Blockonomi

TLDR

Amazon is in early discussions to invest as much as $50 billion in ChatGPT creator OpenAI, according to sources familiar with the matter.

CEO Andy Jassy is personally negotiating with Sam Altman, potentially making Amazon the largest investor in OpenAI’s $100 billion funding round.

The investment could require OpenAI to shift toward Amazon Web Services and Trainium chips, moving away from Microsoft and Nvidia dependence.

OpenAI is valued at approximately $830 billion and plans to spend $500 billion on AI infrastructure over four years.

Nvidia and Microsoft are also discussing investments, with Nvidia eyeing $30 billion and Microsoft considering under $10 billion.

Amazon is negotiating a potential $50 billion investment in OpenAI. The talks represent one of the largest AI investments ever discussed.

Exclusive: Amazon is in talks to invest up to $50 billion in OpenAI. It would make it one of the biggest contributors to the latest funding round. https://t.co/cjQY80wZMf

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) January 29, 2026

The e-commerce and cloud computing giant is participating in OpenAI’s broader effort to raise $100 billion. Sources say the discussions remain in early stages with no final numbers confirmed.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is directly handling negotiations with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This hands-on approach from leadership demonstrates the strategic importance of the potential deal.

A $50 billion commitment would make Amazon the dominant investor in OpenAI’s current fundraising. The company would secure a major position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

What Amazon Gets in Return

The critical question involves what conditions Amazon will demand for its investment. Industry analysts expect OpenAI would need to increase its use of Amazon Web Services for cloud computing needs.

Reports suggest Amazon wants OpenAI to adopt its Trainium chips. These processors compete directly with Nvidia’s market-leading AI chips.

Such a requirement would dramatically alter OpenAI’s technology stack. The AI company currently depends heavily on Nvidia hardware and Microsoft’s cloud services.

Microsoft has served as OpenAI’s primary backer for years. An Amazon investment of this magnitude could fundamentally change that relationship.

The Broader Funding Picture

OpenAI’s fundraising round could value the company at $830 billion. That valuation reflects investor confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.

The AI startup projects spending nearly $500 billion over the next four years. These funds will support data center construction and technology development.

OpenAI is preparing for a potential public offering. The IPO could happen in the fourth quarter of 2026 and might value the company at $1 trillion.

Nvidia is discussing an investment of up to $30 billion in the funding round. Microsoft is considering a contribution of less than $10 billion despite its existing partnership.

SoftBank Group is also negotiating to invest as much as $30 billion. Multiple investors are competing to secure ownership stakes in OpenAI.

Existing Partnerships

Amazon and OpenAI already work together through a $38 billion agreement signed in November. That deal involves AWS providing infrastructure for AI workloads using Nvidia chips.

Amazon maintains investments in other AI companies as well. The tech giant has invested roughly $8 billion in Anthropic, valued at $183 billion.

OpenAI recently completed a $10 billion computing agreement with Cerebras. The company is diversifying its hardware partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.

The potential Amazon investment would build on the existing November partnership. A $50 billion stake would create a much deeper strategic relationship between the two companies.

The post Amazon (AMZN) Stock: E-Commerce Giant Pursues $50 Billion OpenAI Deal appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

ARK Invest purchased $1.1 million of Bullish shares on January 28, ending a six-week break from crypto stock buying.

The purchase included 33,022 BLSH shares split between ARKK (31,543 shares) and ARKF (1,479 shares).

BLSH dropped 4.5% to $34.33 on the purchase date and fell further to $32.76 the following day.

Bullish is a Peter Thiel-backed institutional crypto exchange that went public in August 2025.

ARK’s late-January crypto shopping included $21.5 million across three platforms as Bitcoin traded below $90,000.

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest broke a six-week silence on crypto stocks. The firm bought Bullish shares worth $1.1 million on January 28.

This marks ARK’s first crypto stock purchase since mid-December 2025. The timing comes as Bitcoin struggles below the $90,000 mark.

Bullish operates an institutional crypto exchange. PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel backs the platform, which targets professional traders and large-scale investors.

The company went public in August 2025 during a wave of crypto IPOs. It’s headquartered in the Cayman Islands.

ARK distributed the purchase across two funds. The ARK Innovation ETF bought 31,543 shares while the ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF added 1,479 shares.

The total came to 33,022 BLSH shares. Wood’s firm also picked up shares in Coinbase and Circle Internet that week, spending $21.5 million total on crypto platforms.

Stock Performance Drops Despite ARK Interest

The market didn’t reward Bullish for attracting ARK’s attention. Shares opened at $35.88 and closed at $34.33 on January 28.

That’s a 4.5% single-day decline. The selling continued into the next session.

By January 29, BLSH traded at $32.76. The stock shed another 4% in 24 hours.

Wood has championed digital assets for years. ARK Invest became the first public asset manager to gain Bitcoin exposure back in 2015.

The early bet faced skepticism. ARK stuck with its conviction as the crypto market expanded.

The firm’s current crypto holdings include major names. Circle Internet Group, Coinbase Global, Robinhood Markets, and Bitmine Immersion Technologies all sit in ARK portfolios.

Earnings and Valuation Questions Loom

Bullish reports Q4 2025 earnings on February 5. The release will show revenue from its exchange operations and new products.

The company recently partnered with Deutsche Bank. It also launched crypto options trading and added subscription-based services.

Valuation estimates paint a confusing picture. Fair value projections range from $3,087 to over $30,000 per share.

The massive spread reflects uncertainty about profitability. Bullish trades at elevated multiples compared to its sales.

ARK Invest made other moves that day too. The firm reduced stakes in Teradyne, Illumina, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.

It added biotech positions in CRISPR Therapeutics, Beam Therapeutics, and Intellia Therapeutics. The crypto buys represent just one part of ARK’s broader portfolio shifts.

Bullish went public during a hot crypto IPO market. The timing gave it initial momentum and visibility with institutional investors.

The post Bullish (BLSH) Stock: Cathie Wood Purchases 33,022 Shares of Crypto Exchange appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Apple posted Q1 revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16% year-over-year, beating Wall Street estimates by over $5 billion

iPhone sales jumped 23% to $85.27 billion as iPhone 17 models drove record demand across all regions

China sales exploded 38% to $25.53 billion, far exceeding the $21.32 billion analyst forecast

Company projects 13-16% revenue growth for March quarter despite chip supply constraints

Wearables revenue of $11.49 billion missed targets due to higher-than-expected AirPods Pro 3 demand

Apple delivered a blowout fiscal first quarter. Revenue hit $143.8 billion, crushing analyst expectations of $138.48 billion.

Apple $AAPL Earnings…

EPS: $2.84 vs $2.66 expected
Revenue: $143.8B vs $138.1B expected
Revenue up 16% YoY

Strong quarter from Apple, beating on both the top and bottom line pic.twitter.com/IG2AUQ7Onl

— Trader Edge (@Pro_Trader_Edge) January 30, 2026

Earnings per share reached $2.84, well above the $2.67 consensus. Net income came in at $42.1 billion.

The iPhone 17 lineup powered the results. CEO Tim Cook described demand as “staggering” in interviews following the report.

iPhone revenue soared 23% to $85.27 billion. Analysts had expected just $78.65 billion.

Apple set sales records in every geographic region. The company now has 2.5 billion active devices, up from 2.35 billion last year.

China Sales Explode Past Forecasts

Greater China delivered the quarter’s biggest surprise. Sales surged 38% to $25.53 billion.

That crushed estimates of $21.32 billion. The region includes mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Cook said the performance exceeded internal expectations. The iPhone 17 drove record upgrades and double-digit Android switcher growth.

“We set an all-time record for upgraders in mainland China,” Cook told analysts. Market share gains over Android helped fuel the surge.

