Steven Walgenbach

Ark Invest Turns Up the Heat on Crypto Infrastructure Stocks

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest expanded its holdings across crypto-linked equities on Tuesday, adding approximately $3 million of Coinbase Global shares and $3.1 million of Circle Internet Group shares via the ARK Innovation ETF and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF.

The update also shows ARKF investing an additional $1.1 million in Bullish, marking yet another stake in the exchange-focused, Peter Thiel-backed platform. The buying spree follows earlier multi-million-dollar investments by Ark in Bullish, Circle and digital-asset infrastructure names, underlining its bullish conviction in the next phase of crypto market evolution.

#CryptoStocks #ArkInvest #DigitalAssets

Revolut Expands Stablecoin Remittances With New Polygon Integration

Revolut has rolled out support for USDC, USDT, and POL transfers on the Polygon blockchain, opening the door to near-instant and low-cost stablecoin remittances for millions of users across the UK and EEA. The move deepens Revolut’s partnership with Polygon Labs and reflects the rising demand for faster, more efficient cross-border payments.

Since first integrating Polygon in late 2024, Revolut has already processed more than $690 million in transactions through the network, driven by its low fees and speed. With USDC and USDT now live on Polygon inside the Revolut app for the first time, users can send and receive stablecoins without facing traditional banking delays or high transfer costs.

Polygon’s growing role as global payment infrastructure is increasingly visible, with companies like Stripe, Flutterwave, Reliance Jio, and DeCard by DCS also adopting its rails. Revolut’s expansion further validates this shift, connecting everyday fintech users to blockchain-based money movement without requiring any technical expertise.

The rollout applies to non-EU EEA countries due to stablecoin regulatory considerations, particularly around Tether’s USDT under evolving EU frameworks. Even so, the launch marks a major step toward mainstream adoption of stablecoin remittances and signals how fintechs are blending traditional finance with blockchain settlement behind the scenes.

#Revolut #PolygonLabs #StablecoinPayments $POL

Warren Intensifies Scrutiny of Trump’s Crypto Connections Amid Senate Gridlock

Senator Elizabeth Warren has escalated her probe into President Donald Trump’s crypto-linked business dealings just as the Senate enters a crucial phase of negotiations over long-awaited digital asset legislation. In a new letter to the Treasury Department and Justice Department, Warren and Senator Jack Reed raised concerns that World Liberty Financial Inc. — a company tied to Trump — may have sold tokens to sanctioned or illicit actors, including entities in North Korea and Russia.

The inquiry comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. crypto policy. Senators on the Banking and Agriculture Committees are quietly negotiating the final language for a landmark market structure bill that could bring the first comprehensive regulatory framework to the digital asset industry. The combination of heightened scrutiny, partisan divisions, and unusually secretive legislative talks underscores how high the stakes have become for shaping America’s crypto future.

#CryptoRegulation #USPolitics #DigitalAssets

Solana Staking ETFs Surge as VanEck Enters the Race With Zero-Fee Launch

VanEck has officially launched its Solana staking ETF, VSOL, becoming the third U.S. issuer to roll out a staking-enabled Solana product. The fund joins Bitwise and Grayscale, whose Solana ETFs have already pulled in more than $380 million since late October. VanEck is waiving its 0.3% management fee until February or until the fund reaches $1 billion in assets—an aggressive move aimed at capturing market share as competition heats up.

The expansion continues tomorrow with Fidelity’s Solana ETF (FSOL) set to debut, marking the entry of one of the world’s largest asset managers into the Solana ETF arena. Meanwhile, Dogecoin ETFs are approaching potential launch windows, with both Grayscale and Bitwise poised to bring the first U.S. DOGE-holding ETFs to market.

This flurry of new altcoin ETF activity comes despite a challenging week for digital asset funds, which saw $2 billion in outflows—the largest since February.

#SolanaETF #CryptoInvesting #DigitalAssets $SOL

Mastercard Brings Username-Based Crypto Transfers to Self-Custody Wallets

Mastercard is taking another major step into Web3 by expanding its Crypto Credential program to self-custody wallets — a move designed to make onchain transfers far safer and dramatically more user-friendly. Instead of copying long hexadecimal wallet addresses, users will now be able to send and receive crypto using simple, verified aliases that look and feel more like traditional payment identifiers.

