Crypto Short News

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 22, 2026 05:53 UTC

    Crypto Market Structure Bill Delayed

    The U.S. Senate Banking Committee has delayed work on its crypto market structure bill as it shifts focus to housing affordability policies backed by President Donald Trump. This move could push the bill’s markup to late February or March. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee has released its Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and plans to vote on it on January 27. Both bills will need to be combined before a full Senate vote, delaying clear crypto rules.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 13:10 UTC

    Coinbase CEO Questions France’s Central Bank on Bitcoin

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong challenged Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau’s perspective on Bitcoin. Armstrong emphasized that Bitcoin operates as a decentralized protocol with no single issuer, making it more independent than traditional central bank money. During the Is Tokenization the Future? panel, experts also discussed how blockchain tokenization could revolutionize stocks, bonds, and real estate by enabling faster settlements and wider access, while agreeing that innovation must be paired with regulation as adoption by major firms grows.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 11:50 UTC

    Vitalik: Decentralized Social Media Will Bounce Back in 2026

    Ethereum co‑founder Vitalik Buterin says decentralized social media will make a strong comeback in 2026, as open, competing platforms can improve public communication and steer users away from centralized feeds. He criticized many crypto social projects for using speculative tokens that reward influence over real content quality, arguing that this approach creates bubbles rather than meaningful interaction. Buterin highlighted optimism for ecosystems like Lens and Farcaster and pointed out Farcaster’s shift to a wallet‑focused model as part of the space’s evolution.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 10:52 UTC

    Nansen Unveils AI Trading Tools for Solana & Base

    Nansen has launched powerful AI‑driven trading tools on its web and mobile apps, letting users analyze on-chain data and execute trades directly on Solana and Base without switching platforms. Built on insights from over 500 million labeled wallets, the new features include AI‑powered “vibe trading,” a desktop terminal, and a non‑custodial Nansen Wallet to keep users in control. Trading is live now with fees starting around 0.25% for free users, and this release marks the company’s biggest product expansion yet, paired with Nansen Points Season 03 rewards from partners like MetaMask.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 09:54 UTC

    Binance Lists Ripple’s $RLUSD Stablecoin

    Binance has officially listed Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, with spot trading set to go live at 8:00 a.m. UTC tomorrow. Traders will have access to pairs such as RLUSD/USDT, RLUSD/U, and XRP/RLUSD. Deposits are currently open on Ethereum, while withdrawals will begin on January 23. To encourage liquidity, Binance is offering zero trading fees on select pairs. Ripple also confirmed that support for the XRP Ledger is on the way. Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has been fully backed by cash and U.S. Treasuries and has surpassed a market capitalization of $1.3 billion.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 07:53 UTC

    Bhutan to Launch National Validator on Sei Network

    Bhutan’s sovereign wealth fund, Druk Holding and Investments, will deploy a national validator on the Sei Network in the first quarter of 2026. Building on its crypto initiatives since 2019, including mining over 11,000 Bitcoins using surplus hydroelectric power and enabling crypto payments for tourists, this move strengthens Sei’s decentralization. It also supports Bhutan’s broader push into digital innovation and economic projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City, opening opportunities for asset tokenization and sovereign-led blockchain development.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 07:18 UTC

    Steak ‘n Shake to Pay Hourly Workers in Bitcoin

    Starting March 1, 2026, Steak n Shake will give hourly employees at its 400 company-operated U.S. locations a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 per hour via Fold app integration. The rewards will vest after two years to promote employee loyalty. This initiative follows the chain’s May 2025 Bitcoin payment rollout, which increased same-store sales by 15 percent and reduced transaction costs by 50 percent. Supported by a multi-million-dollar Bitcoin treasury, the program highlights the chain’s expanding use of cryptocurrency to boost compensation and retention.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Jan 21, 2026 06:29 UTC

    Crypto ETFs Crash: $766M Outflow Hits BTC, ETH, XRP

    On January 20, major spot crypto ETFs faced significant outflows as market sentiment turned cautious. Bitcoin ETFs saw roughly $483 million leave, with Grayscale’s GBTC dropping $161 million and Fidelity’s FBTC losing $152 million. Ethereum ETFs ended a five-day inflow streak, seeing $230 million withdrawn. XRP ETFs declined by $53.3 million overall, despite a $2 million gain for Franklin’s fund, while Solana ETFs recorded $3.1 million in inflows through Fidelity and Franklin products.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 13:25 UTC

    Michael Saylor’s “Strategy” Buys 22,305 Bitcoin

    Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has acquired 22,305 Bitcoin for about $2.13 billion, adding to its massive corporate Bitcoin treasury. This brings the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 709,715 BTC, acquired for roughly $53.92 billion at an average of $75,979 per Bitcoin. Strategy remains one of the largest public corporate holders of Bitcoin, reinforcing its long‑term commitment to the asset amid ongoing market activity.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 13:11 UTC

    Cronos Labs Joins MiCA Crypto Alliance to Boost EU Compliance

    Cronos Labs has joined the MiCA Crypto Alliance to align its CRO token with the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets rules, effective since late 2024. The partnership introduces MiCA‑ready white papers and standardized disclosure templates, supported by members like Hedera and Ripple, to ensure transparency. Meanwhile, the Cronos network is growing with over 500 dApps, new liquidity integrations, and an ambassador program guiding users. The community sees this as a key step toward sustainable growth and real-world crypto adoption.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 12:54 UTC

    Vanguard Invests in MicroStrategy

    Vanguard Group’s Value Index Fund (VVIAX) bought 1.23 million MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares for $202.5 million, marking its first investment in the Bitcoin-focused company holding 687,410 BTC. Earlier, Vanguard’s Mid-Cap Fund (VMCIX) acquired 2.91 million shares worth $505 million as MSTR reached mid-cap benchmarks. While some see this as traditional finance warming up to crypto, others note it’s likely routine index tracking by the $12 trillion firm rather than an active investment bet.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 12:04 UTC

    Portugal Bans Polymarket Over €110M Election Bets

    Portugal’s gambling regulator, SRIJ, has ordered Polymarket to shut down and be blocked nationwide, ruling the crypto prediction platform illegal for operating without proper authorization and breaking the country’s ban on political betting. The decision comes after reports that over €4 million was wagered on Portuguese presidential markets just hours before results were announced, sparking concerns over insider trading and leaked exit polls. Total trading on these markets exceeded €110 million, drawing intense attention from regulators.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 07:09 UTC

    Bitcoin Whale Moves $85M After 13 Years

    A Bitcoin whale that had remained inactive for 13 years has moved 909.38 BTC, worth approximately $84.62 million, to a new wallet, according to on-chain analytics. These coins were originally purchased for under $7 each, resulting in a staggering 13,900× increase in value. The transfer was not sent directly to an exchange, indicating the holder may be positioning rather than selling. Analysts highlight this as a rare window into early adopter behavior and long-term holding strategies in the crypto market.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 20, 2026 06:53 UTC

