Crypto Breaking

Ethereum’s Price Trends Signal Renewed Confidence Amid Market Fluctuations

Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, Ether, appears to be on a recovery path following a bottoming out in April 2025. Market analysts observe that the recent price movements mirror the 2019 cycle, hinting at a potential bullish phase. Increased on-chain activity, particularly in stablecoins and tokenized assets, coupled with a resurgence in developer engagement, bolster optimism about Ethereum’s near-term prospects.

Key Takeaways

Stablecoin supply on Ethereum has surged over 65% in 2025, reaching historical highs, signaling robust on-chain activity.

The total stablecoin market capitalization exceeds $163.9 billion, with Tether’s USDt accounting for roughly half of the market.

Ethereum processed over $8 trillion in stablecoin transfers in Q4 2024, underscoring increasing utility and transaction volume.

The ETH-BTC ratio, a key indicator of relative strength, has rebounded from April lows, suggesting a potential shift in market sentiment.

Tickers mentioned: Ether, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tether

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The rise in stablecoins and on-chain activity points toward renewed investor interest and confidence.

Market Dynamics and Technical Insights

After briefly surpassing the $3,300 mark, Ether’s price retreated to approximately $3,100 at the time of publication. Despite the dip, experts interpret this price action as a healthy correction within an ongoing bullish cycle. Maintaining above its 365-day moving average, Ether’s recent climb above this resistance level signals potential for further gains.

The stablecoin market cap on Ethereum. Source: DeFiLlama

Furthermore, the Ethereum-Bitcoin (ETH-BTC) ratio, a vital metric for assessing relative strength, has shown signs of recovery after bottoming out at 0.017 in April. The ratio surged to a high of 0.043 in August, before retracting slightly to 0.034, amid broader market turbulence in October.

The ETH-BTC ratio bottomed in April 2025 and has since rallied, indicating increasing relative strength. Source: Michael Van De Poppe

According to sentiment analysis from Santiment, current investor confidence in Ethereum aligns with historically bullish patterns preceding significant price rallies. This suggests that the market may be approaching a new phase of growth, driven by positive on-chain indicators and renewed demand.

This article was originally published as Crypto Market Alert: We’re Entering an Ethereum Boom — Expert Analysis on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Monero Surpasses $500 Amid Broader Privacy Coin Market Turmoil

Monero, the leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency, has broken past the $500 threshold for the first time since its peak in May 2021, signaling renewed investor interest. The digital asset briefly touched $500.66 after a 6% rise on Sunday and a 20% increase over the past week, approaching its all-time high of approximately $517.50 established in April 2021. This uptick reflects Monero’s growing appeal amid turbulence affecting its privacy coin rivals.

XMR/USD daily chart. Source: TradingView

Zcash Fiasco Spurs Monero’s Rally

The recent rally in Monero contrasts sharply with the challenging developments within the Zcash community. On Wednesday, the team behind Zcash, Electric Coin Company, faced a mass resignation due to disputes over project governance, asset management, and operational direction. The fallout uncovered significant internal rifts, especially concerning the management of vital project assets and strategic governance. Subsequently, Zcash’s price plummeted over 20%, reaching a weekly low of around $360 amid market uncertainty.

ZEC/USD daily chart. TradingView

Meanwhile, institutional commentary has been notably bullish on Monero. Leading investment firms such as Grayscale and Coinbase highlighted privacy coins as a critical growth theme, emphasizing rising demand for financial confidentiality in increasingly regulated markets.

With the turmoil surrounding Zcash, traders have shown a preference for Monero, viewing it as the more reliable and comprehensive privacy solution in the current climate.

Technical Outlook: Caution on the Horizon

As of January, Monero was nearing a pivotal point, eyeing a breakout above its previous high of approximately $517.50. Historically, similar breakout attempts have failed seven times in the past, often resulting in sharp corrections of 40% to 95%, pulling the price down toward support levels along an ascending trendline.

XMR/USD two-week chart. Source: TradingView

Such historical patterns suggest that a sustained upward move above $500-$520 must be confirmed to invalidate the bearish fractal and open the door to further gains. Success could see the asset rallying towards $775, bringing it to new all-time highs, similar to other cryptocurrencies that broke out after prolonged consolidation phases in 2025.

This analysis underscores the importance of cautious optimism — while Monero’s fundamentals appear strong amid this rally, historical fractals highlight potential risks of a significant correction if the resistance fails to hold.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks, and readers are advised to conduct their own research prior to making trading decisions. The information provided is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and reliance on such data is at the reader’s own risk.

This article was originally published as XMR Surges to $500 for First Time Since 2021 as Zcash Declines on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Sets New Milestone with Over 1 Million ETH Staked

Cryptocurrency treasury company BitMine Immersion Technologies has surpassed a significant liquidity milestone by staking over 1 million ETH. The latest addition of 86,400 ETH, valued at approximately $268.7 million, marks a notable achievement in the company’s ongoing commitment to Ethereum staking and liquidity expansion.

Key Takeaways

BitMine has now staked more than 1 million ETH, totaling over 1,080,512 ETH, representing a stake worth around $3.3 billion.

The staked ETH generates an estimated $94.4 million annually, based on an average yield of 2.81%.

The milestone comes amid a challenging year for crypto treasury firms, which have seen significant declines in valuation.

BitMine’s stock price has declined over 80% from its July 2025 peak but continues strategic developments, including a major share issuance proposal.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Neutral to cautiously optimistic amid regulatory and market pressures.

Price impact: Neutral, as the company’s liquidity expansion is offset by recent stock devaluations.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The infrastructure for significant Ethereum staking remains compelling, though stock volatility warrants caution.

Market context: The recent milestone underscores ongoing institutional interest in Ethereum, despite a turbulent year for crypto assets and related firms.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, a prominent player in the crypto treasury sector, announced that it has staked over 1 million Ether, setting a new record for the firm’s liquidity pool. The latest transaction of 86,400 ETH, valued at approximately $268.7 million, was conducted in four separate transactions, according to data from Arkham Intelligence. This brings the company’s total staked ETH to more than 1.08 million, which, at current rates, is worth roughly $3.3 billion.

