Finance Police

Prediction markets like Polymarket are exploding in popularity, and insider trading—once a taboo in traditional finance—is now viewed by some as a feature that accelerates market truth. Spotting and copying these suspicious high-confidence trades has evolved into its own profitable industry.

Here are key visuals of the Polymarket platform in action:

In October 2025, a fresh crypto wallet on Polymarket wagered $40,000 that OpenAI would launch an AI web browser before month’s end. The bet paid off quickly, netting $7,000 in profit—a suspiciously large, timely move.

Tools like Insider Finder (part of the Polysights analytics suite) flagged this as potential insider activity and shared it on X as a trading signal. Followers copied the trade and profited—highlighting how “insider” signals are monetized rather than punished in this space.

Polysights creator Tre Upshaw, a 29-year-old former memecoin trader from Canada, sees insider activity as beneficial:

Insider trading just accelerates the truth faster at the end of the day,

he told Bloomberg. His platform has grown to 24,000 users, secured a $25,000 grant from Polymarket, and is nearing a $2 million funding round. About 85% of flagged trades have been winners, and Upshaw personally bets on his strongest signals.

Polymarket, banned in the US in 2022 for unregistered operations, made a triumphant return under the Trump administration. Probes ended in 2025, Donald Trump Jr. joined as an adviser, and the platform relaunched for US users (though not fully operational yet). President Trump remains a vocal supporter, with Trump Media planning its own prediction market on Truth Social.

Other red-flag wins include a potential Google insider earning over $1 million on 2025 Year in Search rankings bets, and the explosive January 2026 case: A new account bet ~$30,000–$34,000 on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro‘s downfall hours before his capture in a US operation, pocketing over $400,000–$436,000.

This incident ignited fresh scrutiny. New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026, banning federal officials, appointees, and staff from betting on policy/political outcomes using non-public info. The bill has 30 Democratic co-sponsors (as of mid-January 2026), though passage remains uncertain in the current political climate.

In the unregulated “wild west” of prediction markets, insider signals drive liquidity and accuracy for proponents, while critics warn of unfair advantages and corruption risks. As platforms like Polymarket boom—with billions in volume—tools like Polysights are turning the hunt for insider edges into big business.

Whether viewed as market efficiency or ethical loophole, tracking these trades is proving highly lucrative in 2026. Stay informed on the evolving regulation and opportunities in this fast-moving space!

2026 has kicked off with intense global momentum. After the geopolitical turbulence and tariff impacts of 2025, Switzerland once again stands at the epicenter of world finance and innovation. This January, the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos draws global leaders—including the anticipated presence of Donald Trump—while the exclusive Crypto Finance Conference (CFC) in St. Moritz (January 14-16, 2026) tackles central bank challenges, monetary policy evolution, and the convergence of traditional finance with digital assets.

Beyond geopolitics, these elite gatherings highlight unconventional, high-potential investment themes that could redefine global economies: from asteroid mining and the booming space sector to longevity biotechnology and next-generation currencies.

Marc P. Bernegger, co-founder of the Crypto Finance Conference St. Moritz, the Longevity Investors Lunch (January 20, 2026, Davos), and the inaugural Future Investments Circle (January 22, 2026, Davos), shares exclusive insights into the most disruptive and exciting trends emerging from these events.

The Exploding Space Economy: A $1.8 Trillion Opportunity by 2035

The space sector is no longer science fiction—it’s a rapidly commercializing frontier. Projections from McKinsey, World Economic Forum, and industry reports estimate the global space economy will surge to $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by satellites, commercial space services, and emerging industries like resource extraction and tourism.

This explosive growth inspired Bernegger to launch the Future Investments Circle in Davos, debuting this year as a premier platform for frontier technologies, including space, robotics, and beyond.

Here are the standout space-related investment themes gaining traction:

1. Asteroid Mining: Harvesting Rare Resources from Space

Asteroid mining is moving from concept to reality, with companies developing spacecraft to extract valuable materials like gold, platinum-group metals, and rare earths—elements relatively abundant in space but increasingly scarce or costly on Earth.

Bernegger highlights: “Gold and, to some extent, other materials such as rare earths are relatively abundant in space.” These ventures could disrupt global commodities markets, offering massive upside for early investors in a new era of space resource utilization.

2. Commercial Space Tourism: The Next Aviation Boom

Bernegger compares today’s space tourism to the dawn of commercial aviation: “When people first flew to New York, many said it would never happen. Eventually, there will come a time when we look back and say that it’s actually quite normal to take a trip to space if you want to.”

While initially limited to high-net-worth individuals, costs are plummeting, paving the way for broader accessibility and explosive market growth.

3. Lunar Economy & Zero-Gravity Industries

Discussions also cover moon colonization, lunar resource use, and the zero-gravity sector—where chemical and biological processes behave differently in weightlessness. Companies are already running experiments in orbit to develop new pharmaceuticals, materials, and biotech breakthroughs.

Bernegger notes: “Today, there are already quite a few companies that are conducting experiments and studying molecules in space.”

These themes position space as one of the hottest long-term investment frontiers, blending innovation with transformative economic potential.

(Note: Visuals of asteroid mining concepts, commercial space flights, and zero-gravity labs would illustrate these exciting developments—imagine spacecraft docking with metallic asteroids or floating labs in orbit!)

Marc Bernegger’s insider perspective from Davos and St. Moritz underscores that 2026 is the year frontier investments like asteroid mining, space economy growth, and longevity biotech move from niche to mainstream opportunity. As global markets navigate uncertainty, these unconventional trends offer diversification and exponential upside.

Stay tuned for more updates from the WEF, CFC St. Moritz, Longevity Investors Lunch, and Future Investments Circle—where tomorrow’s economy is being shaped today. For investors eyeing the next big wave, the stars (literally) may hold the answer.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 15th, 2026, FinanceWire

Industry-first initiative combines zero-cost trial with comprehensive operational infrastructure, allowing brokers to launch and scale without technical complexity or upfront investment.

Leverate is redefining how brokers launch and operate MT4/MT5 by introducing a fully managed brokerage solution with three months of free access. For the first time, brokers can go live, onboard real clients, execute real trades, and generate revenue without setup fees, technical complexity, or upfront investment, all within a single, fully integrated ecosystem.

From Concept to Live Operation in Days, Not Months

While MT4/MT5 provides the trading platform, brokers traditionally need to coordinate with multiple vendors to create a functioning brokerage: server hosting providers, CRM systems, liquidity partners, payment processors, and back-office solutions. This fragmented approach requires months of preparation, significant capital outlay, and specialized technical expertise to integrate disparate systems.

The model consolidates these components into one unified ecosystem. From initial strategy review through complete deployment, brokers achieve operational status in days rather than months, with all components pre-integrated and working seamlessly together.

The three-month promotional period delivers genuine operational capability, not a limited trial. Brokers onboard real clients, execute real trades, and generate actual revenue while experiencing the entire platform ecosystem before making any financial commitment.

Zero Cost, Zero Complexity, Zero Hidden Terms

Leverate’s offer includes everything required for full brokerage operations with complete transparency: no setup fees, no hidden charges, and no commission deductions during the promotional period. Available to both new market entrants testing viability and established brokers evaluating infrastructure alternatives, the program transitions seamlessly to standard commercial terms after three months, with brokers having already validated platform performance, client satisfaction, and business economics through real market conditions.

Enterprise Infrastructure with Zero Upfront Investment

Brokers operate on fully configured MT4/MT5 services with 99.99% uptime hosting, redundancy architecture, and 24/7 monitoring by senior administrators and liquidity specialists. Leverate manages the entire MT4/MT5 migration process, ensuring smooth connectivity to servers and services while connecting brokers with over 150+ strategic partners for optimized performance.

Daily operations that typically require dedicated in-house teams, server monitoring, price feed validation, gateway health checks, platform patches, symbol management, performance optimization, and emergency interventions are handled entirely by Leverate’s support infrastructure.

The comprehensive package encompasses MT4/MT5 services, 360° CRM with a branded client portal, liquidity connectivity through Leverate Prime, configurable A/B-Book risk management routing, multi-currency payment processing, and back-office systems. For brokers with existing MT4/MT5 licenses or established infrastructure, Leverate’s modular approach enables customized service configurations, selecting only the specific components needed to fill operational gaps and accelerate growth.

This model allows brokers to redirect capital and resources toward their core competitive advantage, client acquisition and relationship management, while Leverate delivers institutional-grade technology and operational expertise as a turnkey service.

“We believe so strongly in our solution that we’re willing to let brokers experience it fully before asking for any commitment,” said Shmulik (Sam) Kordova, COO of Leverate. “Three months is enough time to see real results, real clients onboarded, real trades executed, and real profits generated. That’s the confidence we have in what we’ve built.”

What Makes This Model Different

Leverate’s infrastructure currently supports brokers globally, representing nearly two decades of continuous platform development and operational refinement. This foundation enables the delivery of institutional-grade capabilities while removing traditional barriers to accessing them.

