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Lighter DEX, a decentralized exchange platform, has introduced a new feature requiring all users to stake its native token, LIT, to access liquidity pools. 

This move aims to increase engagement and align token holders with the platform’s goals. Users have until January 28 to adjust, after which staking will be compulsory to retain access to liquidity pools.

New staking feature for LIT tokens

Lighter DEX’s native token, LIT, launched last month and has quickly become central to the platform’s functionality. The platform staked 50% of its LIT supply, including airdrops and incentives for future programs. 

The newly introduced mandatory staking system means that users must stake LIT tokens to use the liquidity pools (LLPs). A 1:10 deposit ratio allows one staked LIT to unlock up to 10 USDC in deposits.

The platform has made staking a core utility feature for accessing its liquidity pools, starting with the Lighter Liquidity Pool. This change is part of an effort to enhance the integration between token holders and liquidity providers. It’s also seen as a way to improve risk-adjusted returns for liquidity providers on the platform.

We are rolling out staking of LIT on Lighter! Here we will describe the initial utility from staking and how it will affect the Lighter ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/5NC8b4utuv

— Lighter (@Lighter_xyz) January 14, 2026

Grace period for existing users

Existing LIT token holders have until January 28 to begin staking. After this deadline, they must stake their LIT tokens to maintain access to liquidity pools. Lighter DEX expects this change to lead to greater alignment between LIT holders and liquidity providers. 

Additionally, the platform plans to replicate this staking mechanism across public pools to democratize on-chain hedge fund strategies.

Staking LIT will also bring other benefits, including fee discounts. Lighter DEX will adjust its fee structure for market makers and high-frequency traders in the coming weeks. 

The new staking system promises to introduce fee discounts, with staking 100 LIT unlocking zero fees for withdrawals and transfers. This will be an important consideration for users looking to minimize transaction costs.

Adjusting fee tiers and yields for stakers

Lighter DEX is also set to detail new premium fee tiers for trading firms. These changes will help firms adjust their algorithms in line with the new staking requirements. However, retail trading will remain free for the time being. 

Staking LIT will unlock yields for users, and the platform will begin publishing the annual percentage rate (APR) once it goes live. The APR will be determined based on the staking rights granted to premium users, providing more opportunities for stakers to benefit from their holdings.

Lighter’s growing popularity and token price

Lighter DEX has seen significant growth since launching its public mainnet in October 2025. The platform reported approximately $200 billion in trading volume in December, outpacing competitors like Aster and Hyperliquid. For January 2026, the platform has recorded $54.9 billion in trading volume so far.

However, despite its success, LIT’s token price has seen some volatility. After its initial surge to $2.62 following its launch, the price has dropped to around $1.88 at the time of publication, marking a 12% decrease. Despite this, Lighter DEX’s market cap stands at $469 million, with the token reaching an all-time high (ATH) of $4.04 before experiencing a downward trend.

Lighter DEX’s mandatory staking feature for LIT token holders marks a new phase in the platform’s evolution. With a two-week grace period for existing users and the promise of future fee discounts, Lighter aims to strengthen its liquidity pool and enhance the overall user experience. The new staking system is expected to provide more rewards for users while aligning their interests with the platform’s long-term goals.

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United States Senators have added more than 75 proposed changes to major cryptocurrency legislation before a critical hearing scheduled for this week, according to documents.

The proposals cover a wide range of topics, from banning returns on stablecoins completely to preventing government officials from making money through cryptocurrency investments. Changes to how digital asset mixing services are classified have also been put forward. Members from both major political parties have submitted these modifications.

US Senators submit updated crypto bill ahead of hearing

The Senate Banking Committee is expected to convene for a markup session on Thursday. Legislators will debate the suggested amendments, cast votes on whether or not to approve any of them, and then determine whether or not the main measure should proceed. A similar meeting had been set by the Senate Agriculture Committee, but it has been rescheduled until the end of January.

Just before midnight on Monday, the Banking Committee’s original legislation became accessible. Legislators and business officials have been attentively examining the specifics since then. Several of the proposed modifications have support from members of both parties. Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks have jointly submitted three changes.

Two of those changes focus on the part of the bill dealing with stablecoin rewards. One would take out the word “solely” from the current language, which states that “a digital asset service provider may not pay any form of interest or yield (whether in cash, tokens, or other consideration) solely in connection with the holding of a payment stablecoin.”

Their other proposal would change reporting rules and introduce risk guidance requirements for yield payments. Several additional proposed modifications also target the stablecoin rewards section, with some aiming to remove yield payments altogether. During typical congressional markup sessions, most proposed amendments fail to pass, and others could also be withdrawn.

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Polymarket made an appearance on the big stages after appearing at Hollywood’s biggest night at the 83rd Golden Globes. As the show aired, hosts and viewers regularly checked Polymarket to see how traders were betting, and the collective judgment proved surprisingly accurate.

The platform’s CEO, Shayne Coplan, took to X to highlight Polymarket’s near-perfect predictions at the awards. He said, “The single most mainstream prediction market integration to date. Polymarket called 26/28 winners right.” The milestone comes as Polymarket expands beyond entertainment into real-world economic forecasting.

Polymarket makes its entrance at the Golden Globes

According to reports, Polymarket partnered with Parcl, a data firm that tracks daily home values. The partnership will allow users to wager on whether housing prices in major US cities will rise or fall. The two firms recently announced that they will collaborate to enable users to bet on their predictions for median prices in cities such as Miami and Los Angeles.

These markets will close on February 1, with winners determined using Parcl’s daily price index. However, according to Polymarket, new housing prediction markets will be introduced every month, allowing people to continue trading based on fresh data. In his post, Coplan noted that there’s still plenty of work to do in helping people understand why market-based forecasts matter.

Nonetheless, Koplan described the Golden Globes’ partnership as “a surreal moment and a highlight for all our team members’ moms.” Some X users were genuinely surprised at how accurate the prediction platform was, with others encouraging more mainstream adoption. However, the integration also drew in a flurry of critical posts.

One user, Josh Billinson, remarked, “The Golden Globes Best Podcast odds presented by Polymarket are a new low for this humiliating awards show.” Another commenter urged the public to resist the prediction platforms, referring to them as “pocket casinos,” while others even questioned the legitimacy of the award show.

Prediction markets platforms face criticisms

The criticism builds on recent concerns surrounding Polymarket and other prediction markets, after the controversial Venezuela-related bet. An anonymous bettor correctly called the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s downfall just hours ahead of his capture and pocketed more than $400,000. His earnings triggered concerns about insider trading.

New York Democrat Ritchie Torres even proposed a 2026 bill that would ban government officials and staff from trading on prediction markets using insider information. The bill, the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, would prevent officials from using nonpublic government information to place bets on prediction markets.

In addition, the platforms have also faced resistance from U.S. states. For starters, Tennessee regulators issued cease-and-desist letters last week to Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com, targeting their allegedly unlicensed sports betting operations. The mandates require the firms to discontinue sports contract offerings, cancel pending contracts, and return all funds to customers by January 31.

The post Polymarket unveils blockchain betting at the Golden Globes first appeared on Coinfea.

The market feels like a bouncy ball right now, one hop up, one hop down, and everyone is watching the next move. On the “big coin” side, Ethereum price prediction models using a simple 5% annual growth assumption point to ETH around $4,293 in 2026, about $5,218.59 by 2030, and roughly $5,479.52 by 2031 (not guaranteed). If you’re hunting the best crypto to buy this mix of steady forecasts and real volatility makes timing feel urgent.