Supply Issues Cloud Outlook

Apple forecast March quarter revenue growth of 13% to 16%. That’s above analyst estimates of 10% growth.

The company expects revenue between $107.8 billion and $110.66 billion. Analysts projected $104.84 billion.

Supply constraints will limit iPhone production. “We’re currently constrained,” Cook said on the earnings call.

Taiwan’s TSMC makes Apple’s chips and is facing capacity issues. Memory chip shortages add another challenge.

A global DRAM shortage has hit the electronics industry. Samsung and SK Hynix control two-thirds of the market and warned of worsening shortages.

Production has shifted toward AI applications. Data center memory commands higher margins than smartphone memory.

Cook declined to discuss potential price increases. He said the company would “look at a range of options” for dealing with rising memory costs.

Apple forecast gross margins of 48% to 49% for the March quarter. Memory chip costs will have “a bit more of an impact” on margins, Cook noted.

Product Line Performance

Mac revenue missed estimates at $8.39 billion. Sales fell 7% from last year despite the November launch of MacBook Pro with M4 chip.

iPad revenue beat expectations at $8.60 billion. Sales grew 6% as half of buyers were new to the product.

Wearables revenue came in at $11.49 billion, below the $12.04 billion estimate. Demand for AirPods Pro 3 translation features caught Apple off guard.

Services revenue reached $30.01 billion, just under estimates. The segment grew 14% from last year.

Apple TV viewership jumped 36% in December. The company expects similar Services growth rates in the current quarter.

Apple announced a Google partnership earlier this month to use Gemini for Siri improvements. The company also acquired AI startup Q.ai for $1.6 billion.

Finance chief Kevan Parekh said AI requires “incremental investment” beyond normal product development. Research and development spending rose to $10.89 billion from $8.27 billion last year.

Apple spent nearly $32 billion on share repurchases and dividends during the quarter.

The post Apple (AAPL) Stock: iPhone 17 Fuels Record Quarter With 38% China Sales Jump appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

SpaceX and xAI are negotiating a merger before SpaceX’s public offering planned for 2026

Two Nevada entities were created on January 21 to support the potential deal structure

SpaceX carries an $800 billion valuation while xAI is valued at $230 billion

The combination would advance Musk’s goal of launching AI data centers into orbit

Bloomberg reports SpaceX is also exploring a merger with Tesla

SpaceX is negotiating a merger with xAI ahead of the rocket company’s initial public offering this year. The deal would combine Musk’s space exploration business with his artificial intelligence startup.

$TSLA

BLOOMBERG: SPACEX CONSIDERING TO MERGE WITH TESLA & XAI

bro…

“Musk has also discussed using SpaceX’s Starship rockets to carry Tesla’s Optimus robots to the moon as well as to Mars. xAI could benefit enormously from computing capacity provided by SpaceX’s data centers… pic.twitter.com/LMEefbI4f4

— amit (@amitisinvesting) January 29, 2026

Under the proposed terms, xAI shareholders would receive SpaceX shares in exchange. Regulatory filings show two entities were established in Nevada on January 21 to facilitate the transaction.

One filing lists SpaceX and CFO Bret Johnsen as managing members. The second filing names Johnsen as the sole officer. The documents do not specify how these entities would function in a merger.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that some xAI executives may choose cash payments instead of SpaceX stock. No final agreement exists and the deal terms remain flexible. Musk, SpaceX, and xAI have not publicly addressed the reports.

Company Valuations and Market Reaction

SpaceX holds an $800 billion valuation based on recent private share transactions. This makes it the highest-valued private company globally.

xAI achieved a $230 billion valuation in November after raising $20 billion in Series E funding. The round surpassed the company’s $15 billion target.

SpaceX intends to go public in 2026 with a potential valuation exceeding $1 trillion. Tesla stock climbed 3% in after-hours trading when the merger news broke.

Bloomberg separately reported SpaceX is considering merging with Tesla. Polymarket data shows traders pricing a 48% chance of a SpaceX-xAI merger by mid-2026 and a 16% probability for a Tesla-xAI combination.

Space Data Center Strategy

The merger supports Musk’s plan to build orbital data centers. He has repeatedly emphasized this initiative in recent months.

Speaking at Davos last week, Musk outlined the economic case. Solar power and the extreme cold of space would make orbital facilities cost-effective for AI computing.

Musk estimates space will become the cheapest location for AI infrastructure within two to three years. He stated on X that space-based data centers are “the most important thing in the next 3-4 years.”

The approach aims to reduce costs for running AI models like Grok. Competing efforts include Blue Origin’s satellite network plans and Google’s Project Suncatcher research.

Defense Applications

The merger could strengthen SpaceX’s position for Pentagon AI contracts. The Defense Department is expanding AI use across military systems.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited SpaceX’s Texas facility this month. He announced Grok integration into military networks as part of an AI acceleration initiative.

xAI holds a Pentagon contract valued up to $200 million for Grok services. The company operates Colossus, an AI training supercomputer in Memphis.

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network already employs AI for orbital maneuvers. The classified Starshield program uses AI-equipped sensors to track ground targets.

History of Musk Mergers

Musk has previously consolidated his companies. He acquired SolarCity using Tesla stock in 2016.

In 2025, X merged into xAI through a share exchange. This gave xAI access to X’s user data and distribution platform.

SpaceX committed $2 billion to xAI’s $5 billion fundraising round last year. Tesla pledged approximately $2 billion to xAI this week.

Investors view consolidation as addressing concerns about Musk managing multiple companies simultaneously. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management said merging xAI with Tesla could enhance autonomous vehicle and robotics development.

The post SpaceX and xAI Merger Talks Advance as IPO Approaches appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Anthropic and the U.S. Defense Department are locked in a dispute over a $200 million AI contract

The AI company refuses to allow Claude technology for autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance operations

Pentagon officials want unrestricted access to deploy AI regardless of company policies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the military won’t use AI models that restrict warfare capabilities

The contract may be cancelled if the two sides cannot reach an agreement

Anthropic is in a heated dispute with the U.S. Defense Department over how the military can use its Claude AI system. The conflict threatens to end a contract worth up to $200 million.

The Pentagon and Anthropic disagree over having Claude potentially operate autonomous weapons systems and conduct domestic surveillance. pic.twitter.com/7ERHfqLteX

— Andrew Curran (@AndrewCurran_) January 29, 2026

The San Francisco-based AI startup has set strict limits on military use of its technology. Anthropic does not want Claude used for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons targeting. The company requires human oversight for any weapons-related operations.

Pentagon officials reject these restrictions. They say the military should be able to use commercial AI technology however it wants. The only requirement should be following U.S. law, not company policies.

The contract was awarded last summer to integrate Claude into defense operations. Problems started almost right away. Anthropic’s usage terms ban domestic surveillance activities, which limits how agencies like ICE and the FBI can use the system.

Defense Secretary Pushes Back on AI Limits

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the Pentagon’s position clear at a recent event. He said the military will not use AI models that restrict fighting capabilities. Sources confirmed he was talking about Anthropic.

The January 9 Defense Department AI strategy memo supports this approach. It states that commercial AI deployment should not be limited by company usage policies.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has been vocal about AI safety concerns. He recently wrote that AI should support national defense except in ways that make America similar to autocratic countries. Amodei also criticized fatal shootings during immigration enforcement protests in Minneapolis.

Company Faces Pressure From Multiple Sides

The dispute puts Anthropic in a difficult position. The company is preparing for a public stock offering and recently entered talks to raise billions at a $350 billion valuation. Losing the Pentagon contract could hurt its national security business prospects.

Anthropic spent resources building relationships with defense and intelligence agencies. It was one of four major AI companies to win Pentagon contracts last year. Google, OpenAI, and Elon Musk’s xAI also received awards.

