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VFX Token (VFX) lives in a space that should have been built years ago. It is the bridge between crypto’s programmable infrastructure and forex’s massive, execution-first market culture. The project doesn’t present itself as a rebellion against traditional finance, nor does it lean on the usual “banks are doomed” tropes. It connects the two cultures together into a single functional Web3-powered ecosystem.

The basic idea is to act as an interface layer, making FX-linked activity easier to access and track through crypto infrastructure. However, it retains the focus on what actually matters in trading: liquidity, execution, and risk management.

Why FX Scale Changes the Conversation

Forex is a $7+ trillion-per-day market. That number matters for a simple reason: at that scale, weak models are quickly exposed. Sloppy incentives, vague mechanics, and “trust us” narratives don’t last long when the underlying market is relentless and where every mistake can lead to massive losses.

Crypto, on the other hand, has a different approach. It’s a fast-paced, innovation-driven ecosystem, where most projects monetize on narrative, momentum, and short-term attention.

VFX is trying to close that gap by connecting the two cultures, retaining the best of both worlds. It leverages open infrastructure in crypto technologies, combining it with FX liquidity and a discipline-first approach. The pitch isn’t that one replaces the other; instead, VFX says it wants to create an ecosystem that connects the two wildly different approaches into a functional system.

VFX says it is somewhat of a gateway rather than a disruptor, reducing friction with FX professionals (who usually hate grandstanding) and avoiding poking regulators and institutional observers with the usual “tear it all down” rhetoric.

What VFX Is Trying to Achieve

VFX is designed as the utility token for a forex-oriented setup that blends broker infrastructure with Web3 technology. It is not a disruptor of these markets; rather, it’s a functioning platform that offers users multiple profitable features based on real-world trading practices, combined with the power of Web3 technologies.

This is the key to VFX’s approach, as it speaks to two very different cultures that rarely share opinions:

FX-aware participants who focus on execution quality, risk controls, and transparency;

Crypto-native users who value speed, on-chain access, and composability.

The project speaks to both audiences, helping them feel at home. There are no meme-culture theatrics, no “just trust the roadmap” energy, and no empty promises. VFX is more like a system that aims to infuse forex trading practices with crypto market logic.

The Market-Linked Loop in Plain English

The project’s main feature is its reward system, which is tied directly to market activity rather than to constant token emissions and the standard crypto speculation approach. The profits come directly from rebates achieved by a licensed company that handles over $40 million in client assets.

Its parent company, Vortex FX, handles about 1,500 lots per day (roughly 30,000 lots per month). Each completed lot is assumed to receive a $5 rebate, which translates to around $150,000 in monthly revenue under that model, the team says.

From there, the profits are divided between the firm and the investor. 50% is allocated to token holders through staking rewards and token buybacks, so all profits come directly from real-world trades. Therefore, rewards are not guaranteed and depend on the broker’s success. They are then distributed downstream, ensuring that all participants get their piece of the pie. That’s exactly what the market-linked utility model looks like, and why it sets itself apart from all other Web3 projects on the market.

What Exists Today vs. What’s Still Being Built

Furthermore, VFX goes to great lengths to keep the investors informed. It offers a transparent approach to all essential features, including tokenomics, vesting, and program terms, all available in advance. Users can use the provided documentation and roadmap to monitor the project’s status in real time, removing all the guesswork.

This approach can make or break a project, especially given the FX-oriented audience’s pragmatic decision-making. No one cares about big promises you can’t keep. That’s why VFX chooses to keep everything clean rather than promise huge upgrades that cannot be put into practice, the team says.

Token Structure and Allocation

VFX says it has a fixed token supply with a well-placed distribution model designed to promote sustainability. Here are the details:

Total supply: 100,000,000 VFX

Public sale: 55% (55,000,000)

Team and advisors: 15% (15,000,000)

Staking rewards: 10% (10,000,000)

Strategic partners: 8% (8,000,000)

Liquidity pools: 7% (7,000,000)

Treasury reserve: 5% (5,000,000).

Vesting according to the official documents:

Seed and private rounds: 50% at TGE; remainder after 30 days

Public sale: 100% at TGE

Team and advisors: 24-month lock

Strategic partners: 25% at TGE; remainder over 9 months.

Therefore, the project doesn’t promote scarcity. Instead, it focuses on alignment and sustainability. Everything has been carefully crafted to promote long-term sustainability that delivers value, rather than a short-term price pump that is so prevalent in the crypto sector.

Participation: Staking, Access, and Everyday Utility

Apart from giving users a chance to earn profits through rebates, VFX also introduces a staking program in which rewards depend on the number of tokens staked and the time they are locked. In simple terms, the more tokens users stake for longer, the higher the APY they will earn. The yield varies from a minimum of 15% to as much as 67.7% if they choose to lock their tokens for an entire year.

The staking feature is therefore a core function and a participation layer within the system itself. It works in synergy with the rest of the system, providing token holders with another way to profit, the team claims.

However, that’s not all that VFX provides. The project also gives users access to no-KYC Visa cards that allow them to spend rebates and profits directly in real-world transactions. That further extends the project’s utility and consolidates all previous benefits into a tangible payment option that delivers real-world value. The plan is impressive, and given the company’s track record, VFX looks like an ideal project option for both FX and crypto traders.

Governance, Control, and Security Signals

Once you become a token holder, you will also get DAO-style governance rights, which is another step toward broader community involvement. Not only that, this feature ensures all holders are always aware of what’s happening within the VFX ecosystem. They will have a say in future decisions and receive notifications on all important milestones that will define the project’s future.

On risk, it is important to state the obvious: smart-contract, operational, and roadmap risks exist whether a project acknowledges them or not. The strongest trust signal isn’t claiming perfection; it’s consistent transparency, clean documentation, and avoiding overstatements like “fully decentralized” before that’s demonstrably true, the team says.

The Real Test

If VFX manages to deliver on its promises, it won’t be because it out-marketed the space. It’ll be because it found a way to create an interface that caters to FX-aware users who prefer clear incentives, numbers that back the claims, and real-world value, it concludes.

In the current crypto environment, where most new projects feel more like a casino with better UI, rather than a value-first project, VFX stands out as the project that can truly make a difference in the future of both markets.

Learn more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vfx_fx/

X: https://x.com/vfxdapp

Telegram: https://t.co/jwon0nw6zP

The post VFX Token (VFX): A Practical Bridge Between Forex Scale and Crypto Infrastructure appeared first on Cryptonews.

TRON DAO said MetaMask has rolled out native support for the TRON network across both its mobile app and browser extension bringing TRON functionality directly into the popular self-custody wallet.

The move brings TRON’s infrastructure into MetaMask’s multichain environment allowing users to manage TRON-based assets and interact with TRON dApps without relying on additional wallets or complex bridging workflows.

MetaMask is developed by Consensys and is one of the most widely used wallets in the crypto ecosystem, with a growing focus on multichain access beyond Ethereum.

Unified Multichain Experience

With native TRON support, MetaMask users can now swap assets seamlessly across TRON, EVM-compatible networks, Solana, and Bitcoin from a single interface.

The integration allows users to send USDT on TRON, stake TRX, and connect directly to TRON-based decentralized applications, while benefiting from the network’s fast confirmation times and low transaction costs.

By embedding TRON directly into MetaMask, the wallet removes the need for separate extensions or third-party tools, offering a more streamlined experience for users who operate across multiple blockchain ecosystems.

The update reflects MetaMask’s broader strategy to act as a universal access point for Web3, reducing friction for users navigating an increasingly fragmented blockchain landscape.

Expanding Access to a Major Stablecoin Network

TRON has become a core settlement layer for global stablecoin activity, processing more than $21 billion in daily stablecoin transfer volume, according to data cited by the network.

Sam Elfarra, community spokesperson at TRON DAO said the integration broadens access to a blockchain that underpins real-world payment flows and DeFi activity at scale.

By making TRON available through a familiar wallet interface the integration is expected to expand participation in TRON’s ecosystem especially for users who already rely on MetaMask for asset management across other networks.

MetaMask’s Multichain Strategy

For MetaMask, native TRON support represents another step in its multichain expansion. Rizvi Haider, staff product manager at MetaMask said the update follows earlier integrations with Solana and Bitcoin, bringing more non-EVM networks into a unified user experience.

@MetaMask added native Bitcoin support, allowing users to buy, swap, and send BTC directly from the wallet.#MetaMask #Bitcoinhttps://t.co/na8C8OMCSN

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 16, 2025

The goal, according to MetaMask, is to meet users where they are by supporting the networks they actively use, while moving closer to a universal gateway for the decentralized economy. Native integrations reduce reliance on bridges and wrapped assets, which have historically introduced added complexity and risk.

Lowering Barriers to Global Web3 Adoption

TRON’s ecosystem has seen strong adoption across regions including Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where stablecoins play an important role in payments, remittances, and on-chain financial activity.

By combining TRON’s high-throughput blockchain with MetaMask’s widely adopted wallet infrastructure, the collaboration aims to lower barriers to entry for both emerging and established markets.

The integration is a broader trend toward wallet-led multichain access, as infrastructure providers seek to simplify how users interact with an expanding universe of blockchain networks and applications.

The post MetaMask Adds Native TRON Support Expanding Multichain Access appeared first on Cryptonews.

Key Takeaways:

Monero surged toward $800 after trading near $450 just a week earlier, bringing privacy coins back into focus.

Zcash’s strong rally in late 2025 helped revive interest in the privacy sector and set the stage for Monero’s move.

Monero has now overtaken Zcash in market capitalization, becoming the leading privacy coin.

Monero continues to face regulatory pressure and exchange delistings, adding extra risk to the rally.

With the broader crypto market still fragile, some traders are turning to privacy coins as an alternative play in 2026.

Monero’s price recently came close to the $800 level. Just a week ago, XMR was trading near $450. This move has brought privacy coins back into the spotlight.

Privacy coins have been part of the crypto market for a long time. At one point, many of these projects faded into the background. Interest dropped, and the sector went quiet. That changed in autumn 2025, when Zcash surprised the market.

Now, attention has shifted to Monero. For many traders, the situation feels familiar. The setup looks similar to what happened with Zcash. The key difference is that ZEC failed to hold above $1,000. The question is whether XMR can do better.

Monero Overtakes Zcash

During the summer, ZEC was trading around $30. By November, its price surged above $750. This happened while the broader crypto market was selling off after Oct. 10.