Now look at Cardano (ADA): it’s around $0.3883, with a forecast target of $0.5340 by Feb 11, 2026 (+37.15%), even while sentiment is bearish and fear is high (Fear & Greed 27). In this noisy market, APEMARS ($APRZ) is still in presale, Stage 3 (BANANA BOOST) at $0.00002448, aiming for $0.0055, with stated 22,300% ROI math and early traction (385 holders, $78k+ raised, 3.77B sold). That’s the “early entry” spark many buyers crave.

Ethereum price prediction

If Ethereum (ETH) grows at a steady 5% per year, the model estimates ETH at about $4,293 in 2026, around $5,218.59 by 2030, and roughly $5,479.52 in 2031, with longer-range projections of $6,993.41 in 2036 and $8,500.54 by 2040. In this setup, ETH’s current price is $4,293 (with a -8.77% 1-year change noted), and the “5 years” outcome implies a +27.63% increase to approximately $5,479.52.

For a simple investment example, if you put $1,000 into ETH and it compounds at 5% annually, the predicted gain after 5 years is about $276.28, which equals a 27.63% ROI (profit only, not counting fees). These figures are purely based on the fixed-growth assumption, meaning they’re not a guarantee and don’t account for volatility, different market scenarios, past performance patterns, or trading/holding costs.

Cardano (ADA) Price Prediction 

Cardano (ADA) is currently around $0.3883, and the latest forecast targets $0.5340 by February 11, 2026, a projected +37.15% move. Short-term calls are modest, with a 5-day prediction of $0.3923 and 1-month/3-month predictions near $0.5340 / $0.5800, while longer horizons (6M, 1Y, 2030+) are marked as “unlock.” The broader mood is cautious: Fear & Greed Index 27 (Fear), sentiment bearish, and high volatility (5.51%), even though the 14-day RSI is neutral at 49.92; key trend markers show ADA below its 50-day SMA ($0.3996) and far under the 200-day SMA ($0.6477).

For an example scenario, the investment calculator suggests that a $1,000 ADA buy held until Aug 05, 2026 could yield an estimated $825.99 profit (about 82.60% ROI) over 203 days, based on the model’s path. The 2026 trading channel is projected between $0.3871 and $0.7064, with an average annualized price near $0.5542, but the tech readout still leans bearish overall (more bearish than bullish signals). Near-term levels to watch include support at $0.3865 / $0.3818 / $0.3767 and resistance at $0.3962 / $0.4013 / $0.4060, which may decide whether ADA stabilizes or extends the pullback.

APEMARS and the Best Crypto to Buy Feeling (Presale Energy That Makes People Move Fast)

APEMARS is like buying your favorite toy before it hits every store shelf. Early buyers love that “I got it first!” feeling, and presales are built to spark exactly that emotion. If you’re chasing the best crypto to buy, APEMARS is positioned as the high-upside, early-entry option, more risk than major coins, but also the kind of setup that creates big FOMO.

APEMARS ($APRZ) Stage 3 BANANA BOOST Stats (Presale Live):

Current stage: 3 (BANANA BOOST)

Stage 3 price: $0.00002448

Listing price: $0.0055

ROI from Stage 3: 22,300% (price-gap math, not guaranteed)

Holder count: 385

Amount raised: $78k+

Tokens sold: 3.8B

Now let’s keep it super simple: Ethereum and Cardano are like big grown-up bikes, strong, proven, and popular. APEMARS is like a brand-new scooter in presale that hasn’t hit the streets yet. The scooter can be thrilling… but you still need to be careful.

Orbital Boost System (Referral Sharing Like Bringing a Friend to Play)

APEMARS also includes a referral-style feature designed for community growth. Once a minimum contribution threshold is met, it unlocks a system that rewards both people (the one who refers and the one who joins). It’s meant to encourage organic sharing and community building.

Kid-simple version: Invite a friend, and both can get a bonus (according to the program’s terms). This helps the community spread faster, like a fun trend.

How to Buy APEMARS ($APRZ) (Simple, No Tricks) 

Visit the official APEMARS presale page.

Connect your wallet (a non-custodial wallet works best).

Select the payment option shown on the presale page.

Enter how much you want to contribute and confirm the purchase.

Approve the transaction in your wallet and save your confirmation details.

Investment Scenario 

“$5,000 in Stage 3… Are You About to Be the Person Who Says ‘I Was Early’?” Let’s play a simple candy-counting math game. If you invest $5,000 in APEMARS ($APRZ) at $0.00002448, you’d get about 204,248,366 tokens (around 204.25 million). That’s a huge pile of tokens while the price is still tiny, which is exactly why presales feel so exciting.

Now here’s the FOMO part: if APEMARS lists at $0.0055, that pile could be worth about $1,123,366. Sounds wild, right? But say it clearly: it’s not guaranteed, crypto can go up, down, sideways, and silly. Still, Stage 3 feels powerful because the entry price is small, and that “if it lists” math creates urgency. So… do you watch from the sidelines, or take a calculated early shot?

Conclusion

Ethereum and Cardano are like the big superheroes of crypto, well-known, widely used, and built for long journeys. They can still grow and dip, but they have deep communities and real ecosystems. If you want stability and long-term building, ETH and ADA can feel like “core” choices in a portfolio.

But if you’re hunting the best crypto to buy with the “I want to be early” energy, APEMARS is built to trigger that exact moment. Stage 3 is live at $0.00002448, targeting $0.0055, showing 385 holders, $78k+ raised, and 3.8B tokens sold. Presale stages don’t wait for anyone. If you buy later, you may end up saying the words crypto people hate most: “I should’ve done it earlier.” Check out APEMARS ($APRZ) now and decide while Stage 3 still exists.

For those assessing market rankings alongside early-stage options, the additional metrics referenced in this piece correspond with insights from Best Crypto to Buy Now, which brings together trend coverage, comparisons, and evolving narratives.

For More Information:

Website: Visit the Official APEMARS Website

Telegram: Join the APEMARS Telegram Channel

Twitter: Follow APEMARS ON X (Formerly Twitter)

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Crypto to Buy Now

What is the best crypto to buy for beginners in 2026?

Beginners often like established coins like Ethereum and Cardano for stability. Presales like APEMARS ($APRZ) can be exciting but riskier. Choose based on your comfort with risk and learning.

Is APEMARS ($APRZ) a good option compared to Ethereum?

Ethereum is established and widely used. APEMARS ($APRZ) is early-stage and high-risk, but the presale pricing can offer bigger upside potential if the project performs after launch.

Can Cardano outperform Ethereum this year?

It’s possible, but not predictable. Cardano can grow with upgrades and ecosystem expansion, while Ethereum grows with adoption and network activity. Both can win in different market conditions.

How does APEMARS presale pricing work?

APEMARS uses multiple stages with changing prices over time. Stage 3 is priced at $0.00002448. Earlier stages are cheaper, later stages usually get tighter. Stage progression creates urgency and momentum.

Is the 22,300% ROI guaranteed for $APRZ?

No. That figure is based on the gap between Stage 3 price and the stated listing price. Markets can change quickly. Always research and only invest money you can afford to lose.

Should I buy APEMARS ($APRZ) or stick to Ethereum and Cardano?

Many investors mix both: major coins for stability and smaller presales for upside. If you do that, keep it balanced. Don’t go all-in on high-risk assets, even if the math looks exciting.

Disclaimer: The content within the Sponsored Insights and Press Release category has been provided by our partners and sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our website. While our team takes care to share valuable and reliable content, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims made in these sponsored articles and Press Releases. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided in Sponsored Insights.

The post Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Eyes $5,218 by 2030 While APEMARS Emerges as Best Crypto to Buy With 22,300% ROI Math first appeared on Coinfea.

Ethereum has reached a milestone with record-breaking wallet growth, averaging 327,000 new wallets daily last week. 

