Some of us just want to buy and enjoy the games we play, while publishers are now looking at how to leverage NFTs and "play-to-earn" cryptocurrency games in the future.

As Eurogamer reports, EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated in an earnings call this week that both NFTs and play-to-earn games are an "important part about the future of our industry." However, he also admitted they aren't going to appear in any EA-published games anytime soon because "it's still early to figure out how that's going to work."

The play-to-earn model rewards players with cryptocurrency and works with blockchain technology in some form. Non-fungible tokens (NFT) on the other hand, are digital certificates for intellectual property, which could be utilized for many aspects of a game. For example, creating content for a specific title could result in an NFT being created.

For now, EA is acknowledging this very new technology is going to be important, but nobody really knows how to utilize it effectively in games just yet. Deploying it in a new Battlefield, FIFA, or The Sims game isn't likely to happen because it could easily backfire and hurt sales. There's also the question of regulation, or the lack of it around cryptocurrencies at the moment, which could turn into a minefield for EA. A few days ago it was reported that Ubisoft is also looking at NFTs and blockchain, so this is certainly being taken seriously by the big games publishers.

EA also published its Q2 financial results yesterday, with Wilson stating, "This was the strongest second quarter in the history of Electronic Arts, with more players around the world joining and engaging in our leading franchises, new launches and live services." He's also expecting the company to enjoy strong sales over the holiday season, driven by Battlefield 2042, which launches on Nov. 19.

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Cryptocurrency prices plunged today as Bitcoin declined from its all-time high it had hit two days ago after the debut of the first US bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund. The price of the world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization was trading 4% lower at $62,740.

Ether, the coin linked to ethereum blockchain and the second largest crypto, was down over 2% to $4,112, as per CoinDesk. Cardano prices fell nearly 3% to $2.16 whereas dogecoin also slipped 3% to $0.24. Other digital tokens like Shiba Inu, Binance Coin, Litecoin, Uniswap, XRP were also trading with cuts over the last 24 hours, though, Solana was up over 10%.

Bitcoin on Wednesday rallied to a record high of $66,974, the recent rally came after six-months from its previous top of $64,895, fueled by the debut of the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF. Investors have bet the long-awaited launch of bitcoin ETFs will lead to greater investment from both retail and institutional investors.

Yet analysts at JPMorgan voiced doubt over how long-lasting the boost to bitcoin's price from the ProShares ETF, which trades under the ticker BITO, would be. "Will the launch of BITO by itself bring significantly more fresh capital into bitcoin? We doubt it given the multitude of investment choices bitcoin investors already have," they wrote in a note, as reported by Reuters.

The ETF doesnt invest directly in Bitcoin. It instead invests in the futures market tied to Bitcoin. Someone with an old-school brokerage account can buy the ETF, for example, without having to open a trading account for crypto.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bitcoin falls from record high, ether, other cryptos also plunge. Check cryptocurrency prices today - Mint

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. Hackers have targeted the City of Riviera Beachs Fire Rescue Departments Twitter page. It was discovered earlier this week and is contained only to the departments Twitter page, according to a spokesperson.

Right now, were currently locked out of the Twitter account, Riviera Beach Fire Rescue spokesperson DaWayne Watson told Contact 5. Im trying to pull up our Twitter page, it says the account doesnt exist.

Watson showed Contact 5 whats left of his departments page which has a new name, logo, posts and even previous posts. The intruder is named Bitcoinsensus and promotes investing in crypto-currency.

He said the department had been using two-step authentication for its Twitter account as a precaution when the hack occurred.

Every day theyre putting things out in reference to bitcoins and how they are used and managed and the currency exchange which is obviously something the City of Riviera Beach Fire Rescue does not do, Watson said.

The latest hack comes more than two years after the city council authorized its insurance carrier to pay about $600,000 in Bitcoin ransom to recover data following a cyber-attack.

The city also reportedly spent close to a million dollars on cyber security enhancements and updating computers.

A city spokesperson told Contact 5 it did not include social media accounts that they can't control.

Watson says so far, the department has not received any demands for ransom and is working with Twitter to try to regain control of the important page.

We use our Twitter page as one or our main platforms so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen in the of Riviera Beach, Watson said.

Fire Rescue will utilize the citys Twitter page, @Rivierabch to share any important information with the community until this issue is resolved.

Contact 5 reached out to the company now listed on the Twitter page for comment and we have not heard back.