The model reflects a fundamental repositioning of brokerage technology: not as software requiring implementation, but as a complete operational ecosystem that removes technical barriers and enables immediate market participation.

Rather than brokers managing relationships with multiple vendors and struggling to integrate disconnected systems, the offering provides a unified solution where MT4/MT5 is just one component of a fully integrated brokerage infrastructure.

“Our ecosystem has been refined and proven over 19 years in the industry. As one of the longest-standing technology providers in the market, we’ve developed the infrastructure, insight, and products that allow brokers to focus on growth while we handle complexity,” added Ran Strauss, CEO & Co-Founder of Leverate. “Today, we are extending this value more broadly, removing technological hesitation and enabling brokers to operate live, in real market conditions, before committing to scale.”

For more information about Leverate’s MT4/MT5 managed solution and three-month free access program, users can visit Leverate’s website.

About Leverate

Leverate is a leading force in fintech innovation, dedicated to empowering brokers and prop firms with cutting-edge technology that drives growth, efficiency, and success. Rather than just offering trading tools, Leverate provides a complete ecosystem that helps firms launch, operate, and scale with confidence in today’s fast-moving markets.

Contact

Leverate Sales
sales@leverate.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 15th, 2026, FinanceWire

STARTRADER, a global broker, has announced a renewed partnership with the UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7th, 2026. As part of the agreement, STARTRADER’s branding will appear on the official team jerseys throughout the tournament.

Peter Karsten, the CEO of STARTRADER said on the occasion,

We have sponsored the UAE National Cricket Team during DP World Asia Cup, but this time we are going bigger. We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust, and growth can achieve. Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.

As the CEO of STARTRADER stated, this partnership carries a strong message to the audience. It reinforces the pillars on which they operate. In cricket and in trading, trust in the team and in the strategy is the main force that leads participants in each of these fields to achieve more growth. The broker is licensed by five regulatory authorities around the world (SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FSC), which further highlights the trust aspect, allowing clients to aim for growth with peace of mind.

Emirates Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad:

We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Sponsor for UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership which will help in the growth of the game in the UAE. Our partnership with STARTRADER goes beyond sport, reflecting shared values of discipline, focus, and resilience. The partnership is fully aligned with the Emirates Cricket Board’s vision for our team as they continue to showcase their talent at the world level with impressive performances.

The statements from both leaders highlight the strong alignment between the worlds of trading and sport, particularly cricket. In both arenas, progress is built on preparation, discipline, and precision: values that transform effort into results and ambition into success.

As this partnership begins, STARTRADER continues building connections that support people, and empower growth.

About STARTRADER

STARTRADER is a global broker that provides its clients with opportunities to trade financial instruments online. STARTRADER services both Partners and Retail Clients, who can trade using the MetaTrader Platform, the STAR-APP, and using STAR-COPY.

As a global broker, STARTRADER holds a client-first approach as a core principle. Regulated in 5 jurisdictions (ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and SCA), STARTRADER upholds strong governance alongside sustainable growth. STARTRADER’s team comprises dedicated professionals working collaboratively to deliver quality service to its Partners and Clients.

Contact

PR Manager
Janna Magabilen
STARTRADER
janna.magabilen@startrader.com

George Town, British Virgin Islands, January 14th, 2026, Chainwire

Human Trader ProMint Claims Championship as AI Demonstrates Superior Risk Control

Aster, the high-performance and privacy-focused on-chain trading platform backed by YZi Labs, has announced the final results of its “Human vs AI” live trading competition. Conducted over a two-week period under highly volatile market conditions, the event highlighted a clear contrast between discretionary human trading and AI-driven strategies.

While individual human trader ProMint secured the top ranking with positive net profits, the human trading team as a whole recorded an overall ROI of -32.22%, reflecting significant performance dispersion across participants. In contrast, AI agents delivered materially more stable results at the aggregate level, limiting total losses to approximately USD 13,000 and achieving an overall ROI of -4.48% across all participating AI strategies.

Trading Insight: Stability vs Asymmetric Opportunity

Competition data highlighted a clear contrast in risk behavior between human traders and AI agents. During the event, 43% of human participants were liquidated, while all 30 AI agents completed the competition without a single liquidation, achieving a 100% survival rate.

According to Aster, the results underscore the structural strengths of AI-driven strategies in stable, risk-controlled market environments, where systematic execution and disciplined risk management help mitigate large drawdowns. At the same time, the findings also suggest that in market conditions driven by human emotion, rapid market shifts, and nonlinear price dynamics, discretionary human traders with strong judgment and narrative awareness can still capture asymmetric opportunities and outperform purely systematic approaches.

Future Competitiveness Lies in Collaboration, Not Replacement

Competition data showed that human traders exhibited significantly wider performance dispersion, with individual gains exceeding USD 19,000 and losses in other cases approaching USD 18,000, resulting in higher overall return volatility.

Aster emphasized that the “Human vs AI” showdown was designed not to determine replacement, but to clarify evolving roles. AI is becoming a foundational tool for execution and risk management, while human traders increasingly contribute judgment, context awareness, and narrative interpretation in complex market conditions. As a result, Aster believes future competitiveness will be driven by collaboration between humans and AI, rather than direct confrontation.

Aster: Using the Market as a Real-World Testing Ground

Aster stated that the initial goal of hosting this live trading showdown was to observe how different trading participants behave on the same decentralized infrastructure under real market conditions, rather than relying on backtesting or simulated data.

As the decentralized derivatives market continues to grow, Aster will continue to explore infrastructure designs that better serve professional trading needs, enabling strategies, risk management, and execution to achieve higher certainty on-chain.

This was not a competition with a predetermined conclusion, but a starting point,

said Leonard, CEO of Aster, in the post-event summary. As markets become more complex, traders need more than individual tools. They need integrated systems that can evolve alongside the market.

The Next Trading Showdown Begins on Jan 22

Aster has confirmed that the next live trading showdown will officially kick off on January 22 and take place on the Aster Chain Testnet.

This upcoming event will open participation to a newly expanded group of traders, including professional participants from around the world, enabling live competitive trading within Aster’s testnet environment.

Additional details regarding competition mechanics, rewards, and participation criteria are available in Aster’s official X competition announcement.

About Aster

Aster is an on-chain trading platform offering high-performance perpetual and spot trading with MEV-aware trading mechanics, advanced order types such as Hidden Orders, and a protected trading mode, Shield Mode, across multiple chains. Beyond trading, Aster enables greater capital efficiency through Trade & Earn and supports ecosystem growth via Rocket Launch, which connects real traders with early-stage liquidity opportunities. Backed by YZi Labs, Aster is building toward its own Aster Chain and is currently running a multi-stage airdrop and incentive program to support its global community.

Users can learn more at the Aster official website or connect with Aster on the official X account.

Contact

PR & Content Manager
Lola Chen
Aster
lola.chen@asterdex.com

Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader cryptocurrency market registered a sharp rally as softer US inflation numbers and geopolitical tensions boosted demand for safe-haven assets. The flagship cryptocurrency rallied nearly 5% on Tuesday, reaching an intraday high of $96,250 before settling at $95,384. BTC is up 3.48% during the ongoing session, trading around $95,145. 

Meanwhile, US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $753 million in inflows on Tuesday, marking their strongest day since October 2025. 

CLARITY Act Markup Set For January 27 

The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled the markup hearing for its crypto market structure bill for January 27. The committee announced on Monday that its final markup for the bill will take place six days after the release of its legislative text on January 21. Committee Chairman John Boozman stated, 

This schedule ensures transparency and allows for thorough review as the committee moves forward with legislation to provide clarity and certainty for crypto markets. I’m grateful to Senator Booker, who continues to be a great partner, as well as our staff for their hard work and dedication to create new rules to protect consumers while also supporting American innovation.

A markup allows committees to finalize details, debate bills, and suggest amendments. The committee then votes to send the bill, edited or unedited, for consideration by the Senate. Once the Senate passes the bill, it is sent to the US House of Representatives before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk. 

US Inflation Data Boosts Bitcoin (BTC) Higher 

Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader cryptocurrency market posted a substantial rally over the past 24 hours as softer inflation data fueled demand for safe-haven assets. Progress on the CLARITY Act also helped investor sentiment. Bitcoin (BTC) registered a sharp jump as it reclaimed $95,000, reaching an intraday high of $95,801 before moving to its current level of $94,886, up almost 4%. The market rally was largely due to encouraging US inflation data. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data revealed that the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained at 2.7%, while core CPI, which excludes food and energy products, dropped to 2.6%. The numbers suggest President Trump’s tariffs may not have had a substantial impact on inflation. Analysts believe inflation could fall further as gasoline prices and mortgage rates drop. 

