Crypto Breaking

Main Takeaways

In 2025, Binance became the first global exchange to secure full authorization under ADGM’s internationally recognized framework and crossed 300 million registered users worldwide, signaling a new phase where scale and regulatory scrutiny advance together.

Binance remained a primary venue for global crypto liquidity, with $34 trillion traded on the platform in 2025 and spot volume exceeding $7.1 trillion, alongside an 18% increase in average daily trading volume across all products.

Crypto’s center of gravity expanded beyond the order book as Binance Alpha 2.0 surpassed $1 trillion in trading volume with 17 million users, while Binance’s security, compliance, risk, and governance efforts delivered measurable user protection outcomes at scale.

Binance’s State of the Blockchain 2025 year-in-review report is out, highlighting the most important themes and growth metrics across regulation, liquidity, Web3 discovery, institutional adoption, user protection, and the everyday use of crypto. For the full set of findings, product updates, and data points, you can read the full report available here in English.

Two milestones arrived close together at the end of 2025: Binance became the first crypto exchange to secure full authorization under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM’s rigorous regulatory framework, allowing regulated global trading, and our community crossed 300 million registered users worldwide. Together, they reflect how expectations in our industry are changing as crypto platforms are increasingly judged as financial infrastructure – on governance, resilience, user protection, and the ability to perform under stress, in addition to scale, liquidity, and the strength of the user community.

Trust as Infrastructure: Regulation, Resilience, and Measurable Outcomes

The ADGM framework covers governance, risk management, custody, clearing, and consumer protection, aligning crypto market structure more closely with the expectations placed on traditional financial venues.

The report also emphasizes that trust can be measured in outcomes. Since 2023, Binance has reduced direct exposure to major illicit funds categories by 96%. In 2025, Binance’s controls helped prevent $6.69 billion in potential fraud and scam losses for 5.4 million users. Over the same period, Binance processed 71,000+ law enforcement requests, supported the confiscation of around $131 million linked to illicit activity by law enforcement partners, and delivered 160+ law enforcement training sessions.

Trust is also built by reducing unnecessary friction for legitimate users. One example that the report highlights is Enhanced Due Diligence redesign, where we simplified submission steps and improved pass rates in a short implementation cycle, aiming to make compliance stronger without making user experience harder than it needs to be.

Where Liquidity Lives: Depth, Participation, and New Discovery Flows

Liquidity still determines the trading experience users actually get: spreads, slippage, and execution reliability. In 2025, Binance processed $34 trillion in trading volume across all products, with spot trading volume above $7.1 trillion. All-time traded volume reached $145 trillion across all products.

At the same time, participation is becoming more diverse. Binance expanded spot markets to 490 coins and 1,889 spot trading pairs, and futures coverage to 584 coins. Tools also shifted user behavior toward more structured participation, including simulation and automation. Binance Demo Trading, a unified spot and futures demo environment with virtual funds, was used by more than 300,000 users as a way to learn interfaces and test strategies before trading with real funds. In futures, more than 1.2 million users subscribed to Smart Money, a live suite for tracking aggregated behavior signals from profitable traders.

The report also highlights a meaningful shift in where users discover and engage with new projects. Binance Alpha 2.0 became a major discovery surface integrated into the Binance experience, surpassing $1 trillion in trading volume and onboarding 17 million users in 2025. It distributed $782 million in rewards across 254 airdrops. With that scale came added integrity requirements: the report notes that risk controls blocked 270,000 dishonest reward participants attempting to game campaigns, helping keep rewards aligned with real users rather than bot activity.

Institutions in Motion: From Pilot Programs to Operational Workflows

Another theme running through the report is institutional adoption shifting from experimentation to integration. Institutions are increasingly looking for crypto infrastructure that fits governance, collateral, reporting, and settlement requirements they already use. The increasing scale of their presence was reflected on Binance over the past year as institutional trading volume grew by 21% compared to the year before, and OTC fiat trading volume shot up by 210%.

In 2025, tokenization moved closer to operational use cases, including tokenized funds used as eligible off-exchange collateral under Binance’s institutional collateral framework. The report also describes how modular offerings, including white-label rails through Crypto-as-a-Service, are enabling regulated firms to offer digital assets without rebuilding full exchange infrastructure from scratch. Account structures offered through Fund Accounts, Binance Wealth, and Binance Prestige reflect how capital is organized in traditional finance, with formats that support managed strategies, entity onboarding, and dedicated service models.

Everyday Crypto: Local Rails, Payments, and Earning

Beyond trading and discovery, crypto adoption depends on whether users can fund accounts in local currency, move value easily, and choose earning tools that match their risk preferences. In 2025, Fiat and P2P volume grew 38%; Binance Pay users grew 30% year over year, and acceptance expanded massively to more than 20 million merchants. Across its line of products, Binance Earn distributed $1.2 billion in rewards to users in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Digital finance is becoming more standards-driven, more liquid where execution is reliable, and more user-directed as discovery and participation become easier. Binance’s 2025 numbers show scale, but the deeper point is what that scale requires: regulatory anchors like ADGM authorization, resilience and security programs that prevent real losses, strong data protection and AI governance, and product design that reduces friction for legitimate users while raising the cost of abuse. This blog only summarizes a selection of the report’s findings. The full report includes deeper breakdowns, supporting context, and additional product and infrastructure updates.

Read the complete State of the Blockchain 2025 report here.

This article was originally published as Binance’s 2025 End-of-Year Report: Trust, Liquidity, and Web3 Discovery on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

France Flags 90 Crypto Firms for Non-Compliance Ahead of MiCA Deadline

French financial regulators have identified 90 cryptocurrency companies operating without the required licenses as mandated by the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, ahead of the June compliance deadline. This swath of unlicensed firms underscores ongoing enforcement challenges within the broader EU crypto framework, just months before the regulation takes full effect.

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) issued a warning that approximately 30% of these unlicensed firms have yet to respond concerning their intentions to obtain necessary licensing. Stakeholders were notified in November that the transitional period for compliance would conclude on June 30, with non-compliant companies facing shutdowns starting July.

Unlicensed Crypto Firms Divided on Licensing Plans

Among the 90 companies operating in France without a license, about 40% have openly stated they do not plan to seek authorization under MiCA. Conversely, roughly 30% have indicated that they are in the process of applying for licenses. The AMF has not disclosed specific identities of firms that refuse licensing or those that remain unresponsive, citing confidentiality.

In response to the regulatory environment, notable companies like CoinShares, a leading European crypto investment firm, and Relai, a Swiss Bitcoin application, have secured MiCA licenses in France. CoinShares received its license in July 2025, while Relai obtained approval in October, signaling some industry players’ proactive approach to compliance.

Despite these licenses being granted, the enforcement of MiCA remains a concern. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) emphasized in December the importance of orderly wind-down plans for companies lacking license approval once the transition period concludes. Additionally, the European Commission proposed centralizing ESMA’s supervisory authority over all EU crypto firms, a move that has raised industry fears of slowing licensing processes and restricting startup growth.

Paris has been a vocal critic of the EU’s passporting regime, highlighting the risk of some entities seeking more permissive jurisdictions. Meanwhile, France’s authorities continue to advocate for stronger oversight powers for ESMA, aligning with broader efforts to regulate the crypto industry effectively while balancing innovation and consumer protection.

This article was originally published as France Flags Unlicensed Crypto Firms Before MiCA Regulations Take Effect on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 14th January 2026: Governata, Saudi Arabia’s first enterprise Data Management and Governance platform, has raised $4 million in Seed Funding from leading venture capital firms and prominent angel investors. This milestone marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s shift toward a data-driven, AI-enabled economy.

The round includes the participation of Joa Capital, abtal.vc, Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global, Sadu Capital, Plus VC, Hyperscope Ventures, A-Typical Ventures, and Plug and Play, reflecting strong conviction in Governata’s mission. The funds will accelerate Governata’s expansion across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, enabling organizations to leverage data responsibly and effectively as they prepare for a new era of AI-driven decision-making.

Governata enables public and private institutions to build reliable, compliant, and AI-ready data foundations. As the Kingdom’s debut Arabic-first enterprise data governance platform, it turns alignment with the National Data Management Office (NDMO), National Data Index (NDI), and Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) into strategic advantage. Its AI-driven data management software reinforces data quality, governance, and classification, which are essential ingredients for trustworthy, scalable, and effective AI adoption.

“Governata is turning Saudi Arabia’s AI vision into reality,” said Co-Founder Khalid Almudayfir. “This funding accelerates our mission to make the Kingdom a global leader in responsible, AI-ready data through tangible, scalable impact.”

