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Bitcoin Near $90K, Morgan Stanley Crypto ETF Push, UK Tax Rules Tighten, Market Rally Pauses
NEWS DIGEST – 08.01.2026
1) Bitcoin dips toward $90K amid macro uncertainty
What happened: Bitcoin slipped toward $90,000, trading around ~$90,900, while Ethereum held near ~$3,150 as traders awaited key U.S. jobs data and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs. This caution weighed on crypto sentiment.
Why it matters: Macro catalysts — especially jobs figures and legal rulings — can quickly shift risk appetite, and traders are positioning defensively. Price weakness at key levels suggests volatility ahead as markets digest new economic cues.
⸻
2) Morgan Stanley expands crypto ETF filings — Bitcoin, Solana & Ethereum
What happened: Major Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley filed with the SEC to launch spot ETFs tied to Bitcoin and Solana, and according to recent filings, also an Ethereum ETF — signaling deepening bank engagement in digital assets. These products would hold each asset directly, not via futures.
Why it matters: A global bank issuing its own ETFs highlights mainstream institutional confidence in crypto investment vehicles and could attract broader capital flows if approved. It also reflects a shift from simply distributing third-party products toward actively sponsoring crypto ETFs.
⸻
3) UK crypto tax reporting rules now in force — stricter HMRC requirements
What happened: New Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) regulations took effect in the UK as of 1 Jan 2026, requiring exchanges and platforms to share user earnings and transaction details with HMRC to combat tax evasion.
Why it matters: Heightened tax transparency increases compliance obligations for crypto investors and could influence trading behavior and reporting practices — part of a broader global push to align crypto with traditional financial reporting.
⸻
4) Crypto markets struggle to continue early-2026 rally — broader sell-off signals pause
What happened: After early-January strength, Bitcoin and other digital assets saw a pullback — reflecting a “pause” in the recent rally. This is linked to broader weakness in tech stocks and risk-off trading ahead of macro data and global events, affecting risk assets including crypto.
Why it matters: Crypto does not trade in isolation — correlations with equities and shifts in broader investor sentiment often shape price action. A temporary pullback doesn’t negate longer-term trends but underlines how sensitive markets remain to external catalysts.
1) Bitcoin dips toward $90K amid macro uncertainty
What happened: Bitcoin slipped toward $90,000, trading around ~$90,900, while Ethereum held near ~$3,150 as traders awaited key U.S. jobs data and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs. This caution weighed on crypto sentiment.
Why it matters: Macro catalysts — especially jobs figures and legal rulings — can quickly shift risk appetite, and traders are positioning defensively. Price weakness at key levels suggests volatility ahead as markets digest new economic cues.
⸻
2) Morgan Stanley expands crypto ETF filings — Bitcoin, Solana & Ethereum
What happened: Major Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley filed with the SEC to launch spot ETFs tied to Bitcoin and Solana, and according to recent filings, also an Ethereum ETF — signaling deepening bank engagement in digital assets. These products would hold each asset directly, not via futures.
Why it matters: A global bank issuing its own ETFs highlights mainstream institutional confidence in crypto investment vehicles and could attract broader capital flows if approved. It also reflects a shift from simply distributing third-party products toward actively sponsoring crypto ETFs.
⸻
3) UK crypto tax reporting rules now in force — stricter HMRC requirements
What happened: New Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) regulations took effect in the UK as of 1 Jan 2026, requiring exchanges and platforms to share user earnings and transaction details with HMRC to combat tax evasion.
Why it matters: Heightened tax transparency increases compliance obligations for crypto investors and could influence trading behavior and reporting practices — part of a broader global push to align crypto with traditional financial reporting.
⸻
4) Crypto markets struggle to continue early-2026 rally — broader sell-off signals pause
What happened: After early-January strength, Bitcoin and other digital assets saw a pullback — reflecting a “pause” in the recent rally. This is linked to broader weakness in tech stocks and risk-off trading ahead of macro data and global events, affecting risk assets including crypto.
Why it matters: Crypto does not trade in isolation — correlations with equities and shifts in broader investor sentiment often shape price action. A temporary pullback doesn’t negate longer-term trends but underlines how sensitive markets remain to external catalysts.
Bitcoin Near $90K, Morgan Stanley Crypto ETF Push, UK Tax Rules Tighten, Market Rally Pauses
NEWS DIGEST – 08.01.2026
What happened: Bitcoin slipped toward $90,000, trading around ~$90,900, while Ethereum held near ~$3,150 as traders awaited key U.S. jobs data and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs. This caution weighed on crypto sentiment.
Why it matters: Macro catalysts — especially jobs figures and legal rulings — can quickly shift risk appetite, and traders are positioning defensively. Price weakness at key levels suggests volatility ahead as markets digest new economic cues.
⸻
2) Morgan Stanley expands crypto ETF filings — Bitcoin, Solana & Ethereum
What happened: Major Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley filed with the SEC to launch spot ETFs tied to Bitcoin and Solana, and according to recent filings, also an Ethereum ETF — signaling deepening bank engagement in digital assets. These products would hold each asset directly, not via futures.
Why it matters: A global bank issuing its own ETFs highlights mainstream institutional confidence in crypto investment vehicles and could attract broader capital flows if approved. It also reflects a shift from simply distributing third-party products toward actively sponsoring crypto ETFs.
⸻
3) UK crypto tax reporting rules now in force — stricter HMRC requirements
What happened: New Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) regulations took effect in the UK as of 1 Jan 2026, requiring exchanges and platforms to share user earnings and transaction details with HMRC to combat tax evasion.
Why it matters: Heightened tax transparency increases compliance obligations for crypto investors and could influence trading behavior and reporting practices — part of a broader global push to align crypto with traditional financial reporting.
⸻
4) Crypto markets struggle to continue early-2026 rally — broader sell-off signals pause
What happened: After early-January strength, Bitcoin and other digital assets saw a pullback — reflecting a “pause” in the recent rally. This is linked to broader weakness in tech stocks and risk-off trading ahead of macro data and global events, affecting risk assets including crypto.
Why it matters: Crypto does not trade in isolation — correlations with equities and shifts in broader investor sentiment often shape price action. A temporary pullback doesn’t negate longer-term trends but underlines how sensitive markets remain to external catalysts.
What happened: Bitcoin slipped toward $90,000, trading around ~$90,900, while Ethereum held near ~$3,150 as traders awaited key U.S. jobs data and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on global tariffs. This caution weighed on crypto sentiment.
Why it matters: Macro catalysts — especially jobs figures and legal rulings — can quickly shift risk appetite, and traders are positioning defensively. Price weakness at key levels suggests volatility ahead as markets digest new economic cues.
⸻
2) Morgan Stanley expands crypto ETF filings — Bitcoin, Solana & Ethereum
What happened: Major Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley filed with the SEC to launch spot ETFs tied to Bitcoin and Solana, and according to recent filings, also an Ethereum ETF — signaling deepening bank engagement in digital assets. These products would hold each asset directly, not via futures.
Why it matters: A global bank issuing its own ETFs highlights mainstream institutional confidence in crypto investment vehicles and could attract broader capital flows if approved. It also reflects a shift from simply distributing third-party products toward actively sponsoring crypto ETFs.
⸻
3) UK crypto tax reporting rules now in force — stricter HMRC requirements
What happened: New Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) regulations took effect in the UK as of 1 Jan 2026, requiring exchanges and platforms to share user earnings and transaction details with HMRC to combat tax evasion.
Why it matters: Heightened tax transparency increases compliance obligations for crypto investors and could influence trading behavior and reporting practices — part of a broader global push to align crypto with traditional financial reporting.
⸻
4) Crypto markets struggle to continue early-2026 rally — broader sell-off signals pause
What happened: After early-January strength, Bitcoin and other digital assets saw a pullback — reflecting a “pause” in the recent rally. This is linked to broader weakness in tech stocks and risk-off trading ahead of macro data and global events, affecting risk assets including crypto.
Why it matters: Crypto does not trade in isolation — correlations with equities and shifts in broader investor sentiment often shape price action. A temporary pullback doesn’t negate longer-term trends but underlines how sensitive markets remain to external catalysts.
Ripple Declines IPO, Citing Strong Balance Sheet and Private Growth Strategy
Ripple has no plans to pursue an initial public offering, according to company president Monica Long. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Long said the firm’s current financial position allows it to continue expanding without tapping public markets.
Long explained that companies typically consider going public to gain access to liquidity and broader pools of capital. In Ripple’s case, however, those drivers are not pressing. She described the company as being in a “very healthy financial position,” enabling it to fund growth internally while remaining privately held.
Instead of preparing for an IPO, Ripple is prioritising product development and strategic expansion through acquisitions. Long noted that the company remains focused on building infrastructure that connects traditional financial systems with blockchain-based solutions, adding that a change in corporate status is not part of its current strategy. Her comments follow a recent fundraising round in which Ripple raised $500 million at a valuation of approximately $40 billion.
Long characterised the financing terms as supportive of Ripple’s long-term objectives but declined to disclose details related to investor protections or special rights tied to a potential sale of the business.
Throughout 2025, Ripple has accelerated its expansion through mergers and acquisitions. The company completed several major deals, including the purchase of prime brokerage Hidden Road and payments-focused stablecoin platform Rail. It also acquired treasury management provider GTreasury and custody firm Palisade, bringing total M&A spending close to $4 billion.
According to Ripple, transaction volumes processed via Ripple Payments have surpassed $95 billion. The company’s institutional arm, Ripple Prime, has broadened its offering to include additional lending and trading products, while the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD continues to play a central role in Ripple’s ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Ripple’s stablecoin received regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone in the company’s push to expand within regulated international markets.
Long explained that companies typically consider going public to gain access to liquidity and broader pools of capital. In Ripple’s case, however, those drivers are not pressing. She described the company as being in a “very healthy financial position,” enabling it to fund growth internally while remaining privately held.
Instead of preparing for an IPO, Ripple is prioritising product development and strategic expansion through acquisitions. Long noted that the company remains focused on building infrastructure that connects traditional financial systems with blockchain-based solutions, adding that a change in corporate status is not part of its current strategy. Her comments follow a recent fundraising round in which Ripple raised $500 million at a valuation of approximately $40 billion.
Long characterised the financing terms as supportive of Ripple’s long-term objectives but declined to disclose details related to investor protections or special rights tied to a potential sale of the business.
Throughout 2025, Ripple has accelerated its expansion through mergers and acquisitions. The company completed several major deals, including the purchase of prime brokerage Hidden Road and payments-focused stablecoin platform Rail. It also acquired treasury management provider GTreasury and custody firm Palisade, bringing total M&A spending close to $4 billion.
According to Ripple, transaction volumes processed via Ripple Payments have surpassed $95 billion. The company’s institutional arm, Ripple Prime, has broadened its offering to include additional lending and trading products, while the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD continues to play a central role in Ripple’s ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Ripple’s stablecoin received regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone in the company’s push to expand within regulated international markets.
Polymarket Declines Payouts on U.S.–Venezuela Invasion Bets
Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market, has drawn criticism after it refused to settle several high-value contracts tied to whether the United States would invade Venezuela, Guardian reports. The decision leaves millions of dollars in wagers unresolved, after the platform determined that recent events did not meet its criteria for an “invasion.”
Traders had committed more than $10.5 million on contracts betting that U.S. forces would carry out an invasion by various deadlines, with most money placed on a January 31, 2026 outcome. Some users wagered tens of thousands of dollars on the question, expecting the result to be settled after a surprise military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
However, Polymarket said on its website that payouts only occur if U.S. military forces undertake an action intended to establish control over Venezuelan territory — a condition it ruled was not fulfilled by the raid that removed Maduro. The clarification caused the market price on the invasion question to plunge as traders saw their chances of winning collapse.
The platform’s stance has drawn outrage from users, with some accusing it of arbitrarily redefining terms and failing to honour bets that appeared to be resolved by real-world events. An anonymous trader who placed about $30,000 on related outcomes briefly saw unrealised gains of more than $436,000 before the resolution breakdown, adding to concerns over fairness and transparency.
Polymarket recently secured regulatory approval in the U.S. and is among a growing number of prediction markets attracting attention from both participants and lawmakers. Critics warn that such platforms raise complex legal and ethical questions, especially when geopolitical developments — rather than sporting or financial results — are at stake.
Traders had committed more than $10.5 million on contracts betting that U.S. forces would carry out an invasion by various deadlines, with most money placed on a January 31, 2026 outcome. Some users wagered tens of thousands of dollars on the question, expecting the result to be settled after a surprise military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
However, Polymarket said on its website that payouts only occur if U.S. military forces undertake an action intended to establish control over Venezuelan territory — a condition it ruled was not fulfilled by the raid that removed Maduro. The clarification caused the market price on the invasion question to plunge as traders saw their chances of winning collapse.
The platform’s stance has drawn outrage from users, with some accusing it of arbitrarily redefining terms and failing to honour bets that appeared to be resolved by real-world events. An anonymous trader who placed about $30,000 on related outcomes briefly saw unrealised gains of more than $436,000 before the resolution breakdown, adding to concerns over fairness and transparency.
Polymarket recently secured regulatory approval in the U.S. and is among a growing number of prediction markets attracting attention from both participants and lawmakers. Critics warn that such platforms raise complex legal and ethical questions, especially when geopolitical developments — rather than sporting or financial results — are at stake.
Polymarket declines payouts on U.S.–Venezuela invasion bets
Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market, has drawn criticism after it refused to settle several high-value contracts tied to whether the United States would invade Venezuela, Guardian reports. The decision leaves millions of dollars in wagers unresolved, after the platform determined that recent events did not meet its criteria for an “invasion.”
Traders had committed more than $10.5 million on contracts betting that U.S. forces would carry out an invasion by various deadlines, with most money placed on a January 31, 2026 outcome. Some users wagered tens of thousands of dollars on the question, expecting the result to be settled after a surprise military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
However, Polymarket said on its website that payouts only occur if U.S. military forces undertake an action intended to establish control over Venezuelan territory — a condition it ruled was not fulfilled by the raid that removed Maduro. The clarification caused the market price on the invasion question to plunge as traders saw their chances of winning collapse.
The platform’s stance has drawn outrage from users, with some accusing it of arbitrarily redefining terms and failing to honour bets that appeared to be resolved by real-world events. An anonymous trader who placed about $30,000 on related outcomes briefly saw unrealised gains of more than $436,000 before the resolution breakdown, adding to concerns over fairness and transparency.