    Tom Lee’s Bitmine Stakes $5.66B in Ethereum

    Bitmine Immersion Technologies, led by Tom Lee and supported by Cathie Wood and Pantera, added 86,848 ETH (around $279 million) to its staking. The company now has 1.77 million ETH staked, worth $5.66 billion, more than 40 % of its treasury. With 36 million ETH (30 % of the network) already locked in staking, this move helps reduce supply on exchanges. Bitmine aims to earn staking rewards, strengthen its long-term position, and reach 5 % network share with its MAVAN validator network in early 2026.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 19, 2026 13:25 UTC

    Tether and Bitqik Team Up to Boost Stablecoin Awareness in Laos

    Tether, issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, and Bitqik, a licensed cryptocurrency exchange in Laos, have teamed up to boost financial literacy about Bitcoin, stablecoins, and blockchain technology across the country. The collaboration will host quarterly educational events in cities like Vientiane, Pakse, Vangvieng, and Luang Prabang, plus online content to teach digital finance basics. Aiming to reach over 10,000 people in 2026, the initiative focuses on financial inclusion, trusted use of stablecoins, and empowering students, entrepreneurs, and communities to adopt digital assets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 19, 2026 11:30 UTC

    Crypto Trader Loses $35.9M as Crypto Bloodbath Wipes Out Profits

    Crypto Trader “1011 market crash trader” suffered a massive setback as crypto markets plunged amid rising EU–US tensions. His unrealized profits dropped by $35.9 million as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana tumbled sharply. Once sitting on huge gains, his current long positions now show just $13 million in unrealized profit. After paying $7.7 million in funding fees, his net unrealized gains stand at only $5.2 million, highlighting how fast fortunes can change in volatile markets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 19, 2026 07:21 UTC

    Aster DEX Initiates Buybacks as $ASTER Declines

    Aster DEX has launched an automated buyback program, directing 20-40% of daily platform fees to repurchase $ASTER from its reserve wallet. This expands an earlier initiative, allowing up to 80% of fees to support the token. The move comes as $ASTER tumbled 12% to $0.63, triggered by Bitcoin’s drop from $95,400 to $92,000 and a broader altcoin sell-off. While traders reacted with surprise, bulls view the buybacks as a strategic tool to shrink supply and stabilize the token.

  • Crypto Scam Nidhi Kolhapur Jan 17, 2026 12:15 UTC

    Crypto Scams Soar to Record $17B in 2025, AI at the Center

    Crypto scams hit an all-time high in 2025, with AI-driven schemes causing massive losses, Chainalysis reports. Illicit addresses received over $14B, likely crossing $17B as more wallets are tracked. Impersonation scams surged 1,400% YoY, while AI-linked groups made 4.5× more money with 9× the daily transactions. Industrialized “Lighthouse” scam kits generated $1.5M over 3 years. Asia remains a hotspot, and average victim losses skyrocketed 253%, from $782 to $2,764. Major law enforcement actions targeted $15B in fraud.

  • Ripple (XRP) Nidhi Kolhapur Jan 17, 2026 11:17 UTC

    XRP Dominates South Korea as Upbit’s Most Traded Crypto in 2025

    XRP has emerged as the most traded digital asset in South Korea, highlighting massive retail adoption across the country. According to Upbit, one of the nation’s largest exchanges, the XRP/KRW pair led the market for most of 2025. Upbit alone processed over $1 trillion in total trades, showing strong everyday demand for XRP. This is not speculation, but a clear signal of real-world usage and growing dominance in a major crypto market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 16, 2026 12:28 UTC

    BingX Joins Scuderia Ferrari HP as First Crypto Partner

    BingX has signed a multi‑year partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, becoming its first motorsport sponsor and the team’s first collaboration with a crypto exchange brand. The deal, effective from January 1, 2026, makes BingX a Team Partner, linking two global brands known for innovation and performance. The partnership will include presence at race events, digital platforms, global content, and special fan experiences, expanding BingX’s reach and connecting crypto with racing audiences worldwide.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 16, 2026 11:52 UTC

    Belarus Formally Legalizes Crypto Banks

    Belarus has signed Decree No. 19, legally creating crypto banks that can combine digital token operations with traditional banking services such as payments and deposits. These institutions must be joint-stock companies registered as residents of the High-Tech Park and listed in the National Bank’s crypto bank registry, and they’ll operate under dual oversight by park authorities and the National Bank. The move strengthens Belarus’s role as a regulated digital finance hub and reflects growing global trends toward integrating blockchain into mainstream financial systems.

  • Ripple (XRP) Nidhi Kolhapur Jan 16, 2026 10:09 UTC

    XRP Ranks Among Most Searched Cashtags on X

    XRP has become one of the most searched cashtags on X, showing growing interest in the token. According to Nikita Bier, Head of Product at X, recent data shows XRP ranking alongside popular names such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tesla, and GameStop. The strong search activity reflects XRP’s active online community and ongoing interest in Ripple-related updates. Unlike many other altcoins that see brief attention, XRP continues to stay in focus. Its presence alongside major cryptocurrencies and well-known stock tickers highlights XRP’s increasing visibility in daily market discussions on X.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 16, 2026 07:49 UTC

    Citron Targets Coinbase, Supports Securitize’s IPO Plan

    Citron Research sharply criticized Coinbase for abandoning support of crypto market structure legislation, arguing the exchange’s retreat reflects self-interest and fear of increased competition rather than genuine policy concerns. The firm instead highlighted Securitize, a tokenization platform backed by BlackRock and poised to go public via SPAC in the first half of 2026. With over $4 billion in tokenized assets issued and key regulatory licenses secured, Securitize stands to benefit from clearer rules and broader institutional adoption in crypto.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 15, 2026 15:33 UTC

    CME Group Set to Launch ADA, LINK & XLM Futures

    CME Group plans to roll out cash-settled futures for Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) on February 9, pending regulatory approval. The contracts will be available on CME Globex in both standard and micro sizes, giving traders flexible access to regulated altcoin exposure. CME says demand for crypto derivatives continues to grow, supported by strong 2025 market activity that saw record daily volumes and open interest, signaling rising institutional interest in major cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 15, 2026 13:04 UTC

    Bitmine Invests $200M in MrBeast’s Beast Industries

    Ethereum treasury firm Bitmine Immersion Technologies announced a $200 million equity investment in Beast Industries, the company behind MrBeast’s global media, Feastables snacks, and major philanthropic campaigns like feeding over 20 million people. Bitmine’s chairman, Tom Lee, said MrBeast’s huge reach with Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennials makes the partnership strategic, while Beast CEO Jeff Housenbold said the funding will help scale the brand and explore decentralized finance opportunities. Backed by investors including Cathie Wood’s ARK, the deal is expected to close around January 19, 2026, during Bitmine’s stockholder meeting in Las Vegas.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 15, 2026 11:57 UTC

    BNB Chain & Brevis Team with 0xbow

    Brevis and BNB Chain are expanding their collaboration into privacy infrastructure by partnering with 0xbow to launch an Intelligent Privacy Pool on BNB Chain in Q1 2026. This privacy layer builds on 0xbow’s Privacy Pools, which use zero-knowledge proofs to mask transaction details while maintaining compliance safeguards. Users will be able to prove the legitimacy of their funds on-chain through Brevis’ ZK Data Coprocessor or link off-chain KYC using zkTLS without revealing sensitive information. The initiative aims to bring privacy and regulatory compliance together on a major blockchain.