Staking on proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum allows participants to lock tokens in exchange for earning yield, effectively securing the network while generating passive income. Currently, BitMine’s sizeable stake is expected to produce about $94.4 million annually, based on a yield of 2.81%, according to market analyst Nic Puckrin. He also raised the question of whether holding stakeable assets offers better resilience during downturns, especially compared to non-yield-producing assets like Bitcoin.

The milestone is particularly notable considering the broader market environment, which has seen some crypto companies lose over 90% of their valuation from all-time highs. BitMine’s stock, for instance, has declined over 80% from a peak of $161 in July 2025, and is trading at $30.06 today, reflecting the sector’s ongoing volatility.

BitMine’s share price declined sharply following its all-time high in July 2025. Source: Yahoo Finance

Shareholder Proposal for Increased Flexibility

In early January 2026, BitMine’s Chairman Tom Lee urged shareholders to approve a proposal to increase the company’s authorized shares from 50 million to 50 billion—a 1,000-fold expansion. The move aims to facilitate future stock splits, maintaining an affordable share price of around $25. Lee clarified that this does not imply immediate issuance but provides flexibility for strategic growth, including potential stock splits to support a stable trading environment.

The proposed increase in authorized shares would enable Stock splits at various price levels to keep share prices accessible. Source: Tom Lee’s analysis

This article was originally published as BitMine’s Staked ETH Hits Over 1 Million Milestone on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin’s Critical Support Levels in 2026: A Technical Outlook

As Bitcoin (BTC) approaches a pivotal moment in its market cycle, analysts warn that 2026 could be a defining year for the cryptocurrency’s long-term trajectory. Experts highlight key support levels and underlying patterns that may influence Bitcoin’s future, emphasizing the importance of current price action amid evolving macroeconomic factors.

Key Takeaways

Analysts emphasize the relevance of four-year cycles and power law analysis in Bitcoin’s price behavior.

2026 is identified as a critical year where Bitcoin might confront a significant support level of approximately $65,000.

Historical patterns suggest that Bitcoin tends to recover after support line retests, with long-term bottoms often aligned with these support zones.

Market sentiment indicates that despite deviations from traditional cycles, bear markets are expected to persist as part of Bitcoin’s maturation process.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. Current analysis points to potential support tests with no immediate breakout forecasted.

Market context: The crypto market continues to evolve as macroeconomic trends and on-chain fundamentals influence Bitcoin’s price pattern.

Market Analysis Highlights

According to a recent analysis by Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments, Bitcoin’s price movements are closely aligned with its long-standing power law trendlines. After maintaining a close relationship with its trendline during the recent bull run, the cryptocurrency may now be poised for a retest of lower support levels, notably around $45,000. Meanwhile, the key resistance zone remains near the previous all-time high of approximately $65,000, which could serve as a critical battleground in 2026.

Timmer notes that Bitcoin is currently following an internet-like S-curve more than its traditional power law, which could signal a phase of consolidation. His analysis suggests that if Bitcoin sustains sideways movement over the coming year, the support line near $65,000 may become a decisive threshold—a “do-or-die” line that could determine whether the asset consolidates or enters a deeper correction.

Bitcoin power law data. Source: Jurrien Timmer/X

The analysis challenges the notion of Bitcoin as a purely cyclical asset governed solely by halving events, emphasizing instead that its price structure is increasingly influenced by broader macro trends and asset maturity. Timmer highlights that while bear markets will continue to occur, they are an integral part of Bitcoin’s development, and long-term support levels remain central to future price resilience.

Future Price Trajectory and Market Behavior

Despite debates within the community about the relevance of four-year cycles post-2025, experts believe that Bitcoin’s recent price compression below its long-term growth trajectory is likely to resolve upward. David Eng, an industry executive, notes that Bitcoin’s current pattern resembles a coil below its growth law, and historically, such phases tend to culminate in upward breakthroughs. His analysis, supported by a high correlation to a single power law (R² ≈ 0.96) over more than 15 years, indicates that resolution points are generally upward, with prices catching up to their projected growth lines. This suggests that current consolidation might precede a significant rally, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward new highs in the coming months.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Power Law Predicts $65,000 as Critical Bear Market Threshold on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Russia Experiences Growing Curiosity Around Crypto and Pension Payments

As cryptocurrency adoption surges within Russia, questions surrounding the use of digital assets for official pension payments have become increasingly common. The Social Fund of Russia, tasked with managing the nation’s pension system, reports a notable rise in inquiries related to crypto, signaling a shifting interest in digital currencies among the population.

Key Takeaways

In 2025, the Social Fund’s call center handled approximately 37 million interactions, with a notable increase in crypto-related questions.

Most inquiries centered on whether pensions could be paid in cryptocurrencies and if crypto mining income influences social benefit calculations.

The Fund clarified that all pension disbursements are in rubles and that crypto taxation and income are managed by the Federal Tax Service.

Russia has emerged as Europe’s leading crypto market, surpassing the UK and Germany in volume, driven by institutional activity and DeFi growth.

Market Context

Russia’s expanding role as a major crypto hub reflects broader regional trends and increased mainstream integration of digital assets, despite regulatory ambiguities.

Increasing Crypto Curiosity Amid Regulatory Developments

The rising number of crypto-related questions signals an evolving perspective on digital assets within Russia’s financial landscape. While pension payments remain strictly in rubles, citizens are becoming more engaged with cryptocurrencies for other purposes, including income and investment. The government continues to regulate and monitor these activities; the Federal Tax Service handles crypto taxation details, distinct from social benefit management.

In recent months, Russia has cemented its position as Europe’s largest crypto market. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the country processed $376.3 billion in cryptocurrency transactions, outstripping the UK’s $273.2 billion during the same period, according to Chainalysis. The surge is driven by increased institutional activity, particularly large transfers over $10 million, which rose 86% year-over-year, and a broad uptick in decentralized finance adoption. Retail users and DeFi platforms have also seen substantial growth, with activity jumping eightfold early in 2025, further cementing Russia’s prominence in the region’s crypto economy.