For many traders, Zcash became a safe haven. Even after corrections, the ZEC price repeatedly returned to the $450 level and above.

This renewed interest pushed privacy coins back into the conversation. Many in the crypto community began to discuss why privacy-focused projects still matter. The rally also created strong FOMO. At one point, it looked like the momentum was fading. Still, Zcash managed to hold above $400, despite claims that its price structure looked like a “Burj Khalifa” pattern. That term is often used to describe sharp rallies that end in equally sharp crashes.

Source: TradingView

Most of the top privacy coins are now posting gains. Over the past seven days, Monero’s price has risen by nearly 60%. Zcash is also higher, though more modestly, with gains of around 10%.

Another standout is Dash, which outperformed both with a 114% increase.

For now, the spotlight remains on Monero. XMR has taken the lead in the privacy sector by market capitalization. Zcash has moved into second place.

It is worth noting that Monero’s rally is happening under more favorable market conditions. Since early January, some altcoins, including meme coins, have started to recover. The gains remain selective, but sentiment is stronger than it was during Zcash’s rally in 2025.

At that time, rumors circulated that ZEC was heavily overbought. There were also claims of strong insider activity. The broader market backdrop was weaker.

The Dark Side of Monero

The past few years have not been easy for Monero. Several major centralized exchanges removed XMR from trading. Binance delisted Monero in 2024.

These decisions followed regulatory pressure in multiple countries. Monero has often been linked to money laundering allegations. Such accusations are frequently paired with concerns around terrorism financing.

Another key difference between Monero and Zcash lies in transparency. Zcash has a known team. There have even been rumors linking the project to Satoshi Nakamoto, though none are confirmed.

Monero’s founders, by contrast, remain anonymous. One name often mentioned is Nicolas van Saberhagen. Most believe this is a pseudonym. His real identity has never been established. In 2013, Nicolas van Saberhagen published the CryptoNote white paper. That protocol later became the foundation for Monero.

Community members have tried to uncover more details. A Reddit post explored possible links between CryptoNote and early Bitcoin ideas. No direct connection was found. While Satoshi Nakamoto never worked on CryptoNote, early Bitcoin discussions show that similar privacy concepts were already being explored years earlier.

Can Monero Reach $1,000?

Monero has quickly overtaken Zcash in market positioning. Part of this move is supported by stronger overall conditions. Zcash’s rally in 2025 played an important role. It showed that privacy coins were not gone. As a result, the sector regained credibility.

Several analysts now see privacy coins as one of the more interesting narratives for 2026.

With much of the crypto market still struggling, some traders view privacy coins as a defensive play. This can attract capital into the sector. Where capital flows, liquidity follows. And that often leads to sharp price moves.

Monero’s price has already approached the $800 level. On Jan. 14, it briefly touched $797.73, marking a new all-time high. This is higher than Zcash reached during its own rally.

Still, risks remain. XMR is trading near its highs. Caution is warranted. So far, 2026 has shown that the market is searching for alternatives. For now, privacy coins have once again moved to the top of the list.

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.

The post Can Monero Do Better Than Zcash as Privacy Coins Return? appeared first on Cryptonews.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has asked the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to immediately suspend college sports prediction markets, warning that the fast-growing sector is exposing student-athletes to heightened risks and undermining the integrity of college competition.

The request targets an estimated $320 million in active college sports markets, a figure that reflects how quickly prediction platforms have expanded into territory long dominated by regulated sportsbooks.

As Prediction Markets Grow, NCAA Pushes for Safeguards

In a letter dated January 14, 2026, NCAA President Charlie Baker urged CFTC Chairman Michael Selig to halt collegiate sports prediction trading until stronger safeguards are put in place.

Source: NCAA

Baker argued that although prediction markets are often framed as financial products, many now function in practice like sports wagering.

NCAA noted that platforms are offering moneyline, spread, and total markets on college games that closely mirror traditional betting, while operating under a lighter regulatory framework.

The timing of the letter comes as prediction markets experience explosive growth. Total daily trading volume across major platforms reached a record $701.7 million on January 12, with sports accounting for a growing share of activity.

Source: Dune analysis

Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket together processed tens of billions of dollars in trades during 2025, and sports markets now represent roughly three-quarters of Kalshi’s weekly volume and nearly 40% of Polymarket’s.

In 2026, prediction models will be used to collectively decide what is true and what is not [true] and as a guide for fact-checking, analysts say. #Polymarket #Kalshi #PredictionMarkets #BTChttps://t.co/fkQeRz28Qs

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 30, 2025

That scale has drawn institutional interest, but it has also raised alarms among regulators and sports bodies.

At the center of the NCAA’s concern is student safety. Baker warned that college prediction markets often allow participants as young as 18, compared with the 21-and-over requirement in most states for sports betting.

NCAA surveys show that 58 percent of individuals aged 18 to 22 have participated in sports betting, with a significant portion reporting academic, financial, and mental health consequences.

The letter also highlighted gaps in advertising rules. While sportsbooks face restrictions on marketing to college campuses, similar limits do not consistently apply to prediction markets.

The NCAA said some students may mistakenly view prediction trading as a form of investing rather than gambling, despite the inherent unpredictability of sports outcomes.

NCAA Cites Harassment and Integrity Gaps in College Prediction Platforms

That framing, Baker argued, increases the risk of excessive participation and financial harm.

Integrity monitoring was another key issue, as the NCAA monitors more than 23,000 contests annually for suspicious activity and relies on detailed data, including bettor geolocation, to investigate irregularities.

Baker said many prediction platforms lack this level of oversight and are not required to share integrity alerts with other operators or governing bodies.

He pointed to recent efforts by prediction platforms to seek approval for markets tied to the college transfer portal as an example of activity that could create severe risks for athletes if left unchecked.

The NCAA also raised concerns about harassment, as Baker said student-athletes frequently report abuse from bettors, including online harassment tied to game outcomes.

He argued that prediction markets should be required to enforce anti-harassment measures across platforms, including banning participants who target athletes.

Harm reduction resources were also cited as missing, with the NCAA noting that many states direct sportsbook revenue toward gambling education and treatment programs on campuses, a mechanism that prediction markets do not consistently provide.

The request places the CFTC in a difficult position, as prediction markets fall under federal commodities law rather than state gambling statutes, and the agency has previously approved certain sports-related contracts.

However, the rapid growth of college-focused markets and the entry of major sports betting and fantasy operators into the space have intensified scrutiny.

The post NCAA Demands CFTC Halt $320M College Sports Betting Markets—Citing Student Safety appeared first on Cryptonews.

CoinGecko’s CEO, Bobby Ong, acknowledged on Thursday that the company is exploring “strategic opportunities” following media reports suggesting the firm is pursuing acquisition offers valued at approximately $500 million.

“After close to 12 years of developing CoinGecko as a self-funded enterprise, a common question I encounter concerns our future direction.

What I can reveal today is that CoinGecko is expanding and maintaining profitability, while witnessing heightened institutional interest as traditional finance sectors increasingly adopt cryptocurrency,” Ong stated on LinkedIn.

Media reports, attributed to sources with knowledge of the situation, revealed that CoinGecko is exploring a possible sale with an estimated valuation of $500 million.

JUST IN: According to CoinDesk, crypto market data platform @coingecko is exploring a potential sale at a valuation of around $500M and has hired investment bank Moelis to advise on the process. pic.twitter.com/D4IkyJ1jw0

— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) January 13, 2026

Moelis Tapped as CoinGecko Courts Wall Street Acquisition

Insiders indicated the company has enlisted Moelis to provide advisory services for this process, although one source emphasized it’s premature to determine a precise valuation since negotiations commenced only in late 2024.

Moelis is an established Wall Street investment banking firm specializing in strategic financial guidance across mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and capital markets for corporations, having facilitated over $5 trillion in transactions spanning various sectors.

In a post on X, Ong acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries following recent press coverage and expressed appreciation for the interest.

We’ve had a lot of questions following recent media reports, and we’re honored by the interest.@tmlee and I have been running CoinGecko for nearly 12 years, and like any growing and profitable company, we regularly evaluate strategic opportunities to strengthen our business and…

— Bobby Ong (@bobbyong) January 15, 2026

He indicated that after leading CoinGecko alongside Co-founder and President TM Lee for more than ten years, “like any growing and profitable company, we regularly evaluate strategic opportunities to strengthen our business and accelerate our mission.”

This statement suggests CoinGecko is actively pursuing acquisition opportunities and positioning the deal toward traditional Wall Street institutional buyers rather than venture capital firms.

While Ong declined to address specific negotiations, he expressed enthusiasm about “possibilities that enable us to better serve users and facilitate institutional crypto adoption.“

It’s worth noting that CoinMarketCap, another crypto market data platform, was purchased by crypto exchange Binance in 2020 for an estimated $400 million.

When announcing that acquisition, Binance clarified that while both the exchange and its BNB token were featured on the platform, “CoinMarketCap and Binance remain separate entities adhering to a strict independence policy.“

More than five years later, crypto industry observers believe a $500 million valuation for CoinGecko is reasonable, given that crypto data has become increasingly valuable and Wall Street data intelligence companies command substantially higher valuations.

For instance, Bloomberg L.P., though privately held, is estimated to be worth tens of billions, recent calculations suggest over $120 billion based on a 2008 stake transaction, with current annual revenues surpassing $13 billion as of early 2025.

$8.6B in Crypto Deals: Polygon, Fireblocks Lead 2026’s M&A Explosion

The quantity and value of mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings within the cryptocurrency space surged throughout 2025, with dealmaking hitting a record $8.6 billion as a more accommodating regulatory stance in the United States encouraged investors and financial institutions to re-enter the sector.

According to a report by the Financial Times, 267 crypto-related deals were completed in 2025, marking an 18% increase from 2024.

Total deal value surged nearly 300% compared with last year’s $2.17 billion.

Source: Architect Partners

Market participants expect momentum to carry into 2026 as regulatory clarity improves across major jurisdictions.

Already in 2026, Polygon Labs’ recently revealed plans to acquire cryptocurrency exchange Coinme and crypto wallet infrastructure provider Sequence for over $250 million.

Additionally, blockchain infrastructure firm Fireblocks announced Wednesday it acquired TRES Finance, a crypto accounting and financial reporting platform, for over $130 million to meet growing demand for “audit-ready, tax-compliant” financial documentation for blockchain-based businesses.