Monthly US CPI inflation came in as expected at 0.3% for both core and headline measures. Annual headline inflation is 2.7% (as expected) and core 2.6% (somewhat lower than expected). This data release will not change rate expectations in any significant manner — that is to say, the Fed is on hold with the question being how long of a pause.

Prediction Market Volume Hits Record Levels 

Trading volumes on US prediction markets hit a record $701.7 million on Monday despite recent US regulatory action. Kalshi accounted for two-thirds of the total trading volume at $465.9 million, while Polymarket and Opinion registered $100 million worth of trades. The new record easily beat the previous volume record of $666.6 million, set only a day earlier. Prediction markets have become the latest trend in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with several major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase and Gemini, planning to integrate them. Self-custody wallets like MetaMask have also made similar moves. 

Prediction markets attracted renewed regulatory scrutiny after an anonymous Polymarket bet over Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s ouster was placed hours before his capture. The bet paid out over $400,000, leading to speculation about the identity of the individual and insider knowledge. 

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader market rallied on the back of US inflation data and progress around the CLARITY Act. The flagship cryptocurrency started the week in positive territory and rallied nearly 5% on Tuesday, reaching an intraday high of $96,250 before settling at $95,384. 

Analysts believe Bitcoin’s move past $95,000 sets it up for a move towards the psychological $100,000 mark. Analysts attributed the latest rally to a surge in spot buying as investor sentiment improved after the US inflation data. Crypto analyst Will Clemente stated in a post on X, 

Seems like this rally on Bitcoin is led by spot buying and getting faded by perps as funding goes negative while open interest rises + most spot volume in days.

Holders’ spot buying of Bitcoin is interpreted as a bullish signal, as investors are purchasing the underlying asset itself rather than Bitcoin futures or options. Analyst Michael van de Poppe also believes Bitcoin is heading towards the $100,000 mark, stating, 

It’s quite clear that this is going to run to $100K in the coming week and that dips are for buying. The bull market hasn’t died, it’s about to start.

Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs registered their largest daily inflow in three months, pulling in $753 million on Tuesday. The sharp reversal indicates returning institutional demand as investors rotate back into risk assets following year-end portfolio rebalancing. According to data from CoinGlass, Bitcoin ETFs snapped a four-day outflow streak on Monday, recording $116 million in inflows. Fidelity’s FBTC led the inflows with $351 million, followed by Bitwise’s BITB with $159 million. BlackRock’s IBIT recorded $126 million in net inflows. 

BTC ended the previous weekend in positive territory, rising 0.99% to $91,494. Bullish sentiment intensified on Monday as the flagship cryptocurrency rose 2.60%, crossing $93,000 to $93,870. Selling pressure returned on Tuesday as the price dropped to a low of $91,203 before reclaiming $93,000 and settling at $93,722. Selling pressure intensified on Wednesday as BTC fell nearly 3% to $91,279. Sellers retained control on Thursday as the price briefly fell to a low of $89,200 before settling at $91,026.

Source: TradingView

BTC faced volatility on Friday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Sellers ultimately gained the upper hand as the price fell 0.56% to $90,515. Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC registered a marginal drop on Saturday before rising 0.54% on Sunday to $90,872. The price faced volatility on Monday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Buyers ultimately gained the upper hand as BTC registered a marginal increase to $91,188. The flagship cryptocurrency rallied on Tuesday, rising nearly 4% to reclaim $95,000 and settle at $95,384. BTC is trading around $95,177 during the ongoing session.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Moscow, Russia – January 14, 2026 – Russia is poised for a significant evolution in its cryptocurrency landscape. According to reports from state news agency TASS and interviews with key lawmakers, the State Duma has finalized a draft bill that will remove cryptocurrencies from the country’s “special financial regulation” category, paving the way for broader, more practical integration into everyday financial activities.

The legislation, led by Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, is set for discussion during the spring 2026 parliamentary session. If passed, it could take effect as early as July 1, 2026, marking one of the most substantial policy shifts in Russia’s approach to digital assets.

Key Features of the Proposed Crypto Bill

Retail Investor Access with Safeguards — Non-qualified (retail) investors will be permitted to purchase cryptocurrencies, but with strict annual limits to mitigate risk. Individuals can invest up to 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,800 USD, depending on exchange rates) per year.

Unlimited Access for Professionals — Qualified and professional market participants face no investment caps, allowing greater flexibility for institutional and experienced traders.

Broader Use Cases — The bill aims to normalize crypto as a standard financial tool, potentially simplifying taxation, inheritance, and business applications. It also supports the use of Russian-issued digital assets for cross-border payments and listing on foreign markets, helping bypass traditional restrictions.

This proposal builds on the Bank of Russia‘s December 2025 regulatory framework, which introduced concepts for regulated crypto trading through licensed intermediaries, risk-awareness checks, and defined caps for non-qualified investors.

Coordinated Support from Regulators

The initiative reflects growing alignment among Russia’s financial authorities. While the Central Bank has historically been cautious, it now backs regulated retail access with protections. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has confirmed joint efforts between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank to establish a unified, safeguarded framework.

Aksakov emphasized the goal:

A bill has already been prepared that removes cryptocurrencies from special financial regulation, meaning they will become commonplace in our lives.

Potential Impact on Russia’s Crypto Ecosystem

If enacted, the changes could:

Foster the emergence of Russian-regulated crypto exchanges and platforms.

Enable businesses to accept crypto payments or hold digital assets more confidently.

Strengthen Russia’s position in alternative payment systems amid global sanctions.

This shift aligns with Russia’s broader push toward digital financial assets (DFAs) and blockchain innovation, while maintaining strict oversight to address volatility and compliance risks.

FAQs

How will the 300,000 ruble retail limit be enforced?

Likely through licensed exchanges and intermediaries requiring KYC/identity verification and tracking individual purchase totals against the cap.

What does removing crypto from “special financial regulation” mean?

It transitions cryptocurrencies from a niche, experimental category to more standard financial instrument rules, potentially easing legal processes for taxation, business use, and inheritance.

Could this lead to domestic crypto exchanges in Russia?

Yes — a clearer framework typically encourages licensed local platforms, reducing dependence on foreign exchanges.

How might businesses benefit?

Companies could more readily accept crypto payments or include digital assets on balance sheets, subject to new reporting and compliance standards for DFAs.

Russia’s evolving crypto policy signals a pragmatic embrace of digital assets for economic resilience, with strong safeguards for everyday users.

The Future Minerals Forum (FMF), the world’s premier government-led platform for critical minerals, officially launched the inaugural FMF Barometer on the opening day of FMF 2026. This groundbreaking tool provides the first comprehensive baseline for measuring progress in developing resilient and responsible critical mineral value chains across the “Super Region” — encompassing Africa, Western Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America.

Developed in partnership with McKinsey & Company and leading global experts, the FMF Barometer integrates stakeholder sentiment, market data, project-level insights, and intelligence into a single authoritative platform. It serves as a vital benchmark to guide governments, companies, and investors amid surging demand for minerals essential to decarbonization, artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.

Key Insights from the Inaugural FMF Barometer

The report highlights stark disparities in global mining investment:

In the first three quarters of 2025, global mining mergers and acquisitions (M&A) totaled approximately $30 billion, with 74% of deal value concentrated in Latin America.

Latin American mining deal values have surged over 200% since 2021.

In contrast, Africa’s mining deal value declined by 79% over the same period, signaling shifting risk perceptions.

Despite the Super Region holding more than 50% of global critical mineral reserves, it attracts the lowest exploration expenditure worldwide. These trends expose a widening gap between vast mineral endowments and actual capital flows.

Saudi Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer emphasized:

The FMF Barometer is the first global effort to benchmark the readiness of critical mineral ecosystems amid surging demand for electric mobility, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and defense applications.

The Barometer will continue tracking shifts in risk perception, investment flows, and advancements toward resilient supply chains.

The Future Minerals Framework: A Blueprint for Sustainable Value Chains

Underpinning the Barometer is the Future Minerals Framework, crafted with input from over 47 experts from multilateral organizations, NGOs, and private companies. Introduced at the 2025 Ministerial Roundtable, it outlines coordinated action across exploration, mining, logistics, processing, and advanced manufacturing to build sustainable value chains.

Jeffrey Lorch, Partner at McKinsey & Company, noted:

By integrating market data, stakeholder sentiment, and value-chain benchmarks, the FMF Barometer provides companies with a strategic roadmap to navigate volatility and unlock long-term growth.

Why Critical Minerals Matter: Leaders’ Urgent Call to Action

Critical minerals — including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, silicon, and rare earth elements — are indispensable for the global energy transition.

Industry visionaries reinforced their centrality:

Robert Friedland (Founder, Ivanhoe Mines, Ivanhoe Electric, I-Pulse): You cannot decarbonize, compute, or transmit without mining. Electrifying power systems, digitizing the economy, and the explosive growth of AI are converging into a single, metals-intensive future.

Duncan Wanblad (CEO, Anglo American): Global copper demand is projected to grow 75% to 56 million tonnes per annum by 2050, requiring around 60 new mines like Quellaveco in the next decade.