Adding to regulatory movements, the Bank of Russia has proposed allowing retail investors to enter certain parts of the crypto market under specific conditions. The plan entails limited investments, with a knowledge test to qualify and a cap of 300,000 rubles annually, excluding privacy coins. Qualified investors would enjoy broader market access after similar assessments, marking a cautious but progressive step towards integrating digital assets into Russia’s financial ecosystem.

Overall, these developments illustrate a landscape where curiosity about cryptocurrencies continues to flourish, even amid ongoing regulatory and political considerations.

This article was originally published as Russians Wonder: Will Pensions Soon Be Paid in Cryptocurrency? on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Crypto Influencer Highlights Growing Concerns Over Platform’s Handling of Crypto Content

Ki Young Ju, founder of CryptoQuant, has publicly criticized X (formerly Twitter) over its approach to managing cryptocurrency-related posts. Ju asserts that the platform is unjustly suppressing legitimate crypto discussions while failing to effectively address a surge in automated spam, which threatens the quality of content shared within the community.

Key Takeaways

Automated spam activity on X related to crypto themes has surged over 1,200%, with over 7.7 million posts in a single day.

Ju criticizes X’s inability to differentiate between genuine users and bots, exacerbated by flaws in the paid verification system.

The platform’s algorithm crackdowns have affected authentic accounts, resulting in reduced visibility and engagement for legitimate content creators.

The criticism comes amid broader discussions about X’s handling of crypto content and user engagement strategies.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Critical

Price impact: Neutral. The narrative focuses on platform policies rather than immediate price movements.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): HOLD — platform policy debates currently do not justify significant trading actions.

Market context: Ongoing tensions between social media regulation and crypto community engagement are shaping platform dynamics.

CryptoQuant founder Ki Young Ju has raised concerns about X’s recent approach to crypto content moderation. In a detailed post, Ju highlighted a sharp spike in automated activity, noting more than 7.7 million posts mentioning “crypto” within a single day—a rise of over 1,200% compared to previous levels. This influx of low-quality, automated posts has prompted algorithmic crackdowns that, according to Ju, are unjustly impacting genuine crypto accounts and discussions.

Bots generate massive amounts of crypto posts. Source: Ki Young Ju

Ju criticized X’s recent paid verification model, suggesting it has become a vehicle for bots to “pay to spam,” while authentic users see their reach diminish. “It is absurd that X would rather ban crypto than improve its bot detection,” Ju remarked.

This criticism is echoed by insiders within the platform. Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, recently revealed that some of the platform’s engagement issues are self-inflicted—attributing the decline in Crypto Twitter’s visibility to over-posting and low-value interactions. Bier argued that excessive posting, including repetitive greetings like “gm,” dilutes overall reach, leaving less room for substantive updates and discussions.

The debate over content moderation and community health continues to dominate discourse on X, especially within crypto circles that rely heavily on the platform for real-time communication. Crypto enthusiasts and industry insiders maintain that X remains their primary hub for sharing market insights, project updates, breaking news, and chain analysis. Last year, Elon Musk announced the rollout of XChats, a messaging feature promising Bitcoin-style encryption, integrated with multimedia capabilities and a new architecture built in Rust, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance platform functionality amid regulatory and community pressures.

This article was originally published as CryptoQuant Founder Blasts X for Hiding Crypto Amid Rising Bot Spam on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Tennessee Sports Wagering Authority Clamps Down on Prediction Markets

In a recent move to regulate online betting activities, Tennessee’s sports betting regulator has issued cease-and-desist orders to leading prediction market platforms—Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com—barring them from offering sports event contracts to residents within the state. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between federal and state jurisdictions over the legality of emerging betting formats leveraging prediction markets.

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) communicated in letters dated Friday that these platforms engaged in illegal gambling activities by providing sports wagering products without obtaining appropriate licensing under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. The platforms list contracts on their North American Derivatives Exchange that allow users to wager on sporting outcomes. The regulator asserts that such products, branded as “event contracts,” do not escape the state’s gambling statutes despite their presentation, and are considered illegal offerings if not licensed.

The SWC highlighted concerns over consumer safety measures, including age restrictions, responsible gaming tools, and anti-money laundering frameworks—features currently lacking on these platforms, according to the agency. As part of the enforcement action, the regulator ordered these companies to cease offering sports-related contracts, cancel all existing ones entered into by Tennessee residents, and refund any deposits by January 31, 2026. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $25,000 per offense, along with potential legal proceedings and further investigation by authorities.

Both Kalshi and Polymarket operate under federal commodities law with oversight from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, Tennessee officials emphasized that federal regulation does not override the state’s authority to regulate sports betting within its boundaries. Crypto.com, primarily a cryptocurrency exchange, is also affected by these orders amid broader scrutiny of prediction markets’ legality at the state level.

While the platforms await clarification, the legal landscape remains complex. Notably, Kalshi recently challenged Connecticut’s enforcement actions, gaining a temporary reprieve from a cease-and-desist order issued by state regulators, in a case that highlights wider disputes over the regulation of prediction markets tied to sporting events. Kalshi and other platforms face ongoing legal battles in multiple states—Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, and Ohio—where regulators question whether such contracts constitute unlicensed gambling options.

The case illustrates the evolving regulatory environment surrounding prediction markets—an innovative intersection of crypto, betting, and law that continues to develop as regulators seek to adapt to new market realities.

This article was originally published as Tennessee Bans Sports Betting on Kalshi, Polymarket, Crypto.com: What You Need to Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Price Predictions and Market Outlook: Experts’ Perspectives for 2026

Renowned crypto strategist Samson Mow forecasts a bullish trajectory for Bitcoin (BTC), predicting not only a surge to over one million dollars but also a significant shift by major tech figures like Elon Musk. While some industry leaders remain cautious, Mow’s optimistic outlook highlights the evolving narrative surrounding Bitcoin’s future and its potential role in the global financial system.

Key Takeaways

Samson Mow predicts Bitcoin could reach $1.33 million by 2026, a 1,367% increase from current levels.

Mow expects Elon Musk to significantly increase Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings in 2026, signaling mainstream institutional interest.

The analyst emphasizes nation-state adoption as a critical catalyst for exponential price growth.

Other industry insiders adopt a more conservative stance, forecasting steady, moderate gains over the decade.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The forecast of substantial gains and institutional adoption could bolster investor confidence.