The surge follows the Fusaka upgrade, which reduced gas fees and boosted market sentiment. Over the past week, the network recorded 327,100 new wallets created per day. Sunday saw an all-time high of 393,600 new wallets in just one day. 

Ethereum’s impressive performance coincides with a broader market rally, as the global crypto market cap increased by over 4% to hit $3.25 trillion. Ether’s price also surged by 7% in the last 30 days, further solidifying its recovery from a recent dip.

Lower fees spark fresh activity

The record wallet growth is linked to the Fusaka upgrade, rolled out in early December. The protocol upgrade improved how data is handled on the Ethereum network, particularly for Layer 2 systems. By reducing the cost for these systems, Ethereum became more affordable for users. 

Gas fees dropped significantly, with the average cost reaching just 0.051 Gwei. The lower transaction costs have triggered increased activity on the network, with stablecoin transfers reaching a new record of $8 trillion in Q4. Ethereum’s blockchain also saw fresh engagement as users entered the ecosystem through decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and NFT applications.

Ethereum Gas Price; Source: Etherscan

Market sentiment shifts from fear to neutral

The shift in investor sentiment is another factor behind Ethereum’s wallet growth. After spending several weeks in the “Fear” zone, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index now reflects a “Neutral” stance. This positive shift has fueled Ethereum’s price surge, with Ether surpassing the $3,300 mark. 

Ethereum’s recent 8% price increase in just 24 hours demonstrates a growing sense of confidence in the market. This shift in sentiment is helping Ethereum recover from a previous slump, and many analysts predict continued upward momentum. Ethereum is now trading at around $3,348 at the time of writing.

DEX trading and derivatives markets show calmer conditions

Despite Ethereum’s wallet growth and price rise, decentralized exchange (DEX) trading has seen a pullback. According to data from DefiLlama, aggregate DEX volumes for the past two weeks totaled $150.4 billion, down significantly from the record high of $340 billion in January 2025. 

Over the last seven days, Ethereum’s DEX volume has hovered near $9 billion. This is a drop from the $27.8 billion peak in October. Similarly, derivative markets have cooled, with implied volatility measures for Bitcoin and Ether showing declines. 

These figures suggest that traders expect less price fluctuation in the near term. However, there are still some notable players in the market, including SharpLink Gaming, which has accumulated over 865,000 ETH, valued at approximately $2.75 billion.

Ethereum’s wallet growth highlights the ongoing recovery and resurgence of confidence in the cryptocurrency market. The Fusaka upgrade, reduced gas fees, and shifting investor sentiment have created an environment conducive to fresh activity on the Ethereum network. 

Despite a cooling off in decentralized trading and derivatives, Ethereum’s fundamentals remain strong, with new users entering the ecosystem at an unprecedented pace. With a favorable outlook for the coming months, Ethereum is likely to maintain its position as one of the leading cryptocurrencies in the space.

The post Ethereum Hits Record Wallet Growth as Fear Fades Away first appeared on Coinfea.

As the crypto market moves into a new phase in 2026, XRP and Dogecoin (DOGE) are back in the spotlight. XRP is benefiting from clearer regulatory and legal expectations, along with continued institutional interest through channels such as ETFs—helping restore confidence in its longer-term outlook. Dogecoin, meanwhile, remains largely driven by its community, with price action that tends to react quickly to sentiment and trending narratives, making short-term volatility a defining feature.

With market swings becoming more intense, more holders are rethinking strategies that rely solely on price moves. To maintain long-term exposure to XRP and DOGE while improving income consistency, some investors are adding cloud mining to their portfolios and using daily settlement payouts to create steadier cash flow. Through platforms such as NAP Hash, participants can generate relatively stable passive income without stepping away from the market—helping offset uncertainty across market cycles.Why NAP Hash Stands Out in Cloud Mining

As competition in the cloud mining market continues to heat up, NAP Hash has drawn attention for one main reason: its long-term focus on compliance, transparency, and disciplined operations—areas that help it stand apart from many competitors. Registered in the United Kingdom, NAP Hash operates within a relatively clear regulatory environment and uses standardized, process-driven management to strengthen user confidence over time.

In terms of operations, NAP Hash runs on a fully cloud-based model. Users can participate in mining rewards without buying, setting up, or maintaining any equipment, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry. The platform integrates data center resources across multiple continents and supports mining with clean energy sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar—providing more stable performance with lower energy use. Combined with intelligent computing power allocation and a MiCA-aligned compliance framework, the platform is designed for stronger stability and long-term efficiency.

On the product side, NAP Hash offers short-term mining plans ranging from one to three days, giving users faster capital turnover and more flexibility in managing allocations. New users can also access trial mining power worth $15 to $100, allowing them to experience real settlement results without an upfront commitment—reducing both decision pressure and early-stage risk.

By continuing to improve energy efficiency while keeping power costs under control, NAP Hash delivers a more competitive net return profile and further strengthens its position in the cloud mining sector.How to Get Started with NAP Hash in Three Simple Steps

Step 1: Create Your AccountSetting up a NAP Hash account takes less than 30 seconds, and new users instantly receive a starter reward.

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Mining Contract

The platform offers a range of budget-friendly plans suitable for beginners and experienced investors alike. Each contract provides fixed returns with daily payouts, giving users a clear and predictable earning experience.Popular Contract Earnings Examples

Mining Machine Model Contract Price Duration (Days) Daily Earnings Principal + Total Returns BTC Miner A1366L $100 2 Days $3 $100 + $6 BTC Miner A1346 $500 6 Days $6 $500 + 36$ GODE Miner DogeII $2500 20 Days $36 $2500 + 725$ BTC Miner M60S++ $8000 30 Days $130 $8000 + 3888$ LTC Miner ANTRACK V1 $10000 35 Days $172 $10000 + 6020$

Please visit the official NAP Hash website to view more contract options.Step 3: Collect Your Daily Earnings

Mining rewards are credited to your account automatically every day. You can withdraw your earnings at any time or reinvest them to build stronger long-term returns.Real User Cases

MJ, a freelance graphic designer in Los Angeles, USA, wanted to create a more stable income stream alongside project-based client work. She chose a $2,000 cloud mining contract, which generates around $22–$26 per day through automatic daily payouts. She said the daily settlement helps reduce financial stress during slower months, and compared with trading, the income is easier to track and plan around—especially when freelance cash flow is unpredictable.

SR, a homemaker in Manchester, UK, was looking for a simple way to add extra income without taking on complex financial tasks. She started with a $1,200 cloud mining contract, earning about $15–$18 per day in daily payouts. She explained that the steady cash flow helps cover daily household expenses such as groceries and utilities, and she prefers cloud mining because it doesn’t require constant market watching or frequent decision-making.

AD, a mechanical engineer in Munich, Germany, shifted part of his long-term crypto allocation into a $6,000 cloud mining contract to improve portfolio stability. His contract delivers approximately $45–$55 per day with daily settlement. He described it as a practical way to smooth out market volatility, noting that the fixed contract structure and consistent payout schedule align well with an engineer’s preference for measurable performance and predictable returns.

Taken together, these cases highlight how cloud mining is increasingly used by a wide range of users—from freelancers and homemakers to engineers—as a low-maintenance way to build daily cash flow. In a volatile market environment, it provides an alternative path for investors who want to stay exposed to crypto while improving income stability and financial planning clarity.ConclusionAs volatility continues to define the 2026 crypto landscape, investors are increasingly shifting from short-term price speculation toward strategies that can deliver more consistent returns without abandoning long-term exposure. In this environment, NAP Hash is being viewed as a practical alternative—offering a low barrier to entry, green-powered infrastructure, and automated daily settlement designed to support steady cash flow.

