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Following Fall of FTX & Silvergate, The Crypto Market Needs Sensible Regulation

Published

2 years ago

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The FTX collapse guarantees that crypto regulation will be on the US legislative agenda for 2023 — at long last. In total, six bills were introduced in 2022, focusing on a mix of aspects connected to the crypto industry for investor protection or compliance. 

As the SEC and the CFTC are jockeying for positions, the number of voices in the room is going to increase. Some don’t want any sort of regulation to exist, but others people in the industry and anti-crypto lawmakers think regulating crypto will legitimize its existence. 

The time is right for crypto custody and all other types of platforms to be supervised with certain regulations. The US has the strongest financial market in the world, and that is due in large part to regulation. Regulation will make crypto markets stronger.

No regulatory regime administering traditional finance is created in one fell swoop. Along with the system, the regime also evolves to become better, inclusive, and stronger according to the needs. Disasters like FTX become a teaching lesson for the rulemakers to improve the regulatory system. 

The digital asset industry is still in its infancy, but problems like FTX are familiar. There have been previous such events at QuadrigaCX and at Mt. Gox. To prevent these types of massive losses that also deteriorate the market trust, regulatory oversight must begin. Here are five modest, sensible steps that could be taken now that don’t even require much crypto knowledge.

  • Stablecoin Reserves

As stablecoins are intended to be less volatile, they play an important role in the digital asset ecosystem. Moreover, they are more practical for everyday transactions. However, these stablecoins have not always been so stable.

These stablecoins are intended to be exchangeable for the underlying asset at a 1:1 ratio. However, stablecoin issuers are not required by law to maintain reserves that are equivalent to the available supply. There is a chance that holders will rush to redeem their coins when a stablecoin loses its peg, creating a situation that resembles a bank run.

That’s exactly what happened with TerraUSD in May of 2022. Recently, the US SEC has found another strong point of concern against the platform, making the former stronger. It relied on trading based on a mint and burn algorithm linked to the supply of LUNA, a cryptocurrency issued by Terra. Ironically, Sam Bankman-Fried is now under investigation for manipulating the market for TerraUSD, whose collapse touched off the industry crisis that ultimately exposed his other misdeeds at FTX.

Yet, none of that is necessary to know in order to determine whether a stablecoin is backed by a dollar. The quantity of circulating stablecoins is equal to the number of dollars in reserve. Stablecoin issuers should be required to keep 1:1 reserves at FDIC-insured banks.

The birth of FDIC insurance came after the bank failures during the early 1800s. Quarterly audits of reserves and real-time reporting on mint and burn activity should be mandatory. We also need to implement safety and soundness controls with a diversity of banks proportional to reserve size.

  • Separate Trading And Custody

Customers’ requirement to maintain their money with the exchange under the current market structure is fundamentally wrong. It is not necessary to be an expert in cryptography to understand why that is a bad idea. Imagine that the Nasdaq asked the SEC to serve as its own custodian, is it possible?

The issue with counterparty risk persists even after being entirely honest. Many of these crypto custody platforms and exchanges also engage in different kinds of lending. They engage in market-making and arbitrage. As they continue to trade and hedge on other exchanges, identifying the counterparty risk on the exchange is impossible. The reason being it’s the sum of the exchange’s risk plus the risk of whatever other markets they’re participating in that plays an important role in risk assessment. 

If there’s anything one should learn from the FTX collapse, it’s that assets should be stored until required for trading by external, qualified, regulated, and insured custodians. This creates a check-and-balance for verifying reserve assets under any exchange’s control.

The public may have learned sooner that FTX was in a crisis in a fractional reserve position if trading and custody had been kept separate. After the bankruptcy, it would have been simpler to stop asset theft and hacking.

  • Require Digital Asset Exchanges To Be 100% Digital

Discontinuing direct trading of digital assets with fiat or off-chain assets will make all exchanges on-chain auditable. As a result, it will enable Proof-of-Reserves that actually work. At present, Proof of Reserves does bring some level of transparency, but they are not a foolproof solution for separating who’s solvent and who’s not, for two reasons.

  1. No one can practice it for reserves on fiat because they cannot be represented in a digital way. 
  2. It’s not possible to give proof of non-liabilities, which is really the thing that matters most. FTX combined fiat, and digital reserve components and their liabilities far outstripped their reserves. 