Market context: These projections come amid ongoing debates over Bitcoin’s sustainability, regulation, and broader acceptance in traditional finance.

Bold Predictions Continue Despite Past Misses

Samson Mow, founder of Jan3, has become one of the most vocal advocates predicting an extraordinary rise for Bitcoin. In a recent statement, he claimed that Elon Musk could intensify his involvement with Bitcoin in 2026, potentially marking a watershed moment for the cryptocurrency. Mow’s prediction aligns with his earlier assertion that Bitcoin could someday reach seven-figure territory, positing a price of $1.33 million—a remarkable 1,367% increase from current levels of approximately $90,596, according to CoinMarketCap.

Mow told Media in June 2025 that Bitcoin might hit the $1 million mark within that year or the next. “It’s a certainty now—maybe this year, maybe next year,” he stated. He also highlighted the potential for increased adoption by nation-states as a significant factor that could propel Bitcoin prices exponentially higher. In September, he noted that more countries are preparing to adopt Bitcoin, pushing the narrative of a global shift towards cryptocurrency acceptance.

Source: Samson Mow

Industry Caution and Diverging Views

While some analysts’ predictions border on the extraordinary, others adopt a more tempered outlook. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, expects a steady growth trajectory over the next decade, emphasizing consistent returns over spectacular gains. “It’s a 10-year grind upward of strong, but not extraordinary, returns,” he remarked.

Despite these varying perspectives, the industry has seen numerous high-profile predictions that failed to materialize, such as bitcoins hitting $250,000 or the stock of Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy soaring to $5,000. Yet, the prevailing hope remains that Bitcoin’s narrative of mainstream adoption and institutional interest will continue shaping its trajectory in the coming years.

This article was originally published as Samson Mow Predicts Elon Musk Will Make a Big Bitcoin Move in 2026 on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum Sentiment Echoes Patterns from Its 2025 Price Rally

Recent analyses indicate that social media sentiment surrounding Ethereum is declining to levels reminiscent of those observed before its substantial price surge in 2025. Experts suggest this could signal an impending bullish phase, even amid current market downturns.

Key Takeaways

Social media sentiment towards Ethereum has fallen to pre-rally levels, hinting at a potential upcoming price rebound.

Ethereum reached a peak of $4,878 in August 2025, after rebounding sharply from a low of $1,472 in April, marking a nearly 70% increase over four months.

Despite a 36% decline from its all-time high, Ethereum maintains its position as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

Market-wide sentiment remains cautious, with investor focus shifting toward network growth and staking activities.

Tickers mentioned: Ethereum

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Negative — current declines reflect broader risk-off sentiment, but underlying technical signals suggest potential for recovery.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold — patience is advised as sentiment stabilizes and market signals align for a possible rebound.

Market context: Ethereum’s recent price movements are occurring against a backdrop of heightened market caution and consolidating investor interests in network fundamentals.

Ethereum’s Market Dynamics and Sentiment Overview

Recent social media sentiment analysis indicates Ethereum is again approaching levels seen before its historic rally in 2025. According to crypto sentiment analyst Brian Quinlivan, the decline in social chatter signals that a significant upward move might be imminent. Quinlivan pointed out that Ethereum’s price “took off just as people were starting to write off the asset,” mirroring patterns observed before its last major rally that peaked at $4,878, representing a dramatic rebound from a low of $1,472 in April of that year.

Currently, Ethereum trades around $3,089, down approximately 36% from its peak, following a $19 billion market liquidation event in October, which triggered a broader downtrend across cryptocurrencies. Despite recent setbacks, Quinlivan emphasized that sentiment has shifted from outright skepticism to an acknowledgment of Ethereum as the primary second-largest market cap token. This aligns with sentiments expressed by Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili, who highlighted the investor consensus favoring Bitcoin first, then Ethereum, as the “next” key asset.

While overall market sentiment remains cautious, with the crypto fear and greed index signaling “Fear” at a score of 29, there is notable enthusiasm for Ethereum’s network development. Quinlivan noted a surge in interest around staking, which has gained traction on social platforms. Elsewhere, the broader market continues to favor Bitcoin, with the Altcoin Season Index reflecting a “Bitcoin Season” score of 34 out of 100, indicating investors’ risk-averse stance towards altcoins.

As the crypto environment navigates these turbulent waters, Ethereum’s fundamentals and social sentiment suggest a potential inflection point. Market participants are closely watching for signs of a reversal, especially with network growth and staking activity pointing to underlying strength beneath the price correction.

This article was originally published as Ether Sentiment Dips Near Pre-Bull Run Levels—What It Means for Investors on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Major Banks Shift from Risk Containment to Active Engagement in Cryptocurrency

Historically, leading banks regarded cryptocurrencies as high-risk assets, often seeking to limit their exposure. However, recent developments reveal a decisive move toward integrating digital assets into mainstream financial services. This transition encompasses a broad range of initiatives, from blockchain-based payment channels to tokenized digital cash, indicating a more sophisticated approach to digital currency adoption by traditional banking institutions.

This evolving stance is exemplified by several key moves in the industry. JPMorgan is expanding its US dollar deposit token, JPM Coin, onto the Canton Network, signaling a significant step toward infrastructure that supports real-world application of tokenized fiat currency. Morgan Stanley is preparing to introduce ETFs that provide exposure to Bitcoin and Solana, making these assets accessible to a broader client base. Meanwhile, Barclays has invested in Ubyx, a stablecoin settlement infrastructure company, marking its foray into digital dollar settlement solutions. Additionally, Bank of America has authorized its advisers to recommend spot Bitcoin ETFs to clients, further blurring the line between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem.

JPMorgan Advances Digital Cash Infrastructure

JPMorgan announced plans to deploy JPM Coin, its US dollar-denominated deposit token, onto the Canton Network—a highly secure, privacy-focused layer-1 blockchain developed by Digital Asset and Kinexys. This move reflects a strategic push to facilitate cross-border and inter-institutional settlement through regulated digital cash, reducing settlement times and enhancing security for institutional clients.

JPM Coin is designed as a digital claim on JPMorgan’s dollar deposits, providing a faster, secure means of transferring funds across interoperable blockchain networks. According to Yuval Rooz, CEO of Digital Asset, this collaboration operationalizes the long-held industry vision of regulated digital cash capable of operating seamlessly at market speed.