  • Bitcoin Reserve Nidhi Kolhapur Jan 15, 2026 11:16 UTC

    Sygnum Predicts Sovereign Bitcoin Reserves, Tokenized Bonds in 2026

    Crypto banking firm Sygnum forecasts that upcoming US regulations, including the CLARITY Act and Bitcoin Act, could drive sovereign Bitcoin reserves and boost tokenized bond issuance by major institutions in 2026. Countries like Brazil, Japan, and Germany may adopt BTC strategically, while traditional finance increasingly explores blockchain-based token rails. Wider adoption could raise Bitcoin’s global store-of-value share, potentially pushing prices toward $350K–$400K.

  • Exchange News Nidhi Kolhapur Jan 15, 2026 10:25 UTC

    Lemon Launches Argentina’s First Bitcoin-Backed Visa Card

    Argentine crypto exchange Lemon introduced a Bitcoin-backed Visa card, letting users access peso credit without selling BTC. By locking 0.01 BTC (~$960), customers receive 1 million pesos credit. The card will allow adjustments and stablecoin payments. This reflects growing crypto adoption in Argentina amid high inflation and ongoing distrust of traditional banks.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 15, 2026 09:07 UTC

    Argentina Gets Its First Bitcoin-Backed Visa Card

    Argentina’s crypto platform Lemon has launched the country’s first Visa credit card backed by Bitcoin collateral, allowing users to access peso credit without selling their BTC or requiring a bank account or credit history. Customers deposit a small amount of BTC as collateral and receive a credit limit in pesos, which they can use at merchants worldwide that accept Visa. The card aims to make Bitcoin savings practical for everyday spending while keeping crypto holdings intact and usable through the Lemon app.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Jan 14, 2026 10:40 UTC

    Ripple Expands in Europe with Luxembourg EMI Approval

    Ripple Payments Europe S.A. has received preliminary approval from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the CSSF, to operate as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI). Once all requirements are met, Ripple will be able to issue e-money and offer regulated payment services across the European Economic Area under MiCA rules. This follows Ripple’s recent EMI license and crypto registration in the UK. With over 75 licenses globally and $95 billion in payments processed, Ripple continues to strengthen its presence in Europe.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 14, 2026 08:46 UTC

    Visa Partners With BVNK to Enable Stablecoin Payouts

    Visa has partnered with payments firm BVNK to support stablecoin payouts, allowing businesses to send stablecoins directly to digital wallets. The collaboration could channel up to $30 billion in stablecoin flows from BVNK into Visa’s global payments network, which processes around $1.7 trillion in transactions. The move highlights Visa’s growing focus on blockchain-based payments and reflects rising demand from businesses for faster, more efficient digital settlement using stablecoins.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 14, 2026 08:21 UTC

    Pakistan Partners with Trump-Linked USD1

    Pakistan has signed an MOU with SC Financial Technologies, affiliated with the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial, to pilot the USD1 stablecoin, pegged one-to-one to the U.S. dollar, within its payment system. The central bank aims to accelerate $30 billion in annual remittances while cutting high fees. Set for an official announcement in Islamabad, this is one of the first sovereign partnerships for the DeFi platform, launched in September 2024 by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, advancing Pakistan’s digital finance initiatives.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Jan 14, 2026 07:35 UTC

    Bitcoin ETFs Gain $754M in Largest Single-Day Inflows

    On Jan. 13, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a huge $754 million in inflows, marking the strongest single day since October. Fidelity’s FBTC led with $351 million, followed by Bitwise’s BITB and BlackRock’s IBIT. Other crypto ETFs also saw gains, including Ethereum ($130M), Solana ($5.9M), and XRP ($13M). The surge pushed total ETF assets near $123 billion, reflecting renewed institutional interest as Bitcoin climbed above $95,000 amid softer U.S. inflation data.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 14, 2026 06:55 UTC

    Germany’s DZ Bank Gets Green Light for Crypto Trading

    Germany’s second-largest banking group, DZ Bank, received MiCAR authorization from BaFin in late December 2025 to launch its crypto platform meinKrypto, a significant step toward regulated digital asset access in Europe’s mainstream banking. Under the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets rules, the platform lets around 700 Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken offer Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano trading inside the VR Banking App. Custody is handled by Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody, and each bank must submit its own BaFin notification before going live.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 13, 2026 12:20 UTC

    Polygon’s Fee Growth Hits $1.7M Fueled by Polymarket

    Polygon has earned over $1.7 million in fees in 2026, driven in large part by Polymarket’s 15-minute high-frequency prediction markets, which introduced transaction fees that reward liquidity providers and increase network activity. On one day, these markets contributed up to $100,000 in fees. Polygon also achieved a throughput of 16.67 million gas per second and $1.45 million in revenue over the past week, marking a 171% week-over-week increase, signaling growing adoption, stronger on-chain activity, and the ecosystem’s expanding utility.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 13, 2026 10:59 UTC

    UK’s First Bitcoin & Gold ETP Goes Live

    On January 13, 21Shares’ Bitcoin Gold ETP (BOLD) began trading on the London Stock Exchange, marking the UK’s first exchange‑traded product that blends Bitcoin and gold in one fund. The ETP uses a volatility‑based monthly rebalance to adjust exposure, aiming to give Bitcoin’s growth potential while keeping gold’s stability. The underlying assets are 100% physically backed and held in cold storage. BOLD’s strategy and strong past performance appeal to investors after the UK opened retail access to crypto ETPs, though risks remain high.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 13, 2026 07:33 UTC

    Eric Adams’ NYC Token Crashes 80% Amid Controversy

    Ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, known as the pro-crypto “Bitcoin Mayor,” launched the $NYC token on January 12, 2026, in Times Square via X. He pledged 70 percent of the token supply to a reserve wallet to support causes like fighting antisemitism, anti-Americanism, HBCUs, and youth scholarships. The memecoin quickly reached a $600 million market cap before plummeting over 80 percent to around $108 million, amid liquidity withdrawals and top wallets taking $1 to $2.5 million in profits. On-chain analysis revealed heavy concentration among early holders and red flags for potential rug pulls. Fake clones also appeared on Pump.fun, and Adams has remained silent since the crash, highlighting the risks of memecoins even with celebrity backing.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 13, 2026 07:16 UTC

    Senate Unveils Bipartisan Crypto Market Bill

    After months of negotiation, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott released the text of the nearly 280‑page Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, a bipartisan proposal to bring clarity to U.S. crypto regulation. The bill draws a clearer line between SEC oversight for early‑stage tokens and CFTC control for ‘digital commodities’, aiming to resolve long‑standing regulatory uncertainty. It also includes DeFi exemptions and self‑custody protections to support innovation. Supporters like Sen. Cynthia Lummis and former CFTC Chair Atkins back the approach, while Democrats, including Sens. Jack Reed and Elizabeth Warren, express concerns about the timeline and possible loopholes ahead of the upcoming markup.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 13, 2026 05:42 UTC