Polymarket recently secured regulatory approval in the U.S. and is among a growing number of prediction markets attracting attention from both participants and lawmakers. Critics warn that such platforms raise complex legal and ethical questions, especially when geopolitical developments — rather than sporting or financial results — are at stake.
Traders had committed more than $10.5 million on contracts betting that U.S. forces would carry out an invasion by various deadlines, with most money placed on a January 31, 2026 outcome. Some users wagered tens of thousands of dollars on the question, expecting the result to be settled after a surprise military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
However, Polymarket said on its website that payouts only occur if U.S. military forces undertake an action intended to establish control over Venezuelan territory — a condition it ruled was not fulfilled by the raid that removed Maduro. The clarification caused the market price on the invasion question to plunge as traders saw their chances of winning collapse.
The platform’s stance has drawn outrage from users, with some accusing it of arbitrarily redefining terms and failing to honour bets that appeared to be resolved by real-world events. An anonymous trader who placed about $30,000 on related outcomes briefly saw unrealised gains of more than $436,000 before the resolution breakdown, adding to concerns over fairness and transparency.
Polymarket recently secured regulatory approval in the U.S. and is among a growing number of prediction markets attracting attention from both participants and lawmakers. Critics warn that such platforms raise complex legal and ethical questions, especially when geopolitical developments — rather than sporting or financial results — are at stake.
Ripple declines IPO, citing strong balance sheet and private growth strategy
Ripple has no plans to pursue an initial public offering, according to company president Monica Long. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Long said the firm’s current financial position allows it to continue expanding without tapping public markets.
Long explained that companies typically consider going public to gain access to liquidity and broader pools of capital. In Ripple’s case, however, those drivers are not pressing. She described the company as being in a “very healthy financial position,” enabling it to fund growth internally while remaining privately held.
Instead of preparing for an IPO, Ripple is prioritising product development and strategic expansion through acquisitions. Long noted that the company remains focused on building infrastructure that connects traditional financial systems with blockchain-based solutions, adding that a change in corporate status is not part of its current strategy.
Her comments follow a recent fundraising round in which Ripple raised $500 million at a valuation of approximately $40 billion.
Long characterised the financing terms as supportive of Ripple’s long-term objectives but declined to disclose details related to investor protections or special rights tied to a potential sale of the business.
Throughout 2025, Ripple has accelerated its expansion through mergers and acquisitions. The company completed several major deals, including the purchase of prime brokerage Hidden Road and payments-focused stablecoin platform Rail. It also acquired treasury management provider GTreasury and custody firm Palisade, bringing total M&A spending close to $4 billion.
According to Ripple, transaction volumes processed via Ripple Payments have surpassed $95 billion. The company’s institutional arm, Ripple Prime, has broadened its offering to include additional lending and trading products, while the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD continues to play a central role in Ripple’s ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Ripple’s stablecoin received regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone in the company’s push to expand within regulated international markets.
Long explained that companies typically consider going public to gain access to liquidity and broader pools of capital. In Ripple’s case, however, those drivers are not pressing. She described the company as being in a “very healthy financial position,” enabling it to fund growth internally while remaining privately held.
Instead of preparing for an IPO, Ripple is prioritising product development and strategic expansion through acquisitions. Long noted that the company remains focused on building infrastructure that connects traditional financial systems with blockchain-based solutions, adding that a change in corporate status is not part of its current strategy.
Her comments follow a recent fundraising round in which Ripple raised $500 million at a valuation of approximately $40 billion.
Long characterised the financing terms as supportive of Ripple’s long-term objectives but declined to disclose details related to investor protections or special rights tied to a potential sale of the business.
Throughout 2025, Ripple has accelerated its expansion through mergers and acquisitions. The company completed several major deals, including the purchase of prime brokerage Hidden Road and payments-focused stablecoin platform Rail. It also acquired treasury management provider GTreasury and custody firm Palisade, bringing total M&A spending close to $4 billion.
According to Ripple, transaction volumes processed via Ripple Payments have surpassed $95 billion. The company’s institutional arm, Ripple Prime, has broadened its offering to include additional lending and trading products, while the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD continues to play a central role in Ripple’s ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Ripple’s stablecoin received regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone in the company’s push to expand within regulated international markets.
Institutional Crypto Momentum: Morgan Stanley ETFs, Strong Inflows, Bitcoin Stability & XRP Demand
NEWS DIGEST – 07.01.2026
What happened: Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. SEC to launch two new cryptocurrency ETFs — the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and Morgan Stanley Solana Trust — marking one of the first large-scale bank-sponsored crypto ETF filings from a major Wall Street institution. These funds would hold and track their respective assets directly.
Why it matters: A big traditional financial player moving into crypto ETF offerings signals growing institutional acceptance and could broaden mainstream exposure — especially in wealth management channels. This follows intensified bank engagement after recent regulatory clarifications.
⸻
2. Bitcoin & Ethereum extend gains; market trading mixed around $92–93K
What happened: The broader crypto market showed mixed trading, with Bitcoin around $92,500–$93,000 and Ethereum above $3,200, maintaining recent gains amid cautious sentiment. Market participants cited sustained investor confidence despite consolidation patterns.
Why it matters: Holding these key levels early in 2026 suggests resilience after year-end volatility; range-bound trading still dominates, but stable support could set up more defined directional moves ahead.
⸻
3. Crypto ETFs saw the strongest inflows day of the year — nearly $900M on Jan 5
What happened: Institutional capital flowed back into crypto-linked ETFs across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products, recording one of the largest single-day inflow sessions of the year. Bitcoin ETFs led with nearly $697.2 M in net inflows, while ETH, SOL and XRP also attracted capital.
Why it matters: Such robust ETF demand reflects renewed institutional interest after a volatile end to 2025, supporting price action and signaling that traditional capital is again engaging crypto exposure via regulated vehicles.
⸻
4. XRP ETF boom continues — over $1.4B in inflows so far in early 2026
What happened: The first U.S. spot-XRP ETFs — including REX Osprey’s XRPR and others — have attracted heavy capital in early 2026, pushing total inflows above $1.4 billion in a matter of weeks. This coincides with XRP’s price strength and reduced exchange supply.
Why it matters: Spot ETF inflows are a major structural driver for asset demand — when flows concentrate in XRP products, it not only tightens sell-side liquidity but can also support sustained price expansion if institutional interest persists.
What happened: Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. SEC to launch two new cryptocurrency ETFs — the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and Morgan Stanley Solana Trust — marking one of the first large-scale bank-sponsored crypto ETF filings from a major Wall Street institution. These funds would hold and track their respective assets directly.
Why it matters: A big traditional financial player moving into crypto ETF offerings signals growing institutional acceptance and could broaden mainstream exposure — especially in wealth management channels. This follows intensified bank engagement after recent regulatory clarifications.
⸻
2. Bitcoin & Ethereum extend gains; market trading mixed around $92–93K
What happened: The broader crypto market showed mixed trading, with Bitcoin around $92,500–$93,000 and Ethereum above $3,200, maintaining recent gains amid cautious sentiment. Market participants cited sustained investor confidence despite consolidation patterns.
Why it matters: Holding these key levels early in 2026 suggests resilience after year-end volatility; range-bound trading still dominates, but stable support could set up more defined directional moves ahead.
⸻
3. Crypto ETFs saw the strongest inflows day of the year — nearly $900M on Jan 5
What happened: Institutional capital flowed back into crypto-linked ETFs across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products, recording one of the largest single-day inflow sessions of the year. Bitcoin ETFs led with nearly $697.2 M in net inflows, while ETH, SOL and XRP also attracted capital.
Why it matters: Such robust ETF demand reflects renewed institutional interest after a volatile end to 2025, supporting price action and signaling that traditional capital is again engaging crypto exposure via regulated vehicles.
⸻
4. XRP ETF boom continues — over $1.4B in inflows so far in early 2026
What happened: The first U.S. spot-XRP ETFs — including REX Osprey’s XRPR and others — have attracted heavy capital in early 2026, pushing total inflows above $1.4 billion in a matter of weeks. This coincides with XRP’s price strength and reduced exchange supply.
Why it matters: Spot ETF inflows are a major structural driver for asset demand — when flows concentrate in XRP products, it not only tightens sell-side liquidity but can also support sustained price expansion if institutional interest persists.
Institutional Crypto Momentum: Morgan Stanley ETFs, Strong Inflows, Bitcoin Stability & XRP Demand
NEWS DIGEST – 07.01.2026
1. Morgan Stanley files for Bitcoin & Solana ETFs — major bank enters crypto placement game
What happened: Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. SEC to launch two new cryptocurrency ETFs — the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and Morgan Stanley Solana Trust — marking one of the first large-scale bank-sponsored crypto ETF filings from a major Wall Street institution. These funds would hold and track their respective assets directly.
Why it matters: A big traditional financial player moving into crypto ETF offerings signals growing institutional acceptance and could broaden mainstream exposure — especially in wealth management channels. This follows intensified bank engagement after recent regulatory clarifications.
⸻
2. Bitcoin & Ethereum extend gains; market trading mixed around $92–93K
What happened: The broader crypto market showed mixed trading, with Bitcoin around $92,500–$93,000 and Ethereum above $3,200, maintaining recent gains amid cautious sentiment. Market participants cited sustained investor confidence despite consolidation patterns.
Why it matters: Holding these key levels early in 2026 suggests resilience after year-end volatility; range-bound trading still dominates, but stable support could set up more defined directional moves ahead.
⸻
3. Crypto ETFs saw the strongest inflows day of the year — nearly $900M on Jan 5
What happened: Institutional capital flowed back into crypto-linked ETFs across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products, recording one of the largest single-day inflow sessions of the year. Bitcoin ETFs led with nearly $697.2 M in net inflows, while ETH, SOL and XRP also attracted capital.
Why it matters: Such robust ETF demand reflects renewed institutional interest after a volatile end to 2025, supporting price action and signaling that traditional capital is again engaging crypto exposure via regulated vehicles.
⸻
4. XRP ETF boom continues — over $1.4B in inflows so far in early 2026
What happened: The first U.S. spot-XRP ETFs — including REX Osprey’s XRPR and others — have attracted heavy capital in early 2026, pushing total inflows above $1.4 billion in a matter of weeks. This coincides with XRP’s price strength and reduced exchange supply.
Why it matters: Spot ETF inflows are a major structural driver for asset demand — when flows concentrate in XRP products, it not only tightens sell-side liquidity but can also support sustained price expansion if institutional interest persists.
1. Morgan Stanley files for Bitcoin & Solana ETFs — major bank enters crypto placement game
What happened: Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. SEC to launch two new cryptocurrency ETFs — the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and Morgan Stanley Solana Trust — marking one of the first large-scale bank-sponsored crypto ETF filings from a major Wall Street institution. These funds would hold and track their respective assets directly.
Why it matters: A big traditional financial player moving into crypto ETF offerings signals growing institutional acceptance and could broaden mainstream exposure — especially in wealth management channels. This follows intensified bank engagement after recent regulatory clarifications.
⸻
2. Bitcoin & Ethereum extend gains; market trading mixed around $92–93K
What happened: The broader crypto market showed mixed trading, with Bitcoin around $92,500–$93,000 and Ethereum above $3,200, maintaining recent gains amid cautious sentiment. Market participants cited sustained investor confidence despite consolidation patterns.
Why it matters: Holding these key levels early in 2026 suggests resilience after year-end volatility; range-bound trading still dominates, but stable support could set up more defined directional moves ahead.
⸻
3. Crypto ETFs saw the strongest inflows day of the year — nearly $900M on Jan 5
What happened: Institutional capital flowed back into crypto-linked ETFs across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products, recording one of the largest single-day inflow sessions of the year. Bitcoin ETFs led with nearly $697.2 M in net inflows, while ETH, SOL and XRP also attracted capital.
Why it matters: Such robust ETF demand reflects renewed institutional interest after a volatile end to 2025, supporting price action and signaling that traditional capital is again engaging crypto exposure via regulated vehicles.
⸻
4. XRP ETF boom continues — over $1.4B in inflows so far in early 2026
What happened: The first U.S. spot-XRP ETFs — including REX Osprey’s XRPR and others — have attracted heavy capital in early 2026, pushing total inflows above $1.4 billion in a matter of weeks. This coincides with XRP’s price strength and reduced exchange supply.
Why it matters: Spot ETF inflows are a major structural driver for asset demand — when flows concentrate in XRP products, it not only tightens sell-side liquidity but can also support sustained price expansion if institutional interest persists.
Casino-Style Game Mechanics Spotted in Telegram Beta
Early signs of casino-style gameplay have appeared in the Telegram beta, according to reports from TON community channels. References to Emoji Stake — a new game mechanic built around wagering TON on random emoji outcomes — were spotted directly within the messenger’s interface.
The feature allows users to place bets on emojis such as dice or slot machines without leaving Telegram. According to the description found in the beta, Emoji Stake is currently running as a limited playtest for a potential future platform focused on emoji-based games.
Sources within the TON ecosystem say the experiment explores a format where gambling mechanics are embedded into Telegram’s native user experience, enabling participation in just a few taps and without redirecting users to external apps or websites.
The beta version, referred to as Emoji Stake Beta, reportedly offers a streamlined interface with multipliers ranging from 1.5x to 6.0x. After each round, participants can see their results, including wins or losses, as well as aggregated outcomes from other players.
At this stage, access appears to be restricted to a small group of users, and the feature remains in testing. Telegram has not made any official announcement regarding Emoji Stake or broader plans to introduce gambling-related mechanics into the platform.
If expanded, the experiment could signal new directions for integrating gaming and crypto-native services directly into messaging apps — though for now, it remains an early-stage test.
The feature allows users to place bets on emojis such as dice or slot machines without leaving Telegram. According to the description found in the beta, Emoji Stake is currently running as a limited playtest for a potential future platform focused on emoji-based games.
Sources within the TON ecosystem say the experiment explores a format where gambling mechanics are embedded into Telegram’s native user experience, enabling participation in just a few taps and without redirecting users to external apps or websites.
The beta version, referred to as Emoji Stake Beta, reportedly offers a streamlined interface with multipliers ranging from 1.5x to 6.0x. After each round, participants can see their results, including wins or losses, as well as aggregated outcomes from other players.
At this stage, access appears to be restricted to a small group of users, and the feature remains in testing. Telegram has not made any official announcement regarding Emoji Stake or broader plans to introduce gambling-related mechanics into the platform.
