Bitcoin ETF Surge Prompts Warning From $20B Asset Manager

South African asset manager Sygnia Ltd., which oversees around $20 billion, is riding the wave of interest in digital assets. However, its leadership is warning investors not to get carried away.

Speaking to Bloomberg, CEO Magda Wierzycka acknowledged the strong inflows into Sygnia’s recently launched Bitcoin ETF, yet stressed that the fund should not be treated as a core holding. She advised that crypto exposure remain limited to no more than 5% of discretionary or retirement portfolios, emphasizing that the messaging around such products must be realistic.

### Balancing Growth and Risk

Wierzycka argued that while Bitcoin has potential as a long-term investment, its volatility makes it dangerous for households in developing economies. In markets like South Africa, where average incomes are far lower than in wealthier countries, she warned that sudden price swings could wipe out life savings if investors allocate too aggressively.

Her comments highlight the delicate balance asset managers face: encouraging adoption of innovative products while shielding clients from extreme downside risk.

### More ETFs on the Horizon

Despite its cautious tone, Sygnia is not turning away from the sector. The firm is preparing to file for additional crypto ETFs on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, pending regulatory clearance. This move underscores the rising appetite for regulated exposure to digital assets among South African investors.

### A Rapidly Growing Market

South Africa is emerging as one of Africa’s most active crypto hubs. Local exchanges are proliferating, adoption among businesses and individuals is accelerating, and forecasts suggest that over 10% of the population will be engaged with crypto by 2025.

Unlike some governments that have restricted or banned digital assets, South African regulators are integrating them into the financial system by classifying them as financial products.

For Wierzycka, the message remains consistent: innovation is welcome, but responsibility is essential. “Bitcoin can play a role,” she said, “as long as investors understand its risks and keep it in proportion.”

*Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*

**Author**
Alex is a reporter at Coindoo and an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. Alex’s approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-etf-surge-prompts-warning-from-20b-asset-manager/

US government approves Meta’s LLaMA for official use

**US Government Approves Meta’s LLaMA for Official Use**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 06:31 PM*

The US government has officially approved the use of Meta Platforms’ artificial intelligence (AI) system, LLaMA, as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate commercial AI tools into federal operations. Josh Gruenbaum, the General Services Administration (GSA)’s procurement lead, confirmed that LLaMA will be added to the list of approved AI tools available for use by federal agencies.

**About LLaMA**

LLaMA is a family of large language models (LLMs) developed by Meta that can process diverse types of data, including text, video, images, and audio. This versatility allows the tool to support a wide range of government applications.

In recent months, the GSA has also approved AI tools from major tech companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. These companies have committed to offering their paid AI products at discounted rates, while ensuring compliance with stringent government security standards.

**Enhancing Government Efficiency**

The GSA has confirmed that LLaMA meets all the government’s security and legal requirements. This approval enables federal agencies to experiment and utilize this free AI tool confidently and without concerns.

The inclusion of LLaMA is part of a larger initiative to boost efficiency and productivity across various government departments. Agencies will be able to leverage LLaMA for multiple tasks, such as accelerating contract reviews and swiftly resolving IT issues, ultimately streamlining operations.

As the government continues embracing advanced AI technologies, tools like LLaMA are set to play a key role in transforming public sector workflows and services.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/us-government-can-now-use-meta-s-ai-tool-llama/story

US government approves Meta’s LLaMA for official use

**US Government Approves Meta’s LLaMA for Official Use**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 06:31 PM*

The US government has officially approved Meta Platforms’ artificial intelligence (AI) system, LLaMA, for use in federal operations. This decision aligns with the current administration’s broader efforts to incorporate commercial AI tools into government workflows.

**What is LLaMA?**

LLaMA is a family of large language models (LLMs) developed by Meta that can process a variety of data types, including text, video, images, and audio. Its versatility makes it suitable for numerous applications across different federal agencies.

**Government Approval and Collaboration**

Josh Gruenbaum, the General Services Administration (GSA)’s procurement lead, confirmed that LLaMA will be added to the list of approved AI tools available for use by federal agencies. This addition joins other recently approved AI tools from technology giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI.

These companies have agreed to provide their paid AI products at discounted rates while meeting the government’s strict security and legal standards.

**Enhancing Operational Efficiency**

The GSA has ensured that LLaMA complies with all necessary security and legal requirements, allowing federal agencies to use this powerful AI tool confidently and without concerns.

The approval of LLaMA is part of a wider initiative to boost efficiency and productivity within government departments. Federal agencies will be able to leverage LLaMA’s capabilities for a range of tasks, including speeding up contract reviews and rapidly resolving IT issues.

This move marks a significant step towards modernizing government operations by integrating advanced AI technologies from leading industry players.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/us-government-can-now-use-meta-s-ai-tool-llama/story

US government approves Meta’s LLaMA for official use

**US Government Approves Meta’s LLaMA for Official Use**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 06:31 PM*

The US government has officially approved the use of Meta Platforms’ artificial intelligence (AI) system, LLaMA, as part of its ongoing effort to integrate commercial AI tools into federal operations.

