Crypto Breaking

Gold prices surged to a historic high on January 12, briefly reaching $4,600 per ounce. Investors flocked to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset amid ongoing unrest in Iran and growing political tensions surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve. Despite the sharp spike, prices later retreated slightly but still ended the week with a notable gain of more than 4%, marking a new record for gold.

The rally in gold came as tensions escalated in Iran, where protests against inflation and currency collapse entered their third week. Human rights organizations reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests in the ongoing demonstrations. The unrest raised concerns of a broader security crisis in the Middle East, leading investors to seek refuge in defensive assets.

The geopolitical situation worsened further when U.S. President Donald Trump suggested military intervention if Iran continued its violent crackdown. Trump’s remarks fueled fears of escalating conflict, triggering a flight to gold as a secure investment. Spot gold reached new heights in intraday trading, with futures also hitting record levels.

Rising U.S. Federal Reserve Tensions Add to Gold’s Appeal

In addition to the Iranian unrest, market participants were also focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. As inflation concerns persist, investors are turning to traditional safe havens like gold, which has historically performed well during periods of uncertainty. The rising tensions in the Middle East, compounded by the Fed’s actions, contributed to the surge in gold prices.

This shift in investor sentiment reflects broader concerns about the potential for more global instability. As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, the demand for gold as a secure asset is expected to remain strong, with analysts predicting further gains in the short term.

Bitcoin Follows Gold’s Lead, But Struggles to Match Momentum

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price remained subdued compared to gold. Despite Bitcoin’s previous rally in 2025, the cryptocurrency has not matched gold’s surge. Analysts have pointed out that capital typically flows into traditional safe-haven assets like gold first, before eventually spilling into cryptocurrencies. Although Bitcoin reached highs over $126,000 in October, it has struggled to regain that momentum and is now consolidating around the $90,000 mark. A break above $94,500 would be necessary for Bitcoin bulls to regain control and push toward the $100,000 threshold.

Gold’s record-breaking rally signals heightened demand for security in uncertain times. As tensions rise globally, both precious metals and cryptocurrencies will continue to serve as key indicators of investor sentiment.

This article was originally published as Gold Reaches Record High as Iran Unrest Fuels Safe-Haven Demand on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Introduction

The first quarter of 2026 is expected to present a risk-on environment for investors, driven by clearer fiscal policies, monetary signals, and emerging investment themes. Despite positive outlooks, analysts remain cautious about Bitcoin’s short-term trajectory amid shifting cycle patterns and recent decoupling from traditional markets.

Key Takeaways

Market visibility has improved for the first time in years, fostering optimism for risk assets.

Bitcoin’s four-year cycle was disrupted in 2025, complicating short-term technical signals.

US fiscal stability and eased monetary policy are contributing to a positive macroeconomic backdrop.

Analysts and investors anticipate Bitcoin returning to six-figure prices soon, buoyed by favorable market conditions.

Tickers Mentioned:

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment

Sentiment: Cautiously Bullish

Price Impact

Price impact: Positive – improved macro conditions and technical setups suggest a potential rally toward six figures.

Trading Idea (Not Financial Advice)

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Consider accumulation at current levels, as technical indicators and macroeconomic factors point to a bullish breakout.

Market Context

Market context: Broader macroeconomic trends and geopolitical developments are creating a favorable environment for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Rewritten Article Body

Global investment management firm VanEck projects that the opening months of 2026 will be characterized by a risk-on sentiment among investors, citing increased clarity around fiscal policy, monetary direction, and key investment themes as driving factors. In its Q1 outlook, VanEck emphasized that markets are now operating with unprecedented visibility, offering participants a rare level of clarity after years of uncertainty.

However, the outlook for Bitcoin remains nuanced. The firm pointed out that the classic four-year cycle, which historically has guided Bitcoin’s price movements, appeared to break in 2025. This disruption has made short-term technical signals less reliable and led to more cautious expectations for the near term. Nonetheless, some industry executives remain optimistic about an immediate cycle of growth.

Analysts highlight that recent market behaviors reinforce this cautious optimism. Justin d’Anethan, head of research at Arctic Digital, observed that Bitcoin’s recent price action suggests the market has shed much of last year’s volatility, with indicators now flirting with oversold conditions and poised for potential upward movement. “While geopolitical tensions and US policy uncertainties persist, the overall bullish sentiment on risk assets could support a rebound in crypto prices,” he noted.

For the first half of 2026, market analysts like Tim Sun from HashKey Group anticipate a clearer trajectory. With upcoming US midterm elections and supportive fiscal and monetary policies, risk assets are expected to benefit. Sun highlighted that fiscal stimulus, accommodative monetary conditions, and favorable regulatory developments are laying the groundwork for a potential rally in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Crypto investor Will Clemente pertinent comment underscored this view: “This environment aligns with Bitcoin’s fundamental purpose—serving as a hedge and diversifier amid rising geopolitical and economic risks.”

Meanwhile, renowned crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe is notably bullish, predicting Bitcoin will reclaim six-figure valuations before the end of January. Observing that Bitcoin has maintained support above the 21-day moving average, he expects a breakout beyond $92,000 could push prices to $100,000 within days. As of early Tuesday in Asia, Bitcoin approached the $92,000 level after briefly dipping into the low $90,000s, signaling possible momentum for a significant upward move.

Market sentiment appears to be shifting from previous bear-market signals, with indicators suggesting a renewed risk appetite among traders and investors. As macroeconomic and geopolitical factors align, the cryptocurrency’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with many analysts eyeing a breakout that could push prices higher in the coming weeks.

This article was originally published as VanEck Foresees Risk-On Market in Q1 2026 Amid Stronger Fiscal Clarity on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Congress Urged to Prioritize Consumers Over Banking Industry Myths on Stablecoin Yields

The debate over stablecoin yields continues to influence US regulatory discussions, with experts arguing that the banking sector is propagating unfounded claims to protect profits. Crypto lecturer and author Omid Malekan asserts that Congress should focus on consumer interests rather than bowing to banking industry myths, which threaten to stall vital market legislation.

Key Takeaways

Banking lobbyists claim stablecoin yields pose a risk to traditional deposits, but experts challenge this narrative, asserting it’s misleading.

Stablecoins may actually foster increased banking activity, especially through foreign demand and reserve holdings in Treasury bills.

Most US lending originates from non-bank sources, which could benefit from stablecoin adoption, rather than banks being directly threatened.

Large “money center” banks, rather than community banks, are more vulnerable to stablecoin innovations, contrary to prevailing myths.

Tickers mentioned: none

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The ongoing legislative debate impacts regulatory clarity more than immediate price movements.