If expanded, the experiment could signal new directions for integrating gaming and crypto-native services directly into messaging apps — though for now, it remains an early-stage test.
Bitcoin Rally, XRP Breakout, Ethereum Upgrade, Institutional ETF Inflows
NEWS DIGEST – 06.01.2026
What happened: Bitcoin reclaimed significant upside — climbing near $94,000–$95,000, marking its highest levels in about six weeks as markets opened up in 2026. Alongside BTC, Ethereum and XRP also posted gains, lifting the entire crypto sector.
Why it matters: This breakout suggests renewed market momentum after the year-end lull, with risk appetite improving and traders positioning early in the new year. A sustained move above these levels could signal a broader bullish phase.
Sources: CoinCodex price update; Crypto Stocks Soar market report.
⸻
2. XRP leads crypto recovery with strong surge and ranking jump
What happened: XRP has been outperforming many assets, with double-digit percentage gains and a surge that helped it reclaim the No. 3 spot in global market capitalization, overtaking BNB. Institutional ETF flows remain robust, underpinning the rally.
Why it matters: XRP’s leadership during this rally highlights shifting capital flows and investor confidence in select altcoins, not just BTC/ETH — especially where ETF demand and technical breakouts coincide.
Sources: MEXC News; XRP comeback ranking report.
⸻
3. Ethereum stability + upcoming network upgrade keeps ETH in focus
What happened: Ethereum remains stable above $3,150–$3,200, supported by strong fundamentals and preparation for a major upgrade scheduled soon, aimed at improving throughput and lowering fees.
Why it matters: Tech-driven catalysts like network upgrades can attract long-term capital and strengthen market positioning, making ETH a leading contender even as price cycles fluctuate.
Source: Sergey Tereshkin market update.
⸻
4. Record ETF inflows power institutional interest early in the year
What happened: U.S. spot crypto ETFs reported significant inflows (~$670 million) in early 2026, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products drawing capital as institutions re-enter the market after late-2025 outflows.
Why it matters: Renewed institutional flows are a major market driver — they add structural demand beyond retail price action. Early Jan inflows suggest serious allocation interest as macro conditions and sentiment improve.
Sources: Reddit reports on ETF inflows.
What happened: Bitcoin reclaimed significant upside — climbing near $94,000–$95,000, marking its highest levels in about six weeks as markets opened up in 2026. Alongside BTC, Ethereum and XRP also posted gains, lifting the entire crypto sector.
Why it matters: This breakout suggests renewed market momentum after the year-end lull, with risk appetite improving and traders positioning early in the new year. A sustained move above these levels could signal a broader bullish phase.
Sources: CoinCodex price update; Crypto Stocks Soar market report.
⸻
2. XRP leads crypto recovery with strong surge and ranking jump
What happened: XRP has been outperforming many assets, with double-digit percentage gains and a surge that helped it reclaim the No. 3 spot in global market capitalization, overtaking BNB. Institutional ETF flows remain robust, underpinning the rally.
Why it matters: XRP’s leadership during this rally highlights shifting capital flows and investor confidence in select altcoins, not just BTC/ETH — especially where ETF demand and technical breakouts coincide.
Sources: MEXC News; XRP comeback ranking report.
⸻
3. Ethereum stability + upcoming network upgrade keeps ETH in focus
What happened: Ethereum remains stable above $3,150–$3,200, supported by strong fundamentals and preparation for a major upgrade scheduled soon, aimed at improving throughput and lowering fees.
Why it matters: Tech-driven catalysts like network upgrades can attract long-term capital and strengthen market positioning, making ETH a leading contender even as price cycles fluctuate.
Source: Sergey Tereshkin market update.
⸻
4. Record ETF inflows power institutional interest early in the year
What happened: U.S. spot crypto ETFs reported significant inflows (~$670 million) in early 2026, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products drawing capital as institutions re-enter the market after late-2025 outflows.
Why it matters: Renewed institutional flows are a major market driver — they add structural demand beyond retail price action. Early Jan inflows suggest serious allocation interest as macro conditions and sentiment improve.
Sources: Reddit reports on ETF inflows.
Casino-Style Game Mechanics Spotted in Telegram Beta
Early signs of casino-style gameplay have appeared in the Telegram beta, according to reports from TON community channels. References to Emoji Stake — a new game mechanic built around wagering TON on random emoji outcomes — were spotted directly within the messenger’s interface.
The feature allows users to place bets on emojis such as dice or slot machines without leaving Telegram. According to the description found in the beta, Emoji Stake is currently running as a limited playtest for a potential future platform focused on emoji-based games.
Sources within the TON ecosystem say the experiment explores a format where gambling mechanics are embedded into Telegram’s native user experience, enabling participation in just a few taps and without redirecting users to external apps or websites.
The beta version, referred to as Emoji Stake Beta, reportedly offers a streamlined interface with multipliers ranging from 1.5x to 6.0x. After each round, participants can see their results, including wins or losses, as well as aggregated outcomes from other players.
At this stage, access appears to be restricted to a small group of users, and the feature remains in testing. Telegram has not made any official announcement regarding Emoji Stake or broader plans to introduce gambling-related mechanics into the platform.
If expanded, the experiment could signal new directions for integrating gaming and crypto-native services directly into messaging apps — though for now, it remains an early-stage test.
The feature allows users to place bets on emojis such as dice or slot machines without leaving Telegram. According to the description found in the beta, Emoji Stake is currently running as a limited playtest for a potential future platform focused on emoji-based games.
Sources within the TON ecosystem say the experiment explores a format where gambling mechanics are embedded into Telegram’s native user experience, enabling participation in just a few taps and without redirecting users to external apps or websites.
The beta version, referred to as Emoji Stake Beta, reportedly offers a streamlined interface with multipliers ranging from 1.5x to 6.0x. After each round, participants can see their results, including wins or losses, as well as aggregated outcomes from other players.
At this stage, access appears to be restricted to a small group of users, and the feature remains in testing. Telegram has not made any official announcement regarding Emoji Stake or broader plans to introduce gambling-related mechanics into the platform.
If expanded, the experiment could signal new directions for integrating gaming and crypto-native services directly into messaging apps — though for now, it remains an early-stage test.
Bitcoin Rally, XRP Breakout, Ethereum Upgrade, Institutional ETF Inflows
NEWS DIGEST – 06.01.2026
1. Bitcoin surges toward a 6-week high near $95,000
What happened: Bitcoin reclaimed significant upside — climbing near $94,000–$95,000, marking its highest levels in about six weeks as markets opened up in 2026. Alongside BTC, Ethereum and XRP also posted gains, lifting the entire crypto sector.
Why it matters: This breakout suggests renewed market momentum after the year-end lull, with risk appetite improving and traders positioning early in the new year. A sustained move above these levels could signal a broader bullish phase.
Sources: CoinCodex price update; Crypto Stocks Soar market report.
⸻
2. XRP leads crypto recovery with strong surge and ranking jump
What happened: XRP has been outperforming many assets, with double-digit percentage gains and a surge that helped it reclaim the No. 3 spot in global market capitalization, overtaking BNB. Institutional ETF flows remain robust, underpinning the rally.
Why it matters: XRP’s leadership during this rally highlights shifting capital flows and investor confidence in select altcoins, not just BTC/ETH — especially where ETF demand and technical breakouts coincide.
Sources: MEXC News; XRP comeback ranking report.
⸻
3. Ethereum stability + upcoming network upgrade keeps ETH in focus
What happened: Ethereum remains stable above $3,150–$3,200, supported by strong fundamentals and preparation for a major upgrade scheduled soon, aimed at improving throughput and lowering fees.
Why it matters: Tech-driven catalysts like network upgrades can attract long-term capital and strengthen market positioning, making ETH a leading contender even as price cycles fluctuate.
Source: Sergey Tereshkin market update.
⸻
4. Record ETF inflows power institutional interest early in the year
What happened: U.S. spot crypto ETFs reported significant inflows (~$670 million) in early 2026, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products drawing capital as institutions re-enter the market after late-2025 outflows.
Why it matters: Renewed institutional flows are a major market driver — they add structural demand beyond retail price action. Early Jan inflows suggest serious allocation interest as macro conditions and sentiment improve.
Sources: Reddit reports on ETF inflows.
1. Bitcoin surges toward a 6-week high near $95,000
What happened: Bitcoin reclaimed significant upside — climbing near $94,000–$95,000, marking its highest levels in about six weeks as markets opened up in 2026. Alongside BTC, Ethereum and XRP also posted gains, lifting the entire crypto sector.
Why it matters: This breakout suggests renewed market momentum after the year-end lull, with risk appetite improving and traders positioning early in the new year. A sustained move above these levels could signal a broader bullish phase.
Sources: CoinCodex price update; Crypto Stocks Soar market report.
⸻
2. XRP leads crypto recovery with strong surge and ranking jump
What happened: XRP has been outperforming many assets, with double-digit percentage gains and a surge that helped it reclaim the No. 3 spot in global market capitalization, overtaking BNB. Institutional ETF flows remain robust, underpinning the rally.
Why it matters: XRP’s leadership during this rally highlights shifting capital flows and investor confidence in select altcoins, not just BTC/ETH — especially where ETF demand and technical breakouts coincide.
Sources: MEXC News; XRP comeback ranking report.
⸻
3. Ethereum stability + upcoming network upgrade keeps ETH in focus
What happened: Ethereum remains stable above $3,150–$3,200, supported by strong fundamentals and preparation for a major upgrade scheduled soon, aimed at improving throughput and lowering fees.
Why it matters: Tech-driven catalysts like network upgrades can attract long-term capital and strengthen market positioning, making ETH a leading contender even as price cycles fluctuate.
Source: Sergey Tereshkin market update.
⸻
4. Record ETF inflows power institutional interest early in the year
What happened: U.S. spot crypto ETFs reported significant inflows (~$670 million) in early 2026, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP products drawing capital as institutions re-enter the market after late-2025 outflows.
Why it matters: Renewed institutional flows are a major market driver — they add structural demand beyond retail price action. Early Jan inflows suggest serious allocation interest as macro conditions and sentiment improve.
Sources: Reddit reports on ETF inflows.
From the 2008 Crisis to Crypto: Ilnur Mukhtov on Trading Psychology, Cycles, and Surviving Volati...
Today, our guest is Ilnur Mukhtov, a trader, investor, and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in the financial markets. Ilnur began his journey during the 2008 financial crisis and has lived through multiple market cycles — both in traditional equity markets and in crypto. Through firsthand experience, he has seen how psychology, strategies, and even the very logic of making money change across different market phases.
In addition to trading and investing, Ilnur is actively involved in business. In recent years, he has been living in Argentina, where he has launched and is developing several projects. In this interview, we’ll talk not only about the market itself, but also about trading psychology, mistakes from past cycles, the current state of the crypto market, and how to maintain clarity of mind and quality of life amid high volatility and uncertainty.
– Ilnur, welcome! As we know, you’ve been trading and investing for over 15 years and started your journey during the 2008 crisis. How did you first get into investing, and how did working through such a turbulent period shape your strategy?
I started trading in 2008, right at the peak of the financial crisis. By education, I’m a financial manager — I studied at the Kazan Financial and Economic Institute. Even back then, as I analyzed different careers in finance, I realized that many of them have a clear income limit. That’s what drew me to the securities market.
In 2006, I moved to Moscow, where I combined full-time work with studying at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, completing a master’s degree with a specialization in securities markets. At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I opened my first brokerage account — and at that moment, the market was falling every single day. For me, that turned out to be a plus.
Unlike those who traded during the “golden years” of growth, I entered the market straight into a crisis and immediately understood that you can make money not only when prices rise, but also when they fall.
Toward the end of 2008, I decided that the market had probably found a bottom, went long — and experienced my first liquidation. A loss of 500–600 thousand rubles became a serious lesson and quickly showed me that the market has nothing to do with overconfidence. For a 21–22-year-old, that was a very large amount of money.
The market made it clear to me that I wasn’t as great a trader as I might have thought. It took me a long time to recover psychologically, but I eventually came back. I entered this field with a clear intention: yes, I learned through my own mistakes, but my academic background gave me a solid foundation at the start — and beyond that, everything depends on you.
– You often emphasize the importance of psychology in trading — especially during the toughest periods, when most traders can’t handle the pressure and fall into panic or chaotic behavior. How did you personally build a psychological state where market chaos and panic become an opportunity rather than a threat?
I’d even go further and say that a lot of success comes precisely from the ability to act calmly and not panic during crisis periods. I’ve always said — and will keep saying — that 70–80% of trading is psychology and mindset, and only 20–30% is knowledge, experience, charts, technical analysis, and everything else. You can know all the tools and be perfect at technical analysis, but without the right psychology it gives you absolutely nothing.
You can buy a coin or a stock at the right time, at the right price, do everything correctly — but if you’re psychologically unstable, you’ll either sell the position at the first pullback or start doubting and rushing. And this works both in losses and in profits. When you’re in profit, that pressure is still there — as we say, “the money starts burning in your pocket.” You don’t know what to do: take profits, lock them in, or keep holding. You start rushing, and that’s exactly when mistakes happen.
So even if you have the knowledge, but you can’t manage yourself, sooner or later it will still lead to wiping out your deposit.
– You spent a long time investing in the stock market before moving into crypto. Was that your own decision, or did someone push you in that direction?
For me, as a speculator — and any trader is a speculator — it doesn’t really matter which asset you trade. What matters is volatility and movement, because you can make money both on the way up and on the way down.
Out of all the assets at the time, Bitcoin caught my attention the most. But I didn’t have enough knowledge back then, so I didn’t dive into it right away. In 2015, a friend asked me, “Ilnur, what do you think about Bitcoin?” I said, “It’s a bubble, some kind of nonsense.” I was just as skeptical as 99.9% of people were in the early years.
But by the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, I started hearing about Bitcoin and the crypto market more and more often. I realized that Bitcoin wasn’t the only asset — there were many different coins. I saw how volatile they were, how they moved up and down, and something clicked. I wanted to understand this market.
I asked friends and acquaintances whether anyone actually understood what Bitcoin and blockchain were. Today, crypto is full of information, courses, and videos — but back then, there was absolutely nothing.
At that time, I had an offline business — a hookah lounge in the city center. I came across an ad on Avito for mining equipment and thought: if someone knows how to set up mining, they probably understand Bitcoin and blockchain as well. I called him and invited him to my hookah lounge just to explain the basics to me.
