Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019.
Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.
The Bitcoin network continues to surprise. While analysts expected a slowdown in hashrate after the April 2024 halving, the computing power mobilized by mining companies has just reached a historic record of 833 exahashes per second (EH/s), an increase of 9% in just a few days. This surge in power is explained by the massive investments made by mining companies, which anticipated the reduction in block rewards by strengthening their infrastructure. However, a surprising contrast emerges: despite a price hovering around 100,000 dollars, transaction fees are at historically low levels, which undermines the profitability of mining companies and raises questions about the economic balance of the network.
The tug-of-war between the crypto industry and American banking regulators is reaching a decisive turn. For several years, companies in the sector have denounced restrictions that limit their access to traditional banking services. This phenomenon of "debanking," perceived as an unjustified impediment, hampers their development and fuels a climate of uncertainty. In response to this situation, Coinbase is stepping up. In a letter addressed to the Federal Reserve (Fed), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the platform demands the removal of obstacles that prevent banks from collaborating with crypto players. Coinbase is asking for the cancellation of an OCC directive, as the platform believes it imposes an excessive approval process for new banking activities related to cryptos. The company considers this approach contrary to the law and calls on regulators to officially recognize the right of banks to offer custody and execution services for cryptos. This offensive comes as the debate gains political momentum. Under pressure from Republican lawmakers, Congress is holding two key hearings this week, in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to examine these controversial practices. The outcome of these discussions could redefine the regulatory framework of the crypto industry in the United States.
The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a new phase of instability, with XRP at the forefront. Within a few hours, its price saw a dramatic drop of 31%, before rebounding with a similar intensity. This extreme movement has created doubt among investors, torn between hope for a recovery and fear of a mere technical bounce. In this context, Bollinger Bands, a key technical indicator, are delivering mixed signals. If XRP manages to stabilize above its median threshold, a new bullish momentum could emerge. Conversely, a return to recent lows remains a credible hypothesis. This extreme volatility puts investors in a decisive position: to hold their positions betting on a recovery or to reduce their exposure to limit risks.
In an unprecedented turn for American economic policy, Donald Trump has signed a presidential decree that creates a national sovereign wealth fund, a groundbreaking initiative in the United States. This financial instrument aims to stimulate economic growth, fund strategic infrastructure, and potentially enable the acquisition of TikTok. The platform, under scrutiny from Washington for national security reasons, must divest itself of its Chinese shareholders in order to continue operations on American soil. Drawing inspiration from the sovereign wealth fund models of China, Norway, and Singapore, the Trump administration hopes to reduce U.S. dependence on borrowing and enhance its global economic influence. However, the establishment of such a mechanism raises numerous questions: how could a country that is accumulating massive budget deficits finance such a project? What would be the geopolitical implications of a direct intervention in a globally significant technology company? Balancing economic ambition with diplomatic challenges, this sovereign wealth fund represents a major shift that could redefine the role of the American state on the international stage.
Trade tensions between the United States and its major partners have resurfaced, reviving the specter of a new economic war. Washington has announced an increase in tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, a decision that marks the return of the protectionism favored by Donald Trump. This tariff offensive has immediately sparked reactions everywhere, particularly in Europe, where the European Commission is closely monitoring the situation. Although the European Union is not yet directly affected, Brussels fears an expansion of American measures and warns that it will not remain passive. The Commission has already expressed its strong disagreement with this policy and states that it is ready to adopt retaliatory measures to protect the continent's economic interests. In the face of this new trade offensive from the United States, the risk of escalation between the two blocs cannot be ruled out.
The crypto market is going through a period of instability, and Solana (SOL) is on the front lines. Since February 1st, the drop of Bitcoin below $100,000 has caused a shockwave across altcoins. Solana, whose price moves in strong correlation with BTC, has seen its price fall below the critical threshold of $200. The impact has not been limited to price declines: investors have massively reduced their exposure, leading to a withdrawal of $367 million from spot markets in three days. This massive liquidation has reversed market sentiment, as evidenced by a long/short ratio dropping to 0.93, confirming seller dominance. While technical indicators signal sustained bearish pressure, a break of current support levels could send Solana to new lows, unless a sudden surge in demand comes to reverse the trend.