Gustavo Pimenta (CEO, Vale): Mining is essential to everything — from AI processing units to EV batteries, wind turbines, and everyday devices.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects demand for critical minerals could rise dramatically — nearly tripling by 2030 in net-zero scenarios — with battery-electric vehicles alone driving significant consumption of rare earth elements. Digital expansion will amplify this further.

FMF 2026: Driving Global Collaboration

Hosted in Riyadh from January 13–15, 2026, FMF 2026 — themed

Dawn of a Global Cause: Minerals for a New Era of Development

— attracted 18,000 participants from 165 countries, including 89 government representatives. The event featured the world’s largest ministerial roundtable on minerals, focusing on establishing an international critical minerals framework, sustainability standards, centers of excellence, and infrastructure corridors.

Since its launch in 2022, FMF has evolved into the leading gathering for senior officials, industry leaders, NGOs, academia, and stakeholders to shape a responsible, resilient future for the global minerals industry.

The FMF Barometer marks a major step toward transparent, data-driven decision-making to meet the world’s accelerating mineral needs while promoting sustainable development.

Castries, Saint Lucia, January 14th, 2026, Chainwire

PrimeXBT, a leading global crypto and CFD broker, has listed 40 new crypto futures trading pairs, significantly expanding its asset coverage across high-demand segments including AI, Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks, DeFi, Infrastructure, Meme tokens, NFT, Metaverse, and Payments. The expansion is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to provide traders with deeper market access, better liquidity, and cost-efficient trading conditions.

The newly added markets include a curated selection of highly traded coins and tokens such as CELO, DASH, DYDX, EIGEN, SNX, ZK, ZRO, and emerging community and meme-driven assets. This batch also introduces several trending tokens, including HYPE and PUMP, now available for futures trading.

The new crypto futures come with 100–150x maximum leverage across most pairs, while ETH/BTC offers up to 400x leverage, among the highest available in the industry. Traders can also benefit from higher maximum order sizes in markets with strong liquidity, enabling more flexible position management. Most instruments are USDT-margined, and each coin has been added based on market liquidity and clear trader demand, supporting deeper books, tighter execution, and more efficient trading conditions.

As part of the launch, PrimeXBT is also expanding its zero-fee offering, introducing new opportunities on popular pairs such as FLOW, KAIA, EGLD, RUNE, GALA, BOME, and others. This update complements the platform’s existing roster of cost-efficient markets and supports high-frequency and cost-sensitive traders.

PrimeXBT stated that recent volatility has shown how quickly new narratives emerge in the crypto market, making timely access to new opportunities essential the moment they gain momentum. In conditions like these, cost efficiency becomes even more important. The broker added that it remains focused on creating an environment where traders can turn fast-moving trends into long-term growth.

With this expansion, PrimeXBT strengthens its crypto futures offering while continuing to provide traders with over 350 markets across both crypto and CFDs, supported by some of the industry’s lowest fees. With over 100 global, local, crypto, and fiat payment methods, and zero-fee deposits and withdrawals, the broker ensures accessible and cost-efficient funding for traders worldwide. As market volatility continues to create new opportunities, PrimeXBT remains focused on fairness, transparency, flexibility, and empowering traders to succeed in fast-moving conditions.

To trade Crypto Futures with PrimeXBT, users can visit the PrimeXBT website.

About PrimeXBT

PrimeXBT is a global multi-asset broker and crypto asset service provider trusted by traders in more than 150 countries. The platform bridges traditional and digital markets within one integrated environment, redefining versatility and innovation in online trading. Clients can access Forex, CFDs on indices, commodities, shares, crypto, and Crypto Futures, as well as buy, store and exchange cryptocurrencies directly. This unified experience extends across both the native PXTrader platform and MetaTrader 5, supported by advanced risk-management tools and a wide range of funding options in crypto, fiat and local payment methods. Since 2018, PrimeXBT has focused on empowering traders through broad multi-asset access, fair and transparent conditions, professional-grade technology and dedicated human support. By combining expertise, trust and a client-first approach, PrimeXBT sets a benchmark of excellence in the financial industry and provides traders with the tools they need to trade, grow and succeed with confidence.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as personal investment advice and does not constitute a solicitation or invitation to engage in any financial transactions, investments, or related activities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The financial products offered by the Company are complex and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Before engaging, you should consider whether you understand how these leveraged products work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money. The Company does not accept clients from the Restricted Jurisdictions as indicated on its website / T&Cs. Some products and services, including MT5, may not be available in your jurisdiction. The applicable legal entity and its respective products and services depend on the client’s country of residence and the entity with which the client has established a contractual relationship during registration.

Contact

PrimeXBT
pr@primexbt.com

Dubai, UAE, January 14th, 2026, FinanceWire

Funderblu has announced the launch of its proprietary trading firm, offering traders access to trading capital through a structured, performance-based evaluation process. The firm enters the market aiming to address common operational concerns in the industry, such as evaluation costs, unclear guidelines, and delays in fund disbursement.

The company’s model includes a growth framework that scales up to $1 million, guided by defined evaluation criteria and a standardized approach to funding progression. Funderblu’s operations prioritize procedural transparency, consistent governance, and streamlined processes to support participant engagement.

A More Accessible Path to Professional Funding

Funderblu’s evaluation programs enable traders to progress through capital tiers with clear targets, risk parameters, and scaling requirements. This structure supports systematic growth while promoting discipline and consistency. In addition to the Gen Z plan, Funderblu offers evaluation tracks tailored to various skill levels, ensuring competitive options for traders from all backgrounds.

Introducing the Gen Z Plan: A Market-First Entry Option

A core highlight of the launch is the Gen Z Plan, an industry-first, budget-friendly evaluation option. While designed for younger traders in mind, the program is available to anyone seeking professional funding at a lower entry cost.

The Gen Z Plan addresses a major industry barrier: high upfront evaluation fees. It provides an affordable entry point for developing traders seeking professional experience without significant financial risk. Despite its lower cost, the plan maintains the same transparent rules, payout structure, and evaluation criteria as Funderblu’s higher tiers. Other plans continue to offer unique advantages, including advanced scaling and structured evaluation formats, ensuring balanced support for all traders.

Global Access Through MT5

Funderblu operates on the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, allowing traders worldwide to participate using a global standard recognized for speed, stability, and advanced analytics. This infrastructure ensures consistency for both new and experienced traders.

24-Hour Payouts and Operational Transparency

To reinforce trust and reliability, all approved payouts are processed within 24 hours. Funderblu maintains standardized rules with no hidden conditions. There are no undisclosed restrictions on trading styles or unexpected changes to drawdown calculations. Traders are able to complete evaluations at their own pace, allowing for greater flexibility in managing their strategies.

Key Components of the Funderblu Ecosystem:

Scalable Funding up to $1,000,000: A performance-driven progression framework.

Gen Z Plan: A low-barrier, transparent evaluation tier specifically for skill validation.

Multiple Evaluation Tracks: Pathways with distinct benefits for different trading approaches.

24-Hour Payout Processing: Fast processing to reinforce trust and liquidity access.

MT5 Trading Infrastructure: A globally recognized platform for professional trading.

Flexible Evaluation Conditions: No strict time limits or hidden clauses.

Transparent Governance: Clear, consistent rules supporting long-term sustainability.

Leadership Commentary

“Funderblu was launched with a simple mission: to remove unnecessary barriers in the prop trading industry,” said Kaifi Gaur, Founder of Funderblu. “Many talented traders struggle with high evaluation costs or confusing conditions. Our goal is to create a transparent, accessible pathway where performance, not capital, determines opportunity.”

About Funderblu

Funderblu is a proprietary trading firm providing traders worldwide with structured access to capital through transparent, performance-based evaluations. The company offers scalable funding, fast payouts, and a globally accessible MT5 trading platform. Funderblu’s programs support both new and experienced traders seeking a professional environment and institutional-level capital.

For more information, users can visit https://funderblu.com/.

Contact

FunderBlu
info@funderblu.com

By Staff Writer

Wyoming has spent the last decade branding itself as one of the most forward-looking U.S. jurisdictions for digital assets, blockchain companies, and financial technology ventures. Its statutory framework, specialized business courts, and crypto-friendly legislation have attracted entrepreneurs from around the world.

However, a growing number of legal observers now warn that Wyoming courts are increasingly being used as a venue for what are being described as frivolous or opportunistic lawsuits connected to crypto businesses, many of which appear to have little or no substantive nexus to the state.

According to attorneys and compliance professionals familiar with recent filings, Wyoming courts are seeing a noticeable uptick in civil actions brought by foreign or out-of-state entities against crypto-related defendants who themselves often lack any meaningful presence in Wyoming. Critics argue that these filings risk overburdening the courts while undermining the credibility of Wyoming’s carefully developed digital-asset ecosystem.