Amidst regulatory deliberations, the primary concern from banking lobbies revolves around a “yield bottleneck,” the debate over who profits from the interest earned on stablecoin reserves. Banks warn that if users earn risk-free yields of approximately 5% on stablecoins, billions could shift from traditional savings accounts, potentially destabilizing community banks. However, many analysts counter these claims, emphasizing that stablecoin growth is unlikely to diminish overall bank deposits and might even bolster banking activity due to increased demand from international users and reserve holdings.

Contrary to fears of a “deposit flight,” Malekan explains that stablecoins could catalyze additional banking transactions since issuers must hold reserves in Treasury bills and bank deposits. This would, in turn, generate more banking activity rather than diminish it. Furthermore, stablecoin competition is unlikely to impact bank lending, as most US credit is extended through non-bank entities like money market funds and private credit. These sectors could benefit from the lower Treasury rates and more efficient payment systems enabled by stablecoins.

Additionally, the myth that community and regional banks are especially vulnerable is challenged by experts who point out that the larger, “money center” banks are more at risk due to their substantial profit margins. Malekan criticizes the narrative pushed by large banks and crypto startups working together to protect their interests, stating it’s an effort to shield profits at the expense of savers and economic health.

He urges Congress to prioritize innovation and consumer protections over defending highly profitable banks. “Most concerns raised by the banking industry are unsubstantiated,” Malekan asserts, emphasizing the importance of regulatory transparency. Notably, Senate-related figures and industry players like Coinbase have warned that restrictive measures could hamper stablecoin innovations, with some threatening to withdraw support for proposed legislation such as the CLARITY Act.

John Deaton recommends a book by G. Edward Griffin that critiques the Federal Reserve System, suggesting it was created in secrecy by powerful individuals. Source: John E Deaton

This article was originally published as Top 5 Stablecoin Myths Debunked by Columbia Professor on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US President Donald Trump Pledges to Make Tech Giants Cover Power Costs Amid Rising Electricity Bills

In a bold move, former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold major technology companies accountable for their significant energy consumption, promising that they will bear the financial burden for their data center operations. The initiative aims to prevent American consumers from facing higher electricity bills due to the surging energy demands of the tech sector.

Trump emphasized that the rising household electricity costs—up approximately 40% over the past five years—are a concern rooted in policy decisions he attributes to Democratic leadership. Speaking on his social media platform Truth Social, he stated, “I never want Americans to pay higher electricity bills because of data centers.” He highlighted collaborations with companies like Microsoft, suggesting that these firms would implement changes starting this week to ensure their operations do not unfairly impact consumers.

“We are the ‘hottest’ country in the world, and number one in AI. Data centers are key to that boom, and keeping Americans free and secure, but the big technology companies who build them must ‘pay their own way’.”

The Growing Power Demand of Data Centers

The surge in data center infrastructure is significantly impacting US electricity demand. According to Visual Capitalist, data centers accounted for 5.2% of the nation’s total power consumption in 2025, representing 224 terawatt-hours (TWh), a 21% increase from the previous year. Projections from McKinsey & Company indicate that by 2030, power used by these facilities could approach 600 TWh, or 11.7% of US electricity consumption.

Cooling systems contribute roughly 30–40% of a data center’s energy use, while servers and IT equipment account for 40–60%. The International Energy Agency reports that electricity demand from AI-focused data centers is growing approximately 30% annually, outpacing traditional server workloads, which grow at about 9% per year.

Bitcoin Mining and Its Power Consumption

Bitcoin mining remains a highly energy-intensive activity, relying on expansive data centers to perform complex calculations. However, recent analyses challenge the narrative that it exacerbates consumer electricity bills. ESG expert Daniel Batten compared the increase in US utility costs from 2021 to 2024 with the regions hosting concentrated Bitcoin mining operations, notably Texas. His findings suggest a correlation but not causation, arguing that Bitcoin mining does not significantly impact household energy costs.

Batten cites environmental benefits linked to Bitcoin mining, including facilitating greater integration of renewable energy on grids, funding advancements in green technology, and reducing methane emissions. These claims underscore a nuanced perspective on the environmental footprint of cryptocurrency mining, which remains a hotly debated topic in the industry.

While critics argue against the environmental sustainability of mining operations, proponents highlight their potential to support renewable energy initiatives and reduce harmful emissions, positioning Bitcoin as a contributor to a greener energy future.

This article was originally published as Tech Giants Must Cover Their Own Data Center Electricity Costs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US CFTC Launches Innovation Committee to Regulate Emerging Technologies

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced the formation of a new Innovation Advisory Committee aimed at guiding regulations around transformative technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. This move signals the agency’s commitment to fostering responsible innovation while ensuring market integrity amid rapid technological advancements.

The new committee replaces the former Technology Advisory Committee and seeks to incorporate leading voices from the crypto industry to help shape forward-looking regulatory frameworks. CFTC Chair Mike Selig emphasized the importance of the committee advising on the “commercial, economic, and practical considerations” of emerging financial products, platforms, and models, to establish clear rules for modernized markets.

“Innovators are harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing to modernize legacy financial systems and build entirely new ones,”

Blockchain technology continues to disrupt traditional finance by enabling faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient transactions in markets operating 24/7. Simultaneously, AI enhances data analysis processes, optimizing trading strategies and risk management. These innovations are vital components of the evolving financial ecosystem.

Source: Mike Selig

The move aligns the CFTC with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has also adopted a more tech-forward regulatory stance to attract innovation and accommodate emerging markets.

Industry Leaders to Influence Regulatory Direction

Selig will lead the committee and plan to nominate twelve influential figures, including top executives from both the crypto and traditional finance sectors. Notable crypto leaders like Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss, Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, and Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek will serve as members. Representing traditional finance are figures such as Intercontinental Exchange CEO Jeff Sprecher, Cboe Global Markets CEO Craig Donohue, and Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman.

Applications for additional committee memberships are open until January 31, 2026, and will also consider perspectives from regulatory bodies, academia, and public interest groups.

Private Sector Emphasizes Strategic Importance of Crypto Innovation

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) underscored the significance of crypto innovation in maintaining America’s technological and economic leadership. The firm highlighted that collaboration between the U.S. government and private industry will be essential in defending national interests and avoiding loss of global dominance.

“If America fails to win technologically, it will lose economically, militarily, geopolitically, and culturally. And the entire world will lose as well,”

As the regulatory landscape evolves, the commitment from both public and private sectors will likely influence the future direction of crypto markets and technological development in the United States.

This article was originally published as CFTC Forms Panel to Regulate Blockchain and AI Innovations on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US SEC Chairman Discusses Venezuela’s Reported Bitcoin Reserves Following Recent Political Developments

In the wake of a recent dramatic political shift in Venezuela, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins addressed the potential seizure of the country’s alleged Bitcoin holdings. The discussions emerged amid reports that Venezuela may possess up to $60 billion worth of Bitcoin, although verification remains uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Key Takeaways

SEC Chair hints at the possibility of US authorities seizing Venezuela’s Bitcoin assets.