On January 12, Bakkt Holdings, Inc. revealed its agreement to acquire Distributed Technologies Research Ltd. (DTR), advancing its strategy to develop stablecoin settlement and programmable payment capabilities through an all-equity transaction involving shares representing 31.5% of a defined “Bakkt Share Number.”

The post CoinGecko CEO Addresses $500M Acquisition Reports appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies announced a $200 million equity investment in Beast Industries, marking a notable crossover between digital asset-focused public companies and the global creator economy.

The investment was disclosed ahead of Bitmine’s annual stockholder meeting, scheduled to take place at the Wynn Las Vegas on January 15.

@BitMNR will host a high-profile annual shareholder meeting today in Las Vegas, with @VitalikButerin and @sama expected to attend.#Bitmine #Ethereumhttps://t.co/VPBzkBZLoy

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 15, 2026

Bitmine trades on the NYSE American under the ticker BMNR, positions itself as an Ethereum treasury company and has outlined a long-term strategy centered on building institutional exposure to digital assets.

Expanding Beyond Digital Asset Treasuries

The investment in Beast Industries represents a diversification move for Bitmine, which has drawn attention for its ambition to acquire up to 5% of the total supply of Ether (ETH) over time.

The company is backed by a group of prominent institutional and strategic investors, including ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, Digital Currency Group, Galaxy Digital, Kraken, MOZAYYX, Bill Miller III, and personal investor Thomas Lee.

Bitmine said the transaction aligns with its broader strategy of combining digital asset treasury management with exposure to high-growth, culturally influential platforms.

A Bet on the Creator Economy

Beast Industries is best known as the company behind MrBeast, widely regarded as one of the most influential content creators globally. The company operates across digital media, consumer products, and brand-led ventures, with a particular focus on younger audiences including Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Thomas Lee, chairman of Bitmine, said the investment reflects confidence in Beast Industries’ scale and reach. He described the company as the leading creator-based platform of its generation, with engagement that is difficult to replicate through traditional media channels. Lee added that Bitmine sees strong alignment between its own corporate values and those of Beast Industries.

Strategic Alignment and Future Collaboration

Jeff Housenbold, chief executive officer of Beast Industries, said the investment brings additional validation to the company’s long-term vision and growth trajectory.

He noted that Bitmine’s involvement adds capital to support Beast Industries’ ambition to become the most impactful entertainment brand globally.

Housenbold also pointed to potential collaboration opportunities at the intersection of digital assets and media. Beast Industries has previously signaled interest in incorporating decentralized finance concepts into a future financial services platform, and Bitmine’s experience in digital asset strategy could play a role in that effort.

Transaction Timeline and Shareholder Focus

The deal is expected to close on or around January 19, 2026, subject to customary conditions. Bitmine’s annual stockholder meeting in Las Vegas is expected to outline further details of the company’s strategy, including its approach to Ethereum accumulation and broader capital allocation.

The investment shows a growing convergence between public market digital asset firms and the creator economy, as companies seek exposure to both blockchain-based financial infrastructure and large-scale consumer engagement platforms.

The post Bitmine Immersion to Invest $200M in Beast Industries appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies will host an unusually high-profile annual shareholder meeting today in Las Vegas, with Vitalik Buterin and Sam Altman expected to attend, according to Bitmine chair Tom Lee.

Key Takeaways:

Bitmine is seeking approval for a major share increase to keep buying Ethereum.

Tom Lee says the company’s growth depends on passing the shareholder vote.

Bitmine now ranks among the largest corporate holders of Ether.

The meeting marks the company’s first annual gathering since it began accumulating Ethereum in June 2025 and will center on a proposal to dramatically expand Bitmine’s share authorization.

Shareholders are being asked to approve an increase in the number of common shares the firm can issue, from 500 million to 50 billion.

Tom Lee Says Bitmine Share Vote Is Critical to Company’s Growth

Lee confirmed the attendance of Buterin and Altman on Wednesday while outlining why the vote is critical to Bitmine’s strategy.

“If you don’t vote in favour of increasing the shares, the company will stop growing,” Lee said during an interview on SamproTV, a South Korean media outlet.

Bitmine finances most of its Ethereum purchases by issuing and selling new shares, making shareholder approval essential to maintaining its acquisition pace.

Lee said the proposed increase is designed to prevent repeated trips back to investors for future approvals.

“We want to have enough shares so that we never have to seek another authorisation again,” he said.

The company is part of a growing group of publicly traded firms operating as digital asset treasuries, whose primary mandate is to accumulate and hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets.

Met with BitMine’s new board members ahead of the shareholder meeting.
The depth of conviction in this room about the company’s future was remarkable.
You can feel when a team truly believes in what they’re building. pic.twitter.com/ZcKnIS54D9

— Jim Kim / 김승호 (@jimkim_official) January 15, 2026

Bitmine has focused exclusively on Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain network by market value and the backbone of a large portion of decentralized finance activity.

According to the company, Bitmine has accumulated just over 4.1 million Ether, valued at roughly $13.8 billion at current prices.

The scale of those holdings places the firm among the largest corporate holders of the asset.

The presence of Buterin and Altman has added intrigue to the meeting. Altman has rarely spoken publicly about Ethereum and is more closely associated with World, a separate crypto project launched through Tools for Humanity, a company he co-founded.

Buterin, meanwhile, has not publicly commented on Bitmine despite the firm’s sizable exposure to Ethereum.

Lee and Buterin have crossed paths before, appearing together at the Token2049 conference in Singapore in October 2025.

Lee said both Buterin and Altman are expected to speak at the meeting, though the topics of their remarks have not been disclosed.

Buterin Claims Ethereum Has Solved the Blockchain Trilemma

Last week, Buterin said the Ethereum network has solved the blockchain trilemma, crossing a milestone many in crypto long viewed as unattainable.

The Ethereum mastermind argued that recent and upcoming upgrades have finally aligned decentralization, security, and scalability through code already running in production.

Meanwhile, Ethereum’s staking dynamics shifted sharply as validator exits dried up and fresh capital flowed back into long-term lockups, signaling a notable change in market behavior among large ether holders.

The post Vitalik Buterin, Sam Altman to Attend Bitmine Shareholder Vote: Tom Lee appeared first on Cryptonews.

India’s crypto industry is urging the government to reconsider punitive tax measures ahead of the Union Budget 2026, with major exchange executives calling for reforms to restore liquidity and encourage compliant onshore trading.

Industry leaders across WazirX, ZebPay, and Binance submitted pre-budget recommendations requesting reductions to the current 1% tax deducted at source on transactions and a review of the flat 30% levy on virtual digital asset gains.

The proposals emerge as India prepares its annual budget presentation scheduled for February 1, following recent regulatory tightening that introduced stricter compliance requirements for crypto platforms.

Indian tax authorities warn that crypto transactions are making income tracking and enforcement more difficult.#India #Cryptohttps://t.co/lCHCVqazUG

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 8, 2026

Executives Call for Tax Reform to Support Growing Web3 Ecosystem

Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, told Cryptonews that the budget presents “a clear opportunity to fine-tune a framework which supports transparency and compliance while fostering innovation.”

He argued that the current framework needs reconsideration, given how Web3 has matured globally over recent years through increased adoption and institutional participation.

“A calibrated reduction in transaction-level TDS and a review of loss set-off provisions could help restore onshore liquidity, improve compliance, and ensure that more economic activity remains within India’s regulated perimeter, without compromising oversight or enforcement,” Shetty said.

He added that clear guidelines on permissible activities and compliance standards would strengthen investor confidence and help build a sustainable digital asset ecosystem.

Raj Karkara, chief operating officer at ZebPay, also emphasized that rationalizing the 1% TDS “could meaningfully improve liquidity and encourage stronger onshore participation.“

He called for aligning the 30% flat tax with other asset classes and allowing loss set-offs to create “a more balanced and predictable investment environment.“

Karkara noted that greater policy clarity could unlock innovation-led businesses and enable India’s Web3 ecosystem to utilize its developer talent more effectively.

“A more welcoming and well-defined regulatory framework would allow India to participate more actively in the global crypto economy, align with international standards, and reinforce confidence that policy is actively guiding the sector,” he said.

Industry Seeks Policy Clarity

The budget appeals follow India’s recent implementation of stricter oversight measures for cryptocurrency platforms.

The Financial Intelligence Unit introduced enhanced Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer procedures on January 8, requiring live identity verification, comprehensive data collection including IP addresses and geolocation, and mandatory Permanent Account Number verification before any trading activity.

India has moved to tighten oversight of cryptocurrency platforms, with the Financial Intelligence Unit introducing stricter identity.#India #Cryptohttps://t.co/GI8GdGeCKS

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 12, 2026

SB Seker, head of Asia-Pacific at Binance, told Cryptonews that India’s approach should move “past the tax-and-deter regime towards a fuller license-and-supervise one.“

He proposed focusing capital gains taxation on realized profits rather than transaction-level levies, suggesting that a shift toward net-revenue-generating corporate taxes would improve fairness for retail participants.

“Clear, consistent operating standards for VDA platforms, aligned with India’s AML/KYC and investor protection priorities, will encourage responsible capital investment, create skilled jobs, and build domestic capabilities,” Seker said.

He added that India’s approach to blockchain governance, combined with its digital public infrastructure, provides a solid foundation to integrate innovation with transparency and financial inclusion objectives.

Tax Authorities Flag Enforcement Challenges Despite Strict Rules

The reform push comes as Indian tax officials warned parliamentary committees that crypto transactions are undermining enforcement capabilities.

The Income Tax Department highlighted how offshore exchanges, private wallets, and decentralized finance tools complicate income tracking and assessment, with officials describing “anonymous, borderless and near-instant” transfers as major challenges.

India currently applies one of the world’s strictest crypto tax regimes despite the industry’s legal status and growing adoption.

The Financial Intelligence Unit approved 49 crypto exchanges during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, while Coinbase returned to the market after a two-year absence.

Crypto regulation update in India

In FY 2024–25, 49 crypto exchanges registered with FIU-IND to comply with AML & anti-terror financing laws.

• 45 are India-based
• 4 are overseas exchanges

Unlike other countries with multiple regulators, India has one single authority —… pic.twitter.com/DJzw2nsO2Z

— Vaishnav | DeFi Insights (@KiNG_Vaishnav_7) January 7, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India separately cautioned in its latest Financial Stability Report that privately issued stablecoins could threaten financial stability, arguing that central bank digital currencies should take precedence.