Disputes With No Apparent Wyoming Connection

One recent case frequently cited in professional circles involved a Singapore-based company that reportedly had never registered to do business in Wyoming, never maintained offices in the United States, and did not appear to have conducted any commercial activity within the state. Despite this, the company allegedly filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit in Wyoming state court against defendants who themselves had never lived in, worked in, or traveled to Wyoming or the U.S.

Court watchers note that such cases raise immediate jurisdictional questions. Wyoming law, like that of other U.S. states, requires a demonstrable connection between the forum and either the parties or the underlying conduct. When neither appears present, motions to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and improper venue often follow, consuming judicial time and forcing defendants to incur significant legal expense simply to challenge the court’s authority to hear the matter.

Escalating Claims and Defunct Targets

Another lawsuit drawing scrutiny was reportedly brought by the same counsel and involved a claim that transformed what began as a loan of approximately USD 35,000 into a lawsuit seeking damages exceeding USD 1.5 million. According to individuals familiar with the case, the defendant company had already ceased operations prior to the filing.

Legal analysts point out that lawsuits against defunct entities are not unlawful per se, but when coupled with extreme damage multipliers and tenuous jurisdictional ties, such actions often prompt questions about litigation strategy and motive. Critics argue that these cases appear designed less to resolve legitimate commercial disputes and more to exert pressure, create online records, or generate leverage unrelated to the realistic merits of recovery.

The Role of Third-Party Publication

A further concern repeatedly raised is the rapid appearance of these lawsuits on third-party legal-posting and “case reporting” websites shortly after filing. While publishing court filings is lawful and often protected, some practitioners contend that selective dissemination of untested claims can create an illusion of judicial validation before any court has ruled on jurisdiction, service, or the substance of the allegations.

In the digital-asset sector, where reputation, exchange relationships, and investor confidence are particularly sensitive, the mere existence of a publicly searchable lawsuit can have immediate commercial consequences. Observers caution that posting unadjudicated complaints online can be used to manufacture perceived legitimacy, regardless of whether the case later survives dismissal.

Strain on Courts and the Crypto Ecosystem

Wyoming’s courts are not specialized crypto tribunals; they are general jurisdiction courts tasked with serving residents and businesses with genuine ties to the state. Each jurisdictionally defective or weakly grounded filing requires clerks, judges, and opposing counsel to devote time to threshold procedural matters before any substantive dispute can even be considered.

Legal professionals warn that if such filings proliferate, the result may be docket congestion, increased litigation costs, and reputational harm to Wyoming’s role as a serious and principled venue for blockchain innovation. They further note that Wyoming’s crypto statutes were designed to encourage responsible development, not to provide a procedural staging ground for global disputes untethered to the state.

Calls for Closer Scrutiny

Some practitioners are now calling for closer scrutiny of jurisdictional allegations at the earliest stages of litigation, including more aggressive use of motions to dismiss, sanctions mechanisms where appropriate, and judicial case-management tools to deter filings lacking a plausible Wyoming connection.

As digital-asset litigation continues to expand worldwide, Wyoming’s experiment as a crypto-forward jurisdiction remains closely watched. Whether its courts become a respected forum for legitimate disputes — or a magnet for questionable filings — may depend on how effectively procedural safeguards are applied in the months ahead.

Be’er Sheva, Israel, January 13th, 2026, Chainwire

Fors, a prediction market aggregation platform built on Solana, today announced the release of its beta version, designed to address fragmentation and inefficiencies across modern prediction markets.

Prediction markets covering multiple categories, including politics, sports, macroeconomic events, cryptocurrencies, and global developments, have expanded rapidly in recent years. However, market data, liquidity, and pricing remain fragmented across isolated platforms, making it difficult for participants to compare outcomes and identify inefficiencies efficiently.

Fors addresses this challenge by aggregating multiple prediction venues into a single, unified interface. The platform normalizes probabilities, pricing, and liquidity, allowing users to compare identical outcomes side by side across different markets.

Built on Solana, Fors leverages high-performance infrastructure to support real-time aggregation and low-latency data processing. The platform is also developing smart order routing capabilities designed to direct trades toward the most favorable venue based on price, liquidity, and execution conditions, while maintaining transparency and user control.

One of the core benefits of aggregation is improved visibility into cross-market price differences. By presenting pricing disparities across venues, Fors enables users to identify arbitrage opportunities that may exist due to fragmented liquidity and inconsistent market pricing.

In addition to aggregation and execution optimization, the beta release introduces copy trading functionality adapted for prediction markets. Users can follow experienced participants across aggregated venues, supported by transparent performance metrics, historical analytics, and configurable risk controls. A built-in demo practice mode allows users to test copy trading strategies without committing real capital.

Fors operates with a non-custodial design, ensuring users retain ownership of their funds while interacting with multiple prediction markets through a single interface.

The January 8 beta launch represents an early step in Fors’s broader vision to provide infrastructure-level tools as prediction markets continue to mature.

About Fors

Fors was created to solve the fragmentation and inefficiencies in modern prediction markets. Built on Solana, the platform aggregates multiple prediction venues into a single, transparent interface. Fors focuses on fairness, neutrality, and data integrity, allowing users to compare markets without bias. Its mission is to make prediction markets accessible, efficient, and professional-grade. With features such as real-time aggregation, smart order routing, arbitrage visibility, and copy trading with demo practice, Fors has attracted strong early adoption and is helping shape the next generation of prediction market infrastructure.

Contact

CEO & Founder
Oz Mizrahi
Fors Market
info@fors.market

Bitcoin (BTC) returned above $92,000 on Tuesday, reaching an intraday high of $92,590 before moving to its current level of $92,121, up over 1%. The flagship cryptocurrency has shown remarkable resilience after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) opened an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. 

Investors remain cautious, and price action remains muted. However, spot Bitcoin ETFs snapped a four-day outflow streak to record $116 million in net inflows on Monday. 

Lawmakers Push CLARITY Act After Senate Roadblock 

The Senate Agriculture Committee has delayed the markup of the CLARITY Act after failing to secure enough bipartisan support. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman confirmed the panel will delay the markup to the final week of January to preserve bipartisan support. The committee initially planned the markup for the ongoing week alongside a parallel session in the Senate Banking Committee. However, Boozman said the committee needs more time to secure enough votes from both parties before moving forward.

The delay is largely due to several unresolved issues. Lawmakers are deeply divided over stablecoin rewards, regulatory treatment of decentralized finance (DeFi), and jurisdiction between the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). 

South Korea Planning To Lift Corporate Crypto Investment Ban 

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reportedly mulling lifting the ban on corporate crypto investment. The ban has been in place for nine years. If lifted, listed companies will be allowed to invest up to 5% of their equity capital in crypto assets. According to reports, a senior FSC official said that authorities will release the final guidelines in January or February, allowing virtual currency transactions for investment and financial purposes by legal entities. Japanese authorities had banned institutional participation in crypto in 2017 due to rising concerns about money laundering. 

Bitwise Criticizes 401(k) Resistance To Bitcoin 

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has criticised the idea that Bitcoin shouldn’t be used for investment and 401(k) because of volatility. Hougan argued that stocks are also prone to wild price swings. Hougan’s comments came the same day Senator Elizabeth Warren asked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for answers on how it plans to mitigate risks associated with allowing crypto in retirement funds. Hougan called attempts to block Bitcoin investment in 401(k)s ridiculous, stating, 

This is just another asset. Does it go up and down? Absolutely. Is there a risk in it? Absolutely. But it’s actually less volatile over the last year than Nvidia stock, and you don’t see any rules about banning 401(k) providers from offering Nvidia stock.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) reclaimed the $92,000 mark early on Tuesday, reaching an intraday high of $92,590 before moving to its current level. The flagship cryptocurrency is up almost 1% during the ongoing session, trading around $92,031. 

However, price action remains muted as investors exercise caution after the US Department of Justice opened an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Analysts state that Bitcoin will remain muted around $92,000, a level where short-term volatility is colliding with long-term conviction. However, spot-Bitcoin ETFs finally broke a four-day outflow streak on Monday, recording $116.7 million in net inflows. Bitcoin remains over 25% below its October 2025 peak while gold and silver surge to new highs. The divergence between the price of Bitcoin and metals like gold and silver has led investors to question Bitcoin’s digital store-of-value. Analysts believe investor caution will likely persist as the US is unlikely to deliver further economic stimulus in the near term. 

Interest rate expectations have also dropped, with Goldman Sachs no longer expecting a rate cut in March. The banking giant highlighted resilient labor market data and sticky inflation. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the Fed for keeping interest rates high even as inflation hovered above the 2% target throughout the last six months of 2025. The US Department of Justice has also opened an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the Fed’s building renovation project. Powell claimed the move was in retaliation for the Fed holding interest rates higher than President Trump would like. 

The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.

