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New research from the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business and Vanderbilt University explores how celebrity endorsement affects an initial coin offerings (ICO) success. Similar to initial public offerings (IPO) in stock, ICOs raise funds to develop things like a platform or business by issuing a new cryptocurrency before it is traded on an exchange.

Dr. Sean Wilkoff, assistant professor of finance at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Dr. Joshua T. White, assistant professor of finance at Vanderbilt University, previously researched the role of media coverage in the non-fungible tokens (NFTs) market and decided to explore the role of celebrity endorsements in the ICO market. The researchers wanted to find if endorsement works as a substitute for other demand-driving events for cryptocurrencies, such as a presale, if celebrity endorsement increases the overall amount of funds raised and if ICOs with celebrity endorsements had a higher likelihood of being scams.

The media is seen as reputable, and our research found that media reporting on NFTs educated investors about the NFT market, Wilkoff said. With celebrity endorsement, its a different story because celebrities are not defined solely by their ability to provide reputable financial advice.

The research examined 21 celebrities with an online following of 1 million or more people on at least one platform who endorsed an ICO between 2016 and 2018. Celebrities looked at were actors, athletes, a businessman, reality television stars, and a member of royalty.

Research findings indicated that celebrity endorsements can serve as an effective substitute for other demand-driving events, like a pre-sale, but that without a pre-sale, investors lose information such as price signals about the viability of the token, its platform and management team. Celebrity endorsements raise more money at the ICO and have a higher likelihood of being added to an exchange, likely due to the additional capital raised. However, these effects do not translate into long-term success. Researchers also found that celebrity endorsements are more likely to be a scam, especially when the celebritys expertise (e.g., a boxer) does not match that of the platform being built (e.g., a streaming video service). These findings are not generalizable to all investments, just ICOs.

An endorsement is not always a signal of quality, and there is a link between celebrity endorsement and the investment being a scam, Wilkoff said. However, it is important to remember that not all endorsed ICOs are scams and not all scams are celebrity-endorsed.

Recently, many celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal were implicated in the lawsuit against Futures Exchange (FTX), for endorsing the cryptocurrency exchange, which collapsed as allegations of illegal activity were made public.

Taylor Swift was offered a deal to endorse FTX but declined after doing her research on it, Wilkoff said. Celebrities should conduct due diligence and research any cryptocurrency-related digital asset or exchange before endorsing it and investors should not just blindly trust a celebrity endorsement.

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Research from College of Business explores impact of celebrity ... - Nevada Today

Spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrency time series have been a topic of interest for researchers and investors alike. In this article, we will explore the concept of spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility and discuss the different factors that contribute to it. Small investors, pay attention please: its important to understand that cryptocurrency investments involve significant volatility

Spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrency time series have been a topic of interest for researchers and investors alike. In this article, we will explore the concept of spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility and discuss the different factors that contribute to it.

Cryptocurrency volatility refers to the degree of variation in the price of a cryptocurrency over a period of time. Volatility is a common metric used to assess risk in financial markets and is particularly relevant for cryptocurrencies, which are known for their high levels of price fluctuations.

One of the primary reasons for the volatility in cryptocurrencies is their decentralized nature and lack of regulation. Unlike traditional currencies, which are backed by central banks and subject to government regulations, cryptocurrencies are not tied to any specific institution and operate on a peer-to-peer network.

Another factor contributing to the volatility of cryptocurrencies is their limited supply. Many cryptocurrencies have a fixed maximum supply, which means that their value can be affected by changes in demand and supply. For example, if there is a sudden surge in demand for a particular cryptocurrency, its price may increase rapidly due to its limited supply.

Furthermore, cryptocurrencies are subject to market forces and can be influenced by news events, such as regulatory changes, cyber-attacks, and major market movements. These factors can create uncertainty in the market, leading to increased volatility and rapid price fluctuations.

Volatility in cryptocurrencies can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it can present opportunities for traders and investors to profit from short-term price movements. On the other hand, it can also lead to significant losses for those who are not able to manage the risk associated with volatile assets.

Overall, it is important for investors and traders to understand the concept of cryptocurrency volatility and to have strategies in place to manage the risks associated with it. This can include diversifying their portfolios, setting stop-loss orders, and staying up-to-date on market news and trends.