    Nigeria Tightens Crypto Taxes With Identity Tracking

    Nigeria has implemented sweeping tax reforms that require crypto activity to be linked to Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and National Identity Numbers (NINs), allowing authorities to trace digital asset transactions for taxation and enforcement purposes without compromising blockchain security. Under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, virtual asset service providers are required to collect detailed customer information, including names, addresses, TINs, and NINs, and submit monthly reports to the tax authorities. Firms must also flag large or suspicious transactions, bringing previously opaque crypto markets into formal oversight.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 13:16 UTC

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy Buys 13,627 Bitcoin

    Michael Saylor’s publicly traded firm, Strategy, continued its long‑term Bitcoin accumulation by purchasing 13,627 BTC for $1.25 billion, paying roughly $91,519 per coin in the latest buy. The firm now holds 687,410 BTC, with a total investment cost near $51.8 billion and a current market value around $62.36 billion. With an unrealized profit of $10.56 billion (about 20%), Strategy remains one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders, reflecting strong institutional conviction in Bitcoin’s role as a digital reserve asset.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 12:34 UTC

    Standard Chartered to Launch Crypto Prime Brokerage

    Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures is planning a crypto prime brokerage for institutional clients, offering custody, financing, trading, and clearing for Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital assets while avoiding Basel III 1250 percent capital charges. The move builds on the bank’s July 2025 debut in spot Bitcoin and Ether trading, its Zodia Custody expansion, Coinbase partnerships, and the 140 billion dollar spot ETF surge amid the UK’s 2026 crypto regulations. Talks are at an early stage with no confirmed launch date, reflecting growing Wall Street interest in institutional crypto.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 11:30 UTC

    Dubai Bans Privacy Tokens and Tightens Stablecoin Rules

    The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) will ban privacy tokens, including Zcash and Monero, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from January 12, 2026, citing money laundering and sanctions evasion risks linked to anonymized transactions. Regulated firms will be prohibited from trading, holding, promoting, or using mixers and tumblers. Stablecoins will now be restricted to fiat-pegged assets backed by high-quality, liquid reserves able to meet redemption requirements under stress. Firms must self-assess token suitability using updated criteria, replacing previous approved lists to enhance compliance and investor protection.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 10:37 UTC

    17 Years of Bitcoin’s First Peer-to-Peer Transfer

    On January 12, 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto sent 10 BTC to Hal Finney, marking the first peer-to-peer Bitcoin transaction in history. Finney, an early supporter, had downloaded Bitcoin v0.1 shortly after its release and helped test the network. Recorded in block 170, this transaction proved that digital money could operate without banks or intermediaries. Before this, Bitcoin was only mined for rewards. This historic transfer showed that value could move directly between people, laying the foundation for today’s global Bitcoin network.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 08:23 UTC

    Binance Lists United Stables (U) With New Spot Trading Pairs

    Binance will list United Stables (U) on January 13, 2026, at 08:00 UTC, opening spot trading for U/USDT and U/USDC. United Stables is a next‑generation stablecoin backed 1:1 by cash and major stablecoins, designed to unify fragmented liquidity across trading, DeFi, payments, and AI‑enabled systems on both BNB Smart Chain and Ethereum. It supports EIP‑3009 gasless transactions and integrates with top wallets and DeFi protocols. Binance will also launch LINK/USD1, PEPE/USD1, and USDC/MXN spot pairs that day.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 07:43 UTC

    India Tightens Crypto Rules: Selfie and Geo-Checks Required

    India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has rolled out stricter anti‑money‑laundering and KYC rules for cryptocurrency exchanges to strengthen user verification and combat illicit activity. New onboarding requirements include live selfie verification using liveness detection, geolocation tracking (latitude, longitude, IP, timestamp), bank account confirmation via a small test transfer, and multiple government‑issued ID checks. Exchanges must also verify email and mobile numbers. These measures aim to improve transparency and traceability without banning crypto trading, though enhanced verification may slow onboarding.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 06:59 UTC

    South Korea Lifts Nine‑Year Corporate Crypto Ban

    South Korea’s Financial Services Commission has ended a nine-year ban on corporate crypto investments, originally imposed over money laundering concerns. Around 3,500 listed companies and professional investors can now allocate up to 5% of their equity annually to the top 20 cryptocurrencies on major exchanges like Upbit. Exchanges must apply staggered trades and size limits to reduce volatility. Stablecoin inclusion, such as USDT, remains under review. Critics argue the 5% cap is tighter than rules in the U.S. or Japan, while the move aligns with South Korea’s 2026 growth strategy and spot ETF plans.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 06:48 UTC

    Crypto YouTube Views Drop to 5‑Year Low

    Crypto YouTube viewership has plunged sharply over the past three months to its lowest level since January 2021, highlighting weak retail interest amid prolonged bear‑market conditions. Data shared by Benjamin Cowen shows a broad drop in 30‑day average views across channels, while creator Tom Crown says engagement has fallen across platforms since October. Analysts link the decline to retail fatigue from scams and poor returns, with some investors shifting focus to traditional assets as institutions dominate the current cycle.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 12, 2026 06:32 UTC

    Coinbase Threatens to Pull Support for CLARITY Act

    Coinbase has warned it may withdraw support for the CLARITY Act if the Senate limits stablecoin rewards beyond simple disclosure rules. Passed by the House in July 2025, the bipartisan bill heads to a Senate Banking Committee markup on January 15, 2026, to clarify SEC and CFTC oversight. Coinbase argues stricter rules could stifle competition, threaten $1.3B in USDC revenue, and weaken the U.S. dollar, while banks push restrictions to protect community lenders.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 10, 2026 07:23 UTC

    17 Years Since Hal Finney’s First Bitcoin Tweet

    Seventeen years ago, cryptographer Hal Finney posted the first known tweet about Bitcoin, simply saying “Running Bitcoin,” signaling that he had downloaded and run the new software. He was likely the first person outside Satoshi Nakamoto to operate the Bitcoin client. The next day, Satoshi sent him the first transaction of ten BTC, proving the network worked. Despite being diagnosed with ALS in 2009, Finney continued testing the software and reporting bugs until his death in 2014. His early work and dedication are now recognized as foundational to Bitcoin’s growth and success.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 09, 2026 13:30 UTC

    Tether Partners with UN to Strengthen Crypto Safety in Africa

    Tether, the leading stablecoin provider, has joined forces with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle rising cybercrime in Africa’s fast-growing crypto market. With scams and fraud increasing, Interpol recently uncovered $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat. The initiative focuses on strengthening digital asset security and educating the public. By combining Tether’s expertise with UNODC’s global reach, the partnership aims to make crypto safer, promote responsible adoption, and protect users across the continent.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 09, 2026 12:03 UTC

