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Google Play to Restrict Foreign Crypto Apps in South Korea

This policy shift could impede foreign exchanges like Binance and OKX, boosting local platforms by curtailing international competition in South Korea's digital asset market.

Google Play is set to enforce a new policy from January 28, 2026, requiring foreign crypto exchanges to complete VASP registration in South Korea. This move aims to limit unregistered apps, impacting foreign firms significantly.

Key parties include Google Play, South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and foreign exchanges such as Binance and OKX. Google will restrict access to apps not meeting these new requirements from its South Korean store.

The policy change is expected to disrupt trading for Korean users on impacted exchanges like Binance. Users may face challenges in accessing app updates, dealing with security risks, and transferring assets efficiently. This decision bolsters the position of domestic crypto exchanges, encouraging a shift towards locally compliant centralized platforms. It integrates well with South Korea's focus on heightened regulatory standards in the crypto sector.

Potential outcomes include shifts towards decentralized finance (DeFi) as users search for alternatives to app-based trading. Historical precedents indicate that regulatory changes often lead to market adaptations and innovations within compliance frameworks.

Iranians, IRGC turns to BTC, USDT amid escalating currency, geopolitical tensions

Chainalysis claims that Iranians are increasingly withdrawing Bitcoin from exchanges and stashing it in their personal wallets, as the rial has plummeted 90% since 2018. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has dominated on-chain activity in Iran, accounting for over 50% of the total value realized in Q4 2025.

A Chainalysis study found that the Iranian crypto ecosystem grew faster in 2025, reaching over $7.78 billion. The IRGC’s on-chain activity also reached over $2 billion in 2024, jumping to over $3 billion in 2025.  

Meanwhile, the most recent data reveal a significant shift in on-chain behavior during domestic and regional unrest. Many Iranians now view crypto as a form of resistance, offering flexibility and liquidity in an unstable economic environment.

Traditional assets are usually illiquid and subject to government control during major domestic instability, but Bitcoin’s censorship-resistant nature and self-custodial capability offer financial flexibility, according to Chainalysis.  

Popular crypto company cuts staff in post-acquisition restructuring

Following the flash crash on Oct. 10, 2025, the cryptocurrency industry has been beset by multiple troubles.

In November last year, the decentralized application (dApp) analytics platform DappRadar shut down due to the volatile market conditions.

Next, European authorities shut down Cryptomixer in December for allegedly facilitating cybercrime and money laundering.
Related: Robinhood CEO warns Congress delay is hurting Americans 2026 brought no respite.

Crypto exchange OKX recently fired some of its employees as the crypto exchange undergoes global restructuring.

Next, MANTRA, the blockchain company focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, decided to reduce headcount as part of a strategic reset after a turbulent past year marked by the collapse of its native token, OM.

We are barely a fortnight into the first month of the year, and another popular crypto company has reportedly laid off members of its workforce.

Nexo Partners with Audi Revolut F1 Team as Official Digital Asset Sponsor

Audi Revolut F1 Team has announced a multi-year partnership with Nexo, making the crypto platform its official digital asset sponsor. The deal reflects growing interest in integrating digital assets into global sporting events like Formula 1. 

Under the agreement, Nexo will have its branding prominently displayed on the team’s cars, uniforms, and helmets. The partnership aligns both organizations around a shared vision of performance, innovation, and global engagement.

Nexo will activate this partnership through digital-first engagement, offering fans and clients exclusive access and educational content. As part of the collaboration, the brand will provide premium experiences designed to bring Nexo closer to Audi Revolut F1 Team's global audience.

Both brands emphasize the importance of disciplined execution, focusing on performance at the highest level. The partnership coincides with Audi’s first Formula 1 entry, bringing Nexo’s tools and expertise into the spotlight of motorsports.

Belarus creates legal framework for ‘cryptobanks’ in new presidential decree

Belarus has introduced a legal framework for so-called “cryptobanks,” formally integrating digital asset activity into the country’s regulated banking system under direct state oversight.

On Friday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, defining how crypto banks may operate and what conditions they must meet to enter the market. 

