Bitcoin and Ether Soar Ahead of FOMC: Wave of Liquidations in the Market
📅 December 9 | United States The crypto market is experiencing a moment of extreme tension: Bitcoin and Ether saw sharp increases just before the anticipated decision by the FOMC, the Federal Reserve's monetary policy committee. What seemed like a moderate reaction turned into a sudden surge that had an immediate consequence: a massive sell-off, especially of short positions, forcing traders to capitulate.
📖According to The Block, the Bitcoin and Ether surge occurred in the hours leading up to the FOMC meeting, where a crucial decision was expected that could influence both liquidity and the risk assessment of global assets. Cryptocurrencies reacted rapidly, immediately triggering liquidations of leveraged positions. The most intense reaction was seen in short positions, which were swept away by the rapid price increase. What's unusual is that there was no specific news event that triggered the movement. The action was purely driven by expectations, speculation, and derivative flows. With traders anticipating a potentially more dovish stance from the Fed, the market exhibited premature tightening behavior, pushing both BTC and ETH to levels that caused forced contract closures. Following the price jump came a cascade of liquidations: a huge volume of fragile positions still exist, operating with excessive leverage. The liquidation data, while not broken down into figures, reflects a dynamic we've seen repeatedly: a price surge triggers a chain reaction where leveraged accounts automatically collapse. The news also involves a significant psychological factor. When traders observe liquidations, many interpret the signal as trend confirmation, further increasing market pressure. In other words, a technical reaction triggers an emotional one. All of this is happening with the shadow of the FOMC looming over the markets, an event that, according to analysts, could determine the tone of December and mark the end of the crypto year.
Topic Opinion: There was no real data, no announcement, no foundation: only expectations. And yet, the movements were so violent that they wiped out leveraged positions. In the days leading up to FOMC decisions, trading with leverage can be financial suicide. Volatility is inevitable, and liquidity can act as a double-edged sword. 💬 Do you think the Fed has more influence on crypto than on other markets?
Senator Gillibrand Pushes for Crypto Bill to Move Forward: “Nothing’s Holding It Back Now”
📅 December 9 | United States After months of political tensions, regulatory debates, and a constantly evolving crypto industry, a phrase uttered in the U.S. Senate ignited everything: “There’s nothing holding this bill back.” The statement came from Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the most influential figures in the discussion on crypto regulation in Washington.
📖According to The Block, Kirsten Gillibrand stated that there is nothing preventing the crypto regulation bill from moving forward in the Senate, despite the polarized climate. The senator has positioned herself as a central voice in the debate, seeking a balance between consumer protection, legal clarity, and economic innovation. Most significant of her stance is that she doesn't speak conditionally or speculate; she affirms that the bill is ready to proceed, with incremental support and no procedural hurdles. For months, critics had questioned whether the bill would achieve bipartisan consensus, especially in a politically sensitive year. However, Kirsten Gillibrand's statement demonstrates that the barriers are no longer structural, but merely temporary. In other words, the debate no longer revolves around whether the law should move forward, but when it will. The bill has been developed in conjunction with Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, solidifying a collaboration that has been compared to historic initiatives where political rivals aligned themselves to create lasting regulatory precedents. This coordinated effort is part of the reason why Kirsten Gillibrand is so confident. Kirsten Gillibrand suggested that the next step is to maintain dialogue with regulatory agencies and continue the legislative process, which, according to her, is in a stronger position than any previous initiative. And this prior stability is what is providing reassurance to financial players, both traditional and within the blockchain ecosystem. From the outside, it may seem like just a phrase. But, in an environment where every word carries weight, “there’s nothing holding this bill back” is the strongest signal the crypto industry has received since discussions on federal regulation began.
Topic Opinion: This means we are no longer in a theoretical debate; we are facing crypto regulation that could become law. At an institutional level, this unlocks many pieces that were waiting for clarity: banks, custodians, infrastructure providers, funds, and startups. Balanced regulation not only protects, it also provides legitimacy. 💬 Do you think this law will arrive sooner than expected?
PNC Bank Enters Bitcoin: Alliance with Coinbase for Millionaires
📅 December 9 | United States The corporate banking world has just taken a historic leap: PNC, one of the largest banks in the United States, is preparing an infrastructure to allow its high-net-worth clients to invest directly in Bitcoin, using Coinbase technology as a conduit.