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Hacked again? Riviera Beach Fire Rescue's Twitter page taken over by cryptocurrency promoter - WPTV.com

WENZHOU, China, Oct. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZK International Group Co., Ltd's (Nasdaq: ZKIN) ("ZKIN", "ZK International" or the "Company"), and its subsidiary xSigma Trading ("xSigma"), is pleased to announce that the Beta Launch of its two flagship trading platforms, "xSigma Trading" for CFD trading and "xSigma Trader" for Crypto, Crypto Options and Crypto derivatives.

(PRNewsfoto/ZK International Group Co., Ltd.)

XSigma Trading is a proprietary, robust, dynamic, interactive trading platform that focuses on CFD trading in global markets via its advanced, independent design and cutting edge technology. Through xSigma Trading, all traders can participate in the CFD marketplace and engage in the trading of various unique products and offerings including some of the most restricted stock lists in the marketplace.

XSigma Trader is a cutting edge Crypto, Crypto Options and Crypto derivatives platform allows users to actively assess and engage in the volatile crypto currency market. The platform allows participants to diversify their crypto currency risk by using products like immediate and short-term crypto options and derivatives. xSigma Trader plans to allow the offering of a large variety of crypto currencies and a marketplace for most new crypto listings to trade.

The launch of our Beta Launch is timely in the crypto world as we are witnessing significant events in the crypto space:

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, shooting past $66,000, while ETH broke $4,000

The current cryptocurrency Market Cap reached $2.5 trillion according to Coinmarketcap[1]

In August open interest on bitcoin and Ether derivatives was $12.12 Billion according to cointelegraph[2]

Over $100 billion in derivatives are traded on a busy day according to research of Carnegie Melon University[3]

ProShares debuted on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Tuesday, and seeing trading volume of more than $1 billion on its full first day

[1] https://coinmarketcap.com/charts/%5B2%5D https://cointelegraph.com/news/cryptocurrency-derivatives-market-shows-growth-despite-regulatory-fud%5B3%5D https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/news/stories/2021/april/cryptocurrency-derivatives.html

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The CEO of xSigma Trading, Apan Sood states, "We, at xSigma, are very pleased and excited to launch the beta version of our core trading platforms at such and exciting time in the crypto space. We believe that xSigma's trading products will lead the trading community into the future of CFDs, cryptocurrencies and derivatives trading. Our platforms encompass a wide range of products that truly allow traders at all levels to access a much larger range of equity CFDs and crypto derivatives than what is available in most platforms today. xSigma's unique trading platforms provide traders with greater opportunities to take advantage of volatile markets while protecting themselves from market risk. Our goal is to create a unique and robust high matching platform that combines crypto derivatives & equity CFD's all in one trading solution. These systems have been designed as a crypto and CFD trading platform for both retail and institutional clients that will adopt crypto trading, lending, options & derivatives as well as US Equity CFD's all within one platform."

For further information about xSigma Trading's products contact us at: https://xsigma-trading.com/#contact-form

About ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is a China-based engineering company building and investing in innovative technologies for the modern world. With a focus on designing and implementing next-generation solutions through industrial, environmental and software engineering, ZKIN owns 28 patents, 21 trademarks, 2 Technical Achievement Awards, and 10 National and Industry Standard Awards.

ZKIN's core business is to engineer and manufacture patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products that effectively deliver high quality, highly-sustainable and environmentally sound drinkable water to the Chinese, Asia and European markets. ZK International is Quality Management System Certified (ISO9001), Environmental Management System Certified (ISO1401), and a National Industrial Stainless Steel Production Licensee. It has supplied stainless steel pipelines for over 2,000 projects, which include the Beijing National Airport, the "Water Cube" and "Bird's Nest", which were venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. ZK International is preparing to capitalize on the $850 Billion commitment made by the Chinese Government to improve the quality of water, which has been stated to be 70% unfit for human contact.

In 2018, ZKIN established its wholly-owned xSigma Corporation to develop innovative software solutions that support its core operations while exploring new opportunities in smart contracts, distributed ledgers, supply chain management and blockchain architecture. The xSigma Labs team is made up of world-class developers and engineers formerly of Facebook, Google, Amazon, Ripple and 1inch, most recently launching its first DeFi project in the Fall of 2020.