With more capital gradually moving into cloud mining, platforms that emphasize regulatory alignment, transparent operations, and energy-efficient computing are gaining stronger traction. For investors navigating unpredictable market cycles, these models provide a clearer path to income stability and portfolio continuity—helping reduce reliance on timing the market while maintaining participation in the broader crypto upside.For more information about NAP Hash, please visit https://naphash.com/ or contact us by email at info@naphash.com

Disclaimer: The content within the Sponsored Insights and Press Release category has been provided by our partners and sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our website. While our team takes care to share valuable and reliable content, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims made in these sponsored articles and Press Releases. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided in Sponsored Insights.

The post Could XRP and Dogecoin Surge in 2026? Investors Are Making $15,700 Day with NAP Hash Cloud Mining! first appeared on Coinfea.

The financial authorities in Kazakhstan have announced restrictions on a record number of platforms providing crypto exchange services over the past year. The development comes amid efforts to regulate and expand the legal crypto market in the country.

With the country aiming to become a regional hub for digital assets, the Financial Monitoring Agency of Kazakhstan (AFM) stated that it has prevented more than 1,100 unlicensed online exchangers from providing services in the Central Asian nation. The figure was announced by its head, Zhanat Elimanov, who reported on the watchdog’s operations in 2025 to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev this week.

Kazakhstan blocks unlicensed crypto trading websites

According to quotes by the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda daily on Monday, the official revealed his subordinates have completed investigations into 1,135 criminal cases involving money and returned 141.5 billion tenge (over $277 million) to victims of such crimes last year. The government body has also dismantled 15 criminal groups and 29 organizations providing cash services outside the law.

In addition, it also mentioned that it thwarted the activities of 22 shadow crypto exchanges allegedly laundering proceeds from drug trafficking and fraud schemes. Meanwhile, the financial sector has stopped dealing with approximately 2,000 companies and 56,000 individuals suspected of money laundering. A total of 2.1 trillion tenge of criminal flows (over $4 billion) have been detected with the help of 35 payment institutions.

The AFM has also frozen some 20,000 bank card accounts used by money mules working for criminals, Elimanov added during the briefing of the president. For his part, Tokaev issued a number of instructions in key areas of responsibility for the agency. In 2025, the government lifted some restrictions on the minting of digital coins and sought to expand crypto trading outside the narrow legal framework of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), as reported by Cryptopolitan.

As part of efforts to turn the country into a Eurasian crypto hub, the Kazakh authorities intend to legalize investments in digital assets, although payments with them will remain prohibited beyond a special pilot project called CryptoCity. At the same time, unauthorized cryptocurrency transactions have been the target of coordinated law enforcement actions targeting multiple institutions.

The post Kazakhstan blocks over 1,000 crypto websites in a year first appeared on Coinfea.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has defended Trump’s executive order to allow crypto into the United States 401(k). According to Hougan, BTC is just another asset. Despite the asset being risky, it was less volatile than Nvidia stock in 2025.

President Trump issued an executive order allowing cryptocurrency to be included in US 401(k) retirement plans. Hougan revealed that, despite the 401(k) institution being slow, it’s moving in that direction to allow allocations to BTC investments. The retirement plan institution manages roughly $12.2 trillion, providing a significant capital inflow into the crypto ecosystem. For instance, a modest 1% allocation could mean roughly $122 billion being directed into the crypto market.

Bitwise CIO likens BTC volatility to stocks

Hougan believes retirement plan institutions are headed toward crypto allocations, with potential inflows expected to arrive late this year due to slow processing across the institutions. If actualized, BlackRock and Fidelity ETFs could greatly benefit, as they are the largest providers of retirement plans. So far, BlackRock’s IBIT ETF has recorded approximately $62.3 billion in cumulative inflows.

Meanwhile, Fidelity’s FBTC has recorded $11.8 billion, based on on-chain data. As of now, Bitcoin ETFs have a cumulative net inflow of $56.5 billion with a total net assets of $118.6 billion. That is roughly 6.5% of BTC’s total supply. The Bitwise CIO highlighted how the legislative landscape will influence the crypto markets this year during an interview with an Investopedia host.

Hougan stated that if the Clarity Act passes, the market is expected to reach new all-time highs across the cryptocurrency landscape. He said the Digital Clarity Act will provide a clear regulatory framework that will attract more institutional capital into the market. Hougan added that he believes more ETFs will be launched this year, noting that the industry needs index-based crypto ETFs.

Criminal charges against Powell stirs the crypto market

He also estimated that the market could attract at least $10 billion into the crypto landscape. He also disclosed that Bitwise is planning to launch index-based exposure ETFs, which will combine exposure to multiple crypto tokens for its customers. When asked about BTC’s 4-year cycle, Hougan said that 2026 will be a ‘negative’ year for Bitcoin.

The Bitwise CIO attributed this to the diminishing significance of Bitcoin’s halvings. So far, not much BTC is being produced, and at the same time, interest rates are reducing. According to Hougan, the 4-year cycle will be broken in 2026 and replaced by a 10-year grind. Meanwhile, the market is uncertain following the Department of Justice in the District of Columbia’s investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, led by Jeanine Pirro.

Powell defended the Fed, noting that the threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Fed setting interest rates based on an assessment of what serves the public best rather than the President’s interests. “This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions or whether, instead, monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” he said.

The post Bitwise CEO defends decision to include Bitcoin in 401(k)s first appeared on Coinfea.

The crypto market has outgrown “public-by-default.” In a world where every wallet move can be traced, clustered, and weaponized, transparent blockchains expose users to doxxing, strategy leakage, treasury targeting, and real-world security risk. Noctura is built to end that era—delivering a next-generation, compliance-ready privacy protocol on Solana with a dual-mode wallet designed for both retail simplicity and institutional confidence.

Unlike legacy privacy tools that trade usability for complexity—or privacy for listings—Noctura introduces a wallet-first experience where privacy is a toggle, not a separate chain. In Transparent Mode, users retain full Solana composability across DeFi and NFTs. In Shielded Mode, sender, receiver, and amounts are protected using zero-knowledge architecture anchored on- chain (commitments, nullifiers, and Merkle roots), with proofs generated off-chain and verified on Solana for finality and correctness.

What makes Noctura “institutional by design” is its Selective Disclosure engine: View Keys and Audit Tokens enable scoped, revocable, time-limited verification (e.g., proof-of-funds, origin/KYC pointer assertions) without exposing a full transaction history. This approach is engineered for real- world markets—privacy that can survive due diligence, counterparties, and exchange requirements without turning users into open books.

At the center is $NOC, the utility token powering Shielded Mode fees, prover/relayer incentives, staking, and governance—creating a direct, usage-driven flywheel as private activity grows. Noctura’s design posture emphasizes measured performance over hype, targeting hundreds of shielded TPS at launch with scaling via batching, aggregation, and GPU proving lanes.

The Noctura $NOC presale begins January 20, featuring an on-chain, multi-stage structure intended to reward early participation while maintaining transparent mechanics and verifiability. Participation details, documentation, and updates are available via the official channels below.

About Noctura

Noctura is a compliant privacy protocol on Solana delivering a dual-mode wallet (Transparent + Shielded) and selective disclosure primitives built for speed, security, and institutional adoption

Website: https://noc-tura.io/

X(twitter): https://x.com/NOC_tura_                                                                    

Telegram: https://t.me/NocturaNOC

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/j7kc2fJw4T

GitHub: https://github.com/NOC-tura

Disclaimer: The content within the Sponsored Insights and Press Release category has been provided by our partners and sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our website. While our team takes care to share valuable and reliable content, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims made in these sponsored articles and Press Releases. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided in Sponsored Insights.

The post Noctura Unveils a Compliance-First Privacy Layer on Solana  Bringing Institutional-Grade Confidentiality to Everyday On-Chain Finance first appeared on Coinfea.