Venezuela is reported to hold approximately 600,000 Bitcoin, but verification is lacking.

The recent political upheaval involved US forces removing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

Legislative developments in the US include the impending markup of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

Tickers mentioned: n/a

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The uncertainty surrounding the Venezuela Bitcoin holdings and geopolitical developments keeps the market cautious.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. Given the geopolitical risks and regulatory uncertainties, it’s prudent to remain cautious.

Market context: The evolving political landscape in Venezuela and legislative progress in the US contribute to ongoing volatility in the digital asset sector.

Analysis of Regulatory and Geopolitical Implications

Following the recent upheaval in Venezuela, where US forces, under directives from the administration of Donald Trump, captured then-President Nicolás Maduro and relocated him to the United States to face criminal charges, speculation about Venezuela’s Bitcoin reserves has intensified. While reports claim the country holds up to $60 billion worth of Bitcoin, verification remains elusive, and analysts have expressed skepticism about these figures.

During a recent interview, Atkins stated, “I leave that to others in the administration to deal with — I’m not involved in that,” when asked whether the US might take action to confiscate the assets. The SEC chair’s remarks coincide with increased legislative activity, as the Senate prepares to hold a markup on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a bill designed to clarify regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies. The legislation, passed by the House in July, has faced delays due to political gridlock and the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

While some stakeholders have expressed concerns over specific provisions, including stablecoin regulations and decentralized finance regulations, lawmakers are expected to refine the bill further. Early drafts aim to grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission increased authority over digital assets, signaling a potential shift in US regulatory approaches.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s previous engagement with blockchain technology, including launching an oil-backed digital currency in 2018, adds complexity to the current geopolitical and financial landscape.

The developments underscore the evolving nexus of politics, finance, and technology—a landscape that continues to be shaped by legislative efforts and international relations.

This article was originally published as Will the US Seize Venezuela’s Bitcoin? The Uncertain Future Unveiled on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum Holdings Surge as Strategic Shareholder Approves Further Expansion

Bitmine Immersion Technologies has significantly increased its Ethereum holdings over the past week while seeking shareholder approval to bolster its crypto treasury and staking operations. This move underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its position within the expanding digital asset landscape and highlights its strategic focus on Ethereum as a core asset.

Key Takeaways

Bitmine acquired an additional 24,266 ETH, raising its total holdings to approximately 4.17 million ETH, representing 3.4% of the circulating supply.

The company’s overall crypto and cash holdings now total around $14 billion, including nearly $1 billion in cash, 193 Bitcoin, and a $23 million stake in Eightco Holdings.

Staking activity has expanded with approximately 1.26 million ETH currently staked—an increase of nearly 600,000 ETH from the prior week—as the company develops its own staking platform slated for launch in 2026.

Shareholder approval for an increase in authorized shares is under consideration, a move deemed essential by CEO Tom Lee to facilitate ongoing acquisitions and strategic growth.

Tickers mentioned: Ethereum, Bitcoin

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Negative, as ETH declined by 3.3% over the past week, likely influenced by broader market volatility.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The company’s strategic moves and increased holdings suggest long-term confidence, despite short-term price declines.

Market context: The expansion of crypto treasury holdings by firms like Bitmine reflects the growing institutionalization of digital assets amid fluctuating market conditions.

Recently, Bitmine announced that it had purchased an additional 24,266 ETH during the past week, bringing its total Ether holdings to approximately 4.17 million tokens, amounting to roughly 3.4% of the circulating supply. This positions the firm as one of the largest Ether treasury holders globally, surpassing other notable entities like Sharplink and The Ether Machine. The company’s strategic emphasis on accumulating and staking ETH aligns with its broader goal of cementing its role in the evolving decentralized finance ecosystem.

Beyond ETH, Bitmine’s total holdings encompass about $14 billion in combined assets, including nearly $1 billion in cash and a stake in Eightco Holdings. Its staking activities have also intensified, with nearly 1.26 million ETH currently locked in staking contracts, an increase of 596,864 ETH compared to the previous week. The company is developing its own staking platform, expected to launch by early 2026, which will further support its blockchain infrastructure ambitions.

Meanwhile, the company’s leadership is actively seeking shareholder approval to increase authorized shares, a move deemed vital to sustain its acquiring strategy. CEO Tom Lee emphasized that without additional share authorization, the company’s capacity to continue expanding its Ethereum holdings could be constrained. Despite short-term market dips, as evidenced by ETH’s recent 3.3% decline, investor optimism remains high due to Bitmine’s strategic positioning and operational growth.

Overall, Bitmine’s aggressive accumulation and staking of Ethereum, combined with strategic corporate governance initiatives, reflect a forward-looking approach that could influence the broader crypto treasury landscape in the coming years.

This article was originally published as Bitmine Boosts Ethereum Treasury with 24,000 ETH, Surpassing 4.1M Tokens on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Scope of the Restriction

Importantly, the ban applies to trading, promotion, fund management, and derivatives related to privacy tokens. The action concerns all companies based in or out of the DIFC. Moreover, the companies should now make sure that crypto assets comply with international standards. According to the regulators, more responsibility was put on the firms to evaluate the suitability of tokens, since they hide the transaction history and the owner of the wallet. As such, these characteristics make firms unable to comply with Financial Action Task Force transparency requirements.

According to Elizabeth Wallace, the DFSA associate director of policy, anonymity functions render compliance almost impossible. Therefore, the authority decided to ban it formally. Nonetheless, the move comes at a time when the privacy-oriented tokens have lately piqued more trading interest around the world. Dubai officials realized that there was activity in the market, but focused on regulatory alignment.

In addition, the transfer is in contrast to the debates in the United States. The DFSA also streamlined its stablecoin framework in addition to the privacy tokens that the US Securities and Exchange Commission probed recently regarding the balance of privacy and surveillance in digital finance. The update presented a more explicit definition of fiat-backed crypto tokens. According to the regulations, fiat crypto tokens need to hold substantial liquid reserves of high quality. Such reserves have to cater to redemptions made in times of market stress.

The reclassification of Algorithmic Tokens

The new definition fails to apply to algorithmic stablecoins. In turn, the DIFC will treat them as general crypto tokens but not stablecoins. Nonetheless, the UAE still promotes licensed blockchain development. Also in November, Abu Dhabi digital bank Zand introduced the first dirham stablecoin in the country, and the DFSA started working towards an industry-driven approval model. Thus, companies have decided on which crypto assets comply with the regulatory and risk requirements. Dubai has, therefore, strengthened its compliance system without realizing unregulated innovation. The regulator indicated further monitoring as world crypto standards change.

