Charles Schwab closed 2025 with record quarterly and full-year results, underscoring the scale and resilience of its client-driven business model as asset gathering, trading activity, and revenues all reached new highs. The firm reported fourth-quarter net revenues of $6.3 billion, up 19% year over year, while full-year revenues climbed 22% to a record $23.9 billion. Net income for the quarter reached $2.5 billion, or $1.33 per share, rising to $1.39 on an adjusted basis. For the full year, Schwab generated $8.9 billion in GAAP net income and $9.2 billion on an adjusted basis, reflecting strong operating leverage amid higher client engagement. Total client assets increased 18% year over year to a record $11.90 trillion, supported by robust net inflows and favorable market conditions. Schwab gathered $163.9 billion of core net new assets in the fourth quarter alone, bringing full-year core net new assets to $519.4 billion, a 42% increase versus 2024 and equivalent to a 5.1% organic growth rate. Client Growth and Engagement Power Asset Gathering Schwab’s asset growth was driven by both new and existing clients deepening their relationships with the firm. Total client accounts rose 6% year over year to 46.5 million, while active brokerage accounts increased to 38.5 million. New brokerage account openings exceeded one million for the fifth consecutive quarter, highlighting sustained momentum in client acquisition. “Schwab delivered growth on all fronts in 2025,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wurster. “Total client accounts grew 6% year-over-year to 46.5 million. New and existing clients entrusted us with $519 billion in core net new assets – a 5.1% organic growth rate – bringing total client assets to a record $11.90 trillion.” Client activity also accelerated across wealth management, banking, and trading. Net inflows into managed investing solutions grew 36% for the year compared with 2024, while fourth-quarter managed investing inflows rose 50% year over year. Bank loan balances increased 28% year over year to $58.0 billion, and margin loan balances climbed 34% to $112.3 billion as trading engagement strengthened. Record Revenues Reflect Diversified Business Model Schwab’s revenue growth was broad-based, reflecting the benefits of its diversified platform. Net interest revenue rose 25% year over year in the fourth quarter to $3.2 billion, supported by balance growth and a 57-basis-point expansion in net interest margin to 2.90%. Asset management and administration fees increased 15% year over year in the quarter to $1.7 billion, driven by higher client assets and continued adoption of advisory solutions. Trading revenue grew 22% year over year in the fourth quarter as daily average trades reached 8.3 million, up 31% versus the prior-year period. Over the full year, trading revenue reached $3.9 billion, reflecting higher derivatives activity and sustained market participation by retail and advisory clients. Chief Financial Officer Mike Verdeschi highlighted the operating leverage inherent in the firm’s model. “Doing more for our growing client base bolsters Schwab’s diversified revenue model,” he said. “In 2025, the combination of our business momentum, strong engagement, and favorable equity markets resulted in record revenue of $23.9 billion – up 22% versus the prior year.” Despite the higher activity levels, expense growth remained controlled. Fourth-quarter GAAP expenses rose 4% year over year, while full-year GAAP expense growth was 5%. Adjusted expenses increased 6% for the year, reflecting higher volume-related costs and incremental employee compensation, while pre-tax profit margin expanded to 50.2% in the fourth quarter. Capital Strength and Strategic Positioning Schwab continued to return capital to shareholders while maintaining strong balance sheet flexibility. During the fourth quarter, the firm repurchased 29.2 million shares for $2.7 billion, bringing total capital return for 2025 to $11.8 billion across dividends and buybacks. Common stock repurchases totaled $7.3 billion for the year. Capital ratios remained well above regulatory requirements, with preliminary consolidated Tier 1 Leverage of 9.3% at year-end. Schwab also reduced its reliance on supplemental funding sources, with bank supplemental funding declining to $5.1 billion by the end of the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, Schwab continues to position itself for long-term growth. The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Forge Global, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026, expanding Schwab’s capabilities in private market investing. The firm was also recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Customer Service” providers for 2026, reflecting ongoing investment in client experience. “Clients are conducting more of their financial lives at Schwab, with record engagement across wealth management, trading, and banking,” Wurster said. “That trust and engagement give us confidence as we continue to invest in capabilities that support clients in different market environments.” Takeaway: Schwab’s record 2025 results highlight the strength of its client-driven, diversified model, with asset growth, trading activity, and revenues all reaching new highs while maintaining disciplined expense control and strong capital returns.

While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding Greenland. Media reports indicate that the US President ruled out the use of military force against NATO allies and stepped back from earlier threats to introduce tariffs on imports from several European countries. This shift helped to reduce geopolitical tensions, supporting a rebound in US equities and boosting demand for the US dollar. Price action in USD/JPY reflects this change in sentiment, with the dollar strengthening against the yen (highlighted by the orange arrow). The Japanese currency remains under pressure ahead of the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, due tomorrow. USD/JPY: Technical Outlook At the end of December, our analysis of dollar–yen movements identified a long-term upward channel, which remains intact, albeit with minor adjustments incorporating January price data. The lower boundary of this channel continues to provide support, although its resilience is being tested: → as shown by the red arrow, bearish pressure is evident along the lower internal trendlines of the channel; → today’s high (B) exceeded the 15 January peak (A) only slightly, a pattern that may indicate a bull trap, where a failed upside attempt could encourage sellers to re-enter the market. The next phase of price action will largely depend on a busy and fast-evolving fundamental backdrop. Beyond the developments already mentioned, traders will be watching US GDP figures and initial jobless claims, scheduled for release today at 16:30 GMT+3, which could play a decisive role in shaping USD/JPY direction. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Trading without a plan can be challenging. Markets move quickly and emotions can affect decision-making. Risk management is a key consideration for anyone trading CFDs or other leveraged products. Developing habits around loss control, position sizing, diversification, and review may help traders manage exposure. Always Define Your Risk Before Entering a Trade A stop-loss defines in advance the level at which a position will close if the market moves against it. Stop-loss orders are a tool that may assist traders in managing exposure, but they do not eliminate the risk of losses, especially in volatile markets. Using a Stop-loss may remove emotional decision-making once a position is open and helps prevent small losses from escalating. For traders involved in short-term or day trading, setting predefined exit levels can encourage a disciplined approach, but losses remain possible. Limit Exposure to 2% Per Trade Another widely accepted risk principle is never risking more than a small percentage of your account on a single trade. Many experienced traders limit this to around 1–2% of total capital. This approach ensures that a short series of losing trades does not significantly damage the account. Limiting exposure can help manage overall risk and reduce the impact of a series of losing trades. However, even when limiting exposure, losses can exceed the set percentage due to leverage or rapid market movements. Diversify Across Instruments Placing several trades does not automatically mean diversification. Combining different instruments may help reduce concentration risk when markets become volatile. However, it does not guarantee protection against losses. Keep a Trading Journal and Review Regularly A trading journal is one of the most effective tools for long-term improvement. Recording entry points, exits, reasoning, and emotional state allows traders to identify behavioural patterns over time. This self-review often reveals recurring mistakes and strengths that are not obvious in real time. Taking regular breaks and reviewing performance is equally important. Stepping away from the screen helps reduce overtrading and emotional fatigue. Use Built-In Tools That Support Risk Control Some trading platforms include features designed to support disciplined risk management. Brokers such as Fortrade offer built-in tools like advanced order types, including stop-loss and take-profit functions, which help traders manage exposure more effectively. These tools may support disciplined risk management, but they do not guarantee protection from losses. Fortrade is regulated by the FCA, which requires certain standards for transparency and client protection. Final Thoughts Risk management is an important aspect of trading. Developing habits around loss control, position sizing, diversification, and structured review may support a more disciplined approach. Many experienced traders emphasise that developing disciplined habits and risk management practices can help traders approach markets in a more systematic way.

