## Marathon Digital's Bold Strategy

Marathon Digital, a prominent **Bitcoin miner**, is set to **sell $250 million** of convertible notes in a private placement aimed at bolstering its **Bitcoin** purchases and supporting corporate operations. 

### Current Holdings

The company currently boasts a staggering **20,800 BTC**, valued at approximately **$1.2 billion**, significantly outpacing its closest competitor, **Hut 8**. 

### Details of the Offering

- The **notes** will yield interest payments every six months.
- They are scheduled to mature on **September 1, 2031**.
- The specific **interest and conversion rates** will be determined during the pricing phase.

### Recent Developments

Marathon previously sold **51%** of the Bitcoin it mined in Q2 to cover operational costs but has pivoted back to a strategy focused on retaining all mined BTC. Recently, it made headlines by purchasing **$100 million** worth of Bitcoin on the open market. 

### Market Reaction

Despite these ambitious plans, Marathon's shares experienced a **3.2% decline** in pre-market trading, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

The notes will pay interest every six months and mature Sept. 1, 2031.

Marathon Digital's Ambitious Move: $250M Notes Sale to Amplify Bitcoin Holdings

### RBC iShares Expands Access to BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETP Platform

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, **RBC iShares** has expanded access to **BlackRock’s digital asset investment platform** with the launch of the **iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT)** in Canada. The iShares Fund aims to reflect the performance of the price of **bitcoin**, minus its expenses and liabilities. An additional **U.S.-dollar denominated class (IBIT.U)** will also be available.

The iShares Fund invests in the U.S.-listed **iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (U.S. IBIT)**, which is recognized as the world’s largest **spot bitcoin exchange-traded product**. U.S. IBIT is managed by **BlackRock**, the largest asset manager globally, utilizing a multi-year technology integration developed with **Coinbase Prime**, the largest institutional **digital asset custodian**.

By holding **U.S. IBIT**, the iShares Bitcoin ETF is supported by the same **institutional-grade technology** and **risk management expertise** that powers over **1,400 ETFs** globally. The launch of the iShares Bitcoin ETF is a significant milestone in the firm’s **digital assets program**, providing Canadian investors with innovative access to bitcoin.

Helen Hayes, Head of iShares Canada at BlackRock, stated, “The launch of the iShares Bitcoin ETF in Canada underscores BlackRock’s commitment to **innovation** and providing clients access to an expanding world of investments. The iShares Fund offers Canadian investors a **convenient** and **cost-effective** way to gain exposure to bitcoin, alleviating the operational complexities of holding bitcoin directly.”

The iShares Fund has completed its initial offering of units, which will be listed on **Cboe Canada** when markets open today. The Fund will be managed by **BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited**.

| **Fund Name**         | **Ticker**       | **Management Fee** | **Listing Date**      |
|-----------------------|------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|
| iShares Bitcoin ETF   | IBIT, IBIT.U     | 0.32%               | January 13, 2025      |

RBC iShares aims to empower clients in achieving their investment objectives, building efficient portfolios, and taking control of their financial futures. They are dedicated to delivering a differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

TORONTO, Jan.  13, 2025  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, RBC iShares expands access to BlackRock’s digital asset investment platform with the launch of the...

RBC iShares Launches Groundbreaking Bitcoin ETF in Canada!

### A Promising Year for Crypto ETFs

2025 is shaping up to be a **significant year** for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as highlighted by **Laser Digital**, the digital asset subsidiary of the financial services giant **Nomura**. According to a recent report, more than **twelve new crypto ETFs** could potentially launch in the U.S. this year, pending approval from the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**.

### The SEC Filings

As of now, asset managers have submitted **12 filings** to the SEC, which include exciting potential products like a **ProShares ETF** that tracks the S&P 500's return in Bitcoin, as well as combined Bitcoin/Ether ETFs and products based on **Litecoin, XRP, and Solana**.

**Laser Digital** anticipates that the **Bitcoin/Ether ETF** will likely be the first to receive approval, paving the way for further developments in the crypto ETF landscape.

