Crypto Short News

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 19, 2026 12:59 UTC

    South Korea Recovers $21M Stolen Bitcoin After Hacker Returns It

    South Korean prosecutors have recovered about $21.4 million worth of Bitcoin that was stolen from their custody last year. The 320.88 BTC was originally seized from a gambling platform but went missing in August 2025 after investigators were tricked by a phishing site that exposed wallet keys. Authorities froze transactions tied to the theft, making it hard to liquidate the funds, and the hacker ultimately returned the Bitcoin. While the assets are now secured, officials continue trying to identify the unknown hacker.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 19, 2026 10:44 UTC

    UAE Government Mines $455M in Bitcoin via Citadel Mining

    The UAE‑linked Citadel Mining has mined and held about 6,782 Bitcoin ($453.6 million), according to on‑chain data tracked by Arkham Intelligence. The mining push began in 2022 and leverages Abu Dhabi’s low‑cost energy and industrial facilities, with no major Bitcoin outflows in the past four months, suggesting a long‑term stance. After accounting for energy costs, unrealized profit on the holdings is around $344 million. The accumulation ranks the UAE among the world’s notable Bitcoin holders and reflects a broader national strategy of using mining to build digital reserves rather than simply trading assets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 19, 2026 07:27 UTC

    White House to Host Third Stablecoin Yield Meeting

    The White House will host its third stablecoin yields meeting at 9 a.m. ET on Friday, following two earlier sessions that failed to resolve tensions between banks and crypto firms. Banks argue that yield-bearing stablecoins drain deposits, while crypto companies say yields drive innovation and user returns. The talks are linked to the stalled bipartisan CLARITY Act, which would define crypto oversight roles. Optimism is building, with Polymarket odds near 70% for passage in 2026.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 19, 2026 07:15 UTC

    WLFI to Tokenize Trump Maldives Resort

    World Liberty Financial is launching a tokenized investment tied to the Trump International Hotel & Resort in the Maldives through a partnership with Securitize and DarGlobal, aiming to bring real-world assets onto blockchain. The luxury resort, set for completion in 2030 with about 100 beachfront and overwater villas, will offer eligible accredited investors exposure to loan revenue and potential fixed returns. Announced at the World Liberty Forum, the initiative reflects WLFI’s broader strategy to expand decentralized finance into traditional real estate markets.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 12:45 UTC

    Bitcoin Trades Sideways Near $68K Amid Market Uncertainty

    Bitcoin is trading sideways around $68,000, stuck in a $65K-$72K range since early February. Outflows of $105 million from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs are capping short-term rallies, while low volatility keeps the market in a holding pattern. Bulls highlight strong support near $50K and undervaluation versus gold, but bears warn of potential drops to $48K-$42K if key levels break. Recent $193 million in liquidations show risks are still high as traders wait for the next big move.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 08:58 UTC

    Analyst Willy Woo: Bitcoin Down 47% from $126K

    On-chain analyst Willy Woo outlined Bitcoin’s bear cycle in three phases. Phase 1 began with a Q3 2025 liquidity breakdown, while Phase 2 is expected once broader market weakness sets in, leading eventually to capitulation and recovery. Bitcoin has fallen 47% from its $126K peak to $67.3K, with volatility levels not seen since the 2022 FTX crash. Critics cite Woo’s past missed calls, but bulls highlight softer inflation and ETF inflows as potential stabilizers, suggesting the market could weather this bear cycle.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 08:41 UTC

    Ethereum Staking Surpasses 80M ETH, Crossing 50% Supply

    Ethereum’s Beacon Deposit Contract has reached 80.97 million ETH, now holding over 50% of the total supply for the first time in its 11-year history. This growth from 77.85 million a month ago reflects continued deposits following the 2022 Merge, where users lock ETH to secure the network and earn rewards. Long-term holders show commitment with steady inflows, while analysts note that rising staking reduces liquid supply, signaling tighter liquidity ahead for trading.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 08:26 UTC

    XRP Holds $1.48 as Traders Call Market Bottom

    XRP is trading near $1.48, holding a $90 billion market cap, and remains the fourth-largest crypto behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Technical indicators show weekly and monthly RSI in oversold zones, signaling a potential rebound. Enthusiasts who held through February’s $1.36 dip are cheering a recovery, while Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlights growing institutional interest and 2026 adoption prospects. Analysts like Standard Chartered caution with a $2.80 target, watching support at $1.42–$1.48 for stability.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 08:13 UTC

    Sam Bankman-Fried Says FTX Was Solvent at Collapse

    Sam Bankman-Fried has argued that FTX was financially sound at the time it filed for bankruptcy, claiming the platform held sufficient assets to meet customer balances even after withdrawals were frozen. Speaking amid his prison sentence, he maintains that users have since been repaid in full and says this should be considered in his request for a reduced sentence. His remarks have reopened debate over the exchange’s liquidity, asset management, and the true state of its finances before the collapse.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 06:59 UTC

    Peter Thiel Exits ETHZilla Completely

    Billionaire investor Peter Thiel and his firm Founders Fund have fully sold their stake in ETHZilla, reducing ownership from about 7.5 percent to zero by the end of 2025, according to SEC filings. The company had raised 425 million dollars to build an Ether treasury after rebranding from 180 Life Sciences, and Thiel’s backing once pushed shares above 174 dollars before they later fell sharply. Following market weakness and the sale of Ether to repay debt, ETHZilla shifted focus toward tokenized jet engine leases, while Thiel chose to step away completely.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 18, 2026 05:37 UTC

    Bitwise Submits Filing for Election-Based ETF

    Asset manager Bitwise has filed for a new group of prediction market-style ETFs under the PredictionShares brand, joining Roundhill in the race to bring these event-linked funds to market. The proposed ETFs would let investors gain regulated exposure to binary contracts tied to outcomes of the 2028 U.S. presidential election and the 2026 Congressional midterms, with payouts based on each specific result. Bitwise says the move responds to growing interest in prediction markets and aims to expand access through traditional brokerage accounts. Approval from regulators is still pending.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 13:50 UTC

    Dragonfly Capital Raises $650M to Back Crypto Infrastructure

    Dragonfly Capital has closed its fourth fund at $650 million, even as it describes the current crypto venture landscape as a “mass extinction event.” Despite market challenges, the firm remains focused on key growth areas in crypto, including financial infrastructure, stablecoins, on-chain finance, and tokenized real-world assets (RWA). The move highlights Dragonfly’s long-term confidence in blockchain innovation, positioning the firm to back projects that could shape the future of decentralized finance despite broader market volatility.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 13:15 UTC

