CryptonewsCom

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has declared 2026 the year Ethereum reclaims lost ground on self-sovereignty and trustlessness, calling for an end to every compromise the network has made in pursuit of mainstream adoption.

In a lengthy post on X on Friday, Buterin outlined sweeping technical and philosophical shifts aimed at reversing a decade of centralization drift across nodes, wallets, applications, and block building.

“2026 is the year that we take back lost ground in terms of self-sovereignty and trustlessness,” Buterin wrote.

The manifesto indicates Ethereum’s sharpest pivot yet away from convenience-driven design choices that diluted core values, framing the moment as existential for the network’s long-term legitimacy and expanded role in global infrastructure.

2026 is the year that we take back lost ground in terms of self-sovereignty and trustlessness.

Some of what this practically means:

Full nodes: thanks to ZK-EVM and BAL, it will once again become easier to locally run a node and verify the Ethereum chain on your own computer.…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 16, 2026

Technical Roadmap Targets Node Accessibility and Privacy Infrastructure

Buterin’s plan centers on making full node operation practical again through zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines and Block Access Limits, reversing years of rising hardware requirements that pushed verification off personal computers.

“Full nodes: thanks to ZK-EVM and BAL, it will once again become easier to locally run a node and verify the Ethereum chain on your own computer,” he stated.

The roadmap also prioritizes Helios to “actually verify the data you’re receiving from RPCs instead of blindly trusting it,” alongside oblivious RAM and private information retrieval protocols enabling users to “ask for data from RPCs without revealing which data you’re asking, so you can access dapps without your access patterns being sold off to dozens of third parties all around the world.“

Social recovery wallets with timelocks will provide “wallets that don’t make you lose all your money if you misplace your seedphrase, or if an online or offline attacker extracts your seedphrase, and also don’t make all your money backdoored by Google.”

Privacy features will integrate directly into wallet interfaces to “make private payments from your wallet, with the same user experience as making public payments.“

Application interfaces will shift toward onchain hosting via IPFS to avoid “relying on trusted servers that would lock you our of practical recovery of your assets if they went offline, and would give you a hijacked UI that steals your funds if they get hacked for even a millisecond.”

Buterin warned that “over the last ten years we have seen serious backsliding in Ethereum,” with nodes going “from easy to run to hard to run” and dapps shifting “from static pages to complicated behemoths that leak all your data to a dozen servers.“

Long-Term Vision Beyond Immediate Protocol Upgrades

Buterin acknowledged the transformation will not arrive quickly but emphasized its necessity.

“Every compromise of values that Ethereum has made up to this point – every moment where you might have been thinking, is it really worth diluting ourselves so much in the name of mainstream adoption – we are making that compromise no longer,” he declared.

“It will be a long road. We will not get everything we want in the next Kohaku release, or the next hard fork, or the hard fork after that. But it will make Ethereum into an ecosystem that deserves not only its current place in the universe, but a much greater one,” Buterin wrote.

He concluded that “In the world computer, there is no centralized overlord. There is no single point of failure. There is only love.“

Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum solved blockchain's trilemma with ZKEVMs and PeerDAS technology now running on mainnet after decade-long development.#Ethereum #Buterinhttps://t.co/cUzlhhO6Xr

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 4, 2026

The manifesto comes as Ethereum achieves breakthroughs on the blockchain trilemma through ZKEVMs and PeerDAS technology.

The network has activated its second Blob Parameter-Only hard fork, raising the blob limit from 15 to 21 and expanding data capacity to support rollup scaling while maintaining low base-layer fees.

Network growth has also accelerated sharply, with new active addresses climbing from just over 4 million to around 8 million in the past month and daily transactions hitting a record 2.8 million, roughly 125% higher than year-earlier levels.

Glassnode data shows that month-over-month activity retention has nearly doubled in the newest user cohort, indicating that new participants are staying engaged rather than churning after initial interactions.

The post “No Longer”: Vitalik Buterin Demands End to Ethereum’s Value Compromises appeared first on Cryptonews.

Federal prosecutors have charged a Venezuelan national with laundering approximately one billion dollars through crypto wallets and shell companies in what officials describe as one of the largest money-laundering operations prosecuted by the Justice Department.

Jorge Figueira, 59, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to launder money, with authorities alleging his network processed illicit funds across multiple continents while deliberately concealing transactions from law enforcement.

The complaint filed in Virginia’s Eastern District accuses Figueira of directing a sophisticated laundering apparatus that converted cash into cryptocurrency, routed digital assets through multiple wallets, then exchanged them back into dollars before transferring proceeds to intended recipients in high-risk jurisdictions, including Colombia, China, Panama, and Mexico.

Prosecutors say more than one billion dollars moved through identified crypto wallets and financial accounts between 2018 and the present, with the majority of inbound funds originating from crypto trading platforms.

The U.S. DOJ charged Venezuelan national Jorge Figueira with conspiring to launder around $1 billion in illicit funds through bank accounts, crypto exchanges, and private wallets. The probe, supported by the FBI, alleges extensive crypto-based transfers to conceal fund origins.…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 16, 2026

Billion-Dollar Network Operated Through Multiple Jurisdictions

Court documents reveal that Figueira allegedly enlisted subordinates to execute hundreds of transfers designed to obscure the origins and destinations of funds.

The operation relied on various bank accounts, crypto exchange accounts, private digital wallets, and shell companies to move voluminous amounts of illicit money into and out of the United States, according to federal investigators.

FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis said the bureau identified approximately $1 billion in crypto passing through wallets used by Figueira’s laundering operation.

The network allegedly served individuals and businesses worldwide while conducting scores of transfers intended to conceal the nature of funds and potentially facilitate criminal activity across numerous countries.

U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan emphasized the scale of alleged criminal conduct, stating that “money laundering at this level enables transnational criminal organizations to operate, expand, and inflict real-world harm.”

“Those who move illicit funds in the billions should expect to be identified, disrupted, and held fully accountable under federal law,” she warned.

Federal Crackdown Extends Across Multiple Crypto Crime Networks

The charges against Figueira arrive amid intensified federal enforcement targeting crypto-related money laundering nationwide.

In fact, earlier this week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg urged New York lawmakers to criminalize unlicensed crypto operations he characterized as a “$51 billion criminal economy.“

Federal data shows the scope of crypto-enabled crime, with the FBI reporting nearly 11,000 crypto ATM-related complaints in 2024 totaling more than $246 million.

Separately, blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis found that illicit crypto addresses received a record $154 billion in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years.

Source: Chainalysis

Recent prosecutions have targeted operations across the criminal spectrum.

On Thursday, Utah resident Brian Garry Sewell was sentenced to three years in prison for running a $2.9 million fraud scheme while simultaneously operating an unlicensed cash-to-crypto business that converted more than $5.4 million in bulk cash.

Last month, prosecutors charged another 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, Ronald Spektor, with stealing roughly $16 million from approximately 100 Coinbase users through alleged phishing schemes that relied on panic tactics rather than technical hacks.

With all these massive seizures that keep growing, the government has moved to establish the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, formalizing the retention of seized crypto rather than auctioning it.

This was one of the first things Donald Trump did when he took office, even signing an executive order to support it.

Recently, things took a different turn when it was discovered that the U.S. Department of Justice appears to have sold 57 Bitcoin forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers.

A White House crypto advisor said the US government has not sold any Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai Wallet case.#DOJ #Bitcoinhttps://t.co/pfX7fkilo8

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 17, 2026

However, White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt confirmed yesterday, Friday, that the Bitcoin forfeited in the case has not been liquidated and will remain part of the reserve per executive order, with current federal holdings estimated at 328,372 BTC valued at over $31 billion.

For now, a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Figueira is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Rosenberg is prosecuting the case, with sentencing guidelines and statutory factors to be considered if a conviction occurs.

The post Venezuelan Man Faces 20 Years for Alleged $1B Crypto Money Laundering Scheme appeared first on Cryptonews.

Ethereum (ETH) is trading above $3,305, showing signs of recovery after a prolonged bearish stretch. The rebound is supported by improving sentiment, driven in part by founder Vitalik Buterin’s 2026 roadmap, which emphasizes decentralization, privacy, and user control.

His vision reassures investors that Ethereum’s long‑term development remains strong, even as short‑term volatility persists.

Buterin’s Roadmap Builds Confidence

Buterin’s plan focuses on making Ethereum safer and easier to use without reliance on large corporations. Innovations like ZK‑EVM and BAL aim to simplify network participation, while privacy tools such as Helios, ORAM, and PIR are designed to protect user data. Wallet upgrades will reduce risks of fund loss and dependency on third‑party providers.

