Press Release
BTCST Debuts as Bitcoin’s Leveraged Token on Binance Launchpool
Bitcoin Standard Hashrate Token (BTCST) is now live on Binance Launchpool, and Binance will then list BTCST in the innovation zone at 6:00 am (UTC) on Jan. 13, 2021.
BTCST sets off to solve the problem of a limited number of exit options by bringing exchange-grade liquidity to the Bitcoin mining industry, and in secondary trading, BTCST will perform as a leveraged Bitcoin token free from liquidation risk. BTCST will create an efficient market for Bitcoin’s mining power in ways similar to how Grayscale Bitcoin Trust creates institutional liquidity for Bitcoin.
Four Key Points About BTCST
1. Bitcoin’s leveraged token
BTCST secures dual profits for its holders when the market is on a bull run, due to BTCST’s attributes as Bitcoin’s leveraged token.
BTCST is collateralized by 0.1 TH/s of real-world Bitcoin mining power, which is historically proven to be positively correlated to the performance of the digital gold, and hence the value of BTCST climbs along with the current skyrocketing Bitcoin market. On top of that, BTCST stakers claim Bitcoin mining rewards on a daily basis. If a user started to mine Bitcoin with a WhatsMiner M21s (a classic hardware model of Bitcoin mining) in October 2020, by the time of publication, the value of Bitcoin mined would have risen by 200%; however, the price of the mining machine itself increased 400% during the same time frame.
Therefore, it is safe to call BTCST a leveraged token of Bitcoin.
2. Grayscale-like operations in the mining industry
2020 is the year of Grayscale, and BTCST may prolong the saga in the Bitcoin mining industry. Institutional liquidity injected by Grayscale sparked the bullish market, and BTCST will help release liquidity to the mining industry and enable the execution of liquidity premium in the secondary market.
BTCST creates an efficient market among Bitcoin miners. By trading BTCST, market participants can freely enter and exit Bitcoin mining exposure in any size, at any time, and with low costs. Even miners without mining power tokenized by BTCST can make use of the token to capture the profits or hedge against the risks of mining machine price fluctuation.
3. Enhanced cloud mining
Cloud mining is an imperfect solution to the lack of liquidity, and its reputation is clouded by frequent scams. The legitimate providers also fall short of full transparency.
BTCST is a cloud mining platform deployed on the Binance Smart Chain, with daily payouts executed by the dApp and all data traceable. Binance Pool, the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining pool, functions as the auditor for BTCST and guarantees legitimacy and transparency.
4. DeFi of 2021
BTCST is a DeFi project without risks of impermanent loss. When a user un-stakes BTCST, the user is safeguarded by code to retrieve the same amount of BTCST along with the accrued Bitcoin mining rewards.
In addition, BTCST has passed the scrutiny of CertiK, one of the world’s leading blockchain security firms, scoring a 98 out of 100 in a security audit.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Port Louis, Mauritius, August 19th, 2026, FinanceWire
The Market-Maker Model developed by STARPRIME has completed an extensive beta-testing phase, working with a select number of clients. The term ‘market maker’ carries a stigma of being a bad actor in our industry. That reputation has identifiable origins, and some of it has been earned. What follows is how a properly governed market-making arrangement differs, and where it can materially improve outcomes for retail brokers.
The driver of the product innovation and development has been to find the ‘sweet spot’ in solving some of the main challenges that larger retail brokers face:
- Optimal efficiency in externalising Non-Risk Flow
- Non-Risk Revenue dilemma (aka “flattening the curve”)
Optimal efficiency in externalising Non-Risk Flow
Whilst retail brokers seek the liquidity provided by traditional liquidity providers (Tier-1 LPs, ECNs, Banks), they struggle to make these offerings commercially viable, mainly as a direct result of wider spreads and higher margins compared to the retail model they operate under. This makes externalising flow commercially unviable, leaving retail brokers to manage greater exposure and risk than they would otherwise need to.
With the option of trading through a Market-Maker model, clients can trade on pricing and margins that are more closely aligned with the retail model, with the market maker managing the pricing and margin differential to LPs. The market maker absorbs the differential between retail-aligned pricing and LP pricing, supported by internal netting across aggregated flow and by scale. Retail brokers can access institutional-grade liquidity through a single relationship, reducing operational and capital costs.
Non-Risk Revenue dilemma (aka “flattening the curve”)
Retail brokers will be all too familiar with the changing dynamics and revenue streams in our industry. Over the past several years, the amount of Non-Risk Revenue being generated has been converging with the amount of risk revenue being earned. This comes as no surprise as the retail market is becoming more informed; with developing skill sets and technology (including AI), retail clients are becoming more profitable and are increasingly able to preserve their capital in volatile market conditions.