📖According to The Block, PNC is taking concrete steps to open access to Bitcoin through Coinbase, not through a simple integration, but through shared technical infrastructure. This means the bank will not act as an exchange, but will instead use Coinbase's institutional custody and execution for buying, selling, and storing BTC. The objective is clear: to serve its high-net-worth clients, those who already control large financial portfolios and seek exposure to Bitcoin, but with regulated, secure, and banked backing. For these individuals, operating on a retail exchange was never a viable option; they needed an institutional bridge. That bridge is now being built. The Block confirms that this alliance is not in a speculative phase, but rather a technical one: there have been discussions, systems integration, and preparations to officially offer the service. All of this is happening in a context where Coinbase has become the "backbone" of institutional crypto infrastructure in the United States, from ETFs to OTC services. PNC's decision does not come in a vacuum. This comes after a year in which global banks have quietly expanded their exposure to crypto, but few have done so publicly. What's surprising is that PNC, with over $550 billion in assets under management, is going straight to the most controversial asset, without beating around the bush, without diluting the narrative: Bitcoin as a store of value. This move is also significant because PNC has clients who see Bitcoin not as a speculative tool, but as a strategic asset for long-term wealth preservation. The fact that the infrastructure relies on Coinbase allows custody and execution to adhere to institutional standards. The news doesn't mention final launch dates or service limits because the process is still in a non-public stage. But what is clear is that the bank cannot turn back: a traditional institution has crossed the threshold into Bitcoin, and it has done so on Coinbase's side.
Topic Opinion: PNC isn't entering Bitcoin because it's trendy; it's doing so because of real demand. High-net-worth individuals seek diversification, preservation, and exposure to the most stable asset in the crypto ecosystem. Coinbase, for its part, confirms its role as a regulated infrastructure provider. If this model works, we'll see a wave of banks replicating it. 💬 Do you think other banks will follow suit?
Circle and Aleo Test a “Private” USDC That Could Change Everything
📅 December 9 | United States For years, Web 3 has been caught between two extremes: the total transparency of the blockchain and the real need for privacy for users and businesses. Now Circle, the company behind USDC, is experimenting with something that could break that historical barrier. In collaboration with Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain, Circle is testing a wrapped version of USDC—wrapped USDC (wUSDC)—that integrates Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology.
📖While projects like Monero and Tornado Cash opted for total invisibility—attracting regulatory problems—USDC was completely transparent, perhaps too much so, revealing movements that, for certain stakeholders, were sensitive. Circle and Aleo are now seeking a middle ground. According to The Block, the wrapped USDC pilot takes place within Aleo, where transactions can be verified without showing their public details. The key lies in zero-knowledge proofs, which allow for validating transactions without exposing amounts, addresses, or business relationships. Most impressively, this wUSDC remains 1:1 backed by USDC; it doesn't become a new currency nor is it decoupled from the real reserve. It simply adds a cryptographic layer of privacy. This means that the system maintains traceability but doesn't expose sensitive information to anyone who checks a blockchain explorer. The test is not just a technological challenge. It also comes at a time when financial institutions, global companies, and regulatory bodies are discussing digital privacy as both a right and a necessity. If this architecture proves functional, it would open the door for banks, companies, and organizations to use stablecoins without compromising strategic information. None of this would be possible if total transparency remained the norm. That's why this pilot could mark the birth of a Stablecoin 2.0: a digital currency with responsible privacy, regulated auditability, and real utility for the financial world.
Topic Opinion: Mass adoption won't happen if everyone's financial activity is public. But neither can there be absolute anonymity that leaves regulators without tools. What Circle is testing is precisely that middle ground the industry needed. If this project succeeds, it could forever change how institutions, companies, and individuals use stablecoins. 💬 Would you use a USDC with audited privacy?
Hyperliquid: Creates a “Crypto Treasury” and Announces HYPE Token Buyback
📅 December 8 | United States – Global The decentralized exchange Hyperliquid has just taken a step that very few Web3 platforms would dare: it announced the creation of a tokenized treasury and the start of a HYPE token buyback program, similar to stock buybacks on Wall Street. What traditional companies use to bolster price, stability, and credibility… is now coming to the crypto universe.
📖According to The Block, the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid announced the formation of a token treasury, a type of controlled reserve that will store capital generated by the protocol, along with the decision to use part of those funds to repurchase HYPE tokens on the market. HYPE is the native token of the Hyperliquid ecosystem, used for governance, incentives, and strategic participation. The buyback model is not new in traditional finance. On Wall Street, giants like Apple, Exxon, and Microsoft use buybacks to maintain asset prices, convey confidence, and reduce circulating liquidity. Now, Hyperliquid is bringing that model to Web3. 🔑 Key data revealed by The Block: The protocol's treasury will receive revenue generated by DEX transactions.Part of that capital will be allocated to periodic HYPE buybacks.This makes HYPE one of the first tokens with a policy similar to a corporate buyback. What does this mean economically? 1. Reduction in circulating tokens This could generate greater upward pressure in the long term. 2. Incentive symmetry The protocol and token holders now share an aligned motivation: for the ecosystem to grow. 3. New standard for DeFi If Hyperliquid is successful, other decentralized exchanges could adopt similar policies, marking a new era of governance. The announcement comes just as competition among DEXs explodes and liquidity migrates to more efficient platforms. Hyperliquid is not only competing on volume, but now also on economic structure.