Josh Gruenbaum, the General Services Administration (GSA)’s procurement lead, confirmed that LLaMA will be added to the list of approved AI tools available for use by federal agencies.

### About LLaMA and Its Capabilities

LLaMA is a family of large language models (LLMs) capable of processing diverse data types including text, video, images, and audio. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for various government tasks.

In recent months, the GSA has also approved AI solutions from other major tech companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. These providers have committed to offering their paid AI products at discounted rates while ensuring compliance with government security standards.

### Enhancing Government Efficiency

The GSA has verified that LLaMA meets all necessary security and legal requirements, allowing federal agencies to experiment with this free tool confidently.

This approval aligns with a broader initiative to boost efficiency and productivity across multiple government departments. Agencies will now be able to leverage LLaMA to expedite contract reviews, resolve IT issues more quickly, and streamline various administrative processes.

By incorporating advanced AI tools like LLaMA, the government aims to modernize operations and deliver faster, more effective public services.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/us-government-can-now-use-meta-s-ai-tool-llama/story

Long-Term Interest Rates in Japan Rise to 17-Year High

Long-term interest rates in Japan, which influence fixed mortgage rates, rose to their highest level in 17 years. The yield on 10-year government bonds briefly reached 1.665 percent during trading on September 22nd, marking the highest level since 2008.

In an innovative approach to electricity demand control, frozen tuna stored at minus 60 degrees Celsius are now being used as a cooling agent. By temporarily shutting down refrigeration units and utilizing the fish itself to maintain storage temperatures, companies are beginning to reduce power consumption effectively.

The Consumer Affairs Agency has announced that Ajinomoto and Inglewood are suspected of engaging in stealth marketing practices related to their frozen home-delivery meal brand, “Aete.” The companies allegedly asked individuals to post on social media in exchange for free products and later republished those posts on their sales sites.

Seven-Eleven Japan has completed a large-scale overhaul of the store system used by approximately 21,000 outlets nationwide. This milestone comes five years after the project was first conceived. The new system marks a significant step in digital transformation, replacing the company’s traditional infrastructure with a cloud-based model designed to enhance efficiency and service.

On September 19th, the Bank of Japan decided to maintain its policy interest rate at 0.5 percent, marking the fifth consecutive meeting without a rate change. This decision, supported by a majority of the Policy Board, comes as the central bank closely monitors the impact of U.S. tariffs, commonly referred to as the Trump tariffs.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146971.php

ED questions Robin Uthappa in online betting app case

Robin Uthappa Questioned by ED in Online Betting App Case

By Parth Dhall | Sep 22, 2025 | 02:06 PM

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the illegal online betting platform 1xBet. The 39-year-old arrived at the ED Headquarters around 11 AM on September 22, where he was questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigation into Illegal Betting Platforms

This questioning is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting platforms and their celebrity endorsers. The ED is currently probing multiple cases involving unlawful betting apps that are suspected of duping investors and users of crores of rupees, as well as evading significant tax payments.

1xBet, a Curacao-registered company, claims to be a “globally recognized bookmaker” with 18 years of experience in the betting industry. The platform offers betting options on thousands of sporting events and is accessible in 70 languages worldwide through its website and app.

Focus on Celebrity Endorsements

The ED’s investigation is focusing on how celebrities, including cricketers and Bollywood as well as South Indian film stars, were approached by 1xBet for endorsements. Authorities are examining the contacts involved in India, the nature of compensation received, and whether these payments constitute “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.

Since last year, several prominent figures have been questioned regarding their alleged promotion of illegal betting platforms. Robin Uthappa now joins this growing list of celebrities under scrutiny.

Legal Framework: Ban on Real-Money Online Gaming

In response to the rising concerns over illegal online betting, the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, last month. This new law places online gaming under a central regulatory framework and empowers the government to ban real-money gaming platforms.

As a result, many platforms offering real-money games—including Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle—were mandated to cease their operations in India.

The ongoing investigations and new legislation mark a significant step toward curbing illegal online betting and regulating the gaming industry in the country.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/robin-uthappa-questioned-by-ed-details-here/story

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation of US House of Representatives members met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, expressing hopes to “break the ice” as the two global superpowers seek to stabilize their strained relationship.

This rare visit by US lawmakers comes amid a week marked by tense phone calls and high-stakes negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The trip underscores ongoing efforts to ease tensions that continue to revolve around trade disputes, the future of the popular app TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior to the meeting, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While their discussion addressed several critical issues, including trade and security, there was no breakthrough regarding TikTok — the Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House reported on Saturday that a potential deal is taking shape which would place control of TikTok’s algorithm into the hands of US companies. Furthermore, US citizens would hold the majority of seats on a board overseeing TikTok’s US operations, with six out of seven board members being American.