He gave me three links to forums and said, “All the geeks and crypto people hang out here.” I started reading for five to six hours a day. Most of the information was garbage, but those 2–5% were truly valuable. After a month, I had a clear understanding that I needed to get into mining.
– How did your journey in crypto develop from there?
I remember that in April 2017 the mining boom started. We somehow managed to find GPUs in Poland — that was the hardest part. We bought them and then essentially smuggled them into Moscow, negotiating with long-haul truck drivers. In the end, we brought 21 or 22 GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards to Kazan and built a mining farm with them.
I also decided to ride the Bitcoin hype and made my hookah lounge the first food-and-beverage venue to accept Bitcoin. Honestly, it wasn’t about payments — it was about hype. I personally photographed the storefront with a Bitcoin sticker, posted it in public groups — and things took off. A blogger from Moscow posted a photo, and after that I started giving interviews and improving my public speaking skills, constantly explaining what crypto was.
In reality, there were only about 18 payments totaling roughly 20–25 thousand rubles, but money was never the goal. When the hype faded and the bear market started in 2018, we simply shut this story down.
– Based on your experience, how does trading and strategy differ between the stock market and the crypto market? Where do you think the most adaptation is required?
I had to completely relearn everything. I came into crypto as a total “hamster” — a complete beginner. My stock market knowledge didn’t help me at all back then. With the market capitalization at around $20 billion, any coin could be pumped or completely crushed. It was an extremely manipulative environment: there were no institutional players, only the same “wild” participants like myself.
Exchanges were constantly getting scammed — they would launch, run marketing campaigns, onboard users, and then shut down, taking all the funds with them. People mostly lost money when these exchanges closed.
If I had to compare: the stock market is like driving a Solaris or a Camry at 40–60 km/h, calmly in the right lane. Crypto is like a highway where you’re drunk, blindfolded, driving a Ferrari at 300 km/h. That’s roughly how it felt to me.
– When did you make life change sum in crypto? Which case was truly a turning point for you?
There was a life-changing moment, but not in 2017. Back then I was the same “hamster” as everyone else — rose-colored glasses, belief in blockchain, and the feeling that this was just the beginning. At that time, we didn’t understand market cycles or the fact that bear markets even exist.
At the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I watched my portfolio grow every single day: plus 50, 100, 200, 300 thousand rubles in a day. It felt like it would last forever. I didn’t lock in a single dollar of profit. Then the correction started, and I learned another hard lesson: markets don’t only go up — there are also bear cycles. In the end, that entire story completely wiped out.
The real life-change happened in 2021. By that time, I already understood how the market works and had been gradually building my portfolio. In 2021 it grew significantly, and that’s when I made my first million dollars. The most important part is that I locked in profits three days before the flash crash. I was running my portfolio publicly: some people followed me and made money, while others repeated the same mistake I had made in 2017.
– What did you buy with that first major crypto profit?
The first thing I did was buy an expensive car — a Mercedes-Benz. It was important for me to lock in the result and realize that I had actually taken money out of the crypto market.
I always say: you should definitely buy something with the money you earn — for yourself or for your loved ones. It’s an anchor and a reminder that even if things are difficult right now, you’ve already succeeded once. That’s why my life-changing moment happened specifically in 2021.
– How would you describe the current phase of the crypto market over the past two years: is this a full bull market, or growth limited mainly to Bitcoin?
If we look at it formally, this has been more of a bull market for Bitcoin. Prices at $100–120K are undeniably bullish. But the picture for altcoins is very different. Since 2021, most of them have been falling, with only occasional bounces, and many coins have set new lows.
Projects with a history going back to 2021 are now trading much cheaper than they were one, two, or three years ago. New tokens often launch with inflated valuations and quickly deflate. Everyone is waiting for an altseason like in 2017 or 2021, but this long period of averaging down and continued declines is extremely exhausting.
If in 2017 almost everything was going up, and in 2021 you already had to understand narratives, then over the past few years — aside from memes and a handful of individual coins — the market has essentially shown no real growth.
– So you believe that each new bull cycle becomes harder?
Yes. Altcoins have already deflated — it was mostly a narrative. Usually, where the crowd goes, there is no profit. Profit is where the crowd isn’t.
I was always skeptical about memecoins — they seemed like empty assets with no real value. But it turned out to be the opposite: technology-focused projects collapsed under their own weight, while memecoins, where there were few participants and a lot of degens, took off.
There were several strong inflows into the meme sector, which quickly pushed prices up, and once that narrative ended, they deflated just as fast. The key thing to understand is this: in coins where a lot of retail investors and funds are stuck, it’s very hard for the market to move higher — any upward movement immediately runs into selling pressure.
– Do you link this to the arrival of institutional players? That because of them it’s become harder for retail to make money, and that we’re now in some kind of transition period?
There are several reasons. First, retail investors saw the market grow in 2017 and 2021 and got used to four-year cycles: Bitcoin goes first, then altcoins. People started projecting past patterns onto the current market. But the market works very simply: I make money when someone else loses it. I buy at the lows, sell into euphoria, and the “hamster” buys at the highs. We decided that this would always work the same way — and that’s exactly what backfired.
People have become smarter, market awareness has increased — and making money has become harder. There are fewer fools in the market now, and profits come from inefficiencies. A “hamster” is someone who sees a green candle and buys at the top. A trader’s job is to be in the minority: buy in fear and sell in euphoria. That’s how institutions and large players operate. But in the end, almost everyone decided they were smart — and as a result, almost everyone became a hamster.
– What advice would you give to someone entering the market now, in these “Wild West” conditions of high volatility and flash crashes, but without a large capital base?
First, this is not financial advice. Right now I see that most people are locking in large losses and are simply exhausted by the market — and I completely understand them.
Against this backdrop, a friend recently wrote to me and asked: “If everyone is exiting, maybe it’s time to enter?” The logic is correct, but I can’t tell you how much money to deploy. The only thing I would recommend is to split your portfolio into two or three parts. Enter in stages at current prices and add more if the market goes lower. For example, if Bitcoin drops below $80,000, altcoins could get completely crushed.
I would allocate around 30–50% to Ethereum, and spread the rest across different coins in small portions.
This is about diversification: some coins will go to zero — that’s normal — but others may deliver multiples and cover those losses.
– So diversification matters even for a small portfolio?
One hundred percent. No one knows which coin will take off or what kind of manipulation is being prepared. That’s why diversification is crucial. I personally buy many coins in small allocations. It’s better to put 1% of your portfolio into a coin: if it rugs, it’s not a problem; if it flies, you’re already in. This helps avoid FOMO.
Again, it all comes down to psychology. People can’t handle dumps not because of the market, but because they invested more money than they were prepared to lose. Losing 50% from $100 isn’t stressful; losing a large amount triggers panic. You need to find a “comfortable” amount — money you genuinely don’t care about. Then drawdowns feel manageable: it drops, you can add more.
Technical analysis is secondary. The most important thing in crypto is inner calm.
– To sum it up: what is the most important piece of advice you would give to everyone — both newcomers and those already in the market?
My main advice is to try to be happy, regardless of the market!
What matters most is your loved ones, your family, and your health — including mental health. Traders often, especially when things start working out, dive headfirst into the market and neglect everything else. That’s bad both in profit and in loss.
We only live once. To distance myself psychologically from the market, I launched offline businesses and shifted my focus there. When the bull market starts, I’ll shift my attention back to crypto.
There’s no point in staring at charts 24/7 — you can’t influence the market anyway. You have a plan, and that’s enough. Crypto isn’t the only thing in life. Don’t waste years on constant stress.
– Thank you so much for this conversation — it was really interesting and genuinely useful, especially in such a difficult market!
Likewise. Guys, it’s better to buy a Christmas tree than Starknet. Much love to everyone. Bye!
In addition to trading and investing, Ilnur is actively involved in business. In recent years, he has been living in Argentina, where he has launched and is developing several projects. In this interview, we’ll talk not only about the market itself, but also about trading psychology, mistakes from past cycles, the current state of the crypto market, and how to maintain clarity of mind and quality of life amid high volatility and uncertainty.
– Ilnur, welcome! As we know, you’ve been trading and investing for over 15 years and started your journey during the 2008 crisis. How did you first get into investing, and how did working through such a turbulent period shape your strategy?
I started trading in 2008, right at the peak of the financial crisis. By education, I’m a financial manager — I studied at the Kazan Financial and Economic Institute. Even back then, as I analyzed different careers in finance, I realized that many of them have a clear income limit. That’s what drew me to the securities market.
In 2006, I moved to Moscow, where I combined full-time work with studying at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, completing a master’s degree with a specialization in securities markets. At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I opened my first brokerage account — and at that moment, the market was falling every single day. For me, that turned out to be a plus.
Unlike those who traded during the “golden years” of growth, I entered the market straight into a crisis and immediately understood that you can make money not only when prices rise, but also when they fall.
Toward the end of 2008, I decided that the market had probably found a bottom, went long — and experienced my first liquidation. A loss of 500–600 thousand rubles became a serious lesson and quickly showed me that the market has nothing to do with overconfidence. For a 21–22-year-old, that was a very large amount of money.
The market made it clear to me that I wasn’t as great a trader as I might have thought. It took me a long time to recover psychologically, but I eventually came back. I entered this field with a clear intention: yes, I learned through my own mistakes, but my academic background gave me a solid foundation at the start — and beyond that, everything depends on you.
– You often emphasize the importance of psychology in trading — especially during the toughest periods, when most traders can’t handle the pressure and fall into panic or chaotic behavior. How did you personally build a psychological state where market chaos and panic become an opportunity rather than a threat?
I’d even go further and say that a lot of success comes precisely from the ability to act calmly and not panic during crisis periods. I’ve always said — and will keep saying — that 70–80% of trading is psychology and mindset, and only 20–30% is knowledge, experience, charts, technical analysis, and everything else. You can know all the tools and be perfect at technical analysis, but without the right psychology it gives you absolutely nothing.
You can buy a coin or a stock at the right time, at the right price, do everything correctly — but if you’re psychologically unstable, you’ll either sell the position at the first pullback or start doubting and rushing. And this works both in losses and in profits. When you’re in profit, that pressure is still there — as we say, “the money starts burning in your pocket.” You don’t know what to do: take profits, lock them in, or keep holding. You start rushing, and that’s exactly when mistakes happen.
So even if you have the knowledge, but you can’t manage yourself, sooner or later it will still lead to wiping out your deposit.
– You spent a long time investing in the stock market before moving into crypto. Was that your own decision, or did someone push you in that direction?
For me, as a speculator — and any trader is a speculator — it doesn’t really matter which asset you trade. What matters is volatility and movement, because you can make money both on the way up and on the way down.
Out of all the assets at the time, Bitcoin caught my attention the most. But I didn’t have enough knowledge back then, so I didn’t dive into it right away. In 2015, a friend asked me, “Ilnur, what do you think about Bitcoin?” I said, “It’s a bubble, some kind of nonsense.” I was just as skeptical as 99.9% of people were in the early years.
But by the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, I started hearing about Bitcoin and the crypto market more and more often. I realized that Bitcoin wasn’t the only asset — there were many different coins. I saw how volatile they were, how they moved up and down, and something clicked. I wanted to understand this market.
I asked friends and acquaintances whether anyone actually understood what Bitcoin and blockchain were. Today, crypto is full of information, courses, and videos — but back then, there was absolutely nothing.
At that time, I had an offline business — a hookah lounge in the city center. I came across an ad on Avito for mining equipment and thought: if someone knows how to set up mining, they probably understand Bitcoin and blockchain as well. I called him and invited him to my hookah lounge just to explain the basics to me.
He gave me three links to forums and said, “All the geeks and crypto people hang out here.” I started reading for five to six hours a day. Most of the information was garbage, but those 2–5% were truly valuable. After a month, I had a clear understanding that I needed to get into mining.
– How did your journey in crypto develop from there?
I remember that in April 2017 the mining boom started. We somehow managed to find GPUs in Poland — that was the hardest part. We bought them and then essentially smuggled them into Moscow, negotiating with long-haul truck drivers. In the end, we brought 21 or 22 GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards to Kazan and built a mining farm with them.
I also decided to ride the Bitcoin hype and made my hookah lounge the first food-and-beverage venue to accept Bitcoin. Honestly, it wasn’t about payments — it was about hype. I personally photographed the storefront with a Bitcoin sticker, posted it in public groups — and things took off. A blogger from Moscow posted a photo, and after that I started giving interviews and improving my public speaking skills, constantly explaining what crypto was.
In reality, there were only about 18 payments totaling roughly 20–25 thousand rubles, but money was never the goal. When the hype faded and the bear market started in 2018, we simply shut this story down.
– Based on your experience, how does trading and strategy differ between the stock market and the crypto market? Where do you think the most adaptation is required?
I had to completely relearn everything. I came into crypto as a total “hamster” — a complete beginner. My stock market knowledge didn’t help me at all back then. With the market capitalization at around $20 billion, any coin could be pumped or completely crushed. It was an extremely manipulative environment: there were no institutional players, only the same “wild” participants like myself.
Exchanges were constantly getting scammed — they would launch, run marketing campaigns, onboard users, and then shut down, taking all the funds with them. People mostly lost money when these exchanges closed.
If I had to compare: the stock market is like driving a Solaris or a Camry at 40–60 km/h, calmly in the right lane. Crypto is like a highway where you’re drunk, blindfolded, driving a Ferrari at 300 km/h. That’s roughly how it felt to me.
– When did you make life change sum in crypto? Which case was truly a turning point for you?
There was a life-changing moment, but not in 2017. Back then I was the same “hamster” as everyone else — rose-colored glasses, belief in blockchain, and the feeling that this was just the beginning. At that time, we didn’t understand market cycles or the fact that bear markets even exist.
At the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I watched my portfolio grow every single day: plus 50, 100, 200, 300 thousand rubles in a day. It felt like it would last forever. I didn’t lock in a single dollar of profit. Then the correction started, and I learned another hard lesson: markets don’t only go up — there are also bear cycles. In the end, that entire story completely wiped out.
The real life-change happened in 2021. By that time, I already understood how the market works and had been gradually building my portfolio. In 2021 it grew significantly, and that’s when I made my first million dollars. The most important part is that I locked in profits three days before the flash crash. I was running my portfolio publicly: some people followed me and made money, while others repeated the same mistake I had made in 2017.
– What did you buy with that first major crypto profit?
The first thing I did was buy an expensive car — a Mercedes-Benz. It was important for me to lock in the result and realize that I had actually taken money out of the crypto market.