Topic Opinion: We are witnessing the real hybridization of traditional finance with Web3. If Hyperliquid manages to sustain revenue and execute consistent repurchases, HYPE will enter a completely different league. But here's a caveat: repurchases without good internal management can end up being nothing but smoke and mirrors. The key is transparency and auditing. 💬 Could this boost HYPE's price in the long run?
Circle and Bybit: Boosting USDC Outside the Coinbase Ecosystem
📅 December 8 | Singapore – United States The stablecoin USDC, created by Circle and widely associated with Coinbase, is taking an unexpected and strategic turn. According to The Block, Circle has just formed an alliance with Bybit, one of the world's largest exchanges, to boost the global adoption of USDC outside the Coinbase ecosystem.
📖According to The Block, Circle announced a new initiative with Bybit aimed at increasing transaction volume and native USDC usage in the global crypto ecosystem. Why Bybit? Because it's an exchange with a massive presence outside the United States, a multi-million user base, and strong volume in emerging markets. Throughout 2023 and 2024, USDC grew within Coinbase, but its expansion outside that ecosystem was more limited, while competitors like USDT (Tether) dominated the international market. To put it in real numbers: USDC has a market capitalization of over $30 billion.USDT exceeds $110 billion and is a leader, especially in Asia and the Middle East. The strategy with Bybit seeks to address this gap. Bybit will enable USDC-denominated trading pairs, liquidity incentives, and greater integration into its infrastructure. Interestingly, Circle presents this as an expansion of the “USDC universe beyond the Coinbase bridge,” separating the currency from dependence on a single ecosystem—a step analysts considered inevitable for global competition. In addition, Circle is targeting international remittances, Web3 e-commerce, and global payments, where fast 1:1 conversion with the dollar is key. In diplomatic terms, Circle and Coinbase remain allies, but the announcement reveals an uncomfortable truth: USDC needs international independence to survive USDT's brutal dominance.
Topic Opinion: USDC's biggest step since its inception. If it truly wants to compete with Tether, it can't rely on Coinbase forever. Breaking free and fully entering global exchanges is exactly what needed to happen. This alliance with Bybit demonstrates that the battle for stablecoin hegemony is far from over. USDC could become the crypto banking standard if it manages to gain a strong foothold in Asia and Latin America. 💬 Will Bybit be the bridge it needs to conquer Asia?
BlackRock: Makes a Move to Launch Ethereum ETF with Staking
📅 December 8 | United States BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has just taken a monumental step: it filed a new application with the SEC to add an Ethereum ETF with staking. We're talking about allowing institutional investors to gain exposure to ETH and also generate staking rewards, all within a regulated and completely legal vehicle.
📖According to The Block, BlackRock filed a new document with the SEC to modify the structure of its Ethereum ETF, aiming to allow staking within the fund. This ETF already exists: it's the iShares Ethereum Trust, launched and approved months ago after years of regulatory resistance. Now, the ambition is taking a step further. BlackRock wants the fund not only to replicate the price of ETH, but also to actively participate in the network by validating transactions, generating passive income. Who would manage this staking? According to the document, the fund would use external staking providers, but the structure is still under review. The key point is that BlackRock wants to be on the productive side of the Ethereum ecosystem. This is historic because: Ethereum generates between 3% and 6% annually through staking (based on current network rates).This is the first time the world's largest asset manager has sought to formalize this activity via ETFs.It paves the way for other ETFs to integrate staking, creating a regulatory race among financial giants. Furthermore, this request comes at a time when crypto ETFs have surpassed $100 billion in global flows and have become a direct bridge between Wall Street and Web3.
Topic Opinion: If BlackRock manages to incorporate staking into an ETF, we are witnessing the institutionalization of Web3 passive income. I believe the SEC will have reservations, but the current regulatory transition points toward approval. If that happens, the crypto market will not only rise in price, it will become productive and efficient. 💬 Do you see Ethereum attracting massive institutional capital by 2026?
SEC closes bombshell investigation against Ondo Finance… without charges
📅 December 8 | United States The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to close the investigation initiated during the Biden era against Ondo Finance without filing charges. After months of uncertainty, documents, meetings, and speculation, the resolution came as a calming ray of light amidst the regulatory storm gripping the blockchain industry.
