out the most prominent of rationales and ask: What do you think? - [The LendingCoin Pioneers Lending Backed By Real Estate | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/the-lendingcoin/) - Founded by Mindy Ngo and Tom Sigler, The LendingCoin is the first blockchain-powered commercial real estate funding platform, aiming to expedite transactions and reduce fees without compromising security and transparency. On June 19th, 2018, TLC solidified a prominent and historic position in the finance and blockchain world by being the first to finance a commercial real - [The Week that Bitcoin Emerged as a Safe Haven](https://www.bitira.com/the-week-that-bitcoin-emerged-as-a-safe-haven/) - As various economies around the world have been thrust into tumult in the last week, the asset known for its volatility appears to be adopting a new role as a safe haven. As Bitcoin's evolution continues, could this open the door to greater acceptance and adoption among the general public around the globe? Read more here. - [How To Avoid Tax Debt When Trading Cryptos](https://www.bitira.com/how-to-avoid-tax-debt-when-trading-cryptos/) - Image by Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0 Discover Tactics to Save on 2022 Crypto Taxes Get our free guide on crypto taxes, where we tackle questions from crypto investors like you and explore ways you might reduce how much you owe the IRS. Get a Free Guide Crypto trading has been a lucrative source - [New Bitcoin Futures Arrive and the News Is Undeniably Bullish for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/new-bitcoin-futures-arrive/) - The market has had to wait 8 months longer than originally anticipated, but beginning in September, Bakkt will be launching with physically-backed Bitcoin futures. While there are already other cryptocurrency futures and derivatives on the market, what makes this so significant for the market is the nature in which contracts will be settled. Learn more here. - [World's Largest Crypto Exchange Launches Crypto Lending](https://www.bitira.com/worlds-largest-crypto-exchange-launches-crypto-lending/) - The launch of crypto lending by Binance this week is big news on its own. But as the world's largest crypto exchange joins the ranks of many private firms that already offer such a service, we wonder, is a larger movement afoot? At some point in the future, once crypto is firmly entrenched in mainstream finance, could crypto lending even take on government bonds as a primary form of investing? - [The Crypto Curator Guides on Questions in Blockchain | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/the-crypto-curator-guides-on-questions-in-blockchain/) - Given his Navy experience alone, Paul McNeal approaches life with a sense of accountability and an appreciation for leadership. Fascinated with crypto and blockchain and brewing with entrepreneurial interests, as well as working in various mentorship capacities, it only seemed natural for Paul to put together his platform, The Crypto Curator, featuring a regularly delivered - [The Marshall Islands Boldly Swaps Fiat for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/the-marshall-islands-boldly-swaps-fiat-for-crypto/) - For years, crypto advocates have predicted that tokens would one day replace fiat currencies. That potential future is now reality, as a tiny island nation in the Pacific has announced bold plans to use a new stablecoin as their primary form of currency. Find out why they're making that move here. - [Crypto Aid in Venezuela Creating a Roadmap for Non-Profits Around the World](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-aid-in-venezuela-creating-a-roadmap-for-non-profits/) - For the past few years, Venezuela has been at the epicenter of corruption. With the value of the local currency inflating to astronomical levels, the people of Venezuela have been desperately trying to find a way to make ends meet. Amongst all the dismay, a savior has risen to attempt to bring back peace to the once flourishing nation. Find out more here. - [CoinJanitor Gets Ahead of the Market | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/coinjanitor-get-ahead-of-the-market/) - The world of cryptocurrency and blockchain is rapidly evolving, but CoinJanitor's Marc Kenigsberg remembers the early days like they were yesterday—except he says the early days are still here. BitIRA was able to speak with him about his crypto journey so far, getting glimpses into the challenges he met along the way and the optimism - [World's Leading Crypto Payment Processor Adds Top Coin](https://www.bitira.com/worlds-leading-crypto-payment-processor-adds-top-coin/) - For cryptocurrency to be adopted on larger scale, it must be used to purchase products or services. Businesses are looking to payment processors to mediate these sales. One of the most popular crypto payment processors, BitPay, completes over $1 billion worth of crypto transactions annually. They have just added a Top 3 coin to their arsenal. Due to the company's massive transactions volume and popularity, the inclusion of this new coin will likely translate to increased adoption of what was already an exceedingly popular token. Learn how this may play a crucial role in mass adoption. - [Philly's Coinvention Reveals The Community Sparking Progress](https://www.bitira.com/phillys-coinvention-sparks-self-awareness-amidst-rapid-growth/) - Philadelphia's Coinvention conference was held September 20-21, 2019, at the Loews Hotel in the heart of Center City. Read on for highlights and takeaways from BitIRA. - [Polymath Network Spots the Future in Security Tokens | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/polymath-network-spots-the-future-in-security-tokens/) - With mass adoption as one of the primary goals being tackled by the cryptocurrency and blockchain community, solving security and compliance concerns in any of their forms is a critical challenge to resolve. Trevor Koverko, with his background blending Wall Street with Silicon Valley, sought to take this on—and thus Polymath was born. Trevor sat - [US House Urges Regulators to Use Blockchain Tech](https://www.bitira.com/us-house-urges-regulators-to-use-blockchain-tech/) - Ever since cryptocurrency hit the mainstream, many have believed the space was only used by criminals. In order to combat such a perception, a recent bill from Congress is urging the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to adopt the very technology these criminals are using to fully understand how to defend these threats. Read on to find out why adopting this technology will be beneficial to government entities. - [Venezuela Turning to Digital Assets to Combat Sanctions](https://www.bitira.com/venezuela-turning-to-digital-assets-to-combat-sanctions/) - Social and financial downturn has pushed Venezuela's back against the wall. With sanctions holding back any meaningful progress for its citizens, the country has turned to digital assets as a safe haven, and to strengthen its global buying power. - [Divi Project Pays Dividends Beyond Speed and Ease | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/divi-project-pays-dividends-beyond-speed-and-ease/) - Everyone has a different reason for getting excited about the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency: the technology, the opportunity for decentralization, being at the forefront of the next "big thing" in technology—these are just some of the biggest motivators. For Divi Project co-founder Nick Saponaro, the opportunity to innovate through a one-click masternode solution alongside the - [Scholarship Winner Announced for BitIRA U (Fall 2019)](https://www.bitira.com/scholarship-winner-announced-for-bitira-u-fall-2019/) - The winner of the BitIRA U Scholarship for October 2019 has been announced. Alexander Lewis, a college freshman from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, wrote an essay about what the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain will look like in the next 20 years. Below is the essay that Alexander submitted: [dt_divider style="thick" /][dt_gap height="10" - [What The Next 20 Years Looks Like For Blockchain and Crypto | BitIRA U Scholarship](https://www.bitira.com/next-20-years-blockchain-crypto-bitira-u-scholarship/) - The winner of the BitIRA U Scholarship for Fall 2019 has been announced. We do have an honorable mention for the contest. Harsha Somisetty, a Computer Science major from Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, wrote an essay about what the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain will look like in the next 20 - [Bakkt Looking to Expand Crypto Payments into Retail](https://www.bitira.com/bakkt-looking-to-expand-crypto-payments-into-retail/) - Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher, founders of the crypto futures platform Bakkt, have confirmed that they're already looking to expand less than two weeks after the launch of their futures exchange. Although the lauded exchange has been a news item for more than a year, it wasn't until late last month that the platform finally - [Blockchain for Everyone's Author Describes Progress and Unity | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-for-everyone/) - At Coinvention last month, we heard Bitcoin Market Journal's John Hargrave speak about the way in which blockchain brings communities together, and he shared very powerful insights on how local communities can come together to drive industry progress forward. John is currently traveling around the country promoting his book, Blockchain for Everyone, which is an awesome - [In the Midst of Tumult, Hong Kong Citizens Turn to Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/hong-kong-citizens-turn-to-bitcoin/) - As the crisis in Hong Kong turns from bad to worse, citizens of the Chinese island are finding refuge in Bitcoin, thus highlighting some of the currency's true benefits. What they are learning firsthand right now can be instructive for anyone. - [Ausum Ventures Leverages Crypto to Invest In a Better World | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ausum-ventures-leverages-crypto-to-invest-in-a-better-world/) - One of the celebrities of the crypto and blockchain world is Jeremy Gardner, serial crypto entrepreneur and disruptor extraordinaire. He’s on a mission to make the world a better place, one business venture at a time and always seeking the next problem to solve. Co-founder and managing partner of Ausum Ventures, a hybrid venture and - [The Dollar and Bitcoin Just Went In Two Very Different Directions](https://www.bitira.com/dollar-and-bitcoin-just-went-different-directions/) - Following in the footsteps of the Federal Reserve creating $210 billion out of thin air, Bitcoin edged even closer to its hard cap of 21 million tokens. If you're not thinking about the implications for both the dollar and Bitcoin, find out here why this is so critical for the long-term prospects of each. - [What Is The New Crypto Tax Guidance All About?](https://www.bitira.com/what-is-the-new-crypto-tax-guidance-all-about/) - Image by USAF illustration/Sr. Airman Courtney Witt / CC BY 2.0 Discover Tactics to Save on 2020 Crypto Taxes Get our free guide on crypto taxes, where we tackle questions from crypto investors like you and explore ways you might reduce how much you owe the IRS. Get a Free Guide The IRS has issued some - [Here are the Potential Culprits Behind Bitcoin's 42% Surge](https://www.bitira.com/potential-culprits-behind-bitcoin-prices-42-surge/) - Late last week, the price of Bitcoin experienced one of its biggest spikes in recent history, surging by 42% in just 48 hours. Yet even a week later, market watchers are generally mystified as to what prompted the action. Several theories have emerged, and we break them down here. Which of these do you believe should get credit? - [Can BTC or XRP Supplant the USD as Global Reserve Currency?](https://www.bitira.com/btc-xrp-supplant-usd/) - The U.S. dollar has enjoyed status as global reserve currency status for decades, but with growing discontent for the greenback around the world in recent years, some speculate that a cryptocurrency could take over that role. Could it be Bitcoin or Ripple? The arguments that some experts are making aren't as farfetched as you may think. - [Bull Blockchain Law Is Leading Discussions on Crypto Regulation | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bull-blockchain-law-innovators-in-crypto/) - Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law has emerged as a leading expert in blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. He's been involved in the industry since it started, and his legal career has grown in parallel—giving him unique perspective and expertise. He's presented at conferences acros the country, and his firm has put together a - [Tellor Seeks Allies in True Decentralization | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/tellor-seeks-allies-in-true-decentralization-innovators-in-crypto/) - Tellor's key offering is a decentralized oracle, providing validated data that can inform smart contracts; everyone on Tellor's team is passionate about decentralization, privacy and security. CTO Nicholas Fett shared his insights on how he started off as an economics major who quickly grew captivated by the crypto industry and its self-sufficient potential, while remaining - [IBM: Central Banks to Introduce Official Digital Currencies within 5 Years](https://www.bitira.com/ibm-central-banks-digital-currencies/) - As current payment methods fall behind technological advancements, this new report outlines the argument for why central banks will soon adopt their own, official digital currencies. Is this a practical inevitability, and if so, what current economic issues might it solve? Find out here. - [Ex-PayPal CFO Accidentally Makes This Case For Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ex-paypal-cfo-makes-case-for-crypto/) - After being capriciously dumped by Bank of America, Roelof Botha took to Twitter to express outrage with his bank of 20 years. Yet in an ironic twist of fate, onlookers pointed out that he highlighted an issue inherent to the legacy banking system – which includes his former employer, PayPal – that crypto solves. See what that is here. - [Bitcoin Fundamentals Strengthened With New Update](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-strengthened-with-new-update/) - Despite a recent dip in price, Bitcoin has continued to receive ample support from a dedicated crypto community. With a recent update, developers have strengthened the coin’s vulnerabilities, thus bolstering its long-term prospects. See why experts are saying this update could mean big things for the future. - [Yellaw Avocats Seeks Blockchain Law Collaboration | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/yellaw-avocats-seeks-blockchain-law-collaboration-innovators-in-crypto/) - One of the world's premier blockchain lawyers, Céline Moille's Yellaw Avocats firm is based out of France but passionate about international law. Céline is on a mission to build connections and community amongst blockchain lawyers in order to pave the way for smooth regulation that serves the industry and promotes growth; she's been traveling around the - [Crypto Power Player Takes A Seat In U.S. Senate](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-power-player-takes-seat-in-senate/) - For years, many crypto enthusiasts have argued that the Congress' lack of familiarity and knowledge within the crypto sector has stagnated its mainstream adoption. But with a fresh face with intimate knowledge of the industry joining the Senate, everything may be about to change. Here's how the former Bakkt CEO could help to increase acceptance. - [SEC Indicates Desire To Stimulate Innovation In Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/sec-desire-to-stimulate-innovation-in-crypto/) - For years, many in the crypto community feared regulation would flatten development and innovation. But with the SEC’s new plans, investors have good reason to love crypto’s potential future. Here’s more on Chairman Jay Clayton’s approach to foster innovation in the crypto sector. - [ChangeNOW Eliminates Delays In Currency Swaps | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/changenow-eliminates-delays-in-currency-swaps/) - The crypto community speaks at length about making it easier for people to access and use their money, no matter where they are in the world. ChangeNOW, with its limitless exchanges, makes this a reality. We spoke with their Chief Communications Officer, Pauline Shangett, to learn more about ChangeNOW’s mission. BitIRA: I know you - [Watch For These Crypto Trends In 2020](https://www.bitira.com/watch-crypto-trends-in-2020/) - It's been a turbulent year for crypto in 2019, but with ever-evolving technological developments, shifting global events, and an emerging buyer market, everything can change as we move into 2020. Find out which events and trends experts are advising to keep an eye on. - [Felix Shipkevich Addresses The Future of Crypto Regulation | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/shipkevich-future-of-crypto-regulation-innovators-in-crypto/) - One of the hottest topics in the rapidly evolving world of crypto continues to be regulation. How can it protect participants without violating the principles of decentralization, et al. that have been core values of the industry? How can the global nature of the community be contained alongside consistent policies? Who should be making the - [How The 2020 Bitcoin Halving May Shake Up Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/2020-bitcoin-halving-shake-up-crypto/) - With the third Bitcoin halving due in just a few months, many point to historical precedent as an argument for why prices will surge in 2020. But given how different the crypto climate is compared to past years, a number of nuanced and varied opinions have emerged. Here's what you need to know in order to prepare for this anticipated event. - [ARK Takes Cross-Chain Communication From Blockchain To Real Life | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ark-takes-cross-chain-communication-from-blockchain-to-real-life/) - ARK strives to make the experience of using blockchain a comfortable one for everyone while also empowering the public to leverage this new technology. They’ve been building an online presence that centers around knowledge resources and community engagement, led by Communications Specialist Justin Renken. He sat down with BitIRA to discuss ARK’s work as well - [U.S. Lawmakers Assemble The Cryptocurrency Act of 2020](https://www.bitira.com/us-lawmakers-assemble-cryptocurrency-act-of-2020/) - The U.S. Congress is starting the New Year by taking a big leap into the cryptocurrency market. As a nascent bill works its way through the system, we take a look at some of the big changes that could be coming to the industry. Don't sleep on these. - [The Fed Explores Possibility of Issuing Digital Currency](https://www.bitira.com/fed-explores-digital-currency/) - As the public’s preference for cashless options grows with every year, more countries are beginning to go digital with their own central bank digital currencies. Here’s why crypto thought leader Jeff Bone argues that the Federal Reserve must get in soon. - [New BTC Options Platform Trades $2.3 Million on Day 1](https://www.bitira.com/platform-trades-23-million-on-day-1/) - As the crypto market continues to mature, more and more investing opportunities are coming online. The latest entrant from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is yet another options platform, and its launch this week did not disappoint. See how its successful debut has buoyed much of the market. - [CrowdieAdvisors On A Place for All in the Crypto Community—From Underrepresented Through Regulators | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/crowdieadvisors-on-a-place-for-all-in-the-crypto-community-from-underrepresented-through-regulators-innovators-in-crypto/) - Giving a voice to lawyers who are well-connected within the industry is a powerful way to help drive productive, informed discussions about issues ranging from mass adoption through regulation—all in real-time as crypto and blockchain continue to grow. With background ranging from law through crowdfunding. Maureen Murat of CrowdieAdvisors brought her unique perspective to the - [New U.S. Bill Could Make Small Crypto Transactions Tax Exempt](https://www.bitira.com/bill-could-make-crypto-transactions-tax-exempt/) - After much debate on drafting a fair set of rules for crypto taxation, Congress has finally proposed a new bill that may prove to be a boon for the industry. See how they plan to shake up future tax seasons for crypto users. - [Bitcoin Center Miami Facilitates Financial Literacy And Inspires Action | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-center-miami-facilitates-financial-literacy-and-inspires-action-innovators-in-crypto/) - Photo by Ricardo Mangual / CC BY-ND 2.0 / Desaturated With mass adoption as a hot topic on the lips of everyone in the crypto and blockchain community, many of its leaders are striving to facilitate greater financial literacy. While much of her focus is on crypto and blockchain, Eryka Gemma is passionate about not just - [Is the Crypto Adoption Rate Really Mirroring the Early Internet?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-adoption-really-mirroring-early-internet/) - With crypto adoption steadily growing every year, a new report from Deutsche Bank reveals that its proliferation is emulating that of the early Internet. The bank is confident that digital assets have the potential to replace cash and will reach 200 million users by 2030. See what other insights are revealed. - [Battling the Coronavirus With Blockchain Technology](https://www.bitira.com/battling-coronavirus-with-blockchain/) - As the coronavirus ignites a frenzy of global paranoia, blockchain stands out as a possible solution to increasing efficiency and oversight. See what one expert is saying about how blockchain can help tackle the pandemic. - [The Bigger Pie Drives Inclusivity in the World of Crypto | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/the-bigger-pie-drives-inclusiveness-in-the-world-of-crypto-innovators-in-crypto/) - Photo by ITU Pictures / CC BY-ND 2.0 / Desaturated With women in crypto making up less than 10% of the workforce, gender parity is a critical topic for the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain to address. Bridget Greenwood knew she had to take action, and so she founded The Bigger Pie to create a community - [Will the Dollar Lose Dominance to China’s Digital Yuan?](https://www.bitira.com/will-the-dollar-lose-to-chinas-digital-yuan/) - China has triggered a wave of interest for crypto across the globe. As China readies its digital yuan for release, the world awaits response from the U.S. See why one expert argues that the Trump administration must act now. - [2020: BitIRA U, Guest Lectures, Collaborations, and Community](https://www.bitira.com/2020-bitira-u-guest-lectures-collaborations-and-community/) - We’re starting off 2020 stronger than ever, with new initiatives to help make subjects ranging from cryptocurrency through financial literacy accessible to everyone. These efforts are part of BitIRA’s dedication to empowerment through knowledge. BitIRA U connects individuals with financial and crypto literacy resources Through BitIRA U, we’ve been collaborating with educators and experts - [New IRS Summit May Alter Future Crypto Tax Regulations](https://www.bitira.com/irs-summit-may-alter-future-crypto-tax-regulations/) - As we reach the peak of tax season, the IRS’ guidelines on crypto tax reporting remain as vague as ever. In an attempt to address the confusion, the agency just announced a summit to meet with thought leaders in the space. Could they finally be coming close to a clear set of rules? Here's what you need to know. - [Cryptocurrency Tax Guide (2020) - Filing and Paying Taxes on Cryptos](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-tax-guide-2020/) - Experts weigh in on updated IRS notices and changes for 2020 In the approximately dozen years of cryptocurrency trading, the IRS has been working through how to classify it and obtain its pound of flesh. The IRS has had to juggle its duty to provide clarity with the need to stay light on its feet - [Blockchain For Enforcing Individual Genetic Data Ownership with Encrypgen | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-for-enforcing-individual-genetic-data-ownership-with-encrypgen-innovators-in-crypto/) - Even just in our Innovators in Crypto and Blockchain series, we frequently hear from guests that cryptocurrency got them to learn about the way financial systems work in ways they had never been aware of before; it brought awareness of concepts like ‘fiat currency’ beyond what they had encountered in schools and similar institutions. Blockchain - [The First Exclusive Crypto Bank to Soon Launch in the United States](https://www.bitira.com/first-exclusive-crypto-bank-to-launch-in-us/) - Under the leadership of a Wall Street veteran, the United States' first exclusive crypto bank will soon launch in Wyoming. Find out what critical gaps this enterprise will fill for crypto's market infrastructure. - [Crypto Tax Experts Answer Your Questions (2020)](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2020/) - As we head into the height of tax season, we're beginning to field more and more questions from our customers and the general public about crypto taxes. After all, the IRS has been relatively slow to offer clarity on lingering questions on the topic (although there are recent signs that that may be changing), so - [Game-Breaking Insurance for Crypto Hot Wallets](https://www.bitira.com/game-breaking-insurance-for-crypto-hot-wallets/) - With its announcement to offer an innovative insurance policy that will dynamically protect crypto in hot wallets, Lloyd's of London may have just opened the floodgates to a new class of crypto investors. Find out what makes this policy so special, and what it could mean for the future of the market. - [BitAML Shares Expert Insights on Cryptocurrency Regulation and Compliance | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bitaml-shares-expert-insights-on-cryptocurrency-regulation-and-compliance-innovators-in-crypto/) - Did you know that the Library of Congress maintains a survey of cryptocurrency regulation around the world? This topic contains to remain a hot one as businesses try to maintain compliance with the evolving policy, and while the public tries to find reassurance that the cryptocurrency industry is a safe space. With careerlong involvement in - [The Crypto Industry Taking Its Next Big Leap with Multiple IPOs](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-taking-next-big-leap-with-ipos/) - As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream and solidifies itself as a permanent player in the global financial space, two crypto giants are the first to take big leaps into IPOs. Will this move be the next big thing for the crypto industry and if so, what changes could this bring? - [Coinbase Alumni Appointed to Senior Role Overseeing U.S. Banking System](https://www.bitira.com/coinbase-alum-gets-senior-role-overseeing-us-banking-system/) - As more institutional investors pile into the crypto sector, it's becoming increasingly important for regulators to have expertise in the industry. To this end, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency just announced that Coinbase’s former Chief Legal Officer is taking a senior role with the agency. See what big waves he may bring to the crypto sector while overseeing the U.S. banking system. - [SamRad Wants Everyone to Understand Blockchain | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/samrad-wants-everyone-to-understand-blockchain-innovators-in-crypto/) - Empowerment through knowledge is something we're passionate about, but we're not alone. Samantha "SamRad" Radocchia is a three-time entrepreneur in the blockchain space, and she's keen on driving mass adoption by helping everyone have a strong working knowledge of how this tech works. And yet, SamRad is also unafraid to take on industry hype. She - [Why Blockchain Is the Answer to the Coronavirus Attack on Supply Chain](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-the-answer-to-coronavirus-attack-on-supply-chain/) - As global demand for medical supplies surge in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, legacy supply chain systems are cracking under the pressure. Here's how blockchain can revolutionize the status quo and usher in a level of efficiency like never before. - [Crypto-Powered Internet Helps People Work from Home](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-powered-internet-helps-people-work-from-home/) - COVID-19 has pushed a large share of the workforce to work virtually, which has proved to be problematic for many in rural areas who don't have internet access. Find out how one project is leveraging crypto to offer relief. - [Global Blockchain Business Council Leverages Systems Change to Solve Problems At Scale | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/global-blockchain-business-council-leverages-systems-change-to-solve-problems-at-scale-innovators-in-crypto/) - The Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) has been connecting with leaders in business and regulation to shed light on the powerful ways in which blockchain technology can be used to solve specific financial problems that impact the world, ranging from high transfer fees through limited access to banks. Sandra Ro brings her expertise to GBBC where - [COVID-19 May Accelerate Central Bank Digital Currency Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/covid-19-may-accelerate-cbdc-adoption/) - As fear grows that COVID-19 could spread through cash interactions, around the world, people are seeking alternatives. See how the pandemic has highlighted the potential of central bank digital currencies in times of crises, and how they may play a role in the global economy in the near future. - [How COVID-19 is Fueling the Adoption of Some Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/covid-19-fueling-adoption-of-some-crypto/) - As uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic persists, investors have fled not just to the traditional safety of the U.S. dollar, but interestingly, to an emerging "safe haven" in stablecoins. What is driving people to this form of crypto, and what it could it mean for the long-term prospects of the entire crypto market? Find out here. - [New Study Reveals Link Between Government Regulations and Higher Bitcoin Prices](https://www.bitira.com/link-between-govt-regulations-higher-btc-prices/) - Findings from a recent study from the Bank for International Settlements reveal that crypto markets react positively to clear regulations. What are these “clear regulations” that are fueling crypto prices, and what might this mean for the future of the industry? Find out here. - [Cristina Dolan Drives Security To Make Way for Financial Inclusion | Innovators in Crypto and Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/cristina-dolan-drives-security-to-make-way-for-financial-inclusion-innovators-in-crypto-and-blockchain/) - The BitIRA Innovators in Crypto and Blockchain series has been full of incredible individuals doing powerful work to leverage this new technology to solve major real-world issues in real time. Each interview blows us away with some new angle, insights, or approach; right when we think that we’ve (generally) seen it all, we meet another - [Will the Third Halving Push Bitcoin to an All-Time High?](https://www.bitira.com/third-halving-push-btc-to-all-time-high/) - As COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the global economy, and banks around the world pump trillions into the markets, the crypto markets are preparing for the biggest crypto event of the year. Find out where experts say Bitcoin may end up. - [Orbs Bridges the Gaps Between Blockchain Use Cases | Innovators in Crypto and Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/orbs-bridges-the-gaps-between-blockchain-use-cases-innovators-in-crypto-and-blockchain/) - While governments are opening up to blockchain, powerful use cases may be limited by current enterprise infrastructures that often limit promising blockchain implementations; but that's where players like Orbs come into action. - [Why the 3rd Halving Won’t Be the Bullish Catalyst Everyone Expects](https://www.bitira.com/btc-halving-wont-be-catalyst-everyone-expects/) - As Bitcoin rallies ahead of its third halving, some large traders warn that it won't be the primary driver of prices, as so many expect. Here are the factors that they say you should be keeping an eye on. - [Banking Giant Takes on Coinbase and Gemini As Its Clients](https://www.bitira.com/jp-morgan-takes-coinbase-gemini-as-clients/) - As crypto continues to gain more acceptance in financial markets, JP Morgan, a previous critic, has unlocked its doors to American-based crypto exchanges Coinbase and Gemini. See why this is a big milestone for crypto. - [BitIRA Expert Q&A: Taxes with CoinTracker](https://www.bitira.com/tax-questions-cointracker-expert/) - Crypto Tax Insights from Head of Strategy: Shehan Chandrasekera CoinTracker has emerged as a leader in crypto tax calculation as well as cryptocurrency portfolio tracking. Their Head of Strategy/Tax, Shehan Chandrasekera, caught our eye as a CPA who’s on a mission to educate the public and conquer fear when it comes to best practices when - [Ripple Takes a Big Step Towards Mainstream Financial Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/xrp-takes-big-step-into-mainstream-adoption/) - As the top crypto dedicated to money remittance, XRP has just nabbed the support of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. See what big developments may result from this partnership – not just for cryptocurrencies, but for the financial industry as a whole. - [Bitcoin May Skyrocket If Central Bank Digital Currencies Become Commonplace](https://www.bitira.com/btc-may-skyrocket-if-cbdcs-become-commonplace/) - As more countries hop onto the bandwagon of central bank digital currencies, their rollout appears to be increasingly imminent. Find out why this trend is becoming commonplace and how it could result in Bitcoin inheriting a larger following. - [Google Takes an Important Step Towards Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/google-takes-big-step-into-blockchain/) - By partnering with blockchain company Theta Labs to further decentralize the web, the tech giant is making its first big foray into the space. Here's what they're aspiring to do, and what it could mean for the long-term outlook of the entire industry. - [Blockchain Chamber of Commerce Teaches Businesses and Individuals Blockchain's Potential](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-chamber-of-commerce-teaches-businesses-and-individuals-blockchains-potential/) - As CEO of the Blockchain Chamber of Commerce (BCC), Linda Goetze is a blockchain leader driving connection and education within the industry for all members, from individuals through enterprise. If you are looking for leaders trying to overcome barriers to mass adoption that center around education, you can’t miss Linda. With her over thirteen years - [Institutional Appetite for Crypto Is Surging](https://www.bitira.com/institutional-appetite-for-crypto-is-surging/) - Not too long ago, institutions