Since launching its business development in mid-2025, Governata has signed multiple agreements with major government entities and leading private-sector organizations across the Kingdom, while forming strategic partnerships with technology companies and system integrators to expand its ecosystem and delivery capacity.

“Data governance is the backbone of any AI agenda,” said Co-Founder Djamel Mohand. “By helping Saudi institutions build strong and intelligent data foundations, we’re unlocking the full potential of Generative AI and contributing to the next generation of AI-powered enterprises, guided by trust, compliance, and innovation.”

Investors also emphasized Governata’s pivotal role in the region’s AI readiness.

Yousef AlYousefi, CEO and Managing Partner at Joa Capital says: “We invested in Governata because of our conviction in a strong founding team who are building truly innovative technology to solve a critical need in our market. As Saudi organizations embrace AI and digital transformation, having a locally built, Arabic-first platform for data governance is essential. Governata is helping ensure that our national data infrastructure is built on foundations we control.”

Salem Washeely, Managing Director of Sadu Capital mentioned: “As we enter an era defined by AI, one truth has become unmistakably clear: great AI can only be built on great data. We at Sadu Capital have a conviction that data quality is no longer a backend function, but a strategic priority for every enterprise aiming to compete in the AI-driven future. Governata’s vision, technology, and leadership team position them to play a pivotal role in elevating data standards across the region and beyond.”

Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner, MENA of 500 Global added: “As AI adoption accelerates globally, we believe countries that invest early in strong data governance will define the next era of digital leadership. Governata is helping Saudi Arabia do exactly that—building secure, compliant, and AI-ready data foundations that can enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. This is reinforced by a highly skilled and experienced team that understands the local context and knows how to translate strategy into real-world impact.”

This new funding will accelerate Governata’s product roadmap, further enhance its AI-driven decisioning capabilities, and support regional expansion. The next phase includes integrating advanced Machine Learning and Generative AI models into its architecture to enable faster, more accurate enterprise decision-making while ensuring full data localization and protection.

To celebrate the milestone, Governata will host an invite-only event in February 2026 in Riyadh, bringing together government leaders, AI experts, investors, and industry executives to highlight how data governance is becoming the core catalyst of the region’s AI transformation.

For more information about Governata, please visit: https://governata.com/

About Governata

Launched in 2025, Governata is Saudi Arabia’s first enterprise data-management platform that provides Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in data governance and decision-making for both the public and private sectors.

It is the first and only Saudi-made Arabic solution that allows local entities to comply with the government’s data regulations, as it is built to align with the requirements of the National Data Management Office (NDMO), National Data Index (NDI) and Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) by The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA). It also enables firms to monitor compliance as well as protect and classify data, thereby seamlessly streamlining the construction of a solid data foundation within the complex data governance landscape and preparing organisations for appropriate Generative AI adoption.

The platform also has global aspirations and has plans to release new products on top of its foundational data governance software, including a unified AI-driven enterprise decision-making platform for the MENA region.

Website and Social Media:

Website: https://governata.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/governata/

For more information, please contact:

Edward Priyan

edward@popcomms.ae

This article was originally published as Saudi’s Governata secures $4M Seed Funding on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Tanja Rueckert: “Our expertise enables us to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital.”

Paul Thomas: “Bosch knows its way around both software and hardware. That’s what our success is built on.”

Sales forecast: Bosch expects sales of software and services to exceed six billion euros – around two-thirds of this in the Mobility business sector.

Intelligent and personalized mobility: Bosch software brings new functions to some cars even after they leave the dealership.

Collaboration: Bosch makes factories fit for the future – together with Microsoft and with the help of agentic AI.

U.S. market strategically important: Bosch announces far-reaching cooperation with Kodiak AI for collaborating on redundant platforms used in driverless trucks.

Global AI optimism: Bosch Tech Compass shows overwhelming acceptance – 70 percent of respondents consider AI to be crucial for the future.

Dubai, UAE – In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, software is the invisible engine of progress. It shapes the way we communicate, work, use devices in everyday life, and produce goods. But only when it merges seamlessly with the physical world of hardware does it unfold its full potential. At CES® 2026, Bosch is showcasing how software and hardware can work together to pave the way to a smarter future. “Our many years of expertise in hardware and software enable us to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital,” says Tanja Rueckert, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, at the electronics trade fair in Las Vegas. “By integrating hardware and software, we can create intelligent products and solutions that are people centric – in other words, ‘invented for life’,” she continues. “Bosch is equally at home in both worlds – and we’ve built up the necessary expertise for this ourselves. That’s what our success is built on,” adds Paul Thomas, president of Bosch in North America.

By the beginning of the next decade, Bosch expects to generate sales of more than 6 billion euros with software and services, much of which will already be based on artificial intelligence (AI). Around two-thirds of this revenue is expected to come from the Mobility business sector. The company expects its sales of software, sensor technology, high-performance computers, and network components to double by the mid-2030s to well over 10 billion euros. Bosch continues to set the pace in the application and development of AI, too: by the end of 2027, the technology company will invest more than 2.5 billion euros in this field.

AI innovations for the cockpit

When it comes to the vehicles of the future, AI plays a crucial role. Bosch is already using AI to enhance safety and convenience behind the wheel. At CES® 2026 in Las Vegas, Bosch (NSE: BOSCHLTD) will be demonstrating its new AI-based cockpit. This is an all-in-one system that allows the car environment to be highly personalized. The cockpit is equipped with an AI large language model that enables communication as if with a real person. It also has a visual language model that can interpret what is happening both inside and outside the vehicle. Based on this, the system can, for example, automatically search for a parking space on arrival at the destination or create meeting minutes for online meetings.

At the same time, Bosch is establishing itself as a leading provider of by-wire systems, another key technology for automated and software-defined driving. These systems replace mechanical connections for brakes and steering with electrical signal lines, which opens up completely new freedoms in terms of design, safety and software control. With brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire, Bosch expects to achieve cumulative sales revenue of more than 7 billion euros by 2032. The market dynamics of this key technology will continue to accelerate in the 2030s.

 Reduce motion sickness – thanks to smart Bosch software

Bosch’s Vehicle Motion Management software makes it possible to control the vehicle movement in all six degrees of freedom by centrally controlling the brakes, steering, powertrain, and chassis. This means the individual actuators can be better coordinated and used more efficiently. In the future, they even will be adjusted to the driver’s needs. Vehicle Motion Management can greatly reduce vehicle rolling movements in bends or pitching movements in stop-and-go traffic, which aim to prevent motion sickness – an important step on the way to autonomous driving.

On that topic, Bosch presents groundbreaking technology in the combination of sensor technology and AI with its new Radar Gen 7 Premium, which is celebrating its world premiere at CES in Las Vegas. The radar sensor improves driving assistance functions such as the freeway pilot. Thanks to its special antenna configuration, it enables maximum angular precision and a very long range. For example, the sensor detects very small objects such as pallets and car tires at a distance of over 200 meters. This enables it to precisely detect lost loads or other road users even in complex traffic situations and thus trigger a suitable driving maneuver.

E-bikes are also becoming safer than ever thanks to Bosch’s expertise in hardware and software: the eBike Flow app now has a new function that allows users to mark their e-bike or battery as stolen. This makes it more difficult for thieves to resell the e-bike or battery, because as soon as second-hand buyers, specialist dealers, or authorities attempt to connect to the e-bike via the eBike Flow app, they will receive a warning.

Unsung heroes of digitalization: MEMS sensors

No matter whether it’s a question of high-tech devices in cars, in industry, or at home: innovations rely on tiny sensors. At CES, Bosch is presenting its newest BMI5 AI MEMS sensor platform. All sensors developed on this basis are characterized by a high degree of precision, robustness, and energy efficiency. They also have integrated AI functions that can recognize movements, positions, and even contexts. One area in which these new motion sensors are used is in virtual and augmented reality applications. By tracking head movements precisely and with virtually no delay, they allow users to interact naturally in 3D environments. They also help robots recognize their surroundings and movements with high accuracy – for example, they show humanoid robots how to find the right path even when there is an object obscuring the camera lens.

Bosch cooperates with Microsoft on “Manufacturing Co-Intelligence®”

At CES® 2026 in Las Vegas, Bosch has now announced that it would be continuing its collaboration with Microsoft. Together with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Bosch will expand its “Manufacturing Co-Intelligence®” offer, exploring advancements that have the potential to revolutionize production through the use of agentic artificial intelligence. The two companies will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Las Vegas.

