<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Ethereum fees drop, usage surges</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Ethereum’s network activity has remained robust even as the broader crypto market faces persistent weakness. Over the past week, Ethereum processed 16.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Alongside record transaction counts, daily active user numbers have climbed to new highs. The network’s ability to handle surging activity without pricing out users has been attributed in part to the December 2025 Fusaka upgrade, which increased data capacity and introduced more efficient transaction batching. As a result, Ethereum’s fee environment now sits at a nine-year low, creating a more accessible landscape for both retail users and developers.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">Weekly decentralized exchange volume on Ethereum reached $13 billion, rising from $8.15 billion just four weeks earlier.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">On paper, these metrics signal strength; yet, the price of Ether (ETH) has not reflected the underlying growth.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Bullish bets liquidated as ETH dips</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Despite positive network fundamentals, Ether experienced a sharp 15.9% correction over the seven days ending Sunday, falling 14% from its 2026 high above $3,200. This downturn triggered $910 million in liquidations for leveraged bullish positions—traders who had bet on rising prices were forced out as markets moved against them. The sell-off left ETH trading 41% below its all-time high of $4,950 set in August 2025.</p>

<p class="mb-6">In response to the correction, Ethereum’s network fees actually jumped by 19% over the same week—a sign that transactional demand remains sticky even during price volatility. Market analysts point to this technical correction as a retest of key support levels rather than a fundamental breakdown.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Layer-2s eclipse rivals in volume</h2>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Aggregate weekly transactions on Ethereum’s layer-2 networks surged to 128 million, overtaking both BNB Chain and Tron by volume.</p>
<p class="mb-6">This growth highlights how scaling solutions are absorbing much of Ethereum’s transactional load while keeping costs low for end users. Decentralized exchange (DEX) activity further underscores this trend: DEX volumes across the Ethereum ecosystem hit $26.8 billion last week, with $13 billion coming directly from mainnet-based protocols—up from just $8.15 billion four weeks prior.</p>
<p class="mb-6">However, not every project is thriving in this environment. Forgotten Runiverse, an MMORPG built on Ethereum’s Ronin scaling network and backed by investors like Alexis Ohanian, announced it will go offline less than a year after launch due to financial infeasibility. All player data will be preserved while the team considers next steps.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Traders eye $10K despite correction</h2>
<p class="mb-6">While ETH remains well below its previous peak, some traders continue to set ambitious targets for this cycle. Technical analysis using methods such as Wyckoff patterns and liquidity cycles points to potential price levels between $10,000 and $15,000 if key supports are reclaimed. Annie, a crypto analyst cited by cointelegraph.com, highlighted that these models suggest a breakout above $10K is still possible for ETH this cycle.</p>

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<p class="mb-6">Bitcoinsensus also shared a bullish outlook based on recurring cycle patterns seen in previous years. However, until ETH reclaims critical support zones lost during the recent correction—and with nearly a billion dollars already liquidated from long positions—the path higher remains uncertain.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why it matters: Practical impact beyond price</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Ethereum’s technical roadmap extends far beyond short-term price action. On January 24th, the Ethereum Foundation announced the formation of a dedicated Post Quantum team led by Thomas Coratger to address future cryptographic threats posed by quantum computers. According to Antonio Sanso of the Foundation, Ethereum is “probably 20%” of the way toward full quantum resilience—a process expected to take years as multi-client test networks come online and new standards are developed.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The median expectation for quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptography is set at 2040; however, there is a one-in-five chance happen by 2030. With post-quantum security now declared a top strategic priority and biweekly core developer calls underway since February 4th, Ethereum is positioning itself proactively for long-term stability—even as near-term market sentiment remains volatile.</p>
        <div class="border-l-4 border-blue-500 bg-white dark:bg-slate-800 pl-6 pr-4 py-5 my-8">
            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">Key Learnings</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Ethereum processed 16.4 million weekly transactions with fees below $0.20, following the December 2025 Fusaka upgrade.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Ether (ETH) price dropped 15.9% in seven days, triggering $910 million in bullish leveraged liquidations.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Ethereum layer-2 networks handled 128 million aggregate weekly transactions, surpassing BNB Chain and Tron in volume.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Next milestones</h2>
<p class="mb-6">A post-quantum (PQ) roadmap for Ethereum will be released soon, and if the Ethereum Foundation provides a concrete timeline or technical targets in this document, it would immediately clarify the next steps for the network’s quantum resilience efforts; however, the exact release date remains unclear.</p>

Ethereum fees drop, usage surges Ethereum’s network activity has remained robust even as the broader crypto market faces persistent weakness.

Ethereum Metrics Signal Resilience Amid Price Pressure and Quantum Security Push

bitcoin

ethereum

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chainlink

ethena-usde

stellar

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Shutdown Risk Clouding Crypto Markets</h2>
<p class="mb-6">XRP’s price dropped 2% to $1.90 this week, mirroring a broader crypto pullback as the specter of a U.S. government shutdown loomed. On January 25, XRP traded at $1.89, while Bitcoin hovered at $88,600—both reflecting the market’s anxiety as shutdown odds spiked to 73%, up sharply from just 8% earlier in the month. This surge in risk was fueled by political standoffs in Washington, with Senator Chuck Schumer warning of Democratic opposition to security funding bills after recent violence in Minneapolis.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The overall crypto market cap fell by 2% in the last 24 hours, now standing at $3.1 trillion. Notably, over 21,000 Bitcoin options contracts—worth nearly $2 billion—expired on January 23, adding volatility and pressure to digital asset prices across the board.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">BitGo’s first day of trading ended just above its $18 IPO price, underscoring the cautious tone in crypto equities.</p>

<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">On paper, XRP’s resilience above $1.80 might seem encouraging, but the underlying sentiment remains fragile as traders brace for more political uncertainty.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Institutional Money Enters, XRP Lags</h2>
<p class="mb-6">While institutional players continue to move into crypto markets, XRP has yet to see a corresponding boost. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF recorded a net outflow of $22.35 million on January 22, and U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw total net outflows of over $32 million that day. Ethereum ETFs also posted net outflows approaching $42 million. These numbers highlight a cautious mood among large investors despite recent regulatory advances.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has now reached “extreme fear”—a signal that many market participants are retreating or hedging positions rather than adding risk.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has said he expects new highs for crypto by 2026, citing growing regulatory clarity and institutional participation. Yet for now, XRP’s price action suggests traders are unconvinced that these tailwinds will materialize in the short term.</p> 
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<p class="mb-6">ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has filed registration statements for two new index crypto ETFs that include XRP among their tracked assets. The ARK CoinDesk 20 Crypto ETF will follow the daily performance of an index featuring major tokens such as BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, and ADA. This fund will be listed on NYSE Arca and invest primarily in regulated futures contracts rather than directly holding cryptocurrencies.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">A second fund—the ARK CoinDesk 20 ex-Bitcoin Crypto ETF—will track the same index but exclude bitcoin-related assets and take both long and short positions using futures contracts.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">IPO Buzz, but XRP Stays Muted</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Elsewhere in the industry, Ledger is preparing for a potential $4 billion IPO with backing from Goldman Sachs and other major banks. In contrast to this fundraising momentum and BitGo’s stock market debut (which ended just above its $18 IPO price), XRP has remained subdued despite being included in high-profile investment products.</p>
<p class="mb-6">ZRO (+15%), AXS (+10%), and DASH (+8%) were among the top movers this week; by comparison, XRP’s modest decline stands out as evidence of its current lack of speculative fervor.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Regulatory Tailwinds, Yet XRP Dips</h2>
<p class="mb-6">According to decrypt.co, PwC stated that institutional crypto adoption has crossed a point of no return as regulatory frameworks evolve toward more active supervision. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink also called for a unified blockchain infrastructure to support tokenization and reduce corruption risks—a vision that could eventually benefit assets like XRP.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Still, with macroeconomic headwinds such as potential U.S. government shutdowns and ETF outflows weighing on sentiment this week, it’s uncertain when or if these regulatory shifts will translate into sustained gains for XRP holders.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Bottom Line</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>XRP price dropped 2% to $1.90 this week amid a 73% chance of a U.S. government shutdown.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>On January 23, over 21,000 Bitcoin options contracts worth $1.94 billion expired, increasing volatility across crypto markets including XRP.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Despite institutional inflows elsewhere, XRP has lagged, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index now at “extreme fear.”</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Signals to keep an eye on</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If the odds of a US government shutdown, currently at 73% per Polymarket, materialize in the coming days, XRP's price—already down 2% to $1.90—could see immediate volatility tied to broader market risk-off moves.</p>

Shutdown Risk Clouding Crypto Markets XRP’s price dropped 2% to $1.90 this week, mirroring a broader crypto pullback as the specter of a U.S.