The Pentagon likely needs Anthropic’s help to use Claude effectively. The AI models are trained to avoid harmful actions. Only Anthropic staff can modify the system for military applications.

Amodei has clashed with White House AI czar David Sacks over regulation policy. Sacks accused Anthropic of being “AI doomers” trying to slow down competitors. The company denies this and says it maintains good relations with the administration.

An Anthropic spokesperson said Claude is used extensively for national security missions. The company stated it remains in productive discussions with the Department of War about continuing their work together.

Other AI companies working with the military have not faced similar public disputes. The outcome of this standoff could set precedent for how much control AI developers have over military use of their technology.

The post AI Company Anthropic Refuses Pentagon Demand for Unrestricted Military Access to Claude appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

ARK Invest purchased 781,519 Joby Aviation shares worth $10.4 million on January 29, 2026, following a 16.7% stock decline

Joby Aviation announced a $1 billion capital raise through common stock and convertible notes, triggering investor dilution concerns

ARK sold 31,668 Teradyne shares for $7.9 million as the stock reached $253.61 amid joint venture news with MultiLane

CRISPR Therapeutics received $6.8 million investment from ARK with purchase of 127,184 shares across multiple ETFs

ARK reduced holdings in Veracyte and Illumina while making smaller adjustments to Beam Therapeutics and Kratos Defense positions

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest executed multiple trades on January 29, 2026, with the largest transaction targeting electric aviation company Joby Aviation. The investment firm disclosed these moves through its daily fund updates.

ARK purchased 781,519 shares of Joby Aviation for a total value of $10.4 million. The shares were acquired through two ETFs: ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF.

The purchase came after Joby Aviation stock fell 16.7% in a single trading session. The decline followed the company’s announcement of a major capital raise. Joby plans to raise approximately $1 billion through a combination of common stock sales and convertible senior notes maturing in 2032.

Market participants expressed concern about potential shareholder dilution from the capital raise. ARK took advantage of the lower price point to increase its position in the air taxi developer.

Gene-Editing Investment Grows

ARK expanded its biotech holdings with a CRISPR Therapeutics stock purchase. The firm acquired 127,184 shares valued at $6.8 million. The transaction occurred across the ARKK and ARKG ETFs.

This purchase represents a continuation of ARK’s buying activity in CRISPR Therapeutics. The firm has been steadily accumulating shares over multiple trading sessions. The gene-editing company’s stock experienced a minor decline during Thursday’s trading.

Semiconductor Position Reduced

ARK Invest divested 31,668 shares of Teradyne for proceeds of $7.9 million. The sale was executed through the ARKQ and ARKX ETFs. Teradyne stock hit an intraday peak of $253.61 during the session.

The sale timing aligned with positive company news. Teradyne and MultiLane announced the formation of a joint venture called MultiLane Test Products. The partnership will address growing demand for high-speed data connection testing in artificial intelligence data centers.

Under the agreement, MultiLane will transfer its test and measurement assets to the new entity. MultiLane retains control of its interconnects and data center test operations. Teradyne will maintain majority ownership of the joint venture.

Additional Portfolio Changes

ARK sold 31,463 Veracyte shares through its ARKK ETF, generating $1.2 million. The firm also decreased its Illumina position by 35,897 shares across ARKK and ARKG. These sales extend ARK’s recent divestment pattern in both companies.

The firm made smaller trades including a 29,413-share purchase of Beam Therapeutics. ARK also sold 261 shares of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions. Wall Street analysts assign a “Moderate Buy” rating to both Teradyne and CRISPR Therapeutics, while Joby Aviation carries a “Hold” rating with projected 41% upside over twelve months.

The post Why Cathie Wood Bought Joby Aviation Stock During Thursday’s 16% Crash appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

SEC Chair Paul Atkins endorses cryptocurrency inclusion in 401(k) retirement plans with appropriate safeguards for retirees.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig forecasts digital asset growth under new U.S. regulatory framework currently under Senate review.

Senate Agriculture Committee moved forward with crypto market structure legislation defining CFTC and SEC oversight roles.

Trump’s August 2025 executive order already permits crypto in 401(k)s, potentially affecting $10 trillion in retirement assets.

Both regulators want to establish clear rules to attract blockchain firms back to the United States from overseas.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced that cryptocurrency is ready for inclusion in 401(k) retirement accounts. He made these comments during a CNBC interview alongside CFTC Chair Michael Selig.

LATEST: SEC Chair Paul Atkins says the "time is right" for 401(k) retirement plans to include crypto with proper guardrails, a move that would open up the $10 trillion pension market to digital assets. pic.twitter.com/6dLAKWLHfH

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 30, 2026

Atkins emphasized that crypto adoption in retirement plans should include proper safeguards. He noted many Americans already have indirect exposure to digital assets through their pension funds.

The Department of Labor previously advised extreme caution when adding cryptocurrency to 401(k) investment options. Regulators cited concerns about the volatile nature of digital assets.

President Trump shifted this position in August 2025 with an executive order. The order permits crypto investments in 401(k) plans across the country.

This policy change opens access to approximately $10 trillion in retirement savings. The White House stated that digital assets provide competitive returns and diversification options.

Senate Moves Forward on Crypto Legislation

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced draft legislation on crypto market structure. The committee completed its markup in under one hour.

The bill clarifies oversight responsibilities between the CFTC and SEC. It would expand the CFTC’s authority over certain digital asset markets.

The legislation still requires approval from the full Senate. It must then pass through the House of Representatives before becoming law.

CFTC Chair Selig described this as a pivotal time for the crypto industry. He said clear regulations will allow digital assets to thrive in America.

Bringing Blockchain Companies Back to America

Selig highlighted that blockchain technology has existed for 15 years. He said it is changing how markets operate within the CFTC’s jurisdiction.

Many blockchain companies relocated overseas due to unclear U.S. regulations. Selig stressed the importance of bringing these firms back to American soil.

He expressed confidence that SEC and CFTC cooperation will create effective national standards. These rules aim to make the U.S. the leading destination for crypto businesses.

Selig predicted new products and onchain markets will emerge under clear regulations. He believes setting high standards will attract global innovation to America.

The CFTC chair said establishing a gold standard for crypto markets will benefit the entire industry. Financial applications and blockchain technology will advance more rapidly with regulatory certainty.

Bitcoin has dropped 19.54% over the past three months. Ethereum and Dogecoin have also experienced price declines during this period.

Both regulatory leaders are working with Senate lawmakers on finalizing the legislation. The bipartisan interest suggests momentum for creating comprehensive crypto regulations.

Atkins stressed that measured implementation matters when adding crypto to retirement plans. Guardrails must protect retirees while allowing access to digital assets.

The Senate Agriculture Committee’s swift action indicates strong support for crypto regulation. Both the SEC and CFTC are coordinating to establish clear oversight boundaries.

The post SEC Chair Paul Atkins Supports Cryptocurrency in 401(k) Retirement Plans appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Coinbase shares dropped 7% Thursday, extending losses to eight consecutive sessions as price hits $195

Crypto spot trading volume fell 47% from $1.7 trillion to $900 billion year-over-year

Bitcoin declined 6% to $82,000 while Ethereum slipped to $2,816 on Thursday

Strategy and BitMine treasury stocks each lost nearly 10% as crypto holdings declined

Bitcoin miners focused on AI infrastructure continue generating positive 2026 returns

Major crypto exchange stocks continued their January decline on Thursday as bitcoin fell 6% to trade below $82,000. The downturn affected companies across the digital asset sector.

Coinbase stock fell 7% to $195, marking its eighth straight day of losses. The exchange hasn’t traded at this price level since May 2025. Coinbase is down 17% for the year.