A number of participants in the beta release were able to identify client segments where the ‘Non-Risk revenue’ was close to or greater than the ‘risk revenue’. This highlighted the obvious Expected Value Trade-Off, where the most a broker could make would likely be the ‘Non-Risk revenue’, whilst the potential losses could be much greater. By externalising the flow through the Market-Maker model, they were able to manage their market risk and identify potential revenue opportunities across these segments of their client base.
Market Maker vs STP Solutions
In a like-for-like analysis, and in keeping with the general expectations of a Market-Maker Model, STARPRIME observed that the Market-Making model provided clients with key potential advantages across core metrics. Pricing included faster price updates and tighter spreads, particularly in volatile market conditions. Order fill efficiency was closer to optimal, particularly with larger order sizes. Market impact was greatly reduced, which ultimately resulted in greater overall efficiency. Naturally, the metrics will vary, primarily driven by the underlying nature of the order flow, although it was noted that there were clear improvements even on sharper flow.
Jay Mawji, CEO of STARPRIME, added: “As much as we may want to deny it, the pace of the Race to Zero is gathering each day. By deploying our market-maker solution and applying consistent pricing across the flow we accept, we are able to offer our clients execution at costs closer to their retail model than a traditional LP relationship allows. This promotes a healthy industry, where the Race to Zero is a phenomenon that should be embraced by all market participants in a responsible manner that promotes advancements in our industry with tighter pricing and stronger competition.
Potential clients can view average pricing directly on the STARPRIME website (www.starprime.com)under the Pricing Section (https://www.starprime.com/spread/). This tool will be further enhanced to present execution metrics and use cases, in a bid to push for increased transparency and informed decision-making for potential clients.
About STARPRIME
STARPRIME was built around a clear understanding: institutional clients need more than access to liquidity. They need a partner that understands their business, responds to their changing requirements, and provides the infrastructure and expertise they can rely on as they grow.
Today, STARPRIME is an established institutional CFD liquidity provider and market maker, combining deep multi-asset liquidity with advanced pricing technology, low-latency execution, and dedicated client coverage. Its solutions are shaped around each client’s flow, scale, and market requirements, with a focus on transparency, consistent performance, and lasting partnerships.
Contact
STARPRIME
pr@starprime.com
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Freedom Holding Marks New Türkiye Milestone as Freedom Yatırım Secures Brokerage License
Istanbul, Turkey, August 19th, 2026, FinanceWire
Istanbul, Türkiye – August 18, 2026. Freedom Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş., a subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), has received an operating license from the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB). Freedom Yatırım has become the first broadly authorized foreign brokerage firm to receive such a license in Türkiye since 1992.
The license marks an important step in Freedom Holding Corp.’s expansion in Türkiye and supports its broader strategy to grow its brokerage business and international capital markets infrastructure in the country.
“Receiving this operating license is an important milestone for Freedom Holding Corp. It marks our entry into the Turkish brokerage market as the first broadly authorized foreign firm to receive such a license in 34 years,” said Timur Turlov, Founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Holding Corp. operates through more than 200 offices in over 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. According to its latest financial statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company’s total assets stood at US$14 billion as of June 30, 2026. Brokerage remains one of its core business lines, accounting for approximately 39% of total net revenue.
Freedom Yatırım will draw on Freedom Holding Corp.’s international brokerage expertise, technology, and infrastructure as it prepares to launch investment services in Türkiye.
Connecting Türkiye with International Markets
Freedom Yatırım plans to offer more than traditional brokerage services. Using TraderNet, Freedom Holding Corp.’s proprietary trading platform, the company intends to build infrastructure that provides two-way access between the Turkish market and international capital markets.
For investors in Türkiye, the goal is to gradually broaden access to international markets through Freedom Holding Corp.’s global brokerage capabilities.
Freedom Yatırım has also completed its integration with Borsa İstanbul, giving clients across the Group’s international brokerage network access to investment opportunities in the Turkish market. The network has more than 870,000 client accounts.
Freedom Holding Corp. expects this infrastructure to help increase international participation in Türkiye’s capital markets and strengthen links between Borsa İstanbul and global financial markets.
Building an Integrated Digital Ecosystem
Freedom Holding Corp. recently completed the acquisition of a 99.32% stake in Turkish Bank A.Ş. through its subsidiary Freedom Finansal Hizmetler A.Ş. Following the acquisition, the bank’s shareholders approved the change of its trade name to Freedom Bank A.Ş.
Together, Freedom Bank and Freedom Yatırım are expected to form the core of Freedom Holding Corp.’s digital financial ecosystem in Türkiye, combining banking and investment services with other digital offerings.
“Our ambition in Türkiye goes beyond brokerage. We plan to build an integrated digital financial ecosystem around Freedom Bank and Freedom Yatırım, bringing banking, investment, and other digital services together over time. We will draw on our experience in Kazakhstan, where Freedom SuperApp already combines financial and everyday digital services within a single platform, while adapting the model to the needs of the Turkish market,” Turlov stated.