wouldn't touch crypto. But now, a new report from Fidelity reveals that over the past 18 months, interest in the market has skyrocketed and the money is pouring in. Find out what has changed their sentiment and why it’s significant for any investor in the space. - [CFTC Chairman Cautions Against Tyrannical Rules for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/cftc-cautions-against-tyrannical-crypto-rules/) - While other countries continue to embrace crypto, government agencies in the United States are still trying to agree on how to regulate the sector. See why the CFTC Chairman is cautioning U.S. regulators against prescriptive rules, and what framework he has in mind for the industry. - [BitWage Brings Bitcoin 401(k)s and Crypto Payroll Into Daily Life | Innovators in Blockchain and Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bitwage-bitcoin-401ks-and-crypto-payroll/) - BitWage has been leading the way on facilitating wages paid in part or in full in cryptocurrency, which helps spread awareness and potentially even increase adoption. In May 2020, they announced a new Bitcoin 401(k) plan to help tie another dimension of retirement savings in with cryptocurrency, getting people comfortable with crypto while also helping - [PayPal Rumored to Be Taking This Big Step Towards Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/paypal-rumored-to-take-this-step-towards-btc/) - If the latest rumors are to be believed, the payments processor will soon be bringing crypto into the fold on its massive platform. How might the markets respond to such an integration? Find out here. - [Bank for International Settlements Says CBDCs Could be the Future of Money](https://www.bitira.com/bis-says-cbdcs-could-be-future-of-money/) - As digital innovation in the financial sector thrives, there is still a massive need that only central banks can fulfill, which is to introduce their own digital currencies. In its latest report, the BIS not only makes this argument, but goes even further to claim that CBDCs have the potential to be the future of money. - [Crypto Adoption May Get A Big Boost from this Startup](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-adoption-may-get-boost-from-startup/) - While crypto adoption has steadily grown over the years, a primary hurdle to achieve mass adoption continues to be the widespread acceptance of crypto payments options. That could all change with ForumPay, a startup that promises the simplest solution to date for merchants to accept crypto. Here's how this new technology could prove to be a boon for all. - [Is Coinbase Eyeing A Spot on the U.S. Stock Market?](https://www.bitira.com/coinbase-eyeing-spot-on-us-stock-market/) - As crypto continues to establish itself in the financial sector, Coinbase is now rumored to be the process of filing for a direct listing in U.S. markets. If the speculation becomes a reality, this landmark development could pave the way for even greater acceptance of crypto around the globe. Get all the details here. - [Mastercard Just Expanded Its Crypto Offerings with This Deal](https://www.bitira.com/mastercard-just-expanded-its-crypto-offerings/) - With over 926 million users worldwide, the major payment processor just took its first big step to push crypto to the forefront. See how their new deal with Wirex may help accelerate crypto adoption internationally. - [Why Bitcoin Has Rallied to $11,000](https://www.bitira.com/why-bitcoin-rallied-to-11000/) - After months of stagnating within the $9,000 range, this week saw enormous price action from Bitcoin, as it hurdled the $10,000 mark on its way to $11,000. What economic and geopolitical factors triggered such a leap, and what does the near future hold for the crypto market? Here's how one analyst breaks it down. - [Why the Failing Dollar Has A Big Impact on Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/failing-dollar-has-big-impact-on-btc/) - With most of the nation battered by COVID-19 and the dollar at its lowest point since 2018, there seems to be no signs of slowing the downward spiral. See why Americans are holding onto Bitcoin and what may be in store for the crypto. - [Falling Fiat is Pushing the Masses into Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/falling-fiat-pushing-masses-into-btc/) - As fiat currencies in Brazil and Argentina drop to dismal levels, citizens of those nations are increasingly turning to crypto, such as Bitcoin. Here's how the same scenario could soon unfold in the U.S. - [Crypto’s Role in "The Great Reset"](https://www.bitira.com/cryptos-role-in-the-great-reset/) - The struggling global economy, floundering due to the COVID-19 pandemic and The Great Lockdown, has inspired a new discussion regarding the integration of digital currencies. But as the World Economic Forum calls for tight controls in this "Great Reset", we wonder which approach will emerge victorious – centralization or decentralization? - [A New Bitcoin Index Fund from Fidelity](https://www.bitira.com/btc-index-fund-from-fidelity/) - As the crypto market continues to evolve, this week brought a new, big move from Fidelity that holds promise for even greater growth. Put that into the context of the larger, ongoing narrative of Wall Street moving into crypto at greater volumes than ever before, and it's clear that much of this story of growth has yet to be told. - [Crypto’s Rapid Growth Around the World](https://www.bitira.com/cryptos-rapid-global-growth/) - As the number of crypto users continue to rise, it’s obvious that crypto is becoming a crucial part of everyday life for users around the globe, especially for those in developing parts of the world. Here’s what may be driving the need for crypto in these countries. - [Congress Passes COMPETE Act to Advance Blockchain Development](https://www.bitira.com/congress-passes-act-to-advance-blockchain/) - As technology exponentially scales its horizons, China continues to gain traction on blockchain – and it seems the U.S. has finally woken up to it. With Congress just passing a new bill to address the issue, find out how America plans to get competitive. - [Kraken Claims Title as First U.S. Crypto Bank](https://www.bitira.com/kraken-first-us-crypto-bank/) - As crypto garners more space in the institutional sector, Kraken made big waves this week by becoming the first crypto bank in U.S. history. See what big changes this could bring to the U.S. market and what crypto banking services Americans will now have access to. - [BitIRA Expert Q&A: Taxes with TaxBit](https://www.bitira.com/tax-questions-taxbit-cpa/) - Crypto Tax Insights from Co-Founder Justin Woodward TaxBit helps you automatically sync crypto transactions from exchanges so that you can file your taxes accurately, even as regulations evolve to reflect an increasingly sophisticated cryptocurrency landscape. TaxBit has also been working hard to clarify the precise forms and documentation taxpayers are required to submit in order - [Institutional Investors Make Big Moves into Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/investors-make-moves-into-btc/) - Just a few years ago, institutional investors didn't have cryptocurrencies anywhere on their radar. Today, that's completely changed, as many of these same firms are taking advantage of every price dip to snatch up crypto at a discount. What has made them so keen on Bitcoin and others in such a short period of time? Find out why here. - [New Study Reveals Skyrocketing Crypto Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/study-reveals-skyrocketing-crypto-adoption/) - As crypto plays an increasingly large role in society and becomes intertwined in the fabric of finance, a new study has just revealed eye-opening insights into how quickly it is growing around the world. What is causing adoption to skyrocket, and what can we learn for the future? Find out here. - [Crypto Has a Critical Ally in this U.S. Government Official](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-has-a-critical-ally-in-us-govt/) - When imposing regulations, the U.S. government can all too often hinder growth, so it's no surprise that many crypto advocates have been wary of Uncle Sam's intentions for their space. However, if the latest words from Brian Brooks, the Acting Comptroller of the Currency, are any indication of how the government will oversee crypto, the outlook is very promising. - [Will Crypto Banks Obliterate Traditional Banks?](https://www.bitira.com/will-crypto-banks-obliterate-traditional-banks/) - As a wave of crypto banks starts to come online in the U.S., a recent piece from Mark Binns in Cointelegraph asserts that traditional banks better get on board sooner rather than later. How might we expect traditional banks to further embrace crypto in the coming years? Here's the title wave of adoption that may be on the horizon. - [PayPal Opens Its Doors to Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/paypal-opens-to-crypto/) - Being one of the largest payment processors in the world, PayPal just shook the markets by announcing its move into crypto. Users will now be able to buy, sell, and hold crypto on their PayPal wallets, thus bringing crypto further into the mainstream. See how PayPal plans to introduce crypto to millions. - [JP Morgan Just Made This Extraordinarily Bullish Prediction for Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/jp-morgan-made-bullish-predictions-for-btc/) - With JP Morgan gradually taking bigger steps into crypto, it seems the largest bank in America has shifted its previously negative outlook into an optimistic one. See what’s making its executives so bullish on Bitcoin. - [Bitcoin Bulls Push Higher Amidst U.S. Elections](https://www.bitira.com/btc-pushs-higher-amidst-us-elections/) - In the midst of the presidential elections fumbling through chaos and uncertainty, Bitcoin has staged a big comeback. Whether it’s uncertainty from the election, a new spike in COVID-19, or fear of missing out, the token is now at the highest level since 2018. See why the crypto community thinks there's still plenty of more upside. - [How A Biden Presidency Could Influence Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/how-a-biden-presidency-could-influence-crypto/) - Although President Trump is still contesting the U.S. election, Joe Biden is moving forward with onboarding Gary Gensler, a crypto-savvy, former Wall Street veteran, as the head of the financial policy transition team. Find out how Gensler may influence the crypto sector and what his current opinions are on crypto. - [Bitcoin Surges Above $18,000 (and It Doesn't Seem Temporary)](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-surges-above-18000-and-it-doesnt-seem-temporary/) - Bitcoin's Wednesday rise marks the first occasion the most popular cryptocurrency has touched $18,000 in three years. Some observers see parallels with the great crypto rise of 2017 -- and many more are analyzing the forces driving Bitcoin higher. - [The New Forces Driving Bitcoin Price Growth](https://www.bitira.com/new-forces-driving-btc/) - Over the past three years, Bitcoin has gradually attracted Wall Street's attention. Even before its recent surge past the $19,000 level on what might be a path to a new all-time high, even the disdainful Wall Street Journal has taken note… - [Ethereum 2.0 Launches; Major Upgrades May Push Ether Even Higher](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-2-major-upgrades-ether-higher/) - After a year's delay, the Ethereum network finally completed the launch of its 2.0 upgrade Beacon Chain -- to the great excitement of investors and analysts. Even though it's been around for a while now, it feels like Ethereum is just getting started… - [Wall Street Crazy for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/wall-street-crazy-for-crypto/) - Institutional demand for cryptocurrencies has been growing for two years as big banks and brokers grow keener on crypto as a hedge against inflation or simply new asset class with huge potential upside. Here are the most monumental bullish developments on Wall Street so far… - [Bitcoin Smashes $20K, Hits $23,000 - and Everyone Wants More](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-23k-everyone-wants-more/) - When price goes up, demand goes down - doesn't it? Not this time. Here's why Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies enjoy insatiable demand even as prices surge… - [2021 Bitcoin Predictions: Acceptance, Competition, and More of the Same](https://www.bitira.com/2021-bitcoin-predictions/) - With a week left to the year, Bitcoin could still post some interesting moves before the fireworks start. CNBC's expert crypto analyst James Ledbetter assesses Bitcoin's outlook for 2021 and outlines 5 key trends we'll want to keep an eye on in the year ahead… - [2020 Was the Best Year for Crypto (So Far)](https://www.bitira.com/2020-best-year-crypto-so-far/) - In 2020 we've seen another spike in Bitcoin's price, from under $5,000 when the pandemic lockdowns began to over $28,000 in December. Are we looking at a reprise of 2018's cataclysmic crash? Or is this just the beginning? - [OCC to Banks: "You Can Use Blockchain for Payments"](https://www.bitira.com/occ-banks-use-blockchain-payments/) - The OCC finds blockchain to be on par with other widely-used electronic payments like SWIFT, ACH and FedWire, and even said blockchain payments could provide a more resilient system as the large number of nodes would limit tampering on the network. Has crypto finally come of age? - [50% More Financial Planners Bought Crypto in 2020 (for Clients and Themselves)](https://www.bitira.com/50-percent-more-financial-planners/) - A recent poll found huge increases in financial planners as well as their clients purchasing cryptocurrencies. While that's a big deal, there's even bigger news on widespread crypto access and adoption… - [What Crypto Should Expect From the Biden Administration](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-expect-biden-administration/) - We've all seen both DeFi and cryptocurrencies playing a larger and larger role in the world economy, and adoption increasing at institutional, personal and the policy levels. With the Biden administration, will we finally get the key officials the cryptocurrency world has been waiting for? - [Banks with Big Blockchain & Crypto Plans](https://www.bitira.com/banks-blockchain-crypto-plans/) - Banks, traditionally conservative and risk-averse institutions, are increasingly getting involved in blockchain and digital currency transactions. Here are the latest three banks with big blockchain plans, and what their role in mainstreaming cryptocurrencies might mean for the future… - [Visa's Crypto Banking Plan May Be What We've Been Waiting For](https://www.bitira.com/visa-crypto-banking-plan/) - The world's largest credit card company, with its 1.1 billion credit cards in circulation and its partnerships with 275 banks, has launched a crypto buying, trading and custody platform for partner banks. Thanks to Visa's vast global reach and long-term relationships with banks, this could be the catalyst the cryptocurrency world has been waiting for… - [Tesla Buys Bitcoin, Is Apple Far Behind?](https://www.bitira.com/tesla-bitcoin-apple-exchange/) - Tesla buying bitcoin is big news. Even bigger news, though, is Apple's perfect positioning to dominate the entire crypto marketplace by opening their own exchange and giving 507 million users worldwide access to cryptocurrencies via Apple Pay. Here's our take… - [BNY Mellon's Crypto Plans Offer Digital Currencies to Old-School Savers](https://www.bitira.com/bny-mellon-crypto-plans/) - BNY Mellon, America's oldest and tenth largest bank, directly manages $2.2 trillion in assets. Will this oldest-of-old-school banks backing bitcoin finally pave the way for Boomer adoption? - [Crypto Tax Experts Answer Your Questions - March 2021](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2021/) - This year, tax payers are in luck. The federal tax deadline has been extended to May 17th in 2021. At this point, you are probably thinking about how to report your crypto transactions on your tax return. The IRS still does not provide the most explicit guidelines on crypto taxes, and since there are many caveats, you - [Companies Buying the Bitcoin Dip: Square, MicroStrategy, and Potential Mega-Whale BlackRock](https://www.bitira.com/companies-buying-bitcoin-dip/) - Companies are making bigger and bigger bets on bitcoin. The real news here: the world's largest asset manager has dipped a toe into the bitcoin pool, which could send far-reaching waves… - [Cryptocurrency Tax Guide (2022) – Filing and Paying Taxes on Cryptos](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-tax-guide-2021-filing-and-paying-taxes-on-cryptos/) - Experts weigh in on updated IRS notices and changes for 2021 In the approximately dozen years of cryptocurrency trading, the IRS has been working through how to classify it and obtain its pound of flesh. The IRS has juggled its duty to provide clarity with the need to stay light on its feet with this - [Bitcoin & Crypto Growth Proves They're Not Just For Emergencies](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-not-just-emergencies/) - By now, it's well-known that bitcoin sits at more than double its previous high set in December 2017. Some attribute this incredible outperformance to a rush to perceived safe-haven assets that carry little-to-no counterparty risk. Yet there's a bigger story here, and it's about more than bitcoin's price… - [If Bitcoin is Digital Gold, Ether is Digital Silver](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-gold-ether-silver/) - In an era of uncertainty and inflation-prone sovereign currencies, everyone appears to like bitcoin. Its fixed supply, liquidity and variety of uses have time and again drawn comparisons to gold. Both assets have established themselves as a long-term store of value with plenty of intraday options. We see a strong case for nominating ether the top choice for "digital silver" -- here's why… - [Bitcoin for Retirement: What Role Should Cryptocurrencies Play in a Retirement Account?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-cryptocurrencies-retirement/) - Can a 10-year-old asset like bitcoin rightfully claim a role in your retirement savings? Forbes's William Baldwin seeks to answer this question. By combining modern portfolio theory and the latest research, Baldwin evaluates the potential risks and rewards of adding cryptocurrency to retirement accounts… - [Why Aren't Bitcoin Whales Taking Profits?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-whales-hodling/) - Bitcoin buyers have been pouring in from both Wall Street and Main Street. But who's selling to them? According to the latest research by crypto analytics firm Glassnode, it's not the "whales," the holders of the largest stashes of bitcoin. And their insistence on holding is fueling a supply crunch and supporting bitcoin's price... - [PayPal Puts the "Currency" in Cryptocurrency, Enables Pay With Crypto at 29 Million Merchants](https://www.bitira.com/paypal-cryptocurrency-merchants/) - PayPal made cryptocurrency checkouts available as of Tuesday, March 30, "a move that could significantly boost use of digital assets in everyday commerce." Here's what that means for crypto adoption... - [2021: The Year Crypto Went Mainstream](https://www.bitira.com/2021-crypto-mainstream/) - The point at which cryptocurrencies became a mainstream asset would always be a matter of debate. Well, even though we're only 3 full months in, we think 2021 is the big year. And that's surprising. Here's why we're making this bold claim… - [Coinbase's Colossal IPO Isn't the Only Force Driving Crypto's Explosive Growth…](https://www.bitira.com/coinbase-ipo-crypto-growth/) - Mainstream adoption of crypto soared in recent months, and the Coinbase IPO proves it. Today we dig into the numbers behind Coinbase and discover a powerful force driving crypto's growth (and it isn't FOMO…) - [Bitcoin: the Antidote to Inflation](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-antidote-inflation/) - Bitcoin Magazine's Mitch Klee believes inflation has launched the bitcoin rocket. His latest analysis explores why and how bitcoin could become the world's favored store of value during what could be one of the worst inflationary stretches in decades... - [Who's Not Concerned About Capital Gains Tax Hikes?](https://www.bitira.com/tax-free-crypto-trades/) - President Biden's latest proposal for 40% taxes on capital gains for wealthy investors crushed crypto prices. Crypto investors on all fronts were already concerned with taxes on their incredible return on investment, with bitcoin up 579% and ether gaining 1,092% within a year. Here's how to let your crypto trades grow tax-free... - [A Tale of Two Ethers](https://www.bitira.com/eth-ethereum-classic/) - Recently, watching all the action in the altcoin market, we've started to wonder whether all the buzz over Ethereum might have had unintended consequences. Someone has taken a look at Ethereum Classic, and based on the evidence, really liked what they saw… - [Boomers, Billionaires and Bureaucrats Buying Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-buying-bonanza/) - Bitcoin continues to take its place as an economic force, becoming a peer of stock, bond and commodities markets. Here's the latest on who's buying bitcoin and why… - [The Week that Separated the Speculators from the Investors](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-speculators-investors/) - The astonishing price volatility this week broke a lot of crypto investors. It's happened before, and we can assume it will happen again. Coindesk's David Morris explains, there's only one thing for the true investor to do… - [U.S. Agencies Sprinting Toward Crypto Regulation, and That's Good News](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-regulation-good-news/) - Now that U.S. financial agencies are scrambling toward a cohesive cryptocurrency policy, Should we be worried about crypto regulations? How will new rules affect the market? We speculate they'll make the market much, much bigger and better… - [Ethereum: the Future of Finance and the Internet](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-future-finance/) - Depending on your perspective, bitcoin and ether are either bitter rivals or best friends. In truth, their only similarity is they're both cryptocurrencies. Today we take a deep dive into ether, explain its differences from bitcoin, and explore its potential roles in both DeFi and the internet itself… - [Bitcoin: El Salvador's New Gold Standard](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-el-salvador-gold-standard/) - While speculators worry about charts and Bollinger bands amid crypto's pullbacks, and others fret about regulatory clampdowns, El Salvador announced it would adopt bitcoin as legal tender. Here's why this is a big deal... - [Hedge Funds, Pensions Increasingly Involved in Cryptocurrencies](https://www.bitira.com/hedge-funds-pensions/) - Way back in 2018, one of the top stories in crypto was institutional money finally flowing into the space after nearly a decade of waiting on the sidelines. That's not exactly big news anymore. A recent survey found cryptocurrencies are increasingly popular among hedge fund managers. Here's why... - [Crypto Case Study: Stabilizing the Venezuelan Economy](https://www.bitira.com/venezuela-crypto/) - For longer than anyone would like, Venezuela has stood as a cautionary tale of true economic disaster, and the results are most detrimental to Venezuela's citizens. Here's how the people are taking back their financial power… - [Bitcoin IRAs for Everyone, Says U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis](https://www.bitira.com/senator-wants-bitcoin-ira/) - Senator Lummis views bitcoin as an exceptional hedge against inflation. She calls bitcoin a solid store of value and draws the familiar comparison to digital gold. Every American should have a bitcoin ira, she argues. Here's why… - [Visa's Popular Crypto-Linked Cards Crushing Barriers to Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/visa-crushing-barriers/) - Crypto skeptics often say, "it's not money if you can't spend it." Then Visa came along and made crypto transactions as easy as swiping a credit card. The often-cited barriers to adoption are falling like dominoes… - [Governments Join Private Sector Racing Toward Crypto Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/racing-adoption/) - We're entering a new phase of crypto adoption. Worldwide, enthusiastic adoption from banks, institutions and private investors grows daily. Governments have begun to take notice, and are beginning to respond. With regulation, with adoption or with a totally different plan… - [Mastercard Chases Visa Into Crypto-Friendly Payments with Gemini Crypto Credit Card](https://www.bitira.com/mastercard-adoption/) - Legendary rivals Visa and Mastercard vie to build the most appealing onramp to crypto adoption. Although Visa has been enjoying the first-mover advantage, Mastercard has one trick up its sleeve Visa doesn't… - [For Amazon, Crypto Is Inevitable](https://www.bitira.com/amazon-crypto-adoption/) - An Amazon insider leaked a story about imminent crypto plans, and prices jumped. Even after Amazon officially denied specific crypto plans, prices resumed an upward climb. Why? We think it's clear why: Amazon will go crypto and it's only a matter of time… - [Cryptocurrencies for Long-Term Investors: What Do the Experts Say?](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-retirement-experts/) - It's no secret that cryptocurrencies have gotten a bit of a reputation as a tool for quick money. With the wild price upswings, it's not an unwarranted one. Yet CNBC recently examined how cryptocurrencies can be a viable asset for retirement planning as for day-to-day traders and risk-oriented investors. - [Ethereum's Deflationary Upgrade and the Road to 2.0](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-deflation/) - Ethereum's London hard fork update burns gas fees, permanently removing them from circulation. For now that's more than offset by mining proceeds. However, in December, mining will become impossible -- and the price is already reflecting scarcity… - [Walmart's Crypto Aspirations Mark the Mainstream Adoption Tipping Point](https://www.bitira.com/walmart-crypto-adoption/) - Retail crypto adoption has reached a tipping point, and Walmart's recent news proves this. There are two big reasons this new onramp into crypto will make a vast impact on mainstream adoption… - [Chainlink: The Bridge Between Business and Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/chainlink-business-blockchain/) - You've heard the saying, "during a gold rush, sell shovels"? Chainlink is positioned to become the provider of a proprietary, resilient and fully-interoperable system that the entire crypto sphere relies on. Here's why Chainlink may be the best candidate… - [How Cardano Became the World's #3 Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/cardano-top-crypto/) - Cardano roared seemingly out of nowhere, shouldered aside respected cryptos to snatch the #3 spot in the Crypto Top 10, and now has its sights set on poaching Ethereum's DeFi customers. That's such an outrageous plan it just might work… - [Bitcoin Volatility: Concerning for Investors, Fatal to Speculators](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-volatility/) - Well, we've officially moved beyond the point where not even a flash crash in the world's top cryptocurrency sets off the prophecies of an imminent Cryptpocalypse. Bitcoin saw a sharp overnight plunge and a rapid recovery. While long-term investors mostly slept through it, it seems like over-leveraged latecomers got wiped out… - [Banks Must Adopt Blockchain, Or Become Obsolete](https://www.bitira.com/banks-adopt-blockchain/) - Blockchain isn't going away, and world banks know it. So what's the right way to respond? The Bank of International Settlements' Benoît Cœuré lays down the law: central banks have to scramble, or they're going to be left behind… - [For Crypto, "Regulate" Isn't a Synonym for "Outlaw"](https://www.bitira.com/regulate-vs-outlaw/) - We all followed the recent, fairly good-humored spat between Coinbase and the SEC. But some investors are worried. Is the SEC about to go full-on China and ban crypto? We think not… - [Closing the Gap Between Crypto and Commerce](https://www.bitira.com/closing-gap-crypto-commerce/) - A few things have always held true of the crypto market. One of them is that bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized finance is among the most important catalysts for the overall market. And there are two big announcements on that front… - [At This Point, Crypto Seems Unstoppable](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-unstoppable/) - Long-term crypto investors, once they become accustomed to volatility, begin to fear that the only possible way cryptocurrencies could fail is if government outlaws them completely. Today we ask, is that even possible anymore? - [Seems Like Everyone's Bullish on Crypto These Days, For Good Reasons](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-reasons-bullish/) - Disruption is a technical term describing the way new technologies reinvent entire sectors of business. Mark Yusko makes a strong case for cryptocurrencies as a legitimate disruptor of traditional finance, and explains why he's looking toward a bright future… - [Bitcoin ETFs Are Great (Just Not for Their Owners)](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-etfs-great/) - Financial derivatives are mostly for speculation, not investing. Although the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF will bring in a lot of new money, here's why we think it's best to own your crypto directly… - [Credit Cards: The Express On-Ramp for Crypto Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/credit-cards-express/) - Nearly 1 in 6 Americans wants crypto rewards for using their credit cards. And banks are increasingly open to crypto accounts, just to keep customers happy. And now it looks like Mastercard is stepping up to offer it… - [What's Driving Ethereum's Run to a New All-Time High?](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-new-highs/) - ETH has decoupled from bitcoin and soared on its own wings recently. We explore the many powerful forces behind this recent growth, which seem poised to keep pushing Ethereum higher… - [We Just Made the BitIRA Experience Better than Ever](https://www.bitira.com/my-bitira-upgrade/) - After a year in development, and thousands of hours of testing, we’re thrilled to finally share the big news… Managing your digital IRA just got faster and easier than ever before! - [How the U.S. Is Powering Crypto's Latest Bull Run](https://www.bitira.com/us-crypto-superpower/) - An analysis of crypto over the past few years tells a tale of personal freedoms and national identity through the prism of finance. And now it's not just individual investors getting in on the party… - [Forget Solana, Taproot Turns Bitcoin Into an Ethereum Killer](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-taproot/) - Much of Ethereum's prominence and popularity is related to what it can do, compared to what bitcoin can't. But the new Taproot Bitcoin upgrade has truly changed the game -- here's how… - [Meet Aave, the Ghost in the DeFi Machine](https://www.bitira.com/aave-defi/) - Not too long ago, crypto lending was a very novel idea with little in terms of guidance or serious effort. Just two years later, DeFi has become the single most innovative field on the planet. And there's one name, Aave, that just keeps popping up... - [All the Money in the Metaverse](https://www.bitira.com/metaverse-money/) - From the Decentraland virtual real estate boom to the popularity of Axie Infinity, all the recent metaverse hype got us wondering: How relevant is this subject to cryptocurrency investors? The answer is interesting… - [Crypto CEOs in Congress, but This Time Is Different](https://www.bitira.com/congress-crypto-ceos/) - Crypto CEOs once again met with regulators in Congress to talk about crypto and regulation. These meetings used to cause a lot more fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD). With the cryptocurrency marketplace well-established at an over-$2 trillion valuation, some things are becoming clear. In other words, this time is different. Here's why… - [BitIRA Adds AAVE to Cryptocurrency Lineup](https://www.bitira.com/get-aave-ira/) - We’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to the BitIRA investment line-up, the cryptocurrency that led the DeFi boom… - [Crypto: Coming to a Stocking Near You…](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-gifts/) - Crypto gifting is very trendy this season, and with good reason. It's the fastest-growing asset class, likely the one with the most room for explosive moves up. And, all the more important, it's a lot easier to hold onto cryptocurrencies than a bundle of stocks and bonds. - [2021, Crypto's Best Year Yet](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-best-year/) - We had another incredible year in crypto adoption, prices and of course crypto investment. There are so many amazing stories it's hard to pick our favorites, but we did our best… - [What to Watch for in the Year Ahead](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-year-ahead/) - In all other areas, crypto goes above and beyond most expectations. Not many would have dared to call for a new all-time high this year, after the market’s best-ever year on record. That reminds us to be humble in our predictions. Further, with such a short track record, we can’t really rely on history… - [The U.S. Needs Crypto More than Crypto Needs the U.S.](https://www.bitira.com/digital-gold-regulation/) - In a recent interview Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan made a compelling cryptocurrency as “digital gold” comparison. Though we’ve heard this before, Hougan adds a new perspective to the conversation and explains why it’s basically too late for the U.S. to ban crypto – here’s why… - [Is There Anything Better than Crypto for Beating Inflation?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-beating-inflation/) - We’re in uncharted economic waters, and inflation is destroying our purchasing power. Traditional “safe havens” for our money look less safe than ever. Fortunately, today we have new solutions… - [These Corporate Heavyweights Are Bucking the Crypto Bear Market](https://www.bitira.com/corporate-bucking-bear/) - The current bearish stretch in the crypto market has a different feel to it, with fewer convinced the sell-off will last. Based on the recent, huge corporate moves into cryptocurrency, they may be onto something… - [Who’s Afraid of the Next Crypto Winter?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-winter/) - As bitcoin falls from $69,000 to less than half that price, crypto investors are once again feeling the need to reassess their standing. It's not that often that we see the "crypto winter" of 2018 mentioned. Here’s why a new crypto winter is the antidote to FOMO… - [New Federal Debt Report Triggers a Wave of Crypto Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/us-debt-drives-crypto-adoption/) - Here’s a challenge for the anti-crypto crowd: The U.S. debt is now over $30 trillion. Over 80% of all U.S. dollars in existence have been printed in the last two years. Now, look me in the eyes and say crypto is a Ponzi scheme. I dare you… - [Apple’s Building the Biggest Crypto Onramp Ever](https://www.bitira.com/apple-pay-crypto/) - Apple announced plans to integrate cryptocurrency payments into their Tap To Pay mobile wallet. That’ll bring crypto transaction functionality to 1 billion iPhones and enable pay-with-crypto at 90% of U.S. retailers! Here’s what may happen… - [Cryptos Getting Swifter with ISO 20022](https://www.bitira.com/iso20022-crypto-adoption/) - The latest payments standard for banks, ISO 20022, gives financial services a new way to remain relevant in a cryptocurrency-powered world. In fact, this new standard could be huge news for a handful of cryptocurrencies… - [What Does Biden’s Crypto-Focused Executive Order Have In Store?](https://www.bitira.com/biden-executive-order/) - Have we reached a point where we can hear President Biden issuing an executive order on crypto regulation without rampant FUD? It seems that might be case, at least in some corners. While everything is still highly speculative, a recent report outlined what's known so far, and what we might expect… - [Russia Vs. Ukraine Is Control Vs. Cryptocurrencies](https://www.bitira.com/russia-ukraine-crypto/) - Crypto’s correlation with risk-on assets broke down after Russia’s invasion. What exactly is going on? Is crypto a volatile bet with huge potential? Or is it a safe haven from cryptocurrencies? Interestingly, it’s both… - [BitIRA Announces an End to Monthly Fees](https://www.bitira.com/end-monthly-fees/) - Beginning in March, ALL accounts, regardless of balances, will have their monthly fees eliminated. Yes, we’ve removed the $29.99 monthly fee - [Now, We Know Biden’s Crypto Plans – Here’s What They Mean](https://www.bitira.com/biden-crypto-plans/) - A couple weeks back we were merely speculating, but today we review Biden’s crypto executive order. Many were terrified and much FUD spread across the community. But when we actually look at Biden’s plans, seems like there’s nothing but good news… - [These Analysts Admit Crypto’s Trading Like a Safe Haven](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-safe-haven/) - What’s the difference between a risk-on asset and a safe haven? Volatility? Turns out that’s a bit of a myth, which we explore today in the context of crypto’s growing role as a safe haven asset class… - [Robinhood’s Pushing Crypto Adoption Closer to a Tipping Point](https://www.bitira.com/robinhood-adoption/) - Every time someone opens a Coinbase account, or applies for a Gemini credit card, or buys their first cryptocurrency on Robinhood, or opens a bitcoin IRA for the future, the balance shifts toward universal adoption. Slightly, yes, and also permanently… - [Local & Municipal Governments Scrambling to Accept Crypto Payments](https://www.bitira.com/local-government-crypto/) - Compared to most other nations, different parts of the U.S. enjoy a high degree of sovereignty from the federal government. Now this kind of lower-level people's rule, is taking hold of the crypto market… - [SEC Chairman Thrills Crypto Investors with This Announcement](https://www.bitira.com/gensler-thrills/) - Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler visited Penn U on Monday to share his ideas about crypto regulation at the Penn Law Capital Markets Association's annual conference. And here’s the thing: basically, everything he said was great… - [Crypto Proves Itself as the Most Dependable Form of Money](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-dependable-money/) - Financial inclusion is frequently discussed from both traditional finance and cryptocurrency angles. Today, we’re covering “crisis financial inclusion” and cryptocurrency as a highly-portable, super-liquid, easily-concealed and incredibly useful store of value… - [The Crypto Adoption Numbers Wall Street Doesn't Want You to See](https://www.bitira.com/record-inflation-adoption/) - Across the board, people searching for inflation-resistant investments. Many are using bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to shield their savings against the dollar’s drop in purchasing power – and they’re doing so at an astonishing pace… - [Is Crypto Really the Perfect Asset for Retirement Investing?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-perfect-retirement/) - Fidelity’s 23 million customers and their $11.8 trillion savings will soon have access to bitcoin, which MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor calls “the perfect asset for a retirement plan.” Should you invest in crypto before they do? - [As Stocks Go Bearish... Bitcoin Briefly Shows Its True Power](https://www.bitira.com/volatility-opportunity/) - Over the past two years, bitcoin has established a fairly tight correlation with stocks. Some have claimed it to be a downside. After all, cryptocurrencies are supposed to be their own ecosystem, uncorrelated with other assets. Is this a feature or a bug? - [Twice the Cryptocurrency Choices for BitIRA Customers](https://www.bitira.com/nine-new-cryptocurrencies/) - The cryptocurrency marketplace is dynamic, always evolving, finding new and exciting ways to solve hard problems - and BitIRA keeps up! We're thrilled to announce twice as many cryptocurrencies for your bitcoin IRA... - [What Anxious Crypto Investors Need to Know Right Now](https://www.bitira.com/anxious-crypto-investors/) - They're calling it the worst bear market since 2018, in terms of sentiment if nothing else. Fair comparison? Not really – in early 2018, crypto investors found themselves wondering whether the market would be wiped out completely… - [3 Facts That Render Crypto Skeptics Speechless](https://www.bitira.com/opportunity-ponzi-crash/) - Let’s get one thing straight: 2018 was undoubtedly the toughest year for anyone but the truest believers in the future of crypto. Today, even to the most skeptical, things look just a tiny bit different… - [Why Crypto Adoption Is Not Slowing Down, Even with the Price Drop](https://www.bitira.com/adoption-not-slowing/) - Recent headlines might lead you to believe there’s a crisis of faith in the cryptocurrency market. While that’s certainly true for some individuals, it hasn’t slowed down crypto adoption projects with entire nations behind them… - [Crypto Companies Prepare for the Next Crypto Explosion... By Copying Wall Street](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-companies-location/) - Sometimes, bear markets rattle even long-term investors. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest names in crypto and see how they’re responding to the latest market action. And the answer may surprise you… - [Here's Why Chainlink Just Jumped 24% (and Why It Might Go Higher...)](https://www.bitira.com/chainlink-staking/) - Crypto trends come and go, but proof of stake (PoS, or “staking”) is here to stay. As proof, we discuss Chainlink’s Economics 2.0 Roadmap (and the market response)… - [Crypto's Controlled Burn Could Be Exactly What The Doctor Ordered](https://www.bitira.com/creative-destruction/) - Last year, I wrote that crypto went mainstream. It was a moderate approach on our part. In reality, crypto had been going increasingly mainstream for quite a while. regardless, it's mainstream now, either way. I don’t think that point’s debatable any longer. Here’s what that means… - [The Biggest Challenge That Crypto Faces Is Not What You Think](https://www.bitira.com/economic-challenge/) - While the media are once again carving cryptocurrencies a gravestone, we turn our attention to current economic conditions and learn, once again, how investors can miss the forest for the trees… - [Are Global Opinions About Crypto Shifting In 2022?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-world-views/) - China, the Bank of England and El Salvador: three totally different takes on the current cryptocurrency market. When we compare them side-by-side, they tell an interesting story… - [How Naïve Crypto Buyers Are Affecting Bitcoin (It's Not Good)](https://www.bitira.com/naive-crypto-buyers/) - Market tourists buy based on historical prices with a “line go up” mindset – and may sell at any time for any reason. They enter the market as speculators, with the goal of trading their way to profits… - [Bitcoin: Bracing for an Inflation Rescue?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-inflation-rescue/) - With inflation at yet another 40-year high, we examine prospects for the Federal Reserve. Can Powell take down bitcoin along with the economy? Here’s why it doesn’t seem likely… - [Deluded Central Banks Launch a War They've Already Lost](https://www.bitira.com/central-bank-mistake/) - Today we compare central bank-managed currencies to decentralized cryptocurrencies. Turns out there’s a major difference, and although it’s obvious it’s probably not what you think… - [Will Crypto Sink or Skyrocket in a Global Recession?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-global-recession/) - The IMF has grown pessimistic about the world’s economic growth over the next two years, revising their predictions downward repeatedly. Now they’ve issued a stark warning of global recession. Here’s what that means for crypto… - [The Merge Will Change Ethereum’s Value Forever](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-flippening/) - The Flippening is coming, and it’s a really big deal. Here’s what the shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake mechanics means for ethereum’s price… - [Why CBDCs Can Never Replace Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-vs-cbdc/) - Much has changed since we first covered the subject of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and much has stayed the same. On the heels of China issuing a CBDC, the eCNY or e-yuan, we again have Western central banks considering their own – even though they’ll never work… - [Beat the Financial Collapse by Combining Crypto with This](https://www.bitira.com/combining-crypto/) - If it’s not in hope of huge gains, why are so many Americans planning for (or already in) retirement investing in cryptocurrencies? Today we dive into the real reason digital currency IRAs are growing so rapidly… - [Why Crypto Investors Could Dominate the Next Stagflation](https://www.bitira.com/dominate-stagflation/) - Another global bout of stagflation looks increasingly inevitable. We’ve seen this movie before and we know how it ends – but this time, in addition to the usual suspects, there are a few new actors in the show… - [Is Crypto The Ultimate Inflation Hedge?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-inflation-hedge/) - Cryptocurrencies (especially fixed-cap tokens like bitcoin) are often compared to inflation-resistant investments like gold. Today, we determine whether crypto provides feasible protection against central bank-fueled currency devaluation… - [Why "Bitcoin Is Dead" Headlines Are Actually Good News](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-dead-again/) - Bitcoin recently hit its lowest price for the year, and the media eagerly report the death of crypto. Again! How many times have you seen headlines reporting the total collapse of the crypto market? Today we explain why, to a certain kind of investor, these FUD-inducing headlines are actually good news… - [An Update Regarding the Upcoming Ethereum Merge](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-merge/) - This notice is simply to inform you of the upcoming changes to the Ethereum network. Here’s what to expect when the merge goes live, whether it occurs as scheduled or is once again delayed. - [Why Ethereum's Merge Could Make It the Perfect Asset](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-perfect-asset/) - Post-merge, Ethereum looks increasingly like an asset even the most traditional institutional money managers can understand and invest in. Interestingly, though, there’s been strong interest in “old” Ethereum, also known as Ethereum Classic or ETC. Here’s why… - [Biden Is Losing His War on Crypto, And THIS Proves It](https://www.bitira.com/biden-war-crypto/) - What would a crypto winter be without its very own Groundhog Day? Recently, the White House came out and issued yet another “regulatory framework” for crypto – but is it really possible to regulate a permissionless system? - [The Future of Crypto Has Never Been More Clear](https://www.bitira.com/future-of-crypto/) - Down markets are good times for reflecting on both the current state of the markets and the future of crypto. Today we take stock of the most promising developments… - [World Banks Are Convinced Crypto Is the Future, Here's Why](https://www.bitira.com/central-bank-fomo/) - Is there any way of knowing if crypto is legitimate, then? Obviously, I have a personal perspective on this question. Instead of telling you what we here at BitIRA think, we’ll just look to recent developments in the financial world… - [Google's Brilliant Cryptocurrency Plan Changes Everything](https://www.bitira.com/google-coinbase-future/) - While some worry about crypto security, major corporations are jumping at the chance to diversify their assets with crypto. The recent Google/Coinbase announcement gives us some clues regarding the future of crypto adoption… - [Walmart Sees a Massive Business Opportunity in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/walmart-massive-opportunity/) - Granted, it’s not quite Amazon, merely the #1 retailer in the U.S. and the #2 ecommerce destination… Today we investigate Walmart’s entry into the crypto market, and speculate on exactly what this means for the future of crypto. - [How Millennial Investors Are Influencing the Future Of Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/millennial-investors-want-crypto/) - Charles Schwab's latest investor survey tells us what we already know: everyone wants crypto in their 401(k) plans. Today, we ask, why wait? - [Why Institutional Crypto Investment Keeps Growing](https://www.bitira.com/growing-crypto-investment/) - Crypto adoption continues expanding, much faster than we anticipated even a year ago. Today we explore differences between institutional crypto adoption and private crypto investors. They have one thing in common… - [What Smart Crypto Investors Are Doing After The FTX Collapse](https://www.bitira.com/ftx-collapse-crypto-market/) - Image (CC BY 2.0) by Marco Verch via FlickrDoes the failure of FTX mean the end of the crypto market? I'd argue absolutely not -- and furthermore, I believe it's an encouraging sign... - [Market Update: Custody, Ownership and Your Digital IRA Assets](https://www.bitira.com/custody-ownership/) - The FTX collapse created a lot of FUD in the cryptocurrency market, damaging the trust between individuals and . I wanted to explain how BitIRA helps ensure your clear ownership… - [4 Critical Lessons from the FTX Collapse](https://www.bitira.com/4-critical-lessons/) - A panel of financial experts distills the lessons learned from the FTX collapse into four easy-to-follow guidelines that everyone can benefit from, whether or not their savings are diversified with cryptocurrencies… - [Crypto Winter: How Bad Is This Year Really?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-winter-how-bad/) - Today, we examine two viewpoints from two noteworthy figures regarding crypto. One is Wall Street notable Thomas Lee, a fund manager who co-founded Fundstrat Global Advisors. The other is a name you're probably familiar with: Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, colloquially known as CZ. Both say some things we agree with, and some we don't necessarily. - [Surprise! The European Central Bank Doesn't Like Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/ecb-bitcoin/) - Coindesk contributor George Kaloudis comments on the latest Bitcoin critique from the European Central Bank (ECB) from a Greek-American perspective. Why is that important? Well, as Kaloudis reminds, the ECB was in the middle of one of the biggest screw-ups of the modern banking system. As Greece entered the eurozone, it was plunged into an infamously uncomfortable - [Far-Left Senator Desperately Attacks Crypto, and Here’s Why She Will Fail](https://www.bitira.com/warren-crypto/) - Unpacking Elizabeth Warren's latest jab towards crypto regulation is... well, as messy as unpacking any of Elizabeth Warren's jabs. For starters, let us refer to this Guardian piece which tells us Warren is an expert on "consumer protection and economic inequality". So far so good. Cryptocurrencies, after all, exist to provide financial protection and equality. The bill - [Top 5 Crypto Stories of 2022](https://www.bitira.com/top-crypto-stories-2022/) - Instead of letting us announce how crypto exploded into the new year, it seems the trend for the market in 2022 erred on the side of implosion. Our picks cover start to bottom the supposed collapse of crypto. Did it really? #1 Ethereum PoW-to-PoS change FTX was a close tie-in for the top slot for - [How to transfer your assets from Preferred Trust Company to Equity Trust](https://www.bitira.com/transfer-your-assets/) - If you’re currently working with Preferred Trust Company (PTC) as your custodian, there are several reasons to consider transferring your assets to our other custodial partner, Equity Trust Company (ETC)... - [Crypto in 2023: The Year Ahead](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-2023/) - Another year, another bout of year-end predictions. Cointelegraph and CoinDesk have each come out with a list of 10 predictions for 2023. Let’s distill those predictions down and make them a bit easier to digest. And since it’s readily on hand, we'll start things off by looking back at our own forecast made twelve months ago. Here's - [The Tradeoffs of Crypto Regulation](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-regulation-tradeoffs/) - It has been said that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is akin to a mafia with Gensler as the capo. Problems are resolved under the table, schmoozing with the boss behind closed doors, rather than following basic, knowable rules. Bloomberg's Matt Levine puts it this way, referring to a September speech that Gary Gensler, - [World Bank Sets the Stage for a Crypto Rebound](https://www.bitira.com/world-recession-warning/) - The World Bank recently issued a global economic warning. Would a simultaneous worldwide economic downturn revitalize the crypto market? We think it might – here’s why… - [Is Crypto's Dark Winter Over?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-recovery/) - The globalists told us there'd be a dark winter. It sounded ominous. Have they failed to deliver? Certainly, worries over what this meant extended to the crypto market... for some. Reuters has an interesting piece that is fairly optimistic on the crypto market recovery. Might we venture to say it's not optimistic enough, though? We're always touting - [Is This Really the Crypto Bottom?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-bottom/) - There is a feeling of oddness as we wonder whether the crypto bottom is already in. In fairness, it's a feeling we've grown accustomed to over the past few years. Every dip turns into a game of limbo: how low can we go? Still, having endured the bear market of 2018, we have to ask: - [The Truth About Crypto Lending & Ownership](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-lending-ownership/) - How can we say: "We don't really care if the custodian/OTC platform holding our clients' assets implodes?" and get away with it? The answer is a lot simpler and not that surprising for those who are familiar with our bottom line. Crypto lending and crypto staking seem like the safest possible bets to make in - [Will "AI Crypto" Change the Industry?](https://www.bitira.com/ai-crypto-trend/) - Would we be the most skeptical digital IRA provider if we weren't sold on the AI thing? Maybe. The thing is, we're so used to seeing revolutionary technology in the form of cryptocurrencies that barely anything moves our cursors anymore. The hype around AI warrants closer inspection. It's February, and AI is already being called - [Why Crypto Is Here to Stay](https://www.bitira.com/staying-power/) - Over the past months and years, we've made some fleeting and not-so-fleeting points about crypto regulation. Whom does it actually benefit, and isn't it kind of antithetical to crypto in the first place? The latest bit of ruckus surrounding stablecoin regulation is giving us some answers. To make a short story even shorter, the New York State Department of - [New Custody Rules Get Ignored - Can You Guess Why?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-custody-tradfi/) - You can't be faulted for not knowing that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a 434-page document outlining regulatory compliance pertaining to custody. It's the kind of news that tend to fly under the radar in favor of more bombastic headlines. The increases in institutional adoption during bear markets of the past are an example - [How to Make Crypto Taxes Easy with a Digital IRA](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-investment-taxes/) - It's called a tax-advantaged account for a reason. But what are the tax advantages of a digital IRA for cryptocurrency investors? Well, filing tax reports on cryptocurrencies is obviously a messy business. Capital gains and losses between various altcoins might already be reason enough for any digital asset investor to want to consult a crypto - [Could Fedcoin Be Good for Crypto?](https://www.bitira.com/powell-cbdc/) - Get this: a company that's over $30 trillion in debt and whose ongoing deficit spending exceeds $1 trillion is launching a stablecoin. Well, that will never work, right? Not so fast, now. If the stablecoin in question has the full faith and credit of the United States behind it... Those are the words of Congressman - [Bitcoin Was Made for a Banking Collapse](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-banking-collapse/) - Before we begin to unravel what's going on with the banking system and how it affects crypto, let us first quote Trezor Bitcoin analyst Josef Tětek through Cointelegraph: "Tětek said that the current banking crisis could potentially make Bitcoin emerge as a safe haven and risk-off asset. He emphasized that Bitcoin was created soon after the world - [After Banks Collapse, Bitcoin and Gold Face Off](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-gold-market-fallout/) - It's been nearly 15 years since Bitcoin came into existence, and people seem to forget its original purpose. While "crypto bros" go around hyping it as the future without fully understanding the underlying technology, and altcoins come and go, Bitcoin has remained a force in the currency market. It's proven time and again its staying power, - [Did El Salvador Just Spark the Next Bitcoin Boom?](https://www.bitira.com/el-salvador-bitcoin-success/) - You may remember in 2021, El Salvador became the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender. Opinions on the matter ran up and down the spectrum of cryptocurrency sentiment. Anti-crypto advocates touted that this would spell the end of the country, while crypto bulls applauded the decision and hoped other countries would follow suit. Here - [The Only Crypto Trend That Matters Long Term](https://www.bitira.com/paying-with-crypto/) - You know, we talk a lot about the broad market movements of crypto, such as Bitcoin adoption in foreign countries and what the banking collapse means for cryptocurrency, but sometimes it's nice to take a look at crypto itself and what new innovations are going on. It might seem like crypto has been around for a long time - [Ethereum Network Gets a Big Upgrade: Shapella](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-shapella-update/) - We don't get very many updates to our traditional financial system. Guess that's what makes them 'traditional', but cryptocurrency is a recent innovation that continues to innovate. While the big name in crypto that kicked it all off is obviously Bitcoin, it's important to look at newer cryptocurrencies and what ideas they are bringing to - [What's Ahead for Crypto and Why It's Future-Proof](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-future/) - Did you know the richer you are, the more likely you are to own crypto? That’s according to a consumer study of crypto holders by PYMNTS. The crypto market is down (but holding steady) after the enormous highs in 2021. The people still holding onto crypto must see something good ahead for it, and crypto continues - [Ethereum Devs Reveal the Future of Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-energy-usage/) - Cryptocurrency is always innovating, and perhaps the biggest news right now in Crypto World is Ethereum completing its transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). Ethereum is the world’s second largest cryptocurrency network, second only to the almighty Bitcoin, and with this move to PoS, Ethereum is setting itself apart from Bitcoin in a very meaningful, and sustainable, way. - [What Happens When You Combine Gold with Crypto?](https://www.bitira.com/gold-crypto/) - Crypto is the newest form of currency, and it’s innovating every day. Gold, on the other hand, is one of the oldest known forms of currency. Yet gold still innovates in its own way, and an interesting innovation for gold we’re seeing today is it joining forces with crypto. Will this be the best of - [The Regulatory Arms Race for Crypto Dominance](https://www.bitira.com/regulatory-arms-race/) - Even though Bitcoin is almost 15 years old, a lot of people still think of cryptocurrency as the wild west, and can you blame them? There has been very little movement from governments around the world to make sense of this new technology. Of course, this could be due to the slow moving nature of bureaucracy, - [The US Dollar’s Weakness (And Crypto’s Strength)](https://www.bitira.com/dollar-weakness-crypto-strength/) - It seems like anywhere you look these days you’ll find articles declaring the doom of the American dollar. Of course, we’re not exactly facing an apocalypse as some clickbait titles may lead you to believe,but there is no doubt the heyday of the American dollar is coming to a close. The big news is the - [New Bitcoin Tokens Drive Transaction Frenzy](https://www.bitira.com/brc-20-frenzy/) - Everyone knows Bitcoin is the big dog when it comes to cryptocurrency. A single Bitcoin today is worth over $25,000, which is a sizable increase from its 2010 high of 40 cents. This gives Bitcoin a market cap of over $500 billion, which is about twice as much as Ethereum, currently the #2 cryptocurrency. Perhaps - [Is Congress Finally Ready to Make Headway on Crypto Regulations?](https://www.bitira.com/congress-crypto-regulations/) - With the EU and countries around the world going full steam ahead on drafting and establishing regulations for the cryptocurrency market, it appears that the US Congress may finally be ready to discuss what many of us feel is the future of currency. Doing so will contribute much-needed stability to crypto trading and encourage investors of all - [SEC Attacks on Crypto Exchanges Threaten US Growth and Innovation](https://www.bitira.com/sec-sues-exchanges/) - The U.S. took a major step backward from being a safe harbor for cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency trading platforms this week with the SEC launching two major lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance. The lawsuits attack the trading companies for their operations despite their ongoing efforts to establish legitimacy and comply with the SEC’s unclear demands. While - [Binance Stepped In it, Maybe](https://www.bitira.com/binance-blunder/) - It’s been a week and a half since the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance followed by a second suit against Coinbase a day later, and the cryptocurrency world is very much abuzz. While the two lawsuits came close together, the charges, and the operations of the companies, are very different - - [The Tether Reserve Conspiracy – Is It True?](https://www.bitira.com/tether-reserve-conspiracy/) - Tether promised $1 in the bank for every USDT minted, and we have records to back up the claim. Today, we ask, does it matter? And if so, why don’t we ask the same question of Tether’s peg, the U.S. dollar? - [BlackRock's SEC Filing Renews Interest in Bitcoin Investment](https://www.bitira.com/blackrock-bitcoin/) - The cryptocurrency market came alive this past week following a series of applications to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for new crypto on-ramps. While none of them have been approved yet, the interest from investors of all sizes drove the market to its highest rate of growth since July 2022. The excitement began on - [Employees Increasingly Want to Be Paid in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/paid-in-crypto/) - In a sign of growing adoption, workers around the world are opting to be paid in cryptocurrency rather than exclusively in fiat currency. Interest in opting into crypto salaries is surging as the public becomes more familiar with cryptocurrency and more wary of volatile fiat currencies in the throes of inflation. It’s happening faster in - [Russians Take Refuge in Crypto, But Will the CBDC Be as Appealing?](https://www.bitira.com/russians-crypto-cbdc/) - For years, Russians have turned to cryptocurrency as a way to cushion themselves against the volatile fluctuations of the ruble and the country’s overall economic instability. A recent study found that Russians own more wealth in cryptocurrency than they do in gold or mutual funds, with 6% of Russians adopting cryptocurrency as of 2023. Perhaps interpreting this as a - [RFK Jr. Comes Out Swinging as the Crypto Candidate](https://www.bitira.com/rfk-crypto/) - The presidential race for 2024 is starting to heat up, and with it, some candidates are taking strong stances on cryptocurrency. Chief among them is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., nephew to President John F. Kennedy and now second in the race for the Democratic nomination. While the Democratic establishment will likely do whatever it can to - [El Salvador Empowers Its Citizens with Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-empowerment/) - What does it look like when a country fully embraces cryptocurrency? We need look no further than El Salvador to find the answer, as the country has adopted bitcoin as an official currency, provides free of charge education opportunities to its citizens, and is quickly becoming the mecca for cryptocurrency tourism. The results, while predictable - [Crypto Set to Skyrocket: Experts Envision $30 Trillion Surge](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-surge/) - Crypto is having a breakaway moment, and it might not stop until it’s running parallel with gold as the most favored method for future-proofing assets. The combination of the recent downgrading of US credit, Ripple’s win over the SEC, and BTC’s announcement that it will soon be halving has at least one Wall Street executive - [Crypto Wallet Vulnerabilities Highlight Need for Security-First Approach](https://www.bitira.com/security-first-approach/) - The crypto wallet sphere – through which users are able to access, purchase, and trade cryptocurrency – was rocked this week when data security company Fireblocks publicly identified a series of vulnerabilities in several major wallets that could allow thieves to take funds without leaving any trace. Millions of users of popular wallets such as Coinbase WaaS, - [Cryptocurrency Is Moving into Real Estate](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-real-estate/) - Real World Property Adds Further Legitimacy to Crypto If you can buy property with it, it has credible value – that’s the story coming out of Spain and 19 other countries with properties available for purchase in cryptocurrency. A new study found hundreds of properties around the world that could be bought using crypto, indicating that, - [Why Now is a Good Time to Get into Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-oversold/) - If you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to look back and remember fondly how you bought low and then sold high, the crypto market is perfectly poised to give you that opportunity. Bitcoin and its competitors have all taken a dip in recent weeks, leading experts to declare them as “oversold” (meaning the price drops have - [New Tax Reporting Guidelines in the Pipeline for Crypto Cowboys](https://www.bitira.com/new-reporting-guidelines/) - Those who actively play the cryptocurrency exchanges – such as regularly trading in hopes of scoring rapid profit – can expect to see more tax reporting requirements as soon as next year. Part of the Biden infrastructure bill was a proposal for the IRS to increase the required reporting on cryptocurrency transactions in an effort to - [Why Fair Regulation of the US Crypto Market is Inevitable](https://www.bitira.com/regulation-inevitable/) - It might not be immediately apparent, but the US is inching closer toward a comprehensive regulatory framework for the crypto market. Despite one arm of the federal government – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECs) – filing back to back lawsuits against crypto companies earlier this summer, the SEC’s court losses against Ripple paired with the introduction - [What to Expect from the G20 on Cryptocurrency Regulations](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-g20/) - Cryptocurrency is about to take a major step forward in global acceptance with the upcoming G20 summit poised to lay out model regulatory framework for integrating crypto into existing and new financial systems. India, acting as the current leader of the G20, will be bringing forward recommendations from the G20’s Financial Stability Board (FSB) and - [The G20 Has Big Plans for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/g20-crypto-plans/) - Leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies are absolutely obsessed with crypto. Now they have a plan to coordinate legislation, regulation and crypto adoption across 80% of the world’s GDP… - [Crypto on Capitol Hill 2024: Key Stances on Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/politician-stances/) - Moving into the new election cycle, politicians in the US are firming up their positions on cryptocurrency in a bid to either cement themselves as supporters of the trillion dollar market or to position themselves as antagonists due to security fears. This guide details the most vocal supporters and detractors of crypto in the US political realm, - [Why We See Crypto as a Long-Term Investment](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-long-term-investment/) - What if I told you a story about a currency that has declined in value by 86% in the last half century, is highly subject to the whims of a centralized government, and has been used for decades to fund atrocity after atrocity – from human trafficking to genocide? It probably won’t take you long to figure - [Sidestepping the Government Shutdown with Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/government-shutdown-crypto/) - What if the value of money was untethered to the disagreements between politicians? As the government shutdown and ensuing devaluing of the dollar looms in the US, many are wondering if there isn’t a better way – one that would liberate something so essential as currency from the continual bickering on Capitol Hill. As the premier option - [Bitcoin SEC Delays Are a Promising Sign](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-sec-delays/) - While some may look at the SEC’s recent delay of a decision on the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF from November 11 to January 10, 2024 as an indicator that the regulatory body is once again hampering progress on crypto adoption, it ultimately means something much more important: regulations are coming, and they will be both - [Crypto Investing: Why Long-Term Is Better](https://www.bitira.com/long-term-strategy/) - How many times have you heard a story about a cryptocurrency investor who went in big hoping to capitalize on the short term – even going so far as to borrow money to invest more in crypto – and then came out with big losses? It’s a story told often because short term investors are - [Cryptocurrency is Dedollarization Too](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-dedollarization/) - Everywhere you look in the global market, the signs are clear – economies around the world are looking to dedollarize in the face of the declining value of the U.S. dollar, which will only further decrease the worth of America’s national currency. But it’s not just other nations that are considering financial alternatives, it’s people - [BitIRA And Galaxy Digital Form New Partnership](https://www.bitira.com/why-galaxy/) - BitIRA is thrilled to announce a new agreement with Galaxy Digital, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange partners with access to more than 100 cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2018 at the forefront of the cryptocurrency boom, Galaxy provides its clients with access to seamless 24/7 liquidity, world-class security, and the stability of an established public - [Bitcoin Bounces as ETF Approval Edges Closer](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-bounce/) - The cryptocurrency market surged this week as speculation over the pending approval of a Bitcoin-based ETF propelled Bitcoin’s value to its highest figure since June 2022. The 6% gain saw Bitcoin reaching just over $35,000, or almost twice what it started the year with. While certainly a volatile asset subject to dips and bounces, Bitcoin’s steady - [Crypto Spring in Sight](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-spring/) - Following a turbulent stretch made more difficult by the SEC’s legal aggression and the lack of clear regulations around the cryptocurrency market, all signs are pointing to a pending crypto spring. Bitcoin is leading the charge, pushing up over $35,000 for the first time in 18 months, while Ethereum can now be found across 100 - [The Best Time to Get into Crypto Is…](https://www.bitira.com/best-time/) - Right now. Right now is the best time to get into cryptocurrency. Over the past few months, we’ve seen sign after sign that cryptocurrency is poised to boom in a way that it’s never done before. It’s not just the one and a half year high that Bitcoin’s suddenly hit, nor is it just the impending approval - [Blockchain Forensics Encourages Lawmaker Support](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-forensics-support/) - Even as cryptocurrency is being targeted for investigation as a method of fundraising for Hamas and criminal groups, U.S. policymakers are clearly indicating a desire to protect cryptocurrency as an emerging industry. While it is true that cryptocurrency can be and has been used by harmful actors, it’s a small fraction of the overall usage of - ["Central Banking is a Scam," Argentina's New President Says — Bitcoin is Better](https://www.bitira.com/milei-bitcoin/) - In the biggest landslide victory in an Argentinian election since 1973, self-described anarcho-capitalist Javier Milei has been declared the country’s new president. It’s a big deal for Argentina, where residents are struggling with inflation rates in excess of 140%, and it’s a big deal for cryptocurrency, as Milei is not shy about sharing his dismay - [The Preferred Alt-Coin Investment of Bankers is XRP](https://www.bitira.com/xrp-preferred-investment/) - In a step forward for Ripple and for the cryptocurrency industry in general, XRP has been named as a preferred investment choice by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). The BCBS confirmed XRP’s standing as the third-largest altcoin, constituting 2% of the total $10.2 billion banks have invested in the sector. Put another way, 19 banks across - [Bitcoin Could Help Curb Dollar Inflation](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-dollar-inflation/) - For some, dedollarization is the talk of the town as the failure of fiat currencies becomes increasingly obvious due to runaway inflation and cryptocurrencies continue to gain steam. Not everyone sees it that way, however. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase and prominent crypto thought leader, sees cryptocurrency (Bitcoin in particular) as key to stabilizing the dollar and - [New Accounting Standards Level the Playing Field for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/fasb-crypto-standards/) - In a major win for cryptocurrency and its investors, the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) announced on December 13 that cryptocurrency holdings will have Fair Accounting Value starting next year. This means that companies with cryptocurrency holdings will have their assets reflected accurately – and further signifies that crypto’s legitimacy is increasing in leaps and - [Inflation Prompts Investors and Countries to Double Down on Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/double-down-crypto/) - The more people know about crypto, the more they are interested in investing in it – and with 40% of Americans now saying they have or will be adding it to their portfolios, it’s clear the word is getting out. When combined with the 42 countries who have passed or discussed crypto legislation this year, it’s easy to see - [What's Ahead for Crypto in 2024](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-2024/) - 2023 Sets the Stage for 2024's Crypto Super Cycle In the rearview mirror, 2023 will be noted as a milestone year for cryptocurrency, not just for its banner surges that led to Bitcoin being up 172%, but for laying fundamental foundations in the eyes of investors to stabilize the industry going forward. Yes, there have been - [Goodbye, Crypto Winter](https://www.bitira.com/goodbye-crypto-winter/) - While winter is here in the northern hemisphere, the signs are abundant that we’ve reached the end of the crypto winter. Symbolized by cool attitudes from investors toward cryptocurrency, the period extended for 13 months as the industry hit repeated stumbling blocks. With a staggering rush at the end of 2023, however, investors are making - [The SEC Approves Bitcoin ETFs. Now What?](https://www.bitira.com/sec-approves-bitcoin-etf/) - The announcement on Wednesday that the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) approved all 11 Bitcoin ETF applications on its desk served to ignite the crypto market with a flood of excitement and investment. It's just one of the many factors making 2024 look oh so promising for crypto. But what makes the Bitcoin ETFs such - [Crypto's Having a Resurgence of Public Interest](https://www.bitira.com/public-interest-resurgence/) - Is this the year cryptocurrency makes its big comeback? Signs are pointing strongly in that direction as analysts look beyond the frenzy of attention generated by the approval of the Bitcoin spot ETFs and to the momentum established by regulatory gains and institutional adoption last year. Tellingly, public interest in Bitcoin – based on Google - [Whale Feeding Frenzy Shows Crypto’s Staying Power](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-whales-buy/) - If you have a significant amount of purchasing power, and you feel strongly that a commodity is going to have a strong return on long term value, what would you do? For most investors, the answer is to buy more of it – and that’s exactly what cryptocurrency whales (holding more than 1,000 Bitcoin) are - [China Is Fertile Ground for Crypto Growth](https://www.bitira.com/china-crypto-potential/) - The financial troubles China has been experiencing over the past few years are coming to a head, and with it, the potential for bitcoin as a safe haven during economic distress is being highlighted. Despite bitcoin being illegal in the county, Chinese citizens are buying it up in record amounts as the government is clamping - [The Real Satoshi Nakamoto: The Role of a Blockchain Founder](https://www.bitira.com/real-satoshi-blockchain-founder/) - Does it really matter who Satoshi Nakamoto is? Over the past few days, the crypto world has been holding a magnifying lens up to the trial of one Craig Wright – an otherwise relatively unremarkable Australian who is claiming to be the rather remarkable creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. The latter has long been shrouded - [Bitcoin Dubbed “World’s Most Popular Investment Asset”](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-most-popular/) - After a decade-long incubation period, spot Bitcoin ETFs have exploded onto the scene to unrivaled market enthusiasm. It’s been enough for Bitcoin to reach over $50,000 in the past week, reclaiming a price point it last held in late 2021 – and for Michael Saylor of Microstrategy to declare Bitcoin to be the “world’s most - [Bitcoin Halving 2024: What You Should Know](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-halving-2024/) - The cryptocurrency sphere is abuzz with one phrasing echoing around the world: Bitcoin halving! There’s a good reason why so many investors are talking about it, and if you aren’t familiar with what it means, now is the time to learn - particularly due to the potentially huge impact it will have on the value - [All Aboard for the Crypto Train: Bitcoin and More Near All Time Highs](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-train/) - If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s time to listen up: the boarding whistle for the crypto train is blowing, and it’s not a train you want to miss. In the past week, Bitcoin hit its highest level since 2021 - along with reaching its all-time high against many of the world’s leading currencies. It’s - [6th Annual Crypto Tax FAQ Now Live](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-live/) - Here at BitIRA, we love just about everything about crypto. Except taxes. Let’s face it – crypto taxes can be a real headache. As with everything relating to the IRS, getting the answers absolutely right is critical. Nobody wants to find out their series of profitable trades comes with a surprise bill… Our mission is - [Crypto Volatility Could Be Fueling Long-Term Gains](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-volatility/) - Cryptocurrency is known for its volatility, something that certainly attracts a lot of daytraders and people hoping for quick and easy returns, but it can also worry some potential investors. People wary of crypto might point to its volatility as a bad sign, especially recently when Bitcoin hit a new all time high only to - [Bull Market or Bubble - Does it Matter?](https://www.bitira.com/bull-market-bubble/) - Even if you haven't been paying close attention, you probably know that cryptocurrency is booming right now. After a long hibernation for crypto winter, Bitcoin and other altcoins are reaching new heights and everyone's talking about crypto again. Experts are debating whether it’s in the midst of a bull market or a bubble, with Bitcoin in - [BlackRock's Revolutionary Leap Towards Putting "Every Financial Asset" on Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/blackrock-tokenization/) - In an unprecedented leap towards the future of finance, BlackRock, the titan of asset management, has just unveiled its own contender in the stablecoin arena. This isn’t merely a new digital currency hitting the market; it's a visionary stride towards "the tokenization of every financial asset." For those of us at BitIRA.com and our savvy - [CBDCs and SWIFT: Partners in Crypto's Climb](https://www.bitira.com/cbdc-swift/) - The global march toward central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is well underway, with close to 90% of central banks now involved in the process of creating digital versions of their money. Those digital currencies are about to have a major catalyzation toward reality thanks to SWIFT’s recent announcement that it will be looking to tie - [How High Can Crypto Go?](https://www.bitira.com/how-high-crypto/) - Run, don’t walk, into the crypto market – that’s the message that crypto enthusiasts are spreading, and it’s not without reason. With this year’s launch of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs heralding an unprecedented influx of mainstream investors, some are predicting that the market is just on the brink of the coming swell. How much of - [Financial Industry Favorite XRP Now Available Again on BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/xrp-available/) - One of the oldest altcoins in the industry is now available for trade through BitIRA, and we’re extremely excited to offer it based on its well-established credentials and potential for moving the needle for the entire cryptocurrency market. When it came out back in 2012, Ripple (XRP) launched with the promise of making global financial - [Anticipation Swells for Bitcoin's Imminent Halving](https://www.bitira.com/halving-anticipation/) - The fourth halving of Bitcoin is mere days away – and investors are circling the coin with enthusiasm, particularly as its price has dipped over the past week following the escalation of Middle East tensions. Some are seeing it as the perfect opportunity to buy low, as previous halvings preceded record-setting bull runs, and it’s possible - [Ready, Set – GROW! BitIRA Launches End-to-End Self-Service Platform](https://www.bitira.com/self-service/) - The most-secure, easiest-to-use digital IRA launches DIY option. Now you can add digital diversification any time, day or night… - [Blockchain Could Finally Hold Government Accountable](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-government-accountability/) - Everyone has heard about bitcoin’s role as a refuge from inflation-prone fiat currencies. But what about the potential for blockchain to radically improve how the government operates in terms of financial efficiency and transparency? It’s a point being raised by independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the only presidential candidate currently rated as “strongly - [For Crypto Adoption, Could X Mark the Spot?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-x-stripe/) - Two new adoption on-ramps to cryptocurrency are launching soon, with one of them (Elon Musk’s X) serving the needs of consumers and the other (Stripe’s return to facilitating transfers in cryptocurrency) making it easier for businesses to conduct transactions. Both represent an overall shift in how cryptocurrency is perceived and utilized – and signify that - [Crypto Volatility: A Professional Volatility Trader's Inside Perspective](https://www.bitira.com/jeremy-wien-volatility/) - We all know cryptocurrency can be particularly volatile, but what does that actually mean? It turns out people have a lot of misunderstandings about volatility, and often that leads to fear. Today an industry professional explains why volatility isn't always a bad thing... - [Landmark Bill Establishes 'Bitcoin Rights'](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-rights-bill/) - In a landmark action, Oklahoma’s legislature passed a Bitcoin Rights protection bill on May 13 that gives residents and businesses the right to self-custody, effectively enabling the usage of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without additional taxation. When it goes into effect on November 1, the bill will also protect bitcoin miners from new local regulation (such as additional noise - [Ethereum ETF Approval Is the Latest Milestone for Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-etf-approval/) - Landmark Ether ETF Approval Stands to Catapult Coin After starting the week off running as speculation that the SEC’s approval of a series of spot ETF applications was imminent, Ethereum is poised to have its largest-ever gains following Thursday’s announcement that the approvals had indeed gone through. With that, ether has joined bitcoin in the - [Crypto Bill Set to Bring Some Much Needed Regulatory Clarity](https://www.bitira.com/fit21-crypto-bill/) - In a landmark decision, the US House of Representatives passed its first major cryptocurrency regulation bill on May 22. The bill, Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (or FIT21 for short), passed with a resounding 279-136, indicating how much bipartisan support there is for crypto regulation. While it isn't guaranteed to pass - [Cryptocurrency Could Lower Risk and Stabilize Your Savings](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-lower-risk/) - When talking about cryptocurrency, the word “conservative” doesn’t usually leap to mind. That’s not the case for Fidelity Investments, however, which recently included the increasingly popular bitcoin spot ETFs in its Conservative All-in-One portfolio. But how do notoriously volatile cryptocurrencies fit into conservative investment strategies? It turns out, there’s more than one factor at play. First - [Why Crypto Needs a New Regulatory Body](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-needs-regulatory-body/) - Cryptocurrency, the revolutionary digital asset, has taken the world by storm. But with this innovation comes a regulatory challenge. The US currently relies on a patchwork of agencies, each with its own focus, to oversee this rapidly evolving landscape, and the limitations of the system have been shown more than once. It’s more than just - [Blockchain-Based AI: Coming Soon to a Computer Near You](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-ai-soon/) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, from facial recognition software to self-driving cars. But with this immense power comes a growing concern: control. Currently, AI development is largely dominated by a handful of powerful tech companies. This centralization raises questions about bias, transparency, and the potential for misuse. In this article, we explore - [Bitcoin and Beyond: Crypto Is Key to Gen Z’s Future](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-for-gen-z/) - A recent article by Charlize Wang on CoinDesk makes a compelling case for the importance of Bitcoin for this generation. Wang argues that Gen Z, facing an uncertain economic landscape and a growing distrust in traditional institutions, needs Bitcoin's unique properties: a hedge against inflation, a permissionless financial system, and a global store of value. At BitIRA, - [SEC Tracking System Raises Privacy Concerns](https://www.bitira.com/sec-tracking-crypto/) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) wields a powerful new tool: the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). This system tracks every transaction across U.S. markets, creating a vast database of investor activity. While proponents hail the CAT as a weapon against fraud and manipulation, critics warn of a chilling effect on privacy - concerns that - [Cryptocurrency Tide Surges to Record Levels: Report](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-popularity-increasing/) - Four out of every ten Americans own cryptocurrency according to a new annual report from Security.org. The report, which has tracked annual cryptocurrency adoption rates and public sentiment since 2021, highlights a number of datapoints that all reflect positively for the growth and overall stabilization of the crypto industry. The overall adoption rate of 40% is - [Crypto Crowdfunding: Funding Public Goods in a New Era](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-public-funding/) - For decades, funding public goods – from scientific research to open-source software – has relied on traditional methods with bureaucratic limitations. But a new wave of innovation is emerging, driven by the transformative power of blockchain technology. By automating processes and eliminating intermediaries, blockchains can streamline funding procedures, making them faster and less prone to - [Institutions Bullish on Ether ETFs, Even Without Staking](https://www.bitira.com/bullish-ether-etfs/) - The wait for a U.S. Ether ETF is nearing its end, with SEC Chair Gensler suggesting approval by September. It wasn't long ago Bitcoin ETFs saw approval, which brought a lot of renewed excitement to the cryptocurrency market. While the Bitcoin ETFs were the big news, it left some crypto enthusiasts asking, "What's next?" Ether - [AI Boom Creates Power Grid Challenge: Can Bitcoin Help?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-helps-power-grid/) - The ever-growing power of artificial intelligence (AI) comes at a cost – a massive and ever-increasing energy cost. The vast data centers needed to train and run complex AI models are straining power grids around the world. But there might be a surprising solution on the horizon: Bitcoin mining. AI data centers are terrific resource - [Millennial Investors Trailblazing Their Own Paths to Wealth](https://www.bitira.com/millennial-investors/) - Regardless of the year we were born, smart investing has always meant being wise to the next big thing. With that in mind, it’s not a surprise that it’s the more adaptable younger generations who are widely investing in cryptocurrency – after all, who can dismiss the 60% annual rate of return on Bitcoin over 10 years, - [Cryptocurrency Juggles Being Decentralized and Going Mainstream](https://www.bitira.com/decentralization-vs-adoption/) - Cryptocurrencies emerged from a rebellious spirit, promising a financial system free from centralized control and prying eyes. Built on the revolutionary idea of blockchain technology, they offered a vision of a peer-to-peer economy where users held the power. However, as cryptocurrencies gain mainstream traction, a critical question arises: can these core values of decentralization and - [How Telegram's Becoming a Gateway to Crypto Adoption](https://www.bitira.com/telegram-crypto/) - The world of cryptocurrency can be a complex and intimidating space for newcomers. With its ever-evolving terminology and technical jargon, navigating the crypto landscape can feel like trying to decipher a foreign language. This is where Telegram, a popular messaging app with a massive user base, steps in as a potential gateway to crypto adoption. - [How Crypto Strengthens AI's Weaknesses](https://www.bitira.com/ai-crypto-synergy/) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, from facial recognition software to self-driving cars. However, this transformative power comes with inherent risks. Biases in training data can lead to discriminatory algorithms, while the ease of manipulating data fuels the spread of deepfakes. Here's where cryptocurrency steps in, offering a potential solution through blockchain technology. - [Common Crypto Investing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-investing-mistakes/) - Getting into cryptocurrency can be a daunting prospect for new investors, particularly given the industry’s reputation for volatility and novel technology. In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven of the most common mistakes new crypto investors make – and give you tips on how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Thinking all crypto is Bitcoin - [Europe Takes a Big Step Forward with Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/europe-mica-begins/) - A New Era for Crypto With MiCA Sunday marked a significant moment for the European Union (EU) and the global digital asset landscape. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework goes into effect, establishing the world's first comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for all aspects of the crypto market. Europe's Bold Move Fueled by concerns - [Robinhood Goes Crypto: Acquires Bitstamp for $200M](https://www.bitira.com/robinhood-buys-bitstamp/) - In a move signaling a major shift towards cryptocurrency, popular commission-free stock trading platform Robinhood announced its acquisition of Bitstamp, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, for $200 million. This strategic acquisition marks Robinhood's first foray into the crypto space beyond its existing limited offering and positions the company to become a major player in the - [Crypto Bounces Back: July Could See Next Crypto Bull Run](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-bouncing-back/) - While crypto has had some characteristic ups and downs over the past few months, experts are eying July for the likely return of the crypto bull market based on seasonal trends and a big opening day for the Bitcoin ETF market on July 1. Other factors tilting the scale include the approval of new crypto - [From Hype to Helpful: DePINs and the Future of Useful Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/depins-future-crypto/) - Cryptocurrency has captured headlines with soaring valuations and wild price swings. But for many, the technology behind it remains intangible and shrouded in mystery. Enter DePINs (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) – a revolutionary concept that promises to bridge the gap between the digital world of crypto and the tangible realities of our everyday lives. As - [Surge in Interest over Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Gripping the Asia-Pacific Market](https://www.bitira.com/surge-asia-market/) - The desire for Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure is surging in the Asia-Pacific region. This is evident by the recent launches of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Hong Kong took the lead in April with six Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, followed closely by Australia's launch of two Bitcoin ETFs in June. This rapid growth indicates the formation - [Forget Congress: States Are Leading the Charge for Responsible Crypto Regulation](https://www.bitira.com/states-lead-crypto-regulation/) - While the halls of Congress continue to echo with debates over cryptocurrency regulation, a quieter revolution is unfolding across the United States. State legislatures, from coast to coast, are taking the initiative on crypto, crafting a wave of measures that suggest a growing awareness of the digital asset's potential – and the need for clear - [Goldman Sachs Gives Major Boost to Crypto’s Institutional Momentum](https://www.bitira.com/goldman-sachs-tokenization/) - Cryptocurrency’s potential to revolutionize the finance industry isn’t limited to consumer products. Indeed, one of the holy grails represented by blockchain technology is its ability to tokenize real world assets – including everything from real estate to precious metals to artwork and collectibles. Goldman Sachs is making a major move into that space this year - [Bitcoin Price Rebounds, Traders Optimistic](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-rebound-optimism/) - Bitcoin has shown it's here to stay, rebounding sharply by 9% from recent lows. The sudden surge has ignited hopes among traders that the cryptocurrency may have finally bottomed out after a prolonged period of bearish sentiment. After sinking to its lowest levels since February, Bitcoin climbed back up to reach $63,000 during the week of - [Solana Network Shines: Strong Fundamentals Hint at Breakout ](https://www.bitira.com/solana-shines/) - While SOL's price has been stuck below $145 since early July, there's positive news brewing beneath the surface. Solana's network fundamentals, as evidenced by healthy on-chain activity and a favorable derivatives market, are showing strong signs. This strength could be the very push SOL needs to break past its current resistance and reach new highs - [Laughing Our Way to the Bank: How Memes and Games are Redefining Finance](https://www.bitira.com/memecoins-redefining/) - Forget stuffy suits and cryptic charts. The future of finance is fueled by laughter, friendly competition, and the power of shared cultural references – or memes, as the internet calls them. As social media, finance, and gaming converge into all-encompassing "super apps," memes are becoming a surprisingly powerful tool for navigating the financial world. Ray - [Solana Could be the Next ETF to Shine](https://www.bitira.com/solana-next-etf/) - With Bitcoin spot ETFs taking the financial world by storm – breaking even BlackRock’s anticipated growth projections – and Ethereum ETFs poised to launch next week, it’s clear that this is the year of crypto ETFs. Tucked behind bitcoin and ether, however, there’s a whole new pot of glowing possibilities in the form of Solana. The altcoin - [Crypto’s Role in the Upcoming Presidential Election](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-role-election/) - Crypto and fintech go mainstream as politicians vie to be named Most Crypto-Friendly Candidate. Here’s why the election could send crypto markets exploding… - [The Future of Leaks: Can Blockchain Protect Whistleblowers?](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-protect-whistleblowers/) - In the age of digital information, whistleblowers have played a critical role in exposing wrongdoing and sparking public discourse. However, these courageous individuals often face significant personal risk, including retaliation and legal repercussions. As technology continues to evolve, the question arises: can new solutions like blockchain offer a safer and more secure platform for whistleblowing? - [SOL Surges on ETF Buzz and Strong Network Activity](https://www.bitira.com/solana-buzz/) - Image via Freepik The price of Solana (SOL) has been on a tear lately, surging in recent weeks to trade at more than $180 on Monday – higher than its been in the past three months. This rally is being fueled by a combination of factors, including growing anticipation surrounding a potential Solana-focused exchange-traded - [Ether ETFs Launched: $1 Billion in Trading](https://www.bitira.com/ether-etf-launch/) - The match was just lit underneath Ether’s (ETH) fuse, and while the coin has yet to skyrocket, experts are predicting that’s about to change – and fast. The launch of the first ETH spot ETFs on July 23 was met with a resounding volume of $120 million in trades in the first 15 minutes, representing - [Texas - The Lone Star State's Bitcoin Boom](https://www.bitira.com/texas-bitcoin-boom/) - Texas has emerged as a dominant force in the burgeoning Bitcoin mining industry. Its combination of business-friendly policies and abundant, low-cost energy has created an ideal environment for cryptocurrency operations. The state's proactive stance on cryptocurrency has attracted significant investment and spurred economic growth. Cities like Fort Worth, a pioneer in municipal Bitcoin mining, have - [California DMV Embraces Blockchain to Streamline Vehicle Title Transfers](https://www.bitira.com/california-dmv-blockchain/) - Image via Freepik The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making waves in the world of blockchain technology by implementing a pilot program to leverage blockchain for vehicle title transfers. This innovative move has the potential to revolutionize the way Californians manage their car ownership, streamlining processes and enhancing security. But before we - [Crypto's Consistently Getting Better — Systemic Improvements Make Digital Currency Superior](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-improves/) - The cryptocurrency market is a complex ecosystem characterized by low liquidity, regulatory uncertainty, and speculative behavior. These factors combine to create a highly volatile and inefficient environment. One possible solution could be found in systematic approaches such as momentum indexes, writes Gregory Mall of Amina Bank for CoinDesk. While cryptocurrency represents a new kind of - [The Unit — Blockchain Currency Proposed to Replace US Dollar as Global Reserve Currency](https://www.bitira.com/the-unit-blockchain-currency/) - A new currency promising apolitical access has hit the world stage. BRICS – the economic powerhouse block of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South America, and its associates – is preparing to launch the Unit, representing the first major decentralized currency developed and launched by nation-states. The Unit operates on a blockchain network, similar to cryptocurrencies, - [Blockchain + AI Will Revolutionize Business](https://www.bitira.com/ai-blockchain-business/) - Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are two of the most transformative technologies of our time. AI is rapidly changing the way we work and live, from automating tasks to powering new forms of communication and entertainment. Blockchain, on the other hand, is revolutionizing the way we store and share data, creating a secure and transparent - [Digital Assets Prove Popular Among Investors](https://www.bitira.com/digital-investments-popular/) - Digital assets have rapidly evolved from a niche investment to a mainstream asset class, captivating the attention of investors worldwide. Recent surveys and market trends consistently indicate a growing appetite for cryptocurrencies, tokens, and other digital assets. As the industry matures and regulatory frameworks solidify, more traditional investors are venturing into this dynamic space, seeking - [Wall Street Giant Morgan Stanley Embraces Bitcoin with ETF Access](https://www.bitira.com/morgan-stanley-bitcoin-etfs/) - Image via StockCake Wall Street titan Morgan Stanley is making a bold move into the cryptocurrency realm by offering Bitcoin ETFs to its high-net-worth clients. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant shift for the traditional financial institution, as it embraces the digital asset that has captured the imagination of investors worldwide. By providing access - [The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: A Bold Step Towards Financial Innovation](https://www.bitira.com/strategic-bitcoin-reserve/) - Senator Cynthia Lummis has done it again. Her proposal is not just a bold political move; it signifies a monumental shift in how governments perceive bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as a whole... - [Trump vs Harris on Cryptocurrency: 2024 Election](https://www.bitira.com/trump-harris-cryptocurrency/) - Cryptocurrency is still an emerging technology, and the U.S. government tends to struggle with understanding, let alone regulating, any kind of new industry. However, there is no getting around the importance that government policies play in the field of cryptocurrency. Even though blockchains are designed to be decentralized and free from any kind of government - [Santa Monica Looks to Bitcoin to Boost Local Economy](https://www.bitira.com/santa-monica-bitcoin/) - Santa Monica's is doing something pretty innovative for the United States, particularly California. It's opening a "Bitcoin Office", but what does that mean exactly? Let's take a look at what to expect from Santa Monica's Bitcoin Office, and why they're hoping it'll pay dividends for the community. Santa Monica's Bitcoin Office: A Look Under the - [Pension Funds and Cryptocurrency: A New Frontier for Investment](https://www.bitira.com/state-pensions-crypto/) - The convergence of traditional finance and the dynamic cryptocurrency market is ushering in a new era of investment opportunities. A prime example of this trend is the growing interest among pension funds in digital assets. This strategic shift is poised to reshape the cryptocurrency landscape, bringing with it increased institutional credibility, market stability, and a - [Cryptocurrency Tax Exemption Could Provide Valuable Relief for Americans](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-relief/) - The world of cryptocurrency is brimming with potential, and its widespread adoption has the power to revolutionize how we conduct financial transactions. However, navigating the current tax regulations surrounding cryptocurrency can be a complex and discouraging affair. This is where the proposed Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act comes in, offering a beacon of hope for both - [Goldman Sachs Betting Big on Bitcoin ETFs](https://www.bitira.com/goldman-sachs-bitcoin-etfs/) - Despite its chief investment officer, Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani, declaring that cryptocurrency is not an asset class, Goldman Sachs is quietly going all in on cryptocurrency investments. The news came to light in the latest quarterly filing of the financial giant, revealing a $418.65 million investment in Bitcoin spot ETFs. “We do not think it is an - [Wyoming's Stablecoin Is Not The Innovation We Need](https://www.bitira.com/wyoming-stablecoin/) - Wyoming, the crypto cowboy state, is making headlines once again. This time, they may have gone just a little too far – trampling federal laws to roll out a solution to a problem we’re all too aware of. THEIR solution, though doesn’t go far enough… - [The New, Essential Asset for Traditional Banks](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-new-essential-asset/) - We’re seeing a new wave of institutional crypto adoption among some of the most conservative financial institutions. For years, the traditional banking sector saw crypto as a rival – today, they’re actively embracing blockchain technology as a necessity. What changed? - [How to Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams While Future-Proofing Your Savings](https://www.bitira.com/avoid-cryptocurrency-scams/) - As cryptocurrencies matured into a widely-accepted asset class, a wave of crypto scammers have preyed on the public’s misunderstanding of crypto. Here’s how to safely diversify your retirement savings with crypto… - [Can the President Stop $100k Bitcoin?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-six-figures-president/) - Despite the political and economic uncertainties that swirl around us these days, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. Crypto is here to stay. Digital assets are not just trends – they’re transforming how we think about wealth and investment. Since it’s a presidential election year, that means a lot of discussion of candidates’ political stances on crypto. So how’s that going? - [Wall Street's Crypto Sprint Is On (But You Can Still Get Ahead)](https://www.bitira.com/wall-street-crypto-sprint/) - Today the world’s largest banks aren’t just warming up to cryptocurrency; they’re actively embracing it. This seismic shift in institutional thinking is reshaping the financial landscape. And if megabanks like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are chasing crypto, that’s a strong sign crypto is here to stay. The race is on... - [6 Cryptocurrency Myths Busted](https://www.bitira.com/6-crypto-myths-busted/) - As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so does the accepted wisdom regarding cryptocurrencies, particularly bitcoin. Despite their increasing popularity, many misconceptions have grown up around cryptocurrencies and continue to persist. These crypto myths can discourage even the most well-informed and investment-savvy Americans from exploring this revolutionary asset class… - [What Would A “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” Actually Do?](https://www.bitira.com/strategic-bitcoin-reserve-smart/) - The idea of the U.S. government establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve is quickly gaining traction. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Democrat Ro Khanna and Senator Cynthia Lummis, want the nation to hold bitcoin as a strategic asset. Today, we ask whether this is a genius move or a terrible idea? - [Did Trump Just Create the Future of Crypto Adoption?](https://www.bitira.com/trump-world-liberty-financial/) - In a significant move for the cryptocurrency landscape, World Liberty Financial has submitted a proposal to the governance forum of Ethereum's DeFi platform Aave. This initiative, backed by former President Donald Trump and a number of notable business figures, will establish a new decentralized finance (DeFi) project that could bring a new generation of cryptocurrency users into the marketplace… - [The Modern Solution to Inflation, Economic Instability and Currency Challenges](https://www.bitira.com/modern-currency-solution/) - Today we explore crypto as a solution to the challenges of traditional currencies: inflation, economic instability and trust. One project in particular highlights the massive benefits crypto can bring not just to investors, but to an entire region… - [Will Microsoft Join MicroStrategy on Bitcoin Bandwagon?](https://www.bitira.com/microsoft-bitcoin-bandwagon/) - As the financial landscape evolves, cryptocurrency is rapidly gaining recognition as a legitimate asset class. Microsoft shareholders are set to vote on adding biitcoin to the tech giant’s balance sheet. The $3.16 trillion empire Bill Gates built could easily become a mega-whale in the crypto market… - [Whoever Wins the Vote, Crypto Wins the Election](https://www.bitira.com/trump-harris-crypto-wins/) - In a time of great uncertainty over the dead-heat presidential election, why is bitcoin flirting with a new all-time high? Is it possible that either candidate would be beneficial to the overall crypto market? Here’s what we know about Harris and Trump’s stances on crypto… - [Will Trump's Victory Send Bitcoin to $200k?](https://www.bitira.com/trump-bitcoin-200k/) - The recent presidential election has stirred discussions about the role of cryptocurrency in the U.S. We already saw, for example, a 10% jump in bitcoin price on Wednesday to a new all-time high. It’s a mistake to consider this nothing but a “crypto bro” trade – which is why one respected analyst sees bitcoin hitting $200k by the end of next year… - [Why the Crypto Boom Is Just Getting Started](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-boom-getting-started/) - Bitcoin’s recent performance hasn’t just broken records, it’s silenced a lot of crypto skeptics. Not to mention capturing the attention of investors worldwide. We don’t think the crypto boom is over – in fact, we think it’s just getting started… - [Bitcoin Blunders & How to Avoid Them](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-blunders/) - Of the existing bitcoin in circulation, a shocking 20% – currently worth around $388 billion – appear to be in lost or stranded wallets. Today we tell the tale of the most famous bitcoin blunders, and how you can learn from their mistakes… - [The Biggest Bitcoin Buy-and-Hold Success Story](https://www.bitira.com/biggest-bitcoin-success/) - Bitcoin came within a quarter percentage point of hitting $100k this week – a massive milestone in the development of the $3.3 trillion cryptocurrency market. Today, we take a close look at what could be the biggest bitcoin buy-and-hold success story of all time… - [The Biggest Opportunities in Crypto (Besides Bitcoin)](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-altcoin-season/) - Bitcoin finally broke the landmark $100k level, but the action is far from over. Altcoin season has officially begun! Today we take a deep dive into the cryptocurrency market cycle to see where the biggest opportunities lie… - [Almost All 401(k)s Come with This Unfair Fine Print](https://www.bitira.com/401k-jail/) - Crypto keeps capturing headlines, attracting global institutions and everyday investors day by day. But there’s one stubborn corner of the traditional finance industry that simply refuses to change. According to a recent report, less than 1% of 401(k) plans offer crypto to participants. In case you’re trapped behind bars, here’s how to break out of 401(k) jail… - [Cryptocurrency Adoption Spreading to High-End Brands](https://www.bitira.com/luxury-crypto-adoption/) - The exclusive, high-end, luxury and fashion sectors might not be the most obvious places to expect enthusiastic crypto adoption. You’d be surprised! Recently, some very respectable and established brands are now accepting crypto. Today we explore what these respected brands believe they’ll gain from their enthusiastic adoption of crypto… - [Five Reasons 2024 Was Crypto’s Greatest Year (So Far)](https://www.bitira.com/2024-crypto-greatest-year/) - Unlike traditional financial markets, cryptocurrency is always on, 24/7/365. That’s one reason every calendar year feels like five or even 10 years in the world of crypto. Everything moves faster. From adoption and regulatory developments to corporate and private support, here are the five major milestones crypto blew through in 2024… - [Practical Ways Crypto Adoption Is Growing Worldwide](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-global-adoption/) - Cryptocurrency has long been perceived as a speculative asset, but its growing adoption across developing economies underscores the wide versatility of digital currency. With more tapping into crypto to engage within local and global economies, what is the potential effect on crypto’s value?... - [Here’s Why This Week’s Bitcoin Dip Shouldn’t Discourage You From Investing Long-Term](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-long-term-potential/) - With bitcoin recently dipping to $92,000 a day after reaching $100,000 again, many are concerned about its future. Investing in bitcoin looks like a sound long-term financial strategy, in light of increased institutional adoption and the numerous bullish bitcoin predictions in 2025… - [These Trump Picks Could Shape Crypto's Future for the Better](https://www.bitira.com/pro-crypto-choices/) - President Trump has chosen several crypto-friendly leaders to head key positions in his new administration. Ahead of Monday’s inauguration, here's a look at some Trump picks that have crypto investors excited, and what role these leaders could play in advancing crypto adoption… - [Will the New $Trump Meme Coin Create a Crack in Crypto’s Future?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-meme-fears/) - With the president launching his new meme coin, $Trump, many in the crypto space are concerned about how heavily-backed meme coins could negatively affect crypto adoption. Learn more about what meme coins are and their potential effects on the digital currencies landscape…. - [3 Big Reasons 2025 Will Be Crypto's Greatest Year Ever](https://www.bitira.com/3-reasons-2025-greatest/) - 2024 was crypto's best year (so far), and right now a number of forces are aligning that make 2025 look even better. Here are 3 huge reasons we think 2025 will be remembered forever as crypto's breakout year... - [Here’s Why We’re So Excited Common-Sense Crypto Regulation Is on Its Way](https://www.bitira.com/common-sense-crypto/) - For crypto’s true believers, regardless of their politics, the recent election has changed everything. Trump isn’t just actively involved in a number of crypto projects – he’s promised to reverse the crypto-skeptical stance of the previous administration. Here’s why a clear-eyed, common-sense approach to crypto regulation will change everything… - [Could This Be Ripple’s Breakout Year?](https://www.bitira.com/ripple-breakout/) - Ripple, XRP, one of the most famous and embattled cryptocurrencies, is finally on the move. Not only is institutional adoption and use growing by leaps and bounds, Ripple is virtually unique among cryptocurrencies thanks to its bulletproof, real-world use case. Here’s why we think Ripple is poised for a massive breakout… - [Do Memecoin Risks Outweigh the Rewards?](https://www.bitira.com/memecoin-risks-rewards/) - Everyone’s aware by now of the massive growth potential cryptocurrency investing offers. Speculating in memecoins has become America’s new favorite obsession – but why? Today we take a deep dive into memecoins and discuss the idea of reward-free risk… - [Should You Be Concerned About Crypto’s Tactical Retreat?](https://www.bitira.com/tactical-retreat/) - One of the things most vital for you to master in your journey as an investor is your own psychology. That matters most, not during boom times when “line go up” and everyone’s thrilled – but during the in-between times. Today we describe the characteristic that separates speculators from investors… - [White House Crypto Summit Changes Everything](https://www.bitira.com/white-house-crypto-summit/) - What do you get when “the most powerful man in the world” decides to move forward with his pro-crypto policies? A crypto czar, a Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve diversified among five different assets, an end to hostile SEC actions – and a completely different investing landscape… - [Crypto Tax Questions? We’ve Got Answers (Again)](https://www.bitira.com/7th-annual-crypto-tax-qa/) - Every year, the IRS moves the goalposts on crypto taxes. Between new forms, new rules, and new ways to get blindsided by an unexpected tax burden, a lot of HODLers don’t know where to turn. And that’s exactly why we reached out to our panel of world-class crypto tax pros once again this year… - [The Surprising Psychology Behind Crypto Conviction](https://www.bitira.com/psychology-crypto-conviction/) - Die-hard crypto investors have a track record of conviction through periods of volatility – holding on for dear life (abbreviated “hodl”) that can be astonishing. If we understand that volatility is a feature of crypto investing rather than a flaw, hodling has some big advantages… - [Crypto Adoption Hits Critical Mass – 54% and Counting](https://www.bitira.com/adoption-critical-mass/) - In economic theory, the “network effect” explains the positive feedback loop between adoption and value. Every new user increases value to all other users – and motivates non-users to come into the fold. This week, we investigate the growing interest in cryptocurrency adoption at the state level, which has risen to truly astonishing levels… - [Trump Family Announces New Crypto Venture](https://www.bitira.com/trump-stablecoin-launch/) - Love him or loathe him, Donald Trump sure knows how to command attention. This week, we learned that the Trump family has moved beyond novelty offerings like the $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins – this stands to become the biggest crypto project backed by the Trump name. Here’s why that’s a big deal… - [The Everyday American's Guide to Crypto Diversification](https://www.bitira.com/everyday-guide-crypto-diversification/) - With cryptocurrencies in the news so much these days, many Americans who weren't early adopters are starting to see the value of crypto. Some worry they're too late. We don't believe that's the case. In fact, we believe there's never been a better time to diversify your savings with cryptocurrency. Here's how to go about it the smart way... - [Do Trade Wars Affect the Cryptocurrency Market?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-trade-wars/) - Trade wars rocked financial markets this week, sending investors into a tizzy. Every asset, from safe havens to speculative purchases, saw record-setting volatility. But how do trade wars affect crypto? - [Crypto Tax Shell Shock](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-shell-shock/) - A surprising number of Americans are reeling from unexpected crypto tax bills. Here’s what went wrong – and how you can protect yourself before it happens to you… - [Nearly Half Of Americans Already Own Cryptocurrency – Here’s Why](https://www.bitira.com/half-americans-crypto/) - Poll data show nearly half of Americans are integrating cryptocurrencies into their retirement savings – a trend that's reshaping the financial world. What’s fueling this shift, and why are younger generations leading the charge? Here are the underlying factors driving this trend – and what it means for your financial future… - [How the "Flywheel Effect" Will Drive Crypto to New Heights](https://www.bitira.com/flywheel-effect-crypto/) - As more governments consider holding bitcoin in national reserves and investors jump on expanding access to crypto, the entire sector is poised to enter a new growth phase. Here’s how the “Flywheel Effect” may spark a global rush that drives up prices – and how you can get ahead of it… - [Are We Entering Crypto’s Golden Age?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-golden-age/) - Accreditation rules are changing, states are adding crypto to pensions, and Apple just opened the floodgates. Is this the tipping point that launches crypto into its Golden Age – and what does that mean for your retirement savings? - [Crypto Is More Than One Coin: Why Smart Investors Diversify Within Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/diversify-within-cryptocurrencies/) - Crypto’s long-term growth potential is undeniable – but its short-term volatility scares some people off. What’s the solution? Don’t just invest with crypto. Diversify within crypto. Here’s what the smart money recommends – and why it matters… - [With the GENIUS Act, Could Crypto Save the Dollar?](https://www.bitira.com/genius-act/) - Is crypto about to rescue the dollar? A new Senate bill – humbly called the GENIUS Act – could strengthen the greenback by embracing stablecoins. Here’s why this unlikely alliance could change everything for the crypto market… - [Crypto Payments Go Mainstream: Why Businesses Love Digital Currency](https://www.bitira.com/businesses-love-crypto-payments/) - Crypto isn’t just a new asset class anymore – businesses are pushing for digital currency payments to lower costs and boost privacy. Here’s how this trend will change how you spend, save and plan for your future… - [Circle’s IPO Isn’t Just About Stablecoins – It’s About Crypto’s Future](https://www.bitira.com/circle-ipo-crypto-future/) - Circle, the company behind #2 stablecoin USDC, just raised over $1 billion in an IPO. But the real story isn’t the money. It’s what this huge investment says about crypto’s infrastructure, regulation, and future. Here’s why we're watching this story very closely… - [Crypto Strategy Showdown: Lump Sum Investing or Dollar-Cost Averaging?](https://www.bitira.com/lump-sum-vs-dollar-cost-averaging/) - When diversifying with crypto, should you invest all at once or build your position over time? We explore the pros and cons of lump sum vs. dollar-cost averaging – plus how one billionaire’s playbook might help you decide what’s best for you… . - [Zoomers, Billionaires and the Wealth Shift Nobody Saw Coming](https://www.bitira.com/zoomers-billionaires-wealth-shift/) - What do Gen Z investors and super-high-net-worth elites have in common? At first glance, nothing. But right now, both are actively embracing both gold and crypto, two assets that couldn't be more different. When extremes align like this, it’s time to pay attention – here's what too many people are ignoring... - [Crypto Reaches Escape Velocity: Institutions Are on Board – Are You?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-escape-velocity/) - Major institutions like SoFi, Freddie Mac, and even Amazon are charging into crypto. From tokens to stablecoins, the rocket’s taking off – and prices may follow. Are you on board the rocket, or standing under it? - [Has Crypto Reached Its Tipping Point?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-mainstream-tipping-point/) - Run DMC did it for rap. Ripple and Wall Street may be doing it for crypto. Discover why we might be witnessing the moment digital currency goes fully mainstream... - [Crypto FOMO vs. Long-Term Wealth: What Every Investor Should Know](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-fomo-long-term-wealth/) - A viral Reddit post just confirmed what smart investors already suspected: the biggest crypto gains went to those who bought early and held. For retirement investors, that’s more than a lesson – it’s a strategy. Here’s how you can put it to work for you… - [Crypto Investing 101: Top 5 Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-5-beginner-mistakes/) - Millions are diving into crypto – often without checking the depth of the water. If you're new to the space, you’re not alone. Here are the five biggest mistakes beginners make, and the strategies you can use to set yourself up for success… - [Why the Government Agrees Crypto Now Belongs in Your Retirement Plan](https://www.bitira.com/government-agrees-crypto-retirement/) - Crypto’s going mainstream even faster than before. With Trump’s support, a new federal law, and the Ripple resolution, digital assets are becoming vital for retirement savings. Here’s what’s happening – and what it could mean for your future… - [Ethereum Turns 10: After a Decade of Disruption, a New Era for Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/ethereum-new-era/) - Ethereum just turned 10. Now, with new U.S. stablecoin legislation in place and ETH gaining momentum rivalling bitcoin's, the second-largest crypto is poised for its next phase. Here's what we think will come next... - [The Big Shift: Why TradFi Suddenly Loves Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/tradfi-loves-crypto/) - Institutional investors are diving into crypto like never before, driven by clearer rules, stronger infrastructure and rising profits. Most investors haven’t caught on yet. When they do, will the window of opportunity slam shut? - [The Executive Order Poised to Ignite a Crypto Boom](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-executive-order/) - An executive order just unlocked the $9 trillion 401(k) market for cryptocurrencies. If you thought crypto adoption had already peaked, think again – this shift could send demand soaring. Today we ask just how much crypto stands to gain… - [How You Can Profit from the Stablecoin Gold Rush](https://www.bitira.com/stablecoin-gold-rush/) - Goldman Sachs calls stablecoins the next “gold rush.” Governments want them, banks are betting on them – stablecoins are going mainstream fast. Here’s how you can stake your claim on the future of money… - [Bitcoin Jungle: A Glimpse Into the Future of Money](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-jungle/) - Most people see bitcoin as just a store of value asset. But in Costa Rica’s “Bitcoin Jungle,” it’s already functioning as real, practical everyday money. What this experiment reveals could change how you think about financial freedom – and your savings… - [The Weird Reason Bitcoin Is Winning Over Mainstream Investors](https://www.bitira.com/weird-reason-bitcoin/) - Once seen as the riskiest of risk-on assets, bitcoin is now gaining a reputation for stability. With corporate buyers stockpiling coins and volatility at historic lows, today bitcoin is drawing in mainstream investors who want growth without the chaos… - [Crypto Made Simple: 5 Rules Smart Investors Swear By](https://www.bitira.com/5-simple-crypto-rules/) - Cryptocurrencies, while gaining much wider acceptance, are still not really understood well by the majority of people, at least in terms of wise investment principles to work from, even by people who are already investing into crypto. Too many people haven’t studied crypto and are still under the illusion that cryptocurrencies, as a general investment - [Retirement’s Risky New Rules – 2 Ways to Survive and Thrive](https://www.bitira.com/retirement-risky-new-rules/) - For those who keep their fingers on the pulse of retirement planning, it’s clear that it is at a crossroads. Now, individual investors have both the opportunity and the responsibility to take matters into their own hands to make the most of the situation (and the responsibility to cover their own assets). To give some - [The Price of “Owning” Crypto Through Big Banks](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-investors-vs-speculators/) - Crypto ETFs are back in the news in a big way. The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s updated standards for approval for these assets, streamlining the financial sector’s product launch process. The financial services sector is chomping at the bit. Now, based on your view of cryptocurrencies, you might call that good news or bad - [How Hackers Can Use Your Appliances to Steal Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/how-hackers-steal-bitcoin/) - Nearly 40 years ago, an animated film came out called The Brave Little Toaster. You may remember it. It was about a toaster that came to life, along with other household appliances, and went on a journey to find their missing owner. It was a fun kid’s movie. I’m not just bringing it up out - [The Future of Crypto Banking Just Launched – Here’s What’s Next](https://www.bitira.com/future-crypto-banking-launched/) - With one “simple” move, Galaxy Digital just redefined both the finance and cryptocurrency game. That’s a bold statement, sure, but the implications of what they’re doing could revolutionize consumer acceptance (and investment) into cryptocurrencies. It’s a big, big deal. Here’s what you need to know… Banking, investing and cryptocurrencies? There’s an app for that! Nate - [Crypto’s Biggest Crash Was Also Its Biggest Test – and It Passed](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-biggest-crash/) - A $19 billion liquidation made headlines as the “biggest crypto crash in history.” But beneath the panic was proof that decentralized markets can self-correct – and that long-term investors should welcome the reset… - [Why Indirect Crypto Ownership Is A Mistake](https://www.bitira.com/indirect-crypto-ownership/) - Investors who wanted exposure to crypto indirectly invested in “crypto treasury companies.” They’ve lost over $17 billion (so far) simply because they didn’t own it themselves. Here’s why indirect “crypto exposure” is one of the worst ideas ever… - [Why Smart Investors Are Moving Beyond Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/moving-beyond-bitcoin/) - Grandma’s best investing advice still applies in the digital age: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Here’s why today’s savviest investors are spreading their crypto exposure beyond bitcoin – and how a Digital IRA can offer an additional strategic advantage… - [5 Fundamental Rules for Diversifying with Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/5-fundamental-crypto-rules/) - New to crypto or refining your strategy? Learn five timeless investing fundamentals – from dollar-cost averaging to risk tolerance – that can help you diversify your portfolio with confidence and stay on track for the long run. - [Bitcoin to Overtake Gold? Michael Saylor Thinks So – But Is That the Right Question?](https://www.bitira.com/saylor-bitcoin-overtake-gold/) - Michael Saylor has no doubt that bitcoin will outgrow gold in the near term. He could be right – but does it matter? Today, we explore the gold vs. "digital gold" debate. Could it be more beneficial to not choose a side? - [The Crypto Comedown: Why Volatility Hurts Speculators, Not Investors](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-comedown-speculators-investors/) - Crypto’s latest correction erased more than $1 trillion in value – and exposed the huge gap between short-term speculators and real long-term investors. Here’s what this volatility truly means, and what it reveals about the difference between speculation and investment… - [Crypto Taxes Are About to Get Much Tougher](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-taxes-much-tougher/) - The IRS is ending crypto’s “wild west” tax era. Starting with 2025 filings, brokers must report digital asset sales directly to the IRS – closing loopholes and raising compliance standards. Here’s what's at stake, and how to avoid tax headaches... - [Why Major Banks And Brokerage Firms Say Buy Crypto Now](https://www.bitira.com/major-banks-buy-crypto/) - Major financial institutions spent years warning investors away from crypto – now they’ve changed their tune. BofA, Morgan Stanley and BlackRock say crypto diversification is for everyone. What changed? Why now? And what’s the most efficient way to participate? - [Texas Makes a Big Bet on Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/big-bet-bitcoin/) - Texas just became the first state to build a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve -- a move aimed at long‑term growth rather than short‑term speculation. Here’s what that shift in thinking means for investors planning for the future. - [Millennials Turn Towards Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/millennials-turn-towards-bitcoin-and-cryptocurrency/) - The stock market might be undergoing a big surge, but one group of investors is unconvinced that it can continue and continues to seek out alternate acquisitions. According to Cointelegraph's Darryn Pollock, the traditional status of stocks and bonds is precisely what makes them unattractive investment options in the eyes of millennials. Brought up in - [Blockchain Technology in Other Industries: Healthcare](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-technology-in-other-industries-healthcare/) - Those who view Bitcoin as revolutionary will most likely look at its financial implications. Yet, as noted by Cointelegraph's Amelia Tomasicchio, Bitcoin's Blockchain technology shows plenty of potential for upgrading the current standards of security and data management in other industries. Healthcare is one industry where Blockchain tech has already been making strides. It is - [Digital Currency Still Thrives in China](https://www.bitira.com/digital-currency-still-thrives-in-china/) - Bitcoin was recently dealt a setback when China became the first country to make an official move against the currency and ICOs (initial coin offerings) when it shut down numerous exchanges. The move was so significant that it led many to wonder whether Bitcoin could sustain the setback. China's efforts to halt trading between Bitcoin - [Cryptocurrencies: Putting an End to Fiat Currency](https://www.bitira.com/putting-an-end-to-fiat-currency/) - Is the end of fiat currencies on the horizon? According to Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid, the collapse of paper money has already started. This collapse has been backed, in his view, partly by the spread of cryptocurrencies. Reid believes that the abandonment of the gold standard by President Richard Nixon in 1971 created a - [Nasdaq to Launch Bitcoin Futures Mid-2018](https://www.bitira.com/nasdaq-to-launch-bitcoin-futures-mid-2018/) - This week, Nasdaq and broker Cantor Fitzgerald LP announced that they are looking to move into Bitcoin trading by launching their own futures in the first half of 2018. According to WSJ insiders, Nasdaq plans to debut its Bitcoin contract on the Nasdaq Futures marketplace, which launched in 2015 and has mainly focused on energy - [Bitcoin: Enjoying The High-Speed Ride](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-enjoying-the-high-speed-ride/) - Few asset classes can boast of having experienced a rise as sudden and meteoric as that of Bitcoin. After launching in 2010, the digital currency didn't reach $1,000 until early 2017, as the world was growing accustomed to the idea of a decentralized digital currency. Yet in this year alone, the cryptocurrency has soared. It - [Bitcoin ETFs May Come Sooner Than We Think](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-etfs-may-come-sooner-than-we-think/) - Although Bitcoin futures have barely landed on the market, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's real-time filing system EDGAR shows that two companies are looking for approval to launch their Bitcoin ETFs. REX and VanEck submitted their applications early this week. Should the SEC grant its stamp of approval, neither REX nor VanEck will need - [Companies Are Offering To Pay Salaries With Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/companies-are-offering-to-pay-salaries-with-bitcoin/) - As Bitcoin continues to establish itself among investors, companies around the world are experimenting with the idea of offering their employees payment in the form of Bitcoin. One of them is Japanese web hosting company GMO Internet, which recently gave its employees the choice of converting part of their salary to Bitcoin. The offer is - [2017: Year of the Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/2017-year-of-the-bitcoin/) - It's official, Bitcoin has been named Investopedia's 2017 “Term of the Year.“ Anyone familiar with the digital currency might not find this news surprising, as Bitcoin's rapid rise has been the talk of even those outlets and institutions who have previously taken a lukewarm approach to it. Bitcoin beat out various other trending searches, such - [Paypal Co-Founder Buys $15 Million Worth of Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/paypal-co-founder-buys-15-million-worth-of-bitcoin/) - The value of traditional assets and currencies tends to be determined by the standing of companies or governments issuing them. While Bitcoin's decentralized status acts as one of its perks, it can also lead to perplexing valuations; in the absence of fundamentals, faith plays a major role in determining Bitcoin's value. In particular, a show - [These Countries are Profiting From Cryptocurrency While Others Are Missing Out](https://www.bitira.com/these-countries-are-profiting-from-cryptocurrency-while-others-are-missing-out/) - 2017 could rightfully be called the year that Bitcoin was embraced. The cryptocurrency has been in circulation since 2009 and has enjoyed reasonable pricing throughout its history, but it wasn't until last year that investors and institutions truly opened up to the idea of a valuable and decentralized digital currency. With this acceptance came a - [CoinMarketCap Revises its Pricing Methodology](https://www.bitira.com/coinmarketcap-revises-its-pricing-methodology/) - In recent months, there have been a number of events that have caused short-term volatility in cryptocurrency markets. These have included suggestions of increased regulation around cryptocurrency trading by certain Asian governments and, more simply, short-term traders exiting the market to realize substantial gains. On January 8, it happened yet again, when there was what - [Upcoming Hard Forks: What Bitcoin Owners Should Know [Timeline]](https://www.bitira.com/upcoming-hard-forks-what-bitcoin-owners-should-know-timeline/) - Most Bitcoin owners and cryptocurrency buffs are familiar with the phenomenon of forks. Some dread them due to a potential negative effect they could have on the main currency, while others hope to use them to achieve a profit. But what are they? In simplest terms, a fork is a user-powered derivative of the original - [Making Sense of Bitcoin's Recent Price Decline](https://www.bitira.com/making-sense-of-bitcoins-recent-price-decline/) - Bitcoin suffered a sharp decline over the past few days, falling below $10,000. A deeper analysis of sentiment drivers, however, shows that Bitcoin's bad publicity has little foundation, as every piece of bearish news turned out to be nothing more than a misinterpretation. Given the popularity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in India, it should - [Crypto and Stock Market Plunge: Which Is More Likely to Rebound?