Morgan Stanley Ventures into Crypto ETFs

Following the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, Morgan Stanley has filed with the SEC to launch the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and the Morgan Stanley Solana Trust. These funds aim to offer passive exposure to Bitcoin and Solana, respectively, potentially broadening investment access to millions of wealth management clients.

If approved, these ETFs could stand among the most successful in the industry, attracting significant inflows given the strong investor appetite for crypto-related investment vehicles. The ongoing momentum in Bitcoin ETF launches continues to underscore institutional recognition of cryptocurrencies as core assets.

Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Infrastructure

London-based Barclays has made its first strategic investment in Ubyx, a platform facilitating stablecoin settlement within regulated environments. This aligns with Barclays’ interest in exploring digital money infrastructure, despite previous cautionary stances on digital assets. Ubyx, supported by notable investors like Coinbase and Galaxy, aims to enable interoperability between stablecoin issuers and financial institutions, underscoring the sector’s push toward foundational digital dollar work.

Bank of America Endorses Bitcoin ETF Recommendations

Bank of America has begun permitting its wealth advisers to recommend Bitcoin ETFs from providers like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale. This development indicates a growing institutional acceptance of digital assets and signals that traditional investors could soon receive targeted investment advice in the crypto space. The move follows reports that the bank’s private wealth division has suggested a modest 1-4% allocation of digital assets, reflecting increasing confidence in cryptocurrencies’ role within diversified portfolios.

This article was originally published as Wall Street Embraces Digital Assets as Banks Go Onchain on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Whales Signal Bullish Reversal as Long Positions Decline

Bitcoin whales are exhibiting a significant shift in their trading behavior, unloading long positions after a prolonged period of market exposure decline. This move is seen by many analysts as a potential precursor to a bullish reversal, reminiscent of past market cycles.

Key Takeaways

Whales on Bitfinex are rotating out of BTC long positions, a pattern that has historically preceded substantial price rallies.

Experts suggest a Wyckoff-style “spring” bottom may be forming, indicating a potential major reversal.

Whale holdings have decreased by approximately 220,000 BTC in 2025, signaling a maturing market.

Conversely, retail investors have increased their exposure, supporting the view of a more robust, diversified investor base.

Tickers mentioned:
Crypto → BTC

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The reduction in whale long positions could signal an imminent rally, especially if historical patterns repeat.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold or cautiously accumulate, as these shifts often mark the early stages of a new upward trend.

Market context: The broader crypto market currently exhibits signs of stabilization, with on-chain data indicating a shift toward more diversified participation.

Recent data from TradingView highlights that whale long positions on Bitfinex peaked at around 73,000 BTC in late December before beginning a marked decline. This pattern has historically signaled impending price movements, with previous instances leading to notable rally phases. The current unwinding, described by analyst MartyParty, suggests that whale activity is aligning with a Wyckoff spring pattern—an accumulation phase that often precedes substantial upward movement.

Bitfinex whale longs one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Historically, such unwinds in whale long positions have been followed by sharp rallies, with previous cycles seeing Bitcoin surge from lows near $75,000 to targets exceeding $135,000. The current market appears to be transitioning from a phase dominated by whale accumulation to broader participation, as smaller investors step up their holdings — a hallmark of a maturing cycle.

On-chain analytics from CryptoQuant illustrate that overall whale holdings have diminished by over 200,000 BTC in the past year, although this decline coincides with increased activity among retail investors. According to CryptoZeno, this shift signifies a market moving toward more distributed ownership and enhanced long-term stability, despite existing volatility.

Despite the decline in whale concentration, the market remains optimistic, with some analysts arguing that the current cycle’s maturation sets the stage for significant price appreciation. As Bitcoin consolidates near $91,500, experts are watching for fractal patterns similar to previous bullish moves, which could push prices toward $135,000 or higher in the coming months.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Whales Decrease Longs, Spark New Bullish Trend Indicators on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Adjusts Slightly as Challenges Persist for Miners

The Bitcoin network’s mining difficulty experienced a minor decline, dropping to 146.4 trillion, marking the first adjustment of 2026. This shift reflects ongoing complexities within the network, impacting the profitability and operational strategies of miners worldwide.

Key Takeaways

The next difficulty adjustment is estimated for January 22, 2026, increasing the difficulty level from 146.47 trillion to approximately 148.20 trillion.

Average block times are slightly below the 10-minute target, prompting a recalibration of difficulty to maintain optimal network performance.

Despite reaching new peaks in 2025, mining difficulty remains below the All-Time High of 155.9 trillion recorded in November.

Miners faced significant margin pressures in 2025, accentuated by the April halving and macroeconomic headwinds, leading to challenging profitability conditions.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The slight adjustment suggests neither a bullish nor bearish shift but reflects ongoing network stability efforts.

Market context: The adjustment underscores persistent macroeconomic challenges and industry pressures affecting mining operations, even amidst a broader crypto market recovery.

Mining Difficulty and Industry Challenges

The Bitcoin network’s mining difficulty marginally decreased to 146.4 trillion, indicating a slight easing in the escalating challenge of adding new blocks to the blockchain. CoinWarz estimates the upcoming difficulty adjustment, scheduled for January 22, 2026, will raise the difficulty from 146.47 trillion to approximately 148.20 trillion. This incremental rise aims to better align network performance with the target block time of about 10 minutes. Currently, the average block time is just under 10 minutes, hinting at the network’s effort to stabilize mining conditions.

Mining difficulty reached historic levels in 2025, with a final adjustment slightly increasing the difficulty. Nonetheless, it stayed below the previous peak of 155.9 trillion seen in November. The increase in difficulty reflects heightened competition among miners, compounded by macroeconomic, regulatory, and financial hurdles that characterized 2025.

The industry faced one of its most strenuous periods concerning profit margins, exacerbated by the Bitcoin halving in April 2024, which cut the block subsidy in half. This event, coupled with macroeconomic shocks and regulatory pressures, severely impacted miners’ revenues. As a result, the hash price, a crucial profitability metric, dipped below breakeven levels in November 2025, falling below $35 per petahash per second per day—multi-year lows that pressured miners’ operations. Additionally, tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration further complicated supply chains, adding operational costs and uncertainties.

