On the Bitmex drama, my thoughts.
Some bitcoin companies are like lab rats: they have been left alone to experiment things that one day will become part of the new FINancialTECHnology world. Take Bitmex: bringing futures to the next level right? or finex or any other. Then they come and tell you, hey boy, this is our territory, how do you dare?
And then they publicly admit that "Digital assets hold great promise for our derivatives market and for our economy". Yeah, right?
Thumbs up to 600watt, somac. for
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=178336.msg55302340#msg55302340With CME, Bakkt and Grayscale, the US derivate market is becoming of "significant size", which was one of the main concerns of SEC. The other - manipulations of almost anonymous high leverage traders operating on Mex is now in the process of solving. This is not only CFTC concern but possibly the main "bart generator" for the last 2 years. So in any possible way, Mex news is good for Bitcoin. The 3% drop in the price is by no means to be compared with the benefits of manipulators kicked out of the market.
It is quite possible that the CFTC statement "Digital assets hold great promise for our derivatives market and for our economy" is related to a possible ETF approval, as also suggested in this article:
https://bitcoinexchangeguide.com/a-big-positive-step-towards-the-bitcoin-etf-approval/Although, IMO, institutions will find a way to get into Bitcoin without an ETF. We've seen however, that in the last months despite the huge purchases, the price din't move as much as it should. The only logical explanation is of course the fraudulent shorting using Mex and other not well regulated exchanges. There is also a non logical explanation. As we are normal people here, carefuly thinking about every detail, we tend to forget that there are people that are not like us. Take for example Las Vegas - how many addicted people are in the casinos losing all cash that they have! The same is with the addicted daily traders, who can't be called manipulators, but like vicious brainless piranhas eat the price down until their stash is gone in an endless stop loss chase. The removal of Mex shorters will tip the balance against the piranhas and in favour of the natural growth. So I applaud the CFTC action and hopefully it will shut down Mex and put their owners and other money launderers in jail, where they belong!