The decree positions cryptobanks as joint-stock companies authorized to combine token-based operations with traditional banking, payments and related financial services. Rather than creating a parallel sector for crypto, the framework ties digital asset activity to existing financial oversight mechanisms and infrastructure. 

Under the rules, cryptobanks must obtain resident status in the country’s Hi-Tech Park, a state-backed technology zone. In addition, cryptobanks must be entered into a dedicated register maintained by the country’s central bank. 

DBTC DeFi Insights: BTC and ETH Enter Consolidation Phase, Market Focuses on Potential Upside Potential

$BTC

Bitcoin & Ethereum Weekly Market Update
 DBTC DeFi Market Overview

This week, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) continue to trade within relatively stable ranges, reflecting an ongoing consolidation phase across the digital asset market. Following recent volatility, overall market activity has moderated, with participants showing reduced sensitivity to short-term price fluctuations.

As the two largest digital assets by market presence, BTC and ETH remain key indicators of broader market sentiment. Current price behavior suggests a pause in directional momentum, as the market absorbs macroeconomic signals alongside ongoing network-level developments.

Bitcoin: Market Anchor Remains Intact

Bitcoin’s performance this week reinforces its role as a long-term market reference point. Price movements have remained controlled, with no decisive directional trend emerging.

Network-level indicators continue to reflect operational stability, supporting Bitcoin’s position as a foundational asset within the digital asset ecosystem. Market activity around BTC appears balanced, with neither aggressive accumulation nor widespread distribution dominating current conditions.

TRUMP Meme Coin Price Prediction 2026-2030: The Daunting Challenge of a $50 Target

As the cryptocurrency market evolves into 2025, the TRUMP meme coin ($TRUMP) presents a unique case study in the volatile intersection of digital assets and political symbolism. This analysis provides a detailed, evidence-based examination of its potential price trajectory from 2026 through 2030, specifically addressing the ambitious question of whether it can reach the $50 threshold. Market data from early 2025 shows meme coins remain highly speculative, with valuations heavily influenced by social sentiment, trading volume, and broader crypto market cycles.

The TRUMP meme coin exists within a specific niche of cryptocurrency. Consequently, its valuation drivers differ significantly from utility-based tokens. Firstly, it derives its primary value from community engagement and brand recognition rather than technological utility. Secondly, historical data from similar political-themed meme coins shows extreme volatility and correlation with news cycles. For instance, the 2024 election period created unprecedented trading volume spikes. Therefore, any long-term prediction must account for these inherent instability factors. Market analysts consistently note that meme coin survival rates beyond two years remain below 15% based on historical blockchain data.

ASML stock tipped to surge 70% on artificial intelligence wave

A major investment bank says shares in ASML, a Dutch company that makes equipment for computer chip factories, could jump as much as 70% under the best conditions, as manufacturers spend more money to keep up with artificial intelligence demand.

Morgan Stanley picked ASML Holding NV as one of its favorite stocks. The bank’s analysts became even more confident after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which buys more from ASML than any other customer, showed that companies aren’t cutting back on AI investments.

The Dutch firm’s stock has climbed 25% since the start of 2026.
“Higher 2027 foundry and memory capex as well as better-than-feared China demand drives our conviction,” analyst Lee Simpson and colleagues wrote Thursday.

CME Group Brings Cardano and Chainlink Futures

$ADA

It is tied to Cardano (ADA) and Chainlink (LINK), alongside Stellar (XLM), this coming February 9, pending regulatory approval.
These standardized agreements allow traders to buy or sell a contract at a set price in the future, offering a regulated way to manage risk or gain exposure to digital assets without holding the tokens directly.

What the Futures Launch Means for Markets

Futures are agreements to trade an asset at a future date for a set price. They help institutions hedge price swings or express views on future market moves without owning the asset itself. For example, a fund worried about ADA’s price could use a futures contract to balance potential losses, rather than buying and selling ADA tokens directly on unregulated platforms.

What Is the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act)?

