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VanEck's Analysis Suggests Bitcoin Could Attain $2.9 Million Value by 2050
Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research, has predicted that Bitcoin could reach a valuation of nearly $2.9 million by 2050, based on a long-term base-case scenario. This projection is driven by Bitcoin's potential adoption as a settlement currency for up to 10% of global trade and its emergence as a reserve asset making up 2.5% of central bank balance sheets. In contrast, a bear case scenario, where Bitcoin fails to significantly penetrate trade settlement or reserve assets, the firm estimated a price of roughly $130,000 by 2050. However, near-term market conditions point to a more challenging environment ahead, with declining volumes, weakening capital inflows, and limited fresh capital and new investors' participation.
Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research, has predicted that Bitcoin could reach a valuation of nearly $2.9 million by 2050, based on a long-term base-case scenario. This projection is driven by Bitcoin's potential adoption as a settlement currency for up to 10% of global trade and its emergence as a reserve asset making up 2.5% of central bank balance sheets. In contrast, a bear case scenario, where Bitcoin fails to significantly penetrate trade settlement or reserve assets, the firm estimated a price of roughly $130,000 by 2050. However, near-term market conditions point to a more challenging environment ahead, with declining volumes, weakening capital inflows, and limited fresh capital and new investors' participation.
Ripple Achieves Significant Regulatory Success from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority: More Information
Ripple Markets UK Ltd, Ripple's local subsidiary, has successfully secured registration with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), confirming its compliance with money laundering regulations. Although this does not equate to full financial services authorization, it permits the Brad Garlinghouse-led company to engage in certain crypto-related operations in the UK. The FCA registration reinforces that Ripple adheres to local money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules. This progression allows Ripple to broaden its global reach, particularly in Europe. This follows the news last month that the company had established its inaugural banking partnership in Europe with Swiss-based AMINA Bank AG. The collaboration is anticipated to facilitate near-instant cross-border transactions for the bank's customers through Ripple Payments.
Ripple Markets UK Ltd, Ripple's local subsidiary, has successfully secured registration with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), confirming its compliance with money laundering regulations. Although this does not equate to full financial services authorization, it permits the Brad Garlinghouse-led company to engage in certain crypto-related operations in the UK. The FCA registration reinforces that Ripple adheres to local money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules. This progression allows Ripple to broaden its global reach, particularly in Europe. This follows the news last month that the company had established its inaugural banking partnership in Europe with Swiss-based AMINA Bank AG. The collaboration is anticipated to facilitate near-instant cross-border transactions for the bank's customers through Ripple Payments.
Cryptocurrency Market Review on January 9th: Evaluating ETH, XRP, ADA, BNB, and HYPE
The market review on January 9th focused on Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Binance Coin (BNB), and Hyperliquid (HYPE). Ethereum ended the second week of January with a minor 1% gain, keeping buyers hopeful for a steady recovery from December's $3,000 reclaim. Ripple showed an impressive 11% rally, reclaiming the $2 support level. Cardano, on the other hand, closed the week with a 7% gain, maintaining an uptrend from its 36-cent support. Binance Coin closed the week with a 2% gain, consistently knocking at the $900 resistance, which has held since November 2025. Lastly, Hyperliquid saw a 2% gain but remains under the control of sellers. The future of these cryptocurrencies largely depends on their ability to turn their resistance levels into key support.
The market review on January 9th focused on Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Binance Coin (BNB), and Hyperliquid (HYPE). Ethereum ended the second week of January with a minor 1% gain, keeping buyers hopeful for a steady recovery from December's $3,000 reclaim. Ripple showed an impressive 11% rally, reclaiming the $2 support level. Cardano, on the other hand, closed the week with a 7% gain, maintaining an uptrend from its 36-cent support. Binance Coin closed the week with a 2% gain, consistently knocking at the $900 resistance, which has held since November 2025. Lastly, Hyperliquid saw a 2% gain but remains under the control of sellers. The future of these cryptocurrencies largely depends on their ability to turn their resistance levels into key support.