Time series analysis is a statistical technique used to analyze data that is collected over time. In the context of cryptocurrencies, time series analysis is used to model the volatility of cryptocurrency prices and predict future price movements.

There are several methods used to model volatility in time series data, including ARCH (autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity) and GARCH (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity) models.

ARCH models are a family of models that are used to analyze the time series data that has a non-constant variance. The ARCH model was developed by Robert Engle in 1982 and is based on the concept of autoregressive modeling. The idea behind the ARCH model is that the variance of the data at any given point in time is dependent on the variance at previous points in time.

GARCH models are an extension of ARCH models that take into account the fact that the variance of a time series may not only be dependent on previous variances but also on the previous error terms. This means that GARCH models can better capture the complex dynamics of time series data.

In the context of cryptocurrencies, time series analysis can be used to model the volatility of cryptocurrency prices over time. This can be done using ARCH or GARCH models, which can take into account factors such as seasonality and trend. By analyzing historical data, time series analysis can also be used to predict future price movements.

In addition to ARCH and GARCH models, other time series analysis techniques such as moving averages and exponential smoothing can also be used to analyze cryptocurrency price data. Moving averages, for example, can be used to identify trends in cryptocurrency prices, while exponential smoothing can be used to smooth out noise in the data and highlight underlying patterns.

Overall, time series analysis is a powerful tool for analyzing cryptocurrency price data and can be used to identify trends, model volatility, and predict future price movements. It is important for investors and traders to have a solid understanding of time series analysis techniques to effectively manage the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies.

Also, read Cryptocurrency Trading: Benefits, Loss, How To Do And Protection Tips

Spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility refer to the phenomenon where volatility in one cryptocurrency market spills over into other cryptocurrency markets. This is similar to the concept of contagion in financial markets, where a shock in one market can spread to other markets and cause widespread disruption.

Spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility can occur for several reasons. One reason is that cryptocurrencies are highly interconnected, with many investors holding multiple cryptocurrencies in their portfolios. This means that changes in the value of one cryptocurrency can impact the value of other cryptocurrencies in the portfolio.

Another reason for spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility is that many cryptocurrencies are traded on the same exchanges, which can lead to interdependencies between different cryptocurrencies. For example, if there is a sudden sell-off of one cryptocurrency, this can cause a panic in the market, leading to a sell-off in other cryptocurrencies as well.

Spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility can have significant implications for investors and traders. For example, if there is a sudden increase in volatility in one cryptocurrency market, this can lead to increased volatility in other cryptocurrency markets as well. This can make it more difficult for investors to accurately predict the price movements of different cryptocurrencies, leading to increased risk and uncertainty.

To mitigate the impact of spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility, investors and traders can use a variety of strategies. One strategy is to diversify their cryptocurrency holdings across multiple cryptocurrencies and exchanges. This can help to reduce the impact of volatility in any one cryptocurrency market.

Another strategy is to use technical analysis and other tools to identify patterns in cryptocurrency price movements and predict future price movements. This can help investors to make informed decisions about when to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, even in the face of increased volatility and uncertainty.

Overall, spillovers in cryptocurrency volatility are an important consideration for investors and traders in the cryptocurrency market. By understanding the factors that contribute to spillovers in volatility and using effective risk management strategies, investors can reduce the impact of volatility on their portfolios and make more informed investment decisions.

Spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrencies can have significant implications for investors and traders. A spillover occurs when volatility in one cryptocurrency market spills over into other cryptocurrency markets, leading to increased uncertainty and risk for investors.

One of the main implications of spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrencies is the increased difficulty of accurately predicting price movements. When there is increased volatility in one market, this can lead to a panic in other markets as well, causing prices to become more volatile and unpredictable. This can make it more challenging for investors and traders to make informed decisions about when to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, leading to increased risk and uncertainty.

Another implication of spillovers in volatility is the increased interconnectedness of different cryptocurrencies. Many investors hold multiple cryptocurrencies in their portfolios, meaning that changes in the value of one cryptocurrency can impact the value of other cryptocurrencies in the portfolio. This can increase the risk of loss and make it more difficult to manage risk across different cryptocurrency markets.

