MCS Crypto News - Issue #3

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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong just announced the crypto exchange's decision to integrate the Lightning Network, aiming to enhance Bitcoin transactions by making them faster and more affordable. This integration represents one of the most substantial endorsements for the Lightning Network, a layer-2 blockchain associated with the Bitcoin blockchain.

⚡ A Closer Look at the Lightning Network ⚡

• Definition 📖: A second layer to the Bitcoin blockchain, designed to offload transactions for quicker and more efficient processing.

• Objective 🎯: To transform Bitcoin into a more realistic option for payments by dramatically speeding up transactions.

• Benefit 🌟: Users can look forward to faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions, a move that is expected to bring Bitcoin closer to becoming a common payment method.

🔄 Why the Sudden Change in Direction? 🔄

Previously, major crypto exchanges, including Coinbase, were reluctant to adopt this layer-2 solution, citing fewer incentives for exchange income. However, the growing demand for speedier and more affordable transactions has led to a change of heart.

🥳 Community Reaction 🥳

• Positive Reception 🎉: The crypto community has warmly welcomed this decision, with many anticipating a more user-friendly Bitcoin transaction experience.

• Market Response 📈: Following the announcement, Coinbase's stock experienced a 1.4% increase, showcasing the market's positive reception to the news.

🎙️Words from the CEO 🎙️

Brian Armstrong praised Bitcoin, calling it "the most important asset in crypto." He further added that the integration would take time and urged users to be patient as they work towards enabling "faster/cheaper Bitcoin transactions."

🤔 What to Expect 🤔

As Coinbase gears up to bring this integration to life, users can expect a more streamlined Bitcoin transaction experience, with faster and cheaper transactions on the horizon.

Disclosure: I own $COIN in my portfolio.

Telegram, a popular messaging app with 800 million users worldwide, is taking a significant step into the crypto space by unveiling a crypto wallet developed on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. Here's what you need to know:

🔄 A Brief History: From Legal Battles to Renewed Partnerships 🔄

• 2019: Telegram revealed plans to integrate a TON-based crypto wallet.

• 2020: The U.S. SEC filed a lawsuit against Telegram, leading to a temporary halt in the project.

• 2021: Telegram renewed its partnership with TON Foundation, aiming to build a Web3 infrastructure.

🌐 The Wallet: A Gateway to Crypto for Telegram Users 🌐

• Developed on TON blockchain: Ensuring secure and efficient transactions.

• Available to 800 million users: Except for the U.S. and a few other countries, the wallet feature is accessible globally.

• Integration with Telegram Ads: Projects built on the TON blockchain will have priority access to Telegram's advertising platform.

📈 Toncoin's Performance: A Surge in Value 📈

• 7% increase on the announcement: The integration news led to a spike in Toncoin's value.

• 11th largest cryptocurrency: As of now, Toncoin holds a substantial market cap of around $6.6 billion.

🤝 What the Future Holds: A Win-Win for Telegram and TON 🤝

• TON remains decentralized: Despite the collaboration, TON will operate as a separate decentralized organization.

• Rollout by November: The global rollout of the wallet feature is expected to complete by November this year.

• A boon for TON projects: They will receive tools to reach Telegram's vast audience, fostering the largest Web3/Web2 partnership to date.

Quote from Telegram's Chief Investment Officer, John Hyman:

"We are putting digital ownership rights in the hands of our entire user base, while also giving TON projects the tools to reach our audience in the largest Web3/Web2 partnership there has ever been."

FTX receives approval to liquidate their crypto holdings. Here’s what they hold:

Binance launces opBNB mainnet. Click the image below to read the full thread.

Sommelier crossed 16m TVL in it’s real-yield ETH vault - amassing over 10,000 ETH.

Paypal adds crypto on-off ramp.

Vitalik confirms that his X (twitter) account was hacked by SIM swap.

Authenticator apps > text verification!

GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer rips CBDCs.

Regardless of your political affiliation - we must reject CBDCs at all costs.

That’s all for today. We’ll be back tomorrow with MCS Crypto 101 - Issue #4.

Thank you so much for subscribing to Make Crypto Simple.

Chris Schawel


^{The content provided in this newsletter is for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. All information, including but not limited to market analysis, price predictions, and investment strategies, is purely speculative in nature. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the information presented in this newsletter.}