XRP Slips as Shutdown Fears Mount

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Trump Family Crypto Venture Raises Eyebrows</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The intersection of politics and cryptocurrency has rarely been more visible than in the recent activities surrounding World Liberty Financial Inc., a crypto firm partially owned by former President Donald Trump. The company’s flagship stablecoin, USD1, boasts a market capitalization of $3.2 billion and has become a centerpiece in new partnerships, including a headline-grabbing deal with Spacecoin. This collaboration included a token swap and plans to integrate USD1 into Spacecoin’s satellite-based infrastructure—an unusual move that blends DeFi with physical space assets.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On paper, the Trump connection gives World Liberty Financial instant name recognition, but it also brings increased regulatory attention. Senator Elizabeth Warren has publicly questioned whether Trump’s involvement could lead to conflicts of interest as World Liberty seeks a trust bank charter in the U.S., intensifying debate over political influence in financial innovation.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">Senator Warren’s letter to the OCC was sent on February 12, 2024, specifically referencing World Liberty’s $3.2 billion USD1 stablecoin.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">OCC Dismisses Warren’s Conflict Concerns</h2>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Despite Warren's calls for heightened scrutiny, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is moving forward with World Liberty’s banking application as scheduled. Comptroller Jonathan Gould, who previously worked at blockchain firm Bitfury, made it clear that the OCC would treat the application like any other, emphasizing an apolitical and nonpartisan approach. In his correspondence with Warren, Gould stated that delaying or treating the application differently would undermine the agency's mandate to process applications promptly.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Warren was quick to criticize this stance, calling the OCC review process “a sham” and citing what she sees as insufficient safeguards against conflicts of interest when high-profile political figures are involved. The tension highlights ongoing uncertainty about how regulators will handle crypto ventures with direct links to national politicians.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Spacecoin’s Price Tumbles After Launch</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Spacecoin’s newly launched SPACE token went live on major exchanges—including Binance, Kraken, and OKX—just days after its partnership with World Liberty Financial was announced. However, the token’s debut has been rocky: SPACE is down approximately 12.2% since launch, leaving its fully diluted valuation at $357 million according to CoinMarketCap at time of publication.</p>

<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Early supporters who met promotional campaign requirements can now claim their airdrop allocations, but so far this has not buoyed prices.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The price drop comes amid broader skepticism about projects tied to well-known political figures and follows volatility seen in other tokens linked to controversial public personalities. Market participants remain watchful for signs of stabilization or further decline.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">World Liberty’s $3.2B Stablecoin Ambitions</h2>
<p class="mb-6">World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin is not only central to its own DeFi ecosystem but is also being positioned as an interlink between digital finance and physical infrastructure projects like Spacecoin. The $3.2 billion market cap figure underscores significant adoption—or at least substantial backing—despite persistent questions about regulatory oversight and transparency.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Last year, Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX invested $2 billion into Binance using USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial. While Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao denied any direct relationship with Trump or his crypto dealings, he confirmed that such large transactions took place using Trump-linked digital assets—a detail that further blurs the line between global finance and U.S. political interests.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Politicians Spar Over Bank Charter Scrutiny</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Senator Warren’s push for extra scrutiny over World Liberty’s trust bank application illustrates how political rivalries are now playing out in crypto regulation. The OCC’s decision to proceed without delay drew sharp criticism from Warren but was defended internally as necessary to maintain fairness and avoid politicizing routine financial processes.</p>
<p class="mb-6">According to coindesk.com, Jonathan Gould emphasized that all applications must be reviewed objectively and within reasonable timeframes regardless of applicant profile—especially when high-profile names like Trump are attached. This stance may set precedent for future cases where crypto ventures intersect with politics at the highest levels.</p>

<p class="mb-6">It remains uncertain whether regulatory agencies will revisit their approach if further evidence emerges of conflicts or improprieties tied to politically connected crypto firms.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">Essential Facts</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>World Liberty Financial, partially owned by Donald Trump, partnered with Spacecoin to connect its $3.2 billion USD1 stablecoin to satellite infrastructure.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>On February 12, 2024, Senator Warren requested the OCC delay World Liberty’s trust bank charter over Trump’s involvement; the OCC declined.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Comptroller Jonathan Gould, ex-Bitfury executive, confirmed World Liberty’s bank application will follow standard procedures despite political concerns.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">What may drive the next phase</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) approves World Liberty Financial Inc.'s trust bank application—proceeding as stated by Comptroller Jonathan Gould despite Senator Warren's objections over Trump ties—it would immediately clear a regulatory hurdle for the Trump-linked crypto project, though the exact timing of a decision remains unclear.</p>

Trump Family Crypto Venture Raises Eyebrows The intersection of politics and cryptocurrency has rarely been more visible than in the recent activities surrounding World Liberty Financial Inc., a crypto firm partially owned by former...

Trump-Linked Crypto Projects Face Scrutiny as Spacecoin Launch Sputters

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">$290 Billion Vanishes in Weekend Rout</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The cryptocurrency market endured a bruising weekend, with bitcoin plunging to $74,000—its lowest point since April 2025—and the total crypto market capitalization shedding a staggering $290 billion since Saturday. This sharp downturn was accompanied by a parallel drop in ether, which fell to $2,164 before both leading tokens rebounded slightly by about 1% since midnight UTC. The selloff unfolded in an environment of thin liquidity, amplifying price swings and triggering widespread liquidations across digital assets.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Major and minor tokens alike tracked bitcoin’s trajectory, with CoinDesk reporting that nearly all of its 16 tracked indices have posted losses between 15% and 19% for the year so far. Indexes focused on decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, and computing coins have fared even worse, down 20% to 25% year-to-date.</p>  <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Cramer: "Where Are the Bitcoin Bulls?"</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Jim Cramer, CNBC host and vocal bitcoin holder, questioned the conviction of bitcoin bulls as the asset tumbled over the weekend. Cramer cited strategist Jessica Inskip’s view that a key support zone might exist near $73,000—a level now in focus after the latest flash crash. He argued that bitcoin needed to reclaim $77,000 to regain momentum toward the low-$80,000s, suggesting that this would serve as a “launching pad” for any potential recovery.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Cramer also highlighted how the current decline underscores bitcoin’s notorious volatility and its unreliability for short-term transactions. On paper, bitcoin is often touted as “digital gold,” but its double-digit percentage swings continue to challenge that narrative.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Cramer acknowledged that he personally owns bitcoin despite these concerns.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Crypto Stocks Hit Hardest on Wall Street</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The shockwaves from bitcoin’s plunge did not stop at digital assets. U.S.-listed crypto stocks faced steep declines in pre-market trading: MicroStrategy (MSTR) dropped more than 6%, Galaxy Digital (GLXY) fell over 7%, while IREN (IREN) and Cipher Mining (CIFR) each lost about 4%. Coinbase (COIN), one of the largest crypto exchanges by volume, slid roughly 4%. These moves coincided with an uptick in broader market volatility—the Volatility S&P 500 Index (VIX) jumped 10% on the day—while S&P 500 futures retreated by 0.58% and Nasdaq 100 futures by 0.85% ahead of Monday’s open.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">The correlation between crypto and equities appeared especially pronounced this weekend as leveraged traders may have been forced to liquidate positions in both markets to cover margin calls or raise cash amid falling prices.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why it Matters: Altcoins Follow Bitcoin’s Lead</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Bitcoin’s dominance remains evident despite thousands of new altcoins entering the market as of 2026. Nearly every major token mirrored BTC’s decline: Aave’s AAVE token plunged 26%, while only a handful like Hyperliquid’s HYPE managed positive returns year-to-date—up 20%, though recently pulling back from $34.80 to $30. DefiLlama data shows that platforms such as Hyperliquid, Pump, Aave, Jupiter, Aerodrome, Ligther, Base, and Tron remain among the top revenue generators over the past month.</p>
<p class="mb-6">For investors who believed diversification into DeFi or smart contract tokens would insulate them from bitcoin-led volatility, the current rout delivers a sobering lesson: most digital assets still “dance to BTC's tune.”</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">MicroStrategy Quietly Buys the Dip</h2>
<p class="mb-6">While many traders scrambled to manage risk during the downturn, Michael Saylor—executive chairman of MicroStrategy—hinted at another round of corporate bitcoin accumulation. On Sunday he tweeted simply “more orange,” fueling speculation that his company added to its already massive BTC holdings during the dip. Short sellers may be targeting both bitcoin and crypto-exposed equities ahead of MicroStrategy’s upcoming earnings report later this week.</p>
<p class="mb-6">It is unclear how much additional bitcoin MicroStrategy acquired or whether this move will help stabilize sentiment in coming days.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Takeaway</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Bitcoin dropped to $74,000 over the weekend, its lowest level since April 2025, erasing $290 billion in market cap.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Major crypto indices tracked by CoinDesk are down 15%-19% year-to-date, with DeFi and smart contract indexes down 20%-25%.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Crypto-related U.S. equities like MicroStrategy and Galaxy Digital fell over 6% and 7% respectively in pre-market trading.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Key points still in play</h2>
<p class="mb-6">MicroStrategy’s company report later this week remains a key scheduled event, as short sellers may be pressing bitcoin ahead of it; if bitcoin fails to reclaim the $77,000 level before the report, immediate downside pressure on both BTC and crypto-related equities could intensify.</p>

