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According to Foresight News, Ali Yahya, a general partner at a16z crypto, emphasized in a blog post that privacy will be the most crucial competitive advantage in the crypto industry this year. Privacy is essential for advancing global finance towards blockchain technology, yet it is a feature that most current blockchains lack. It not only differentiates between chains but also creates a lock-in effect, especially in a competitive environment where performance is not the sole factor. Transitioning to a private chain carries higher risks, as it may expose user identities and transaction metadata. In contrast, blockchains with privacy features can generate stronger network effects, while ordinary chains lacking ecosystem or application advantages struggle to maintain user loyalty. Yahya also highlighted that the challenge for messaging applications lies in decentralization rather than quantum resistance. Most messaging apps rely on centralized private servers, making them vulnerable to government intervention. Quantum encryption can be ineffective due to the presence of private servers. Therefore, messaging requires decentralized open protocols that allow users to control their messages and identities. Through decentralized networks, users can communicate securely without needing to trust third parties. Furthermore, privacy is set to become core infrastructure with the introduction of 'privacy as a service.' Data is the foundation of automation and models, yet existing data pipelines are often opaque and variable. This poses challenges for industries that need to protect data privacy, such as finance and healthcare. To address this, data access control must be established to ensure that data usage and access are manageable. 'Privacy as a service' can integrate privacy into the fundamental infrastructure of the internet rather than as an afterthought. Lastly, Yahya noted a shift from 'code is law' to 'spec is law.' The security challenges faced by decentralized finance (DeFi) indicate that current security practices need improvement, moving from rule-of-thumb to principle-based management. In both pre-deployment and post-deployment stages, core attributes must be systematically verified, using AI-assisted tools to enhance verification efficiency. Each attack should trigger these security checks to ensure critical security features are executed, making the system more robust.

Binance announced it will list 币安人生 (币安人生) and zkPass (ZKP) on its spot market, with trading set to begin at 14:00 UTC on Jan. 7, 2026. Both tokens will be listed with a Seed Tag, reflecting their early-stage status and higher risk profile.Spot trading pairsThe following spot trading pairs will open at launch:币安人生/USDT币安人生/USDC币安人生/TRYZKP/USDTZKP/USDCZKP/TRYDeposits for 币安人生 and ZKP are already open, while withdrawals will be enabled at 12:30 UTC on Jan. 7, 2026.The listing fee is 0 BNB.TRY is a fiat currency and TRY pairs will be available exclusively on Binance TR.Smart contract details币安人生BNB Smart Chain:0x924fa68a0FC644485b8df8AbfA0A41C2e7744444zkPass (ZKP)Ethereum:0xe1be424f442d0687129128c6c38aace44f8c8dbcBNB Smart Chain:0xd89B7dD376E671c124352267516BEF1C2cc231a3Base:0xc6c1be6c6d828f9cea70f1b8351879510fbf0065Binance also noted that an additional 300 million ZKP tokens will be allocated to future marketing campaigns, with details to be announced separately.Binance Alpha transition detailsPrior to spot listing, 币安人生 and ZKP are available for trading on Binance Alpha Market. Once spot trading begins:Both tokens will no longer be showcased on Binance AlphaTrading volume will no longer count toward Alpha PointsUsers can transfer balances from Alpha Accounts to Spot AccountsBinance will automatically transfer Alpha balances to Spot Accounts within 24 hoursBinance Alpha functions as a pre-listing token discovery pool, and assets are removed once they graduate to spot trading.Trading features availabilitySpot Algo Orders: enabled at listing timeTrading Bots & Spot Copy Trading: enabled within 24 hoursExisting Spot Copy Trading portfolios can include these pairs via Personal Pair Preference settingsAbout 币安人生币安人生 is a memecoin built on BNB Chain, designed as a community-driven token with no stated utility beyond its meme narrative.About zkPass (ZKP)zkPass is a decentralized oracle protocol that enables private internet data to be transformed into verifiable on-chain proofs, leveraging zero-knowledge technologies.Risk disclosure and Seed Tag noticeBinance emphasized that 币安人生 and ZKP are relatively new tokens and may experience high price volatility. As such:Both tokens carry a Seed TagUsers must complete risk awareness quizzes every 90 daysUsers must accept Binance’s Terms of Use before tradingSeed-tagged assets are considered innovative but higher-risk projects, and Binance advises users to conduct independent research (DYOR) and apply appropriate risk management.

According to the announcement from Binance, the platform is launching a Spot Trading Competition with a total prize pool of 12,000,000 WLFI in token vouchers. The promotion period is set from 2026-01-07 11:00 (UTC) to 2026-01-21 11:00 (UTC). Eligible participants include verified regular users and Binance VIP 1 users. Participants can trade a cumulative amount of at least 500 USD equivalent in any of the eligible USD1 pairs on Binance Spot to earn rewards ranging from 12.5 to 75 WLFI in token vouchers, limited to the first 75,000 users. The Trading Volume Tournament offers an additional opportunity to share up to 9,000,000 WLFI. Participants must trade a cumulative amount of at least 1,000 USD equivalent in eligible USD1 pairs during the promotion period. Rewards are calculated based on the user's trading volume relative to the total trading volume of all eligible participants. Rewards for the tournament are capped at 12,500 WLFI per user. Trading volume from zero-fee pairs and transaction fees are excluded from the final calculation. Token vouchers will be distributed by 2026-02-04 and will expire within 21 days after distribution. Binance emphasizes that only verified users who meet the criteria by the end of the promotion period may receive rewards. The competition is available to new, verified regular and VIP 1 users enabled for Binance Spot Trading, subject to regional availability and legal requirements. Rewards are allocated on a randomized basis, with priority given to users with higher trading volumes. Binance reserves the right to disqualify users involved in dishonest behavior or tampering with program code. The campaign's operation is contingent upon the successful listing of the relevant token on Binance Spot, and any changes to the listing may affect the campaign's timeline.

According to BlockBeats, Lloyds Banking Group, the third-largest bank in the UK, has successfully completed the country's first transaction involving the purchase of government bonds using tokenized deposits. This milestone was achieved in collaboration with the crypto trading platform Archax and Canton Network. Surath Sengupta, head of transaction banking products at Lloyds Bank, highlighted that tokenized deposits offer benefits such as instant settlement, automated protocols, and enhanced transparency. Additionally, these deposits continue to earn interest and remain protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

According to PANews, the U.S. cryptocurrency industry is facing a pivotal moment as the Senate Banking Committee has scheduled the review of the Digital Asset Market Transparency Act, also known as the CLARITY Act, for January 15, 2026. The announcement was made by Committee Chairman Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, following a series of intense closed-door meetings in early January. Senator Scott emphasized the committee's commitment to proceed with a formal vote despite any challenges. The Republican leadership views this deadline as strategically essential, aiming to complete legislative work before the critical federal government spending deadline on January 30 to avoid another government shutdown. The committee hopes to advance the bill to the Senate floor for consideration next Thursday, maintaining the current administration's supportive stance on cryptocurrency.

The U.S. dollar traded broadly steady on Tuesday as investors positioned ahead of a series of U.S. labor market and services-sector data releases that could influence expectations for the timing of the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate cut.Markets are focused on several data points due later today, including:December ADP private-sector employment (“small non-farm payrolls”), due at 21:15 Beijing timeNovember JOLTS job openings, due at 23:00 Beijing timeISM services PMI, also scheduled for releaseDespite the busy data calendar, the primary focus for markets this week remains Friday’s U.S. non-farm payrolls (NFP) report, which is widely seen as the most consequential input for near-term monetary policy expectations.Labor data in focus for Fed outlookInvestors are closely watching for signs of further cooling in the U.S. labor market, which could strengthen the case for earlier policy easing by the Federal Reserve.Weaker employment or hiring data could prompt markets to bring forward expectations for rate cuts.Resilient or stronger-than-expected data would likely reinforce the Fed’s cautious stance and delay easing expectations.Rate-cut probabilities remain finely balancedAccording to LSEG data, markets are currently pricing in:Roughly a 50/50 probability of a rate cut in MarchA fully priced-in rate cut not expected until JuneThis reflects ongoing uncertainty around the pace at which inflation is easing and whether labor market conditions are weakening enough to justify earlier action.Dollar holds range as traders await clarityWith expectations finely balanced and no clear catalyst yet, the dollar has remained range-bound, as traders await clearer confirmation from incoming data before making larger directional bets.Until Friday’s non-farm payrolls report provides additional clarity, currency markets are likely to remain data-dependent, with short-term moves driven by surprises in employment, hiring demand, and services activity.

Gold prices continue to trade with bullish momentum intact, supported by geopolitical risks and soft U.S. economic signals, but key events later this week could test the rally, according to analyst Giuseppe Dellamotta.Dellamotta said gold remains underpinned by persistent macro uncertainty, though Friday’s U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report represents a critical inflection point for near-term price direction.Non-Farm Payrolls seen as key test for goldWhile the previous U.S. jobs report raised credibility concerns due to disruptions linked to government shutdown issues, Dellamotta said the upcoming release should provide a clearer snapshot of labor market conditions.Stronger-than-expected NFP data could pressure gold prices, as it would likely delay expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, prompting traders to unwind bullish positions.Weaker-than-expected data, by contrast, would reinforce the case for looser monetary policy and continue to support gold’s upside bias.“Strong data could trigger a meaningful correction, while weak data would keep the upward trend intact,” Dellamotta noted.Trump tariff ruling adds second layer of riskIn addition to the labor data, markets are also watching a potential legal development. The Supreme Court of the United States has designated Friday as an opinion release day, raising the possibility of a ruling on Donald Trump’s global tariff policies.Dellamotta outlined two scenarios:If the tariffs are overturned, reduced stagflation risk could weigh on gold prices as inflation fears ease.If the tariffs remain in place, the decision may not spark sharp volatility but would continue to provide underlying support for gold, given ongoing trade and inflation uncertainties.Outlook: bullish bias with event-driven riskOverall, Dellamotta said gold’s structural bullish trend remains intact, but warned that Friday’s dual catalysts — U.S. labor data and a potential tariff ruling — could drive heightened volatility.Until those risks are resolved, gold is likely to remain sensitive to shifts in rate expectations, inflation outlooks, and geopolitical headlines, with momentum favoring the upside unless materially strong U.S. data changes the policy narrative.

Stablecoins and Ethereum are set to become the most critical pieces of on-chain financial infrastructure in 2026, according to investor Yili Hua, who outlined the framework behind recent portfolio positioning in WLFI and Ether.In a post shared publicly, Hua described 2026 as the first true year of large-scale financial activity moving on-chain, arguing that stablecoins and Ethereum will form the foundational rails for this transition.On-chain finance enters a new phaseHua said the decision by WLFI to swap Bitcoin holdings into Ether reflects the same underlying thesis: that Ethereum is the settlement layer for on-chain finance, while stablecoins are the transactional medium.“Stablecoins and Ethereum are the most important infrastructure,” Hua wrote, adding that portfolio allocation decisions are increasingly driven by this structural view rather than short-term market cycles.Three long-term paths for USD1Hua outlined three potential growth paths for USD1, the stablecoin associated with WLFI, positioning it within the broader evolution of digital payments and financial infrastructure.1. Scale within the global stablecoin marketHua said USD1 could:Surpass $100 billion in supply in the near termExceed $1 trillion in the medium termUltimately capture a meaningful share of a projected $3 trillion global stablecoin market over the long run2. Integration with large Web2 platformsHua argued that USD1 is likely to partner with Web2 companies with hundreds of millions of active users, citing the advantages of stablecoin payments over traditional card networks.In his view, stablecoins offer:Faster settlementLower costsGlobal accessibility without legacy intermediariesSuch integrations could bring billions of users into blockchain-based payment systems.3. Core infrastructure for on-chain financial marketsLooking further ahead, Hua described a future tens-of-trillions-of-dollars on-chain financial market, where USD1 could emerge as a key infrastructure layer.He highlighted WLFI’s perceived strengths in:Brand recognitionRegulatory complianceEnterprise (ToB) servicesExisting user baseThese factors, he said, position USD1 to play a central role in on-chain finance at scale.Allocation rationale: ETH and WLFIHua concluded that this framework explains the strategy behind heavy allocation to ETH and a significant position in WLFI, framing both as infrastructure bets rather than speculative trades.As financial activity increasingly migrates on-chain, he said, assets tied directly to settlement, payments, and compliance-ready infrastructure are likely to benefit disproportionately.

LBank has officially launched its U.S. Stock Futures section, enabling users to trade major U.S. equities and ETFs using USDT, as crypto exchanges continue expanding into traditional financial markets.According to the announcement, the initial rollout includes more than 35 U.S. stock and ETF futures, spanning sectors such as technology, semiconductors, crypto-related equities, and index funds. Supported assets include Apple (AAPL), NVIDIA (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), MicroStrategy (MSTR), as well as ETFs such as Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY).Trading features and leverageThe U.S. Stock Futures section supports leverage of up to 20x, allowing users to gain exposure to U.S. equities without opening cross-border brokerage accounts or conducting foreign currency conversions.LBank said the platform enables 24/7 trading, removing traditional U.S. stock market opening and closing time constraints. Compared with traditional brokers, the exchange highlighted lower trading costs, continuous market access, and simplified participation for global users.Risk management and liquidityThe platform is supported by a multi-layered risk control system, including:Real-time risk monitoringMargin management mechanismsFund segregationLBank also relies on top-tier liquidity providers to support efficient trade execution and reduce slippage during periods of heightened volatility.Trading competition and fee discountsAlongside the product launch, LBank has kicked off a U.S. Stock Futures Trading Competition with a total prize pool of 50,000 USDT.During the event:Trading fees for 30 U.S. stock futures pairs are discounted by 50%Users can earn additional rewards by registering and actively trading futures productsStrategic expansion into TradFi assetsEric He, LBank Community Angel Officer and Risk Control Advisor, said the launch reflects evolving trader demand.“The needs of crypto traders have long transcended the boundaries of a single market,” He said. “The U.S. Stock Futures section allows users to directly capture opportunities in global capital markets on a familiar platform. This is a key step in connecting crypto and traditional finance.”He added that LBank plans to continue expanding into additional traditional financial asset classes, including foreign exchange and precious metals, to further build a comprehensive global trading ecosystem.

Binance has announced an update to how its Proof of Reserves (PoR) data is presented across individual assets, as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and ensuring that all user assets remain fully backed on a 1:1 basis.The exchange emphasized that the update is presentation-focused only and does not affect the safety, availability, or withdrawal functionality of user funds.What is changing in Binance’s Proof of ReservesThe update adjusts the scope of net account balances included in Proof of Reserves calculations to more accurately reflect all account balances on the platform.Previously, PoR net balances did not include certain platform-owned assets, which could result in inflated reserve ratios being displayed. The revised methodology incorporates these balances to provide a clearer and more accurate picture of Binance’s 1:1 backing.Binance said the change is designed to:Avoid confusion around reserve ratiosBetter reflect the economic reality of full backingHelp users more clearly understand what “1:1 fully backed” means in the context of Proof of ReservesWhy the update was madeBinance said Proof of Reserves is a digital-asset-native verification framework and remains a relatively new standard across the industry. The updated presentation reflects feedback from:UsersIndustry partnersExternal expertsThe exchange added that it continues to refine how PoR information is displayed to improve clarity and alignment with best practices.No impact on asset safety or withdrawalsBinance stressed that the update does not change:Custody of user assetsOn-chain verifiabilityWithdrawal availability“All account assets on Binance are always fully backed and can be verified on-chain at any time,” the company said.How users can verify 1:1 backingProof of Reserves is designed to allow independent verification by users. Binance uses a Merkle Tree system, enabling users to cryptographically confirm that their balances are included in the platform’s reserves.Users can access detailed instructions on how to verify their assets through Binance’s Proof of Reserves landing page, including explanations of Merkle Tree mechanics and verification steps.Ongoing commitment to transparencyBinance reiterated its commitment to:Maintaining full 1:1 asset backingImproving transparency standardsContinuously refining PoR disclosuresThe exchange thanked users for their continued trust and said it remains focused on keeping user funds SAFU.

According to ChainCatcher, Ethereum's second BPO hard fork has increased the blob limit to 21, which aims to enhance network scalability and reduce costs. This development is expected to improve the efficiency of the Ethereum network, making it more accessible and cost-effective for users.

According to Binance Market Data, Ethereum (ETH) dropped below 3,200 USDT and is now trading at 3,197.800049 USDT, with 0.79% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Foresight News, Nike has discreetly sold its digital products subsidiary, RTFKT, last month. The specific terms of the sale, including the identity of the buyer, have not been disclosed. RTFKT had previously announced that it would cease its Web3 service operations in January 2025. RTFKT, a digital products company, was acquired by Nike in 2021.

According to Odaily, the U.S. dollar remains stable ahead of the release of employment data, which could provide insights into the timing of the Federal Reserve's next interest rate cut. The ADP employment figures for December and the JOLTs job openings for November are scheduled to be released tonight at 21:15 and 23:00 UTC+8, respectively. Additionally, the ISM services data will be published. However, the primary focus for the market this week is the U.S. non-farm payroll report set for release on Friday. If signs of a weakening labor market become more evident, it may lead the market to anticipate an earlier rate cut. LSEG data indicates that the probability of a rate cut in March is currently balanced, but a rate cut is fully priced in by June.

According to ChainCatcher, monitoring by Lookonchain has identified three addresses suspected to belong to the same whale, which have collectively accumulated 3,000 BTC. The total value of these holdings is estimated at $280 million.

According to the announcement from Binance, the platform has unveiled new offerings in its Yield Arena, providing users with opportunities to earn rewards through various financial products. The latest additions include Simple Earn, ETH Staking, SOL Staking, and Dual Investment, among others. A notable highlight is the Year-End Mega Earn Campaign, where participants can complete tasks, earn Campaign Points, and compete on a leaderboard to share $1 million worth of rewards in DOLO. This campaign is set to run until 2026-01-08 23:59 (UTC).The announcement details several product offerings with varying durations and annual percentage rates (APRs). For instance, flexible products like USDT offer a real-time APR of approximately 1.5% with a 5% bonus tiered APR, while USDC provides a 1% real-time APR with a 4% bonus. Locked products include BABY and NIL, both offering a 29.9% APR over 120 days. ETH Staking and SOL Staking offer dynamic APRs of up to 2.5% and 5.4%, respectively. Dual Investment products for BTC and ETH promise returns of 15% or more, with multiple settlement dates available.Binance emphasizes that these offers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and users can view their assets under the 'Assets > Earn' section. The platform reserves the right to adjust APRs without prior notice. Users have the option to redeem their assets early in Simple Earn Locked Products, although this may affect the distributed interest. Additionally, users holding BNB Flexible or Locked Products positions can automatically receive rewards from ongoing Launchpools and qualify for Megadrop rewards. The announcement also highlights the benefits of subscribing to BNB Simple Earn products, which include receiving airdropped tokens via HODLer Airdrops.