Standard Chartered has increased its long-term forecast for Ethereum, projecting the digital asset could reach $40,000 by 2030. 

The bank expects Ethereum to outperform Bitcoin, supported by DeFi dominance, upcoming scalability upgrades, and favorable regulatory conditions.

Ethereum set to outperform Bitcoin

Love this take from @vaneck_us on ethererum $ETH– by 2030, base case $ETH -> $22,000– by 2030, bull case $ETH -> $154,000https://t.co/hCjsZNL61A pic.twitter.com/C10yq3QRfX

— Thomas (Tom) Lee (not drummer) FSInsight.com (@fundstrat) January 9, 2026

According to Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Asset Research at Standard Chartered, Ethereum’s outlook has improved significantly for 2026 and beyond. He stated that the cryptocurrency could revisit and surpass its 2021 highs, driven by improving market fundamentals. Kendrick emphasized that Ethereum’s expanding role in decentralized finance and stablecoins positions it for stronger performance relative to Bitcoin.

The analyst noted that recent weakness in Bitcoin has weighed on the broader crypto market, but it may create an opportunity for Ethereum to gain ground. He added that continuous accumulation by major Ethereum-focused treasury firms is another factor supporting ETH’s price trajectory.

Regulation and network upgrades boost confidence

Kendrick highlighted regulatory progress as a major catalyst for Ethereum’s future rally. He pointed to the upcoming Senate Agriculture and Banking Committees’ vote on the CLARITY Act as a potential turning point for crypto regulation. He believes that clearer rules will unlock new layers of development within Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem.

Additionally, Ethereum’s plans to increase its Layer-1 throughput by tenfold could enhance its scalability and efficiency, strengthening its position as a leading smart contract network. Kendrick reiterated that while Bitcoin’s recent underperformance prompted a temporary reduction in ETH’s short-term forecast, the bank remains optimistic about its long-term potential.

Revised price targets and market outlook

Standard Chartered now expects Ethereum to reach $7,500 in 2026, setting a new all-time high. The bank also projects $30,000 by 2029 and $40,000 by 2030. Kendrick stated that these targets reflect Ethereum’s relative strength and its growing role in digital asset markets. At present, Ethereum trades at $3,099, down 1.45% in the past 24 hours and 1.7% over the past month.

Despite lowering its near-term forecast due to Bitcoin’s weakness, Standard Chartered maintains that Ethereum could appreciate nearly 1,200% to meet its 2030 target.

Bitmine expands Ethereum holdings

The forecast coincides with continued Ethereum accumulation by Bitmine Immersion Technologies, the largest publicly traded Ethereum treasury firm. The company recently purchased 24,266 ETH worth about $76 million, raising its total holdings to over 4.16 million ETH valued at $13 billion. This represents about 3.5% of Ethereum’s circulating supply.

Bitmine’s Chairman, Tom Lee, expressed optimism about Ethereum’s medium-term performance. He cited stablecoin growth and tokenization as key trends that will position Ethereum as the financial settlement layer of global markets. Lee expects a broad crypto recovery beginning in 2026, followed by stronger Ethereum gains in 2027 and 2028.

Lee recently suggested that Ethereum could reach $250,000 in the long term, while Bitmine’s share value could rise alongside ETH. The company is seeking shareholder approval to increase its authorized shares to accommodate future capital activities and potential acquisitions.

The post Standard Chartered Sees Ethereum Surpassing Bitcoin with $40K Target by 2030 first appeared on Coinfea.

Meta has conceded to the new social media law in Australia, cutting access to Facebook and Instagram accounts of more than half a million teens in the country. According to the company, it took down accounts belonging to 330,000 users on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook, and 39,000 on Threads.

Meta mentioned that the action commenced during the week of December 4 through December 11. The company mentioned that it started removing young users a week before the ban officially started on December 10. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Albanese, said it will share official numbers this week showing how many young people were removed from different platforms covered by the new rules.

Meta cuts access for teens as companies question the law

In a statement released overnight, Meta said the ban is not achieving what the Australian government hoped it would. The company argues the law is not making young people safer or improving their well-being as intended. Meta raised concerns that vulnerable teenagers are now cut off from helpful online communities where they found support.

The company also warned that these young users might move to apps with fewer safety rules and less oversight. The tech giant also took issue with what it called “inconsistent” ways of checking how old users are. Meta questioned the basic idea behind the law itself. “The premise of the law, which prevents under-16-year-olds from holding a social media account so they aren’t exposed to an ‘algorithmic experience’, is false,” Meta said in its online post.

The company explained that platforms allowing teens to browse without logging in still use algorithms to show content that might interest them. These algorithms just work in a less personalized manner that can be adjusted based on age. Meta said it will keep following Australian law but wants government officials to work with tech companies to find a different solution.

“We call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivising all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans,” the company stated. The Australian government approved the minimum age requirement in 2024, aiming to shield young people from targeted algorithms and damaging content on social platforms.

Meanwhile, companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to keep users under 16 off their sites face penalties reaching $50 million. The ban applies to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick. The eSafety Commission, which makes sure companies follow the age limit, has said it could add other social platforms to the list if they meet the ban requirements.

The post Meta cuts access for teens in Australia as social media law takes effect first appeared on Coinfea.

Strategy has announced another purchase of Bitcoin worth $1.25 billion. According to the company, it purchased a total of 13,627 coins as the Capitol Hill heads into its next crypto fight, as was previously reported by Cryptopolitan.

The company sold 6.8 million shares of their Class A stock and made $1.13 billion. On top of that, they dumped 1.2 million shares of their Variable Rate Series A Stretch Preferred Stock for another $119.1 million. The total was $1.25 billion, and the company moved it towards its Bitcoin purchase. The company paid $91,519 per coin, including all fees. That pushes their total stash to 687,410 Bitcoins, costing them $51.8 billion altogether. That means their average buy price is now $75,353 per Bitcoin.

Strategy looks to continue its Bitcoin purchase

As of press time, Strategy still has $10.3 billion ready to go in their stock sale program. That’s just the common stock. There’s more. The board also has room to issue billions more in preferred shares: $3.9 billion in Variable Rate, $20.3 billion in Strike Preferred Stock, $4.0 billion in Stride Preferred, and another $1.6 billion in Strife Preferred. That’s more than enough firepower to keep buying if they want to.

Meanwhile, things are getting interesting. David Brickell and Chris Mills from the London Crypto Club dropped some heat in their weekly letter. They said Bitcoin is the best way to bet against the falling US dollar and that it “will regain its throne as the number one performing macro asset in 2026.” They also said Donald Trump will “hand out the candy” before the November midterms, and that the whole thing is basically a test of how people feel about the White House.

Traders who bought near the top at $126,000 might sell if the price climbs back to break even. But Brickell and Mills said that might not matter much this time. They wrote: “On-chain analytics now suggest reduced profit taking and consequent supply pressure from whales and long-term holders, with realised price gains decelerating.”

At the time of this report, Bitcoin was trading just over $91,000, still almost 30% lower than its record high. But this whole thing lines up with what Arthur Hayes said earlier this year. He claimed the combo of free government money and a weak dollar could push Bitcoin up to $200,000 in the first quarter of 2026.

The post Strategy splashes $1.25 billion on more Bitcoin first appeared on Coinfea.

Unchained Summit’s upcoming Dubai edition announces first round of speakers and confirms W Dubai – The Palm venue as Aeternum cements the event further as the number one Web 3.0 platform for Deal-Flow and Serious Networking.