$290 Billion Vanishes in Weekend Rout The cryptocurrency market endured a bruising weekend, with bitcoin plunging to $74,000—its lowest point since April 2025—and the total crypto market capitalization shedding a staggering $290 billion...

Bitcoin Slides Below $75,000 as Crypto Market Faces $290 Billion Rout

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">ETF Outflows Fuel Steep Selloff</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Bitcoin’s price tumbled through the $85,000 level and briefly touched $81,000 during U.S. trading hours on Thursday, marking one of the sharpest declines since late last year. The selloff coincided with nearly $1 billion in outflows from U.S.-listed spot bitcoin and ether ETFs in a single day. Investors pulled $817.9 million from spot bitcoin ETFs on January 29, the largest daily outflow since November 20. Ether ETFs were also hit hard, losing $155.6 million on the same day, and total ether ETF assets fell to $16.75 billion from over $18 billion earlier in the month.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Major funds were not spared: BlackRock’s IBIT saw $317.8 million redeemed, Fidelity’s FBTC lost $168 million, and Grayscale’s GBTC had another $119.4 million exit.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On paper, ETFs are designed to provide stability and easy access for investors; in practice this week, they became a channel for rapid capital flight as sentiment turned.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Liquidations Mount as Bulls Retreat</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The cascade of redemptions set off a chain reaction across derivatives makrets. More than $1.7 billion in leveraged positions were liquidated within 24 hours, with 93% of these coming from long bets on rising prices. Bitcoin accounted for about $780 million of these forced liquidations, while ether contributed over $414 million. The largest single wipeout was an $80.57 million BTC-USDT position on HTX exchange.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Roughly 267,370 traders saw their positions forcibly closed as exchanges moved to cover margin shortfalls.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Long exposure dominated the pain: Hyperliquid reported $598 million in liquidations (94% long), Bybit followed with $339 million, and Binance logged $181 million—all with longs bearing the brunt. Short sellers did not escape unscathed but accounted for just $118 million in liquidations.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Volatility Surges to November Highs</h2>
<p class="mb-6">As prices unraveled, volatility metrics spiked to levels not seen since November. Deribit’s bitcoin volatility index (DVOL) jumped from around 37 to above 44 during Thursday’s sell-off, signaling a sharp rise in expected price swings over the next month based on options pricing. At the same time, Wall Street’s VIX—a barometer of equity market nerves—also climbed higher.</p>

<p class="mb-6">Deribit data placed bitcoin’s implied volatility (IV) rank at 36 and IV percentile near 50, suggesting that while options traders are bracing for more turbulence ahead, outright panic has yet to take hold. Some participants are now targeting the $70,000 mark as a possible destination if selling pressure persists in coming weeks.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Dollar Strength Adds to Crypto Woes</h2>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">The rout in crypto was mirrored by moves in traditional markets: silver dropped 20% from Thursday’s record high of $121 to trade at $96, while gold slid below $5,000 after falling 11% from Wednesday’s peak of $5,600.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index (DXY) posted a gain of 0.57%, adding further headwinds for risk assets like bitcoin and ether as a stronger dollar tends to sap demand for alternative stores of value. Uncertainty around Federal Reserve leadership—specifically expectations that Kevin Warsh may become chairman—added another layer of caution across global markets.</p>
<p class="mb-6">As risk aversion spread, even high-flying NFT projects like Pudgy Penguins continued retail sales momentum but could not offset broader declines; the CoinDesk 20 Index is down 6.6% since January began.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why It Matters</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The synchronized drop across crypto tokens and related ETFs underscores how tightly interconnected digital assets have become with traditional financial flows and sentiment shifts. With nearly $1.8 billion erased through forced liquidations and ETF outflows topping records within a single day, many traders are rethinking leverage strategies heading into February.</p>
<p class="mb-6">It remains uncertain whether support near current levels will hold or if deeper losses toward the targeted $70,000 region will materialize soon. As reported by coindesk.com, options markets signal caution but not outright panic—yet mass unwinding of bullish bets has already changed the landscape for both retail and institutional participants this week.</p>
        <div class="border-l-4 border-blue-500 bg-white dark:bg-slate-800 pl-6 pr-4 py-5 my-8">
            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Snapshot</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Bitcoin fell through $85,000, briefly touching $81,000 during U.S. trading hours on January 29, 2024.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Over $1.7 billion in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated in 24 hours, with 93% from long positions.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs saw $817.9 million in outflows on January 29, the largest daily exit since November 20.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">What remains under scrutiny</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If outflows from U.S.-listed spot bitcoin and ether ETFs, which totaled nearly $1 billion on Thursday, continue at this scale in the coming sessions, immediate further pressure on bitcoin’s price and additional liquidations—already at $1.68 billion in the past 24 hours—would be likely; whether ETF redemptions persist or subside remains unclear.</p>

ETF Outflows Fuel Steep Selloff Bitcoin’s price tumbled through the $85,000 level and briefly touched $81,000 during U.S.