Agentic AI can interpret very large amounts of data, make largely autonomous decisions and execute tasks in order to optimize production, maintenance and supply chains. “It makes factory processes more intelligent,” says Tanja Rückert. This collaboration seeks to combine the deep industrial knowledge of Bosch in the production and industrial software sector with the leading IT infrastructure and software expertise of Microsoft. The two companies aim to make existing production processes scalable with AI-supported solutions so that factories are not only more efficient, but organizations can also relieve the burden on associates. For example, by detecting deviations in the production process at an early stage, downtimes can be minimized and production costs reduced. One of the first Bosch customers for “Manufacturing Co-Intelligence®” is Sick AG, a leading global manufacturer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications.

Revolutionary pocket-sized protection against counterfeiting

Another CES highlight is Bosch’s innovative approach in the fight against counterfeit products. With Origify, Bosch presents a smart solution that gives products a digital DNA. This is a software ecosystem with a core technology for surface pattern recognition that verifies the authenticity of physical goods. Instead of relying on additional labels, chips, or codes, Origify analyzes the unique, non-replicable physical characteristics of a product’s surface and assigns it a tamperproof digital identity. Once registered in the system, the associated Detector app can enable fast and reliable verification: a live video stream of the object can be used to determine within seconds whether it is an original – or a fake.

Bosch in the U.S.: growth, investment, and strong partnerships

The U.S. remains an important and strategic growth market for Bosch. “Our collaboration with Microsoft is a strong example of how we’re continuing to drive growth, investment, and collaborations here in the U.S. – and it’s just one example among many,” Thomas says. In addition to its work with Microsoft, Bosch is driving forward numerous other initiatives in the U.S. market. That includes an agreement with Kodiak AI, a pioneer in the field of autonomous driving for trucks. Bosch and Kodiak AI are collaborating on vehicle-independent, redundant platforms for driverless trucks. Such a platform is a comprehensive system of specialized hardware and software that is integrated into standard trucks to give them autonomous driving capabilities. Bosch is supplying a variety of hardware components – including sensors and vehicle actuation components such as steering technologies – for these platforms. Bosch is also currently modernizing its silicon carbide wafer fab in Roseville, California. The aim is to strengthen the production of this essential technology for electromobility.

Bosch Tech Compass: AI is a driving force for the future

The Bosch Tech Compass, a survey of more than 11,000 people in seven countries worldwide, shows that the majority of people see AI as the most influential and most positive technology in the years ahead. A key finding is that enthusiasm for AI is growing worldwide, with 70 percent of respondents seeing it as crucial for the future. This positive attitude is accompanied by a simultaneous increase in progress fatigue. According to the Bosch survey, despite the high hopes placed in AI, there are also concerns about its negative social impact – no other technology is seen as such a potential threat to society. Overall, 57 percent would like to see a “pause button” to better understand the implications of technological development.

This article was originally published as CES 2026: Bosch is shaping the future of mobility, manufacturing and technology in everyday life on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Progress and Challenges in Enacting Crypto Regulation

The process of establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for the cryptocurrency industry remains complex and prolonged. While recent legislative efforts have made headway in the Senate, the path to full implementation involves extensive rulemaking, which could span multiple years.

Key Takeaways

Legislative progress: The crypto market structure bill has advanced to the Senate committee stage with bipartisan support, though significant hurdles remain.

Rulemaking complexity: Implementing the bill involves numerous detailed regulations, potentially taking years to finalize.

Historical parallels: Similar legislative efforts, like the Dodd-Frank Act, faced lengthy rulemaking processes before their regulatory frameworks were fully realized.

Industry concerns: The crypto sector has long demanded regulatory clarity, but the slow pace of rule formation continues to be a significant obstacle.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Cautiously optimistic

Price impact: Neutral. Though legislative progress signals potential future regulation, actual market effects will depend on the pace and scope of rule implementation.

Market context: The ongoing legislative developments reflect broader efforts to integrate cryptocurrencies into the regulated financial landscape amid rising industry demands for clarity.

The Legislative Road Ahead

The proposed crypto market structure bill is at a pivotal juncture, having passed the Senate committee with bipartisan backing and scheduled for further review. A markup session with the Senate Banking Committee is imminent, with the Senate Agriculture Committee delaying its hearing until January 27. Once passed by both chambers and signed into law by the President, the bill’s implementation will still be a lengthy affair, taking years due to the extensive rulemaking involved.

Justin Slaughter, vice president of regulatory affairs at Paradigm, emphasized the complexity of this process. He noted that the bill requires at least 45 rulemakings, which means the regulatory environment may not materialize until the next presidential term. This slow pace is not unprecedented, as flagship reforms such as the Dodd-Frank Act demonstrated prolonged rulemaking phases, often spanning several years after legislation’s enactment.

Source: Justin Slaughter

The industry has been advocating for regulatory clarity to foster growth and investor protection. However, the protracted rulemaking process, exemplified by agencies still finalizing regulations from the Dodd-Frank reforms enacted over a decade ago, underscores the challenges ahead.

With the bill still awaiting passage, there is an acknowledgment that it may face setbacks or delays before becoming law. Slaughter remarked, “I’ll be watching on Thursday to see if there is a bipartisan process or things fall apart. But I’ve seen major bills die before they pass, so hope remains.”

This article was originally published as Crypto Market Structure Bill: Rulemaking Could Take Years to Finalize on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Impersonation Scams Surge in Cryptocurrency Space Amid Rising Threats

2025 has seen a dramatic increase in impersonation-based scams within the crypto industry, with a staggering 1,400% year-over-year rise reported by Chainalysis. These schemes, which often involve fraudsters posing as trusted individuals or organizations, are now more sophisticated and lucrative, posing a significant threat to unsuspecting investors worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Impersonation scams increased by 1,400% year-over-year, targeting crypto users via social engineering and technical tactics.

The average amount stolen through these scams soared by over 600%, indicating escalating financial losses.

Fraudsters are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness and reach of their operations, making scams more profitable and harder to detect.

Law enforcement efforts are expanding but require more advanced detection tools and international cooperation to counter persistent threats.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Negative

Price impact: Negative. The surge in sophisticated scams erodes trust and causes financial losses in the crypto market.

Market context: The rise in scams reflects broader security challenges in the evolving crypto landscape amid increasing adoption and technological innovation.

Rising Threat of Impersonation and AI-Enhanced Scams

Chainalysis’s latest crypto crime report highlights a troubling trend: impersonation scams are evolving into highly profitable operations by integrating diverse tactics, including social engineering and wallet-focused deception techniques. Notably, one prominent case involved scammers impersonating Coinbase to steal nearly $16 million from victims. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office indicted a suspect in connection with this scheme, accusing him of grand larceny, money laundering, and fraud, though he has pleaded not guilty. The trial is pending.

Source: Chainalysis

Artificial Intelligence Fuels the “Industrialization of Fraud”

The report further reveals that artificial intelligence is transforming scam operations, making them more effective and scalable. AI-driven scams are reported to be 4.5 times more profitable, with scammers employing complex tools supplied by specialized vendors to automate processes, increase daily revenue, and expand their victim reach. These advancements allow fraudsters to simultaneously manage larger operations and craft more convincing scams, creating an “industrialized” environment for criminal activity.

“In contrast, the increased scam volume suggests that AI is likewise making scams more persuasive.”

Efforts and Challenges in Combating Crypto Scams

While law enforcement actions against crypto fraud have increased, Chainalysis emphasizes the need for proactive measures. These include deploying advanced detection systems, real-time fraud monitoring, and cross-border cooperation—especially in jurisdictions with limited enforcement capacity. The goal is to prevent harm rather than solely respond after a scam occurs, as entrenched criminal networks continue to adapt and evolve their tactics.

Experts agree that a multi-pronged approach is essential, noting that there are no simple solutions to counteract the widespread and sophisticated nature of these scams. As scammers increasingly adopt multiple methodologies and technologies, ongoing vigilance, technological innovation, and international coordination remain critical to mitigating the risks and protecting investors in the dynamic crypto environment.

This article was originally published as AI and Impersonation Crypto Scams Skyrocket in 2025: What You Need to Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Market Shifts Driven by October Liquidation Event Bring Confidence Back to Major Cryptocurrencies

Following a substantial liquidation event in October, retail traders have shown signs of rebalancing their portfolios, shifting focus back to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether. This movement signifies a shift from earlier altcoin favoritism and indicates a potential stabilization in market sentiment as confidence begins to rekindle in the broader digital asset market.

Key Takeaways

Retail traders rotated from altcoins into Bitcoin and Ether after October’s liquidation shock.

The October crash marked a pivotal turning point, with retail investors embracing a more defensive stance.

Altcoin rallies in 2025 were notably shorter and less convincing compared to previous years.

