The world of cryptocurrencies never stands still! We follow it closely, and each week we bring you the latest crypto and blockchain news. Keep up with the latest trends with Platincoin!

Today, Tesla is once again at the top of the charts, workers in El Salvador will be able to receive their salaries in BTC, and Miami introduces the option of paying taxes with cryptocurrencies!

Capgemini predicts a 45% increase in cryptocurrency transactions by 2023

According to a study by the consulting company Capgemini, the number of people using cryptocurrencies for financial transactions will greatly increase over the next two years. The current indicator of 10% is set to reach 45% by 2023. 

These results were obtained from a survey of 6300 bank clients and 210 leaders in charge of payment systems in 44 countries around the world, using data from the World Bank, the IMF, and the Bank for International Settlements.

Salvadorans will gain access to salaries in BTC

The Bitcoin wallet Strike has added a feature called ‘Pay Me in Bitcoin’, which enables users to transfer any amount of dollars into Bitcoin without any restrictions or fees. This feature was introduced following a law approved by President Naib Bukele, which recognizes Bitcoin as a legal means of payment. Passed in September 2021, this law marked the first step towards the acceptance of cryptocurrencies across El Salvador.

Last month, the American exchange Coinbase also presented a similar feature, which can be used to transfer direct deposits in BTC, Ethereum or other assets.

Tesla earned $1 billion in net profit from Bitcoin

According to Bitcointreasuries.NET, Elon Musk's electric car manufacturing company raised its profits by $1 billion in 9 months. This was possible thanks to $1.5 billion worth of investments in Bitcoin in February 2021. At that time, the BTC exchange rate was $ 38,000. Now, thanks to market surges, Tesla owns 43,200 Bitcoins with a total value of $ 2.5 billion.

However, Elon Musk still believes that Tesla’s investment in Bitcoin was a risky move. He has stated that he wasn’t responsible for this investment decision, and he believes that the price of BTC is overvalued, just like the price of the Ethereum cryptocurrency.

Swiss crypto bank SEBA gives investors access to DeFi and cryptocurrency staking

The FINMA-regulated SEBA crypto bank has launched a service called SEBA Earn, which will allow institutional investors to generate income from crypto lending operations, staking, and DeFi. The list of options also includes Polkadot, Tezos, and Cardano.

The bank has also introduced the option of offering loans and lending operations in digital assets including BTC or Ethereum. Over the next couple of months, SEBA also plans to expand the list of supported staking assets.

Miami mayor offers to pay salaries and taxes in Bitcoin

In the near future, there’s a chance that civil servants in Miami will be able to receive their salaries in BTC, and ordinary residents will be able to pay taxes in digital currency. The mayor of Miami Francis Suarez said that "Miami should become the cryptocurrency capital of the United States."

Increasing the city budget is the main objective behind the popularization of Bitcoin in Miami. Mayor Suarez posted a video on his Twitter where he personally explained the advantages of the adopted laws. The mayor's decision is actively supported by Bitcoin investor and co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital Assets Anthony Pompliano. He was the one who previously convinced the mayor to transfer 1% of Miami's budget to BTC.

Maiketia Airport in Venezuela will allow the purchase of flight tickets for cryptocurrencies

Venezuela International Airport will allow the option of paying for flight tickets using Bitcoin, DASH currency or national digital currency El Petro. According to the director of the airport Freddie Borges, this will make the process of buying services at the airport faster and more convenient, especially for foreign tourists. This decision has already been approved by local regulators.

In August 2021, the Venezuelan airline Turpial Airlines allowed its customers to pay for flights using the BTC currency, and since October 1, the Venezuelan government has launched the digital bolivar.