Bitcoin Plunges Below $81,000 as ETF Outflows and Liquidations Trigger Market Shakeout

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">GameStop’s Bitcoin Exit Raises Eyebrows</h2>
<p class="mb-6">GameStop, the video game retailer known for its volatile stock and meme-fueled rallies, has moved its entire bitcoin treasury—4,710 BTC valued at roughly $420 million—to Coinbase Prime this week.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The company had accumulated its bitcoin position across several investments, with an average purchase price of $107,900 per coin. At current market prices hovering around $89,000 to $90,800 per BTC during the transfer, GameStop faces a potential loss of between $76 million and $84 million if it chooses to liquidate now. The scale and timing of this move have caught the attention of both crypto analysts and traditional investors.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">Arkham Intelligence and CryptoQuant both tracked the 4,710 BTC transfer to Coinbase Prime on blockchain data this week.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Coinbase Transfer Fuels Sell-Off Rumors</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Coinbase Prime is known for providing institutional-grade custody and trading services through a regulated trust structure. By shifting all 4,710 BTC to Coinbase Prime, GameStop has effectively placed its entire cryptocurrency reserve in a position where it could be rapidly sold or otherwise managed on behalf of the company. Blockchain data confirms that no partial amounts were left behind; the full balance was moved in one coordinated action.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">On paper, GameStop’s move looks like a preparation to sell—but so far, there’s no official confirmation.</p>

<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">CryptoQuant estimates indicate that if GameStop sells at current levels near $89,000 per bitcoin, it will realize a loss close to $84 million compared to its original investment of approximately $504 million. This contrasts sharply with the narrative often associated with corporate bitcoin treasuries as long-term bets on digital assets appreciating over time.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Crypto Watchers Eye Possible GME Loss</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Market observers are focused on whether GameStop will actually pull the trigger on a sale or simply reposition its holdings for security or liquidity reasons. As reported by coindesk.com, neither GameStop nor Coinbase has issued any public comment regarding the intent behind this major transfer. The lack of official communication has fueled speculation among both crypto traders and GME shareholders about what comes next.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The numbers are stark: at an average entry price of $107,900 per BTC and current values below $91,000, any immediate sale would cement tens of millions in losses for GameStop’s balance sheet. It’s unclear whether this outcome aligns with CEO Ryan Cohen’s vision for digital asset management or if it signals a pivot away from crypto altogether.</p>

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">$84 Million Hit Looms for GME</h2>
<p class="mb-6">GameStop’s potential loss is not just theoretical. Should they sell at prevailing prices—such as $90,800 per bitcoin—the company would book an estimated loss of around $76 million according to multiple blockchain analytics sources. At slightly lower prices near $89,000 per coin, that figure rises to roughly $84 million in red ink. For a company that invested over half a billion dollars into digital assets within a single month, such a reversal is significant both financially and reputationally.</p>
<p class="mb-6">This episode also highlights how quickly market conditions can turn against even high-profile corporate entrants into crypto markets. In February, CEO Ryan Cohen met with MicroStrategy chair Michael Saylor to discuss Bitcoin treasury strategies—a conversation that appeared to set the stage for GameStop’s rapid accumulation in May. Now just weeks later, those same holdings may be on the chopping block at a steep discount.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Ryan Cohen Doubles Down on GME</h2>
<p class="mb-6">While uncertainty surrounds GameStop’s crypto playbook, CEO Ryan Cohen has sent another signal to equity investors by purchasing 500,000 additional shares of GME stock worth over $10 million on Wednesday. This move was disclosed in a regulatory filing and suggests Cohen remains committed to the core business despite turbulence in the company’s digital asset experiment.</p>
<p class="mb-6">No official statement has been released by GameStop regarding either the bitcoin transfer or future plans for its treasury strategy. For now, both shareholders and crypto watchers are left waiting—and calculating what these numbers might mean for GameStop’s next financial report.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">Key Observations</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>GameStop transferred its entire 4,710 BTC (worth about $420 million) to Coinbase Prime this week.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>GameStop’s average bitcoin purchase price was $107,900; current prices near $89,000 could mean a loss of around $84 million.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>As of June 2024, GameStop has not commented on the transfer or confirmed any bitcoin sale.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">What to watch closely</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If GameStop confirms a sale of its entire 4,710 BTC stash recently transferred to Coinbase Prime, the company would immediately realize a loss of approximately $76–84 million at current bitcoin prices; as of now, whether a sale will occur remains unclear since GameStop has not commented on the transfer.</p>

GameStop’s Bitcoin Exit Raises Eyebrows GameStop, the video game retailer known for its volatile stock and meme-fueled rallies, has moved its entire bitcoin treasury—4,710 BTC valued at roughly $420 million—to Coinbase Prime this week.

GameStop’s $420 Million Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Questions Over Treasury Strategy

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Trump’s Davos Pitch Eyes Crypto Edge</h2>
<p class="mb-6">On January 21, 2026, President Donald Trump took the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos with a clear message: he intends to position the United States as the “crypto capital of the world.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Trump’s remarks were not limited to digital assets. He also predicted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average could “be doubled,” and pointed to a 0.5% rise in the S&P 500 during Wednesday’s Wall Street session as evidence of economic momentum. Yet despite these optimistic projections, Bitcoin saw only a modest daily gain of 1.7%, suggesting that markets remain cautious about political promises turning into concrete results.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">Bitcoin was trading below $90,000 as Trump addressed Davos, according to coindesk.com’s January 21, 2026 report.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Bitcoin Fails to Rally on Greenland Talk</h2>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Earlier in the week, Trump attempted to calm global tensions by clarifying that the U.S. had no intention of taking Greenland by force—a comment that briefly lifted Bitcoin prices before they resumed their decline for 2026. The cryptocurrency’s quick reversal highlights how even presidential statements can fail to sustain momentum when broader market sentiment is negative.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Bitcoin’s inability to hold gains after Trump’s Greenland remarks underscores a growing disconnect between political headlines and crypto market performance. On paper, soothing geopolitical rhetoric might be expected to stabilize risk assets like Bitcoin, but in reality, prices continued their slide—demonstrating that investor confidence hinges on more than just words from the White House.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">For now, Bitcoin remains stuck under $90,000 despite presidential assurances.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">U.S.–China Crypto Rivalry Heats Up</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Trump has made it clear that competition with China is a driving force behind his crypto agenda. By vowing to make the U.S. the global leader in digital assets, he is signaling an intent to outpace Beijing’s own blockchain ambitions. This rivalry is not just rhetorical; it shapes legislative priorities and may affect how quickly new crypto laws are enacted.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The president cited political support as a key motivator for pushing forward with crypto legislation. This approach appears designed to leverage bipartisan interest in technology and finance while framing digital asset leadership as a matter of national pride and strategic necessity. However, it’s unclear whether this strategy will translate into immediate regulatory clarity or simply add another layer of political complexity.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Will “Crypto Capital” Vow Move Markets?</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Despite bold promises from Washington, recent market action suggests investors are waiting for more than speeches before committing new capital to digital assets. As reported by cointelegraph.com, Bitcoin posted only a 1.7% daily gain following Trump’s Davos pledge—while other macro indicators like Japanese bond yields hit levels not seen since 1999 (rising to around 2.29%). These cross-market moves may reflect broader uncertainty about how quickly U.S. policy will evolve.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Even as Trump touts legislative victories such as the Genius Act and hints at imminent bill signings, Bitcoin continues to trade below $90,000—a threshold it has struggled to reclaim throughout January 2026. Investors appear unconvinced that political support alone will resolve lingering questions around regulation or unlock sustained price appreciation in the near term.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Final Word</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>On January 21, 2026, Trump pledged at Davos to sign pro-crypto legislation "very soon" and support U.S. crypto leadership.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Bitcoin traded below $90,000 during Trump's Davos speech, with only a 1.7% daily gain despite his optimistic projections.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Trump cited competition with China as a reason for making the U.S. the "crypto capital of the world," per coindesk.com reports.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Signals to keep an eye on</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If President Trump signs pro-crypto legislation as pledged "very soon" during his Davos speech on January 21, 2026, immediate market attention will focus on Bitcoin's reaction while it trades below the $90,000 threshold; the exact timing of the bill signing remains unclear.</p>

Trump’s Davos Pitch Eyes Crypto Edge On January 21, 2026, President Donald Trump took the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos with a clear message: he intends to position the United States as the “crypto capital of the world.