With pure digital exchanges representing fiat digitally as a regulated stablecoin, Proof of Reserves for everything can become a reality. The last thing to be solved is the liabilities component. 

A reasonably solid and effective system with compliance can be built by fixing settlement and clearing to be entirely digital. Exchanges are currently attempting to establish a business in a hybrid world because they have no other option. So, as a transition, it is preferable to package fiat and securities in digital form. The ability to work in a digital environment will be significantly improved after the archaic wrappers have been removed.

  • Regulate Digital Asset Exchanges’ Use Of Omnibus Wallets

In an omnibus wallet, the funds of multiple clients are stored under a single address. The benefit is that it makes key management easier for the custodian and also makes it easier to enable efficient off-chain transactions.

However, one of the main limitations is that individual customers no longer have visibility into the transactions. Neither do they have any information on the counterparty risk. It’s also unclear what happens to each customer’s funds in the event of bankruptcy.

Omnibus wallets are only acceptable when the qualified crypto custody platform is aware of each of the exchange’s clients in the omnibus pool and assets are segregated in such a way as to provide bankruptcy protection to each client. The custodian must also participate in AML/KYC compliance of exchange clients.

  • Define Securities For The Digital Era

The SEC is still using an ancient definition of securities which was developed in the 1940s. The result is it leads to underpinning their enforcement efforts. Builders in crypto have honest questions about how the rule applies to them, and they deserve answers.

Can the SEC not update their definition and upgrade the meaning of securities while taking into account the crypto era? How hard would it be for the SEC to provide an updated definition, detailed guidance, and sensible grandfathering policies? Having that clarity would go a long way toward providing protection to innovators and investors alike.

They should listen more to Commissioner @HesterPeirce, who has an open opinion that the agency should not be leading with enforcement. Enforcement is clearly in their purview, but there’s an opportunity to make the enforcement load a lot lighter by providing appropriate guidance, to begin with.

What occurred at FTX was a common form of financial fraud that has been practiced for ages. The sole connection between cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is that a lack of regulation created a level playing field for dishonest players.

Conclusion

At present, the crypto community understands SEC’s Custody Rule. These rules are meant to safeguard the crypto industry. As per this rule, the crypto custody and other types of platforms are required to separate custody from trading. This move is hailed as a positive aspect of the crypto industry. 

The crypto industry is in dire need of regulatory administration aimed at preventing catastrophic investor losses. Designers and builders are more than capable of architecting a better system to meet the requirements of regulators. Once people can’t be rug pulled or defrauded, the next discussion will be about more nuanced issues and building something more comprehensive.

It will take a collective effort to get through this phase. FTX isn’t the first exchange to run into trouble; it’s just the biggest. It is easy to compartmentalize it as one guy who was a charlatan and go back to business as usual. However, doing so will be like setting the industry up for the next failure. To come out stronger and better, it is essential to use this opportunity to take a few simple steps in the direction to lead the industry into a new direction in order to thrive.

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Press Release

TradeSta Launches “Collateral Back” Campaign: 50% collateral back on First Liquidation for Traders

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 21, 2025

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TradeSta, the next-gen decentralized perpetuals trading platform built on Avalanche c-chain, is giving traders a second chance — literally.

Starting Tuesday 20th May 2025, the platform has launched its TradeStaCollateralBack campaign, offering a 50% refund on collateral (up to $25 USDC) for users who get liquidated on their first trade during the promotional period.

This bold new initiative is part of TradeSta’s mission to make high-leverage DeFi trading more accessible, transparent, and forgiving for newcomers and seasoned traders alike.

The campaign runs from Tuesday, May 20 through Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 23:59 UTC.

“At TradeSta, we’re building more than just another DEX — we’re creating a trading experience that’s fast, fair, and actually puts the user first,” said Kieron Cartledge, Founder and CEO of TradeSta. “This campaign is our way of saying: it’s okay to take a swing — we’ve got your back if you miss.”

🔥 Here’s How It Works

Eligible users who open a position and get liquidated during the campaign will receive 50% of their collateral back, up to $25 USDC — no strings attached.