In March of 2021, ZKIN announced the formation of its new wholly-owned subsidiary, xSigma Entertainment Limited. It was established as part of ZK's integrated network of companies focused on developing and investing in innovative software technology platforms. xSigma Entertainment's mandate is to acquire assets in the high-growth US gaming market. Sigma Entertainment aims to increase shareholder value by targeting and investing in early stage online gambling businesses that are poised for exponential growth and exits.

For more information please visit http://www.ZKInternationalGroup.com. Additionally, please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Weibo. For further information on the Company's SEC filings please visit http://www.sec.gov.

About xSigma Trading

The xSigma Trading platform will provide customers with crypto derivation product, such as crypto options, crypto basket trading, crypto basket lending. The platform will provide traders with extreme market depth and liquidity and will give the best opportunity to select and diversify their portfolios with the variety of different products. The xSigma Trading platform will provide US Equity CFDs that will be wide ranging to include equities that are normally not available as CFDs. We will focus on stocks that are "in play", speculative stocks that might normally be hard to borrow or too expensive to trade from the short side.

For more information please visit: https://xsigma-trading.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" or "continue" or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of ZK International. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, as well as other risk factors that are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although ZK International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by ZK International or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. ZK International does not undertake any obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Person: Di Chen Cell Number: +86 15057357883 Email: super.di@live.cn

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/on-the-heels-of-the-total-cryptocurrency-market-cap-hitting-2-6-trillion-zk-internationals-subsidiary-xsigma-launches-its-beta-for-two-trading-platforms-for-cfds-crypto-crypto-options-and-crypto-derivatives-301405652.html

SOURCE ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

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On the Heels of the Total Cryptocurrency Market Cap Hitting $2.6 Trillion, ZK International's Subsidiary xSigma Launches Its Beta for Two Trading...

From 2008 to 2021, the crypto market is on the surge. But it is the Covid situation that made people look into this crypto market. Cryptocurrency can be a world of wonders but also a world of ups and downs. With an unsteady crypto market, you have to have good timing, knowledge, and global awareness to become a success. Cryptocurrency used to be seen as an esoteric, far-fetched investment. That image has changed, however, and now many ordinary people are getting into the game. How do they do it is up to them. Are you ready to step into this high-risk market of cryptocurrencies? And more importantly, are you ready for inevitable glitches?

The glitch is a black eye for cryptocurrency platforms. At the beginning of October 2021, decentralized finance platform Compound made a costly mistake after a bug in a recent update sent cryptocurrency worth almost $90 million to users, leaving its creators CEO begging users to voluntarily send it back. But that wasnt the last time.

On October 21, 2021, the entire crypto market turned upside-down when FLOW took over the first potion in the rankings on the official website of coinmarketcap.com. Flows market capital was US$43,844,606,163,742,888, and the global crypto market cap was US$43,933T. This glitch definitely shocked many people, but soon this mistake was corrected where Bitcoin still holds its tables topper position, and Flow went back to its actual position and market capital. Also, the global crypto market cap is US$2.62T that has observed a 3.55% increase over the last day.

Flow is a fast, decentralized, and developer-friendly blockchain, designed as the foundation for a new generation of games, apps, and the digital assets that power them. Flow is the only layer-one blockchain originally created by a team that has consistently delivered great consumer blockchain experiences: CryptoKitties, Dapper Wallet, NBA Top Shot.

The FLOW token is the native currency for the Flow network and the keystone for a new, inclusive, and borderless digital economy. If Flow is the digital infrastructure, FLOW token is the fuel that powers the network. FLOW is the currency required for the network and all the applications on top of it to function. FLOW is designed as a payment method as well as a long-term reserve asset for the entire Flow economy. The token is used by validators, developers, and users to participate in the FLOW network and earn rewards. It is also used for fees and to participate in future protocol governance.

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Biggest Cryptocurrency Glitch that Shocked the World - Analytics Insight

The Grammy-winner is the latest celebrity to partner with bitcoin and is doing so to help inspire other women to get involved in cryptocurrency.

Mariah Carey has become the latest star musician to partner with bitcoin. On Tuesday, the five-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter announced her new collaboration with the platform Gemini, via a press release.

Gemini, founded by billionaire entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, gives people the easy ability to buy, sell, earn and store bitcoin, ether, DeFi tokens, and over 50 other cryptocurrencies in a simple, manageable way. Carey hopes that her high-profile partnership with Gemini inspires other women to learn more about cryptocurrency.

