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Marathon Digital Acquires 4,144 Bitcoins With $300M Convertible Note Offering

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3 months ago

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Bitcoin miner Marathon Digital (NASDAQ: MARA) has revealed that it has purchased a total of 4,144 Bitcoins with $249 million in cash. The purchase of BTC happened within two days after the convertible notes were oversubscribed earlier this week.

Marathon Digital’s $300 Million Convertible Notes

The total value of the notes sold in the offering is $300 million which includes an additional $50 million in notes purchased by the initial buyers with the option of under an option within 13 days of the first issue date. Marathon exercised the option fully on August 13, while completing the purchase on August 14.

As per the press release, Marathon Digital purchased 4,144 Bitcoins during the period between August 12, 2024 and August 14, 2024, at an average price of $59,500 per BTC. The Bitcoin miner said that its $300 million convertible notes are unsecured, senior obligations that bear an interest rate of 2.125% per annum with semi-annual arrears payable from March 1, 2025. The maturity of the convertible notes will happen on September 1, 2031. In an official announcement, the Bitcoin miner said:

“Our new initiative with the convertible notes issuance positions us to take advantage of favorable market conditions and enhance our operational capabilities, aligning with our long-term financial goals and reinforcing our belief in Bitcoin’s potential as a highly accretive asset”.

This is not the first time that Marathon has been making strategic BTC acquisitions. Back in 2021, MARA invested a total of $150 million in Bitcoins that still remain on the company’s balance sheet. Recently this year, they also purchased $100 million in BTC from the open market making it the second-largest corporate holder of BTC after MicroStrategy. Considering all the Bitcoins mined together, Marathon Digital holds a total of 25,000 BTC on its balance sheet.

The Bitcoin price has come under selling pressure despite the cooling of US CPI inflation. As of press time, BTC is trading 4.35% down at $58,447.00 with a market cap of $1.153 trillion. However, market analysts expect the BTC price rally to continue following the expected Fed rate cuts in September. On the other hand, the MARA stock also dropped by 2.26% to $15.14 as of Wednesday’s closing hours.

Bitcoin Miner Eyes New Market Opportunities

Bitcoin Miner MARA said that the current BTC purchase plans as the company eyes new market opportunities while planning for debt reduction to strengthen its balance sheet. The company said that one step in this direction was the acquisition of three key Bitcoin mining sites last year in Nebraska and Texas while securing 690 operational megawatts (MWs) before this year’s Bitcoin halving.

With this acquisition, MARA expanded its directly owned and operated Bitcoin mining portfolio from 3% to 45%, while reducing the operational costs at these sites by 20%.

“Our new initiative with the convertible notes issuance positions us to take advantage of favorable market conditions and enhance our operational capabilities, aligning with our long-term financial goals and reinforcing our belief in Bitcoin’s potential as a highly accretive asset,” said the Bitcoin Miner.

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Bhushan Akolkar

Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and holds a good flair in understanding financial markets. His interest in economics and finance draw his attention towards the new emerging Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency markets. He is continuously in a learning process and keeps himself motivated by sharing his acquired knowledge. In free time he reads thriller fictions novels and sometimes explore his culinary skills.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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“Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo Emerges Top For White House Crypto Czar Role

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3 hours ago

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November 22, 2024

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Chris Giancarlo, widely known as “Crypto Dad,” has emerged as the leading candidate for a newly proposed role of crypto czar in the White House under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The potential appointment underscores a strategic effort to advance crypto regulations and foster blockchain innovation in the United States.

This proposed position would be the first of its kind in the White House, aiming to bring clarity to the growing $3 trillion digital asset market. Chris Giancarlo, the former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is known for his progressive approach to digital currencies and blockchain technologies.

Chris Giancarlo Leads Race for White House Crypto Czar Role Under Donald Trump

According to a Fox Business report, Chris Giancarlo is the top contender for the position of White House crypto czar, a role being considered by the Trump transition team to streamline crypto regulations and foster blockchain development.

As CFTC Chair from 2017 to 2019, Chris Giancarlo oversaw critical advancements in the digital asset space. This includes the launch of the first Bitcoin futures. He later co-founded the Digital Dollar Project, a nonprofit initiative exploring the potential of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). Giancarlo’s regulatory expertise and understanding of digital innovation position him as a key figure in shaping the future of the crypto sector.

The Trump administration aims to utilize this position to address industry concerns over the Biden administration’s perceived heavy-handed enforcement. The crypto czar would also collaborate with federal agencies to establish a framework for the $180 billion stablecoin market and enhance the overall regulatory landscape for blockchain and digital currencies.

Trump’s Strategic Approach to Digital Asset Policy

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to make the U.S. a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Part of this strategy includes appointing a crypto czar to advance policies to support the industry’s growth.