BTC ended the previous weekend in positive territory, rising 0.99% to $91,494. Bullish sentiment intensified on Monday as the flagship cryptocurrency rose 2.60%, crossing $93,000 to $93,870. Selling pressure returned on Tuesday as the price dropped to a low of $91,203 before reclaiming $93,000 and settling at $93,722. Selling pressure intensified on Wednesday as BTC fell nearly 3% to $91,279. Sellers retained control on Thursday as the price briefly fell to a low of $89,200 before settling at $91,026.

Source: TradingView

BTC faced volatility on Friday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Sellers ultimately gained the upper hand as the price fell 0.56% to $90,515. Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC registered a marginal drop on Saturday before rising 0.54% on Sunday to $90,872. The price faced volatility on Monday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Buyers ultimately gained the upper hand as BTC registered a marginal increase to $91,188. The flagship cryptocurrency is up almost 1% during the ongoing session, trading around $92,065.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is set to lift longstanding restrictions, enabling listed companies and institutional investors to allocate funds to cryptocurrencies for the first time since 2017. This major policy update forms part of the nation’s proactive 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, signaling stronger integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.

Core Details of the New Corporate Crypto Framework

Under proposed guidelines shared with industry stakeholders on January 6, 2026, eligible entities—including publicly traded firms and professional investors—may direct up to 5% of their equity capital annually toward virtual assets.

Key restrictions include:

Investments limited to the top 20 cryptocurrencies ranked by global market capitalization.

All transactions must occur exclusively on the country’s five leading regulated platforms (such as Upbit, Bithumb, Korbit, Coinone, and others).

Discussions continue regarding eligibility for dollar-pegged stablecoins like USDT.

Final regulations are anticipated in January or February 2026, with corporate trading potentially commencing later in the year. This cautious cap aims to manage volatility risks while opening the door to institutional participation.

The change could channel substantial capital—potentially tens of trillions of won—into the market. Analysts highlight that major players like internet giant Naver (with roughly 27 trillion won in equity) could access significant holdings, such as thousands of Bitcoin, within the permitted limit.

Broader Digital Asset Ambitions in South Korea

This reform aligns with ambitious national plans announced recently:

Aiming to route 25% of national treasury operations through digital currency mechanisms, including central bank digital currency (CBDC), by 2030.

Introducing a formal licensing regime for stablecoin issuers, mandating 100% reserve backing and assured redemption for users to enhance stability and trust.

These steps may accelerate approvals for spot Bitcoin ETFs and support growth in local blockchain ventures, crypto firms, and corporate digital asset strategies. Previously, many large enterprises sought overseas opportunities to circumvent domestic barriers.

The FSC’s phased approach reverses 2017 safeguards focused on anti-money laundering, reflecting evolving global trends and domestic demand for regulated crypto access.

This development positions South Korea as a forward-thinking hub for institutional crypto adoption in Asia.

In 2026, smart tax planning can significantly enhance long-term investment growth by reducing unnecessary tax drag. Experts emphasize that thoughtful approaches to retirement savings and asset management often deliver the biggest controllable impact on after-tax wealth.

Key Benefits of Tax-Smart Investing

Implementing tax-minimization techniques year-round helps lower liabilities while allowing investments to compound more effectively. As financial advisor Bill Harris of Evergreen Wealth notes, proactive tax consideration stands out as a critical lever investors can influence directly—yet many overlook it until filing season.

Leverage Increased Contribution Caps for Retirement Accounts

The IRS has boosted limits for 2026, providing more room to shelter earnings from immediate taxes:

Traditional and Roth IRAs: Annual limit rises to $7,500 (up from $7,000 in 2025). Those aged 50+ can add a $1,100 catch-up, reaching $8,600 total.

401(k), 403(b), and similar employer plans: Elective deferral cap increases to $24,500 (up from $23,500). Age 50+ catch-up grows to $8,000 (total up to $32,500), while the “super catch-up” for ages 60–63 stays at $11,250 (potentially pushing totals higher if your plan allows).

Traditional accounts use pre-tax dollars to cut current taxable income, with growth deferred until withdrawal. Roth versions involve after-tax contributions but offer tax-free qualified distributions later—ideal if you expect higher future rates.

Maxing these vehicles early in the year lets more money benefit from compound growth in a sheltered environment.

Understand the New Catch-Up Rule for High-Income Earners

A significant shift under SECURE 2.0 takes effect: If your 2025 wages from your current employer exceeded $150,000, any 2026 catch-up contributions (beyond the standard $24,500 deferral) must go into the Roth portion of your 401(k) or similar plan. This means no upfront tax deduction on those extra amounts, but future qualified withdrawals remain tax-free.

High earners often max out anyway, so shifting to Roth can still provide advantages through tax diversification. Many workers already favor Roth for its long-term benefits.

Optimize Asset Placement Across Account Types

“Asset location” involves strategically assigning investments to the right account type to minimize overall taxes:

Place high-expected-growth assets (e.g., stocks or equity funds) in Roth accounts for eventual tax-free gains.

Keep tax-efficient holdings (like municipal bonds or index funds with low turnover) in taxable brokerage accounts to reduce annual income taxes.

Use traditional deferred accounts for assets generating ordinary income (e.g., bonds or REITs).

This approach can save substantial amounts over decades compared to unmanaged placement.

Time Sales and Harvest Losses Strategically

In taxable accounts, holding investments longer than one year qualifies gains for preferential long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%, plus potential 3.8% net investment income tax for top earners).

Consider tax-loss harvesting—selling underperformers to offset gains and reduce current-year taxes. Conversely, tax-gain harvesting lets you realize gains in low-income years (potentially at 0% rate) to reset cost basis and manage future liabilities.

These tactics help rebalance portfolios while controlling tax exposure.

Enhance Charitable Giving for Added Tax Advantages

Donating appreciated securities (instead of cash) avoids capital gains taxes on the growth while securing a deduction for the full fair market value.

Options include:

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from traditional IRAs for those 70½+ —satisfy RMDs without boosting adjusted gross income.

Donor-advised funds for bunching deductions and granting flexibility on timing.

Such moves can lower effective tax rates while supporting causes you value.

By prioritizing these tax-optimized investment approaches in 2026, investors can keep more returns working for them over time. Consult a qualified advisor to tailor strategies to your situation, as individual circumstances vary.

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly surpassed the $92,000 mark early on Monday as the cryptocurrency market began the week in positive territory. The flagship cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of $92,406 but lost momentum and moved to its current level of $90,661.

Despite the decline, BTC is marginally up over the past 24 hours. However, with selling pressure increasing, the price could slip into the red. 

Meanwhile, the tension between Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and President Donald Trump escalated after the US Department of Justice opened a criminal probe into Powell’s conduct. Powell believes the investigation is due to political pressure because interest rates are higher than what President Trump would like them to be. 

Report Claims Most Debanking Due To Govt Pressure 

A report by the Cato Institute has found that most debanking cases in the US are due to government pressure and not independent decisions by financial institutions. The report challenges the narrative that account closures are the result of political or religious bias by financial institutions. The purport identified three primary forms of debanking. The first, political or religious debanking, targets accounts based on the account holder’s beliefs or political affiliations. The second, operational debanking, sees banks end their association with a customer due to business reasons. The third, government debanking, occurs when federal authorities pressure financial institutions to cut ties with certain clients. Cato Institute analyst Nicholas Anthony stated, 

While media and political narratives often attribute these closures to political or religious discrimination, this study finds that the majority of debanking cases stem from governmental pressure.

Anthony added that public records revealed several instances when officials intervened in financial markets either directly or indirectly to influence how banks manage their customer relationships. Unsurprisingly, crypto companies feature prominently in the report. Crypto executives have repeatedly flagged difficulties in accessing financial services, leading to speculation about informal pressure by regulatory authorities. 

Trump-Powell Feud Sees Sharp Escalation 

In a major escalation that puts the Fed’s independence in jeopardy, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed that the US Justice Department served the central bank with grand jury subpoenas and even threatened a criminal indictment. Powell stated in a video posted on Sunday that federal prosecutors were probing his June Senate testimony linked with the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s headquarters. Powell claimed the move was in retaliation for the Fed holding interest rates higher than President Trump would like. 

The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.

However, Trump downplayed the DOJ investigation, claiming he had no knowledge of it. However, he took a dig at Powell, stating, 

I don’t know anything about it, but he’s certainly not very good at the Fed, and he’s not very good at building buildings.

Tether Freezes $$182M USDT

Tether has frozen $182M USDT across five Tron wallets in the past 24 hours. The wallets in question hold between $12 million and $50 million each. However, the reasons behind the sudden freeze are not yet known. One reason behind the move could be illicit transactions, as the move comes after Chainalysis data revealed that stablecoins account for 84% of all illicit crypto transaction volume at the end of 2025. Another report by AMLBot stated that Tether froze around $3.3 billion in assets between 2023 and 2025, blacklisting around 7,268 crypto wallets. 