ETHEREUM $ETH CO-FOUNDER VITALIK BUTERIN: "2026 IS THE YEAR WE TAKE BACK LOST GROUND IN SELF-SOVEREIGNTY AND TRUSTLESSNESS." pic.twitter.com/u6jQA2BKmL

— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) January 17, 2026

His acknowledgment of past challenges—complex apps, privacy gaps, and concentrated control—adds credibility. By addressing these issues, Buterin strengthens confidence in Ethereum’s decentralization, which could attract new investors and sustain demand.

ZK‑EVM and BAL simplify network use

Helios, ORAM, PIR enhance privacy

Wallet upgrades improve security

Institutional Demand Fuels Growth

Institutional appetite for ETH is rising. Spot ETFs in the U.S. recorded $474.6 million in weekly inflows, outpacing new supply. This imbalance reduces available ETH on exchanges, supporting upward price pressure.

$ETH ETFs are back in demand

Spot #Ethereum ETFs just closed five straight days of inflows, pulling in $479M over the week.

That’s the first fully positive week since early October, when inflows hit $1.3B. pic.twitter.com/Gvshb78BD2

— Crypto Admiral (@Crypto_admiral1) January 17, 2026

At the same time, Ethereum’s network activity is surging, with active addresses up 53% and daily transactions reaching 2.9 million.

Ethereum Technical Outlook: Breakout Potential

On the 4‑hour chart, Ethereum price prediction is bullish as ETH trades near $3,312, holding above the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement at $3,274. Resistance levels sit at $3,347 and $3,405, with a bullish engulfing candle near $3,193 reinforcing momentum. RSI readings around 57 suggest room for further upside.

If ETH breaks above $3,347 with volume confirmation, it could target $3,405 and extend toward $3,500. A pullback toward $3,274–$3,233 remains possible, but strong ETF demand and Buterin’s roadmap provide a supportive backdrop.

With sentiment stabilizing and technicals aligning, Ethereum appears poised for a breakout, offering traders and presale participants a compelling setup heading into Q1 2026.

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 $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 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

The post Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Above $3,312 as ETFs Add $474M and Buterin’s Roadmap Inspires appeared first on Cryptonews.

XRP is trading around $2.0725, stabilizing after dipping to an intraday low of $2.02. Despite short‑term weakness, Ripple’s token is showing resilience at the $2.0702 support zone, where buyers have stepped in to defend key levels.

This stabilization comes as traders weigh both technical signals and broader sentiment across the crypto market.

Golden Cross Sparks Bullish Momentum

XRP formed its first golden cross of 2026, a bullish technical event where the 23‑day moving average crossed above the 50‑day moving average. Historically, this pattern signals a shift toward upward momentum.

XRP/USD Golden Cross – Source: Tradingview

As long as XRP holds above the $2.02–$2.03 support band, the bullish setup remains intact. Traders are now watching the $2.28–$2.35 resistance zone, where the 200‑day EMA sits as a major hurdle.

Current price: $2.0725

Key support: $2.02–$2.07

Resistance levels: $2.28–$2.35, $2.70

RSI: 47.92, showing early bullish divergence

XRP Price Forecast: Support Holds at $2.07 as Triangle Pattern Signals Breakout

The 4‑hour chart reveals a descending triangle pattern, typically bearish, but recent price action suggests a potential bullish divergence.

RSI has crossed above its moving average, hinting at building momentum. A bullish engulfing candle near $2.0415 adds weight to the case for upside.

If XRP breaks above $2.1126 with volume confirmation, targets include $2.1837 and $2.2721, with a move beyond $2.2726 opening the door to a retest of the $2.30–$2.35 range.

XRP/USD Price Outlook for Traders

Despite volatility, XRP’s golden cross and triangle setup provide a clear roadmap. A daily close above $2.10 could accelerate gains toward $2.35, while holding above support strengthens the case for a rally toward $2.70.

With crypto sentiment stabilizing, XRP offers a compelling opportunity for traders and presale participants seeking momentum in early 2026.

XRP/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

XRP price prediction is likely to be bullish if it breaks above $2.1126 with volume confirmation, it could target the 0.382 retracement at $2.1837, followed by the 0.236 level at $2.2721. A move beyond $2.2726 would invalidate the triangle’s bearish bias and open the door to a retest of the $2.30–$2.35 range.

Traders should watch for a clean breakout above the triangle’s upper trendline and monitor RSI for continued divergence. With broader crypto sentiment stabilizing and XRP showing technical resilience, this setup could offer a compelling entry for presale participants looking to ride momentum toward higher levels in Q1 2026.

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 $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 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

The post XRP Price Prediction: Golden Cross at $2.07 Signals Breakout Toward $2.35 Resistance appeared first on Cryptonews.

Newrez is set to begin counting certain cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a policy shift that could expand access to home loans for borrowers with digital assets.

Key Takeaways:

Newrez will begin counting certain crypto holdings as qualifying assets for mortgages starting in February.

Borrowers will be able to use Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins without selling them, subject to risk adjustments.

The move targets younger buyers and aligns with ongoing US policy discussions on crypto in mortgage underwriting.

The change is expected to take effect in February and will apply across the lender’s non-agency products, including home purchases, refinancings and investment properties.

Newrez to Count Bitcoin, Ether and Stablecoins as Mortgage Assets

Under the new approach, Newrez will allow eligible crypto holdings to be considered alongside traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, removing a long-standing requirement for borrowers to liquidate their digital assets before applying.

At launch, the lender said it will recognize Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds backed by those assets, and U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins.

The assets must be held with US-regulated crypto exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks.

Newrez said crypto valuations used in underwriting may be adjusted to reflect market volatility, while borrowers will still need to cover closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars.

The lender emphasized that the policy is designed to integrate crypto within existing risk controls rather than overhaul its underwriting standards.

Chief commercial officer Leslie Gillin said the decision reflects changing investor behavior, particularly among younger buyers.

JUST IN: Major US lender Newrez to recognise crypto for mortgage qualification.

Bitcoin is the new collateral pic.twitter.com/1GEyMzHuoT

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 16, 2026

About 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrency, Gillin said, adding that recognizing digital assets could help broaden access to homeownership for groups that have struggled to enter the housing market.

Newrez’s move comes as US policymakers continue to debate how cryptocurrencies should factor into mortgage risk assessments.

In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to study how crypto assets could be considered in single-family mortgage underwriting without first being converted into dollars.

Shortly afterward, Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would codify that directive into law.

Lummis argued that housing affordability challenges are increasingly affecting younger Americans, many of whom hold a significant share of their savings in digital assets.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where it has yet to advance.

Interactive Brokers Enables 24/7 Account Funding With Stablecoins

Interactive Brokers has expanded its crypto services by allowing clients to fund brokerage accounts with stablecoins that are automatically converted into US dollars.

The new feature enables 24/7 deposits using USDC across multiple blockchain networks through a partnership with zerohash, removing delays tied to traditional wire transfers.

Once received, stablecoins are converted into dollars and credited directly to client accounts, letting investors begin trading within minutes.

Interactive Brokers said support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD will launch next week, building on USDC funding that was first introduced for retail clients in December.

The brokerage said the move addresses a key friction point for global investors, as wire transfers can be slow and costly.

The post Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin (BTC) is steady near $95,000, with traders weighing fresh catalysts shaping its outlook. Belgium’s KBC Bank has opened regulated crypto trading, Iran’s ecosystem surged past $7.8 billion amid unrest, and a Jefferies strategist warns of quantum computing risks. Together, these developments highlight Bitcoin’s dual role as a growth asset and hedge, while technical charts point toward a possible breakout.

Belgium Bank Opens Crypto Trading

Belgium’s KBC Bank will allow customers to trade Bitcoin and Ether starting February 16 through its Bolero platform. The move coincides with the full rollout of the Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework, which went live in January 2026. KBC says it’s the first Belgian bank to offer crypto trading directly under its own custodial system, giving retail investors a regulated and secure entry point.

LATEST: KBC Bank will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on Feb. 16 via its Bolero platform, becoming Belgium's first bank to offer crypto within a regulated framework. pic.twitter.com/EgmCiR9cWF

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026

Although no Belgian MiCA licenses are yet listed on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, KBC insists it has complied with MiCA rules and notified the National Bank of Belgium. The launch underscores growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin in Europe, even as regulatory details remain in flux.

Iran’s $7.8B Crypto Surge

Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded to $7.78 billion in 2025, with activity peaking during nationwide protests and economic unrest. As the rial collapsed and internet blackouts spread, citizens turned to Bitcoin as a store of value and financial lifeline. Daily withdrawals from exchanges surged, highlighting crypto’s role in bypassing traditional banking restrictions.

ICYMI: Iran sees a $7.8B surge in crypto activity amid unrest, inflation, and internet shutdowns.