The broader crypto market downturn, triggered in October by a sudden flash crash, saw Bitcoin prices plummet by over 30%, reaching lows just above $80,000. Although prices have since recovered somewhat, they remain well below the October peak of over $125,000, underscoring ongoing volatility and industry headwinds.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops in January 2026: What It Means for Investors on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Starknet Resolves Recent Network Disruption with Root Cause Analysis

The Starknet team has issued a detailed post-mortem following a recent outage that temporarily disrupted its mainnet, marking the second significant network disruption this year. The incident underscores the complexities of maintaining stability within multi-layered blockchain architectures and highlights the ongoing efforts to improve security and reliability.

Key Takeaways

Root cause traced to a state discrepancy between the execution and proving layers, caused by a specific bug during cross-function calls.

The incorrect transaction execution was flagged by Starknet’s proving layer, preventing faulty data from being finalized on the mainnet.

The outage resulted in an 18-minute revert of network activity, impacting ongoing transactions and users’ operations.

The team committed to enhanced testing and code audits to mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Tickers mentioned: N/A

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral — the outage was managed effectively, avoiding long-term consequences on the network’s overall stability.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold — while technical issues persist, ongoing improvements aim to enhance overall reliability.

The recent incident was caused by a discrepancy within Starknet’s layered architecture. Specifically, a bug emerged during a complex combination of cross-function calls, variable writes, reverts, and exception handling. The bug caused the blockifier—the component responsible for transaction execution—to incorrectly remember a state change from a reverted function, leading to an inconsistency in transaction processing.

Fortunately, Starknet’s proving layer successfully identified the error, halting the faulty transactions from being finalized on Layer 1. This mechanism prevented potential corruption of the blockchain’s ledger and enabled the team to revert 18 minutes of network activity through a chain reorganization. Normal operation was restored swiftly, with the team emphasizing their commitment to rigorous testing and audits to avoid similar issues in the future.

This outage, alongside previous disruptions including a five-hour downtime following a protocol upgrade in September, highlights the inherent challenges of developing and maintaining advanced blockchain networks. Starknet’s recent troubles emphasize the importance of robust error detection and layered security measures to ensure network resilience amid rapid technological evolution.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, networks like Starknet remain at the forefront of scaling solutions but must also contend with the complexities and risks inherent in multi-layered setups. The team’s proactive response demonstrates a focus on transparency and continuous improvement despite occasional setbacks.

This article was originally published as Starknet Team Reveals Root Cause Behind Recent Network Outage on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Refund Planning Details

Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, indicated that the refunds would be made in weeks or months. Therefore, the department is trying to hit the jackpot of avoiding the sudden outflows of cash, which might create stress in the funding operations or cause uncertainty in the financial markets in relation to the Supreme Court situation. But he emphasized that being prepared is an absolute necessity. He further explained that despite an unfavorable decision, the government would still perform its duties without interruptions in the form of funding.

Also, the Treasury admitted that refunding might have complicated conditions on the basis of the decision. Additionally, Bessent also doubted that any tariff payers would reimburse customers in the supply chain. Inflation issues, Bessent also added that there was no evidence of any substantial costs of tariffs being passed through. The officials, therefore, argue that tariffs did not significantly contribute to the consumer prices in the disputed years.

Market crash fears were considerably relieved when the Supreme Court did not have an independent ruling. Thus, investors lowered their anticipations of impending liquidity tension that had driven the earlier volatility in equities, bonds, and crypto assets. The Treasury was trying to offset speculation of coerced bond issuance. Rather than officials emphasizing large cash holdings, which minimizes emergency borrowing in case such refunds are transacted over longer periods of time.

Cash Balance Levels

In addition, the Treasury cash balances were close to 774 billion dollars last week. Moreover, it was pointed out that the reserves might reach up to 850 billion dollars by the end of March 2026, based on the present fiscal assumptions that the funds would not run out and cause liquidity to dry up in the market, as well as cause sell-offs in the crypto market. As a result, officials were trying to decouple legal results and systemic danger stories being passed about in markets. The Treasury said it would pay close attention to the development of the courts and the markets. In addition to authorities focused on the preparation of the smooth implementation of refunds without reducing the overall financial operations.

This article was originally published as Treasury Confirms Trump Tariffs Can Fund Crypto Market Refunds on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Honoring Hal Finney: A Pioneering Figure in Bitcoin’s History

The cryptocurrency community commemorates the anniversary of Hal Finney’s historic January 10, 2009, post, which marked a significant milestone in Bitcoin’s evolution. Finney, a renowned cryptographer and early Bitcoin contributor, announced that he was running the Bitcoin node software, an act that has become an integral part of crypto lore. Celebrated for his early involvement and contributions, Finney was also the recipient of the first Bitcoin transaction, underscoring his pivotal role in the network’s infancy.

Key Takeaways

Hal Finney’s January 2009 post is celebrated as a foundational moment in Bitcoin history.

Finney was among the earliest adopters, responding swiftly to Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper and engaging with the Bitcoin network.

He received the first Bitcoin transaction, predating widespread adoption and fostering the narrative of his deep involvement.

Speculation persists about Finney’s possible identity as Satoshi Nakamoto, fueled by subsequent investigations and media coverage.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Nostalgic and investigative

Price impact: Neutral. The focus remains on historical significance rather than market movement.

Market context: As Bitcoin’s community reflects on its origins, broader crypto markets continue to evolve amidst ongoing debates about identity and decentralization.

Hal Finney, born on May 4, 1956, was a pioneering computer scientist and cryptographer whose early involvement with Bitcoin positioned him at the forefront of the digital currency revolution. His participation began shortly after the publication of Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper, when he responded to the initial outreach and began running a Bitcoin node. Finney’s notable contribution includes receiving the first Bitcoin transaction—a symbolic event that established a new paradigm for peer-to-peer electronic cash.

Source: Hal Finney

At the time, Satoshi Nakamoto sent Finney 10 BTC, which would be worth over $900,500 today. His early correspondence with Nakamoto and involvement in the project fueled ongoing speculation about whether Finney might have been Satoshi himself, a topic that remains hotly debated. Finney’s engagement in cryptography research, coupled with his participation in the Bitcoin network, keeps him prominently in the lore of the digital currency.