This article was originally published as Dubai Regulator Freezes Privacy Tokens as AML Requirements Quicken throughout DIFC on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin’s On-Chain Activity Signals Strategic Moves Amid Price Breakout Attempts

Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory as on-chain data reveals increased activity from long-dormant ‘whale’ addresses, indicating strategic profit-taking rather than panic selling. While technical indicators suggest bullish momentum, market volatility remains a significant factor in the near term.

Key Takeaways

Whale spending surged to approximately $286 million, marking the largest activity spike since early November.

Technical momentum indicators have shifted bullish, but short-term volatility could cause price fluctuations.

Long-term holder distribution shows signs of deceleration, indicating diminishing overhead supply from older coins.

Accumulation addresses have added nearly 136,000 BTC in January, signaling sustained buying interest.

According to data from Capriole Investments, large Bitcoin holders, often termed OG whales, significantly increased their spending on January 10, moving funds after long periods of dormancy. This activity mirrors strategic profit-taking rather than emergency liquidation, especially considering the broader context of Bitcoin’s current rally. Historically, similar movements have preceded notable market corrections, but this time on-chain metrics present a more resilient supply-demand dynamic.

Bitcoin OG Whale Spent Value. Source: Capriole Investments

Meanwhile, on-chain data from Glassnode shows that long-term holder distribution has sharply decelerated from extreme net outflows, suggesting the profit-taking phase from older coins may be largely complete. Complementing this, CryptoQuant reports that accumulation addresses have added close to 136,000 BTC in just over two weeks in January, reinforcing bullish investor confidence.

Market Sentiment and Technical Outlook

Technical sentiment remains optimistic, with Bitcoin’s five-day MACD indicating a bullish reversal—a pattern historically associated with substantial rallies, including a previous surge of over 430%. However, traders warn of potential short-term pullbacks, noting that Bitcoin has typically experienced about a 5% dip below its weekly open for several consecutive months, which could temporarily push prices toward the $86,000-$87,000 range.

Beyond technicals, order book analysis shows increasing buying pressure, with bid liquidity surpassing ask liquidity across spot and futures markets. This suggests that if demand sustains, Bitcoin could absorb the recent supply from whales and target the psychological $100,000 mark—potentially as soon as next week if liquidity sharply sweeps below $89,000, with a critical support zone between $87,000 and $89,200.

Failure to hold above these levels could lead to a deeper correction toward $86,000, with external liquidity near $84,000 acting as a longer-term downside target. Nevertheless, a strong rebound from the current support could pave the way for renewed bullish momentum and an accelerated push toward new all-time highs.

Related: Strategy makes biggest Bitcoin purchase since July 2025, adds $1.25B in BTC

This article was originally published as OG Whales Sell $286M, While BTC Bulls Chase $100K Breakthrough on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Loses Ground as Gold Reaches New Highs

As precious metals hit new all-time highs amid ongoing macroeconomic tensions, Bitcoin’s price action appears subdued, declining against gold over recent months. Market analysts suggest that Bitcoin is no longer serving as the safe haven asset many anticipated during times of fiscal uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin has failed to uphold its narrative as a hedge against currency debasement, slipping below 20 ounces in gold terms to start 2026.

While gold and silver continue to rally, Bitcoin remains roughly 20% below its recent peak, indicating divergence in assets’ performance.

Market commentary points to a shift in investor preference, favoring traditional “hard money” assets over digital assets like Bitcoin.

Major market figures warn that the broader macroeconomic environment setting the stage for significant moves in gold and equities could impact crypto markets significantly.

Tickers mentioned:
Crypto → $BTC, $ETH

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. Bitcoin’s failure to rally alongside precious metals suggests waning investor confidence in its store of value proposition.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Consider reducing exposure to Bitcoin in anticipation of continued underperformance relative to gold.

Market context: The current environment underscores a potential paradigm shift away from cryptocurrencies as safe haven assets toward traditional commodities.

Market Analysis and Commentary

Recent analysis from Karel Mercx of Beleggers Belangen highlights that Bitcoin no longer functions as the “debasement trade”—a narrative that once positioned it as digital gold. Data from TradingView indicates that Bitcoin has dipped below 20 ounces in gold terms after reaching recent two-year lows. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices continue to surge, with both metals hitting new record highs, fueled by growing concerns over monetary policy and inflationary pressures.

“The verdict is in: the debasement trade is Gold & Silver, not Bitcoin,”

Mercx stated in a recent post on X.
“A frontal attack on the FED sends metals to fresh ATHs while Bitcoin sits 20% below its peak.”

Mercx disputes the narrative that Bitcoin is an attractive safe haven that offers protection from fiat currency dilution, arguing that capital flows are still predominantly favoring physical precious metals. He states, “The narrative is broken,” emphasizing that investors prefer traditional hard money over the digital experiment.

Broader Market Developments

Crypto trader Michaël van de Poppe noted that with gold and silver reaching new heights, the market’s next move appears critical. He warned that unless Bitcoin accelerates its breakout soon, it risks a significant downturn. Conversely, Benjamin Cowen highlighted the importance of gold’s rising performance against the S&P 500, suggesting that a breakdown of this trend could signal a fundamental shift in macroeconomic stability.

In summary, the current environment marks a pivotal moment where traditional assets outperform digital ones, and analysts warn of potential downside risks for Bitcoin as the broader markets evolve.

This article was originally published as Final Whistle: Bitcoin Surges as Gold Debasement Trade Fades on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Crypto Custody Giant BitGo Files for IPO, Targeting Nearly $2 Billion Valuation

BitGo Holdings, a leading firm in digital asset custody services, has officially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion, aiming to raise substantial capital while reinforcing its position in the evolving crypto landscape.

Key Takeaways

BitGo plans to offer 11 million shares of Class A common stock, with an additional 821,595 shares available from existing stockholders.

The company anticipates a share price between $15 and $17, potentially securing up to $201 million in new funding.

Since its inception in 2013, BitGo has managed assets totaling over $90 billion, underpinning its reputation as a trusted custody provider.

The firm is targeting a valuation close to $1.96 billion, supported by prominent U.S. investment banks.

Tickers mentioned: None.

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The IPO filing signals strategic growth but has yet to influence market pricing significantly.

Market context: The move underscores the growing institutional interest in crypto custody solutions amidst rising digital asset adoption.

BitGo’s IPO Filing and Strategic Outlook

BitGo, a prominent name in crypto custody, announced the launch of its IPO on Monday after filing a Form S-1 with the SEC. The offering is expected to include 11 million new shares at an anticipated price range of $15 to $17 each. If fully subscribed, the IPO could raise approximately $201 million, bolstering the company’s capital reserves to support further growth.

The company’s prior SEC filings indicated its intention to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “BTGO.” Since launching its platform in 2013, BitGo has accumulated over $90 billion in assets under custody, solidifying its prominence in crypto infrastructure. The forthcoming IPO is targeting a valuation of nearly $1.96 billion, contingent on the offering’s success.