Sanctions pressure is pushing both users and state-linked actors toward crypto. pic.twitter.com/yocdxQTM4j

— The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) January 16, 2026

Chainalysis data shows more than half of late‑2025 inflows were linked to addresses associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), underscoring crypto’s dual use by both citizens and state‑affiliated entities. Despite volatility, Bitcoin’s demand in Iran illustrates its appeal as a hedge during instability.

Quantum Risk Debate

Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently cut Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing concerns that advances in quantum computing could eventually compromise cryptographic security. He replaced a 10% Bitcoin allocation with physical gold and mining equities.

Jefferies' Greed & Fear removes Bitcoin allocation over quantum computing concerns, allocates to gold and silver

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/buN5cB6jvP#Bitcoin #Jefferies #Gold #Silver pic.twitter.com/qC8eY4uXxd

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 16, 2026

Bitcoin developers disagree, arguing that quantum threats are decades away. Blockstream CEO Adam Back estimates 20–40 years before such machines pose real risks, leaving ample time to adopt quantum‑resistant cryptography.

While Wood’s remarks may weigh on sentiment short‑term, ongoing research could strengthen Bitcoin’s resilience in the long run.

Will Bitcoin Break $100K? BTC Chart Shows Bullish Flag and EMA Support Near $95K

Bitcoin price prediction remains neutral as BTC is trading near $95,188, holding firm above the $95,150 support zone. The 4‑hour chart shows a clear ascending structure with higher lows and a potential bullish flag formation just below $97,700 resistance. A breakout above this level could open the path toward $99,000 and the psychological $100,500 barrier.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

BTC remains above short‑, medium‑, and long‑term EMAs, all sloping upward, signaling sustained momentum. RSI readings at 57.94 and 53.56 are neutral but lean bullish, leaving room for continuation. Candlestick action adds weight to this view, with a recent bullish engulfing pattern near $93,000 and small‑bodied candles suggesting consolidation before another push higher.

Candlestick behavior supports this view. Recent formations include a bullish engulfing pattern near the $93,000 level and a series of small-bodied candles, potentially signaling a pause before continuation. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks above $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may consider long setups targeting $99,000 and $100,500, with stop-losses below $93,000.

If price holds above $95,150 and breaks $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may eye long setups targeting $99,000–$100,500, with stops below $93,000. With sentiment stabilizing and adoption expanding, Bitcoin looks poised for a fresh bullish leg.

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 $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 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

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate appeared first on Cryptonews.

Anchorage Digital is preparing a major capital raise as it positions itself for a potential public listing, signaling renewed momentum for crypto firms looking to tap public markets.

Key Takeaways:

Anchorage Digital is seeking $200 million to $400 million in funding as it prepares for a potential IPO next year.

Its federally chartered crypto bank status positions the firm to benefit from new U.S. stablecoin and digital asset rules.

Anchorage is expanding stablecoin, custody and wealth management services as institutional demand grows.

The company is seeking between $200 million and $400 million in fresh funding, with an initial public offering under consideration for sometime next year, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

Anchorage’s Federal Bank Charter Gives It an Edge

Anchorage’s growing ambitions are tied closely to its regulatory standing. Its affiliate, Anchorage Digital Bank National Association, became the first federally chartered crypto bank in the United States in 2021.

That status has increasingly set Anchorage apart from rivals, particularly as Washington moves to formalize rules around stablecoins and digital asset infrastructure.

Following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July, Anchorage is positioning itself to play a central role in stablecoin issuance and related services.

Chief executive Nathan McCauley said in September that the firm plans to double the size of its stablecoin team over the next year, anticipating a surge in demand for dollar-backed digital tokens from banks, fintech firms and global institutions.

“2025 was our year of scale,” an Anchorage spokesperson told Bloomberg, pointing to a series of acquisitions, new partnerships and the launch of stablecoin issuance as key milestones.

ANCHORAGE DIGITAL SEEKS $200M FUNDING ROUND AS IPO PLANS TAKE SHAPE

Crypto custodian Anchorage Digital is seeking to raise $200 million in new funding as it moves forward with plans for a potential public listing.

The fundraising effort underscores continued institutional… pic.twitter.com/7Un0hfBw4a

— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) January 17, 2026

One of the most notable partnerships involves Tether, with the two firms announcing plans last year to launch a U.S.-focused stablecoin known as USAT.

Beyond stablecoins, Anchorage has built a broad suite of services aimed at institutional clients, including custody, trading and staking for banks, hedge funds and venture capital firms.

The company has also expanded into wealth management, acquiring Securitize for Advisors and integrating token lifecycle management through Hedgey to deepen its reach across tokenized assets.

Anchorage is not new to large funding rounds. In late 2021, the firm raised $350 million in a round led by KKR & Co, with participation from Goldman Sachs, GIC and Apollo credit funds, valuing the company at more than $3 billion at the time.

Crypto Firms Line Up for IPOs as Anchorage Prepares Public Debut

Anchorage’s IPO ambitions come as other major crypto firms also line up for public listings.

Custody rival BitGo filed confidential IPO paperwork last year, while crypto exchange Kraken submitted its own filing in November and is targeting a debut in early 2026.

Bitpanda is also lining up for a Frankfurt stock market debut in the first half of 2026, putting one of Europe’s biggest retail crypto platforms on a path from bull market beneficiary to public market test.

Last year, tZero Group, a New York–based blockchain infrastructure firm focused on tokenized securities and real-world assets, announced that it is preparing to go public in 2026.

Before that, BitGo officially filed for an initial public offering, becoming the first dedicated crypto custodian to pursue a listing on a US stock exchange.

The post Anchorage Digital Gears Up for IPO With $400M Fundraise appeared first on Cryptonews.

A White House crypto advisor said the US government has not sold any Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai Wallet case, pushing back against market rumors sparked by recent on-chain activity.

Key Takeaways:

The DOJ confirmed it has not sold any Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai Wallet case.

The clarification follows scrutiny over a 57.5 BTC transfer that sparked sale rumors.

The forfeited Bitcoin will remain part of the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as accumulation plans continue.

Patrick Witt, executive director of the White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, said he received direct confirmation from the US Department of Justice that the assets were neither liquidated nor earmarked for sale.

“We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated,” Witt wrote on X on Friday, adding that the Bitcoin would remain part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

57.5 BTC Transfer Sparks Questions Over US Government Bitcoin Sales

Questions first surfaced in November after blockchain analysts flagged a transfer of 57.5 BTC from a government-controlled wallet to a Coinbase Prime deposit address.

The movement prompted speculation that US authorities may have sold or planned to sell the funds, drawing criticism from market participants who pointed to Executive Order 14233.

Signed by President Donald Trump in March, the order requires that any Bitcoin obtained through criminal or civil forfeiture “shall not be sold” and instead be retained for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Some observers accused the US Marshals Service of violating the directive, allegations now denied following the DOJ clarification.

Public data suggests the US government remains one of the world’s largest Bitcoin holders. Figures from Bitcoin Treasuries show federal authorities control 328,372 BTC, valued at more than $31 billion at current prices.

UPDATE: we have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated, per EO 14233. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR. https://t.co/v2GchC3vk8

— Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 16, 2026

That total includes 127,271 BTC forfeited in October from a Cambodia-based entity accused of running a so-called pig-butchering investment scam.

Witt reiterated that expanding the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve remains a policy priority. In a recent interview, he said progress depends on coordination between the Treasury and Commerce departments to address outstanding legal and operational issues.

Legislative efforts are also underway. A bill sponsored by Cynthia Lummis proposes accelerating reserve accumulation, targeting the acquisition of up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years.

The proposal emphasizes budget-neutral methods, with officials saying any accumulation would avoid costs to taxpayers.

Trump Signals Possible Pardon for Samourai Wallet Developer

Two developers behind Samourai Wallet were sentenced to prison in November after prosecutors said the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet processed more than $237 million in criminal proceeds.

Keonne Rodriguez received a five-year sentence on Nov. 6, while his co-developer, Hill, was sentenced to four years on Nov. 19. Both were also ordered to forfeit roughly $6.3 million in fees earned through the platform.

The case took a political turn in December when Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning Rodriguez.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office event on Dec. 16, Trump said he had “heard about it” and instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the case.

Rodriguez later welcomed the remarks, arguing on social media that the prosecution reflected “lawfare” and a weaponized Justice Department under the Biden administration.

Trump has previously pardoned Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao in related crypto cases, and has raised optimism of a similar pardon for Rodriguez.

The post DOJ Did Not Sell Forfeited Samourai Bitcoin, White House Crypto Advisor Says appeared first on Cryptonews.

With deeper capital rotation into meme coins, Bonk has formed a higher low that may have just confirmed a 2024 Doge-esque setup for Bonk price predictions.

The meme coin momentum that kicked off the year is showing real staying power, picking up again this week after what now seems to have been a brief and healthy cooldown.

