Robot Known for Beating Crypto Markets Allocates to Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA) and Additional ETH Rival

August 15, 2022 The Daily Hodl

Cardano, Solana, Polkadot and Four More Altcoins Are Top Smart Contract Platform Holdings for Grayscale

July 10, 2022 The Daily Hodl

Top 5 cryptocurrencies to watch this week: BTC, UNI, XLM, THETA, HNT

June 26, 2022 Coin Telegraph

Bitcoin

Although Bitcoin is struggling to form a bottom, altcoins are on a roll and the current price action could benefit UNI, XLM, THETA and HNT.

The United States equities markets witnessed a sharp comeback last week, led by the Nasdaq Composite which gained 7.5%. The S&P was up about 6.5% for the week while the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a gain of 5.4%.

Continuing its tight correlation with the equities market, the crypto markets are also attempting a relief rally. Bitcoin (BTC) has seen a modest recovery but some altcoins have risen sharply in the past week. This suggests that investors are taking advantage of the sharp fall in the price to accumulate altcoins at lower levels.

*Crypto market data daily view. Source:* *Coin360*

Smaller-sized investors have been using the decline in Bitcoin to build their position to at least one Bitcoin. Glassnode data shows that the number of Bitcoin wallet addresses having more than one Bitcoin rose by 873 between June 15 to June 25.

Could the recovery in Bitcoin and altcoins pick up momentum? Let’s study the charts of the top-5 cryptocurrencies that could charge higher in the short term.

BTC/USDT

Bitcoin’s relief rally is facing stiff resistance near $22,000 as seen from the long wick on the June 26 candlestick. This indicates that the bears are not willing to give up their advantage and are selling on rallies.

The sellers will try to pull the price toward the vital support of $20,000. This is an important level to watch out for because a bounce off it will suggest that bulls are attempting to form a higher low.

That could enhance the prospects of a break above the 20-day exponential moving average ($23,155). If that happens, the BTC/USDT pair could indicate a potential trend change. The bulls will then try to drive the price toward the 50-day simple moving average ($27,424).

On the contrary, if the price turns down and plummets below $20,000, it will suggest that bears remain in control. The sellers will then try to sink the BTC/USDT pair to the crucial level of $17,622.

*BTC/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The failure of the bulls to push the price to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $23,024 suggests a lack of demand at higher levels. The moving averages have flattened out and the relative strength index (RSI) is just above the midpoint, suggesting a range-bound action in the near term.

If the price slips below the moving averages, the pair could drop to $20,000. A break below this support could signal weakness.

Alternatively, if the price rebounds off the moving averages, it will suggest that bulls are buying on dips. The bulls will then attempt to push the price toward $23,024. If this level is crossed, the next stop could be the 50% retracement level of $24,693.

UNI/USDT

Uniswap (UNI) rebounded sharply from $3.33 on June 18 and has reached the stiff overhead resistance at $6.08. The bears are defending the level aggressively but a minor positive is that the bulls have not given up much ground.

The moving averages are close to completing a bullish crossover and the RSI is in the positive zone, indicating that the path of least resistance is to the upside.

If buyers drive the price above $6.08, the bullish momentum could pick up and the UNI/USDT pair could rally to $8. This level could again act as a stiff hurdle but if bulls overcome it, the next stop could be $10.

On the contrary, if the price turns down from the current level and breaks below the 20-day EMA ($4.90), it will suggest that the trend remains negative and traders are selling near resistance levels. The pair could then decline toward $4.

*UNI/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The bears are attempting to stall the recovery near the overhead resistance at $6.08 but the rising moving averages on the 4-hour chart suggest that bulls have the upper hand in the near term.

If the rebound off the 20-EMA sustains, it could increase the possibility of a break above $6.08. If that happens, the pair could pick up momentum and rally to $6.66 and then to $7.34.

Another possibility is that the pair turns down and breaks below the 20-EMA. In that case, the pair could slide to the 50-SMA. A break below this support could invalidate the bullish view.

XLM/USDT

Stellar (XLM) has been in a strong downtrend but the bulls are attempting to form a bottom near $0.10. The buyers pushed the price above the 20-day EMA ($0.12) on June 24 but could not clear the hurdle at the 50-day SMA ($0.13).

A minor positive is that bulls have not allowed the price to slip back below the 20-day EMA ($0.12). The flattening 20-day EMA and the RSI near the midpoint suggest that bulls are attempting a comeback.

