This week has been packed with significant developments across the crypto and blockchain landscape, from shocking hacks to strategic partnerships aimed at advancing technology. The most shocking news is the McDonald’s Instagram account hack, exploited to promote a meme coin called $GRIMACE. The second important news is Tether’s strategic expansion onto the Aptos blockchain for USDT circulation. Apart from these two news, other news include groundbreaking collaborations between leading blockchain and AI firms. These events highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the digital world. Below, we dive into the most notable news that shaped the week, offering insights and implications for the future.
Hacker Exploits McDonald’s Instagram to Pump $GRIMACE Crypto Meme Coin
This is the most shocking as well as catchy news from this week. McDonald’s Instagram account was recently hacked, with the attacker using it to promote the $GRIMACE meme token. On-chain analytics firm Lookonchain reported that the hacker leveraged the fast-food giant’s credibility to make the coin appear legitimate. The hacker also used 24 insider wallets to purchase 705 million $GRIMACE tokens with just 65 $SOL before the attack.
The hacker then sold the tokens for 5,202 $SOL, making a profit of 5,136 $SOL, worth around $738,000. This represents a staggering 79x return on the initial investment. The incident has left people in shock and experts now giving stress on doing proper research before investing (DYOR).
Tether In Preparation to Launch USD₮ Stablecoin on Aptos Blockchain
This is another significant news from this week. On August 19, 2024, Tether announced its plan to launch USD₮ on the Aptos Network. This move aims to enhance the accessibility and reliability of Tether’s stablecoin by leveraging Aptos’ fast and scalable blockchain technology. Remember that the majority of presently circulating USDT supply is on Tron and Ethereum blockchains.
Aptos has gained recognition for its advanced infrastructure, boasting rapid growth with daily active users and millions of transactions. Integrating USD₮ with Aptos promises lower transaction fees and faster processing times, benefiting users and developers alike. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, praised the partnership, emphasizing its role in making digital currencies more practical. This partnership marks a significant step toward a more efficient and inclusive financial future.
Clearpool Unveils Ozean: A New and Dedicated Blockchain for Real-World Assets
Clearpool, a decentralized credit marketplace, has launched Ozean, an exclusive blockchain focused on enhancing yields from real-world assets (RWAs). Supported by Optimism and built on the OP Stack, Ozean aims to revolutionize DeFi by seamlessly integrating RWAs with a user-friendly and compliant platform.
Ozean is powered by Clearpool’s native token $CPOOL, and offers advanced staking rewards. Moreover, it is designed to improve the trading and collateralization of RWAs. Clearpool’s new blockchain addresses current challenges in the RWA market, such as poor composability and user experience, aiming to unlock a $16 trillion market opportunity by 2030.
Alchemy Pay Integrates $DOT for Seamless Fiat Conversions
Alchemy Pay, a leading crypto payment provider, has partnered with Polkadot to integrate its native token, $DOT, into its on and off-ramp services. This collaboration enables users to easily convert DOT to and from over 50 fiat currencies in over 170 countries, using their preferred local payment methods.
With support for USDT and USDC on Polkadot, Alchemy Pay offers a wide range of compliant payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This integration simplifies access to the Polkadot ecosystem, catering to both novice and seasoned investors. As part of its global expansion, Alchemy Pay is pursuing licenses in multiple regions, enhancing its service offerings and operational efficiency. The company’s collaboration with Visa and Mastercard further cements its position as a leader in the crypto payment industry.
Delysium and Worldcoin Collaborate to Merge Blockchain with AI
Delysium, an AI-focused blockchain platform, has teamed up this week with Worldcoin ($WLD) to strengthen synergies between blockchain and artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to advance the integration of AI in the crypto world, with both firms targeting new technologies to assist people in navigating the AI era.
As part of this collaboration, Worldcoin will participate in Delysium’s events during Korea Blockchain Week, highlighting their shared vision for the future of digital identity and blockchain innovation. Together, they seek to explore and create powerful, inclusive technologies that can benefit users worldwide.
As we wrap up this week’s review, it’s clear that the intersection of technology and finance continues to drive significant developments in the crypto and blockchain space. From the unexpected McDonald’s Instagram hack to strategic moves by Tether and groundbreaking partnerships like those between Delysium and Worldcoin, these events underline the rapid pace of innovation and the need for vigilance in this ever-evolving landscape. As we look ahead, the lessons learned and the technologies emerging from these stories will undoubtedly shape the future of the digital world.