Ethereum users are facing a surge in address poisoning attacks that inflate network activity numbers. This noise makes it difficult to find undervalued altcoins based on raw data alone. DeepSnitch AI offers a solution by filtering spam from organic growth.  The project has already raised over $1.278M in its Stage 4 presale. With the token priced at $0.03609, the window to enter before the launch is closing fast.  Here is why many think it could be the next crypto to 100x in 2026. Ethereum activity spike linked to address poisoning spam A researcher recently argued that record network activity on Ethereum might be misleading. These noise transactions distort surface-level dashboards used by many retail traders. Over 3.86M wallets have been identified as poisoned.  This data highlights why investors need sophisticated tools to find promising altcoins. DeepSnitch AI provides the intelligence layer needed to separate real demand from attack traffic. Detecting on-chain patterns, it gives you the radar needed to act before alpha decays. Best altcoins to buy comparisons DeepSnitch AI  DeepSnitch AI turns raw blockchain noise into clear signals for the 1B users on Telegram. Most people find information after the price has already moved, and this platform uses five specialized agents to monitor transactions and social sentiment 24/7. The current environment of high-level uncertainty makes automated intelligence more valuable than ever. DeepSnitch AI is the only project providing real-time tools to survive on-chain chaos. It uses five specialized agents to monitor the market. SnitchFeed acts as your radar for sentiment flips and dominance surges. SnitchScan filters tokens for safety to uncover high-upside crypto projects. SnitchGPT simplifies complex data by answering queries in plain English. SnitchCast delivers curated news and alpha directly to your Telegram or X account.  The latest update activated the AuditSnitch security layer. You can now paste any contract address for an instant forensic verdict of CLEAN, CAUTION, or SKETCHY. This tool detects ownership traps and liquidity locks that manual research misses. It effectively turns research into a high-speed habit. The team has teased a game-changing announcement dropping in the coming days. This reveal is expected to be a major catalyst before the official launch at the end of January. Secure your tokens at $0.03609 before the price jumps again. Dogecoin  On January 20th, Dogecoin was priced around $0.12. The coin failed to sustain a push toward $0.15 earlier in the month.  Bears have regained control after the coin drifted lower. Bounces are now framed as potential sell zones. Bulls want a reclaim of $0.15 to signal strength, but broader market softness is adding pressure to the meme sector.  Ethereum  Ethereum fell sharply to under $3K on January 20th. Analysts say the drop was driven by a mix of macro jitters and a specific fear inside the Ethereum ecosystem, like the unusually high on-chain activity around January 16 that may have been inflated by an address-poisoning style attack.  If growth metrics are being gamed, traders may discount the bullish “usage is up” narrative, but some bulls are still accumulating at these prices.  Bottom line The surge in Ethereum spam proves that retail traders need better data filters. DeepSnitch AI is the best altcoin to buy because it offers live utility. It gives you the surveillance tools used by whales.  With $1.278M raised and 2 weeks left, the window to secure your DSNT tokens at $0.03609, is closing fast. Now is the time to claim extra tokens using the new bonus. Use "DSNTVIP300" for a 300% bonus on $30K and above. Apply "DSNTVIP150" for a 150% bonus on $10K and above. The code "DSNTVIP50" offers a 50% bonus on $5K. Smaller participants can use "DSNTVIP30" for 30% on $2K. For more information, visit the official website, and follow X and Telegram. FAQ What are the best altcoins to buy for 2026? DeepSnitch AI provides live agents to find gems and avoid rugs, making it one of the best altcoins to buy for 100X gains.  Can DeepSnitch AI find undervalued altcoins? Yes, the SnitchScan agent filters raw data to spotlight safe and promising projects before they pump. Is DeepSnitch AI a high-upside crypto project? Many believe so because its low entry price and Telegram utility offer potential for 100x gains.

ThinkEquity has strengthened its New York Stock Exchange floor and trading operations with a series of senior appointments, underscoring its ambition to expand execution capabilities and deepen institutional market access. The investment bank and brokerage firm announced the addition of Leon Montana as Managing Director, Global Equity Sales & Trading, alongside the appointments of Mike Conlon, John Conlon and John Romolo as Senior Vice Presidents of NYSE Trading. The hires are aimed at scaling ThinkEquity’s NYSE Floor operation, direct market access and sales trading platform. The expansion builds on ThinkEquity’s long-standing focus on execution quality and client service, as the firm continues to invest in senior talent and infrastructure to support institutional trading strategies across multiple liquidity venues. Experienced Leadership Added to Global Trading Operations Leon Montana joins ThinkEquity with more than three decades of experience spanning market making, risk management and electronic trading. Over his career, he has played a central role in building and scaling trading platforms at firms including Pershing Trading Company, Jefferies Execution Services and QMS Direct. Montana’s background in both domestic and international trading operations is expected to strengthen ThinkEquity’s global equity sales and trading function, particularly as market structure and execution models continue to evolve. At ThinkEquity, Montana will work closely with the firm’s global trading and sales teams to enhance execution capabilities, broaden market access and support institutional clients across a wide range of trading strategies. Deep NYSE Floor Expertise Strengthens Market Access Alongside Montana’s appointment, ThinkEquity has added three seasoned NYSE trading professionals to its floor operations. John Conlon brings more than 27 years of Wall Street experience, having begun his career at Gruntal & Co. before working at Investec and most recently Quattro M. Mike Conlon adds more than 30 years of industry experience, with a career that includes roles at Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Jefferies. John Romolo also joins with over 25 years of experience, having held senior positions at firms including Merrill Lynch and Jefferies. The combined expertise of the new NYSE trading team is expected to strengthen ThinkEquity’s presence on the exchange floor, supporting high-touch execution and informed market interaction for institutional clients. Execution Quality and Client Service at the Core ThinkEquity’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the appointments as part of a broader effort to deliver best-in-class execution. Phil Quartuccio, Managing Director and Head of Global Trading at ThinkEquity, said: “Leon and the team’s depth of experience across market structure, electronic trading, and execution leadership makes him an outstanding addition to our platform. His background building scalable trading operations aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering best-in-class execution and client service.” Montana echoed that sentiment, pointing to ThinkEquity’s combination of technology and personal service. “ThinkEquity has built a strong reputation for high-touch service combined with sophisticated trading infrastructure,” he said. “I’m excited to join the firm and contribute to the continued expansion of its global equity sales and trading capabilities.” The firm said the hires reflect its ongoing commitment to thoughtful execution, transparent market insight and flexible liquidity solutions, as it continues to support institutional clients across equity markets. Takeaway: ThinkEquity’s senior trading appointments signal a clear push to strengthen its NYSE floor presence and global execution capabilities, reinforcing its strategy of combining experienced leadership with scalable trading infrastructure to serve institutional clients.

TSG Brokers has formally launched a refreshed operating model built around transparency, regulatory structure, and long-term trader development, positioning itself as a broker designed to support traders throughout every stage of their experience. Operating under a CySEC STP license, the brokerage enters the market with what it describes as a “Fair Play Trading” framework, combining regulatory oversight with a people-focused approach that emphasizes ethical execution, clarity of process, and guided progression rather than short-term trading volume. Founded by industry executives with experience building trader-centered ecosystems, TSG Brokers is seeking to differentiate itself at a time when scrutiny of execution quality, governance, and client outcomes is intensifying across the retail trading sector. A Regulated Launch Anchored in Fair Play Trading At the core of TSG Brokers’ launch is its CySEC regulation, which provides the legal and operational structure underpinning its model. The broker operates on a straight-through processing (STP) basis, positioning itself as an execution venue designed to align client activity with transparent market access rather than internalization. Chief Executive Officer Victoria Urbanovich said the firm was deliberately designed around the realities of how most traders actually develop. “For too long, brokers played to the ‘ready-made professional.’ We built TSG for the real trader, wherever they are on the journey,” she said. “Fair Play Trading isn’t a concept for us; it’s how we operate. Traders deserve clarity, ethical execution, and a partner that sees their growth as part of its mission.” Urbanovich was selected to lead the brokerage’s new chapter due to her long-standing regulatory experience and established working relationship with CySEC. TSG Brokers said her background reflects its commitment to maintaining rigorous compliance standards while building an operating model that balances governance with accessibility. Building a Trader-Centric Environment Beyond Execution TSG Brokers’ operating philosophy places significant emphasis on community and interaction as tools for skill development. Rather than positioning social features as trading signals or strategy replication, the firm describes its environment as one built around dialogue, education, and shared learning. The brokerage supports this approach through structured communication channels, including Discord-based interaction, education initiatives, live events, and opportunities for traders to engage with peers and mentors. According to TSG, the objective is not to promote copying or algorithmic mirroring, but to remove barriers that often isolate traders during the learning process. Management describes this as a relationship-driven framework rather than a product feature. By encouraging open conversation and exposure to real trading experiences, TSG Brokers aims to create conditions where traders can evolve through feedback, discussion, and guided support instead of relying solely on static tools or marketing claims. Technology, Liquidity, and Integrity as Operating Priorities From a technical perspective, TSG Brokers combines institutional-grade STP execution with low-latency infrastructure and deep liquidity access across multiple asset classes. The firm offers more than 300 instruments across five markets, positioning execution integrity as a foundational requirement rather than a premium feature. Urbanovich emphasized that operational integrity extends beyond infrastructure alone. “Our traders deserve to feel protected,” she said. “They deserve to know their capital is handled with care, their trade flow is managed with integrity, and that someone is genuinely invested in their progress.” The firm frames this commitment as a core element of its Fair Play Trading standards. Looking ahead, TSG Brokers is also in the process of obtaining a Securities Dealer license in Seychelles, which would support the expansion of its global footprint while maintaining its existing regulatory framework. The company said this step is intended to complement, rather than dilute, its focus on transparency, governance, and trader development. Takeaway: TSG Brokers’ launch under CySEC regulation reflects a deliberate shift toward transparency and long-term trader development, combining regulated STP execution with a community-driven model designed to support traders as they learn, progress, and scale.

Ramp Network has flipped the switch on one of the most important regulatory upgrades in European crypto infrastructure. The company said its Irish entity, Ramp Swaps (Ireland) Limited, is now live as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) in the European Union, with EU customers fully serviced under its approved CASP licence. In practical terms, Ramp is now operating under a single regulatory framework across the EU, using MiCAR as a “passport” to provide on- and off-ramp services in all 27 member states. For a business that sits at the fiat-crypto conversion layer, this isn’t a branding exercise. It’s a distribution advantage. What does Ramp’s CASP approval actually unlock? The authorisation means Ramp can provide crypto on-ramp and off-ramp services across the entire European Union under harmonised supervision, rather than relying on fragmented national regimes. All EU customer activity is conducted under its CASP licence, with oversight tied to MiCAR requirements and the Central Bank of Ireland. For users and partners, the day-to-day experience shouldn’t change dramatically. Ramp’s core job remains the same: converting between fiat currencies and digital assets. What changes is the compliance structure behind that flow. Instead of different rules by country, Ramp can operate using one set of standards on governance, operational resilience, transparency, and consumer protection. CEO Przemek Kowalczyk framed the shift as a milestone for servicing EU customers under clearer rules and stronger protections, positioning the licence as validation that Ramp’s systems are built for a more mature regulatory environment. Why MiCAR passporting matters for adoption in Europe In crypto, licensing is often treated like paperwork. In Europe, it is increasingly a business model. MiCAR is designed to create a single market for crypto services, reducing the patchwork of local frameworks that made it harder for firms to scale across borders. For infrastructure players like Ramp, which power fiat entry and exit across wallets, exchanges, and DeFi front ends, that consistency is the difference between “available in some countries” and “available everywhere.” Passporting also helps platform partners. When Ramp integrates with an exchange or a wallet, those partners can serve European users with more predictable compliance coverage, which matters for conversion rates and onboarding flow. The fewer regulatory edge cases, the easier it is to scale product distribution. Investor Takeaway On/off-ramps are the plumbing of crypto adoption. A MiCAR licence is less about prestige and more about distribution — it lets Ramp scale across Europe without rebuilding compliance for each country. What this means for crypto investors and fintech operators Ramp sits in a spot that tends to be underpriced in market narratives. Traders focus on exchanges. Builders focus on chains. But most user growth depends on the on-ramp layer actually working: card payments, bank transfers, settlement reliability, fraud prevention, and compliance controls. Operating as a CASP under MiCAR gives Ramp a stronger footing to serve institutional partners and consumer fintechs that want crypto exposure without regulatory ambiguity. It also positions the company to compete more aggressively for enterprise integrations—especially as MiCAR pushes the market away from “grey zone” providers and toward fully regulated infrastructure. For EU users, the most meaningful impact is likely subtle but important: more consistent consumer protections and standardized service expectations, regardless of which member state they live in. The bigger signal: Europe is turning regulation into infrastructure Ramp’s announcement also reflects the wider shift happening across the EU crypto market. As MiCAR rolls out, the competitive landscape changes. Companies that can operate cleanly under the framework gain the ability to scale faster, build deeper partnerships, and offer more stable services. Ramp emphasized that it was founded and built in Europe and described the move as part of its long-term commitment to the region. That matters because MiCAR is not a short-term compliance sprint — it is a structural reset of how crypto services will be delivered in Europe. For the market, the signal is simple: the EU is aiming to make crypto boring in the best way—regulated, standardized, and infrastructure-grade. Ramp going live as a CASP is one example of how that transition is already moving from legislation into production. Investor Takeaway MiCAR rewards companies that sell reliability. Ramp’s licence should make it easier to win institutional partnerships and wallet/exchange integrations across the EU as compliance becomes non-negotiable. Ramp Network’s CASP status is now live across the EU, with customer activity serviced under its Irish authorization and supervised under MiCAR standards. For the industry, it’s a reminder that the next wave of growth in Europe will be driven less by narratives — and more by regulated rails that actually scale.

Global prime broker EXANTE has appointed Alex Kishchuk as Trade Desk Lead, reinforcing its focus on execution quality and operational resilience as the firm continues to scale across markets and asset classes. In his new role, Kishchuk will oversee global trade execution and day-to-day trade desk operations, with a mandate to ensure EXANTE’s proprietary trading infrastructure continues to deliver speed, transparency and control for professional and institutional clients. He will report directly to Zane Kotane, Chief Operations Officer at EXANTE, and will play a central role in shaping the firm’s trade desk strategy as EXANTE marks 15 years of growth and expansion. Expanding Leadership for a Growing Global Platform Kishchuk joins EXANTE with more than a decade of experience across financial markets, trade execution and operational leadership. His background includes senior roles at J.P. Morgan, Allfunds Bank and BNP Paribas Securities Services, where he managed high-performing teams and led complex cross-border initiatives across Europe. His appointment comes at a time when prime brokers are under increasing pressure to deliver institutional-grade execution while supporting a broader range of markets, asset classes and client workflows. EXANTE’s continued expansion has placed a growing emphasis on scalability and operational precision. With experience spanning global banking and post-trade environments, Kishchuk is expected to help further professionalise EXANTE’s trade desk operations while maintaining the firm’s focus on client control and transparency. Strengthening Execution, Transparency and Control EXANTE’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment as the broker enters its next phase of growth. Zane Kotane, Chief Operations Officer, said the firm’s ability to scale responsibly depends on continually strengthening its trading infrastructure. According to Kotane, Kishchuk’s international experience and operational leadership will be instrumental in building a future-ready trade desk that enhances execution quality while reinforcing transparency across markets. As trading volumes and client expectations continue to rise, the role of the trade desk is increasingly central to delivering consistent execution outcomes across EXANTE’s single multi-currency, multi-asset platform. Positioning the Trade Desk for the Next Phase of Growth Commenting on his appointment, Kishchuk described EXANTE as being at a pivotal stage of development, with growing demand for sophisticated execution and streamlined operational processes. He said his focus will be on strengthening trading infrastructure, optimising workflows and supporting the firm’s ability to deliver long-term value to its global client base as the platform continues to evolve. The appointment underscores EXANTE’s broader strategy of investing in experienced leadership to support its proprietary technology stack and maintain institutional standards as it expands access to more than 50 markets and eight asset classes worldwide. Takeaway: By appointing Alex Kishchuk as Trade Desk Lead, EXANTE is reinforcing its execution and operational capabilities, signalling a continued focus on scalability, transparency and institutional-grade performance as the broker expands globally.

XAUT price and tokenized gold market surged on January 21, 2026, as digital assets backed by the precious metal decoupled from a broader cryptocurrency sell-off. The cryptocurrency market faced intense structural instability on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as traditional safe havens failed and digital assets plummeted. While major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant declines, Tether Gold (XAUT) emerged as the definitive "Fortress of Value," surging nearly 10% since the start of the year and breaking through the $4,850 level. This rally comes as the global financial system enters a period of extreme volatility, driven by what analysts term a "triple threat"—the simultaneous collapse of equities, bonds, and fiat currencies. XAUT is currently trading around $4,859.79, demonstrating remarkable resilience as investors rotate capital toward defensive assets. Why Is XAUT Price Surging? Geopolitical "Triple Threat" Triggers Flight to Safety The primary catalyst for the current XAUT Price Prediction and momentum is the escalating "Triple Threat" crisis of 2026. Geopolitical friction over Greenland’s sovereignty has reached a breaking point, leading to a historic decision by Denmark to liquidate its U.S. Treasury holdings. This move, coupled with deep-seated fiscal concerns in Japan that have ignited a "wildfire" in global bond markets, has sent yields on U.S. and Japanese bonds soaring, fueling a massive risk-off atmosphere. BREAKING: Danish pension fund AkademikerPension will sell all US Treasuries by the end of January. The fund manages about $25B and holds around $100M in US Treasuries, which it now plans to fully exit. Its CIO says the US is "not a good credit" and that government finances are… pic.twitter.com/dXZAaQaC9w — Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 20, 2026 Gracy Chen, CEO at crypto exchange Bitget, highlighted the macro-economic context driving this shift: "With tariffs back in focus, capital is likely to rotate toward defensive assets, where gold dominates. As for the outlook, we see gold targeting the $5,000 level. If current conditions hold, it’s not far away". Did the ultimate “safe haven” just became the hottest trade of 2025 and 2026? As a crypto exchange CEO, one of my hardest jobs is saying NO to new assets. For years, we ignored tokenized gold ($XAU). Why? Old rules applied: Niche demand Regulatory maze “Just HODL” asset But… — Gracy Chen @Bitget (@GracyBitget) January 12, 2026 Volume and Market Cap: Tokenized Gold Beats Traditional ETFs The surge in XAUT is not just a price phenomenon but a structural shift in how investors access gold. In 2025, tokenized gold trading volume reached a staggering $178 billion, with $126 billion of that occurring in the final quarter alone. This volume surpassed all but one U.S.-listed ETF—the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), which manages $165 billion in assets. Key drivers of this growth include: Retail Demand: Unlike many tokenized assets restricted to accredited investors, XAUT offers fractional ownership with no minimum investment. Accessibility: Investors in emerging markets can access gold-linked products that were previously unavailable. Market Dominance: Tether's XAUT accounts for 75% of the fourth-quarter volume in the tokenized gold sector. Market Capitalization: The sector's market cap surged 177% last year to surpass $4.4 billion, though it remains a fraction of the total $32 trillion gold market. Technical Analysis Reveals XAUT Price Bullish Potential From a technical perspective, my XAUT Price Prediction remains highly bullish despite overbought conditions. XAUT is currently trading well above its key moving averages, including the 7-day SMA ($4,645) and the 30-day SMA ($4,502). The asset recently cleared the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $4,666, which has now turned into a solid support zone. Technical Summary/Forecast: Current Price: $4,859.79 Momentum: The RSI-14 is currently at 81.14, signalling that the asset is deep in overbought territory. While this confirms a powerful uptrend, it also warns of a potential near-term pullback as profit-taking emerges. Support Levels: Immediate support is found at $ 4555.00 A more significant support level is maintained above the 50-day moving average, where institutional "whales" are reportedly holding XAUT as collateral in DeFi. Resistance Levels: The next major hurdle is the round resistance level 5000.0. A daily close above this mark would open the path to the $5,083 level (161.8% extension). Market Sentiment: On-chain data suggests "sticky" liquidity, indicating the rally is driven by fundamental structural shifts rather than mere speculation. Institutional Adoption: Bybit and Mantle Integration A major institutional catalyst for the 24-hour volume surge—which jumped 131.91% to $336 million—was the announcement from Bybit. On January 20, 2026, Bybit, the world’s second-largest exchange by volume, enabled XAUT deposits and withdrawals on the Mantle Layer-2 network. ? Bybit will soon support @tethergold on @Mantle_Official. Bybit will open $XAUT deposit and withdrawal support via Mantle on Jan 20, 2026, at 10AM UTC. Enjoy 0 withdrawal fees on Mantle for a limited time! Learn more: https://t.co/WPYEgxDPJv pic.twitter.com/TDRAtBh5nN — Bybit Plus (@BybitPlus) January 19, 2026 This integration allows for zero withdrawal fees for a limited time and utilizes Mantle’s low-cost infrastructure for real-world assets (RWAs). This development enables XAUT to be used efficiently in DeFi protocols for lending, vault strategies, and yield generation, creating immediate buy-side pressure. Broader Crypto Market Performance: Bitcoin and Ethereum Sink While XAUT thrives, the broader crypto market is experiencing a severe sell-off. Over $1 billion in crypto positions were liquidated in just 24 hours as geopolitical tensions and rising bond yields triggered a "risk-off" environment. Bitcoin (BTC): Slipped over 3%, falling below the critical $88,000 support level. Analysts at Mudrex noted that $91,800 is now the immediate resistance. Ethereum (ETH): Faced even steeper declines, dropping nearly 7% to trade around $2,970, marking its lowest level in two weeks. Altcoins: Monero (XMR) led declines with a 19% drop, while Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and Aave (AAVE) saw declines between 4% and 9%. Conversely, physical gold jewelry prices have also adjusted upward. In Jakarta, The Palace National Jeweler updated prices on January 21, with 18K gold jewelry (75% purity) reaching a selling price of Rp1,945,000 per gram. XAUT Price FAQ Is XAUT backed by real gold? Yes. Tether Gold (XAUT) represents direct ownership of one fine troy ounce of gold on a London Good Delivery bar. The gold is stored in high-security Swiss vaults, and each token is directly linked to certified gold bullion. Will XAUT reach $5,000? Many analysts believe so. Based on the current XAUT Price Prediction, the metal is targeting the $5,000 psychological level. Technically, a break above the $4,914 resistance would signal continued strength toward the $5,000-$5,083 range. However, investors should monitor for a near-term correction due to the high RSI. Is XAUT a better hedge than Bitcoin? In the current "Triple Threat" crisis of 2026, XAUT has outperformed Bitcoin. While Bitcoin fell below $88,000 entering a "zone of extreme fear," XAUT maintained strong support and entered a "parabolic phase" due to its status as a defensive asset during geopolitical conflict. "When major nations begin dumping debt and the VIX stays elevated, the opportunity cost of not holding gold becomes too high to ignore," noted analysts in recent market reports. For traders on platforms like KuCoin and Bybit, XAUT provides the bridge to stability that traditional fiat and volatile digital assets currently lack.