Other exchange stocks posted similar declines. Gemini dropped 8% Thursday and has fallen 21% in 2026. Circle declined 20% year-to-date while Bullish is down 16%.

Spot Trading Activity Falls by Half

Crypto spot trading volume dropped sharply in January 2026. Data from TheTie shows volume reached $900 billion compared to $1.7 trillion in January 2025. The 47% decline indicates reduced market participation.

Eric He from LBank exchange said bitcoin has been stuck around $85,000. He explained that rising geopolitical tensions are causing investor caution. The wait-and-see approach is affecting multiple asset classes.

Bitcoin treasury companies also experienced losses Thursday. Strategy stock fell nearly 10% to $143.19, its lowest price since September 2024. The company holds 712,647 BTC valued at roughly $60 billion.

Michael Saylor’s company purchased $267 million in bitcoin on Monday. Strategy continues accumulating bitcoin despite market weakness.

BitMine Immersion Technologies dropped nearly 10% to $26.70 on Thursday. The Ethereum treasury firm holds $11.9 billion in ETH, representing 3.5% of total supply. BitMine bought $116 million worth of ETH this week.

Miners Shifting to AI Show Strength

Bitcoin mining companies pivoting to AI infrastructure posted gains despite Thursday’s selloff. Hut 8, IREN, CleanSpark, and Cipher Mining all show positive year-to-date returns. These companies are leveraging their energy and computing infrastructure for AI applications.

Galaxy Digital also outperformed in 2026 despite daily losses. The firm recently received Texas grid operator ERCOT approval for data center expansion.

Ethereum fell 6.6% to $2,816 on Thursday. Prediction market users on Myriad increased the probability that Ethereum will reach $2,500 before $4,000 from 65% to over 75%.

Analysts will watch for trading volume recovery and macroeconomic signals in February. Market participants are monitoring geopolitical developments and their impact on risk appetite.

The U.S. Senate blocked a continuing resolution on Thursday afternoon to prevent a government shutdown. Lawmakers have until Saturday to reach agreement. Concerns about an AI bubble also weighed on markets after Microsoft’s stock decline.

Bitcoin recovered from its daily low of $83,407 to trade at $84,416. The price remains above the late November low when it briefly fell below $83,000 after a large holder sold $1.3 billion worth of bitcoin.

The post Bitcoin Plunges to $82,000 as Strategy and BitMine Stocks Drop 10% appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Bitcoin fell to $81,000 triggering $1.68 billion in crypto liquidations with long positions accounting for 93% of losses

Stock futures declined 0.5-0.7% as investors await Trump’s Friday announcement for new Fed chair pick

Microsoft stock plunged 10% on cloud growth concerns while Apple gained 1% after beating earnings expectations

Hyperliquid exchange saw $598 million in liquidations while Bitcoin accounted for $780 million and Ethereum $414 million

Traders expect two quarter-point Fed rate cuts by year-end as major oil companies prepare Friday earnings reports

Cryptocurrency markets experienced a severe downturn as Bitcoin’s price drop to $81,000 sparked massive liquidations across trading platforms. The 24-hour period saw more than $1.68 billion in leveraged positions forcibly closed.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price

Approximately 267,370 traders were pushed out of their positions during the selloff. Long positions represented $1.56 billion of the total liquidations, showing how traders were positioned for price increases.

Short positions made up just $118 million of the closures. This imbalance reveals the one-sided nature of market positioning before the downturn.

Bitcoin liquidations alone reached $780 million during this timeframe. Ethereum followed with over $414 million in forced position closures.

The single largest liquidation was an $80.57 million Bitcoin-USDT trade on HTX exchange. This highlights the risks of using excessive leverage even on liquid trading pairs.

Crypto Exchanges Record Heavy Liquidation Activity

Hyperliquid exchange topped liquidation totals with $598 million in forced closures. More than 94% of these positions were long bets on rising prices.

Bybit processed $339 million in liquidations over the same period. Binance recorded $181 million with long exposure dominating all three exchanges.

Liquidations occur when leveraged traders cannot maintain margin requirements on borrowed funds. Exchanges automatically close these positions to limit losses.

This creates a domino effect in volatile markets as forced selling pushes prices lower. Additional positions then hit liquidation levels, accelerating the downward pressure.

Market analysts attribute the selloff to overleveraged positions unwinding rather than fresh negative news. Heavy long liquidations often signal the removal of speculative excess from markets.

Stock Futures Drop as Fed Chair Decision Looms

US stock futures retreated as investors awaited President Trump’s announcement of his Federal Reserve chair nominee. The president confirmed he will reveal his selection Friday morning.

S&P 500 futures fell approximately 0.6% in early trading sessions. Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.7% while Dow Jones futures dropped around 0.5%.

E-Mini S&P 500 Mar 26 (ES=F)

Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh leads the candidate list for the position. Other potential nominees include Fed governor Chris Waller, BlackRock’s Rick Rieder, and Kevin Hassett.

Trump’s announcement follows the current Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady this week. Market participants anticipate roughly two quarter-point rate reductions before 2026 ends.

Tech Stocks Show Mixed Results on Earnings

Apple stock climbed about 1% after surpassing fiscal first-quarter profit and revenue projections. The company benefited from stronger-than-expected iPhone sales during the period.

Apple $AAPL Earnings…

EPS: $2.84 vs $2.66 expected
Revenue: $143.8B vs $138.1B expected
Revenue up 16% YoY

Strong quarter from Apple, beating on both the top and bottom line pic.twitter.com/IG2AUQ7Onl

— Trader Edge (@Pro_Trader_Edge) January 30, 2026

Microsoft shares tumbled roughly 10% Thursday, marking their sharpest single-day drop since March 2020. The decline followed indications of slower expansion in the company’s cloud computing division.

The Microsoft selloff dragged down both S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes heavily. Investors continue weighing artificial intelligence revenue potential against the substantial spending requirements.

Sandisk shares jumped 11% after the data storage company issued optimistic future guidance. Despite recent market swings, major indexes remain higher for the week overall.

Exxon and Chevron will release earnings before Friday’s opening bell. American Express and Verizon complete this week’s corporate earnings schedule.

The post Daily Market Update: Stocks Fall and Bitcoin Crashes to $81K Triggering $1.7 Billion Crypto Wipeout appeared first on Blockonomi.

PANAMA CITY, January 30, 2026 – BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, today announced the integration of its TradFi suite into BingX AI Bingo, giving users direct access to the global market data and AI-powered trading-signal interpretation within the BingX trading experience. Following strong user demand for AI-enhanced crypto trading, BingX is extending its industry-leading AI capabilities to support multi-asset decision-making across both digital and traditional markets.

With the new integration, BingX is pioneering TradFi opportunities across commodities, forex, stocks, and indices with the simplicity and confidence provided by BingX AI-powered tools and insights.

BingX TradFi has seen rapid adoption by billions, while BingX AI Bingo has helped millions of early adopters make faster, clearer decisions through real-time, contextual analysis. Together, the two products strengthen BingX’s multi-asset offering by combining broader market access with AI-driven clarity, embedded directly into the trading workflow.

Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX, commented: “Traders today demand both broader market access and smarter tools to navigate it. By integrating the BingX TradFi suite into BingX AI Bingo, we’re bringing these demands together in one seamless experience, uniting TradFi opportunities with AI-powered interpretation. BingX is committed to building the next generation of trading infrastructure, where crypto and traditional markets can be accessed with the same speed, simplicity, and intelligence.”

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3-AI company, serving over 40 million users worldwide. Ranked among the top five global crypto derivatives exchanges and a pioneer of crypto copy trading, BingX addresses the evolving needs of users across all experience levels.