The offering has attracted major U.S. financial institutions, with Goldman Sachs serving as the lead book-running manager and Citigroup as a book runner. Other underwriters include Deutsche Bank Securities, Mizuho, Wells Fargo Securities, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Canaccord Genuity, and Cantor. Additional co-managers comprise Clear Street, Compass Point, Craig-Hallum, Rosenblatt, Wedbush Securities, and SoFi.

Although the registration statement has been filed, it has not yet become effective. As such, securities cannot be sold, nor offers accepted, until regulatory approval is secured. This development signals both continued investor confidence in crypto custody firms and the increasing maturity of the sector as it approaches mainstream financial markets.

This article was originally published as BitGo Announces IPO with $1.96B Valuation—Here’s What You Need to Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Abu Dhabi, 12 January 2026 – Global oil markets have remained relatively steady despite renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with crude prices continuing to trade within a narrow range.
While Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, decades of mismanagement, underinvestment and international sanctions have significantly curtailed its production capacity. As a result, the country currently contributes only a marginal share to global oil supply.

Sam North, Market Analyst At Etoro

Commenting on the situation, Sam North, Market Analyst at eToro, said:
“Venezuela’s current oil output, now below 500,000 barrels per day, represents less than 1% of global supply. At these levels, its production has little influence on global oil prices, especially when compared to historical peaks of more than 3 million barrels per day.”

North added that even if recent diplomatic negotiations lead to an easing of restrictions and allow additional Venezuelan oil to return to the market, the impact would be limited in the near term.

“Rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector would require years and billions of dollars in investment before it could meaningfully affect global supply balances. In fact, over the medium to long term, additional supply from such large reserves could increase downside pressure on oil prices rather than drive them higher, particularly in an already well-supplied market.”

Despite ongoing political uncertainty, oil markets have largely shrugged off geopolitical noise. Global supply conditions remain comfortable, supported by healthy inventory levels and OPEC+ maintaining stable production, which has helped keep price volatility in check.

With oil prices hovering around the USD $60 level, motorists are unlikely to see any sudden increase in fuel prices driven by current geopolitical developments.

“At this stage, markets are reacting far more to supply data than to political drama,” North explained. “In the UAE, fuel prices are adjusted monthly based on international benchmarks such as Brent crude and local distribution costs, meaning short-term geopolitical tensions rarely translate into immediate price changes at the pump.”

As a result, barring any significant disruption to global supply, oil prices are expected to remain driven by fundamentals rather than headlines in the near term.

Media contacts:

etoro@golin-mena.com

About eToro

eToro is the trading and investing platform that empowers you to invest, share and learn. We were founded in 2007 with the vision of a world where everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. Today we have over 38 million registered users from more than 75 countries. We believe there is power in shared knowledge and that we can become more successful by investing together. So, we’ve created a collaborative investment community designed to provide you with the tools you need to grow your knowledge and wealth. On eToro, you can hold a range of traditional and innovative assets and choose how you invest: trade directly, invest in a portfolio, or copy other investors. You can visit our media centre here for our latest news.

Disclaimers:

eToro (ME) Limited, is licensed and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”)’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA“) as an Authorised Person to conduct the Regulated Activities of (a) Dealing in Investments as Principal (Matched), (b) Arranging Deals in Investments, (c) Providing Custody, (d) Arranging Custody and (e) Managing Assets (under Financial Services Permission Number 220073) under the Financial Services and Market Regulations 2015 (“FSMR”). Its registered office and its principal place of business is at Office 207 and 208, 15th Floor, Al Sarab Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”).

This communication is for information and education purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, a personal recommendation, or an offer of, or solicitation to buy or sell, any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without considering any particular recipient’s investment objectives or financial situation, and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. Any references to past or future performance of a financial instrument, index or a packaged investment product are not, and should not be taken as, a reliable indicator of future results. eToro makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication.

This article was originally published as Oil Prices Remain Stable Near $60 Despite Geopolitical Noise on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

European Economists Urge Public-Centric Digital Euro to Protect Monetary Sovereignty

A coalition of seventy economists and policy experts has issued a call to European Parliament members to support the development of a digital euro that prioritizes the public interest. They emphasize that such a move is vital for maintaining Europe’s monetary sovereignty and ensuring access to central bank money in an era increasingly dominated by digital transactions and reduced reliance on cash.

Key Takeaways

Experts advocate for a public, pan-European digital currency issued by the Eurosystem, not exclusively controlled by private entities.

The letter warns that without public-centric options, private stablecoins and foreign payment platforms could wield excessive influence over Europe’s financial infrastructure.

Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is positioned as a public good, designed to complement cash, not replace it, with features such as offline payments and tiered remuneration.

Concerns about privacy, operational costs, and potential disintermediation are central to ongoing debates surrounding the digital euro’s implementation.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Supportive of a public digital euro

Price impact: Neutral, as the development is at an early stage with policy debates ongoing

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, pending further regulatory developments and market adoption

Market context: The push for a digital euro aligns with broader discussions on digital currencies and resilience of sovereign monetary systems amid global digital transformation

Advocacy for a Public Digital Currency

In an open letter published Sunday, leading economists, including former European Bank for Reconstruction and Development vice president José Leandro and renowned French economist Thomas Piketty, call for the European Central Bank (ECB) to prioritize a digital euro that functions as a public good. They argue that in the absence of a strong, publicly controlled digital currency, Europe risks falling under the influence of private stablecoins and major foreign payment providers, such as major technology firms, which could undermine financial independence and resilience during times of stress.

Open letter to MEPs. Source: Sustainable Finance Lab

The signatories emphasize that the digital euro should be accessible across the entire euro area, issued by the Eurosystem, and offered free of charge for basic transactions. They suggest that the digital currency should complement physical cash rather than replace it entirely. The letter warns that a hesitating or watered-down approach could lead to increased dependence on private payment solutions, with potential threats to Europe’s financial sovereignty. These private options, often controlled by non-European firms, could diminish the resilience and stability of the continent’s payment system, especially during crisis periods.

ECB’s Preparatory Work and Design Considerations

The European Central Bank is currently in the preparation phase of its digital euro project, working on technical frameworks, regulatory guidelines, and features such as offline payments. ECB officials have reiterated the goal of creating a secure and privacy-respecting digital currency that supports a broad range of use cases, including conditional payments and offline functionality, while maintaining anti-money laundering standards.

In a recent speech, ECB Executive Board Member Philip Lane highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with privacy and the continued role of traditional banks in retail payments. The ECB’s technical annexes have analyzed the potential impacts of a digital euro on financial stability, indicating that, with proper safeguards like holding limits of around 3,000 euros, serious risks are unlikely even in adverse scenarios, demonstrating cautious optimism about the project’s stability.

