A comprehensive analysis by blockchain compliance platform AMLBot has exposed dramatic differences in how the world's two dominant stablecoin issuers handle asset freezing, revealing a thirty-fold disparity in enforcement actions. The study, which examined blockchain data across Ethereum and TRON networks spanning 2023 through 2025, documented that Tether restricted access to 7,268 addresses containing roughly $3.3 billion, while Circle blocked 372 addresses holding $109 million. This massive gap reflects fundamentally divergent philosophies about intervention in the stablecoin ecosystem. Currently, Tether’s USDT dominates the stablecoin market, accounting for over 60% of the total supply, valued at $186.77 billion, while Circle’s USDC ranks second with a market capitalization of $76.57 billion. Tether's Aggressive Intervention Model Tether maintains partnerships with over 275 law enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions, positioning itself as an active participant in combating financial crime. The company employs what analysts describe as an interventionist strategy, often taking action ahead of formal court proceedings. The TRON blockchain emerged as a major focal point in Tether's enforcement activities. More than 53%, or $1.75 billion, of blocked USDT exists on TRON, a network favored for its speed and minimal transaction costs in developing regions across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. This concentration highlights how TRON has become infrastructure for both legitimate commerce and illicit operations in these markets. Tether's technical capabilities extend beyond simple freezing mechanisms. The company implements a "burn and reissue" protocol that allows for permanent destruction of tainted tokens and creation of replacement assets. In late 2025, monthly destruction volumes exceeded 25-30 million USDT as part of victim restitution programs. However, this expansive authority carries risks. Delays in Tether's multi-signature approval process have enabled cybercriminals to extract approximately $78 million since 2017. A Texas-based company filed suit in April 2025 after Tether blocked nearly $45 million based on Bulgarian police requests, arguing the action circumvented proper legal channels. Circle's Compliance-Driven Framework Circle operates under stricter limitations, restricting its interventions to situations requiring legal mandate. The company's Stablecoin Access Denial Policy explicitly states that freezing occurs solely in response to judicial orders, regulatory directives, or sanctions compliance. This conservative stance results in substantially lower numbers. During the period studied, Circle's actions affected only several hundred addresses, representing a fraction of Tether's enforcement footprint. Unlike Tether, Circle does not destroy frozen tokens or issue replacements—assets remain locked until courts authorize release. The contrasting approaches reflect both market positioning and risk exposure. USDT's circulation surpassed $191 billion in 2025 with 500 million users, while USDC maintains approximately $78 billion in circulation. Tether's massive footprint in emerging markets naturally places it in the path of more questionable transactions. This analysis arrives amid intensifying regulatory scrutiny of stablecoins globally. As governments worldwide develop frameworks for digital asset oversight, the enforcement philosophies adopted by major issuers will likely face increasing examination. The data suggests that stablecoin providers are navigating vastly different interpretations of their responsibilities in policing the crypto economy—decisions that carry implications for financial crime prevention, user privacy, and the future architecture of digital payments.

What Did Keonne Rodriguez Describe From Inside Prison? Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of the Bitcoin privacy tool Samourai Wallet, spent Christmas Eve documenting his first days inside a US federal prison, offering a rare first-person account from a crypto developer now serving a five-year sentence. In a letter published by The Rage, Rodriguez described the process of surrendering himself to the prison camp, including intake searches, medical checks, and being assigned housing. The letter, dated Wednesday, marked his seventh day at the facility. Rodriguez said the experience had been difficult but not hostile, noting the contrast between the environment he left behind and the one he entered just days before Christmas. “While not at all comfortable, it is manageable. While I rather be at home with my wife and family, there are far worse places I could have ended up,” Rodriguez wrote. “I am thankful that all the prisoners here are respectful and downright friendly.” He added that he was scheduled to receive his wife as his first visitor on Christmas Day, following an early family celebration before reporting to prison. Investor Takeaway Rodriguez’s case has moved beyond a personal story and into a wider test of how US law treats developers who build privacy-focused crypto tools. Why Has This Case Drawn Attention Beyond Samourai Wallet? Rodriguez’s imprisonment has become a flashpoint in debates over whether writing and maintaining open-source software can carry criminal liability when others use that software for unlawful activity. Privacy advocates argue that prosecuting developers for code sets a precedent that could affect large parts of the crypto ecosystem. The case has been closely watched alongside the prosecution of Roman Storm, a co-founder of Tornado Cash. Together, the cases have raised concerns about how far authorities can go in linking developers to the actions of third-party users, especially when tools are designed for privacy rather than direct criminal use. Supporters say the charges risk blurring the line between intent and usage, while prosecutors have argued that privacy tools can function as infrastructure for illicit finance when safeguards are absent. What Is the Status of the Clemency Effort? Rodriguez was sentenced on Nov. 19 on charges related to his involvement with the crypto mixing protocol. Since then, a petition calling for clemency has gathered more than 12,000 signatures. The petition describes the case as “a chilling attack on free speech and innovation,” reflecting sustained concern within crypto and open-source communities. The issue gained further visibility after President Donald Trump said he would review Rodriguez’s case. Speaking to reporters on Dec. 16, Trump said he had heard about the matter and would “take a look at it,” adding that he was not familiar with the details but was open to reviewing it. In a separate social media post over the weekend, Rodriguez publicly appealed to Trump for a pardon. He described his prosecution as “lawfare” tied to the previous administration and argued that his case involved no direct victims. Investor Takeaway The clemency push keeps political attention on how crypto privacy cases are handled, with possible implications for future enforcement strategy. What Comes Next for the Developer and the Industry? Trump has not commented further since saying he would review the case, leaving the outcome uncertain as Rodriguez begins serving his sentence. For now, his imprisonment continues to resonate far beyond his personal circumstances. For the crypto industry, the case stands as a reminder that privacy-focused development remains under legal scrutiny in the United States. Developers and investors alike are watching how courts and policymakers treat these cases, aware that the outcomes could shape the boundaries of acceptable innovation. As Rodriguez settles into prison life, his letter has added a human dimension to a legal fight that many in the crypto community view as unresolved. Whether clemency or further appeals emerge, the broader questions raised by his prosecution are unlikely to fade.

Crypto dealmaking accelerated sharply in 2025, with mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings across the sector reaching a combined $8.6 billion, marking the strongest year on record, according to Financial Times. The rebound follows a prolonged slowdown driven by regulatory uncertainty and enforcement pressure, particularly in the United States. A clearer policy direction and a more constructive stance toward digital assets helped unlock capital flows and revive strategic activity across the industry. U.S. Policy Shift Drives Consolidation Across the Sector Improved regulatory clarity in the U.S. played a central role in the surge. Reduced legal ambiguity and a shift toward structured oversight created conditions for large transactions that had been delayed or shelved in previous years. Crypto firms moved decisively to consolidate operations, expand product offerings, and secure regulated market access. Several landmark deals defined the year. Coinbase completed a $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, the largest crypto takeover to date. Kraken followed with a $1.5 billion purchase of NinjaTrader, while Ripple acquired prime brokerage firm Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. IPO Activity Rebounds as Public Markets Reopen to Crypto Firms Public listings also returned in force. Crypto companies completed 11 IPOs in 2025, raising approximately $14.6 billion globally, a sharp increase from the prior year’s muted activity. Crypto exchange, Gemini signaled intentions for a possible IPO, with plans to raise about $433.3 million. Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, followed suit with a high-profile IPO valued at roughly $18 billion, making it one of the most successful crypto listings to date. Other platforms, including Figure and Bullish, also joined the broader bullish momentum across the market. The reopening of equity markets to digital asset firms reflected stronger investor confidence, supported by improved compliance standards and clearer regulatory expectations. The listing led by these firms with established revenue models, custody frameworks, and regulatory alignment, signaled a shift away from speculative offerings toward more mature crypto businesses. Global Policy Actions Enabled Crypto Dealmaking Rebound In the United States, the GENIUS Act established a federal framework for stablecoins, setting mandatory reserve backing, issuer licensing standards, and clear supervisory oversight. The administration supported legislation clarifying SEC and CFTC jurisdiction over digital assets, reducing the risk that tokens could be retroactively reclassified. On a global scale, regulatory frameworks also played a key role in facilitating crypto deal activity within their respective regions, particularly in Europe, where the Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) Regulation established clear rules for issuers, exchanges, and custodians across EU member states. By defining licensing requirements, transparency obligations, and operational standards for stablecoins and other digital assets, MiCA reduced legal uncertainty and created a harmonized environment that encouraged cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and public listings.

