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Crypto

TerraUSD Fallout Shakes The Crypto Market, Do Kwon Proposes Hard Fork

Crystal Xue
Crystal Xue

TerraUSD and Luna collapse

Volatility is nothing new in the crypto market, but the collapse of algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (UST) sent a shockwave through the entire sector.

The price of TerraUSD plummeted far below its targeted $1 peg. Luna, the Terra blockchain’s native currency, also dropped nearly 97% in the 24 hours to 4:30 pm ET Thursday, May 12.¹ This catalyzed the collapse of the broader crypto market and wiped out nearly $1 trillion.² Prior to its crash, TerraUSD was the world’s third-largest stablecoin and had been touted as a more stable alternative to other cryptocurrencies.¹

Terra founder Do Kwon proposed a hard fork of the Terra blockchain in his “Terra Ecosystem Revival Plan 2”³ on May 16, which includes ditching the algorithmic stablecoin UST and creating a new chain.

Under the new governance proposal, the new chain will be referred to as “Terra” with the native token LUNA, while the old chain will be called “Terra Classic” and exist with TerraUSD and Luna Classic.⁴

FTX CEO takes a 7.6% stake in Robinhood

FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is reported to own a 7.6% stake in Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) equal to 56.27 million shares, according to a recent SEC filing.⁵ The announcement sent shares of Robinhood soaring 33% in after-hours trading on May 12.⁶

Bankman-Fried notes in the securities filing that he considers it an attractive investment and does not currently have “any intention of taking any action toward changing or influencing the control of [Robinhood].”⁵

More brands enter the NFT scene

Spotify is testing a new feature that allows artists to promote their NFTs on their profiles. The company says that this test is part of its efforts to enable artists to deepen their connections with fans both on and off its platform.⁷

Recently, Meta has also partnered with Polygon to create an NFT platform for Instagram and Facebook. Limited testing of NFTs on Instagram is underway⁸ and similar functionality will come to Facebook soon, according to its CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Global crypto regulation in the books?

According to a senior watchdog official, it’s possible that global market regulators will launch a joint body within the next year to “better coordinate cryptocurrency rules.”

Ashley Alder, chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), says that the boom in digital assets is a key area of focus for authorities and cites cybersecurity, operational resilience, and a lack of transparency as key risks in the crypto world.⁹

Sources

  1. TerraUSD Tumbles and Luna Token Plunges 97% as Rescue Attempts Fail to Avert ‘Death Spiral’
  2. $1 Trillion Crypto Meltdown—Huge Crash Wipes Out The Price Of Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, XRP, Cardano, Solana, Terra’s Luna And Avalanche
  3. Terra Ecosystem Revival Plan 2 [UPDATED AND FINAL]
  4. Do Kwon Proposes Terra Hard Fork, Airdrop To TerraUSD, LUNA Holders
  5. Robinhood Markets Inc. Schedule 13D Filing
  6. Robinhood Stock Soars After CEO of Crypto Exchange FTX Takes a Stake
  7. Spotify is Testing a New Profile Feature That Lets Select Artists Promote Their NFTs
  8. Instagram To Start Testing NFTs With Select Creators This Week
  9. Global Crypto Regulation Body Likely in Next Year, Top Official Says

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only. Actual crypto prices may vary depending on the market price at that particular time. Alpaca Crypto LLC does not recommend any specific cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency is highly speculative in nature, involves a high degree of risks, such as volatile market price swings, market manipulation, flash crashes, and cybersecurity risks. Cryptocurrency is not regulated or is lightly regulated in most countries. Cryptocurrency trading can lead to large, immediate and permanent loss of financial value. You should have appropriate knowledge and experience before engaging in cryptocurrency trading. For additional information please click here.

Cryptocurrency services are made available by Alpaca Crypto LLC ("Alpaca Crypto"), a FinCEN registered money services business (NMLS # 2160858), and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AlpacaDB, Inc. Alpaca Crypto is not a member of SIPC or FINRA. Cryptocurrencies are not stocks and your cryptocurrency investments are not protected by either FDIC or SIPC. Please see the Disclosure Library for more information.

This is not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell cryptocurrencies, or open a cryptocurrency account in any jurisdiction where Alpaca Crypto is not registered or licensed, as applicable.

CryptoIndustry

Crystal Xue

Crystal Xue is a Content Marketing Manager at Alpaca. She's passionate about financial literacy and creating content that helps investors navigate financial concepts and products.