Blockchain DXB: Crypto & Coffee at 8 ☕ 16th Oct 🟠 Blockstream Raises $210M 🟣 Ripple Stablecoin RLUSD update 🌍 Google Isn't Showing BTC Price Chart 👀 UAE Calls SEC to Probe (Cardi B)

16th Oct: Blockchain DXB Podcast
🟠 Blockstream Raises $210M 🟣 Ripple Stablecoin RLUSD update 🌍 Google Isn't Showing BTC Price Chart 👀 UAE Calls SEC to Probe (Cardi B)
🟠 Blockstream, a bitcoin infrastructure firm, has raised $210 million in a convertible note financing round led by Fulgur Ventures. The funds will be used to advance the adoption and development of its layer-2 technologies, grow mining operations, and expand its Bitcoin treasury. Blockstream's layer-2 solutions include the Liquid and Lightning networks, designed to improve scalability. The company also appointed Michael Minkevich as COO, who previously led product engineering at Luxoft. Co-founder and CEO Dr Adam Back highlighted fundraising as a key step in bridging Bitcoin with traditional finance. Source via CoinDesk https://shorturl.at/gLrEf
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👁️ Ripple has named exchange and market maker partners for its upcoming RLUSD stablecoin, which is awaiting approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services Services (NYDFS). The stablecoin, backed by U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents, is operationally ready and aims to bridge real-world asset tokenization. Ripple has partnered with exchanges like Bitstamp and Uphold, with market makers Keyrock and B2C2. Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair and ex-Centre CEO David Puth joined Ripple's advisory board. The company plans to leverage RLUSD for payments and tokenizing assets like real estate and securities. RLUSD is being tested on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. via CoinDesk https://shorturl.at/iqEZP
🟣 Decrypt is reporting that Google has stopped displaying price charts for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in its search results, although Dogecoin's chart and Ethereum Name Service (ENS) address balances are still visible. Users can still view crypto price charts through Google Finance. The decision comes as search interest in Bitcoin has reached a one-year low, with global search volume dropping to just 27% of its peak in March 2024. https://shorturl.at/Y45sr
🚨 The UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched an investigation into Cardi B’s WAP token, alleging it to be a pump-and-dump scheme. Following concerns from a Dubai-based VC firm and investors, the SCA is working with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to identify influencers who promoted the token. X Corp has been asked to provide relevant data, and the WAP token has crashed over 63% in two days, leading to a $21 million liquidity drop. news via DailyCoin https://shorturl.at/5We2h
🟠 Two UAE news (See slides)
⚡ Digital Dubai signs MoU with Microsoft UAE in AI domain
⚡ Abu Dhabi-listed AI firm Presight expands agreement with US video surveillance firm