Crypto Breaking

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 12 January, 2026: Fuze, one of the Middle East and Turkey’s fastest-growing financial infrastructure providers, has appointed Serena Sebastiani as its new Group Chief Strategy and Venture Officer (CSVO). Serena was most recently PwC Middle East Virtual Assets Consulting lead, and is currently the Co-Chair of the MENA Fintech Association’s Digital Assets Committee and President of GCC at the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency.

Serena Sebastiani, Group Chief Strategy and Venture Officer, said: “Having been part of the early build-out of the UAE’s digital assets ecosystem and witnessing its rise as a global hub, joining Fuze feels like a natural progression. After years of advising and shaping the industry, I’m stepping into the arena to scale a business I deeply believe in. I’m excited to join a leadership team that has poured relentless commitment into this vision, one I witnessed being born and built. This is a commitment I fully share and am ready to accelerate.”

Mo Ali Yusuf, Fuze CEO and Co-Founder, said: “Welcoming Serena into the business is like hiring three world-class experts in one. Her strategic advisory capabilities, specialist aptitude within virtual assets and robust experience within regulatory environments, will be of great benefit to Fuze as we scale the future of finance in the region and beyond.”

(Image – Serena Sebastiani, Fuze)

Serena has spent the past 15 years advising across the financial services sector in Europe and the Middle East, working with leading investment banks, asset and wealth managers, securities services providers, governments and regulators. She contributed to the development of Europe’s securities market infrastructure and has helped shape the regulatory foundations for fintech and digital assets, including advising on the creation of the first Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Drawing on this experience, she has supported multiple governments and regulators on policy frameworks, guided banks and virtual asset service providers as they enter new markets and, she has guided the development of new digital asset and fintech propositions.

Within her new role at Fuze, Sebastiani will be responsible for enhancing strategic growth and sustainably scaling Fuze across its core infrastructure, including institutional over-the-counter (OTC) desk, digital assets-as-a-service (DaaS) platform and payments. Serena will play a major role in shaping Fuze’s long-term vision and roadmap for its API-integrated financial services offering for banks, institutions and enterprises.

Media contact:

Jonathan Ivan-Duke

Partner, duke+mir

[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]
+971582857333 <tel:+971582857333

About Fuze:

Fuze is MENA’s first-of-its-kind regulated digital assets infrastructure provider, offering financial institutions and businesses cutting-edge tools to integrate digital asset services securely and efficiently. Driven by a solutions-based approach, Fuze helps financial services providers to strategise, organise and implement digital assets infrastructure and quickly, securely launch regulated, world-class products across wealth and payments.

Fuze was founded by an expert team of fintech, traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) leaders, with its co-founders holding extensive knowledge from experience in global hypergrowth businesses: the CEO, Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf) has held prominent roles at Checkout.com and Visa; Arpit Mehta (COO) was previously in the leadership team at fintech leaders like Simpl and Clear; Srijan Shetty (CTO) built algorithmic trading systems at Goldman Sachs and worked at tech leader Microsoft.

Fuze offers a Digital-Assets-as-a-Service infrastructure platform which enables banks and fintechs to embed regulated digital assets products in a B2B2C fashion. Additionally, Fuze provides an Over-The-Counter (OTC) service that supports institutions, funds, and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals) in executing large digital asset trades securely and efficiently.

For more details, visit: https://fuze.ae/

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is for general informational purposes only. Fuze and its subsidiaries, including Niobe Payment Services LLC SPC, are regulated under the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This press release does not constitute an offer to provide financial services or investment advice in any jurisdiction. Fuze does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any financial products or services mentioned are subject to market risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek legal, tax advice with an advisor before making any financial or investment decisions.

This article was originally published as Fuze appoints former-PwC Virtual Assets lead as Group Chief Strategist on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, January 12th, 2025: As RAKBANK marks its Golden Jubilee, this is a moment to reflect on the journey behind us and to be clear about what has guided the Bank every step of the way.

For fifty years, RAKBANK’s progress has been shaped by trust, relationships and a belief that banking should serve people. That belief has remained constant through changing times, new technologies and evolving customer needs.

Digital with a Human Touch is more than a promise. It is how the Bank designs experiences, makes decisions and shows up for customers every day. As RAKBANK marks fifty years, it continues to bring this philosophy to life in a clear and consistent way across everything it does.

From intelligent decisioning and AI enabled support to simpler, friction free journeys, the focus has always been on making banking more intuitive while keeping human connection at the centre. Progress has never been about doing more, but about doing what matters better.

Supporting SMEs has always been at the heart of RAKBANK’s journey.

For decades, the Bank has stood alongside budding entrepreneurs and business owners as they start, scale and grow. That commitment was recognised when RAKBANK was named Euromoney’s Best Bank for SMEs in the UAE. This recognition reflects the trust SME customers place in the Bank and its continued focus on delivering practical, relationship led banking that helps businesses move forward.

This same mindset continues to shape how the Bank innovates. RAKBANK became the first conventional bank in the UAE to launch crypto trading within its mobile app.

RAKBANK is deeply thankful to the leadership of the UAE for their continued inspiration, guidance and belief in progress. Their vision and commitment to excellence have created the foundation for institutions like RAKBANK to grow with confidence, innovate with purpose and contribute meaningfully to the nation and the communities it serves.

Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, said:

“As we mark our Golden Jubilee, we reflect on five decades of building a strong and trusted franchise across the UAE. Our journey has always been rooted in relationships, service and a belief that banking should feel personal. This milestone honours the generations of colleagues and customers who shaped our story, and reaffirms our commitment to creating value that lasts, supporting communities and serving the nation with the high standards it expects from us.”

A Year of Celebration

Throughout 2026, RAKBANK will mark its Golden Jubilee under the theme “50 Years With You,” bringing this milestone to life through meaningful moments with customers, colleagues and communities across the UAE.

This year is about celebrating the journey shared through the years, recognising those who made it possible, and continuing forward together with colleagues, customers and the communities that inspire what comes next.

About RAKBANK

RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (P.S.C), is one of the UAE’s oldest yet most dynamic banks. Since 1976, RAKBANK has been a market leader, offering a wide range of banking services across the UAE.

We’re a public joint stock company based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with our head office located in the RAKBANK Building on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The Government of Ras Al Khaimah holds the majority of our shares, which are publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

RAKBANK stands out for its innovation and unwavering commitment to delivering awesome customer experiences. Our transformative digital journey aims to be a ‘digital bank with a human touch,’ accompanying you during key moments.

With 21 branches and advanced Digital Banking solutions, we offer a wide range of Personal, Wholesale, and Business Banking services. Through our Islamic Banking unit, RAKislamic, we provide Sharia-compliant services to make your banking experience seamless, whether you visit us in person or online.

