Not medical advice: Bitcoiner implants Lightning chip to make BTC payments by hand

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2022

A Bitcoiner has literally taken the Lightning Network into his own hands, installing a tiny payment chip into his hands to make NFC contactless payments.

What are Ghibli memecoins, and why are they gaining popularity on Solana?

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2025

What is GHIBLI memecoin?

Ghiblification (GHIBLI) is a memecoin built on the Solana blockchain. It draws inspiration from the Ghibli-styled ChatGPT-generated images, which are influenced by the aesthetic work of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio. The token gained viral traction shortly after its launch on March 25, 2025, via the @ghibli account on X.

Riding a wave of community-generated content on social media, particularly X, GHIBLI saw a sharp price rise, peaking at $0.03918 on March 28, 2025, before declining to $0.0033 by April 7. During this period, its market capitalization fell from $39.179 million to $3.37 million.

In its first 24 hours, the GHIBLI/SOL trading pair jumped 37%, signaling strong investor interest. Some traders view this as a hopeful signal for the memecoin sector, which has slumped by more than 50% since December 2024. The total token supply of GHIBLI memecoin is capped at 1 billion, with over 999 million currently in circulation.

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, is known for its meticulously hand-drawn animation, richly detailed backgrounds and emotional storytelling. By April 7, 2024, the studio had produced 22 full-length animated features. Some well-known films by the studio include Grave of the Fireflies (1998), Spirited Away (2001) and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).

GHIBLI reflects the emerging pattern of memecoins driven by cultural references and movements. It follows in the footsteps of the CHILLGUY token launched on the Solana blockchain on Nov. 15, leveraging the viral “Just a chill guy” meme. By Nov. 27, CHILLGUY propelled to a $643-million market capitalization, though its value sharply declined later.

Memecoins are cryptocurrencies that take a humorous jab at mainstream cryptocurrencies and their disruptive aspirations against traditional finance. Their very existence stems from viral internet memes. Since the introduction of ChatGPT’s image generation feature, several memecoins linked to the feature have emerged on the Solana and Ethereum blockchains.

Did you know? The studio’s name, “Ghibli,” is derived from a Libyan Arabic word meaning a hot desert wind.

How to buy GHIBLI on a Solana-based DEX

To purchase GHIBLI memecoin on a Solana-based DEX, you need to set up a wallet, acquire SOL, connect to a DEX, and swap SOL for GHIBLI.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase GHIBLI memecoin on a Solana-based decentralized exchange (DEX):

Step 1: Set up a cryptocurrency wallet

Install Trust Wallet by downloading it from the official Trust Wallet website or Google Play Store.Complete the setup process.Securely store your seed phrase. It is essential to recover your wallet if any issues arise.

Step 2: Acquire SOL and transfer it to your wallet

Purchase Solana (SOL) on a centralized exchange like Binance or another platform that facilitates SOL trading.Transfer the SOL to your Trust Wallet address via the Solana network.

Step 3: Connect to a DEX

Visit a Solana-supported DEX.Connect your Trust Wallet to the platform.

Step 4: Purchase GHIBLI

After connecting your wallet, locate a trading pair like SOL/USDT or SOL/GHIBLI on the DEX.Specify how much SOL you want to swap for GHIBLI and finalize the transaction.Once the swap is complete, the GHIBLI tokens will appear in your Trust Wallet.

Did you know? Studio Ghibli, known for its whimsical and dreamlike animation style, puts a strong emphasis on hand-drawn animation, even in the digital age.

GHIBLI memecoins — From AI art to crypto craze

The rise of GHIBLI memecoins began with the viral impact of OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o update on March 25, 2025. This update introduced a unique feature that allowed users to transform regular images into the iconic art style of Studio Ghibli.

GHIBLI represents a growing trend of anime-themed tokens gaining traction, fueled by increasing interest in both Japanese animation and AI-generated art.

Days after the launch of GHIBLI anime images, an overwhelming number of users, including influencers and politicians, started using ChatGPT to transform their images into art.