Powered by a comprehensive suite of AI-driven products and services, including futures, spot, copy trading, and TradFi offerings, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance, confidence, and efficiency.

BingX has been the principal partner of Chelsea FC since 2024, and became the first official crypto exchange partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bingx.com

For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

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TLDR

Apple will prioritize its foldable iPhone and two upgraded non-folding models for the 2026 launch.

The standard iPhone 18 release is delayed until 2027 due to a marketing strategy shift and supply chain issues.

Apple’s strategy aims to optimize resources, focusing on premium devices amidst rising material costs.

A source revealed that Apple’s strategy focuses on maximizing profits by addressing supply chain and production challenges.

The delay of the standard iPhone 18 is part of Apple’s effort to ensure smoother production of premium devices.

Apple has confirmed that it will prioritize the production of its premium iPhone models in 2026, according to Nikkei Asia. The company will focus on delivering its first-ever foldable iPhone and two non-folding models with upgraded features. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 will now be shipped in 2027 due to a shift in marketing strategy and supply chain challenges.

Apple to Focus on High-End iPhones in 2026

Apple’s new strategy will target the highest-end models for its 2026 lineup. The company will prioritize the foldable iPhone and two non-folding models featuring upgraded cameras and larger displays.

This decision will ensure that Apple can optimize resources and meet the growing demand for its premium products. Apple aims to enhance its revenue potential amidst rising costs for memory chips and production materials.

A source familiar with Apple’s strategy mentioned that this approach helps maximize profits. “Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year,” said an executive at an iPhone supplier. Apple’s decision comes as it faces rising material costs and seeks to reduce production risks, especially for the complex foldable device.

Delay in Standard iPhone 18 Release

The standard iPhone 18, originally planned for a 2026 launch, will now ship in the first half of 2027. The decision to delay the standard model was influenced by Apple’s shifting marketing priorities.

This delay allows the company to focus on its higher-end models first, ensuring smoother production and more market impact. The new timeline reflects Apple’s effort to mitigate supply chain issues.

The delay also highlights Apple’s ongoing adjustments to its marketing strategy, which aligns with the company’s long-term goals. By focusing on premium devices, Apple hopes to reduce the risk of production delays and enhance its financial performance in 2026.

The post Apple Shifts Strategy: Premium iPhones to Take Priority in 2026 Amid Supply Constraints appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Buterin withdrew 16,384 ETH to personally fund open-source projects as Ethereum Foundation reduces spending. 

The initiative supports secure hardware, privacy applications, and biotechnology with verifiable infrastructure. 

Ethereum Foundation maintains focus on core blockchain development while Buterin handles ecosystem projects. 

Funding prioritizes genuine open-source access over commercial API models for user self-sovereignty tools.

 

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has withdrawn 16,384 ETH from his holdings to support open-source technology initiatives.

The move comes as the Ethereum Foundation implements cost-reduction measures while maintaining its development roadmap.

Buterin announced the withdrawal would fund projects spanning software, hardware, biotechnology, and privacy-focused applications over the coming years.

Foundation Austerity Drives Personal Initiative

The Ethereum Foundation has entered what Buterin describes as a period of controlled spending. This approach aims to balance two critical objectives for the organization.

The first goal focuses on delivering an ambitious technical roadmap for the blockchain platform. The second priority ensures the foundation’s long-term financial sustainability.

Buterin explained his role in these austerity measures through a

recent social media post. He stated that his contribution involves “personally taking on responsibilities that might in another time have been ‘special projects’ of the EF.”

In these five years, the Ethereum Foundation is entering a period of mild austerity, in order to be able to simultaneously meet two goals:

1. Deliver on an aggressive roadmap that ensures Ethereum's status as a performant and scalable world computer that does not compromise on…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 30, 2026

This shift allows the foundation to concentrate resources on core blockchain development. The arrangement reflects a strategic division of responsibilities within the Ethereum ecosystem.

The foundation will maintain its focus on developing the base layer protocol. This includes ensuring Ethereum remains performant, scalable, and decentralized.

Meanwhile, Buterin will direct his resources toward supporting the broader infrastructure ecosystem. This structure enables both entities to pursue their respective missions effectively.

In his announcement, Buterin wrote that he had “just withdrawn 16,384 ETH, which will be deployed toward these goals over the next few years.”

The withdrawn funds represent a substantial commitment to technology development. He also mentioned exploring decentralized staking options to generate additional capital for future projects.

Open-Source Technology Stack Development

Buterin outlined his vision for a comprehensive open-source technology infrastructure. The initiative seeks “the existence of an open-source, secure and verifiable full stack of software and hardware.”

Projects will span from silicon chips to operating systems and applications. Security and verifiability serve as core principles throughout this technology stack.

Recent announcements provide context for this broader strategy. The Vensa project seeks to make open silicon commercially viable for security applications.

The uCritter platform incorporates zero-knowledge proofs, fully homomorphic encryption, and differential privacy features. These projects exemplify the technical direction Buterin intends to support.

Privacy-preserving applications form another key component of the funding priorities. Buterin has supported encrypted messaging platforms and local-first software development.

Air quality monitoring initiatives also fall within the scope of supported projects. These diverse areas share common themes of openness and user autonomy.

The funding philosophy emphasizes genuine openness over commercial access models. Buterin criticized approaches where open “means everyone has the right to buy it from us and use our API for $200/month.”

He advocates for systems that are “actually open, and secure and verifiable so that you know that your technology is working for you.” This perspective aligns with Ethereum’s foundational principles of decentralization and user sovereignty.

Buterin framed the initiative as providing essential infrastructure for self-sovereignty. He emphasized that the primary priority is “Ethereum for people who need it” rather than widespread adoption for its own sake. This approach prioritizes building tools that enable cooperation without hierarchical control structures.

 

The post Vitalik Buterin Withdraws 16,384 ETH to Fund Open-Source Technology and Privacy Projects appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Binance will convert its entire $1 billion SAFU fund from stablecoins to Bitcoin reserves within 30 days of announcement.

The exchange prevented approximately $6.69 billion in scam-related losses for 5.4 million users throughout 2025.

Binance’s proof-of-reserves showed $162.8 billion in fully backed user assets across 45 cryptocurrencies by year-end.

The platform will rebalance the SAFU fund to $1 billion whenever Bitcoin volatility drops it below $800 million.

 

Binance has announced plans to convert its entire $1 billion SAFU fund from stablecoins to Bitcoin within 30 days. The exchange positions this move as a long-term commitment to the crypto industry while addressing ongoing market pressures. This decision reflects Binance’s belief in Bitcoin as the core asset of the digital currency ecosystem amid heightened scrutiny of industry practices.

Risk Management and User Protection Initiatives

Binance reported substantial progress in safeguarding user assets throughout 2025 despite challenging market conditions. The exchange successfully assisted users in recovering $48 million across 38,648 cases of incorrect deposits during the year. These efforts contributed to a cumulative recovery total exceeding $1.09 billion since the program’s inception.

The platform’s risk control systems identified potential threats for 5.4 million users in 2025. These preventive measures helped avoid approximately $6.69 billion in scam-related losses. The exchange emphasized its collaboration with global law enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities within the crypto space.

Through these partnerships, authorities confiscated $131 million in illicit funds during the year. Binance framed these initiatives as necessary steps toward industry maturation and increased accountability. The exchange acknowledged that market volatility creates pressure across the sector, requiring enhanced governance and risk management protocols.

The platform’s proof-of-reserves mechanism showed user assets totaling approximately $162.8 billion by year-end. These holdings received full backing across 45 different crypto assets, demonstrating the exchange’s commitment to transparency.

Strategic Bitcoin Allocation and Ecosystem Development

The conversion of SAFU fund reserves represents a strategic shift in Binance’s asset management approach. The exchange will implement regular rebalancing procedures based on the fund’s market value monitoring. Should Bitcoin price fluctuations push the fund below $800 million, Binance commits to restoring it to $1 billion.