For more information, please visit www.rakbank.ae or contact the Call Centre on +9714 213 0000. Alternatively, you can connect with us on our social media platforms:

x.com/rakbanklive

Instagram.com/rakbank

tiktok.com/@rakbank

linkedin.com/rakbank

For more information, please contact:

Suzana Saoud

Associate Account Director

Gambit Communications

+97156 7155 470

[email protected]

This article was originally published as Digital with a Human Touch: Fifty Years of Serving People on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Venture capitalists and governments have poured nearly a trillion dollars into AI. That investment accounts for 92% of stock market growth in 2025. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) alone , the chipmaker powering the boom is now worth $4.5 trillion and represents 45% of NASDAQ growth.

The bet is simple: superintelligence is coming, and whoever builds the infrastructure first wins infinite riches.

There’s just one problem. The math doesn’t work unless a literal miracle happens.

The Holy Grail Problem

Listen to any AI booster out of Silicon Valley, and you’ll hear the same pitch: AI will cure cancer, unlock fusion energy, predict financial markets, and create better art than any human ever could. Then it will improve itself exponentially until it becomes something close to divine.

Sam Altman calls it inevitable. Mark Zuckerberg says he’s prepared to “waste a couple hundred billion dollars” chasing it. The premise is that if you build too slowly and superintelligence arrives in three years instead of five, you’re out of position on “the most important technology in history.”

This is not how economic paradigm shifts have ever worked. The cotton gin, the printing press, and early computers all started with incremental investments that paid off with incremental profits over decades. AI investors are doing the opposite: calling the home run before swinging the bat.

The Circular Money Problem

Nvidia’s rise looks a lot more precarious when you examine where the money is actually coming from.

A Bloomberg chart shows the flow of capital in and out of Nvidia, and it’s moving in a circle. Nvidia invests billions in data center companies. Those companies spend that investment buying Nvidia chips. The same chunk of money gets passed back and forth, claimed as investment, asset, and revenue, sometimes all three.

This only makes sense if AI’s eventual profitability is so vast that these investments are just short-term bridges to capture future gains. But those gains need to materialize fast. AI chips have a lifespan of roughly three years. The trillion-dollar investment needs to earn out before those chips become worthless.

The $800 Billion Question

OpenAI posted $13 billion in annualized revenue this year ,the largest in the AI services space. That’s real money. But Sequoia’s David Kahn estimates AI companies need to sell $800 billion worth of services over the life of today’s data centers and GPUs just to break even. Bain & Company puts the 2030 target at $2 trillion in revenue.

The only way to hit those numbers is an exponential growth curve starting now. Ask yourself: is your own use of ChatGPT likely to boost your productivity 15-30x over the next three to five years? That’s what the investment thesis requires.

The Horny Chatbot Tell

In October, Sam Altman announced OpenAI would “treat adults like adults“, opening the door to customized erotica.

As one internet commenter put it: “If I genuinely believed I was 18 months away from superintelligence that could solve cancer, I probably wouldn’t be pivoting to horny chatbots.”

The dream is cracking.

Four Scenarios, One Likely Outcome

Here’s how the AI boom ends:

Utopian: AI achieves superintelligence, transforms the economy, and makes humanity exponentially more productive. Requires a miracle within three years.

Dystopian: AI goes rogue, makes humanity obsolete. Can’t happen without superintelligence first — which isn’t happening on this timeline.

Integrative: AI fails to achieve superintelligence but solves some productivity problems like any other technology. Modest gains, no exponential returns.

Failure: Investment collapses. Data centers become worthless. Early investors already cashed out.

The early investors don’t need superintelligence to win. They already have. Nvidia traded at $5 in January 2018. Today it’s $180 , a 36x return. Anyone selling the dream along the way profited off a future that never needed to exist.

The Date

If superintelligence is coming, we’d need to see exponential revenue growth within the next 18 months, half the runway before current chips lose their value.

April 1, 2027.

If it’s not obvious by then that AI is really the future, there’s a good chance it was an April Fool’s joke all along.

The rails are built. The question is whether anyone’s actually going to ride them or whether we’re all just watching the same money move in circles until the music stops.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

This article was originally published as The AI Bubble Has a Deadline: April 1, 2027 on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

MicroStrategy Core Choice

Analyst Gautam Chhugani claims that MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) still holds the Bernstein crypto equity strategy even with disproportionate performance through 2025. MSTR traded around one hundred and fifty-eight dollars, with some short term gains and still lower on a one-month basis. In addition to equity signals, Bernstein believes that Bitcoin has already established a bottom due to weaknesses late in 2025 and will experience a gradual recovery through 2026, with a price target of $150,000.

Besides, the report mentioned Coinbase Global because of its diversified product range and growing sources of revenue as stablecoins gain increased use in fintech services like Block, Revolut, and PayPal. COIN traded close to $250, indicating short-term pressure and a positive year-over-year performance as infrastructure providers in crypto continue to gain momentum.

Circle Internet Group also ranked among the main beneficiaries of tokenisation and the infrastructure demand of stablecoins. CRCL was up on the list, trading close to eighty-three dollars with recent gains and positive year to date returns, even in the face of monthly losses. Notably, Robinhood Markets also featured on the list as a result of the constant trading history and growing tokenised offerings.

The HOOD was trading between one hundred and eighteen dollars, with volatility indicating fluctuations in the retail and crypto participation levels. But the general optimism was boosted when President Donald Trump said that U.S. markets were at all-time highs.
He credited the milestone to tariff policy, which boosted confidence as investors track the macro signals and the recovery of the crypto markets.

This article was originally published as Bernstein Highlights Crypto Stocks as Trump Tells of New market Highs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Recent geopolitical and economic crises in Venezuela and Iran have reignited debate over the dual roles of stablecoins, especially those backed by the US dollar, such as Tether. While they serve as vital tools for citizens to hedge against inflation and economic instability, they also present challenges by enabling sanctions evasion for sanctioned entities.

Key Takeaways

Iran faces widespread protests amid a collapsing rial and increased internet restrictions, leading citizens to increasingly rely on stablecoins like Tether.

Iranian authorities have imposed caps on stablecoin holdings, yet illicit use persists, notably by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reportedly moved over a billion dollars’ worth of stablecoins via front companies.

Venezuelans have adopted USDT extensively, often using it for everyday transactions due to distrust in banks amidst hyperinflation and economic decline.

Tether actively collaborates with U.S. authorities to blacklist wallets associated with sanction evasion, freezing billions of dollars’ worth of assets, but illicit flows continue.

Tickers mentioned: USDT

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral — regulatory efforts and illicit use efforts balance each other, resulting in no clear directional market movement.

Market context: The ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions regimes are pushing stablecoin adoption in sanctioned regions, influencing broader crypto market dynamics.

Iran’s Stablecoin Dilemma Amid Crisis

Over the past two weeks, Iran has experienced intensified protests triggered by economic hardship and the plummeting value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. The government has responded with internet shutdowns to curb unrest, while citizens increasingly turn to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as alternative currencies. Tron-based Tether has emerged as the most utilized asset in the country, enabling residents to hedge inflation and systemic risks.