Market sentiment is gradually improving, with total market capitalization reaching a new high for the year.

Tickers mentioned: BTC, ETH

Sentiment: Neutral to cautiously optimistic

Price impact: Positive, as market confidence recovers post-crisis

Market context: The broader market is demonstrating resilience amid previous volatility, indicating healthier investor confidence.

The October 10 liquidation event served as a decisive turning point for retail traders who had previously shifted their focus away from Bitcoin and Ether towards altcoins. Data from Wintermute indicates that during the tumultuous period, retail investors reduced their exposure to major cryptocurrencies but swiftly realigned once the turbulence subsided. As markets stabilized, there was a notable move back into the leading digital assets, reflecting a more defensive posture aimed at liquidity and resilience.

This shift also influenced the broader market dynamics. Altcoin rallies, which previously sustained for around 45 to 60 days backed by narratives like memecoins and artificial intelligence, shortened dramatically in 2025. The typical altcoin rally this year lasted roughly 20 days, indicating a decline in investor conviction and more tactical, risk-averse trading activity. Wintermute highlighted that these rallies felt more like tactical trades rather than high-conviction trends, underscoring a cautious atmosphere among traders.

Retail’s “defensive consolidation” rotated back into majors. Source: Wintermute

Fading Fears About October Crash and Renewed Market Confidence

Although Bitcoin and Ether have yet to demonstrate robust momentum heading into 2026, fears and panic caused by October’s market disruption are waning. Recent statements from industry experts suggest that the market has effectively put the October crash behind it, paving the way for renewed confidence.

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, noted this optimism, stating, “One of the reasons I think we’ve rallied to start this year is that investors have put October 10 in the rearview.” CoinGecko reported that total market capitalization has surged to $3.34 trillion — the highest since the start of the year — climbing 10%, or approximately $300 billion, since January 1.

This recovery signals a potential foundation for more sustained growth, as market participants demonstrate a renewed focus on resilience and liquidity rather than peripheral risks.

This article was originally published as Wintermute Report: October Crash Ends Altseason — What Investors Must Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum Wallet Growth Surges Amid Protocol Upgrades and Market Optimism

Recent developments within the Ethereum ecosystem have driven unprecedented growth in wallet creation, signaling increasing interest from retail investors, developers, and institutional players alike. Supported by protocol upgrades and a broader shift in market sentiment, the number of new and active Ethereum wallets has reached historic levels, reflecting renewed confidence in the network’s future trajectory.

Key Takeaways

Average of 327,000 new Ethereum wallets created daily over the past week, topping 393,000 on the highest day.

Non-empty wallets have soared to 172.9 million, an all-time high, indicating active engagement.

The recent Fusaka upgrade, which enhances network efficiency and reduces transaction costs, likely contributed to this growth.

Increased stablecoin transfers and shifts in investor sentiment have further bolstered network activity.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive, as increased activity and user onboarding support higher ETH prices

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, as network fundamentals appear strong amid ongoing upgrades and rising adoption.

Market context: The surge coincides with broader positive sentiment and protocol improvements amid a recovering crypto market.

Ethereum Wallet Creation Reaches Record Highs

Ethereum’s ecosystem is experiencing a remarkable boom, with the past week seeing an average of 327,000 new wallets created daily, according to Santiment analysts. On the peak day, over 393,000 wallets were established, marking a significant milestone. These new wallets can signal diverse stakeholders entering the market — from retail traders to institutions looking to capitalize on the network’s potential. Notably, the total number of active, non-empty ETH wallets has also hit a new record of 172.9 million, underscoring heightened engagement.

An average of 327,000 new Ethereum wallets have been created every day over the last week. Source: Santiment

Analysts attribute this growth partly to the December Fusaka upgrade, which improved data handling on-chain, making interactions cheaper and more efficient. This upgrade has lowered transaction fees and enhanced the user experience for decentralized applications and rollups, encouraging new users to adopt the network.

Market Sentiment and Stablecoin Activity

The overall positive sentiment in the crypto space is also fostering increased network activity. According to Santiment, investor attitudes shifted from negative to neutral and optimistic in December, which correlates with increased wallet creation and user onboarding. Additionally, a notable rise in stablecoin transfers late last year indicates active use for payments and settlements, often attracting new participants who create wallets to send and receive stablecoins.

“This kind of real financial activity typically draws in new users creating wallets for stablecoin transactions,”

As more stakeholders engage, the Ethereum network continues to demonstrate resilience and growth potential amid a recovering crypto environment.

Staking Dominates Ethereum Holdings

On-chain data reveals that over half of Ethereum’s total supply is now staked, with the ETH2 Beacon Deposit Contract holding more than 77 million tokens. Major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase collectively hold millions of ETH on behalf of their users, further indicating institutional confidence and network security through staking.

This substantial staking activity underscores strong commitment from both retail and institutional investors, reinforcing Ethereum’s long-term stability and scalability prospects in the evolving blockchain landscape.

This article was originally published as Ethereum Adoption Soars as New Wallets Rapidly Increase on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Old Glory Bank Announces Plans for Nasdaq Listing Following Merger with SPAC

Old Glory Bank, a cryptocurrency-forward financial institution established in 2022, has revealed its intention to merge with Digital Asset Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), to facilitate a public listing on the Nasdaq. Pending approval from shareholders and regulators, the newly formed entity aims to debut under the ticker symbol OGB, potentially by the end of the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2026.

In a recent announcement, Old Glory Bank outlined its vision to be the pioneering chartered bank integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday banking services. Michael Shaw, the bank’s co-founder and chief innovation officer, expressed confidence in the future capabilities of the platform:

“We are confident that, in the future, our customers will be able to seamlessly move money on and off chain. Deposit of cryptocurrencies directly into bank accounts will become a reality, enabled by our patent-pending OGB Freedom Offramp, which will facilitate instant fiat conversions.”

Originally established as the First State Bank of Elmore City in Oklahoma over a century ago, Old Glory Holding Company acquired and rebranded the bank in 2022, emphasizing its commitment to digital-first solutions. The merger with Digital Asset Acquisition Corporation aims to position it as a leader in crypto-integrated banking, marking a significant step in the evolution of financial services.

Source: Old Glory Bank

Old Glory Bank’s evolution reflects broader momentum within the banking and crypto sectors. As the industry witnesses increased regulatory activity, notable developments include the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s recent conditional approval for five national bank charters tied to crypto companies such as Ripple Labs and Circle, signaling potential regulatory acceptance for crypto-friendly banking entities.

Additionally, World Liberty Financial, associated with U.S. political figures, recently filed for a national trust banking charter to streamline its stablecoin operations, exemplifying how crypto firms are increasingly aligning with traditional banking frameworks to expand their services.

This movement underscores a transformative era in financial services, where crypto innovations are gradually integrating with conventional banking infrastructure, paving the way for a hybrid financial ecosystem that could reshape money transfer, custody, and digital asset management.

This article was originally published as Crypto-Friendly Texas Bank to Go Public Through SPAC Merger on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

JPMorgan Expresses Caution Over Stablecoins Amid Regulatory Concerns

During its recent fourth-quarter earnings call, JPMorgan Chase highlighted the evolving landscape of stablecoins, emphasizing both technological promise and potential risks to the traditional banking system. Bank executives voiced cautious support for blockchain innovations while warning against certain stablecoin designs that could undermine regulatory safeguards.

Key Takeaways

JPMorgan aligns with regulatory efforts to establish guardrails around stablecoin issuance, supporting the GENIUS Act.

Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Barnum warned against interest-bearing stablecoins that mimic traditional banking without proper oversight.

The bank advocates for a controlled evolution in digital asset adoption, emphasizing the importance of regulatory protections.

Lawmakers are scrutinizing stablecoin rewards, aiming to prevent stablecoins from functioning as unregulated bank deposits.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Cautiously optimistic with regulatory caution

Price impact: Neutral, as the discussion underpins ongoing regulatory developments rather than immediate market moves

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, given the regulatory uncertainties surrounding stablecoins

Market context: The developments reflect broader regulatory focus on digital assets as mainstream adoption grows

JPMorgan Weighs In on Stablecoin Risks and Regulation

At JPMorgan Chase, executives discussed the implications of stablecoins during their earnings call, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the financial ecosystem. Jeremy Barnum, CFO of JPMorgan, commented that the bank supports innovation but remains opposed to the creation of a parallel banking system that operates outside established oversight. He expressed concern over interest-bearing stablecoins that resemble deposit accounts but lack the prudential safeguards developed through decades of banking regulation.