Truebit Endures $26.5M Depletion in Initial Significant DeFi Breach of 2026
Truebit Protocol experienced a considerable security violation that led to an estimated loss of around $26.5 million in ETH. The attack resulted in a drastic decrease in the value of its native token, TRU. Blockchain security company, PeckshieldAlert, highlighted that Truebit was targeted in an exploit, which drained over 8,500 ETH from one of its smart contracts. The hacker exploited a flaw in the smart contract's pricing logic to mint TRU tokens at no cost, then sold them back into the protocol, exhausting its ETH reserves. The stolen funds were transferred to two addresses. The same hacker is suspected to have been involved in a similar exploit on Sparkle. Truebit confirmed its awareness of the security threat and is closely working with law enforcement to address the issue.
Truebit Protocol experienced a considerable security violation that led to an estimated loss of around $26.5 million in ETH. The attack resulted in a drastic decrease in the value of its native token, TRU. Blockchain security company, PeckshieldAlert, highlighted that Truebit was targeted in an exploit, which drained over 8,500 ETH from one of its smart contracts. The hacker exploited a flaw in the smart contract's pricing logic to mint TRU tokens at no cost, then sold them back into the protocol, exhausting its ETH reserves. The stolen funds were transferred to two addresses. The same hacker is suspected to have been involved in a similar exploit on Sparkle. Truebit confirmed its awareness of the security threat and is closely working with law enforcement to address the issue.
Erroneous Viral Screenshot Suggests 53% Chance of Tom Lee Facing Fraud Charges - Despite Nonexistent Market
A misleading screenshot claiming a 53% possibility of Fundstrat's co-founder Tom Lee being charged with securities fraud or involved in a Ponzi scheme by 2026 has been circulated widely. This claim, supposedly based on Polymarket odds, gained momentum despite Polymarket confirming no such market for Lee exists. The controversial screenshot emerged amidst issues at BitMine Immersion Technologies, a company where Lee is chairman. However, there are no criminal allegations against Lee. The incident highlights how misleading narratives can emerge from prediction markets and cryptocurrency tribalism. Despite the viral post, no regulator, law enforcement, or mainstream media outlet has reported any investigations or charges related to Lee, emphasizing the need for verification in such speculative markets.
A misleading screenshot claiming a 53% possibility of Fundstrat's co-founder Tom Lee being charged with securities fraud or involved in a Ponzi scheme by 2026 has been circulated widely. This claim, supposedly based on Polymarket odds, gained momentum despite Polymarket confirming no such market for Lee exists. The controversial screenshot emerged amidst issues at BitMine Immersion Technologies, a company where Lee is chairman. However, there are no criminal allegations against Lee. The incident highlights how misleading narratives can emerge from prediction markets and cryptocurrency tribalism. Despite the viral post, no regulator, law enforcement, or mainstream media outlet has reported any investigations or charges related to Lee, emphasizing the need for verification in such speculative markets.
The Market's Anticipated Response to Bitcoin Options Worth $2B Expiring Today
Approximately 20,600 Bitcoin options contracts, worth close to $1.9 billion, are set to expire today. Despite this being a similar scenario to last week's, it's not expected to significantly impact spot markets. Open interest remains highest at the $100,000 mark, with $1.8 billion at this strike price on Deribit. Additionally, a batch of 123,000 Ethereum contracts, with a notional value of $384 million, are also expiring. This brings the total notional value of crypto options expiring today to roughly $2.2 billion. The crypto market has seen a slight fall this week, with Bitcoin briefly dropping below $89,500. Despite this, Ether prices have remained steady above $3,000. The anticipation now lies in monitoring the market’s reaction to these expirations.
