BREAKDOWN: New Data Shows Underground Bitcoin Mining Thriving in China

The U.S. has also expanded its lead in the global hashrate competition. This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, NEAR and FTX US. The U.S. has also expanded its lead in the global hashrate competition. On today’s episode of “The Breakdown,” NLW looks at new bitcoin mining data from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly, depending on whom you ask), China is back at the No. 2 spot in global hashrate, despite there ostensibly being a full bitcoin mining ban. NLW also looks at the finance conference that has brought representatives of 44 countries to El Salvador, where they’re learning about bitcoin among other topics. - Nexo is a secure crypto exchange and crypto lending platform. Buy 40+ hot coins with your bank card in seconds and swap between exclusive pairs for cashback. Earn up to 17% interest on your idle crypto assets and borrow against them for instant liquidity. Simple and secure. Head over to nexo.io and get started now. - NEAR is a blockchain for a world reimagined. Through simple, secure, and scalable technology, NEAR empowers millions to invent and explore new experiences. Business, creativity, and community are being reimagined for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Find out more at NEAR.org. - FTX US is the safe, regulated way to buy Bitcoin, ETH, SOL and other digital assets. Trade crypto with up to 85% lower fees than top competitors and trade ETH and SOL NFTs with no gas fees and subsidized gas on withdrawals. Sign up at FTX.US today. - Consensus 2022, the industry’s most influential event, is happening June 9–12 in Austin, Texas. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the fast-moving world of crypto, Web 3 and NFTs, this is the festival experience for you. Use code BREAKDOWN to get 15% off your pass at www.coindesk.com/consensus2022. - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell, research by Scott Hill and additional production support by Eleanor Pahl. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. The music you heard today behind our sponsors is “Catnip” by Famous Cats and “I Don't Know How To Explain It” by Aaron Sprinkle. Image credit: Alfieri/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.