Monday, 15 December 2025, Dubai, UAE: Organized by Aeternum, the B2B events firm focused on emerging tech, Unchained Summit will return to Dubai on 1st & 2nd May 2026 with a speaker lineup that reflects the growing maturity of the global Web 3.0 sector. Supported by Official Media Partner Coin Edition, the summit is expected to draw more than 1,500 builders, investors, developers and policymakers. The first wave of speakers released this week signals the kind of conversations the organizers aim to foster: grounded in real adoption, regulatory clarity, and institutional scale.

The UAE is no longer positioning itself as a digital asset hub. It has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most active and credible markets for digital assets and Web 3.0. With mature regulatory frameworks in place and increasing participation from global institutions, banks, enterprises, and technology providers, the country has become a jurisdiction where meaningful innovation, deployment, and large-scale adoption are actively taking place.

Against this backdrop, Unchained Summit in Dubai is designed to deliver the level of curation, senior participation, and structured engagement that a mature digital asset economy now requires. While the region has seen a rapid increase in industry events, few platforms are built to serve the needs of institutional capital, enterprise innovators, high-growth founders, digital asset treasury teams, and active investors. Unchained Summit addresses this gap by creating a focused environment where founders are connected with investors, Web 3.0 companies engage directly with institutional decision-makers, and enterprise leaders collaborate with the infrastructure builders shaping the next phase of adoption alongside purposeful partnerships.

The 2026 edition in Dubai will feature a highly curated speaker lineup of over 80 leaders across two days, spanning traditional finance, enterprise technology, digital asset infrastructure, venture capital, and high growth startups. Speakers will be announced in phases.

The first round of confirmed speakers include:

Eowyn Chen, CEO, Trust Wallet, UAE

David Norris, CFO & CSO, NEAR Foundation, UAE

Andrew Vranjes, Chief Revenue Officer, Blockdaemon, UAE

Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO, The Blockchain Center, Abu Dhabi

Anthony Bassili, President, Coinbase Asset Management

Richard Wang, Partner, Draper Dragon, China

Akshay Dalal, Head of Regional Risk & Compliance, Google, UAE

Jack Platts, Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures, USA

Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands

Nic Puckrin, Co-Founder and CEO, Coin Bureau, Dubai

Niraj Pant, Co-Founder, Ritual, USA, among others.

Beyond content, Unchained Summit is built around outcome-driven engagement. The event will include structured investor founder meetings, curated one-to-one introductions, and dedicated spaces for enterprise teams and infrastructure providers to engage in focused discussions. The objective is to move beyond surface-level networking and toward tangible collaboration, partnerships, and deployment.

Akshay Dalal from Google, who will be speaking at the event said,“Web 3.0 represents a pivotal shift in how we interact with data, identity, and trust. As regulatory frameworks begin to catch up, I believe the convergence of Web 3.0 and AI can unlock transformative potential, if we build it with responsibility, resilience, and real-world value in mind. I’m excited to bring a risk and compliance lens to the Unchained Summit in Dubai, helping bridge innovation with integrity.

Reflecting on the previous edition, Yat Siu of Animoca Brands, noted: “Events like Unchained Summit matter because they help people understand why the industry exists in the first place.”  He noted that the talks, panels and connections serve a larger purpose, especially in a space that still sits in the early stages of global adoption. He reminded the audience that despite carrying a value in the trillions, Web 3.0 remains a small part of the world economy. That is why collaboration and shared learning are essential. He said “Unchained Summit plays a key role in bringing the community closer and creating the connections that push the industry forward.”

Nic Puckrin, CEO of Coin Bureau, added: “Happy to be speaking at Unchained Summit in Dubai and to share a clear view on where the crypto markets may be heading next. The industry is moving through a defining period, and informed analysis matters more than ever.”

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, said: “Following the success of our first edition, Unchained Summit returns at a time when the UAE has become a place where globally significant developments can be executed, not just discussed. The Summit is built to help companies, investors, and enterprises engage with intent, close meaningful partnerships, and drive real outcomes”.

Tickets are available on the official website: https://unchainedsummit.com/dubai 

About Aeternum Consulting Ltd:

Aeternum organizes business-to-business events in the emerging tech space, provides strategic consulting, and tailored services to a diverse range of clients, from corporations to governments and startups to individuals. Aeternum specializes in crafting impactful B2B platforms that foster meaningful connections, drive business growth, and facilitate knowledge sharing through conferences, exhibitions, and bespoke networking opportunities.

For more information visit: aeternuminc.com

For further details about the announcement, please contact:

Maya K V

media@aeternuminc.com | +971 55 243 1191

Partnerships Associate, Aeternum

Disclaimer: The content within the Sponsored Insights and Press Release category has been provided by our partners and sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our website. While our team takes care to share valuable and reliable content, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims made in these sponsored articles and Press Releases. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided in Sponsored Insights.

The post Unchained Summit Announces Dubai Edition Scheduled for 1st & 2nd May 2026 first appeared on Coinfea.

The Bitcoin network mining sector experienced the first difficulty adjustment of 2026. This adjustment was observed after the sector announced a slight ease of mining difficulty to a record of 146.4 trillion on Thursday, January 8.

During this incident, CoinWarz, a long-standing crypto platform (since 2013) offering essential tools for miners, shared its prediction, urging miners to expect the next adjustment to take place on January 22, 2026, at 04:08:12 AM UTC. However, different from the recent adjustment, this forecasted one is anticipated to raise Bitcoin mining difficulty from a record of 146.47 trillion to 148.20 trillion.

Bitcoin mining difficulty slows after 2025 jump

In attempts to explain the rise, analysts conducted research and discovered that the average block times were recorded at 9.88 minutes, slightly below the set target of 10 minutes. With this finding, they asserted that the next adjustment could lead to a surge in difficulty, aligning more closely with the target time.

Reports in 2025 showed that the Bitcoin mining difficulty skyrocketed to new all-time highs, with a slight increase experienced in the last adjustment of that year. Interestingly, even after this increase was recognized, sources claimed that the difficulty record remained below November’s peak of 155.9 trillion.

At this particular moment, analysts have admitted that Bitcoin miners face significant hardship in generating profits, as margins have greatly shrunk due to the halving event that occurred in April 2024. If block rewards were reduced by half, several key economic factors would be affected.

Later, miners and mining firms reported facing increased pressure from the crypto market decline that began in November. This stress arose when miner hash price drastically decreased below the expected level essential to break even. This price illustrated the anticipated yields for each computing power unit utilized to mine blocks effectively.

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the miner hash price is the expected daily revenue generated per unit of computational power (hashrate), usually measured in dollars per terahash per second per day ($/TH/s/day). Considering the increased uncertainties in the Bitcoin mining sector, miners are considering whether to continue with their operations or halt them.

The post Bitcoin mining difficulty plunges in first 2026 adjustment first appeared on Coinfea.

United States consumers admitted that price pressures have significantly dropped after observing that inflation levels slightly increased as the final days of 2025 unfolded.

As a result, several analysts predicted that the core consumer price index would soar by 2.7% in December compared to 2024. Regarding the analyst’s prediction, sources claimed that this forecast was slightly above the 2.6% annual surge recorded in November. Nonetheless, reports declared that this record demonstrated the slightest rise since early 2021.

United States sees rise in inflation numbers as December report sparks hope

Earlier, analysts had anticipated that overall and core prices would increase by 0.3% monthly. Unfortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a statement informing individuals that it was unable to publish the month-to-month amendments to the last Consumer Price Index report due to the recent government shutdown.

Following this announcement, analysts noted that the November report showed a decline in the inflation rate. Additionally, due to the struggles the agency encountered while gathering price data in October, this report anticipated that key rent indexes would remain stable in that month. Consequently, this situation challenged figures recorded in November.

However, even with this scenario, optimism was sparked once again in the ecosystem after sources pointed out that the December report could shift this trend to a more positive outlook. Notably, this report is scheduled to be made public on Tuesday, 13 January. At this point, the reason why the Federal Reserve officials looked forward to maintaining interest rates unchanged for the time being was clear.