📖The investigation against Ondo Finance was emblematic of the mistrust that characterized the period from 2021 to 2024. At that time, much of the crypto industry felt stifled by an aggressive regulatory regime. Ondo, a firm focused on tokenizing traditional assets, became one of the targeted entities, subjected to intense scrutiny. According to The Block, the case originated in April 2023, when the SEC began investigating whether Ondo was offering unregistered financial instruments. Its flagship product—OND, a token linked to US Treasury assets—grew rapidly, exceeding expectations and attracting significant institutional volumes. This success raised suspicions. Throughout 2024, the scrutiny intensified. Data, financial reports, client lists, and the company's complete legal structure were requested. Ondo's lawyers responded individually, arguing that the company complied with regulatory standards. No transactions were blocked, no accounts were frozen, and no operational shutdowns were ordered. Ondo continued operating. The decisive factor came after the presidential transition. With the new regulatory environment, priorities for clarity and support for innovation took center stage. At the end of 2025, the case finally came to a close. The SEC decided to close the investigation without filing charges. There was no sanction. No fine. Ondo not only retains its untarnished reputation, but also strengthens it.
Topic Opinion: The SEC closing an investigation without charges doesn't mean "anything goes," but quite the opposite: it means that doing things right, with regulatory compliance, works. 💬 Do you think this decision will change the regulatory narrative in 2026?
Did Crypto Destroy the Middleman? No! It Transformed It into Something More Powerful and Silent
📅 December 7 | New York, USA For over a decade, it was repeated as an indisputable prophecy: crypto will eliminate the middleman. No more banks, no more custodians, no more legacy systems controlling the flow of money.
📖Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer system, Ethereum as a platform without institutions. However, the sector's real growth demonstrated that, while the ideology was noble, the market needed coordinating functions that no mass user can handle alone. That's where the reinvented intermediary comes in. But be aware: it's not the opaque and bureaucratic banking intermediary of the traditional system. It's one based on code, auditable, modular, and replaceable. It identifies several roles where intermediation emerged organically: Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) → function as brokers, managing liquidity and access.DeFi Protocols → acted as “automated markets,” not as banks.Staking providers → coordinated security and validation without having absolute authority.Institutional custodians → solved a practical problem: “not everyone can self-manage private assets.”L2 infrastructure and RaaS → provide coordination without becoming the dominant players in the ecosystem. In other words, services weren't eliminated; the way they are delivered was rewritten. The fundamental change isn't philosophical, but structural. Web3 intermediaries have characteristics that never existed in the traditional financial world: They are transparent (on-chain).They are replaceable (you can migrate at low cost).They are auditable (the code is public).They are incentive-aligned (they don't depend on arbitrary fees). Crypto wasn't about destruction; it was about decentralization. The journey is far from complete, but the change is already irreversible.
Topic Opinion: The promise of eliminating intermediaries was naive, because every ecosystem at scale needs coordination. But what we did achieve—was redefining who has power, how they behave, and under what incentives they operate. 💬 Are protocols better “intermediaries” than banks?
Bitcoin suffers a brutal drop… but is it preparing for an explosive rebound in December?
📅 December 7 | Oslo, Norway After a month filled with turbulence, forced selling, derivatives liquidations, and extreme fear, Bitcoin seems to be at its lowest point… or perhaps, on the cusp of its most explosive rise.
📖Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin suffered what many called a “technical collapse”. The market lost key support levels, futures experienced massive sell-offs, and sentiment turned pessimistic. According to K33 Research, this drop is not a sign of final exhaustion, but rather a “healthy event after speculative excesses.” Analysts highlight three critical points: 1) Derivatives positioning already purged. The market was overleveraged. The correction eliminated weak positions and reduced systemic risk. 2) On-chain signals point to accumulation. Large wallets did not sell; on the contrary, they accumulated, which only happens when they expect subsequent upward movements. 3) Institutional flow stabilized. Institutional funds and trading desks did not withdraw liquidity; they are simply waiting for the catalyst. Remember that historically, Bitcoin tends to behave explosively after deep corrections. This pattern has repeated itself in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024. Now, both technical metrics and sentiment indicators suggest that the market could be preparing for a year-end rally.
Topic Opinion: What K33 points out isn't a promise; it's a diagnosis based on on-chain data and the derivative's behavior. I believe December could become a golden window for those who understand the cyclical nature of the market, not for those who trade out of fear. 💬 Do you expect a rebound before the end of the year?
📅 December 6 | United States For over a decade they remained untouched, like relics of Bitcoin's origins. Two Casascius coins, loaded with 2,000 BTC in total, have just moved after 13 years of complete inactivity. These physical tokens, sealed in 2012 and designed to store Bitcoin, were considered forgotten museum pieces… until now.