Approximately 20,600 Bitcoin options contracts, worth close to $1.9 billion, are set to expire today. Despite this being a similar scenario to last week's, it's not expected to significantly impact spot markets. Open interest remains highest at the $100,000 mark, with $1.8 billion at this strike price on Deribit. Additionally, a batch of 123,000 Ethereum contracts, with a notional value of $384 million, are also expiring. This brings the total notional value of crypto options expiring today to roughly $2.2 billion. The crypto market has seen a slight fall this week, with Bitcoin briefly dropping below $89,500. Despite this, Ether prices have remained steady above $3,000. The anticipation now lies in monitoring the market’s reaction to these expirations.
Challenges with Optimism in Pi Network (PI) Price Forecasts: An Analysis
In the dawn of the new year, Pi Network's native token has seen a notable downtrend, with some analysts maintaining a bearish outlook due to potential further pullbacks. The token trades at around $0.20, with a minor 2% weekly increase and a significant 93% drop since its all-time high of $3 in February of the previous year. Key concerns include lack of support from major exchanges, unclear supply, centralized control, and locked balances. However, some analysts believe a resurgence could be imminent. Factors like a possible breakout from an eight-month downtrend and token unlocks scheduled for release in the next 30 days provide some ground for optimism.
In the dawn of the new year, Pi Network's native token has seen a notable downtrend, with some analysts maintaining a bearish outlook due to potential further pullbacks. The token trades at around $0.20, with a minor 2% weekly increase and a significant 93% drop since its all-time high of $3 in February of the previous year. Key concerns include lack of support from major exchanges, unclear supply, centralized control, and locked balances. However, some analysts believe a resurgence could be imminent. Factors like a possible breakout from an eight-month downtrend and token unlocks scheduled for release in the next 30 days provide some ground for optimism.
Electric Coin Company Staff Departure Triggered by Zcash Governance Dispute
The primary developer team of the privacy-focused blockchain, Zcash, has collectively resigned due to ongoing governance disagreements with the non-profit board overseeing the Electric Coin Company (ECC). ECC CEO, Josh Swihart, stated the team was effectively dismissed following significant changes to their employment terms, imposed by the Bootstrap board. He accused the board of straying from Zcash's original mission and creating an environment where the team could not perform their duties effectively. Despite the significant internal disruption, the Zcash protocol remains unaffected, and the developers intend to establish a new company to continue their work. This incident has brought attention to "constructive discharge," a term in US labor law describing situations where employees are forced to resign due to hostile or intolerable working conditions.
The primary developer team of the privacy-focused blockchain, Zcash, has collectively resigned due to ongoing governance disagreements with the non-profit board overseeing the Electric Coin Company (ECC). ECC CEO, Josh Swihart, stated the team was effectively dismissed following significant changes to their employment terms, imposed by the Bootstrap board. He accused the board of straying from Zcash's original mission and creating an environment where the team could not perform their duties effectively. Despite the significant internal disruption, the Zcash protocol remains unaffected, and the developers intend to establish a new company to continue their work. This incident has brought attention to "constructive discharge," a term in US labor law describing situations where employees are forced to resign due to hostile or intolerable working conditions.
Reasons Why Bitcoin (BTC) is Struggling to Reach $100K: Experts Explain
Bitcoin, despite a strong start to the year, is struggling to break the $100,000 mark due to several factors. According to Crypto Rover, Bitcoin's price is being artificially suppressed by dealer hedging, which involves selling during rallies and buying during dips, keeping the price locked between $90,000 and $95,000. The expiration of numerous options later in the month could trigger a price move. Chart analyst Ali Martinez suggested that Bitcoin needs a daily close above $94,000 or below $88,000 to confirm the trend direction. Bitcoin's price has been influenced by the "CME gaps" - the gaps in the Bitcoin futures market. The divergence in the positioning of futures traders and spot market demand also adds to the price uncertainty. Despite potential short-term rallies, analysts predict Bitcoin's price might fall below $70,000 later in the cycle.
Bitcoin, despite a strong start to the year, is struggling to break the $100,000 mark due to several factors. According to Crypto Rover, Bitcoin's price is being artificially suppressed by dealer hedging, which involves selling during rallies and buying during dips, keeping the price locked between $90,000 and $95,000. The expiration of numerous options later in the month could trigger a price move. Chart analyst Ali Martinez suggested that Bitcoin needs a daily close above $94,000 or below $88,000 to confirm the trend direction. Bitcoin's price has been influenced by the "CME gaps" - the gaps in the Bitcoin futures market. The divergence in the positioning of futures traders and spot market demand also adds to the price uncertainty. Despite potential short-term rallies, analysts predict Bitcoin's price might fall below $70,000 later in the cycle.
Zcash (ZEC) Tumbles Significantly, Bitcoin (BTC) Drops Under $90K: Cryptocurrency Update
Bitcoin's recent surge has come to a pause as the cryptocurrency dips below $90K once again, following a rejection at $95K a few days ago. The majority of altcoins are also experiencing a significant downturn, with XRP falling over 6%, and ZEC declining over 20% after a developer left the project. Bitcoin's value has been fluctuating, but ultimately fell below $90K, with its market cap dropping to $1.8 trillion. Its dominance over altcoins is nearing 57%. Altcoins have similarly taken hits, with Ethereum falling to just above $3,100, BNB dropping below $900, and ADA under $0.40. ZEC has seen the most substantial loss among the top 100 altcoins. The total crypto market cap has lost around $100 billion in a day, now standing at $3.170 trillion.
Bitcoin's recent surge has come to a pause as the cryptocurrency dips below $90K once again, following a rejection at $95K a few days ago. The majority of altcoins are also experiencing a significant downturn, with XRP falling over 6%, and ZEC declining over 20% after a developer left the project. Bitcoin's value has been fluctuating, but ultimately fell below $90K, with its market cap dropping to $1.8 trillion. Its dominance over altcoins is nearing 57%. Altcoins have similarly taken hits, with Ethereum falling to just above $3,100, BNB dropping below $900, and ADA under $0.40. ZEC has seen the most substantial loss among the top 100 altcoins. The total crypto market cap has lost around $100 billion in a day, now standing at $3.170 trillion.
Senator Lummis Indicates Cryptocurrency Market Regulation Bill Nearing Approval
The U.S. Senate is nearing the passing of a bipartisan legislation on cryptocurrency market structure, as indicated by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis. The bill, expected to progress to Senate deliberations soon, will establish a digital commodities framework under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and treat crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ether as commodities by default. It will limit the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) role to regulating actual securities and introduces protections for developers of non-custodial infrastructure. Despite optimism about the bill's passage, analysts warn of potential political obstacles and predict its final passage might be delayed until 2027. Blockchain betting platform Kalshi predicts a 74% probability of the legislation becoming law by year-end.
The U.S. Senate is nearing the passing of a bipartisan legislation on cryptocurrency market structure, as indicated by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis. The bill, expected to progress to Senate deliberations soon, will establish a digital commodities framework under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and treat crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ether as commodities by default. It will limit the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) role to regulating actual securities and introduces protections for developers of non-custodial infrastructure. Despite optimism about the bill's passage, analysts warn of potential political obstacles and predict its final passage might be delayed until 2027. Blockchain betting platform Kalshi predicts a 74% probability of the legislation becoming law by year-end.
The Roadway Metaphor: Vitalik Buterin's Strategy for Boosting Ethereum's Capacity by 1000x
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, proposes to scale Ethereum by focusing on expanding the network's bandwidth, rather than reducing latency. He likens this to increasing the number of lanes on a highway instead of just speeding up the cars. Despite the limitations of current technology, Buterin suggests that Ethereum can be scaled three to six times using existing technologies and without sacrificing security and decentralization. He further argues that with technologies like PeerDAS and ZKPs, Ethereum's capacity can be expanded thousands of times compared to its current status. Buterin also implies that even if Ethereum is significantly scaled, layer two scaling solutions will still play a role in the future.