This intense interest in the new image-generation capability resulted in an 11% increase in global downloads and a 5% rise in weekly active users compared to the previous week of launch, while in-app purchase revenue also grew by 6%. According to data from market research firm Similarweb, the number of average weekly active users breached the 150 million mark for the first time in 2025. The extensive demand placed a significant load on OpenAI’s servers, leading to temporary restrictions on users accessing the tool.

As Ghibli-style images flooded social media, the Ghiblification phenomenon quickly inspired a new wave of anime-themed memecoins. These tokens, themed after Studio Ghibli’s timeless creations like Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, captured the imagination of crypto enthusiasts. Rather than offering traditional utility, Ghibli memecoins thrive on cultural nostalgia and online hype.

Leading the movement is GHIBLI, which became the face of the trend. What began as a viral AI art trend soon evolved into a full-blown crypto sensation, transforming playful creativity into market momentum almost overnight.

Interestingly, similar memecoins failed to gain traction. For instance, Ghibli Rizzler (GRIZLLER) attained a market capitalization of $6,000, while Ghibli Sigma (GIGMA) and Ghibli Mona Lisa (GLISA) fared even worse, reaching meager market caps of just $4,200 and $3,800, respectively.

Most memecoins are created anonymously, making it very difficult to verify if they are legitimate or safe investments. Only investors with advanced Web3 skills can access the vetting methods necessary to determine the legitimacy of these projects, as the available vetting tools primarily require a high level of Web3 expertise.

Did you know? Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, has suggested an upcoming version of the feature, which will be more advanced than the current one. No wonder the next version of the anime images tool propels another memecoin spree.

What fueled the GHIBLI memecoin surge?

The way GHIBLI memecoin prices fluctuate isn’t just by chance; it’s driven by a blend of cutting-edge technology, celebrity buzz and a market eager to chase the next big trend.

Backing by top tech influencers

Tech influencers like Sam Altman and Elon Musk helped amplify the trend. On March 27, 2025, just after the launch of the GHIBLI feature — Musk posted a hilarious image of himself as Rafiki from The Lion King, raising a Dogecoin mascot in the air. That post alone triggered massive attention for Ghibli-themed tokens.

Five days later, on April 6, Altman also posted a playful Ghibli-themed image on X, giving another push to the image-generating feature.

Joining the Ghibli trend, Binance co-founder and ex-CEO Changpeng Zhao updated his X profile picture in the style of the animation studio.

White House crypto czar David Sacks also participated, sharing a Ghibli-esque image of himself with the US president working in the office.

Massive market gains

Post-launch, GHIBLI experienced a sharp rise in value, exceeding 40,000% within a 24-hour period. Getting listed on exchanges like Gate.io and Binance Alpha added credibility to the token and sparked a wave of FOMO (fear of missing out) among investors eager for big returns.

Emotional appeal

Studio Ghibli’s storytelling and beloved characters evoke strong emotional connections worldwide. Their timeless charm blends perfectly with the memecoin formula of fun, fandom and hype. For many, buying GHIBLI tokens feels like honoring their favorite anime memories while riding the wave of a hot trend.

Vibrant community

On social media, GHIBLI’s community is thriving. Users have been sharing memes, tips and posts out of excitement and are pumping the token in the process. The energy resembles the early Dogecoin (DOGE) days, though it has an anime twist with GHIBLI.

Risk factors concerning GHIBLI memecoin

Potential investors in GHIBLI should consider volatility, possible legal issues and the ethical considerations highlighted by Studio Ghibli’s leadership.