Despite the growth in adoption, Iranian authorities have introduced regulations limiting stablecoin holdings and purchases to $10,000 annually per individual. However, illicit activities continue, particularly involving the IRGC, which, according to blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs, has moved over $1 billion in stablecoins through two UK-based front companies, Zedcex and Zedxion. These entities reportedly operate as a unified network used to bypass sanctions, moving funds across borders with the support of figures like Babak Zanjani, a known sanctions evader.

Venezuela’s Dependence on USDT

Similarly, Venezuela’s economic crisis has driven widespread adoption of USDT, with many citizens relying on stablecoins for daily transactions due to a distrust in the banking system amidst hyperinflation. Reportedly, Venezuela’s state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, now conducts around 80% of its oil transactions in Tether to avoid sanctions imposed in 2020. The use of stablecoins facilitates seamless international payments and offers an alternative to the challenging local financial infrastructure.

Regulatory and Enforcement Efforts

Tether has been working closely with U.S. authorities to combat misuse, blacklisting thousands of wallets involved in illicit activities. Between 2023 and late 2025, the company has reportedly frozen assets worth over $3.3 billion, including $1.75 billion on the Tron network. Recently, the firm added another $182 million to this figure, though it remains unconfirmed whether these actions directly relate to Iran or Venezuela.

This ongoing tension between regulatory efforts and illicit financial flows highlights the complex role stablecoins play in both providing financial stability and enabling sanctions evasion.

This article was originally published as Exploring Tether’s USDT Impact in Venezuela and Iran Reveals Stablecoin Duality on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Advocates for Enhanced Decentralized Stablecoins

Vitalik Buterin, one of the principal architects of Ethereum, has emphasized the importance of developing more robust decentralized stablecoins to foster greater financial independence. Highlighting ongoing challenges within the sector, Buterin outlined key issues that must be addressed to improve the sustainability and reliability of these digital assets, which are crucial for decentralization advocates and users worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Most stablecoins are pegged to the US dollar, comprising 95% of the market, which raises concerns about reliance on traditional fiat currencies.

Buterin emphasizes that stablecoins should develop independent mechanisms that are resilient to potential hyperinflation or collapse of fiat currencies.

Reliable oracles and secure collateralization are essential for maintaining stablecoin stability without exposing protocols to manipulation.

High staking yields must balance incentivization with protocol stability, suggesting a reduction to approximately 0.2% and alternative staking mechanisms to avoid risks.

Tickers mentioned: USDT, USDC, USDe, DAI, ETH

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The discussion highlights foundational issues rather than immediate market moves.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. Focus on understanding the evolving stablecoin infrastructure rather than immediate trades.

Market context: With the rapid growth of the stablecoin market, regulatory and technological challenges remain central to its future development amidst broader crypto sector volatility.

Addressing Critical Challenges in Decentralized Stablecoins

Vitalik Buterin recently called for innovations in decentralized stablecoins, emphasizing their critical role in expanding financial sovereignty. Currently, the market is dominated by centralized stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC, which together hold over 83% of trading volume. While these assets dominate liquidity and usage, they face scrutiny over centralization risks.

Buterin pointed out three main issues with the current stablecoin infrastructure. The first involves the peg to the US dollar, which although practical in the short term, may be problematic over the long run. CoinGecko data indicates that 95% of stablecoins are dollar-pegged. Conversely, Buterin argues that survivability shouldn’t depend on the stability of fiat currencies, as hyperinflation or political upheaval could undermine these assets. He advocates for developing indices or alternative benchmarks that better reflect true financial stability.

The second challenge involves oracles, which are responsible for providing real-world data to blockchain protocols. Buterin stresses the necessity of secure and manipulation-resistant oracles that do not increase costs or enable artificial inflation of stablecoins’ values. This resilience is vital for maintaining trust and stability.

The third issue relates to staking yields, which should incentivize participation without risking protocol instability. Buterin suggests reducing yields to around 0.2%, coupled with innovative staking mechanisms that minimize slashing risks. Furthermore, he emphasizes that security frameworks must protect against both network attacks and protocol errors, acknowledging that Ether alone cannot guarantee the stability of stablecoins during large price swings.

The stablecoin market has experienced extraordinary growth, reaching a valuation of over $311 billion in 2026—a 50% increase since early 2025. Its widespread adoption for cross-border transfers and savings, especially in emerging markets, underscores its importance. However, innovation remains crucial to overcoming current limitations and ensuring long-term resilience in the decentralized finance ecosystem.

This article was originally published as Vitalik Urges Improvements for Decentralized Stablecoins on Ethereum on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Crypto Market Decline Drives Record Number of Token Failures in 2025

The cryptocurrency industry experienced unprecedented turmoil last year, with over 11.6 million projects failing — the highest number ever recorded for a single calendar year. Specifically, the fourth quarter was among the most dire, as nearly 7.7 million tokens listed on GeckoTerminal ceased active trading during the period, highlighting the scale of market attrition.

According to a recent report by CoinGecko research analyst Shaun Paul Lee, the October market crash played a significant role in this decline. During that event, over $19 billion of crypto leverage was liquidated in a single day, igniting widespread sell-offs and market dislocation. Lee attributes this surge in failures to widespread market turbulence that persisted throughout 2025, particularly impacting the memecoin sector.

Data from CoinGecko reveals an alarming jump in crypto project failures. While over 1.3 million projects failed in 2024, the number was starkly lower in 2021, with just 2,584 projects failing. The exponential growth in failures underscores the volatile nature of the crypto space and reflects a challenging environment for new and existing projects alike.

More than 11.6 million tokens listed on CoinGecko’s GeckoTerminal ceased active trading last year. Source: CoinGecko

Memecoins remain among the riskiest segments within crypto, often driven more by hype than fundamentals. Their success or failure serves as an indicator of investor risk appetite, especially amid the proliferation of new projects.

Proliferation of Memecoin Launchpads and Market Saturation

One contributing factor to the surge in token failures is the dramatic increase in coin creation. Data shows that there were about 3 million tokens listed at the end of 2024, ballooning to more than 20 million by the end of 2025. A significant driver behind this growth was the launch of Solana’s pump.fun memecoin platform in January 2024, which facilitated rapid token creation and market entry for countless memecoins.

“The simplicity and accessibility of launching tokens via launchpads have led to an influx of low-effort memecoins and projects entering the market,” Lee explained. He noted that prior to pump.fun, cryptocurrency project failures numbered in the low hundreds, and failures over the past five years accounted for just 3.4% of total failures. The ease of launching new tokens has thus disproportionately increased failure rates, further saturating the market with inactive or dead projects.