ETHUSD breaches uptrend line to the downside Drops over 11% week-to-date to three-week low Momentum indicators reflect negative bias Ether (ETHUSD) is extending a threeday pullback from the range ceiling near 3,360 – intact since midNovember – slipping below all three key simple moving averages (SMAs) as well as the mediumterm ascending trendline drawn from the April 8 trough. The largest altcoin is currently down 11.2% weektodate, marking its steepest weekly decline since November. Despite the sell-off, Ether still trades within its broader consolidation range, though momentum continues to weaken as reflected in the indicators. The MACD is flatlining around its zero line, the RSI is easing above the 30 threshold, and the stochastics are dipping into oversold territory, suggesting the bearish momentum is gaining traction. Ether is now eyeing the range floor near the midDecember lows at the 2,800 level. A decisive break below that zone would open the door toward the November 21 swing low at 2,620, followed by deeper support at the fourmonth low around 2,400. Conversely, a rebound from the threeweek low of 2,900, where price action currently sits, and a move back above the broken uptrend line near the psychologically significant 3,000 level would bring the 50day SMA near 3,084 back into view. Above that, the 20day SMA – intersecting with the 23.6% Fibonacci extension of the August–November pullback at 3,171 – marks the next hurdle, ahead of a retest of the 3,360 range ceiling that has capped gains since midNovember. Overall, Ether is extending its weekly correction and is now testing the critical 3,000 level, which has acted as critical support since early in the year. A sustained break below this zone would likely mark an important inflection point, shifting the nearterm bias decisively toward bearish.

Bitpanda, the Vienna-based digital asset powerhouse, officially announced on January 21, 2026, that it will integrate over 10,000 stocks and exchange-traded funds into its regulated platform next week. This strategic expansion, scheduled to go live on January 29, represents the final step in the company’s decade-long transition from a crypto-native exchange into a "full-stack" investment provider. By combining its existing catalog of over 650 cryptocurrencies and precious metals with a massive selection of global equities, Bitpanda aims to create Europe’s most comprehensive regulated investment application. Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Eric Demuth, the firm is positioning itself as a direct competitor to both traditional European brokerages and emerging neobanks. The launch is designed to offer a seamless, one-stop-shop experience where users can manage a diversified portfolio across all major asset classes from a single mobile interface, effectively bridging the gap between decentralized finance and traditional capital markets. Fractional Investing and Transparent Pricing in the European Retail Market The core of Bitpanda’s new offering is built on a user-centric model that emphasizes accessibility and cost transparency. The platform will support fractional investing for all 10,000 new instruments, allowing retail users to purchase shares of high-priced equities like Berkshire Hathaway or specialized ETFs with as little as one euro. In a move to disrupt the high-fee structures of legacy European banks, Bitpanda has committed to a flat fee of one euro per trade for stocks and ETFs, with no hidden custody charges or payment for order flow. Furthermore, the firm has integrated an automated tax-withholding feature specifically for users in its primary markets of Austria and Germany, simplifying the often-complex reporting requirements for digital and traditional investments. This level of technical integration is intended to lower the barrier to entry for a new generation of European investors who demand the same speed and convenience for stock trading that they have experienced in the cryptocurrency market. A Strategic Foundation for the Upcoming 2026 Frankfurt Initial Public Offering The timing of the stock and ETF launch is intricately linked to Bitpanda’s broader corporate ambitions, specifically its planned initial public offering in the first half of 2026. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the firm has already tapped Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank to lead a Frankfurt-based listing that could value the company at between 4 billion and 5 billion euros. By shedding its "crypto-only" label and demonstrating a diversified revenue stream across multiple asset classes, Bitpanda is making a clear case to institutional investors that it is a mature, multifaceted financial institution rather than a speculative trading venue. The IPO is expected to be one of the largest in the European fintech sector this year, reflecting the successful maturation of the industry under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework. As Bitpanda prepares to move onto the public stage, its evolution into a unified financial app serves as a blueprint for how the next generation of "super-apps" will dismantle the silos between traditional and digital finance.

The landscape of American high finance shifted fundamentally on January 21, 2026, as the Senate Banking Committee moved into the final stages of reconciling the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act. This landmark legislation, which seeks to provide the first comprehensive federal framework for the digital asset industry, has triggered a "gold rush" mentality among major U.S. financial institutions. For years, the banking sector remained on the sidelines due to a lack of regulatory certainty and the looming threat of enforcement-led oversight from various agencies. However, with the new bill clearly delineating the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the "Big Four" banks—JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo—are reportedly finalizing plans to offer direct crypto custody, trading, and settlement services to their institutional and retail clients. This "all in" approach marks a definitive end to the era of crypto isolationism within the regulated banking system and signals a new age where digital assets are treated as a core component of the national financial infrastructure. The Role of Stablecoin Guardrails in Unlocking Trillions in Bank Deposits A critical component of the CLARITY Act that has energized the banking community is the establishment of strict federal standards for payment stablecoins. The bill introduces a tiered licensing system that allows federally insured depository institutions to issue their own dollar-pegged tokens, provided they meet rigorous capital and reserve requirements. This provision addresses a long-standing concern among community and regional banks, who feared that unregulated third-party stablecoins would drain deposits from the traditional system. By bringing stablecoin issuance under the umbrella of federal banking supervision, the legislation allows banks to leverage the speed and efficiency of blockchain-based settlement without sacrificing the safety of the traditional dollar. Treasury analysts estimate that as much as 6.6 trillion dollars in deposits could eventually interact with these new regulated digital rails, as banks move to replace legacy payment systems like ACH and SWIFT with high-velocity, 24/7 onchain alternatives. Institutional Custody and the Institutionalization of the Digital Asset Class As the legislative hurdles vanish, the focus of the U.S. banking industry is rapidly shifting toward providing the "institutional-grade" custody solutions necessary to support a trillion-dollar digital asset market. Under the new bill, banks are granted explicit permission to provide fiduciary custody services for digital assets, effectively placing Bitcoin and Ethereum on the same legal footing as traditional stocks and bonds. This change is expected to trigger a massive influx of capital from pension funds, insurance companies, and family offices that were previously barred from the sector by strict mandate requirements. Major custodians like BNY Mellon and State Street have already announced the launch of expanded digital asset units, which will offer integrated reporting and tax services for tokenized portfolios. By removing the "custody bottleneck," the CLARITY Act is not just legitimizing the asset class; it is fundamentally rewiring the plumbing of the American financial system to ensure that the next decade of capital market innovation remains firmly rooted within the United States.

What Is Swipe to Finance and How Does It Work? US-based fintech OnePay has partnered with Klarna to introduce Swipe to Finance, a post-purchase instalment feature that allows users to convert completed debit transactions into fixed-term payment plans directly inside the OnePay app. The option, branded OnePay Later, is expected to roll out in the coming months to eligible OnePay Cash customers. Unlike traditional buy-now-pay-later products that require users to choose instalments at checkout, Swipe to Finance activates only after a purchase has already been completed. Users can review recent debit transactions in the app and decide whether to spread payments over time under predefined terms, without revisiting the merchant or altering the original checkout flow. The feature runs on Klarna’s instalment infrastructure and initially applies only to debit-based transactions. That detail sets it apart from most BNPL offerings, which have historically been tied to credit cards or merchant-funded checkout financing. Investor Takeaway By shifting instalment decisions to after the transaction, OnePay and Klarna are testing whether BNPL can function as a user-controlled payment layer rather than a merchant-driven sales tool. Why Post-Purchase Financing Changes the BNPL Playbook For much of the past decade, BNPL growth has been anchored at checkout, where merchants used instalments to lift conversion rates and basket sizes. Swipe to Finance flips that logic by placing the decision with the consumer after spending has already occurred. This approach reflects how users increasingly manage money in app-based environments. Instead of deciding how to pay in the heat of checkout, users can assess spending with more context, including upcoming bills, income timing, and short-term liquidity needs. The financing choice becomes part of cash-flow management rather than a point-of-sale prompt. For OnePay, this moves the app beyond basic stored-value and debit functionality. By allowing users to restructure payments after the fact, OnePay is treating the wallet as a control panel for short-term financial decisions rather than a simple transaction conduit. Klarna, meanwhile, continues to extend its lending engine beyond its familiar checkout buttons. After scaling back during the post-rate-hike reset in BNPL, the company has increasingly focused on embedding its credit capabilities into third-party apps and wallets, where it operates quietly in the background. How the Partnership Is Taking Shape Swipe to Finance builds on an instalment-loan partnership announced by OnePay and Klarna in March 2025. That earlier collaboration focused on longer-term lending products, while the new feature introduces a transaction-level option that users can apply selectively. Both companies have indicated that additional products and capabilities are planned later this year, pointing to deeper technical integration between OnePay’s wallet environment and Klarna’s credit decisioning and servicing systems. While details remain limited, the direction suggests a tighter coupling between payments, lending, and post-transaction management. The debit-first design is notable. Instalment products have traditionally leaned on credit cards or merchant subsidies. Applying instalments to debit purchases targets users who prefer not to rely on revolving credit but still want tools to smooth expenses over time. Investor Takeaway Debit-linked instalments open BNPL-style flexibility to users who avoid credit cards, expanding the addressable market without changing checkout behavior. Where AI-Driven Commerce Fits In The Klarna partnership also aligns with OnePay’s work around emerging payment infrastructure for AI-driven commerce. Earlier this year, OnePay joined Google’s Agent Payments Protocol, which focuses on how payments function when AI agents initiate transactions on behalf of users. In agent-based commerce, software may complete purchases automatically based on user-defined rules, timing, or preferences. In that setting, payment flexibility after execution becomes essential. Financing options locked in at checkout are less compatible with automated decision-making. Post-purchase instalments allow the act of buying to be separated from the act of financing. An AI agent could complete a transaction and later apply instalments based on updated cash-flow conditions or user thresholds. Swipe to Finance fits neatly into that framework by allowing financing decisions to occur after settlement. Other industry players appear to be preparing for similar use cases. Payment networks, including Mastercard, have also joined Google’s protocol, pointing to a shared view that future payment systems will need more programmable and adjustable credit layers. A Subtle Step With Broader Implications At first glance, Swipe to Finance may look like a small feature addition. In practice, it reflects a broader rethink of how payments and credit interact. By combining post-purchase instalments, debit-first usage, and compatibility with agent-led commerce, OnePay and Klarna are exploring a model where financing is a flexible service layered on top of transactions.

Why Has Guavapay’s Founder Stepped Back? The founder of London-based fintech Guavapay has stepped down as a director as the company prepares to fight a High Court winding-up petition filed by Mastercard, one of its largest creditors. Orkhan Nasibov, who launched the payments firm in 2017, has withdrawn from day-to-day leadership, citing fatigue and health-related reasons, according to a company spokesperson. His exit comes weeks after Mastercard filed the petition on Christmas Eve, escalating a dispute that now threatens Guavapay’s continued existence. The timing has drawn attention within the payments industry, where founder departures during regulatory or creditor disputes are often viewed as a way to reduce governance strain while negotiations continue. Guavapay has not announced an interim replacement or outlined changes to its board structure. The company said discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, but declined to comment on the specifics of talks with Mastercard. Investor Takeaway Founder exits during creditor disputes often reflect pressure rather than resolution. For counterparties and employees, the key issue is whether leadership changes speed up or complicate negotiations. How Did the FCA Restrictions Set the Stage? The legal action follows a turbulent year for Guavapay, which was forced in September to suspend its UK operations under an agreement with the Financial Conduct Authority. The regulator raised concerns related to fraud controls and compliance breaches, triggering restrictions that sharply altered the firm’s operating profile. Under the FCA-imposed measures, Guavapay was allowed to keep customer withdrawals open but was ordered to block new inbound payments. While framed as a temporary safeguard, the restriction effectively halted growth in the UK and tightened cash inflows at a time when the company was already dealing with elevated fraud exposure. In a statement at the time, Guavapay said it had experienced a surge in fraudulent funds entering customer accounts, which strained internal controls during the early rollout of its UK e-wallet offering in 2024. The firm also acknowledged that rapid expansion caused it to exceed certain regulatory thresholds. “While Guavapay has worked to stay within the required limits, the scale and speed of growth meant that thresholds were ultimately surpassed,” the company said in September. Although Guavapay continued operating outside the UK, industry participants note that restrictions on inbound flows often have broader consequences. Card schemes, correspondent banks, and settlement partners tend to reassess exposure once a regulator intervenes, increasing pressure on liquidity and operational continuity. Why Is a Mastercard Petition So Serious? Mastercard’s decision to seek a winding-up order is widely viewed as a last-resort move. As both a global card network and a settlement counterparty, Mastercard plays a central role in the payments ecosystem. Disputes with scheme operators can quickly escalate from commercial disagreements into existential threats for regulated fintechs. The fact that the petition was filed on Christmas Eve suggests that efforts to resolve the matter privately had already stalled. If the case proceeds and no settlement is reached, Guavapay could be placed into liquidation, potentially putting hundreds of jobs at risk. Guavapay employs roughly 500 staff across multiple jurisdictions. Despite its operational difficulties, the company reported strong top-line growth in its most recent accounts. For 2024, turnover reached £23.4 million, nearly double the previous year, while pre-tax profit came in just under £2 million. Those figures, however, offer limited protection in the payments sector. Unlike banks, e-money and payments firms rely on safeguarding structures, scheme approvals, and uninterrupted access to settlement accounts. Rising fraud-related chargebacks, higher reserves, or scheme-level actions can drain liquidity quickly, even at firms that appear profitable on paper. Investor Takeaway In payments, profitability does not equal resilience. Scheme disputes and regulatory limits can overwhelm balance sheets long before headline earnings deteriorate. What Does This Case Say About the Payments Sector? Industry observers note that leadership changes during regulatory stress are not unusual. Stepping aside can reduce personal liability exposure and allow restructuring talks to proceed under a different governance setup, especially when creditor negotiations reach court. Guavapay has not disclosed whether it is seeking new funding or strategic backing to resolve the dispute. The company confirmed that discussions continue but has offered no detail on potential outcomes. The case adds to a growing list of European fintechs that expanded rapidly during the post-pandemic payments boom, only to face tougher oversight as regulators and card networks tightened expectations around fraud controls and compliance capacity. For global schemes such as Mastercard, the harder line reflects efforts to limit systemic exposure following several high-profile payments failures and fraud incidents in recent years. For smaller fintechs, it highlights the risk of scaling faster than operational controls can absorb. Guavapay’s immediate future now hinges on whether it can reach an agreement with its largest creditor before the court process advances. Without a settlement, the winding-up petition could push the company into formal insolvency proceedings, ending the trajectory of a fintech that only months ago was reporting record revenues.