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy Adds 2,486 Bitcoin

    Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin treasury company, Strategy, continued its aggressive accumulation by buying 2,486 BTC in its latest purchase, adding roughly $168 million to its treasury. This brings the firm’s total Bitcoin holdings to 717,131 BTC acquired for about $54.52 billion at an average price of around $76,027 per coin as of February 16, 2026, making it one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin and underscoring its long‑term belief in BTC despite recent market volatility.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 12:22 UTC

    Ethereum Real-World Assets Surpass $15 Billion

    Ethereum’s tokenized real-world assets, including U.S. Treasuries, gold, and private credit, have crossed $15 billion, growing about 200% year-over-year. These blockchain tokens enable easier trading, yields, and fractional ownership. Ethereum holds 58% of the global non-stablecoin RWA market, with major players like BlackRock’s $1.8 billion BUIDL fund fueling growth. Transfer volumes doubled to $26 billion in 30 days, pushing RWAs to No. 4 in DeFi by total value locked at $21.5 billion, with analysts forecasting trillions more by 2030.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 10:58 UTC

    XRP Bulls Eye $70 Target as Breakout Approaches

    XRP is showing signs of a potential major move as it forms key technical setups like triangles and rising channels. Analysts point to breakout levels between $2.80 and $3.30, which could push the price above $5 if buying momentum increases. Strong support around $2.00 to $2.30 is crucial to keep the bullish outlook intact, and rising trading volume along with positive trend indicators suggest the market could see significant gains if these levels hold.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 08:27 UTC

    Standard Chartered Slashes XRP 2026 Forecast by 65%

    Standard Chartered has cut its XRP year‑end 2026 price forecast from $8 to $2.80, a sharp 65% reduction, citing sustained weakness across the crypto market and waning institutional flows. The bank’s digital assets team noted that XRP’s price recently dipped to multi‑month lows amid broader sell‑offs in major tokens. Persistent ETF outflows, macroeconomic pressure, and risk‑off sentiment across digital assets have forced the reassessment. This downgrade aligns with similar cuts to Bitcoin and Ethereum forecasts, reflecting deep market challenges.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 06:51 UTC

    Robert Kiyosaki: Giant Crash Coming, I’m Buying More Bitcoin

    Financial author Robert Kiyosaki says the massive market crash he predicted in his 2013 book Rich Dad’s Prophecy is now close. He believes investors holding assets like gold, silver, Ethereum, and Bitcoin could gain, while those unprepared may face losses. Kiyosaki adds that he is increasing his Bitcoin holdings as prices drop, pointing to its 21 million supply limit and calling market crashes powerful opportunities to buy assets at discounted prices.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 17, 2026 06:00 UTC

    Vitalik Buterin: Ethereum Is Neutral and Open to Everyone

    Ethereum co founder Vitalik Buterin said in a post on X that Ethereum continues to operate as a fully permissionless and neutral network, beyond the control of any single person, including himself. He noted that labeling certain DeFi, AI, or prediction market apps as low value or profit-driven represents personal opinion and free speech, not censorship. Drawing a comparison to Linux, he said open platforms allow diverse projects to exist, even as debate within the community continues.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 13:39 UTC

    Harvard Dumps Bitcoin for Ethereum

    Harvard Management Company reduced its position in the iShares Bitcoin Trust by about 21 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, holding 5.35 million shares valued at roughly $265.8 million. During the same period, the endowment initiated a new $86.8 million stake in the iShares Ethereum Trust, marking its first reported exposure to an Ethereum‑based ETF. As of December 31, 2025, Harvard’s combined Bitcoin and Ether ETF holdings totaled $352.6 million, reflecting a rebalancing within its digital asset allocations.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 12:22 UTC

    Ledger and Trezor Users Targeted by Offline Phishing Scam

    Security researchers have uncovered a new phishing campaign in which fraudsters send physical mail to owners of Ledger and Trezor wallets, impersonating official support. The letters use convincing logos and messaging to push users toward fraudulent websites that ask for recovery seed phrases, which are private keys that grant full control of crypto assets. This offline tactic aims to bypass usual email and SMS filters. Experts strongly advise never sharing or entering seed phrases online and to always verify support contact details through official company channels to avoid theft.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 11:36 UTC

    OKX Secures EU Approval to Grow Crypto Payments

    OKX has secured a Payment Institution license from Malta’s financial regulator, giving it full regulatory approval to offer stablecoin payment services across the European Union under the bloc’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) and Payment Services Directive (PSD2) frameworks. This license lets OKX expand OKX Pay and the OKX Card, supporting stablecoins like USDC and USDG in compliant transactions throughout the EU. The move strengthens OKX’s regulated presence ahead of tighter European crypto rules taking effect in 2026 and positions the exchange to bring stablecoins into everyday payments and card spending.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 10:39 UTC

    Metaplanet Sees Profit Surge of 1,694% from Bitcoin Holdings

    Japan‑listed Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet reported FY2025 revenue of ¥8.905 billion, a 738% increase year on year, with operating profit jumping 1,694% to ¥6.287 billion. Over the year, the company expanded its Bitcoin holdings from 1,762 BTC to 35,102 BTC. Despite this growth, it recorded an unrealized valuation loss of around ¥102.2 billion, highlighting both the rapid expansion and the volatility of managing a large crypto treasury.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 07:52 UTC

    ETH Whale Wakes Up After 10 Years, Turns $443 Into $2.8M

    A wallet that received 1,430 ETH during the 2015 Ethereum presale has become active after more than 10 years of dormancy. The tokens were originally purchased for just $443 at roughly $0.31 per ETH and are now valued at about $2.81 million at current market prices near $1,965. The holder first attempted a 1 ETH test transaction to Gemini, which initially failed due to gas settings, before successfully transferring 1,428 ETH. The move highlights both the scale of early crypto returns and the importance of careful transaction management after long inactivity.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 16, 2026 06:36 UTC

    DOGE Drops 12% in 24 Hours

    Dogecoin fell 12.39 percent to 0.102 in 24 hours, underperforming a weak crypto market. Investors are rotating out of riskier altcoins, with the Altcoin Season Index dropping to 30. Broader market losses and a break below the 30-day and 200-day moving averages increased bearish pressure. If DOGE falls under 0.10, it could test 0.094. A move above 0.1038 would signal early stabilization, while Bitcoin’s trend will likely drive the next move.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Feb 14, 2026 12:20 UTC

    Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs See Strong Daily Inflows

    On Feb. 13, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted a modest $15.20 million in net inflows, reversing recent outflow pressure seen earlier in the week, with Fidelity’s FBTC leading with about $11.99 million collected. Meanwhile, spot Ethereum ETFs also saw $10.26 million in net inflows, as Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust ETF recorded the largest single-day gain of $14.51 million, marking a short-term rebound in institutional appetite for core crypto products amid ongoing market volatility and rotation in investment flows.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 14, 2026 06:58 UTC