This has particular importance to Bonk, as market behavior and its technical setup prove near-identical to that which preceded Dogecoin’s late-2024 run: a 6-month falling wedge breakout.

For Dogecoin, it was the first higher low post-breakout that marked the regime shift, before the real breakout momentum fully kicked in and the price surged 365% in a parabolic run.

DOGE / USDT 1-day chart, 2021 falling wedge breakout. Source: TradingView.

If history repeats, BONK could be on the cusp of a similar expansion, making current levels a key positioning window ahead of the market.

Fundamentals line up in its favor, too. Bonk is in the running for regulated exposure in U.S. TradFi markets, as a candidate for a potential Grayscale-issued investment product.

Learn about the diverse digital assets we’re considering for future investment products and explore those already part of our offerings in our latest Assets Under Consideration update. Are we missing anything?

Read the full report: https://t.co/Tr5lU1CSSQ pic.twitter.com/k3I27r8tKc

— Grayscale (@Grayscale) January 12, 2026

Dogecoin 2024 run was amplified by social catalysts, with influence from key opinion leader Elon Musk during his tenure at the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) acting as a powerful narrative driver.

For Bonk, ETF speculation and backing from the world’s largest digital asset manager could play a similar role, injecting legitimacy, visibility, and a fresh touch point for demand.

Bonk Price Prediction: Same Setup, Same Result?

Momentum indicators could provide early insight, hinting at this higher low as a potential launchpad.

BONK / USDT 1-day chart, Doge-esque falling wedge breakout. Source: TradingView.

The RSI has reaffirmed its place in bullish territory, bottoming just above the 50 neutral line as buyers maintain control after months of failed attempts.

The MACD strengthens the argument that the uptrend has real staying power, narrowly avoiding a death cross as it maintains a lead above the signal line.

Some follow-through could see a multi-stage breakout unfold. The first target is at pre–October 10 liquidation levels around $0.0000215, which would unwind the late 2025 bear market.

Beyond that, attention turns to September highs near $0.000026.

A fully realised breakout, however, could extend as much as 250% toward prior all-time highs around $0.000041.

Maxi Doge: An Even Earlier Setup

When capital rotates back into meme coins, momentum almost always circles back to one thing: Doge.

History shows the pattern clearly: Dogecoin started the trend, Shiba Inu ran with it in 2021, followed by Floki, Bonk, Dogwifhat, and Neiro. Every bull cycle eventually crowns a new Doge-inspired frontrunner.

This time around, Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is tapping into those early Dogecoin vibes with a community built around sharing, early alpha, trading ideas, and competitive engagement.

Participation is at its core. Weekly Maxi Ripped and Maxi Pump competitions reward top performers with leaderboard recognition, incentives, and bragging rights.

The hype is already showing in the numbers. The $MAXI presale has raised almost $4.5 million, while early backers are earning up to 69% APY through staking rewards.

For those who missed the Doge wave before, Maxi Doge could be the next chance to catch a meme coin before it enters the mainstream.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

The post Bonk Price Prediction: 250% Rally Incoming? BONK’s Chart Just Triggered the Same Pattern That Sent DOGE Parabolic appeared first on Cryptonews.

Money continues to flow toward XRP-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) despite crypto’s latest retreat. This favors a bullish XRP price prediction as it indicates that Wall Street is quietly accumulating the token.

Data from SoSoValue shows that XRP ETFs have only experienced one day of negative net inflows since the first of these products was launched in the U.S.

As a result, the total assets held by these funds have skyrocketed to $1.51 billion in just two months, surpassing Solana’s ETF assets by more than $300 million.

In the past 7 days, XRP has booked a 2% drop, although its year-to-date gains currently sit at 12% due to a spike in the price during the first few days of the year.

This streak of positive net inflows indicates that both institutional and retail investors are steadily increasing their holdings, creating a strong floor for the token in case this pullback accelerates.

XRP Price Prediction: Move to $3 Likely If XRP Breaks Out of Descending Triangle Again

The 4-hour chart shows that XRP has formed a descending triangle once again. The last time this happened, the token broke out of this setup and delivered strong gains in the near term.

Now that its bearish structure has been invalidated on higher time frames, another breakout could result in a much more explosive move that pushes XRP back to $3 at least.

Source: TradingView

The price has now crossed above the 200-period EMA in this lower time frame, favoring a bullish outlook. If the Relative Strength Index (RSI) rises past the mid-line and makes a bullish crossover above the 14-day moving average, that would confirm a buy signal for this altcoin.

As altcoins seem ready to make a loud comeback, top crypto presales like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) could benefit from a market-wide recovery. This project leverages Solana’s speed and low transaction costs to kickstart a new era for Bitcoin’s DeFi ecosystem.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Will Transform BTC’s DeFi Via Solana’s High Speed and Low Fees

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a fast-moving presale that connects Solana’s high-speed blockchain with the Bitcoin network, giving investors a brand-new way to earn passive income on BTC.

With the Hyper Layer 2, users can stake, lend, and earn yield on their Bitcoin while enjoying low fees and faster transactions that help maximize gains instead of losing them to costs.

In just a few months, the project has raised over $30 million. Its ambitious roadmap is what has investors all excited, as developers will now be able to launch highly efficient Bitcoin-native applications that BTC holders will love.

As top wallets and exchanges increasingly adopt the Hyper L2, demand for its native token, $HYPER, will likely explode.

Early buyers who take advantage of the token’s presale price right now will get to reap the highest returns.

To buy $HYPER, simply head to the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect your favorite wallet (e.g. Best Wallet).

You can either swap USDT or ETH for this token or use a bank card instead.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post XRP Price Prediction: While the Crypto Market Bleeds, Big Money Is Quietly Flowing Into XRP — What Do They Know? appeared first on Cryptonews.

The question of compliance may just have been answered, with the SEC ruling out enforcement action against the Zcash Foundation in a bullish turn for Zcash price predictions.

It marks the formal end of a two-and-a-half-year investigation into the Zcash Foundation into whether its altcoin offering complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and economic sanctions requirements.

We are pleased to announce that the SEC has concluded its review and informed us that it does not intend to recommend any enforcement action or other changes against Zcash Foundation regarding this matter. https://t.co/zjxfh3mmst

— Zcash Foundation (@ZcashFoundation) January 14, 2026

Until now, the privacy coin narrative has functioned in a regulatory dark spot, keeping meaningful adoption and capital largely sidelined.

Much-needed input, as privacy coins find new relevance in this institution-led market cycle. Institutional use-cases need rails that offer privacy, yet are compliant with regulations and selective disclosure.

The initial announcement triggered a 9% daily surge. With regulatory uncertainty lifted, Zcash could unlock sidelined capital and explore more mainstream use cases over the longer term.

Still, near-term focus remains on internal conflict. The exodus of the core Electric Coin Company (ECC) development team raises doubts about the Zcash ecosystem’s integrity.

Zcash Price Prediction: Could Regulatory Clarity Rekindle the Bull Run?

Regulatory clarity may have been the catalyst Zcash needed to ease near-term pressure and refocus attention on a two-month bull flag continuation pattern that has been quietly developing.

Momentum indicators hint at the potential return of bullish momentum as the structure nears its apex.

ZEC USDT 1-day chart, bull flag pattern nears apex. Source: TradingView.

The RSI appears to be carving out a higher low after rejection at the 50 neutral line. While not yet strong enough to confirm a bullish flip, underlying strength is building.

The MACD reads much the same, closing in on a potential golden cross above the signal line and hinting that the early stages of a new uptrend may be taking shape.

The key threshold for a confirmed breakout is all-time highs around $760. This interim resistance stands as the key proving grounds for a push into new price discovery.

Fully realised, the bull flag pattern sets a potential $5,000 target, a 1,150% gain.

That scenario, however, likely hinges on sustained institutional adoption and the emergence of a clear, mainstream use case for Zcash.

Bitcoin Hyper: A Key Bitcoin Upgrade Most Traders are Missing

Those who bet on narratives like Privacy coins over the leading cryptocurrency may soon need to reconsider, as the Bitcoin ecosystem finally tackles its biggest limitation: scalability.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bridging Bitcoin’s security with Solana tech, creating a new Layer-2 network that unlocks scalable, efficient use cases Bitcoin couldn’t support on its own.

Bitcoin could soon gain deeper exposure in mainstream narratives like DeFi and RWAs.

The project has already raised over $30 million in presale, and post-launch, even a small fraction of Bitcoin’s massive trading volume could send its valuation significantly higher.

Bitcoin Hyper is fixing the slow transactions, high fees, and limited programmability that have long capped Bitcoin’s potential – just as the market turns bullish.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post Zcash Price Prediction: SEC Closes Probe Without Enforcement Action – Is This the Green Light Investors Needed? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Ethereum has dipped slightly today, pulling back after several strong sessions as the broader market cooled with a 1.5% drop in the past 24 hours.