The rollout will debut on Polygon, chosen for its speed and low fees, while Mercuryo will handle identity verification and issue the username-style wallet IDs. Users can also request a soulbound token as an immutable onchain proof that their wallet belongs to a verified individual — bringing a new layer of trust and identity to non-custodial payments.

For Mastercard, this marks another milestone in a fast-growing crypto strategy that now includes payments integrations with MetaMask, debit card launches with Kraken across Europe, and a June partnership with Chainlink that enables its three billion cardholders to buy crypto directly onchain. Together, these initiatives signal Mastercard’s ambition to become a core infrastructure provider in the next generation of digital payments.

As the alias system expands across additional blockchains, it could become a new standard for verified Web3 identities — reducing user error, increasing confidence in self-custody, and helping everyday consumers interact with crypto in a way that feels familiar and intuitive.

#crypto #web3 #blockchain $POL

IRS Pushes Toward Global Crypto Transparency With CARF Integration


The White House is weighing a major IRS proposal that would bring the United States into the global Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), a move that would give regulators unprecedented visibility into Americans’ foreign digital asset accounts. If approved, the shift would align the U.S. with more than 70 countries already committed to CARF and would mark one of the most significant steps yet toward unified global oversight of crypto activity.

The proposal, known as Broker Digital Transaction Reporting, aims to close long-standing gaps that allow U.S. taxpayers to trade or store assets on offshore platforms with limited scrutiny. Combined with the incoming 1099-DA reporting regime — which will require detailed transaction reporting from all U.S.-based exchanges starting in 2026 — the IRS is signaling a new era of full-spectrum transparency for digital assets.

Experts say the implications extend far beyond tax compliance. Regulatory leaders at TaxBit argue that CARF could be transformative for financial crime enforcement, giving authorities a standardized way to link KYC information with blockchain activity across borders. Others caution that regulators will need training and coordination to use the data effectively, especially as each jurisdiction maintains its own rules around how such information can be employed in investigations.

For crypto investors who have relied on foreign exchanges or cross-border strategies, the shift could bring tighter oversight and fewer gray zones. For domestic exchanges, it could help level the playing field internationally by ensuring offshore platforms face comparable reporting obligations.

As global cooperation accelerates and domestic rules tighten, the message is clear: the age of crypto anonymity is fading, and a new phase of regulated, data-driven oversight is emerging in the U.S. and abroad.

#CryptoTax #Regulation #CARF

TD Cowen Reaffirms Big Upside for Strategy Despite Market Slide

TD Cowen is doubling down on its conviction in Strategy even as the company’s stock briefly dipped below its market-value-of-bitcoin threshold and Bitcoin itself slid to seven-month lows. Analysts reiterated their $585 price target — representing about 170% upside from current levels — and emphasized that the recent pullback reflects short-term volatility, not a breakdown in Strategy’s long-term accumulation model.

In their latest note, Cowen analysts highlighted that Strategy now holds 649,870 BTC, more than 3% of the total supply, after executing its largest purchase since July. They projected the firm could scale that to 815,000 BTC by the end of 2027, valuing the stash at over $185 billion under their base-case expectations. At those levels, Strategy’s intrinsic bitcoin value would align closely with Cowen’s target, which they say remains a realistic outcome over the next year.

The analysts also pointed to several potential catalysts, including possible S&P 500 inclusion in December 2025 — a move that could significantly expand institutional ownership — as well as improved clarity on U.S. bitcoin regulation, especially around KYC, AML, and tax treatment. They added that while Strategy is primarily valued for its BTC treasury, its cloud software division continues to provide incremental strength.

Cowen concluded that Strategy remains a long-horizon investment built for those who believe bitcoin will outperform traditional assets, noting that its capital structure is engineered to convert market appetite for leverage and yield into more BTC over time. For investors aligned with that thesis, they argue the current discount may represent opportunity rather than risk.

#Bitcoin #CryptoMarkets #MSTR $BTC

Cboe’s New Crypto Futures Could Reshape the U.S. Derivatives Market

Cboe Global Markets is taking a significant leap forward in digital asset derivatives with the upcoming launch of its 10-year Bitcoin and Ether “Continuous Futures,” expected to begin trading on December 15 pending regulatory approval. The product is designed to offer long-term, perpetual-style exposure to BTC and ETH—something U.S. traders have historically only accessed through offshore platforms.

By using a daily cash adjustment mechanism, the contracts mimic the economics of perpetual futures without the need for rollover management, giving institutions a way to maintain uninterrupted exposure to crypto markets. The products will clear through Cboe Clear US, align with CFTC margin standards, and may offer cross-margining with existing Cboe crypto futures, a move aimed at improving capital efficiency for active traders.

The launch comes as U.S. regulators shift toward a more open stance on crypto derivatives, creating the conditions for exchanges to introduce perpetual-like instruments under strict safeguards. With global perpetual futures open interest hovering near $767 billion, Cboe is positioning itself to capture a substantial share of one of the largest and most influential segments in crypto trading.

For institutions seeking regulated, long-duration exposure to Bitcoin and Ether, this could become one of the most important new tools in the market.

#Bitcoin #Ethereum #CryptoMarkets $BTC $ETH

Trump Moves Into Tokenized Real Estate With Bold Maldives Expansion

The Trump Organization is accelerating its push into blockchain-enabled real estate, unveiling a major partnership with London-listed developer Dar Global to launch a tokenized luxury resort in the Maldives. The upcoming Trump International Hotel Maldives will allow investors to buy into the project before the resort is built — a major shift from earlier tokenization models that focused only on completed properties.

Set to open by late 2028, the development will feature around 80 beachfront and overwater villas near Malé, catering to high-end travelers in one of the world’s most exclusive tourism markets. Eric Trump said the project represents a new chapter for the family’s global real estate portfolio, while Dar Global highlighted plans to scale this tokenized financing model across future developments.

The announcement arrives during a surge in real-world asset tokenization, with the sector’s market cap topping $3.5 billion and institutional interest rising globally. From Dubai’s government-backed property tokenization platform to pilots in Singapore and Europe, tokenized finance is quickly moving from experimentation to mainstream adoption. By entering the Maldives with a blockchain-first strategy, the Trump Organization is positioning itself at the forefront of this global shift in how major real estate projects are funded and accessed.

#Tokenization #RealEstateInnovation #Blockchain

After Schiff’s Criticism, Saylor Answers With an $835M Bitcoin Buy

Michael Saylor made his stance clear through action rather than debate, expanding Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury with an 8,178 BTC purchase worth roughly $835.6 million shortly after Peter Schiff renewed his public criticism of the company. The acquisition pushes Strategy’s holdings to 649,870 BTC, reinforcing its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin owner.

Despite Bitcoin’s sharp pullback and heavy volatility across crypto markets, Strategy continues to buy through the downturn — a core pillar of Saylor’s long-term accumulation strategy. Schiff argues the company’s model is unsustainable, but Saylor’s latest purchase suggests he remains fully committed, signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory and in Strategy’s role as a corporate pioneer in digital asset adoption.

#Bitcoin #CryptoNews #Strategy

Bitcoin’s 25% Drop Isn’t a Cycle Peak, Says Bernstein — Institutions Are Quietly Absorbing the Dip

Bernstein’s latest research challenges the growing fear that Bitcoin’s 25% pullback from its all-time high marks the start of a deeper downturn. Instead, the firm argues the move looks like a shallow correction within a much stronger structural cycle. Analysts highlight that more than $38 billion worth of long-term holder supply has been offloaded over the past six months — yet nearly all of it has been absorbed by spot ETF inflows and corporate treasuries, signaling powerful underlying demand.

Institutional ownership of bitcoin ETFs has climbed from 20% to 28% since late 2024, even as short-term volatility triggered recent outflows. Bernstein says this shift toward “higher-quality, consistent ownership” is one of the biggest reasons the market no longer behaves like past boom-and-bust cycles.

The report also addresses concerns around Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), noting that the company is not selling any Bitcoin and remains conservatively leveraged, with $8 billion in debt against $61 billion in BTC. Bernstein expects the firm to keep accumulating through the correction.

With improving political support for crypto, upcoming market-structure legislation, and a more favorable liquidity environment as rates decline, the analysts argue that Bitcoin is nowhere near a cycle peak. Instead, they believe the current pullback could form a new bottom near the $80,000 range — offering what they call an attractive entry point for both digital assets and crypto-equity exposure.

#Bitcoin #DigitalAssets #CryptoMarkets

Bitcoin’s Legal Blind Spot: Nick Szabo Reignites Debate on Network Vulnerability

Nick Szabo’s latest comments have sparked intense discussion across the crypto community, with the Bitcoin pioneer warning that the network is not as legally untouchable as many believe. In a weekend post on X, Szabo argued that Bitcoin still has a “legal attack surface,” highlighting that miners, node operators, and service providers remain susceptible to state coercion — especially as controversies grow around Ordinals, Runes, and other forms of non-financial blockchain data.