### Previous Successes

The launch of **spot Bitcoin ETFs** in the U.S. last January was a remarkable success, with **Blackrock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)** gathering approximately **$53 billion** in assets under management within its first 11 months, outpacing all prior ETF launches.

### Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook

With the recent appointment of **Paul Atkins** as the new SEC chairman and the exit of **Gary Gensler**, the environment for crypto regulation is changing. This shift is expected to lead to a decrease in ongoing lawsuits against crypto companies, enhancing the likelihood of approval for new ETFs.

**Laser Digital** projects that the ETF market will continue to grow in terms of **assets under management (AUM)** and will see broader adoption among **institutional investors** in 2025, especially with **Donald Trump** returning to office alongside a supportive regulatory team.

### Grayscale's Moves

In related news, asset manager **Grayscale** is looking to convert its **Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL)** into an ETF by December, indicating a broader trend towards ETF adoption in the crypto space.

**Read more:** [Grayscale Files to Convert Solana Trust Into ETF](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/12/03/grayscale-files-to-convert-solana-trust-into-etf-filing)

More than 12 new digital asset ETFs could be launched in the U.S. this year, if approved by the SEC, the report said.

2025: The Year Crypto ETFs Could Transform the Market

# New York Attorney General Files Lawsuit to Recover Stolen Cryptocurrency

New York Attorney General **Letitia James** has **filed a lawsuit** aimed at recovering **$2.2 million** in cryptocurrency stolen through a **scam targeting job seekers**. This fraudulent scheme involved **false promises of remote work opportunities** that lured victims into creating cryptocurrency accounts.

Victims were **contacted via text messages** and instructed to deposit funds under the pretense of reviewing products on websites that mimicked legitimate brands. They were assured that these deposits were necessary to **“legitimize” the process**, and that they would not actually be purchasing products. However, the promised reimbursements and commissions never materialized. Instead, the cryptocurrency deposited was **funneled into wallets controlled by the scammers**. 

Victims were often pressured to maintain **cryptocurrency balances** to access more tasks, further exacerbating their losses. James' office, in collaboration with the **U.S. Secret Service**, has managed to **freeze nearly $2.2 million** in stolen cryptocurrency, primarily in stablecoins like **USDC** and **Tether**. 

The lawsuit brings to light the plight of victims, including a hotel receptionist and a teacher from New York, each losing over **$100,000**, and a tech worker from Florida who was defrauded of more than **$300,000**. 

In a novel legal strategy, the Attorney General’s office plans to **notify the scammers via NFTs** airdropped to the cryptocurrency wallets used by the fraudsters. These NFTs will contain links to legal documents on a government website, ensuring that the scammers are notified despite their anonymity. This approach marks a **first for U.S. regulators** in tackling crypto-related fraud.

The lawsuit outlines tactics akin to **

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit to recover $2.2 million in cryptocurrency stolen through a scam targeting job seekers.

New York Attorney General Takes Bold Action to Recover $2.2 Million in Cryptocurrency Job Scam

## Jamie Dimon's Unwavering Skepticism Towards Bitcoin

![JPMorgan CEO Doesn’t Feel Great About Bitcoin](https://u.today/sites/default/files/styles/736/public/2025-01/5438.jpg)

JPMorgan CEO **Jamie Dimon** continues to express his skepticism about **Bitcoin**, despite the cryptocurrency's growing institutional acceptance. In a recent interview with CBS, he stated that he doesn't feel **"great"** about Bitcoin, emphasizing that he believes it has **no intrinsic value**.

Dimon highlighted concerns over Bitcoin's use in **money laundering** and other **criminal activities**. As a long-time critic of Bitcoin, he previously declared in 2017 that he would terminate any JPMorgan trader involved with Bitcoin, labeling it as **"a fraud."** Last year, he advised against engaging with Bitcoin altogether.