What Happened on Binance’s BTC/USD1 Pair? Bitcoin briefly appeared to collapse to $24,111 on Binance late Wednesday, before snapping back above $87,000 within seconds. The move occurred on the BTC/USD1 trading pair and did not appear on any other major bitcoin markets, according to exchange data. The sharp wick was isolated to USD1, a recently launched stablecoin backed by World Liberty Financial. Other BTC pairs on Binance continued trading near prevailing market prices, suggesting the drop was not driven by broader selling pressure. Within moments, the BTC/USD1 pair normalized and bitcoin resumed trading in line with the rest of the market. Traders monitoring aggregate price feeds saw no disruption beyond the single pair, limiting the impact to those directly exposed to the USD1 route. Investor Takeaway The wick was a localized market-structure issue, not a bitcoin crash. Execution risk rises sharply when trading through new or lightly used stablecoin pairs. Why Do These Sudden “Wicks” Occur? Extreme price prints like this are most often linked to thin liquidity rather than shifts in underlying demand. New or lightly traded stablecoin pairs typically have fewer market makers quoting tight spreads. That leaves order books shallow, with limited depth on both sides. In such conditions, a single large market sell, an automated trade, or a forced liquidation routed through the pair can sweep available bids almost instantly. When that happens, the trade may ex

In peer-to-peer (P2P) crowdlending markets, investor safety is often reduced to a single question: ‘What happens if the platform disappears?’ Yet, this perspective overlooks the full spectrum of risks that investors actually face, including borrower defaults and limited liquidity, each requiring distinct mitigation approaches. While Europe remains one of the leading regions in terms of private credit regulation, common protection mechanisms often fail to protect investors from these risks. At the same time, p2p crowdlending platforms adopted a proactive approach and introduced rigorous risk management practices to mitigate a broader spectrum of risks. 3 Neglected Risks in Alternative Lending While the majority of investors, 85%, are eager to adopt some or higher risk if they get better yields, funds safety still remains a top priority, according to Maclear’s 2025 research. Here are three risks lenders may encounter: 1. Platform Risk It’s also known as an infrastructure risk, which means that a lending platform faces insolvency, operational failure, or regulatory shutdown. As a result, investors are unable to manage loans, access accounts, or receive timely payments. For instance, in 2020, investors lost access to funds after Envestio, an Estonia-based platform, collapsed amid allegations of mismanagement, with hundreds of millions of euros frozen. The same happened at Kuetzal, another Estonian private credit project in the same year. Both companies were declared bankrupt. 2. Credit Risk Credit risk, or the risk of borrower default, is the concern that worries investors the most. According to Maclear’s research, 58% of investors cite it as their primary fear, compared with only 29% who worry about legal protection in case something goes wrong. This risk arises when borrowers fail to repay their loans, either partially or fully, exposing investors to direct financial losses. It is influenced by factors such as borrower quality, collateral, and broader economic conditions. Even rigorous credit checks do not always guarantee safety. A notable example is Lendy, a UK-based platform, which faced defaults on property-backed loans in 2019. Despite claims of secured lending, borrowers were unable to meet their obligations, leading to significant losses for investors. When the platform entered administration in May 2019, over £160 million (≈ €182 million) in loans were outstanding, with more than £90 million (≈ €103 million) in default. 3. Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk arises when investors cannot sell or exit their loans quickly, forcing them to hold illiquid positions. It may prevent portfolio rebalancing or access to cash when needed. Events at Funding Circle during the COVID-19 downturn and Mintos’ suspended buybacks illustrate how limited secondary market options — the opportunity to sell your loan to other investors — can amplify losses, even when borrowers continue making payments. Common Investor Protection Models in Europe Across the European P2P crowdlending market, there are two common investor protection models: Regulatory protection under frameworks such as MiFID and national Investor Compensation Schemes. They are designed to safeguard investor funds in case of platform insolvency. In practice, this protection typically applies to cash balances held on the platform or when operational misconduct happens. Yet, it does not cover losses due to borrower defaults or delayed loan repayments. The buyback guarantee, under which a loan originator commits to repurchasing loans that become overdue, is a model most commonly used in P2P consumer lending, where the underlying credit risk is structurally higher due to elevated default rates. While this model can temporarily mitigate borrower default risk, its effectiveness depends entirely on the financial strength and liquidity of the loan originator. P2P platforms operating with loan originators often have a limited pool of originators to select from, which can naturally lead to risk concentration and a growing share of non-performing loans over time. While these measures are effective, they do not address broader risks, including those mentioned above. Alternative Protection Model to Mitigate Broader Risk To ensure the EU remains among the leaders in terms of investor fund protection, its fintech players adopt a different approach. They structure protection around liquidity management and asset-backed recovery.  For instance, at Maclear, a swiss-regulated p2p investment platform, investor protection is embedded in the following processes: Reserve mechanisms such as the Maclear Provision Fund are designed to address temporary market disruptions or unforeseen instability that may affect the timely performance of financed projects, helping ensure interest payments remain on schedule. Collateral enforcement processes are applied in the event of borrower default. Access to private credit is granted only when real-world collateral is provided. Its viability is verified during the initial assessment phase. Project due diligence is made accessible to investors during project evaluation. Each borrowing project undergoes a comprehensive financial assessment, including analysis of market conditions, project risk level, borrower assets and capital structure, operational sustainability, and the borrower’s demonstrated experience in executing comparable projects. This approach results in transparent risk allocation, where potential exposures are clearly defined at the project level rather than obscured by broad guarantees. Investor protection is embedded directly into deal economics and platform structure through disciplined project selection, reserve mechanisms, and collateral requirements, making risk management an integral part of the investment process. Taken together, this reflects a conservative, asset-backed approach aligned with established European due diligence and credit assessment standards. Final Thoughts Risks in P2P crowdlending are inherently complex and multi-layered, spanning platform stability, borrower performance, and liquidity.  To address them effectively, fintech platforms require a comprehensive approach rather than reliance on any single protection mechanism. Regulatory safeguards, guarantees, reserves, collateral, and liquidity tools each combat different failure scenarios, but none provide complete coverage on their own. As a result, meaningful investor protection emerges only through the diversification of protection measures themselves. Combining rigorous due diligence, asset-backed structures, reserve mechanisms, and evolving liquidity solutions — such as secondary markets —allows platforms and investors to mitigate a broader range of risks and adapt to changing market conditions. This layered approach reflects a more realistic and resilient framework for long-term participation in alternative lending markets.

The search for the next major blockchain success often starts with projects that are still under $1 but already show real structure, demand, and long-term use cases. Ethereum (ETH) once followed a similar early path, gaining traction because it solved real problems in decentralized finance. Today, attention is shifting toward a new defi crypto that is still in its growth stage but is building steadily rather than relying on hype. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is emerging as one of the strongest contenders in this category as it continues its presale journey with growing investor interest and measurable progress. Why Mutuum Finance Is Being Compared to Early Ethereum (ETH) Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is currently priced at $0.035 in Phase 6 of its presale structure. More than 98% of this phase has already been allocated, showing how quickly demand is absorbing available tokens. The presale began in early 2025 at around $0.01 per token, and since then, MUTM has already recorded a 250% value increase from its earliest phase. Each presale phase introduced a controlled price increase rather than sudden spikes, allowing steady demand growth while limiting extreme volatility. As Phase 6 approaches full allocation, the remaining window at this price is narrowing fast, especially with the next phase set to introduce a 15% price increase to $0.040. Ethereum (ETH) gained momentum because it introduced real utility before mass adoption arrived. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is following a similar path by focusing on lending, borrowing, and sustainable revenue generation within decentralized finance. The protocol is designed as a decentralized, non-custodial liquidity platform that will support two distinct lending models, giving users flexibility rarely found in a single ecosystem. The first model, Peer-to-Contract (P2C), allows users to deposit assets into shared liquidity pools. These pools will be governed by smart contracts that automatically set interest rates based on supply and demand. Depositors will receive mtTokens that represent their share of the pool and accumulated interest. These mtTokens will later be usable as collateral, creating layered utility from a single deposit. The second model, Peer-to-Peer (P2P), connects lenders and borrowers directly. This structure supports assets that are often excluded from traditional pool-based platforms, allowing users to negotiate terms more freely. The difference between P2C and P2P lies in control and flexibility, with P2C offering automated efficiency and P2P enabling customized agreements. This dual-model approach positions Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as a versatile defi crypto designed for broader adoption. Growth Drivers Supporting Long-Term Demand One major growth driver is the expected beta release of the platform, which is expected to coincide with the official token go-live. This beta access will allow users to engage with lending, borrowing, and staking features early, increasing familiarity and confidence in the ecosystem. As more users interact with the platform, organic exposure through word of mouth is expected to expand the user base, reinforcing demand for MUTM tokens once market access begins. Another key driver is the buy-and-distribute mechanism integrated into the protocol’s design. When users deposit funds in the P2C model, they will receive mtTokens that can be staked in designated smart contracts for additional MUTM rewards. A portion of the platform’s revenue generated from lending and borrowing activities will be used to repurchase MUTM tokens from the open market. These repurchased tokens will then be distributed to mtToken stakers, creating continuous buy pressure tied directly to platform usage. As activity grows, this mechanism reinforces demand while rewarding long-term participants. Development progress further strengthens credibility. Phase 1 of the roadmap has already been fully completed, and more than half of Phase 2 is already done. The remaining goals in Phase 2 include the implementation of advanced features, refined risk parameters, and advanced analytics tools. The whitepaper has also been updated to reflect recent protocol progress, signaling active development rather than idle promises. Projects that grow into market leaders rarely appear fully formed. They build quietly while prices remain accessible. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) stands out as a top crypto under $1 because it combines steady presale growth, real decentralized finance utility, and multiple demand drivers that extend beyond speculation. With Phase 6 already 98% sold out and a confirmed 15% price increase to $0.040 in the next phase, the current price level represents the final opportunity to enter at $0.035.  For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