If buyers drive the price above the 50-day SMA, the XLM/USDT pair could attempt a rally to the overhead resistance at $0.15. If this level is cleared, it may signal the start of a new uptrend.

This positive view could invalidate in the short term if the price continues lower and breaks below the 20-day EMA. The pair could then slip to $0.11.

*XLM/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The moving averages on the 4-hour chart are sloping up and the RSI is in the positive territory, suggesting advantage to buyers. The buyers will have to propel the price above $0.13 to open the doors for a possible rally to $0.14 and then $0.15.

Contrary to this assumption, if the price slips below the 20-EMA, the pair could drop to the uptrend line. A break below this support could tilt the advantage back in favor of the bears. The pair could then slide to $0.11.

THETA/USDT

Theta Network (THETA) has been consolidating in a tight range between $1 and $1.55 for the past several days. The longer the time spent inside a range, the stronger will be the breakout from it.

Both moving averages are on the verge of completing a bullish crossover and the RSI is in the positive territory. This suggests that bulls have a slight edge. If buyers push the price above $1.55, it will suggest the start of a new up-move. The THETA/USDT pair could then rise to the pattern target of $2.10.

Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down from $1.55, it will suggest that bears continue to defend the resistance aggressively. That could keep the pair stuck inside the range for a few more days.

*THETA/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The 4-hour chart shows that the price turned down from the overhead resistance at $1.55 but a positive sign is that the bulls are attempting to defend the 20-EMA. This suggests that the sentiment is turning positive and traders are buying the dips.

If the price rebounds off the current level, the bulls will again try to clear the overhead hurdle at $1.55. If they can pull it off, it could suggest the start of a new uptrend. Conversely, if the price breaks below the 20-EMA, the pair could drop to the 50-SMA.

HNT/USDT

Helium (HNT) has formed a symmetrical triangle pattern, indicating indecision among the bulls and the bears. Usually, the symmetrical triangle acts as a continuation pattern but in some cases it indicates a reversal.

The moving averages have completed a bullish crossover and the RSI is in the positive territory, suggesting that bulls have a slight edge.

The price has been stuck between the resistance line of the triangle and the 20-day EMA ($10.50) for the past few days. This is a positive sign as it shows a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips.

If buyers propel the price above the resistance line of the channel, it will suggest a potential change in trend. The HNT/USDT pair could then rally to $16.50 and later to the pattern target of $18.50.

This positive view could invalidate in the short term if the price turns down and plummets below the 20-day EMA. That could open the doors for a possible drop to the support line of the triangle.

*HNT/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The bulls are struggling to sustain the price above $12, which suggests that bears are defending the overhead zone between $12.50 and $13.50 with vigor. If the price slips below the uptrend line, it could tilt the short-term advantage in favor of sellers.

Alternatively, if the price rebounds off the 20-EMA, it will suggest that bulls are buying on dips. The bulls will then make one more attempt to clear the overhead zone. If they succeed, it will suggest the start of a new up-move.

The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cointelegraph. Every investment and trading move involves risk, you should conduct your own research when making a decision.

Crypto influencers allegedly weaponize conspiracies to fleece QAnon followers

June 22, 2022 Coin Telegraph

altcoin scams

Mixing conspiracy theories, a distrust for traditional institutions and hopium in crypto, two influencers are alleged to have made millions using pump-and-dump schemes.

Two QAnon-affiliated conspiracy theorist influencers allegedly caused their followers millions of dollars in losses by running a cryptocurrency pump-and-dump scheme.

The pair reportedly persuaded their thousands of followers to invest in a portfolio of cryptos, presenting a misleading mix of conspiratorial and genuine content along with claims about institutions backing the tokens to generate hype and raise the price of the portfolio.

The allegations are included in an investigation by Logically, a group of data scientists and developers. It reported the two influencers running the Telegram channels “WhipLash347” and the “Quantum Stellar Initiative” (QSI) coordinated to promote lists of Stellar (XLM) altcoins which have been marked as fraudulent by the Stellar network.

WhipLash347 is a Telegram group with 277,000 followers and QSI has 35,000. They reportedly told their followers the cryptocurrencies would succeed based on their insider knowledge, claiming they had access to secret military intelligence.

The publication said the two mixed conspiratorial content and misinformation to target those distrusting of mainstream financial and media institutions to give authenticity to the cryptocurrencies they promoted. The losses are believed to be in the millions, and Logically claimed one man committed suicide after losing $100,000 in the scheme.