Source: Radar w Archie

While JPMorgan welcomes technological competition and innovation in the digital asset space, it insists on the importance of regulation to prevent the emergence of a “parallel banking system” that could threaten financial stability. This stance echoes concerns from the broader banking industry, which perceives yield-bearing stablecoins as a disruptive threat. These tokens have gained traction as tools for fast, cost-efficient payments, on-chain settlement, and dollar access, but the prospect of earning interest on them raises regulatory alarms.

Regulatory Focus on Stablecoin Rewards

Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are actively examining stablecoin rewards within recent legislative proposals. The draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act proposes prohibiting service providers from paying interest or yield solely based on stablecoin holdings, aiming to prevent these tokens from functioning as deposit instruments. However, it allows for incentives tied to broader participation activities, such as liquidity provision, governance, and staking, rather than passive income streams.

Source: US Senate Banking Committee

This legislative effort underscores ongoing efforts by regulators to balance innovation with financial stability, ensuring that stablecoins serve their intended purpose without resembling unregulated banking products. The debate is a key aspect of broader regulatory discussions that will shape the future trajectory of digital assets in the United States and beyond.

This article was originally published as JPMorgan CFO Warns Yield Stablecoins Pose Risk to Banking Stability on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Introduction

2025 proved to be a challenging year for cryptocurrency investors, revealing significant shifts in market dynamics. The traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle exhibited signs of weakening, with liquidity increasingly concentrated in a handful of large-cap assets. Experts suggest that these changes could impact the market’s trajectory heading into 2026, although optimism remains cautious amid broader macroeconomic uncertainties.

Key Takeaways

Market liquidity shifted from broad altcoin rallies to large-cap assets, driven largely by institutional inflows and ETF investments.

The historically observed pattern of “recycling” gains across Bitcoin, Ether, and altcoins has broken down, indicating a possible structural change.

Market breadth narrowed substantially, with altcoin rallies averaging only about 20 days—far shorter than previous years.

Future market recovery hinges on factors such as ETF expansion beyond Bitcoin and Ether, strong asset performance, or renewed retail investor interest.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin, Ether

Sentiment: Cautiously Bearish

Price impact: Negative—market conditions indicate reduced broad-based participation, leading to subdued rallies.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold—waiting for signs of broader institutional adoption or macroeconomic shifts before increasing exposure.

Market Context

The evolving landscape reflects broader macroeconomic influences, including potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could create a more conducive risk environment for crypto participation in 2026.

Analysis

2025’s market environment marked a departure from past cycles, with the long-standing pattern of reinvestment and rotation between Bitcoin, Ether, and altcoins breaking down. According to a recent review by Wintermute, liquidity now predominantly resides in a handful of large-cap assets, driven primarily by ETF inflows and institutional mandates. This shift has resulted in narrower market breadth, with altcoin rallies significantly shorter and less pervasive than in previous cycles.

Market analysts suggest that for a broader recovery in 2026, at least one of three conditions must be met: expansion of ETF mandates beyond Bitcoin and Ether to include other assets, strong performance from major cryptocurrencies capable of generating a broad wealth effect, or a resurgence of retail investor interest. Currently, retail activity appears limited, as many investors prefer high-growth sectors like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and quantum computing, which have outperformed crypto in recent years.

Furthermore, macroeconomic factors will play a crucial role. Industry observers point to the potential for US Federal Reserve rate cuts—expected to be around two this year—as a key driver for renewed crypto participation. Lower interest rates could enhance risk appetite, sparking increased institutional and retail engagement.

In sum, the crypto market’s future in 2026 remains uncertain, with structural changes evident but contingent on macroeconomic trends and evolving institutional strategies. While the traditional cycle appears to be less reliable, the landscape continues to evolve rapidly, demanding close vigilance from investors.

This article was originally published as Why Bitcoin’s Four-Year Cycle Failed — What’s Next for Cryptocurrency? on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Polygon Labs Announces Strategic Acquisition of Coinme and Sequence to Expand Its Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure

Polygon Labs has unveiled significant acquisitions of US-based crypto payments firm Coinme and wallet infrastructure provider Sequence, in deals exceeding $250 million. These moves aim to bolster Polygon’s presence in the evolving stablecoin payments sector, integrating regulated money movement and cross-chain transaction capabilities into a unified platform.

Key Takeaways

Polygon’s acquisitions provide access to Coinme’s extensive network of US money-transmitter licenses and over 50,000 retail cash-to-crypto kiosks and ATMs.

The integration of Sequence enhances user experience through embedded wallets and cross-chain payment solutions, facilitating seamless transactions across multiple blockchains.

These developments form the backbone of Polygon’s “Open Money Stack,” designed to unify blockchain rails with regulated fiat movement and wallet infrastructure.

The moves come amid intensifying competition in the US stablecoin payment infrastructure landscape, with established players and new entrants vying for dominance.

Tickers mentioned: N/A

Sentiment: Optimistic about expanding blockchain-enabled payments infrastructure

Price impact: Neutral, as market reactions await further details on integration and adoption

Market context: As regulatory clarity around stablecoins improves in the US, industry players focus on building compliant, scalable on-ramps for digital dollar transactions

Polygon Labs’ recent acquisitions aim to integrate Coinme’s widespread licensing footprint with Sequence’s wallet and cross-chain technology—an effort to create a comprehensive and regulated payments platform for digital assets. Coinme, which operates more than 50,000 retail kiosks and ATMs across the United States, offers a broad network for fiat-to-crypto conversions, making it a strategic asset for Polygon’s expansion into onchain payments.

Co-founder Marc Boiron indicated that these ventures are foundational to the company’s vision of a fully integrated stablecoin payment ecosystem. In an interview on Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction podcast, he emphasized: “Ultimately, we become a regulated payments platform. Our goal is to provide a complete, vertically integrated stack that enables anyone to transfer stablecoins globally with ease.”

The combined capabilities are expected to streamline cross-chain transactions and reduce user friction through embedded wallets and orchestration layers, simplifying processes such as bridging, token swaps, and gas management. This positions Polygon to support enterprises experimenting with blockchain-based payments and stablecoins as the industry matures.

Polygon’s move comes amid a broader industry push, with traditional payment giants like Visa and Mastercard increasingly involved in stablecoin interoperability. Companies like Circle have forged partnerships with Mastercard to facilitate USD Coin and Euro Coin transactions across regions, while PayPal continues expanding its stablecoin ecosystem beyond Ethereum to other blockchains.

Meanwhile, Rain, a US-based stablecoin infrastructure provider and Visa principal member, recently raised $250 million in Series C funding led by ICONIQ, to support global expansion efforts. These developments underscore the shifting landscape, as traditional payment networks and crypto firms alike compete to establish scalable, compliant stablecoin payment solutions.

This article was originally published as Polygon Secures $250M in Coinme & Sequence Deal to Boost US Payments on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Key Insights

ADA holds near $0.39 as short-term buying appears but lacks strong follow-through

Low trading volume limits upside and keeps the broader downtrend intact

A break above resistance remains critical for any sustained recovery

Cardano Price remains mixed as ADA trades near $0.39 after a brief rebound. The price shows limited upside momentum, while sellers still dominate the broader structure. Therefore, Cardano Price Prediction reflects short-term stability but continued pressure from recent declines.

Short-Term Price Action Shows Limited Strength

Cardano trades near $0.393, and buyers support price action after recent pullbacks. The rebound signals modest demand, yet momentum stays weak and uneven across sessions. As a result, Cardano Price Prediction highlights fragile gains without strong confirmation.

Daily candles show small advances, and volatility remains contained within a narrow range. This pattern suggests market participation remains low, and conviction stays muted. Thus, Cardano Price Prediction points to consolidation rather than trend reversal.

These PERP apes really wants to make this an obvious fade. Want to see Spot soldiers take over here for the 93.5k breakout. Don’t really see many reasons to not trust it, if it comes, as MS + momentum is a bit different this time. But currently, I’m not too sure we get it, yet.… pic.twitter.com/KcYvOaz82N

— chris (@chrisgrx_) January 13, 2026

Trading volume remains below recent averages, and breakouts fail to attract follow-through. Price reactions near $0.39 show interest, but resistance caps upward movement. Consequently, Cardano Price Prediction signals a temporary bounce rather than sustained recovery.

Broader Trend Remains Under Pressure

Cardano price structure reflects a broader downtrend formed after repeated lower highs. Recent losses continue to weigh on sentiment, despite short-term stabilization. Accordingly, Cardano Price Prediction favors sellers until key resistance levels break.