His critique arrives amid escalating debates between Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Knots supporters, with each faction disagreeing over how much non-financial content should be allowed on Bitcoin’s base layer. While critics accuse Szabo of exaggerating regulatory risks, supporters say his warning is a reality check in an era where governments are increasingly assertive about digital assets.

#Bitcoin #NickSzabo #CryptoRegulation

Raoul Pal Sends a Tough-Love Reality Check to Crypto Investors

Raoul Pal has delivered a blunt message to crypto traders rattled by the latest market retrace, urging them to stop treating routine corrections like existential crises. In a widely shared post, Pal reminded the community that Bitcoin has historically endured multiple 30–35% drawdowns in every cycle and that quality altcoins often fall twice as much. According to Pal, the real issue isn’t volatility — it’s investor behavior.

He pointed to his own experience living through 70–95% drawdowns in assets like BTC, ETH, and SOL, arguing that long-term commitment, realistic time horizons, and proper asset allocation matter far more than short-term chart moves. He also warned against relying on others’ conviction on social media, overtrading, or blaming influencers when trades go wrong.

Pal’s core message: if investors remain disciplined, keep dollar-cost averaging, and stop reacting emotionally to every correction, their long-term results will improve. “This is the greatest performing asset class of all time, over time,” he emphasized — but only for those willing to stay focused.

#CryptoMarkets #RaoulPal #InvestingStrategy

Japan Signals Major Crypto Overhaul as Regulators Push for 2026 Reform

Japan’s Financial Services Agency has outlined one of its most ambitious digital-asset reform packages to date, proposing to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products and introduce mandatory disclosures for 105 approved tokens. The plan would also bring crypto under insider trading laws for the first time, require exchanges to publish detailed information on each asset they list, and shift Japan’s crypto tax system to a flat 20% capital gains rate similar to stocks.

The regulator is additionally exploring whether banks should be permitted to hold Bitcoin directly and operate licensed crypto exchanges—moves that would significantly expand institutional participation in the sector. With the proposal expected to reach parliament in 2026, Japan is positioning itself for a major regulatory evolution aimed at transparency, investor protection, and deeper financial-market integration.

#JapanCrypto #DigitalAssets #Regulation

Schiff vs. Saylor: The Debate Challenge Shaking the Bitcoin Treasury World

Peter Schiff has escalated his criticism of Strategy, calling its Bitcoin-driven treasury model a “fraud” and warning that its preferred-share structure could trigger a “death spiral” if income-oriented funds begin to exit. His remarks come as Bitcoin trades below $99,000 amid a broader downturn in crypto-treasury stocks, while gold has reclaimed levels above $4,000 per ounce.

Schiff has publicly challenged Michael Saylor to debate him at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai this December, arguing that Strategy’s debt-powered BTC accumulation strategy is unsustainable. Strategy’s mNAV has recovered to 1.21 after dipping below 1, but remains far from levels typically considered healthy, with the stock down more than 50% since July.

Despite the pressure, Saylor has signaled that Strategy is preparing another Bitcoin purchase announcement later today, suggesting the company remains committed to its long-term BTC thesis even as markets pull back.

#Bitcoin #Strategy #CryptoNews $BTC #MSTR

Ethereum’s “Supercycle?” Tom Lee’s Bold Call Sparks a Fierce Crypto Debate

Tom Lee’s latest thesis on Ethereum is stirring up the crypto community. In a new post on X, the Fundstrat executive argued that ether may be entering a “supercycle” similar to the one that helped Bitcoin surge 100x since 2017. He pointed to Bitcoin’s history of brutal drawdowns — including multiple crashes over 50% and several over 75% — as examples of markets “discounting a massive future,” suggesting Ethereum could follow a comparable long-term trajectory.

The claim immediately drew pushback. A prominent Bitcoin commentator questioned Ethereum’s moat, its real utility compared to other smart-contract platforms, and whether traditional finance would ever rely on Ethereum for 24/7 settlement. The debate highlights a widening divide in how investors view the next phase of the crypto market, with Ethereum’s L2 growth and increasing institutional experimentation on one side, and concerns over security, scalability, and competition on the other.