The central bank said the global stablecoin market reached approximately $300 billion by the end of 2025, with most tokens pegged to the US dollar and held by a few issuers.

Industry observers note that while Budget 2025 delivered significant income tax relief for individuals, expectations for major tax reforms this year remain modest, given revenue pressures and global economic uncertainty.

Tax experts surveyed by Indian media outlets largely predict the government will prioritize stability over additional reforms following last year’s substantial changes to personal taxation.

The post Crypto Executives Push India to Ease 30% Tax and 1% TDS Burden in Budget 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews.

The crypto market is up today, with the cryptocurrency market capitalisation rising by 1.1% to $3.37 trillion. At the time of writing, 60 of the top 100 coins have seen increases over the past 24 hours. Also, the total crypto trading volume stands at $166 billion.

TLDR:

Crypto market cap is up 1.1% on Thursday morning (UTC);

60 of the top 100 coins and 8 of the top 10 coins increased today;

BTC increased by 2.2% to $97,053, and ETH is up 1.1% to $3,367;

Arthur Hayes said BTC could climb to new ATHs in 2026;

The rally revived positive sentiment among market participants;

It was not accompanied by uniform enthusiasm across all market segments;

The current move is driven by technical and institutional factors rather than enthusiasm;

If balance holds, BTC could remain resilient even during consolidation phases;

US BTC and ETH spot ETFs posted inflows of $843.62 million and $175 million, respectively;

Vlad Tenev called out the US lawmakers as staking remains unavailable in four states;

‘Robinhood supports US Congress’s efforts to pass the market structure bill’;

Crypto market sentiment continues increasing.

Crypto Winners & Losers

Eight of the top 10 coins per market capitalisation have seen their prices appreciate over the past 24 hours, as of Thursday morning (UTC).

Bitcoin (BTC) appreciated by 2.2% since this time yesterday, currently trading at $97,053. This is the highest increase in the category today.

Bitcoin (BTC)

24h7d30d1yAll time

Ethereum (ETH) increased by 1.1%, now trading at $3,367. This is the category’s second-best performer.

The lowest increase was Solana (SOL)’s 0.1%, currently standing at $145.

On the other hand, Dogecoin (DOGE) and XRP (XRP) recorded drops over the past day. DOGE is down 2.4% to the price of $0.1447, while XRP fell 1.6% to $2.11.

When it comes to the top 100 coins per market cap, 60 are up today, compared to 95 yesterday. Two of these posted double-digit increases.

Provenance Blockchain (HASH) is the category’s best performer. It’s up 20.5%, now trading at $0.02652.

The next on the list is Internet Computer (ICP), having appreciated 11.2% and now standing at $4.21.

While two more coins are up by around 6%-7% each, the rest increased by 2% and less per coin.

On the red side. Canton (CC) fell the most in the same timeframe. It’s down 8.3% to $0.1301.

Next up is Pepe (PEPE), recording an 8.1% drop to $0.000006108.

Meanwhile, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes said that Bitcoin could climb to new all-time highs in 2026.

He argued that Bitcoin struggled in 2025 due to liquidity, while gold and the Nasdaq continued rising. “Dollar liquidity must expand” for BTC to outperform, Hayes said.

Source: cryptohayes.substack.com

BTC Moves Back to Centre of Financial Attention

Antonio Di Giacomo, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com, commented that Bitcoin posted a notable bullish move, climbing to the $97,800 area, its highest level in nearly two months.

“The rally revived positive sentiment among market participants at a time when risk assets show mixed performance, and investors are assessing opportunities with greater caution,” he wrote. “The cryptocurrency has once again moved to the centre of financial attention, consolidating its role as a barometer of appetite for innovation and alternative hedging.”

The primary catalyst, the analyst argues, was a 13,600 BTC purchase by Strategy, its largest since July 2025. The company reinforced its position as the world’s largest corporate BTC holder. “Beyond the volume, the implicit message to the market was clear: institutional conviction in the asset remains intact,” Giacomo said.

“However, the rally was not accompanied by uniform enthusiasm across all market segments. Despite price strength, signs have emerged that retail demand, particularly in the United States, remains relatively weak. This contrast suggests that the current move is driven more by technical and institutional factors than by emotional or speculative enthusiasm among the broader public.”

The analyst noted that the market is being increasingly dominated by institutional decision-making. The price movements are driven less by mass speculative impulse and more by medium- and long-term capital allocation strategies.

“If this balance holds, Bitcoin could remain resilient even during consolidation phases, as long as institutional flows continue to support the asset. However, to accelerate the bullish cycle further, many analysts believe a more substantial return of retail participation will be necessary, as it has historically fuelled the most explosive rallies.”

In conclusion, he says, BTC’s recent advance reflects a market increasingly sustained by institutional capital, with major corporate purchases and ETF inflows setting the tone. While retail demand still appears subdued, the current structure suggests a stronger and less speculative foundation than in previous cycles. If this institutional support persists and is eventually joined by renewed interest from the broader public, the outlook for the cryptocurrency could remain favourable in the coming months.

Levels & Events to Watch Next

At the time of writing on Thursday morning, BTC stood at $97,053. It started the day with an intraday low of $94,736. It soon jumped to $97,704, trading on a similar level since, with a few minor dips.

Over the past week, BTC has appreciated 7.7%. In this period, it has been trading in the $89,799-$97,538 range.

If BTC manages to hold onto the $95,700–$95,200 demand zone, the bullish structure will remain intact. Moreover, surpassing $98,800 could potentially lead to the coin hitting the psychologically significant level of $100,000.

Moreover, Ethereum is currently changing hands at $3,367. Its trading day was choppier than BTC’s.

Following a fall to the day’s low of $3,281, it surged to the high of $3,386, but saw another dip to the $3,280 level again. It has recovered since.

Over the past week, ETH has appreciated by 8.4%, outperforming BTC. It has been trading in the $3,068-$3,379 range.

The price seems to be steadily moving towards $3,400. Holding this level may lead to a revisit of the $3,500 level on the path towards reclaiming the $4,000 mark.

Ethereum (ETH)

24h7d30d1yAll time

Moreover, the crypto market sentiment is still increasing, moving deeper into the neutral zone and further away from the fear zone.

The crypto fear and greed index stands at 54 this morning, compared to 52 yesterday. It’s a small increase, but a notable one, given that the metric hovered on the brink of fear territory for days and has now moved towards the green zone.

Optimism and hope have been rising amongst market participants since the beginning of the year, following the relative increase in market prices. Still, analysts argue that we’re in a consolidation period, so caution is still notable.

ETFs Continue Green Streak

On Wednesday, the US BTC spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded a thirds straight day of positive flows, adding $843.62 million in total, which is the highest level since early October. This is the second day in a row that they’re seeing October levels. With this, the total net inflow increased to $58.12 billion.

Notably, eight of the twelve ETFs posted inflows, and none saw outflows again. BlackRock took first place with $648.39 million in inflows.

Fidelity is next on this list, having taken in $125.39 million on the same day.

Furthermore, the US ETH ETFs posted inflows as well. On 14 January, these totalled $175 million. This is a level briefly seen in December and in October before that. With this latest amount, the total net inflow moved up to $12.74 billion.

Six of the nine funds saw inflows, one more than yesterday, and none saw outflows again. The highest amount among these is BlackRock’s total of $81.6 million.

Grayscale follows closely with inflows of $75.82 million in total posted on the same day.

Meanwhile, Vlad Tenev, head of Robinhood, called out the US lawmakers, as staking remains unavailable in four states. Staking is one of the most sought-after features among the platform’s users, he said, but it’s still inaccessible in these states “due to the current gridlock.”

“Stock Tokens are available to our customers in the EU, but not in our home market,” Tenev wrote. “We support Congress’s efforts to pass the market structure bill,” he added. “But we see a path and are here to help the US Senate Banking Committee GOP and the Senate Banking and Housing Democrats get it over the line.”

Staking is one of the most requested features on @RobinhoodApp, but it’s still unavailable to customers in four U.S. states due to the current gridlock. Stock Tokens are available to our customers in the EU, but not in our home market.

It's time for the US to lead on crypto…

— Vlad Tenev (@vladtenev) January 15, 2026

Quick FAQ

Did crypto move with stocks today?

The crypto market posted a slight increase over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the US stock market closed another session lower on Wednesday. By the closing time on 14 January, the S&P 500 was down 0.53%, the Nasdaq-100 decreased by 1.07%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.086%. Investors were still digesting fresh economic data and bank earnings reports.

Is this rally sustainable?

Today’s increase is not high compared to yesterday, for example. It’s a minor increase that can still either jump higher or turn red. A drop would not be surprising in the current consolidation period, with prices moving in a relatively tight range.

You may also like:

(LIVE) Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for January 15, 2026

On-chain data suggests smart money is positioning for a potential upside move as whale accumulation accelerates. Market research firm Santiment said addresses holding between 100 and 10,000 BTC have added nearly 32,700 BTC since January 10, while retail-sized wallets continued to sell, a pattern it described as an ideal setup for the start of a bull market. Despite broader weakness in the AI token sector, Bitcoin remained resilient, rising about 1.4% and briefly topping $97,000. Ethereum...

The post Why Is Crypto Up Today? – January 15, 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has warned that stablecoins could pull trillions of dollars out of the US banking system, underscoring growing tensions between traditional lenders and the digital asset industry.

Key Takeaways:

Up to $6 trillion in US bank deposits could move into stablecoins, according to Bank of America’s CEO.

Banks warn yield-bearing stablecoins could drain deposits and limit lending.

Lawmakers are pushing to curb stablecoin yields as a crypto bill nears a deadline.

Speaking during the bank’s Wednesday earnings call, Moynihan said as much as $6 trillion in deposits, roughly 30% to 35% of all US commercial bank deposits, could migrate into stablecoins under certain regulatory outcomes.

Moynihan said the estimate was based on Treasury Department studies and linked the potential shift to an ongoing legislative debate over interest-bearing stablecoins.

Banks Warn Stablecoin Yields Could Speed Deposit Outflows

At issue is whether issuers should be allowed to offer yield on stablecoin balances, a feature banks argue could accelerate deposit outflows by giving consumers a bank-like product without bank-style regulation.

According to Moynihan, many stablecoin models resemble money market mutual funds rather than traditional deposits.

Reserves are typically held in short-term instruments such as U.S. Treasurys, rather than recycled into lending for households and businesses.