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act) is a piece of landmark federal legislation designed to establish a definitive regulatory framework for the United States cryptocurrency industry. Passed by the House of Representatives in July 2025 and currently under Senate review as of early 2026, the bill seeks to resolve the jurisdictional friction between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). By eliminating the ambiguity of “regulation-by-enforcement,” the Act aims to foster innovation, protect consumers, and pave the way for massive institutional capital to enter the digital asset space.

Ripple Enters UK Market Under Full FCA Oversight

$XRP

With approval from the Financial Conduct Authority, Ripple can now legally provide crypto-related services in the UK through its local entity, Ripple Markets UK Limited. This places the company inside the FCA’s registration regime, which subjects firms to strict requirements around governance, reporting, anti-money laundering controls, and operational transparency.

Rather than being a symbolic endorsement, FCA registration is widely viewed as one of the toughest compliance hurdles for digital asset companies seeking access to the UK market. Clearing it signals that Ripple has aligned its internal systems with standards traditionally expected of banks, payment institutions, and regulated financial service providers.

Why institutions are paying attention

Industry analysts see the move as a calculated step toward deeper institutional penetration. Large financial players have consistently cited regulatory clarity as a prerequisite for adopting blockchain-based payment infrastructure. By operating under FCA oversight, Ripple reduces regulatory uncertainty for banks and enterprises evaluating its technology.

This development also places Ripple in a relatively small cohort of crypto firms that have met the FCA’s threshold, alongside names such as Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken. The comparison matters: FCA approval is often interpreted by institutions as a minimum bar for serious engagement rather than a competitive advantage.

CME Group’s Bold Move into Altcoin Futures Market

CME Group, a leading force in the global derivatives market, has unveiled plans to broaden its cryptocurrency offerings. This revelation comes as institutional interest in digital currencies intensifies. The company plans to launch futures contracts centered on prominent altcoin projects, including Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar. Scheduled to be available for trading starting February 9, pending regulatory approval, these contracts reflect a growing demand for structured, regulated risk management solutions among various investors.

CME Group’s latest futures contracts provide options for diverse investment scales, offering both micro and conventional sizes. For Cardano, standard contracts will encompass 100,000 ADA, while micro contracts will cover 10,000 ADA. Chainlink’s standard and micro contracts will trade at 5,000 LINK and 250 LINK, respectively. Similarly, Stellar contracts will include 250,000 XLM for standard sizes and 12,500 XLM for micro sizes.

This varied offering appeals to a wide audience, from seasoned portfolio managers to those preferring limited market exposure. The rising inclination toward transparent, auditable financial instruments is a trend CME acknowledges. Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s Global Head of Crypto Products, remarked,

“Investors are looking for options not only to hedge price movements but to play an active role in regulated environments.”

Google Play to Block Binance, OKX From Korea Starting Jan 28

Google will enforce new app market restrictions in South Korea starting January 28, requiring all crypto exchanges and wallet providers on Google Play to submit documentation proving they’ve completed registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit as virtual asset service providers.

According to local media News1, major overseas platforms, including Binance and OKX, face immediate removal from the Korean market unless they obtain domestic corporate status and Information Security Management System certification, requirements that effectively bar foreign exchanges from operation.

The policy update announced on January 14 mandates that exchanges upload “Report Receipt Complete” documents via Google’s Developer Studio during app registration.
According to Google’s statement to News1, platforms failing to comply will be blocked in Korea, preventing new user installations entirely.

Beyond documentation submission, registration as a virtual asset operator requires full compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and ISMS certification from the Korea Internet & Security Agency, a process that typically demands significant time and infrastructure investment from overseas exchanges.

Why Is Crypto Down Today? – January 16, 2026

The crypto market is down today. The cryptocurrency market capitalisation has decreased by 0.9% over the past 24 hours to $3.33 trillion. At the time of writing, 88 of the top 100 coins have posted price drops. Also, the total crypto trading volume stands at $131 billion.

Solana Mobile's SKR Token Airdrop for Seeker Users

$SOL

Solana Mobile has announced a significant airdrop of 1.8 billion SKR tokens starting on January 21, 2026, targeting Seeker users globally.

This large-scale token distribution could potentially influence SKR's market dynamics, enhancing the Solana ecosystem's operational scope and engagement.