    Russia’s Central Bank Eyes Ruble Stablecoin Launch

    Russia’s Central Bank will study the risks and benefits of a ruble-pegged stablecoin this year, First Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin said at the Alfa Talk conference in Moscow. The research will learn from other countries and lead to public discussion. The move comes as crypto use in international trade grows amid sanctions, with a daily turnover of 50 billion rubles. A ruble stablecoin could give the private sector more flexibility, complementing the ongoing digital ruble pilot, while foreign-pegged private coins remain restricted.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 14, 2026 06:15 UTC

    Kevin O’Leary Wins $2.8M in Defamation Case Against BitBoy

    A Florida federal judge has awarded Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary $2.8 million in a defamation lawsuit against crypto influencer Ben “BitBoy” Armstrong after Armstrong failed to defend the case. Armstrong’s March 2025 social media posts falsely accused O’Leary of murder related to a 2019 boating accident, in which O’Leary was never charged, and his wife was acquitted, and shared his private phone number, leading to harassment. The damages include reputational harm, emotional distress, and punitive awards, highlighting the risks of false online accusations.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 13, 2026 13:23 UTC

    Bitcoin Ponzi CEO Sentenced to 20 Years in $200M Fraud Case

    A Virginia federal judge sentenced the 61-year-old CEO of Praetorian Group International to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $200 million Bitcoin Ponzi scheme that ran from late 2019 through 2021. He lured investors with phony daily returns of 0.5%-3% via a fake online trading portal, but no real trading ever occurred. Prosecutors detailed how he spent millions on luxury homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, high-end cars, designer goods, and family transfers. The court also ordered $62.7 million in restitution and forfeiture of $12.2 million in cash and properties as victims pursue compensation.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 13, 2026 13:02 UTC

    Seoul Police Lose $1.5M in Seized Bitcoin

    Seoul authorities disclosed that about $1.5 million in Bitcoin seized in a 2021 fraud case was transferred out of a secure wallet without detection and only uncovered during a nationwide audit. Although the device itself remained physically intact, the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency has opened an investigation into possible internal involvement. The case follows a separate incident in which the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office lost 320 BTC in a phishing attack, raising fresh concerns over how confiscated crypto assets are protected in South Korea.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 13, 2026 08:03 UTC

    Upbit & Bithumb to Delist Loopring ($LRC)

    South Korea’s leading exchanges Upbit and Bithumb announced they will remove Loopring ($LRC) from trading on March 16, 2026, at 1500 KST. The decision comes after ongoing concerns over disclosure transparency, project operations, and development progress. Withdrawals will remain available until April 16, but deposits and services such as airdrops will no longer be supported. The announcement caused $LRC to drop about 10%, reflecting growing regulatory oversight and stronger protections for crypto users in South Korea.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 13, 2026 07:43 UTC

    CZ Shuts Down $300M Binance Bitcoin Rumor

    A social media post claimed Binance earned 60,000 BTC by shorting Bitcoin on BitMEX ahead of the March 2020 Black Thursday crash. Binance co‑founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao dismissed it as fake news, stating Binance never traded on BitMEX and there’s no proof or official record of such activity. He also noted BitMEX’s withdrawal system wouldn’t support a huge single exit. Most in the crypto community called the rumor baseless FUD, with no evidence offered to back it.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 13, 2026 06:01 UTC

    Bhutan Sells Another $6.7M in Bitcoin

    The Royal Government of Bhutan has been steadily selling Bitcoin, including another $6.7 million this week, as part of ongoing periodic liquidations that follow heavier sales in September and beyond. After expanding mining plans with Bitdeer Technologies to boost capacity toward 600 MW, on-chain data shows Bhutan’s mining output dropped after the April 2024 halving, making mining less efficient. Despite these sales, identified government wallets still hold roughly $372 million worth of BTC, reflecting a gradual shift from mining accumulation toward strategic reserve management amid market challenges.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 12, 2026 12:53 UTC

    Tether Unveils QVAC, a Fully Local AI Assistant

    Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino shared a demo of QVAC, the company’s new AI assistant designed to run entirely on users’ own devices, not in the cloud. QVAC utilizes the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to support multiple skills and can complete tasks such as creating assignments in apps, all through local inference and reasoning, even on a modest laptop GPU. The design emphasizes privacy by keeping data on the device, and Tether plans to release QVAC as an open-source project for developers soon.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 09, 2026 13:47 UTC

    Strategy Buys 1,142 BTC, Now Holds Over 714K Coins

    Strategy has announced the purchase of 1,142 Bitcoin for roughly $90 million, at an average price of about $78,815 per BTC. This latest acquisition brings the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 714,644 BTC, bought for around $54.35 billion at an average cost of $76,056 each. The move reinforces Strategy’s long-term commitment to accumulating Bitcoin, even as prices fluctuate, highlighting its continued confidence in the world’s largest cryptocurrency as a store of value.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 09, 2026 08:42 UTC

    China Urges Banks to Cut U.S. Treasury Holdings

    Chinese regulators have privately instructed major commercial banks to limit new U.S. Treasury purchases and gradually reduce large holdings due to market volatility and concentration risks. Sovereign reserves are unaffected, but China’s Treasury holdings are near multi‑year lows after years of diversification. Analysts suggest this cautious approach reflects broader interest in alternative assets, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as China seeks to manage risk while exploring non‑dollar stores of value.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Feb 09, 2026 07:29 UTC

    Binance SAFU Fund Adds $300M in Bitcoin

    Binance’s Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), created after the 2019 hack to protect customers, bought an additional 4,225 BTC worth about $300 million, bringing total holdings to 10,455 BTC valued at around $734 million. This purchase is part of a plan announced on January 30, 2026, to convert $1 billion in stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin within 30 days. The move highlights Binance’s confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value despite recent market dips from over $76,000.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 11:28 UTC

    Bitcoin Searches Reach 12-Month High

    Global Google searches for “Bitcoin” soared to a one-year high during the week of February 1 as the price plunged toward $60,000 before rebounding near $70,000, erasing post-election gains. On X, opinions are divided: some see rising retail interest as a bullish signal, while others call it FOMO. Volatility was fueled by deleveraging, Fed signals, and Epstein-related FUD. On-chain data showed record losses, suggesting either capitulation or a fresh buying opportunity for investors.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 10:58 UTC

    Crypto.com CEO Buys AI.com for $70M

    Cryptocom co-founder and CEO Kris Marszalek has purchased the domain AIcom for approximately $70 million, marking the largest publicly disclosed domain name sale. He plans to use it to launch a consumer-focused AI platform, promoted with a Super Bowl ad, featuring an AI agent that can message, use apps, and trade stocks. The entire purchase was made in cryptocurrency, signaling Marszalek’s long-term confidence in AI as a major technological wave shaping the future.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 07:42 UTC