That dynamic, he said, could shrink the deposit base banks rely on to fund loans across the economy.

“If you take out deposits, they’re either not going to be able to loan or they’re going to have to get wholesale funding,” Moynihan said, adding that alternative funding sources would likely come at a higher cost.

Lawmakers are now racing to settle these issues as the Senate Banking Committee works on a negotiated crypto market structure bill.

Bank of America CEO on why stablecoins shouldn't pay interest:

(TLDR: consumers shouldn't earn yield so banks can)

Quick summary:
Interest on stables -> mass deposit flight
Fully reserved money -> no fractional leverage
Banks lose free funding -> profits go bye bye! https://t.co/WE5P7F6V48 pic.twitter.com/2ebBx82NE9

— Omar (@TheOneandOmsy) January 15, 2026

The latest draft, released Jan. 9 by committee chair Tim Scott, includes language that would bar digital asset service providers from paying interest or yield to users simply for holding stablecoins.

At the same time, the proposal allows activity-based rewards tied to functions such as staking, liquidity provision or posting collateral, drawing a clear line between passive balances and active participation.

Pressure on the bill has intensified as the committee faces tight legislative timelines. More than 70 amendments were filed ahead of a planned markup this week, reflecting heavy lobbying from both banking groups and crypto firms.

Other unresolved issues include proposed ethics provisions, which gained attention following reports that President Donald Trump earned hundreds of millions of dollars from family-linked crypto ventures.

Galaxy Research Warns Crypto Bill Could Expand Treasury Surveillance

The draft has also sparked concern outside the banking sector. A recent report from Galaxy Research warned the bill could significantly expand Treasury Department surveillance powers over digital asset transactions.

Meanwhile, industry support has begun to fracture. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said Wednesday the exchange could not back the bill, citing provisions he argued would effectively eliminate stablecoin rewards.

Later that day, Scott announced the committee had postponed the scheduled markup, saying negotiations were ongoing and that “everyone remains at the table working in good faith.”

The post Bank of America CEO Warns $6T in Deposits Could Flow into Stablecoins appeared first on Cryptonews.

Crypto liquidity often looks deep on the surface, but using it efficiently is another story. Capital sits across multiple blockchains, each strong in its own way, yet moving funds between them still feels clunky. Bitcoin anchors long-term value and settlement. Ethereum hosts the largest share of DeFi activity. Solana caters to fast execution and low-cost trading.

In theory, this diversity should create a flexible financial system. In practice, it creates friction. Anyone who has tried to move Bitcoin into DeFi, rebalance a position from Ethereum to Solana, or react quickly during a volatile session knows the routine. Bridges, wrapped assets, confirmations, waiting periods, and extra risk all become part of the process. Liquidity exists, but it does not flow freely.

This is the backdrop against which LiquidChain (LIQUID) has entered the conversation. The project says it is developing a Layer-3 network to coordinate liquidity across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. It is currently funding that development through a crypto presale for its native LIQUID token.

Why Liquidity Still Breaks Down Across Major Chains

The reason these networks do not work together is design itself. Bitcoin was never meant to support complex financial logic. Ethereum introduced programmability but naturally concentrated liquidity within its own ecosystem. Solana optimized for speed, creating an environment that excels internally but remains difficult to extend outward.

A simple real-world example shows the issue. Imagine a trader holding Bitcoin who wants to deploy capital into a DeFi opportunity on Ethereum while keeping the option to shift quickly into Solana if market conditions change. Today, that workflow involves multiple conversions, bridge interactions, and trust assumptions. Each step increases exposure to delays or technical risk. During calm markets, this is inconvenient. During fast-moving markets, it can be costly.

Over time, these inefficiencies shape behavior. Capital tends to stay where it starts. Developers choose one ecosystem and accept the trade-offs. Liquidity fragments not because users want it to, but because the infrastructure leaves little alternative.

How LiquidChain Approaches the Problem Differently

LiquidChain’s design starts with a simple premise: liquidity should be treated as a shared resource, not as chain-specific capital. The project is building a Layer-3 execution and settlement network that sits above existing blockchains.

In practical terms, LiquidChain acts as a coordination layer. Assets from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are represented within a unified execution environment, allowing capital to be accessed across ecosystems without repeating the same bridging and wrapping steps. Developers deploy once at the LiquidChain level, while execution and liquidity routing span multiple underlying chains, the team says.

The network relies on a high-performance virtual machine built for real-time, multi-chain operations. Cross-chain proofs and messaging are used to verify Bitcoin UTXOs, Ethereum accounts, and Solana state transitions in a trust-minimized and atomic manner. The goal is to synchronize access to it.

As markets mature, efficiency and coordination matter more than adding yet another isolated ecosystem.

Presale Context and Tokenomics

LiquidChain’s development is currently supported by a crypto presale, with the $LIQUID token priced at $0.013. Based on project disclosures, the presale has raised over $370,000 so far. Staking plays a role in the ecosystem, using a decreasing APY model that gradually lowers rewards as participation grows, a structure often used to balance early incentives with long-term sustainability, the team notes.

Development accounts for 35% of the total supply, reflecting the ongoing work required to build and maintain a Layer-3 network. LiquidLabs holds 32.5% for ecosystem growth, marketing, and expansion. AquaVault represents 15% allocated to business development and community initiatives. Rewards make up 10%, supporting staking and incentive programs, while 7.5% is reserved for growth and exchange listings. The total supply is capped at 11,800,000,100 LIQUID.

Rather than framing the token purely as a speculative asset, the allocation emphasizes infrastructure, incentives, and long-term coordination across chains, LiquidChain says.

Wrapping Up

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are not failing individually. They are failing to coordinate. As liquidity becomes more important than raw transaction counts or narrative-driven growth, this gap becomes harder to ignore.

LiquidChain’s Layer-3 approach places it within a growing category of projects focused on execution and settlement rather than competition. Whether it succeeds will depend on adoption and real-world performance, but the problem it targets is well understood.

That context explains why its crypto presale is getting decent attention from those watching how infrastructure, not just applications, will change the next phase of crypto markets, the team concludes.

Explore LiquidChain:

Website: https://liquidchain.com/

Social: https://x.com/getliquidchain

Whitepaper: https://liquidchain.com/whitepaper

The post LiquidChain Takes on Crypto’s Liquidity Divide Between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana appeared first on Cryptonews.

Coinbase delivered ARK Invest’s worst quarterly performance hit in Q4 2025, as crypto market turbulence sent the exchange’s stock tumbling and pulled down Cathie Wood’s flagship funds during what became the sector’s most volatile quarter in recent history.

According to their quarterly report, the exchange emerged as the top detractor across ARK’s innovation-focused ETFs during the three months ending December 31, with shares declining sharply amid a 9% quarter-over-quarter drop in spot trading volumes on centralized exchanges.

Source: Google Finance

Coinbase’s struggles came despite hosting a product event showcasing long-term strategic ambitions, including plans for on-chain equities, prediction markets, and an AI-powered portfolio advisor.

Market conditions remained challenging following an October 10th liquidation event that wiped out $21 billion in leveraged positions across the crypto sector.

ARK Funds Weather Crypto Downturn

The damage extended beyond Coinbase across ARK’s portfolios.

Roblox joined the exchange as another major weight after reporting third-quarter bookings growth of 51% year over year but guiding toward declining operating margins in 2026 due to higher infrastructure and safety costs.

Russia’s ban on Roblox over child safety concerns removed roughly 8% of the platform’s total daily active users, though the region accounted for less than 1% of total revenue.

Advanced Micro Devices emerged as the quarter’s strongest contributor after announcing significant AI partnerships, including a multiyear deal with OpenAI and a collaboration with Oracle for a public AI supercluster.

AMD’s third-quarter earnings reflected 36% year-over-year revenue growth driven by robust demand in the Data Center and Gaming segments.

Shopify rallied on news of its integration with OpenAI, which enables instant in-chat checkout for ChatGPT users, and reported strong third-quarter earnings, with 32% year-over-year growth in both gross merchandise value and revenue.

Rocket Lab shares surged following multiple launch agreements and the largest contract in company history, an $816 million agreement to provide 18 missile warning, tracking, and defense satellites in low Earth orbit.

Source: ARK

During Q4 2025, four of ARK’s actively managed ETFs underperformed broad-based global equity indexes, while two outperformed or delivered mixed results.

ARK Chief Investment Officer Cathie Wood said “the innovation space is recovering and being revalued,” noting that “headwinds that once pressured disruptive technologies are shifting into structural tailwinds.“

The crypto-heavy portfolios faced particular pressure as Bitcoin dropped from October highs near $126,000 to trade below $88,000 by year-end.

Source: TradingView

Coinbase Pursues “Everything Exchange” Expansion

Earlier this month, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced the exchange will pursue an “everything exchange” strategy in 2026, combining crypto, equities, prediction markets, and commodities across spot, futures, and options products.

The plan positions Coinbase to compete directly with traditional brokerages while expanding beyond its core digital asset business into tokenized securities and event-based markets that attracted billions in recent trading volume.

“Goal is to make Coinbase the #1 financial app in the world,” he wrote, adding the company is making major investments in product quality and automation to support the expansion.

Coinbase announces plans to launch "everything exchange" in 2026, combining crypto, stocks, prediction markets, and commodities as the platform expands beyond digital assets.https://t.co/WidMyeQhwP

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 2, 2026

The exchange also moved aggressively into prediction markets in late 2025, partnering with Kalshi, a federally regulated platform approved by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Leaked screenshots in November revealed a Coinbase-branded prediction interface supporting USDC or USD trading across economics, politics, sports, and technology categories.

The product operates through Coinbase Financial Markets, the exchange’s derivatives arm, using Kalshi’s regulatory framework to offer event contracts structured as simple yes-or-no questions.

Tokenized Assets and Regulatory Tailwinds Drive Optimism

Beyond those, Coinbase also plans to issue tokenized equities in-house rather than through external partners, marking a departure from rivals like Robinhood and Kraken that rely on third-party providers for stock tokens.

Seeing all these significant 2026 preparations, Goldman Sachs upgraded Coinbase from neutral to buy on January 6, raising its 12-month price target to $303 and citing growing confidence in the company’s diversification strategy.

@Coinbase shares jumped 8% after Goldman Sachs upgraded COIN to “buy” and raised its 12-month price target to $303.#Coinbase #Cryptohttps://t.co/M8TT7GaJFe

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 6, 2026

Analyst James Yaro particularly highlighted Coinbase’s efforts to expand beyond spot crypto trading, citing initiatives in infrastructure, tokenization, and prediction markets as potential growth drivers.

