Episode Details

20th Aug: Crypto & Coffee at 8

👀 MetaMasks Mastercard 🔴 Trump Crypto & NFT holding ❗ Digital Euro - Privacy concerns 🟢 Tether.io on Aptos blockchain 🔥 Floki +Nottingham Forest F.C.

👀 MetaMask has launched the pilot of MetaMask Card, a Mastercard payment card that allows users to spend crypto directly from their MetaMask wallets wherever Mastercard is accepted. Initially available to a limited group in the EU and UK, the card eliminates the need for traditional banks, offering a seamless spending experience with cryptocurrencies like USDC, USDT, and WETH. The card works like a debit card, maintaining control over funds until payment. Integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay is also available. MetaMask plans to expand the card's availability to more regions in the future. Info here https://rb.gy/s1o7uq

🟠 Donald Trump holds between $1 million and $5 million in Ether (ETH) and earned $7.15 million through an NFT licensing deal with NFT INT, according to election disclosures. Melania Trump also made $330,609 from NFT sales. The Trump Digital Trading Cards have seen significant trading volume on OpenSea, and Trump plans to launch another NFT collection. 

Details of his financial record are here https://rb.gy/f3gcfu 

- Arkham Intelligence lists the holdings of Trump's wallet at $3.6 million. https://rb.gy/5g63h3 

- The Trump Organization is also set to unveil a cryptocurrency initiative.

🟣Germany - Privacy concerns about the digital euro.

- The European Central Bank is considering a digital euro, but many Germans are concerned about privacy and prefer cash, which is still the dominant payment method. The ECB plans to use encryption to address these concerns and will offer digital euro-linked cards for easier access. A decision on the digital euro is expected by the end of 2025. Info via Bloomberg here https://shorturl.at/CxGxg 

🟢 Tether.io (USD₮) is launching on the Aptos blockchain, known for its speed and scalability. This integration aims to make digital currency more accessible and affordable, with extremely low transaction fees. The collaboration between Tether and Aptos enhances USD₮'s utility and appeal, particularly within Aptos' growing developer community. Tether's CEO, Paolo A., highlighted the partnership's focus on innovation, while Aptos leaders emphasized the potential for expanded use cases and global reach. Official info here https://shorturl.at/rPpf7

🚨 Floki has partnered with NOTTINGHAM FOREST FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED  which is currently playing in the English Premier League (EPL). Floki will be the official cryptocurrency partner of Nottingham Forest and will have extensive marketing and promotional rights. Info here https://rb.gy/dup1u4

🟠 Two UAE news (See slides)

⚡ Gate.io to launch $100M innovation fund with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi