CryptoPress

The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) purchased 9,298 troy ounces of gold, valued at approximately $50 million, to strengthen its international reserves.

The acquisition brings the nation’s total gold holdings to 67,403 ounces, worth roughly $360 million at current market prices.

Despite recent legal amendments making Bitcoin acceptance voluntary to satisfy IMF loan conditions, the government continues its 1 BTC per day accumulation strategy.

The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador has executed a $50 million gold purchase, marking a significant step in the nation’s strategy to diversify its sovereign assets. According to official data from the BCR, the bank acquired 9,298 troy ounces of the precious metal, pushing the total value of the country’s gold stash to approximately $360 million. The move reflects a broader trend among global central banks to hedge against macroeconomic volatility through “hard” assets.

This latest purchase follows a period of strategic rebalancing for the Salvadoran treasury. While the country made headlines in late 2025 for its first major gold acquisition in decades, this new tranche signals a sustained commitment to traditional reserve assets. President Nayib Bukele, a vocal proponent of Bitcoin, acknowledged the move on social media, framing the acquisition as a way to maintain a “prudent balance” within the nation’s portfolio.

“This acquisition represents a long-term positioning, based on a prudent balance in the composition of the assets that make up the country’s international reserves,” the BCR stated in a release. The bank emphasized that gold remains a “universally strategic asset” that helps protect the local economy from structural changes in international markets.

The pivot toward gold comes at a delicate time for El Salvador’s relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To secure a $1.4 billion loan agreement, the Salvadoran government recently passed legislative reforms that scaled back the mandatory nature of Bitcoin use. Under the new framework, private businesses are no longer required to accept the cryptocurrency, and tax payments are prioritized in U.S. dollars. However, the government has not abandoned its digital asset ambitions.

On-chain data from Arkham Intelligence confirms that El Salvador’s national treasury continues to add one bitcoin per day to its reserves, in line with Bukele’s 2022 pledge. As of late January 2026, the national strategic Bitcoin reserve holds approximately 7,547 BTC, valued at over $635 million. The dual-track strategy of holding both gold and Bitcoin appears designed to satisfy international lenders while maintaining a high-upside bet on the digital asset economy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post El Salvador Expands Reserves with $50 Million Gold Purchase as Bitcoin Accumulation Continues appeared first on Cryptopress.

JPMorgan strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou projects a theoretical gold price of $8,000 to $8,500 if private investor allocations rise from 3% to 4.6%. Gold prices hit a record high near $5,600 per ounce on Jan. 29, 2026, following a 10% surge over just four trading sessions. The rally is driven by central bank demand, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a structural shift where gold replaces the bond portion of balanced portfolios.Gold prices could more than double from current record levels if private investors continue to pivot away from traditional fixed-income assets in favor of the precious metal, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. global market strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou. In a note released Thursday, the analyst suggested that an increase in private investor allocations from the current 3% to 4.6% of total portfolios would imply a theoretical price range of $8,000 to $8,500 per ounce.The projection follows a historic week for bullion, which surged past the $5,000 milestone on Monday and reached an intraday peak near $5,600 by Jan. 29. This rapid ascent has been fueled by a “perfect storm” of monetary support—with the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates at 3.50%–3.75%—and intensifying geopolitical uncertainty, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran. Panigirtzoglou noted that gold is increasingly being viewed as a viable substitute for the bond component of a 60/40 portfolio, as investors seek to hedge against currency debasement and sovereign debt risks.Despite the long-term bullish outlook, the report cautioned that short-term volatility may be imminent. Momentum traders and commodity trading advisers (CTAs) are currently heavily positioned in both gold and silver, raising the risk of mean reversion or profit-taking. However, compared to other alternative assets like bitcoin or silver, JPMorgan highlighted gold’s superior liquidity and market breadth as key factors attracting institutional interest.“This 4.6% allocation to gold would imply a theoretical price of $8,000-$8,500,” Panigirtzoglou wrote, explaining that the metal is regaining relevance as an all-weather store of value at a time when confidence in traditional paper hedges is weakening. While the road to such levels may be volatile, the structural trend of central bank buying—estimated at 755 tonnes for 2026—provides a firm floor for the market.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post JPMorgan Strategist Projects Gold Could Surge to $8,500 on Portfolio Allocation Shift appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped approximately 5% within a 24-hour window, hitting a intraday low near $94,000.

The decline coincides with reports of growing deadlock in the U.S. Senate regarding the much-anticipated crypto market structure bill.

Traders point to a “sell-the-news” reaction and cooling spot ETF inflows as primary drivers for the sudden volatility.

Bitcoin faced a sharp correction on Thursday, retreating from recent highs as political and regulatory uncertainty in Washington weighed on investor sentiment. The primary cryptocurrency fell roughly 5%, dropping from a stable position above $98,000 to trade near $94,300 by late afternoon, according to market data from major exchanges. This downward move triggered a cascade of liquidations in the leveraged long positions, further accelerating the price slide.

The sudden reversal appears to be driven by concerns over the Senate’s crypto market structure bill. While the industry had high hopes for a swift passage in early 2026, reports suggest that partisan squabbles and shifting priorities toward midterm elections have stalled negotiations. This legislative inertia has created a vacuum of uncertainty for institutional players who were banking on clearer compliance frameworks before increasing their exposure to the asset class.

Beyond the legislative landscape, macroeconomic factors are contributing to the pressure. Recent inflation data remains stickier than expected, leading some analysts to speculate that the Federal Reserve may maintain higher interest rates for longer than previously forecast. This environment typically favors the U.S. dollar over risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, the record-breaking spot Bitcoin ETF inflows seen earlier in the month have begun to plateau, reducing the consistent buy-side pressure that had characterized the year’s opening weeks.

“The market was arguably overextended, and the lack of a clear ‘green light’ from D.C. gave the bears the opening they needed,” noted one senior market analyst. “We are seeing a re-evaluation of risk as the reality of a slow-moving legislative process sets in for 2026.”

Despite the dip, long-term on-chain metrics remain relatively stable, suggesting that while short-term speculators are exiting, long-term holders are yet to show signs of a mass exodus. Technical support is currently being watched closely at the $92,000 level, which served as a significant floor during previous volatility spikes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Slumps 5% Amid Market Jitters Over US Regulatory Deadlock appeared first on Cryptopress.

The White House is convening executives from the banking and crypto sectors to address key disputes in the stalled CLARITY Act, focusing on stablecoin regulations and yields.

White House intervention: A summit hosted by the administration’s
crypto council is set for February 2 to discuss the delayed market
structure bill. Core dispute: Regulations on stablecoin yields and
rewards, with banks concerned about deposit outflows. Industry hopes:
The meeting could pave the way for compromise and advance bipartisan
legislation. The White House is taking a…

#Clarity
Read more:
cryptopress.site/crypto/white-house-to-host-crypto-and-banking-summit-amid-stalled-market-structure-bill/

Ethereum’s new ERC-8004 standard introduces portable identities and
reputations for AI agents, fostering trustless interactions and a
decentralized AI economy.
Ethereum is deploying the ERC-8004 standard on mainnet this week, aimed
at enhancing AI agent interactions. The standard enables AI agents to
carry portable identities and reputations across chains and
organizations without centralized control. This development could
accelerate the integration of AI with blockchain, creating new
opportunities for decentralized applications. In…
Read more:
Cryptopress.site/crypto/erc-8004-ethereums-bid-to-create-a-secure-ai-economy/

AI developer Peter Steinberger, behind the viral Moltbot project, publicly disavows cryptocurrency tokens and cautions against scams claiming association with his work amid ongoing harassment.

Peter Steinberger firmly rejects memecoin involvement: The Moltbot creator states he will never launch a token and labels any claiming his ownership as scams.Fake Solana tokens emerge: Impersonation memecoins like $CLAWD surged in value before crashing following his public denial.Harassment damages project: Persistent crypto community outreach hinders development of the open-source AI assistant.Broader industry concern: Case exemplifies reputational risks for non-crypto builders targeted by unsolicited token launches.

Peter Steinberger, the developer behind the rapidly popular open-source AI personal assistant Moltbot—formerly known as Clawdbot—issued a strong public statement on X denouncing harassment from the cryptocurrency community and warning against scam tokens impersonating his project.
In his January 27 post, Steinberger addressed “crypto folks” directly: “Please stop pinging me, stop harassing me. I will never do a coin. Any project that lists me as coin owner is a SCAM. No, I will not accept fees. You are actively damaging the project.”
The viral AI agent, which recently underwent a rename due to trademark conflicts, has attracted significant attention for its advanced autonomous capabilities. However, the transition provided an opening for opportunistic launches of unauthorized memecoins on Solana-based platforms such as pump.fun.
Several tokens falsely tied to Steinberger or his project appeared, with one reaching a multimillion-dollar market capitalization before plummeting after his explicit disavowal. These impersonations exemplify a recurring issue in the memecoin sector, where developers outside crypto are targeted without consent.
Steinberger’s frustration highlights a tension in the ecosystem: while memecoins can drive community engagement and liquidity on chains like Solana, aggressive solicitation and fraudulent associations risk alienating innovative builders focused on technology rather than speculation.
Reactions within the community varied, with many expressing support for Steinberger and criticizing the tactics that contribute to crypto’s negative perception among mainstream developers. As intersections between AI and blockchain grow, such incidents underscore the challenges of protecting project integrity in decentralized environments.
#clawdbotsaysnotoken

Kripto investori pievērš uzmanību martam FOMC sanāksmes laikā, jo gaidas par likmes samazināšanu pieaug līdz 52%, potenciāli izraisot jaunu risku pieaugumu Bitcoin un altcoin tirgos.
Procentu likmju gaidas janvāra sanāksmē norāda uz "mīkstu pauzi", saglabājot federālo fondu likmi 3.50%–3.75%.
Tirgotāji novērtē 52% varbūtību likmes samazināšanai 17.-18. martā FOMC sanāksmē, saskaņā ar prognožu tirgus datiem.
Bitcoin joprojām ir ierobežots ap $88,000, ar tirgus noskaņojumu iestrēgušā "Bailes" teritorijā, kamēr dalībnieki gaida Džeroma Pauela 2026. gada politikas norādījumus.

Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT has exposed an alleged $40 million theft from US government seizure addresses, tied to the son of a federal crypto custody contractor, sparking a Marshals Service probe.
ZachXBT alleges John ‘Lick’ Daghita siphoned over $40 million from US government-controlled wallets holding seized digital assets. The suspect is the son of Dean Daghita, president of CMDSS, a firm contracted by the US Marshals Service for crypto management. The exposure stemmed from a Telegram dispute where Daghita flaunted wallet balances, leading to on-chain tracing that linked fun…
#BTC
(Read more on Cryptopress.site)

The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell to its lowest level in four months, nearing the 97 mark.

Dollar weakness often acts as a catalyst for Bitcoin and other risk assets.

Bitcoin’s current price action is mixed, pressured by major crypto ETP outflows ($1.7 billion) and general risk-off sentiment.

Gold has significantly outperformed crypto, surging past $5,000 amid macro uncertainty.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) continued its descent, reaching a four-month low near 97 on January 26, 2026. This dip signals growing market anticipation that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more dovish monetary policy stance soon.

The index’s decline below key technical levels has historically created a favorable environment for risk assets, including Bitcoin, as a weaker dollar typically drives capital toward alternatives perceived as inflation hedges. A soft dollar often correlates inversely with BTC prices.

DXY Hits 4-Month LowThe US Dollar Index dropped to its lowest in four months, potentially supporting upward momentum for Bitcoin.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) January 26, 2026

However, Bitcoin’s response has been underwhelming. Trading near $87,000, BTC is struggling under the weight of recent negative flows; exchange-traded products (ETPs) saw net outflows totaling $1.7 billion last week, the largest such exodus since November 2025. This indicates persistent risk aversion in the market.

In a notable divergence, traditional safe-haven assets like gold have surged, crossing the $5,000 threshold. This suggests investors are favoring established hard assets over digital assets during this period of macroeconomic and geopolitical apprehension.

While the DXY’s technical breakdown provides a potential long-term tailwind for Bitcoin (BTC), immediate price action remains constrained by derivatives positioning and broader market sentiment. Traders are keenly awaiting the Fed’s policy update for definitive direction.

Major altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH), are mirroring the cautious trading pattern observed in the flagship cryptocurrency.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post DXY Drops to 4-Month Low: Potential Tailwind for Bitcoin Prices appeared first on Cryptopress.

The crypto market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, with overall capitalization dipping to around $3 trillion amid broader economic uncertainties. Major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen significant corrections, driven by macroeconomic factors including potential tariffs and Federal Reserve decisions. While some sectors show resilience through institutional buys, the sentiment remains fearful, as indicated by the Fear & Greed Index at 25/100. This environment presents a mix of risks and potential rebound opportunities as regulatory developments unfold.

Trump Tariff Turmoil

The primary driver this week has been the widespread crypto selloff, fueled by Trump-era tariff turmoil and escalating global risk sentiment. Bitcoin, the market leader, tumbled from above $90,000 to as low as $86,000, triggering over $550 million in liquidations across the ecosystem. This downturn coincides with a U.S. government shutdown risk and anticipation around the Federal Reserve’s rate decision, which could signal a pause in cuts and further pressure risk assets. Ethereum and Solana followed suit, with ETH dropping 5% and SOL 7% in 24 hours, reflecting a broader flight to safety as investors pivot to assets like gold, which hit new highs.

Compounding the selloff, Bitcoin ETFs faced massive outflows of $1.33 billion last week, a stark reversal from prior inflows that had bolstered prices. This cash exodus, amid illusory market depth during “toxic” trading hours, has created a liquidation treadmill where risky positions are hunted, perpetuating the downtrend. Analysts warn that without a dovish Fed pivot or resolution to tariff concerns, the market could face extended consolidation, though historical patterns suggest rebounds following such corrections.

Other news:

Positive

MicroStrategy bolstered its Bitcoin holdings with a $264 million purchase, signaling continued corporate confidence.

Ark Invest scooped up $21.5 million in shares of Coinbase, Circle, and Bullish, betting on long-term crypto infrastructure growth.

Japan’s upcoming crypto ETFs by 2028 could inject $6.4 billion, expanding institutional access.

Metaplanet upwardly revised its FY2026 revenue forecast to over $100 million, driven by Bitcoin-related income.

Neutral

A long-dormant Ethereum whale moved $145 million in ETH, potentially indicating strategic repositioning without clear market impact.

Solana’s ecosystem is pivoting toward finance applications, as stated by Backpack CEO, aiming for deeper integration.

Ledger is plotting a $4 billion NYSE IPO, highlighting maturation in crypto hardware sector.

BlackRock ceded tokenized Treasury market lead to Circle due to mechanical factors in settlement processes.

Negative

Solana faces a critical flaw that could enable hackers to stall the network, eroding trust in its scalability.

Privacy coins like Monero and Zcash plunged, with losses up to 11.4%, amid broader regulatory scrutiny fears.

Deloitte highlighted risks in tokenized settlements that could facilitate undetectable market manipulation.

Failing crypto exchanges may face new regulations preventing withdrawal delays, exposing operational weaknesses.

Big Movers

The most notable movers in the past 24 hours include ZetaChain surging 27.84% as a top gainer, potentially driven by ecosystem expansions, alongside River up 27.6% and Axie Infinity rising 11.29% amid gaming sector revival. On the downside, MYX Finance led losses with a 13.4% drop, followed by pump.fun at 12.2% and Monero at 11.4%, reflecting privacy coin vulnerabilities. Buying opportunities may exist in major dips, such as Bitcoin’s current oversold state below $88,000, offering entry points for long-term holders anticipating Fed clarity; Ethereum at $2,800 presents similar value amid whale activity.

Decisions by monetary authorities influence the Bitcoin rate.

The post Crypto Weekly Snapshot – Key News Shaking Crypto appeared first on Cryptopress.

Obol’s 2025 survey reveals 85% of institutions are testing or already using Distributed Validators (DVs).

The data comes from over 75 major institutions, many managing billions in assets.

Distributed Validators split duties across nodes to enhance resilience and reduce slashing risks.

Obol’s DVs now secure billions in ETH stake, recently exceeding 700,000 ETH.

Institutional adoption of Ethereum staking infrastructure is accelerating, with 85% of surveyed institutions either testing or actively using Distributed Validators according to Obol’s latest report.

The finding comes from the 2025 Ethereum Institutional Staking Survey, conducted by Obol Collective and released in September 2025. The survey polled more than 75 leading institutions — many overseeing over $1 billion in assets — and underscores DVs as the preferred choice for secure, decentralized staking operations. (Obol Blog)

Distributed Validators represent a key innovation in Ethereum staking: they distribute validator key shares and duties across multiple independent nodes, mitigating risks from hardware failures, geographic centralization, or operational errors that can lead to slashing penalties in traditional setups. Obol pioneered this technology and brought it to mainnet, positioning it as a foundational layer for institutional-grade staking. (Obol.org)

The survey results align with Obol’s ecosystem momentum. As of Q3 2025, validators using Obol’s Distributed Validator technology had surpassed 700,000 ETH in secured stake — equivalent to roughly 1.98% of Ethereum’s total staked supply at the time — demonstrating tangible growth in adoption. (Obol Q3 Ecosystem Report)

Industry observers note that this shift reflects broader maturation in Ethereum’s staking ecosystem, where institutions prioritize uptime, security, and decentralization over simpler solo staking or centralized providers. While the data originates from Obol (an active participant in DV development), it is consistent with increasing institutional inflows into ETH staking products. Risks such as coordination complexity among nodes and evolving protocol changes remain, but the survey suggests strong confidence in the approach.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post 85% of Institutions Testing or Using Distributed Validators, Obol Survey Finds appeared first on Cryptopress.

Solana Mobile palaida SKR tokenu 2026. gada 21. janvārī, kalpojot par nativu utilitātes un pārvaldības aktīvu Seeker viedtālruņa ekosistēmā.

Tokenu cena pieauga par vairāk nekā 300% 48 stundu laikā pēc palaišanas, sasniedzot aptuveni $0.059 pirms iekļūšanas konsolidācijas fāzē.

Aptuveni 2 miljardi SKR tokenu (20% no kopējā piedāvājuma) tika airdropoti vairāk nekā 100,000 Seeker lietotājiem un 188 izstrādātājiem.

Solana Mobile ir oficiāli iekļuvusi savā nākamajā aparatūras-programmatūras integrācijas fāzē ar SKR palaišanu, nativu tokenu otrās paaudzes Seeker viedtālrunim. Pēc tā debijas trešdien, tokenam bija paraboliskas kāpums, kāpjot no sākotnējās saraksta cenas aptuveni $0.006 līdz vairāk nekā $0.050. Kāpums tika veicināts ar kombināciju no tier-1 biržu sarakstiem platformās, piemēram, Coinbase un MEXC, un augstu pieprasījumu pēc tā integrētajām staking atlīdzībām.

Pierre Rochard, a board member at Bitcoin treasury firm Strive, argues that tax policy, rather than technical scaling, is the primary hurdle for Bitcoin payments.

The absence of a de minimis tax exemption for small transactions creates a significant reporting burden for everyday users.

U.S. lawmakers are reportedly considering exemptions for stablecoins while excluding Bitcoin, a move facing pushback from the industry.

The primary challenge to Bitcoin’s adoption as a mainstream payment method lies in unfavorable tax policy rather than technological limitations, according to Pierre Rochard, a board member of Bitcoin treasury company Strive. While scaling solutions like the Lightning Network have matured, the requirement to track and report capital gains on every small purchase remains a deterrent for users.

Speaking on the current state of digital asset payments, Rochard highlighted that the lack of a de minimis tax exemption—which would allow minor transactions to go untaxed—forces Bitcoin holders to calculate the cost basis for every cup of coffee or small retail purchase. “It’s not a scaling problem anymore; it’s a policy problem,” Rochard noted, suggesting that the technical infrastructure is ready for global commerce, but the regulatory friction is not.

The debate comes as U.S. lawmakers contemplate new frameworks for digital assets. Recent reports suggest that some legislators are considering a tax exemption specifically for overcollateralized dollar-pegged stablecoins. This proposal has met with sharp criticism from Bitcoin advocates who argue it creates an unlevel playing field. Marty Bent, co-founder of Truth for the Commoner, described the potential exclusion of Bitcoin from such exemptions as “nonsensical.”

The push for a $300 de minimis threshold has gained some traction in Washington. In July 2025, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced legislation advocating for an exemption on transactions under $300, capped at $5,000 annually. Industry leaders, including Block founder Jack Dorsey, have previously voiced support for such measures, arguing that Bitcoin must become “everyday money” to fulfill its original whitepaper promise.

Without these changes, Bitcoin remains largely relegated to a store of value or “digital gold” role in the eyes of many investors. Critics of the current tax regime argue that treating every satoshi spent as a taxable event effectively kills the utility of the network for micro-payments, regardless of how fast or cheap the underlying scaling technology becomes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin payments hindered by tax policy, not scaling tech, says crypto executive appeared first on Cryptopress.

Grayscale Investments has taken a significant step in broadening access to altcoin assets by filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking BNB, the native cryptocurrency of the BNB Chain ecosystem.

The registration statement (Form S-1) outlines the creation of the Grayscale BNB Trust, which would hold BNB directly and seek to mirror its market price, minus fees and expenses. This structure mirrors Grayscale’s successful spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, providing investors a familiar, regulated vehicle for exposure without managing wallets, private keys, or custody risks associated with direct crypto holdings.

The filing arrives amid a wave of altcoin ETF interest following approvals for Bitcoin and Ether products. It closely trails VanEck’s prior submission for a BNB-focused ETF, indicating growing asset manager competition to offer diversified crypto baskets to institutional and retail investors.

Key implications include potential increased liquidity and mainstream adoption for BNB, which powers transaction fees, staking, and governance on one of the largest smart contract platforms. However, the path to approval remains uncertain, as the SEC has historically applied heightened scrutiny to tokens beyond Bitcoin and Ether due to concerns over market manipulation, custody standards, and classification.

If approved, the ETF would list on Nasdaq, subject to the exchange submitting a 19b-4 rule change proposal for SEC review. This dual process—S-1 for registration and 19b-4 for listing—has become standard for spot crypto ETFs.

Grayscale’s move reflects confidence in evolving regulatory clarity and BNB’s established utility in decentralized applications, though investors should note that no timeline for SEC decision has been provided, and past altcoin proposals have faced delays or modifications.

The post Grayscale Files S-1 With SEC to Launch Spot BNB ETF on Nasdaq appeared first on Cryptopress.

The Ethereum Foundation has established a Post-Quantum (PQ) team led by Thomas Coratger to prioritize network security against quantum threats.

Two $1 million prizes—the Poseidon and Proximity Prizes—aim to advance hash-based cryptography research.

Ongoing devnets, workshops, and a roadmap ensure a seamless transition to quantum-resistant features without downtime or fund loss.

The Ethereum Foundation is intensifying its defenses against emerging quantum computing risks, announcing a new Post-Quantum (PQ) security team and substantial funding commitments.

EF researcher Justin Drake revealed the initiative in an X post, elevating PQ security to a top strategic priority after years of foundational research starting in 2019. The team, headed by Thomas Coratger with Emile from leanVM, focuses on integrating quantum-resistant cryptography into Ethereum’s core.

Today marks an inflection in the Ethereum Foundation's long-term quantum strategy.We've formed a new Post Quantum (PQ) team, led by the brilliant Thomas Coratger (@tcoratger). Joining him is Emile, one of the world-class talents behind leanVM. leanVM is the cryptographic…

— Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) January 23, 2026

Key to the strategy are two major awards: the $1 million Poseidon Prize to fortify the Poseidon hash function and the $1 million Proximity Prize for proximity-related innovations. This emphasizes Ethereum’s reliance on hash-based cryptography for lean, robust quantum defenses.

Progress includes live multi-client PQ consensus devnets supported by teams like Lighthouse and Grandine, with bi-weekly All Core Devs calls on PQ transactions set to begin next month. These will address user-facing security elements such as dedicated precompiles and account abstraction.

The foundation is also organizing expert workshops, including a 3-day event in October and a PQ day on March 29 ahead of EthCC in Cannes, to foster global collaboration. A detailed PQ roadmap will soon launch on pq.ethereum.org, outlining a full transition with zero downtime and no loss of funds.

“It’s now 2026, timelines are accelerating. Time to go full PQ,” stated Justin Drake, highlighting the urgency amid warnings from Vitalik Buterin about potential ECDSA breaks by 2028. (X post by Justin Drake)

This proactive approach contrasts with ongoing debates in the Bitcoin community over quantum timelines. For broader context on quantum-resistant efforts, see projects like Zcash and MANTRA (OM).

Related article from CryptoPress: Quantum-Resistant Cryptocurrencies: The Projects Leading the Charge in 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Inside Ethereum’s Race Against Quantum Computing Risks appeared first on Cryptopress.

In the not-so-distant future, quantum computers could shatter the cryptographic foundations that secure Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most of today’s blockchains. Algorithms like ECDSA, which protect private keys through elliptic curve mathematics, are vulnerable to Shor’s algorithm—a quantum method that could derive private keys from public ones in polynomial time.

While experts estimate a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is still 10–20 years away, the crypto industry isn’t waiting. A growing number of projects are implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—algorithms designed to resist both classical and quantum attacks, often based on NIST-standardized methods like hash-based signatures, lattice-based cryptography, or code-based schemes.

These quantum-resistant currencies aren’t just theoretical; many are live networks with real market caps, transactions, and ecosystems.

Why Quantum Resistance Matters Now

Quantum computers threaten asymmetric cryptography (public/private key pairs) far more than symmetric encryption or hashing. Grover’s algorithm could mildly speed up brute-force attacks on hashes like SHA-256, but the real danger is to signatures: a quantum attacker could steal funds from exposed public keys.

Major chains like Bitcoin and Ethereum will eventually need upgrades—perhaps soft forks or new address formats—but transitioning billions in value is complex. Meanwhile, native quantum-resistant projects and privacy-focused networks offer partial or evolving paths forward.

As of January 2026, here are the main quantum-resistant cryptocurrencies and blockchains leading the space, drawn from expert analyses, market data, and active development.

The Leading Quantum-Resistant Projects

1. Zcash (ZEC)

A standout for its privacy features that provide meaningful quantum resilience today, combined with an active roadmap toward full post-quantum security.

Market position: ~$6B market cap – the largest among privacy-focused coins and a frequent topic in quantum discussions due to recent hype.

How it offers resilience: Shielded transactions (using the Orchard protocol) employ zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) that conceal sender, recipient, and amounts. This hides public keys from the ledger, significantly reducing exposure to Shor’s algorithm compared to transparent chains.

Additional defenses: Built-in “quantum recoverability” mechanisms give users and the network time to upgrade in case of a breakthrough. Its adaptable architecture allows faster integration of new cryptography than slower-consensus chains like Bitcoin.

Limitations: Not fully quantum-resistant yet – underlying elements like ECC for address management remain vulnerable, and historical unshielded transactions could fall to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.

Roadmap: Developers are planning post-quantum signature scheme upgrades, with wallet and protocol enhancements targeted around 2026.

cryptoexchange.com

Zcash shielded transaction flow – illustrating how privacy layers reduce quantum exposure.

https://forum.zcashcommunity.com/t/measuring-shielded-adoption/35022

Chart showing shielded adoption trends in Zcash – privacy usage as a practical quantum mitigation.

2. Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL)

The original dedicated quantum-resistant blockchain, launched in 2018 using the NIST-approved eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme (XMSS).

Why it’s resistant: Stateful hash-based signatures immune to known quantum attacks.

Market cap: ~$218M.

3. Starknet (STRK)

Ethereum ZK-rollup with inherently quantum-resistant STARK proofs.

Market cap: ~$384M.

4. QANplatform (QANX)

Enterprise-focused layer-1 using lattice-based cryptography.

Market cap: ~$29M.

5. Nervos Network (CKB)

Modular design with upgradeable cryptographic primitives.

Market cap: ~$116M.

6. Algorand (ALGO)

Integrated Falcon signatures for post-quantum state proofs.

7. Hedera (HBAR)

Enterprise DLT exploring quantum-safe upgrades.

8. Abelian (ABEL) and Others

Privacy + lattice-based resistance; smaller but innovative projects.

Comparison Table: Key Quantum-Resistant Features

Project Primary PQC/Resistance Method Key Strength Market Cap (approx., Jan 2026) Focus Area Zcash (ZEC) zk-SNARK privacy + planned PQC Shielded tx hide keys ~$6B Privacy & resilience QRL Hash-based (XMSS) Stateful hash signatures ~$218M Pure quantum security Starknet Hash-based (STARKs) Scaling + proof resistance ~$384M Ethereum L2 QANplatform Lattice-based Enterprise smart contracts ~$29M Developer platform Nervos Network Upgradeable primitives Flexibility ~$116M Interoperability Algorand Falcon (NIST-standardized) State proofs Top 30 General-purpose L1 Hedera Research + state proofs Enterprise readiness Large DLT for business

Challenges and Realistic Outlook

Even leaders face hurdles. Privacy coins like Zcash mitigate exposure through shielded pools, but unshielded or historical data remains at risk. Dedicated projects often have larger signatures and slower performance. “Harvest now, decrypt later” attacks underscore urgency across the board.

The threat remains distant—most estimates place scalable quantum breaks post-2035—but preparation varies. Zcash’s privacy gives it a head start, while pure PQC projects like QRL offer stronger guarantees today.

Major ecosystems are responding: Ethereum explores pre-compiles, Bitcoin considers overlays, and NIST standards mature.

Final Thoughts

Quantum-resistant cryptocurrencies are blockchain’s long-term insurance policy. Zcash stands out for blending established privacy with a clear upgrade path, attracting significant market attention. Dedicated pioneers prove full resistance is achievable now, while larger networks integrate gradually.

For beginners: Prioritize understanding the threat, then explore shielded usage in Zcash or native PQC coins on major exchanges.

Stay ahead—subscribe to Cryptopress.site for evergreen education on blockchain fundamentals, emerging risks, and practical strategies.

The post Quantum-Resistant Cryptocurrencies: The Projects Leading the Charge in 2026 appeared first on Cryptopress.

Negaidīta atlikšana: Senāta Banku komiteja atlikusi CLARITY likumprojekta apspriešanu bez jauna datuma pēc pēdējām izmaiņām.

Coinbase atsakās atbalstīt: Apmaiņa iebilst pret noteikumiem, kas aizliedz stabilo monētu atlīdzības un ierobežo SEC elastību.

Uzmanība pārvēršas uz mājokļiem: Komiteja pāriet uz Trampa administrācijas mājokļu prioritātēm, ņemot vērā apstājušās kriptovalūtu sarunas.

Lauksaimniecības komitejas kontrasts: Turpina ar savu versiju, tostarp DeFi aizsardzību, plānojot apspriešanu nākamnedēļ.

Absolūti šķēršļi: Pilna apstiprināšana prasa Demokrātu atbalstu patērētāju aizsardzības un konfliktiem saistītu bažu dēļ.

BlackRock transferred 3,970 BTC (approx. $356.7 million) and 82,813 ETH (approx. $247.1 million) to Coinbase Prime during early trading hours.

The movement coincides with significant net outflows from the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA).

Market analysts suggest the transfers are operational liquidity moves to facilitate ETF redemptions rather than a directional market bet.

Blockchain analytics platforms have flagged large-scale institutional transfers originating from wallets associated with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. During the morning of Jan. 22, 2026, the firm moved a combined $603.8 million in digital assets to Coinbase Prime, the institutional trading and custody arm of the leading U.S. exchange. The transaction included 3,970 BTC and a substantial 82,813 ETH, sparking immediate discussions across trading desks regarding the firm’s current positioning.

The timing of these transfers aligns with a sharp increase in redemptions for spot crypto ETFs. According to recent data from Farside Investors, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) saw daily net outflows of approximately $356.6 million, while the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) recorded nearly $250.3 million in withdrawals. These figures represent some of the largest single-day exits for the funds since late 2025, reflecting a broader risk-off sentiment in global markets driven by macroeconomic uncertainty.

