Welcome to this week's edition of our Crypto Weekly Digest. While the entire crypto world eagerly awaits the potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs, we bring you the latest and most exciting stories in the world of digital currency. 🌐💥

From Bitcoin blowing out fifteen candles on its birthday cake 🎂 to the high-speed world of Formula 1 racing ahead with crypto sponsorships 🏎️, and the financial sector's anticipation over Bitcoin ETF approvals 📈 - we've got the full scoop on the ebbs and flows shaping the crypto landscape.

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Happy 15th Bitcoin! A Cryptocurrency Milestone 🎂💰

Four days ago, Bitcoin celebrated a significant milestone: its 15th anniversary! 🎉On January 3, 2009, the mysterious creator or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto mined the first block of the Bitcoin network, marking the birth of this groundbreaking cryptocurrency.

Recently, in a surprising turn of events, the very first Bitcoin address, presumably belonging to Nakamoto, received a whopping 1.2 million dollars in Bitcoin. 💸

This address, created alongside the genesis block, now holds nearly 100 bitcoins. Despite Nakamoto's absence on the internet since April 2011, this recent transaction has sparked speculation about their possible return and the future movements of their untouched Bitcoin fortune, estimated to be around 47 billion dollars.🤯🔍

source: here

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🌐💡 Ethereum's Testnet Timetable: The Road to Pectra! 🛠️🗓️

Ethereum is gearing up for its Dencun upgrade on testnets, marking key steps in its evolution. 🚀 The schedules are set: Goerli on Jan 17, Sepolia on Jan 30, and Holesky on Feb 7. The spotlight is on the upcoming Prague/Electra [Pectra] upgrade. But there's a bit of a debate in the community about prioritizing verkle trees in the upgrade. It's all about fine-tuning Ethereum for the future! 🤔💻🤯🔍

source: here

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Stake Takes the Wheel in F1! 🏎️💥

Crypto betting company Stake has grabbed the spotlight in Formula 1! 🏁

They've secured the naming rights for Sauber's F1 Team for 2024 and 2025. This big move comes as Alfa Romeo ends its sponsorship and before Sauber becomes Audi's factory team in 2026.

Now, prepare  for the "Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber" making its grand entrance in London this February. Even Canadian rapper Drake is joining the party, hyping up the team's new era! 🌟🔥

source: here

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Bitcoin ETF Buzz: VanEck & Grayscale Join the Race! 📈💼

Investment giants VanEck and Grayscale are diving into the Bitcoin ETF pool! 🏊‍♂️ They've submitted applications for Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), hoping to offer a new way for investors to get in on the Bitcoin action. 📊 This move marks a big moment in crypto as more firms explore ways to merge traditional finance with the digital currency world. 🤝💰 Exciting times ahead for Bitcoin enthusiasts!

source: here

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📈🚦 Bitcoin ETF Countdown: Valkyrie, ARK & 21 Shares Step Up! 🎢

Valkyrie, ARK Invest, and 21 Shares are stirring up the crypto scene! 🌪️ They've filed a Form 8-A with the U.S. SEC for a Bitcoin Spot ETF. 📜 But hold your horses - this isn't an approval yet. It's more like laying the groundwork before the real show starts. 🏗️ If the SEC gives the thumbs up, we could see a big leap in how Bitcoin is invested in. Stay tuned!

source: here

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🏦💡 Spain's CBDC Experiment: Banking on the Future! 🌐🔍

The Bank of Spain is charging ahead in the digital currency race! 🚀 They've chosen partners for testing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This move is a big deal in exploring how a state-backed digital currency could work in the real world. It's like Spain is test-driving the future of money, seeing how digital euros might zoom around in our digital wallets one day! 💳🌍

source: here

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🔗💡 Berkshire Hathaway's Blockchain Boost in Insurance! 🌐💼

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) is embracing blockchain, implementing ChainThat’s WorldLink platform for its global operations. 🌍🚀 This adoption aims to enhance efficiency and transparency, potentially slicing costs by 30%. The move underscores blockchain’s expanding influence in traditional business sectors like insurance. 🛡️📉

source: here

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🚀 Visa Jumps into Web3 with Innovative Loyalty Solutions! 🎉🔝

Visa is revolutionizing customer engagement with the launch of Visa Web3, a new loyalty and engagement platform. 🛠️ This solution offers gamified giveaways, augmented reality treasure hunts, and unique loyalty point systems, empowering customers to earn digital collectibles. 🎁🕹️ Developed in partnership with SmartMedia Technologies, this initiative blends Web2 and Web3 innovations, focusing on creating value-based experiences between brands and consumers. Visa Web3 aims to foster more meaningful connections in the digital landscape. 🌍💳

source: here

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🚨💼 Crypto Caution: Stay Safe Amidst Heists and Hacks 🛡️💔

This week highlighted vulnerabilities in the crypto space: Orbit Chain's $81.5M loss through a cross-chain bridge hack, CertiK's phishing scare 🚫🎣 via compromised social channels, Radiant Capital's 1,900 ETH theft exploiting a timing flaw, and Gamma Strategies' $3.4M exploit. 👾

These incidents remind us of the critical need for diligent security practices. For developers, it's vital to avoid hardcoding sensitive data and thoroughly check code for potential backdoors. 🔐

Users should practice wallet hygiene, be cautious on DeFi platforms, and always double-check URLs and addresses. Stay alert and safeguard your digital journey. 🕵️‍♂️💻

sources: here, here, here, here

As we close this week's digest, let's remember that with innovation comes challenge. The DeFi space is a testament to this, facing exploits and hacks as it forges ahead. However, the resolve within the community to overcome and secure the digital frontier continues to stand strong.

Until next week, stay vigilant and informed on your crypto journey. 🔐🚀