Crypto Roundup: Nasdaq Seeks Bitcoin Options, KOR Launches Music Platform, CME Introduces Small Futures, MakerDAO Rebrands

Our canary has chirped some exciting news from the crypto world today. Nasdaq is making a big move by seeking approval for Bitcoin index options. KOR Protocol launched a decentralized music platform, offering artists a new way to distribute their music. The CME Group has introduced smaller Bitcoin futures contracts to cater to retail investors. And finally, MakerDAO has rebranded to Sky Protocol, signaling a new era for the project.

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Meme of the Day

Market Movements - 28 Aug 2024

The crypto market continued witnessing a downward movement on third day of the week, on Wednesday. Bitcoin declined by -3.88% to $60,080.51, while Ethereum dipped by -3.81% to $2,528.12. BNB declined by -1.19% to $545.23, and Solana was down by -4.38% to $147.57.

Among altcoins, Tron dipped by -0.95% to $0.159, while Toncoin was up by +0.16% to $5.43. Cardano decreased by -1.19% to $0.358, and Avalanche was in red by -3.65% to $24.74.

Movers and Shakers

In the last 24 hours, the top gainers included DOGS (+27.08%), Popcat (+12.16%), and FLOKI (+4.34%). The top losers included Maker (-10.60%), Polygon (-9.58%), and Lido DAO (-7.58%).

Project Updates

1. Flare Network integrates Polyhedra's zkBridge to boost cross-chain security. This leverages zero-knowledge proofs for secure data exchange between Flare and other blockchains.

   Read more here

2. Sony launched the "Minato" public testnet for their Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, Soneium. It also launched "Soneium Spark," a program to attract developers to build on their Soneium blockchain.

   Read more here

3. Starknet implements parallel transaction execution in its recent upgrade, targeting faster confirmation times and increased throughput despite a recent dip in user activity.

   Read more here

4. Tonkeeper, a TON wallet, launched a dApp browser to simplify access to decentralized applications (dApps) built on the TON blockchain.

   Read more here

5. Robinhood Wallet expands its cryptocurrency support by integrating Solana (SOL), allowing users for direct storage, sending, and receiving of SOL tokens.

   Read more here

Hall of Fame, Hall of Shame

Malaysia Arrests 21 in Crypto Fraud

Malaysian authorities have arrested 21 individuals linked to a cryptocurrency fraud scheme targeting Japanese investors. The alleged scam attracted victims with promises of high returns on fictitious crypto investments.

Read more here

DOJ, Tether Disrupt $5M Crypto Scam

The DOJ, in collaboration with Tether, successfully disrupted a $5M crypto fraud scheme known as "pig butchering." This elaborate scam targeted victims by building fake online relationships before financially exploiting them through cryptocurrency transactions.

Read more here

What moved in the Crypto World Today

Nasdaq Seeks Bitcoin Index Options

The Nasdaq Stock Exchange has filed an application with the SEC to launch Bitcoin index options. This move, if approved, would provide investors with a new instrument for managing their Bitcoin exposure.

Read more here

KOR Protocol Launches Music Platform

Animoca Brands-backed KOR Protocol has launched a new music platform, KOR Player. It allows users to remix music and features AI-powered authentication and royalty payments in crypto.

Read more here

CME Launches Small Bitcoin Futures

The CME Group has launched "Bitcoin Friday Futures" - bite-sized contracts settling on Fridays. This will cater to retail investors by offering smaller investment amounts and more manageable exposure to Bitcoin.

Read more here

MakerDAO Rebrands to Sky Protocol

In a strategic rebrand, MakerDAO has transitioned to Sky Protocol. Their governance token (MKR) and stablecoin (DAI) have also been renamed SKY and Sky Dollar (USDS), respectively.

Read more here

Funding Announcements

Our Canary tweets of the latest funding news:

1. Multichain launchpad, BSC Station received undisclosed funding from K300 Ventures.

   Read more here

2. Web3 generative AI platform, Nectar AI raised $3.90M in a Seed funding round led by Mechanism Capital and Karatage.

   Read more here

3. Framework for creating and managing credible accounts, OneBalance raised $5M in a Angel funding round led by Konstantin Lomashuk, and Vasiliy Shapovalov.

   Read more here

4. Verifiable compute layer for AI and Blockchain, Space and Time raised $20M in a Series A funding round led by Framework Ventures, Lightspeed Faction, Arrington Capital, and Hivemind.

   Read more here

5. Bike racing game franchise, Trial Xtreme (Gameplay Galaxy) raised $11.17M in a Seed funding round led by Blockchain Capital, Merit Circle.

   Read more here

6. Solana-based restaking network, Solayer raised $12M in a Seed funding round led by Polychain Capital and Hack VC.

   Read more here

Whale Movements

1. Fresh wallet 0x6ff (likely Matrixport) withdrew 3,350 ETH ($8.28M) from Binance. More details here

2. The ETH whale 0x5ac entity spent the remaining 4.767M USDT to buy 1,911 ETH. Txn details here

3. Whale 0xa36 sold 6.1M MATIC ($2.82M) for 2.777M USDT via Cumberland DRW. Txn detail here

Today’s Token Unlocks

Open Campus (EDU) - $5.79M
Maverick Protocol (MAV) - $3.29M
ECOx (ECOx) - $1.60M

Coinversation Street

Our Canary brings some of the trending and informative tweets from the crypto world:

@wassielawyer thread about type of Web3 lawyers:

@Defi_Made_here thread about RWA, Defi & @0xFluid:

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