Trump’s Crypto Gambit: Davos Promises, Bitcoin Moves, and the Battle for Digital Dominance

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">R3 Taps Solana for Onchain Finance</h2>
<p class="mb-6">In May, R3—a company with a decade-long track record building infrastructure for financial heavyweights like HSBC and the Swiss National Bank—announced a strategic partnership with the Solana Foundation at the Solana Accelerate conference. This move follows R3’s recent shift in focus: about a year ago, the firm began refocusing its efforts on moving traditional assets fully onchain, after conducting a comprehensive review of various blockchain platforms. The collaboration aims to bring institutional-grade asset tokenization to Solana, leveraging R3’s Corda platform, which already supports over $10 billion in assets.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Tokenization—the process of representing real-world assets like bonds or equities as digital tokens—has become a key use case attracting banks and other financial institutions to blockchain. For R3, the goal is ambitious: since May, the company has set its sights on tokenizing the next trillion dollars of assets and making them accessible to investors directly onchain. This partnership places Solana in direct competition with Ethereum and its Layer 2 networks, which have historically dominated institutional DeFi activity.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Solana ETF Inflows Beat BTC, ETH</h2>
<p class="mb-6">While institutional infrastructure is taking shape behind the scenes, Solana's market-facing products are also drawing attention. Over the past week, Solana ETFs registered more than $11 million in net inflows—outpacing both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs combined during the same period. Notably, Fidelity's Solana ETF (FSOL) saw a single-day inflow of $9.85 million, bringing FSOL's total cumulative inflows to approximately $148 million. By comparison, Bitcoin ETFs experienced an outflow of $38.53 million and Ethereum ETFs saw a decline of $64.86 million.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">As a result, Solana ETFs now hold a total net asset value of $1.08 billion and maintain a net asset ratio of 1.50%. Despite these strong inflows, SOL’s price dropped to $127 and its Relative Strength Index (RSI)—a measure used to gauge momentum—fell to 39.35, indicating waning trader enthusiasm even as institutional money enters the space.</p>

<p class="mb-6">On paper, surging ETF inflows might signal growing confidence in Solana, but price action tells a more complicated story.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Urgent Patch Highlights Network’s Fragility</h2>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">On January 11, only 18% of stake had migrated to Agave v3.0.14 despite urgent warnings from maintainers.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Solana’s technical underpinnings faced scrutiny this month after maintainers labeled an upgrade to validator software “urgent” due to critical vulnerabilities. The Agave v3.0.14 release addressed flaws that could have allowed attackers to stall the network—a risk that became public when only a small fraction of validators had updated by January 11. Anza, the team responsible for Agave development, published a summary on January 16 explaining why rapid adoption was necessary to secure Mainnet Beta validators.</p>

<p class="mb-6">The Solana Foundation responded by tightening delegation criteria: validators must now run specific software versions (Agave 3.0.14 or Frankendancer 0.808.30014) to receive delegated stake from the Foundation itself. As Solana operates under proof-of-stake consensus—where validators’ voting power depends on staked SOL—this policy directly impacts network security and decentralization.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">DeFi TVL Surges Amid ETF Momentum</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Despite recent security concerns and muted price movement, activity on Solana’s decentralized exchanges (DEXs) remains robust. According to coingape.com, Solana recorded $4.4 billion in DEX trading volume within just 24 hours—a figure that far surpasses other blockchains during that period (which managed only $1.6 billion). This surge coincides with over $9 billion locked in DeFi protocols across the network, positioning Solana as one of the largest ecosystems outside Ethereum and its scaling solutions.</p>
<p class="mb-6">It’s uncertain whether this momentum will persist if technical vulnerabilities continue surfacing or if price weakness deepens further.</p>
        <div class="border-l-4 border-blue-500 bg-white dark:bg-slate-800 pl-6 pr-4 py-5 my-8">
            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Final Word</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>In May, R3 partnered with the Solana Foundation to bring institutional asset tokenization onchain via the Corda platform, which supports $10 billion+ in assets.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Over the past week, Solana ETFs saw $11 million net inflows, surpassing combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF inflows for the same period.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>As of now, Solana ETFs have a total net asset value of $1.08 billion and a net asset ratio of 1.50%.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Key risks to monitor</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If Solana validators fail to upgrade promptly to Agave v3.0.14—an “urgent” release with critical security patches announced by the Solana Status account and highlighted by Anza on January 16—validators risk losing delegated stake under the Solana Foundation’s updated criteria, which could immediately impact network security and block production.</p>

R3 Taps Solana for Onchain Finance In May, R3—a company with a decade-long track record building infrastructure for financial heavyweights like HSBC and the Swiss National Bank—announced a strategic partnership with the Solana Foundation at...

Solana’s Institutional Push Faces Security and Market Crosswinds

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Warsh’s Crypto Skepticism Haunts Markets</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next U.S. Federal Reserve chair has reignited debate over the central bank’s stance on digital assets. Warsh, age 55, brings a complex history to the role: he served as the youngest-ever Fed governor from 2006 to 2011 and was a key player during the 2008 financial crisis. Despite his Wall Street pedigree at Morgan Stanley and his policy background under George W. Bush, Warsh’s relationship with crypto is anything but straightforward.</p>
<p class="mb-6">In 2015, Warsh expressed doubts about bitcoin’s ability to serve as a stable medium of exchange. Yet he acknowledged blockchain technology as “the newest, coolest software,” hinting at its disruptive potential in finance. This duality—skepticism about bitcoin as money but enthusiasm for its underlying tech—has left crypto traders unsure what to expect from his leadership.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Bitcoin’s Slide Follows Fed Shakeup Leak</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The market wasted no time reacting to news of Warsh’s likely appointment. After reports surfaced that Trump intended to replace Jerome Powell with Warsh, bitcoin’s price dropped sharply, falling back to $81,000. The move came despite a brief rally after Trump confirmed the nomination on Truth Social; bitcoin rose 0.7% before settling near $82,600 later in the day.</p>

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<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Risk markets across the board—including cryptocurrencies—registered immediate volatility following the leak.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">This swift reaction underscores how sensitive digital asset markets remain to perceived changes in monetary policy leadership, especially when uncertainty clouds the incoming chair’s stance on innovation and regulation.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Druckenmiller’s Protégé Faces Digital Dollar Questions</h2>
<p class="mb-6">On paper, Warsh appears to straddle two worlds: traditional finance and emerging fintech. Since leaving the Fed in 2011, he has been a partner at Duquesne Capital Management, working closely with hedge fund billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller—a relationship described as akin to father and son. Druckenmiller told the Financial Times that “no one [is] better equipped” than Warsh for the Fed chair role and emphasized that Warsh is not always hawkish on interest rates.</p>
<p class="mb-6">But Warsh’s direct involvement in crypto ventures adds another layer of intrigue. He invested in Basis, an algorithmic central bank project that sought to create a price-stable cryptocurrency before shuttering due to regulatory concerns. Additionally, Warsh has advised Electric Capital, a venture firm focused on blockchain and fintech startups.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Despite these credentials, it remains uncertain whether Warsh would champion or constrain a digital dollar initiative if confirmed as Fed chair.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why It Matters: Practical Impact for Crypto Markets</h2>
<p class="mb-6">For traders and industry leaders alike, Warsh’s nomination lands at a critical juncture. Jerome Powell’s current term expires on May 15, 2026—a date now looming larger for anyone watching U.S. monetary policy and its ripple effects on crypto valuations. As recently as July, Warsh argued that bitcoin could serve as a form of “market discipline” without weakening the Fed’s ability to manage the economy, according to cointelegraph.com.</p>
<p class="mb-6">However, his criticism of “ultra-loose” monetary policy and calls for a “regime change” at the Fed could signal tighter conditions ahead—potentially dampening risk appetite across digital assets. The fact that gold and silver prices dropped alongside bitcoin after Trump’s announcement only highlights how broad-based these market jitters have become.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Old-School Banker, New-Tech Challenge</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Warsh is no stranger to navigating uncharted waters; during his tenure at the Fed from 2006 through 2011 he was tasked with bridging communication between central bankers and financial markets amid historic turmoil. Now, he faces an entirely new set of challenges: guiding U.S. monetary policy at a time when cryptocurrencies are both maturing and facing unprecedented regulatory scrutiny.</p>
<p class="mb-6">His previous writings warn against unchecked balance-sheet expansion by central banks—a stance that may affect future decisions about stablecoins or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Whether this means stricter oversight or more open experimentation is still up in the air.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Crypto markets may have reacted quickly this week—but their longer-term direction under Warsh remains deeply uncertain.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Core Points</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>On the day Trump confirmed Kevin Warsh's Fed chair nomination, bitcoin briefly rose 0.7% before returning to around $82,600.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Following leaks of Warsh’s likely appointment, bitcoin’s price dropped sharply to $81,000 amid broader risk market declines.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>In 2015, Warsh expressed skepticism about bitcoin as a stable medium of exchange but praised blockchain’s disruptive potential.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">What to watch closely</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If the Senate schedules a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh following President Trump’s nomination announced Friday on Truth Social, immediate market reactions—such as Bitcoin’s price movement, which briefly rose 0.7% before returning to $82,600 after the news—will provide a concrete signal of investor sentiment toward his potential leadership at the Fed.</p>

Warsh’s Crypto Skepticism Haunts Markets Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next U.S. Federal Reserve chair has reignited debate over the central bank’s stance on digital assets.

Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair Nomination Sends Crypto Markets Spinning

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Stablecoins Threaten Regional Bank Deposits</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Standard Chartered analysts have issued a stark warning that the rapid expansion of stablecoins could siphon off critical deposits from U.S. regional banks.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">On paper, stablecoins are intended to offer a seamless bridge between crypto and fiat currencies, but in practice their popularity may be eroding the foundation of smaller banks already under pressure.</p> 
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Lawmakers Stall Crypto Rules in Storm</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Severe winter weather in the United States has thrown a wrench into Congressional efforts to regulate digital assets. Lawmakers recently postponed work on multiple pieces of digital asset legislation, including the CLARITY Act—a bill aimed at prohibiting interest payments on stablecoin holdings. This delay comes at a time when regulatory clarity is being demanded by both industry players and critics alike.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">On Sunday, Bitcoin’s hashrate plunged to 663 EH/s, marking a 40% drop in just two days according to CoinWarz.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">The CLARITY Act’s postponement highlights how even the weather can influence crypto’s legislative fate.</p>
<p class="mb-6">According to cointelegraph.com, this legislative freeze coincided with another cold snap: Bitcoin's network hashrate dropped more than 40% over two days, falling to 663 exahashes per second (EH/s) as reported by CoinWarz. The timing illustrates how both natural and political storms can disrupt crypto markets and policymaking simultaneously.</p>

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<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Banks Face One-Third Deposit Drain</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The Standard Chartered report quantifies a potential deposit loss scenario for U.S. banks: if stablecoins continue their ascent, regional lenders could see deposit bases shrink by roughly one-third of the stablecoin market cap. With CoinGecko measuring U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins at $301.4 billion as of this week, that translates into approximately $100 billion in possible outflows—an amount that would stress liquidity and lending capacity for smaller banks.</p>
<p class="mb-6">While large national banks may have diversified balance sheets to absorb such shocks, regional players like Huntington Bancshares and Truist Financial face disproportionate risk due to their higher reliance on retail deposits. The report underscores that these vulnerabilities are not merely theoretical; they reflect real-time shifts in consumer preferences toward digital assets over traditional savings accounts.</p> 
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Chainlink Joins Korea Stablecoin Push</h2>
<p class="mb-6">In South Korea, Wemade is responding to regulatory uncertainty by strengthening its technical alliances for its KRW-backed stablecoin initiative. Chainlink Labs was added in January 2026 to Wemade’s Global Alliance for KRW Stablecoins (GAKS), joining firms like Chainalysis (analytics), CertiK (security audits), and SentBe (remittance infrastructure). Chainlink’s role will focus on providing standardized data feeds and oracle services—key components for ensuring price accuracy and onchain verification within institutional digital asset systems.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Launched in November 2025 as part of a strategic reset, GAKS aims to support StableNet—a blockchain platform for Korean won-backed stablecoins—not as an issuer but as a technology partner. Chainlink’s addition brings new layers of data integrity and interoperability to this consortium-based approach.</p> 
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why it matters</h2>
<p class="mb-6">For everyday consumers and businesses alike, these developments carry immediate consequences: regional banks could face tighter lending conditions if deposit flight accelerates, while delays in Washington mean continued uncertainty over how digital assets will be taxed or regulated in 2026. Meanwhile, international projects like GAKS show that some jurisdictions are moving ahead with robust technical standards even as U.S. policy remains gridlocked.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Critics such as Peter Schiff argue that calls for regulatory “clarity” are veiled attempts by the crypto industry to secure government endorsement or even bailouts—positions he aired recently in an interview with Tucker Carlson. Schiff contends that Bitcoin’s volatility makes it unsuitable as a reserve asset for central banks and points out that its value has dropped roughly 40% compared to gold over the last four years.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The contrast is sharp: while some advocate for integration between crypto and mainstream finance through regulation or technical partnerships, others warn that such moves risk legitimizing volatility and undermining financial stability. The timeline for decisive action remains uncertain—and both investors and institutions are left waiting for clearer signals from policymakers.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Essentials</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Standard Chartered estimates US regional banks could lose about $100 billion in deposits, equal to one-third of the $301.4B stablecoin market cap.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>The US CLARITY Act, which would prohibit interest on stablecoin holdings, was delayed due to severe winter weather in January 2026.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Huntington Bancshares, M&T Bank, Truist Financial, and CFG Bank are identified as the most exposed to stablecoin-driven deposit outflows.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">What to keep in focus</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The US CLARITY Act, which proposes to prohibit interest on stablecoin holdings, has been delayed due to severe winter weather, so if lawmakers resume work and advance the bill, immediate attention will turn to its impact on regional US banks such as Huntington Bancshares, M&T Bank, Truist Financial, and CFG Bank, which Standard Chartered analysts identify as most exposed to stablecoin-related deposit outflows.</p>

Stablecoins Threaten Regional Bank Deposits Standard Chartered analysts have issued a stark warning that the rapid expansion of stablecoins could siphon off critical deposits from U.S.

Stablecoins, Storms, and Stalled Bills: Crypto Regulation Faces New Headwinds

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Issuer-Backed Tokens Get Green Light</h2>
<p class="mb-6">On Wednesday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released new guidance addressing how tokenized stocks—digital representations of shares on blockchains—fit under existing securities laws. The statement, issued jointly by the Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets, makes clear that only issuer-authorized tokenized securities can represent true equity ownership. This means that companies themselves must integrate blockchain records into their official shareholder registers for these tokens to be recognized as legitimate shares.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">Issuer-sponsored tokenized securities may be offered as a separate class or alongside traditional shares, but if they are substantially similar, they can be treated as the same class for some federal regulatory purposes. The SEC emphasized that the only technical difference is that the master securityholder file might reside on one or more crypto networks instead of a conventional off-chain database.</p>
<br><p class="mb-6 italic text-slate-600 my-8">The SEC’s joint statement was published on June 26, 2024, marking the first time all three divisions addressed tokenized securities together.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Third-Party Tokens Face Tougher Scrutiny</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The new SEC guidance draws a sharp line between issuer-backed tokens and those created by third parties without company involvement. Third-party tokenized stocks often rely on custodial models—where an intermediary holds real shares and issues tokens representing indirect ownership—or synthetic models, which create instruments linked to share prices but without actual ownership of the underlying asset. Both approaches are now squarely under federal securities law scrutiny.</p>
<p class="mb-6">A recent example highlights the risk: OpenAI publicly disavowed so-called tokenized “equity” linked to its shares offered through Robinhood in Europe, clarifying it had no connection to those products. This incident illustrates how third-party schemes can create confusion among investors about what they actually own.</p>