Technical indicators show momentum remains subdued across multiple timeframes. Moving averages slope downward, and price trades below several trend markers. Hence, Cardano Price Prediction maintains a bearish bias within the prevailing market structure.

Resistance appears near the $0.41 to $0.43 zone, where selling previously intensified. Price must clear this area to alter the broader technical outlook. Until then, Cardano Price Prediction suggests downside risks remain active.

Market Context and Network Background

Cardano operates as a proof-of-stake blockchain focused on scalability and research-based development. The network supports smart contracts, decentralized applications, and governance features. Despite strong fundamentals, Cardano Price Prediction often reflects wider market cycles.

Broader digital asset conditions influence ADA performance, including liquidity trends and risk sentiment. Periods of reduced participation often limit recovery attempts across alternative assets. Therefore, Cardano Price Prediction aligns with general market softness rather than isolated weakness.

Development activity continues across the Cardano ecosystem, supporting long-term network relevance. However, price action currently responds more to technical conditions than upgrades. As such, Cardano Price Prediction remains tied to market structure and volume behavior.

Outlook Hinges on Volume and Resistance Levels

Sustained recovery requires stronger participation and decisive movement above resistance. Without increased volume, rallies may struggle to extend beyond short-term bounces. Thus, Cardano Price Prediction stays cautious in direction but firm in trend assessment.

Support near $0.38 remains important for maintaining current stability. A breakdown below this level could reopen recent lows and renew selling pressure. Cardano Price Prediction emphasizes defense of support as a key factor.

In summary, ADA holds near $0.39, yet bears still control the broader direction. Short-term gains lack strength, while structural resistance limits upside progress. Cardano Price Prediction reflects balance near support but dominance from sellers.

This article was originally published as Cardano Price Prediction: ADA Struggles Near $0.39 as Resistance Caps Gains on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Approaches $93,000 Amid Optimism Spurred by US Inflation Data

Bitcoin has rallied close to the $93,000 mark, buoyed by recent US inflation data that suggests a cooler-than-expected rise in consumer prices. Markets responded positively to the release, with stock indices climbing and traders reassessing risks. The cryptocurrency’s movement reflects a broader investor confidence fueled by the latest economic indicators and the ongoing positioning of Federal Reserve policies.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin nears $93,000 following a 1.5% rise, aided by favorable US inflation figures.

The S&P 500 hits new record highs despite political tensions involving US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Market analysts warn that Bitcoin’s current trading range may be short-lived, with significant resistance levels ahead.

Bitcoin’s price action is sensitive to macroeconomic developments, especially related to US monetary policy and inflation trends.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin, S&P 500

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The release of lower-than-expected inflation data emboldened investors, positively impacting both equities and cryptocurrencies.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The recent upward momentum could face resistance at key levels, warranting caution.

Market context: Stabilizing inflation figures are fueling optimism across markets, potentially signaling a continuation of bullish trends in risk assets.

Market reaction to US inflation data and Federal Reserve outlook

New data from TradingView shows Bitcoin gaining approximately 1.5% as the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports a year-over-year increase of 2.7%, matching expert forecasts. Core CPI also came in slightly below expectations at 2.6%, down 0.1% from forecasts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This indicates that inflation pressures remain contained, reinforcing expectations of a steady monetary policy stance by the Federal Reserve.

Following the CPI release, stock markets shot upward, with the S&P 500 hitting record highs, reflecting investor optimism. A tweet from The Kobeissi Letter highlighted that both headline and core CPI inflation remained flat in December, reinforcing the narrative that inflationary pressures are easing. However, political tensions continue to simmer. President Donald Trump called for additional rate cuts, and amidst ongoing debates over tariffs and trade policies, some analysts caution that the current trading range may not hold long-term.

Fed target rate probabilities for Jan. 28 FOMC meeting. Source: CME Group FedWatch Tool

As traders eye higher resistance levels around $94,000, some indicate that the current consolidation is likely to break. Voluminous liquidations have surged, with almost $170 million in cross-crypto liquidations over the past 24 hours, reinforcing the view that the recent price stability is due to accumulated liquidity at current levels. Analyst Exitpump pointed out that the resistance zone near the 94,000 mark is formidable, with VWAP (volume-weighted average price) trendlines hinting at potential rejection points. Meanwhile, traders remain cautious, with liquidity metrics suggesting that the recent sideways trading may give way to a decisive move in the near term.

Given the macroeconomic backdrop, Bitcoin’s recent rally remains closely tied to inflation and monetary policy developments, highlighting its role as a hedge amid a complex economic landscape. However, the bounded trading range indicates prudence among traders awaiting clearer directional signals.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Rises 1.5% as Risk Assets Soar on US CPI News on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Layer-2 Network ZKsync Unveils 2026 Roadmap Focused on Privacy, Control, and Interoperability

Leading Layer-2 scaling solution ZKsync has revealed its strategic roadmap for 2026, emphasizing enhanced privacy, deterministic control, and native interoperability to facilitate widespread institutional adoption within the decentralized finance ecosystem. The plan signals a transition from foundational development to real-world application deployment, aligning with improving regulatory climates worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Prioritizes privacy and control at the core of its infrastructure, with privacy feature ingrained as a default.

Builds on infrastructure components introduced in 2025, such as Atlas, Prividium, and Airbender, designed for traditional financial entities.

Envisions evolving its ZK Stack into an orchestrated network of interconnected public and private chains.

Focuses on native cross-chain connectivity to enable seamless liquidity sharing across Ethereum and ZK chains without external bridges.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Optimistic

Price impact: Neutral — The roadmap aims to mature the network’s infrastructure for broader institutional use, which could stabilize or positively influence the market if successfully implemented.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold — Given the technical advancements and strategic focus, it may be prudent to observe how market participants respond before adjusting positions.

Market context: As regulatory clarity improves, infrastructure upgrades like these are vital for mainstream adoption and institutional integration into crypto ecosystems.

In its latest strategic outline, ZKsync laid out a comprehensive vision for its evolution through 2026, underscoring privacy and control as the foundational pillars necessary for enterprise-level applications. CEO Alex Gluchowski highlighted that privacy should no longer be viewed as an optional feature but as a default layer for institutional workflows, including identity management, transactions, compliance, and auditing.

The company’s privacy-focused execution environment, Prividium, aims to enable institutions to execute encrypted transactions without revealing sensitive data such as balances, counterparties, or decision-making processes. This approach seeks to address longstanding concerns in traditional finance about confidentiality and regulatory compliance, bridging gaps for crypto-enterprise integration.

Beyond privacy, ZKsync emphasizes operational control, including performance isolation and deterministic access, which are critical in high-stakes financial operations—such as margin calls under market stress—where unrelated activity should not disrupt core processes.

The roadmap also charts a transition towards a more interconnected ecosystem. The current ZK Stack will evolve into an orchestrated network, facilitating native cross-chain communication and liquidity sharing across Ethereum and other ZK-based networks—eliminating the need for external bridges. These developments aim to scale up institutional uses, with partnerships initiated in 2025 progressing toward real deployment, potentially impacting millions of users and transforming experimental pilots into widespread industry applications.

This article was originally published as ZKsync Centers: Your Privacy & Control Future in 2026 Institutional Roadmap on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitwise is awaiting a key regulatory decision from the US Securities and Exchange Commission on eleven proposed altcoin exchange traded funds, with a final ruling expected by mid-March 2026. The filings arrive at a time of mixed signals across the broader crypto market, as investors closely monitor regulatory developments.

Bitcoin is currently trading above $91,000, while Ethereum remains above $3,100. Despite these strong price levels, overall crypto market capitalization dipped slightly over the past 24 hours, reflecting a cautious stance among investors awaiting regulatory clarity. Trading volumes remained stable across major exchanges. Meanwhile, institutional interest continues to show resilience. On January 12, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded net inflows of approximately $170 million. Ethereum spot ETFs also posted positive inflows, alongside renewed capital allocations into Solana and XRP-related products. Together, these flows have helped sustain growing institutional attention toward altcoins.

Bitwise plans for each ETF to combine direct ownership of the underlying tokens with exposure through exchange traded products and derivatives, aiming to closely track the performance of selected digital assets. Under the proposed structure, up to 60 percent of fund assets would be held directly in cryptocurrencies, with the remaining portion allocated to regulated financial instruments. This approach is designed to balance liquidity, compliance, and cost efficiency for investors.

The firm intends to operate these products under updated SEC listing principles that streamline the approval process and reduce repetitive filings for similar crypto-based ETFs. This framework allows issuers to submit multiple ETF applications simultaneously, shortening review timelines and improving regulatory efficiency. By filing all eleven funds together, Bitwise is positioning itself early to capture market share and access liquidity should approvals be granted.

