The Most Interesting Man in the World

Hello, and welcome to De.Nomics newsletter, your daily digest to stay ahead in the world of Web3 and decentralized technologies at a regional focus. Today, we have plenty of trending news and stories. So, get your cup of tea and some biscuits, and let’s go ahead.
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The Blends Briefs
TL’DR: Here’s a sneak peek into today’s newsletter

• BlackRock makes key changes to Bitcoin ETF.

• The first-ever Bitcoin ETF ad.

• The $78 million war chest.

• Indonesia's vice presidential candidate promises to create “Crypto Experts”.

Global Biscuits

BlackRock makes key changes to Bitcoin ETF.
BlackRock has made key changes to its iShares Bitcoin Trust ahead of its expected launch. In a new SEC filing, the asset manager disclosed that the iShares Bitcoin Trust will only allow cash, not in-kind, creation of new shares. This means that new shares of the fund can only be created with cash, not Bitcoin. Additionally, BlackRock changed the ticker for the ETF to IBIT. The move to cash-only creation and the new ticker could be seen as positive developments for the approval of the Bitcoin ETF by the SEC. The market anticipates that the SEC is moving closer to approving the first Bitcoin ETF in the U.S.

The first-ever Bitcoin ETF ad.
Bitwise Asset Management, a Bitcoin ETF hopeful, has launched what appears to be the first-ever ad for a Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP). The ad campaign is titled "Bitwise Is Interesting" and features actor Jonathan Goldsmith, known for portraying "The Most Interesting Man in the World" in beer ads for Dos Equis. The campaign is set to appear across TV, social, and digital channels, including major business news networks like CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business Network. Bitwise's Bitcoin ETF application is currently awaiting a decision from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with expectations for a potential approval in early 2024.

Tastes of the regions

The $78 million war chest.
Leaders in the cryptocurrency industry have reportedly contributed $78 million to super PACs (Political Action Committees) aimed at supporting crypto-friendly lawmakers in the U.S. The funds were raised in just three months, signaling the crypto industry's increasing involvement in political giving. The super PACs include Fairshake, along with affiliated PACs Protect Progress and Defend American Jobs. The money comes from a coalition of crypto companies, executives, and investors, including Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Winklevoss twins. This significant fundraising effort is seen as an attempt to influence and support lawmakers who advocate for responsible regulation and innovation in the crypto space.

Indonesia's vice presidential candidate promises to create “Crypto Experts”.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, a vice presidential candidate in Indonesia's upcoming election, has expressed his plans to create blockchain and crypto experts in the country. The politician, who is the eldest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, aims to boost tech education to provide more opportunities for young people, including in the field of digital assets. Indonesia has been a notable adopter of cryptocurrencies, ranking seventh on Chainalysis' 2023 global crypto adoption index. Gibran's statement reflects the growing interest of politicians in leveraging the country's crypto enthusiasm for economic growth and technological advancements.

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