According to PANews, Liquid Capital founder Jack Yi expressed on the X platform that 2026 will mark the beginning of the financial blockchain era, with stablecoins and Ethereum being crucial infrastructures. Yi noted that WLFI recently exchanged BTC for ETH, reflecting similar strategic thinking. He outlined three future paths for WLFI: firstly, USD1 is expected to surpass $10 billion in the short term, $100 billion in the medium term, and capture a trillion-dollar share in the $3 trillion stablecoin market in the long term. Secondly, USD1 plans to collaborate with Web2 companies with millions of active users, leveraging the advantages of stablecoin payments over traditional Visa to bring billions of users into the blockchain and stablecoin ecosystem. Thirdly, in the future multi-trillion-dollar financial blockchain market, USD1 aims to become a key infrastructure by utilizing its brand, compliance, B2B, and user advantages. This strategic reasoning underpins their significant investments in ETH and WLFI.

According to BlockBeats, crypto influencer Wimar.X (@DefiWimar) has suggested that January 10 could become the "worst day of the year" for markets. This prediction is based on the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court may rule U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs illegal, an event currently estimated to have a 78% probability on Polymarket. Such a ruling could lead to a significant downturn in U.S. stocks, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. Wimar.X argues that historical precedents indicate that a ruling of "tariffs illegal" could trigger massive tariff refunds, potentially reaching up to $600 billion. However, these refunds typically require years of litigation, resulting in a delayed cash flow impact. Community members have expressed skepticism about the scale of the potential tariff refunds, suggesting that the anticipated market volatility could present trading opportunities rather than a market collapse. Tom Lee also shared the article, commenting that it might serve as a contrarian indicator.

According to Binance Market Data, BNB dropped below 910 USDT and is now trading at 909.909973 USDT, with 0.31% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Cointelegraph, RAKBank is set to enter the United Arab Emirates' rapidly developing stablecoin ecosystem following in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) on January 7. This approval allows RAKBank to issue a payment token backed by the UAE dirham, contingent upon meeting final regulatory and operational requirements. The bank, already licensed and supervised by the CBUAE, must fulfill these conditions before the stablecoin can be officially launched.RAKBank announced in a press release that the upcoming stablecoin will be fully backed 1:1 by dirhams held in segregated, regulated accounts. It will be governed by audited smart contracts with real-time reserve attestations. This initiative marks a significant step in RAKBank's digital assets strategy, following its 2025 move to enable retail customers to trade cryptocurrencies through a regulated brokerage partner. Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBank, emphasized that the approval from the CBUAE is a crucial milestone in the bank's digital assets journey, highlighting the bank's commitment to responsible, regulated innovation built on trust.The UAE has established a comprehensive digital assets framework, involving the CBUAE, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, and other agencies. These entities have developed regulations for stablecoins, virtual asset service providers, and tokenized financial products. Within this framework, dirham-referenced payment tokens are designed to modernize domestic payments, support digital economy initiatives, and enhance the efficiency of cross-border transactions in a remittance-heavy market.The UAE's stablecoin landscape is expanding beyond crypto-native firms and international issuers. Telecom giant e& (Etisalat) is testing a regulated dirham stablecoin for bill payments under the AE Coin brand. Meanwhile, global companies like Circle and Ripple have obtained approvals in Abu Dhabi for USDC and Ripple USD, respectively, aiming at institutional use cases and regional growth. Ras Al Khaimah, home to RAKBank, is actively positioning itself as a hub for Web3 and digital economy through RAK DAO, which has introduced a DARe framework to provide DAOs with formal legal status and launched a "Builder's Oasis" accelerator supported by a $2 million fund for AI, gaming, and blockchain startups.Despite these developments, several questions remain unanswered. The blockchain infrastructure for the token is yet to be determined, as is its interoperability with existing global stablecoin systems. Additionally, the interaction between UAE federal and free-zone regulations once banks start settling real-world transactions onchain is unclear. Market adoption is another open issue, as regulators and institutions prepare for a tokenized future. Concrete product integrations and pricing incentives will be necessary for corporates and consumers to incorporate dirham stablecoins into everyday treasury, remittance, and payment processes. Cointelegraph reached out to RAKBank for comments but had not received a response by publication time.