A user known as PatriotQakes, leads the QSI main channel, which has multiple regional affiliates. The ownership of the WhipLash347 account is believed to have changed hands more recently due to changed behavior.

Rocky Morningside, a former admin of the QSI group told Logically he believes that “without doubt that WhipLash347, PatriotQakes, and QSI are scam artists,” who were promoting “pump and dumps.”

Cointelegraph requested a response to the allegations from PatriotQakes, an account seemingly belonging to the person behind Whiplash347 and an admin of a regional QSI group regarding the allegations but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.

Neither of the groups have publicly acknowledged or responded to the allegations.

A former investor in one of the schemes using the name “Cutter” now runs a Twitter account aimed at exposing WhipLash347. He told Cointelegraph that he is a member of a Telegram group with 3000 other disgruntled investors and said of the person behind WhipLash347:

“He’s created a huge list of crypto’s with now dead domains, as well as bogus white papers claiming to be affiliated with real companies. We’ve talked to so many of the coins’ real creators that he mimics through copycat assets who have to continually tell people WhipLash is full of shit.”

Cutter says WhipLash creates trust with his followers through sharing similar political views, perpetuating the scheme by claiming “upcoming events” will cause the value of the assets to skyrocket.

According to Cutter, WhipLash responded to the claims by saying all information is under non-disclosure agreements and anybody affiliated with the assets isn’t allowed to talk until the “event”.

“There’s always a timeline, but when the dates pass and nothing happens, he creates new timelines. It’s never ending.”

He also apparently claimed to be in communication with figures like Elon Musk, and said the crypto-friendly billionaire backs the cryptocurrencies WhipLash is promoting.

Cutter said that anyone raising questions is kicked out of the group.

“Anyone who questions his narrative is removed from his Telegram group, and he continues to rinse and repeat among his followers. As people exit, new people join. It needs to stop.”

Moneygram Launches USDC Crypto-to-Cash Program in Certain Markets

June 12, 2022 Bitcoin.com

Ripple Competitor and MoneyGram Roll Out Zero-Fee Money Transfer Service Using USDC Stablecoin

June 11, 2022 The Daily Hodl

MoneyGram’s USDC transfer service launches in several countries

June 10, 2022 Coin Telegraph

Circle

The payment service, which is powered by the Stellar blockchain, will enable USDC settlement with MoneyGram in “near-real-time.”

Cross-border transfer service MoneyGram officially launched its stablecoin-powered payment channel on Friday, giving users the ability to send USD Coin (USDC) payments worldwide that can be withdrawn as cash by recipients.

The service is being rolled out across several key remittance markets, including Canada, the United States, Kenya and the Philippines, Circle and MoneyGram announced Friday. Global cash-out functionality will be available by the end of June. To encourage adoption, the USDC transfer service will carry zero fees for the first 12 months.

As Cointelegraph reported, MoneyGram’s new transfer service was built on the Stellar (XLM) blockchain and allows Stellar wallet users to send USDC to recipients around the world. The service is intended to bridge the gap between digital assets and physical cash currency, as well as demonstrate the utility of crypto payments.

It's official: @DenelleDixon announces the launch of @MoneyGram and @StellarOrg's crypto-to-cash service. pic.twitter.com/vzAzlBNDxD
— Stellar (@StellarOrg) June 10, 2022

Stellar Development Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon said the new transfer channel will help the world’s unbanked population access the digital economy for the first time. While estimates vary, the World Bank says that roughly 1.7 billion adults are unbanked, which means they lack access to an account at a financial institution. Whether through decentralized finance, central bank digital currencies or crypto-powered transfer and settlement services, blockchain technology has been posited as a potential solution to financial exclusion.

In related news, Circle announced Friday that it had a definitive agreement to acquire crypto infrastructure platform CYBAVO, which it believes will further pave the way for USDC adoption.

Circle’s USDC is the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization and maintains a one-for-one dollar peg backed by cash and short-dated U.S. Treasuries.

Top 5 cryptocurrencies to watch this week: BTC, ADA, XLM, XMR, MANA

June 5, 2022 Coin Telegraph

Bitcoin

BTC appears to be in the early stage of a recovery this week, and ADA, XLM, XMR and MANA could follow.