But even with the short-term dip, ETH is still up 7% this week and 13% over the past month, holding strong while setting the stage for a bigger breakout.

Fueling this bullish momentum is a major announcement from BitMine, the largest Ethereum treasury in the market, which just invested $200 million into Beast Industries, the media company founded by YouTube icon MrBeast.

This move signals confidence in Ethereum as the foundation for the next wave of digital platforms, content economies, and Web3 media.

Ethereum remains the largest and most battle-tested layer-one network, and with institutional capital flowing in, the long-term Ethereum price prediction continues to look increasingly bullish.

Ethereum Price Prediction: MrBeast Just Got a $200M Backing From One of ETH’s Biggest Whales – What Happens Next?

As explained in the accompanying press release, BitMine – which currently holds just over 200,000 ETH (c. $13.7 billion) – has announced a $200 million equity investment into Beast Industries, with Beast CEO Jeff Housenbold indicating that there may also be collaboration between the two firms at some point.

2/
For those not familiar, @MrBeast is the number #1 content creator in the world and central to the lives of GenZ, GenAlpha and even Millennials

– BitMine has targeted 5% of its balance sheet for "moonshots" and this is strategically sound move pic.twitter.com/iMLaJeNHWu

— Bitmine (NYSE-BMNR) $ETH (@BitMNR) January 15, 2026

“Their support is a strong validation of our vision, strategy, and growth trajectory and it provides additional capital to achieve our goal to become the most impactful entertainment brand in the world,” he said. “We look forward to exploring ways to further collaborate and incorporate DeFi into our upcoming financial services platform.”

This is bullish for both BitMine and MrBeast, and (by extension) it’s also bullish for the Ethereum price, although the latter hasn’t reacted all that positively to this news.

As we see from its chart below, it continues to ride some significant momentum, despite the slight correction of the past 24 hours.

It recently broke out of a bullish pennant, while its two main indicators – the relative strength index (yellow) and the MACD (orange, blue) – are still in the ascendancy, having been subdued for several months previously.

Source: TradingView

It therefore remains a very opportune time to buy Ethereum, which still remains 33% down from its ATH of $4,946, which it set in August.

And fundamentally, Ethereum is one of the most bankable cryptos in the market.

Its TVL accounts for 58% of the entire crypto ecosystem, and that’s not including Ethereum-based L2s, while Ethereum ETFs and digital funds currently sit on assets worth $25.26 billion.

The future is therefore very bright for the token, with the Ethereum price likely to reach $4,000 by the end of Q1, and then $5,000 by H2.

SUBBD Is Preparing to Launch An AI-Powered Content Creation Platform: Next 100x Alt?

While Ethereum is one of the safer altcoins to invest in, traders looking for bigger, quicker gains may also want to diversify into smaller cap tokens.

This may include allocating a percentage to presale coins, which in building up momentum during their sales can then go on to rally strongly when they list on exchanges.

One token generating some early momentum right now is SUBBD ($SUBBD), a new Ethereum-based project that’s preparing to launching an adult content creation platform.

Earn up to $500 per day with your own AI Creator

Start here: https://t.co/9jJM0SyyiQ https://t.co/v7oruRW0ag

— SUBBD (@SUBBDofficial) December 28, 2025

SUBBD launched its presale a couple of months ago, and has so far raised more than $1.4 million, a signal of just how much interest it’s attracting.

Much of this interest comes from how it’s planning to combine AI and crypto in order to give its content creation platform an edge over pre-existing rivals.

Its platform will offer a suite of AI tools that will make it easier for content creators to produce engaging content, including tools that help with ideas, that produce media and videos, and that also produce AI agents/performers.

These promise to make users much more efficient, while the use of crypto means that payouts will be transparent and immediate.

Together, this combination promises to make SUBBD one of the most advanced content platforms on the Web, and given that the SUBBD token will be necessary to pay subscriptions, it could experience substantial demand.

Investors can buy it now by going to the SUBBD website, where the token is currently selling for $0.057475.

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

The post Ethereum Price Prediction: MrBeast Just Got a $200M Backing From One of ETH’s Biggest Whales – What Happens Next? appeared first on Cryptonews.

A more crypto-friendly U.S. administration has raised expectations that 2026 could be a defining year in the march towards global adoption.

Central to this is whether the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission delivers Project Crypto quickly, a proposal aimed at updating federal securities laws to provide digital asset firms with long-overdue regulatory clarity.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s market dominance has been sliding since summer, which indicates people are ditching it for altcoins. All of these factors ferment the high upside potential of XRP, Shiba Inu and Bonk in the next major bull cycle.

XRP (XRP): Payments-Focused Blockchain Eyes New Q1 Breakout

With a market cap exceeding $125 billion, Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) remains the largest cryptocurrency purpose-built for cross-border payments, offering rapid settlement times and very low transaction fees.

Ripple designed the XRP Ledger (XRPL) primarily for banks and financial institutions, positioning itself as a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to SWIFT, which can be slow and expensive.

Ripple’s underlying technology has also come up on the radars of organizations such as the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the White House, underscoring its increasing relevance.

XRP surged to an all-time high of $3.65 in mid-2025 after Ripple resolved its long-running legal battle with the SEC. Since then, the token has declined roughly 43% amid a broader crypto downturn and is now trading near $2.06 after gaining 9% in the last fortnight.

One recent game changer was the debut of multiple spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), giving traditional investors a regulated pathway into the asset.

Additional ETF approvals, alongside a more favorable macro backdrop, could drive XRP toward $5 by Q2. A move toward $10 later in the year is possible if supported by regulatory progress, positive macro signals, and continued expansion of the Ripple ecosystem.

Shiba Inu (SHIB): From Meme Origins to a High Utility Network

Introduced in August 2020, Shiba Inu ($SHIB) has grown into the second-largest meme coin, with a market capitalization around $5 billion.

Supported by a vast community and an expanding range of products, SHIB is increasingly viewed as a blue-chip altcoin contender rather than a purely-for-entertainment meme coin. At the time of writing, it trades around $0.0000084.

Breaking above the sticky $0.000022 resistance level could set the stage for a move toward $0.00003 by March. In a sustained bullish scenario, SHIB could even finish the quarter near $0.00005.

Shiba Inu’s utility is more than just a sales pitch. Shibarium, its Ethereum-based Layer-2 solution, reduces fees and enhances scalability. Additional privacy features and upcoming upgrades further reinforce SHIB’s transition from meme culture to a broader blockchain ecosystem.

Bonk (BONK): Solana’s Meme Coin on the Rise

Bonk ($BONK), a dog-themed meme coin native to Solana, launched on December 25, 2022, triggering a holiday surge that pushed Solana ($SOL) up 34% in just two days and firmly established BONK as a key player within the ecosystem.

Now trading at $0.00001077 with a market cap near $1 billion, it is one of the largest meme coins on Solana and is close to flipping the Official Trump ($TRUMP) token as the network’s flagship meme coin.

Beyond speculation, BONK is actively used across Solana DeFi for tipping, micropayments, and NFT collateral.

A falling wedge formation between late November and mid-March anticipated BONK’s July rally, during which it peaked at $0.00003906 before retracing alongside the broader meme coin market.

Although still roughly 80% below its November 2024 all-time high of $0.00005825, renewed market momentum could see it set a new ATH by spring.

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): It Looks Like a Meme Coin; It’s Really a High-Performance Bitcoin Upgrade

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a Bitcoin Layer-2 initiative that pairs playful visuals with serious technical ambitions, delivering faster transactions, lower fees, and advanced smart contract functionality on Bitcoin.

Powered by the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), Bitcoin Hyper incorporates decentralized governance and a Canonical Bridge that enables seamless cross-chain transfers involving Bitcoin.

The project’s presale has already raised approximately $30.7 million, and market watchers anticipate 10x to 100x upside once the token lists on exchanges. A recent Coinsult audit reported no critical vulnerabilities in the smart contract.

The HYPER token plays multiple roles within the ecosystem, including payment of transaction fees, governance voting, and staking rewards.

Early presale participants can currently earn staking yields of up to 38% APY, although returns are expected to decline as the staking pool expands.

With a full rollout planned for 2026, Bitcoin Hyper is an onramp for both long-term Bitcoin maxis and newcomers alike into the next evolution of the Bitcoin network.

Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.

Visit the Official Website Here

The post Best Crypto to Buy Now January 16 – XRP, Shiba Inu, Bonk appeared first on Cryptonews.

OpenAI’s world famous AI , ChatGPT, predicts veritably explosive price scenarios for XRP, Pepe and Ethereum, offering a clear warning to investors with FOMO this year.

The AI suggests that a sustained bull market, potentially reinforced by clearer and more supportive U.S. regulation, could propel these cryptocurrencies to fresh all-time highs (ATHs) in the next major cycle.