Why CySEC Is Raising Its Supervisory Profile The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission is heading into 2026 with an expanded supervisory agenda, following a year marked by heavier inspections, wider enforcement action, and closer coordination with European authorities. The effort comes as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year. Presenting CySEC’s 2025 review in Nicosia, chairman George Theocharides described the past year as one focused on reinforcing supervisory credibility at a time of growing regulatory demands, digitalisation across markets, and heightened geopolitical risk. The review was framed against Cyprus’ forthcoming role at the centre of EU-level policy coordination. During 2025, CySEC carried out close to 600 on-site and off-site inspections across Cyprus Investment Firms, fund managers, collective investment schemes, issuers, and market infrastructure providers. Key areas under review included conduct standards, capital requirements, sustainability disclosures, data quality, and adherence to EU frameworks such as MiFID II, the Digital Operational Resilience Act, and the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Investor Takeaway CySEC’s inspection volume and scope point to closer oversight of cross-border firms operating out of Cyprus, particularly as EU scrutiny intensifies ahead of the 2026 Presidency. Enforcement Activity Broadens Beyond Fines Enforcement remained a central pillar of CySEC’s work. Administrative fines and settlements during 2025 totalled €2.3 million, lifting cumulative penalties over the past three years to €7.3 million. Regulatory action went well beyond financial sanctions. The watchdog ordered corrective measures in more than 170 cases, suspended or withdrew licences, and halted trading in certain securities listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Several matters were escalated to the Attorney General, law enforcement bodies, and MOKAS, Cyprus’ financial intelligence unit. Anti-money laundering oversight featured prominently. CySEC conducted 43 thematic AML inspections and increased monitoring of compliance with EU restrictive measures, with particular attention on sanctions linked to Russia. These checks were framed as part of a wider effort to tighten controls around financial crime and sanctions enforcement. Influencers, AML, and EU Coordination Take Priority Alongside traditional supervision, CySEC expanded its focus into newer areas of market behaviour. One area under closer review was the use of social media personalities to promote investment products, which the regulator flagged as a growing risk channel for retail investors, especially in cross-border online markets. CySEC’s AML work is also tied to upcoming EU reforms. The regulator confirmed its involvement in preparations for the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority, which is expected to centralise supervision of higher-risk institutions across the bloc. At national level, CySEC is contributing to the rollout of Cyprus’ updated sanctions framework through the National Sanctions Implementation Unit. Licensing activity continued despite the tighter supervisory stance. CySEC approved 47 new licences during the year, lifting the total number of supervised entities to 808. Assets under management in collective investment schemes reached €11.4 billion, with the regulator noting that a large portion of those assets is invested within Cyprus. Investor Takeaway Greater scrutiny of influencer marketing and AML controls raises compliance expectations for firms targeting retail clients from Cyprus. How the EU Presidency Shapes the 2026 Agenda Technology investment has become a core element of CySEC’s oversight approach. During 2025, the regulator expanded its use of new IT systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence tools, and cybersecurity capabilities. Additional hiring and technical upgrades are planned for 2026 as supervisory demands increase. The timing aligns closely with Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council Presidency. Throughout 2025, CySEC officials participated in discussions on major legislative files, including the Retail Investment Strategy, the Market Infrastructure Package, and planned revisions to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. Cyprus is scheduled to host meetings of the European Securities and Markets Authority Management Board and Board of Supervisors in April 2026, placing CySEC at the centre of EU supervisory coordination during the Presidency period. For a jurisdiction long associated with cross-border retail trading, the focus reflects an effort to underline alignment with EU supervisory priorities. Investor Protection and What Comes Next Investor protection remained a parallel theme throughout 2025. CySEC issued multiple public warnings about unauthorised online firms and expanded awareness campaigns tied to digital fraud risks. Financial education programmes continued across schools, universities, and online channels, with updated materials addressing online trading and crypto-asset exposure.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Select a trading strategy aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon to minimize overtrading and focus on consistent gains. Implement strict risk management, such as position sizing at 1-2% of capital per trade, to preserve funds and enable long-term profitability. Avoid emotional biases by limiting market checks and predefined entry/exit rules to prevent impulsive decisions. Diversify selectively across 2-4 high-liquidity assets to spread risks without diluting focus or encouraging excessive trades. Measure success through discipline and plan adherence rather than short-term profits, as patience yields superior results in crypto markets.   There are a lot of ways to make money in the cryptocurrency market, but to do so consistently, you need to be disciplined and avoid overtrading. Studies show that approximately 10% of regular crypto traders make money, mostly because they make common mistakes, such as trading too much out of emotion. When you open too many positions because of fear, greed, or market hype, you are overtrading.  This can raise your transaction costs, lead you to make snap judgments, and make your losses bigger. This article examines ways for traders to make money while staying in control, drawing on in-depth studies of trading tactics and behavioural factors. Traders may better handle the 24/7 volatility of crypto markets by focusing on defined plans, managing risk, and mastering their own minds. Understanding Overtrading and Its Risks Overtrading is a prevalent issue in cryptocurrency trading, where traders execute excessive trades in response to short-term market fluctuations or external factors such as social media trends. Cognitive biases, including overconfidence, fear of loss, and herd mentality, often lead to this behaviour, causing people to make poor choices and deviate from a sensible trading plan. The risks are big: trading often costs more, makes you more vulnerable to volatility, and makes you more likely to make emotional blunders.  For example, it becomes much harder to recover from losses; to break even after a 50% loss, you need a 100% return. This shows how important it is to protect your capital rather than constantly chasing opportunities. Market research suggests that people new to crypto often make mistakes because they think doing something repeatedly means they're making progress. This causes stress and poor performance. To reduce these risks, traders need to make fewer, more thought-out decisions. This aligns with research showing that simple strategies are more effective in the long run. Important Tips for Making Money Trading Without Overtrading To make money trading in crypto markets, you need to choose techniques that fit your risk tolerance, time availability, and goals. You should also try to avoid overtrading by making as few trades as possible. Hodling is a basic technique in which traders buy assets based on their inherent value and hold them for years, ignoring short-term price swings.  This strategy is good for people who can handle a lot of risk and don't have much time, because it reduces the need to check on things every day and keeps them from making too many deals. Another good strategy is swing trading, which uses technical analysis to find entry and exit opportunities and predefined stop-losses and take-profits to automate choices and keep emotions out of the process. Day trading focuses on intraday price movements and requires strong discipline to avoid overtrading.  Strategies like scalping aim for modest, quick profits within minutes, using high-liquidity assets and tools like moving averages and RSI indicators. Arbitrage trading takes advantage of price differences across exchanges to make low-risk profits. It requires some technical setup, but once automated, it requires little work. Traders should keep their portfolios to 2–4 high-liquidity coins, set explicit entry conditions (e.g., buying on pullbacks), and choose a longer time frame to make fewer decisions. When you choose one of these methods based on your own circumstances, such as experience and capital, they can help you make money by cutting down on unneeded trades. Ways to Manage Risk Good risk management is the key to making money in crypto trading. It typically separates traders who make money from those who lose money without checking their losses. "Rule No. 1: Never lose money," said famous investor Warren Buffett. "Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1," which stresses the importance of keeping capital safe. Traders should consider their age, finances, and aspirations to determine how much risk they can handle.  If they are worried about volatility, they should choose conservative positions. Position sizing is very important. You should only put 1–2% of your whole capital into each trade so that one loss doesn't wipe out your whole portfolio. Diversifying across assets and strategies further reduces risk, but excessive diversification can lower potential profits. Stop-loss orders automatically close positions at certain loss levels, while take-profit orders lock in profits, helping prevent overtrading driven by greed.  In day trading, using indicators like MACD to identify momentum and volume analysis to validate trends helps make better risk-adjusted judgments. Advanced options, such as smart beta index funds that automatically adjust exposure (for example, to Bitcoin momentum), include built-in risk controls through automatic rebalancing. Traders can strive for steady little gains, like 0.1% every day, that add up over time without too much effort by following a set trading plan with these methods. Getting a Handle on Emotional Discipline Emotional discipline is essential for avoiding overtrading, as psychological factors often override logical strategies in the high-stakes crypto environment. Traders need to be aware of biases such as FOMO (fear of missing out) and herd behaviour, which can lead them to make rash trades when the market is hot. To stop this, only monitor the market once or twice a day. This will make you less likely to act on every change. Setting exit guidelines in advance, such as profit targets or loss limits, helps people make decisions based on logic rather than emotion. News and social media can change how people feel about the market, leading to more trading. Sentiment analysis tools can help you figure out how people are feeling without having to trade right away. One analyst says, "In a market that moves at the speed of light, the ability to sit on your hands is the only edge that algorithms can't take away." Research shows that in crypto, patience beats excitement, so measuring success by how well you stick to your rules instead of how much money you make right away can help you make money in the long run. Practicing on demo accounts helps traders better control their emotions before putting real money on the line. Advanced Advice for Making Money Long-Term For experienced traders, using leverage can increase returns, but it should only be used sparingly to prevent the risk of liquidation. It is best for people with proven systems. Integrating technical analysis with fundamental insights, such as blockchain metrics, enhances decision-making without increasing trade frequency.  It's important to keep learning from your failures. Keep refining your goals while maintaining clarity and consistency. When markets are volatile, other tactics, such as range trading within support and resistance levels, might help you make money with little effort. Ultimately, consistent success comes from treating trading as a process of constant development, where making fewer decisions yields better results. FAQs What is overtrading in crypto, and why is it harmful? Overtrading involves executing too many trades driven by emotions, leading to higher fees, increased risk, and potential losses from impulsive decisions. How can beginners start trading crypto profitably without overtrading? Beginners should learn basic strategies, practice on demo accounts, start with small funds, and stick to a simple plan with predefined rules. What role does risk management play in avoiding overtrading? Risk management techniques like stop-loss orders and position sizing limit exposure, reducing the need for frequent corrective trades. Is day trading suitable for avoiding overtrading? Day trading can be profitable but requires discipline; it's better for those who can adhere to short time frames without constant monitoring. How does emotional discipline contribute to profitable trading? Mastering emotions helps prevent biases like FOMO, allowing traders to stick to their plans and make rational decisions for sustained profits. References How to Become a Profitable Crypto Trader: In-Depth Guide - Trakx A Beginner's Guide to Day Trading Crypto - Gemini How to Build a Simple Crypto Strategy Without Overtrading in 2026 - Binance Square

