WAO ART #442

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) raises $1.24 billion for Latin America timberland strategy. Exceeds target size for BTF II fund. Focuses on mature timberland assets in Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Traders shorting Ethereum (ETH) against long positions have been increasing in the last 2-3 days. Three spot Ether ETFs and three Bitcoin spot ETFs debuted in Hong Kong, but all three ETH ETFs closed lower as trading volumes remained low. Open Interest in ETH futures dropped 4.5% in the last 24 hours.

US Bitcoin ETFs have experienced three consecutive weeks of outflows, with $328 million withdrawn last week. Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) saw the largest loss, with $454 million exiting between April 22 and April 26.

South African cryptocurrency exchange VALR is targeting global expansion. It recently received approval to offer crypto asset services in Poland and is seeking licenses in other jurisdictions. VALR currently serves over 600,000 retail customers and 1,000 institutional customers globally.

Russia plans to ban the circulation of cryptocurrencies amid geopolitical tensions. Only domestically issued digital financial assets and digital rubles will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for crypto miners and Central Bank-sponsored test projects.

Changpeng Zhao, the former chief executive of Binance, was sentenced on Tuesday to four months in prison after pleading guilty to violating US laws against money laundering at the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. Ethereum (ETH) has seen a 3.2% drop in the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin ETFs are gaining mainstream status globally, with Hong Kong and Australia making significant moves. Hong Kong debuted spot crypto ETF products, including both Bitcoin and Ethereum offerings, on its stock exchange. ASX is expected to approve the first spot Bitcoin ETFs for listing by the end of 2024.