Below is how ChatGPT expects these leading cryptocurrencies to perform during a projected 2026 bull market.

XRP ($XRP): ChatGPT Sees XRP Reaching $12 by 2027

Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) started the year on solid footing, gaining 19% in the opening week alone. Over the past fortnight, it grew 9% to trade at $2.06. According to ChatGPT, sustained bullish momentum could see XRP climb to $12 by 2027.

Source: ChatGPT

XRP was one of the strongest-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies throughout much of last year. In July, it notched its first new ATH in seven years, hitting $3.65 after Ripple achieved a landmark legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

That court decision significantly reduced regulatory ambiguity around XRP and eased concerns that the SEC could classify similar altcoins as securities.

Since New Year’s Day, XRP has risen roughly 12.5%, while its Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 58, indicating the token’s current price is strong with plenty of headroom for a weekend rally.

Reaching ChatGPT’s bullish target would require substantial upside, however, as XRP needs to gain approximately 483% from current levels to hit $12.

The recent launch of spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S., is channeling institutional capital into XRP, similar to the strong consistent multibillion dollar inflows seen following Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF approvals.

Pepe ($PEPE): ChatGPT Predicts a 2,000% Price Explosion

Pepe ($PEPE), which debuted in April 2023, has become the largest meme coin not based on a doge avatar, boasting a market cap of about $2.5 billion.

Inspired by Matt Furie’s “Boy’s Club” comics, PEPE’s immediately recognisable face and ongoing cultural relevance have given it a strong presence across crypto-focused social platforms.

Despite intense competition within the meme coin space, PEPE’s loyal community keep it pumping near the top of the sector. Periodic cryptic posts from Elon Musk on X have also fueled speculation that PEPE could rank alongside his widely known DOGE and BTC interests.

PEPE is currently trading near $0.0000059, placing it roughly 79% below its December 2024 ATH of $0.00002803.

In ChatGPT’s most bullish scenario, PEPE could surge as much as 1,934% to around $0.00012, a move that would take it well beyond its previous record high.

Ethereum ($ETH): ChatGPT Models a Potential Rally Toward $15,000

Ethereum ($ETH), the world leading blockchain for smart contracts, decentralized applications, and DeFi, remains the leading platform driving Web3 innovation.

With a market capitalization approaching $400 billion and $75 billion in total value locked (TVL) across DeFi protocols, Ethereum is crypto’s primary hub for on-chain commercial activity.

Ethereum’s track record for security, dependable settlement, and its early dominance in stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization make it a prime candidate for deeper institutional adoption, particularly if U.S. lawmakers advance clearer, comprehensive crypto legislation.

ETH is currently trading around $3,308, with strong resistance expected near $5,000. It set its all-time high of $4,946.05 back in August.

If ChatGPT’s bullish thesis plays out, a decisive break above the $5,000 level could open the door to multiple new ATHs this year in the $7,000 to $15,000 range.

Maxi Doge (MAXI): High-Risk Meme Coin Play With Explosive Upside Potential

Beyond ChatGPT’s forecasts, the crypto presale market continues to attract investors seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has emerged as one of January’s most discussed presales, raising around $4.5 million ahead of its expected exchange launch.

The project puts an louche, muscle-bound twist on Dogecoin. Brash, over-the-top, and intentionally absurd, Maxi Doge channels the raw meme energy that originally fueled meme coin culture.

After years of watching his cousin DOGE dominate the spotlight, Maxi Doge is rallying a his own degen army driven by meme loyalty, aggressive trading strategies, and an unapologetic embrace of volatility.

MAXI is an ERC-20 token built on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, giving it a considerably lower environmental footprint than Dogecoin’s proof-of-work design.

The current presale phase offers staking rewards of up to 69% APY, although returns decrease as more users join the staking pool. MAXI is priced at $0.0002785 in the latest round, with automatic price increases scheduled for future stages. Tokens can be purchased using MetaMask or Best Wallet.

Maxi is sending Dogecoin back to the kennel with his tail between his legs!

Stay updated through Maxi Doge’s official X and Telegram pages.

Visit the Official Website Here

The post New ChatGPT Predicts the Price of XRP, PEPE and Ethereum By the End of 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews.

Wall Street is pouring millions into SOL-linked exchange-traded funds, signaling rising institutional confidence in one of the market’s top-performing altcoins.

With technical indicators flashing early buy signals, this surge in demand supports a bullish Solana price prediction heading into the next phase of the market.

Solana ETF assets have already climbed to $1.2 billion, just months after the first fund went live, a strong sign that big money is betting on SOL’s long-term upside.

Bitwise’s BSOL ETF stands out as the largest of these vehicles, accounting for nearly 67% of that total.

BSOL’s attractive staking rewards of 6.7% per year have made this fund quite attractive for both institutional and retail investors at a point when interest rates are dropping.

Meanwhile, Solana has started the year with a positive performance, delivering gains of 15% thus far in 2026.

As Wall Street’s interest in altcoins continues to rise, Solana is uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend. Can it make it back to $200?

Solana Price Prediction: SOL Needs to Overcome $155 to Start Its Journey Back to Last Year’s Highs

Solana’s daily chart shows that the token has broken out of its falling wedge recently, but has been consolidating between $120 and $145.

Source: TradingView

Breaking out of this consolidation pattern would be the first signal that SOL is on the move to reach higher highs. That said, two other thresholds stand in its path to get to $200 or beyond.

The first is the $155, a key structural level that would fully reverse SOL’s downtrend, and the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) at $160.

Hence, a move above $160 would confirm a bullish outlook at a point when momentum readings are flashing buy. If that happens, that could result in a 57% gain in the near term.

As altcoins begin to recover, the best crypto presales like SUBBD (SUBBD) will continue to attract investors’ interest. This project leverages the power of blockchain tech with generative AI to give creators a chance to earn passive income on their content.

SUBBD (SUBBD) Merges AI and Decentralization to Create a Top-Notch Platform for Influencers

SUBBD (SUBBD) lets creators earn while they sleep by launching AI-powered influencers that create, post, and grow audiences automatically.

The platform brings everything together in one place, allowing users to script, edit, and publish without switching between tools or apps.

AI assistants handle the admin work like scheduling, organizing, and moderating, freeing up time for creators to focus on content and strategy.

The $SUBBD token adds extra value, giving holders a voice in platform decisions and access to perks like discounts, early features, and exclusive upgrades.

With AI doing the heavy lifting, SUBBD is shaping the future of effortless content monetization.

To buy $SUBBD at this early stage of the project, you can simply head to the official SUBBD website and link a compatible wallet like Best Wallet.

You can either swap existing crypto in your wallet or use a bank card to complete your purchase in seconds.

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

The post Solana Price Prediction: Wall Street Quietly Drops Millions Into SOL – Is This the Move That Triggers the Next Explosion? appeared first on Cryptonews.

The new year has been looking promising for crypto so far. Bitcoin has been holding above $95,000, and altcoins have bounced well from their bottoms. Still, there are opportunities in XRP, Solana, and Maxi Doge.

These three remain among the strongest picks in the market right now.

XRP and Solana have yet to see a true breakout rally and are still down over 50% from their all-time highs. Maxi Doge, meanwhile, is being viewed as a high-potential memecoin heading into 2026. Below is how price action for all three could play out.

XRP Price Prediction: Knows What To Do Next – $2.50?

Ripple saw where the market was heading and decided to go all in on stablecoins. Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, grew to over a $1.3B market cap in 2025 alone.

JUST IN: Interactive Brokers plans to rollout Ripple and PayPal stablecoins next week. pic.twitter.com/MqY14LMZbo

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 15, 2026

More recently, Interactive Brokers, a global retail and institutional brokerage, enabled stablecoin funding for brokerage accounts via RLUSD.

This growing stablecoin adoption, combined with improving regulatory clarity and ongoing positive ETF inflows, has given XRP an edge going into what could be a strong year ahead.

Source: XRPUSD / TradingView

Amid a market-wide correction, XRP price broke under $2.10 and may be heading toward a retest of the support at the $2.00 level. This is an important level to hold, as breaking below it could affect the bullish setup and the chart may lean toward a deeper pullback.

The RSI is at 43, signaling a significant loss in momentum on the XRP chart.

Reclaiming $2.10 would be the first target for XRP bulls. Next is the resistance at $2.20, which could be the serious test to see if XRP is ready to rally toward $2.50 or not.

Solana Crypto Price Prediction: $144 Is the Level That Matters Now

NEW: @Solana dominates stablecoin inflows, ranking #1 among all chains in the past 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/lj6k3dIN7F

— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) January 16, 2026

Solana is following the stablecoin playbook. If you liked what XRP is doing, Solana is doing it better. SOL has dominated stablecoin inflows among most chains since the start of the year.