To mitigate the impact of spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrencies, investors and traders can use a variety of strategies. One strategy is to diversify their cryptocurrency holdings across multiple cryptocurrencies and exchanges. This can help to reduce the impact of volatility in any one cryptocurrency market and can help to manage risk across different markets.

Another strategy is to use technical analysis and other tools to identify patterns in cryptocurrency price movements and predict future price movements. This can help investors to make informed decisions about when to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, even in the face of increased volatility and uncertainty.

Overall, spillovers in volatility among cryptocurrencies are an important consideration for investors and traders in the cryptocurrency market. By understanding the factors that contribute to spillovers in volatility and using effective risk management strategies, investors can reduce the impact of volatility on their portfolios and make more informed investment decisions.

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Different Aspects Of Spillovers In Volatility Among Cryptocurrency ... - Blockchain Magazine

The world of cryptocurrency is abundant with a variety of digital assets. Although Bitcoin [BTC] continues to dominate, meme coins such as Shiba Inu [SHIB] and Pepe coin [PEPE] have gained popularity among ordinary people. The current meme coin craze has undoubtedly attracted many to the industry, but what is the main factor behind these assets appeal to the working class?

Markus Thielen, who is the head of research at Matrixport, has compared investing in meme coins with participating in a lottery. He pointed out that people often participate in lotteries with the hope of winning a huge amount of money, and investing in affordable meme coins works similarly. A lot of people invest, but only a few end up making significant gains.

Thielen added,

There are numerous studies done on how most people in lower socio-economic classes play the lottery [] as that is their way to get out of their lower economic class. The people that speculate in the lottery are trying to make money lightning fast, and I think thats very similar with crypto.

During the initial rise of Shiba Inu in 2021, some people who were broke and unemployed made millions by investing just a few hundred dollars in meme coins. However, this trend was observed only during the early stages and the peak of Shiba Inu. As the number of investors in the asset increased, the phenomenon of individuals becoming millionaires by investing in SHIB became less frequent.

Shiba Inu has gained utility and popularity, but other meme coins such as PEPE and Milady have yet to do so. Despite this, these coins have seen significant growth in value without any apparent utility. For example, PEPE experienced a surge in value from April 29 to its peak on May 5, with a price increase of approximately 1,200%. However, Santiment attributes this growth mainly to speculation and crowd expectations rather than any intrinsic value.

The report suggests that the social dominance of PEPE has significantly decreased, indicating that meme coins are mainly influenced by market sentiment rather than intrinsic value or correlation with Bitcoin and macroeconomic events. Dr. Anastasia Hronis, a clinical psychologist specializing in gambling addiction, shared her perspective on this. She stated that younger investors have a greater tendency to invest in meme coins, possibly because they find them more entertaining.

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Shiba Inu And PEPE Coin: Exploring The Phenomenon Of Strong Cryptocurrency Communities - TronWeekly

Hong Kong is encouraging banks to cater to the needs of licensed virtual-asset firms a move that highlights the citys ambition to establish itself as a leading cryptocurrency center.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., banks are tightening restrictions on the digital-asset sector.A logo of the digital currency Bitcoin is pictured on an ATM in a mall in Hong Kong on November 1, 2022. In contrast to mainland China where crypto has been all but banned, Hong Kong is looking to relax regulations and claw back some of the business that has left and is exploring whether to legalise crypto trading by retail investors. PETER PARKS/BENZINGA

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a statement on Thursday, which called on banks to assist regulated virtual-asset businesses by addressing their legitimate need for bank accounts in the city, Bloomberg reported.

The statement, signed by Deputy Chief Executive Arthur Yuen, advised banks to invest in staff training and establish specialized teams to support the digital-asset sector, while cautioning against a wholesale de-risking approach that might deter new industries or specific nationalities.

Globally, banks are becoming more cautious about the industry, particularly after events such as the FTX (CRYPTO: FTT) exchange debacle and the market crash.

The fall of crypto-friendly banks Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. this year has been particularly damaging, forcing the sector to search worldwide for alternative payment channels.