    UK to Launch New Crypto Licensing Regime in 2026

    The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority will open a crypto licensing gateway in September 2026, giving firms time to prepare for a new regulatory regime launching on 25 October 2027. All crypto businesses will need fresh FCA approval under the Financial Services and Markets Act, as existing AML or payments registrations will not carry over. Companies that miss the deadline may continue offering current services under a transitional regime, but will be blocked from launching new products. The changes aim to improve oversight, raise standards, and strengthen consumer protection across the UK crypto market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 09, 2026 06:47 UTC

    Grayscale Files for BNB and HYPE ETFs

    Grayscale Investments has filed for new trusts in Delaware to pave the way for BNB and HYPE exchange-traded funds, registering entities 10465871 and 10465863 with CSC Delaware Trust Company. This move follows the massive inflows seen in spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. BNB supports Binance’s ecosystem, while HYPE powers Hyperliquid’s high-speed futures trading, which captured up to 80% of on-chain activity at its peak. While no SEC filings have been submitted yet, the step highlights Grayscale’s confidence in altcoins like Solana and XRP and their long-term revenue potential.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 09, 2026 06:12 UTC

    Trump Says No Pardon for SBF

    President Donald Trump told The New York Times he will not pardon jailed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is serving a 25-year sentence for fraud and conspiracy, and is appealing his conviction. SBF had once donated millions to political campaigns, including $5.2 million to the Biden campaign, but Trump made clear a pardon isn’t coming. Trump also defended his increasingly pro-crypto position, stating that supporting digital assets helped him attract voters and added that he has “come to like crypto” as its adoption grows.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 08, 2026 10:40 UTC

    Ethereum’s Big Vision: Freedom, Scale, and Trust

    Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum draws inspiration from both BitTorrent and Linux to define its future. Like BitTorrent, it proves decentralized systems can scale globally without central control. Like Linux, it shows that open and permissionless networks can gain trust from enterprises and governments. Buterin explained that Ethereum’s Layer 1 is designed to be a neutral financial and infrastructure foundation, enabling individuals and organizations to operate autonomously, reduce dependence on intermediaries, and support large-scale, real-world adoption.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 12:59 UTC

    Rumble and Tether Launch “Rumble Wallet”

    Rumble and Tether launched Rumble Wallet, a self-custody crypto wallet integrated into the platform for USDT, XAUt, and BTC tips. Using Tether’s Wallet Development Kit and on-ramps like MoonPay, creators can receive instant, global payments without banks or ad networks. This rollout follows Tether’s $775M investment in Rumble and its Bitcoin tipping feature for 68M users, enabling borderless earnings for creators worldwide.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 12:27 UTC

    Morgan Stanley Files For Ethereum Trust

    Morgan Stanley filed an S-1 with the SEC for its Ethereum Trust, following recent Bitcoin and Solana ETF submissions. The $1.8 trillion firm will hold ETH directly, stake portions for yield through third parties, and enable in-kind redemptions to simplify client access. Building on its October 2025 crypto rollout via wealth management, this move eyes massive inflows as Ethereum’s staking and smart contracts draw institutional interest. 

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 11:43 UTC

    Barclays Enters Stablecoin Market With Strategic Ubyx Investment

    Barclays, which manages $2.2 trillion in assets, has made its first move into stablecoins by backing Ubyx Inc., a U.S.-based clearing system for tokenized deposits and regulated stablecoins. Announced on January 7, 2026, the investment aims to improve connectivity across tokens, blockchains, and digital wallets as adoption of digital money accelerates. Ubyx CEO Tony McLaughlin says banks will increasingly offer digital wallets alongside traditional accounts, with Barclays joining Galaxy and Coinbase Ventures in Ubyx’s $10 million seed round.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 10:51 UTC

    Ethereum’s BPO2 Upgrade Boosts Layer 2 Performance by 40%

    Ethereum launched the BPO2 upgrade at epoch 419072 around 1:01 a.m. UTC on January 7, 2026, increasing the per-block blob target from 10 to 14 and maximum from 15 to 21 blobs. This 40% capacity expansion reduces data costs for rollups like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base using Dencun’s 128KB blobs, stabilizing fees while achieving nearly 59 million gas per second throughput. Developers praised the forkless rollout for seamless Layer 2 scaling. 

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 10:21 UTC

    Nike Steps Away From Web3 With RTFKT Exit

    Nike has quietly sold its digital products subsidiary RTFKT, which it acquired in 2021 as part of a push into NFTs and virtual sneakers, marking the end of its Web3 services announced earlier in 2025. The buyer and terms were not disclosed, but the move comes amid broader strategic shifts at Nike. Reports of the sale triggered a 195% surge in RTFKT’s market activity. Following news of the sale, Clone X NFT floor prices jumped significantly, sparking renewed optimism among holders and traders.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 07:58 UTC

    CNBC Names XRP the Top Crypto of 2026

    XRP surged 25-30% in the first week of 2026, breaking $2.35 and reclaiming a $140B+ market cap, solidifying its top‑4 ranking and earning CNBC’s recognition as the year’s hottest crypto trade over Bitcoin and Ethereum. Spot ETFs attracted over $1.3B in inflows with $46M daily, while exchange reserves fell to multi‑year lows, signaling whale accumulation. Trading volume spiked to $7-8B daily, and analysts like Standard Chartered eye $4-$8 targets, fueled by fading SEC concerns and growing payment adoption. Even with RSI overbought, XRP’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 07:05 UTC

    Ethereum 2025 Review: Record Growth and Adoption

    Ethereum’s 2025 ecosystem report shows major progress across decentralised finance, scalability, and institutional use. DeFi total value locked reached about $99 billion, while stablecoin settlement volume hit $18.8 trillion, reflecting heavy network use. Layer 2 rollups drove efficiency, cutting fees below $0.01 and pushing average throughput above 5,600 transactions per second. ETH held in ETFs and strategic reserves topped $35 billion, and on‑chain real‑world assets exceeded $12 billion. The network now supports 88 million+ smart contracts, saw 1.74 million peak daily transactions, and has about 32,000 active developers.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 07, 2026 06:35 UTC

    Tether Introduces Scudo: Making Gold Easy to Trade

    Tether has launched Scudo, a new unit of account for its gold-backed token, Tether Gold (XAU₮), to simplify pricing and usage of digital gold. One Scudo equals 1/1000 of a troy ounce of gold, a change aimed at smoother everyday transactions and clearer values on chain. This new unit does not change XAU₮’s structure or physical backing. Gold remains fully backed in secure vaults with on-chain proof. Scudo is designed to bring gold closer to real-world use, not just long-term holding.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 12:48 UTC

    Binance Wallet Unveils 44th TGE for Zen Chain

    Binance Wallet has launched its 44th Exclusive TGE on PancakeSwap for Zen Chain (ZTC), a layer-1 blockchain using CLCM consensus to enable cross-chain privacy and scalability. The subscription period runs on January 7, 2026, from 08:00 to 10:00 UTC, exclusively for users with Binance Alpha Points earned through trading and wallet activity. A total of 420 million ZTC tokens are set aside for promotions, continuing Binance’s successful series of early-access token offerings for its community.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 12:02 UTC

