Archive February 2025

Financial markets do not only react to numbers but also to the feelings and expectations of investors. In the crypto universe, where volatility is the norm, every signal emitted by a major institution can influence trends. This time, it is JPMorgan that makes a splash: the American bank believes that the Bitcoin and Ethereum markets are facing an increased bearish risk due to a disengagement of institutional investors. Such an analysis is based on the evolution of CME futures contracts, which show signs of critical weakness.

On February 21, 2025, the crypto exchange platform Bybit fell victim to an unprecedented hacking incident, resulting in the loss of over 1.4 billion dollars in digital assets. This incident marks the largest theft in the history of cryptocurrencies, far surpassing previous major hacks.

The former CEO of FTX, sentenced to 25 years in prison for massive fraud, is attempting a bold approach to regain his freedom. His parents are actively campaigning with the Republican camp to obtain a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

The security of exchange platforms is a central issue in the crypto universe. A new attack has highlighted the increased vulnerability of the sector: Bybit, one of the most influential exchanges, suffered an exceptionally large hack, with an estimated loss of 1.5 billion dollars in Ethereum. The incident sheds light on the complexity of attacks targeting crypto infrastructures, as well as the challenges platforms face in protecting their users' funds. According to initial investigations, the attack is attributed to the Lazarus group, a cybercriminal organization affiliated with North Korea, already responsible for several massive hijackings in the sector. Bybit claims it can cover the losses, but the event raises questions about the resilience of exchanges in the face of growing threats.

In an already geopolitically tense context marked by increasing economic tensions, Donald Trump has rekindled trade hostilities and is once again targeting the BRICS. The American president called the economic alliance "dead" and threatened to hit its members with a 100% tax on their exports to the United States if they continued to challenge the supremacy of the dollar. This statement immediately provoked a diplomatic reaction from China, which condemned a destructive protectionism and affirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among emerging economies.

Binance's BNB Chain blockchain is set to deploy a major update in mid-March 2025, called "Pascal", which will introduce native smart contract wallets. This technical evolution aims to enhance its compatibility with Ethereum and optimize transaction management.

BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF now dominates the market with over 50% of assets under management, solidifying its leadership position among ETF issuers in the United States. This dynamic comes as Bitcoin ETFs experience three consecutive days of withdrawals, testing the resilience of BTC.

The crypto industry has just experienced a strategic twist. Franklin Templeton, a giant in asset management, is launching its Bitcoin & Ether ETF (EZPZ), a bold move that redefines access to cryptocurrencies. Far from being a mere financial product, this ETF embodies a subtle break between the era of individual speculation and that of structured institutional adoption.