For the local team, the next stage will be to combine the Group’s international capabilities with expertise in the Turkish market.
“Türkiye is a long-term market for us. We want to combine the Group’s technology, financial strength, and international capital markets expertise with strong local knowledge to build a sustainable business here,” said Vladimir Pochekuev, Partner at Freedom Holding Corp. and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Freedom Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş.
Pochekuev also expressed his appreciation to the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye for its constructive and professional engagement throughout the licensing process.
Preparing to Launch Operations
Following receipt of its operating license, Freedom Yatırım is continuing to prepare for the launch of full-scale operations in the Turkish market. The company is conducting comprehensive system testing and finalizing its operational readiness.
Freedom Yatırım intends to offer clients technology-driven, user-friendly investment services tailored to the regulatory requirements and specific needs of the Turkish market.
“Türkiye has a large and increasingly sophisticated investor base, with growing interest in diversifying portfolios across markets and asset classes. Our focus will be on combining access to international markets with strong local expertise and a high standard of client service,” said Vusal Mamedov, Senior Adviser to the Board of Directors of Freedom Yatırım.
About Freedom Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş.
Freedom Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. operates under Freedom Finansal Hizmetler A.Ş., a wholly owned subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp. The company received approval for its establishment from the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB) in 2025 and, upon completing all regulatory requirements, obtained its operating license in 2026 to provide brokerage services in Türkiye’s capital markets. Freedom Yatırım seeks to leverage its international expertise and in-depth understanding of the Turkish market to provide investors with innovative investment solutions.
About Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Holding Corp. provides financial services in 24 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, multiple EU countries, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. The Company’s principal executive office is located in New York City. In Kazakhstan, Freedom is actively developing its financial and digital ecosystem, which includes Freedom Bank, Freedom Broker, the insurance companies Freedom Life and Freedom insurance, as well as a lifestyle segment that features Arbuz.kz, Freedom Ticketon, and Aviata. Freedom Holding Corp. shares are traded on the U.S. technology exchange NASDAQ, the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), and the Astana International Exchange (AIX) under the ticker symbol FRHC. Freedom Holding Corp. is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the common stock is included in the Russell 3000 Index.
Contact
Head of Public Relations
Natalia Kharlashina
Freedom Holding Corp.
prglobal@ffin.kz
+77013641454
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Hotel Price Index 2026 Released – Nearly 1 in 3 hotel comparisons showed price differences above 10%
Jersey City, NJ, USA — Travorio reviewed hotel prices across major booking platforms to see how often travelers can find a meaningful difference for the same property and travel dates. Travelers who want more flexibility can also book now, pay later hotels through supported payment options.
What we found
The study covered 394 hotel comparisons across 18 destinations. Rates were drawn from Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com for a three-night stay in September 2026 for two adults.
Most comparisons were fairly close. The median difference between the lowest and highest available rate was 4%. The average difference was 8%.
The larger gaps are where comparison becomes useful. Twenty-nine percent of the searches showed a difference of more than 10%, and 10% showed a difference above 20%.
The largest gap in the sample was 106%, equal to $213, for the Elasophia Hotel in Istanbul.
Key numbers
| Measure | Result |
| Hotel comparisons included | 394 |
| Destinations reported | 18 |
| Median price gap | 4% |
| Average price gap | 8% |
| Comparisons with gap above 10% | 29% |
| Comparisons with gap above 20% | 10% |
| Largest observed gap | 106% ($213) |
Where the biggest differences appeared
The size of the price gap varied by destination. Istanbul and Bangkok stood out in this sample, while several North American and European cities showed much tighter pricing.
| Destination | Average gap | Median gap | Hotels compared |
| Istanbul, Turkey | 20% | 13% | 22 |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 19% | 15% | 30 |
| Tokyo, Japan | 14% | 13% | 22 |
| Marrakech, Morocco | 12% | 8% | 18 |
| Cancun, Mexico | 12% | 10% | 24 |
| Rome, Italy | 9% | 6% | 26 |
| Lisbon, Portugal | 9% | 7% | 27 |
| Toronto, Canada | 6% | 0% | 11 |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 5% | 3% | 26 |
| London, UK | 5% | 0% | 30 |
| Dubai, UAE | 5% | 0% | 4 |
| Paris, France | 5% | 1% | 27 |
| New York, USA | 4% | 0% | 28 |
| Barcelona, Spain | 4% | 2% | 25 |
| Singapore | 2% | 0% | 18 |
| Miami, USA | 2% | 0% | 29 |
| Doha, Qatar | 2% | 0% | 26 |
Sample note: Dubai had only four hotels with rates from two or more platforms. Sydney, Melbourne, and Bali were not included in city-level reporting because there was not enough multi-platform data.
