Throughout the year, President Donald Trump’s crypto policies have spurred a notable increase in the adoption of digital assets through various channels, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and crypto-focused treasuries. As a result, a recent survey conducted by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and PwC revealed that the percentage of traditional hedge funds holding cryptocurrencies has climbed to 55%, up from 47% in 2024. Heavy Crypto Exposure Among Hedge Funds Despite the ongoing volatility in crypto markets, 47% of institutional investors surveyed expressed that the current regulatory environment, shaped by Trump’s appointments of crypto-friendly agency heads and the implementation of the GENIUS Act has encouraged them to increase their allocations to digital assets. James Delaney, managing director of asset management regulation at AIMA, commented on the findings, stating: For most of these funds, regulatory uncertainty has been a major barrier. This year, those barriers are starting to be removed. This year’s report may mark a turning point in overcoming these challenges. However, regulatory clarity isn’t the sole factor driving institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on substantial market gains is also a compelling motivator. The survey highlighted that alongside traditional hedge funds, specialized fund managers with at least 50% of their assets in crypto have emerged, with several new funds launched this year. Bitcoin Dominates, Solana’s Popularity Surges Among the crypto-focused funds, Bitcoin (BTC) remains the most commonly held asset, closely followed by Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). Notably, Solana saw a surge in popularity this year, with 73% of the funds now holding it, a marked increase from 45% in 2024. On average, hedge funds have allocated about 7% of their assets to crypto, up from 6% the previous year, although over half of the respondents commit less than 2%. Encouragingly, 71% of those surveyed indicated plans to increase their crypto exposure within the next twelve months. Major firms are also showing interest in this space. Brevan Howard Asset Management has reportedly appointed a former executive from Peter Thiel’s family office to lead a crypto-focused investment division. Additionally, asset managers like Steven Cohen’s Point72 Asset Management and Elliott Investment Management have disclosed holdings in Bitcoin and Ethereum-linked ETFs . According to the AIMA survey, the proportion of respondents using ETFs has risen to 33%, compared to 25% the previous year. The survey indicated that the most popular access method to the digital asset market among managers is through derivatives, with 67% of respondents utilizing them, an increase from 58% in 2024. Spot trading has also grown, rising to 40% from 25%. Moreover, some asset managers are exploring the tokenization of their funds, similar to initiatives by firms like BlackRock. Over half of the survey participants expressed interest in this approach. Lastly, the survey found that 43% of traditional hedge funds investing in crypto plan to enhance or initiate their engagement with DeFi over the next three years, with nearly a third believing that DeFi could disrupt their business models. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
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Cathie Wood Lowers Bitcoin 2030 Price Target to $1.2 Million
Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Invest, has revised her long-term outlook for Bitcoin, lowering her 2030 price target by $300,000. Specifically, Wood now expects the world’s largest cryptocurrency to reach about $1.2 million, as opposed to her earlier prediction of $1.5 million. Visit Website Bitcoinist
WhatsApp Impersonation Scams: Binance CEO Issues Urgent Warning to Crypto Users
BitcoinWorld WhatsApp Impersonation Scams: Binance CEO Issues Urgent Warning to Crypto Users Have you received suspicious investment messages on WhatsApp lately? Binance CEO Richard Teng has issued an urgent warning about the alarming rise in WhatsApp impersonation scams targeting cryptocurrency users worldwide. These sophisticated phishing attempts are becoming increasingly common, putting unsuspecting investors at risk of significant financial losses. What Are These WhatsApp Impersonation Scams? WhatsApp impersonation scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges or their representatives. They create fake groups or send direct messages claiming to offer exclusive investment opportunities. However, Richard Teng has clarified that Binance never sends investment-related messages through group chats or unsolicited direct messages on any platform. These scammers use various tactics to appear genuine. They often use official-looking logos and create convincing profiles. Some even use social engineering techniques to gain your trust before making their move. The ultimate goal is always the same: to steal your cryptocurrency or personal information. How Can You Spot These Dangerous Scams? Recognizing WhatsApp impersonation scams early can save you from financial disaster. Here are the red flags to watch for: Unsolicited investment offers from unknown numbers Requests for private keys or seed phrases Pressure to act quickly on “limited-time opportunities” Links to fake websites that mimic legitimate exchanges Promises of guaranteed returns or unrealistic profits Remember that legitimate companies like Binance have strict communication protocols. They will never ask for sensitive information through casual messaging platforms. Why Are WhatsApp Impersonation Scams So Effective? These WhatsApp impersonation scams work because they exploit human psychology and trust. Scammers leverage the platform’s group chat features to create false social proof. When you see multiple people in a group apparently benefiting from an opportunity, it feels more legitimate. Moreover, the personal nature of WhatsApp makes these scams particularly convincing. People tend to let their guard down on messaging platforms they use for personal communication. This makes WhatsApp impersonation scams especially dangerous for both new and experienced crypto users. What Protective Measures Should You Take? Protecting yourself from WhatsApp impersonation scams requires vigilance and knowledge. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a cryptocurrency exchange. Use official channels to confirm information rather than trusting unsolicited messages. Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts. Be cautious about sharing your phone number in crypto-related forums or social media. Most importantly, remember that if an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. What Should You Do If You Encounter a Scam? If you suspect you’ve encountered WhatsApp impersonation scams, take immediate action. Report the number to WhatsApp and block the contact. Notify the legitimate company being impersonated through their official channels. Warn your contacts about the scam to prevent others from falling victim. Never engage with scammers or try to outsmart them. The safest approach is to cut off communication immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Frequently Asked Questions How can I verify if a WhatsApp message is really from Binance? Binance never initiates investment conversations through WhatsApp group chats or unsolicited direct messages. Always verify through official Binance communication channels and their verified social media accounts. What information do these scammers typically ask for? Scammers often request private keys, seed phrases, login credentials, or direct cryptocurrency transfers. They may also ask for personal identification information that could be used for identity theft. Are new crypto users more vulnerable to these scams? While new users are often targeted, experienced investors can also fall victim to sophisticated WhatsApp impersonation scams. Everyone should remain vigilant regardless of their experience level. What should I do if I already shared information with a scammer? Immediately secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling additional security measures. Contact the legitimate exchange’s support team and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Can these scams be reported to authorities? Yes, you should report WhatsApp impersonation scams to local law enforcement, financial regulatory authorities, and through official scam reporting platforms in your country. How are scammers getting my phone number? Scammers often obtain numbers from data breaches, public forums, social media profiles, or through phishing attacks on other platforms. Be cautious about where you share your contact information. Help protect the crypto community by sharing this important warning about WhatsApp impersonation scams. Share this article on your social media platforms to ensure your friends and fellow investors stay safe from these sophisticated phishing attempts. To learn more about the latest cryptocurrency security trends, explore our article on key developments shaping cryptocurrency security measures and institutional adoption. This post WhatsApp Impersonation Scams: Binance CEO Issues Urgent Warning to Crypto Users first appeared on BitcoinWorld . Bitcoinist

