News updates December 31, 2021
1. Kazakhstan Mulls Nuclear Power to Deal With Electricity Shortages Blamed on Crypto Miners
The government in Kazakhstan is considering building a nuclear power plant to overcome an electricity deficit allegedly caused by the booming crypto mining industry. Problems with power supply are driving away miners that saw the Central Asian country as a new home when China recently cracked down on the industry.
2. Microstrategy Buys More Bitcoin, Now Holding 124,391 BTC
Nasdaq-listed Microstrategy has bought more bitcoin for its corporate treasury. The latest purchase for 1,914 coins has raised the company’s total cryptocurrency holdings to 124,391 bitcoins. CEO Michael Saylor recently said that he expects the price of the cryptocurrency to eventually reach $6 million.
Microstrategy Has Purchased More Bitcoin
The pro-bitcoin Nasdaq-listed company Microstrategy has purchased 1,914 more BTC. With the latest purchase, the company now holds 124,391 bitcoins. Microstrategy CEO Michael Saylor announced Thursday via Twitter:
Microstrategy has purchased an additional 1,914 bitcoins for ~$94.2 million in cash at an average price of ~$49,229 per bitcoin.
3. Bitcoin Treasuries List Claims 59 Companies and a Handful of Countries Hold 1.49 Million BTC
304 days or roughly nine months ago, 42 companies held bitcoin on their balance sheet with an aggregate total of 1,350,073 bitcoin on March 1, 2021. Today, metrics indicate there are 59 companies, a few countries, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with 1,499,493 bitcoin held in treasuries
Private and Public Companies, ETFs, and Countries — Treasuries List Highlights 59 Firms With Bitcoin on Their Balance Sheets
Over the last 12 months, a great number of companies have disclosed that they have added bitcoin (BTC) to the firm’s balance sheet and even countries like El Salvador are now storing BTC in their national treasury.
4. Indian Regulator SEBI Wants Mutual Funds to Stay Away From Crypto Investments Until Legislation Is Finalized
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reportedly asked mutual fund companies not to get involved or invest in any type of crypto asset-based investments until the Indian government has come up with cryptocurrency legislation.
5. Pakistan Freezes Over 1,000 Accounts and Cards Used For Crypto Trading
Authorities in Pakistan have reportedly moved to seize hundreds of bank accounts and cards belonging to cryptocurrency traders. According to local media, they have been allegedly used to make transactions worth close to $300,000 through digital asset exchanges, including major platforms.
Pakistan Government Blocks Cards Used to Buy Cryptocurrency, Media Reveals
Bank accounts in the names of 1,064 individuals have been frozen by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The law enforcement authority acted on request from the Cyber Crime Reporting Center (CCRC) in Islamabad, the Pakistan Observer informed readers on Wednesday.
6. Over 20,000 Bitcoin ATMs Installed in a Year
The number of cryptocurrency ATMs around the world has grown exponentially in 2021, with over 20,000 new installations made since last December. That’s more than the total of all crypto teller machines put into operation in the previous seven years.
Close to 34,000 Crypto ATMs Available Globally
ATM locations offering users options to buy and exchange cryptocurrencies with fiat money are increasing at an unprecedented pace. Data compiled by Coin ATM Radar shows that their number towards the end of 2021 is nearing 34,000.