What Happened to Bitcoin Institutional Flows Before Christmas? Institutional selling in Bitcoin continued into Christmas Eve, with U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recording another day of net outflows. Data from UK-based investment firm Farside Investors shows that ETFs lost $175.3 million on Dec. 24, extending a stretch of consistent red days heading into the holiday. The latest figure brings total outflows over the previous five trading sessions to roughly $825.7 million. Since Dec. 15, every session has ended negative except for Dec. 17, when ETFs briefly attracted $457.3 million in net inflows. Instead of easing as markets wound down for the holidays, selling pressure stayed intact while Wall Street remained open. The pattern reinforces a broader theme seen through December: institutional capital has not stepped back in to support prices, even as retail activity thinned toward year-end. Investor Takeaway ETF flows suggest institutions have been reducing exposure rather than adding into weakness, keeping short-term price support limited heading into year-end. Why Are Institutions Selling Into Year-End? Market participants largely pointed to seasonal factors rather than structural weakness. One commonly cited driver is tax-loss harvesting, as funds lock in losses before the calendar year closes. Traders also highlighted the impact of a major quarterly options expiry, which can temporarily suppress risk appetite across derivatives and spot markets. “This is temporary and institutions will back to bidding soon,” trader Alek wrote on X, attributing most of the selling to tax-related positioning rather than a shift in long-term outlook. He added that the options expiry could be amplifying short-term caution across desks. These dynamics often fade once the new year begins, but until then, flows have remained decisively one-sided. Why Does the US Matter So Much for Bitcoin Price? Alongside ETF data, market indicators show persistent weakness during U.S. trading hours. The Coinbase Premium Index — which tracks the price difference between BTC/USD on Coinbase and BTC/USDT on Binance — has spent much of December in negative territory. A negative reading indicates lower buying interest from U.S.-based traders compared with offshore markets. That imbalance has been visible in session-based return data. Recent charts show Bitcoin tending to drift lower during U.S. hours while holding up better during Asian trading sessions. Crypto analyst Ted Pillows summed up the trend bluntly: “US is now the biggest seller of BTC. Asia is now the biggest buyer of Bitcoin.” Historically, sustained upside in Bitcoin has required renewed demand from U.S. institutions. Without it, rallies tend to stall or fade, especially when global liquidity is thin. Investor Takeaway Negative Coinbase Premium readings signal weak U.S. demand. A shift back into positive territory would be an early sign that institutional buyers are returning. Do Negative ETF Flows Signal a Market Top? Some traders caution against reading too much into short-term ETF outflows. BitBull noted that sustained negative flows on a 30-day moving average have occurred before without marking final cycle highs. According to his framework, price tends to stabilize first, followed by a flattening of flows, before inflows return. “Price stabilizes first, flows turn neutral, and only then do inflows return,” he wrote, adding that current data suggests liquidity is inactive rather than permanently exiting the market. The same pattern has been visible across both Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. That said, the 30-day moving average of spot ETF flows has remained negative since early November, underscoring how long institutions have stayed on the sidelines. Until that trend changes, strong upside moves may struggle to gain traction. What Could Change After the Holidays? The key test will come once tax-related selling and options positioning roll off in early January. If ETF flows flatten and then turn positive, it would suggest institutional desks are ready to re-engage. Historically, that shift has preceded stronger directional moves in price. For now, the data paints a clear picture: year-end selling pressure remains concentrated in the U.S., ETF demand is muted, and liquidity is thin. Whether Bitcoin can regain momentum will likely depend on when — not if — institutional buyers decide the seasonal headwinds are over.

Are best performing crypto presales becoming the smarter focus as holiday volatility slows momentum across major crypto charts? Filecoin and Bitcoin Cash price movements show hesitation, reminding market participants that even established assets can stall during uncertain market phases. Against this backdrop, BlockchainFX ($BFX) is gaining attention after raising $12.5M+ from over 20,000 participants. While large-cap coins consolidate, discussions around best performing crypto presales increasingly highlight BlockchainFX ($BFX) for its structure, incentives, and clear execution timeline. BlockchainFX ($BFX) Unified Trading Platform Connecting Global Markets BlockchainFX ($BFX) is building a unified trading platform designed to connect blockchain technology with global finance. Users can trade over 500 assets, including crypto, forex, stocks, ETFs, and bonds, all from one platform. This approach removes fragmentation and gives early buyers access to diversified markets in one place. Up to 70% of platform trading fees are redistributed to users through daily staking rewards paid in $BFX and USDT. This reward-driven model ties platform activity directly to community benefits, which is why BlockchainFX ($BFX) continues to rank among best performing crypto presales focused on long-term utility. Buy $BFX now and secure early access before the next price increase. Why BlockchainFX ($BFX) Is Ranked Among Best Performing Crypto Presales BlockchainFX ($BFX) stands out due to execution and scale. The team brings 25 years of combined experience across fintech, trading, and crypto. Financial projections estimate revenue growth from $30M in 2025 to $1.8B by 2030, reinforcing confidence in BlockchainFX ($BFX) as one of the best performing crypto presales today. Buy now at BlockchainFX.com and lock in current pricing. $500,000 Community Giveaway And Ongoing Staking Rewards BlockchainFX ($BFX) is running a $500,000 community giveaway across 10 prize allocations, with rewards ranging from $15,000 to $120,000 in $BFX. Participants earn entries through simple online actions while continuing to receive daily staking rewards. This dual-reward structure strengthens engagement and positions BlockchainFX ($BFX) firmly among best performing crypto presales driven by active community participation. Buy $BFX today and qualify for giveaway rewards and daily staking income. BlockchainFX Presale Progress, Pricing Growth, And $5,000 ROI Scenario The BlockchainFX presale has raised $12.5M+ at a current price of $0.031, with the next price set at $0.032 and a confirmed launch price of $0.05. A $5,000 allocation at $0.031 secures approximately 161,290 $BFX, valued near $8,064 at launch before bonuses. Using bonus code XMAS50 adds 50% extra $BFX tokens, increasing allocation without increasing spend. Referral rewards and giveaway eligibility further enhance upside, reinforcing BlockchainFX presale strength within best performing crypto presales. Buy now, apply XMAS50, and secure extra $BFX before the price moves up. Filecoin Price News Shows Pressure Despite Network Scale Filecoin (FIL) price trades at $1.26 after a -4.42% 24h change. Market cap stands at $924.44M, with $89.12M in 24h volume and a 9.66% volume-to-market-cap ratio. Circulating supply is 728.83M FIL from a total supply of 1.95B. Unlocked market cap is $1.13B, FDV is $2.48B, and holder count is 153.76K. Filecoin price news highlights continued network relevance, but near-term price pressure contrasts with growth-focused opportunities seen in best performing crypto presales like BlockchainFX ($BFX). Bitcoin Cash Price News Reflects Sideways Market Conditions Bitcoin Cash (BCH) price is $565.11 following a -1.97% 24h move. Market cap totals $11.28B, while 24h volume is $307.1M with a 2.71% volume-to-market-cap ratio. Circulating supply stands at 19.97M BCH out of a 21M maximum. FDV is $11.86B, with 34.28K holders. Bitcoin Cash price news points to consolidation rather than acceleration, which explains why some community members are shifting attention toward best performing crypto presales offering defined growth phases. Conclusion: Are Best Performing Crypto Presales Leading The Market Shift? Are best performing crypto presales becoming the preferred strategy as major assets consolidate? Filecoin and Bitcoin Cash maintain established positions, but BlockchainFX presale combines early pricing, licensing, bonus incentives, and a January 31 V1.1 app launch across 20+ countries. With BlockchainFX presale pricing at $0.031, the XMAS50 bonus delivering 50% extra $BFX, and referral rewards adding value, timing matters. Buy now, secure bonus tokens, and position early while this best performing crypto presales opportunity remains available. Find Out More Information Here Website: https://blockchainfx.com/  X: https://x.com/BlockchainFXcom Telegram Chat: https://t.me/blockchainfx_chat