As a method to get more women involved, Careys partnership with Gemini means that a portion of trading fees investors use will be donated to BlackGirlsCode by using the code [MARIAH]. BlackGirlsCode is a non-profit organization that introduces young women of color to skills in computer programming and technology, as stated by the release.

In the past year, crypto investors doubled according to Geminis 2021 The State of U.S. Crypto Report. Of all the people in the report who expressed interest in investing in the asset class, 53 percent of the crypto-curious were women.

Its great to see Mariah and other celebrities discover bitcoin as an investment and hedge against inflation, said Tyler Winklevoss in a press release. Cryptos like bitcoin and ether were two of the best performing assets of the last decade. Our goal at Gemini is to help educate you on the promise of crypto and make it simple, easy, and safe for you to engage in this new asset class.

Mariah Carey lights the Empire State Building in celebration of the 25th anniversary of All I Want For Christmas Is You at the Empire State Building on December 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Carey joins other prominent musicians who have taken an interest in bitcoin. Over the years, celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Mike Tyson have made investments in bitcoin, as reported by Business Insider. Grammy-winning rapper Nas looked to get a big return from his 2013 investment in Coinbase after the company went public to NASDAQ in April, according to Coin Desk.

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One of the latest trends today involving artists and cryptocurrency is non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. Artists like SZA, Shawn Mendes and Grimes have invested.

Rap superstar Eminem partnered with Nifty Gateway (which was acquired by Gemini) to create Shady Con NFTs, providing collectibles such as original music, comic books and video games, as reported by Harpers Bazaar. The sales of Shady Con reached $1.8 million. Meanwhile Grimes WarNymph NFT artwork was sold for a total of $6 million.

On the music side, Carey has been enjoying the success with the single Somewhat Loved (There You Go Breakin My Heart), her contribution to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis album Jam & Lewis, Vol. 1. The song, co-written by Carey and The-Dream, peaked at number nine on Billboards Adult R&B chart, her 15th Top 10 on that chart, and first since 2019.

The legendary production duo have campaigned to listens via Instagram to submit clips to be considered for inclusion of a special fan-made music video.

Have you subscribed to the Grio podcasts, Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now!TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!

The post Mariah Carey supports BlackGirlsCode with the help of Gemini cryptocurrency exchange appeared first on TheGrio.

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Mariah Carey supports BlackGirlsCode with the help of Gemini cryptocurrency exchange - Yahoo News

The former chancellor Philip Hammond has added another job to the dozen or so he has taken on since leaving the Treasury in 2019, this time as an adviser to a Mayfair-based cryptocurrency trading firm.

Lord Hammond, who also served as foreign secretary and was an early supporter of bitcoin and other digital currencies, joined Copper.co with immediate effect on Monday.

The former chancellor, who was said to be one of the wealthiest ever cabinet ministers with a fortune once estimated at 8.2m, has taken up as many as 14 paid and unpaid jobs since leaving politics after a bust-up with Boris Johnson over Brexit.

Hammond was last month criticised by Westminsters lobbying watchdog for using his government connections to assist OakNorth, a bank he is paid to advise.

Starting out as a schoolboy running church hall discos, then becoming a medical equipment entrepreneur, Philip Hammond has been involved in an eclectic mix of business ventures. In two years since leaving office he has been given the green light by the UKs lobbying watchdog, Acoba, for 14 roles, including advising three Gulf states and working with several companies set up by Tory peers.

1. Non-executive director, Ardagh

Hammonds first appointment after quitting politics was with the Luxembourg-based metal and glass packaging firm, on an estimated salary of 125,000.

2. Adviser to OakNorth

Hammond joined the board of SoftBank-backed British fintech bank alongside Conservative ex-minister Francis Maude and former senior regulators Adair Turner and Martin Stewart.

3. Keynote speaker, Washington Speakers Bureau and London Speakers Bureau

Last year Hammond applied for part-time paid appointments at these two events agencies. Being on their roster opens up opportunities for lucrative after-dinner speeches to corporate clients.

4. Adviser to Canary Wharf Group

He joined the board of the property company last summer. It is chaired and was until recently run by Sir George Iacobescu, a Romanian-born British property chief who helped transform the once-barren London Docklands estate into Canary Wharf.

5. Senior adviser, Chatham House

Hammond joined the international affairs thinktank in June 2020 and speaks on panels discussing international economic policies.

6. Adviser to Saudi Arabias finance minister.

Hammond had previous ties with the minister, having advised him on Saudi Arabias G20 presidency.