Here’s what you need to know:

Volatility and trend dependency: Ghibli memecoins, while currently popular, are highly susceptible to the transient nature of internet trends. Their value is closely tied to the trend of ghiblification. As this trend loses steam, the tokens’ appeal and market value are likely to go down as well. Historical precedents, such as the rapid rise and fall of memecoins like CHILLGUY, highlight the probability of significant losses after the initial excitement subsides.Legal and ethical considerations: Studio Ghibli has a history of actively protecting its intellectual property. The studio has previously taken legal action against unauthorized use of its artwork, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding its creations. The emergence of Ghibli-themed memecoins and AI-generated art raises concerns about potential copyright infringements. Studio Ghibli could pursue action against organizations that take advantage of its distinctive style without permission, especially if such use dilutes the brand value of the studio. Miyazaki’s stance on AI and artistic integrity: Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, strongly disapproves of AI-generated art. In a 2016 documentary, he described such creations as “an insult to life itself,” underscoring his belief that AI cannot capture the depth of human experience essential to authentic artistry. This perspective adds an ethical dimension to the proliferation of AI-generated Ghibli-style images and related memecoins.

How to do spot trading of GHIBLI

GHIBLI has been listed on centralized exchanges such as Gate.io and Kraken for spot trading. For spot trading on centralized exchanges, you must deposit funds on the exchange or purchase stablecoins such as Tether’s USDt (USDT) or USDC (USDC). You navigate to the “Spot Trading” page, select a trading pair, and execute trades using market or limit orders.

Here is the process for spot trading in more detail:

Create an account: If you don’t have one, create an account on the exchange.Deposit funds: Deposit funds into your Gate.io account using an approved method or purchase compatible stablecoins.Navigate to spot trading: Go to the “Spot Trading” page on the platform.Select a trading pair: Select the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade (e.g., GHIBLI/USDC).Place orders: You have two options: market order and limit order. With a market order, you can execute a trade at the current market price, whereas with a limit order, you can set a specific price for buying or selling.Monitor and close positions: Monitor your trades and close your positions when desired.

Caution! Centralized exchanges carry risks — hacks have cost billions (e.g., Mt. Gox in 2014 and Bybit hack in 2025), liquidity can dry up during volatility, and regulatory shifts may freeze funds. Verify platform security, fees and withdrawal limits before committing. Research GHIBLI’s volatility and exchange reputation to avoid losses.

Moreover, memecoins like TRUMP and GHIBLI carry risks: Their hype-driven volatility can lead to rapid losses, and scams or rug pulls often target uninformed investors. Therefore, with full self-ownership, always protect your keys and funds; scams exploit the unwary.

Coin Market

Crypto’s growing footprint: UK regulator sounds alarm over stablecoin risks

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2025

United Kingdom regulators are increasingly concerned about the impact of stablecoins and the broader crypto industry on the country’s financial system and monetary stability.

During Financial Policy Committee meetings held on April 4 and 8, regulators noted that while the current “interconnectedness of unbacked crypto asset markets with the real economy and financial sector is growing but remains relatively limited,” stablecoins and crypto markets have expanded significantly in the past year, drawing heightened regulatory attention.

The UK, its central bank and its local regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, have been developing frameworks for stablecoins to ensure financial resilience. The committee claims to have determined the factors that make a stablecoin resilient:

“A key determinant of the resilience of stablecoins was the liquidity, credit and market risks of their backing assets, which were in place to ensure that redemptions can be met in a timely manner at par, even in periods of stress.“

The committee raised alarm over the “greater issuance of sterling offshore stablecoins with inappropriate backing assets.” This has implications for UK financial markets and “even with appropriate regulation, greater use of stablecoins denominated in foreign currencies could make some economies vulnerable to currency substitution,” the committee said.

Bank of England. Source: Wikimedia

Currency substitution risks spark concern

Committee members are worried that if stablecoin use were to move beyond crypto settlements, it could result in “implications for retail and wholesale cross-border payments.” In retail flows, stablecoin use by households and small and medium-sized enterprises could, for cross-border payments, “result in currency substitution,” increasing counterparty risk.

The statement followed reports about growing stablecoin adoption not limited to crypto remittances in emerging markets, especially in Africa. A recent report from Chainalysis found that stablecoins now make up nearly half of all transaction volume in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Similarly, a late 2024 report suggested that a number of emerging economies across Africa have the potential to become digital asset hubs. Ben Caselin, chief marketing officer of Johannesburg-based crypto exchange VALR, told Cointelegraph at the time:

“South Africa is the entryway to the rest of Africa with a good rule of law and independent judiciary. It’s easy to open a company in South Africa.”