This rebalancing mechanism aims to maintain adequate protection levels while capitalizing on Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. The exchange characterized this initiative as part of its broader industry-building efforts. Binance operates under principles of openness and transparency as it navigates evolving regulatory landscapes.

The platform’s 2025 spot listing program demonstrated ecosystem diversity by covering 21 public blockchains. Ethereum, BSC, and Solana dominated with 32, 18, and 9 projects respectively. Among these supported networks, 13 represented newly launched blockchains spanning payment, gaming, and social applications.

This distribution strategy reflects Binance’s approach to fostering innovation across multiple sectors. The exchange acknowledged rising expectations around governance and responsibility as the crypto ecosystem expands. Market concerns continue to shape industry development, prompting exchanges to demonstrate tangible commitments beyond operational statements.

The post Binance to Convert $1 Billion SAFU Fund to Bitcoin Amid Market Volatility appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Helix processed 354,468 bitcoin worth approximately $300 million between 2014 and 2017 operations. 

Larry Harmon pleaded guilty in August 2021 and received 36 months in prison plus asset forfeiture. 

The mixing service integrated directly with darknet markets through an API for bitcoin withdrawals. 

Federal authorities traced tens of millions from darknet drug markets through the Helix platform.

 

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it obtained legal title to over $400 million in assets connected to the Helix darknet mixing service last week.

Operator Larry Dean Harmon received a 36-month prison sentence in November 2024 after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy.

The forfeiture includes cryptocurrencies, real estate, and monetary holdings seized from Harmon’s operation.

Helix Processed $300 Million in Darknet Transactions

Helix operated as one of the most prominent cryptocurrency mixing services on the darknet between 2014 and 2017.

The platform blended digital currencies from multiple users through various transactions. This process obscured the original sources, final destinations, and actual owners of the funds.

Court documents reveal that Helix processed approximately 354,468 bitcoin during its operation. The total value equaled roughly $300 million in U.S. dollars at the time of those transactions. Much of this cryptocurrency originated from or was destined for darknet drug markets.

Harmon collected a percentage of each transaction as commission for operating the service. Online drug dealers particularly sought out Helix to launder their illegal proceeds.

The platform’s popularity stemmed from its integration capabilities with major darknet marketplaces.

Judge Beryl A. Howell of the District Court for the District of Columbia issued the final forfeiture order on January 21. Harmon had pleaded guilty in August 2021 and faced additional penalties including three years of supervised release. The court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment alongside the seized property confiscation.

Integration with Darknet Markets Through Advanced Technology

Harmon designed Helix alongside a darknet search engine called Grams to support all major darknet markets. The service featured an Application Program Interface that enabled direct integration with marketplace withdrawal systems. This API allowed darknet platforms to embed Helix functionality seamlessly into their bitcoin operations.

Investigators successfully traced tens of millions of dollars flowing between darknet markets and Helix. The IRS Criminal Investigation Cyber Crimes Unit and FBI Washington Field Office led the investigation.

International cooperation proved essential, with the Attorney General’s Ministry of Belize and Belize Police Department providing critical assistance.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs coordinated efforts through U.S. Embassy Belmopan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio also contributed to the case. Multiple agencies worked together to dismantle the operation and secure the substantial asset forfeiture.

The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section has convicted over 180 cybercriminals since 2020. Courts have ordered the return of more than $350 million in victim funds through their prosecutions.

This case represents another milestone in federal efforts to combat cryptocurrency-based money laundering operations.

The post DOJ Seizes $400M in Assets from Helix Darknet Cryptocurrency Mixer appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Silver surged 450% to $120 adding $6 trillion in market cap amid five-year supply deficit of 678 million ounces. 

China export restrictions tightened global supply with Shanghai silver at $127 creating record premiums over markets. 

Paper-to-physical leverage at 350:1 triggered forced buying as delivery requests exposed severe physical shortages. 

Lease rates spiked to 39% while backwardation emerged signaling worst physical stress since 1980 silver crisis.

 

Silver prices have exploded to $120 per ounce, representing a 450% surge over two years. This historic rally added over $6 trillion to silver’s total market capitalization.

The metal now stands as the world’s best-performing asset across all categories. Multiple structural factors converged simultaneously to create this unprecedented price movement. Supply deficits, export restrictions, and paper market failures combined to fuel the explosion.

Unprecedented Supply Crisis Drives Historic Price Action

The current silver explosion stems from years of accumulated deficits rather than temporary imbalances. Bull Theory explained that global consumption exceeded production for five consecutive years before prices began accelerating.

According to the analysis, total shortages reached 678 million ounces during this period. This deficit represents almost one complete year of worldwide mine output missing from available supply.

WHY SILVER IS EXPLODING LIKE NEVER SEEN BEFORE IN HISTORY ?

Silver just hit $120, up 450% in the last 2 years, adding over $6 trillion to its market cap and became the BEST performing assets in the world.

The main reason for this INSANE rally is supply chain + paper market… pic.twitter.com/QO8g420uHa

— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 29, 2026

China’s export restrictions intensified the supply crisis to historic levels. The country controls major portions of global refined silver through processing operations.

New licensing requirements drastically reduced the amount of metal permitted to leave Chinese borders. Physical silver inside China became increasingly scarce as Shanghai prices climbed to $127. Bull Theory noted that this premium over international markets demonstrates the severity of internal shortages.

Industrial demand growth reached levels never previously witnessed in silver markets. Solar panel manufacturing now consumes massive quantities for electrical conductivity requirements.

The report indicates annual solar demand expanding from 200 million ounces to 450 million ounces by 2030. Data center construction, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and grid electrification created additional pressure. These sectors cannot easily substitute silver due to its superior conductive properties.

The paper market’s leverage ratio exposed systemic vulnerabilities at unprecedented scales. Current estimates place paper-to-physical ratios at 350:1 across trading platforms.

Bull Theory highlighted that for every single physical ounce, there are 350 ounces in paper claims. Increased physical delivery demands triggered forced buying as shorts scrambled for metal. This created a self-reinforcing loop pushing prices higher at accelerating rates.

Market Dislocation Reaches Historic Extremes

Lease rates spiked to 39% annualized, indicating the most severe borrowing stress in decades. Normal market conditions maintain rates near zero for precious metals lending.

The explosion to 39% revealed extreme difficulty accessing physical inventory for delivery obligations. Borrowing costs at these levels appeared only during previous historic crises.

Backwardation emerged across silver futures as spot prices exceeded forward contracts. This inversion signals desperate demand for immediate physical delivery over future promises.

Bull Theory observed that market participants last witnessed similar backwardation patterns around 1980 during that era’s silver crisis. The reappearance confirmed structural breakdown in normal supply relationships.

Refining capacity losses compounded the supply explosion by removing 9.7% of global processing ability. Even available raw silver could not transform into deliverable bars quickly enough.

Exchange-traded funds simultaneously absorbed 95 million ounces in early 2025 alone. This removal from circulation eliminated metal that industries and contract holders desperately needed.

Strategic classification by the United States formalized silver’s critical status in August 2025. Government recognition of supply vulnerabilities marked a historic shift from commodity to strategic resource.

Combined with multi-year deficits, Chinese export controls, industrial demand surges, paper leverage collapse, extreme lease rates, backwardation, refinery shutdowns, and ETF absorption, physical scarcity replaced paper pricing.

Bull Theory concluded that the explosion occurred because every major factor aligned simultaneously for the first time in history.

The post Silver Hits $120: Why the Metal Is Exploding Like Never Seen Before in History appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Arc testnet processed 150 million transactions in 90 days with 0.5-second average settlement times. 