What Did Hong Kong Officials Announce? Hong Kong plans to issue its first batch of stablecoin issuer licences in the first quarter, according to remarks by Financial Secretary Paul Chan reported by the South China Morning Post. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chan said the city’s crypto asset framework remains “responsible and sustainable,” confirming that stablecoin licensing is moving from legislation to implementation. The announcement marks the first concrete timeline for approvals under Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime, which was passed in 2025. Once licences are granted, Hong Kong would become one of the first major financial centres to operate a fully defined regulatory framework for fiat-referenced stablecoins. Chan framed digital finance as part of a broader growth strategy, saying authorities are working toward a full ecosystem that includes stablecoins, licensed trading platforms, and tokenized assets. The emphasis suggests Hong Kong sees regulation not as a constraint on crypto activity, but as a way to attract issuers and institutional participants seeking legal clarity. Investor Takeaway Hong Kong’s timeline gives stablecoin issuers a clear regulatory runway, reducing uncertainty for firms considering Asia-based issuance or settlement operations. How the Stablecoin Licensing Regime Works Hong Kong’s stablecoin framework applies to fiat-referenced stablecoins and sets out strict requirements on reserves, redemption rights, and risk controls. Issuers must hold high-quality backing assets, provide clear redemption mechanisms, and meet governance and operational standards designed to protect users. The regime reflects lessons drawn from global stablecoin failures earlier in the decade, when weak reserve management and opaque disclosures triggered market disruptions. By locking in rules before licenses are granted, Hong Kong aims to avoid retroactive enforcement and provide issuers with predictable compliance expectations. While authorities have not disclosed how many licences may be approved in the first batch, the phased approach suggests regulators intend to move cautiously, prioritizing oversight quality over volume. That stance contrasts with jurisdictions that allowed rapid growth first and tightened controls later. How Stablecoins Fit Into Hong Kong’s Broader Crypto Push The stablecoin rollout comes alongside Hong Kong’s existing licensing regime for crypto trading platforms. Under that framework, the Securities and Futures Commission has approved 11 operators so far, including OSL, HashKey, and Bullish, according to the regulator’s public records. Together, the two regimes form the backbone of Hong Kong’s crypto policy: regulated issuance on one side and regulated trading on the other. The structure is designed to support institutional participation by aligning digital assets more closely with traditional financial supervision. Beyond trading and payments, authorities are also exploring tokenization. In November 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched a pilot under Project Ensemble to test real-value transactions using tokenized deposits and digital assets. The initiative involves major banks and asset managers and focuses on settlement efficiency rather than speculative use cases. Taken together, these efforts point to a strategy that treats digital assets as financial infrastructure rather than a standalone sector. Stablecoins are positioned as settlement tools within a regulated system, not as parallel money operating outside it. Investor Takeaway Stablecoins in Hong Kong are being built into a regulated financial stack, which may appeal to banks, funds, and corporates that require clear legal boundaries. Where Tensions Are Emerging Despite the progress, not all industry voices are aligned with the direction of regulation. Authorities are currently seeking public feedback on proposals to extend licensing to crypto asset dealing, advisory, and management services. On Tuesday, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association warned that the proposed changes could raise compliance costs and discourage traditional asset managers from entering the crypto space. The group argued that higher licensing thresholds may slow institutional adoption rather than accelerate it. This tension highlights a familiar regulatory tradeoff. While tighter rules can enhance credibility and reduce risk, they can also narrow participation if compliance burdens outweigh commercial incentives. How regulators adjust those thresholds may determine whether Hong Kong’s framework attracts a broad mix of market participants or concentrates activity among a smaller group of large firms. What Comes Next The first stablecoin licences, if issued on schedule, will test whether Hong Kong’s regulatory-first approach can translate into real issuance and usage. Market attention is likely to focus on who receives approval, how reserve rules are implemented in practice, and whether licensed stablecoins gain traction in payments, settlement, or tokenized markets.

Daymer Group, an independent fiduciary and consulting firm focused on the global asset management industry, has launched a regulated presence in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The expansion marks a strategic step for the London- and Cayman Islands-based group as it looks to support the rapidly growing Middle East investment and startup ecosystem. The Dubai office is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and will be led by senior finance professional Mike Davis. From the DIFC, Daymer Group will provide fiduciary, governance and advisory services to asset managers, investment vehicles, corporate structures and family offices operating across the region. The move reflects both rising demand from international asset managers relocating to the UAE and increasing interest from regional investors seeking independent, experienced oversight as capital flows into new funds, structures and growth-stage businesses. Responding to the Middle East’s Expanding Asset Management Landscape Headquartered in the Cayman Islands, Daymer Group’s core business centres on sourcing experienced, highly competent Independent Non-Executive Board Members for asset management clients. Its remit spans investment funds, structured products, corporate entities and family offices, alongside consulting and fractional executive services, including CEO, CFO and COO roles. The firm’s client base collectively manages more than USD 12 billion in assets under management, giving Daymer a strong foothold in global investment governance at a time when regulatory scrutiny and investor expectations continue to rise. Founder Richard Scott-Hopkins said the decision to establish a regulated Dubai presence was driven by both market dynamics and direct client demand. “With existing offices in London and Cayman, Dubai was the logical third location for Daymer Group,” he said. “New and established asset managers are moving to the UAE to take advantage of the attractive tax regimes, developed regulatory network and to be closer to their current and potential investors.” He added that several existing clients are already expanding their regional footprint. “Several of our existing clients are moving people or opening offices in the UAE and they have asked Daymer to support them,” Scott-Hopkins said. DFSA-Regulated Platform Led by Senior Industry Figures The DIFC office will be headed by Mike Davis, who joins Daymer with extensive experience across financial services and advisory roles. As Director of the Middle East business, Davis will oversee the delivery of fiduciary and consulting services under the DFSA regulatory framework, positioning Daymer as a locally regulated provider in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs. Commenting on the expansion, Davis highlighted a shift in priorities among both managers and investors. “As the Middle Eastern asset management industry continues to evolve, managers and their investors are putting a higher value on truly independent advice and support,” he said. “Daymer team members are not only highly qualified themselves, but they can also call on the experience and know-how of the wider, global Daymer Director Network,” Davis added, pointing to the firm’s emphasis on independence and real-world operational experience. A Deep Bench of Regional and Global Expertise The Daymer Middle East team brings together senior professionals with decades of experience across banking, compliance, operations, cybersecurity and public-sector strategy. Among them is Martin Homberger, who previously led Barclays Bank’s Middle East regional Compliance and Financial Crime functions, and has also held senior roles at Deutsche Bank and international law firm Clifford Chance. Mark Emmerson, another senior member of the regional team, contributes more than 40 years of banking and trade finance experience, while Simon Calder joins following a six-year tenure as Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer for HSBC in the UAE. The broader advisory bench also includes cybersecurity specialist Tom Gamali, a former member of the European Advisory Council of ISC², and healthcare strategist Yoko Shimada, who has worked on global initiatives with organisations such as the World Bank, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation. Daymer said the combination of financial, regulatory, operational and sector-specific expertise allows it to support clients navigating complex governance, risk and growth challenges as they scale across jurisdictions. Governance, Credibility and Independent Oversight As regulators worldwide tighten expectations around governance, conflicts of interest and board independence, firms operating in cross-border structures are increasingly seeking experienced non-executive directors and independent advisers who understand both local and international standards. Daymer’s model focuses on providing independent insight rather than bundled or conflicted advisory services. Its directors and consultants include former C-suite executives, partners and senior leaders from multiple sectors, enabling clients to enhance credibility with regulators, investors and counterparties. The launch of a DFSA-regulated entity is intended to reinforce that positioning in the Middle East, where DIFC has become a focal point for asset managers, venture capital firms, hedge funds and family offices establishing regional headquarters. By operating under DFSA oversight, Daymer can offer on-the-ground support aligned with local regulatory expectations while maintaining connectivity with its London and Cayman operations. Supporting Capital Inflows and Startup Growth Beyond traditional asset management, Daymer’s expansion also targets the region’s growing startup and private capital ecosystem. The UAE has positioned itself as a gateway for emerging market investment, attracting founders, venture funds and institutional capital seeking stable regulation and global connectivity. Fractional executive services form a key part of Daymer’s offering in this space, allowing early-stage and scaling businesses to access senior leadership expertise without the cost or commitment of full-time appointments. The firm believes this approach is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where international investors increasingly expect institutional-grade governance and reporting from startups and private investment vehicles. With offices now spanning Cayman, London and Dubai, Daymer aims to act as a bridge between established financial centres and the Middle East’s expanding investment landscape. Takeaway: Daymer Group’s DFSA-regulated launch in the DIFC reflects the Middle East’s growing demand for independent governance, fiduciary oversight and senior advisory expertise as asset managers, investors and startups expand into the region.