    Ethereum Overtakes Netflix

    Ethereum’s market capitalization has climbed above Netflix’s valuation, reclaiming its place as the world’s 36th‑largest global asset by market cap. With ETH’s current price around $3,238 and a market cap nearing $390 billion, it now outranks the streaming giant’s valuation. This milestone highlights Ethereum’s growing dominance in crypto and traditional finance, fueled by staking growth, DeFi expansion, and institutional adoption. The “flippening” moment underscores ETH’s resilience and potential for further gains in 2026.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 11:39 UTC

    Morgan Stanley Files S-1 for Spot Bitcoin ETF

    Morgan Stanley filed an S-1 with the SEC on January 6, 2026, for a spot Bitcoin Trust ETF that directly tracks BTC spot prices using benchmarks from major exchanges. The filing also covers a Solana ETF offering staking rewards, expanding the firm’s digital asset lineup post-2024 BTC ETF approvals. This positions Morgan Stanley to meet surging institutional demand amid President Trump’s pro-crypto policies and Bitcoin’s rally toward $100K.

  • Hack Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 11:24 UTC

    Hacker Drains $27.3M, Launders via Tornado Cash

    A hacker took control of a multi-signature wallet, stealing $27.3 million in crypto assets. The attacker recently withdrew 1,000 ETH (about $3.24 million) from Aave and laundered funds through Tornado Cash, with total deposits reaching 6,300 ETH (around $19.4 million). On-chain data shows the hacker still holds leveraged positions worth $9.75 million in ETH and DAI. This follows a September 22 attack where the same actor minted unauthorized tokens and drained tens of millions in crypto.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 07:27 UTC

    Bitmine Boosts Ethereum Stake to $2.52B

    On January 6, Bitmine added 186,336 ETH worth $604.5 million to its staking pool, bringing the total to 779,488 ETH valued at $2.52 billion. According to Onchain Lens data, this rapid restake underscores Bitmine’s aggressive expansion as a leading Ethereum validator. This move underscores Bitmine’s confidence in Ethereum and its commitment to the proof-of-stake network. By steadily growing its stake, Bitmine not only secures consistent staking rewards but also strengthens its influence as a major institutional player in the Ethereum ecosystem.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 06:08 UTC

    US Lawmakers Move to Block Insider Bets on Prediction Markets

    Rep. Ritchie Torres has introduced a new bill aimed at banning federal officials from trading on prediction markets using non-public information. The proposal, called the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, comes after concerns that U.S. insiders may have profited from sensitive Venezuela-related bets. Prediction markets allow users to wager on real-world outcomes like elections, conflicts, and political changes. Lawmakers fear officials with access to classified intelligence could exploit these platforms for personal gain. The bill seeks to protect public trust by closing loopholes that could enable insider trading on geopolitical events.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Jan 06, 2026 05:58 UTC

    XRP Price Surge 12% in Last 24 Hrs

    XRP price surged nearly 12% to around $2.40, extending its early-2026 rally as demand outpaced supply. The price broke above a key resistance level that had limited gains for weeks. Strong institutional buying helped fuel the move, with U.S. spot XRP ETFs seeing $48 million in inflows. At the same time, XRP held on exchanges fell to multi-year lows, reducing selling pressure. High trading volume confirmed the breakout, showing the rally is backed by real market demand.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 13:20 UTC

    Strategy Buys 1,287 Bitcoin, Lifts Holdings to 673,783

    Michael Saylor’s “Strategy” has added 1,287 Bitcoin to its holdings, strengthening its position as one of the largest corporate BTC holders. The purchase lifts the company’s total Bitcoin reserve to 673,783 BTC, reinforcing its long-term conviction in the asset. At the same time, Strategy increased its U.S. dollar reserves by $62 million, bringing total cash holdings to $2.25 billion. The move signals a dual focus on increasing Bitcoin exposure while preserving liquidity for stability and future flexibility.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 12:35 UTC

    Ledger Faces New Data Breach, ZachXBT Alerts Users

    On January 4, 2026, on-chain sleuth ZachXBT revealed Ledger’s latest data breach via third-party payment handler Global-e, which notified customers of “unusual activity” in its cloud system. Exposed info includes names and contact details for some Ledger buyers, no wallet seeds or crypto compromised. Global-e contained the breach and hired forensic experts for a probe. This echoes Ledger’s July 2020 e-commerce hack affecting 1M+ emails and 272k full profiles used in phishing since. Users should watch for scams.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 11:50 UTC

    Starknet Network Crashes Again, Down Over 2 Hours

    Starknet, a major Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution, has been down for more than two hours as of January 5, 2026, halting transactions and dApps. The Starknet team confirmed on X that they are investigating the sequencer issues and pushing fixes to restore service quickly. This echoes past outages like the 9-hour September 2, 2025, Grinta upgrade disruption involving Ethereum RPC failures and reorgs reverting hours of blocks. Developers are working to resolve the issue and will provide updates as progress continues.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 11:24 UTC

    Binance Launches Brevis (BREV) as 60th HODLer Airdrop

    Binance has launched Brevis (BREV) as the 60th project in its HODLer Airdrop program, rewarding users who held or staked BNB in Simple Earn or On‑Chain Yield products between December 17 and December 20, 2025. Brevis is a scalable computing platform built for blockchain and AI applications, with 15 million BREV (1.5% of total supply) allocated for the airdrop and more for ecosystem growth. The BREV token will list on January 6, 2026, with USDT, USDC, BNB, and TRY trading pairs and a seed tag.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 11:03 UTC

    Japan Declares 2026 the “Digital Year” for Crypto Reform

    Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama has declared 2026 the nation’s “digital year” and pledged strong support for integrating cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system. Speaking at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, she backed allowing digital assets to trade on stock exchanges and pointed to U.S. crypto ETFs as a model worth emulating. Japan is advancing plans to reclassify about 105 major cryptocurrencies as financial products under securities law and cut capital gains tax from as high as 55 % to a flat 20 %, aligning crypto more with stocks and boosting investor access and market growth.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 10:32 UTC

    Bank of America Opens the Door to Bitcoin ETF Allocations

    Bank of America updated its policy in December 2025, allowing over 15,000 advisors across Merrill, Private Bank, and Merrill Edge to recommend 1% to 4% crypto allocations via spot Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, Bitwise’s BITB, and Grayscale’s Mini Trust starting January 5, 2026. This proactive shift ends prior restrictions requiring client requests, following 2024 SEC ETF approvals and peers like Morgan Stanley (2% to 4%) and Vanguard. Managing $1.7 trillion in assets, the bank views crypto as high-risk innovation akin to private equity, suitable for volatility-tolerant clients.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 08:17 UTC