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, proposes to scale Ethereum by focusing on expanding the network's bandwidth, rather than reducing latency. He likens this to increasing the number of lanes on a highway instead of just speeding up the cars. Despite the limitations of current technology, Buterin suggests that Ethereum can be scaled three to six times using existing technologies and without sacrificing security and decentralization. He further argues that with technologies like PeerDAS and ZKPs, Ethereum's capacity can be expanded thousands of times compared to its current status. Buterin also implies that even if Ethereum is significantly scaled, layer two scaling solutions will still play a role in the future.
Four Artificial Intelligences Weigh in on Dogecoin's Potential to Break its All-Time High by 2026
Dogecoin's recent price surge of 21%, which is part of a broader meme coin revival, prompted inquiries to four AI chatbots regarding the coin's potential to hit a new all-time high by 2026. ChatGPT predicts a 35%-45% chance of Dogecoin reaching a new peak this year, contingent on Bitcoin and Ethereum's performance and a return of retail enthusiasm. Grok, however, believes Dogecoin's record-breaking performance is unlikely unless "extraordinary catalysts" like Elon Musk's support and meme coin dynamics are present. In contrast, Perplexity sees a maximum 2026 price of $0.44 and a new high in 2027, while Google's Gemini views a 2026 all-time high as a "miracle scenario," with the year more likely to bring consolidation than a surge above $0.74.
Dogecoin's recent price surge of 21%, which is part of a broader meme coin revival, prompted inquiries to four AI chatbots regarding the coin's potential to hit a new all-time high by 2026. ChatGPT predicts a 35%-45% chance of Dogecoin reaching a new peak this year, contingent on Bitcoin and Ethereum's performance and a return of retail enthusiasm. Grok, however, believes Dogecoin's record-breaking performance is unlikely unless "extraordinary catalysts" like Elon Musk's support and meme coin dynamics are present. In contrast, Perplexity sees a maximum 2026 price of $0.44 and a new high in 2027, while Google's Gemini views a 2026 all-time high as a "miracle scenario," with the year more likely to bring consolidation than a surge above $0.74.
Bitcoin (BTC) Slips Under $92K Amidst Declining Exchange Supply
Bitcoin (BTC) is presently trading around $91,700, a near 2% decrease in the last 24 hours. Despite this, the cryptocurrency's supply on trading platforms is declining, with the proportion of Bitcoin held on exchanges dropping to its lowest since 2018 at around 13.7%. This trend, which suggests holders are not preparing to sell, has remained consistent even when Bitcoin neared $95,000. Furthermore, netflow charts indicate steady outflows in recent weeks, hinting at a move of coins into cold storage or long-term wallets. However, there is ongoing debate about long-term holder supply data, as some argue that current estimates do not accurately reflect the actual amount of Bitcoin held off exchanges. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price volatility remains high, with traders keeping a keen eye on key price levels.
Bitcoin (BTC) is presently trading around $91,700, a near 2% decrease in the last 24 hours. Despite this, the cryptocurrency's supply on trading platforms is declining, with the proportion of Bitcoin held on exchanges dropping to its lowest since 2018 at around 13.7%. This trend, which suggests holders are not preparing to sell, has remained consistent even when Bitcoin neared $95,000. Furthermore, netflow charts indicate steady outflows in recent weeks, hinting at a move of coins into cold storage or long-term wallets. However, there is ongoing debate about long-term holder supply data, as some argue that current estimates do not accurately reflect the actual amount of Bitcoin held off exchanges. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price volatility remains high, with traders keeping a keen eye on key price levels.
Phishing Attack on Ledger Users Exploits Global-e Data Breach
Following a data leak at Ledger's third-party e-commerce partner, Global-e, cybercriminals initiated a targeted phishing campaign. The scammers falsely claimed a merger between cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturers Ledger and Trezor in emails to the victims, asking them to "migrate" their wallets via a fake website. Global-e is currently investigating the breach, which compromised customers' contact and order information. This is not the first instance of Ledger being involved in a data breach scandal. In 2020, the company faced a lawsuit for delayed disclosure and inadequate safeguards after data breaches exposed personal information of hundreds of thousands of users. In a later attack, the data of about 292,000 customers was posted online. More recently, the company lost around $600,000 in cryptocurrency due to a security incident.
Following a data leak at Ledger's third-party e-commerce partner, Global-e, cybercriminals initiated a targeted phishing campaign. The scammers falsely claimed a merger between cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturers Ledger and Trezor in emails to the victims, asking them to "migrate" their wallets via a fake website. Global-e is currently investigating the breach, which compromised customers' contact and order information. This is not the first instance of Ledger being involved in a data breach scandal. In 2020, the company faced a lawsuit for delayed disclosure and inadequate safeguards after data breaches exposed personal information of hundreds of thousands of users. In a later attack, the data of about 292,000 customers was posted online. More recently, the company lost around $600,000 in cryptocurrency due to a security incident.
XRP Peaks at $2.40 Before Drop, Bitcoin Experiences Sharp Fluctuations: Cryptocurrency Overview
Bitcoin's value experienced dramatic fluctuations yesterday, peaking at nearly $95,000 before falling several thousand dollars, only to rebound again. The cryptocurrency began the year strongly, recovering from late December 2025 losses to breach the $90,000 mark on Friday. Despite global events, such as US action against Venezuela, the currency remained robust. The start of the business week saw Bitcoin reach $93,000, and later nearly $95,000, before falling below $91,500, and recovering to just under $93,000. Meanwhile, Ripple's XRP rose sharply to just over $2.40 before falling back to $2.28. Other altcoins saw gains, including ETH at $3,250, and BNB at $920. Despite these movements, the total cryptocurrency market cap dropped by around $25 billion to $3.275 trillion.
Bitcoin's value experienced dramatic fluctuations yesterday, peaking at nearly $95,000 before falling several thousand dollars, only to rebound again. The cryptocurrency began the year strongly, recovering from late December 2025 losses to breach the $90,000 mark on Friday. Despite global events, such as US action against Venezuela, the currency remained robust. The start of the business week saw Bitcoin reach $93,000, and later nearly $95,000, before falling below $91,500, and recovering to just under $93,000. Meanwhile, Ripple's XRP rose sharply to just over $2.40 before falling back to $2.28. Other altcoins saw gains, including ETH at $3,250, and BNB at $920. Despite these movements, the total cryptocurrency market cap dropped by around $25 billion to $3.275 trillion.
Crypto Treasury Companies Retain Position in MSCI Indexes, Preventing $15B Forced Sale
MSCI, in a recent statement, announced its decision against the exclusion of digital asset treasury companies (DATs) from its Global Investable Market Indexes during the February 2026 review. This decision is crucial for DATs as it ensures their access to passive index fund capital. The MSCI indexes play a significant role as benchmarks for passive investments and holdings. BitcoinForCorporations, an organization opposing the exclusion proposal, estimated that the exclusion could have led to outflows of up to $15 billion, severely affecting companies like Michael Saylor’s Strategy. The announcement is thought to have lifted a significant burden, preventing billions in forced selling and maintaining access to trillions in index-tracked capital. Despite the positive impact on the crypto market, Bitcoin saw a slight decline on the day of the announcement.
MSCI, in a recent statement, announced its decision against the exclusion of digital asset treasury companies (DATs) from its Global Investable Market Indexes during the February 2026 review. This decision is crucial for DATs as it ensures their access to passive index fund capital. The MSCI indexes play a significant role as benchmarks for passive investments and holdings. BitcoinForCorporations, an organization opposing the exclusion proposal, estimated that the exclusion could have led to outflows of up to $15 billion, severely affecting companies like Michael Saylor’s Strategy. The announcement is thought to have lifted a significant burden, preventing billions in forced selling and maintaining access to trillions in index-tracked capital. Despite the positive impact on the crypto market, Bitcoin saw a slight decline on the day of the announcement.
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