    Crypto Startup Erebor Becomes First US Bank of Trump’s Term

    Erebor Bank, a crypto‑friendly financial startup backed by tech investors including Palmer Luckey and Joe Lonsdale, has become the first new national bank chartered in the US during President Trump’s second term, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) approved the charter less than eight months after application, allowing Erebor to operate nationwide. The bank aims to serve technology firms in crypto, artificial intelligence, defense, and manufacturing, helping fill funding gaps left after Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. It has also secured FDIC deposit insurance and plans to offer traditional banking alongside services tailored to emerging industries.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 07:14 UTC

    Arthur Hayes Blames IBIT Hedging for Recent Bitcoin Selloff

    BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes said the recent Bitcoin selloff was likely driven by dealer hedging linked to iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) structured products. These hedging activities, where market participants adjust positions based on price movements, can amplify volatility. Hayes is also compiling a detailed list of bank-issued notes and related products to identify potential trigger points that could cause sharp Bitcoin swings. He stressed that as market conditions evolve, traders and institutions must adapt quickly to navigate sudden price changes.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 06:49 UTC

    Bitcoin Rebounds to $70K Amid Extreme Market Fear

    Bitcoin jumped back to around $70,600 on February 7 after falling near $60,000, reversing a recent 14% drop from early February highs. At the same time, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index fell to extreme fear, with a reading between 6 and 10, the lowest since 2022, highlighting deep investor anxiety over volatility, trading volume, and market sentiment. Contrarian traders see buying opportunities in the panic, with analysts like Benjamin Cowen noting the irony, though some skeptics caution that the index may lag behind Bitcoin’s rapid price swings.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 07, 2026 06:31 UTC

    21Shares Files With SEC for Spot ONDO ETF

    Crypto asset manager 21Shares has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch a spot ETF based on ONDO, the native token of Ondo Finance. The proposed 21Shares Ondo Trust would directly hold ONDO tokens and track their performance using the CME CF Ondo Finance-Dollar Reference Rate, with Coinbase providing custody. This ETF aims to offer a regulated, passive way for investors to gain exposure to ONDO and the growing tokenized real-world assets market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 13:46 UTC

    Stablecoin Inflows Surge to $100B Amid Crypto Dip

    Weekly stablecoin inflows to exchanges doubled from $51 billion in late December to around $100 billion amid the recent crypto dip, surpassing the 90-day average of $89 billion. January transaction volumes reached $10 trillion, with USDC leading at $8.4 trillion, highlighting its speed and efficiency over traditional payments. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis urged banks to adopt stablecoins for custody and cheaper payment rails. Meanwhile, China banned unapproved yuan-linked stablecoins, and Binance CEO CZ is developing native stablecoins with multiple countries.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 13:27 UTC

    China Bans Unapproved Yuan Stablecoins

    China has banned unapproved offshore yuan-pegged stablecoins to stop crypto-based capital flight and financial crime. The People’s Bank of China repeated its strict ban on crypto activity, citing risks tied to money laundering and foreign exchange fraud. Hong Kong regulators also warned that no licenses have been issued, and promoting such stablecoins is illegal. The move targets offshore RMB tokens like CNH stablecoins and supports China’s push toward its digital yuan, the eCNY.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 12:40 UTC

    Bithumb Employee Mistake Sends 2,000 BTC to Users

    A Bithumb employee accidentally sent around 2,000 $BTC to hundreds of users during an airdrop instead of the intended token, causing Bitcoin to drop about 10% on the exchange. Some users reported receiving 2,000 $BTC rather than the expected 2,000 KRW. The mishap triggered a sharp price reaction locally on Bithumb, though Bitcoin’s broader market remained relatively stable. The incident highlights the risks of human error in crypto operations and the potential market impact of large accidental transfers.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 11:49 UTC

    Metaplanet to Keep Buying Bitcoin Despite Market Slump

    Metaplanet CEO Gerovich announced the company will continue steadily accumulating Bitcoin despite a 50% drop from October 2025 highs and shares nearly halving since mid-January. The Tokyo-listed firm, which began buying BTC in April 2024, now holds 35,102 BTC worth $2.2 billion, ranking fourth globally among public companies. With an average purchase price of $107,716 per BTC, the firm faces $1.6 billion in unrealized losses. Gerovich emphasized long-term growth, mirroring strategies of other resilient Bitcoin holders like MicroStrategy.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 11:24 UTC

    Ethereum Whales Face $1.7 Billion Liquidation Risk

    Several Ethereum whales are at risk of major liquidations as ETH trades near $1,900. Trend Research leads with 356,000 ETH ($671 million) vulnerable between $1,562 and $1,698, followed by Joseph Lubin with 293,000 ETH ($553 million) and the “7 Siblings” group with 287,000 ETH ($541 million) exposed near $1,029 to $1,075. Trend Research recently sold 170,000 ETH ($322 million) and repaid $344 million in loans, reducing exposure. If ETH prices drop further, forced liquidations could trigger sell-offs, though adding collateral may help whales avoid wipeouts.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 11:07 UTC

    Cardano Founder Loses $3B in Crypto Crash

    Cardano founder and former Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson revealed in a livestream called Red Days that his crypto holdings have lost over 3 billion dollars as Bitcoin fell below 66,000 and ADA dropped to 0.25, down 92 percent from its 2021 peak. Hoskinson stressed his commitment to blockchain technology over profit, saying money is not his motivation, and he would stay dedicated even after such losses. He highlighted his clean record compared to scandals like FTX and urged the community to keep building despite market volatility.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 10:23 UTC

    Crypto Fear Hits Extreme Levels as Bitcoin Dips Below $65,000

    The Crypto Fear and Greed Index fell to extreme fear levels of 5-9, the lowest since the June 2022 Terra and FTX crashes, as Bitcoin briefly dropped below $65,000 before recovering. The cryptocurrency saw a single-day decline of over $10,000, wiping out significant market value and triggering widespread liquidations. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $434.1 million in net outflows on February 5, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, reflecting growing caution among institutional investors.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Feb 06, 2026 08:32 UTC

    Binance Buys the Dip: $233M Bitcoin Boost for SAFU Fund

    Binance has boosted its Secure Asset Fund for Users by adding $233 million in Bitcoin, acquiring 3,600 BTC, and bringing total holdings to 6,230 BTC, worth approximately $404 million. This marks the third significant purchase in days, totaling nearly $430 million. The move is part of a strategy announced on January 30 to gradually convert SAFU reserves from stablecoins into Bitcoin amid market dips, reflecting strong confidence in BTC as a long term reserve asset.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 15:08 UTC

    Brazil Moves to Ban Unbacked Stablecoins

    Brazil’s congressional committee has approved Bill 4,308/2024 to strengthen stablecoin oversight. The law requires all stablecoins to be fully backed by reserves, banning unbacked tokens like Ethena’s USDe and Frax. Issuers of unbacked coins could face up to eight years in prison, and exchanges handling foreign stablecoins such as USDT and USDC must follow strict compliance and risk rules. This move is set to reshape Brazil’s crypto market.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 12:17 UTC