7. Adviser to FMA Partners

The consultancy was founded by Maude and co-run with Simone Finn, who was appointed as a non-executive director of the Cabinet Office last May. Its latest filing of accounts registered assets of 209,000.

8. Adviser to Nomura

Hammond joined one of Japans largest investment banks.

9. Adviser to Apidae

The Essex-based management consultancy is run by Boris Johnsons fintech ambassador, Alastair Lukies.

10. Co-chair of Future Economy Surrey Commission

The council-run body commissions reports about Surreys economic health and sets out solutions for post-pandemic recovery.

11. Partner at Buckthorn

The energy investment firm is run by Colin Moynihan, a former Conservative MP and hereditary peer.

12. Adviser to Bahrains finance minister

Acoba cleared Hammond to accept a paid, part-time role advising the country on a programme of economic and fiscal reform.

13. Adviser to Kuwait Investment Office

The office is part of the Gulf states sovereign wealth fund, with estimated assets of $592bn. Hammond told Acoba he would advise on economic challenges and investment opportunities.

14. Nominated for a peerage

Boris Johnson awarded a life peerage to Hammond in February 2020.

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Eric Pickles, a former cabinet colleague who chairs the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), said it was an unwise step for Hammond to contact a senior Treasury official about a project developed by OakNorth.

Lord Pickles said Hammonds use of his contacts in government was not consistent with the intention of the rules and was not acceptable because of the privileged access you obtained for OakNorth.

Hammond, who also served as defence secretary, was later cleared of breaching lobbying rules after an investigation by the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists (ORCL), an independent body that monitors lobbying activities of former ministers and senior civil servants.

ORCL accepted Hammonds argument that, since lobbying was not his main activity, there was no need for him to register as a lobbyist working on behalf of a third party.

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Copper said Hammond would focus on promoting the UK as a global leader in digital asset technology. The firm, which was founded in 2018, recently announced plans to expand into the US and Asia and secured $75m (55m) of investment from the British billionaire hedge fund manager Alan Howard and the venture capital firms Dawn Capital and Target Global.

Hammond said Copper was a true pioneer of crypto and digital asset investment technology. But the really exciting opportunity lies in the application of this technology to revolutionise the way financial services are delivered, he said. If we can bring together the best of Britain entrepreneurs, industry, government, and regulators to create and enable a blockchain-based ecosystem for financial services, we will secure the UKs global leadership in this field for decades ahead.

Dmitry Tokarev, the chief executive of Copper, said: We would like to drive growth in our client base within a regulatory framework which will allow us to thrive globally from our London headquarters. With Lord Hammonds expertise adding to the strength of our team, we look forward to growing Copper and further enhancing the UKs digital asset technology offering.

As chancellor, Hammond had called for light-touch regulations for cryptocurrencies. I am interested in bitcoin. The Bank of England, as you know, among the central banks, has been leading on looking at bitcoin, he said in 2018. What is really important is that in regulating cryptocurrencies, we dont inadvertently constrain the potential of the technology that underlies it, the blockchain technology, which has a wider and more important application.

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Philip Hammond adds cryptocurrency role to post-Treasury jobs list - The Guardian

In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin prices today were trading marginally lower after rallying above the $55,000 mark on Thursday. The most popular and world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization slipped over 1% to $54,364. Though, Bitcoin has advanced 24% in a week.

Other cryptocurrencies were performing mixed over the last 24 hours. Ether, the second largest crypto by market capitalization, was hovering around $3,619, up over 2%. Cardano gained 5% to $2.29 whereas dogecoin prices tumbled marginally to $0.24. XRP, Litecoin, Uniswap gained while Stellar and Shiba Inu slipped.

Shiba Inu plunged 25% in the last 24 hours after soaring over 300% in a week as Elon Musk tweeted about his puppy, Floki, a Shiba Inu breed. The jump comes at the same time the wider crypto market is surging as well. Bitcoin is up about 30% in the past seven days and trading in the mid-$50,000s, and second-ranked Ether has been gaining as well.

Crossing the $50,000 threshold and Bitcoin's rally to the $55,000 level is something of a historic event. Total Crypto's market cap could soon reach $2.5 trillion based on the Cup and Handle pattern seen forming on the chart. However, for the Total Crypto limit to reach that level, BTC and other tokens need to be increased further. Bitcoin's performance over the last few days has been quite remarkable as the price of BTC has soared by almost 27%, nearly outperforming most, if not all, other major cryptocurrencies," said Siddharth Menon, COO of WazirX.

