Intro: Hey there, PoI readers! 🎉

It's your favorite quirky newsletter writer, Mochi, back with another scoop of crypto craziness! 🍨 From Bitcoin's unstoppable bull run and the U.K.'s controversial crypto seizure laws to the rise of the Pepe memecoin millionaire, we've got a jam-packed edition that'll leave you buzzing with excitement. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's dive into the wild world of digital assets together! 🌍

INTEL BRIEF

🟧 Experts at the Next Block Expo in Warsaw emphasize that Bitcoin, not memecoins, will continue to drive the current bull run due to Bitcoin ETFs and the influence of the halving.

🟧 Recent changes to U.K. law allow authorities to seize cryptocurrency from suspects without arresting or charging them with a crime.

🟧 Despite institutions disclosing significant holdings in Bitcoin ETFs, Vanguard's incoming CEO, Salim Ramji, maintains the firm's stance against launching its own BTC ETF or offering crypto-related products on its platform.

🟧 An unknown trader turned a $3,000 investment in the Pepe memecoin into $46 million in just one month, as the recent GameStop stock rally may be fueling the memecoin's surge.

Bitcoin Takes the Lead: Why Experts Believe BTC Will Drive the Bull Run

Move over, memecoins! It's time for the king of cryptocurrency to take center stage. According to industry insiders at the Next Block Expo in Warsaw, Bitcoin is set to be the driving force behind the current bull run, thanks to the success of Bitcoin ETFs and the impact of the halving.

Adrian Zduńczyk, founder of The Birb Nest, presented some jaw-dropping historical data that'll make you want to HODL your BTC tighter than ever. Previous halvings have led to mind-boggling price appreciation, with gains ranging from 700% to a whopping 9,000%! If that doesn't make you want to buy the dip, I don't know what will.

But it's not just about the numbers. Ben Yorke from WooX pointed out that regulatory clarity around Bitcoin is also playing a significant role. With government and institutional validation in the form of approved Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. and Hong Kong, the stage is set for massive adoption, especially among the younger crowd.

And for those who've been harping on about Bitcoin's lack of utility, well, it's time to eat your words. The Lightning Network and other functionalities that allow users to maintain full custody of their BTC are silencing the naysayers. Miko Matsumura from Gumi Crypto believes that as infrastructure improves, more capital will flow into the ecosystem.

Zduńczyk also highlighted the perfect timing of Bitcoin ETF approvals, aligning with the seasonality of investment cycles and the historical trends around U.S. presidential elections driving up market performance.

So, buckle up, PoI readers! The Bitcoin rocket is fueled and ready for takeoff. Don't let the memecoin hype distract you from the real star of the show. As the halvening approaches and institutional money pours in, Bitcoin is poised to lead the charge in this electrifying bull run.

Experts believe Bitcoin, not memecoins, will drive the current bull run.

Historical data shows massive price appreciation after previous Bitcoin halvings.

Regulatory clarity and improved infrastructure are attracting institutional investors and young adopters.

U.K. Authorities Gain Power to Seize Crypto Without Arrest: A Cause for Concern?

As of April 26th, the U.K. has taken a bold step in the world of cryptocurrency regulation. Thanks to amendments to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), U.K. police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) now have the power to seize crypto assets from suspects without even arresting them. Talk about a plot twist!

But wait, there's more! The authorities can also confiscate physical items related to crypto investigations, like flash drives and written passwords. And get this: they can even "destroy" a crypto asset if they believe returning it to circulation isn't in the public's best interest. How exactly they plan to destroy these digital assets remains a mystery, as regulators have yet to provide details on the practicalities of this process.

While supporters argue that these measures will help combat money laundering by criminal gangs, critics raise concerns about the potential for abuse and the compromise of individual civil liberties. The lack of a presumption of innocence and the possibility of unjustified seizures have many people questioning the fairness of this new approach.

Another issue to consider is the volatility of the crypto market. If law enforcement agencies sell seized crypto assets prematurely, the original victims of the offense may miss out on potential value increases. It's like playing a high-stakes game of "sell now or hold?"

As the U.K. navigates this uncharted territory, it remains to be seen how vigorously authorities will use these new powers and whether they will strike the right balance between fighting crime and protecting individual rights. One thing's for sure: the crypto world is in for a wild ride!

U.K. authorities can now seize crypto from suspects without arrest or charges.

Concerns arise about potential abuse and compromise of civil liberties.

The volatile nature of crypto adds complexity to the seizure and selling process.

Vanguard's New CEO Says "No" to Bitcoin ETF Despite Institutional Demand

It's time to talk about the elephant in the room: Bitcoin ETFs. While the crypto world has been buzzing with excitement since the landmark approval and launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January, one major player is refusing to join the party.

