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Ripple Plans Launch of USD-Pegged Stablecoin for DeFi and Institutional Use on XRP Ledger and Ethereum
Ripple is set to introduce a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchain later this year, aiming to support institutional and DeFi applications across multiple ecosystems. Backed by USD deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and cash equivalents, with third-party audited reserves and monthly attestations, Ripple’s entry into the stablecoin market is positioned as a strategic move amid rising interest rates and regulatory uncertainties surrounding competitors like Tether. Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz acknowledges the timing reflects a strategic assessment of the market and regulatory landscape, aiming to offer a secure stablecoin option particularly on the XRP Ledger. The launch intends to diversify the stablecoin space, currently dominated by USDT and USDC, and facilitate adoption among SMEs and financial institutions, emphasizing Ripple's commitment to compliance amidst ongoing legal battles with the SEC. The company plans to expand its stablecoin availability across more blockchains and DeFi platforms over time.
Credbull to Launch On-Chain Private Credit Fund, Targeting High Yields in SME Lending
Credbull, a crypto startup, is preparing to launch an on-chain private credit fund designed to provide investors with access to the burgeoning high-yield lending markets prominent in traditional finance. This innovative fund allows investments using USD Coin (USDC), which is then converted to dollars and funneled to SME originators for lending to small- and mid-sized businesses, a sector that has evolved into a $1.7 trillion market. By leveraging blockchain technology, Credbull aims to reduce administrative costs significantly, potentially offering fixed yields as high as 10% and targeting returns of 18-20%. This fund introduces a shorter lock-up period of six to 12 months compared to traditional private credit, and involves investor governance over the fund's risk profile. Registered in the Bahamas, Credbull's initiative represents a step towards the professionalization and diversification of crypto's credit markets, with plans to commence operations as early as May.
UK's Digital Securities Sandbox Set for Autumn 2024 Launch by Bank of England and FCA
The Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority in the U.K. have set a target for autumn 2024 to welcome the first cohort of applicants to the country's Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS), aiming to support the integration of innovative technologies in digital assets. The DSS, distinct from the Digital Sandbox, is designed to allow U.K. firms to explore blockchain and distributed ledger technologies for trading and settling digital securities, excluding derivatives and unbacked crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ether. This initiative is part of a broader effort to adapt regulations to encourage technological advancements in the securities market, enhancing the U.K.'s position as a leading global financial hub. With the new sandbox, regulators seek to learn and adapt to technological developments safely, potentially paving the way for future permanent regulatory adjustments in the digital assets trading and settlement space. The DSS is open for a wide range of firms, aiming to learn from private sector innovation and competing business models, potentially leading to more efficient securities trading and settlement processes.
Trading Desk Insights
Bitcoin's Technical Outlook: Bitcoin is bouncing off a pivotal support on the 4-hour chart, narrowly avoiding a crucial daily support by its 50-day moving average. The market's recent fluctuations have formed a symmetrical triangle pattern, indicating a state of equilibrium. A surge past $71,500 could catapult Bitcoin to new heights, while a dip below $63,500 may set off a descent toward $60,500.
ETF Flows Gaining Momentum: The landscape appears optimistic as the market welcomed inflows of $113.2 million, with Fidelity at the forefront with a contribution of $116.7 million. Meanwhile, Grayscale's outflows have tapered to a low of $75.1 million, marking the smallest exodus since late February.
SUI's Position Strengthens: SUI is recovering, buoyed by its 50-day moving average and a bullish trend line that's been intact since December. With inflow volumes from Ethereum dwarfing those to Avalanche by fivefold over the last quarter and outpacing Solana by 78%, SUI is on track to potentially surpass its previous peak, which is just 26% away. Mark your calendars for SUI's inaugural global conference in Paris, coming up on April 10th-11th.
Hedge Funds and BTC Futures: Hedge funds have ramped up their net short positions in CME's standard Bitcoin futures to an all-time high since the futures' inception in 2017. However, this significant short position may not necessarily imply a bearish stance overall, as it could be part of a "carry trade" strategy, aiming to capitalize on the price discrepancy between the futures and spot markets.
Equity Futures React to Fed's Stance: After a trio of declines, equity futures made a comeback on Thursday amidst growing concerns that the Fed might maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period. Following comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic indicating a cautious approach towards rate cuts, the market has recalibrated its expectations, now pegging a 58.5% chance of a rate cut in the Fed's June session, a downturn from last week's more optimistic forecast.
Nonfarm Payrolls Awaited: The financial community is on edge, anticipating the release of March's nonfarm payroll data this Friday, which could further influence market dynamics and Fed policy expectations.
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Disclaimer
This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.
Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.
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Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.
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