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<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">On paper, these tokens offer exposure to real assets—but in practice, legal rights may be limited or nonexistent.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Blockchain Doesn’t Trump Securities Law</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The SEC’s message is unambiguous: putting a security on a blockchain does not alter its legal status. Whether ownership is recorded on-chain or off-chain, the same registration requirements and investor protections apply. In 2024, Consensys revealed that the SEC had authorized an internal investigation into “Ethereum 2.0” as early as March 2023, explicitly treating Ethereum as a security during that probe. Although the agency closed its Ethereum investigation without enforcement action, it continues to pursue cases involving Bitcoin mining services it alleges are unregistered securities offerings.</p>
<p class="mb-6">According to coindesk.com, the SEC’s divisions reiterated that legal treatment, registration requirements, and disclosure obligations remain unchanged regardless of whether securities are digitized or not.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">The only operational shift is technological: shareholder records may move to crypto networks. Everything else—the need for compliance, disclosures, and investor protections—remains intact.</p>
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Guidance Aims to Curb Market Confusion</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The SEC’s clarification comes at a time when U.S. legislators are working on a market structure bill aimed at providing further regulatory clarity for digital assets. Meanwhile, SEC leadership has been developing a token taxonomy to help market participants understand which products fall under specific legal regimes.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Recent events underscore why this guidance matters: Pudgy Penguins’ phygital products have generated over $13 million in retail sales and surpassed 1 million units sold worldwide. Their Pudgy Party game also exceeded 500,000 downloads in just two weeks—demonstrating both consumer appetite for digital assets and the potential scale of tokenization efforts beyond pure finance.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">It remains uncertain how many existing third-party tokenized stock products will survive under this stricter regime.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">The Snapshot</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>On June 26, 2024, the SEC issued joint guidance clarifying rules for tokenized stocks and securities.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Only issuer-sponsored tokenized securities, with blockchain integrated into official shareholder registers, represent true equity ownership under SEC rules.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Third-party tokenized stocks, including custodial and synthetic models, are subject to full federal securities law scrutiny and registration requirements.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Key variables ahead</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If issuers move to integrate blockchain records into official shareholder registers as described in the SEC’s new guidance, only those issuer-sponsored tokenized securities will immediately be recognized as true equity ownership under federal securities laws, while third-party tokenized stocks will remain subject to stricter scrutiny and may not confer actual ownership rights.</p>

Issuer-Backed Tokens Get Green Light On Wednesday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released new guidance addressing how tokenized stocks—digital representations of shares on blockchains—fit under existing securities laws.

SEC Tightens Oversight on Tokenized Stocks, Clarifies Issuer vs. Third-Party Models

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Metals Fever Draws Eyes From Crypto</h2>
<p class="mb-6">In a week marked by historic milestones for precoius metals, gold and silver have surged to all-time highs, reshaping investor attention and trading behavior across digital asset markets. Gold briefly topped $5,100 an ounce on Monday before settling near $5,043, while silver soared as high as $118 during intraday trading—its largest one-day swing since 2008—before closing at $108. These moves represent a 15% gain for gold over the past month and a staggering 57% jump for silver since the start of the year. The dramatic rallies have coincided with subdued action in major cryptocurrencies, leaving bitcoin and ether range-bound amid declining volumes.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The timing is notable: the U.S. dollar index (DXY) dropped to its weakest level since September, falling more than 1% against the yen to 154.07 on Monday. As metals rallied, many traders shifted focus away from crypto, especially with the Federal Reserve widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting on Wednesday. With traditional safe-haven assets dominating headlines, digital assets have struggled to maintain momentum.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Bitcoin Volume Plunges As Gold Shines</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Trading activity in bitcoin has slowed dramatically as metals attract speculative flows. Over the past 24 hours, daily trading volume for bitcoin fell by 25%, dropping to just $35 billion. Ether fared no better: its volume shrank by 21% to $24.6 billion in the same period. This decline in liquidity has left prices stagnant—bitcoin hovered near $88,000 early in the week, modestly lower from late Friday’s $90,000 mark and down about 4% over seven days.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">According to coindesk.com, cumulative outflows from spot bitcoin ETFs exceeded $1.3 billion last week, underscoring waning institutional interest even as metals set new records.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Other major cryptocurrencies followed suit: ether traded around $2,300–$2,940 depending on the session; solana (SOL) held near $124.64; XRP at $1.9033; and dogecoin (DOGE) at $0.1223—all posting small declines as traders stayed cautious. Glassnode data shows bitcoin’s spot cumulative volume delta has flipped sharply negative, reflecting persistent sell pressure and risk-off sentiment among participants.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Silver’s Wild Ride Jolts Derivatives Markets</h2>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Silver’s surge hasn’t just been confined to spot markets—it has electrified derivatives trading as well.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On Hyperliquid, a popular derivatives exchange catering to crypto-native traders, silver futures contracts (SILVER-USDC) posted nearly $994 million in daily trading volume during Asia hours alone. Open interest for these contracts reached approximately $154.5 million—a level rarely seen for non-digital assets on such platforms. For context, silver futures now trail only bitcoin and ether pairs in terms of volume on Hyperliquid, surpassing established altcoins like solana and XRP.</p>
<p class="mb-6">This influx of activity comes with its own volatility: funding rates for SILVER-USDC remain slightly negative as traders bet both ways on continued price swings following silver’s recent spike above $117 an ounce before retreating. The sheer scale of this movement has revived memories of previous market crises—the bitcoin-to-silver ratio is approaching levels last observed during the FTX collapse in late 2022.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On paper, crypto exchanges are built for digital assets—but this week they’re seeing record volumes driven by old-world commodities instead.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Low Liquidity Squeezes Crypto Traders</h2>
<p class="mb-6">As metals capture attention and capital flows out of crypto funds, liquidity conditions have tightened further for digital asset traders. Bitfinex analysts expect bitcoin to remain trapped between $85,000 and $94,500 until a significant catalyst emerges—such as regulatory clarity or a shift in macroeconomic policy. Yet with U.S. lawmakers potentially delaying key legislation like the Clarity Act due to government shutdown risks, uncertainty prevails.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Meanwhile, KuCoin has managed to buck broader trends: it captured a record share of centralized exchange volume in 2025 with over $1.25 trillion traded as its growth outpaced that of the overall crypto market.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">For now, most crypto traders remain on the sidelines—waiting for either momentum to return or metals fever to subside.</p>
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            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">What You Should Know</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Gold briefly surpassed $5,100 an ounce on Monday, up 15% over the past 30 days before retreating to $5,043.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Silver reached an intraday high of $118, its biggest one-day swing since 2008, and is up 57% year-to-date.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Bitcoin daily trading volume dropped 25% to $35 billion in 24 hours, with cumulative ETF outflows exceeding $1.3 billion last week.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Factors to watch closely</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The Federal Reserve's policy meeting on Wednesday, where rates are widely expected to be held steady, could trigger immediate moves in both gold and crypto markets if the outcome diverges from expectations; if spot bitcoin ETF outflows, which exceeded $1.3 billion over the past week, persist or accelerate, further downward pressure on BTC prices is likely in the near term.</p>

Metals Fever Draws Eyes From Crypto In a week marked by historic milestones for precoius metals, gold and silver have surged to all-time highs, reshaping investor attention and trading behavior across digital asset markets.