USDC circulation grew 108% year-over-year, maintaining position as largest regulated dollar stablecoin. 

Circle Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol processed $126 billion volume across 19 connected blockchains. 

Circle Payments Network reached billions in annualized volume since May 2025 launch with major banks.

 

Circle has outlined its comprehensive product strategy for 2026, focusing on three interconnected pillars that aim to establish a complete internet financial infrastructure.

The company’s Chief Product and Technology Officer detailed plans encompassing blockchain infrastructure through Arc, digital assets including USDC, and applications like Circle Payments Network.

This strategy represents Circle’s effort to connect open infrastructure with liquidity and applications to support economic coordination natively online.

Arc Blockchain and Developer Tools Drive Infrastructure Layer

Circle’s Arc blockchain serves as the foundation for its internet financial platform vision. The Layer-1 blockchain launched its public testnet on October 28, 2025, processing over 150 million transactions in its first 90 days.

Nearly 1.5 million transacting wallets participated during this period, with transactions settling in approximately 0.5 seconds on average.

Circle described Arc as designed to provide businesses and financial institutions with a trusted foundation for internet-native economic coordination.

The network features stablecoin-based transaction fees and deterministic sub-second finality for every transaction. Privacy features support institutional requirements around governance and compliance.

Developer infrastructure plays a crucial role in Circle’s platform strategy. Circle Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) has processed $126 billion in cumulative volume as of December 2025. The protocol connects 19 of the 30 blockchains where USDC is natively available.

Circle Gateway provides unified USDC balances that are chain-abstracted, enabling instant access to crosschain liquidity.

The company introduced Build with AI at the end of 2025, helping developers generate code through a chatbot. App Kits will unify fragmented ecosystems into a single SDK experience for faster application development.

Digital Assets and Payment Applications Complete Platform Stack

USDC experienced 108% year-over-year circulation growth, establishing itself as the world’s largest regulated dollar stablecoin.

Circle noted the stablecoin sees growing usage across exchanges, fintechs, DeFi applications, payment providers, and enterprises worldwide. The company emphasized expanding to chains that matter most to builders through a regulatory-first approach.

Circle’s tokenized money market fund, USYC, reached $1.6 billion in assets under management as of January 27, 2026.

The yield-bearing asset offers 24/7 near-instant redemptions at scale across major ecosystems including Solana and BNB Chain. Circle aims to integrate USYC into onchain treasury, collateral, and capital markets workflows during 2026.

xReserve allows blockchain teams to launch USDC-backed stablecoins through onchain reserve contracts. This service extends Circle’s asset layer beyond company-issued stablecoins.

Partners can rely on an attestation service to launch stablecoins that interoperate with USDC across supported chains.

Circle Payments Network (CPN) launched in May 2025, combining traditional fiat payment rails with stablecoin programmability. The network has enrolled major financial institutions and reached billions in annualized transaction volume.

CPN enables near-instant money movement across fiat and crypto payouts, intercompany transfers, and merchant acceptance.

StableFX operates on the Arc Testnet, allowing vetted institutions to trade stablecoin foreign exchange pairs with instant onchain settlement.

Circle stated the platform brings seamless value conversion across currencies onchain as stablecoin-powered payments continue to expand.

The company plans to deepen StableFX coverage through partnerships in the Circle Partner Stablecoins program during 2026.

The post Circle’s 2026 Strategy: Building Internet Financial Platform Through Arc and Stablecoins appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Progmat Coin consortium unites 200+ Japanese banks for ¥1 trillion three-year stablecoin issuance plan.

Project Pax integrates Swift API with IBC protocol to preserve banking workflows while modernizing settlement.

Cosmos architecture enables ledger-level compliance controls and permissioned issuance for regulated assets.

IBC interoperability protocol maintains zero security exploits since 2021 launch across 200+ blockchains.

 

Tokenized deposits and stablecoins continue to reshape institutional settlement systems as major financial players adopt blockchain infrastructure.

Japan’s banking consortium, backed by over 200 institutions, plans to issue approximately ¥1 trillion in stablecoins over three years using Cosmos technology.

The initiative demonstrates how traditional finance integrates programmable money while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational control.

Banking Consortium Leverages Cosmos for Cross-Border Settlement

Progmat Coin represents a significant development in institutional blockchain adoption. The platform, co-developed by Datachain, brings together Japan’s largest banks and financial institutions. The consortium selected Cosmos infrastructure to address persistent inefficiencies in cross-border payments.

Project Pax, launched by Progmat and Datachain, uses the Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol as its core interoperability layer.

The architecture preserves existing banking workflows while modernizing settlement infrastructure. Banks initiate payments through Swift’s API, maintaining familiar compliance controls throughout the process.

The settlement layer operates across both public and private blockchains. Progmat issues regulated stablecoins that move via IBC connections. Datachain’s multi-prover security model meets Japanese regulatory requirements while enabling cross-chain transfers.

This design targets the G20’s identified weaknesses in cross-border payments. The system eliminates correspondent banking chains and enables real-time settlement.

It decouples payment reach from correspondent relationships and provides immutable records for regulatory reporting.

Compliance Controls and Network Connectivity Drive Institutional Adoption

Cosmos-based chains allow institutions to embed compliance logic at the ledger level. Issuers configure permissioned issuance, whitelisted participants, and transaction limits directly into chain architecture. This approach shifts enforcement closer to the point of issuance rather than relying on external controls.

The technology stack powers over 200 independent blockchains. The interoperability protocol has remained free of security exploits since launching in 2021.

This track record addresses threshold concerns about whether underlying technology can operate at scale.

Institutions retain control over validator selection and governance processes. Compliance logic, redemption workflows, and access controls embed at the ledger level.

Issuers can restrict IBC connections to approved counterparty chains that implement compatible compliance standards.

Cosmos supports EVM compatibility through its framework, enabling interaction with existing treasury and payment applications.

Institutions can restrict connectivity to approved networks while maintaining access to broader liquidity ecosystems.

This connectivity allows tokenized deposits to operate within purpose-built chains without sacrificing interoperability.

The Progmat initiative illustrates how regulated stablecoin infrastructure can scale while preserving predictability. Financial institutions require control, compliance, and integration with existing banking systems.

Tokenized deposits extend bank money into programmable environments without replacing central bank-issued currencies or disrupting core banking operations.

The post Japan’s $6.5B Stablecoin Push: How Cosmos Powers 200 Banks in Tokenized Deposit Revolution appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Bitcoin’s 5% correction outperformed gold’s 8% and silver’s 12% drops during the Microsoft-triggered sell-off.

Hyperliquid recorded $87.1M in liquidations, nearly three times Binance’s $30M despite lower trading volumes.

Binance open interest reached 123,500 BTC, surpassing pre-October levels and marking 31% growth since the crash.

Leveraged trading appetite persists as traders rebuild positions despite $300M in liquidations within hours.

 

Bitcoin weathered a 5% decline during a broader market correction that saw gold drop 8% and silver plummet 12%.

The cryptocurrency demonstrated relative stability compared to traditional assets as Microsoft’s AI investment announcements sparked a global sell-off.

Equity markets suffered substantial losses, with the tech giant’s shares falling over 12% and creating ripple effects across major indices including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.

Liquidation Cascade Reveals Persistent Leverage Appetite

The modest Bitcoin correction proved sufficient to eliminate nearly $300 million in leveraged long positions within hours.

Hyperliquid dominated the liquidation landscape with $87.1 million in wiped-out positions. Binance recorded approximately $30 million in liquidations despite maintaining some of the highest trading volumes globally. The disparity between platforms underscores varying leverage practices across different exchanges.

Market participants continue pursuing exposure through high-leverage positions, generating sudden volatility spikes. These movements often amplify through liquidation cascades that compound initial price pressures.

