The Digest

• ConsenSys partners with Mastercard (NYSE:), Robinhood (NASDAQ:) adds ‘gift crypto’ feature.
• Adidas (OTC:) releases first NFT collection, Melania and Labs’ NFT saga, Kraken prepares NFT marketplace.
• Valkyrie launched another ETF, as 83% of millionaires millennials own crypto.
• Russian Central Bank is considering a ban on crypto-investments.
• Binance has been in discussions to relocate its headquarters to United Arab Emirates.

ConsenSys Partners With Mastercard, Robinhood Adds ‘Gift Crypto’ Feature

Two powerhouses, ConsenSys and Mastercard, have collaborated to build an Scaling solution named ‘ConsenSys Rollups.’ According to the software firm, projects that use ConsenSys Rollups can reach a throughput of up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) on an Ethereum private chain.

In addition to offering impressive scalability, ConsenSys Rollups also offers “strong privacy protections to enhance both solutions.” The development team explains that the tech could have new use cases in CBDC, decentralized exchanges, micropayments, and taxes.

Robinhood announced that it has launched a new feature which allows you to give cryptocurrency to others ahead of the holiday season. The ‘gift crypto’ feature will be available to U.S. residents, except those in Hawaii and Nevada.

The feature allows users to send crypto as small as $1, in seven different cryptocurrency, to others using their device. Users also have the option to create a digital gift card or a message up to 180 characters, and send it to another user. On December 22, the official launch date of this feature is set.

Flipsider:

• The shame of Robinhood’s network hack, which saw the names and emails of millions of client’s stolen, still hangs over the FinTech firm.

Why you should care

Companies that specialize in crypto are investing their resources to develop technology that makes it easier for users of cryptocurrencies to use them more efficiently, thus paving the way for widespread adoption.

Adidas’ First NFT Collection, Kraken Prepares NFT Marketplace, Melania and Solana Labs’ NFT Saga

Less than a month after announcing its entrance into the metaverse, Adidas Originals is preparing to launch the company’s first NFT collection. The ‘Into the Metaverse’ NFT Collection sees Adidas partner with the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC).

Continuing the metaverse trend, Kraken, one of the world’s biggest crypto exchanges, has announced its plans to introduce an NFT trading marketplace. Jesse Powell (CEO of Kraken) said that the market’s development comes amid a dramatic increase in NFT activities in the metaverse.

Melania Trump, ex-first lady of the USA has been the latest celebrity to embrace the metaverse. The announcement by Melania Trump on 17 December was that she plans to start an NFT-collection through the popular blockchain Solana.

Flipsider:

• Although Melania Trump is clearly the top-profile Solana product launcher, the ex-first lady has chosen to distance herself from Solana Labs.
• According to a Solana representative, Solana Labs didn’t invite Melania, and the project should not be projected as a “Solana-led initiative.”

Valkyrie launches another Bitcoin ETF for 83% of Millennial Millionaires

Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial industry by changing the rules around investing. They also offer new options that are not available for Gold and Real estate. According to a new study, 83% of all millionaires in the millennial generation own cryptocurrency.

Survey results show that 46% (or 46%) of millennial millionaires plan to invest more money in crypto in 2022. This is despite recent declines in prices. Only 6% of millennial millionaires expect to shrink their holdings.

Bitcoin ETFs have been a huge part of 2021’s crypto story, and on Wednesday, December 15th, Valkyrie announced the launch of an additional Bitcoin ETF, the Valkyrie Balance Sheet opportunities ETF (VBB).

Investors will be exposed to public companies with Bitcoin in their balances through the VBB ETF. This includes custodians and crypto traders. Valkyrie’s second Bitcoin ETF product will thereby give investors indirect exposure to Bitcoin.

Flipsider:

• With the aging of the generations, crypto investments decline. Baby Boomers are less exposed to the comparatively new technology than Gen X.

Why you should care

Mainstream adoption is gradually becoming a reality, as more people and businesses get involved with the industry.

Russian Central Bank Bans Crypto Investments

According to reports, the Russian Central Bank has been rumored as considering a blanket ban on all crypto investment.

According to some reports, Russia’s Central Bank is worried about how digital assets could impact financial stability and the growing volume of transaction involved. This move will prevent future transactions in crypto among Russians if passed.

Although cryptocurrencies have been legal up to this point in Russia, the world’s largest country has not been a fan of the asset class. In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin, had remarked that cryptocurrencies “bear high risks” at an investment forum in Moscow.

Flipsider:

• Anatoly Aksakov is the chairman of Russian Duma and believes crypto will be legalized by 2022 despite a possible blanket crypto ban.

Why you should care

The International Monetary Fund warned that while different countries may take different approaches to cryptocurrency, no one country can block it.

Binance is in talks to move its headquarters to the United Arab Emirates

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has confirmed earlier rumors of a possible memorandum of understanding with Gulf Arab nation the United Arab Emirates, over crypto-related activities.

Recently, reports indicate that Binance’s executives met with officials of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre regarding the possibility to move their headquarters to this region.

The details of these talks are being kept secret, but Binance appointed Mark McGinness (ex-Head of International Relations, Dubai Financial Services Authority) as Chief Regulatory Liaison Officer. Matt Gamble from Abu Dhabi Global Market is now also on Binance’s regulatory team.

Flipsider:

• On Monday, Binance’s Singapore affiliate It was withdrawnTo run an exchange within the city-state.

Why you should care

Binance’s move to set up its global headquarters is a major step in its quest for regulatory compliance.

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