Bitcoin’s $100k breakout, SEC’s crypto pivot, & uranium on blockchain 💰

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A supply chain attack on Solana’s Web3.js library led to $160,000 in stolen crypto as hackers embedded malicious code in updated versions, exposing developers reliant on private key operations.

Trump taps crypto advocate Paul Atkins for SEC chair

Donald Trump has selected Paul Atkins, a known supporter of digital assets, to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling a pro-crypto shift at the agency.

Why it matters: Atkins' nomination marks a potential pivot toward deregulation and innovation, aligning with Trump’s broader agenda to champion blockchain technology and digital finance in America.

What Trump said: Calling Atkins a "proven leader for common sense regulations," Trump emphasized his belief in the importance of digital assets for "Making America Greater than Ever Before."

Background on Atkins: A former SEC commissioner under George W. Bush, Atkins has long advocated for lighter regulation and has shown interest in fostering blockchain innovation.

Wider context: The announcement follows Trump’s nomination of Gail Slater to head the Justice Department’s antitrust division, tasked with continuing a crackdown on Big Tech. Trump accused large tech companies of "stifling competition" and pledged to support smaller innovators, dubbing them "Little Tech."

What’s next: If confirmed, Atkins is likely to oversee a major shift in how the SEC regulates crypto and emerging financial technologies, potentially reshaping the U.S. approach to digital asset markets.

Bitcoin soars past $100k as Trump ushers in ‘golden era’ for crypto

Bitcoin shattered the $100,000 barrier for the first time, riding a wave of optimism as President-elect Donald Trump signals unprecedented support for the cryptocurrency industry.

Why it matters: The milestone marks a stunning reversal for Bitcoin, which plummeted to $16,000 during the 2022 crypto market crisis. Now, with Trump’s pro-crypto stance and key appointments like Paul Atkins as SEC chair, the industry is anticipating transformative regulation.

Driving the news:

• Trump’s campaign promises to make the U.S. the “bitcoin superpower of the world” have electrified the market, with BTC surging over 50% since his election victory.

• Institutional investments are flooding in, with BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF amassing $45 billion in assets and $4.4 billion pouring into crypto funds since November.

What they’re saying: “Bitcoin at $100k is a monumental milestone,” said Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek. “This is just the beginning of what’s possible with a supportive administration.”

The big picture: Trump’s crypto pivot comes after years of industry crackdowns under SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose lawsuits and enforcement actions targeted major players like Coinbase and Binance. With Atkins and other crypto-friendly appointees set to take charge, executives foresee a regulatory reset that could unlock even greater institutional adoption.

What’s next: As BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy pile billions into Bitcoin, traders predict more historic highs ahead—cementing crypto’s place as a dominant asset class in the Trump era.

News 📰

⚖️ Celsius founder pleads guilty to fraud charges. Alexander Mashinsky admits to misleading customers and profiting $48M before the platform’s collapse, facing up to 30 years in prison.

💰 Russian-linked network laundered billions for UK drug gangs. Investigators uncover a Moscow-based crypto scheme funneling dirty money during lockdown, with ties to espionage and Russian elites.

🚀 Ripple’s XRP jumps 40% to $2.80 as regulatory pressure eases, fueled by Gensler’s resignation and bullish bets on Ripple’s stablecoin and ETF approval.

📈 BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF surpasses $50B AUM in record time as Bitcoin hits $103K, signaling institutional demand and pro-crypto momentum under Trump’s incoming administration.

Blockchain brings physical uranium to small investors

Investors now have a groundbreaking way to own physical uranium, thanks to a new blockchain-based marketplace launched by Curzon Uranium and Tezos.

Why it matters: Previously, only institutional players could afford uranium’s steep entry costs—minimum purchases of $4 million worth of yellowcake. This platform tokenizes uranium, allowing retail investors to buy smaller, more accessible shares stored in Cameco’s facilities.

The big picture:

• Uranium surge: Prices spiked to $106 per pound earlier this year as top producers Kazatomprom and Cameco slashed output.

• AI boost: Growing demand for electricity from AI data centers has reignited interest in nuclear power, with companies like Google and Amazon turning to nuclear energy for their operations.

What’s next: By democratizing access to uranium, this platform could enhance liquidity in the niche market while aligning with the global push for low-carbon energy solutions.

WEB3 NOTES

Extra read: ‘Hawk tuah’ girl Haliey Welch launches crypto memecoin—but insists it’s not a cash grab (Source: Fortune Crypto)