To qualify:

  • Minimum position size: $10 USDC
  • Minimum leverage: 10x
  • Must be the first loss from that wallet during the campaign
  • Refunds are processed in USDC on Avalanche C-Chain
  • Payouts sent within 72 working hours of liquidation

Whether you’re trading BTC, ETH, AVAX, gold, oil, or even RWAs, TradeSta gives you full control from start to finish. No KYC, no signups, just pure onchain execution — with lightning-fast trades, real-time pricing via Pyth Network.

✨ Why This Matters

Trading with leverage can be intimidating, especially for new users exploring DeFi for the first time. TradeSta’s campaign reduces the fear factor by offering a real incentive to test the waters — without getting burned.

“It’s not about encouraging risk,” Cartledge added. “It’s about rewarding participation and showing the community that DeFi doesn’t have to be cold, complex, or unforgiving.”

🚀 About TradeSta

TradeSta is a self-custodial perpetuals trading platform that allows users to trade crypto, commodities, FX, and real-world assets with up to 100x leverage — all without giving up control of their funds. Built on Avalanche & powered by Pyth Network, TradeSta combines DeFi values with CEX-like performance.

Start trading today at https://tradesta.io

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Press Release

HODL 2025 opens in Dubai, advancing the Emirates’ position as a global financial innovation hub

Published

3 weeks ago

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May 15, 2025

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HODL 2025, organised by Trescon, the world’s longest-running Web3 event, officially opened today at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The prestigious two-day event follows the Dubai FinTech Summit that commenced on 12th May. During the Summit’s opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced the launch of the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week, scheduled for 2026. This flagship initiative will bring together major financial events—including Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund AGM—under a unified theme: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”

“Being part of the upcoming Dubai Future Finance Week reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the Web3 space,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman, Trescon. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial powerhouse.”

Crypto Rulebook: Toward Global Standards

A day 1 highlight was the expert panel “Crypto rulebook: Global best practices and regulatory measures”, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association. Speakers included:

  • Dyma Budorin, CEO, Hacken
  • Samir Safar-Aly, MENA FinTech Association
  • Erwin Voloder, European Blockchain Association
  • Belal Jassoma, DMCC

“We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.” — Dyma Budorin
 “Regulations need to catch up and work together.” — Samir Safar-Aly


The discussion emphasized the need for global regulatory coherence and innovation-friendly compliance frameworks.

Insuring Web3: A $6 Trillion Opportunity

Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy”, spotlighted the crucial role of insurance in de-risking digital finance.

“Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.” — Joseph Ziolkowski

The panel explored how risk-aligned insurance solutions are key to unlocking institutional trust and long-term ecosystem resilience.

During his session, Cristian Ulloa, Co-Founder & CEO of Liquid Loans, Platinum sponsor of HODL 2025, shared valuable strategies for building wealth in crypto while steering clear of common pitfalls that lead to crypto regret.

Global Leaders on the HODL Stage

Day 1 also featured other prominent speakers sharing insights across DeFi, tokenisation, compliance, and blockchain banking including:

  • Corbin Fraser, CEO, Bitcoin.com
  • Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
  • Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget
  • Rifad Mahasneh, CEO MENA, OKX
  • Robert Crossley, Global Head, Franklin Templeton
  • Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO, Relm Insurance

View the full speaker lineup and agenda:

Ecosystem Support: HODL 2025 @ponsors and exhibitors

Sponsors:

Platinum: Liquid Loans.io
After Party: Coinvoyage
Gold: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Gofaizen & Sherle
Silver: Facephi
Bronze: Skygate Network, FMCPay, Pays Solutions, PEP

Exhibitors: SWAG42, Thesaurum, Travel Swap, Any2Pay
 Startup Pods: Scintilla, Boston Trading Co, Ace Capital, vbanq

Top Media Partners Covering HODL 2025

HODL 2025 is proudly backed by leading media outlets amplifying its global reach:

  • Official Media Partner: CNN Business Arabic
  • Exclusive Media Partner: Khaleej Times
  • Ecosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle East
  • Business Media Partner: Arabian Business
  • Digital PR Partner: ZEX PR Wire

These partnerships ensure HODL 2025 headlines the conversation on Web3, innovation, and the decentralised future.

