WAO ART #317

Crypto asset management firm Hashdex has met with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to discuss necessary changes to its spot bitcoin ETF application. The meeting, which saw Hashdex executives meet with SEC Chairman Gary Gensler's office, sparked speculation in the market.

Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority have initiated a public consultation on legislative proposals for the supervision of stablecoin issuers. Regulating fiat currency stablecoins is necessary to manage potential risks and provide transparency.

Seventy-nine candidates have registered their candidacies for the presidential election in Senegal, which is set to take place in February 2024. Incumbent President Macky Sall, who has been in office since 2012, announced that he would not seek another term.

The SEC's requirement for cash creations instead of in-kind transactions for potential Bitcoin ETFs is squeezing out trading giants and limiting who can handle Bitcoin. This means that only issuers like BlackRock will handle Bitcoin transactions, cutting out institutional investors.

Colombian singer Shakira has been honored with a 6.5-meter statue in her hometown of Barranquilla. "Hips that do not lie, a unique talent, a voice that moves masses." Shakira, who has sold 80 million albums worldwide and won three Grammy awards, thanked the sculptor.

Spanish charter operator Wamos Air will temporarily return to operating daily flights between Auckland and Perth for Air New Zealand from February 9 to April 30, 2024. This is to assist Air New Zealand during a period of maintenance for their aircraft due to global engine issues.

MicroStrategy, the business intelligence firm founded by Michael Saylor, has concluded 2023 with a massive $615.7 million Bitcoin purchase. The company acquired an additional 14,620 Bitcoins at an average price of $42,110 per Bitcoin, bringing its total holdings to 189,150 BTC.