Cryptocurrency Market Continues Volatility, Stellar Rises Nearly 8%
Over the past 24 hours, the cryptocurrency market has remained volatile. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, consolidated between $7,200 and $7,400. Key metrics:
- Total Market Cap: $188.68 billion
- 24-Hour Trading Volume: $44.38 billion
- Bitcoin Dominance: 68.92%
Top Gainers:
- Bytecoin (+29.56%)
- Decentraland (+13.95%)
- Ethereum Classic (+11.59%)
Top Losers:
- Centrality (-8.56%)
- Horizen (-7.22%)
- Cryptonex (-5.88%)
YouTube Admits "Misdeletion" of Crypto Videos, Creators Remain Skeptical
YouTube restored several cryptocurrency-related videos after labeling their removal as a "mistake." Affected channels included:
- ChrisDunnTV
- Crypto Tips
- BTC Sessions
Creator Backlash:
Chris Dunn of ChrisDunnTV disputed YouTube’s rationale (e.g., "harmful content" or "regulated goods sales"), noting his channel avoids monetization.
YouTube’s Response:
"We handle vast content volumes and occasional errors occur. We’ve reinstated the videos and offer appeal options for uploaders. No policy changes were made regarding crypto content."
Bahamas Launches "Sand Dollar" Digital Currency Pilot
Project Details:
- Launch Date: December 27
- Location: Exuma Island residents
- Features: Mobile wallet integration for seamless payments
Central Bank Clarification:
The "Sand Dollar" is a digital fiat currency, not a cryptocurrency or stablecoin. It mirrors paper currency functionality while reducing printing costs and transaction fees.
👉 Discover how digital currencies are reshaping global finance
Russia Tests Asset-Backed Stablecoins in Regulatory Sandbox
Key Points:
- Institution: Russian Central Bank
- Focus: Stablecoins pegged to real assets (e.g., commodities, real estate)
- Stance: Stablecoins won’t replace the ruble but may facilitate niche transactions.
Additional Exploration:
The bank is also studying a digital ruble CBDC, leveraging insights from other jurisdictions.
Germany Mandates Licensing for Crypto Custodians
New Law (Effective Jan 1):
Deadlines:
- April 1: Intent to apply submitted to BaFin
- November 1: Full applications due
- Transition: Existing services may operate provisionally until final regulations are issued.
Binance Enables Visa Crypto Purchases for European Users
Supported Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- XRP
Future Plans: Mastercard and additional currencies to be added soon.
France’s AMF Updates DASP Licensing Rules
Requirements for Applicants:
- Two-year business plan
- List of supported digital assets
- Operational regions
- Organizational structure chart
Compliance Mandates:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Anti-money laundering (AML) protocols
- IT system flexibility
👉 Explore compliant crypto services in Europe
FAQs
Q1: Why did YouTube delete crypto videos?
A1: YouTube cited an "error" due to automated enforcement systems and reinstated the content after review.
Q2: Is the Bahamas’ "Sand Dollar" a cryptocurrency?
A2: No—it’s a digital version of the Bahamian dollar, issued and regulated by the central bank.
Q3: How will Germany’s new law affect crypto custodians?
A3: Firms must obtain BaFin approval or risk penalties, though transitional provisions allow continued operations during application processing.
Q4: What’s Russia’s stance on stablecoins?
A4: The central bank views them as transactional tools, not payment replacements, and is testing their use cases.
Q5: Can Europeans buy crypto directly on Binance now?
A5: Yes, via Visa cards—with plans to expand to Mastercard soon.