The bears are trying to extend Bitcoin’s (BTC) record of nine consecutive red weekly candles to ten weeks, but the bulls are trying to avert this negative occurrence. Although sentiment remains negative, Arthur Hayes, former CEO of derivatives giant BitMEX, anticipates Bitcoin to bottom out in the range of $25,000 to $27,000.

On-chain data from Glassnode shows that smart money may have started accumulating Bitcoin. The net outflows from major cryptocurrency exchanges reached 23,286 Bitcoin on June 3, the highest since May 14.

Another positive sign of accumulation is that investment into Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs) was strong in May and has only risen further in the first two days of June, according to an Arcane Research report. The ETPs hold 205,000 Bitcoin under management, which is a new record.

Could Bitcoin turn up and start a recovery? If that happens, could select altcoins follow the leader? Let’s study the charts of the top-5 cryptocurrencies that may lead the relief rally.

BTC/USDT

Bitcoin plunged below the 20-day exponential moving average ($30,459) on June 1. The bulls attempted to push the price back above the 20-day EMA on June 2 and June 3 but the bears did not relent.

The bears will try to pull the price below the strong support at $28,630. If they manage to do that, the BTC/USDT pair could drop to the vital support at $26,700. The buyers are expected to defend this support zone with all their might because if they fail to do that, the downtrend may resume.

On the upside, the bulls will have to push and sustain the price above $32,659 to suggest that a new uptrend could be starting. The bullish momentum could pick up on a break and close above the 50-day simple moving average ($33,778). The pair could then rally to the pattern target of $36,688 and thereafter to $40,000.

The 4-hour chart shows that the price action is getting squeezed. Although bulls pushed the price above the 20-EMA, they are facing stiff resistance at the 50-SMA. This suggests that bears are active at higher levels.

A minor positive in favor of the bulls is that they have not allowed the price to break below the support at $29,282.

If the price rises from the current level and breaks above the downtrend line, the bulls will attempt to push the pair to the 200-SMA. Conversely, if the price breaks below $29,282, the next stop could be $28,630.

ADA/USDT

Cardano (ADA) broke above the downtrend line on May 31 but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels as seen from the long wick on the day’s candlestick.

Although the bears have successfully defended the downtrend line, a minor positive is that the bulls have held the ADA/USDT pair above the 20-day EMA ($0.56). This increases the possibility of a break above the downtrend line.

If that happens, the pair could rally to the 50-day SMA ($0.67) where the bears may again pose a strong challenge. A break and close above this level will suggest a potential change in trend. The pair could then rally to the breakdown level of $0.74.

Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down and plummets below $0.53, the bears will try to pull the pair to $0.50 and later to $0.44.

*ADA/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The 4-hour chart shows that the price has been squeezed between the 200-SMA and the 50-SMA but this tight range trading is unlikely to continue for long. If bulls propel the price above the 200-SMA, the pair could attempt a rally to $0.64. A break and close above this level could open the doors for a possible rally to $0.69.

Conversely, if the price turns down and breaks below $0.53, the selling could pick up momentum. The pair may then decline to $0.50 and later to $0.47.

XLM/USDT

Stellar (XLM) rallied above the 20-day EMA ($0.14) on May 30, which was the first indication that the selling pressure may be reducing. The bears stalled the up-move near the 50-day SMA ($0.15) but they haven’t been able to sink and sustain the price below the 20-day EMA.

This suggests that the bulls are buying the dips to the 20-day EMA. If bulls drive the price above the 50-day SMA, it will suggest the start of a sustained recovery. The XLM/USDT pair could then attempt a rally to $0.18 and later to the 200-day SMA ($0.21).

This positive view will invalidate in the short term if the price turns down and breaks below $0.13. Such a move will suggest that demand dries up at higher levels. That could pull the pair down to $0.12. If this support also gives way, the bears will try to resume the downtrend by sinking the pair below the psychological level of $0.10.

The 4-hour chart shows the price is trading inside a symmetrical triangle. If bulls push the price above the resistance line of the triangle, the pair could rally to $0.15 and thereafter attempt a rally to the pattern target of $0.17.

Alternatively, if the price turns down from the current level, the bears will try to sink the pair below the support line of the triangle. If they do that, the selling could intensify and the pair may slide to the strong support at $0.13.

XMR/USDT

Monero’s (XMR) failure to rise above the 50-day SMA ($202) may have tempted short-term traders to book profits. That has pulled the price down to the 20-day EMA ($189).