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-and-stock-market-plunge-which-is-more-likely-to-rebound/) - After a volatile week that saw many short-term investors panic, cryptocurrencies have finally found their anchor. Cointelegraph's Gareth Jenkinson blames the lack of stability on fear and doubt, particularly by investors who jumped into Bitcoin around the time that it reached its all-time high in December. News of a clampdown on cryptocurrencies by governments and - [Ripple Signs Agreement With Saudi Arabia's Central Bank](https://www.bitira.com/ripple-signs-agreement-with-saudi-arabias-central-bank/) - Earlier this week, Ripple announced a new agreement with The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) to help banks in the nation improve their payments infrastructure. This announcement comes several weeks after Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, unofficially revealed the partnership at the Blockchain Connect Conference in San Francisco. The partnership will allow several banks from the - [BitIRA Now Offers More Cryptocurrencies For Your IRA](https://www.bitira.com/more-cryptocurrencies-for-your-ira/) - We're thrilled to share this news with you. When speaking to customers, there's one question that we hear more so than any other: When will you offer more cryptocurrencies for my IRA? Today, we're happy to announce that RIGHT NOW we can offer you six digital currencies for placement in your IRA. They are: Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash - [Finland Turns to Cold Storage for Greater Security of Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/finland-turns-to-cold-storage-for-greater-security-of-cryptocurrency/) - In a recent ruling, the Finnish government issued a new set of guidelines regarding how they handle confiscated Bitcoins. One of the main updates will oblige law officials to store the seized currency offline, instead of holding them on an exchange. Offline storage, also referred to as "cold storage", usually involves a hardware wallet which - [Israeli Supreme Court Delivers Big Win for Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/israeli-supreme-court-delivers-big-win-for-cryptocurrency/) - In a move that has been interpreted as a victory for cryptocurrencies, the Israeli Supreme Court declared that banks in the country can no longer place restrictions on accounts related to the crypto industry. The order comes after Leumi Bank blocked the company account of Bits of Gold, a digital currency broker from Tel Aviv. - [Binance Withdrawals Halted: Security Breach?](https://www.bitira.com/binance-withdrawals-halted-security-breach/) - In yet another harsh critique of cryptocurrency exchanges and their security, major trading hub Binance recently found itself under a potential hacker attack. Although details are sketchy, Binance was forced to halt withdrawals after detecting some unusual activity on its platform. The suspect transfers involved a massive jump in buy orders for Viacoin, which saw - [First Hard, Then Soft, and Now... Velvet Forks](https://www.bitira.com/first-hard-then-soft-and-now-velvet-forks/) - Besides soft and hard forks, cryptocurrency owners could soon find themselves keeping an eye out for a new kind of split: the "velvet fork." Fortunately, there's time for you to understand this new concept, as velvet forks are still a long way away from being an established phenomenon – even their name is a fairly recent - [G20 Summit: Cryptocurrency Does Not 'Pose Risk'](https://www.bitira.com/g20-summit-cryptocurrency-does-not-pose-risk/) - This article is about the 2018 G20 Summit. For information about potential cryptocurrency regulations discussed at the 2023 G20 Summit in India, click here. This week's G20 summit in Argentina has been an important date on the crypto industry's calendar for months. As far back as December 2017, finance officials and politicians hinted that they - [You Ready to Bail on Bitcoin? Think Again, Says This Wall Street Vet](https://www.bitira.com/dont-bail-on-bitcoin-yet-tom-lee/) - Very few assets are immune to selloffs in times of panic and uncertainty, and cryptocurrency owners can sometimes feel tempted to cash in on their gains. Yet according to one notable analyst, Bitcoin investors stand to lose the most if they allow sentiment to dictate their strategy. Talking to CNBC, former J.P. Morgan Chase chief - [Blockchain Smartphone Finds a Manufacturer](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-smartphone-finds-a-manufacturer/) - Electronics developer Sirin Labs is partnering with major Chinese manufacturer Foxconn to deliver a Blockchain-based smartphone called "Finney". Foxconn subsidiary FIH Mobile will be tasked with mass-producing the latest crypto invention by the Swiss startup. As Sirin Labs CEO Moshe Hogeg explained, the phone's primary purpose will be to bridge the gap between cryptocurrencies and - [Rockefellers Move Into Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/rockefellers-move-into-crypto/) - One of America's wealthiest families is the latest big name to enter the crypto space. The Rockefellers' venture-capital firm Venrock recently teamed up with CoinFund, a group of cryptocurrency investors with a focus on financing blockchain-based businesses. In his interview with Fortune, Venrock partner David Pakman spoke about what the joint effort means to both - [Samsung to Adopt Blockchain Technology](https://www.bitira.com/samsung-to-adopt-blockchain-technology/) - With more and more companies showing an interest in using blockchain technology to improve their bottom line, Samsung appears to be the first multinational to commit to such an overhaul. And while many businesses feel they have a niche that blockchain can upgrade, Samsung's application would potentially involve a complete redesign of its shipment tracking - [Survey Results: "Yes, Bitcoin has Bottomed Out"](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-has-bottomed-out/) - Few assets in history have experienced a ride comparable to Bitcoin's over the past year. Having stayed under $1,000 for several years, Bitcoin shot up to nearly $20,000 towards the end of 2017. 2018 has so far seen a consolidation in the market, with the cryptocurrency currently around $9,000 after some ups and downs. While - [CFTC Chairman: Bitcoin Best for Long-Term Buy and Hold Strategy](https://www.bitira.com/cftc-chairman-bitcoin-best-for-long-term-buy-and-hold-strategy/) - Although Bitcoin has been in circulation for nearly a decade, many still struggle to define it within a financial context. Some view it as an alternative to fiat currencies due to its simplification of transactions, while others treat it as a commodity that's meant to be traded in the short-term. The view of Bitcoin as - [Owner of NYSE Working on Bitcoin Trading Platform](https://www.bitira.com/owner-of-nyse-working-on-bitcoin-trading-platform/) - The New York Stock Exchange could be the latest institutional giant to adopt Bitcoin by introducing a specialized trading platform. A report by The New York Times states that Intercontinental Exchange, the NYSE's parent company, has already begun implementing a Bitcoin-oriented platform aimed primarily at larger investors. Although details remain scarce, the trading desk would - [U.S. Regulators: We Don't Want to Interfere With Blockchain Technology](https://www.bitira.com/us-regulators-no-interference-with-blockchain-technology/) - A recent panel at CoinDesk's Consensus 2018 conference in New York saw key U.S. regulatory figures discuss the ideal way of approaching digital assets. The panel featured notable lawmakers such as CFTC enforcement director James McDonald, SEC Enforcement Division Cyber Unit chief Robert Cohen, as well as associate deputy attorney general Sujit Raman. Also in - [Bitcoin Price Dip Seen as Long-Term Opportunity by Big Investors](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-price-dip-seen-as-long-term-opportunity-by-investors/) - Though Bitcoin once again diverts away from its December 2017 highs, interest in the cryptocurrency by large-scale investors still continues to grow. Coindesk's annual conference in Manhattan showed that, despite recent dips, major figures in the industry were as keen as ever to increase their exposure to digital assets. As reported by CCN, opinions sometimes - [Is Bitcoin Price a Predictor of the Stock Market?](https://www.bitira.com/is-bitcoin-price-a-predictor-of-the-stock-market/) - CryptoSlate's Bill DeLisle wonders whether Bitcoin can go even further beyond its current utility and serve as a gauge for an entirely different market. As is the case with any cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is sometimes thought of as a way to go against the monetary establishment by switching to a decentralized payment system. Even as big - [SEP IRA and Bitcoin - How to Leverage Cryptocurrency in Your Retirement Portfolio](https://www.bitira.com/sep-ira-bitcoin/) - Cryptocurrency Investment for Retirement As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies move toward mass adoption, many people have started diversifying one retirement account or more with digital currency holdings. One option is to create a Digital IRA (also known as a Cryptocurrency IRA), which is a self-directed IRA holding cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. You’ll need to open a - [Blockchain Adoption Boosted by $50-Million Donation from Ripple](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-adoption-boosted-by-50-million-donation-from-ripple/) - After developing one of the top altcoins on the market, Ripple aims to spread its influence further by funding a major blockchain research effort, reports Coindesk. The company is no stranger to blockchain technology, as their flagship coin currently ranks as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. And despite their heavy focus on brokering support - [Cryptocurrencies Are a "Modern Miracle", Says CFTC Commissioner](https://www.bitira.com/cftc-cryptocurrency-is-a-modern-miracle-says-commissioner/) - As regulatory bodies continue to improve their policies regarding digital assets, crypto enthusiasts have been paying special attention to comments from officials involved with the matter. And while many of them have already assumed a decidedly positive stance on cryptocurrencies, few have given them as much praise as CFTC commissioner Rostin Behnam. In his speech - [Blockchain As a Law-Enforcement Watchdog | In the Press](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-as-a-law-enforcement-watchdog-in-the-press/) - The idea that Bitcoin is widely used to facilitate criminal activities is deeply rooted in misconception. The criminals who use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies do so because they believe that blockchain provides completely anonymous and untraceable transactions. This belief is largely mistaken. Blockchain: Security Challenge and Opportunity In reality, blockchain has the potential to make - [Announcing BitIRA's Cryptocurrency Security Guide](https://www.bitira.com/announcing-cryptocurrency-security-guide/) - One of the most important issues in cryptocurrency involves how best to secure and protect digital assets owned by consumers. Just like one wouldn't leave their physical wallet out in a public space, keeping one's digital wealth (like bitcoin) away from thieves requires taking certain precautions. These steps are not always the same as those - [Every Currency Will Become a Cryptocurrency, Says CEO of Circle](https://www.bitira.com/every-currency-will-become-a-cryptocurrency-says-ceo-of-circle/) - According to Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, every fiat currency in the world is destined to have its crypto version. To speed up the process, Allaire told CNBC this week, he and his firm plan to unveil a virtual currency tethered to the U.S. dollar, an idea they dubbed the "USD Coin". Thanks to sizeable investments - [Upfolio Creates Guides for New Crypto Investors | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/upfolio-creates-guides-for-new-crypto-investors/) - We're kicking off a series of articles titled "Innovators in Crypto" that feature interviews with leaders in this industry that offer unique perspectives, products, and services. We will feature posts on topics ranging from altcoins like Ripple to crypto security. For this first article in the series, we interview Simon Saval, Co-Founder of Upfolio, a - [BitIRA Now Offers Zcash (ZEC) and Stellar Lumens (XLM) for IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/bitira-now-offers-zcash-zec-and-stellar-lumens-xlm-for-iras/) - While bitcoin still dominates the cryptocurrency market, it's no secret that it's wise to diversify -- even within one's cryptocurrency holdings. To that end, BitIRA is always looking for new opportunities to offer more crypto coin options for our customers. And this week, BitIRA has announced that two coins have been added to our options for - [Zcash Aims to Set the Standard for the Way Crypto Foundations Are Run](https://www.bitira.com/zcash-aims-to-set-the-standard-for-the-way-crypto-foundations-are-run/) - As the Zcash Foundation prepares for its first gathering, owners of the project are hoping to clear the name of non-profits in the crypto industry, as reported by Coindesk. Other crypto organizations of the kind have a mixed reputation, as critics view them as little more than a potential tool for legal workarounds and nepotistic - [June 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-news-june-2018/) - Here are the top stories for each day in June 2018 in the cryptocurrency world (focus on U.S.): 1st - IMF Official Calls for Regulation, Tech Adoption by Banks to Fight ‘Crypto Competition’ 2nd - Japan’s SBI Group Launched Cryptocurrency Trading Platform with Ripple 3rd - New York State May Launch a Cryptocurrency Task Force 4th - John McAfee - [The Promise of Cryptocurrencies for Developing Countries](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrencies-developing-countries/) - In a world where many regions face bleak prospects for the future, cryptocurrencies and other blockchain technologies could be used to improve the living conditions in third-world countries. While they are generally seen as a first-world commodity, Parul Gujral writes for The Market Mogul that blockchain technology could also be applied to developing countries in - [Scholarship Winner Announced for BitIRA U (Summer 2018)](https://www.bitira.com/scholarship-winner-announced-for-bitira-u-summer-2018/) - BitIRA is happy to announce that we have chosen a winner for the inaugural BitIRA U Scholarship of $1,000! The purpose of the scholarship was for college students (and those in their final year of high school) to think about and share their vision of how blockchain and cryptocurrency technology will change the world in - [Crypto Security Report, July 2018](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-july-2018/) - The July 2018 edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download. This is the inaugural report in a series that succinctly summarizes the latest news in the blockchain industry related to cryptocurrency security that investors need to know. Get informed about the most up to date developments in crypto security to equip yourself - ["The Impending Blockchain Revolution" | BitIRA U Scholarship](https://www.bitira.com/the-impending-blockchain-revolution-bitira-u-scholarship/) - While the winner of the Summer 2018 BitIRA U Scholarship has been announced, there are a couple of honorable mentions that were close contenders for the scholarship. One such essay is by Jordan Newman of the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. Jordan wrote his essay, titled "The Impending Blockchain Revolution", and described how - ["Cryptocurrency: A Decentralized Global Economy" | BitIRA U Scholarship](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-a-decentralized-global-economy-bitira-u-scholarship/) - Though we have already announced the winner of the Summer 2018 BitIRA U scholarship, one of the honorable mentions was an essay by Dylan Love titled "Cryptocurrency: A Decentralized Global Economy". Dylan, a graduate student at Columbia College in Chicago, writes about how cryptocurrencies are a unique means of exchange when compared to the way - [New Study: Cryptocurrency May Overtake Fiat Money for Payments](https://www.bitira.com/new-study-cryptocurrency-may-overtake-fiat-money-for-payments/) - Cryptocurrencies have what it takes to compete with fiat money and stand a good chance of surpassing it in the near future, according to a recent study. A collaboration between London's Imperial College and the trading platform eToro examined the prospects of digital currencies against established forms of money, as reported by Cointelegraph. The study - [The Long View on Crypto: Looking Beyond Hype and Hysteria](https://www.bitira.com/long-view-on-cryptocurrency-beyond-hype-and-hysteria/) - In his latest column on CoinDesk, crypto expert Michael J. Casey examines whether the hype and hysteria cycles surrounding digital currencies today could pave the way for a major societal breakthrough. As Casey points out, crypto detractors are quick to compare the market's recent growth to the Tulip Mania of the 17th century, the South - [Regulator Creates New Office to Keep Up With Crypto Innovation](https://www.bitira.com/regulator-creates-new-office-to-keep-up-with-crypto-innovation/) - Out of all the buzz surrounding crypto in Washington last week, a bold initiative spearheaded by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) stood out as one of the biggest steps forward, reports CryptoSlate. In a press release held on July 18, CFPB director Mick Mulvaney announced the formation of a new office of innovation and - [July 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/july-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - Here are the top stories for each day in July 2018 in the cryptocurrency world (focus on U.S.): 1st - Investment into Overstock’s Cryptocurrency Exchange Causes Share Price to Rocket 2nd - IBM-Powered Blockchain Platform Completes First Live Trades Via Five Major Banks 3rd - The IRS Just Launched an International Coalition to Investigate Cryptocurrency - [Cryptocurrency Regulators and Regulations](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-regulators-and-regulations/) - Independent Federal Agencies Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Federal Executive Departments U.S. Department of the Treasury (USDT) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Legislatures and Courts U.S. Congress Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) States International Organizations Group of Twenty (G20) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bank - [Blockchain Investment Is Skyrocketing in 2018](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-investment-is-skyrocketing-in-2018/) - According to the latest industry report by auditing firm KPMG, blockchain investment in the U.S. in the first six months of 2018 has already surpassed last year's total, reports Coindesk. While the firm omitted exact numbers regarding overall investment, the report specified that two blockchain developers managed to raise over $100 million each in their - [Interview With CryptoStache | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/interview-with-cryptostache/) - Many new crypto investors ask this: "What is the best way to stash cryptocurrency?" Who better to answer this than "CryptoStache" himself? Shea Newkirk has been writing articles, recording podcasts, and filming videos about cryptocurrency since 2016. Shea loves sharing with others his unique perspective on the crypto industry. In his video interview with BitIRA - [Rate of Crypto Use for Criminal Activities Plummets](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-use-for-criminal-activities-declines/) - The latest data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) suggests that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are moving closer and closer to cutting their ties with the underworld, reports Cointelegraph. A recent interview with DEA special agent Lilita Infante highlighted the faults in the view that crypto assets are primarily used for illicit dealings. According - [World Bank Moves to Issue First-Ever Global Blockchain Bond](https://www.bitira.com/world-bank-moves-to-issue-first-ever-global-blockchain-bond/) - Last Thursday, the World Bank announced that it would be partnering with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to create the world's first blockchain bond. As Gareth Jenkinson writes in Cointelegraph, this is an important event in global finance that could translate into major banks around the world adopting blockchain. According to the World Bank, - [Is Bitcoin a Currency, Security, Property, Commodity, or “Mirage”?](https://www.bitira.com/is-bitcoin-a-currency-security-property-commodity-or-mirage/) - With its lack of physical presence, dramatic price swings, and equally-vociferous groups of supporters and detractors, it’s no easy task to define Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. As government entities move toward instilling regulations, the muddy waters surrounding crypto must be made transparent if this digital revolution is to continue to gain traction and acceptance across - [Bank's Historic Decision to Launch Security Token and Stablecoin](https://www.bitira.com/banks-historic-decision-to-launch-security-token-and-stablecoin/) - Liechtenstein, a small yet prosperous nation between Austria and Switzerland, has wasted no time adopting cryptocurrencies while other countries continue searching for an ideal regulatory setting. The banking powerhouse previously announced that it would serve as home to Binance LCX, a partnership between two of the world's largest crypto exchanges, Binance and Liechtenstein Cryptoassets Exchange. - [Analyst: BTC Correlates With Emerging Markets, Predicting Upswing](https://www.bitira.com/analyst-btc-correlates-with-emerging-markets-predicting-upswing/) - According to one notable analyst, the reversal that Bitcoin enthusiasts have been waiting for could be approaching, and an overlooked correlation is signaling this trend. In an interview with CNBC, Tom Lee, Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, pointed out that Bitcoin and emerging markets (EMs) have moved in parallel since at least January - [August 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/august-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - We are changing the format of our "Monthly News Roundup" posts to be more succinct and informative. Instead of listing the top news story for each day of the previous month, we will rather summarize the top five or so stories related to cryptocurrency. Here are the major events in crypto from August... As crypto - [IBM Announces Blockchain Payment Network Based on Stellar](https://www.bitira.com/ibm-announces-blockchain-payment-network-based-on-stellar/) - Earlier this week, IBM announced that it would be moving its Blockchain World Wire (BWW) payment system out of beta and making it available to clients, reports Cointelegraph. As per the post on IBM's website, the system will aim to merge traditional methods of international money transfer with innovations provided by the blockchain network. IBM's - [Crypto Security Report, September 2018](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-security-report-september-2018/) - The September edition of the Crypto Security Report is available for download (click image below). Stay informed about the latest security threats, government measures, and best practices to understand developments in the cryptocurrency space (and how to protect your own digital assets). This report is free and available for download below: - [Colorado Blockchain Is Creating a Tech Hub | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/colorado-blockchain-is-creating-a-tech-hub-innovators-in-crypto/) - In this week's interview, we talk to Dan Shields, a community organizer with Colorado Blockchain. The group provides a forum for blockchain professionals, investors, and enthusiasts in the state to get together with the goal of making Colorado a hub for blockchain innovation. BitIRA: What is your background, and how did it bring you to - [Denver Crypto Group Raises Awareness | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/denver-crypto-group-raises-awareness-innovators-in-crypto/) - Matt Millen is a Founding Member of the Denver Crypto Group (DCG), a community of people in Colorado who want to learn about cryptocurrency and blockchain. DCG holds weekly meetups and provides training "in mining, trading, and other facets of the Cryptosphere". Like many investors, Matt's journey to the crypto space is a unique one, which - [Optimism About Crypto Grows Even As Prices Fluctuate [Surveys]](https://www.bitira.com/optimism-about-crypto-grows-even-as-prices-fluctuate-surveys/) - A recent survey by investment firm SharesPost showed that, despite a string of negative crypto-related news items, investors and consumers remain optimistic on the market's prospects, reports Bitcoinist. The September 5 survey, titled Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Survey: Consumers Bullish, Investors Cautiously Optimistic, spoke to 2,490 consumers and 528 institutional investors about their views on where - [Developer Activity in Cryptocurrency Rivals Internet's Early Years](https://www.bitira.com/developer-activity-in-cryptocurrency-rivals-internet-early-years/) - According to famed investor Ben Horowitz, the crypto space is attracting as much developer interest as the internet did in its early days, reports CryptoSlate. The founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz recently spoke about his view of cryptocurrencies and blockchain tech, as well as what enthusiasts can look forward to in the coming - [Cryptocurrency Tax Guide](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-tax-guide/) - In the first five years of Bitcoin’s existence, the IRS did not offer any guidance about how cryptocurrency would be taxed. In 2014, though, the bureau finally started to weigh in on the subject, starting with their declaration that cryptocurrency would be classified as a property for tax purposes, not as a currency. There are - [TaxBit Makes Paying Crypto Taxes Easy | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/taxbit-makes-paying-crypto-taxes-easy-innovators-in-crypto/) - Discover Tactics to Save on 2020 Crypto Taxes Get our free guide on crypto taxes, where we tackle questions from crypto investors like you and explore ways you might reduce how much you owe the IRS. Get a Free Guide Austin Woodward is a CPA and Co-Founder of TaxBit, a software that allows investors to - [Coin Vigilance Has Crypto Info Without Hype | Innovators in Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/coinvigilance-has-crypto-info-without-hype-innovators-in-crypto/) - D Pike is a founder of Coin Vigilance, which is an online magazine with cryptocurrency news, reviews, and guides. He has witnessed the downsides of a government-run fiat monetary system and sees blockchain technology as a very promising alternative. BitIRA: How long have you been involved in crypto? What sparked your interest? D Pike: I - [Ripple Usurped Ethereum for Second Place in Crypto Market](https://www.bitira.com/ripple-usurped-ethereum-for-second-place-in-crypto-market/) - Until just days ago, the positions of the top three cryptocurrencies appeared to be set in stone, with Bitcoin firmly leading the way followed by Ethereum and Ripple. Yet in a span of just 24 hours, Ripple managed to shock even seasoned pundits by blazing past Ethereum to claim the second place in terms of - [September 2018 in Crypto | Monthly News Roundup](https://www.bitira.com/september-2018-in-crypto-monthly-news-roundup/) - A news digest of what happened in the crypto world this past month, September 2018: Institutional Adoption Major financial institutions are actively entering the cryptocurrency space. Morgan Stanley has been preparing to offer bitcoin derivative trading for its clients, Fidelity is working on releasing new crypto products by the end of the year, and JPMorgan - [New Blockchain Coalition Will Lobby Washington to Support Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/new-blockchain-coalition-will-lobby-washington-to-support-crypto/) - Ripple has teamed up with several notable crypto startups in an attempt to broker greater support for cryptocurrencies among U.S. lawmakers, reports Cointelegraph. The San Francisco-based group, called Securing America's Internet of Value Coalition, will look to achieve this by raising the issue with different government bodies and agencies, including Congress, the Securities and Exchange - [Bitcoin Isn’t Crashing – It’s Changing](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-changing/) - Bitcoin prices are down, but this doesn’t feel like past crypto panics. Early holders are cashing out, institutions are stepping in, and the market is quietly maturing. This shift says more about crypto’s future than its short-term price… - [Crypto Volatility Isn’t the Biggest Risk](https://www.bitira.com/volatility-biggest-risk/) - Crypto’s volatility hasn’t gone away – and that’s exactly why serious investors demand crypto exposure. The real danger isn’t price swings, but misunderstanding how crypto fits into a diversified, long-term portfolio. Here’s how volatility becomes an advantage, not a liability… - [Crypto 2025 Review: How the Entire Sector Matured](https://www.bitira.com/2025-crypto-turning-point/) - 2025 was a volatile year for cryptocurrency – but not in the way many people expected. Prices moved sharply at times. Headlines focused on swings. And for casual observers, it may have looked like “more of the same.” But beneath the surface, something far more important changed. In 2025, crypto didn’t calm down – it - [Why Banks Fear Stablecoins – and What It Means for Your Money](https://www.bitira.com/banks-fear-stablecoins/) - U.S. banks don’t mobilize their CEOs unless something big is at stake. As lawmakers debate stablecoin rewards, banks are lobbying hard to protect their role at the center of the financial system. Here’s what crypto stands to gain… - [New Crypto Bill Coming, What It Means For Investors](https://www.bitira.com/senate-crypto-bill/) - After years of uncertainty, the U.S. Senate is finally moving toward federal crypto regulation. While the bill isn’t finished, its direction is clear – and it could reshape how mainstream investors view crypto, accelerating adoption and long-term demand… ## Pages - [Home](https://www.bitira.com/) - Why BitIRA? We’ve created a service that brings together decades of experience and first-in-class expertise in placing alternative assets within IRAs. Tax Free Growth For as long as you hold your digital currency in an IRA, any growth is tax-deferred. Security All transactions confirmed via a peer-to-peer protocol on a blockchain network. Diversification Open your - [BitIRA Privacy Policy](https://www.bitira.com/privacy-policy/) - Last Modified on 7/31/2024 This Privacy Policy explains how Lone Wolf Investments, Inc., which operates the website www.bitira.com (“Website”), and its affiliates (collectively, “BitIRA,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses and protects your personal information that we collect from you through our Website, as well as over the phone (the “Services”). It also explains your - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/faq/) - We’ve put together a few frequently asked questions about Digital Currency IRAs, including issues related to compliance, account setup and security. Should you have additional questions, please email us at info@bitira.com or call us at (800) 299-1567. IRS Compliance Are the Digital Currency IRAs created by BitIRA IRS-compliant? Absolutely! Cryptocurrencies have been eligible to place into IRAs - [Crypto Options from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/types-of-digital-currency/) - Only the Top Tier Crypto for Your IRA When digital currencies experienced their first major boom, a myriad of different types began to dot the marketplace. But over time, a small handful have risen above the rest, ultimately establishing themselves as the foremost digital currencies in use today. Here’s information on the cryptocurrencies that BitIRA - [BitIRA Customers](https://www.bitira.com/our-customers/) - BitIRA customers range from novices to the crypto-savvy Q: Before you reached out to BitIRA, what was your level of interest in crypto? Had you bought cryptocurrencies before? Carlos R. : “My interest was high, and I did not buy bitcoin before. I was looking a smart way to buy [crypto] with the blessing of the - [Digital Currency IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/) - In addition, by assuming full responsibility for your investment choices, the IRS grants you legal authority to invest in a broad range of alternative assets that goes well beyond digital currencies. Under current law, you can build your IRA by choosing: 1. The type of IRA you want A Bitcoin IRA can be set up - [The Little-Known "Hack" to Move Your IRA or 401k to Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-ira-hack/) - The Smartest Men and Women in America Are Using This Retirement "Cheat Code" to Hit Their Financial Goals Well Ahead of Schedule… The 8-year-old bull market in stocks, now the second longest in history, is showing clear signs of fatigue. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management CIO Mike Wilson recently said, "We think it will be much - [Why Select BitIRA?](https://www.bitira.com/why-choose-bitira/) - Placing alternative assets within IRAs Your retirement savings are critical to your future, and we take that seriously. That’s why we’ve created a service that brings together decades of experience and first-in-class expertise in placing alternative assets within IRAs. We believe that the services we can provide to you are second to none. See below - [Get a Free Crypto IRA Guide](https://www.bitira.com/essential-guide-digital-ira/) - The Essential Guide to Digital IRAs Learn more about how cryptocurrency can help to diversify your savings. Request your Information Guide today. Inside this guide, you’ll discover how digital currencies act can not only diversify your IRA or 401(k), but offer enormous growth potential. There is no cost or obligation to request this information, so - [What are Crypto ETFs and How Do They Work?](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-etfs/) - As one of the most popular investment vehicles in the U.S., ETFs are only gaining steam – particularly with the recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs. But what exactly are cryptocurrency ETFs, and how can they benefit investors? In this guide, we’ll look at the two types of cryptocurrency ETFs – futures and spot – - [What Are Altcoins?