I always say: you should definitely buy something with the money you earn — for yourself or for your loved ones. It’s an anchor and a reminder that even if things are difficult right now, you’ve already succeeded once. That’s why my life-changing moment happened specifically in 2021.
– How would you describe the current phase of the crypto market over the past two years: is this a full bull market, or growth limited mainly to Bitcoin?
If we look at it formally, this has been more of a bull market for Bitcoin. Prices at $100–120K are undeniably bullish. But the picture for altcoins is very different. Since 2021, most of them have been falling, with only occasional bounces, and many coins have set new lows.
Projects with a history going back to 2021 are now trading much cheaper than they were one, two, or three years ago. New tokens often launch with inflated valuations and quickly deflate. Everyone is waiting for an altseason like in 2017 or 2021, but this long period of averaging down and continued declines is extremely exhausting.
If in 2017 almost everything was going up, and in 2021 you already had to understand narratives, then over the past few years — aside from memes and a handful of individual coins — the market has essentially shown no real growth.
– So you believe that each new bull cycle becomes harder?
Yes. Altcoins have already deflated — it was mostly a narrative. Usually, where the crowd goes, there is no profit. Profit is where the crowd isn’t.
I was always skeptical about memecoins — they seemed like empty assets with no real value. But it turned out to be the opposite: technology-focused projects collapsed under their own weight, while memecoins, where there were few participants and a lot of degens, took off.
There were several strong inflows into the meme sector, which quickly pushed prices up, and once that narrative ended, they deflated just as fast. The key thing to understand is this: in coins where a lot of retail investors and funds are stuck, it’s very hard for the market to move higher — any upward movement immediately runs into selling pressure.
– Do you link this to the arrival of institutional players? That because of them it’s become harder for retail to make money, and that we’re now in some kind of transition period?
There are several reasons. First, retail investors saw the market grow in 2017 and 2021 and got used to four-year cycles: Bitcoin goes first, then altcoins. People started projecting past patterns onto the current market. But the market works very simply: I make money when someone else loses it. I buy at the lows, sell into euphoria, and the “hamster” buys at the highs. We decided that this would always work the same way — and that’s exactly what backfired.
People have become smarter, market awareness has increased — and making money has become harder. There are fewer fools in the market now, and profits come from inefficiencies. A “hamster” is someone who sees a green candle and buys at the top. A trader’s job is to be in the minority: buy in fear and sell in euphoria. That’s how institutions and large players operate. But in the end, almost everyone decided they were smart — and as a result, almost everyone became a hamster.
– What advice would you give to someone entering the market now, in these “Wild West” conditions of high volatility and flash crashes, but without a large capital base?
First, this is not financial advice. Right now I see that most people are locking in large losses and are simply exhausted by the market — and I completely understand them.
Against this backdrop, a friend recently wrote to me and asked: “If everyone is exiting, maybe it’s time to enter?” The logic is correct, but I can’t tell you how much money to deploy. The only thing I would recommend is to split your portfolio into two or three parts. Enter in stages at current prices and add more if the market goes lower. For example, if Bitcoin drops below $80,000, altcoins could get completely crushed.
I would allocate around 30–50% to Ethereum, and spread the rest across different coins in small portions.
This is about diversification: some coins will go to zero — that’s normal — but others may deliver multiples and cover those losses.
– So diversification matters even for a small portfolio?
One hundred percent. No one knows which coin will take off or what kind of manipulation is being prepared. That’s why diversification is crucial. I personally buy many coins in small allocations. It’s better to put 1% of your portfolio into a coin: if it rugs, it’s not a problem; if it flies, you’re already in. This helps avoid FOMO.
Again, it all comes down to psychology. People can’t handle dumps not because of the market, but because they invested more money than they were prepared to lose. Losing 50% from $100 isn’t stressful; losing a large amount triggers panic. You need to find a “comfortable” amount — money you genuinely don’t care about. Then drawdowns feel manageable: it drops, you can add more.
Technical analysis is secondary. The most important thing in crypto is inner calm.
– To sum it up: what is the most important piece of advice you would give to everyone — both newcomers and those already in the market?
My main advice is to try to be happy, regardless of the market!
What matters most is your loved ones, your family, and your health — including mental health. Traders often, especially when things start working out, dive headfirst into the market and neglect everything else. That’s bad both in profit and in loss.
We only live once. To distance myself psychologically from the market, I launched offline businesses and shifted my focus there. When the bull market starts, I’ll shift my attention back to crypto.
There’s no point in staring at charts 24/7 — you can’t influence the market anyway. You have a plan, and that’s enough. Crypto isn’t the only thing in life. Don’t waste years on constant stress.
– Thank you so much for this conversation — it was really interesting and genuinely useful, especially in such a difficult market!
Likewise. Guys, it’s better to buy a Christmas tree than Starknet. Much love to everyone. Bye!
Bitcoin ETF Inflows, BTC Price Rally, XRP Volume Surge, Altcoin & Memecoin Momentum
NEWS DIGEST – 05.01.2026
1) Massive Bitcoin & Ethereum ETF inflows kick off 2026
What happened: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted ~$471 million in net inflows on the first trading day of 2026, while spot Ethereum ETFs added around $174 million, bringing total inflows to roughly $646 million — the strongest start in weeks. BTC briefly touched near $90.9K during the session.
Why it matters: Heavy ETF inflows after a period of outflows signal renewed institutional interest, potentially underpinning prices if flows continue. Strong capital entering these vehicles suggests institutions may be gearing up for the new year.
_Source: The Coin Republic; HashTelegraph (ETF inflows & BTC price)
⸻
2) BTC prices rally above $93K as traders return from holidays
What happened: Bitcoin briefly climbed over $93,000 as traders returned from the New Year break and market participation picked up. Ethereum and other major altcoins also saw modest gains.
Why it matters: A rally above $93K early in 2026 suggests strengthening sentiment and renewed interest after year-end consolidation. If this momentum persists, patience from late 2025 could be rewarded early in the new cycle.
_Source: Block-Chain24 BTC price report
⸻
3) XRP volume surges as institutional appetite grows
What happened: Trading activity in XRP spiked sharply, with volume surging nearly 190% in 24 hours, partly attributed to ETF-driven flows and renewed interest from institutional desks. XRP also overtook BNB in popularity metrics on some platforms.
Why it matters: Increased demand and high turnover can drive short-term price volatility and attract fresh capital — especially if market participants view XRP as a diversifying asset compared with BTC or ETH.
_Source: MEXC news on XRP ETF & volume surge
⸻
4) Top 5 popular cryptos right now — memecoins and altcoins gaining traction
What happened: According to a market popularity ranking, Bitcoin remains #1, followed by XRP, Ethereum, Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Solana among the top 5 most popular coins in the last 24 h. Notably, SHIB jumped over ~8% in a single day.
Why it matters: Popularity rankings can preface speculative flows into high-beta assets like SHIB, suggesting traders are hunting yield and short-term opportunities alongside core assets like BTC and ETH. Such breadth can influence market rotation narratives.
_Source: Gate.io News Bot top crypto popularity data
1) Massive Bitcoin & Ethereum ETF inflows kick off 2026
What happened: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted ~$471 million in net inflows on the first trading day of 2026, while spot Ethereum ETFs added around $174 million, bringing total inflows to roughly $646 million — the strongest start in weeks. BTC briefly touched near $90.9K during the session.
Why it matters: Heavy ETF inflows after a period of outflows signal renewed institutional interest, potentially underpinning prices if flows continue. Strong capital entering these vehicles suggests institutions may be gearing up for the new year.
_Source: The Coin Republic; HashTelegraph (ETF inflows & BTC price)
⸻
2) BTC prices rally above $93K as traders return from holidays
What happened: Bitcoin briefly climbed over $93,000 as traders returned from the New Year break and market participation picked up. Ethereum and other major altcoins also saw modest gains.
Why it matters: A rally above $93K early in 2026 suggests strengthening sentiment and renewed interest after year-end consolidation. If this momentum persists, patience from late 2025 could be rewarded early in the new cycle.
_Source: Block-Chain24 BTC price report
⸻
3) XRP volume surges as institutional appetite grows
What happened: Trading activity in XRP spiked sharply, with volume surging nearly 190% in 24 hours, partly attributed to ETF-driven flows and renewed interest from institutional desks. XRP also overtook BNB in popularity metrics on some platforms.
Why it matters: Increased demand and high turnover can drive short-term price volatility and attract fresh capital — especially if market participants view XRP as a diversifying asset compared with BTC or ETH.
_Source: MEXC news on XRP ETF & volume surge
⸻
4) Top 5 popular cryptos right now — memecoins and altcoins gaining traction
What happened: According to a market popularity ranking, Bitcoin remains #1, followed by XRP, Ethereum, Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Solana among the top 5 most popular coins in the last 24 h. Notably, SHIB jumped over ~8% in a single day.
Why it matters: Popularity rankings can preface speculative flows into high-beta assets like SHIB, suggesting traders are hunting yield and short-term opportunities alongside core assets like BTC and ETH. Such breadth can influence market rotation narratives.
_Source: Gate.io News Bot top crypto popularity data
Bitcoin ETF Inflows, BTC Price Rally, XRP Volume Surge, Altcoin & Memecoin Momentum
NEWS DIGEST – 05.01.2026
What happened: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted ~$471 million in net inflows on the first trading day of 2026, while spot Ethereum ETFs added around $174 million, bringing total inflows to roughly $646 million — the strongest start in weeks. BTC briefly touched near $90.9K during the session.
Why it matters: Heavy ETF inflows after a period of outflows signal renewed institutional interest, potentially underpinning prices if flows continue. Strong capital entering these vehicles suggests institutions may be gearing up for the new year.
_Source: The Coin Republic; HashTelegraph (ETF inflows & BTC price)
⸻
2) BTC prices rally above $93K as traders return from holidays
What happened: Bitcoin briefly climbed over $93,000 as traders returned from the New Year break and market participation picked up. Ethereum and other major altcoins also saw modest gains.
Why it matters: A rally above $93K early in 2026 suggests strengthening sentiment and renewed interest after year-end consolidation. If this momentum persists, patience from late 2025 could be rewarded early in the new cycle.
_Source: Block-Chain24 BTC price report
⸻
3) XRP volume surges as institutional appetite grows
What happened: Trading activity in XRP spiked sharply, with volume surging nearly 190% in 24 hours, partly attributed to ETF-driven flows and renewed interest from institutional desks. XRP also overtook BNB in popularity metrics on some platforms.
Why it matters: Increased demand and high turnover can drive short-term price volatility and attract fresh capital — especially if market participants view XRP as a diversifying asset compared with BTC or ETH.
_Source: MEXC news on XRP ETF & volume surge
⸻
4) Top 5 popular cryptos right now — memecoins and altcoins gaining traction
What happened: According to a market popularity ranking, Bitcoin remains #1, followed by XRP, Ethereum, Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Solana among the top 5 most popular coins in the last 24 h. Notably, SHIB jumped over ~8% in a single day.
Why it matters: Popularity rankings can preface speculative flows into high-beta assets like SHIB, suggesting traders are hunting yield and short-term opportunities alongside core assets like BTC and ETH. Such breadth can influence market rotation narratives.
_Source: Gate.io News Bot top crypto popularity data
What happened: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted ~$471 million in net inflows on the first trading day of 2026, while spot Ethereum ETFs added around $174 million, bringing total inflows to roughly $646 million — the strongest start in weeks. BTC briefly touched near $90.9K during the session.
Why it matters: Heavy ETF inflows after a period of outflows signal renewed institutional interest, potentially underpinning prices if flows continue. Strong capital entering these vehicles suggests institutions may be gearing up for the new year.
_Source: The Coin Republic; HashTelegraph (ETF inflows & BTC price)
⸻
2) BTC prices rally above $93K as traders return from holidays
What happened: Bitcoin briefly climbed over $93,000 as traders returned from the New Year break and market participation picked up. Ethereum and other major altcoins also saw modest gains.
Why it matters: A rally above $93K early in 2026 suggests strengthening sentiment and renewed interest after year-end consolidation. If this momentum persists, patience from late 2025 could be rewarded early in the new cycle.
_Source: Block-Chain24 BTC price report
⸻
3) XRP volume surges as institutional appetite grows
What happened: Trading activity in XRP spiked sharply, with volume surging nearly 190% in 24 hours, partly attributed to ETF-driven flows and renewed interest from institutional desks. XRP also overtook BNB in popularity metrics on some platforms.
Why it matters: Increased demand and high turnover can drive short-term price volatility and attract fresh capital — especially if market participants view XRP as a diversifying asset compared with BTC or ETH.
_Source: MEXC news on XRP ETF & volume surge
⸻
4) Top 5 popular cryptos right now — memecoins and altcoins gaining traction
What happened: According to a market popularity ranking, Bitcoin remains #1, followed by XRP, Ethereum, Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Solana among the top 5 most popular coins in the last 24 h. Notably, SHIB jumped over ~8% in a single day.
Why it matters: Popularity rankings can preface speculative flows into high-beta assets like SHIB, suggesting traders are hunting yield and short-term opportunities alongside core assets like BTC and ETH. Such breadth can influence market rotation narratives.
_Source: Gate.io News Bot top crypto popularity data
From the 2008 Crisis to Crypto: Ilnur Mukhtov on Trading Psychology, Cycles, and Surviving Volati...
Today, our guest is Ilnur Mukhtov, a trader, investor, and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in the financial markets. Ilnur began his journey during the 2008 financial crisis and has lived through multiple market cycles — both in traditional equity markets and in crypto. Through firsthand experience, he has seen how psychology, strategies, and even the very logic of making money change across different market phases.
In addition to trading and investing, Ilnur is actively involved in business. In recent years, he has been living in Argentina, where he has launched and is developing several projects. In this interview, we’ll talk not only about the market itself, but also about trading psychology, mistakes from past cycles, the current state of the crypto market, and how to maintain clarity of mind and quality of life amid high volatility and uncertainty.
– Ilnur, welcome! As we know, you’ve been trading and investing for over 15 years and started your journey during the 2008 crisis. How did you first get into investing, and how did working through such a turbulent period shape your strategy?
I started trading in 2008, right at the peak of the financial crisis. By education, I’m a financial manager — I studied at the Kazan Financial and Economic Institute. Even back then, as I analyzed different careers in finance, I realized that many of them have a clear income limit. That’s what drew me to the securities market.