These reasons included insufficiently clear inflation readings and signs of stabilization in the US job market after reports about weak wages were leaked, according to an analysis conducted by analysts. “We believe the CPI report will create some misleading stories. We anticipate that the December data will be high, largely due to the correction of some of the downward trends seen in November’s data. Some analysts might interpret this high reading as a sign that inflation is coming back, but we think that’s not correct,” they said.

They also acknowledged that the November report exaggerated the downturn in inflation, possibly by about 20 basis points, but still expressed the belief that several retailers have been reducing prices and that tariff effects have reached their peak, with several products already at their highest levels.

The post United States core inflation numbers hit 2.7% first appeared on Coinfea.

Apple has seen its stock extend its losing streak to eight straight trading sessions, though financial experts at Evercore ISI think the tech giant could turn things around when it posts quarterly results later this month.

Shares dropped 0.8% on Friday to close at $257.07. The performance represents the eighth day in a row of losses dating back to December 30. The decline isn’t huge, with shares just down 6.1% over that time, but it is unusual for the iPhone maker to see this kind of extended slide. The run matches Apple’s longest run of losses since a similar eight-day drop in May, according to Dow Jones Market Data. If shares fall again on Monday, it would be the longest losing streak since 1991.

Apple stock posts longest losing streak in decades

Despite the performance, analysts at Evercore ISI are keeping a positive outlook. The firm stuck with its Outperform rating on Friday and bumped its price target up to $330 from $325. The move comes ahead of Apple’s earnings report on January 29, with analysts expecting solid revenue and profit numbers for the quarter that wrapped up in December.

“Our checks coupled with industry data points suggest that there is near-term upside to AAPL estimates driven by robust iPhone demand + minimal memory cost headwind,” wrote analysts led by Amit Daryanani in their research note. Apple had told investors to expect revenue growth of 10% to 12% last quarter. That would mark the first time the company posted double-digit growth since fiscal 2022.

Evercore thinks Apple likely did even better than those projections, pointing to strong iPhone sales in North America, China, and India. Europe showed some weakness, according to the firm. Rising memory chip costs are another thing to watch. Research from Counterpoint suggests memory prices could surge 40% to 50% in the current quarter because of tight supply and strong demand.

But Daryanani noted that Apple looks protected from the worst price hikes for its December and March quarters. The company has long-term deals with suppliers and might be able to make some components in-house to help margins. Evercore keeps Apple listed as a “top pick” heading into next week’s earnings. However, not everyone is optimistic.

Mizuho Securities put out a separate note Friday forecasting an 8% drop in iPhone sales for 2026. The firm pointed to a stagnant smartphone market overall and consumers becoming more price-conscious as potential headwinds for Apple going forward.

The post Apple stock extends losing streak to eight days first appeared on Coinfea.

Authorities in France have released a Russian national accused by the United States of participating in hacking attacks on companies for ransom in cryptocurrency.

The man has been exchanged for a French citizen held in Russian custody, instead of being handed over to the U.S. The swap has been compared to the Griner case. Daniil Kasatkin, a basketball player from Russia who was arrested in Paris last summer, has been set free and allowed to fly back to his home country. “Kasatkin was released from prison last night. He was put on a plane and has already landed in Moscow,” his lawyer, Frederic Belot, said.

France frees hacker wanted in the United States

Belot noted that a French court had approved the athlete’s extradition to the United States, but Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu did not sign the respective order. Kasatkin was detained at the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle airport on June 21, 2025, at the request of the American government.

US authorities allege his involvement in cybercrime, more specifically, in the activities of a hacker group that encrypted company data and demanded cryptocurrency for ransom. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes the hits were carried out using his laptop or IP addresses linked to him while he was in the country.

Investigators in Washington claim Kasatkin participated in a conspiracy to commit computer fraud, money laundering, and cyberattacks. Between 2020 and 2022, Daniil played two seasons in the US college leagues, the online news portal Gazeta.ru recalled, noting that the crimes were committed later, after the Russian had sold his computer to a roommate.

Daniil Kasatkin’s extradition to the United States was approved on October 29. If the executive power in France had followed the French court’s ruling to grant the American request, he would have faced up to 25 years in prison on the said charges. The Russian basketball player maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Kasatkin was released as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia

Following his arrest, Frédéric Belot and his Russian colleague, Vladimir Sarukhanov, filed motions for bail or judicial supervision that were denied.During the first court hearing, in early September, the Russian declared he did not consent to the extradition and intended to defend himself in France, where he expected a more “objective” judicial treatment.

According to his lawyers, prosecutors did not present any direct evidence against their client, while U.S. law enforcement failed to submit the required documents in full within the 60 days prescribed by French law. The extradition was nevertheless approved. However, Lecornu’s decision not to sign under the ruling ensured a different outcome for Kasatkin. And it did not come completely out of the blue.

It turns out, the Russian has been freed as a result of a prisoner swap agreed with Moscow. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) provided the details. “Kasatkin was exchanged for French citizen Vinatier, Laurent Claude Jean-Louis, who, as an employee of the Swiss non-governmental organization Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, collected military and military-technical information,” the agency said.

The post France frees alleged Russian hacker wanted by the United States first appeared on Coinfea.

XRP Price Forecast: Whale Accumulation of 325 Million Signals Bullish Sentiment as Investors Earn $18,700 a Day in Passive Income Through NAP Hash Cloud MiningRecent on-chain data shows a rise in XRP whale activity, with large holders stepping up accumulation during recent price pullbacks. This increase in high-value transactions—now near a three-month high—suggests that key market participants remain confident in XRP’s near- to mid-term upside, drawing renewed attention to its price outlook.

At the same time, XRP’s price swings have grown more pronounced since December, prompting some holders to rethink strategies that rely solely on market timing. While maintaining long-term exposure to XRP, a number of investors are adding cloud mining to their portfolios to generate daily cash flow and reduce income volatility. Through platforms such as NAP Hash, some participants are earning relatively stable daily returns—often around $18,700—without exiting the market, helping offset uncertainty across market cycles.

Why NAP Hash Stands Out in Cloud Mining

As competition in the cloud mining market continues to intensify, NAP Hash has built a clear and durable edge through sustained investment in compliance, transparency, and high operational standards. Registered in the United Kingdom, the company operates within a defined regulatory framework and relies on structured, standardized processes to strengthen long-term user trust.

From an operational standpoint, NAP Hash uses a fully cloud-based architecture that removes the need for users to purchase, deploy, or maintain mining hardware, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. The platform integrates data center resources across multiple continents and supports its computing power with clean energy sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar. At the same time, intelligent computing power allocation combined with a MiCA-aligned compliance structure helps improve system stability and overall efficiency.

On the product side, NAP Hash offers short-term mining plans ranging from one to three days, giving users greater flexibility and liquidity in capital management and asset allocation. In addition, new users can access trial mining power valued between $15 and $100, allowing them to observe real settlement performance without upfront investment and reducing decision-making friction.

By continuously improving energy efficiency and effectively controlling power costs, NAP Hash delivers a more competitive net return profile for users and further strengthens its position in the cloud mining sector.Cloud Mining Offers a Path to Sustainable Growth in Volatile Markets

Speaking at a recent Pantera blockchain summit, the CEO of NAP Hash said that the core of crypto asset management is not repeatedly betting on short-term price peaks, but building a system that can operate consistently and accumulate value across different market cycles. Compared with trying to time market turning points, cloud mining—focused on structured, incremental growth—offers a more practical way to navigate long-term market uncertainty.How to Get Started with NAP Hash in Three Simple Steps

Step 1: Create Your AccountSetting up a NAP Hash account takes less than 30 seconds, and new users instantly receive a starter reward.