Singapore-based HashKey Capital has successfully completed the first closing of its fourth investment fund, raising $250 million in commitments and surpassing its initial fundraising expectations. The firm announced that HashKey Fintech Multi-Strategy Fund IV attracted significant interest from a diverse array of global institutional investors, prominent family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, marking a notable vote of confidence in the crypto asset management space. The investment vehicle is now targeting a final asset base of $500 million and will pursue opportunities across the digital asset ecosystem with an emphasis on infrastructure development and scalable applications. HashKey Capital's track record has been a significant factor in attracting investor interest, with the firm's first fund achieving "a DPI of over 10x," demonstrating robust returns for early backers. Since its establishment in 2018, HashKey Capital has positioned itself as a cornerstone player in the global blockchain ecosystem, managing over $1 billion in assets under management and maintaining a portfolio encompassing more than 400 projects worldwide. The firm gained early recognition as an institutional backer of Ethereum, establishing its reputation for identifying transformative blockchain technologies before they achieved mainstream adoption. HashKey Multi-Strategy Approach  Fund IV will implement a comprehensive multi-strategy investment approach combining public market strategies with liquidity-generating crossover opportunities, aiming to capture structural inefficiencies within the digital assets industry. This will be complemented by selective private market investments in innovative projects that offer potential for enhanced alpha generation. Based in Singapore with presence in Hong Kong and Japan, HashKey Capital has distinguished itself as a pioneer in regulated cryptocurrency investment. The firm holds Type 1, Type 4, and Type 9 licenses in Hong Kong and played an instrumental role in launching the region's first spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds. CEO Deng Chao articulated the fund's strategic vision "With US $250 million in new capital, we are uniquely positioned to capture the massive growth occurring in emerging markets. These regions are the true testing grounds for blockchain's real world applications, and Fund IV will provide the essential fuel to scale those innovations globally." The successful fundraising demonstrates continued appetite among sophisticated investors for professionally managed exposure to digital assets, particularly from firms with established track records and comprehensive regulatory compliance frameworks. Fund IV's investment strategy will target infrastructure components, development tools, and applications that demonstrate potential for mass market adoption across global markets.

What Drove USD1’s Sudden Market Cap Increase? USD1, the dollar-pegged stablecoin linked to World Liberty Financial and the family of US President Donald Trump, added roughly $150 million in market capitalization on Wednesday following a new yield initiative from Binance. The token’s market value rose from about $2.74 billion to $2.89 billion within a single day after the exchange announced a promotional rewards program tied directly to USD1 holdings. Binance said the “booster program” offers up to 20% annual percentage rate on flexible USD1 deposits exceeding $50,000. The promotion runs until Jan. 23, 2026, with bonus-tier rewards credited daily to users’ earn accounts. The exchange said the program is designed to allow USD1 holders to “maximize their rewards,” placing the stablecoin at the center of its latest yield-driven offerings. The rapid inflow highlights how exchange-backed incentives continue to play an outsized role in stablecoin growth, particularly when paired with high headline yields and broad platform distribution. Investor Takeaway Stablecoin market share can shift quickly when large exchanges attach yield and trading incentives. USD1’s jump shows how distribution often matters as much as underlying demand. Why Is Binance Expanding Support for USD1? The yield program is part of a broader effort by Binance to integrate USD1 deeper into its ecosystem. In December, the exchange added fee-free trading pairs for USD1 against major cryptocurrencies. It also said it would convert all collateral assets backing its Binance USD stablecoin into USD1 on a 1:1 basis, effectively replacing BUSD exposure with the newer token. Earlier this year, USD1 was used to settle a $2 billion investment by Abu Dhabi-based MGX into Binance Exchange, a deal publicly referenced by Eric Trump during a panel at Token2049 in Dubai. That transaction placed USD1 at the center of one of the largest crypto-related capital moves of 2025, lending the stablecoin additional visibility beyond retail trading. These integrations have helped USD1 climb into the ranks of the largest stablecoins globally. The token is now the seventh-largest by market capitalization, trailing PayPal’s PYUSD but ahead of several longer-established rivals. How Big Is the Trump Crypto Footprint? USD1 is part of a wider set of crypto ventures linked to the Trump family under the World Liberty Financial banner. Those ventures reportedly generated about $802 million in income during the first half of 2025, underscoring how quickly politically connected crypto projects have scaled amid renewed market momentum. The combination of branding, high-profile partnerships, and exchange-level support has drawn attention from both investors and regulators. While supporters frame USD1 as a fast-growing dollar alternative with deep liquidity access, critics have questioned how closely its rise is tied to preferential treatment from major industry players. Investor Takeaway USD1’s growth is tightly linked to exchange adoption and political visibility. That mix can accelerate scale, but it also brings scrutiny that most stablecoins do not face. What Questions Remain Around Binance and USD1? Despite USD1’s rapid ascent, unanswered questions remain about the relationship between Binance and World Liberty Financial. A Bloomberg report in July suggested Binance had played a role in developing some of the code behind USD1, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao disputed the report, saying it contained factual errors and hinting at potential legal action. Lawmakers have also raised concerns. In October, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy said Binance.US, a separate legal entity from the global exchange, was “promoting Trump crypto.” His remarks came shortly after Donald Trump granted a pardon to Binance’s owner, adding a political dimension to what might otherwise be a technical debate over stablecoin sponsorship and promotion. Neither Binance nor World Liberty Financial has provided detailed disclosures clarifying the extent of their technical or commercial ties. As USD1 continues to grow, those questions are likely to intensify, particularly as regulators focus more closely on stablecoin governance, issuance, and exchange relationships. Can USD1 Sustain Its Momentum? USD1’s rise shows how stablecoin rankings can change when large exchanges align incentives, liquidity, and marketing around a single token. Whether that growth holds once promotional yields expire will be closely watched. High APR programs have historically driven short-term inflows that can reverse when returns normalize. For now, USD1 has secured a prominent place in Binance’s ecosystem and a top-tier position in global stablecoin rankings. The next phase will depend on how much organic usage develops beyond yield farming and exchange-driven activity—and how regulators respond to a stablecoin sitting at the intersection of crypto markets, politics, and concentrated platform support.