    Bitcoin Price Crash Slips Below $70K After 15 Months

    Bitcoin briefly dropped below the $70,000 mark for the first time since November 2024 and is now trading at $70,131, down 5.34% in the past 24 hours. Ethereum also faced heavy selling pressure, sliding to $2,095 after a sharp 6.96% daily decline. Market volatility triggered massive liquidations, with CoinGlass data showing $951 million wiped out in the last 24 hours. Long traders were hit the hardest, accounting for $790 million of the total liquidations, as the sudden sell-off caught bullish bets off guard.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 08:23 UTC

    Bitcoin ETFs See $545M Outflows While XRP Gains $4.83M

    On February 4, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded total net outflows of $545 million, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) seeing the largest single‑day withdrawal at about $373 million. Spot Ethereum ETFs also saw net outflows of $79.48 million, reflecting continued selling pressure in major crypto funds. In contrast, XRP spot ETFs attracted net inflows of $4.83 million, showing selective investor interest despite broader ETF outflows. The data highlights growing divergence in where capital is flowing within the crypto ETF market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 08:04 UTC

    Grant Cardone Buys More Bitcoin at $72K

    Grant Cardone confirmed that his firm, Cardone Capital, has bought more Bitcoin at around $72,000 per coin, adding to its growing institutional crypto holdings as part of a hybrid strategy that blends real estate cash flow with long‑term BTC accumulation. He used recent announcements to challenge investors waiting for lower prices to buy, telling them to act now rather than time the market. Cardone also dismissed bearish predictions that Bitcoin could fall to zero, reinforcing his belief in Bitcoin’s future.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 07:51 UTC

    BitMine Faces $7.4 Billion Ethereum Losses

    BitMine Immersion Technologies, led by Tom Lee, is reporting over $7.4 billion in unrealized losses on its 4.285 million ETH holdings, bought at an average of $3,830 per coin, now worth below $2,100, while Ethereum has fallen below current levels. Despite these paper losses, the company continues its Ethereum treasury strategy, adding more ETH during the downturn and staking a large portion of its holdings to earn yield. Lee emphasizes that such drawdowns are normal in a long-term treasury approach, reflecting broader market cycles rather than a flaw in strategy. BitMine’s Ethereum holdings, roughly 3.5% of circulating ETH, show both its conviction in the market and the risks involved in deep crypto treasury plays.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 07:09 UTC

    Scott Bessent: Treasury Won’t Bail Out Bitcoin

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Congress the government has no power to bail out Bitcoin or force private banks to buy it. In response to questioning by crypto critic Rep. Brad Sherman, Bessent stressed that interventions in Bitcoin markets are not part of the Treasury’s authority. He also confirmed that the U.S. will retain its seized Bitcoin, which has grown from $500 million to over $15 billion, as part of a strategic reserve policy focused on holding rather than selling these assets.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 06:44 UTC

    Vitalik Buterin Sells 3,000 ETH Amid Market Dip

    Over the past three days, Vitalik Buterin sold roughly 2,961.5 ETH, worth about $6.6 million, at an average price of $2,228 per coin, with selling still ongoing. On-chain data from his Gnosis Safe wallet shows repeated WETH outflows via CoW Protocol into tokens like USDC and GHO. The sales are a small portion of his 300,000+ ETH holdings, sparking mixed reactions: critics call it retail exit liquidity, while supporters note his history of funding Ethereum projects, biotech ventures like Kanro, and open-source initiatives. Ethereum traded near $2,150, down 5% in 24 hours, amid daily volumes exceeding $10 billion and continued institutional buying.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Feb 05, 2026 06:22 UTC

    XRP Drops 10% After Breaking Key Support

    XRP dropped 10.08% to $1.43, underperforming the broader crypto market’s 7.18% decline and falling 23.85% over the past seven days. The drop followed a break below the critical $1.60 support, triggering automated selling and hitting the lowest price since November 2024. Bitcoin’s 6% decline and a global tech sell-off added pressure. Despite this, social sentiment remains strong, though extreme fear suggests short-term emotional selling may continue before a potential bounce.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 13:52 UTC

    Peter Schiff: China Focuses on Gold, Not Bitcoin

    Economist Peter Schiff criticized former President Trump’s push for U.S. dominance in Bitcoin and digital assets, calling it misguided as China focuses on building factories and buying gold. While the U.S. holds around 198,000 BTC, China’s holdings from seizures are close to 190,000-194,000 BTC. Meanwhile, China continues expanding its gold reserves, reaching 2,306 tonnes valued at over $319 billion by December 2025, signaling a preference for traditional assets over crypto.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 13:12 UTC

    Swiss Bank UBS Eyes Crypto Access for Clients

    Swiss banking giant UBS Group AG, which manages around $6.9 trillion in assets, is planning to offer cryptocurrency access to individual clients and tokenized deposit solutions for corporate customers as part of its digital asset strategy. CEO Sergio Ermotti described a cautious “fast follower” approach, focusing on building the right infrastructure and rolling out selective services while expanding pilot projects, highlighting the growing interest in blockchain among traditional banks amid evolving global demand and regulations.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 07:29 UTC

    Binance’s SAFU Fund Buys Another $100M in Bitcoin

    Binance’s Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) has made another big move in its ongoing plan to shift its $1 billion emergency reserve from stablecoins into Bitcoin. The fund added 1,315 BTC worth about $100 million in its latest buy, boosting total two‑day accumulation to 2,630 Bitcoin valued at roughly $201 million. This purchase is part of a 30‑day conversion strategy announced by Binance, reflecting confidence in Bitcoin as a core reserve asset and strengthening user protection in volatile markets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 07:21 UTC

    Elon Musk Net Worth Hits $852.5 Billion

    Elon Musk has pulled far ahead as the world’s richest person after SpaceX acquired his AI startup xAI. Forbes’ real-time tracker now estimates Musk’s net worth at $852.5 billion. The deal merged SpaceX, xAI, and X, valuing the combined company at $1.25 trillion. Musk owns 42% of SpaceX, which now accounts for more than half of his total wealth. His fortune is now larger than the combined wealth of Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin. Tesla still makes up about 12% of his holdings, while SpaceX’s Starship and Starlink continue to drive growth.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 06:33 UTC

    Tom Lee: Bitmine’s ETH Losses Are Normal for Its Strategy

    Bitmine (BMNR) has faced criticism after reports showed an unrealized loss of about $6.6 billion on its Ethereum holdings amid a market downturn. Some traders warned that this could create future selling pressure and limit ETH’s price. Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee pushed back, saying these views misunderstand the purpose of an Ethereum treasury; it’s meant to mirror ETH’s price over the full cycle, so paper losses during a slump are expected. Lee called the losses “a feature, not a bug,” comparing them to index ETFs that also show losses in down markets, and emphasized Bitmine’s long‑term strategy and ongoing ETH accumulation.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 04, 2026 05:45 UTC

    Tether Drops $20 Billion Funding Plan After Investor Pushback

    Tether has pulled back its fundraising plans after investors raised concerns about a reported $500 billion valuation, the Financial Times reported. The company had earlier considered raising $15–20 billion, but advisers are now discussing a much smaller amount of about $5 billion. CEO Paolo Ardoino said the higher figure was only the maximum Tether was willing to raise. He added that the company, which made around $10 billion last year from USDT reserves, is comfortable not raising any new funds.