📖To understand the magnitude of this movement, it's important to remember what Casascius coins are. These are physical coins created between 2011 and 2013 by Mike Caldwell, containing an internal hologram that holds a private key. Each coin represented a specific amount of real Bitcoin. Back then, they were considered geeky souvenirs, but over time they became million-dollar financial fossils. What's extraordinary is that these coins had never been spent, making them time capsules of Bitcoin's early days. According to CoinDesk, the transactions occurred almost simultaneously: 1,000 BTC moved from the address linked to one Casascius coin.1,000 BTC moved from the second.13 years without any prior movement. The current value exceeds $150 million, but when these units were manufactured in 2012, Bitcoin was trading between $5 and $13. In other words, these coins were minted with an initial value of less than $26,000, and today they represent a figure 6,000 times greater. It is important to note that the original Casascius coins can no longer be produced due to US regulations. Therefore, each unit is considered an extremely rare collector's item.
Topic Opinion: This does not represent a threat, but rather a demonstration of the technological durability of the protocol. If we learn anything today, it is that understanding Bitcoin goes beyond price; it is a lesson in sovereignty, patience, and long-term vision. 💬 If you had a Casascius coin, would you move it or keep it?
Europe breaks the mold: the euro stablecoin booms after MiCA and sparks a regulatory war
📅 December 6 | Brussels, Belgium For years, the crypto market was dollar territory: USDT and USDC dominated virtually 99% of global transactions. But something changed radically in Europe. With the arrival of the MiCA regulatory framework, the ecosystem transformed into a safe haven for building, investing, and moving liquidity.
📖In the second quarter of 2024, the regulatory framework MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) officially came into effect. While many anticipated a stifling of innovation, the opposite occurred. Banks, fintechs, and infrastructure providers found legal clarity, a fertile ground to operate without fear of sanctions or ambiguous interpretations. The result was immediate: institutional demand for euro-denominated digital instruments. Throughout 2025, the circulating volume of euro-linked stablecoins grew steadily, ending the year with more than double the market capitalization of 2024. According to DECTA, three factors were the key drivers: 1. Clear rules for issuance, custody, and auditing. 2. Certified traceability, attractive to banks and corporations. 3. An environment where cross-border transfers are more efficient than with traditional SWIFT. Data shows adoption not only at the retail level but also at the institutional level. European banks and B2B fintechs began issuing and integrating euro-backed tokens. Multinational companies started moving internal payments and regional settlements using regulated stablecoins. And something else happened: financial experts noted that capital fleeing the dollar due to US regulatory uncertainty found refuge in Europe. Meanwhile, in the US, tokenized infrastructure projects became mired in political debates and legal threats. The contrast is stark: where there is disorder, there is fear; where there are rules, there is liquidity. Some analysts even suggest that the tokenized euro could become the most efficient global B2B payments infrastructure in the coming years, surpassing the traditional SWIFT system and opening the door to programmable international payments.
Topic Opinion: The tokenized euro will be one of the financial pillars of the next decade, and it is everyone's responsibility—users, developers, investors—to build upon this foundation with education, responsibility, and transparency. Not to compete with the dollar, but to change the way we move value globally. 💬 Do you think the US will react or fall behind?
US Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Prison Sentence for Do Kwon in $40 Billion Collapse: Final Phase
📅 December 5 | New York – Washington D.C. One of the most traumatic moments in the crypto world is nearing its legal conclusion. US federal prosecutors have just requested a 12-year prison sentence for Do Kwon, the founder of Terraform Labs, accused of playing a central role in the collapse of more than $40 billion of the Terra ecosystem.
📖According to The Block, the prosecution argues that Do Kwon not only acted negligently, but also participated in the deliberate manipulation of information regarding the stability of UST, the algorithm that supposedly guaranteed its peg to the dollar. This false stability generated a bubble of mass adoption that ultimately burst catastrophically, dragging down the entire market. The prosecution maintains that there was systematic deception, concealment of risks, and violation of financial laws, and that the consequences were global in scale. The request for a 12-year sentence is considered “proportional” given the magnitude of the damage. Some observers expected between 15 and 20 years, others thought less than 10. But for the prosecution, 12 years is sufficient: crypto fraud will not go unpunished. Most interestingly, the court document itself mentions the psychological impact of the crisis, noting that thousands of families lost life savings, pensions, and assets with the collapse of UST and LUNA. Another key dimension of the case is the legal precedent. This trial could become the basis for future convictions in the crypto sector, especially regarding experimental algorithms presented as “safe.” When UST lost its parity, the market spiraled into a brutal cycle of liquidations, margin calls, and massive sell-offs. The effect was so great that even institutional funds suffered. That is why prosecutors argue that this was not an accident, but negligence amplified by conscious decisions. While the process is not yet over and the sentence is not yet final, the fact that the prosecution has formally filed the request marks a point of no return. Do Kwon will spend many years under legal scrutiny, either in prison or appealing.