Trend Research made a significant move this week by purchasing over 46,000 Ethereum tokens for approximately $135 million. This transaction brought the investment firm's total Ethereum holdings to around 580,000 ETH, making it the third-largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency. The company is connected to Jack Yi, who founded LD Capital. The firm now ranks behind only two other entities in terms of Ethereum treasury size, SharpLink Gaming and BitMine Immersion Technologies hold larger positions. Since Trend Research operates as a private company, it typically doesn't show up in standard institutional rankings, which makes its rapid accumulation strategy particularly noteworthy. The company has been funding these purchases through borrowed capital via the Aave lending platform, with outstanding loans totaling nearly $900 million. Despite currently sitting on unrealized losses exceeding $140 million due to market fluctuations since their initial purchases, the firm maintains its bullish position with leverage approximately double its equity. Ambitious Plans Signal Long-Term Conviction After completing this latest acquisition, Jack Yi made a bold declaration about the firm's intentions "I announce that Trend Research is preparing another $1 billion, and on this basis, we will continue to increase holdings and buy ETH." He added that the firm's words and actions remain consistent, strongly advising against shorting and calling this a historic opportunity. This represents a notable strategic reversal for Trend Research, which had previously profited from bearish positions on Ethereum. The shift toward sustained accumulation reflects a broader pattern among institutional investors who increasingly view Ethereum as foundational infrastructure rather than speculative assets, focusing on staking rewards and network participation as long-term value drivers. Corporate Buying Wave Counters Market Downturn While Ethereum prices have declined in recent weeks, corporate institutions have paradoxically increased their digital asset holdings. The aggregate USD value of ETH held by public companies has surged dramatically, with CoinGecko data showing a 43.5% increase during this period. This broader accumulation trend extends beyond Trend Research, with four major public entities driving significant activity. BitMine Immersion has acquired over 436,000 ETH, while Quantum Solutions, Canaan, and Exodus collectively purchased approximately 1,500 ETH. Notably, EthZilla stands as the sole seller during this timeframe, offloading 24,291 ETH. However, weakened market sentiment across the cryptocurrency sector remains a substantial barrier to any potential Ethereum rally. The overall crypto market capitalization has declined by approximately $1.37 trillion since the broader market downturn that began on October 10, creating headwinds that even aggressive institutional buying has struggled to overcome.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Validator economics incentivize honest participation through rewards while deterring malice via slashing, ensuring PoS network security. Rewards from fees and inflation must be balanced to avoid excessive token dilution and maintain long-term sustainability. Delegation allows broader involvement, enhancing decentralization without requiring technical expertise from all stakers. High staking requirements and penalties make 51% attacks economically impractical, bolstering network resilience. Evolving economics in 2025, including liquid staking, will likely increase accessibility and adoption of PoS systems.   Proof-of-Stake (PoS) has become the most popular approach to reach consensus in blockchain technology. It moves away from the energy-hungry Proof-of-Work (PoW) paradigm and toward a more efficient system based on economic obligations. Validators are at the centre of PoS. Their financial incentives and disincentives directly affect the network's performance and integrity.  It's essential to understand validator economics since they affect not only how much money participants can make, but also how strong the blockchain is against attacks and centralization. This article explains why these economics are essential, using well-known networks such as Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos to demonstrate how they affect the long-term health of the networks. What is Proof of Stake? Proof-of-Stake is a consensus mechanism that gives participants the job of creating blocks and validating transactions depending on how much cryptocurrency they stake as collateral, not how powerful their computers are. PoS was first used in Peercoin in 2012. Since then, it has changed to address PoW's environmental issues by becoming more energy-efficient while remaining secure through economic incentives. In PoS, validators are chosen at random based on how much they have staked to propose and check blocks. Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) and Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) are two examples of how this process might be improved. They let users delegate their stakes to skilled validators without running their own nodes. This system ensures that the network's security is directly linked to the economic value locked in, making attacks too expensive to carry out. What Validators Do in PoS Networks Validators are the people who run PoS blockchains. They check transactions, propose new blocks, and ensure everyone follows the consensus rules. Validators have to lock up a certain quantity of tokens, say 32 ETH in Ethereum, to take part. This is collateral that ensures their interests align with the network's health.  They keep full nodes running continuously and use digital signatures to verify that blocks are legitimate. In networks like Solana, validators work on a rotating schedule. In Cosmos, reputation is just as crucial as the stake amount. Their activities together help prevent the blockchain from being changed and stop problems like double-spending, which is why they are so vital to keeping things running smoothly. Validator Economics: Rewards and Incentives The economics of validators are designed to encourage people to join and act honestly through a fair system of rewards. Validators earn money through block rewards, transaction fees, and, sometimes, maximal extractable value (MEV). The amount of money they make each year depends on the network; for Ethereum, it's usually 4-7%, and for Solana, it's usually 7-10%.  These incentives come from network inflation and user fees set to attract enough stakers without making the tokens too thin. Delegation makes this even more potent because delegators give validators a stake and then share the rewards after a 5–20% commission fee. A Crypto Analyst at Token Metrics said, "Validator rewards must be carefully calibrated to avoid inflation while incentivizing security." This economic model makes the network safer by increasing the total staked value, making it more expensive for bad actors to take over. But you can't always count on making money; you have to optimize performance to get the most rewards and the least costs. Validators that work well and have a lot of uptime can get better returns, but the system rewards people who help with decentralization more than those who just accumulate stakes. Risks and Penalties for Validators PoS has penalties like slicing, which means that if you do something wrong, like going down, double-signing, or trying to verify conflicting blocks, you lose some of the staked tokens. For example, with Ethereum, slashing might result in losses of up to the entire stake in extreme circumstances. This is a significant reason not to attack, and Hardware breakdowns or network problems are also operational hazards.  These can cause missing incentives without necessarily causing slashing. These measures ensure that validators have a stake in the game, meaning their financial interests align with the integrity of the network. If the economy isn't well-designed, people might not want to participate because they have to weigh the risks against the benefits, which could compromise security. Why Validator Economics Push Security of the Network Validator economics are essential for security since they make it impossible for anyone to act against you. To do a 51% attack with PoS, you would need to control most of the staked tokens. This would be very expensive and would cut the stakes, making the attack pointless. PoS networks are as secure as PoW networks, but they use much less energy because they tie security to economic commitments.  Also, well-tuned economics encourage a lot of people to get involved, which spreads power and makes concentrated authority less risky. The Token Metrics Research Team says, "Proof-of-Stake is not just an option; it's the future of blockchain consensus, balancing security with sustainability." This balance is essential for keeping the network stable and making sure it lasts for a long time. The Effect on Decentralization and Long-Term Viability Validator economics that work well encourage decentralization by giving a wide range of people, from individual operators to staking pools, a reason to participate. Ethereum and other networks like it want many different clients and limit the number of stakers to keep a few big validators from taking over.  This distribution makes it harder to censor and more open, which is very important to the blockchain's philosophy. Sustainability in economics is maintaining token value while keeping the network safe by controlling inflation rates and reward systems. If the economics aren't good enough, PoS could become centralized, with only well-funded groups taking part. This would go against the idea of decentralization. What Will Validator Economics Look Like in 2025? Validator economics are likely to change in the future as Ethereum improves at sharding and rollups, which make it easier to scale. Analysts say that more than 70% of new blockchains will use PoS variants due to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) pressures on PoW. As networks get older, yields may go down, but new ideas like delegation pools will make it easier for more people to join. This change shows how important it is to have flexible economic models that can keep growth going even as more people use them. FAQs What are the main incentives for validators in PoS networks? Validators are incentivized through block rewards, transaction fees, and sometimes MEV, with yields varying by network, such as 4-7% annually for Ethereum. How does slashing work in validator economics? Slashing penalizes validators for misconduct like downtime or double-signing by deducting a portion of their staked tokens, aligning their actions with network health. Why is decentralization necessary in validator economics? Decentralization prevents control by a few entities, enhancing network resilience and transparency through diverse validator participation encouraged by economic incentives. What risks do validators face economically? Validators risk stake loss from slashing, missed rewards due to downtime, and operational costs such as hardware maintenance, which must be weighed against potential profits. How will validator economics change by 2025? By 2025, innovations like liquid staking and scalability improvements are expected to lower barriers, increase participation, and moderate yields as PoS adoption grows. References Crypto Validators Explained: The Core of Proof-of-Stake Networks - Everstake What Is Proof of Stake? A Complete Guide to PoS in 2025 - Token Metrics What is Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in Cryptocurrency? - Everstake Validator Uptime in Crypto Staking: Why 99.99% Matters - Everstake