Although some stakeholders express skepticism—particularly regarding costs, operational challenges, and user adoption—the ECB remains committed to advancing a digital euro that upholds European values of privacy and sovereignty. As discussions continue, the focus remains on designing a digital currency that bolsters Europe’s financial independence while addressing practical concerns around implementation and user trust.

This article was originally published as Economists Urge MEPs to Back Digital Euro in Official Open Letter on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Yellow Network  has announced it will soon launch a hybrid digital asset trading platform with a proprietary mesh-network infrastructure, incorporating elements of both centralized and decentralized exchanges.

Whilst prioritising the philosophy of self-custody and peer-to-peer trading, the platform also promises to provide the speed and capital efficiency associated with centralized exchanges.

The platform, accessible via yellow.com , is powered by a layer-three network that connects isolated chains, creating a single pool of unified liquidity. It also utilises high-speed state channel clearing to deliver near-instant execution of trades off-chain, with zero gas fees, eliminating the usual delays and friction traders face on-chain.

“This is a rare example of a product that can genuinely claim to be unlike anything else on the market,” said Alexis Sirkia, Chairman of Yellow Network. “The industry has long operated under a compromise where liquidity is siloed and security is traded for speed, which we have set out to end. Our vision with the Yellow trading interface is to activate the infrastructure necessary to support the next generation of high-frequency digital assets.”

Yellow is built on a non-custodial architecture that keeps user assets in their own on-chain wallets, removing reliance on third parties, and reducing counterparty risk. The platform integrates real-time risk management, and continuous transaction reconciliation, to create a transparent trading environment.

Capital efficiency is a core design principle, with fees structured for active, high-volume, and institutional trading. At the center of the Yellow ecosystem is the $YELLOW token, providing access to discounted services, staking opportunities, and governance participation.

About Yellow Network

Yellow Network is a Web3 ecosystem providing the core infrastructure and developer tools to power a new generation of high-performance decentralized finance applications. Its core technology is a Layer-3 protocol that enables real time, non-custodial, cross-chain trading to occur off-chain using state channels, with only the final settlement recorded on-chain. Built on top of this is the Yellow SDK, a comprehensive Software Development Kit that serves as an advanced toolkit for developers to build advanced, user-friendly, and efficient decentralized applications (dApps). Yellow Network aims to drive the mass adoption of Web3 whilst creating a more efficient and inclusive financial ecosystem that extends the foundational principles of Bitcoin and Ethereum to everyday life.

Media Contact:
Vaishnavi Deepak
Associate
Wachsman
P: +44 7387 898633
E: vaishnavi.deepak@wachsman.com

This article was originally published as Yellow Network Unveils Hybrid Digital Asset Trading Platform on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Key Insights:

India mandates selfies, GPS tracking, and penny drops for crypto exchange onboarding.

Bitcoin, Zcash, Bittensor, and Solana see short-term gains amid regulatory updates.

ICOs, ITOs, and anonymous token transactions face strict restrictions under FIU guidelines.

India has strengthened crypto rules, mandating selfies, penny drops, and extensive KYC checks for exchanges. The new measures aim to curb money laundering and terrorism financing. Exchanges must now follow strict onboarding protocols while updating compliance systems.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) issued the guidelines, expanding the regulatory scope for all virtual digital asset service providers. Exchanges are required to register with the FIU and maintain detailed customer records. Authorities emphasized strict enforcement against unverified transactions and anonymous token use.

The updated rules follow three years of regulatory developments, including initial KYC and reporting standards in 2023. India is intensifying oversight amid growing crypto adoption and potential misuse risks. The measures highlight a shift toward more structured digital asset regulation.

Bitcoin Gains Amid Regulatory Updates

Bitcoin rose 1.8% to $92,054 as markets reacted to broader financial uncertainty. The cryptocurrency led a market capitalization increase to $3.2 trillion. Trading volume showed rising interest despite lingering market caution.

BREAKING

India just tightened crypto rules.

Exchanges must now use
Live selfie KYC
Location and IP checks
Bank account verification
Govt ID plus phone and email

At the same time, tax officials say crypto and DeFi make tax collection harder.

India is one of the world’s… pic.twitter.com/R8LPZcqrZ7

— BlockchainedIndia (@blockchainedind) January 12, 2026

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index stayed in the “Fear” zone at 27, reflecting ongoing uncertainty. Liquidations jumped 136% to $165 million while open interest slightly increased to $139 billion. Price movements indicate speculative activity driven by external market events.

Bitcoin faces resistance near $98,000, and short-term gains may not translate to sustained long-term trends. Analysts suggest liquidity recovery supports potential momentum in January and February. Market volatility remains elevated due to political and financial pressures globally.

Altcoins See Mixed Performance

Zcash surged 10% to $414, showing strong short-term demand. Investors increased exposure amid crypto market fluctuations. Zcash’s momentum reflects targeted buying rather than broader market confidence.

Bittensor rose 3.2% to $290, attracting attention from niche crypto participants. Its trading volume remains moderate compared to leading assets. The token’s growth coincides with overall market recovery signals.

Solana increased 5.2% to $142, benefiting from renewed trading interest. Network activity and adoption metrics have improved, supporting price gains. Market participants remain alert to potential shifts in momentum.

FIU Enforces Onboarding and Transaction Rules

Exchanges must collect PAN, selfies with liveness detection, and GPS coordinates of users. Verification also includes email, mobile OTP, and additional identity documents. These measures aim to ensure genuine user presence and prevent fraud.

The penny drop method now mandates recording of bank account verification and location timestamps. FIU emphasized preventing anonymous transactions and crypto mixers from operating within India. ICOs and ITOs are restricted due to high money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

Exchanges must update KYC every six months for high-risk users and yearly for others. Regulatory oversight now includes real-time monitoring of suspicious transactions. The FIU’s measures aim to strengthen India’s digital asset compliance framework.

This article was originally published as India Tightens Crypto Oversight With Mandatory Selfies and Penny Drop KYC Rules on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Cryptocurrency Investment Products Face Significant Outflows Amid Shifting Investor Sentiment

Recent data reveals a notable decline in crypto investment products, with a four-day series of withdrawals erasing gains from early 2026. Despite a solid start to the year, investor confidence has waned, primarily due to macroeconomic concerns and expectations around Federal Reserve policies.

Key Takeaways

Crypto exchange-traded products experienced $454 million in outflows last week, according to CoinShares.

Bitcoin led the retreat, with outflows totaling $405 million, sparking concerns over market sentiment.

Altcoin funds rallied, with inflows into assets like XRP, Solana, and Sui totaling over $87 million.

The United States was the sole region showing significant withdrawals, while Europe and other markets saw inflows.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative, as widespread outflows indicate increased risk aversion among investors.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, monitoring macroeconomic cues for potential market rebounds.