What the numbers mean for travelers
A 4% median gap means that many travelers will see only a small difference when they compare major booking sites. The more useful finding is that larger gaps still appeared often enough to matter.
In 29% of the comparisons, the difference was above 10%. On a $2,000 hotel booking, a 10% difference is $200. On a $4,000 stay, it is $400. Before booking, it can be worth a moment to compare hotel prices across a few sites.
| Booking value | 5% gap | 10% gap | 20% gap |
| $400 | $20 | $40 | $80 |
| $900 | $45 | $90 | $180 |
| $2,000 | $100 | $200 | $400 |
| $4,000 | $200 | $400 | $800 |
Price variation by hotel rating
The widest average gaps in this sample appeared among 3-star hotels. The study did not test the cause, so these figures should be treated as a description of this dataset rather than a general rule about hotel categories.
| Star rating | Average gap | Hotels compared |
| 1-2 star | 10% | 20 |
| 3 star | 12% | 103 |
| 4 star | 7% | 125 |
| 5 star | 6% | 47 |
Why prices can differ
Hotel prices can vary from one booking platform to another because the platforms may receive inventory from different suppliers, use different promotions or markups, and update availability at different times.
- Different supplier and distribution agreements
- Platform-specific promotions and pricing
- Changes in room availability
- Taxes and mandatory fees
- Breakfast and other inclusions
- Cancellation and refund terms
The study compared total-stay prices in USD. It did not control for every room condition on every platform, so the lowest rate on one site was not always an identical room product to the lowest rate on another.
Methodology
The pricing data came from whhotel price aggregation API, which returned rates from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO for matching hotel properties.
Check-in: September 8, 2026
Check-out: September 11, 2026
Stay length: 3 nights
Guests: 2 adults
Rooms: 1
Currency: USD
A total of 600 hotel searches were run across 20 destinations. Of those, 394 returned prices from at least two platforms and were included in the analysis. Eighteen destinations had enough data for city-level reporting.
Hotels were matched using property name and geographic coordinates. Properties appearing on only one platform were excluded. Member-only and loyalty rates were also excluded.
Limitations
- Prices were captured at one point in time and may have changed afterward.
- The study does not show that any one platform is consistently the cheapest.
- The comparison used the lowest available rate per platform, not identical room categories in every case.
- The main platforms represented were Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
- The study used one travel window and one length of stay. Other dates and booking windows may produce different results.
Bottom line
Most hotel price differences in this sample were modest. Still, nearly one in three comparisons showed a gap above 10%. That is large enough to matter on expensive or multi-night stays, and it is a practical reason to compare rates before booking.
About Travorio
Travorio is an online travel platform for hotels, flights, and event tickets. It also offers pay later hotels options in supported markets, including pay in 4 installments and cryptocurrency. Travorio compares hotel inventory from multiple travel supplier networks.
To learn more, visit travorio.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Travorio
Contact Person: Media Relations
Website: hi@travorio.com
Website: travorio.com
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
STARPRIME Completes Beta Testing of Market-Maker Model for Retail Brokers
Freedom Holding Marks New Türkiye Milestone as Freedom Yatırım Secures Brokerage License
Hotel Price Index 2026 Released – Nearly 1 in 3 hotel comparisons showed price differences above 10%
Benzinga Money Article Discusses How to Become Part of the 12% of Retirees Who Have Achieved the Recommended $550,000 Minimum Retirement Savings Threshold
Apu Apustaja Conquers New York with Lively Street Ads, Including Times Square Billboard
Bay Smokes Maintains Quality Amid Legislative Changes in the Hemp Industry
-
Press Release1 week ago
ForumPay Expands Payment Infrastructure with New Card and Bank Transfer Acceptance Solution
-
Press Release1 week ago
Vincere Portfolios Expands Industry Discussion Around the Gap Between Retail Investing Tools and Institutional Trading Infrastructure
-
Press Release5 days ago
Commercial Plumbing Alabama Highlights Slab Plumbing Services in Birmingham
-
Press Release4 days ago
Kara4Kids Expands Early Childhood Education Across India With Inclusive, Play-Based Learning
-
Press Release1 week ago
Organization Launches Executive Leadership Insights Series Featuring Brent Byng on Turning Strategy Into Measurable Results
-
Press Release4 days ago
Gramercy Networks Announces New Global Ultra-Low Latency Financial Network Connecting Major Trading Hubs
-
Press Release4 days ago
CentFX Set to Welcome Traders at Money Expo India 2026 as Platinum Sponsor at Booth 13
-
Press Release4 days ago
RESIDIA TOWER MEGURO FUDOMAE Highlights Convenient Rental Living in Tokyo