Not only that, but it also dominates all chains in revenue, transactions, and daily active users. The chain finished 2025 as the number one network in revenue.

This has reflected on the price postively and SOL is up 15% in the last 15 days from the bottom. With an etf inflows reaching 865M AUM since their debut.

Source: SOLUSD / TradingView

SOL/USDT has once again slipped under the $144 resistance. Solana got rejected from this price point and slipped into the purple trading range four times before.

The good news is the RSI is holding around 53, which leans slightly bullish and signals no bearish divergence yet.

Reclaiming that range high resistance and turning it into support would open the door for $156 as the next immediate resistance target.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI): Memecoins Traders Could Be Rotating Into This

While XRP and Solana grind through key resistance levels, a lot of traders are starting to look further down the risk curve for asymmetric upside. That is where Maxi Doge comes in.

Maxi Doge is not trying to compete with large-cap memecoins like DOGE on market share. It is built for momentum, volatility, and community driven speculation, which is exactly where capital tends to rotate once confidence starts returning to the market.

As memecoins begin showing signs of life again, traders often move from established names into smaller, faster-moving plays with more room to run. Maxi Doge sits right in that rotation zone.

What separates MAXI from many meme launches is the staking incentive. Holders can stake MAXI for daily smart-contract rewards, with current APY sitting around 70%, giving traders yield while waiting for price expansion.

Still early in its lifecycle and approaching the next presale price increase, Maxi Doge is positioning itself as a high-upside memecoin for traders willing to take on more risk heading into 2026.

If memecoin momentum continues to build, Maxi Doge could be one of the names that benefits the most from that shift.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

The post Crypto Price Prediction Today 16 January – XRP, Solana, Maxi Doge appeared first on Cryptonews.

Canaan is struggling against the time to retain its Nasdaq listing, highlighting the pressure on publicly traded crypto mining companies as poor equity performance and tough market regulations collide.

This week, the Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer disclosed that Nasdaq sent it a formal notice as regards its shares being listed at less than the minimum bid price of $1 for 30 consecutive business days, thereby activating a 180-day compliance period ending July 13, 2026.

Source: Canaan

As Canaan stated, the notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of its American depositary shares that will remain listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Market throughout the compliance period.

Canaan Shares Hover at $0.79 as Delisting Risk Grows

In order to regain compliance, the stock has to close at least 10 consecutive business days at or above $1. Unless that occurs before the end of July, the company can be subject to another grace period, assuming that it satisfies other listing criteria and files a plan, which might include a reverse stock split.

At the time of writing, Canaan shares were changing hands around $0.79, firmly in penny stock territory. The stock has not traded above $5 since 2022 and last closed above $2 in October, according to market data.

Source: Google Finance

While short-term movements have shown occasional rebounds, the broader trend has remained sharply negative, with the stock losing more than half its value over the past year.

This delisting alert follows indications of operational improvement in 2025, with Canaan reporting in October its biggest hardware buy in three years, a contract to purchase 50,000 Avalon A15 Pro mining rigs.

That rally, however, faded quickly, reflecting a pattern investors have seen repeatedly as positive operational news fails to translate into sustained equity strength.

Investor confidence took another hit in December when Streeterville Capital, previously Canaan’s largest institutional holder, exited its entire position.

The sale removed a significant source of support for the stock and reinforced concerns around liquidity, dilution risk, and long-term profitability.

Canaan Grows Fast, but Profitability Remains Elusive

Financially, Canaan still wears its financial burden despite the fact that the revenue skyrocketed in 2025 as a result of not only hardware sales but also self-mining activities; losses still dominated the bottom line.

Revenue increased more than 2.5 times compared to the prior year during the third quarter of 2025 to reach $150.5 million, but the company continued to post a net loss of $27.7 million.

@CanaanInc revenue has surged 104% to $150.5M in Q3 2025, with stock jumping 16% despite $BTC dropping below $90K.

#Bitcoin #CryptoMining https://t.co/FFF6ACNWOc

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) November 18, 2025

Operating and net margins remained deeply negative, and analysts do not expect consistent profitability before 2027.

Although Canaan posted record adjusted EBITDA in mid-2025 and strengthened its cash position to $119 million by the end of Q3, data also points to high cash burn and elevated financial risk.

Operationally, the company expanded aggressively as its deployed hashrate climbed to nearly 10 exahash per second by the end of 2025, and its crypto treasury grew to a record 1,750 BTC alongside significant ETH holdings.

Source: Canaan

At the same time, rising electricity costs, post-halving reward compression, and intense competition among hardware manufacturers have squeezed margins.

Canaan’s renewed $30 million share buyback program, announced in December, shows management’s view that the stock is undervalued.

However, buybacks alone have so far failed to lift the share price above Nasdaq’s threshold, as it lacks sustained profitability and stable investor demand.

Canaan is not the only one facing the situation, as other crypto-adjacent companies have recently faced similar Nasdaq warnings.

In December, healthcare and Bitcoin treasury firm KindlyMD disclosed that it, too, had fallen out of compliance and was given until June 2026 to recover.

The post Bitcoin Miner Canaan Has 180 Days to Escape Nasdaq Delisting — Will It Survive? appeared first on Cryptonews.

A crypto holder lost over $282 million in Bitcoin and Litecoin on January 10 in what blockchain investigator ZachXBT described as a hardware wallet social engineering scam, marking the largest individual crypto theft of 2026 so far.

It in infact surpassed the previous notable social engineering hack record of $243 million set in August 2024.

The latest attacker immediately began converting the stolen assets into Monero through multiple instant exchanges, causing XMR’s price to spike sharply.

Bitcoin was also bridged to Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin via Thorchain as the perpetrator worked to obscure the funds’ trail across multiple blockchain networks.

On January 10, 2026 at around 11 pm UTC a victim lost $282M+ worth of LTC & BTC due to a hardware wallet social engineering scam.

The attacker began converting the stolen LTC & BTC to Monero via multiple instant exchanges causing the XMR price to sharply increase.

BTC was also…

— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) January 16, 2026

Record-Breaking Theft Exceeds Previous Social Engineering Attack

The incident eclipses the August 2024 case involving Genesis creditor theft, where threat actors Greavys, Wiz, and Box stole $243 million through an elaborate social engineering operation.

That attack involved spoofed calls from Google and Gemini support representatives who convinced the victim to reset two-factor authentication and share screen access via AnyDesk, ultimately exposing private keys from Bitcoin Core.

ZachXBT’s investigation into the August case led to multiple arrests and the freezing of millions in assets.

Box and Greavys were arrested in Miami and Los Angeles, while Wiz was later apprehended by US Marshals.

Twelve people were eventually charged in connection with the $243 million theft, with a superseding indictment confirming the arrest of Danny Zulfiqar Khan in Dubai.

The scale of the latest $282 million loss demonstrates how social engineering tactics continue to evolve and exploit victims despite increased awareness and security measures across the crypto industry.

1/ An investigation into how Greavys (Malone Iam), Wiz (Veer Chetal), and Box (Jeandiel Serrano) stole $243M from a single person last month in a highly sophisticated social engineering attack and my efforts which have helped lead to multiple arrests and millions frozen. pic.twitter.com/dcY1e9xsPd

— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) September 19, 2024

Persistent Threats Target Crypto Users Across Multiple Vectors

Social engineering attacks have become the dominant threat vector in crypto theft, with scammers increasingly impersonating customer support representatives from major platforms.

Brooklyn resident Ronald Spektor was also recently charged with allegedly stealing $16 million from roughly 100 Coinbase users by posing as company employees and using panic tactics to force quick decisions.

The infamous North Korean hacker has also resurfaced with new social engineering tactics.

“They message everyone with prior conversation history,” MetaMask security researcher Taylor Monahan explained, referring to North Korean hackers using fake Zoom tactics.

“DPRK threat actors are still rekting way too many of you via their fake Zoom / fake Teams meets.“

North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $300 million using fake video conferencing tactics that install malware to exfiltrate passwords and private keys.

Attackers guide victims to Zoom links that point to recorded videos of known contacts, then send malicious “patch” files disguised as software updates that deploy Remote Access Trojans.

Despite an overall 60% decline in December exploit losses to $76 million, according to PeckShield, address poisoning scams and private key leaks remain significant threats.

One December victim lost $50 million after mistakenly copying a fraudulent address that visually mimicked their intended destination, while another breach involving a multi-signature wallet key leak resulted in $27.3 million in losses.

Industry data shows crypto theft reached $3.4 billion between January and early December 2025, with Americans losing a record $9.3 billion to crypto-related crimes in 2024.

Investment fraud accounted for $5.7 billion in losses, with victims over 60 reporting the highest individual losses at $2.8 billion.