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) started the week in positive territory, reaching an intraday high of $92,406 early on Monday. However, it lost momentum as selling pressure took over and dropped to its current level of $90,429. With momentum waning, the flagship cryptocurrency is marginally down during the ongoing session. 

Markets lost momentum as the tension between President Donald Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell escalated after the Department of Justice served the bank with subpoenas and threatened a criminal indictment. In an unprecedented video address on Sunday, Powell said the action was due to “political pressure” as the Fed set interest rates based on its best assessment of what will serve the public rather than following the preferences of the president. The tension between Trump and the Fed creates headwinds for risk assets. However, analysts believe a systemic correction in equities could bring renewed demand for Bitcoin’s “non-sovereign attributes.” Bitunix analysts stated, 

When confidence in dollar credibility and central bank independence is questioned, decentralized assets tend to receive narrative-driven risk premia. Over the long term, if political interference in monetary policy becomes structural, Bitcoin’s role as a “non-sovereign risk asset

is likely to be further reinforced.”

Bitcoin analyst Will Clemente agreed with the analysis, stating, 

This environment is literally what Bitcoin was created for. The President is coming after the Fed chair. Metals are ripping as sovereigns diversify reserves. Stocks & risk assets at record highs. Geopolitical risk rising.

Matrixport data indicates a gradual improvement in crypto investor sentiment, increasing the probability of a market recovery. The crypto platform stated in a post on X, 

The moving average of our Greed & Fear Index is forming a clear base, a condition that historically coincided with Bitcoin’s bottoming phase.

BTC ended the previous weekend in positive territory, rising 0.99% to $91,494. Bullish sentiment intensified on Monday as the flagship cryptocurrency rose 2.60%, crossing $93,000 to $93,870. Selling pressure returned on Tuesday as the price dropped to a low of $91,203 before reclaiming $93,000 and settling at $93,722. Selling pressure intensified on Wednesday as BTC fell nearly 3% to $91,279. Sellers retained control on Thursday as the price briefly fell to a low of $89,200 before settling at $91,026.

Source: TradingView

BTC faced volatility on Friday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Sellers ultimately gained the upper hand as the price fell 0.56% to $90,515. Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC registered a marginal drop on Saturday before rising 0.54% on Sunday to $90,872. The flagship cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of $92,406 during the ongoing session before losing momentum and moving to its current level of $90,540, down 0.39%.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Artificial intelligence continues to command attention in executive suites worldwide, transitioning from a promising tool to a profound disruptor in the cyber insurance sector. CyberCube’s latest annual report highlights how disciplined implementation separates industry leaders from those vulnerable to setbacks in 2026.

CyberCube specialists annually evaluate forward-looking developments in emerging technologies, advanced threat intelligence, insurance marketplace dynamics, and evolving global regulations. This comprehensive Cyber Predictions 2026 analysis not only anticipates upcoming challenges but also delivers practical strategies to help insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and risk managers thrive in an increasingly complex environment.

Pascal Millaire, CEO of CyberCube, emphasizes that strategic maturity will determine success. He forecasts a widespread phase of AI disillusionment in 2026, where initial excitement from leadership forums collides with practical barriers like outdated infrastructure, fragmented information repositories, and stringent compliance requirements.

Bob Petrie, President & CEO of Origami Risk and a CyberCube Board Member, complements this outlook by focusing on operational advancements. He anticipates transformative improvements in claims processing efficiency through AI, automating routine procedures and providing precise analytical support. Importantly, human expertise will remain essential for final judgments, allowing claims teams to prioritize complex resolutions and strategic initiatives. This evolution promises enhanced outcomes, streamlined operations, and greater capacity for value-added activities across the industry.

Beyond technological adoption, regulatory changes—such as emerging age-verification mandates—could inadvertently create new vulnerabilities in data protection and cybersecurity frameworks. In this environment, carriers and reinsurers increasingly require immediate, precise, and actionable intelligence, particularly during high-stakes incidents where rapid response directly impacts underwriting performance and loss mitigation.

Insurance intermediaries also confront a defining shift. Achieving meaningful advisory value now depends on leveraging technology for scale, developing deep domain expertise, and delivering quantifiable risk assessments. Clients demand advisors capable of distilling intricate cyber exposures into actionable guidance amid mounting threats and market pressures.

Access the complete CyberCube Predictions 2026 report for detailed insights and strategic recommendations.

Join industry leaders for the Cyber Predictions 2026 Webinar on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM GMT (11:00 AM ET). Featured speakers include Christopher Jones, CEO of the International Underwriting Association; John M. Huff, President and CEO of the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR); and Simon Edwards, Founder and CEO of SE Labs. Secure your spot through the official registration link to explore these trends in depth.

Data centres serve as the powerhouse of the digital economy. These advanced facilities house vast arrays of servers and sophisticated networking equipment, enabling the seamless storage, processing, and global transmission of data. From everyday emails and cloud-stored photos to high-bandwidth video streaming and cutting-edge AI applications, every aspect of modern connectivity relies on the uninterrupted performance of these mission-critical infrastructures. Equipped with robust power delivery, innovative cooling technologies, and ultra-fast connectivity, data centres maintain the reliability that underpins today’s technology-driven world.

Canada stands out as an exceptionally promising destination for data centre expansion, capitalizing on its naturally low temperatures and vast supplies of renewable electricity. Surging global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the sector highlight accelerating interest in Canadian sites, as these inherent strengths become increasingly vital in a sustainability-focused industry. For developers, operators, institutional investors, private equity participants, and tenants alike, grasping the dynamic Canadian landscape—including evolving regulations, financing mechanisms, and strategic advantages—is key to capitalizing on emerging prospects nationwide.

Global Drivers Behind the Surge in Data Centre M&A Transactions

Even amid broader economic slowdowns that have tempered certain tech investments, the appetite for data centre assets remains robust, fueled by escalating needs for storage, cloud services, and especially AI-driven computing power.

Industry tracker Synergy Research Group has recorded over 1,500 data centre-related M&A transactions since 2015, with cumulative deal values exceeding $324 billion. Following a brief slowdown in 2023, activity exploded in 2024, achieving a record-breaking total well above previous highs—surpassing $73 billion in closed deals, driven largely by private equity dominance (rising to nearly 90% of activity since 2022). Major 2024 highlights included substantial equity infusions into operators like Vantage Data Centers and EdgeConneX, alongside broader deal distribution compared to the mega-acquisitions of 2021-2022 (such as CyrusOne, Switch, CoreSite, and QTS, each valued over $10 billion).

Private equity’s growing dominance reflects confidence in the sector’s stable, long-term revenue potential from colocation and hyperscale models. Meanwhile, Canadian institutions are increasingly active, viewing data centres as high-yield infrastructure plays. A prime example is the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), which committed $225 million (via a 50% stake in a co-financed construction loan with Deutsche Bank) to support a 54 MW hyperscale expansion in Cambridge, Ontario. This joint venture—led by Related Digital, TowerBrook Capital Partners, and Ascent—aligns with CPP’s worldwide strategy, underscoring Canada’s appeal through its geography and clean energy profile.

Key Factors Positioning Canada as a Leading Data Centre Destination

With worldwide digital infrastructure needs intensifying, Canada is rapidly gaining recognition as a top-tier location for new builds and operations. The country already hosts more than 280 facilities, and international players are expanding aggressively.

In contrast to hotter regions where extreme temperatures inflate cooling demands and energy expenses, Canada’s cooler climate delivers a significant operational edge. Cooling can represent up to 40% of total energy consumption in traditional settings; here, ambient conditions provide free or low-cost air-based cooling, slashing costs and emissions alike.

This advantage pairs powerfully with Canada’s predominantly clean electricity grid—around 80% derived from non-emitting sources like hydroelectricity, nuclear, wind, and solar. Such a mix enables operators to satisfy stringent ESG requirements, attract eco-conscious clients, and align with global sustainability mandates.

Combined with political stability and competitive energy pricing (particularly in hydro-rich provinces like Quebec and British Columbia), these elements establish Canada as one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible choices for hyperscale, colocation, and edge deployments.

Transforming Natural Cold into a Strategic Edge for Efficiency and Sustainability

Canada’s temperate environment turns a potential challenge into a core competitive strength. By minimizing mechanical cooling needs, facilities achieve lower power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratios, reduced operational expenditures, and enhanced environmental performance—factors increasingly decisive for investors prioritizing green credentials.

When integrated with reliable renewable supplies and supportive policy frameworks, this positions Canadian sites as premier options for building resilient, future-proof digital infrastructure.

ESG Priorities Guiding Investment Choices in the Sector

Sustainability is now a core expectation for investors in energy-heavy industries like data centres. Canada’s exceptionally clean power grid—among the world’s greenest—allows operators to power intensive workloads with minimal carbon impact, directly supporting net-zero goals and appealing to ESG-oriented tenants and capital providers.