Gold and Silver’s Record Surge Leaves Crypto Markets in the Shadows

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">ETF giants SBI, Nomura lead charge</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Japan is moving toward the launch of its first crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with financial heavyweights SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings preparing products for a possible 2028 debut. According to coindesk.com, both firms are developing ETF offerings that would give Japanese investors direct access to digital assets like bitcoin (BTC) and XRP. In August, SBI Holdings filed for a dual-asset ETF combining exposure to both cryptocurrencies, while Nomura has publicly expressed its intention to enter the space.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The Tokyo Stock Exchange is expected to be the listing venue for these new instruments. Nomura Holdings Executive Officer Hajime Ikeda noted that around 60% of Japanese investors have shown interest in some form of crypto investment, highlighting significant demand. Despite this appetite, current regulations have kept crypto ETFs off the market until now.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Lawmakers weigh crypto’s ETF future</h2>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">The Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japan’s main financial regulator, is at the center of this policy shift. The FSA plans to revise the Investment Trust Act to include cryptocurrencies as specified assets eligible for ETFs, a move that would overturn previous restrictions that banned such products.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Reuters previously reported that these regulatory changes could take effect as early as 2026 or 2027 if approved by parliament, but Nikkei and other local media now point to 2028 as the likely year for actual trading to begin. On January 5, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama referenced ETFs as inflation hedges in the U.S., signaling political support for advanced fintech initiatives in Japan.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On paper, regulatory approval could come sooner; in practice, the path through parliament and subsequent implementation may push the launch closer to 2028.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Investor safeguards in regulatory spotlight</h2>
<p class="mb-6">With new asset classes come new risks, and Japanese regulators are emphasizing investor protection as they craft rules for crypto ETFs. The FSA’s planned framework will include enhanced safeguards for retail investors, who make up a large portion of Japan’s financial markets. These measures are designed to address concerns about volatility and custody associated with digital assets.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">Crypto ETFs were previously banned in Japan, but authorities have now lifted this restriction as part of broader efforts to modernize financial regulation.</p>
<p class="mb-6">It remains uncertain what specific protections will be mandated, but industry observers expect requirements around asset custody and transparency. The FSA has indicated that these guardrails are a critical component of any forthcoming rule changes.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Crypto ETFs could hit ¥1 trillion</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Estimates from multiple sources suggest that Japan’s crypto ETF market could reach approximately 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) once products become available. This figure reflects both pent-up demand and the scale of institutional players like SBI and Nomura entering the field. For comparison, U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs have accumulated $116 billion in assets since their January 2024 launch, while spot ether ETFs hold $18 billion.</p>
<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">A KPMG Japan executive previously suggested that a Bitcoin ETF was unlikely before 2027; however, with regulatory momentum building and major firms readying products, the timeline appears to be accelerating toward the 2028 mark.</p>
<p class="mb-6">On August 6, 2025, SBI Holdings revealed plans for not only a Bitcoin-XRP dual ETF but also a gold-crypto hybrid structure—pending regulatory approval. Whether these innovative products will attract flows comparable to their U.S. counterparts is still an open question.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Japan’s approach contrasts with other major economies: while spot crypto ETFs are already live in the U.S., Japanese lawmakers are taking a more measured route focused on investor protection and market stability.</p>
        <div class="border-l-4 border-blue-500 bg-white dark:bg-slate-800 pl-6 pr-4 py-5 my-8">
            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">What Matters Most</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Japan’s Financial Services Agency plans to allow crypto ETFs under the Investment Trust Act, with trading likely to start in 2028.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>SBI Holdings filed for a Bitcoin-XRP dual ETF in August 2025; Nomura Holdings is also preparing crypto ETF products.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>Japanese crypto ETFs could reach an estimated market size of 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) upon launch.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Key developments still ahead</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If Japan’s Financial Services Agency secures parliamentary approval for rule changes by 2026 or 2027 as previously reported by Reuters, crypto ETFs from SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings could be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as early as 2028; if approval is delayed or fails, the launch timeline remains unclear and crypto ETFs will remain unavailable in Japan.</p>

ETF giants SBI, Nomura lead charge Japan is moving toward the launch of its first crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with financial heavyweights SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings preparing products for a possible 2028 debut.

Japan Eyes 2028 for Crypto ETF Debut

<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">UBS eyes crypto as client demand surges</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Swiss banking giant UBS, with $4.7 trillion in wealth assets under management as of September 2023, is preparing to offer direct cryptocurrency trading to a select group of private banking clients in Switzerland. The move comes after months of internal discussions and is a response to growing requests from high-net-worth individuals for access to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. UBS’s core business has long focused on serving wealthy individuals and families, and the bank’s plans reflect a shift from its previously cautious stance on crypto.</p>
<p class="mb-6">According to bitcoinmagazine.com, UBS has not finalized its approach but is currently evaluating partnerships with third-party providers for key functions such as trading execution, custody, and compliance. Rather than building an in-house digital asset platform from scratch, the bank appears poised to leverage established external partners to manage these risks—a notable departure from traditional banking models.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Bitcoin, Ether trading debut for elites</h2>
<p class="mb-6">The initial rollout will be limited: only a small subset of Swiss private banking clients will be able to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This exclusive launch marks the first time UBS will allow direct crypto asset trading for its clients, though the bank has previously offered indirect exposure via crypto-linked ETFs in Hong Kong since November 2023. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was priced at $90,132 and Ethereum at $2,967—figures that underscore both assets’ continued relevance among investors seeking alternative stores of value.</p>
<p class="mb-8 text-lg font-medium">On paper, UBS’s scale dwarfs most crypto-native firms, but its approach remains measured.</p>

<p class="mb-10 max-w-xl">It’s uncertain whether the service will become available to a broader client base or expand beyond Switzerland anytime soon. The bank is currently selecting which external partners will facilitate trading and custody, ensuring regulatory standards are met before any potential expansion.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Cautious UBS shifts toward digital assets</h2>
<p class="mb-6">UBS has historically been wary of cryptocurrencies, especially after witnessing market volatility and high-profile losses at other institutions. For example, Credit Suisse—acquired by UBS in 2023 following a forced merger—suffered a $5.5 billion loss from Archegos Capital and a $10 billion blow tied to Greensill Capital just two years earlier. These events have made risk controls central to every new product launch at UBS. A spokesperson emphasized that the bank continues to monitor developments in digital assets alongside regulatory changes and risk management requirements.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Still, recent months have seen UBS participate in several blockchain-related pilots. In late 2023, it completed the first onchain redemption of a tokenized fund using Chainlink’s Digital Transfer Agent. The bank also tested institutional payments on Ethereum in partnership with Sygnum and PostFinance—demonstrating growing comfort with blockchain infrastructure even as it weighs broader client access to crypto trading.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Expansion to Asia, US on horizon</h2>
<p class="mb-6">Though Switzerland is the testing ground for now, UBS executives are reportedly considering expansion into Asia-Pacific and the United States if regulatory clarity improves and client demand persists. In November 2023, wealthy clients in Hong Kong gained access to crypto-linked ETFs—a sign that Asian markets could be next for direct trading services. The Asia-Pacific region represents significant growth potential given its concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals interested in digital assets.</p>
<p class="mb-6">However, no timeline has been set for this international rollout. Regulatory frameworks vary widely between jurisdictions; thus, each market presents unique operational hurdles. Until those are resolved—and pending positive feedback from Swiss pilot users—the offering will likely remain exclusive to select Swiss clients.</p> <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why it matters: Practical impact for private banking</h2>
<p class="mb-6">For wealthy clients who already rely on UBS for portfolio management across traditional asset classes, this development means they may soon be able to integrate Bitcoin and Ethereum into their holdings without leaving their primary banking relationship. With over $1.5 trillion added to UBS’s balance sheet after absorbing Credit Suisse last year, the bank’s capacity to serve sophisticated investors is unmatched among European peers.</p>
<p class="mb-6">The decision also signals how mainstream financial institutions are adapting as client preferences evolve. While some banks remain skeptical about digital assets due to compliance risks or price volatility—Bitcoin alone has seen swings above 10% within single weeks—UBS is opting for a more pragmatic stance: limiting exposure initially while investing in robust risk controls and external expertise.</p>
<p class="mb-6">Whether this approach becomes standard across global wealth management remains an open question.</p>
        <div class="border-l-4 border-blue-500 bg-white dark:bg-slate-800 pl-6 pr-4 py-5 my-8">
            <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 dark:text-white p-2">Summary Points</h3>
            <ul class="space-y-2 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 p-4">
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>UBS, with $4.7 trillion in wealth assets as of September 2023, plans crypto trading for select Swiss private banking clients.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>The initial service will allow a small group to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum, with possible expansion to Asia-Pacific later.</li>
                <li class="flex items-start"><span class="mr-2 text-blue-500 italic">•</span>UBS is evaluating third-party partners for trading, custody, and compliance instead of building an in-house digital asset platform.</li>
            </ul>
        </div><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Short-term watchlist</h2>
<p class="mb-6">If UBS publicly confirms the launch date or final structure of its crypto trading service for select Swiss private banking clients, as it is currently still unconfirmed and subject to regulatory and operational review, immediate attention will turn to which external partners are selected for trading execution and custody.</p>

UBS eyes crypto as client demand surges Swiss banking giant UBS, with $4.7 trillion in wealth assets under management as of September 2023, is preparing to offer direct cryptocurrency trading to a select group of private banking clients in...

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