TikTok’s algorithm is crucial as it determines the content users see, and US officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about its vulnerability to manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite these concerns, President Trump told reporters Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are preparing to acquire TikTok’s US operations. The app was originally slated for a ban in the US this January, but Trump has issued several orders to keep it operational while negotiations with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, continue.

“And they’re very smart technologically, and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok,” Trump said.

Among the likely buyers of TikTok’s US operations is Oracle, the technology giant led by billionaire Larry Ellison, a longtime Trump supporter.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a Fox News interview on Saturday that the administration is “100 percent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “President Trump recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt also emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and predicted that the deal would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As both nations continue to navigate this complex relationship, the lawmakers’ visit and ongoing negotiations signal a cautious but hopeful step toward easing US-China tensions.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend with some fun and interesting notes.

**Your Daily Dose of Sudoku**
They’re having a laugh with this puzzle—four numbers and four lines? Okay, that’s definitely different!

**Captcha: Impossible**
I love how this guy trolls scammers. Brilliant!

**Dark Souls 3 Was Beautiful**
The map at the end of the world is truly stunning.

**Crazy That LEGO is Now a Commodity**
I hope LEGO keeps pushing forward with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not why I love LEGO.

**To Git Gud or Not to Git Gud?**
Making a game hard, but not frustrating, sounds… hard.

**Time for a Strange Video**
Alien hunting is all the rage these days.

**Cheeky Will and His “Steroids”**
I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ.

**Weekend Vibes — What I’m Listening To:**
– *The Taste of Ink* — The Used
– *Du Hast* — Rammstein
– *So Far Away* — Crossfade
– *Face Down* — The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

**Here Are Some Shacknews Articles From This Week:**
– *Dying Light: The Beast* review: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds* review: The scenic route
– The top five most terrifying Kirby bosses
– This Week in Switch 2: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

There you have it, Shacknews. Your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

Please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as a dollar a month. Want to support us for free? Check out Shackmaps — our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in games you love to play, entirely free!

Have a great week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, Aim to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation from the US House of Representatives met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The lawmakers conveyed their hope to “break the ice” as the two superpowers strive to make progress toward stabilizing their increasingly tense relationship.

This visit comes during a week marked by high-stakes negotiations and tense phone calls between Washington and Beijing. According to Al Jazeera, the US delegation’s trip is a rare occasion aimed at thawing frozen ties amid ongoing disputes over trade, the fate of TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While the leaders discussed several critical issues, no breakthrough was reached regarding TikTok — the immensely popular Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House announced on Saturday that a prospective deal would grant US companies control over TikTok’s algorithm, with US citizens holding the majority on a board overseeing the app’s US operations—six out of seven seats. The app’s algorithm, which determines what content users see, has been a point of concern for US officials who fear potential manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite this, President Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are planning to purchase TikTok’s US operations. Originally slated for a ban in the US in January, TikTok has instead remained operational due to repeated executive orders allowing the app to continue while negotiations with its owner, China’s ByteDance, proceed.

“And they’re very smart technologically,” Trump said of the potential buyers, “and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok.”

Oracle, the tech giant led by billionaire and longtime Trump supporter Larry Ellison, is one of the frontrunners to acquire TikTok’s US operations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed confidence in the deal during a Fox News interview on Saturday, stating the administration is “100 per cent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “[Trump] recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and anticipated the agreement would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As tensions continue, this diplomatic engagement and potential TikTok deal represent crucial steps in addressing the complex challenges defining US-China relations.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend together.

**Your Daily Dose of Sudoku**
They’re having a laugh with this puzzle—four numbers and four lines? Okay, that’s a new twist!

**Captcha: Impossible**
I love how this guy trolls scammers. Sometimes a little humor is the best way to deal with them.

**Dark Souls 3 Was Beautiful**
The map at the end of the world is something else. Such a breathtaking experience from start to finish.

**Crazy That LEGO Is Now a Commodity**
I hope LEGO keeps moving forward with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not really why I love LEGO. It’s all about creativity and building your own world.

**To Git Gud or Not to Git Gud?**
Making a game hard, but not frustrating, sounds hard—pun intended. The balance between challenge and fun is always tricky.

**Time for a Strange Video**
Alien hunting is all the rage right now. Plus, cheeky Will and his “steroids” had me laughing. I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ.

**Weekend Vibes: What I’m Listening To**
– *The Taste of Ink* – The Used
– *Du Hast* – Rammstein
– *So Far Away* – Crossfade
– *Face Down* – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

**Here Are Some Shacknews Articles from This Week:**
– *Dying Light: The Beast Review*: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Review*: The scenic route
– *The Top Five Most Terrifying Kirby Bosses*
– *This Week in Switch 2*: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

There you have it, Shacknews—your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

If you love what we do, please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as a dollar a month.

Want to support us for free? You can do that by checking out Shackmaps—our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in the games you love to play. And yes, it’s completely free!

Enjoy your week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

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