In 2006, I moved to Moscow, where I combined full-time work with studying at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, completing a master’s degree with a specialization in securities markets. At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I opened my first brokerage account — and at that moment, the market was falling every single day. For me, that turned out to be a plus.
Unlike those who traded during the “golden years” of growth, I entered the market straight into a crisis and immediately understood that you can make money not only when prices rise, but also when they fall.
Toward the end of 2008, I decided that the market had probably found a bottom, went long — and experienced my first liquidation. A loss of 500–600 thousand rubles became a serious lesson and quickly showed me that the market has nothing to do with overconfidence. For a 21–22-year-old, that was a very large amount of money.
The market made it clear to me that I wasn’t as great a trader as I might have thought. It took me a long time to recover psychologically, but I eventually came back. I entered this field with a clear intention: yes, I learned through my own mistakes, but my academic background gave me a solid foundation at the start — and beyond that, everything depends on you.
– You often emphasize the importance of psychology in trading — especially during the toughest periods, when most traders can’t handle the pressure and fall into panic or chaotic behavior. How did you personally build a psychological state where market chaos and panic become an opportunity rather than a threat?
I’d even go further and say that a lot of success comes precisely from the ability to act calmly and not panic during crisis periods. I’ve always said — and will keep saying — that 70–80% of trading is psychology and mindset, and only 20–30% is knowledge, experience, charts, technical analysis, and everything else. You can know all the tools and be perfect at technical analysis, but without the right psychology it gives you absolutely nothing.
You can buy a coin or a stock at the right time, at the right price, do everything correctly — but if you’re psychologically unstable, you’ll either sell the position at the first pullback or start doubting and rushing. And this works both in losses and in profits. When you’re in profit, that pressure is still there — as we say, “the money starts burning in your pocket.” You don’t know what to do: take profits, lock them in, or keep holding. You start rushing, and that’s exactly when mistakes happen.
So even if you have the knowledge, but you can’t manage yourself, sooner or later it will still lead to wiping out your deposit.
– You spent a long time investing in the stock market before moving into crypto. Was that your own decision, or did someone push you in that direction?
For me, as a speculator — and any trader is a speculator — it doesn’t really matter which asset you trade. What matters is volatility and movement, because you can make money both on the way up and on the way down.
Out of all the assets at the time, Bitcoin caught my attention the most. But I didn’t have enough knowledge back then, so I didn’t dive into it right away. In 2015, a friend asked me, “Ilnur, what do you think about Bitcoin?” I said, “It’s a bubble, some kind of nonsense.” I was just as skeptical as 99.9% of people were in the early years.
But by the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, I started hearing about Bitcoin and the crypto market more and more often. I realized that Bitcoin wasn’t the only asset — there were many different coins. I saw how volatile they were, how they moved up and down, and something clicked. I wanted to understand this market.
I asked friends and acquaintances whether anyone actually understood what Bitcoin and blockchain were. Today, crypto is full of information, courses, and videos — but back then, there was absolutely nothing.
At that time, I had an offline business — a hookah lounge in the city center. I came across an ad on Avito for mining equipment and thought: if someone knows how to set up mining, they probably understand Bitcoin and blockchain as well. I called him and invited him to my hookah lounge just to explain the basics to me.
He gave me three links to forums and said, “All the geeks and crypto people hang out here.” I started reading for five to six hours a day. Most of the information was garbage, but those 2–5% were truly valuable. After a month, I had a clear understanding that I needed to get into mining.
– How did your journey in crypto develop from there?
I remember that in April 2017 the mining boom started. We somehow managed to find GPUs in Poland — that was the hardest part. We bought them and then essentially smuggled them into Moscow, negotiating with long-haul truck drivers. In the end, we brought 21 or 22 GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards to Kazan and built a mining farm with them.
I also decided to ride the Bitcoin hype and made my hookah lounge the first food-and-beverage venue to accept Bitcoin. Honestly, it wasn’t about payments — it was about hype. I personally photographed the storefront with a Bitcoin sticker, posted it in public groups — and things took off. A blogger from Moscow posted a photo, and after that I started giving interviews and improving my public speaking skills, constantly explaining what crypto was.
In reality, there were only about 18 payments totaling roughly 20–25 thousand rubles, but money was never the goal. When the hype faded and the bear market started in 2018, we simply shut this story down.
– Based on your experience, how does trading and strategy differ between the stock market and the crypto market? Where do you think the most adaptation is required?
I had to completely relearn everything. I came into crypto as a total “hamster” — a complete beginner. My stock market knowledge didn’t help me at all back then. With the market capitalization at around $20 billion, any coin could be pumped or completely crushed. It was an extremely manipulative environment: there were no institutional players, only the same “wild” participants like myself.
Exchanges were constantly getting scammed — they would launch, run marketing campaigns, onboard users, and then shut down, taking all the funds with them. People mostly lost money when these exchanges closed.
If I had to compare: the stock market is like driving a Solaris or a Camry at 40–60 km/h, calmly in the right lane. Crypto is like a highway where you’re drunk, blindfolded, driving a Ferrari at 300 km/h. That’s roughly how it felt to me.
– When did you make life change sum in crypto? Which case was truly a turning point for you?
There was a life-changing moment, but not in 2017. Back then I was the same “hamster” as everyone else — rose-colored glasses, belief in blockchain, and the feeling that this was just the beginning. At that time, we didn’t understand market cycles or the fact that bear markets even exist.
At the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I watched my portfolio grow every single day: plus 50, 100, 200, 300 thousand rubles in a day. It felt like it would last forever. I didn’t lock in a single dollar of profit. Then the correction started, and I learned another hard lesson: markets don’t only go up — there are also bear cycles. In the end, that entire story completely wiped out.
The real life-change happened in 2021. By that time, I already understood how the market works and had been gradually building my portfolio. In 2021 it grew significantly, and that’s when I made my first million dollars. The most important part is that I locked in profits three days before the flash crash. I was running my portfolio publicly: some people followed me and made money, while others repeated the same mistake I had made in 2017.
– What did you buy with that first major crypto profit?
The first thing I did was buy an expensive car — a Mercedes-Benz. It was important for me to lock in the result and realize that I had actually taken money out of the crypto market.
I always say: you should definitely buy something with the money you earn — for yourself or for your loved ones. It’s an anchor and a reminder that even if things are difficult right now, you’ve already succeeded once. That’s why my life-changing moment happened specifically in 2021.
– How would you describe the current phase of the crypto market over the past two years: is this a full bull market, or growth limited mainly to Bitcoin?
If we look at it formally, this has been more of a bull market for Bitcoin. Prices at $100–120K are undeniably bullish. But the picture for altcoins is very different. Since 2021, most of them have been falling, with only occasional bounces, and many coins have set new lows.
Projects with a history going back to 2021 are now trading much cheaper than they were one, two, or three years ago. New tokens often launch with inflated valuations and quickly deflate. Everyone is waiting for an altseason like in 2017 or 2021, but this long period of averaging down and continued declines is extremely exhausting.
If in 2017 almost everything was going up, and in 2021 you already had to understand narratives, then over the past few years — aside from memes and a handful of individual coins — the market has essentially shown no real growth.
– So you believe that each new bull cycle becomes harder?
Yes. Altcoins have already deflated — it was mostly a narrative. Usually, where the crowd goes, there is no profit. Profit is where the crowd isn’t.
I was always skeptical about memecoins — they seemed like empty assets with no real value. But it turned out to be the opposite: technology-focused projects collapsed under their own weight, while memecoins, where there were few participants and a lot of degens, took off.
There were several strong inflows into the meme sector, which quickly pushed prices up, and once that narrative ended, they deflated just as fast. The key thing to understand is this: in coins where a lot of retail investors and funds are stuck, it’s very hard for the market to move higher — any upward movement immediately runs into selling pressure.
– Do you link this to the arrival of institutional players? That because of them it’s become harder for retail to make money, and that we’re now in some kind of transition period?
There are several reasons. First, retail investors saw the market grow in 2017 and 2021 and got used to four-year cycles: Bitcoin goes first, then altcoins. People started projecting past patterns onto the current market.
But the market works very simply: I make money when someone else loses it. I buy at the lows, sell into euphoria, and the “hamster” buys at the highs. We decided that this would always work the same way — and that’s exactly what backfired.
People have become smarter, market awareness has increased — and making money has become harder. There are fewer fools in the market now, and profits come from inefficiencies. A “hamster” is someone who sees a green candle and buys at the top. A trader’s job is to be in the minority: buy in fear and sell in euphoria. That’s how institutions and large players operate. But in the end, almost everyone decided they were smart — and as a result, almost everyone became a hamster.
– What advice would you give to someone entering the market now, in these “Wild West” conditions of high volatility and flash crashes, but without a large capital base?
First, this is not financial advice. Right now I see that most people are locking in large losses and are simply exhausted by the market — and I completely understand them.
Against this backdrop, a friend recently wrote to me and asked: “If everyone is exiting, maybe it’s time to enter?” The logic is correct, but I can’t tell you how much money to deploy. The only thing I would recommend is to split your portfolio into two or three parts. Enter in stages at current prices and add more if the market goes lower. For example, if Bitcoin drops below $80,000, altcoins could get completely crushed.
I would allocate around 30–50% to Ethereum, and spread the rest across different coins in small portions.
This is about diversification: some coins will go to zero — that’s normal — but others may deliver multiples and cover those losses.
– So diversification matters even for a small portfolio?
One hundred percent. No one knows which coin will take off or what kind of manipulation is being prepared. That’s why diversification is crucial. I personally buy many coins in small allocations. It’s better to put 1% of your portfolio into a coin: if it rugs, it’s not a problem; if it flies, you’re already in. This helps avoid FOMO.
Again, it all comes down to psychology. People can’t handle dumps not because of the market, but because they invested more money than they were prepared to lose. Losing 50% from $100 isn’t stressful; losing a large amount triggers panic. You need to find a “comfortable” amount — money you genuinely don’t care about. Then drawdowns feel manageable: it drops, you can add more.
Technical analysis is secondary. The most important thing in crypto is inner calm.
– To sum it up: what is the most important piece of advice you would give to everyone — both newcomers and those already in the market?
My main advice is to try to be happy, regardless of the market!
What matters most is your loved ones, your family, and your health — including mental health. Traders often, especially when things start working out, dive headfirst into the market and neglect everything else. That’s bad both in profit and in loss.
We only live once. To distance myself psychologically from the market, I launched offline businesses and shifted my focus there. When the bull market starts, I’ll shift my attention back to crypto.
There’s no point in staring at charts 24/7 — you can’t influence the market anyway. You have a plan, and that’s enough. Crypto isn’t the only thing in life. Don’t waste years on constant stress.
– Thank you so much for this conversation — it was really interesting and genuinely useful, especially in such a difficult market!
Likewise. Guys, it’s better to buy a Christmas tree than Starknet. Much love to everyone. Bye!
In addition to trading and investing, Ilnur is actively involved in business. In recent years, he has been living in Argentina, where he has launched and is developing several projects. In this interview, we’ll talk not only about the market itself, but also about trading psychology, mistakes from past cycles, the current state of the crypto market, and how to maintain clarity of mind and quality of life amid high volatility and uncertainty.
– Ilnur, welcome! As we know, you’ve been trading and investing for over 15 years and started your journey during the 2008 crisis. How did you first get into investing, and how did working through such a turbulent period shape your strategy?
I started trading in 2008, right at the peak of the financial crisis. By education, I’m a financial manager — I studied at the Kazan Financial and Economic Institute. Even back then, as I analyzed different careers in finance, I realized that many of them have a clear income limit. That’s what drew me to the securities market.
In 2006, I moved to Moscow, where I combined full-time work with studying at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, completing a master’s degree with a specialization in securities markets. At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I opened my first brokerage account — and at that moment, the market was falling every single day. For me, that turned out to be a plus.
Unlike those who traded during the “golden years” of growth, I entered the market straight into a crisis and immediately understood that you can make money not only when prices rise, but also when they fall.
Toward the end of 2008, I decided that the market had probably found a bottom, went long — and experienced my first liquidation. A loss of 500–600 thousand rubles became a serious lesson and quickly showed me that the market has nothing to do with overconfidence. For a 21–22-year-old, that was a very large amount of money.
The market made it clear to me that I wasn’t as great a trader as I might have thought. It took me a long time to recover psychologically, but I eventually came back. I entered this field with a clear intention: yes, I learned through my own mistakes, but my academic background gave me a solid foundation at the start — and beyond that, everything depends on you.
– You often emphasize the importance of psychology in trading — especially during the toughest periods, when most traders can’t handle the pressure and fall into panic or chaotic behavior. How did you personally build a psychological state where market chaos and panic become an opportunity rather than a threat?
I’d even go further and say that a lot of success comes precisely from the ability to act calmly and not panic during crisis periods. I’ve always said — and will keep saying — that 70–80% of trading is psychology and mindset, and only 20–30% is knowledge, experience, charts, technical analysis, and everything else. You can know all the tools and be perfect at technical analysis, but without the right psychology it gives you absolutely nothing.
You can buy a coin or a stock at the right time, at the right price, do everything correctly — but if you’re psychologically unstable, you’ll either sell the position at the first pullback or start doubting and rushing. And this works both in losses and in profits. When you’re in profit, that pressure is still there — as we say, “the money starts burning in your pocket.” You don’t know what to do: take profits, lock them in, or keep holding. You start rushing, and that’s exactly when mistakes happen.
So even if you have the knowledge, but you can’t manage yourself, sooner or later it will still lead to wiping out your deposit.
– You spent a long time investing in the stock market before moving into crypto. Was that your own decision, or did someone push you in that direction?
For me, as a speculator — and any trader is a speculator — it doesn’t really matter which asset you trade. What matters is volatility and movement, because you can make money both on the way up and on the way down.
Out of all the assets at the time, Bitcoin caught my attention the most. But I didn’t have enough knowledge back then, so I didn’t dive into it right away. In 2015, a friend asked me, “Ilnur, what do you think about Bitcoin?” I said, “It’s a bubble, some kind of nonsense.” I was just as skeptical as 99.9% of people were in the early years.
But by the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, I started hearing about Bitcoin and the crypto market more and more often. I realized that Bitcoin wasn’t the only asset — there were many different coins. I saw how volatile they were, how they moved up and down, and something clicked. I wanted to understand this market.
I asked friends and acquaintances whether anyone actually understood what Bitcoin and blockchain were. Today, crypto is full of information, courses, and videos — but back then, there was absolutely nothing.
