🚀 New Tether Tokens Backed by Gold 🥇 ~ CEOM Coin

Chainalysis says more exchanges got hacked buy less money stolen in 2019.

[Sponsored] Get to know eToro and discover a smarter way to trade crypto! Create a diverse and flexible portfolio with 15 of the world's best cryptocurrencies. Want to try before you buy? No problem — the $100K Virtual Portfolio lets you test-drive all of eToro's innovative features while learning about the market and honing your trading skills.

Download the app today, and see why 10 million users worldwide trust eToro to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and more!

☠️ Employee Stole from Japanese Crypto Project

Two men have been arrested in Tokyo on suspicion of defrauding IT firm Vipstar Inc. from 78 million yen (approximately $712,000) from Vipstar in Bitcoin (BTC).

Both suspects confessed, with Onitsuka citing disagreements with the company's management policy that compelled him to "try and ruin the company."

VipStar (VIPS) hybrid proof-of-stake and proof-of-work chain launched in early 2018.

CoinDesk

🔑 Tether Says Its Newest Stablecoin Is Backed by Gold in Swiss Vault

Tether Gold "represents ownership of one troy fine ounce of physical gold on a specific gold bar," Tether said in a press release.

"Tether Gold is launching in response to the growing demand for a digital asset that provides exposure to the world's most enduring asset and a geopolitical need for an alternative financial system,"

The gold backing each token will be stored in a Swiss vault, the release claimed, without naming the facility.

Tether's other stablecoins are pegged to the U.S. dollar (USDT), the euro and offshore yuan.

CoinDesk

📈 Ripple's IPO could come within 12 months, suggests CEO

Speaking at WEF Garlinghousesaid that an initial public offering (IPO) is a "natural evolution" for the company.

Just last month, Ripple (XRP) raised a whopping $200 million in Series C funding, the Series C round valued the blockchain payments firm at $10 billion.

Ripple has raised a total of $293.6 million in funding to date, according to Crunchbase. It remains to be seen how much more Ripple ends up raising in an IPO.

CoinTelegraph

What is Ethereum 2.0?

You've heard the saying – Ethereum 2.0 (Eth 2.0) will be here soon. Eth 2.0 brings speed, scalability and staking – but just are these and why is Eth 2.0 needed?

We gathered that information for you, and then further summarized the workings of Eth 2.0 in one slide. Check it out for an overview on what Eth 2.0 is, along with explainers on the fabled Proof-of-Stake for a full picture on what the future holds for Ethereum!

Read this and more in the latest CoinGecko 2019 Full Year Report!