Federal Support Accelerating AI-Focused Infrastructure Development

Beyond natural benefits, Canada is actively investing in its digital ambitions. Projections indicate that by 2030, advanced AI workloads will drive 70% of global data centre demand, with generative AI contributing around 40%.

To capitalize on this shift, the federal government launched the AI Compute Challenge, committing up to $700 million to stimulate private-sector projects. This initiative targets:

Expansion of commercial AI compute capacity within Canada;

Delivery of accessible, cost-effective resources for innovators, enterprises, and industries;

Strengthening of domestic AI leaders; and

Promotion of innovative, low-impact computing technologies.

Open to commercial entities, consortia, and academic-industry collaborations, the program signals strong governmental commitment to positioning Canada at the forefront of AI infrastructure growth.

Navigating Regulatory Frameworks for Data Centre Projects in Ontario and Beyond

Developing and operating data centres in Canada requires adherence to layered regulations covering zoning, construction, energy interconnection, environmental protection, and security.

Key areas include:

Zoning and Permitting — Municipal rules often designate data centres as industrial or specialized uses. Early verification of compliance is vital, as limitations on building height, setbacks, noise levels, and traffic can influence site viability. Provincial building codes (e.g., Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992) govern structural, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety standards.

Energy Interconnection — As highly power-intensive operations, securing grid access is fundamental. In Ontario, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) oversees transmission assessments and market rules, while the Ontario Energy Board enforces codes for distribution. Recent legislative changes (e.g., Bill 40 in 2025) introduce ministerial oversight to prioritize economically beneficial projects, reflecting efforts to manage surging demand responsibly.

Environmental Standards — Permitting emphasizes backup generators (diesel emissions, fuel storage), water consumption, and waste. Canada’s low-emission grid provides a strong foundation for ESG alignment, though operators must address secondary impacts.

Security and Data Protection — Industry certifications like ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2 are standard, often mandated by clients. These intersect with federal privacy laws (PIPEDA) and provincial equivalents.

Requirements vary provincially, but Canada’s framework supports responsible expansion.

Financing Structures Powering Canadian Data Centre Growth

The sector has seen rapid increases in transaction volume and scale, typically involving:

Private Equity — Dominant source, with global and domestic funds pursuing reliable yields through partnerships for acquisitions or greenfield developments.

Institutional Capital — Pension funds and infrastructure vehicles treat data centres as essential utilities-like assets.

Construction Loans — Essential for upfront costs (land, structures, power/cooling systems), involving Canadian banks, pension-linked lenders, and private credit.

Secured Debt — Prevalent for operational facilities, with lenders securing assets, equipment, and revenues—often syndicated and multi-hundred-million-dollar in scale.

Complex collateral and cross-border elements are common in larger deals.

Canada’s blend of climatic benefits, clean energy, governmental backing, and sophisticated financing options makes it a powerhouse in the evolving global data centre ecosystem. As AI and digital demands continue to escalate, strategic stakeholders positioned here stand to benefit significantly from this transformative trend.

Castries, Saint Lucia, January 12th, 2026, FinanceWire

PrimeXBT, a global multi-asset broker and crypto derivatives exchange, has announced the global launch of Discover, a new market-insight hub now available on both Web and the latest version of the Mobile app. Built to reduce the need for external research tools, Discover combines real-time market data, technical trade ideas, and macro-event tracking in one place, helping traders monitor volatility, spot trends, and plan decisions faster.

Discover includes three key features that simplify research and help traders understand market conditions more effectively:

Markets: A real-time overview of all tradable assets with live prices and 24h changes.

Trading Ideas: Actionable bullish and bearish market insights powered by Trading Central, including targets, pivots, and integrated charts.

Economic Calendar: A global macro-event calendar covering major releases with actual, forecast, and previous data, including volatility insights.

Commenting on the launch, PrimeXBT said Discover is designed to remove friction from the research process, giving traders a simpler way to understand what’s moving, what levels matter, and what events could drive volatility, directly inside the platform.

The release strengthens PrimeXBT’s commitment to accessible trading education. Discover helps users identify opportunities faster, prepare for market-moving events, and develop stronger trading habits through concise explanations and structured insights. For IBs and affiliates, Discover adds meaningful value to the trading experience and supports long-term client engagement.

This release reflects PrimeXBT’s continued evolution toward a more education-focused and insight-driven trading experience for users worldwide. By bringing high-quality research and structured analysis into one place, the broker strengthens its commitment to supporting more informed and confident trading.

To learn more, users can visit the PrimeXBT website.

*Trading Ideas are provided by Trading Central, a licensed third-party research provider.

**PrimeXBT does not accept liability for the success rate of ideas.

About PrimeXBT

PrimeXBT is a global multi-asset broker and crypto derivative exchange trusted by traders in more than 150 countries. The platform bridges traditional and digital markets within one integrated environment, redefining versatility and innovation in online trading. Clients can access Forex, CFDs on indices, commodities and shares, and a deep suite of Crypto Futures and Crypto CFDs, as well as buy, store and exchange cryptocurrencies directly. This unified experience extends across both the native PXTrader platform and MetaTrader 5, supported by advanced risk-management tools and a wide range of funding options in crypto, fiat and local payment methods. Since 2018, PrimeXBT has focused on empowering traders through broad multi-asset access, fair and transparent conditions, professional-grade technology and dedicated human support. By combining expertise, trust and a client-first approach, PrimeXBT sets a benchmark of excellence in the financial industry and provides traders with the tools they need to trade, grow and succeed with confidence.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as personal investment advice and does not constitute a solicitation or invitation to engage in any financial transactions, investments, or related activities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The financial products offered by the Company are complex and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Before engaging, you should consider whether you understand how these leveraged products work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money. The Company does not accept clients from the Restricted Jurisdictions as indicated on its website / T&Cs. Some products and services, including MT5, may not be available in your jurisdiction. The applicable legal entity and its respective products and services depend on the client’s country of residence and the entity with which the client has established a contractual relationship during registration.

Contact

PrimeXBT
pr@primexbt.com

The European Commission has officially published its long-awaited Guidelines under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) on January 9, 2026, providing detailed clarity on how it will identify and address distortions caused by non-EU government support to companies operating in the European single market. Led by Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné, the move strengthens protections against unfair advantages, particularly in high-value public procurement tenders, while promoting a fair competitive environment for European businesses.

Although the guidelines avoid naming specific countries, they respond to growing concerns over subsidized bids from non-EU firms — notably in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and medical devices — that undercut local competitors through artificially low pricing.

Core Purpose: Ensuring a Level Playing Field

The Commission aims to safeguard the integrity of the EU’s internal market by preventing foreign financial contributions from tilting competition. As Séjourné stated, the focus remains on guaranteeing that EU-based companies can operate under equitable conditions, free from external distortions that undermine merit-based outcomes.

This initiative builds on the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2022/2560), effective since 2023, which requires notifications for large mergers and public tenders involving significant foreign financial contributions and empowers the Commission to investigate and remedy issues on its own initiative.

How the Commission Assesses Distortions

The guidelines outline a structured two-step evaluation process for determining whether a foreign subsidy creates a market distortion:

Competitive Advantage Check — The Commission examines if the subsidy enhances the recipient’s position in the EU market.

Impact on Competition — It then analyzes whether this advantage alters market behavior or dynamics in ways that harm other participants, such as reducing prices unfairly or crowding out rivals.

For subsidies not directly tied to EU activities, a deeper review assesses the potential for redirection toward European operations. The guidelines include non-exhaustive examples of indicators and presumptively distortive subsidies (e.g., those providing unlimited guarantees or export support).

Special Focus on Public Procurement

In public tenders, the Commission will scrutinize bids suspected of benefiting from foreign subsidies. The process involves:

Verifying if the subsidy influenced the bid’s terms.

Comparing the offer against competitors’ submissions and the contracting authority’s estimates to detect if it’s unduly advantageous (e.g., abnormally low prices).

Determining if the advantage stems primarily from the subsidy rather than legitimate efficiencies.

If a distortion is confirmed, the Commission weighs any positive effects (such as innovation or environmental benefits) against the harm. Positive outcomes must outweigh negatives for no action to be taken; otherwise, remedies may include bid adjustments, contract prohibitions, subsidy repayments, or other corrective steps.

This framework draws from recent enforcement actions, including probes into Chinese-led consortia in tenders for solar parks in Romania and metro rolling stock in Lisbon, where bids were significantly lower (10-30% below rivals) due to alleged state support.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Enforcement

Since its rollout, the FSR has triggered notifications for hundreds of M&A deals and public procurement procedures, with the Commission conducting ex officio investigations into potentially problematic practices. The guidelines enhance predictability for businesses while reinforcing tools to counter distortions that could erode Europe’s industrial base.

Séjourné emphasized that these measures align procurement with principles of fairness and merit, protecting public funds and bolstering long-term competitiveness across strategic sectors.

The Commission will continue refining its approach through case experience and plans a comprehensive implementation report by mid-2026, which could lead to further adjustments.