The Bitcoin rally has come after digital tokens remained under pressure post Chinas ban on cryptocurrency transactions and turbulence around El Salvadors troubled rollout of the digital coin as legal tender.

After that overwhelming bullish rally, COTI's performance over the past week has been quite dismal. The RSI indicator clearly shows that the token has been overbought and has started its decline after crossing 75 bringing it below 55. It is still in the buy zone and we can expect COTI to recover at any time," Menon added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Cryptocurrency prices today: Bitcoin, dogecoin slip while ether, cardano gain - Mint

Cryptocurrency has become a hot investment over the past year as more people have begun dabbling in digital coins. The reality is that there's a lot of money to be made in cryptocurrency. But there's also a lot of risk involved -- generally more so than investing in stocks. And that begs the question -- should retirees invest in cryptocurrency? Or are they better off playing it safer with their money?

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As a general rule, retirees are often advised to have more conservative investment portfolios than people who are still many years from retirement. The reason? Retirees commonly cash out their investments and use that money to pay their living costs. Many seniors can't live on Social Security alone, so they invest their savings in stocks and bonds and take withdrawals as needed.

Taking withdrawals can sometimes mean having to cash out investments when they're down. And since stock values tend to fluctuate a lot more than bond values, seniors are often advised to move away from stocks and load up more on bonds because they're a more stable investment.

Since cryptocurrency is even more volatile than stocks, at first glance, it may not seem like a suitable investment for retirees. But that doesn't mean retirees have to stay away from it completely.

Some retirees have access to many income sources. For example, someone might have money coming in from a pension, Social Security, an investment property, a dedicated retirement plan, and a separate brokerage account. So it wouldn't be a terrible idea for a financially-healthy senior to invest a small amount of money in cryptocurrency.

Those who are more cash strapped, however, may want to stay away from crypto. Because cryptocurrency is relatively new, it's hard to know whether it will end up being a solid long-term investment or not. Much of that will depend on whether it becomes a widely accepted form of payment and if demand for it stays strong. So retirees who don't have a lot of financial wiggle room may be better off playing it safe and staying away from digital coins.

In fact, a good rule of thumb when investing in cryptocurrency is to expect to lose all of your money. That may not happen at all. But it's a good expectation to set so you don't invest money you can't afford to lose.

Retirees who decide to buy cryptocurrency should start slowly and only invest a limited amount of money, at least at first. What's more, anyone planning to invest in cryptocurrency should research the various coins out there to land on the right ones for their situation. It's easy to assume that Bitcoin is the best choice because it's been around the longest, but that doesn't mean it's right for every investor.

Ultimately, cryptocurrency can be a solid investment, even for older people. But there's a danger to investing in cryptocurrency in retirement, and seniors should be aware of that before jumping in.

Retirees with a hearty appetite for risk may feel comfortable buying cryptocurrency. But proceeding with caution is ultimately the best bet.

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Is It Safe for Retirees to Buy Cryptocurrency? - The Motley Fool

The US Department of Justice has created a team to investigate cryptocurrency-related crime. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) will handle investigations of crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and money laundering infrastructure actors, the agency said in a news release. Mixing and tumbling services can obscure the source of a cryptocurrency transaction, by mixing it with other funds.

Cryptocurrency is used in a wide variety of criminal activity, including ransomware demand payments, money laundering, and for the illegal sales of drugs, weapons, and malware, the agency noted. Several high-profile ransomware cases have involved demands in cryptocurrency, including the Colonial Pipeline attack in May, where the company reportedly paid a $5 million ransom to DarkSide (the group later apologized for the social consequences of the hack). And the Treasury Department issued sanctions against a cryptocurrency exchange for the first time last month.

The DOJ says the NCET, which will provide expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrency transactions for the Justice Department and other US government agencies, will draw team members from the DOJs money laundering, intellectual property, and computer crimes divisions, as well as from US attorneys offices across the country.

The team will be under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite Jr. to start, but the Justice Department is seeking to hire someone who has experience with complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies and the blockchain, on a more permanent basis.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement that NCET would draw on the Departments cyber and money laundering expertise to strengthen our capacity to dismantle the financial entities that enable criminal actors to flourish and quite frankly to profit from abusing cryptocurrency platforms.

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US Department of Justice creates cryptocurrency enforcement unit - The Verge