While large exchange deposits are often viewed as a precursor to selling, industry experts view these specific movements as standard treasury management. To meet investor redemption requests, ETF issuers must move the underlying assets to their primary broker or custodian to be liquidated or settled. “The fund structure itself uses in-kind creations and redemptions, a mechanism that supports liquidity and allows for efficient trading even during periods of market volatility,” noted a source familiar with BlackRock’s fixed income and product strategy.

Despite the recent outflows, BlackRock remains a dominant force in the digital asset landscape. Following these transactions, the firm’s total holdings are estimated to exceed 284,000 BTC and over 3.4 million ETH. The current market “red” is viewed by some as a necessary leverage flush, with long liquidations totaling over $760 million in the past 24 hours. As institutional players like BlackRock and Fidelity navigate these flows, the scale of these on-chain movements serves as a reminder of the deep integration between traditional finance and crypto infrastructure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post BlackRock Moves $603 Million in BTC and ETH to Coinbase Prime Amid ETF Redemptions appeared first on Cryptopress.

Midnight Foundation ir parakstījusi galīgo vienošanos ar AlphaTON Capital, lai integrētu savu nulles zināšanu blokķēdi TON ekosistēmā.

Partnerība ļaus saglabāt privātumu aizsargājošiem AI aģentiem Telegramā caur “Cocoon AI,” ļaujot lietotājiem saglabāt finansiālos un personīgos datus konfidenciālus.

Dabiskā NIGHT monē ir kritusies par 5.7% pēdējās 24 stundās līdz $0.058, plašākas atdzišanas perioda laikā privātumam centrētiem aktīviem.

Midnight, privātumam orientētā blokķēde, ko izstrādājuši Input Output un Charles Hoskinson, pārvietojas, lai piesaistītu Telegramas milzīgo lietotāju bāzi, noslēdzot stratēģisko partnerību ar AlphaTON Capital. Šī nedēļā paziņotā vienošanās iezīmē pirmo tirgū iekļauto nulles zināšanu (ZK) blokķēdi ar TON ekosistēmu. Sadarbība mērķē nodrošināt “privātuma slāni” Telegramas topošajai AI infrastruktūrai, īpaši Cocoon AI platformai, kas atvieglo automatizētus uzdevumus, piemēram, iepirkšanos un finansiālo pārvaldību.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has published a new draft of crypto market structure legislation without bipartisan support.The bill expands CFTC oversight and exempts core crypto developers from regulated financial firm status.President Trump hopes to sign crypto legislation ‘very soon,’ according to his Davos speech.The Senate Banking Committee delays its bill to prioritize housing affordability.
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has released a revised draft of the crypto market structure bill, aiming to provide clearer oversight for digital assets amid ongoing regulatory debates.
Led by Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), the draft was unveiled on January 21 despite failing to secure Democratic backing, including from Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The legislation seeks to expand the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) authority over digital commodities, including spot markets, derivatives, and measures to prevent manipulation. According to CoinDesk, frontline crypto developers would not be treated as regulated financial firms under this proposal.
A committee markup is scheduled for January 27, potentially advancing the bill despite partisan divides. Boozman stated, “While differences remain on fundamental policy issues, this bill builds on our bipartisan discussion draft while incorporating input from stakeholders and represents months of work.”
President Donald Trump added momentum during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying, “Congress is working very hard on crypto market structure legislation — Bitcoin (BTC), all of them — which I hope to sign very soon, unlocking new pathways for Americans to reach financial freedom.” This aligns with his push to position the U.S. as the crypto capital of the world.
Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee has postponed its own crypto bill, shifting focus to housing legislation to support Trump’s affordability agenda. This could delay comprehensive rules until late February or March.
BULLISH: President Trump says he is ready to sign the crypto market legislation.This crypto Market structure bill will reduce manipulation and push crypto adoption like never seen before. pic.twitter.com/6RWunJy0Vf
— Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) November 9, 2025
The proposal draws from prior efforts like the House-passed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, aiming to delineate responsibilities between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Assets like Ethereum (ETH) could see clearer classification as commodities or securities.
Industry reactions highlight the bill’s potential to reduce manipulation and boost adoption, though lack of bipartisanship raises risks of further delays or amendments. For additional context, see this verified X post from Ash Crypto.
Related article: Brian Armstrong Champions Crypto Clarity on Cryptopress.site.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
The post Senate Agriculture Committee Unveils Crypto Market Structure Bill Amid Regulatory Push appeared first on Cryptopress.
#MarketRebound #BTC #bitcoin #WEFDavos2026