As the U.S. tightens regulations on the cryptocurrency industry and issues warnings about liquidity risks, an increasing number of virtual-asset businesses are either leaving the U.S. or considering doing so, while others seek to expand abroad.

In contrast, Hong Kong plans to introduce a new licensing system for crypto platforms on June 1, allowing retail investors to trade major tokens like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ether (CRYPTO: ETH).

Bank of Communications Co., Bank of China Ltd., and Shanghai Pudong Development Banks Hong Kong branches have either started providing banking services to local crypto firms or have expressed interest in doing so, according to sources familiar with the situation.

As Hong Kong is stepping up efforts to cultivate a web3-friendly environment, ZA Banks online account opening for Web3 startups represents a major step forward in the integration of traditional banking services with the web3 world, said Ronald Lu, CEO of ZA Bank.

It signals a greater acceptance and recognition of the importance of this emerging sector and hopefully will encourage other financial institutions to follow suit in offering tailored banking services for web3 companies. We look forward to exploring collaborations with key global web3 businesses such as HashKey, OKX and more.

Hong Kongs largest virtual bank, ZA Bank Ltd., intends to offer token-to-fiat currency conversions through licensed exchanges. In addition, Arthur Yuen announced that the HKMA and the Securities and Futures Commission are co-hosting a round table on Friday, bringing together lenders and virtual-asset platforms to discuss account opening procedures and share other relevant information.

Banks in China have been cautious about dabbling the use of cryptocurrencies as they have become popular in the U.S.

El Salvador is the only country in the world that is use bitcoin as their legal tender, but not recognized by the International Monetary Fund.

Produced in association with Benzinga

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Hong Kong Banks Looking To Be The Leader In Cryptocurrency ... - The Florida Star

Cryptocurrency has become a popular way to invest and transact, but with that comes the need for sanctions compliance. In this episode, Michael Volkov and Matt Stankiewicz discuss the recent enforcement actions against Poloniex, Bittrex, and Kraken for violating US sanctions regulations with cryptocurrency transactions. Matt is a Partner at Volkov Law and a leading cryptocurrency expert. He and Michael dive into the common themes and basic failures that led to these enforcement actions, including IP blocking, transaction monitoring, Seemore+

1. Cryptocurrency companies are struggling to implement KYC and geo-blocking controls, which is leading to violations involving sanctioned jurisdictions.

2. OFAC is taking an aggressive stance against cryptocurrency companies. Companies in the cryptocurrency industry need to implement effective sanctions compliance programs to avoid hefty fines and enforcement actions from regulatory authorities.

3. There is no materiality requirement for sanctions violations, and even small transactions can result in multimillion-dollar fines.

4. Retroactively applying controls to existing customers is important, and failing to do so can lead to violations.

5. Companies need to have a comprehensive and automated system in place to detect and prevent violations.

6. Companies need to be vigilant about screening individuals and transactions against the relevant sanctions lists, including screening field text, addresses, and ID cards.

7. Geo-blocking for IP addresses is a crucial compliance control, but it is not perfect and can be circumvented by VPNs.

8. Voluntary disclosure of violations can lead to more favorable outcomes and lower fines from regulatory authorities.

9. OFAC and other regulatory authorities are using analytical tools to monitor transactions and flag potential violations, so cryptocurrency companies should not assume they can go under the radar.

10. Companies can use the public blockchain to monitor transactions and identify potential sanctions risks.

11. Sanctions compliance programs should be regularly reviewed and updated to address new risks and changes in regulations.

KEY QUOTES:

There are a lot of tools available to these companies to monitor transactions, maybe better than in the traditional finance world, just because everything on the blockchain is public record essentially. Matt Stankiewicz

Its just interesting to see OFAC go so aggressively against these companies. Not too surprising considering the extreme sanctions risk that cryptocurrency poses. Very importantly, theres still a lot of takeaways that really any industry can take away from these enforcement actions. Matt Stankiewicz

If you find problems, obviously you want to remediate them, but figure out what you need to do in terms of voluntary disclosures, because typically youll be much better off than if OFAC figures it out on their own, which they usually do. Matt Stankiewicz Seeless-

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Corruption, Crime, & Compliance - Cryptocurrency and Sanctions ... - JD Supra