Memecoin Market Cap Accelerates in Early 2026

Despite the failures, memecoin market capitalization surged at the start of 2026. From a December 29th low of $38 billion, it climbed to $47.7 billion by January 5 — a notable increase before settling around $43.7 billion as of Monday. CoinMarketCap reports that transaction volumes have also ballooned, rising over 300% from $2.17 billion to nearly $8.7 billion during that timeframe, with intra-day gains exceeding 34% recently.

Increased activity underscores sustained investor interest despite the high failure rate, illustrating the speculative nature of memecoins that often oscillate between collapse and boom. These dynamics highlight the ongoing risks and opportunities within the volatile memecoin landscape.

This article was originally published as Memecoins Spark Worst Year Yet for Crypto Token Losses on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Elon Musk’s X platform prepares to integrate advanced financial features, including “Smart Cashtags”

Twitter’s successor, X, is set to introduce a new suite of financial tools aimed at enhancing cryptocurrency and stock market engagement through its platform. Among the upcoming features is “Smart Cashtags,” a sophisticated tool designed to provide real-time asset data and facilitate in-app trading, reflecting Musk’s vision to transform X into a comprehensive “Everything App.”

Key Takeaways

Enhanced financial data: “Smart Cashtags” will display real-time prices, contract details, and recent news for various assets.

In-app trading prospects: Concept images hint at buy and sell functionalities within the platform.

Previous attempts revisited: The platform previously introduced Cashtags with basic price charts, later removed, signaling ongoing development.

Potential payment integrations: X has acquired money transmitter licenses across multiple states, indicating possible future crypto payment support.

Tickers mentioned: Cryptocurrency → $BTC, $ETH. Stocks → $AAPL, $TSLA, $AMZN.

Sentiment: Optimistic about platform evolution and integration of financial features.

Price impact: Neutral. The introduction of these features is anticipated to attract more users but lacks immediate market effects.

Market context: X’s advancement into financial services aligns with broader trends of social media platforms expanding into crypto and payment domains, fostering greater user engagement and monetization opportunities.

Overview of X’s Financial Feature Development

Elon Musk’s X platform is actively developing a series of financial tools designed to integrate cryptocurrency and stock market data directly into the social media experience. The most recent announcement details “Smart Cashtags,” a feature that will allow users to view real-time prices, access detailed contract information, and explore recent discussions about specific assets. An example screenshot showcases a user interface with options to buy or sell, indicating potential in-app trading capabilities.

The concept of “Smart Cashtags” builds upon X’s earlier implementation of Cashtags in December 2022, which displayed basic Bitcoin and Ethereum prices along with charts from TradingView. That feature was later discontinued, but the current iteration suggests a more robust and functional approach. Musk’s vision for X includes turning it into a multifaceted platform that includes financial services, supported by recent licensing in at least 25 US states for money transfer and payment processing.

This evolution in features signals X’s intention to compete more directly with specialized financial platforms and crypto exchanges. While details on the in-app trading mechanics remain sparse, the inclusion of buy and sell buttons within concept images indicates plans for seamless trading experiences. However, no specific timeline has been announced for rollout.

Recently, the platform faced criticism from the crypto community, accusing X of suppressing legitimate crypto content while enabling spam and misinformation. Head of product Nikita Bier dismissed these claims as myths, as the platform continues to evolve its financial features. Musk also announced plans to make the platform’s recommendation algorithm open-source, fostering transparency.

This article was originally published as X Introduces Smart Cashtags to Track Crypto and Stock Prices Instantly on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

India Implements Stricter KYC Regulations for Cryptocurrency Platforms Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has introduced new enforcement measures aimed at strengthening the onboarding process for cryptocurrency users. The updated guidelines mandate regulated crypto exchanges to adopt rigorous verification procedures, including live selfie authentication and geo-location tracking, to bolster anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance.

Enhanced Verification Processes for Crypto Users

Effective immediately, exchanges operating within the country are required to verify user identities through live selfie capture. Software tools will analyze eye and head movements to prevent deepfake technology from circumventing KYC checks. Additionally, verification of geolocation data via IP addresses and timestamps will be mandatory at the account creation stage, ensuring robust identity confirmation.

In efforts to tighten AML standards, exchanges must also verify bank account details by initiating micro-transactions, aligning with global practices to trace and prevent illicit financial flows. Users will be obligated to submit government-issued identification documents and confirm their email addresses and mobile numbers before completing registration. These measures reflect the government’s cautious approach toward regulating digital assets, even as India remains one of the largest and fastest-growing crypto markets.

Regulatory Landscape and Market Potential

The new guidelines come amid a broader regulatory framework aiming to monitor and control the expanding crypto sector. While India has yet to establish comprehensive legislation on cryptocurrencies, authorities continue to emphasize risk management and consumer protection. The nation’s population of over 1.4 billion people signifies a considerable potential influx of investment into digital assets, which could reshape local and global markets.

India’s Tax Position on Cryptocurrency Gains

Separately, India’s Income Tax Department has highlighted ongoing challenges with taxing cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance platforms. Officials argue that anonymity features, cross-border transactions, and decentralized exchange models complicate enforcement efforts. Gains from crypto trading are taxed at a flat rate of 30%, with no allowance for offsetting losses across different transactions, thereby discouraging tax-loss harvesting. The department contends that these factors undermine the effectiveness of current tax policies.

“Cryptocurrency and DeFi platforms, with their inherent features of anonymity and decentralization, make it difficult to enforce tax compliance,” a government official stated.

Overall, India’s regulatory environment indicates a cautious yet proactive approach to integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial system while curbing potential misuse and tax evasion.

This article was originally published as India Strengthens KYC & AML Laws to Securely Onboard New Crypto Users on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum’s Price Trends Signal Renewed Confidence Amid Market Fluctuations

Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, Ether, appears to be on a recovery path following a bottoming out in April 2025. Market analysts observe that the recent price movements mirror the 2019 cycle, hinting at a potential bullish phase. Increased on-chain activity, particularly in stablecoins and tokenized assets, coupled with a resurgence in developer engagement, bolster optimism about Ethereum’s near-term prospects.

Key Takeaways

Stablecoin supply on Ethereum has surged over 65% in 2025, reaching historical highs, signaling robust on-chain activity.

The total stablecoin market capitalization exceeds $163.9 billion, with Tether’s USDt accounting for roughly half of the market.

Ethereum processed over $8 trillion in stablecoin transfers in Q4 2024, underscoring increasing utility and transaction volume.

The ETH-BTC ratio, a key indicator of relative strength, has rebounded from April lows, suggesting a potential shift in market sentiment.

Tickers mentioned: Ether, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tether

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The rise in stablecoins and on-chain activity points toward renewed investor interest and confidence.

Market Dynamics and Technical Insights

After briefly surpassing the $3,300 mark, Ether’s price retreated to approximately $3,100 at the time of publication. Despite the dip, experts interpret this price action as a healthy correction within an ongoing bullish cycle. Maintaining above its 365-day moving average, Ether’s recent climb above this resistance level signals potential for further gains.