    Polymarket Trader Loses $2M Despite Winning Bets

    A Polymarket trader known as “beachboy4” lost more than $2.07 million in just 35 days, even with a 51% win rate across 53 prediction trades. The losses stemmed from huge average bets of about $400,000, frequent high-priced entries, and no stop‑loss or hedging strategies, causing many losing positions to go to zero. His biggest single loss hit $1.58 million, outweighing his largest win of around $936,000. This case highlights how high risk and poor strategy can wipe out profits in prediction markets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 07:03 UTC

    MetaMask Users Targeted by Fake 2FA Scam

    SlowMist’s Chief Security Officer recently flagged a new phishing scam that targets MetaMask wallet owners by copying official security alert pages to steal mnemonic seed phrases. The scam starts with a forged MetaMask alert and leads users through a fake two‑factor authentication flow that includes a countdown timer and looks urgent and legitimate. Victims are eventually asked to enter their wallet recovery phrase, which attackers then use to access and drain funds from the wallet. MetaMask never asks for seed phrases on websites, so always check the URL and avoid entering sensitive information.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 05, 2026 06:36 UTC

    PwC Expands into Crypto Following Clearer US Rules

    PwC is making a major shift to grow its digital asset business after years of caution, driven by clearer US regulations and new stablecoin laws. PwC US leader Paul Griggs says the GENIUS Act, which sets federal rules for stablecoins, and a more supportive regulatory climate have boosted confidence in crypto and created new opportunities for audit, consulting, and advisory work. He also expects asset tokenization to keep expanding and wants PwC to remain tightly involved in building and supporting this growing ecosystem.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Jan 03, 2026 07:43 UTC

    Bitcoin ETFs Record $471M Inflows at Start of 2026

    On Jan. 2, spot Bitcoin ETFs posted $471 million in total net inflows, led by BlackRock’s IBIT with $287 million. Spot Ethereum ETFs also attracted fresh money, recording $174 million in net inflows, with Grayscale’s ETHE topping the list at $53.69 million. Spot XRP ETFs remained in the green too, bringing in $13.59 million in net inflows. The numbers highlight continued investor demand across major crypto ETF products as capital keeps rotating into regulated market exposure.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Jan 03, 2026 06:57 UTC

    Happy 17th Birthday, Bitcoin

    Bitcoin turns 17 today, marking the day Satoshi Nakamoto mined the first-ever block on January 3, 2009. This moment started the Bitcoin ledger, a record that remains permanent and open for anyone to verify. What began as a single block has grown into a worldwide financial network, reshaping ideas around money, trust, and independence. Seventeen years later, Bitcoin is no longer an experiment; it’s a movement, and its story is still unfolding.

  • Ethereum Sohrab Khawas Jan 03, 2026 06:26 UTC

    Bitmine Stakes $259M in ETH, Total Now $1.7B

    Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), holding 4.11 million ETH ($12.1B), deposited 82,560 ETH ($259M) into Ethereum’s Proof of Stake contract today. Since starting staking on December 27, 2025, it has committed 544,064 ETH ($1.7B), about 13.2% of its holdings, ahead of its MAVAN validator launch in Q1 2026. This aggressive move, led by Chairman Tom Lee, boosts yields at 3% APR ($374M/year fully staked) and drove BMNR stock up 14%. With ETH at $3,140, staking locks supply amid ETF flows.

  • Ripple (XRP) Sohrab Khawas Jan 03, 2026 05:55 UTC

    XRP Overtakes BNB to Become the 4th-Largest Crypto

    XRP has surged past BNB to become the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, reaching approximately $123 billion after an 8% price jump to $2.02-$2.03 in the last 24 hours. This positions XRP behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, driven by a 177% spike in trading volume to $3.8 billion and ongoing inflows into US spot XRP ETFs. BNB, now at fifth with $121 billion and prices around $848-$860, reflects broader altcoin momentum as Bitcoin exceeds $90,000. Ripple’s cross-border payment utility continues fueling investor interest amid rising market adoption.

  • Ripple (XRP) Zameer Attar Jan 03, 2026 05:09 UTC

    XRP Overtakes BNB as Supply Drop Signals Bigger Move Ahead

    XRP has climbed past BNB to become the world’s third-largest cryptocurrency by market value. Behind the move is a quiet but important trend: XRP held on exchanges has fallen to its lowest level in eight years. Since October, more than half of the supply has moved off exchanges, showing strong long-term holding rather than selling. With fewer tokens available to trade, prices can react faster when buying picks up. If demand returns, XRP could see sharp moves higher.

  • Exchange News Sohrab Khawas Jan 02, 2026 13:17 UTC

    Binance Flags Four Tokens for Higher Risk Monitoring

    Binance has added Acala (ACA), DAR Open Network (D), Streamr (DATA), and Flow (FLOW) to its Monitoring Tag list starting January 2, 2026. This tag signals that these tokens show higher risk and volatility and are now under closer review by the exchange. Binance may delist any token that fails to meet its ongoing listing standards. Traders must also complete a risk awareness quiz every 90 days to keep trading these marked assets.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Jan 02, 2026 07:21 UTC

    Coinbase’s 2026 Plan: One Platform for Crypto, Stocks, and More

    Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has set out a fresh roadmap for 2026, putting a global all-in-one trading platform at the center of the company’s plans. This vision includes a single venue where users can trade crypto, equities, and commodities across spot, futures, and options markets. Coinbase also aims to grow stablecoin and payment usage and move more people on-chain through its developer tools, Base chain, and Base App, while boosting product quality and automation to support that growth.

  • Hack Sohrab Khawas Jan 02, 2026 05:42 UTC

    Crypto Wallet Hack Drains $107K Across 5+ EVM Chains

    A quiet crypto attack is draining wallets across EVM chains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, Base, and Arbitrum. Each victim is losing under $2,000, but total losses have crossed $107,000 so far. The stolen funds are being sent to one address: 0xAc2e5153170278e24667a580baEa056ad8Bf9bFB. On-chain analyst ZachXBT flagged the issue, noting repeated approvals and transfers. Experts advise users to revoke old approvals, avoid unknown transactions, and move funds to safer wallets.

  • FED Sohrab Khawas Dec 31, 2025 07:35 UTC

    Fed Sees Moderate Growth, Inflation to Normalize by 2028

    The Federal Reserve’s December meeting minutes highlight a steady but moderate U.S. economic growth, with the labor market slowing and wage increases staying in line with last year. Officials warned that a potential government shutdown could drag on near-term GDP. Looking ahead, the Fed expects growth to run slightly above potential after 2025, with inflation gradually returning to the 2% target by 2028, though risks and uncertainties remain elevated.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 31, 2025 07:05 UTC

    Bitwise Files 11 New Crypto ETF Applications

    Bitwise Asset Management filed for 11 new cryptocurrency strategy ETFs with the U.S. SEC on December 30, 2025, targeting altcoins like AAVE, UNI, ZEC, ENA, Hyperliquid, NEAR, STRK, SUI, TAO, TRX, and CC. Each fund allocates 60% to direct crypto holdings and 40% to ETPs or derivatives for liquidity and compliance. If approved, they launch March 16, 2026, building on Bitwise’s XRP and Solana success amid surging institutional demand. This move offers regulated exposure to DeFi, L1s, and niche tokens in a $3T market.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 10:41 UTC