Enter Salim Ramji, the incoming CEO of The Vanguard Group, who recently made it crystal clear that the firm has no plans to launch its own Bitcoin ETF or offer any crypto-related products on its brokerage platform.

Now, here's the funny thing: Ramji is no stranger to the world of ETFs. In fact, he previously headed BlackRock's global ETF business and even spearheaded their IBIT filing and logistics. Plus, his interest in digital assets is about as subtle as a neon sign in Times Square. So, what gives?

Well, according to Vanguard, crypto is more of a speculation than an investment. They argue that it's an immature asset class with little history, no inherent economic value, and no cash flow. Basically, they think it's about as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane.

But here's the kicker: while Vanguard is giving Bitcoin ETFs the cold shoulder, a growing number of deep-pocketed institutions are jumping on the bandwagon. Wells Fargo, Susquehanna International Group, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, JPMorgan, and Millennium Management have all disclosed significant holdings in spot Bitcoin ETFs. It's like watching a bunch of rich kids at a candy store while Vanguard stands outside with its arms crossed.

Now, some experts, like Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, believes that with Ramji's entry as CEO, the door for Vanguard to embrace Bitcoin ETFs is "much more open now." But for the time being, it seems like Vanguard is content to watch from the sidelines while everyone else has all the fun.

So, there you have it, folks. While the rest of the financial world is diving headfirst into the Bitcoin ETF pool, Vanguard is stubbornly sticking to the shallow end. Will they eventually take the plunge? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: they're missing out on one heck of a party.

Vanguard's incoming CEO, Salim Ramji, maintains the firm's stance against launching a Bitcoin ETF.

Institutions like Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, and Millennium Management have disclosed significant holdings in spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Vanguard sees crypto as speculation rather than investment, citing volatility and lack of inherent value.

From Rags to Riches: Crypto Trader Turns $3K into $46M with Pepe Memecoin

Picture this: an unknown trader, armed with just $3,000 and a dream, decides to invest in the Pepe memecoin on April 15th. Fast forward one month, and this savvy investor is now sitting on a mind-boggling $46 million profit. That's right, a 15,718-fold return on their initial investment! If that doesn't make you want to scour the internet for the next big memecoin, I don't know what will.

But wait, there's more to this story than just one lucky trader. Pepe, the third-largest memecoin behind Dogecoin and Shiba Inu (SHIB), has seen its market cap soar to a whopping $4.5 billion. And according to Hao Yang from Bybit exchange, the success of memecoins like Pepe is a symptom of disillusioned younger generations who have seen the opportunities afforded to their parents disappear. It's like the Punk music genre, but with digital tokens instead of guitars and mohawks.

Now, you might be wondering what's fueling Pepe's current rally. Well, some experts believe it's tied to the resurgence of the GameStop stock craze. Remember Keith Gill, the man credited with kicking off the 2021 GameStop short squeeze? He's back on social media after a nearly three-year hiatus, and GameStop shares have surged over 111% in the 24 hours following his return.

Xiaohan Zhu from Meter believes that the GameStop rally is likely the main reason behind Pepe's price rise, with profits from GameStop potentially finding their way into altcoins, just like in the 2021 bull run. And according to Aleksandra Artamonovskaja from TriliTech, Pepe's relatable narrative of being a symbol against the establishment and a beacon of freedom and hope makes it primed for even further gains.

So, there you have it, folks. While predicting the start of a full-blown memecoin run is about as easy as catching a greased-up pig at a county fair, one thing's for sure: the Pepe memecoin is having its moment in the sun. Will more traders follow in the footsteps of our mystery investor and strike it rich? Only time will tell. But one thing's for certain: the world of memecoins is never boring!

An unknown trader turns $3,000 into $46 million by investing in Pepe memecoin.

Pepe's success may be tied to the recent GameStop stock rally and the disillusionment of younger generations.

Experts believe Pepe's relatable narrative makes it primed for further gains.

Phew! What a ride, my dear PoI readers! I hope this edition left you feeling inspired, amused, and maybe even a little bit tempted to search for the next big memecoin (just kidding, please invest responsibly! 😅). As always, remember to stay curious, stay informed, and keep spreading the crypto love. Until next time, this is your favorite ice cream-inspired writer, Mochi, signing off with a virtual fist bump! 👊

P.S. Don't be shy! Share your thoughts, questions, and wildest crypto predictions with us. Every voice matters in the PoI community! 📣 And if you know someone who'd enjoy our unique blend of crypto news and quirky humor, don't forget to share the newsletter with them! Spread the love, spread the knowledge! 🙌✨

🍨📰 Catch you in the next issue! 📰🍨