Trump has also proposed the establishment of a presidential crypto advisory council to address ongoing regulatory challenges. This initiative aims to align federal policies with industry needs, fostering a competitive environment for blockchain businesses. The council will explore the creation of a Bitcoin reserve as part of the administration’s broader crypto policy agenda.

The transition comes as current SEC Chair Gary Gensler announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration. Gensler faced criticism during his tenure for his enforcement-driven approach to crypto regulations.

Amid speculation, Chris Giancarlo clarified that he is not pursuing the SEC Chair role. Giancarlo said in a recent statement,

“I’ve already cleaned up earlier Gary Gensler mess at the CFTC and don’t want to have to do it again.”

His focus remains on advancing crypto-friendly policies through a potential new role. According to the report, the “Crypto Dad” stated,

“I would be honored to be considered for the role.”

The creation of the crypto czar position could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. crypto policy. With Chris Giancarlo leading the race, the industry anticipates advancements in crypto regulations under the new administration.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Donald Trump Proposed Crypto Advisory Council To Set Up Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

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7 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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Donald Trump plans to establish an advisory council to position the U.S. as a leader in the cryptocurrency space. The council will spearhead policy changes, coordinate with Congress on crypto legislation, and oversee the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

The advisory council will also operate under the White House’s National Economic Council or a similar executive body. Industry executives have revealed that the council will collaborate with federal agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Treasury to streamline regulatory frameworks for the crypto industry.

Donald Trump To Establish Bitcoin Reserve Amid Crypto Council Formation

According to a recent report, Donald Trump’s crypto advisory council will advise on digital asset policies and oversee the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The reserve aims to position Bitcoin as a core element of the United States’ economic strategy. This will enhance the nation’s leadership in the global crypto space.

The council will work with Congress to draft legislation and coordinate between agencies such as the SEC, CFTC, and Treasury. The initiative seeks to establish clear regulatory guidelines within the crypto sector. More so, the idea of a Bitcoin reserve reflects a commitment to integrating blockchain technology into national economic frameworks.

Additionally, the move comes amid rising discussions on why the United States should consider Bitcoin as part of its national reserves, particularly in light of countries like El Salvador and Bhutan already adopting it. Advocates like Anthony Pompliano stress the urgency for the U.S. to act to maintain its leadership in the evolving digital economy.

Industry Leaders Compete for Seats on Trump’s Crypto Council

Several players in the industry, including Ripple, Kraken, Coinbase, and Circle, are vying for a position on Donald Trump’s council. These companies aim to influence the administration’s approach to crypto regulation and advocate for pro-industry policies. Executives from Paradigm and Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm, a16z, are also expected to play key roles in shaping the council.

Ripple and Circle, represented by their executives, have already expressed interest in contributing to the council. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire recently emphasized the importance of building a robust, crypto-friendly infrastructure under Trump’s administration. Industry leaders hope this council will bring an end to enforcement actions seen under the previous administration.

Most recently, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson endorsed Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong for the potential White House crypto role under Donald Trump’s administration. Hoskinson praised Armstrong’s neutrality and deep understanding of the crypto industry, emphasizing his ability to guide regulatory progress.

Meanwhile, this major push comes as the current SEC Chair, Gary Gensler, announced he is set to resign on January 20, 2025, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President. Ripple’s CLO, Stuart Alderoty, emphasized the need for a new Chair who will establish clear rules for crypto. 

Notably, former regulators, including Heath Tarbert, former CFTC Chair and now Circle’s chief legal officer, and Brian Quintenz, a16z’s head of policy, are reportedly advising Donald Trump’s transition team. These individuals bring extensive regulatory experience to the development of the Crypto Council and its proposed Bitcoin reserve.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair In January

Published

11 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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In a recent development, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Gary Gensler will step down from his position next year. This follows calls for Gensler to resign since Donald Trump won the US presidential elections.

Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair

The US SEC announced in a press release that Gary Gensler will depart the Agency on January 20, 2025. The US SEC Chair also confirmed this development in an X post. Interestingly, this comes on the same day that Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.

Following the announcement, Gensler also used the opportunity to reflect on his time at the Commission. He remarked that it has been an “honor of a lifetime” to serve alongside those at the SEC. He also thanked President Biden for the opportunity to serve in the position. Gensler has been the US SEC Chair since April 2021. During his time, he has spearheaded several litigations against the crypto industry.

This includes the long-running legal battle with Ripple, which Gensler took over from his predecessor Jay Clayton, which bordered on whether XRP was a security. Up till now, the Agency continues to reiterate this ‘digital asset securities’ claim.

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Boluwatife Adeyemi

Boluwatife Adeyemi is a well-experienced crypto news writer and editor who has covered topics that cut across DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts, and blockchain interoperability, among others. Boluwatife has a knack for simplifying the most technical concepts and making it easy for crypto newbies to understand. Away from writing, He is an avid basketball lover and a part-time degen.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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