Nevertheless, questions about his true identity persist. A 2024 HBO documentary series, Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, reignited discussions, with some suggesting that Finney’s skills and early involvement point to him being Satoshi. Conversely, critics highlight details such as Finney’s use of Mac OS, which Satoshi reportedly did not favor, and other technical evidence that argue against this theory.

Polymarket odds for who HBO would identify as Satoshi.

In 2010, Finney’s own online posts indicated that he and his wife both used Mac OS computers, adding depth to the debates about his possible involvement. Yet, in a 2023 analysis, Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Casa, presented evidence suggesting that Finney was not Satoshi, citing Finney’s last-minute email communication prior to completing a marathon race as a definitive break from the Satoshi profile.

Despite the complex narrative, Finney’s legacy endures as a pioneering figure whose early efforts helped shape the decentralized digital currency landscape. His contributions remain a central chapter in the history of Bitcoin, inspiring ongoing dialogue and research into its origins and evolution.

This article was originally published as Celebrating 17 Years: Hal Finney’s ‘Running Bitcoin’ Post Still Inspires on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US Democratic Lawmakers Push for Ethics Safeguards in Crypto Legislation

Key Democratic members of the U.S. Senate are proactively advocating for strict conflict-of-interest provisions in upcoming cryptocurrency legislation. Their stance emphasizes the importance of preventing elected officials and government leaders from profiting from their associations with digital asset companies amid ongoing debates over a comprehensive crypto market framework.

According to a report from Punchbowl News, Senators including Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego are demanding robust safeguards within the Republican-led Responsible Financial Innovation Act. This legislation, which has been under review since July, seeks to outline regulation of digital assets and potentially expand authority for agencies such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These lawmakers are insisting that public officials, including former President Donald Trump, be barred from profiting from any crypto industry connections.

Gallego underscored the issue’s significance, stating, “It is a red line. They need to get it right, or they’re not going to have enough votes to pass this.” The emphasis on ethics and transparency reflects growing concerns over conflicts of interest in the evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States.

The bill, originally passed by the House as the CLARITY Act, aims to clarify regulatory ambiguities surrounding digital assets. It also proposes giving additional authority to the CFTC, which some experts see as a move to enhance oversight of the cryptocurrency market. However, political dynamics and upcoming midterm elections are likely to influence the bill’s prospects, with speculation that support among Democrats might sway in the lead-up to 2026.

Legislative Developments and Political Changes

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent supporter of the Responsible Financial Innovation Act and a member of the Senate Banking Committee, announced she will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving office in early 2027. Her departure could impact future legislative efforts related to crypto regulation.

Source: Cynthia Lummis

Committee Chair Tim Scott indicated that a markup session for the RFIA was scheduled for Thursday; however, no official date was publicly announced as of the latest updates. The ongoing legislative process underscores the complexities of establishing a balanced regulatory framework amid evolving political and industry interests.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that crypto regulation prioritizes transparency and integrity, especially as the industry gains prominence in American economic and political spheres.

This article was originally published as US Lawmakers Push for Ethics Safeguards in Market Structure Bill on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Colombia Implements Crypto Service Provider Reporting Regulations to Enhance Tax Oversight

Colombia’s Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN) has introduced a comprehensive mandatory reporting framework targeting cryptocurrency service providers. This move aims to align local regulations with international standards and improve transparency in crypto transactions.

The new rules, outlined in Resolution 000240 issued on December 24, establish a crypto reporting regime based on the guidelines developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). Under this framework, exchanges, custodians, and intermediaries are required to collect and report detailed user identification and transaction data for “reportable” entities. This facilitates automatic information exchange with foreign tax authorities, strengthening cross-border compliance efforts.

Specifically, the regulation mandates crypto providers to adhere to due diligence and valuation procedures, employing fair-market valuation methods to determine transaction values. Penalties will be imposed on entities that fail to comply with the new reporting obligations, emphasizing the importance of regulatory adherence in the sector.

Importantly, these obligations target service providers directly, not individual users, thereby establishing a legal framework for oversight while maintaining privacy at the user level. The regulation requires affected platforms to update their compliance systems before the commencement of the first reporting cycle, making immediate adjustments necessary for continued operation.

The move underscores a broader international trend where governments are tightening crypto tax reporting and enforcement. Many nations are adopting or preparing to adopt the OECD-backed CARF standards, with initial reports expected in 2026 and information sharing slated to begin in 2027. As of November, 48 jurisdictions have already advanced or are nearly ready to implement CARF-related laws, with an additional 27 planning to share data in 2028.

The United States is also contemplating comprehensive crypto regulation; the proposed Clarity Act, expected in 2026, aims to clarify the classification, taxation, and issuance of digital assets. Meanwhile, some countries, such as India, remain cautious, citing concerns that cryptocurrency transactions could hinder tax enforcement efforts, as highlighted during recent parliamentary discussions.

As digital assets continue mainstream adoption, global efforts to enhance transparency and tax compliance are accelerating, signaling a concerted push towards greater regulatory clarity in the crypto landscape.

This article was originally published as Colombia Implements New Mandatory Crypto Reporting Rules for Exchanges on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Betterment Disavows Unauthorized Crypto Promotion Amid Rise in Phishing Attacks

Betterment, a prominent US-based digital investment platform, has issued a warning to users after detecting a fraudulent cryptocurrency promotion circulating through unofficial channels. The message, which appeared to originate from the company, falsely advertised a “limited-time” offer promising to triple investments sent in Bitcoin or Ethereum. The incident underscores ongoing risks associated with crypto scams and the importance of cybersecurity vigilance.

The scam message urged recipients to transfer funds to specified wallets, claiming that their assets would be tripled within hours. Notably, the communication mimicked official marketing language, including references to Betterment’s annual performance and employing tactics common in crypto scams such as high guaranteed returns, urgency, and direct wallet transfers. Several users on Reddit shared screenshots of the scam, illustrating the message’s attempt to deceive unsuspecting investors. Similar language was also reported in email campaigns targeting potential victims, emphasizing the sophistication of this fraudulent attempt.