Key participants include Solana Mobile and the Seeker team, driving this initiative. The airdrop aims to reward Seeker users and developers, utilizing the Seeker ecosystem.

VanEck Predicts the Gold Price If the Dollar Loses Reserve Status

VanEckpublished a study that looks at one extreme but important question: what happens to gold if the U.S. dollar loses its role as the world’s reserve currency?

The approach is not based on chart patterns or price targets. It’s balance-sheet math. VanEck’s team compared central bank money liabilities with official gold reserves to estimate where gold would need to be priced if it became the primary anchor again.

The numbers are eye-catching. Using narrow money (M0) adjusted for FX turnover, the implied gold price comes out near $39,000 per ounce. Using broader money measures (M2), the figure climbs far higher. VanEck is clear on one point: this is not a forecast. It’s a stress-test of the global monetary system.

Bitcoin traders predict ‘strong run-up’ as classic chart targets $113K

$BTC

Bitcoin’s (BTC) price traded 9.5% above its Jan. 1 open of $87,500, and traders were confident that BTC’s short-term “trend is up” as the price approached a key level of interest.

As Cointelegraph reported, Bitcoin’s ability to return to a six-figure price hinges on overcoming the resistance at $98,000 — the short-term holder (STH) cost basis. 

This is the critical point on traders’ radars and one that has not received a convincing retest recently.

Related: Bitcoin rally collapses at $97K as funding rate stalls, retail traders sit out

“$BTC is approaching a key inflexion point,” said Glassnode analyst Chris Beamish in a Friday post on X, adding:

“Reclaiming the STH cost basis would signal that recent buyers are back in profit, typically a prerequisite for momentum to re-accelerate. ”

Coinbase faces CLARITY Act backlash as Citron targets stablecoin yield moat

In a post on X, Citron Research stated that Armstrong’s recent comments on CNBC showed concern about competition from tokenized securities firm Securitize, which holds the licenses needed to operate in that market. Citron alleged that Coinbase wants regulatory clarity without opening the door to rivals, claiming the crypto firm is pushing back because a revised version of the bill could favor Securitize over Coinbase.

Coinbase formally withdrew support for the crypto market structure bill on January 14, with Armstrong listing several objections in a public statement. These included what he described as a de facto ban on tokenized equities, expanded government access to DeFi user data, a shift of power away from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) toward the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and draft language that could end stablecoin rewards. Armstrong stated that Coinbase would “rather have no bill than a bad bill,” adding later the same day that he remained optimistic about possible changes.

US Homebuilder Megatel to Launch Crypto Rewards Platform After SEC Clearance

US homebuilder Megatel Homes is preparing to roll out a crypto-based rewards platform after receiving a rare “no-action” letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signalling regulatory comfort with the initiative.

The platform, called MegPrime, will allow users to earn rewards through MP Tokens when making housing-related payments such as rent. Those tokens can later be spent on everyday purchases or converted into US dollars, according to the company.

Megatel said the SEC approved the launch on the condition that the platform strictly adheres to the structure outlined in its proposal, with the regulator recommending no enforcement action under those terms.

Bitcoin Institutional Investment Soars as Digital Wealth Partners Entrusts $250M to Two Prime

Institutional confidence in Bitcoin reaches new heights as Digital Wealth Partners announces a landmark $250 million BTC management agreement with digital asset fund Two Prime, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency investment maturation in early 2025.

Digital Wealth Partners (DWP), a registered investment advisory firm specializing in digital assets, has transferred $250 million in Bitcoin to Two Prime for professional management. This substantial allocation represents one of the largest publicly disclosed mandates from a traditional investment advisor to a dedicated crypto fund. Consequently, the partnership demonstrates growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a core asset class. Moreover, the transaction highlights the evolving infrastructure supporting large-scale digital asset investments.

Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, DWP operates under strict regulatory oversight. The firm’s decision follows months of due diligence on custody solutions, risk management frameworks, and performance track records. Two Prime emerged as the selected partner due to its institutional-grade security protocols and transparent reporting systems. Additionally, the fund employs quantitative strategies specifically designed for Bitcoin’s unique volatility profile.