Still, reports of similar trends in developed economies with easily accessible financial infrastructure are scarce. Experts often point to the unavailability of banking services and unstable local fiat currencies as the reason why developing countries — from Africa in particular — are eager to adopt dollar-based stablecoins and crypto.

UK is not alone in worrying

The United Kingdom is in good company in worrying about the impact of stablecoins and the broader crypto industry on monetary stability. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recently warned that crypto will increasingly threaten traditional financial markets’ stability as the industry grows and becomes more entwined with conventional finance players. ESMA’s executive director, Natasha Cazenave said:

“We cannot rule out that future sharp drops in crypto prices could have knock-on effects on our financial system.”

Local regulators are already acting on those concerns. In late March, the European Union’s insurance authority proposed a blanket rule that would mandate insurance firms to maintain capital equal to the value of their crypto holdings as part of a measure to mitigate risks for policyholders.

Magazine: Ridiculous ‘Chinese Mint’ crypto scam, Japan dives into stablecoins: Asia Express

Coin Market

Tokenized gold volume hits $1B first time since 2023 US banking crisis

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2025

Tokenized gold trading volume surged to a two-year high this week, topping $1 billion as investors pivoted toward safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s import tariffs.

The weekly trading volume of tokenized gold surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time since March 2023, when a US banking crisis saw the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the voluntary liquidation of Silvergate Bank. Signature Bank was also forced to close operations by New York regulators on March 12, two days after Silvergate’s liquidation.

Tokenized gold has experienced a significant surge in trading interest since early February, when global trade war fears started spreading to digital markets, according to a CEX.io research report shared with Cointelegraph.

Top tokenized gold assets, trading volume. Source: CoinGecko, Cex.io

Since Trump’s first tariff announcement on Jan. 20, Paxos Gold (PAXG) trading volume has surged by over 900%, Tether Gold (XAUT) trading rose over 300% and Kinesis Gold (KAU) volume increased by more than 83,000%.

Tokenized gold has become one of the best-performing crypto categories since Trump’s inauguration, surging over 21% in market cap and over 1,000% in trading volume, while stablecoins saw an 8% market cap increase and a 285% trading volume expansion during the same period.

Tokenized gold, market cap. Source: Cex.io

Tokenized gold is part of the growing real-world asset (RWA) tokenization sector, which refers to financial products and tangible assets such as real estate and fine art minted on the blockchain.

Gold prices hit new highs

The surge in tokenized gold coincides with a record-setting performance in physical gold. On March 31, gold hit an all-time high of over $3,100 per ounce and was trading above $3,118 at the time of writing.

BTC, gold, year-to-date chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Since the beginning of 2025, the price of gold has risen over 18%, outperforming Bitcoin (BTC), which has fallen by more than 12% year-to-date, TradingView data shows.

Gold’s robust price performance after key tariff-related events highlights a growing appetite for safe-haven assets, according to Illia Otychenko, lead analyst at Cex.io.

However, tokenized gold remains far from being a physical gold competitor at the current “stage of RWA development,” the analyst told Cointelegraph, adding:

“Tokenized gold presents a compelling alternative for crypto-native investors who might otherwise look to Bitcoin or stablecoins.”

“In this context, tokenized gold has primarily served as a diversification tool, gaining increasing traction in investor portfolios as market uncertainty deepens,” he added

Geopolitical trade tensions caused by Trump’s import tariffs have inspired a flight to safety among crypto investors, specifically toward stablecoins and tokenized assets.

Following the 2023 banking crisis, the Federal Reserve created the Bank Term Funding Program, offering banking loans of up to a year in return for posting “qualifying assets” as collateral.

This emergency measure was what started the Bitcoin bull run in 2023, according to BitMEX co-founder and former CEO Arthur Hayes.

Magazine: Ripple says SEC lawsuit ‘over,’ Trump at DAS, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 16 – 22