Coinbase shares surged 8% following the upgrade, closing at $254.92.

David Duong, the exchange’s head of investment research, also reaffirmed that the exchange expects broader crypto adoption in 2026, driven by increased participation from both retail and institutional investors as regulatory clarity improves.

Notably, Coinbase has threatened to withdraw support for the ongoing draft Crypto Market Structure Bill, facing bipartisan clashes and banking industry pressure, following last-minute changes the industry claims would effectively end DeFi.

The post Coinbase Drags Down ARK Invest’s Flagship Funds in Brutal Q4 Crypto Slump appeared first on Cryptonews.

For years, quantum resistance has lived mostly in research papers, academic discussions, and future-looking roadmaps. It was treated as something the crypto industry would “figure out later.” That attitude is starting to shift.

As quantum computing advances and the idea of “harvest now, decrypt later” becomes more widely discussed, wallet security is no longer just about seed phrases and hardware devices. It is about whether today’s cryptography will still protect assets five or ten years from now.

This is the context in which BMIC (BMIC) enters the market, focusing not on short-term narratives, but on building a security stack designed for a quantum-era Web3, it claims.

Rather than positioning itself as another wallet with added features, BMIC says it’s approaching the problem from a deeper architectural level. The project aims to secure how assets are stored, staked, and spent, while also laying the groundwork for future decentralized compute access.

Why Quantum-Resistant Wallets Are Becoming Relevant Now

Most wallets in use today rely on cryptographic systems that expose public keys on-chain. That design has worked well in a classical computing environment. In a future where sufficiently powerful quantum machines exist, those exposed keys could become long-term liabilities.

BMIC’s thesis is simple. If crypto is meant to be held, staked, and used over long periods of time, then security models must account for threats that are not immediate but increasingly plausible. That does not mean panic or predictions. It means preparation.

This change in thinking is what turns quantum resistance from theory into practice. Instead of retrofitting older wallets with partial fixes later, BMIC says it is being built with post-quantum assumptions from day one.

BMIC: A Full Quantum-Secure Finance Stack

One of the core differences with BMIC is scope. The platform is not limited to asset storage.

BMIC says it is designed as a full quantum-secure finance stack that includes a wallet, staking system, and payment layer. All three are protected using post-quantum cryptography and signature-hiding smart account architecture. This matters because most security failures happen at the edges, not at a single isolated component.

Staking and payments are often overlooked in security discussions, yet they typically expose keys more frequently than simple holding. BMIC’s strategy removes classical key exposure across all of these activities, rather than securing one function and leaving others vulnerable, it says.

Zero Public-Key Exposure and Signature-Hiding Architecture

Traditional wallets expose public keys on-chain by design. BMIC takes a different route by using ERC-4337-compatible smart accounts combined with signature-hiding mechanisms and private routing.

The result is a system where public keys are not openly revealed during normal use. From a quantum-risk perspective, this removes what many researchers consider the most obvious future attack surface.

This is not a cosmetic change. It requires a different account model and transaction flow, which is why it is difficult for legacy wallets to adopt without major redesigns.

AI-Optimized Security and the Quantum Meta-Cloud Vision

BMIC also integrates AI at the security layer. Instead of static rules, AI is used to monitor activity, detect anomalies, and optimize cryptographic performance as workloads change.

Further out, the project outlines a Quantum Meta-Cloud. The idea is to provide transparent, decentralized access to quantum compute resources, avoiding reliance on centralized corporate gatekeepers. While this part of the roadmap is long-term, it reinforces the broader goal of building infrastructure that evolves alongside computing itself.

A recurring theme in BMIC’s design is avoiding future migrations. Many platforms may need to overhaul their systems once post-quantum standards become unavoidable. BMIC aims to bypass that disruption by using hybrid cryptographic models that can evolve automatically as standards update.

For users and institutions, this means fewer forced upgrades and less uncertainty over whether today’s assets will remain secure tomorrow.

Tokenomics and the Role of the BMIC Token

The BMIC token is designed around utility rather than speculation. Its total supply is capped at 1,500,000,000 tokens, with 750,000,000 allocated for sale during the ICO.

The presale targets a raise of up to €40 million and is structured across as many as 50 pricing phases. Token prices begin at $0.048485 and gradually increase to $0.058182; a 20% range between the first and final presale tiers. The launch price is planned to exceed the last presale tier.

The token is intended to be used across the ecosystem for wallet features, staking participation, enterprise APIs, compute access, governance, and network-related services. Deflationary mechanisms, including burns linked to real usage, are designed to align token demand with platform activity over time.

Accepted presale currencies include ETH, USDT, and USDC on the Ethereum network.

Why the Timing Matters

The growing focus on long-term crypto security is changing how infrastructure projects are evaluated. As more capital flows toward utility-driven platforms, early-stage access becomes less about hype and more about alignment with emerging needs.

BMIC says that its crypto presale arrives at a moment when quantum security is no longer a distant idea, but an active design consideration. For participants who see value in foundational infrastructure rather than short-lived trends, that timing may be the most compelling factor.

As quantum-resistant wallets move from theory into real-world deployment, BMIC says it is positioning itself at the center of that transition, with a presale that signals preparation.

Learn more:

Website: https://bmic.ai

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BMIC_ai

Telegram: https://t.me/+6d1dX_uwKKdhZDFk

The post BMIC Aims to Move Quantum-Resistant Wallets From Theory to Practice appeared first on Cryptonews.

Decentralized finance protocols are increasingly stepping back from public Discord servers, arguing that a platform once central to crypto community building has turned into a security risk that is harder to justify as the sector matures.

The shift moved into sharper focus this week after Morpho, a major DeFi lending protocol, announced that its public Discord server would be placed into read-only mode from February 1, 2026, redirecting users to a dedicated help page and chat-based support system instead.

Morpho's shutting down its public Discord. Didn't see that coming.

This could be a trend for other protocols too—scams, bot scraping, or just too much noise might be at play. But maybe its also signals that big DeFi teams are focusing more on institutions and less on… pic.twitter.com/k3UeCKXyaS

— Anton Cheng (@antonttc) January 14, 2026

Morpho’s decision reflects a broader concern shared by several large DeFi teams that Discord has become a prime hunting ground for scammers, with users often targeted at the very moment they ask for help.

Morpho Shuts Discord, Citing Scams and Support Risks

In an announcement shared publicly, the protocol said the change was aimed at providing “safer, more reliable support,” consolidating all official communication through controlled channels rather than open chat rooms.

Paul Frambot, Morpho’s co-founder and chief executive, said Discord had become “more negative than positive” from a user support perspective, citing persistent noise and scam attempts despite moderation efforts.

Discord is great but not built for user support, and unfortunately there's a lot of noise and scams so it had become more negative than positive in our perspective.

I think many other projects will follow this move! https://t.co/TxcFd9HuZF

— Paul Frambot (@PaulFrambot) January 14, 2026

Morpho co-founder Merlin Egalite added that even with safeguards in place, the platform’s structure made it difficult to fully protect users from direct-message scams.

Moving from Discord was not an easy choice BUT:
– Discord is actually full of scammers. people would get phished while actually searching for answers despite heavy monitoring, safeguards, etc.
– We've been testing intercom so far and it has made support 100x easier: instant… https://t.co/L0kvzB1YGm

— Merlin Egalite (@MerlinEgalite) January 14, 2026

Morpho has been testing alternative tools, including Intercom, which Egalite said made support easier to manage through features such as ticketing, instant translation, and automated assistance, while reducing exposure to impersonation attacks.

The problem extends well beyond a single protocol, as DeFi data platform DefiLlama has also been moving away from Discord, shifting toward live support chats and email-based ticket systems.

Its pseudonymous founder, known as 0xngmi, said Discord makes it “impossible to protect users from getting scammed.”

at defillama we've also been moving away from discord into other channels like live support chat & email tickets

discord makes it impossible to protect your users from getting scammed, even if you ban scammers instantly they still DM users directly to scam them https://t.co/ZLmw8yapFx

— 0xngmi is hiring (@0xngmi) January 14, 2026

He noted that DefiLlama opted for a hybrid approach, keeping Discord available behind additional verification steps to limit bots and funnel most users toward safer support channels.

Scams, Burnout, and Data Risks Put Discord Under DeFi Spotlight

Industry voices across the ecosystem have echoed similar frustrations, as Richard Rodairos, a talent partner at Dragonfly, described public Discord servers as one of the lowest-signal communication surfaces in crypto today.

Get rid of most discords in crypto. It would actually do the industry good long term.

Public discords have become one of the lowest signal surfaces in the space:

Serious users don’t need a 10k member chat room to get value. Real builders want clear docs, async support, and… pic.twitter.com/FlkJjPEXYI

— Richard (@Rodairos) January 14, 2026

Aavechan Initiative founder Marc Zeller called Discord “full of scammers” and said Morpho’s move should prompt other major protocols, including Aave, to reconsider their reliance on the platform.

Nifty Gateway co-founder Duncan Cock Foster also chimed in, noting that Discord moderation had been one of the most exhausting processes of his business and applauding the move made by Morpho as a reasonable one.

At the same time, the shift has sparked debate about what is lost when DeFi projects retreat from open community spaces.

Some community members argue that Discord, despite its flaws, has been central to peer-to-peer collaboration, allowing users to share experiences, provide feedback, and follow development discussions in real time.

Others counter that the issue lies not with Discord itself but with poor execution, pointing out that features such as disabling direct messages, stronger verification, and on-chain tooling can significantly reduce scam activity if properly implemented.

Security concerns around Discord have been heightened by recent incidents outside of DeFi.

In October, Discord confirmed that an unauthorized party had accessed a third-party Zendesk support system, exposing sensitive data linked to age verification appeals.

Cybersecurity researchers claimed that more than two million passport and driver’s license images were exfiltrated in the breach, raising broader questions about how user data is handled and stored.

The post DeFi Protocols Flee Discord as Scammers Turn Platform Into “Hunting Ground” appeared first on Cryptonews.

The digital asset subsidiary of French banking giant Societe Generale-FORGE and Swift have completed a pilot demonstrating the exchange and settlement of tokenized bonds using both fiat and digital currencies.