Topic Opinion: The crypto market cannot be built on technical lies disguised as innovation. I believe the industry needs more technical integrity, more transparency, and fewer seductive, unsubstantiated narratives. 💬 Do you think 12 years is enough to compensate for the damage done?
Crypto Bill Still Stalled: Lawyer Reveals 3 Blocking Issues in the US
📅 December 5 | Washington D.C. The US crypto ecosystem seemed poised for a decisive leap forward with the passage of the long-awaited Crypto Market Structure Bill, but a surprising revelation has just dampened optimism. According to a detailed analysis by a lawyer involved in the process, there are three key issues that continue to delay the legislation, and these obstacles are significant: they affect jurisdiction, oversight, and consumer protection.
📖According to The Block, the legal expert did not reveal his identity due to confidentiality, but he did clearly outline the three issues that are keeping the bill stalled. The first is the regulatory definition of certain assets, because there is still no consensus on what should be treated as a commodity and what as a security. This seemingly technical debate determines which federal agency will have control and under what rules. The second obstacle is the scope of oversight for trading platforms, as lawmakers have yet to agree on whether the CFTC will have full or partial authority over certain markets. The third is the consumer protection structure, a sensitive issue because it involves legal responsibilities, insurance, audits, and compensation mechanisms in the event of failures or fraud. The greatest irony is that the market had assumed this project was nearing completion. Now, with these three conceptual knots unresolved, approval could be delayed for months. The lack of regulatory clarity directly affects blockchain companies, exchanges, liquidity providers, and developers who have been waiting for a solid legal framework for years. Without clear rules, technology ventures migrate to more favorable jurisdictions. The delay, therefore, is not only a legal problem, but also an economic one. The most important point to highlight here is that the expert doesn't paint a catastrophic picture: he simply explains that the negotiations behind the project are complex but progressing. However, the public needs to understand that regulation isn't stalled on a whim, but rather due to a lack of consensus on structural decisions. And that difference in perspectives can change everything.
Topic Opinion: The United States urgently needs regulatory clarity if it intends to lead the next stage of crypto adoption. Every time a project is delayed, use cases migrate to other jurisdictions. I also believe that institutional debate is healthy; rushed laws do more harm than no laws at all. The important thing is that this process reaches a technical and legal consensus, and doesn't turn into a war between agencies. 💬 Do you think the US will lose its technological leadership if it continues to delay these laws?
Hacker linked to $243 million theft arrested: ZachXBT investigation uncovers British plot
📅 December 5 | United Kingdom – United States Renowned on-chain researcher ZachXBT, famous for uncovering crypto fraud schemes, announced the arrest of the alleged British threat actor involved in the theft of $243 million from Genesis creditors.
📖For months, the hack remained a dark mystery: stolen funds, wallets moved with surgical precision, mixers, and obfuscation techniques worthy of a movie. However, ZachXBT meticulously tracked the transactions, connected addresses, cross-referenced data, and found direct links to the British actor, generating a report that became a key piece of evidence for authorities. According to The Block, sources close to the police operation indicate that an arrest is “highly likely,” and independent sources confirmed legal developments that coincide with the progress of the investigation. It wasn't by chance: it was pure on-chain expertise. This case has a key point: the stolen funds belonged to creditors of the failed lender Genesis, which meant not only a technical loss but real financial devastation for many victims. When users saw $243 million disappear, the psychological and economic damage was profound. Now, with this breakthrough, a glimmer of justice appears that many thought impossible. What was most impressive was the methodology. ZachXBT didn't act as a private investigator, but as a digital analyst guided by public data. His investigation exposed movements between wallets, time patterns, related IP addresses, and connections to other illicit operations. When the community thought the trail was lost, he published evidence that put pressure on the authorities. And now, if the arrest is confirmed, it would be proof that collaboration between independent investigators and legal systems can bring down even sophisticated hackers.
Topic Opinion: When experts like ZachXBT use open data with technical criteria, they help clean up the industry. This potential arrest not only brings justice but also reaffirms that the crypto ecosystem can self-regulate and support governance when it acts rigorously. 💬 Do you think this arrest will deter future hackers?