As Ethereum’s ecosystem expands and Bitcoin’s dominance narrative remains strong, Lee’s prediction has reignited one of crypto’s most fundamental questions: which asset truly leads the next era of digital finance?

#ethereum #cryptoanalysis #marketdebate $ETH

Filecoin Approaches a Pivotal Breakout Zone as Market Structure Tightens

Filecoin (FIL) is entering a critical phase on the daily chart, with its price consolidating just above the $2 level while momentum indicators flatten and major order book walls form on both sides of the market. According to the latest analysis, FIL is showing early signs of stabilization after a period of weakness, but neither bulls nor bears currently have enough strength to force a decisive move.

Short-term trend indicators show that the recent downside pressure is easing, with FIL attempting to reclaim ground near its short-term moving averages. Momentum remains neutral, suggesting traders are waiting for a clear trigger before committing to either direction. The MACD’s loss of upward momentum and the RSI’s position around the midline reinforce this view of indecision.

Key resistance sits at $2.397, $2.407, and $2.561—levels where FIL previously struggled to break higher. On the downside, deeper structural support is found near $1.563, $1.465, and $1.367. Order book data shows heavy bid walls at $1.47, $1.20, and $1.00, while substantial ask walls at $2.26, $2.85, and $2.92 could ignite strong directional moves once cleared.

A breakout above the $2.26 ask wall could open the door for a bullish push toward $2.40 and potentially higher. Conversely, losing the $1.47 bid wall could trigger an accelerated decline into the lower support range.

For traders, the next major move will likely be determined by which wall gives way first—making this a period of heightened anticipation for FIL’s next directional trend.

#Filecoin #CryptoAnalysis #TechnicalOutlook $FIL

ZEC Approaches a Make-or-Break Zone as Momentum Accelerates

Zcash (ZEC) is entering a critical phase on the 1-day chart, with bullish momentum building but major liquidity barriers now standing between the asset and its next potential breakout. Rising closes and a strong separation between the short-term and mid-term EMAs signal that buyers remain firmly in control, while MACD momentum has flipped decisively positive, suggesting the trend still has room to extend. RSI strength reflects heavy accumulation rather than exhaustion, placing ZEC in a position where a continued upward drive is still technically supported.

The order book, however, highlights the real battleground. A major support cluster has formed between 670 and 675, supported by several sizable bid walls. If buyers defend this shelf, ZEC could mount an aggressive push toward the upper resistance band. On the upside, the heaviest obstacles lie at 710–720, where thick sell-side liquidity could either stall the bullish trend or ignite a high-velocity breakout if cleared. Above this zone, the chart opens into a far less congested region.

For traders, a confirmed breakout above 710 with volume may offer a compelling long opportunity, while failed attempts at this ceiling or a breakdown below the 670 support cluster could present short setups. ZEC’s next decisive move will likely emerge from how price interacts with these liquidity hotspots, making this a pivotal moment for the trend.

#zcash #CryptoAnalysis #TechnicalAnalysis $ZEC

Litecoin Edges Toward a Major Decision Point as Momentum Shifts

Litecoin is entering a critical phase on the 1-day chart as bulls continue to defend the $100 zone while momentum indicators lean in their favor. The short-term trend has begun to turn upward, with price holding close to the rising 9-EMA and 20-EMA — a sign that sellers are losing their grip and buyers are regaining control after several days of consolidation.

Momentum is also strengthening. The MACD has moved firmly into positive territory, reflecting growing bullish pressure, while the RSI has lifted into the low-to-mid 50s, indicating that demand is building without pushing the market into overheated conditions. These are often early signals that a larger move may be forming.

But Litecoin now faces a major resistance cluster overhead. The $105–$110 region carries thick sell-side liquidity, including large ask walls at $109 and $110. Clearing these would open the door to rapid upside expansion, with the next resistance levels creating room for moves of 7–10% if momentum accelerates.

On the downside, the $99–$101 support band remains the backbone of the current structure. Strong bid walls at $100 are helping stabilize price, but a breakdown here could quickly expose lower liquidity pockets near $95. Losing that level would signal a broader shift back toward bearish conditions.

With trend strength returning and both sides of the market heavily fortified by liquidity walls, Litecoin is approaching an inflection point that could define its next multi-day move — either a breakout toward the mid-$100s or a deeper slide into lower support.

#Litecoin #CryptoMarkets #TechnicalAnalysis $LTC