The crypto market is experiencing significant instability, and XRP is bearing the brunt of it. Indeed, the asset linked to Ripple has plunged by 25%, reaching an unprecedented low in several weeks. This brutal correction is not limited to XRP. Bitcoin has dropped by 6.35%, while Dogecoin has recorded nearly a 25% loss. This widespread pullback can be explained by an explosive cocktail of economic tensions and heightened speculative movements. The uncertainty surrounding traditional financial markets, particularly in the United States, fuels crypto volatility. In this context, one question remains: is XRP beginning a new descent, or is this a strategic low for opportunistic investors?
Amid revolutionary announcements, technological developments, and regulatory turbulence, the crypto ecosystem continues to prove that it is both a territory of limitless innovations and a battleground of regulatory and economic struggles. Here is a summary of the most significant news from the past week surrounding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Solana, and Ripple.
The United States is reviving trade tensions with its major economic partners. Donald Trump has just announced massive new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, and is reigniting an aggressive protectionist policy. Presented as a response to the fight against fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, this decision primarily fits into a broader strategy aimed at renegotiating North American trade agreements and protecting the American industry from Chinese competition. This escalation has immediately provoked a virulent reaction from the targeted countries, which are already preparing retaliatory measures, foreshadowing a new economic showdown with uncertain consequences.
The stablecoin market has just crossed a historic milestone, reaching a market capitalization of over $200 billion. This rapid progression reflects a growing interest from investors in these dollar-backed assets, often perceived as a more stable alternative amidst the volatility of cryptocurrencies. While Tether (USDT) still dominates the market with $139.4 billion, the current dynamics indicate a rise of USDC, whose capitalization has more than doubled in three months. This shift in balance raises strategic questions: are we witnessing a mere redistribution of capital or a precursor signal of a major turning point for the crypto market?
Financial markets sometimes hold paradoxes. While Bitcoin is experiencing a new surge, surpassing the symbolic threshold of 100,000 dollars, one surprising element stands out: the absence of individual investors. After the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the Bitcoin futures market witnessed a rapid rise, with an increase of 1.2 billion dollars in just 24 hours. However, instead of widespread enthusiasm, the data reveals a significant retreat of small investors, whose activity has dropped by 50% since November 2024. This phenomenon highlights a profound transformation in the market, where financial institutions are taking over from individuals. Should we see this as a mere cyclical adjustment or a lasting change in the evolution of Bitcoin?
Court decisions regarding cryptocurrencies play a key role in the evolution of sector regulation. Indeed, when it comes to stolen funds, the issue becomes even more sensitive, as it pits the principle of confiscation against that of restitution to the victims. The case of the Bitfinex hack in 2016, one of the largest Bitcoin thefts in history, crystallizes these tensions. After the seizure of 94,643 BTC by US authorities, the courts are questioning the appropriateness of returning them to Bitfinex. Such a decision could create a major legal precedent, which would influence the future management of cryptocurrencies seized by the courts.
Artificial intelligence has become a major strategic issue. From the United States to China, passing through Europe, economic powers are competing to dominate this key sector. Far from standing on the sidelines, India has just announced the development of its own generative AI model, scheduled for 2025. With a massive acquisition of graphics processors and a $20 billion investment plan in infrastructure, the country shows a clear ambition: to strengthen its digital sovereignty and assert its technological autonomy. This initiative comes as technological tensions between Washington and Beijing are escalating and as American restrictions on Nvidia chips complicate access to cutting-edge technologies. At the same time, the emergence of open-source models like DeepSeek R1 is shaking up the rules of the game, proving that it is possible to develop a high-performing AI without having the same resources as the industry giants.
Europe is tightening its regulatory framework on stablecoins, and Kraken is forced to adapt. Indeed, the exchange announced the withdrawal of USDT and other stablecoins for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) before March 31, in response to the requirements of the MiCA regulation. This text imposes strict criteria on stablecoin issuers and limits their circulation in Europe. Such a decision illustrates a major shift for the European crypto market. As Kraken joins the list of platforms that comply with this regulation, investors must now choose between adapting to the new constraints or exploring other solutions. This transition could reduce the accessibility of the most popular stablecoins, but also redistribute the cards among market players.
The crypto industry is evolving at a breakneck pace, with some players managing to establish themselves well beyond their original ecosystem. Tether, the undisputed leader of the stablecoin market, has just released a financial statement that illustrates its rapid ascent. In 2024, the company generated $13 billion in profits, while its reserves in U.S. Treasury bonds surpassed $113 billion, making it one of the largest global holders of these securities. At the same time, the issuance of USD₮ has reached a record level, with $45 billion injected into the market. While these performances confirm Tether's financial strength, they also raise questions about its macroeconomic impact and the regulatory challenges ahead.