In the cryptocurrency world, getting in early enough on a high-potential project has generated life-changing returns. A classic example is Cardano (ADA), a token that many smart investors recognized for its early potential. Back in 2017, Cardano debuted at around $0.02 per coin. Few investors imagined then that Cardano would later soar to over $3 at its peak. Granted, the token has given up much of its gains, but early investors are still sitting on a roughly 1,750% gain. These types of returns are very common for select crypto presale projects. Many analysts and experts are drawing parallels between Cardano’s early days and Digitap ($TAP), the maker of the world’s first “omni-bank” and one of the best cryptos to buy now. The idea is that buying Digitap today, during its infancy, could be similar to buying ADA at $0.02. Source: Digitap How Digitap Blends FX, Savings, Crypto, and a Visa Card Digitap may be a crypto presale project, but it is unusually mature for its age. Most startups offer investors ideas or prototypes, with the expectation of building a product later using funds raised. Digitap, on the other hand, already offers a working product with a global reach. Digitap’s core banking platform lets users manage their day-to-day fiat and crypto banking needs seamlessly. This includes opening foreign currency accounts, accessing high-yield savings accounts, using a crypto wallet that supports more than 100 tokens, and spending through a Visa debit card. The fintech app also offers users an optional no-KYC signup process. This means anyone worldwide can open a Digitap account and access basic services. There are an estimated 800 million people worldwide who are unbanked, many of whom live in regions where access to identification is limited or unavailable. By having these options built in, Digitap is positioned for global expansion and aims to bring financial inclusion to those who need it most. Source: Digitap How Digitap’s $4.3M Raise and Audits Boost $TAP’s Credibility Digitap’s crypto presale of its native $TAP kicked off in late summer. To date, Digitap has raised more than $4.3 million, with the bulk of activity occurring during a harsh crypto market selloff. The sea of red prompted many investors to reallocate funds away from purely speculative projects. Instead, projects able to demonstrate a working product and a clear growth strategy were viewed as better crypto to buy. This is reflected in the early metrics Digitap has reported. The project has connected with more than 120,000 user wallets and has successfully passed smart contract audits from Coinsult and SolidProof. What further differentiates Digitap as an altcoin to buy, particularly when compared with Cardano’s early returns, is its tokenomics. With a fixed supply of 2 billion $TAP, the project allocates half of its profits toward buyback and burn initiatives, as well as rewards for stakers. Digitap’s presale is structured in tiers, with the price of $TAP scheduled to increase after each round is completed. $TAP was first offered for sale at $0.0125, and the price has gradually risen to $0.0439. While the roughly 250% paper gain has given early investors Cardano-era vibes, there may still be room for upside. The team recently confirmed that $TAP is headed to major exchanges, with an expected listing price of $0.14. What Cardano’s $0.02 Origins Reveal About Early-Stage Upside Cardano, much like Digitap, quietly entered the market as a little-known project in 2017. It was a promising yet unproven platform led by Charles Hoskinson, who envisioned a peer-reviewed, scalable smart contract network. The project continued to attract investors through continuous upgrades and improvements. These included the implementation of staking during the Shelley era in 2020 and smart contracts during the Goguen era by 2021. ADA reached an all-time high of around $3.10 in September 2021. Investors who bought ADA at $0.02 and sold near the peak would have realized a gain of roughly 15,400%. That means an early $1,000 investment could have been worth more than $150,000 at its height. The takeaway is that at just a few cents, ADA had significant upside potential if the project succeeded, with relatively limited downside. Digitap, trading at around five cents, sits in a similar position. It is considered a top altcoin to buy as it carries not only a low per-token price, but also an approximate $80 million valuation. That figure is small compared with the multi-billion-dollar valuations achieved by successful crypto platforms. $TAP Is A Top Crypto To Buy, Echoing ADA’s Early, High-Upside Years Buying Digitap during its crypto presale as a high-upside, early-stage investment is drawing parallels to backing Cardano in its infancy. Just as ADA at $0.02 represented early exposure to a bold experiment in building a new blockchain network, $TAP at around $0.05 represents early exposure to a new model of global banking and payments. This comparison does not suggest Digitap will replicate Cardano’s exact returns. Rather, it highlights that outsized gains have historically been possible when investing early in successful crypto projects. Digitap already holds an advantage by offering a live product at the presale stage, reducing execution risk, making it a top crypto to buy before the token is listed on major exchanges. If Digitap delivers on its vision of borderless banking and global financial inclusion, early adopters could see the token’s value appreciate significantly over the coming years. Discover the future of crypto cards with Digitap by checking out their live Visa card project here: Presale https://presale.digitap.app   Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway   

The Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) has acquired the ESG data analytics business line of Luxembourg-based technology firm Tetrao International, strengthening its control over the collection and structuring of sustainable bond data and reinforcing its long-term strategy in sustainable finance. The transaction brings Tetrao’s specialised ESG data analytics team and proprietary data extraction capabilities into the LuxSE Group, while Tetrao continues to operate independently as a technology company under the leadership of its founder and chief executive, Christian Gillot. The deal is expected to close by the end of February, subject to regulatory approvals. LuxSE said the acquisition reflects growing investor demand for high-quality, reliable sustainability data and underlines the exchange’s ambition to maintain its leadership position in the rapidly expanding global market for green, social and sustainability-linked bonds. Strategic Control Over Sustainable Bond Data Announcing the acquisition, Julie Becker, Chief Executive Officer of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, described the move as a natural extension of a long-standing partnership between the two organisations. “This acquisition is a strategic move for the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing structured and meaningful sustainable bond data,” Becker said. “Investors need access to reliable data to make informed investment decisions, and given our long-term strategy in this field, we consider it important to have full oversight of the data collection process and strategy.” Becker added that LuxSE had worked closely with Tetrao for several years and saw strong potential in both its technology and expertise. “We have successfully worked with Tetrao for a number of years and see great potential in its technology and expertise,” she said. The acquisition allows LuxSE to internalise a critical part of its ESG data value chain at a time when transparency, data quality and traceability are becoming increasingly central to sustainable finance regulation and investor scrutiny. Powering the LGX DataHub at Scale Tetrao’s ESG data analytics unit has played a central role in building and maintaining the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX) DataHub, widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive sustainable bond databases globally. The technology developed by Tetrao uses artificial intelligence to extract large volumes of sustainability-related bond data points from a wide range of public and proprietary sources. Its platform combines machine learning algorithms, generative AI large language models and advanced computer vision to deploy automated agents that simulate human behaviour. These agents are designed to identify, read and interpret complex information from websites and documents, while maintaining high data quality through processes that combine human expertise, AI-driven predictions and fully auditable decision trails. LuxSE said that bringing this capability in-house would enhance both the robustness and scalability of its sustainable finance data services, while ensuring consistency with its broader governance and strategic objectives. Today, the LGX DataHub provides up to 200 data points across more than 23,000 green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked bonds, representing close to the entire universe of sustainable bonds listed worldwide. Building on a Long-Standing Partnership LuxSE first took a minority stake in Tetrao in January 2021 and has relied on the company’s data collection services to accelerate the development of its sustainable bond data offering ever since. As part of the transaction, Tetrao’s ESG data analytics team will join the LuxSE Group and continue extracting and collecting sustainable bond data for LGX using the proprietary tools and methodologies developed by the start-up. Tetrao will remain a key technology provider to LuxSE, ensuring continuity and ongoing innovation. Pierre Schoonbrodt, Chief Financial Officer of LuxSE and a board member of Tetrao International, said the integration would strengthen LuxSE’s ability to expand its data services. “We look forward to bringing Tetrao’s ESG data analytics unit into the LuxSE Group,” Schoonbrodt said. “The team offers unique expertise in the field of data collection and has a deep understanding of our processes and business needs.” He added that the tailored technology developed for LuxSE’s specific requirements would create new opportunities. “Thanks to the advanced technological solution which was developed for our specific area of activity, this acquisition will strengthen our data services and open opportunities to expand into new areas,” Schoonbrodt said. Tetrao’s Evolution and Focus on AI-Driven Data Founded in Luxembourg in 2014 by Christian Gillot, Tetrao began commercialising its technology in 2017. In 2019, the company launched a major research and development project for the investment fund industry, collecting daily documentation and metadata on around 85,000 fund instruments. Building on this foundation, Tetrao later specialised in sustainability data collection. Since 2020, it has consistently supplied LuxSE’s sustainable bond database with detailed data points on bonds identified by LuxSE’s sustainable finance experts. Under the new structure, Tetrao International will continue to operate as an independent company and develop new AI-powered data services for a broader client base, while maintaining its close relationship with LuxSE. Gillot said the transaction marked a logical next step in the partnership between the two firms. “We are grateful for the trust that LuxSE has placed in Tetrao over the years and we are proud of the robust and efficient data collection processes we have developed and operated for the LGX DataHub,” Gillot said. He added that collaboration with LuxSE had helped refine Tetrao’s operating model. “Through this partnership, we have refined our ability to collaborate with and deliver seamlessly for corporate stakeholders,” he said. Looking ahead, Gillot emphasised the growing role of artificial intelligence in financial data services. “As artificial intelligence continues to progress rapidly in capabilities, our proven track record positions us well to deliver tangible value to innovative clients seeking to extract greater value from data and future-proof their businesses,” he said. Strengthening LuxSE’s Sustainable Finance Leadership The acquisition comes as demand for sustainable investment products continues to rise globally, alongside heightened regulatory and investor focus on data accuracy, comparability and auditability. LuxSE has positioned itself as a global hub for sustainable finance through the Luxembourg Green Exchange, which was launched in 2016 and has since become a benchmark platform for green, social and sustainability-linked securities. By acquiring Tetrao’s ESG data analytics unit, LuxSE gains greater control over a critical infrastructure component underpinning its sustainable finance ecosystem, while ensuring that data strategy, technology development and governance remain closely aligned. The move also reflects a broader trend among exchanges and market infrastructure providers to internalise key data capabilities as ESG data becomes increasingly central to investment decision-making and regulatory compliance. With the transaction expected to complete by the end of February, LuxSE said it would continue investing in its data services to support investors, issuers and regulators navigating the evolving sustainable finance landscape. Takeaway: By acquiring Tetrao’s ESG data analytics unit, LuxSE is deepening its control over sustainable bond data infrastructure, reinforcing LGX’s global position and responding to rising investor and regulatory demand for high-quality, auditable ESG data.