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/altcoins/) - Cryptocurrency is still a relatively new technology, and with any innovation you can expect new terminology to pop up around it. Cryptocurrency certainly has its fair share of lingo, and one of the most common new words you'll see thrown around in the crypto world is "altcoin". But what exactly is an altcoin and how - [IRS Ruling on Digital Currencies](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/irs-ruling-notice-2014-21/) - IRS Notice 2014-21 According to an official IRS ruling from Notice 2014-21, digital currencies are treated as personal property for taxation purposes, thus making them legally eligible to be held as assets within a Self-Directed IRA. Consequently, anyone who converts their existing retirement account to a Self-Directed IRA can allocate a portion of their savings - [CF Question Thank You](https://www.bitira.com/cf-question-thank-you/) - Thanks for reaching out! We will get back to you as soon as possible. Back to Homepage - [Contact Thank You](https://www.bitira.com/contact-thank-you/) - Thanks for reaching out! We will get back to you as soon as possible. Back to Homepage - [Sign Up Thank You](https://www.bitira.com/sign-up-thank-you/) - Thank you for subscribing to our Digital Currency email newsletter. We hope you enjoy our weekly content. Should you ever have any questions about what’s happening in the markets, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can email us at info@bitira.com, or call us at (800) 299-1567. We’re in the office weekdays from 8am to - [My BitIRA Fee Schedule](https://www.bitira.com/my-bitira-fee-schedule/) - The My BitIRA platform allows BitIRA customers to trade cryptocurrencies in real time, 22 hours a day 7 days a week. All trades are settled by 12pm ET on the next business day. To self-trade within the My BitIRA platform, there is a fee of 5% on purchases. There is no fee on sales. - [Terms of Use](https://www.bitira.com/terms-of-use/) - Effective November 9, 2021 These Terms are an agreement between you and Lone Wolf Investments, Inc., which operates the website www.bitira.com, and its affiliates (collectively, “BitIRA,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and governs your use of the website made available at www.bitira.com and its associated webpages and mobile applications (collectively, the “Site”), including all communications and interactions - [Risk Disclosure](https://www.bitira.com/risk-disclosure/) - Investment Risk. In BitIRA’s opinion, Digital Currencies are a highly speculative investment. Digital Currencies are a relatively new asset and they are not backed by a sovereign government or nation. Digital Currencies, like fiat currencies in general, are not backed by a physical asset and, with exceptions, have no physical, easily transferrable form. Currently at least, - [Accessibility Statement](https://www.bitira.com/accessibility-statement/) - BitIRA works with EqualWeb to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities accessing our web platform. EqualWeb is committed to promoting digital accessibility for people with disabilities. They are continually improving the user experience for all site visitors and applying the relevant accessibility standards. This is to confirm that this site has been reviewed by software developers - [Mobile Terms and Conditions](https://www.bitira.com/mobile-terms-conditions/) - Effective Date: 8/8/2025 BitIRA Alerts You agree to receive information, promotional and/or marketing messages from BitIRA through your mobile device. Message and data rates may apply. By opting in to this service, you consent to receive text alerts and other messages from BitIRA, including pre-recorded and/or artificial voice communications and messages, ringless voicemails, and/or messages sent through automatic - [How To Buy Crypto With A Cash Contribution On The My BitIRA Portal](https://www.bitira.com/buy-crypto-with-cash-contribution-my-bitira/) - You can now use My BitIRA to make a cash contribution so you can easily add more cryptocurrency investments into your retirement plan! Here's what that process will look like. Step 1: Deposit your funds Login to your My BitIRA account Go to the Trading tab Select Deposit from dropdown menu Select Annual IRA contribution Complete - [Free Guide Thank You](https://www.bitira.com/thank-you/) - Thank You We have received your request for a free copy of our Essential Guide to Digital IRAs. A Digital Currency Specialist from BitIRA will be in touch soon to confirm how we can personalize your kit. To speak to us immediately, call (800) 299-1567. We are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm PST. - [Mining vs Staking: What’s the Difference?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/mining-vs-staking/) - In the world of cryptocurrency, coins are generally divided into two categories: Proof of Stake (PoS) coins that rely on a staking system and Proof of Work (PoW) coins that rely on blockchain mining. But what exactly is crypto staking, and how does it compare to crypto mining – and what advantage does either system - [Sitemap](https://www.bitira.com/sitemap/) - [Your Crypto Tax Questions, Answered](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2024/) - In 2023 we saw the beginning of a cryptocurrency bounce back. Bitcoin and most other cryptos recovered significantly from the "crypto winter," and diversifying savings with cryptocurrencies once again became a topic debated around the Thanksgiving turkey. While there was a lot for long-term crypto investors to smile about, there's still quite a bit of - [Women in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/women-in-cryptocurrency-and-blockchain/) - Where Are the Ladies? How many women develop cryptocurrency-related businesses and technologies? The few survey results that are available provide disappointing news, with women’s participation in cryptocurrency specialties even worse than in IT. Here’s a summary of available metrics, which describes female participation in the cryptocurrency field in general. (Breakdowns for women developers are not - [Why Altcoins?](https://www.bitira.com/why-altcoins/) - Ever since the inception of Bitcoin in 2008, everyone has been looking to take a piece of the industry’s most well-known cryptocurrency. But, what are these alternatives to Bitcoin, and why should you consider buying them? What is an “Altcoin?” An altcoin is any cryptocurrency that is an alternative to Bitcoin. Altcoins are built using - [What is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?](https://www.bitira.com/what-is-a-cryptocurrency-exchange/) - The most common type of crypto exchange is a centralized exchange, which involves a trusted third-party that mediates transactions. Transactor funds are deposited temporarily on the exchange, which then carries out the transaction in real-time. Each party involved in a transaction on the exchange relies on it to execute the transaction safely and securely; and - [Traditional vs. Roth vs. SEP vs. SIMPLE IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/traditional-vs-roth-vs-sep-vs-simple-iras/) - A Side-By-Side Comparison of Different IRA Types An individual retirement account (IRA) is intended to be a tool for people to save for retirement while also leveraging tax benefits, including tax-free growth. Being strategic about how you invest your money within your IRA could be a gamechanger for your retirement security and lifestyle, and it - [Teaching Math and Computer Science to Kids with Special Needs](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/) - Teaching Math and Computer Science to Kids with Special Needs This list, which will continue to be expanded over time, is intended to survey teaching approaches and then highlight free math and computing resources for special needs students. It is meant to highlight some of the more actionable resources currently available for parents and educators - [How To Invest In The Future Of Our Planet Using Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/blockchain-and-the-environment/) - Behind cryptocurrency lies the technology that makes it possible: blockchain. Although crypto has enjoyed extensive coverage and discussion, blockchain’s many applications beyond financial transactions extend into methods for automating record-keeping, maintaining accountability, decentralizing regulation, and facilitating new processes and innovative solutions. Nonprofits, think tanks, and entrepreneurs are currently exploring blockchain’s potential applications in addressing issues - [Guide to Bitcoin Halving in 2020: Expert Insights + Predictions](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-halving-2020-expert-insights/) - What You Need to Know Ahead of the May 2020 BTC Halving In mid-May of 2020, Bitcoin is going to reward its miners with half of what they previously received for validating new blocks in its blockchain. Everyone is curious about how this 2020 event will play out. We have two previous Bitcoin halvings over - [Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)](https://www.bitira.com/dollar-cost-averaging-dca/) - Spotlight on Investment Strategies: Dollar Cost Average vs Value Average Please note: the information presented on this page is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be investment advice; for such guidance, you should discuss your specific situation with a financial professional. As you consider purchasing cryptocurrency, it is likely coming as - [Cryptocurrency Security](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-security/) - When bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was launched, its developers and earliest adopters were filled with optimism about blockchain technology as a way to counter the powerful distrust that they held for banks and middlemen. Designed with sophisticated encryption, irreversible transactions and a decentralized structure, cryptocurrency technology was supposed to be unhackable. Unfortunately, the system upon - [Cryptocurrency Compliance: KYC, AML, CFT, and Pending Rules](https://www.bitira.com/kyc-aml-cft-rules-cryptocurrency-compliance/) - What regulatory compliance measures apply to crypto businesses? When Bitcoin launched in 2009, one of its most appealing characteristics was anonymity for its holders. More than a decade later, that appeal remains. But to a small number of seedier individuals and organizations, this anonymity became an exploit—and actually damaged cryptocurrency’s reputation with the public at - [Cryptocurrency and Blockchain for Teachers](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-and-blockchain-for-teachers/) - Blockchain and Crypto in Schools These are just two examples of applications that can be covered by computer science education, showing how it can be applied in the real world. Blockchain instructs on data structures and abstract math, while crypto adds in financial and investing literacy. This is being widely adopted and expanded upon, starting - [Crypto Tax Experts Are Back to Answer More of Your Tax Questions for 2023](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2023/) - 2022 was an interesting year for cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and many other digital currencies entered another "crypto winter," and the blockchain world was rocked by a series of high-profile collapse from TerraUSD to FTX. The volatility sent some crypto tourists scrambling for the exits. Others saw a fresh opportunity to add to their positions at lower - [Crypto Tax Experts Answer Your Questions - 2022](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2022/) - As we head into the tax filing season, we are receiving an influx of cryptocurrency tax questions from our customers and the general public. With the tax filing deadline returning to the usual date of April 18 this year, now is the best tie to start thinking about how to report your crypto transactions on - [Crypto Tax Experts Answer More of Your Tax Questions for 2025](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2025/) - While there was a lot for long-term crypto investors to smile about, there's still quite a bit of uncertainty regarding cryptocurrency trades. Even in a more pro-crypto regulatory environment, buying and transacting digital assets can create headaches. Especially at tax time, when overall gains have been so impressive. Earlier this year, we partnered with leading - [Common Bitcoin IRA and Bitcoin 401k Rollover Mistakes](https://www.bitira.com/common-ira-401k-rollover-mistakes/) - Sometimes, this involves a change in your retirement plans. You might have decided to diversify your holdings and buy assets like bitcoin as part of your retirement savings. You may be choosing to modify your retirement strategy or re-evaluate all of your finances, or maybe you’re changing your employer and that’s forcing you to re-consider - [Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Everything You Need to Know](https://www.bitira.com/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc/) - Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is fiat money—or money established/backed by a government through its central bank—in a virtual form. It combines the power of blockchain with the logistics of distributed ledger technology (DLT), where data can be synchronized across multiple locations without the need of centralized storage. And as cryptocurrency’s existence continues to persist - [Crypto Taxes 2020](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-taxes-2020/) - [Crypto Tax Experts Are Back to Answer More of Your Tax Questions for 2022](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-tax-questions-2022-round-2/) - 2021 posed an interesting year for cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and many other digital currencies hit all-time highs in November before shaving off nearly half of the gains it added since January. For example, BTC peaked at 130% gains in November, before closing the year out with a 62% growth for 2021. And while cryptocurrencies faced their - [Robinhood, PayPal, and Venmo Offer Bitcoin: What It Means](https://www.bitira.com/robinhood-paypal-venmo-bitcoin/) - As bitcoin goes mainstream, more and more financial institutions seek to incorporate digital assets into their product offerings. Fintech giants like Robinhood, PayPal, and Venmo now all provide bitcoin on their platforms. This brings the world’s most notable digital currency to millions of users who otherwise may not have had access. How to Purchase Here - [What is a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA?](https://www.bitira.com/mega-backdoor-roth-ira/) - One of the main barriers to a large retirement account is the restriction on contributions. The IRS puts limits on the amount of capital you can contribute in any given year to your Roth IRA account. However, there is a way to get around this limit which is both completely legal and advised by many - [Reallocation to Digital Currency Assets](https://www.bitira.com/reallocation-digital-assets/) - Please note: the information presented on this page is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be investment advice; for such guidance, you should discuss your specific situation with a financial professional. Digital currencies are a new wave of alternative investment assets that many investors are beginning to consider. Coupling economic - [Investing in Ethereum](https://www.bitira.com/investing-in-ethereum/) - What if Bitcoin could not only be used as a distributed ledger on which to transact, but also a platform on which innovative, digital tools and solutions could be created and run? This is precisely what the creators of Ethereum had in mind when they designed their own blockchain network. Ethereum is much more than - [Blockchain Technology Explained: What Is the Blockchain?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/blockchain/) - Ever Wonder How Cryptocurrencies Work? It All Starts with Blockchain Have you heard about bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, but aren't quite sure how they function? The answer lies in a revolutionary technology called blockchain. Imagine a public record of transactions, like a checkbook ledger, but instead of a bank controlling it, everyone on the network - [Crypto Hard Forks and Airdrops](https://www.bitira.com/hard-forks-and-airdrops/) - Guidance on Cryptocurrency Hard Forks and Airdrops One key feature that sets crypto apart from other currencies or assets is that it’s based on a software protocol. This can be changed occasionally, and these changes get implemented as long as a consensus of users agree to them. The resulting separation of old versus new users - [What is a Backdoor Roth IRA?](https://www.bitira.com/backdoor-roth-ira/) - The IRS provides individuals with two main ways to save money for retirement. One of these, the Roth IRA, consists of after-tax contributions to a retirement account. And while this is a standard tool used by many individuals for retirement savings with tax-free growth, there are restrictions and limitations to a Roth account. But even - [Vanguard and Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/vanguard-bitcoin/) - With $6.2 trillion in assets under management, Vanguard is one of the world’s largest investment management companies. However, until now, it has had a contentious relationship with cryptocurrencies. Currently, Vanguard does not offer its customers any way to purchase bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies directly (and has no apparent plans to do so). So, how can - [Spotlight on Crypto Donations and Taxes](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-donations-taxes-nonprofits/) - Financial Literacy for Nonprofits Accepting Crypto Donations Is Safer Than Ever for Nonprofits:Safeguards and Considerations to Increase 501(c)(3) Revenue BitIRA and TokenTax have collaborated to share insights that can help your nonprofit increase revenue by safely accepting cryptocurrency from donors and reporting it properly to the IRS. With nonprofits struggling hard in the wake of - [Proposed Changes to U.S. Retirement System (SECURE Act 2.0)](https://www.bitira.com/secure-act-2/) - The best way to save for the future has always been through using tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Over the years, the U.S. government has made it easier for individuals to save for retirement through different laws and regulations. A new version of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act — otherwise known as - [Green Energy Regulation's Dampening Effect on Crypto Mining](https://www.bitira.com/green-energy-effects-crypto-mining/) - Cryptocurrency mining has been in the spotlight for its energy usage. Proponents of mining point to its necessity in securing decentralized networks, while detractors view this as nothing more than an unnecessary waste of valuable energy and resources. Now, the green energy movement has targeted crypto mining, which could make it harder for miners to - [Cryptocurrency Exchanges Explained](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-exchanges-explained/) - To successfully trade cryptocurrencies, you will likely need to use a cryptocurrency exchange. But what is a cryptocurrency exchange, and how do they work? What are the different types of cryptocurrency exchanges, and how are they different? Let’s take a closer look at these questions and more. What is a cryptocurrency exchange? A cryptocurrency exchange - [Where are Cryptocurrencies Mined?](https://www.bitira.com/where-are-cryptocurrencies-mined/) - Cryptocurrency mining is an essential part of the blockchain industry. Miners help to secure blockchain networks while receiving rewards (in the form of newly-minted cryptocurrency coins) for their completed work. And as the entire industry has grown, so have crypto mining operations, which are now controlled mostly by large companies with the resources and experience - [How Does Bitcoin Have Real-World Value?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-real-world-value/) - One of the only things more popular than bitcoin is arguing about bitcoin. There’s a genuine debate raging about what real-world value bitcoin possesses. Bitcoin’s price fluctuations are well-documented, but what does that say about the digital asset’s intrinsic value? If bitcoin does have real-world value, what factors would affect it? How these questions are - [Etrade and Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/etrade-bitcoin/) - E-Trade has been on the bitcoin wagon for years. Yet, while it was one of the first online brokers to offer bitcoin futures trading, it still hasn’t adopted digital assets fully into its business. Now that it’s been bought by Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE may be on the path to offering more crypto services to its - [What Are Cryptocurrency Funds?](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-funds/) - In the early days of cryptocurrency, some in the finance industry rightly acknowledged the hurdles to adoption that crypto brought forth. For those that aren’t technologically savvy or advanced, owning cryptocurrency and safely storing it can be cumbersome and nerve-racking. There are countless stories of crypto investors who’ve lost their wallet information and their crypto - [TD Ameritrade and Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/td-ameritrade-bitcoin/) - TD Ameritrade has been seemingly slow and calculated with its cryptocurrency business. While it doesn’t yet offer crypto trading directly to its customers, TD has been slowly introducing Bitcoin-based offerings in the form of futures while also investing in a new cryptocurrency exchange. Additionally, the broker’s recent merger with Charles Schwab could have more significant - [Charles Schwab and Bitcoin - A Process of Crypto Adoption Since 2018](https://www.bitira.com/charles-schwab-and-bitcoin/) - While some online brokers have jumped at the chance to get in the bitcoin business, Charles Schwab has approached the bitcoin arena timidly. Schwab has remained steadfast traditionalist by not allowing its customers to trade bitcoin in their IRA or brokerage accounts. But given its recent merger with TD Bank, Charles Schwab might be looking - [What Is Digital Currency?](https://www.bitira.com/what-is-digital-currency/) - Digital currencies represent an entirely new asset class. Just like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, digital currencies now hold their own place in the global investing market. But despite the excitement in recent years over the birth of this new class of assets, many people still don't fully understand what digital currencies actually are. Let's - [Scholarship Confirmation](https://www.bitira.com/scholarship-confirmation/) - Hello, Thank you for submitting your essay. We will update you via email should we feature your essay or if you win the $1,000 scholarship. Best, BitIRA Scholarship Committee - [BitIRA Affiliate Program](https://www.bitira.com/affiliate-program/) - BitIRA — The Bitcoin IRA Experts BitIRA leads the industry in helping customers diversify their retirement accounts with cryptocurrency investments. Our affiliates partner with BitIRA because we are among the most secure and compliant Digital IRA solutions providers on the market. Our uncompromising commitment to security includes: Securing cryptocurrency in storage with Ledger Enterprise, a leading - [Newsletter Profile](https://www.bitira.com/newsletter-profile/) - Update your BitIRA Newsletter profile below: Email * First Name Last Name Phone - [What is a Cryptocurrency IRA?](https://www.bitira.com/what-is-a-cryptocurrency-ira/) - Although cryptocurrencies are a very new asset, they are quickly making inroads into mainstream finance. In a span of just a few years, both individual investors and large institutions have shown increasing interest to invest in this new and enticing asset class. With BitIRA, you have the option to open a unique form of retirement - [Leading CPA Advisors Who Specialize in Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/cpa-cryptocurrency-advisors/) - Does your CPA specialize in crypto? Handling cryptocurrency as an asset and adhering to the evolving rules imposed by bodies like the IRS can be tricky, particularly given the volatility at play. ​Add to this the fact that e​ven​ basic tasks like reliably tracking price fluctuations requires a bit more specialized tech-savviness than the average accounting spreadsheet - [Submit Your Questions on Crypto Taxes](https://www.bitira.com/submit-your-crypto-tax-questions/) - Ask a Crypto Tax Question Got a tough crypto tax question? Let us know in the form below (completely anonymous) and we may feature an answer from one of our partner tax experts! The IRS is clamping down on crypto hodlers; now may be the best time for you to consider avoiding potential taxation - [Is Empower Retirement moving closer to Bitcoin?](https://www.bitira.com/empower-retirement-bitcoin/) - As the second largest retirement plan provider in the United States, Empower Retirement knows a thing or two about retirement investing. As cryptocurrencies become a mainstream asset class, more and more investors are looking to invest in digital assets within their retirement accounts. With its recent string of acquisitions, Empower could be positioned to provide - [What is a Self-Directed Individual Retirement Account (SDIRA)?](https://www.bitira.com/self-directed-ira/) - For many investors, the most optimal way to invest in digital assets is through their retirement account. There are huge tax advantages to investing in cryptocurrencies within a retirement account. However, digital assets are not offered within conventional individual retirement accounts. Instead, to invest in cryptocurrencies for retirement, you’ll need a self-directed retirement account for - [What Are Stablecoins?](https://www.bitira.com/stablecoins/) - While the price of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies continue to change significantly, there is one category of cryptocurrencies whose goal is to use the benefits of digital payment technology while maintaining price stability. In doing so, these stablecoins can offer fast, cheap, digital payments for anyone around the world. What Are Stablecoins? Bitcoin was - [Is Dogecoin a Good IRA Investment?](https://www.bitira.com/dogecoin-ira/) - The digital world has birthed a new and strange phenomenon: memes. While many believe that memes are nothing more than a joke, the value of memes is continuing to grow. Dogecoin has monetized attention from the use of a meme to represent its cryptocurrency, providing a unique angle in the world of digital currencies. While - [Contact Us](https://www.bitira.com/contact-us/) - Contact Information info@bitira.com Central Park Building3500 W. Olive Ave. Suite 300Burbank, CA 91505 (800) 299-1567 (800) 299-1596 Business Hours Mon – Fri: 8am to 5pm, Pacific Standard TimeSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed Have any questions? Leave a message here and we‘ll respond as soon as possible. - [Policies on Crypto Around the World](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-policies-world/) - Each nation has its own views and standpoint on the validity and legal standing of cryptocurrencies. With governments taking control of their local digital asset landscape, it’s important to understand the current state of cryptocurrencies around the globe. With further acceptance from regulators and lawmakers come even greater possibilities for the industry. Crypto Policies Around - [What’s the Difference Between XBT and BTC?](https://www.bitira.com/xbt-btc-differences/) - Stock traders are familiar with the fact that some companies have different stock tickers on different exchanges. While Tesla's ticker is TSLA on American Nasdaq, it is TL0.F on the Frankfurt exchange in Germany. A similar standardization divergence is happening with bitcoin as well. Two distinct ticker symbols are used to represent bitcoin’s price: XBT - [What are Crypto ATMs?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-atms/) - With the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies in the global market, many people are using crypto ATMs to buy and sell digital assets. This article answers popular questions and concerns about these new crypto ATMs and explains how they work, so keep reading to learn more. What is a crypto ATM? A cryptocurrency ATM, also known - [How Did Bitcoin Start?](https://www.bitira.com/how-bitcoin-started/) - The world has recently come to embrace cryptocurrency, but it wasn’t always that way. Bitcoin, the world’s first notable cryptocurrency, initially faced severe skepticism and resistance. But how did bitcoin even start, when did it begin, and how did it evolve to become so important? The original Bitcoin whitepaper Bitcoin originated from a whitepaper titled - [iTrustCapital IRA vs. BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/itrustcapital-ira-vs-bitira/) - Disclaimer: This review was completed on behalf of BitIRA. One of the ways investors are gaining exposure to cryptocurrencies is through a digital IRA (also known as a crypto IRA or Bitcoin IRA). A digital IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account (SDIRA) that offers the option of investing in certain cryptocurrencies. Like any other - [The Advantages of Cryptocurrency](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-advantages/) - You've heard the whispers, the murmurs on the financial streets – cryptocurrency is the future of money! But is it just a fad for tech nerds, or a goldmine waiting to be tapped? The financial landscape is constantly evolving, and for the discerning investor, keeping pace with innovation is paramount. In recent years, cryptocurrency has - [Tax Considerations for Retirement Saving](https://www.bitira.com/retirement-tax-considerations/) - Saving for retirement is crucial, but how you save can significantly impact your finances down the road. Understanding the tax implications of different retirement accounts is key to maximizing your nest egg. This article will explore the tax advantages of various retirement plans, helping you choose the strategy that minimizes your tax burden and keeps - [Site Credits](https://www.bitira.com/site-credits/) - This website was designed and developed by CyberOptik, a premier web design agency committed to creating custom digital solutions that enhance user experience and performance. Our team utilized the latest technologies to ensure a secure, fast, and visually appealing online presence. For more information about our services or to discuss your digital marketing needs, visit - [How it Works](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/how-it-works/) - How Bitcoin IRAs Work A Simple Primer on the Process At first glance, getting started with a Digital IRA can seem complicated. But don’t let the process overwhelm you. And if you already have a retirement account… Don’t worry. You can actually keep all your existing retirement funds inside your Digital IRA with an account - [World's Most Secure](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/worlds-most-secure/) - Why Security Matters It’s no secret that the cryptocurrency industry has some bad actors; hacks still occur with alarming frequency. Notable examples include the Bitfinex hack on the BitGo wallet and the Mt. Gox hack, which brought down the exchange. Of course, you can’t afford for your nest egg to be exposed to such unscrupulous activity; your retirement - [Custodian](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/how-it-works/custodian/) - What Is a Bitcoin Custodian? The IRS requires that all individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have either a custodian or trustee. The custodian can be a financial institution or nonbank entity approved by the IRS. As the overseer of your IRA, the custodian buys and sells assets for your account, maintains records of transactions, and files - [Exchange](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/how-it-works/exchange/) - What Is a Bitcoin Exchange A cryptocurrency exchange is an online marketplace where investors can buy and sell digital assets (similar to a stock exchange but with digital coins). Of course, one person can send Bitcoin to another directly, but to buy and sell such assets on the market, an investors needs to use an - [Wallet](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/how-it-works/wallet/) - What Is a Bitcoin Wallet? A cryptocurrency wallet is only similar to a physical wallet in that both give you access to your financial assets. In reality, though, a crypto wallet primarily stores what are called your private keys. Such a key is simply a long string of characters that allows you to buy, sell, - [Why Digital Currency](https://www.bitira.com/digital-currency/) - Every asset class carries its own set of advantages. The key to achieving your financial objectives and growing your wealth is understanding those advantages, and learning to balance your investments across a range of appropriate asset classes suited to your unique situation. Digital currencies are an entirely new asset class. And they offer a combination of benefits - [How Digital Currency Works](https://www.bitira.com/how-digital-currency-works/) - Underlying mechanics Although there are many separate types of digital currency, the underlying mechanics behind them all are essentially the same. That said, once you wrap your head around the basics, you should have a decent idea of how each digital currency operates. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how digital currencies work, plus the technology that - [How to Buy Bitcoin with Your 401(k)](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/how-to-buy-bitcoin-with-a-401k/) - More People Than Ever Are Investing 401(k) Savings in Bitcoin Here are seven reasons why. Get in on the ground floor of “the next big thing,” a major disruption of the central banking system Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies represent one of the most innovative ideas of the 21st century. You still have time to reap - [BitIRA U Content Library](https://www.bitira.com/u/) - Welcome to BitIRA U, a resource for folks interesting in learning more about cryptocurrency and blockchain, including the societal issues impacting their growth. If you would like to learn more about diversifying your retirement savings with cryptocurrency, click here for a free insider guide to Digital IRAs. On this page, we publish guides, reports, news updates, interviews, - [Cryptocurrency Donor and Charity Fundraising Guide](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-donor-charity-fundraising-guide/) - Pineapple Fund closed its virtual doors in 2018 after donating $55 million to charities ranging from the ACLU all the way through the Water Project. In a powerful experiment run by an individual who only identified themselves as “Pine,” Pineapple Fund was a bitcoin-only philanthropy that donated money to 60 charities worldwide. The Fund showed - [BitIRA Financial Literacy for Women Grant](https://www.bitira.com/u/grant/) - Instructions to enter: Download the application. Review the eligibility requirements: The applicant organization is an actively registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization; The applicant organization is based in the United States; The applicant organization can demonstrate increasing financial literacy for females of any age as being a central mission or the focus of a specific effort. Please - [CF question](https://www.bitira.com/cf-question/) - [Cryptocurrency Tax Hub](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/) - Cryptocurrency Tax Guide (2022) – Filing and Paying Taxes on Cryptos Reading time: 15 minutes Length: 2200 words Expert opinions: Shehan Chandrasekera, CoinTracker.io; Vincenzo Villamena, Global Expat Advisors; Joshua Azran, Azran Financial; David Kemmerer, CryptoTrader.Tax.This guide describes cryptocurrency taxes and is a great place to start when planning your taxes. Crypto Tax Experts Answer Your Questions – 2022 - [Crypto Bull Run: How do You Know?