At that time, I had an offline business — a hookah lounge in the city center. I came across an ad on Avito for mining equipment and thought: if someone knows how to set up mining, they probably understand Bitcoin and blockchain as well. I called him and invited him to my hookah lounge just to explain the basics to me.
He gave me three links to forums and said, “All the geeks and crypto people hang out here.” I started reading for five to six hours a day. Most of the information was garbage, but those 2–5% were truly valuable. After a month, I had a clear understanding that I needed to get into mining.
– How did your journey in crypto develop from there?
I remember that in April 2017 the mining boom started. We somehow managed to find GPUs in Poland — that was the hardest part. We bought them and then essentially smuggled them into Moscow, negotiating with long-haul truck drivers. In the end, we brought 21 or 22 GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards to Kazan and built a mining farm with them.
I also decided to ride the Bitcoin hype and made my hookah lounge the first food-and-beverage venue to accept Bitcoin. Honestly, it wasn’t about payments — it was about hype. I personally photographed the storefront with a Bitcoin sticker, posted it in public groups — and things took off. A blogger from Moscow posted a photo, and after that I started giving interviews and improving my public speaking skills, constantly explaining what crypto was.
In reality, there were only about 18 payments totaling roughly 20–25 thousand rubles, but money was never the goal. When the hype faded and the bear market started in 2018, we simply shut this story down.
– Based on your experience, how does trading and strategy differ between the stock market and the crypto market? Where do you think the most adaptation is required?
I had to completely relearn everything. I came into crypto as a total “hamster” — a complete beginner. My stock market knowledge didn’t help me at all back then. With the market capitalization at around $20 billion, any coin could be pumped or completely crushed. It was an extremely manipulative environment: there were no institutional players, only the same “wild” participants like myself.
Exchanges were constantly getting scammed — they would launch, run marketing campaigns, onboard users, and then shut down, taking all the funds with them. People mostly lost money when these exchanges closed.
If I had to compare: the stock market is like driving a Solaris or a Camry at 40–60 km/h, calmly in the right lane. Crypto is like a highway where you’re drunk, blindfolded, driving a Ferrari at 300 km/h. That’s roughly how it felt to me.
– When did you make life change sum in crypto? Which case was truly a turning point for you?
There was a life-changing moment, but not in 2017. Back then I was the same “hamster” as everyone else — rose-colored glasses, belief in blockchain, and the feeling that this was just the beginning. At that time, we didn’t understand market cycles or the fact that bear markets even exist.
At the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I watched my portfolio grow every single day: plus 50, 100, 200, 300 thousand rubles in a day. It felt like it would last forever. I didn’t lock in a single dollar of profit. Then the correction started, and I learned another hard lesson: markets don’t only go up — there are also bear cycles. In the end, that entire story completely wiped out.
The real life-change happened in 2021. By that time, I already understood how the market works and had been gradually building my portfolio. In 2021 it grew significantly, and that’s when I made my first million dollars. The most important part is that I locked in profits three days before the flash crash. I was running my portfolio publicly: some people followed me and made money, while others repeated the same mistake I had made in 2017.
– What did you buy with that first major crypto profit?
The first thing I did was buy an expensive car — a Mercedes-Benz. It was important for me to lock in the result and realize that I had actually taken money out of the crypto market.
I always say: you should definitely buy something with the money you earn — for yourself or for your loved ones. It’s an anchor and a reminder that even if things are difficult right now, you’ve already succeeded once. That’s why my life-changing moment happened specifically in 2021.
– How would you describe the current phase of the crypto market over the past two years: is this a full bull market, or growth limited mainly to Bitcoin?
If we look at it formally, this has been more of a bull market for Bitcoin. Prices at $100–120K are undeniably bullish. But the picture for altcoins is very different. Since 2021, most of them have been falling, with only occasional bounces, and many coins have set new lows.
Projects with a history going back to 2021 are now trading much cheaper than they were one, two, or three years ago. New tokens often launch with inflated valuations and quickly deflate. Everyone is waiting for an altseason like in 2017 or 2021, but this long period of averaging down and continued declines is extremely exhausting.
If in 2017 almost everything was going up, and in 2021 you already had to understand narratives, then over the past few years — aside from memes and a handful of individual coins — the market has essentially shown no real growth.
– So you believe that each new bull cycle becomes harder?
Yes. Altcoins have already deflated — it was mostly a narrative. Usually, where the crowd goes, there is no profit. Profit is where the crowd isn’t.
I was always skeptical about memecoins — they seemed like empty assets with no real value. But it turned out to be the opposite: technology-focused projects collapsed under their own weight, while memecoins, where there were few participants and a lot of degens, took off.
There were several strong inflows into the meme sector, which quickly pushed prices up, and once that narrative ended, they deflated just as fast. The key thing to understand is this: in coins where a lot of retail investors and funds are stuck, it’s very hard for the market to move higher — any upward movement immediately runs into selling pressure.
– Do you link this to the arrival of institutional players? That because of them it’s become harder for retail to make money, and that we’re now in some kind of transition period?
There are several reasons. First, retail investors saw the market grow in 2017 and 2021 and got used to four-year cycles: Bitcoin goes first, then altcoins. People started projecting past patterns onto the current market.
But the market works very simply: I make money when someone else loses it. I buy at the lows, sell into euphoria, and the “hamster” buys at the highs. We decided that this would always work the same way — and that’s exactly what backfired.
People have become smarter, market awareness has increased — and making money has become harder. There are fewer fools in the market now, and profits come from inefficiencies. A “hamster” is someone who sees a green candle and buys at the top. A trader’s job is to be in the minority: buy in fear and sell in euphoria. That’s how institutions and large players operate. But in the end, almost everyone decided they were smart — and as a result, almost everyone became a hamster.
– What advice would you give to someone entering the market now, in these “Wild West” conditions of high volatility and flash crashes, but without a large capital base?
First, this is not financial advice. Right now I see that most people are locking in large losses and are simply exhausted by the market — and I completely understand them.
Against this backdrop, a friend recently wrote to me and asked: “If everyone is exiting, maybe it’s time to enter?” The logic is correct, but I can’t tell you how much money to deploy. The only thing I would recommend is to split your portfolio into two or three parts. Enter in stages at current prices and add more if the market goes lower. For example, if Bitcoin drops below $80,000, altcoins could get completely crushed.
I would allocate around 30–50% to Ethereum, and spread the rest across different coins in small portions.
This is about diversification: some coins will go to zero — that’s normal — but others may deliver multiples and cover those losses.
– So diversification matters even for a small portfolio?
One hundred percent. No one knows which coin will take off or what kind of manipulation is being prepared. That’s why diversification is crucial. I personally buy many coins in small allocations. It’s better to put 1% of your portfolio into a coin: if it rugs, it’s not a problem; if it flies, you’re already in. This helps avoid FOMO.
Again, it all comes down to psychology. People can’t handle dumps not because of the market, but because they invested more money than they were prepared to lose. Losing 50% from $100 isn’t stressful; losing a large amount triggers panic. You need to find a “comfortable” amount — money you genuinely don’t care about. Then drawdowns feel manageable: it drops, you can add more.
Technical analysis is secondary. The most important thing in crypto is inner calm.
– To sum it up: what is the most important piece of advice you would give to everyone — both newcomers and those already in the market?
My main advice is to try to be happy, regardless of the market!
What matters most is your loved ones, your family, and your health — including mental health. Traders often, especially when things start working out, dive headfirst into the market and neglect everything else. That’s bad both in profit and in loss.
We only live once. To distance myself psychologically from the market, I launched offline businesses and shifted my focus there. When the bull market starts, I’ll shift my attention back to crypto.
There’s no point in staring at charts 24/7 — you can’t influence the market anyway. You have a plan, and that’s enough. Crypto isn’t the only thing in life. Don’t waste years on constant stress.
– Thank you so much for this conversation — it was really interesting and genuinely useful, especially in such a difficult market!
Likewise. Guys, it’s better to buy a Christmas tree than Starknet. Much love to everyone. Bye!
EMTECH INVEST ANNOUNCES DAVOS 2026 PROGRAM Davos, Switzerland | January 20–22, 2026
Davos, Switzerland | January 20–22, 2026
A Premier Platform for Technology, Investment & Global Impact
EMTECH INVEST announces an expanded, full-week presence in Davos for 2026, positioning itself as a private, invitation-only platform where investors, regulators, and technology leaders move from dialogue to execution during World Economic Forum week.
Taking place from January 20 to 25, 2026, and hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EMTECH INVEST convenes global decision-makers shaping the future of AI, blockchain, digital assets, compliance, longevity, and frontier technologies.
As global capital increasingly shifts toward regulation-ready and compliance-first innovation, EMTECH INVEST Davos 2026 is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing emerging technologies today: how innovation scales responsibly within complex global regulatory frameworks.
Since 2019, EMTECH INVEST has hosted some of the most influential private gatherings during Davos week, uniting investors, founders, policymakers, and executives representing over $400 billion in assets under management, including sovereign wealth funds, venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and institutional innovators. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy under the theme:
“The Spirit of Action”
A Vision for 2026
“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,” says Alena Yudina, Founder of EMTECH INVEST, Managing Director of Quantum Leap Strategy AG, and Ambassador of the Nordic Blockchain Association.
“Davos is where global priorities are discussed. EMTECH INVEST exists for those who are ready to translate those discussions into capital allocation, policy dialogue, and real-world implementation. Our mission goes beyond conversation — we bring together people who act, build, and take responsibility for progress.”
Providing a strategic perspective on the broader Davos shift, Maria Yudina, Head of Strategy at EMTECH INVEST, adds:
“The future of technology will be shaped not on the main stages, but in trusted environments where decisions can be made responsibly and efficiently. That is the role EMTECH INVEST plays during Davos week.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
January 20 — The Davos Masterclass: Tech for Good
Grand Hotel Belvédère
08:00 – 11:00
Co-hosted with BlockBuzz
A premium, invitation-only morning program featuring five curated discussions at the intersection of technology, longevity, leadership, and impact.
Key themes include:
Living Better — Health & longevity innovation
Real Impact — Leadership with purpose
Women Shaping the Future
EmTech in Emerging Markets
Tech for Good — Keynote theme
Confirmed speakers include Wendy Starland, Dr. Lisa Corsa, Riadh Bouaziz, Majed Sherbiny, and Kanani Ching (Moderator).
January 21 — Technology, AI & Digital Compliance
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Focused sessions on the technologies shaping 2026 and beyond, including:
AI governance & responsible innovation
Blockchain, digital assets & regulatory compliance
Convergence of AI × Web3
Investor perspectives: where capital is moving
Building compliance-native companies
18:00 – 20:00 — Investor Reception
A closed-door networking evening connecting founders, investors, and global leaders, designed to facilitate meaningful introductions and strategic dialogue.
January 22 — Government, Regulation & Policy
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Interactive discussions with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders covering:
Global regulatory developments (Switzerland, EU, US, UAE, Singapore)
Cross-border compliance & risk management
Public–private partnerships for innovation
Longevity, biotech & data governance
CO-HOSTS SPOTLIGHT
BlockBuzz — January 20
Creator of the premium “Davos Masterclass” format, BlockBuzz is known for high-caliber gatherings where industry visionaries, innovators, and investors converge to exchange insights and elevate thought leadership.
unDavos — January 21–22
The largest independent conference for leaders, investors, and innovators in Davos, Davos champions openness and accessibility during the WEF week.
Driven by the mission “to transform Davos into an inclusive space where meaningful relationships and bold actions thrive,” unDavos amplifies diverse perspectives and cultivates practical solutions through cross-sector collaboration.
We warmly invite you to become part of this year’s community.
We welcome partnerships, collaborations, brand activations, and co-creation opportunities.
For partnership inquiries:
[email protected]
Register & join the EMTECH Invest community:
www.emtechinvest.com
A Premier Platform for Technology, Investment & Global Impact
EMTECH INVEST announces an expanded, full-week presence in Davos for 2026, positioning itself as a private, invitation-only platform where investors, regulators, and technology leaders move from dialogue to execution during World Economic Forum week.
Taking place from January 20 to 25, 2026, and hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EMTECH INVEST convenes global decision-makers shaping the future of AI, blockchain, digital assets, compliance, longevity, and frontier technologies.
As global capital increasingly shifts toward regulation-ready and compliance-first innovation, EMTECH INVEST Davos 2026 is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing emerging technologies today: how innovation scales responsibly within complex global regulatory frameworks.
Since 2019, EMTECH INVEST has hosted some of the most influential private gatherings during Davos week, uniting investors, founders, policymakers, and executives representing over $400 billion in assets under management, including sovereign wealth funds, venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and institutional innovators. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy under the theme:
“The Spirit of Action”
A Vision for 2026
“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,” says Alena Yudina, Founder of EMTECH INVEST, Managing Director of Quantum Leap Strategy AG, and Ambassador of the Nordic Blockchain Association.
“Davos is where global priorities are discussed. EMTECH INVEST exists for those who are ready to translate those discussions into capital allocation, policy dialogue, and real-world implementation. Our mission goes beyond conversation — we bring together people who act, build, and take responsibility for progress.”
Providing a strategic perspective on the broader Davos shift, Maria Yudina, Head of Strategy at EMTECH INVEST, adds:
“The future of technology will be shaped not on the main stages, but in trusted environments where decisions can be made responsibly and efficiently. That is the role EMTECH INVEST plays during Davos week.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
January 20 — The Davos Masterclass: Tech for Good
Grand Hotel Belvédère
08:00 – 11:00
Co-hosted with BlockBuzz
A premium, invitation-only morning program featuring five curated discussions at the intersection of technology, longevity, leadership, and impact.
Key themes include:
Living Better — Health & longevity innovation
Real Impact — Leadership with purpose
Women Shaping the Future
EmTech in Emerging Markets
Tech for Good — Keynote theme
Confirmed speakers include Wendy Starland, Dr. Lisa Corsa, Riadh Bouaziz, Majed Sherbiny, and Kanani Ching (Moderator).
January 21 — Technology, AI & Digital Compliance
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Focused sessions on the technologies shaping 2026 and beyond, including:
AI governance & responsible innovation
Blockchain, digital assets & regulatory compliance
Convergence of AI × Web3
Investor perspectives: where capital is moving
Building compliance-native companies
18:00 – 20:00 — Investor Reception
A closed-door networking evening connecting founders, investors, and global leaders, designed to facilitate meaningful introductions and strategic dialogue.