The proposed lineup includes a mix of established and emerging blockchain networks. Well-known protocols such as Uniswap, Aave, and Tron sit alongside newer or evolving ecosystems like Sui, NEAR, and Zcash. The selection reflects an effort to gain exposure across decentralized finance infrastructure and next-generation layer one networks. According to the filing, asset inclusion is based on global liquidity, trading history, and market depth.

If approved, these ETFs would offer institutional investors regulated access to a broad range of altcoins through familiar investment vehicles. This would allow portfolio managers to integrate altcoin exposure using standard custodial frameworks, compliance systems, and reporting identifiers, without relying on offshore platforms or bespoke investment mandates. Such access could support broader adoption of altcoins within multi-asset portfolios, including those managed by pension funds and other long-term institutional investors.

Decision Date Outlook

The SEC’s review period is scheduled to conclude on March 16, 2026, with no extensions or procedural delays currently anticipated. The outcome is expected to serve as a key signal of the regulator’s stance toward diversified altcoin ETF products under the evolving regulatory framework. Market participants are closely watching the decision, as it could significantly influence the pace and scope of ETF launches across US markets throughout 2026.

This article was originally published as Bitwise Awaits SEC Decision on Eleven Altcoin ETFs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Nigeria Implements Identity-Based Crypto Oversight in Corporate Tax Reform

Nigeria has introduced a significant overhaul to its cryptocurrency regulatory approach, shifting from technology surveillance to an emphasis on tax and identity systems. Starting January 1, the country mandated that crypto service providers disclose user identities through linking transactions to Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and, where applicable, National Identification Numbers (NINs), as part of a comprehensive tax reform embedded within the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. This strategy aims to enhance oversight without deploying costly blockchain analytics by integrating the crypto sector into the country’s formal tax reporting framework.

Under the new regulations, virtual asset service providers (VASPs) are required to submit regular reports detailing the nature, volume, and value of transactions. These reports must include customer identification information—such as names, contact details, and tax IDs—including NINs for individual users. Authorities can also request additional data and require long-term retention of records, extending existing anti-money laundering (AML) reporting obligations to include cryptocurrency transactions.

By connecting compliance with established tax and identity systems, Nigeria intends to make crypto activities more traceable and align enforcement efforts with traditional financial regulations.

The legislation addresses enforcement gaps identified since Nigeria introduced a crypto tax on profits in 2022, which faced compliance challenges due to the difficulty in linking trades with identifiable taxpayers. Mandating the use of TINs and NINs aims to facilitate the identification and tracking of taxable activities within the crypto ecosystem.

The adoption of this approach reflects a broader international shift toward identity-based crypto reporting, exemplified by Nigeria’s alignment with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which was also implemented on January 1. Nigeria is among a second wave of countries committed to adopting the global reporting standards by 2028, signaling its intent to be part of an emerging cross-border transparency network.

As nations refine their regulatory frameworks, Nigeria’s strategy highlights a pragmatic move to harness existing tax and identity infrastructures for crypto oversight, potentially setting a precedent for other jurisdictions seeking effective yet cost-efficient compliance mechanisms in the evolving digital asset landscape.

This article was originally published as Nigeria Uses Tax IDs to Track Crypto Transactions Without Onchain Monitoring on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

CV5 Capital helps managers streamline this journey through their regulated umbrella, operational infrastructure, and deep governance expertise. Below are the main areas of consideration every manager should evaluate before deciding to set up a hedge fund.

1. Investment Strategy and Differentiation

Managers must clearly define:
• Core strategy (e.g., market-neutral, quant, macro, long/short, credit, digital assets)
• Edge or competitive advantage
• Target risk/return profile
• Volatility tolerance and liquidity parameters

Investors increasingly demand clarity and conviction in a manager’s strategy. A well-articulated investment philosophy forms the foundation for everything that follows, including service-provider selection, share-class design, and risk management.

2. Fund Structure and Jurisdiction

Selecting the appropriate structure is critical for tax efficiency, regulatory compliance, and investor access. Key decisions include:
• Cayman segregated portfolio company (SPC) vs standalone fund
• Open-ended vs closed-ended structure
• Master-feeder, mini-master, or single-fund setup
• Investor requirements (U.S., EU, Asian, offshore)

CV5 Capital’s regulated umbrella (CV5 SPC and CV5 Digital SPC) allows managers to launch quickly with a pre-approved structure, avoiding the complexity and cost of building an entire fund architecture from scratch.

3. Regulatory Obligations

Managers must understand:
• Cayman Mutual Funds Act or Private Funds Act registration
• Global regulatory touchpoints (SEC, FCA, ESMA, MAS, SFC)
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML), FATCA/CRS, and beneficial-ownership requirements
• Valuation, governance, and risk-management standards

A strong regulatory framework builds investor trust and protects the manager from operational risk. CV5 Capital provides the governance, AML, and compliance infrastructure required to meet these obligations from day one.

4. Economic Terms and Share Classes

The fund’s commercial terms shape investor onboarding and long-term alignment. Managers should consider:
• Management and performance fee structure
• Hurdles, high-water marks, and crystallization schedules
• Lock-ups, redemption windows, and gates
• Founders share classes for early investors
• Series accounting vs equalization

Most institutional launches now include multiple share classes, enabling differentiated pricing while maintaining operational simplicity.

5. Service Provider Selection

High-quality service providers are essential for investor confidence. Key roles include:
• Fund Administrator (NAV calculation, KYC, reporting)
• Custodian or Prime Broker
• Auditor & Legal Counsel
• Independent Directors and AML Officers
• Banking and cash-management partners

CV5 Capital maintains established relationships with leading global institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Northern Trust, SS&C, Interactive Brokers, providing ready-made access to institutional-grade partners.

6. Operational Infrastructure

Beyond portfolio management, a hedge fund must demonstrate robust operational capabilities:
• Trading controls
• Counterparty onboarding
• Order execution policies
• Portfolio and risk management systems
• Cybersecurity and data protection
• Investor onboarding workflows

For many managers, building this infrastructure independently is costly and time-consuming. CV5 Capital solves this through a ready-to-use operational framework under our regulated umbrella.

7. Governance and Oversight

Institutional investors expect a formal governance framework, including:
• Independent directors
• Documented investment and risk policies
• Board meetings and reporting cycles
• Conflicts of interest policy
• Oversight of valuations and service providers

CV5 Capital provides full governance oversight, ensuring the fund operates to global institutional standards.

8. Speed to Market and Cost Efficiency

Launching a standalone Cayman fund typically takes 3–4 months and significant upfront legal and regulatory cost.
Launching under CV5 Digital SPC drastically shortens timelines to 4–6 weeks, with far lower formation costs and predictable annual expenses.

This allows managers to:
• Enter the market quickly
• Focus on capital raising
• Leverage institutional infrastructure from day one
• Avoid the operational drag of a bespoke setup

9. Capital Raising Strategy

Before launch, managers should define:
• Target investor base (HNW, family offices, funds of funds, institutional allocators)
• Minimum viable AUM
• Seed investor terms
• Marketing approach under global private-placement rules
• Track record presentation and data room preparation

Investors increasingly seek managers operating under a regulated, well-governed platform, which is precisely what CV5 Capital delivers.

Conclusion: Launching With Confidence

Setting up a hedge fund requires balancing investment vision with regulatory, operational, and governance discipline. The most successful managers are those who partner with a platform that allows them to focus on alpha generation while relying on institutional infrastructure for everything else.

CV5 Capital, is currently launching a cohort of new hedge funds for traditional and quantitative asset managers for January 1st, 2026, covering a range of strategies, from market-neutral digital assets to multi-asset quant macro funds.

If you’re considering launching a hedge fund, CV5 Capital provides the fastest, most efficient, and most institutional path to market.

This article was originally published as Before You Launch: The Key Considerations When Setting Up a Hedge Fund on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US Crypto Policy Innovation: Advocates Push for Clear Regulations and Developer Protections

The Solana Policy Institute has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to differentiate between centralized crypto exchanges and non-custodial decentralized finance (DeFi) software. The nonprofit emphasizes that developers creating and publishing non-custodial code should not be classified as intermediaries, advocating for balanced regulation that fosters innovation without compromising security or legality.

Key Takeaways

Advocates call for regulatory clarity distinguishing between non-custodial DeFi protocols and centralized exchanges.

The Institute argues that applying traditional securities laws to DeFi code risks stifling innovation and pushing activity offshore.

Authorities are encouraged to adopt a custody-and-control-based framework to clarify legal liabilities.