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Mining Contract

The platform offers a range of budget-friendly plans suitable for beginners and experienced investors alike. Each contract provides fixed returns with daily payouts, giving users a clear and predictable earning experience.Popular Contract Earnings Examples

Mining Machine Model Contract Price Duration (Days) Daily Earnings Principal + Total Returns BTC Miner A1366L $100 2 Days $3 $100 + $6 BTC Miner A1346 $500 6 Days $6 $500 + 36$ GODE Miner DogeII $2500 20 Days $36 $2500 + 725$ BTC Miner M60S++ $8000 30 Days $130 $8000 + 3888$ LTC Miner ANTRACK V1 $10000 35 Days $172 $10000 + 6020$

Please visit the official NAP Hash website to view more contract options.Step 3: Collect Your Daily Earnings

Mining rewards are credited to your account automatically every day. You can withdraw your earnings at any time or reinvest them to build stronger long-term returns.Conclusion

As prices of major cryptocurrencies continue to swing and market uncertainty remains elevated, more investors are focusing on how to maintain steady returns while managing risk. Against this backdrop, NAP Hash offers an alternative to short-term trading through a low barrier to entry, a sustainable green computing infrastructure, and highly automated settlement processes.

As capital gradually flows into cloud mining, platforms built on regulatory compliance, transparent operations, and strong energy efficiency are increasingly positioned to serve as a stable source of supplemental returns. In volatile market conditions, these models offer investors a greater degree of predictability and financial continuity across market cycles.For more information about NAP Hash, please visit https://naphash.com/ or contact us by email at info@naphash.com

Disclaimer: The content within the Sponsored Insights and Press Release category has been provided by our partners and sponsors. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our website. While our team takes care to share valuable and reliable content, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims made in these sponsored articles and Press Releases. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided in Sponsored Insights.

The post XRP Price Forecast: Whale Accumulation of 325 Million Signals Bullish Sentiment as Investors Earn $18,700 a Day in Passive Income Through NAP Hash Cloud Mining first appeared on Coinfea.

Stablecoin cards are emerging as a defining force in crypto payments in 2026, according to Dragonfly Management. 

Stablecoin cards are gaining traction as volumes rise, funding grows, and regulation improves worldwide.

A senior Dragonfly executive said these cards are spreading fast across regions. He linked the trend to deeper crypto integration within everyday payment systems.

Stablecoin transaction growth supports card expansion

Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly, shared his view on X. He said stablecoin-powered cards are growing rapidly across global markets.

The comments followed new data showing sharp growth in stablecoin activity. Transaction volumes climbed 72% to $33 trillion, based on Artemis Analytics figures.

Policy support in the United States has helped drive this growth. President Donald Trump has maintained a pro-crypto stance that encouraged adoption.

Qureshi argued that stablecoins now play a growing role in global payment flows. He said users increasingly interact with crypto without realizing it.

Rain funding highlights rising investor confidence

Qureshi highlighted Rain as a fast-growing fintech firm. His remarks followed Rain’s $250 million funding round, which valued the company at $1.95 billion.

Dragonfly joined the round alongside ICONIQ, Sapphire Ventures, Bessemer, Lightspeed, and Galaxy Ventures. The investment reflects strong confidence in stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Rain enables partners to issue stablecoin-backed cards on the Visa network. Users can spend, withdraw cash, and access basic banking services.

The cards are accepted in more than 150 countries. They support stablecoins like USDT and USDC across multiple blockchains.

Rain’s services target regions with unstable local currencies. Users can transact in dollars with minimal friction.

Qureshi said many users focus on usability, not the underlying technology. He noted that payments work seamlessly across borders.

Rain CEO Farooq Malik said the funding supports regulatory engagement. The firm plans to expand across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Debate continues over incentives and regulation

Despite strong growth, some analysts remain cautious. Sheel Mohnot of Better Tomorrow Ventures questioned long-term adoption.

He argued stablecoin payments lack exclusivity and strong consumer incentives. He said existing card systems already meet most needs in developed markets.

Other investors disagree with this view. Pantera Capital’s Mason Nystrom said stablecoins offer faster payouts and better merchant protections.

Regulatory momentum is also building. The US passed the GENIUS Act, which clarified stablecoin rules.

Canada and the UK are advancing similar frameworks. Institutional interest is also rising.

Western Union plans a stablecoin settlement system on Solana. It also plans a stablecoin card for emerging markets in early 2026.

Stablecoin cards continue to attract capital, users, and regulatory attention. Supporters see them reshaping payments, while critics question incentives. The trend remains one of the most-watched themes in crypto for 2026.

The post Stablecoin cards set to define global crypto payments in 2026 first appeared on Coinfea.

Microsoft is introducing a shopping experience within Copilot that uses Stripe to enable users to make purchases within a chat. 

The option allows U.S. consumers to browse and order products without leaving Copilot, which is a move towards AI-based commerce.

Microsoft established that a brand like Etsy and Urban Outfitters will have a built-in checkout flow available to users of Copilot. Its experience is based on the payment infrastructure of Stripe to ensure that transactions are secure and smooth.

Microsoft and Stripe enable chat checkout

Microsoft is introducing a shopping experience within Copilot with Stripe, with a native checkout experience integrated into conversations. A Stripe-powered checkout will be displayed in Copilot when a purchase intent is triggered through a chat.

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Stripe claimed that the payment flow is supposed to seem natural and safe. The payment information is entered by the users within the chat itself, without being taken to other websites. Microsoft is using Stripe as a direct payment processor.

It will be based on the Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open AI-driven transaction protocol by Stripe. Once payment details are typed in, Stripe then issues a Shared Payment Token. This enables the payments without having to expose buyer credentials.

Stripe clarified that merchants are the merchant of record and still have access to their customer data. Kevin Miller, the leader of payments at Stripe, explained that AI-based commerce needs new infrastructure, and Stripe is developing it with Microsoft.

Agentic Commerce Protocol supports merchant control

Microsoft is releasing a shopping experience within Copilot, which is a Stripe-based shopping experience, based on the Agentic Commerce Suite. Through the suite, businesses can make their products discoverable by AI agents on platforms.

Stripe stated that the suite enables merchants to handle the checkout, fraud detection, and payments on a single integration. This practice saves on the time spent onboarding and eases operations.

Nayna Sheth, Head of Product in Agentic Payments at Microsoft, stated that the partnership is aimed at a reliable infrastructure that is developed at a rapid rate. She mentioned that it is the aim of seamless discovery and buying in Copilot.

The Agentic Commerce Protocol provides data security for the sensitive buyer information. Shared Payment Tokens enable transactions without allowing direct access to payment credentials.

PayPal and Shopify expand Copilot Commerce

Microsoft is releasing a shopping experience within Copilot that is powered by Stripe, as well as PayPal integration. PayPal accepts merchant inventory, branded checkouts, guest checkouts, and payments with cards.

Michelle Gill, PayPal GM small business and financial services, remarked that the teamwork helps in secure trade between buyers and sellers. She observed that the PayPal agentic commerce tools can supplement the shopping features of Copilot.

Copilot will also bring on board Brand Agents for merchants using Shopify. These agents acquire product catalogs and brand instructions. They assist in providing finer questions about the products and in facilitating brand-based discussions.

It was launched after Stripe had worked on ChatGPT Instant Checkout, which is also based on Agentic Commerce Protocol. Last year, Stripe announced that users in the U.S. started buying the products of Etsy sellers and Shopify store merchants via AI applications.

Will Gaybrick, the Stripe President of Technology and Business, stated that the firm was developing the economic paradigm of AI commerce. The Copilot launch by Microsoft is part of a larger trend in agent-scale transactions.

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