  • Hack Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 13:44 UTC

    Arbitrum DAO’s X Account Hacked

    Arbitrum DAO has confirmed that its official X account has been compromised. The team warned users not to click on or interact with any posts or links from the hacked account. They are actively working to regain control. Importantly, the Arbitrum protocol and user funds remain completely safe, as the breach only affects the social media account. Users are advised to stay cautious and ignore any suspicious messages until the account is fully recovered.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 12:22 UTC

    Aster CEO Denies Insider Dumping Amid Token Controversy

    Aster CEO Leonard has denied recent rumors that insiders engaged in token dumping or that Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” controls the project, calling such claims baseless. He emphasized that Aster operates independently with YZi Labs’ investment locked long-term and follows published tokenomics. The DeFi perpetual exchange has completed 254 million token buybacks and burned 78 million, with automated daily buybacks planned. Future plans include deeper liquidity, a privacy‑focused Layer 1 chain, staking, and slowing token emissions to support long‑term growth.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 11:52 UTC

    Aave Founder Buys £22M London Mansion

    Aave founder Stani Kulechov has acquired a five-story Victorian mansion in London’s Notting Hill for £22 million (about $30 million), one of the few high-value property deals in the city’s luxury market over the past year. The purchase, completed in November, was roughly £2 million below earlier price guidance amid a slowdown in London’s high-end housing sector caused by higher taxes and reduced incentives for foreign buyers. The mansion offers extensive panoramic views and underscores continued global interest in prime real estate.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 11:26 UTC

    Elon Musk’s X Offices Raided in Paris Cybercrime Probe

    French authorities, including the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit, CyberGEND, and Europol, raided Elon Musk’s X offices in Paris over alleged cybercrimes. The probe targets offenses such as distributing child sexual abuse material, pedophilic deepfakes, grooming minors, and data mishandling. The raid follows a 2025 investigation into Grok-generated non-consensual content. Elon Musk and X CEO Linda Yaccarino were summoned for questioning in April. The action underscores growing EU pressure on X regarding AI safeguards and content moderation.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 11:21 UTC

    HashKey Exchange to Launch SUI/USD Trading in Hong Kong

    HashKey Exchange, Hong Kong’s largest regulated crypto trading platform, will launch the SUI/USD spot trading pair and open over‑the‑counter trading at 16:00 HKT on February 4, 2026. Both the spot and OTC markets will be available only to professional investors, with the OTC marketplace offering real‑time quotes from top liquidity providers. SUI token deposits and withdrawals are already live, letting investors fund accounts ahead of launch. The move expands HashKey’s compliant trading options and supports growing institutional interest in SUI.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 07:46 UTC

    Elon’s xAI Is Hiring Crypto Experts to Train AI Trading Models

    Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is hiring crypto specialists to train its AI on trading and digital asset strategies. The roles require expertise in on-chain analysis, DeFi, derivatives, arbitrage, MEV, quantitative methods, and risk management. These remote positions pay $45 to $100 per hour for US applicants outside Wyoming and Illinois and require a master’s, PhD, or equivalent experience. The move has been welcomed by crypto communities as a step toward mainstream adoption, with some joking that Bitcoin is now the currency of AI.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 03, 2026 07:18 UTC

    ING Deutschland Opens Crypto ETP Investing for Retail Clients

    ING Deutschland, one of Germany’s largest retail brokers, has opened up new ways for ordinary investors to buy and sell crypto exchange‑traded products (ETPs) through its standard securities accounts. The bank’s Direct Depot now includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana ETPs, as well as crypto index products, all provided by major issuers such as 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, and traded on regulated markets. These ETPs are physically backed, letting clients gain exposure to digital assets without managing wallets or private keys, while relying on familiar banking infrastructure. ING says this move aims to lower barriers to crypto investing while using familiar banking infrastructure.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 13:29 UTC

    Strategy Buys 855 Bitcoin, Expands Total Holdings to 713K BTC

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy has continued buying Bitcoin steadily, adding 855 BTC in a recent purchase worth about $75.3 million at an average price of around $87,974 per coin. As of February 1, 2026, the company now holds a total of 713,502 Bitcoin. In total, Strategy has invested roughly $54.26 billion in Bitcoin, with an average purchase price of $76,052 per BTC, showing strong long term confidence in Bitcoin’s value.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 12:22 UTC

    Jasmy Swap Launch Boosts JasmyCoin by 3.64%

    JasmyChain’s ecosystem grows with the launch of Jasmy Swap, a third-party decentralized exchange protocol. Built on JasmyChain, it uses smart contracts to automatically execute digital asset swaps, serving as a technical proof-of-concept for blockchain-based trading. The launch has sparked positive market response, with JasmyCoin rising 3.64%. Jasmy Swap highlights the ecosystem’s innovation and potential, showing how the chain can support new DeFi applications and increase activity within its blockchain network.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 11:50 UTC

    Russian Bitcoin Miner BitRiver Faces Bankruptcy

    Russian Bitcoin mining giant BitRiver is on the brink of bankruptcy after a court launched insolvency proceedings over unpaid debts of more than 700 million rubles related to equipment and electricity costs. The company has shut down several facilities, faced management departures, and grappled with creditor lawsuits. Adding to its challenges, founder Igor Runets has been charged with tax evasion and placed under house arrest, intensifying the financial and legal pressures on the once‑leading mining firm.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 11:10 UTC

    Ripple Expands in EU with Full Luxembourg EMI License

    Ripple has officially received its full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from Luxembourg’s CSSF, marking a major step in its European growth. The approval allows Ripple to offer regulated blockchain-based payment solutions across the EU, supporting businesses in moving to modern, digital-first finance. This comes after recent UK approvals and adds to Ripple’s portfolio of 75+ global licenses, making it one of the most regulated and trusted players in the crypto and digital assets space.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 08:23 UTC