BC Card, South Korea's largest payment processor, has completed a 2-month pilot program that allows overseas visitors to pay for goods at local stores using stablecoins. The project, launched late on Tuesday, shows that it is possible to use cryptocurrencies for routine transactions without disrupting current merchant systems. The experiment, conducted with the help of blockchain company Wavebridge, international digital wallet provider Aaron Group, and cross-border remittance operator Global Money Express, allowed users from other countries to convert stablecoins in linked wallets into digital prepaid cards. These cards could then be used at local cafes, grocery stores, and other places that accept QR code payments, much like regular card purchases. BC Card made it clear that the program was not just a technological test but also a planned step toward a future stablecoin payment system. The company has also applied for a patent for real-time stablecoin payment technology, the first of its kind in South Korea. This system accurately calculates how much to withdraw from digital wallets to account for price changes during transactions. Vision for Leadership in Stablecoin Integration Choi Won-seok, the president of BC Card, talked about how the technology could change things. He said at a news conference after the patent was filed, "Stablecoins are 'a powerful paradigm that can transform existing payment processes.'" He also said that the corporation is dedicated to developing new ideas: "As the operator of Korea's largest payment network, BC Card will lead efforts to make it easy for people to use stablecoin payments anywhere." Choi said that the plan is still based on the current infrastructure: "BC Card is based on a card payment infrastructure and is in conformity with the legal and institutional context in the country. We will work on a stablecoin payment model in steps. The pilot adds stablecoin flows to BC Card's existing card approval and settlement infrastructure. This ensures that merchants and customers have the same experience with stablecoin payments as with regular card payments. This seamless bridge is useful for cross-border payments. It builds on BC Card's earlier agreement with Bangkok Bank in July for real-time QR payments between Thailand and South Korea. The Rules and Future Outlook The pilot is happening at the same time as talks in South Korea over the planned Digital Asset Basic Act, which would outline rules for issuing and regulating stablecoins. The main point of contention is who owns what. The Bank of Korea wants commercial banks to own at least 51% of issuers, while the Financial Services Commission and some MPs wish to allow fintech and blockchain companies to own a broader share. Ahn Do-geol, a member of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, spoke out against measures that would limit options: "It is also hard to find examples in global law where institutions from a specific sector are required to hold a 51 per cent stake." He went on to say, "Issuers should be chosen based on their ability to promote innovation, not on the type of institution they are." BC Card has set up an internal team to monitor stablecoin trends in both the US and around the world, even though they are late in submitting draft filings to regulators. The corporation wants to work more closely with crypto-related groups to build a "Korean-style stablecoin payment infrastructure" that adapts to evolving rules. As South Korea becomes a leader in digital payments, this successful experiment shows that traditional players are increasingly willing to use stablecoins, especially to make it easier for international tourists. At the same time, regulators work to clarify the rules. The project shows that BC Card is taking the lead in a field where new ideas often move faster than official rules.

Let me ask you something simple: why are crypto presales suddenly back on everyone’s radar? After years of meme-driven launches, investors are starting to look for projects tied to something real. One major reason is tokenization. According to Roland Berger, real-world assets moving onto blockchains could become a $10 trillion market by 2030. (Source) In simple words, this means early access matters again. Presales come with a higher risk, but they also offer lower entry prices. That’s why more people are carefully searching for the top crypto presale instead of chasing whatever trends on social media. In this narrative, IPO Genie ($IPO) appears again and again with a real use case. Let’s explore how it differs from other crypto presales and why it could be the 10x crypto of 2025!  What Does “10x Potential” Really Mean? Let’s clear this up without any complex side. A 10x simply means turning $1 into $10. That’s it. It’s not guaranteed, and it never has been. Presale tokens are cheaper because they’re sold before exchanges and before platforms are fully live. That lower price reflects uncertainty, not success. Here’s the reality most people don’t say out loud: many presales fail. The ones that survive usually have real users, real demand, and a reason to exist after launch. That’s why when people talk about the top crypto presale, they’re really talking about utility, not hype. The Top 4 Crypto Presales to Watch Before 2025 Ends 1. IPO Genie ($IPO): The Current Front-Runner IPO Genie is building a platform that gives everyday people access to private and pre-IPO investments, leveraging blockchain and AI. Instead of chasing trends, it focuses on real-world investing. The idea is simple: use technology to open doors that were previously reserved for institutions. That’s why many investors currently view it as the top crypto presale in this cycle. 2. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Bitcoin Hyper is a Layer-2 project aiming to make Bitcoin faster and cheaper to use. Bitcoin’s slow speeds and high fees are well-known issues. Layer-2 solutions try to fix that. If adoption grows, attention usually follows. If it doesn’t, interest fades just as quickly. 3. Nexchain ($NEX) Nexchain positions itself as an AI-focused Layer-1 blockchain. Infrastructure projects like this succeed only if developers actually build on them. The AI plus blockchain narrative is strong heading into 2025, but real usage will decide its future. 4. BlockchainFX ($BFX) BlockchainFX is trying to combine crypto trading with traditional markets. Its appeal is practical. It targets users who want real trading tools rather than speculation alone. Projects with clear use cases often hold attention longer than hype-driven launches. Why IPO Genie Is Leading the 10x Race? Here’s something most people learn the hard way: real 10x outcomes usually don’t come from hype alone. Hype can move prices briefly, but it fades fast. What tends to last and compound is real usage.  When people actually need a token to do something useful, demand becomes more stable. That’s where IPO Genie separates itself. Its potential isn’t built on noise or trends, but on whether people actively use the platform for investing, access, and decision-making. 1. It Solves a Real Problem Most people never get a chance to invest in startups before they go public. Minimum investments are high. Access is restricted. Connections matter more than knowledge. IPO Genie aims to change that by tokenizing access to private markets and making it available to a wider audience.  That means you don’t need insider connections or six-figure checks to participate; you can access opportunities that were previously reserved for institutions, using a single platform built for everyday investors. 2. AI Is Used for Decisions, Not Hype IPO Genie uses AI called Sentient Signal Agents. These systems analyze startup data, performance metrics, and market signals to surface potential opportunities. The goal isn’t promotion. It’s filtering. That’s a key reason why some analysts separate it from other AI-themed tokens. That’s like a sieve in a gold rush; it doesn’t create gold, but it helps separate what’s worth keeping from what isn’t. 3. The Token Has Clear Use The $IPO token isn’t something you buy and simply wait on. Holding it gives you practical access: higher deal tiers, voting rights on platform decisions, staking participation, and lower fees when using the platform. In simple terms, the token works like a key, not a lottery ticket. People need it to unlock features and participate, which is a major difference when evaluating a top crypto presale. 4. Linked to Real-World Assets IPO Genie isn’t built on vibes or hype cycles. It’s connected to real companies that actually operate and grow. That matters because real growth is what usually drives big returns, not short-term excitement.  When more people use the platform to access private deals, demand for the token can rise naturally. That kind of steady, real usage is how some projects manage to scale far beyond their starting point, and where 10x outcomes can start to make sense. 5. Trust & Transparency Focus The platform references CertiK audits, Fireblocks custody, and Chainlink-verified data. These are credibility markers. They show the project is built with structure, security, and verification in mind. When users feel confident about how a platform is set up, they’re more likely to use it long term. That steady trust is what helps adoption grow, and adoption is what creates room for meaningful upside over time. Quick Comparison: Why Some Presales 10x; And Most Don’t Typical Crypto Presale IPO Genie ($IPO) Relies heavily on attention and social media noise Built around real usage and platform participation Often launches without a working product Designed for access to private and pre-IPO investments Token demand comes mostly from short-term traders Token demand comes from users who need access, voting, and staking Price moves mainly on speculation Growth is linked to adoption and platform activity Early buyers often sell at launch Encourages longer-term participation A 10x usually depends on perfect timing and hype A 10x becomes possible if usage and adoption grow Simple Way to Think About It Hype-only presales depend on attention. Utility-driven presales depend on usage. When more people actually need a token to do things, upside potential becomes more realistic and less dependent on luck. Wrap Up! Projects with real momentum rarely wait for perfect conditions. IPO Genie combines AI-driven analysis with private-market access and assigns its token a clear, functional role. At its current presale price of around $0.00010880 in stage 25, some investors see this early positioning as where 10x outcomes can start to form through adoption, not noise. As Christmas approaches, markets often go quiet, and that’s when positioning quietly happens. By the time attention returns, early opportunities are usually already priced differently. If you’re researching the top crypto presale, this is the type of person who often revisits it later and asks why they didn’t look more closely sooner. Join the IPO Genie presale today:   Official website Telegram Twitter (X)  Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk, and readers should conduct their own research before making decisions.