Crypto Network Falls: International Authorities Dismantle Scheme That Laundered Over $815 Million
📅 December 5 | Europe and Asia What just happened is a direct blow to the heart of global digital fraud. A coordinated international operation has dismantled a criminal network that laundered over $815 million using cryptocurrencies, fake corporate structures, and cross-border manipulation systems. Authorities were able to track the organization's activity for months, uncovering a sophisticated network that affected thousands of victims.
📖According to The Block, the fraud was carried out by an international group operating from Europe and Asia, moving illicit funds through wallets, offshore bank accounts, and money mules. Each transaction was designed to appear legitimate. The most disturbing thing was discovering that this structure was directly connected to fraudulent call centers dedicated to deceiving individuals with fake investments. The level of detail was so precise that they avoided AML and KYC controls for months, demonstrating a more advanced technical and organizational capability than many expected. What began as an isolated investigation ended up being a transnational operation with multiple arrests, the seizure of digital and banking assets, and a direct blow to a structure that had already established permanent money laundering channels. The authorities acted with surgical precision, demonstrating that international cooperation is now an essential element in the fight against crypto crime. The precedent here is enormous: law enforcement not only tracked digital movements but also connected the network to human operations centers, something few thought possible on this scale. In terms of industry impact, exchanges will need to strengthen their surveillance systems, regulators will have more grounds to introduce new measures, and the public will perceive that the ecosystem can be effectively monitored. Paradoxically, the takedown of this dirty network doesn't destroy the ecosystem's reputation: it strengthens it.
Topic Opinion: The existence of criminal networks is no surprise, but the fact that they have been dismantled on this scale shows that the industry and authorities can cooperate effectively. 💬 Do you think this type of operation will improve trust in the crypto ecosystem?
Kalshi: exclusive agreement with CNBC triggers the boom in predictive markets
📅 December 4 | New York The movement that could redefine how economics and politics are reported has just happened. Kalshi, the regulated “prediction markets” platform where you legally bet on real events, closed an exclusive agreement with CNBC. This alliance makes Kalshi an official provider of probabilistic data and brings an information model based on probabilities and real money to television.
📖Over the past few months, Kalshi had gained ground after obtaining regulatory approval and capturing growing volumes, especially linked to macro and electoral events. But it had never achieved a window to the traditional public. Now, thanks to CNBC, millions of households will have access to percentages and probabilities about inflation, Fed decisions, wars, elections and legislative changes. The interesting thing is that CNBC will not only use the data: it will integrate it into television segments, in digital analyzes and in economic narratives. This occurs just when traditional media does not know how to compete with social networks, sports betting and quantitative content. Kalshi brings a cold, hard fact, with money behind it, and CNBC turns it into a massive conversation. In practice, Kalshi becomes the first probabilistic source legitimized by an institutional means. The magnitude of the agreement sets a precedent. With CNBC taking this data, the incentive for other platforms, media or even banks to act similarly is immense. What once seemed like a parallel industry is now presented as an official economic indicator. And, although there are no public figures yet on future volume, Kalshi could skyrocket its user numbers at rates never seen before, driven by television visibility and the 2026 electoral narrative.
Topic Opinion: For a long time, economic narratives were based on opinions and surveys. Today, probabilistic data is integrated where real money is at stake, something much more honest and reliable. I see this step as the definitive institutionalization of predictive markets. 💬 Do you think predictive markets will replace traditional surveys?
Peter Schiff: “Bitcoin cannot compete against tokenized gold”
📅 December 4 | United States The eternal battle between Bitcoin and gold just received an explosive new chapter. Economist and ultra-critic of Bitcoin, Peter Schiff, reignited the debate by ensuring that BTC “cannot rival” tokenized gold, arguing that assets backed by physical metal are superior to any “unbacked” cryptocurrency.
📖According to The Block, Peter Schiff made a provocative statement: “Bitcoin has nothing behind it. Tokenized gold does. And when investors understand that, they will know that there is no comparison”. This phrase triggered a wave of responses, including direct participation from CZ, who refuted that BTC does not need physical support to function as a store of value. Peter Schiff's central point is that gold-backed tokens digitally represent something tangible and finite, while Bitcoin, according to him, depends exclusively on market trust and speculation. For Peter Schiff, tokenized gold combines the best of two worlds: The royal backing of the precious metal. The efficiency of Blockchain to transfer it without friction. This argument is not new, but it is reappearing strongly now because the tokenized gold market is growing, driving products that allow users to own fractions of physically stored bullion. In contrast, CZ questioned Peter Schiff's reasoning by stating that Bitcoin is scarcer, more verifiable and more resistant to confiscation than any token connected to a metal held in a warehouse. He also added that if physical gold in vaults is subject to regulators, custodians and audits, it cannot compete with the decentralized sovereignty of BTC. The discussion gained traction because it occurs at a time where the real asset (RWA) tokenization ecosystem is experiencing its largest historical expansion. Companies like Backed and traditional financial institutions are exploring gold, bonds, commodities and financial products.