In his latest remarks, Dimon compared Bitcoin to **smoking**, acknowledging that while individuals should have the freedom to purchase it, he does not consider it a wise choice. Interestingly, despite his personal views, JPMorgan launched an **in-house Bitcoin fund** in 2021 and revealed minor exposure to Bitcoin **ETFs** last year.

As the CEO of the largest US bank, it appears Dimon will remain distant from embracing cryptocurrency, especially as he hints towards retirement plans. He indicated that even after stepping down as CEO, he would likely continue as the bank's **chairman**. The future leadership of JPMorgan remains uncertain as Dimon’s departure approaches.

Jamie Dimon remains a staunch Bitcoin skeptic

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon Doubts Bitcoin's Value: A Deep Dive into His Skepticism

### Overview
Taxes collected from Bitcoin miners in **Kyrgyzstan** have experienced a significant **drop of over 50%** year-on-year in 2024. Despite a global bull market, miners paid only about **$500,000** in taxes, a stark contrast to the **$1.03 million** collected in 2023. This decline can largely be attributed to the recent **BTC halving** and various global disruptions affecting the mining sector.

### Background
Kyrgyzstan has become a favored destination for miners, especially after many fled **China** due to a crackdown on cryptocurrency operations. The country previously collected **93.7 million som** in taxes from miners in 2023, showcasing its appeal due to a **friendly tax regime** and **affordable hydroelectric power**.

### Tax Drops
However, recent reports indicate that by August 2024, the Kyrgyz government had collected **30% less** in taxes compared to the same period in 2023. Miners in Kyrgyzstan are subject to a **10% tax on electricity fees** consumed, along with sales and VAT.

### Regional Competition
Kyrgyzstan is in competition with **Kazakhstan**, which has historically been a leader in Bitcoin mining in the region. Kazakhstan once accounted for **up to 7%** of the global BTC mining activity, but its mining sector has also faced challenges due to energy constraints.

### Global Context
The decline in Kyrgyzstan’s mining tax revenue mirrors a broader trend for BTC miners globally, with a **JP Morgan report** indicating that mining profits have consistently dipped over the past months. Many miners are merging or selling their operations to larger firms to stay afloat in this challenging environment.

### Future Outlook
Interestingly, there is a glimmer of hope for BTC miners tied to **Donald Trump’s** potential return to the presidency, as he has expressed intentions to ensure that all BTC mined in the US remains within the country, alongside plans for a national BTC reserve. This could potentially stabilize or even enhance the mining landscape in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

### Watch the Video
![Bringing the Metanet to life with Teranode](https://108.181.11.39/embed/KDo5IH7GCbs?si=Tp5qhaMfiCucXCVC&controls=0)

Despite the global bull market, Kyrgyz miners paid around $500,000 in taxes, half the 2023 figure, as the BTC halving and global disruptions took their toll.

Kyrgyzstan's Bitcoin Tax Revenue Plummets by 50% Amid Global Market Challenges

## Scott Bessent's Strategic Move to Liquidate Bitcoin ETF Holdings

**Billionaire hedge fund manager** Scott Bessent, nominated by President-elect **Donald Trump** for Treasury Secretary, is set to divest his investments, including **Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs)**, to avoid potential conflicts of interest. This decision comes as part of his **ethics agreement** filed ahead of his Senate confirmation.

On January 13, 2025, it was revealed that Bessent's assets total over **$700 million**, which includes BTC ETF holdings valued between **$250,000 and $500,000**. This information was disclosed in a report by **The New York Times**.

### Other Conflicts of Interest

Among the other significant investments that may pose a conflict are a **$50 million margin loan** with **Goldman Sachs**, a trading account for **China's currency**, and a stake in the conservative publisher **All Seasons**. Bessent has committed to the ethics office to "avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest" if confirmed.

### Challenges Ahead for Bessent

If confirmed, Bessent, who is known for his pro-crypto stance, will face the daunting task of managing the **growing federal debt** while addressing Trump's agenda to extend **tax cuts** and eliminate taxes on **social security benefits**. His advocacy for **tax reform** and **deregulation** aims to enhance **bank lending** and stimulate **energy production**. 