Societe Generale-FORGE said the pilot successfully demonstrated end-to-end settlement flows for tokenized bonds, including issuance, delivery-versus-payment (DvP), coupon payments and redemption.

Central to the trial was SG-FORGE’s EUR CoinVertible, the MiCA-compliant stablecoin designed for on-chain settlement and natively compatible with Swift’s interoperability capabilities.

In September, Societe Generale-FORGE partnered with Bullish Europe GmbH, a BaFin-regulated provider of digital asset trading and custody services, to launch the USD CoinVertible (USDCV).

Societe Generale-FORGE partners with Bullish Europe to launch USD CoinVertible (USDCV) — the first MiCA-licensed USD stablecoin.#Stablecoin #Crypto https://t.co/PGfK3fBuTW

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) September 23, 2025

By offering both EURCV and USDCV, SG-FORGE and Bullish Europe said it is positioning itself at the forefront of regulated stablecoin adoption bridging the gap between traditional financial infrastructure and blockchain-based markets.

Bridging Blockchain and Traditional Finance

This latest collaboration builds on years of joint work between SG-FORGE, Swift, major financial institutions, and public bodies to establish a secure and interoperable framework for digital assets.

Swift’s role as an orchestration layer proved critical, coordinating messages and settlement across multiple platforms while maintaining compliance with established financial messaging standards.

European Digital Finance Initiatives

The project also builds on experimental work by the European Central Bank around interbank central bank digital currency. The firm said by adding fiat currencies alongside stablecoins as settlement assets, the trial explored hybrid settlement models that could appeal to banks and corporate firms.

The settlement flows were completed using Swift infrastructure and ISO 20022 standards, reinforcing the feasibility of adopting tokenized assets within existing regulatory and operational frameworks.

A Blueprint for Scalable Digital Asset Adoption

By proving that tokenized bonds can settle efficiently over Swift, the project also highlights a practical path toward faster settlement cycles, reduced operational risk, and enhanced transparency for capital markets participants.

Thomas Dugauquier, Tokenised Assets Product Lead at Swift, said the trial demonstrates how interoperability will shape the future of capital markets, enabling customers to adopt digital assets with confidence and at scale.

SG-FORGE CEO Jean-Marc Stenger added that the collaboration supports the adoption of efficient, fast, and secure payment solutions for financial institutions and corporates using distributed ledger technology and EUR CoinVertible as a reference stablecoin.

Tested with participating banks the pilot forms part of Swift’s broader digital asset programme. In September last year, Swift said it was working with more than 30 global banks, including Societe Generale and SG-FORGE, on a shared digital ledger focused on allowing real-time, 24/7 cross-border payments.

The post Societe Generale-FORGE and Swift Settle Tokenized Bonds Using Stablecoin appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin is entering a decisive phase where structure, policy, and positioning are starting to align. Institutional market makers warn that crypto’s next major recovery in 2026 will depend on deeper shifts in liquidity and participation, while fresh policy initiatives in the US are quietly pushing Bitcoin closer to everyday use.

At the same time, large traders are adjusting risk ahead of key legal decisions, adding a layer of short-term volatility to an otherwise steady market. On the charts, Bitcoin reflects this balance, consolidating after a strong breakout, with technical signals pointing to controlled, constructive price action rather than stress.

Crypto’s 2026 Comeback Depends on Key Shifts, Wintermute Says

According to cryptocurrency market creator Wintermute, significant adjustments in market structure following a poor 2025 will be necessary for a significant comeback in 2026. The typical four-year cycle for Bitcoin only saw a slight increase, and gains did not transfer to other cryptocurrencies, indicating that the cycle may be becoming less significant.

Wintermute claims that last year’s liquidity remained concentrated in Bitcoin and Ether due to institutional inflows and spot ETFs. As a result, the market’s breadth was diminished and altcoin rallies were curtailed since investors stopped rotating throughout the market and instead became more picky.

According to Wintermute cryptocurrency needs at least one of three things in 2026, institutions growing beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum a significant increase in large assets that generates a broader wealth effect or a return of retail investors. Reduced interest rates may encourage a renewed desire for risk.

LATEST: Wintermute says Bitcoin's 2026 recovery hinges on three scenarios: ETF mandate expansion beyond BTC and ETH, another major rally creating wealth effects, or retail investors returning from AI and equities. pic.twitter.com/kB9k1hnDnN

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 14, 2026

Inflows into ETFs and institutional demand continue to favor Bitcoin the most. Although this restricts the potential of altcoins it upholds Bitcoin’s hegemony. Bitcoin is likely going to spearhead any wider cryptocurrency rebound in 2026 if rate reductions and retail engagement rise.

Rhode Island Reintroduces Bitcoin Tax Exemption Bill

A plan that would temporarily remove minor Bitcoin transactions from state taxes has been presented by Rhode Island lawmakers for the second consecutive year. Instead than viewing Bitcoin as purely an investment the measure seeks to lower tax barriers and promote regular use of the cryptocurrency.

According to the plan state income and capital gains taxes would not apply to Bitcoin transactions up to $5,000 per month with a $20,000 annual ceiling. Both private citizens and Rhode Island-based companies would be eligible for the exemption.

This effort which is going to be a pilot experiment will start in 2027 and terminate in 2028 unless it is extended. Additionally, the law would make it easier for taxpayers to self-certify their status using simple documentation.

JUST IN: Rhode Island introduced a state income tax exemption bill for small-scale Bitcoin transactions.

Make Bitcoin everyday money pic.twitter.com/oKVAUVoXsz

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 14, 2026

Should the measure be approved it would encourage the usage of Bitcoin as a digital currency rather than merely a speculative investment. These kinds of pro-Bitcoin bills can increase real-world acceptance bolster long-term demand, and promote a favorable outlook for BTC, particularly if more US states adopt a similar strategy.

Mysterious Crypto Trader Bets Big Ahead of Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Ahead of the US Supreme Court’s judgment on President Trump’s tariffs which might have a significant impact on international markets an enigmatic cryptocurrency trader has taken significant action. The court is examining Trump’s legal authority to enact broad tariffs without the consent of Congress. The United States may be required to reimburse more than $130 billion in duties collected if the government loses the case.

The trader closed almost $400 million in long positions before to the decision locking in about $14.5 million in profit when cryptocurrency prices increased following weaker US inflation statistics. The trader quickly switched to short positions speculating that the judgment may cause cryptocurrency prices to decline.

WARNING: A BIG MARKET STORM IN 1 HOUR!!!

– Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs
– Starts in 58 minutes

Polymarket is pricing around a 73% chance that the court rules Trump tariffs illegal.

Trump says the tariffs brought in around $600 BILLION.

I’ll explain what you need… pic.twitter.com/lXfhR54LJn

— DANNY (@Danny_Crypton) January 14, 2026

These short positions which use heavy leverage on a decentralized exchange include Solana, Ethereum and Bitcoin. News about tariffs and policies frequently causes Bitcoin to respond dramatically. A bad decision can raise market uncertainty and cause short-term Bitcoin volatility. Longer-term policy unpredictability however might still make Bitcoin more appealing as a risk hedge for the economy and politics.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Outlook: Technical Signals Point to Controlled Consolidation

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin remains constructive. Price continues to form higher lows above the rising 50-EMA, while the 200-EMA trends upward below $94,000, reinforcing medium-term support.

Pullbacks have been shallow and corrective, marked by small-bodied candles and brief Doji pauses rather than aggressive selling.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Momentum indicators support this view. The RSI has cooled into the 55–60 zone, a healthy reset following overbought conditions, with no bearish divergence visible. As long as Bitcoin holds the $95,700–$95,200 demand zone, the bullish structure remains intact.

$100,000 Back in Focus if Resistance Breaks

The current range resembles a bullish consolidation flag, suggesting accumulation rather than distribution. A brief dip toward support followed by a higher low could set the stage for another push above $97,600. A confirmed break would expose $98,800, with extension potential toward the psychological $100,000 level.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.4 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013575 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

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Argentinian cryptocurrency exchange Lemon has launched a Visa credit card collateralized by Bitcoin, local news La Nación reported Wednesday.

Lemon is the second-largest crypto exchange in Argentina, serving over 5.5 million users. The new Bitcoin-backed Visa credit card allows access to financing in pesos without having to sell or convert their BTC holdings.

“We created a simple way to access credit in pesos using Bitcoin as collateral, without needing a credit history,” said Marcelo Cavazzoli, founder and CEO of Lemon, in an official statement.

The rollout is the first stage in the product development, with simple mechanisms and a fixed amount.

How Does Lemon BTC-Backed Credit Card Work?

Per the exchange website, the user deposits 0.01 bitcoin as collateral – currently over $900 in value – and gets a credit card in pesos with a pre-assigned limit of $1,000,000. This way, Bitcoin is only held as collateral, and is neither sold nor converted.

“Bitcoin is the best store of value created in the history of humanity and the fundamental piece for the new digital economy,” Cavazzoli added.

Further, in the next phase of the project, users will be able to configure their own backup and credit limit. Additionally, Lemon is developing a solution to allow dollar-denominated purchases to be paid directly in digital dollars such as USDT and USDC stablecoins, the announcement read.

User Benefits

Lemon highlighted that users of the credit card will have commission-free purchases of digital dollars, Bitcoin, Ethereum and over 30 cryptos. Besides, exclusive benefits include early access to new features, newsletter with market info and portfolio summary.

In the initial three months, the card’s maintenance will be waived by Rootstock, the company noted, following which, 7,500 pesos per month ($5) will be waived for users who purchase over $150 worth of cryptocurrency per month.

“In Argentina, Bitcoin is the most held asset by Lemon users, above the crypto dollar and the peso,” it added. “With this card, Lemon seeks to transform those savings into an everyday tool.”

The post Argentinian Crypto App Lemon Launches Bitcoin-Backed Credit Card appeared first on Cryptonews.

Yao Qian, the former architect of China’s digital yuan, accepted crypto bribes worth over $8 million while holding senior regulatory positions, Chinese state media revealed this week.

The case exposes how corrupt officials exploited the same blockchain technology Yao helped develop to conceal illicit transactions through hardware wallets and anonymous transfers.

State broadcaster CCTV aired details of Yao’s corruption scheme on January 14 in a documentary titled “Technology Empowering Anti-Corruption,” showing how investigators traced 2,000 Ethereum (valued at 60 million yuan at peak prices) from a businessman to Yao’s personal wallet in 2018.