Market context: The shift reflects broader caution amid uncertain monetary policy outlooks and macroeconomic data.

Market Analysis

Last week, crypto investment products endured a steep decline, with weekly outflows totaling $454 million. CoinShares attributes this to investor concerns over the Federal Reserve’s potential delay in interest rate cuts, influenced by recent macroeconomic indicators. Despite the outflows, the overall monthly flows remain positive at $229 million, balancing the initial inflows of $582 million at the year’s onset.

Bitcoin’s Volatility

Bitcoin was the primary driver of the negative sentiment, with outflows of $405 million. Short-Bitcoin funds saw minor outflows of $9 million, suggesting a mixed outlook on the asset’s near-term direction. Meanwhile, alternative cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, and Sui continued to see inflows, with combined gains of approximately $87 million, signaling sustained interest in altcoins despite Bitcoin’s pullback.

Weekly crypto ETP flows by asset as of Friday (in millions of US dollars). Source: CoinShares

Sectoral and Geographic Breakdown

Regionally, the United States was the only major market to exhibit significant outflows, totaling $569 million. Conversely, Germany, Canada, and Switzerland registered inflows of $59 million, $25 million, and $21 million, respectively. Despite these shifts, total assets under management across crypto ETPs slightly increased week-over-week to $181.9 billion from $181.3 billion.

Weekly crypto ETP flows by country as of Friday (in millions of US dollars). Source: CoinShares

Despite the recent negative trends, institutional interest remains considerable. Major players like BlackRock’s iShares and Profunds Group led inflows, while Fidelity and Grayscale experienced notable outflows. The continued fluctuation underscores the evolving landscape of crypto investments amid macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting risk appetite.

This article was originally published as Crypto ETPs Lose $454M in Outflows as Bitcoin Bears Dominate on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

January 12, 2025 – Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by users and trading volume, sponsored the Economy Stage at this year’s 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai. Taken place from January 9 to 11, 2026, the three-day summit is the world’s largest gathering of content creators, digital platforms, brands, and media leaders. The event, which hosted over 15,000 content creators and over 420 speakers, serves as a global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, spotlighting how creators are shaping culture, influencing communities, and building sustainable digital businesses at scale.

Content creators play a major role in Binance’s broader educational mission. Often serving as the first point of entry into the digital asset space, creators help demystify complex concepts and make information accessible to both new and experienced users. Binance’s presence at this year’s edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit created an opportunity to lead meaningful conversations around the importance of content creation in crypto and web3, how trust is built in an increasingly crowded information landscape, and the real-world impact creators can have on financial understanding and decision-making.

Binance hosted two panels during the summit: How Leading Creators Work with Binance and Create Different, Earn Different With Binance.

On the first day of the summit, Jessica Walker – Global Media and Content Lead at Binance, was joined by leading creators Max Zaharenkov, Nic Puckrin, and Sujal Jethwani to discuss how creators across different regions and verticals are building trust by making complex blockchain concepts digestible and relevant, despite serving vastly different audiences and niches. The session also tackled the evolving role of creators within DeFi and beyond, examining how a creator’s voice can influence financial confidence, decision-making, and long-term independence among their audiences

The second day, January 10, featured Create Different, Earn Different With Binance, where Jessica Walker and Shirley Wong, Growth Marketing Lead at Binance, examined how digital assets are reshaping the global creator economy. The discussion highlighted the Binance Creator Program, which drew strong interest for its ability to enable sustainable income and showcase real success stories, demonstrating how digital assets are helping creators unlock new paths to financial independence.

Through its participation at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, Binance reaffirmed its commitment to education, transparency, and empowering creators as trusted voices in the digital asset ecosystem. By supporting meaningful dialogue and spotlighting real-world use cases, Binance continues to champion responsible innovation and play an active role in shaping a more informed, inclusive, and sustainable future for the global crypto community.

This article was originally published as Binance Puts Content Creators in the Spotlight at the 1 Billion Followers Summit on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

2026 Outlook: Infrastructure, Regulation, and the Rise of Stablecoins

As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves into 2026, a clear trend has emerged: the industry is shifting focus from speculative trading to building robust infrastructure, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and integrating digital assets into everyday financial systems. Key developments include the expansive role of stablecoins, increased regulatory oversight, and the geopolitical implications of crypto activity worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Stablecoins now account for over half of all on-chain transaction volume globally, reflecting their central role in payments, remittances, and trading.

Growth in stablecoins has attracted scrutiny from regulators due to their use in both legitimate finance and illicit activities.

2025 was marked by a significant rise in crypto-related criminal activities, with illicit flows reaching approximately $154 billion, driven largely by nation-state actors.

Despite increased illicit use, overall crypto activity remains predominantly legitimate, with illegal transactions representing less than 1% of total activity.

Tickers mentioned: none

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The ongoing maturation of stablecoins and regulatory development suggests stability without immediate significant price shifts.

Market context: The industry is increasingly regulated and mature, emphasizing infrastructure and compliance over speculation.

Stablecoins Shift to Center Stage

Experts highlight that 2025 was arguably the pivotal year for stablecoins, reflecting their expanding dominance in crypto markets. Despite Bitcoin’s continued leadership in market capitalization, stablecoins now represent more than 50% of all transactional volume on-chain, underscoring their vital role in the ecosystem.

Analysts observe that stablecoins serve as a reliable medium of exchange, providing liquidity and stability across borders. However, this dominance has caught the attention of regulators globally, concerned about their potential misuse. Centralized stablecoin issuers retain the authority to freeze or burn tokens, presenting both a tool for compliance enforcement and a point of regulatory contention.

Escalating Geopolitical and Illicit Activity

The year also saw a notable rise in state-linked crypto activities, with illicit flows reaching approximately $154 billion—a 162% increase from the previous year, according to Chainalysis. Nation-state actors increasingly leverage cryptocurrencies for nefarious purposes, such as sanctions evasion and covert transactions.

Despite the surge in illicit activity, experts maintain that such transactions constitute less than 1% of overall crypto use, highlighting a relatively small but concerning element of the broader industry. Regulatory agencies, particularly in Europe with initiatives like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, are working towards more structured oversight to mitigate these risks.

While challenges remain, the crypto industry is gradually transitioning towards a more regulated and secure environment, emphasizing stability and compliance in its ongoing evolution.

This article was originally published as How Stablecoins and Crypto Crime Are Changing Regulations in 2025 on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 12 January, 2026: Fuze, one of the Middle East and Turkey’s fastest-growing financial infrastructure providers, has appointed Serena Sebastiani as its new Group Chief Strategy and Venture Officer (CSVO). Serena was most recently PwC Middle East Virtual Assets Consulting lead, and is currently the Co-Chair of the MENA Fintech Association’s Digital Assets Committee and President of GCC at the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency.