The bulls are attempting to defend the 20-day EMA but the lack of a strong bounce off it suggests weak demand. If the price sustains below the 20-day EMA, the next stop could be the uptrend line. A break and close below this support could pull the price down to $167.

On the contrary, if the price rebounds off the current level, the buyers will attempt to overcome the resistance zone between the 50-day SMA and $210. If they manage to do that, the XMR/USDT pair could extend its rally to $230.

*XMR/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The pair has been declining inside a descending channel, suggesting a minor advantage to sellers. If bears sink the price below the channel, the negative momentum may pick up and the pair could slide to $167.

Alternatively, if the price rebounds off the support line, the buyers will try to propel the pair above the channel. If they manage to do that, the pair could again attempt a break above the overhead resistance at $210.

MANA/USDT

Decentraland (MANA) has failed to break above the 20-day EMA ($1.06) for the past several days but a minor positive is that the bulls have not given up much ground. This suggests that the bulls are buying on dips as they anticipate a move higher.

If bulls propel the price above the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that the bears are losing their grip. The MANA/USDT pair could then rise to the overhead resistance at $1.36. This is an important level to keep an eye on because a break and close above it could signal that a bottom may be in place. The pair could then rally to $1.68.

Conversely, if the price turns down and breaks below $0.90, it will suggest that the bears are in no mood to surrender their advantage. The pair could then retest the crucial support at $0.60. The bears will have to pull the price below this support to indicate the resumption of the downtrend.

*MANA/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView*

The 4-hour chart shows that the pair has been trading inside a tight range between $0.94 and $1.04. The gradually downsloping 20-EMA and the RSI in the negative territory suggest a slight advantage to sellers. If bears pull the price below $0.94, the pair could drop to $0.90.

On the contrary, if bulls push the price above $1.04, it will suggest that demand exceeds supply. That could open the doors for a possible rally to the stiff overhead resistance at $1.15.

If the price turns down from this level, the pair may oscillate between $0.90 and $1.15 for some more time. A break and close above $1.15 could suggest that buyers have the upper hand.

Here are 3 altcoins that could surge once Bitcoin flips $35K to support

June 1, 2022 Coin Telegraph

Here are 3 altcoins that could surge once Bitcoin flips K to support

Bitcoin Price

ADA, MATIC and XLM appear well positioned for a bullish breakout once BTC flips the $32,000 to $35,000 zone to support.

Bitcoin (BTC) and the wider cryptocurrency market are taking a breather after the rally on May 31. Meanwhile, most altcoins remain severely oversold, with most between 70% and 90% below their all-time highs.

What’s clear is that fear is everywhere and blood is in the water. Risk-on markets worldwide are suffering, but it is exactly these kinds of conditions that create opportunities where professional money accumulates and adds to positions.

Let’s take a look at three altcoins that could be positioned for a rebound if the broader market enters a new uptrend.

ADA could be setting up for an 80% surge

Cardano (ADA) has a significantly bullish update coming very soon. The much anticipated Vasil hard fork, which increases performance and adds more Plutus enhancements, is planned for June.

From a price action perspective, ADA is positioned in a strong price range that will likely support any further upside that the broader market experienced. Within the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo system, ADA has maintained a significant gap between the bodies of the past three weekly candlesticks and the Tenkan-Sen.

When the bodies of the candlesticks and the Tenkan-Sen have noticeable gaps, a correction often occurs within three to four days. This is because equilibrium is out of sync, the Tenkan-Sen and price action like to stick together as much as possible. A mean reversion back to the Tenkan-sen is extremely likely when one strays too far from the other.

ADA/USD weekly Ichimoku Kinko Hyo chart Source: TradingView

However, if the broader cryptocurrency market experiences a big bounce, ADA price may shoot past the Tenkan-Sen to test the Kijun-Sen. ADA has not tested the weekly Kijun-Sen since the week of November 8, 2021.

The weekly Kijun-Sen is at $1.02 and contains the 2021 volume point of control and the 50% Fibonacci retracement of the all-time high to the low of January 25, 2021.

ADA/USD weekly chart (Binance) Source: TradingView

MATIC aims for $1

Looking at the weekly chart of Polygon (MATIC), one can’t help but notice that it looks strikingly similar to ADA. MATIC and ADA both have sold off from $3 and both are stuck in the mid $0.50 to mid $0.60 price range, but that is where the similarities mostly end.