January 22 — Government, Regulation & Policy
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Interactive discussions with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders covering:
Global regulatory developments (Switzerland, EU, US, UAE, Singapore)
Cross-border compliance & risk management
Public–private partnerships for innovation
Longevity, biotech & data governance
CO-HOSTS SPOTLIGHT
BlockBuzz — January 20
Creator of the premium “Davos Masterclass” format, BlockBuzz is known for high-caliber gatherings where industry visionaries, innovators, and investors converge to exchange insights and elevate thought leadership.
unDavos — January 21–22
The largest independent conference for leaders, investors, and innovators in Davos, Davos champions openness and accessibility during the WEF week.
Driven by the mission “to transform Davos into an inclusive space where meaningful relationships and bold actions thrive,” unDavos amplifies diverse perspectives and cultivates practical solutions through cross-sector collaboration.
We warmly invite you to become part of this year’s community.
We welcome partnerships, collaborations, brand activations, and co-creation opportunities.
For partnership inquiries:
[email protected]
Register & join the EMTECH Invest community:
www.emtechinvest.com
EMTECH INVEST ANNOUNCES DAVOS 2026 PROGRAM Davos, Switzerland | January 20–22, 2026
Davos, Switzerland | January 20–22, 2026
A Premier Platform for Technology, Investment & Global Impact
EMTECH INVEST announces an expanded, full-week presence in Davos for 2026, positioning itself as a private, invitation-only platform where investors, regulators, and technology leaders move from dialogue to execution during World Economic Forum week.
Taking place from January 20 to 25, 2026, and hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EMTECH INVEST convenes global decision-makers shaping the future of AI, blockchain, digital assets, compliance, longevity, and frontier technologies.
As global capital increasingly shifts toward regulation-ready and compliance-first innovation, EMTECH INVEST Davos 2026 is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing emerging technologies today: how innovation scales responsibly within complex global regulatory frameworks.
Since 2019, EMTECH INVEST has hosted some of the most influential private gatherings during Davos week, uniting investors, founders, policymakers, and executives representing over $400 billion in assets under management, including sovereign wealth funds, venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and institutional innovators. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy under the theme:
“The Spirit of Action”
A Vision for 2026
“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,” says Alena Yudina, Founder of EMTECH INVEST, Managing Director of Quantum Leap Strategy AG, and Ambassador of the Nordic Blockchain Association.
“Davos is where global priorities are discussed. EMTECH INVEST exists for those who are ready to translate those discussions into capital allocation, policy dialogue, and real-world implementation. Our mission goes beyond conversation — we bring together people who act, build, and take responsibility for progress.”
Providing a strategic perspective on the broader Davos shift, Maria Yudina, Head of Strategy at EMTECH INVEST, adds:
“The future of technology will be shaped not on the main stages, but in trusted environments where decisions can be made responsibly and efficiently. That is the role EMTECH INVEST plays during Davos week.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
January 20 — The Davos Masterclass: Tech for Good
Grand Hotel Belvédère
08:00 – 11:00
Co-hosted with BlockBuzz
A premium, invitation-only morning program featuring five curated discussions at the intersection of technology, longevity, leadership, and impact.
Key themes include:
Living Better — Health & longevity innovation
Real Impact — Leadership with purpose
Women Shaping the Future
EmTech in Emerging Markets
Tech for Good — Keynote theme
Confirmed speakers include Wendy Starland, Dr. Lisa Corsa, Riadh Bouaziz, Majed Sherbiny, and Kanani Ching (Moderator).
January 21 — Technology, AI & Digital Compliance
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Focused sessions on the technologies shaping 2026 and beyond, including:
AI governance & responsible innovation
Blockchain, digital assets & regulatory compliance
Convergence of AI × Web3
Investor perspectives: where capital is moving
Building compliance-native companies
18:00 – 20:00 — Investor Reception
A closed-door networking evening connecting founders, investors, and global leaders, designed to facilitate meaningful introductions and strategic dialogue.
January 22 — Government, Regulation & Policy
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Interactive discussions with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders covering:
Global regulatory developments (Switzerland, EU, US, UAE, Singapore)
Cross-border compliance & risk management
Public–private partnerships for innovation
Longevity, biotech & data governance
CO-HOSTS SPOTLIGHT
BlockBuzz — January 20
Creator of the premium “Davos Masterclass” format, BlockBuzz is known for high-caliber gatherings where industry visionaries, innovators, and investors converge to exchange insights and elevate thought leadership.
unDavos — January 21–22
The largest independent conference for leaders, investors, and innovators in Davos, Davos champions openness and accessibility during the WEF week.
Driven by the mission “to transform Davos into an inclusive space where meaningful relationships and bold actions thrive,” unDavos amplifies diverse perspectives and cultivates practical solutions through cross-sector collaboration.
We warmly invite you to become part of this year’s community.
We welcome partnerships, collaborations, brand activations, and co-creation opportunities.
For partnership inquiries:
[email protected]
Register & join the EMTECH Invest community:
www.emtechinvest.com
A Premier Platform for Technology, Investment & Global Impact
EMTECH INVEST announces an expanded, full-week presence in Davos for 2026, positioning itself as a private, invitation-only platform where investors, regulators, and technology leaders move from dialogue to execution during World Economic Forum week.
Taking place from January 20 to 25, 2026, and hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel Belvédère and Mountain Plaza Hotel, EMTECH INVEST convenes global decision-makers shaping the future of AI, blockchain, digital assets, compliance, longevity, and frontier technologies.
As global capital increasingly shifts toward regulation-ready and compliance-first innovation, EMTECH INVEST Davos 2026 is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing emerging technologies today: how innovation scales responsibly within complex global regulatory frameworks.
Since 2019, EMTECH INVEST has hosted some of the most influential private gatherings during Davos week, uniting investors, founders, policymakers, and executives representing over $400 billion in assets under management, including sovereign wealth funds, venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and institutional innovators. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy under the theme:
“The Spirit of Action”
A Vision for 2026
“The world does not lack ideas — it lacks brave execution,” says Alena Yudina, Founder of EMTECH INVEST, Managing Director of Quantum Leap Strategy AG, and Ambassador of the Nordic Blockchain Association.
“Davos is where global priorities are discussed. EMTECH INVEST exists for those who are ready to translate those discussions into capital allocation, policy dialogue, and real-world implementation. Our mission goes beyond conversation — we bring together people who act, build, and take responsibility for progress.”
Providing a strategic perspective on the broader Davos shift, Maria Yudina, Head of Strategy at EMTECH INVEST, adds:
“The future of technology will be shaped not on the main stages, but in trusted environments where decisions can be made responsibly and efficiently. That is the role EMTECH INVEST plays during Davos week.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
January 20 — The Davos Masterclass: Tech for Good
Grand Hotel Belvédère
08:00 – 11:00
Co-hosted with BlockBuzz
A premium, invitation-only morning program featuring five curated discussions at the intersection of technology, longevity, leadership, and impact.
Key themes include:
Living Better — Health & longevity innovation
Real Impact — Leadership with purpose
Women Shaping the Future
EmTech in Emerging Markets
Tech for Good — Keynote theme
Confirmed speakers include Wendy Starland, Dr. Lisa Corsa, Riadh Bouaziz, Majed Sherbiny, and Kanani Ching (Moderator).
January 21 — Technology, AI & Digital Compliance
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Focused sessions on the technologies shaping 2026 and beyond, including:
AI governance & responsible innovation
Blockchain, digital assets & regulatory compliance
Convergence of AI × Web3
Investor perspectives: where capital is moving
Building compliance-native companies
18:00 – 20:00 — Investor Reception
A closed-door networking evening connecting founders, investors, and global leaders, designed to facilitate meaningful introductions and strategic dialogue.
January 22 — Government, Regulation & Policy
Mountain Plaza Hotel
13:30 – 18:00
Co-hosted with unDavos
Interactive discussions with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders covering:
Global regulatory developments (Switzerland, EU, US, UAE, Singapore)
Cross-border compliance & risk management
Public–private partnerships for innovation
Longevity, biotech & data governance
CO-HOSTS SPOTLIGHT
BlockBuzz — January 20
Creator of the premium “Davos Masterclass” format, BlockBuzz is known for high-caliber gatherings where industry visionaries, innovators, and investors converge to exchange insights and elevate thought leadership.
unDavos — January 21–22
The largest independent conference for leaders, investors, and innovators in Davos, Davos champions openness and accessibility during the WEF week.
Driven by the mission “to transform Davos into an inclusive space where meaningful relationships and bold actions thrive,” unDavos amplifies diverse perspectives and cultivates practical solutions through cross-sector collaboration.
We warmly invite you to become part of this year’s community.
We welcome partnerships, collaborations, brand activations, and co-creation opportunities.
For partnership inquiries:
[email protected]
Register & join the EMTECH Invest community:
www.emtechinvest.com
Ethereum Daily Transaction Count Sets New Record, Exceeding Previous Cycle Highs
Ethereum closed the year with its highest transaction activity on record, surpassing levels last seen during the 2021 NFT and DeFi expansion.
On Dec. 31, the network’s seven-day moving average of daily transactions reached approximately 1.87 million, according to onchain data, Block reports. This marks a clear breakout above the prior cycle peak of around 1.61 million recorded in May 2021, as well as the more recent local high of 1.73 million observed in August 2025.
The surge in transaction volume was accompanied by a broad rise in network participation. The number of active Ethereum addresses climbed to 728,904, the strongest reading since mid-2021, while 270,160 new addresses were created on the same day — the largest single-day increase in nearly seven years.
The renewed activity follows a year of significant technical upgrades for Ethereum. In 2025, the network implemented two major updates aimed at improving scalability and efficiency.
The Pectra upgrade expanded blob throughput, enhanced wallet usability through account abstraction, and increased validator staking limits. Later in the year, Fusaka introduced PeerDAS, optimizing data availability sampling to support higher blob usage without placing additional strain on nodes. Together with incremental gas limit increases and progress in zkEVM performance, these changes have lowered transaction costs while reinforcing Ethereum’s rollup-focused scaling strategy.
Despite the record on-chain activity, market prices have remained relatively stable. At the time of writing, ETH is trading near $3,060, reflecting a period of consolidation even as network usage reaches new highs.
On Dec. 31, the network’s seven-day moving average of daily transactions reached approximately 1.87 million, according to onchain data, Block reports. This marks a clear breakout above the prior cycle peak of around 1.61 million recorded in May 2021, as well as the more recent local high of 1.73 million observed in August 2025.
The surge in transaction volume was accompanied by a broad rise in network participation. The number of active Ethereum addresses climbed to 728,904, the strongest reading since mid-2021, while 270,160 new addresses were created on the same day — the largest single-day increase in nearly seven years.
The renewed activity follows a year of significant technical upgrades for Ethereum. In 2025, the network implemented two major updates aimed at improving scalability and efficiency.
The Pectra upgrade expanded blob throughput, enhanced wallet usability through account abstraction, and increased validator staking limits. Later in the year, Fusaka introduced PeerDAS, optimizing data availability sampling to support higher blob usage without placing additional strain on nodes. Together with incremental gas limit increases and progress in zkEVM performance, these changes have lowered transaction costs while reinforcing Ethereum’s rollup-focused scaling strategy.
Despite the record on-chain activity, market prices have remained relatively stable. At the time of writing, ETH is trading near $3,060, reflecting a period of consolidation even as network usage reaches new highs.
Trust Wallet Hack Results in More Than $8.5 Million in User Losses
Trust Wallet has concluded its investigation into a security incident involving a compromised version of its browser extension, confirming that more than 2,500 wallet addresses were affected, with total losses estimated at approximately $8.5 million.
According to an official community update, the incident occurred between December 24 and December 26, 2025, after an unauthorized and malicious version of the Trust Wallet Browser Extension (v2.68) was published to the Chrome Web Store outside the company’s standard release and review process. The altered extension contained embedded malicious code that enabled attackers to access sensitive wallet data and initiate unauthorized transactions once users unlocked their wallets.
The impact was limited to a specific group of users. Only individuals who were running browser extension version 2.68 and opened and logged into the extension during the affected window were exposed. Users who installed the extension but did not access it during that period were not impacted.
Trust Wallet emphasized once more that the breach did not affect:
– Any users of the Trust Wallet mobile application – Browser extension users on versions other than v2.68 – Version 2.68 users who logged in after December 26, 2025, at 11:00 UTC
The company also noted that users who receive a security alert via the Trust Wallet mobile app or see an incident banner within the browser extension may still be interacting with compromised wallets and should take immediate action. Affected users are eligible to apply for reimbursement exclusively through Trust Wallet’s official support channels, the company said, warning against third-party links or impersonation attempts.
Security Measures and Response
In parallel with the investigation, Trust Wallet reported implementing additional security controls aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. These measures include stricter safeguards around browser extension releases, tighter access controls for internal release systems, and enhanced monitoring to detect unauthorized publishing activity. Trust Wallet reiterated that strengthening its release infrastructure and security oversight remains a top priority following the incident.
According to an official community update, the incident occurred between December 24 and December 26, 2025, after an unauthorized and malicious version of the Trust Wallet Browser Extension (v2.68) was published to the Chrome Web Store outside the company’s standard release and review process. The altered extension contained embedded malicious code that enabled attackers to access sensitive wallet data and initiate unauthorized transactions once users unlocked their wallets.
The impact was limited to a specific group of users. Only individuals who were running browser extension version 2.68 and opened and logged into the extension during the affected window were exposed. Users who installed the extension but did not access it during that period were not impacted.
Trust Wallet emphasized once more that the breach did not affect:
– Any users of the Trust Wallet mobile application – Browser extension users on versions other than v2.68 – Version 2.68 users who logged in after December 26, 2025, at 11:00 UTC
The company also noted that users who receive a security alert via the Trust Wallet mobile app or see an incident banner within the browser extension may still be interacting with compromised wallets and should take immediate action. Affected users are eligible to apply for reimbursement exclusively through Trust Wallet’s official support channels, the company said, warning against third-party links or impersonation attempts.
Security Measures and Response
In parallel with the investigation, Trust Wallet reported implementing additional security controls aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. These measures include stricter safeguards around browser extension releases, tighter access controls for internal release systems, and enhanced monitoring to detect unauthorized publishing activity. Trust Wallet reiterated that strengthening its release infrastructure and security oversight remains a top priority following the incident.
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