Pi Network (PI) is bracing for potential selling pressure as the largest token unlock of December approaches on Christmas Day. This is happening at a time when technical signals are pointing to a bearish trend and market enthusiasm is waning. The price of the Pi Network has already dropped 31% from its November high of $0.279 to an annual low of $0.192 last week. This shows that it is weak. Recent market data shows the token rose above $0.214 over the weekend but has since dropped back to about $0.203624. Investors are more cautious now that the release of about 8.7 million PI tokens is set for December 25, 2025. At present rates, these tokens are worth about $1.76 million. PiScan data shows this is the largest single unlock of the month. In total, roughly 54.7 million tokens will be distributed in December, worth around $11.07 million. When many tokens are unlocked at once, they become less rare and add more supply to the market. This might create selling pressure if there isn't enough buying demand to offset it. The article says that "investor demand also fell because of the 8.7 million PI token unlock," leaving many in a wait-and-see mentality. A Bearish Technical Setup Appears Since late October, PI has made a traditional double top pattern on the daily chart. The tops are around $0.285, and the neckline support zone is between $0.192 and $0.196. If the support fails, this bearish reversal formation signals that prices could decline further. The Supertrend has turned red, indicating bearish control, and the MACD lines have struggled to cross above the zero line, suggesting consolidation is ongoing, or the market is still down. Analysts say that if the neckline support fails, PI could drop to $0.153, a decrease of around 24% from current levels. But if the defence holds and the price bounces back from this zone, it might invalidate the bearish setup and allow for a recovery. Mixed Outlook Despite Ecosystem Efforts The unlock comes alongside recent updates from the Pi core development team aimed at improving DeFi infrastructure and making it more useful in the real world. These efforts could get people more involved and help ease some of the selling pressure if they lead to real growth in the ecosystem. However, the market is still cautious. Token unlocks have been a common topic in Pi Network in 2025, making the project more volatile as it moves toward greater liquidity and adoption. Traders are keeping a close eye on whether demand can handle the fresh tokens or if the bearish trends will take over, as the Christmas Day event added to monthly supply pressures. As the holidays get closer, the crypto community will be keeping a close eye on PI's price movements. The unlock could be a turning point for short-term sentiment in this well-known mobile mining project. Right now, the downward bias remains very strong due to a combination of technical weakness and heightened supply concerns.

According to the analytics company Glassnode, Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen long-term outflows, which suggests that institutional investors are leaving the crypto industry. Glassnode said on Tuesday that the 30-day simple moving average of net flows into U.S. spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETFs has been negative since early November. This trend shows that institutional investors are less involved right now, which is a big reason why crypto has been moving this year. In its analysis, Glassnode said, "This persistence suggests a phase of muted participation and partial disengagement from institutional allocators, reinforcing the broader liquidity contraction across the crypto market." ETF flows usually follow moves in the underlying spot markets, which have been going down since mid-October. These funds' performance is a sign of how institutions feel about the market as a whole, and it shows that people are becoming more cautious as the market shrinks. Crypto ETF Selling Pressure Returns Pressure on crypto ETFs has grown lately, with total Bitcoin ETF flows staying negative for the last four trading days in a row. Last week alone, crypto funds lost $952 million, which is the sixth week in a row that they have lost money. Analysts are paying attention to this change. The Kobeissi Letter said, "Crypto ETF selling pressure is back," pointing out that a new wave of money is leaving these products. This disengagement comes after a year when institutional inflows made people in the sector feel good. But the long-term negative flows indicate that big investors are moving their money out of digital assets, perhaps because of broader economic concerns or regulatory issues. Glassnode's data shows that these outflows are not one-time events but part of a broader trend of liquidity drying up across the ecosystem. Institutional investors who were formerly eager to get into crypto through regulated vehicles like ETFs now seem less interested, which is driving trading volumes down and prices up. BlackRock's IBIT Outperforms Despite Headwinds BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is a bright spot amid all the bad news. IBIT has raised $62.5 billion since it launched, more than even traditional gold ETFs during a tough time for bitcoin. Eric Balchunas, an analyst with Bloomberg ETFs, thinks this strength is a good sign for the long term. "I think that's a really good sign for the long run. Balchunas said, "If you can do $25 billion in a bad year, think about how much more you could do in a good year." He was talking about how well the fund did in a tough market. IBIT has even had small inflows over the past week, which is the opposite of what has been happening with most other assets. This shows that even if institutions may not be as interested in investing as they used to be, some high-profile items are still attracting attention, possibly from individuals betting on a future resurgence. There are big effects on the crypto market as a whole. With fewer institutions involved, volatility fueled by ordinary investors could take over in the short term, worsening liquidity problems. Glassnode's insights remind us that the sector needs big-money investors to grow, but right now it looks like those investors are pulling back. As the year comes to a conclusion, many who observe the market will be keeping a close eye on whether these withdrawals continue or whether better circumstances in the spot market could bring institutions back in. For now, the evidence shows that the big players in finance are being careful.

In mid-December, we highlighted silver’s move above $60. Less than a fortnight later, the metal has powered through the next major psychological barrier at $70. Today, XAG/USD touched $72, extending the powerful rally that has been unfolding since autumn. Gold has also been posting strong gains, reinforcing the broader strength across precious metals. Several factors continue to underpin this advance: → sustained inflows into silver ETFs from retail investors; → escalating geopolitical risks, with media reports indicating an increased US military presence near Venezuela; → thinning market liquidity during the holiday season, which often amplifies price movements. XAG/USD technical outlook Two weeks ago, our analysis of XAG/USD: → identified an upward price channel (highlighted in blue); → considered the likelihood of a pullback from the channel’s upper edge. Subsequent price action unfolded as follows: → the price retreated from the upper boundary on 12 and 16 December; → on 17 December, silver broke decisively above the channel; → by 19 December, the former resistance had turned into support, enabling buyers to hold prices above the ascending structure. The current rally is now following a much steeper upward path (marked in orange), and the break above the $70 level appears well established. With prices now trading close to the top of the orange channel and the RSI signalling overbought conditions, the risk of a short-term correction is rising. After climbing almost 30% since the start of the month, some long positions may begin to take profits. Nevertheless, the low-liquidity holiday environment could still favour another impulsive leg higher, leaving room for a potential test of the $80 area. 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.  

DTCC and BNY have launched a new Collateral-in-Lieu (CIL) service designed to improve margin efficiency and accelerate the market’s transition toward centrally cleared U.S. Treasury repo transactions. The service, delivered through DTCC’s Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) and BNY’s Global Collateral Platform, has already moved into production, with BNY Securities Finance and Federated Hermes successfully executing the first repo trade using the new framework. The launch comes as market participants prepare for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s U.S. Treasury clearing mandate, which will require broader central clearing of repo and cash Treasury transactions beginning in late 2026 and mid-2027. By reducing duplicative margin requirements and simplifying collateral mechanics, the Collateral-in-Lieu service is intended to lower barriers to adoption while preserving the protections of central counterparty (CCP) clearing. Takeaway: Collateral-in-Lieu is designed to ease the industry’s transition to mandatory Treasury clearing by improving margin efficiency without sacrificing risk protections. How Collateral-in-Lieu Changes the Clearing Model Under traditional sponsored repo clearing arrangements, dealers and their sponsored clients may face overlapping margin and guaranty requirements when trades move between triparty settlement and CCP clearing. The Collateral-in-Lieu service introduces a structural change: instead of posting margin to the CCP and relying on a sponsor guaranty, the service applies a CCP lien directly to collateral held in triparty. The haircut typically required by dealers for money market funds and other cash investors remains in place, preserving familiar risk practices. However, the CCP lien is applied “in lieu” of both sponsor guarantees and CCP margin in most circumstances. This design eliminates double-margining for certain sponsored participants, delivering capital and liquidity benefits while maintaining robust risk management. The service builds on FICC’s existing Sponsored Service legal and operational framework, minimizing the need for firms to re-engineer processes. It also supports both “done-with” and “done-away” repo execution styles, giving market participants flexibility in how trades are executed and settled. Leveraging BNY’s Global Collateral Platform Collateral-in-Lieu operates through BNY’s Global Collateral Platform, the largest single liquidity pool for U.S. Treasury securities financing. By leveraging BNY’s triparty infrastructure for collateral allocation, valuation, and settlement, the service integrates clearing with established market workflows. BNY executives described the launch as a key step in scaling cleared repo activity ahead of regulatory deadlines. Nate Wuerffel, Head of Market Structure and Product Leader for the Global Collateral Platform, said the service introduces a more capital-efficient path to central clearing while expanding access to cleared repo for a wider range of participants. From an operational perspective, the solution reflects BNY’s broader strategy of integrating custody, collateral management, securities finance, and market structure capabilities into a single platform. By doing so, BNY aims to support increased volumes and participation as clearing requirements expand. Takeaway: By embedding CCP clearing into BNY’s triparty ecosystem, the service aligns regulatory compliance with existing market infrastructure. First Trade Signals Buy-Side Engagement The first repo transaction executed on the Collateral-in-Lieu service involved BNY Securities Finance as sponsor and Federated Hermes as cash provider. The participation of a large asset manager underscores the relevance of the service for buy-side firms, particularly money market funds navigating new clearing obligations. Susan Hill, Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of the Government Liquidity Group at Federated Hermes, said the service expands access to cleared repo while supporting evolving regulatory requirements. For cash investors, the ability to participate in cleared repo without added operational or margin complexity is a key consideration as clearing becomes mandatory. For sponsors, the elimination of duplicative margin posting reduces balance sheet strain and increases capacity to support client activity. Nehal Udeshi, Head of Securities Finance at BNY, described Collateral-in-Lieu as an enabler of broader market participation and a more resilient cleared repo ecosystem. Supporting the SEC’s Treasury Clearing Mandate The SEC’s Treasury clearing mandate is expected to fundamentally reshape the structure of the U.S. government securities market. While central clearing is intended to reduce systemic risk and improve transparency, the transition has raised concerns around balance sheet usage, margin costs, and operational readiness. DTCC views the Collateral-in-Lieu service as a targeted response to those concerns. Laura Klimpel, Managing Director and Head of DTCC’s Fixed Income and Financing Solutions, said the launch reflects DTCC’s commitment to delivering solutions that enhance margin and capital efficiency while supporting regulatory compliance. By addressing one of the key friction points in sponsored clearing — double-margining — the service aims to encourage earlier adoption and smoother scaling ahead of the 2026 and 2027 implementation milestones. Takeaway: Solutions that reduce balance sheet and margin friction are likely to be critical to successful implementation of mandatory Treasury clearing. Looking Ahead DTCC expects adoption of the Collateral-in-Lieu service to increase over the coming months as dealers, asset managers, and other market participants prepare for mandatory clearing. As volumes migrate toward CCPs, services that preserve liquidity while improving efficiency will play a central role in shaping the next phase of the Treasury repo market. The successful execution of the first trade signals early operational readiness and buy-side engagement. More broadly, it highlights how incremental structural changes — rather than wholesale redesigns — may prove most effective in guiding the market through one of its most significant regulatory transitions in decades.  