The stablecoin market cap on Ethereum. Source: DeFiLlama

Furthermore, the Ethereum-Bitcoin (ETH-BTC) ratio, a vital metric for assessing relative strength, has shown signs of recovery after bottoming out at 0.017 in April. The ratio surged to a high of 0.043 in August, before retracting slightly to 0.034, amid broader market turbulence in October.

The ETH-BTC ratio bottomed in April 2025 and has since rallied, indicating increasing relative strength. Source: Michael Van De Poppe

According to sentiment analysis from Santiment, current investor confidence in Ethereum aligns with historically bullish patterns preceding significant price rallies. This suggests that the market may be approaching a new phase of growth, driven by positive on-chain indicators and renewed demand.

This article was originally published as Crypto Market Alert: We’re Entering an Ethereum Boom — Expert Analysis on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Monero Surpasses $500 Amid Broader Privacy Coin Market Turmoil

Monero, the leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency, has broken past the $500 threshold for the first time since its peak in May 2021, signaling renewed investor interest. The digital asset briefly touched $500.66 after a 6% rise on Sunday and a 20% increase over the past week, approaching its all-time high of approximately $517.50 established in April 2021. This uptick reflects Monero’s growing appeal amid turbulence affecting its privacy coin rivals.

XMR/USD daily chart. Source: TradingView

Zcash Fiasco Spurs Monero’s Rally

The recent rally in Monero contrasts sharply with the challenging developments within the Zcash community. On Wednesday, the team behind Zcash, Electric Coin Company, faced a mass resignation due to disputes over project governance, asset management, and operational direction. The fallout uncovered significant internal rifts, especially concerning the management of vital project assets and strategic governance. Subsequently, Zcash’s price plummeted over 20%, reaching a weekly low of around $360 amid market uncertainty.

ZEC/USD daily chart. TradingView

Meanwhile, institutional commentary has been notably bullish on Monero. Leading investment firms such as Grayscale and Coinbase highlighted privacy coins as a critical growth theme, emphasizing rising demand for financial confidentiality in increasingly regulated markets.

With the turmoil surrounding Zcash, traders have shown a preference for Monero, viewing it as the more reliable and comprehensive privacy solution in the current climate.

Technical Outlook: Caution on the Horizon

As of January, Monero was nearing a pivotal point, eyeing a breakout above its previous high of approximately $517.50. Historically, similar breakout attempts have failed seven times in the past, often resulting in sharp corrections of 40% to 95%, pulling the price down toward support levels along an ascending trendline.

XMR/USD two-week chart. Source: TradingView

Such historical patterns suggest that a sustained upward move above $500-$520 must be confirmed to invalidate the bearish fractal and open the door to further gains. Success could see the asset rallying towards $775, bringing it to new all-time highs, similar to other cryptocurrencies that broke out after prolonged consolidation phases in 2025.

This analysis underscores the importance of cautious optimism — while Monero’s fundamentals appear strong amid this rally, historical fractals highlight potential risks of a significant correction if the resistance fails to hold.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks, and readers are advised to conduct their own research prior to making trading decisions. The information provided is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and reliance on such data is at the reader’s own risk.

This article was originally published as XMR Surges to $500 for First Time Since 2021 as Zcash Declines on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Sets New Milestone with Over 1 Million ETH Staked

Cryptocurrency treasury company BitMine Immersion Technologies has surpassed a significant liquidity milestone by staking over 1 million ETH. The latest addition of 86,400 ETH, valued at approximately $268.7 million, marks a notable achievement in the company’s ongoing commitment to Ethereum staking and liquidity expansion.

Key Takeaways

BitMine has now staked more than 1 million ETH, totaling over 1,080,512 ETH, representing a stake worth around $3.3 billion.

The staked ETH generates an estimated $94.4 million annually, based on an average yield of 2.81%.

The milestone comes amid a challenging year for crypto treasury firms, which have seen significant declines in valuation.

BitMine’s stock price has declined over 80% from its July 2025 peak but continues strategic developments, including a major share issuance proposal.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Neutral to cautiously optimistic amid regulatory and market pressures.

Price impact: Neutral, as the company’s liquidity expansion is offset by recent stock devaluations.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The infrastructure for significant Ethereum staking remains compelling, though stock volatility warrants caution.

Market context: The recent milestone underscores ongoing institutional interest in Ethereum, despite a turbulent year for crypto assets and related firms.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, a prominent player in the crypto treasury sector, announced that it has staked over 1 million Ether, setting a new record for the firm’s liquidity pool. The latest transaction of 86,400 ETH, valued at approximately $268.7 million, was conducted in four separate transactions, according to data from Arkham Intelligence. This brings the company’s total staked ETH to more than 1.08 million, which, at current rates, is worth roughly $3.3 billion.

Staking on proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum allows participants to lock tokens in exchange for earning yield, effectively securing the network while generating passive income. Currently, BitMine’s sizeable stake is expected to produce about $94.4 million annually, based on a yield of 2.81%, according to market analyst Nic Puckrin. He also raised the question of whether holding stakeable assets offers better resilience during downturns, especially compared to non-yield-producing assets like Bitcoin.

The milestone is particularly notable considering the broader market environment, which has seen some crypto companies lose over 90% of their valuation from all-time highs. BitMine’s stock, for instance, has declined over 80% from a peak of $161 in July 2025, and is trading at $30.06 today, reflecting the sector’s ongoing volatility.

BitMine’s share price declined sharply following its all-time high in July 2025. Source: Yahoo Finance

Shareholder Proposal for Increased Flexibility

In early January 2026, BitMine’s Chairman Tom Lee urged shareholders to approve a proposal to increase the company’s authorized shares from 50 million to 50 billion—a 1,000-fold expansion. The move aims to facilitate future stock splits, maintaining an affordable share price of around $25. Lee clarified that this does not imply immediate issuance but provides flexibility for strategic growth, including potential stock splits to support a stable trading environment.

The proposed increase in authorized shares would enable Stock splits at various price levels to keep share prices accessible. Source: Tom Lee’s analysis

This article was originally published as BitMine’s Staked ETH Hits Over 1 Million Milestone on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin’s Critical Support Levels in 2026: A Technical Outlook

As Bitcoin (BTC) approaches a pivotal moment in its market cycle, analysts warn that 2026 could be a defining year for the cryptocurrency’s long-term trajectory. Experts highlight key support levels and underlying patterns that may influence Bitcoin’s future, emphasizing the importance of current price action amid evolving macroeconomic factors.

Key Takeaways

Analysts emphasize the relevance of four-year cycles and power law analysis in Bitcoin’s price behavior.

2026 is identified as a critical year where Bitcoin might confront a significant support level of approximately $65,000.