    Nevada Court Temporarily Bans Polymarket Sports Contracts

    A Nevada state court has issued a two-week temporary restraining order preventing Blockratize, the operator of the prediction market Polymarket, from offering sports and event contracts to residents, saying those activities likely violate Nevada’s gambling laws. The judge agreed with the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s civil complaint that Polymarket is operating without a state gaming license and that the federal Commodity Exchange Act does not give the CFTC exclusive authority over these contracts. If upheld, Polymarket and similar platforms may have to obtain state licenses or stop offering such markets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Feb 02, 2026 07:25 UTC

    Vitalik Introduces a Two-Layer Model for On-Chain Governance

    Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin says the future of on-chain system design will rely on a two-layer structure. The first layer focuses on open and accountable execution, such as prediction markets, where correct decisions are rewarded, and wrong ones face losses. The second layer handles preferences and judgment, using decentralized, anonymous, and non-token-based voting systems like MACI. This design aims to resist capture, prevent collusion, and reduce the risk of 51% attacks.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 31, 2026 11:17 UTC

    Trader Loses $12.4M in Address Poisoning Scam

    A crypto trader lost 4,556 ETH (about $12.4 million) after mistakenly copying a poisoned wallet address that looked nearly identical to Galaxy Digital’s legitimate deposit address. Scammers had polluted the victim’s transaction history with tiny dust transfers from a fake address that shared the same first and last characters as the real one. Thinking he was sending funds to Galaxy Digital, the trader pasted the poisoned address and executed a transfer, only for the attacker to sweep almost the entire balance, leaving the wallet with just 6.8 ETH. This incident highlights the risk of relying on transaction history and the importance of always verifying full wallet addresses before sending large amounts.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 31, 2026 08:09 UTC

    Vitalik Buterin Celebrates 32nd Birthday

    Today, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin turns 32. Born on 31 January 1994 in Russia and raised in Canada, Buterin began coding at an early age and co-founded Bitcoin Magazine before publishing Ethereum’s whitepaper in 2013. He launched Ethereum in 2015, creating a platform that now powers decentralized finance, NFTs, smart contracts, and thousands of blockchain applications. Fans marked the occasion with artwork, memes, and tributes, while ETH traded near $2,700 as the community wishes him Happy Birthday, Vitalik, honoring his lasting influence on crypto.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 31, 2026 07:20 UTC

    Lighter Launches “Lighter EVM” for DeFi Growth

    Lighter has launched Lighter EVM, adding Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) support to let developers build and run smart contracts on its platform, marking a shift from a pure trading engine to a broader blockchain and DeFi ecosystem. The upgrade will support DeFi apps like Uniswap and Aave, integrating trading, lending, and shared liquidity pools for better efficiency and reduced manipulation risks. Lighter is also researching ways to cut latency and exploring advanced execution models for complex DeFi use cases.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 30, 2026 12:50 UTC

    Hong Kong’s New Stablecoin Law Takes Effect

    Hong Kong has officially put its Stablecoin Ordinance into effect, requiring issuers of fiat-backed stablecoins to get a license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The rules include strong compliance, reserve, and risk management standards to protect investors and ensure stability. This year, the government will also submit a full framework for crypto trading, custody, advisory, and management services to the Legislative Council. Cross-border tax reporting is expected to start in 2028, strengthening oversight and aligning with global standards.

  • FED Sohrab Khawas Jan 30, 2026 12:00 UTC

    Trump Picks Kevin Warsh as Next Fed Chair

    President Trump has officially chosen former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve Chair, replacing Jerome Powell, with Senate confirmation still pending. Warsh, who served on the Fed from 2006 to 2011 and later worked in economic research and policy, is seen as experienced but likely to favor tighter monetary policy, which has lifted the U.S. dollar and bond yields. Stocks, gold, and Bitcoin fell as markets priced in potentially higher rates and reduced liquidity. Warsh has previously said Bitcoin can act like a store of value, though his focus remains on price stability and disciplined policy.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 30, 2026 08:29 UTC

    SEC Delays Crypto Exemptions as Review Continues

    SEC Chair Paul Atkins has indicated that broad crypto innovation exemptions, covering areas like tokenized securities and DeFi, are unlikely to be finalized this month or next. Initially expected in January, the agency is taking a cautious approach and reviewing details carefully. Wall Street firms, including JPMorgan, Citadel, and SIFMA, recently met with the SEC to raise concerns about potential market impacts. Timing may also be influenced by pending crypto legislation in the Senate, though no release date is set.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 30, 2026 06:22 UTC

    US DOJ Seizes $400M in Crypto Linked to Helix Darknet Mixer

    The U.S. Department of Justice has seized over 400 million dollars in cryptocurrency, real estate, and other assets tied to the darknet mixing service Helix. The forfeiture was finalized on January 21, officially giving the government legal ownership. Helix, operated by Larry Dean Harmon from 2014 to 2017, handled around 354,468 Bitcoin, worth roughly 300 million dollars at the time, mainly for darknet drug markets. Harmon pleaded guilty to money laundering in 2021 and was sentenced in November 2024 to three years in prison, supervised release, and asset forfeiture. The case marks a major victory in combating crypto crime.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Jan 30, 2026 05:54 UTC

    Binance Shifts $1B SAFU Fund to Bitcoin

    Binance has unveiled a new plan to reshape its $1 billion Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) by converting all of its stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin over the next 30 days. This move underscores its long-term confidence in BTC’s value. During this transition, Binance will continuously monitor the fund’s worth and add more Bitcoin if volatility pushes its market value below $800 million, keeping the safety net near its full target. The SAFU, launched in 2018 as a user protection reserve, is now being aligned with Bitcoin to strengthen risk coverage and reflect Binance’s belief in crypto’s core asset.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 29, 2026 12:48 UTC

    Hyperliquid Unstakes 140K HYPE Tokens

    Hyperliquid Labs will unstake 140,000 HYPE tokens today, set to be distributed to team members on February 6, down from 1.2 million in January. Previous large unlocks, including 10 million tokens in November 2025, caused sell-off fears and price drops. Traders praised the move, calling the team innovative and focused on growth rather than greed. The platform continues to see strong adoption, generating over $58 million in daily fees on its Layer 1 blockchain.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 29, 2026 10:56 UTC

    Metaplanet to Raise $137M to Increase Bitcoin Holdings

    Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has launched a $137 million stock offering to fund further Bitcoin purchases, reinforcing its aggressive strategy to build one of the largest corporate Bitcoin treasuries. The company plans to issue new shares and stock acquisition rights to raise about ¥20.7 billion, with most proceeds earmarked for buying more Bitcoin and supporting its Bitcoin income business. Metaplanet, already among the top global corporate holders of Bitcoin, aims to deepen its exposure as institutional interest in digital assets grows.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 29, 2026 07:46 UTC