Fundamentally, MATIC remains strong. Governments worldwide have attempted to restrict or ban mining due to excessive energy costs for Proof of Work blockchains and MATIC is likely to avoid government scrutiny and attract supporters as a positive example of environmental stewardship.

Like ADA, MATIC has significant gaps between the bodies of its weekly candlesticks and the Tenkan-Sen. Although, MATIC’s gaps are more significant. Likewise, the gap between price and the Kijun-Sen is much more meaningful.

Within the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo system, there is a max-mean that price will travel away from the Kijun-Sen before experiencing a violent mean reversion. For MATIC, that threshold is 63%.

MATIC/USD weekly chart (Binance) Source: TradingView

Any renewed bullish momentum in for Bitcoin will likely see MATIC lead the altcoins higher until it reaches the $1.00 to $1.15 value area near the weekly Tenkan-Sen.

XLM lags the altcoin market, but it’s known for suprises

Sometimes it is hard to forget that during the last major bull run from the COVID crash to November 2021 there were a few major altcoins that did not hit new all-time highs. Stellar (XLM) is one of them. In fact, the last time XLM made a new all-time high was the week of January 8, 2018, almost four and a half years ago!

One thing that XLM has going for it that not many other weekly charts have is a very clear falling wedge pattern. Out of the standard rectangle and triangle patterns in technical analysis, wedge patterns are the most powerful. What makes its wedge so powerful is the probable fakeout breakout lower.

XLM/USD weekly chart (Binance) Source: TradingView

The most probable direction for a falling wedge is higher - but breakouts below a falling wedge can yield powerful short opportunities. The typical behavior analysts and traders expect to see with a failed falling wedge is an immediate and swift sell-off, but so far, bears have been unable or unwilling to do so.

Instead, the weekly chart for XLM shows a very strong probability of a fakeout. If bullish momentum returns to the cryptocurrency market, XLM is likely to hit the second peak of the falling wedge near the $0.38 value area.

Classic technical analysts believe that technicals lead fundamentals. If that is true, then altcoins like XLM, MATIC, and ADA could be positioned in very desirable conditions in the event of any new bull run.

However, downside risks remain a concern, but they are likely extremely limited. If a new uptrend fails to materialize before the end of June, the cryptocurrency market will probably move sideways until a major breakout higher or lower occurs in the Fall.

The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cointelegraph.com. Every investment and trading move involves risk, you should conduct your own research when making a decision.

MoneyGram to open transfer platform with Stellar, eyes wallet deal in El Salvador

May 30, 2022 Coin Telegraph

Coin Telegraph

MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes said the international remittances stalwart wants to be a bridge between the crypto and fiat worlds.

MoneyGram International, one of the world’s largest cross-border transfer services, is partnering with the Stellar blockchain to create a stablecoin-based platform for money transfers. The new service will allow Stellar wallet users to send Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) to recipients, who will be able to cash them out for fiat currency through the MoneyGram network.

“We’re trying to be a bridge from the crypto world to the fiat world,” MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes said in an interview.

Holmes also said MoneyGram is in talks with third-party companies that provide digital wallets in El Salvador alongside the government-backed Chivo wallets that were introduced when the country made Bitcoin (BTC) legal tender last year. Through a deal with one of those companies, MoneyGram would be able to compete for BTC transfers as well.

“If a country like El Salvador is going to make Bitcoin seamless with US dollars in country, I think that consumers, through MoneyGram, should be able to transfer Bitcoin to El Salvador or transfer dollars and convert them to Bitcoin,” Holmes told Bloomberg. “If that’s where the world is going, let’s participate in that world and let’s see how we can help fulfill that opportunity.”

MoneyGram had a previous deal with Ripple Labs, which once owned a large package of its stock. Ripple and MoneyGram severed their relationship in March 2021 shortly after the United States Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Ripple. MoneyGram’s involvement with Ripple resulted in a class-action suit against the payment service in March 2021.

MoneyGram and Stellar began working together in October 2021 and launched a pilot program in November. Earlier that summer reports circulated that Stellar was interested in a takeover of MoneyGram.

Stellar

BTC/USDT

UNI/USDT

XLM/USDT

THETA/USDT

HNT/USDT

BTC/USDT

ADA/USDT

XLM/USDT

XMR/USDT

MANA/USDT

ADA could be setting up for an 80% surge

MATIC aims for $1

XLM lags the altcoin market, but it’s known for suprises

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