Historical patterns suggest that Bitcoin tends to recover after support line retests, with long-term bottoms often aligned with these support zones.

Market sentiment indicates that despite deviations from traditional cycles, bear markets are expected to persist as part of Bitcoin’s maturation process.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. Current analysis points to potential support tests with no immediate breakout forecasted.

Market context: The crypto market continues to evolve as macroeconomic trends and on-chain fundamentals influence Bitcoin’s price pattern.

Market Analysis Highlights

According to a recent analysis by Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments, Bitcoin’s price movements are closely aligned with its long-standing power law trendlines. After maintaining a close relationship with its trendline during the recent bull run, the cryptocurrency may now be poised for a retest of lower support levels, notably around $45,000. Meanwhile, the key resistance zone remains near the previous all-time high of approximately $65,000, which could serve as a critical battleground in 2026.

Timmer notes that Bitcoin is currently following an internet-like S-curve more than its traditional power law, which could signal a phase of consolidation. His analysis suggests that if Bitcoin sustains sideways movement over the coming year, the support line near $65,000 may become a decisive threshold—a “do-or-die” line that could determine whether the asset consolidates or enters a deeper correction.

Bitcoin power law data. Source: Jurrien Timmer/X

The analysis challenges the notion of Bitcoin as a purely cyclical asset governed solely by halving events, emphasizing instead that its price structure is increasingly influenced by broader macro trends and asset maturity. Timmer highlights that while bear markets will continue to occur, they are an integral part of Bitcoin’s development, and long-term support levels remain central to future price resilience.

Future Price Trajectory and Market Behavior

Despite debates within the community about the relevance of four-year cycles post-2025, experts believe that Bitcoin’s recent price compression below its long-term growth trajectory is likely to resolve upward. David Eng, an industry executive, notes that Bitcoin’s current pattern resembles a coil below its growth law, and historically, such phases tend to culminate in upward breakthroughs. His analysis, supported by a high correlation to a single power law (R² ≈ 0.96) over more than 15 years, indicates that resolution points are generally upward, with prices catching up to their projected growth lines. This suggests that current consolidation might precede a significant rally, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward new highs in the coming months.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Power Law Predicts $65,000 as Critical Bear Market Threshold on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Russia Experiences Growing Curiosity Around Crypto and Pension Payments

As cryptocurrency adoption surges within Russia, questions surrounding the use of digital assets for official pension payments have become increasingly common. The Social Fund of Russia, tasked with managing the nation’s pension system, reports a notable rise in inquiries related to crypto, signaling a shifting interest in digital currencies among the population.

Key Takeaways

In 2025, the Social Fund’s call center handled approximately 37 million interactions, with a notable increase in crypto-related questions.

Most inquiries centered on whether pensions could be paid in cryptocurrencies and if crypto mining income influences social benefit calculations.

The Fund clarified that all pension disbursements are in rubles and that crypto taxation and income are managed by the Federal Tax Service.

Russia has emerged as Europe’s leading crypto market, surpassing the UK and Germany in volume, driven by institutional activity and DeFi growth.

Market Context

Russia’s expanding role as a major crypto hub reflects broader regional trends and increased mainstream integration of digital assets, despite regulatory ambiguities.

Increasing Crypto Curiosity Amid Regulatory Developments

The rising number of crypto-related questions signals an evolving perspective on digital assets within Russia’s financial landscape. While pension payments remain strictly in rubles, citizens are becoming more engaged with cryptocurrencies for other purposes, including income and investment. The government continues to regulate and monitor these activities; the Federal Tax Service handles crypto taxation details, distinct from social benefit management.

In recent months, Russia has cemented its position as Europe’s largest crypto market. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the country processed $376.3 billion in cryptocurrency transactions, outstripping the UK’s $273.2 billion during the same period, according to Chainalysis. The surge is driven by increased institutional activity, particularly large transfers over $10 million, which rose 86% year-over-year, and a broad uptick in decentralized finance adoption. Retail users and DeFi platforms have also seen substantial growth, with activity jumping eightfold early in 2025, further cementing Russia’s prominence in the region’s crypto economy.

Adding to regulatory movements, the Bank of Russia has proposed allowing retail investors to enter certain parts of the crypto market under specific conditions. The plan entails limited investments, with a knowledge test to qualify and a cap of 300,000 rubles annually, excluding privacy coins. Qualified investors would enjoy broader market access after similar assessments, marking a cautious but progressive step towards integrating digital assets into Russia’s financial ecosystem.

Overall, these developments illustrate a landscape where curiosity about cryptocurrencies continues to flourish, even amid ongoing regulatory and political considerations.

This article was originally published as Russians Wonder: Will Pensions Soon Be Paid in Cryptocurrency? on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Crypto Influencer Highlights Growing Concerns Over Platform’s Handling of Crypto Content

Ki Young Ju, founder of CryptoQuant, has publicly criticized X (formerly Twitter) over its approach to managing cryptocurrency-related posts. Ju asserts that the platform is unjustly suppressing legitimate crypto discussions while failing to effectively address a surge in automated spam, which threatens the quality of content shared within the community.

Key Takeaways

Automated spam activity on X related to crypto themes has surged over 1,200%, with over 7.7 million posts in a single day.

Ju criticizes X’s inability to differentiate between genuine users and bots, exacerbated by flaws in the paid verification system.

The platform’s algorithm crackdowns have affected authentic accounts, resulting in reduced visibility and engagement for legitimate content creators.

The criticism comes amid broader discussions about X’s handling of crypto content and user engagement strategies.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Critical

Price impact: Neutral. The narrative focuses on platform policies rather than immediate price movements.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): HOLD — platform policy debates currently do not justify significant trading actions.

Market context: Ongoing tensions between social media regulation and crypto community engagement are shaping platform dynamics.

CryptoQuant founder Ki Young Ju has raised concerns about X’s recent approach to crypto content moderation. In a detailed post, Ju highlighted a sharp spike in automated activity, noting more than 7.7 million posts mentioning “crypto” within a single day—a rise of over 1,200% compared to previous levels. This influx of low-quality, automated posts has prompted algorithmic crackdowns that, according to Ju, are unjustly impacting genuine crypto accounts and discussions.

Bots generate massive amounts of crypto posts. Source: Ki Young Ju

Ju criticized X’s recent paid verification model, suggesting it has become a vehicle for bots to “pay to spam,” while authentic users see their reach diminish. “It is absurd that X would rather ban crypto than improve its bot detection,” Ju remarked.

This criticism is echoed by insiders within the platform. Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, recently revealed that some of the platform’s engagement issues are self-inflicted—attributing the decline in Crypto Twitter’s visibility to over-posting and low-value interactions. Bier argued that excessive posting, including repetitive greetings like “gm,” dilutes overall reach, leaving less room for substantive updates and discussions.