    Crypto PAC Fairshake Holds $193M Ahead of 2026 Elections

    The crypto-focused super PAC Fairshake has raised $193 million to prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, surpassing its previous cycle’s spending of $140 million. The increase comes from major contributions by Coinbase, Ripple, and Andreessen Horowitz, adding $74 million since July 2025. Fairshake aims to support lawmakers who back crypto innovation and oppose those seen as hostile to digital assets. In 2024, the PAC helped over 50 pro-crypto candidates win key races, including defeating Sen. Sherrod Brown.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 29, 2026 07:06 UTC

    Tom Lee’s BitMine Stakes 250,912 ETH

    Tom Lee’s BitMine Immersion Technologies recently added 250,912 $ETH ($745 million) to staking, bringing total staked Ethereum to 2,582,963 $ETH ($7.67 billion), or 61% of its 4.24 million ETH treasury. The company plans to eventually hold 5% of Ethereum’s total supply and launch its MAVAN validator network in Q1 2026. With potential annual yields of $215 million at 2.8-3% rates, analysts see this move as a major institutional endorsement of Ethereum’s security, scalability, and long-term growth potential.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 29, 2026 06:01 UTC

    Sony Invests $13M in Startale to Grow Soneium Blockchain

    Sony Innovation Fund has invested $13 million in Startale Group, marking the start of the company’s Series A funding round. Startale, a co-developer of the Soneium blockchain, works on building secure and scalable Web3 applications. The company previously raised $3.5 million from Sony in 2023 and another $3.5 million in 2024 from UOB Venture Management and Samsung Next. With this latest investment, Startale’s total funding reaches $20 million, strengthening its blockchain development efforts.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 28, 2026 13:16 UTC

    WisdomTree Brings Tokenized Funds to Solana

    WisdomTree is widening its tokenization footprint by launching its full suite of regulated tokenized funds on the Solana blockchain, boosting its multichain strategy. Now, both institutional and retail investors can mint, trade, and hold products such as money market, equity, fixed‑income, and alternative funds directly on Solana via WisdomTree Connect and WisdomTree Prime. The move taps Solana’s fast, low‑cost network to offer smoother on‑chain access to real‑world asset (RWA) investments. Solana’s growing RWA ecosystem adds scale and choice for investors seeking diversified on‑chain exposure.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 28, 2026 11:55 UTC

    UK Regulator Bans Coinbase Ads Over Misleading Crypto Claims

    The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned Coinbase’s “Everything Is Fine” ad campaign for suggesting that cryptocurrency could help ease the cost-of-living crisis without clearly explaining the risks. The ads used satirical videos and posters to highlight economic stress, which regulators said could mislead people into seeing high-risk crypto as a simple solution. Coinbase said the campaign was meant to criticize the financial system, but agreed to comply with the ruling and follow UK advertising rules.

  • FED Sohrab Khawas Jan 28, 2026 08:11 UTC

    What Time is FOMC Meeting Today?

    The Federal Reserve (Fed) has a meeting today to decide on interest rates. The decision and the official statement from the Fed will be shared at 12:30 AM IST. After that, Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak at 1:00 AM IST to explain the decision and answer questions. This is when we find out if the Fed will raise, lower, or keep rates the same and what their outlook is for the economy. It’s an important event for markets and investors.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Jan 28, 2026 08:07 UTC

    Bitcoin ETFs See $147M Outflow as Investors Shift to Altcoins

    U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw significant net outflows of about $147.37 million on January 27, while Ethereum spot ETFs also recorded notable withdrawals of around $63.53 million, showing reduced demand for the two largest crypto assets. In contrast, XRP spot ETFs attracted approximately $9.16 million, and Solana spot ETFs gained about $1.87 million, suggesting growing investor interest in select altcoin‑linked funds amid broader market rotation.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 28, 2026 07:42 UTC

    Vitalik Buterin Earns $70K on Polymarket

    Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said he made around $70,000 on Polymarket last year by committing about $440,000 and consistently betting against hype-driven outcomes. He calls this approach “anti-insanity mode,” focusing on markets fueled by irrational behavior. In an interview with Foresight News, Vitalik named Decentralized Social as his top priority for developers, followed by smarter DAOs, adding that his motivation is to curb excessive speculation, improve Ethereum, and avoid a future dominated by centralized AI.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 27, 2026 13:18 UTC

    Tether Launches USA₮, U.S. Regulated Stablecoin

    Tether has launched USA₮, a U.S.-made, federally regulated stablecoin designed under the GENIUS Act to operate within America’s new federal framework. Issued by Anchorage Digital Bank with Cantor Fitzgerald as reserve custodian, USA₮ is now accessible on major platforms, including Bybit, Cryptocom, Kraken, OKX, and MoonPay. Led by Bo Hines, the token combines Tether’s global infrastructure with strict U.S. regulatory oversight, offering secure, transparent digital dollars and reinforcing the U.S. dollar’s leadership in the growing digital currency market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 27, 2026 12:19 UTC

    Trump-Backed American Bitcoin Boosts Holdings by 416 BTC

    American Bitcoin, backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has increased its Bitcoin holdings by 416 BTC, bringing its total to 5,843. Built through mergers, including Gryphon Digital Mining and majority-owned by Hut 8, the firm is steadily rising among public Bitcoin treasuries. Following a disciplined strategy of mining and market purchases, it aims to boost U.S. crypto infrastructure while expanding mining capacity and driving strong revenue growth.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 27, 2026 08:30 UTC

    60% of Top 25 U.S. Banks Now Building Bitcoin Products

    Around 60% of the top 25 U.S. banks are now offering or developing Bitcoin products, including trading, custody, and lending solutions. PNC leads with full-service offerings for private clients, while Wells Fargo provides Bitcoin-backed loans for institutions. J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley are actively exploring crypto integration. Even Bank of America is starting to engage with Bitcoin through wealth management tools. This trend signals growing acceptance of digital assets within mainstream finance and rising institutional demand.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 27, 2026 07:51 UTC

    Vitalik Buterin Explains the Hierarchy of Blockchain Scaling

    Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin detailed a clear approach to scaling blockchains efficiently. He explained that computation is the easiest to scale using tools like parallel processing and zero-knowledge proofs. Data comes next, with solutions like erasure coding and PeerDAS allowing lighter nodes to verify information without full downloads. State is the hardest, as it requires full transaction verification. Buterin recommends prioritizing computation and data over state to reduce centralization risks, a strategy reflected in projects like Monad and Ethereum’s upcoming Fusaka upgrade.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 27, 2026 06:00 UTC

    Ethereum Fees Drop to 2017 Lows

    Ethereum transaction fees have dropped to their lowest levels since May 2017, even as network activity hits record highs. Daily transactions reached nearly 2.9 million on January 16, highlighting strong usage. Fees fell after major scalability upgrades, including the Fusaka hard fork in December 2025, which tripled the block gas limit. With gas prices close to zero, simple transfers now cost under $0.0002, making Ethereum cheaper to use and supporting wider adoption.

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