The former director of the Digital Currency Research Institute at the People’s Bank of China used multiple shell accounts and blockchain addresses to hide bribes totaling at least 22 million yuan ($3.1 million) in fiat currency alongside substantial crypto holdings.

Yao Qian. | Source: CoinDesk

Hardware Wallets Betrayed Corruption Trail

Investigators discovered three hardware wallets in Yao’s office drawer, each resembling ordinary USB devices but containing millions of yuan in cryptocurrency.

“These three seemingly insignificant little wallets stored tens of millions of yuan,” said Zou Rong, a staff member with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stationed at the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

Source: Sina

While Yao believed virtual currencies offered anonymity, blockchain’s transparency enabled investigators to reconstruct complete transaction histories, linking bribes directly to his wallets.

The investigation revealed that Yao purchased a Beijing villa worth over 20 million yuan using funds traced to crypto exchanges, including a single 10 million yuan payment converted from digital assets.

Authorities penetrated layers of shell accounts controlled by relatives and intermediaries, establishing clear evidence that businessman Wang transferred 12 million yuan through an information services company in exchange for regulatory favors.

“He believed that after setting up multiple layers, the system would be more isolated,” said Shi Changping of Shanwei City’s Discipline Inspection Commission, adding that multiple parties actually strengthened the evidence chain.

Yao’s legal bank accounts showed no obvious irregularities, but cross-referencing with government databases uncovered accounts opened under other identities that he secretly controlled.

These shell accounts received large transfers that investigators traced back through four layers to crypto exchange fund accounts, eventually connecting to his property purchases and corrupt dealings with technology service providers.

Subordinate Enabled Crypto Bribery Network

Jiang Guoqing, Yao’s longtime subordinate who followed him from the People’s Bank to the securities regulator, served as the primary intermediary for crypto bribes.

“I set up a transfer address where people would send coins, then transfer them to Yao Qian’s personal wallet,” Jiang confessed, acknowledging he profited from facilitating power-for-money transactions.

Source: Sina

In 2018, Jiang connected businessman Zhang to Yao, who used his industry influence to help Zhang’s company issue tokens and raise 20,000 Ethereum through a cryptocurrency exchange, in exchange for 2,000 Ethereum.

“Yao Qian has great influence in the industry because of his position,” Jiang told investigators, explaining how regulatory authority translated into cryptocurrency market access.

Beyond digital bribes, prosecutors documented that Yao accepted expensive gifts, arranged luxurious banquets, manipulated employee recruitment, and facilitated software procurement deals with technology providers while serving at the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

The investigation also revealed that Yao engaged in superstitious practices (a cultural taboo in Communist Party governance) and established ties with individuals described as “key training targets” for illicit activities.

Yao was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024 and transferred for criminal prosecution after investigators achieved “mutual corroboration and a closed loop of evidence” by combining blockchain transaction records with traditional financial forensics.

His case provided valuable experience for Chinese authorities investigating virtual currency corruption, with investigators emphasizing that “cryptocurrency is useless if it can’t be cashed out—when virtual assets eventually become real assets, their true nature is easily exposed.“

The villa Yao purchased with converted crypto remained unfinished when authorities detained him, serving as the physical evidence that exposed his elaborate digital deception scheme spanning years of regulatory service.

Digital Yuan Pushes Forward Despite Setback

Yao’s downfall hasn’t derailed China’s central bank digital currency ambitions, with the People’s Bank of China suppose to have launched a new framework on January 1 that allows commercial banks to pay interest on digital yuan wallet balances.

China's PBOC has rolled out digital yuan action plan for the upcoming year, to enhance the CBDC's management and financial infrastructure. #PBOC #DigitalYuan #ChinaCBDChttps://t.co/sKEBAfgcve

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 29, 2025

The move addresses long-standing adoption challenges, as the e-CNY has processed 3.48 billion transactions worth 16.7 trillion yuan through November 2025, but still trails far behind Alipay and WeChat Pay, which control over 90% of China’s mobile payments market.

The post China’s Digital Yuan Architect Accused of $8M Crypto Bribery Scheme appeared first on Cryptonews.

A senior New York prosecutor is urging state lawmakers to take a tougher stance on cryptocurrency crime, warning that regulatory gaps are allowing billions of dollars in illicit activity to flow through unlicensed platforms with little consequence.

Key Takeaways:

New York prosecutors warn unlicensed crypto platforms enable a $51 billion criminal economy.

High-fee crypto ATMs are being used to launder illicit cash with minimal oversight.

Lawmakers are being urged to mandate licensing and KYC for all crypto businesses.

Speaking at New York Law School on Wednesday, Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, called on legislators to criminalize unlicensed crypto operations, describing a “$51 billion criminal economy” that exploits weak oversight to launder proceeds from guns, drugs, fraud, and terrorism financing.

Bragg said closing those gaps has become a core priority alongside enforcement efforts targeting gun violence and organized retail theft.

New York Prosecutor Warns Unlicensed Crypto ATMs Fuel Money Laundering

Bragg focused heavily on unlicensed crypto kiosks and ATMs, which he said often charge fees as high as 20% to convert cash into digital assets while asking few questions about the source of funds.

According to Bragg, these machines have become a preferred tool for criminals seeking to move dirty money into crypto without interacting with regulated financial institutions.

“They know you’re laundering gun proceeds,” Bragg said during his remarks. “And they do it without necessarily asking you.”

While Manhattan prosecutors have successfully brought cases involving unlicensed Bitcoin ATM operations and terror financing schemes, Bragg warned that current laws force investigators to rely too often on criminals making mistakes.

He argued that enforcement should not depend on someone accidentally touching the traditional banking system or boasting about their crimes online.

“We shouldn’t need someone to slip up,” he said. “There are people far wiser than that.”

Bragg proposed mandatory licensing and know-your-customer requirements for all crypto businesses operating in New York, backed by criminal penalties for violations.

Any company involved in transferring, trading, or facilitating the movement of digital assets should be subject to the same baseline oversight, he said.

“If you are operating a crypto business, you should be licensed,” Bragg said. “It’s that simple.”

If adopted, the measure would make New York the 19th U.S. state to criminalize unlicensed crypto operations, according to Bragg.

Supporters argue such a move would strengthen consumer protections and give prosecutors clearer authority to pursue cases tied to fraud and money laundering.

New York Lawmakers Target “Pig-Butchering” Crypto Scams

During a question-and-answer session, concerns were raised about elderly New Yorkers who have lost life savings to so-called “pig-butchering” scams, where victims are groomed online before being convinced to send crypto to fraudulent addresses.

Bragg acknowledged the difficulty of recovering stolen funds and pointed to proposed legislation, including Senator Zellnor Myrie’s R.I.P.O.F.F. Act, as a way to expand recovery tools.

The push in New York comes as federal authorities also escalate enforcement.

Earlier this week, US prosecutors in Massachusetts sought the forfeiture of $200,000 in USDT linked to a romance-based crypto scam.

As reported, crypto scammers defrauded victims of at least $9.9 billion in 2024, marking one of the most significant financial crimes of the year.

The post New York Prosecutor Pushes to Criminalize Unlicensed Crypto Operations appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin could climb to fresh all-time highs in 2026, even after lagging behind gold and technology stocks last year, according to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes.

Key Takeaways:

Arthur Hayes says Bitcoin’s path to new highs depends on renewed dollar liquidity rather than short-term price momentum.

Tight liquidity in 2025 explains why Bitcoin lagged gold and tech.

Hayes expects monetary expansion in 2026 to restore conditions that favor Bitcoin.

The outlook hinges not on short-term price action, but on a renewed expansion of dollar liquidity, which Hayes argues is ultimately the dominant driver of Bitcoin’s long-term value.

Arthur Hayes Says Bitcoin Needs Dollar Liquidity to Catch Gold and Nasdaq

In a post published Wednesday, Hayes questioned why Bitcoin struggled in 2025 while assets like gold and the Nasdaq continued to rise.

His answer was straightforward: liquidity. Without an expanding supply of dollars, Bitcoin lacks the fuel needed to outperform.

“Dollar liquidity must expand for that to happen,” Hayes said, adding that he expects those conditions to materialize in 2026.

Hayes outlined several factors that could trigger a sharp increase in liquidity. Among them is the potential expansion of the US Federal Reserve’s balance sheet, which would inject additional money into the financial system.

He also pointed to falling mortgage rates as liquidity loosens, along with a shift in commercial bank behavior that could see more lending directed toward U.S. government-backed strategic industries.

Military spending also plays a role in Hayes’ thesis. He argued that the United States will continue to project power globally, a strategy that requires large-scale weapons production financed through the banking system.

That spending, he said, contributes indirectly to monetary expansion, reinforcing conditions that tend to benefit scarce assets like Bitcoin.

My essay "Frowny Cloud" will drop tomorrow. My key degen trade for this first quarter is LONG: $MSTR and $3350 (Metaplanet) as levered plays on $BTC getting its groove back.

— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) January 13, 2026

Historically, looser monetary conditions have favored Bitcoin, as investors seek alternatives to fiat currencies that may lose purchasing power over time.

Hayes acknowledged that dollar liquidity contracted in 2025, coinciding with Bitcoin’s decline. Over the year, Bitcoin fell more than 14%, while gold surged over 44%.

Technology stocks, however, told a different story. The sector was the top performer in the S&P 500 last year, delivering returns well above the broader index.

Hayes attributed that divergence to government intervention, arguing that artificial intelligence has effectively been nationalized by both the United States and China.

As a result, capital continued flowing into AI-related companies regardless of traditional market signals.

Hayes: Bitcoin Is Monetary Technology, $100K Needs Fiat Debasement

Despite Bitcoin’s underperformance, Hayes cautioned against drawing bearish conclusions. He described Bitcoin as “monetary technology,” whose value is inseparable from the scale of fiat debasement.

While that alone ensures Bitcoin is worth more than zero, Hayes said reaching prices near $100,000 requires sustained monetary expansion.

Optimism among long-term bulls also remains strong. Venture capitalist Tim Draper reiterated this week that 2026 would be a breakout year, repeating his long-standing $250,000 Bitcoin price target.

Meanwhile, Abra CEO Bill Barhydt believes Bitcoin could benefit in 2026 as easing monetary policy injects fresh liquidity into global markets, reviving risk appetite after a prolonged period of tight financial conditions.

The post Bitcoin Can Hit New Highs in 2026 as Dollar Liquidity Expands, Says Arthur Hayes appeared first on Cryptonews.