About HODL

HODL, born from the legacy of the iconic World Blockchain Summit (WBS) and organised by Trescon, is the world’s longest running blockchain event series with 29 global editions across cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. Since 2017, HODL has served as a platform for blockchain deal-making, innovation, and connecting disruptive projects with investors, enterprises, and governments. Join HODL Dubai on May 14-15, 2025, to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge blockchain developments, and secure your place at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

For more information visit https://hodlsummit.com/

Media Contact:
Shadi Dawy
Shadi@tresconglobal.com

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Press Release

Global Crypto Leaders to Converge in Dubai for Historic 30th Edition of HODL

Published

3 weeks ago

on

May 13, 2025

By

  • 5,000+ global leaders, investors, and innovators to gather in Dubai for the world’s longest-running Web3 and crypto summit.
  • Agenda spotlights tokenisation, decentralised finance, modular blockchain, and AI-powered infrastructure.
  • UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup, in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, to offer blockchain start-ups a shot at $1M in investment at global finals.

The landmark 30th edition of the HODL (Formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running Crypto & Web3 Summit series is set to return to Dubai on 14-15 May 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. HODL will bring together over 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, technological innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive critical conversations and partnerships shaping the future of decentralised finance, asset tokenisation, and AI-powered infrastructure.

Organised by Trescon and building on the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions across key global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This milestone event in Dubai cements its position as a leading global platform for blockchain innovation and strategic collaboration.

“HODL has become the definitive platform for blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This 30th edition marks a turning point as institutional adoption meets breakthrough tech. We’re proud to drive the conversations shaping the future of decentralisation,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.

HODL will spotlight cutting-edge developments driving the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including real-world asset tokenization, advancements in modular blockchain infrastructure, the next wave of DeFi innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and enhanced security protocols for digital assets. These trends are accelerating global momentum toward institutional and enterprise blockchain adoption.

Featuring a powerhouse line-up of speakers including:

  • Corbin Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Bitcoin.com
  • Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
  • Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Bitget
  • Rifad Mahasneh, Chief Executive Officer MENA, OKX
  • Robert Crossley, Global Head of Industry and Digital Advisory Services, Franklin Templeton
  • Joseph Ziolkowski, Chief Executive officer, Relm Insurance
  • Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX
  • Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer, BingX
  • Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation
  • Dyma Budorin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacken Click here to see full list of speakers.

“HODL 2025 is where the future of Web3 and crypto innovation takes shape. I am thrilled to collaborate with pioneers shaping this exciting digital revolution,” stated Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com.

Talking about the opportunity, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance remarked,

“Excited to share insights on blockchain and connect with leaders driving GameFi, NFTs, and Web3 advancements at HODL 2025.“

In a significant development for the region’s innovation landscape, HODL has partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to host the UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup,

offering emerging blockchain ventures a chance to pitch for a place at the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment. Pegasus has invested in over 260 companies, with 71 exits and 22 IPOs, providing a formidable launchpad for start- up growth.

HODL 2025 provides its attendees unprecedented access to more than 500 institutional investors, creating opportunities for strategic collaborations with

industry leaders, regulatory authorities, enterprise organisations, and government officials. This environment is optimally structured for capital formation, strategic insight development, and institutional partnerships.

Reflecting the growing influence of blockchain in global finance, HODL is backed by leading sponsors and ecosystem partners including:

  • Platinum Sponsor – Liquid Loans
  • After Party Sponsor- Coinvoyage
  • Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services | Gofaizen & Sherle
  • Silver Sponsor – Facephi
  • Bronze Sponsors – Skygate Network | FMCPAY | Pays.Solutions | P2P

With the strategic support of over 60 global media and listing partners, participating organisations will achieve significant visibility across international platforms. CNN Business Arabic serves as the Official Media Partner, with Khaleej Times as Exclusive Media Partner, and ZEX PR WIRE as the Official Digital PR Distribution Partner.

For more information, visit: https://hodlsummit.com/dubai2025/ For further enquiries, contact:

Shadi Dawi

Sr. Director – PR, Comms., & Media

M: +971 55 498 4989 | E: shadi@tresconglobal.com

About HODL

HODL, born from the legacy of the iconic World Blockchain Summit (WBS) and organised by Trescon, is the world’s longest-running blockchain event series with 29 global editions across cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. Since 2017, HODL has served as a platform for blockchain deal-making, innovation, and connecting disruptive projects with investors, enterprises, and governments.

Join HODL Dubai on May 14-15, 2025, to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge blockchain developments, and secure your place at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Visit https://hodlsummit.com/dubai2025/ for more details and ticket information.

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