Legislation proposals aim to shield developers from legal liabilities associated with blockchain code and activity.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Supportive of clear, innovation-friendly regulation

Price impact: Neutral, as policy shifts aim to shape legal frameworks and clarify developer liabilities

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold — regulatory clarity could stabilize the sector in the long term.

Market context: The ongoing regulatory discussions reflect broader efforts to refine crypto governance amidst increasing adoption and innovation.

Detailed Overview

The Solana Policy Institute’s recent letter to the SEC underscores the importance of nuanced regulation within the rapidly evolving blockchain space. It advocates for the agency to distinguish between centralized exchanges, which custody assets and facilitate transactions, and non-custodial DeFi operations that execute code without controlling user funds. According to the institute, treating developers of non-custodial protocols as intermediaries under existing securities laws, such as the Exchange Act 3b-16, would be inappropriate and potentially restrictive.

“Transactions that take place via a smart contract protocol are not the regulatory equivalent of trading on an exchange or ATS and should not be treated as such.”

The proposal calls for issuing guidance that clearly delineates software tools from entities with custody or control, encouraging a framework that considers custody and control as primary regulatory factors. This shift aims to prevent overreach, support innovation, and prevent the mass migration of blockchain activity offshore to unregulated environments. The concern is that improper laws could undermine the US’s competitiveness in blockchain development.

The letter also highlights recent legal cases, such as the prosecution of Tornado Cash co-founders, Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, who operated a non-custodial privacy protocol but faced charges for alleged money laundering. These cases illustrate the complex legal landscape that developers navigate and reinforce the need for clear, supportive policy frameworks that encourage responsible innovation while clarifying liabilities.

Legislative Efforts for Developer Protections

In parallel, U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden introduced the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, aiming to shield blockchain developers who do not hold or control user funds from federal and state money transfer regulations. Senator Lummis emphasized that developers maintaining open-source networks should not be automatically classified as money transmitters, highlighting the importance of legal clarity for fostering sustainable development in the blockchain space.

The legislation is part of broader efforts, including the forthcoming crypto market structure bill known as the CLARITY Act. Although the Senate Agriculture Committee delayed its markup until late January to gather wider bipartisan support, the reforms signal a clear move toward creating a balanced, innovation-friendly regulatory environment for the burgeoning crypto ecosystem.

This article was originally published as Solana Policy Institute Calls on SEC to Safeguard DeFi Developers from Overly Strict Regulations on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated November 25, 2025 to its short form base shelf prospectus dated October 31, 2025.

San Antonio, Texas – January 13, 2026- HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: HIVE) (NASDAQ: HIVE) (FSE: YO0) (BVC: HIVECO) (the “Company” or “HIVE”), a diversified global digital infrastructure company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, today announced its expansion into Paraguay through a strategic joint venture with Paraguay’s leading telecommunications operator.

Through this partnership, HIVE is launching one of the first purpose-built artificial intelligence BUZZ Cloud platforms in Paraguay, located in Asunción and hosted within a Tier III data center operated by the leading telecom provider in Paraguay. The platform is designed to deliver high-performance computing (“HPC”) and AI infrastructure intended to serve academic and research institutions, enterprises, financial services firms, and healthcare providers across Paraguay and the broader South American region.

The initial deployment is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and is planned to begin with an enterprise-grade GPU cluster designed to support AI training, inference, and data-intensive workloads. The platform is intended to scale over time in response to customer demand and subject to capital availability, leveraging Paraguay’s renewable hydroelectric power, harnessing Paraguay’s largest telecommunications operator’s national fiber network, and enterprise-grade data center operations.

This expansion builds on HIVE’s existing digital infrastructure presence in Paraguay, where the Company has developed and operated Tier I data centers and associated electrical substations supported by access to renewable hydroelectric energy at scale. HIVE views Bitcoin mining as a means of building Tier I data center infrastructure and substations that monetize surplus or stranded electricity, converting energy into economic value. In this framework, each Bitcoin represents a bundle of energy, a concept that has also been articulated by technology leaders such as Elon Musk and Jensen Huang in their discussions of Bitcoin as a form of monetized economic work. The infrastructure required to produce it can serve as a foundational base layer for more advanced digital compute applications, including AI and high-performance computing hosted in Tier III data centers.

HIVE’s strategy in Paraguay is anchored in a long-term, multi-year vision to evolve energy-led digital infrastructure into scalable AI and data center capacity. The Company believes the growth of the AI-driven digital economy depends on reliable electricity and high-capacity dark fiber connectivity capable of supporting secure, low-latency data movement. While Tier III data centers capable of hosting GPU-intensive workloads require significantly higher capital investment, HIVE believes its phased approach-beginning with Tier I infrastructure-provides a disciplined and economically efficient pathway toward higher-tier AI-ready facilities.

Paraguay has experienced periods of strong economic expansion in recent quarters, supported by a stable government and a pro-investment policy environment. HIVE believes these conditions, combined with the country’s energy profile, provide a constructive backdrop for long-term digital infrastructure investment.

HIVE believes this progression is broadly consistent with the evolution of digital infrastructure observed in Texas, including the San Antonio to West Texas corridor, where development began with Tier I data centers anchored by energy-intensive workloads and later expanded into capital-intensive Tier III facilities capable of supporting advanced enterprise and AI workloads. The Company believes Paraguay may be at a similar early-stage point in this infrastructure development cycle, while recognizing that outcomes will depend on a range of economic and regulatory factors.

The Company expects that continued investment in AI and HPC infrastructure could support downstream economic activity, including potential increased demand for software developers, computer engineers, data scientists, electrical engineers, and other technical professionals, contributing to workforce development over time.

The expansion also reflects Paraguay’s ongoing institutional engagement with the United States. On December 15, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Paraguay in Washington, D.C. While SOFAs are a common instrument in U.S. foreign policy with countries such as Germany, Italy, and Japan, the agreement reflects continued bilateral cooperation in areas including security, stability, and law enforcement, which may support broader institutional confidence.

The launch of the BUZZ AI cloud platform is intended to support demand for accelerated computing across South America by enabling organizations to access AI infrastructure operated within a Tier III environment and powered by renewable energy. While future expansions will depend on infrastructure buildout like dark fiber, customer demand, regulatory conditions, and capital availability, HIVE believes conditions in Paraguay are favorable for long-term participation in AI and hyperscale data center development.

Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman of HIVE, said: “Paraguay has been an important operating geography for HIVE, where we have demonstrated how energy-led digital infrastructure can support long-term value creation. This progression is consistent with patterns we have observed in Texas, including around San Antonio, where infrastructure development began with Tier I data centers and later expanded into capital-intensive Tier III facilities capable of hosting advanced AI workloads. We believe Paraguay’s economic stability, supportive policy environment, and institutional relationships provide a constructive foundation for continued digital infrastructure development.”

Aydin Kilic, President and CEO of HIVE, added: “The launch of AI cloud infrastructure in Asunción represents an initial step toward enabling academia, research institutions, businesses, financial services, and healthcare organizations to access high-performance compute capacity locally. This initiative complements HIVE’s existing Tier I data center operations in Paraguay, which currently utilize approximately 300 megawatts, and which, subject to market conditions and approvals, may expand by an additional 100 megawatts in 2026.”

HIVE believes that Paraguay’s combination of renewable energy resources, stable governance, supportive policy conditions, and growing digital infrastructure positions the country as a potential long-term participant in the South American AI and high-performance computing landscape.

About HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

Founded in 2017, HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. is the first publicly listed company to mine digital assets powered exclusively by green energy. Today, HIVE builds and operates next-generation blockchain and AI data centers across Canada, Sweden, and Paraguay, serving both Bitcoin and high-performance computing (HPC) clients. HIVE’s twin-turbo engine infrastructure-driven by Bitcoin mining and GPU-accelerated AI computing-delivers scalable, environmentally responsible solutions for the digital economy.

For more information, visit hivedigitaltech.com or connect with us on:

X: https://x.com/HIVEDigitalTech
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HIVEDigitalTech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivedigitaltechnologies/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hiveblockchain

On Behalf of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

“Frank Holmes”
Executive Chairman

For further information, please contact:

Nathan Fast, Director of Marketing and Branding

Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman

Aydin Kilic, President & CEO

Tel: (604) 664-1078

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing, scale, and expansion of AI and high-performance computing infrastructure; anticipated demand; potential economic and employment impacts; future data center capacity; and energy availability. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks include, but are not limited to, changes in market demand, regulatory developments, capital availability, power pricing, network connectivity, and geopolitical conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

This article was originally published as HIVE Digital Expands Into Paraguay With AI Cloud Platform on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.