The debate over content moderation and community health continues to dominate discourse on X, especially within crypto circles that rely heavily on the platform for real-time communication. Crypto enthusiasts and industry insiders maintain that X remains their primary hub for sharing market insights, project updates, breaking news, and chain analysis. Last year, Elon Musk announced the rollout of XChats, a messaging feature promising Bitcoin-style encryption, integrated with multimedia capabilities and a new architecture built in Rust, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance platform functionality amid regulatory and community pressures.

This article was originally published as CryptoQuant Founder Blasts X for Hiding Crypto Amid Rising Bot Spam on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Tennessee Sports Wagering Authority Clamps Down on Prediction Markets

In a recent move to regulate online betting activities, Tennessee’s sports betting regulator has issued cease-and-desist orders to leading prediction market platforms—Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com—barring them from offering sports event contracts to residents within the state. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between federal and state jurisdictions over the legality of emerging betting formats leveraging prediction markets.

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) communicated in letters dated Friday that these platforms engaged in illegal gambling activities by providing sports wagering products without obtaining appropriate licensing under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. The platforms list contracts on their North American Derivatives Exchange that allow users to wager on sporting outcomes. The regulator asserts that such products, branded as “event contracts,” do not escape the state’s gambling statutes despite their presentation, and are considered illegal offerings if not licensed.

The SWC highlighted concerns over consumer safety measures, including age restrictions, responsible gaming tools, and anti-money laundering frameworks—features currently lacking on these platforms, according to the agency. As part of the enforcement action, the regulator ordered these companies to cease offering sports-related contracts, cancel all existing ones entered into by Tennessee residents, and refund any deposits by January 31, 2026. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $25,000 per offense, along with potential legal proceedings and further investigation by authorities.

Both Kalshi and Polymarket operate under federal commodities law with oversight from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, Tennessee officials emphasized that federal regulation does not override the state’s authority to regulate sports betting within its boundaries. Crypto.com, primarily a cryptocurrency exchange, is also affected by these orders amid broader scrutiny of prediction markets’ legality at the state level.

While the platforms await clarification, the legal landscape remains complex. Notably, Kalshi recently challenged Connecticut’s enforcement actions, gaining a temporary reprieve from a cease-and-desist order issued by state regulators, in a case that highlights wider disputes over the regulation of prediction markets tied to sporting events. Kalshi and other platforms face ongoing legal battles in multiple states—Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, and Ohio—where regulators question whether such contracts constitute unlicensed gambling options.

The case illustrates the evolving regulatory environment surrounding prediction markets—an innovative intersection of crypto, betting, and law that continues to develop as regulators seek to adapt to new market realities.

This article was originally published as Tennessee Bans Sports Betting on Kalshi, Polymarket, Crypto.com: What You Need to Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Price Predictions and Market Outlook: Experts’ Perspectives for 2026

Renowned crypto strategist Samson Mow forecasts a bullish trajectory for Bitcoin (BTC), predicting not only a surge to over one million dollars but also a significant shift by major tech figures like Elon Musk. While some industry leaders remain cautious, Mow’s optimistic outlook highlights the evolving narrative surrounding Bitcoin’s future and its potential role in the global financial system.

Key Takeaways

Samson Mow predicts Bitcoin could reach $1.33 million by 2026, a 1,367% increase from current levels.

Mow expects Elon Musk to significantly increase Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings in 2026, signaling mainstream institutional interest.

The analyst emphasizes nation-state adoption as a critical catalyst for exponential price growth.

Other industry insiders adopt a more conservative stance, forecasting steady, moderate gains over the decade.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The forecast of substantial gains and institutional adoption could bolster investor confidence.

Market context: These projections come amid ongoing debates over Bitcoin’s sustainability, regulation, and broader acceptance in traditional finance.

Bold Predictions Continue Despite Past Misses

Samson Mow, founder of Jan3, has become one of the most vocal advocates predicting an extraordinary rise for Bitcoin. In a recent statement, he claimed that Elon Musk could intensify his involvement with Bitcoin in 2026, potentially marking a watershed moment for the cryptocurrency. Mow’s prediction aligns with his earlier assertion that Bitcoin could someday reach seven-figure territory, positing a price of $1.33 million—a remarkable 1,367% increase from current levels of approximately $90,596, according to CoinMarketCap.

Mow told Media in June 2025 that Bitcoin might hit the $1 million mark within that year or the next. “It’s a certainty now—maybe this year, maybe next year,” he stated. He also highlighted the potential for increased adoption by nation-states as a significant factor that could propel Bitcoin prices exponentially higher. In September, he noted that more countries are preparing to adopt Bitcoin, pushing the narrative of a global shift towards cryptocurrency acceptance.

Source: Samson Mow

Industry Caution and Diverging Views

While some analysts’ predictions border on the extraordinary, others adopt a more tempered outlook. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, expects a steady growth trajectory over the next decade, emphasizing consistent returns over spectacular gains. “It’s a 10-year grind upward of strong, but not extraordinary, returns,” he remarked.

Despite these varying perspectives, the industry has seen numerous high-profile predictions that failed to materialize, such as bitcoins hitting $250,000 or the stock of Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy soaring to $5,000. Yet, the prevailing hope remains that Bitcoin’s narrative of mainstream adoption and institutional interest will continue shaping its trajectory in the coming years.

This article was originally published as Samson Mow Predicts Elon Musk Will Make a Big Bitcoin Move in 2026 on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum Sentiment Echoes Patterns from Its 2025 Price Rally

Recent analyses indicate that social media sentiment surrounding Ethereum is declining to levels reminiscent of those observed before its substantial price surge in 2025. Experts suggest this could signal an impending bullish phase, even amid current market downturns.

Key Takeaways

Social media sentiment towards Ethereum has fallen to pre-rally levels, hinting at a potential upcoming price rebound.

Ethereum reached a peak of $4,878 in August 2025, after rebounding sharply from a low of $1,472 in April, marking a nearly 70% increase over four months.

Despite a 36% decline from its all-time high, Ethereum maintains its position as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

Market-wide sentiment remains cautious, with investor focus shifting toward network growth and staking activities.

Tickers mentioned: Ethereum

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Negative — current declines reflect broader risk-off sentiment, but underlying technical signals suggest potential for recovery.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold — patience is advised as sentiment stabilizes and market signals align for a possible rebound.

Market context: Ethereum’s recent price movements are occurring against a backdrop of heightened market caution and consolidating investor interests in network fundamentals.

Ethereum’s Market Dynamics and Sentiment Overview

Recent social media sentiment analysis indicates Ethereum is again approaching levels seen before its historic rally in 2025. According to crypto sentiment analyst Brian Quinlivan, the decline in social chatter signals that a significant upward move might be imminent. Quinlivan pointed out that Ethereum’s price “took off just as people were starting to write off the asset,” mirroring patterns observed before its last major rally that peaked at $4,878, representing a dramatic rebound from a low of $1,472 in April of that year.