Betterment’s Response and Platform Overview

In an official statement on X, Betterment clarified that the message was unauthorized and not affiliated with the company. The platform emphasized that the communication was sent through a third-party marketing system without permission and urged users to disregard the offer entirely. The company apologized for any confusion or concerns caused by the incident.

Betterment’s official response on X. Source: Betterment

Betterment specializes in automated investing services using low-cost ETFs and caters to a broad client base with options for cash management and retirement planning. Although it is primarily a robo-advisor platform, Betterment allows users to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum through a linked product offering.

Increasing Challenges in Crypto Security

The incident comes amid a decline in crypto phishing attacks, with reports indicating an 83% reduction in losses linked to wallet drainers in 2025. Total losses fell to approximately $84 million from nearly $494 million in the previous year, according to Scam Sniffer. The decrease aligns with a cooler market activity trend, although phishing-related losses still peaked during periods of heightened on-chain activity, notably during Ethereum’s strong rally in the third quarter, which saw losses reach $31 million.

The evolving threat landscape emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures as scammers continue to adapt their tactics to target unsuspecting cryptocurrency users. Despite overall improvements, vigilance remains crucial, especially as fraudsters leverage social engineering and third-party vulnerabilities to conduct phishing campaigns and spread malicious links.

This article was originally published as Betterment Alerts Users About Fake Crypto Scam Promising Triple Returns on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Experience First Week Outflows in 2026 Amid Macro Uncertainty

Early 2026 saw significant outflows from Bitcoin and Ether spot ETFs, reflecting cautious investor sentiment in response to macroeconomic uncertainties and evolving regulatory landscapes. Despite initial optimism, weekly withdrawals highlight the ongoing volatility and apprehension among institutional and retail investors alike.

Key Takeaways

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded four consecutive days of net outflows, with over $681 million withdrawn during the first trading week of 2026.

Ether spot ETFs faced similar trends, ending the week with approximately $68.6 million in net outflows.

Macroeconomic factors, including geopolitical risks and shifting monetary policy expectations, are driving a risk-off sentiment across markets.

Major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley are progressing with plans to launch Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, signaling ongoing institutional interest despite market turbulence.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin, Ether, Solana

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative, as outflows suggest increased risk aversion and reduced institutional appetite for new ETF products.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, as macroeconomic uncertainties and regulatory developments could continue to cause volatility.

Market context: The broader crypto sector remains sensitive to macroeconomic cues and regulatory shifts, influencing investor behavior in traditional and digital assets.

In the initial trading week of 2026, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced significant net outflows, shedding a total of around $681 million. According to data from SoSoValue, the decline followed four days of net withdrawals, with Wednesday alone witnessing a record outflow of $486 million. The trend reversed briefly early in the year when Bitcoin ETFs attracted inflows of $471.1 million on January 2 and $697.2 million on January 5, suggesting a volatile start to the year.

Ether spot ETFs faced a similar downward trajectory, recording a weekly net outflow of approximately $68.6 million, with total assets dropping to around $18.7 billion. This ebb in inflows and outflows reflects broader macroeconomic concerns, including geopolitical tensions, rising risks, and changing expectations regarding monetary policy. Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, explained that the current risk-off environment is driven by anticipated shifts in U.S. Federal Reserve policies and an uncertain global economy. He noted, “As traders await clearer signals from upcoming CPI data and Fed guidance, risk appetite remains subdued.”

Despite the cautious market sentiment, major financial players such as Morgan Stanley have filed with the SEC to launch new spot ETFs tracking Bitcoin and Solana. This move indicates sustained institutional interest and confidence in the potential of digital assets, even amidst volatility. The filings follow Bank of America’s recent decision to allow its wealth managers to recommend exposure to multiple Bitcoin ETFs, signaling growing acceptance of regulated crypto investment vehicles.

As macroeconomic factors continue to influence investor sentiment, the crypto market’s trajectory in early 2026 remains challenging to predict. However, ongoing developments from institutional giants suggest a recognition of the long-term potential of digital assets amidst short-term volatility.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin ETF Loses $681M in First Week of 2026 Amid Waning Risk Appetite on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Registration Details

Ripple UK Ltd was listed in the amended register of the FCA in the regulations of the country concerning money laundering. Therefore, the registration ensures that it abides by the local regulations being used to regulate the activities of crypto assets in the UK. The authorization does not authorise Ripple to provide full financial services in the UK. But the registration will enable limited exchange and payment related activity to be carried out that will continue to be regulated. The FCA approval comes after a recent decision by Ripple to stay privately owned. Also, the company keeps growing its compliance presence in key financial jurisdictions.

The registration enhances the presence of Ripple in Europe when the clarity of regulations is a priority. As a result, the approval will be used to enable Ripple to transact business related to cross-border payments using XRP as the settlement currency. In addition, the XRP ledger has upgrades on infrastructure to enhance the liquidity of enterprise-level transactions.

Ripple-supported programs have been working to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of XRPL. In addition to that, partnerships aim to increase the speed and liquidity of transactions in payment corridors. The United Kingdom has focused on financial innovation and has been strict on regulation. Therefore, the government has promoted crypto companies that qualify to govern and comply with a set of rules. Regulatory acceptance usually enhances the trust of banks and payment services. FCA oversight also offers a guarantee to those institutions considering blockchain-based settlement facilities.

Capital Activity

The institutional capital that has been raised by Ripple is in relation to structured investment vehicles. Furthermore, agreement with asset managers indicates the increased interest in licensed blockchain infrastructure. Ripple is already licensed in markets like Singapore. Notably, these approvals drive a harmonised strategy of international payment growth. The UK registration places Ripple to expand upon regulated relations. Therefore, the acceptance enhances XRP in compliance-based payment markets.

The differences between the regional regulations still influence the adoption of crypto. Nevertheless, Ripple has a substantial list of approvals, which indicates that it complies with jurisdiction-specific requirements. Ripple FCA registration is another step in its plan of regulated expansion. The notice is in favor of the further creation of conforming payment services with the use of XRP.

This article was originally published as Ripple is approved by the FCA in the UK, which increased the use of XRP payment on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.