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-bull-run-how-do-you-know/) - The cryptocurrency market seems to be in the midst of yet another bull run. Historically, crypto bull runs have meant skyrocketing prices and significant fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) by investors. But instead of flying blindly into the current crypto bull run, let’s look back at previous bull markets to give us some insight as to where we - [Guide to Crypto Lingo](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-lingo-guide/) - In its report titled Digital Assets Primer: Only the first inning, Bank of America made a strong case that digital assets represent Finance 2.0. But with so much happening in this new market, it can be challenging to keep up with new terminology and jargon. To help you start your journey into digital assets, here - [Cryptocurrency Tax Guide (2022) – Filing and Paying Taxes on Crypto Sales](https://www.bitira.com/cryptocurrency-tax-guide-2022/) - Despite more than a decade of cryptocurrency mining and trading, the IRS has still not given a complete and detailed accounting of how crypto transactions should be taxed. The agency has, however, required some specific reporting each tax year. In 2022, we’ve seen yet more details on what’s expected and how taxpayers are required to - [Crypto Investing at Any Income Level](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-investing-any-income/) - Even though anyone can invest in cryptocurrency, you might be surprised to learn that only around 16% of Americans have purchased or used cryptocurrency. While the overall percentage of Americans who own crypto is low (for now), these early adopters come from all income levels. So, how much money do you really need to invest - [Crypto Exchanges Compared](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-exchanges-compared/) - For anyone interested in trading cryptocurrencies, the first step in buying cryptocurrency is choosing a crypto exchange. Unlike stocks and bonds, cryptocurrencies represent a relatively new asset. As a result, the various exchanges that have emerged over the last couple of years all differ slightly, bringing with them a host of unique pros and cons. - [Crypto and Stock Exchanges Compared](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-vs-stock-exchanges/) - With cryptocurrency’s recent rise to prominence among investors, many people look to crypto as an increasingly relevant part of their investment portfolios. Even though both crypto and stocks trade on exchanges, the two have major differences. Stock exchanges are traditional paths for investing, while cryptocurrency exchanges represent a way to buy digital assets, a much - [Calculator](https://www.bitira.com/calculator/) - Cryptocurrency Allocation Engine BitIRA offers no opinions or advice regarding how much, if any, of a customer's investment portfolio, retirement or otherwise, should be allocated to cryptocurrencies or which cryptocurrencies should be selected. The projections to be displayed are based on the rates of return and the initial investment amount (net of BitIRA or other - [Cryptocurrency 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Blockchain](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/) - Cryptocurrency is already over a decade old, but it can still feel very new. That's because it really is still in its infancy, or at least the toddler stage. When cryptocurrency first came onto the scene in 2009, it took several years to really take off beyond very niche communities. Bitcoin was the first publicly - [What Are NFTs?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/nfts/) - Shortly after the explosion of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) popped onto the scene in a big way. Most people have likely heard of NFTs, especially considering the many big names and celebrities that got into the early NFT game, but not every really understands what they are. Even people who own NFTs - [Bitcoin Halving: What Is It and How Does It Work?](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/halving/) - There’s a lot of excitement in the air surrounding the upcoming Bitcoin halving on April 20, 2024 – in no small part due to the potential monetary gains that can come of it. Halvings may be rare, but they have a huge impact on Bitcoin, and let's take a look at why that is. First, we'll - [Cryptocurrency's Role in Retirement Planning: Diversification and Tax Advantages for a Secure Future](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/retirement-investing/) - Traditionally, retirement planning has focused on your typical investment assets everyone is very familiar with. But the landscape is changing. Cryptocurrencies are emerging as a new asset class with the potential to diversify your portfolio and amplify your long-term gains. Let's explore how crypto can play a valuable role in securing your golden years. Diversification - [A Guide to Cryptocurrency Security](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/cryptocurrency-security/) - Essential Security Measures for Digital Assets The meteoric rise of cryptocurrency has opened doors to a new financial frontier, one brimming with potential and innovation. From decentralized finance applications to the dream of digital gold, cryptocurrency offers a glimpse into the future of money. However, unlike traditional investments nestled safely within the walls of a - [Cryptocurrency Myths](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/cryptocurrency-myths/) - Cryptocurrency has exploded in popularity in recent years, but it's also become a breeding ground for misunderstandings. From concerns about anonymity to worries about replacing traditional money, misconceptions about crypto can be as plentiful as the coins themselves. In this article, we'll debunk some of the most common myths surrounding cryptocurrency, helping you understand its - [How to Set up a Cryptocurrency Wallet](https://www.bitira.com/crypto-101/open-wallet/) - If you’re ready to enter the realm of cryptocurrency trading, you’re going to need a cryptocurrency wallet. Just like a regular wallet, it serves as a repository for you to store your cryptocurrency – while also enabling you to tap into it or add to it at any given time. Step 1: Pick the type - [Company](https://www.bitira.com/about-bitira/) - Who Is BitIRA®? In March 2014, the Internal Revenue Service issued IRS Notice 2014-21, which officially declared that for tax purposes, Bitcoin and other digital currencies are treated as property. Due to the rules governing self-directed IRAs, this notice also meant that digital currencies were eligible assets to be held inside IRA accounts. However, creating and managing an - [BitIRA® Reviews](https://www.bitira.com/bitira-reviews/) - See Why BitIRA® Continues To Earn 5-Star Ratings From Customers At BitIRA, we believe that more Americans should have simple, affordable access to investing in alternative assets within their IRA. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to create the easiest, most secure and customer-friendly service to help folks purchase cryptocurrencies for their IRA. We - [Check Your Cryptocurrency Balance](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/cryptocurrency-address-lookup/) - [BitIRA In The News](https://www.bitira.com/in-the-news/) - As one of the nation’s premier Digital Currency IRA firms, BitIRA has attracted the attention of a number of media outlets. This is due to our unparalleled set of offerings, such as unmatched degree of security, advantageous fee structure and large amount of options. Recent features of BitIRA include… BitIRA Media Mentions BitIRA has also - [BitIRA U](https://www.bitira.com/bitira-u/) - Want to share your expertise on cryptocurrency? We'll give a $1,000 scholarship to hear it. Cryptocurrency is exciting, scary, and mysterious all at once, but there's little doubt that the digital economy is making huge waves on non-digital markets. It's the future of currency moving towards us at full speed, getting faster all the time - [Bitcoin IRA vs. BitIRA Reviewed: Which Digital IRA Company Is The Best?](https://www.bitira.com/bitcoin-ira-vs-bitira/) - As blockchain technology continues blazing a path toward widespread adoption, many knowledgeable investors are diversifying their retirement savings with cryptocurrency holdings. When setting up a digital IRA (as such accounts are called), it helps to partner with a specialized company to navigate this process. A digital IRA, or cryptocurrency IRA, is a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) that - [A Redditor's Experience with BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/reddit-review/) - One customer’s journey to BitIRA. Reddit has a lot of subreddits exploring crypto, from the incredible r/CryptoMarkets or r/Bitcoin to the super-specific r/CryptoKitties or r/LivingOnBitcoin. If you’re old enough to remember the days when you could actually trust Amazon’s product reviews, well, that’s what today’s Reddit has become. A place to go for guidance, for - [2022 Checkbook IRA Potential Changes](https://www.bitira.com/2022-checkbook-ira-potential-changes/) - Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have evolved a great deal since their introduction to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Much of this evolution involved expanding the assets types an IRA owner could hold inside of their retirement account. That led to a 1996 court case involving one IRA owner named James Swanson. - [2022 IRA and 401k Contribution Limit Changes](https://www.bitira.com/2022-ira-401k-contribution-limits/) - Probably the best, most time-tested method of saving money for retirement is to use individual retirement accounts (IRAs). There are many different types of IRAs, allowing pre-tax or post-tax contributions, employer-sponsored or personal, and even some designed for armed forces members. The type of IRA will dictate how much you are allowed to contribute to - [Alto CryptoIRA vs. BitIRA: Which is the Best?](https://www.bitira.com/alto-cryptoira-vs-bitira/) - It wasn’t until recently that people could invest in cryptocurrency using their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Today, however, crypto IRAs are growing in popularity as people recognize the long-term investment potential of digital currencies like bitcoin, ethereum, and others. What is a digital IRA? An IRA that includes alternative virtual investments like cryptocurrency is often - [2023 IRA and 401k Contribution Limit Changes](https://www.bitira.com/2023-ira-401k-contribution-limits/) - When you're saving for retirement, tax-advantaged retirement accounts can make a big difference. Individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs) are likely the best method for saving for most people. There are many different types of IRAs, allowing pre-tax or post-tax contributions, employer-sponsored or personal, and even some designed for armed forces members. Each type of - [2024 IRA and 401k Contribution Limit Changes](https://www.bitira.com/2024-ira-401k-contribution-limits/) - Using retirement accounts is a great way to save money long-term because of the unique tax advantages they can offer. This is also true for people investing in digital assets because it’s possible to invest your retirement savings into a “Digital IRA”. However, the specific rules and limits for a particular retirement account can change each - [2025 IRA and 401k Contribution Limit Changes](https://www.bitira.com/2025-ira-and-401k-contribution-limit-changes/) - Each year, the IRS reviews and adjusts contribution limits for retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s to account for inflation and other economic factors. These adjustments are essential for individuals aiming to maximize their tax-advantaged retirement savings.​ For 2025, several key updates have been implemented: 401(k) Plans: The employee contribution limit has increased from ## Digital IRAs - [EOS IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/eos-ira/) - EOS, created by block.one Bitcoin created the cryptocurrency space, and Ethereum revolutionized it. Nevertheless, these top coins have been hampered by some persistent problems: Transaction speed. Bitcoin processes about 7 transactions per second while Ethereum processes about 20 transactions per second. These rates are low and cause delays. Transaction fees. Bitcoin and Ethereum rely on fees charged - [IOTA IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/iota-ira/) - When they were first created, IRAs were mostly fairly crude investment accounts whose relatively limited investment options were managed entirely by third parties. Nowadays, following decades of evolution, you have the ability to set up an IRA that is entirely handled by you and supports a wide variety of asset classes. With the rise in - [Zcash IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/zcash-ira/) - Zcash IRAs – Invest in the Premier Privacy Coin Blockchain’s decentralization unleashes enormous potential for people to exercise greater control over their own money. However, one concern that remains with Bitcoin is privacy, so some digital currencies have set out to make privacy a central feature of their blockchain algorithm. Established in 2016, Zcash is - [Dash IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/dash-ira/) - The ability to take full control of your retirement account and diversify with new and exciting assets whenever you choose is what makes self-directed IRAs so attractive. Adding cryptocurrencies to the mix can not only provide an excellent hedge to other assets, but also create an opportunity for substantial gains. When a cryptocurrency gains exposure - [Horizen (ZEN) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/horizen-zen-ira/) - Imagine a world in which anyone can build a custom blockchain with its own specific properties. Now imagine that while each of these blockchains is separate, they can interact with one another seamlessly and allow for entirely private and anonymous transactions. This is the world Horizen is attempting to create. Some cryptocurrency investors consider Horizen - [Stellar Lumens (XLM) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/stellar-lumens-ira/) - Trends in Long-Term Stellar Lumens Value When investors buy Stellar Lumens tokens for their IRAs, they’re probably thinking about the coin’s usefulness for many types of financial transactions. The Stellar Lumens exchange process is similar to what happens when you buy bitcoin. Lumens, the official unit of the Stellar Lumens virtual currency, launched in 2014. - [Chainlink (LINK) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/chainlink-link-ira/) - LINK vs. BTC and ETH Both BTC and ETH are native cryptocurrencies on their own blockchain networks. This means both cryptocurrencies are utilized as economic incentives to keep their networks secure. LINK is different in that it is not a native cryptocurrency on its own blockchain network. Instead, LINK is a token built on top - [Aave IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/aave-ira/) - Of course, as with any investment and new marketplace for investors and speculators, there’s always room for improvement. And that’s what Aave has already been able to provide in its short four years. Both its collateralized loan options and its innovative “flash loans” are making this DeFi-designed cryptocurrency a name all crypto traders and users - [Bitcoin IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/bitcoin-ira/) - Long-Term Investment Value The potential for short-term financial benefits is just part of a bitcoin IRA’s value. A ruling by the IRS in 2014 also opened the door to make bitcoin IRAs an attractive long-term investment. The U.S. tax code permits a wide variety of assets within IRA accounts, including bitcoin investments. Under current code, - [Ripple (XRP) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/ripple-ira/) - Ripple IRAs, An Alternative Retirement Investment When most investors hear “cryptocurrencies,” they think “Bitcoin.” But, there are other digital currencies, each with its own token, exchange method and support technology. Ripple IRAs are self-directed individual retirement accounts that use the Ripple digital currency. With this account, you can purchase an asset other than the stocks, - [Ethereum and Ethereum Classic IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/ethereum-ira/) - Long-Term Investment Value A 2014 ruling from the IRS on how virtual currencies would be treated for taxation purposes enabled investors to set up and add assets to Ethereum-based IRAs as a long-term retirement investment. Under the current IRS code, you can combine investments from these asset classes in a single IRA account: IRAs. Choose from - [Basic Attention Token (BAT) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/basic-attention-token-bat-ira/) - What is a Basic Attention Token (BAT) IRA? A Basic Attention Token IRA is a Self-Directed Individual Retirement Account (SDIRA) with an investment in the BAT cryptocurrency. SDIRAs share traditional IRAs’ tax benefits and contribution limits but give account owners more control over their investment and a wider variety of investments from which to choose. For decades, - [Litecoin (LTC) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/litecoin-ira/) - Litecoin IRAs: Based on Fast, Useful Blockchain Technology Many investors are looking for more innovative assets to add to their IRA portfolio. They also want the potential to grow long-term ROI that exceeds the profits expected of traditional assets, such as stocks and bonds. If you have already set up an individual retirement account (IRA) - [Uniswap (UNI) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/uniswap-ira/) - Uniswap (UNI) is both a cryptocurrency token and a decentralized crypto exchange (DEX). Therefore, owning Uniswap tokens is akin to owning shares in a company. In other words, you own a portion of Uniswap’s exchange along with voting rights on any changes to the protocol. In this regard, Uniswap is one of the most unique - [The Graph (GRT) IRA from BitIRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/the-graph-grt-ira/) - What is a Graph (GRT) IRA? A GRT IRA is simply an IRA with an investment in the GRT cryptocurrency. Investing in a GRT IRA (or any crypto IRA) requires the account owner to have a Self-Directed Individual Retirement Account (SDIRA). An SDIRA can be either a Roth (qualified distributions are tax-free) or Traditional (tax-deductible contributions - [Bitcoin Cash IRA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/bitcoin-cash-ira/) - Higher Potential Rewards for Bold Investors This investment vehicle is the self-directed IRA (SDIRA). In SDIRAs, you can combine cryptocurrencies, other alternative investments, and traditional assets in one IRA. Here’s how the setup process works: Set up a self-directed IRA. If you already have an IRA or other eligible retirement plan, we can help you - [Bitcoin Roth IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/bitcoin-roth-ira/) - Bitcoin Roth IRA: 100% Tax-Free Growth The year 2018 showed that the stock market is, again, teetering on the verge of another downturn. In this financial climate, many investors seek alternative assets to diversify their portfolio. Bitcoin, itself forged amid the last financial crisis of 2008-09, has proven itself to be a popular alternative to - [Polkadot](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/polkadot-ira/) - Ever since bursting onto the scene in 2017, Polkadot has been a significant player in the blockchain industry. And with the promise of scalability and connecting blockchain networks in a new and innovative way, it should come as no surprise that Polkadot has been highly touted for its technology. Because blockchain networks currently don’t communicate - [Solana](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/solana-sol-ira/) - What is a Solana IRA? Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have been around since long before cryptocurrency. Most people are probably somewhat familiar with IRAs and may have contributed to one in order to save up for retirement. People primarily use IRAs for the tax advantages they offer, but through the decades IRAs have been available, - [Livepeer](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/livepeer-lpt-ira/) - Live streaming video is expensive. In fact, popular streaming services like Twitch and YouTube spend a fortune to provide platforms for streamers. The main cost comes during the transcoding process. This is where video is compressed and formatted to go out in several different bandwidths and qualities. Unfortunately, it is an essential part of the - [Compound](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/compound-ira/) - But financing has been slow coming, especially for an industry hellbent on changing how we view money. The usefulness and necessity of lending and borrowing is something the banks have had tight control over for centuries, including the birth of cryptos. With Compound (COMP), that’s changed. And now, with a Compound IRA, the ability to - [DAI](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/dai-ira/) - DAI is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, intended as a stable hedge compared to other cryptocurrency assets such as bitcoin and ethereum. (Think of DAI as a method to diversify your digital currency retirement portfolio and reduce volatility – without cashing out of cryptocurrencies completely.) In any case, a less volatile digital currency - [Maker](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/maker-mkr-ira/) - As cryptocurrencies continue to push into all aspects of finance and the economy, the desire to connect these digital tokens to their paper counterparts grows. Using dollars and euros to buy and trade cryptocurrencies is only one part of it. Just as important is the ability to lend and borrow digital currencies. This is crucial - [yearn.finance](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/yearn-finance-yfi-ira/) - While cryptocurrencies may have started as a way for people to send money to each other without an intermediary, they’ve quickly spawned a new ecosystem of blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization. Tokenization is the way cryptocurrencies convert plain, readable text – like sensitive information – into a token composed of cryptic, non-sensitive data. Every - [MANA](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/decentraland-roth-ira/) - What is Decentraland? Launched to the public in February 2020, Decentraland has rapidly evolved into a vibrant metaverse where users have full ownership and control over their digital assets. The platform operates without centralized oversight, ensuring that the community governs its direction and development. Can you buy land in Decentraland? Yes, you can – but - [Cardano](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/cardano-ira/) - Cardano (ADA), a third-generation coin, has been on the rise lately. In March 2019, it entered the top 10 digital currencies by market cap. Why has it attracted such interest in a crowded field of crypto contenders? There are several features of Cardano that make it unique, not the least of which include its security and efficiency - [TRON](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/digital-ira-tron-ira/) - Diversification is the cornerstone of every sensible portfolio, and there is arguably no portfolio more important than your retirement account. Compared to a conventional IRA, digital IRAs offer the option to combine cryptocurrencies and many other appealing assets into a single account that is under your complete control. Our guide on self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) outlines - [Bitcoin SV](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/bitcoin-sv-ira/) - Move over Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash – Bitcoin SV believes it’s the true embodiment of Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision for a global, peer-to-peer currency. When Satoshi released the original Bitcoin whitepaper, no one knew his true identity. Disagreements within the Bitcoin community have led arguing parties to disagree on Satoshi’s beliefs and wishes. Bitcoin SV was - [Traditional IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/traditional-ira/) - A Traditional IRA – or individual retirement account – is a way of placing pre-tax retirement savings into investments that grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn from the account. Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax deductible, and withdrawals are taxed as income. The ability to purchase assets within an IRA and save for retirement, - [SEP IRA and Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/sep-ira-bitcoin/) - Cryptocurrency Investment for Retirement As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies move toward mass adoption, many people have started diversifying one retirement account or more with digital currency holdings. One option is to create a Digital IRA (also known as a Cryptocurrency IRA), which is a self-directed IRA holding cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. You’ll need to open a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) - [SIMPLE IRAs and Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/simple-ira/) - Cryptocurrency Retirement Account For Both Employee and Employer Contributions Adding digital currency to your retirement savings is one way to diversify and add growth potential to your nest egg. You can own a Cryptocurrency IRA, which is essentially a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) in which you have chosen to place cryptocurrency. But this SDIRA can come in - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Crypto](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/thrift-savings-plan-tsp/) - Thrift Savings Plan: What Are Its Benefits And How Do I Buy Crypto With It? The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the federal government’s equivalent of a 401(k) for its employees. It offers federal employees and members of the uniformed services (both military and non-military) a retirement plan with low fees and diversified investment options. - [403(b) Plan](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/403b-plan/) - Buy Cryptocurrency to Diversify Your Retirement Savings With a 403b Rollover Goldman Sachs deemed bitcoin to be the best-performing asset of 2019, exceeding the runner up by 31%. That’s just ONE example of the astonishing growth potential of cryptocurrencies. The crypto and blockchain industry continues to note that major financial institutions are showing increased interest in cryptocurrencies, - [457 Plan](https://www.bitira.com/digital-ira/457-plan/) - Adding Cryptocurrency to Your Retirement Savings With a 457 Rollover With a Deutsche Bank analyst going so far as to predict that cryptocurrency would replace fiat currencies by 2030, cryptocurrency cannot be ignored by anyone in modern-day society. While the notion of completely replacing fiat money is still somewhat radical, what’s less shocking is the idea of ## Taxes - [When to Check “Yes” on Virtual Currency Question on Tax Form](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/when-to-check-yes-on-virtual-currency-question-on-tax-form/) - Taxes. Everyone loves to hate them. But no matter what you do, you can’t avoid the taxman. Tax dislike is especially true in the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies, where the IRS continues to change and update its guidance on crypto-related taxes. Beginning in the 2020 tax year, the IRS has placed a question at the - [Does PayPal report bitcoin transactions to the IRS?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/does-paypal-report-bitcoin-transactions-to-the-irs/) - Currently, PayPal only issues 1099-Ks to users if their account proceeds reach $20,000 (of gross payment volume) and includes more than 200 transactions in any year. That is the only reporting PayPal currently does to the IRS. However, as any sales transaction on crypto within PayPal accounts is a taxable event and must be reported. - [Can the IRS track bitcoin transactions?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/can-the-irs-track-bitcoin-transactions/) - Crypto exchanges, especially the largest, most secure ones like Coinbase, do report transaction history to the IRS. They also issue some variation of Form 1099. Due to a matching mechanism in the IRS InformationReporting Program (IRP), not reporting the income you made on these large exchanges will trigger an automatic flag for the IRS, likely - [How do capital gains rates apply to my crypto purchases in 2020?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/how-do-capital-gains-rates-apply-to-my-crypto-purchases-in-2020/) - The IRS has declared that cryptocurrencies are to be considered as “property.” To the IRS, exchanging property for money in this manner would be the same as selling a stock. Therefore, the specific taxes you owe on any sales of cryptocurrencies is determined by how long you held the crypto, at what price you - [Is it a taxable event to move tokens from one wallet/exchange to another?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/is-it-a-taxable-event-to-move-tokens-from-one-wallet-exchange-to-another/) - Moving tokens between exchanges is not a taxable event. An example of such a move is when you take Bitcoin and transfer it from a Coinbase account to a Binance account. The IRS does not consider crypto a currency but an asset akin to stock shares. It’s similar to moving shares of stock in Amazon - [If I pay someone for an item with Bitcoin or Ethereum, is that a taxable event?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/if-i-pay-someone-for-an-item-with-bitcoin-or-ethereum-is-that-a-taxable-event/) - Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are treated as an asset for tax purposes. As such, there is a taxable event triggered when they are used to pay for goods or services. It’s the same as if you sold it at that moment at the price paid for the goods received. You are now involved in - [How Do We Handle Crypto Taxes When Moving Outside the United States?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/how-do-we-handle-crypto-taxes-when-moving-outside-the-united-states/) - My wife and I are considering moving to another country post-retirement. If I've paid my crypto taxable events up to the point of the move date, what happens to future gains - or losses? a) if we remain US citizens? b) if we denounce our US citizenship? A U.S. person (either U.S. national or permanent - [How Do You Pay Taxes After Trading Cryptocurrencies?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/how-do-you-pay-taxes-after-trading-cryptocurrencies/) - Question I did some trading in the first quarter of 2021 and did not touch my crypto after that in 2021. I did not take any profit. It seemed like I made a lot of money in December 2021. However, I am down 60% with my crypto portfolio now in 2022. Would I need to - [How Do I Pay Taxes on Roth IRA to SDIRA Transfers to Purchase Cryptocurrencies?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/how-do-i-pay-taxes-on-roth-ira-to-sdira-transfers-to-purchase-cryptocurrencies/) - In 2021, I transferred funds from an existing Roth IRA into a new Roth SDIRA to purchase crypto. I also traded one cryptocurrency for another during 2021. How do I answer the question at the top of form 1040? It isn’t clear what long-term plans the IRS has for the data gathered by this question - [I was scammed for several thousand dollars of crypto, can I write that amount off as a loss?](https://www.bitira.com/taxes/i-was-scammed-for-several-thousand-dollars-of-crypto-can-i-write-that-amount-off-as-a-loss/) - Usually, we need more information, but I will detail some common scenarios. Scenario 1 - You invested in a Cryptocurrency or stock or NFT that became worthless, usually through an exchange. You would show this as a capital loss on your tax return. Remember, though, you are limited to taking $3,000 in capital losses. You ## Press - [3 Reasons Why Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse is Right about Regulation](https://www.bitira.com/websites/3-reasons-why-ripples-brad-garlinghouse-is-right-about-regulation/) - “Regulation could be the element that ultimately helps this market succeed. For now, experienced investors with an eye on massive profit potential are taking the long view as this market develops. They’ll roll with the punches and wait out the unnecessary panic that surrounds talk of regulations with long-term investment strategies like opening a Digital - [Three Reasons Cryptocurrency Is Making Its Way Into Retirement Plans](https://www.bitira.com/websites/three-reasons-cryptocurrency-is-making-its-way-into-retirement-plans/) - “Only you can answer the question of whether cryptocurrency is a smart investment for your personal retirement goals. For an increasing number of investors and future retirees interested in diversification, a hedge against changing government policies and the prospect of long-term growth, the answer is yes.” - [Setting up a Crypto IRA fund: Getting the most bit for your buck](https://www.bitira.com/websites/setting-up-a-crypto-ira-fund-getting-the-most-bit-for-your-buck/) - “For those who are concerned about the security of holding cryptocurrencies over the long-term (who wouldn’t when it’s what’s going to fund your cruise ship years), BitIRA has come to the market with the world’s first fully-insured cold storage solution for Digital Currency IRAs, or ‘end-to-end’ insurance.” - [Retirement Account Solution BitIRA Offers Insured Multi-Cryptocurrency IRAs](https://www.bitira.com/websites/retirement-account-solution-bitira-offers-insured-multi-cryptocurrency-iras/) - “Simply put, BitIRA is the best and only solution for current and future digital currency IRA investors that want it all – options, low cost, flexibility and the highest level of security.” - [Insurance for Cryptocurrency Investments: What You Need to Know](https://www.bitira.com/websites/insurance-for-cryptocurrency-investments-what-you-need-to-know/) - “Before selecting and moving forward with a Digital Currency IRA provider, you may want to consider one that insures both the purchase and the storage of your cryptocurrencies. Insurance for digital assets held in storage is incredibly rare today, yet it’s an important benefit as this is where they’re most vulnerable.” - [BitIRA Turns to Fully-Insured Cold Storage for Digital Currencies](https://www.bitira.com/websites/bitira-turns-to-fully-insured-cold-storage-for-digital-currencies/) - “With their new insurance policies now extended to cryptocurrencies in storage, BitIRA is seemingly ahead of its competitors in this space as of right now.” ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.bitira.com/category/uncategorized/) - [News](https://www.bitira.com/category/news/) - [Guides](https://www.bitira.com/category/guides/) - [In the Press](https://www.bitira.com/category/in-the-press/) - [Interviews](https://www.bitira.com/category/interviews/) - [Announcements](https://www.bitira.com/category/announcements/) - [Scholarship](https://www.bitira.com/category/scholarship/) ## Tags - [Bitcoin](https://www.bitira.com/tag/bitcoin/) - [CNBC](https://www.bitira.com/tag/cnbc/) - 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