Security experts keep emphasizing that technical solutions alone cannot prevent social engineering attacks.

How are scammers stealing billions in crypto? We sat down with @CrystalPlatform CEO Navin Gupta as he breaks down the psychology, AI-powered tactics, and the #1 mindset shift that could prevent most fraud.#CryptoScam #Deepfakehttps://t.co/9WQQvGSuED

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) June 24, 2025

“Assume every unsolicited message is a potential attack,” said Navin Gupta, CEO of blockchain analytics platform Crystal, in an interview with Cryptonews. “That mental shift alone filters out 80% of threat vectors.“

Experts recommend verifying every character of destination addresses before sending funds, avoiding SMS-based two-factor authentication in favor of hardware security keys, and never responding to unsolicited messages claiming account compromises.

The irreversibility of crypto transactions means victims typically cannot recover stolen funds once attackers gain access to private keys or trick users into authorizing transfers.

The post Victim Loses $282M in Bitcoin and Litecoin to Hardware Wallet Scam appeared first on Cryptonews.

Grant Cardone is expanding his push into a strategy that links Bitcoin with income-generating real estate, positioning the approach as the U.S. housing market faces growing political and regulatory uncertainty amid President Donald Trump’s renewed emphasis on affordability.

The real estate investor and entrepreneur laid out the strategy in a recent Fox Business interview, describing plans to combine large apartment complexes with Bitcoin holdings, tokenize ownership, and ultimately take the structure public as a single tradable vehicle.

How Cardone Is Turning Apartment Cash Flow Into Bitcoin Exposure

Cardone said the strategy combines two contrasting assets to balance risk and return.

On one side is multifamily housing, which provides steady cash flow through rental income and is viewed by lenders as low risk, while Bitcoin offers liquidity but comes with price volatility.

By linking the two, Cardone said rental proceeds are gradually used to buy Bitcoin, creating a structure that generates predictable income while steadily building exposure to the digital asset over time.

In the interview, Cardone said his firm is already executing the model at scale. He cited a $366 million multifamily project acquired out of bankruptcy from Blackstone, explaining that such assets could be tokenized into hundreds of millions of units, allowing investors to participate with as little as one dollar.

Cardone noted that tokenization removes geographic and capital barriers that typically limit access to large real estate deals, opening participation to investors outside the United States or those without six-figure minimums.

The strategy is not theoretical, as Cardone Capital already manages more than 14,000 apartment units across the U.S. and roughly $5.1 billion in assets and has been steadily adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet.

In June 2025, the firm disclosed the purchase of 1,000 BTC worth just over $100 million at the time.

$5.1 billion real estate giant @GrantCardone buys 1,000 Bitcoin with plans for 3,000 more as institutional adoption wave reaches $1.5 billion monthly buying peak.#Bitcoin #BTChttps://t.co/vIw0Yohq5H

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

By August, it added another 130 BTC as part of a refinancing deal tied to its Miami River property, opting to raise equity and secure debt at a 4.89% rate rather than buy interest rate caps.

The firm has said it is targeting up to 4,000 BTC, which would place it among the largest non-mining corporate holders.

Cardone’s Bitcoin-Property Model Emerges Amid U.S. Housing Policy Changes

Cardone has framed the approach as different from pure Bitcoin treasury companies, which typically rely on issuing debt or equity to accumulate crypto without an operating business underneath.

In contrast, he argues that housing generates recurring cash flow regardless of market cycles.

In November, Cardone said one newly launched 366-unit property paired with $100 million in Bitcoin could produce roughly $10 million in annual net operating income, funds he plans to reinvest into additional BTC purchases.

The timing of Cardone’s push comes as housing policy moves back to the center of U.S. politics.

On January 7, President Trump said he would move to block large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, arguing that corporate ownership has priced Americans out of homeownership.

Source: Truth Socials

Trump also said more details would be unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The administration has pushed to lower borrowing costs, with mortgage rates falling to about 6% in early January after Trump said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were directed to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds.

Rates are at their lowest since late 2022, helping lift existing home sales for a fourth straight month, even as prices remain high.

Cardone told Fox Business that his team has been in discussions with policymakers about loosening housing constraints, including expanding capital gains exemptions on home sales and extending bonus depreciation rules.

The post Grant Cardone Bets on Bitcoin Real Estate as Trump Plots Housing Shakeup — What To Expect appeared first on Cryptonews.

Coinbase has begun rolling out stock trading to a limited group of users as the exchange pursues its vision of becoming an “everything exchange” that combines crypto, equities, and alternative markets under one platform.

The move places Coinbase in direct competition with traditional brokerages like Schwab and Fidelity, as well as arch-rival Robinhood, which has offered blended stock and crypto trading for years.

CEO Brian Armstrong defended the timing in a recent Fortune interview, arguing the company is positioned to lead as financial assets migrate to blockchain infrastructure.

“We have deep crypto expertise. We have the most trusted brand in crypto,” Armstrong said, adding that Coinbase aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto while advancing tokenized equities.

According to Fortune, Coinbase has begun offering stock trading to a limited group of users, expanding beyond crypto as it explores a broader “all-in-one” investment platform. CEO Brian Armstrong said stocks will initially be offered in a conventional format, with tokenized…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 16, 2026

Stock Offering Launches Through Traditional Rails

The exchange currently offers stocks through conventional methods using Apex Fintech Solutions for backend operations, with plans to expand access to all customers in the coming weeks.

Armstrong acknowledged that fully tokenized equities (where shares are issued directly on blockchain with rights like dividends and voting) remain years away and require extensive coordination with the SEC.

“I think the most interesting [offering] is a tokenized asset, where it’s truly one-to-one represented underneath,” Armstrong said.

He predicted the transition would begin within two years, likely starting with newer companies before established firms adopt blockchain for share management.

The push comes as monthly transfer volumes for tokenized equities climbed roughly 19% over 30 days to about $2.41 billion, according to rwa.xyz.

Source: RWA.xyz

While Robinhood and Kraken already list tokenized US stocks in select jurisdictions, Coinbase plans to issue these products in-house rather than through external partners.

Earlier this month, Armstrong outlined three priorities for 2026 in an X post, which involved building the everything exchange globally, scaling stablecoins and payments, and bringing users onchain through developer tools, the Base blockchain, and consumer apps.

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

The expansion extends beyond equities into prediction markets, where Coinbase partnered with the federally regulated platform Kalshi to offer event contracts across economics, politics, sports, and technology.

Leaked screenshots in November revealed a Coinbase-branded prediction interface supporting USDC or USD trading through Coinbase Financial Markets, the exchange’s derivatives arm.

Regulatory Friction Clouds Expansion

Armstrong’s broader legislative agenda hit turbulence after he withdrew Coinbase’s support for the Senate Banking Committee’s draft crypto market structure bill, warning that it would impose a “de facto ban” on tokenized equities, restrict stablecoin rewards, and weaken CFTC authority.

“We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill,” Armstrong posted on X, triggering a markup postponement as negotiations continue.

The dispute centers partly on provisions limiting stablecoin yield, which banks argue could blur lines with deposit products.

Armstrong accused banking interests of influencing restrictions that would cut into Coinbase’s revenue streams tied to stablecoin rewards.

Coinbase CEO @brian_armstrong said the exchange cannot support the Senate’s crypto bill as written, warning it would hurt tokenized equities, DeFi and privacy while weakening the CFTC.#Coinbase #CryptoPolicy https://t.co/kMbxepaWYk

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

Chairman Tim Scott signaled that talks would continue despite the setback.

“This bill reflects months of serious bipartisan negotiations and real input from innovators, investors and law enforcement,” Scott said, emphasizing the goal of delivering clear rules that protect consumers while ensuring the future of finance is built in the United States.

Citron Research escalated the clash by backing tokenization rival Securitize while accusing Coinbase of opposing clearer tokenization rules to protect its market position.

“He is fighting to protect its stablecoin yield revenue while complaining about tokenized equity restrictions,” Citron wrote, arguing that a permissive framework would benefit firms like Securitize, which operates with broker-dealer licenses and has issued over $4 billion in tokenized assets for partners including BlackRock and Apollo.

Coinbase stock fell nearly 4% following the criticism.

Source: Google Finance

Armstrong has since struck a more conciliatory tone but maintains that the draft requires significant changes before winning industry backing.

Despite all these, Coinbase is still optimistic. David Duong, Coinbase’s head of investment research, said regulatory clarity improvements and deepening institutional participation are creating favorable conditions ahead.

“We expect these forces to compound in 2026 as ETF approval timelines compress, stablecoins take a larger role in delivery-vs-payment structures, and tokenized collateral is recognized more broadly,” Duong wrote in a year-end outlook.

The post Coinbase Rolls Out Stock Trading to Select Users in ‘All-in-One’ Platform Push: Report appeared first on Cryptonews.