What Is the SEC Alleging? The US Securities and Exchange Commission has charged three purported crypto trading platforms and four investment clubs for allegedly running a coordinated fraud that took at least $14 million from retail investors. According to the regulator, the operation relied on social media advertising, private messaging apps, and fake trading interfaces to convince victims they were investing through legitimate crypto venues. The defendants named in the complaint include Morocoin Tech Corp., Berge Blockchain Technology Co. Ltd., and Cirkor Inc., alongside investment clubs AI Wealth Inc., Lane Wealth Inc., AI Investment Education Foundation Ltd., and Zenith Asset Tech Foundation. The SEC says the scheme ran from at least January 2024 through January 2025 and targeted US-based retail investors. The case highlights a form of fraud that blends traditional confidence tactics with digital tools, using familiar social platforms and polished interfaces to create the appearance of professional investment operations. Investor Takeaway The SEC’s case shows how quickly fake crypto platforms can mimic real markets. Retail investors remain the primary targets when scams combine social media outreach with fabricated trading dashboards. How Did the Scheme Work? According to the complaint, the investment clubs used targeted advertisements on major social media platforms to attract potential investors. Those who responded were invited into WhatsApp group chats where individuals posing as seasoned financial professionals shared what they described as artificial-intelligence-driven trading strategies. “These groups were designed to build trust quickly,” the SEC said, alleging that fraudsters cultivated an atmosphere of expertise and collective success before directing members toward the defendants’ trading platforms. Once inside the system, investors were instructed to open accounts on Morocoin, Berge, or Cirkor. The platforms, the SEC claims, were not real trading venues. Instead, they displayed fabricated account balances and simulated trading activity, giving users the impression that their funds were being actively invested and generating profits. The complaint also describes how the defendants promoted so-called “Security Token Offerings,” claiming they represented digital securities issued by established companies. The SEC says neither the token offerings nor the issuing businesses existed. “No trading occurred on these platforms,” the complaint alleges. “Investor funds were instead misappropriated and routed through a network of bank accounts and crypto asset wallets, including accounts located overseas.” Why Were Withdrawals a Key Part of the Fraud? The SEC says the fraud intensified when investors attempted to withdraw their funds. At that stage, victims were told they needed to pay additional charges before withdrawals could be processed. These fees were described as taxes, processing costs, or verification expenses, depending on the situation. According to the regulator, these demands were designed to extract more money rather than unlock access to funds. Once investors questioned the process or stopped sending payments, communication reportedly ceased altogether. In total, the SEC alleges that at least $14 million was taken from retail investors, many of whom were drawn in by promises of steady returns linked to automated or AI-based trading methods. Investor Takeaway Requests for extra fees to unlock withdrawals are a recurring red flag. Legitimate platforms do not require separate payments for taxes or account verification before releasing funds. What Does This Case Say About AI and Messaging-App Scams? The enforcement action reflects a broader pattern in retail investment fraud. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp allow fraudsters to create persistent group settings where dissent is discouraged and perceived success stories reinforce trust. Adding references to artificial intelligence or proprietary algorithms can make schemes appear more advanced and credible. “Fraud is fraud,” said Laura D’Allaird, chief of the SEC’s Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit, in a statement accompanying the filing. “We will vigorously pursue securities fraud that harms retail investors, regardless of the technology or terminology used to disguise it.” The SEC filed the case in the US District Court for the District of Colorado, alleging violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The agency is seeking permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and the return of funds, along with interest. Alongside the lawsuit, the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance issued an alert warning investors not to rely on information shared in social media group chats and to independently check the background of anyone promoting investment opportunities. The case adds to a growing list of enforcement actions targeting crypto-related scams that imitate regulated financial products while operating entirely outside legitimate markets. The message from regulators is consistent: new technology does not provide cover for old-style fraud.

Everyone has seen a story of someone turning a small amount of crypto into a fortune almost overnight. Social media makes these cases look normal, which is why Crypto trading myths continue to give beginners unrealistic expectations. Trading crypto requires skill, combining market psychology, careful risk management, and informed decision making. When myths dominate, beginners often make mistakes that are completely avoidable and end up costing both money and self confidence. This article clears up the most common misunderstandings and replaces them with accurate insights so new traders can enter the market with realistic expectations and a solid foundation for success. Key takeaways • Crypto trading can be profitable, but losses are also part of the learning process. • Trading frequently does not guarantee bigger gains, and waiting for the right opportunities usually brings better results. • Technical tools can help guide your decisions but they do not guarantee what will happen next in the market. • Building your own experience and maintaining discipline outweigh blindly following social media traders. • Effective risk management separates long-term success from short-term setbacks. Common Crypto Trading Myths Debunked 1. You Can Get Rich Overnight This is one of the most common crypto trading myths. A lot of people hear about great results others achieve, but few pay attention to the hard work behind them. The late nights, deep research, and disciplined decision-making are what actually produce profits. Successful traders build skills over time and many experience losses before making consistent gains. Long‑term success comes from strategy, commitment and patience. 2. Just Start Trading Many beginners believe the best way to learn crypto trading is to jump in immediately and figure things out along the way. While experience is very important, trading without a plan, market understanding, or risk limits often leads to avoidable losses. A clear trading plan with entry and exit rules helps manage risk and reduce decisions influenced by emotions. 3. More Trading Means More Profit Another common Crypto trading myth is the idea that trading more frequently leads to higher earnings. Many beginners assume that staying active in the market at all times increases their chances of making profit. In practice, overtrading often results in higher transaction fees, rushed decisions, and emotionally driven mistakes. Experienced traders understand that market conditions are not always favourable, which is why they wait for high-quality setups and focus on well-planned trades. 4. Indicators and Tools Guarantee Accurate Predictions Many beginners believe technical tools can predict exactly where prices are headed, but this is a myth. Indicators are based on past price behaviour and are designed to help assess probabilities, not guarantee outcomes. The market is always uncertain, so trading decisions should be supported by proper risk management. 5. Copying Influencers Will Make You Profitable Following other traders can seem like an easy way to learn, but doing so blindly ignores important differences such as risk tolerance, capital size, timing, and strategy. Market conditions can fluctuate within seconds between seeing a signal and placing a trade. Learning from experienced traders is useful, but developing your own judgement and understanding the reasoning behind each trade is far more valuable in the long run. 6. Risk Management is Optional This myth often causes beginners to risk too much on a single trade or overlook basic tools like stop losses. The crypto market is highly volatile, and effective risk management helps protect capital and supports long-term survival during market downturns. Ignoring it frequently leads to unnecessary losses and emotional burnout. Conclusion Success in crypto trading comes from preparation, patience, and discipline. The market does not guarantee profits, and no shortcut can replace proper learning. Crypto trading myths flourish when understanding is limited, but they lose ground when traders focus on how markets behave. With proper understanding of this, beginners can enter the market with realistic expectations and more effective strategies.