Lugano Adopts Bitcoin and Tether for Municipal Payments: Lugano, a Swiss city, has made a groundbreaking move by incorporating Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) for tax and other municipal fee payments. This initiative, part of the city’s collaborative Plan B with Tether, marks a significant step towards integrating Bitcoin technology in the city’s financial system. Previously, cryptocurrency payments in Lugano were restricted to the city’s official online portal, but the latest development broadens this scope to include all invoices, irrespective of their nature or amount. Citizens and companies can now effortlessly pay their expenses using their mobile wallets by scanning the invoice QR code. Bitcoin Suisse has been entrusted with managing the technical aspects of this payment solution, further solidifying Switzerland’s position as a pioneer in adopting crypto assets .
VersiFi Prepares for 2024 Launch with Key Hires: VersiFi, a crypto trading and lending firm, is gearing up for its platform launch in early 2024 by strengthening its C-suite with experienced professionals from traditional finance. The company has appointed Sol Zlotchenko as Chief Product and Technology Officer and Daniel Zayfman as Chief Information and Security Officer, both of whom have previous experience at Hazeltree, where VersiFi founder Sameer Shalaby served as CEO. This move follows VersiFi’s successful $10 million Series A funding round, signaling its robust preparations for the launch. Former Genesis managing director Martin Garcia joins as co-CEO, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to leading in sales, trading, and lending functions .
Significant Investments in Cryptocurrency Projects: In the midst of a bullish market, cryptocurrency projects, especially those related to Bitcoin and Ethereum, have been attracting significant investments. This trend includes substantial funding for Bitcoin mining companies and support for projects aimed at scaling Ethereum. The investments are timely as Ethereum gears up for its anticipated Dencun upgrade. Notable funding rounds include Babylon’s $18 million Series A for a protocol enabling Bitcoin staking in proof-of-stake networks, and MAP Protocol’s strategic investment from Waterdrip Capital for a Bitcoin layer-2 solution. Additionally, significant investments have been made in on-chain data platform Shadow, encryption-focused layer-2 Ten, and “stateless” Ethereum rollup startup Versatus. Curvance, a lending and borrowing app, also closed a $3.6 million seed round, aiming to transition to a DAO governance model .
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the referenced research articles. It is essential to conduct further research and analysis before making any investment decisions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should exercise caution and consult with financial professionals before engaging in cryptocurrency trading or investment activities.