    Russia Cracks Down on Illegal Crypto Mining

    The Russian Ministry of Justice has introduced a draft amendment to the Criminal Code to punish illegal cryptocurrency mining, reflecting stricter oversight of unlicensed digital asset activities. Under the proposal, people mining without registration could face fines of up to 1.5 million rubles or up to two years of compulsory labor. New Article 171.6 would also allow penalties for operators of mining infrastructure. If the activity causes large damage or involves organized groups, the draft allows sentences of up to five years in prison. The amendment is currently open for public review on Russia’s official legal portal.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 08:20 UTC

    MicroStrategy Shares Outperform Bitcoin as Corporate Bitcoin Bet Pays Off

    Investors who bought MicroStrategy ($MSTR) at 2.5x mNAV in June 2021 are now structurally outperforming Bitcoin. The company’s Bitcoin holdings have surged to 672,497 BTC, giving each share significantly more digital asset exposure than at purchase. Today, 1x NAV per share is $170, well above the 2021 entry price, while the balance sheet is stronger than ever with multiple capital taps. MicroStrategy’s approach highlights the power of long-term corporate Bitcoin adoption in amplifying shareholder returns.

  • Hack Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 08:16 UTC

    ZachXBT Unmasks $2M Canadian Coinbase Scam

    Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT exposed Haby (Havard), a Canadian from Abbotsford near Vancouver, who stole over $2 million from Coinbase users over a year by posing as support staff. He used social engineering for remote access, drained wallets like a $44,000 XRP theft and $237,000 Exodus balance, swapped to BTC via instant exchanges, and blew funds on rare Telegram usernames, club bottle service, and gambling. ZachXBT’s 12-post thread traced the theft through screenshots, emails, and blockchain data, earning crypto community praise and calls for RCMP intervention.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 07:39 UTC

    Metaplanet Buys 4,279 BTC

    Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich announced the company purchased 4,279 BTC in Q4 2025 for about $451 million, averaging $105,412 per coin. Total holdings now stand at 35,102 BTC, with a $3.78 billion cost basis and an average cost of $107,606 per BTC, yielding 568.2% in 2025. Its Bitcoin Income business generated ¥8.581 billion, surpassing forecasts, while the ongoing MARS plan supports disciplined long-term accumulation, reinforcing Metaplanet’s position among the world’s top corporate Bitcoin holders.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 07:21 UTC

    Bitcoin Set to Reach $150K?

    Dragonfly partner Haseeb Qureshi predicts Bitcoin could break $150,000 by the end of 2026, even as its market share shrinks. He expects Ethereum and Solana to outperform, while many fintech Layer‑1s underdeliver. Big Tech may launch or acquire a crypto wallet, and more Fortune 100 firms will adopt blockchain. In DeFi, three perpetual DEX leaders will dominate, with equity perps rising above 20%. Stablecoin supply could grow 60%, with USDT’s share falling and stablecoin cards expanding massively.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 30, 2025 06:42 UTC

    Metaplanet Raises ¥21.25B with Class B Preferred Share Issuance

    Metaplanet Inc. has successfully completed the issuance of 23.61 million Class B Preferred Shares (“MERCURY”) via a third-party allotment, raising ¥21.25 billion. Major investors include Nautical Funding Ltd., SMALLCAP World Fund, and select Anson and Ghisallo funds. Each share was issued at ¥900, boosting capital stock and reserves by ¥10.62 billion each. Following the allotment, total Class B shares reach 23.61 million, with capital stock temporarily set to reduce to ¥1 from December 30, 2025, as part of the company’s growth strategy.

  • Bitcoin Sohrab Khawas Dec 29, 2025 13:18 UTC

    Michael Saylor’s “Strategy” Purchases 1,229 Bitcoin

    Strategy added 1,229 BTC for about $108.8 million, averaging $88,568 per Bitcoin, achieving an impressive 23.2% yield YTD 2025. As of December 28, 2025, the company holds a total of 672,497 BTC, purchased for around $50.44 billion at an average price of $74,997 per Bitcoin, proving their relentless HODL even after last week’s 10,645 BTC scoop.​ This latest buy via ATM equity sales boosts their massive treasury.

  • Crypto ETF Sohrab Khawas Dec 29, 2025 08:01 UTC

    Bitcoin ETFs Crash $782M in Holiday Sell-Off

    Between December 22–26, Bitcoin spot ETFs experienced heavy outflows of $782 M across all 12 funds, while Ethereum spot ETFs saw $102 M in withdrawals. In contrast, Solana (SOL) spot ETFs recorded a net inflow of $13.14 M across eight ETFs. XRP ETFs surged with $64 M in inflows, led by Franklin’s XRPZ at $28.6 M, bringing total assets to $1.24 B. The trend highlights rising investor interest in altcoin ETFs even as Bitcoin and Ethereum face weaker demand.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 29, 2025 07:43 UTC

    China to Introduce Interest on Digital Yuan in 2026

    China’s central bank announced a major overhaul of its digital yuan, allowing commercial banks to pay interest on e‑CNY balances starting Jan. 1, 2026. The new framework upgrades the currency from simple digital cash to “digital deposit money,” aligning it closer to traditional bank deposits and expanding its monetary functions. Deputy Governor Lu Lei emphasized that the move follows over a decade of pilot programs, aiming to boost adoption, enhance financial utility, and make the e-CNY more attractive compared to private digital payment systems.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 27, 2025 07:47 UTC

    JPMorgan Blocks Stablecoin Startups Over Sanctions Risks

    JPMorgan has frozen accounts of stablecoin startups Blindpay and Kontigo, both backed by Y Combinator, after spotting suspicious activity linked to high-risk regions like Venezuela. The firms, which processed payments through Checkbook, reportedly saw rising chargebacks and weak identity checks. JPMorgan said the move was a compliance measure tied to sanctions rules, not a ban on all crypto clients. Both startups were growing fast in Latin America’s digital payment sector before the freeze.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 27, 2025 06:42 UTC

    Robinhood Launches $500K Dogecoin Giveaway

    Robinhood has rolled out a “Hood Holidays” countdown event, giving users a chance to share $500,000 worth of Dogecoin by joining an in-app countdown at 8:30 PM ET. Every eligible participant on the countdown screen receives a DOGE reward, turning the promo into a mass airdrop-style giveaway. Alongside Dogecoin, Robinhood is also offering high-end prizes, such as Rolex watches and Apple AirPods, to keep users engaged during the festive campaign.

  • Crypto news Sohrab Khawas Dec 26, 2025 13:41 UTC

    Japan to Tax Crypto as Financial Assets in 2026

    Japan’s FY2026 tax reform outline proposes reclassifying crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, cutting the tax rate on gains from up to 55% to a flat 20.315%. Spot, derivatives, and ETF profits would face separate taxation with up to a three-year loss carryforward, aligning with stocks. Staking, lending, and NFTs likely stay under miscellaneous income at progressive rates, pending 2026 legislation.

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