Topic Opinion: This discussion is not about technology or custody: it is about monetary philosophy. Peter Schiff speaks from the classical view: value arises from the physical. Bitcoin speaks from the modern view: value arises from what is verifiable and decentralized. I believe that both can coexist as alternative reserves in a multipolar financial system. But if anyone is going to lead global adoption, it won't be tokenized gold: it will be an asset whose liquidity, portability, and resistance to censorship are superior. That asset is Bitcoin. 💬 Are you on the side of gold or on the side of Bitcoin?
“The new golden era”: CFTC announces that regulated crypto spot trading has arrived
📅 December 4 | Washington D.C., United States The phrase was not said by an analyst, nor by an enthusiastic investor, nor by an exaggerated crypto CEO. It was delivered by one of the most influential regulatory figures in the United States: Christy Goldsmith Romero Pham, Commissioner of the CFTC. During an event, he officially declared that “regulated crypto spot trading has arrived”, marking a before and after in the history of the sector.
📖According to The Block, Christy Goldsmith Romero Pham presented an idea that resonated like a silent earthquake: the United States has made enough progress in supervision, licensing and market structures to affirm that crypto spot trading under a regulated framework is no longer a future concept, but a working reality. According to the commissioner, this milestone did not fall from the sky. It was the result of three pillars that were strengthened from 2023 to 2025: 1. Highly supervised spot products, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum through ETFs — with verifiable reserves and audited processes. 2. Greater institutional coordination, thanks to CFTC–SEC–Treasury cooperation, something unthinkable years ago. 3. Institutional custody infrastructure, where banks and regulated companies can now safeguard crypto assets with standards equivalent to other capital markets. Christy Goldsmith Romero Pham described this stage as a “golden age of crypto regulation”, highlighting that regulatory clarity is helping to attract legitimate companies, separate serious actors from speculative ones and move towards much healthier markets. Crypto trading is no longer relegated to unregulated exchanges; It now exists under financial standards comparable to those of commodities and traditional assets. This speech takes on special relevance in a country where regulatory uncertainty caused multiple fractures: platform closures, sanctions, investigations and a partial exodus to offshore jurisdictions. However, today the narrative is reversed: USA. The US is once again fertile ground for crypto innovation.
Topic Opinion: This does not mean that the risks have disappeared—no financial asset eliminates them—but it does mean that the stage of improvisation and legal vacuum is behind us. I believe that this “new golden age” will be remembered as the point where Wall Street stopped viewing the ecosystem with suspicion and began to fully integrate it. 💬 Do you think that clear regulation opens the door to massive institutional adoption?
Crypto market in “strategic silence”: Bitcoin strengthens while exchange balances fall
📅 December 4 | United States – Global The crypto market seems unusually quiet, but beneath the surface something is happening that few dare to ignore. Bitcoin remains stable, while a silent — but historically powerful — signal is emerging: BTC balances on exchanges are falling.
📖Prices have stabilized, derivatives are smooth and sentiment is moderate. However, on-chain behavior shows signs of unusual strength. The most direct evidence is in the Bitcoin balances on exchanges, which continue to decline. This pattern is not minor: a drop in balances usually implies that users are moving BTC to cold storage (cold wallets), which historically is interpreted as accumulation and reduction in selling pressure. According to The Block, total Bitcoin balances on exchanges remain at levels close to multi-year lows. This coincides with low overall market volatility, creating what some analysts call a “silent compression” phase. This dynamic is reminiscent of previous episodes of consolidation, such as the periods that preceded the rallies of 2020, 2023 and 2025. Each time balance sheets fell while prices stabilized, the market was preparing a massive bullish structure. Another relevant factor is that liquidations have been minimal, a sign that the derivatives market is not overleveraged. When there is extreme leverage, the market is fragile and explosive in both directions; Today, on the contrary, it seems structurally stable. Some traders prefer to call this a “boring market,” but the data suggests something different: an environment where smart money is quietly building positions. Finally, the calm in the crypto markets coincides with mixed macroeconomic signals: possible cuts by the Fed, more controlled inflation rates and liquidity dynamics that have not put pressure on the sector. This combo creates fertile ground for staggered movements, although the narrative has not yet lit the spark of mass optimism.
Topic Opinion: The sustained drop in balances on exchanges usually anticipates a price explosion, not because there is FOMO, but because the supply available to sell dries up. I don't think this guarantees an immediate rally, but it does confirm that the market is not weak. 💬 Do you think we are facing a silent institutional accumulation?