The pattern persists despite the October 10 event that previously destroyed substantial liquidity and capital. Traders appear undeterred by past liquidation episodes.

Risk appetite remains elevated among cryptocurrency investors seeking amplified returns. According to @Darkfost_Coc on X, the recent turbulence emerged within a context where traditional safe havens also faced pressure.

The synchronized decline across asset classes marked an unusual period of correlation between crypto and conventional markets.

Global Sell Off : -8% Gold, -12% Silver, -5% BTC, while Binance Open Interest back up to Pre-October 10 Levels

In a context where gold recorded a sudden correction of around 8% and silver roughly 12%, Bitcoin experienced a more moderate pullback of about 5%

This move… pic.twitter.com/OUied1BkNU

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) January 29, 2026

The speed of liquidations highlights the fragility embedded in overleveraged positions during volatile periods. Even moderate price movements can trigger significant forced selling when leverage ratios reach extremes.

Market infrastructure must absorb these shocks repeatedly as participants rebuild positions after each washout.

Binance Open Interest Surges 31% Since October Event

Current open interest on Binance has climbed to 123,500 BTC, surpassing pre-October 10 levels. The metric is measured in Bitcoin terms rather than notional value to eliminate price fluctuation distortions.

This methodology provides clearer insight into actual investor exposure trends.

Open interest had collapsed to 93,600 BTC immediately following the October event. The subsequent recovery represents roughly 31% growth over the intervening period.

The rebound signals renewed confidence among derivatives traders despite recent volatility.

The measurement approach neutralizes impacts from Bitcoin’s price movements on notional open interest calculations.

Tracking positions in BTC terms reveals underlying behavioral patterns more accurately. Investors have steadily rebuilt their market exposure through futures and perpetual contracts.

The data indicates that lessons from the October liquidation event have not significantly dampened leveraged trading activity.

Participants appear willing to accept similar risk profiles despite recent capital destruction. The cycle of leverage buildup and violent unwinding continues with remarkable consistency across multiple episodes.

The post Bitcoin Holds Steady at 5% Loss While Gold, Silver Plunge Amid $300M Liquidation Wave appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

GameStop crisis stemmed from outdated two-day settlement infrastructure requiring massive broker deposits. 

Robinhood successfully operates over 2,000 tokenized US stock tokens in European markets with full functionality. 

Current SEC leadership and proposed CLARITY Act create favorable conditions for US equity tokenization adoption. 

Blockchain-based real-time settlement eliminates systemic risk that forced 2021 trading restrictions on investors.

 

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev marked the fifth anniversary of the GameStop trading crisis by advocating for blockchain-based equity tokenization.

The 2021 incident forced brokers to halt meme stock purchases due to outdated settlement infrastructure. Tenev believes tokenization can eliminate such restrictions through real-time settlement capabilities.

He pointed to regulatory progress under current SEC leadership as crucial for implementation.

Settlement Infrastructure Remains Core Problem

The GameStop crisis exposed fundamental weaknesses in traditional equity market infrastructure. Clearinghouse rules required massive cash deposits during the two-day settlement period between trades.

Tenev explained the situation involved complex risk-management rules designed to mitigate settlement risks. These systems collapsed when unprecedented trading volume hit concentrated stock positions.

The CEO described how brokers faced impossible capital requirements within hours. He noted the combination of slow financial infrastructure with extreme volatility created massive problems.

His team worked continuously for 72 hours to resolve immediate problems. The company raised over $3 billion to strengthen capital reserves during the chaos.

Tenev stated he vowed to improve both Robinhood’s resilience and the overall system. His advocacy helped reduce settlement times from two days to one day.

He called this achievement the most consequential accomplishment of the Gensler SEC era. However, the CEO emphasized that T+1 settlement still creates delays extending over weekends.

Current infrastructure cannot support modern trading demands or investor expectations. Tenev wrote that in a world of 24-hour news cycles, T+1 remains far too long.

Traditional markets have resisted faster settlement due to entrenched legacy systems. A fundamental technological shift has become necessary for market stability.

Tokenization Offers Real-Time Settlement Solution

Blockchain technology provides the infrastructure upgrade traditional markets lack. Tenev explained that tokenization converts assets like stocks into tokens living on blockchains.

These tokens settle transactions instantly through blockchain’s native capabilities. Real-time settlement eliminates the risk accumulation that caused the GameStop crisis.

The CEO emphasized that moving equities on-chain allows them to benefit from blockchain settlement properties.

No lengthy settlement period means much less systemic risk and reduced pressure. Customers can freely trade how they want and when they want. These capabilities demonstrate practical advantages beyond just settlement speed.

Robinhood already operates tokenized equities in European markets successfully. The platform offers over 2,000 tokens representing U.S.-listed stocks to European traders.

The company plans to enable 24/7 trading and decentralized finance access soon. Investors will gain self-custody options with possibilities for lending and staking.

Major U.S. exchanges and clearinghouses have announced tokenization initiatives recently. Tenev stated that without regulatory clarity, such efforts remain ineffective.

Current SEC leadership is embracing innovation and facilitating experimentation with tokenization. Congress is considering the CLARITY Act to establish permanent regulatory frameworks.

The CEO emphasized that legislation ensures subsequent commissions cannot reverse achieved progress. He concluded by stating that working with the SEC on tokenization guidelines can prevent future restrictions.

The combination of supportive regulators and congressional action creates a unique opportunity. Real-time settlement through tokenization could finally become reality for U.S. retail investors.

The post Robinhood CEO Advocates Blockchain Tokenization to Prevent GameStop-Style Trading Halts appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

OpenAI is seeking to raise up to $100 billion in a new funding round.

Amazon is considering a $50 billion investment, making it the largest investor.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is leading talks with OpenAI’s Sam Altman.

The deal could push OpenAI’s valuation to as high as $830 billion.

Amazon continues investing heavily in AI despite recent corporate layoffs.

OpenAI is looking to raise up to $100 billion in new funding, with Amazon considering a $50 billion stake. If successful, this deal could be one of the largest private tech investments in history. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is leading the talks with OpenAI’s Sam Altman, but details of the deal are still subject to change.

Amazon’s Major Investment in OpenAI

Amazon’s involvement in OpenAI would mark a major shift in its AI investment strategy. Sources close to the discussions indicate that the structure of the deal is still being worked out. Should it happen, Amazon’s $50 billion investment would make it the largest stakeholder in this funding round.

Despite recent corporate layoffs, Amazon continues to pour large sums into artificial intelligence. The company recently cut 16,000 jobs while also committing billions to AI infrastructure. This includes custom AI chips and AI models, making OpenAI a crucial piece of its broader AI strategy.

OpenAI’s New Funding and Potential Valuation

The new round of funding could push OpenAI’s valuation to as high as $830 billion. OpenAI is seeking contributions from other large investors to complete the funding round. Companies such as SoftBank, Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, and MGX are already involved.

OpenAI’s growing financial needs stem from the massive costs associated with developing AI systems like ChatGPT. The company is also exploring new revenue streams, including advertisements. This move is crucial to offset the increasing expenses tied to building and maintaining powerful AI models.

As OpenAI seeks massive funding, it is also considering the possibility of going public. The company has not set a timeline for an IPO but is evaluating its options. In addition to the funding talks, OpenAI is negotiating large-scale deals, such as the $38 billion agreement with Amazon Web Services.

These developments come as OpenAI explores new technologies, such as Amazon’s custom AI chips. This partnership could further cement Amazon’s dual play in the AI market, as it continues to invest in both OpenAI and its rival, Anthropic.

The post OpenAI Seeks $100 Billion in Funding, Amazon to Invest $50 Billion appeared first on Blockonomi.