Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Tech

U.S. Government Crypto Wallets Transfer Nearly $1B of Bitcoin Seized From Bitfinex Hacker

Wallets containing bitcoin seized by the U.S. government in the notorious Bitfinex hack – later leading to guilty pleas for Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather "Razzlekhan" Morgan – have suddenly become active.

By Bradley KeounFeb 28, 2024

Ilya Lichtenstein, who pleaded guilty with wife Heather Morgan in the plundering of Bitfinex, is now testifying against the mixer he used. (Alexandria Sheriff's Office)

Finance

Morgan Stanley Evaluating Spot Bitcoin ETFs for Its Giant Brokerage Platform: Sources

Since spot bitcoin ETFs went live in January, chatter has increased about the imminent arrival of the big registered investment advisor (RIA) networks and broker-dealer platforms.

By Ian Allison, Will CannyFeb 28, 2024

Markets

Retail Investors Are Sleeping on Bitcoin's March Towards All-Time Highs: IntoTheBlock

Metrics that previously signaled retail froth are still at low levels, suggesting that this phase of bitcoin's rally is driven by institutional investors, IntoTheBlock analysts said.

By Krisztian SandorFeb 28, 2024

Crypto trader sleeping in front of chart screens (Unsplash)

Markets

Bitcoin Suddenly Plummets 7% After Hitting $64K, Triggering Over $700M Crypto Liquidations

The world's largest crypto soared to $64,000 Wednesday before quickly reversing to $59,000, CoinDesk data shows.

By Krisztian SandorFeb 28, 2024

Markets

El Salvador's Bukele Says Value of Country's Bitcoin Holdings Up Over 40%

The country's bonds have also surged to over 80 cents on the dollar.

By Sam ReynoldsFeb 28, 2024

El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. (Government of El Salvador, modified by CoinDesk)

Policy

Craig Wright to Face New Allegations of Forgery in COPA Trial Over Ontier Emails

He's set to retake the stand on Friday to defend allegations initially made by his former lawyers that their correspondence submitted to court had been doctored.

By Sandali HandagamaFeb 28, 2024

COPA vs Craig Wright trial just completed its second week (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Podcasts

Crypto Update | Bitcoin Easily Jumps Above $60k, With Jason Lau

By Helene BraunFeb 28, 2024

Key Bitcoin Support Levels to Watch as Volatility Rises

Opinion

Mt. Gox: What We Still Don’t Know 10 Years After the Collapse

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the collapse of bitcoin exchange MtGox, Mark Hunter, author of “Ultimate Catastrophe: How MtGox Lost Half a Billion Dollars and Nearly Killed Bitcoin,” tackles the questions that still remain unanswered ten years later.

By Mark HunterFeb 28, 2024