Serena Sebastiani, Group Chief Strategy and Venture Officer, said: “Having been part of the early build-out of the UAE’s digital assets ecosystem and witnessing its rise as a global hub, joining Fuze feels like a natural progression. After years of advising and shaping the industry, I’m stepping into the arena to scale a business I deeply believe in. I’m excited to join a leadership team that has poured relentless commitment into this vision, one I witnessed being born and built. This is a commitment I fully share and am ready to accelerate.”

Mo Ali Yusuf, Fuze CEO and Co-Founder, said: “Welcoming Serena into the business is like hiring three world-class experts in one. Her strategic advisory capabilities, specialist aptitude within virtual assets and robust experience within regulatory environments, will be of great benefit to Fuze as we scale the future of finance in the region and beyond.”

(Image – Serena Sebastiani, Fuze)

Serena has spent the past 15 years advising across the financial services sector in Europe and the Middle East, working with leading investment banks, asset and wealth managers, securities services providers, governments and regulators. She contributed to the development of Europe’s securities market infrastructure and has helped shape the regulatory foundations for fintech and digital assets, including advising on the creation of the first Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Drawing on this experience, she has supported multiple governments and regulators on policy frameworks, guided banks and virtual asset service providers as they enter new markets and, she has guided the development of new digital asset and fintech propositions.

Within her new role at Fuze, Sebastiani will be responsible for enhancing strategic growth and sustainably scaling Fuze across its core infrastructure, including institutional over-the-counter (OTC) desk, digital assets-as-a-service (DaaS) platform and payments. Serena will play a major role in shaping Fuze’s long-term vision and roadmap for its API-integrated financial services offering for banks, institutions and enterprises.

Media contact:

Jonathan Ivan-Duke

Partner, duke+mir

jon@dukemir.com <mailto:jon@dukemir.com
+971582857333 <tel:+971582857333

About Fuze:

Fuze is MENA’s first-of-its-kind regulated digital assets infrastructure provider, offering financial institutions and businesses cutting-edge tools to integrate digital asset services securely and efficiently. Driven by a solutions-based approach, Fuze helps financial services providers to strategise, organise and implement digital assets infrastructure and quickly, securely launch regulated, world-class products across wealth and payments.

Fuze was founded by an expert team of fintech, traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) leaders, with its co-founders holding extensive knowledge from experience in global hypergrowth businesses: the CEO, Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf) has held prominent roles at Checkout.com and Visa; Arpit Mehta (COO) was previously in the leadership team at fintech leaders like Simpl and Clear; Srijan Shetty (CTO) built algorithmic trading systems at Goldman Sachs and worked at tech leader Microsoft.

Fuze offers a Digital-Assets-as-a-Service infrastructure platform which enables banks and fintechs to embed regulated digital assets products in a B2B2C fashion. Additionally, Fuze provides an Over-The-Counter (OTC) service that supports institutions, funds, and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals) in executing large digital asset trades securely and efficiently.

For more details, visit: https://fuze.ae/

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is for general informational purposes only. Fuze and its subsidiaries, including Niobe Payment Services LLC SPC, are regulated under the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This press release does not constitute an offer to provide financial services or investment advice in any jurisdiction. Fuze does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any financial products or services mentioned are subject to market risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek legal, tax advice with an advisor before making any financial or investment decisions.

This article was originally published as Fuze appoints former-PwC Virtual Assets lead as Group Chief Strategist on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, January 12th, 2025: As RAKBANK marks its Golden Jubilee, this is a moment to reflect on the journey behind us and to be clear about what has guided the Bank every step of the way.

For fifty years, RAKBANK’s progress has been shaped by trust, relationships and a belief that banking should serve people. That belief has remained constant through changing times, new technologies and evolving customer needs.

Digital with a Human Touch is more than a promise. It is how the Bank designs experiences, makes decisions and shows up for customers every day. As RAKBANK marks fifty years, it continues to bring this philosophy to life in a clear and consistent way across everything it does.

From intelligent decisioning and AI enabled support to simpler, friction free journeys, the focus has always been on making banking more intuitive while keeping human connection at the centre. Progress has never been about doing more, but about doing what matters better.

Supporting SMEs has always been at the heart of RAKBANK’s journey.

For decades, the Bank has stood alongside budding entrepreneurs and business owners as they start, scale and grow. That commitment was recognised when RAKBANK was named Euromoney’s Best Bank for SMEs in the UAE. This recognition reflects the trust SME customers place in the Bank and its continued focus on delivering practical, relationship led banking that helps businesses move forward.

This same mindset continues to shape how the Bank innovates. RAKBANK became the first conventional bank in the UAE to launch crypto trading within its mobile app.

RAKBANK is deeply thankful to the leadership of the UAE for their continued inspiration, guidance and belief in progress. Their vision and commitment to excellence have created the foundation for institutions like RAKBANK to grow with confidence, innovate with purpose and contribute meaningfully to the nation and the communities it serves.

Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, said:

“As we mark our Golden Jubilee, we reflect on five decades of building a strong and trusted franchise across the UAE. Our journey has always been rooted in relationships, service and a belief that banking should feel personal. This milestone honours the generations of colleagues and customers who shaped our story, and reaffirms our commitment to creating value that lasts, supporting communities and serving the nation with the high standards it expects from us.”

A Year of Celebration

Throughout 2026, RAKBANK will mark its Golden Jubilee under the theme “50 Years With You,” bringing this milestone to life through meaningful moments with customers, colleagues and communities across the UAE.

This year is about celebrating the journey shared through the years, recognising those who made it possible, and continuing forward together with colleagues, customers and the communities that inspire what comes next.

About RAKBANK

RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (P.S.C), is one of the UAE’s oldest yet most dynamic banks. Since 1976, RAKBANK has been a market leader, offering a wide range of banking services across the UAE.

We’re a public joint stock company based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with our head office located in the RAKBANK Building on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The Government of Ras Al Khaimah holds the majority of our shares, which are publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

RAKBANK stands out for its innovation and unwavering commitment to delivering awesome customer experiences. Our transformative digital journey aims to be a ‘digital bank with a human touch,’ accompanying you during key moments.

With 21 branches and advanced Digital Banking solutions, we offer a wide range of Personal, Wholesale, and Business Banking services. Through our Islamic Banking unit, RAKislamic, we provide Sharia-compliant services to make your banking experience seamless, whether you visit us in person or online.

For more information, please visit www.rakbank.ae or contact the Call Centre on +9714 213 0000. Alternatively, you can connect with us on our social media platforms:

x.com/rakbanklive

Instagram.com/rakbank

tiktok.com/@rakbank

linkedin.com/rakbank

For more information, please contact:

Suzana Saoud

Associate Account Director

Gambit Communications

+97156 7155 470

Suzana@gambit.ae

This article was originally published as Digital with a Human Touch: Fifty Years of Serving People on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.