Currently, Ethereum trades around $3,089, down approximately 36% from its peak, following a $19 billion market liquidation event in October, which triggered a broader downtrend across cryptocurrencies. Despite recent setbacks, Quinlivan emphasized that sentiment has shifted from outright skepticism to an acknowledgment of Ethereum as the primary second-largest market cap token. This aligns with sentiments expressed by Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili, who highlighted the investor consensus favoring Bitcoin first, then Ethereum, as the “next” key asset.

While overall market sentiment remains cautious, with the crypto fear and greed index signaling “Fear” at a score of 29, there is notable enthusiasm for Ethereum’s network development. Quinlivan noted a surge in interest around staking, which has gained traction on social platforms. Elsewhere, the broader market continues to favor Bitcoin, with the Altcoin Season Index reflecting a “Bitcoin Season” score of 34 out of 100, indicating investors’ risk-averse stance towards altcoins.

As the crypto environment navigates these turbulent waters, Ethereum’s fundamentals and social sentiment suggest a potential inflection point. Market participants are closely watching for signs of a reversal, especially with network growth and staking activity pointing to underlying strength beneath the price correction.

This article was originally published as Ether Sentiment Dips Near Pre-Bull Run Levels—What It Means for Investors on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Major Banks Shift from Risk Containment to Active Engagement in Cryptocurrency

Historically, leading banks regarded cryptocurrencies as high-risk assets, often seeking to limit their exposure. However, recent developments reveal a decisive move toward integrating digital assets into mainstream financial services. This transition encompasses a broad range of initiatives, from blockchain-based payment channels to tokenized digital cash, indicating a more sophisticated approach to digital currency adoption by traditional banking institutions.

This evolving stance is exemplified by several key moves in the industry. JPMorgan is expanding its US dollar deposit token, JPM Coin, onto the Canton Network, signaling a significant step toward infrastructure that supports real-world application of tokenized fiat currency. Morgan Stanley is preparing to introduce ETFs that provide exposure to Bitcoin and Solana, making these assets accessible to a broader client base. Meanwhile, Barclays has invested in Ubyx, a stablecoin settlement infrastructure company, marking its foray into digital dollar settlement solutions. Additionally, Bank of America has authorized its advisers to recommend spot Bitcoin ETFs to clients, further blurring the line between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem.

JPMorgan Advances Digital Cash Infrastructure

JPMorgan announced plans to deploy JPM Coin, its US dollar-denominated deposit token, onto the Canton Network—a highly secure, privacy-focused layer-1 blockchain developed by Digital Asset and Kinexys. This move reflects a strategic push to facilitate cross-border and inter-institutional settlement through regulated digital cash, reducing settlement times and enhancing security for institutional clients.

JPM Coin is designed as a digital claim on JPMorgan’s dollar deposits, providing a faster, secure means of transferring funds across interoperable blockchain networks. According to Yuval Rooz, CEO of Digital Asset, this collaboration operationalizes the long-held industry vision of regulated digital cash capable of operating seamlessly at market speed.

Morgan Stanley Ventures into Crypto ETFs

Following the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, Morgan Stanley has filed with the SEC to launch the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and the Morgan Stanley Solana Trust. These funds aim to offer passive exposure to Bitcoin and Solana, respectively, potentially broadening investment access to millions of wealth management clients.

If approved, these ETFs could stand among the most successful in the industry, attracting significant inflows given the strong investor appetite for crypto-related investment vehicles. The ongoing momentum in Bitcoin ETF launches continues to underscore institutional recognition of cryptocurrencies as core assets.

Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Infrastructure

London-based Barclays has made its first strategic investment in Ubyx, a platform facilitating stablecoin settlement within regulated environments. This aligns with Barclays’ interest in exploring digital money infrastructure, despite previous cautionary stances on digital assets. Ubyx, supported by notable investors like Coinbase and Galaxy, aims to enable interoperability between stablecoin issuers and financial institutions, underscoring the sector’s push toward foundational digital dollar work.

Bank of America Endorses Bitcoin ETF Recommendations

Bank of America has begun permitting its wealth advisers to recommend Bitcoin ETFs from providers like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale. This development indicates a growing institutional acceptance of digital assets and signals that traditional investors could soon receive targeted investment advice in the crypto space. The move follows reports that the bank’s private wealth division has suggested a modest 1-4% allocation of digital assets, reflecting increasing confidence in cryptocurrencies’ role within diversified portfolios.

This article was originally published as Wall Street Embraces Digital Assets as Banks Go Onchain on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Whales Signal Bullish Reversal as Long Positions Decline

Bitcoin whales are exhibiting a significant shift in their trading behavior, unloading long positions after a prolonged period of market exposure decline. This move is seen by many analysts as a potential precursor to a bullish reversal, reminiscent of past market cycles.

Key Takeaways

Whales on Bitfinex are rotating out of BTC long positions, a pattern that has historically preceded substantial price rallies.

Experts suggest a Wyckoff-style “spring” bottom may be forming, indicating a potential major reversal.

Whale holdings have decreased by approximately 220,000 BTC in 2025, signaling a maturing market.

Conversely, retail investors have increased their exposure, supporting the view of a more robust, diversified investor base.

Tickers mentioned:
Crypto → BTC

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The reduction in whale long positions could signal an imminent rally, especially if historical patterns repeat.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold or cautiously accumulate, as these shifts often mark the early stages of a new upward trend.

Market context: The broader crypto market currently exhibits signs of stabilization, with on-chain data indicating a shift toward more diversified participation.

Recent data from TradingView highlights that whale long positions on Bitfinex peaked at around 73,000 BTC in late December before beginning a marked decline. This pattern has historically signaled impending price movements, with previous instances leading to notable rally phases. The current unwinding, described by analyst MartyParty, suggests that whale activity is aligning with a Wyckoff spring pattern—an accumulation phase that often precedes substantial upward movement.

Bitfinex whale longs one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Historically, such unwinds in whale long positions have been followed by sharp rallies, with previous cycles seeing Bitcoin surge from lows near $75,000 to targets exceeding $135,000. The current market appears to be transitioning from a phase dominated by whale accumulation to broader participation, as smaller investors step up their holdings — a hallmark of a maturing cycle.

On-chain analytics from CryptoQuant illustrate that overall whale holdings have diminished by over 200,000 BTC in the past year, although this decline coincides with increased activity among retail investors. According to CryptoZeno, this shift signifies a market moving toward more distributed ownership and enhanced long-term stability, despite existing volatility.

Despite the decline in whale concentration, the market remains optimistic, with some analysts arguing that the current cycle’s maturation sets the stage for significant price appreciation. As Bitcoin consolidates near $91,500, experts are watching for fractal patterns similar to previous bullish moves, which could push prices toward $135,000 or higher in the coming months.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Whales Decrease Longs, Spark New Bullish Trend Indicators on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.