In previous statements, Bessent has indicated that the new Trump administration would likely pursue a **strong dollar**, aligning with Washington's long-standing economic policy.

Trump's Treasury nominee Scott Bessent plans to liquidate a string of investments, including BTC ETF, to avoid a potential conflict of interest. 

Scott Bessent's Bitcoin ETF Divestment: What It Means for Trump's Treasury Plans

## Tariffs and a Strong Dollar Challenge Digital Asset Stability Amid Economic Policy Shifts

Bitcoin has faced significant **volatility** recently, largely attributed to the **strong dollar** and President Trump's potential **tariff plans**. Following a remarkable rise of over **45%** after the November 5 presidential election, Bitcoin's momentum has stalled, leading to concerns about its future performance.

### Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin experienced its **worst weekly performance** due to a strong dollar and Trump's tariff proposals.
- Despite short-term challenges, **long-term structural tailwinds** for Bitcoin and digital assets remain intact.

Bitcoin began the week positively, reclaiming **$102,000** but quickly fell below **$97,000**, signaling a struggle to maintain its value. Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale Investments, noted, *“Bitcoin’s problem at the moment is the strong dollar,”* highlighting the impact of the Federal Reserve's recent signals that have bolstered the dollar.

Trump's consideration of a **national economic emergency** to implement universal tariffs could lead to inflationary pressures, creating further uncertainty in the market. Initial optimism about a pro-crypto environment under Trump's administration may be dampened by these conflicting signals.

## Continued High Interest Rates
Recent **strong payroll numbers** suggest that the Federal Reserve may not be as urgent in cutting rates, with market participants now predicting a **97% likelihood** of unchanged rates in the upcoming January meeting. The Fed's cautious stance amidst ongoing inflationary pressures could lead to **choppy conditions** for risk assets like Bitcoin, despite the potential for long-term growth.

## Pro-Crypto Legislation May Take Time
Analysts from JPMorgan and NYDIG suggest that while there is a generally positive outlook for digital assets, **pro-crypto legislation** is unlikely to see immediate action in Congress due to other priorities. However, there is confidence that digital assets will eventually regain attention, leading to potential frameworks for **stablecoins** and market structure.

![CME FedWatch Tool](https://static.cryptobriefing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/12231647/CME-FedWatch-Tool.png)  
*Data from CME FedWatch Tool shows market expectations for interest rates.*

Bitcoin faces volatility amid strong dollar and Trump's crypto trades, affecting digital assets' rally and economic dynamics.

Marathon Digital's Ambitious Move: $250M Notes Sale to Amplify Bitcoin Holdings

Summary:

Marathon Digital's Bold Strategy

Current Holdings

Details of the Offering

Recent Developments

Market Reaction

Comments

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Other Latest News

RBC iShares Launches Groundbreaking Bitcoin ETF in Canada!

2025: The Year Crypto ETFs Could Transform the Market

New York Attorney General Takes Bold Action to Recover $2.2 Million in Cryptocurrency Job Scam

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon Doubts Bitcoin's Value: A Deep Dive into His Skepticism

Kyrgyzstan's Bitcoin Tax Revenue Plummets by 50% Amid Global Market Challenges

Scott Bessent's Bitcoin ETF Divestment: What It Means for Trump's Treasury Plans

Is Bitcoin's Rally at Risk? Trump's Policies and a Strong Dollar Create Turbulence

Other Latest News

RBC iShares Launches Groundbreaking Bitcoin ETF in Canada!

2025: The Year Crypto ETFs Could Transform the Market

New York Attorney General Takes Bold Action to Recover $2.2 Million in Cryptocurrency Job Scam

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon Doubts Bitcoin's Value: A Deep Dive into His Skepticism

Kyrgyzstan's Bitcoin Tax Revenue Plummets by 50% Amid Global Market Challenges

Scott Bessent's Bitcoin ETF Divestment: What It Means for Trump's Treasury Plans

Is Bitcoin's Rally at Risk? Trump's Policies and a Strong Dollar Create Turbulence