US authorities have arrested former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, ending a years-long international manhunt for a figure investigators describe as a major cocaine trafficker who relied on cryptocurrency to move and conceal illicit profits.

Wedding, 44, was taken into custody in Mexico late Thursday and transferred to the United States on Friday, according to US officials.

The former athlete, who competed for Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been listed among the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives, with a reward of up to $15 million offered for information leading to his capture.

Former Olympic Snowboarder Faces US Charges in Global Drug Case

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wedding, whom she described as a “onetime Olympian snowboarder-turned alleged violent cocaine kingpin,” will face federal charges in the US related to drug trafficking, murder, and operating a criminal enterprise spanning multiple countries.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest in a post on X, crediting cooperation with Mexican authorities for locating Wedding after more than a decade on the run.

Investigators allege that Wedding played a senior role in cocaine distribution networks tied to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, overseeing shipments from Colombia into the United States and Canada.

According to US officials, the operation generated more than $1 billion annually in illegal proceeds at its peak.

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Wedding in November, accusing his organization of using cryptocurrency to move and launder drug profits.

In its notice, the Treasury said digital assets were used to obscure the flow of funds and conceal large sums derived from narcotics trafficking.

Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Wedding voluntarily surrendered at the U.S. Embassy before being handed over to the FBI.

Patel later told reporters that Wedding had been hiding in Mexico for over 10 years and was believed to be under cartel protection.

Wedding arrived Friday at Ontario International Airport in Southern California, where federal officials held a press conference following his transfer.

Authorities said they seized firearms, luxury vehicles, artwork, and other assets connected to the alleged criminal enterprise, and indicated further arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

Ryan Wedding’s Earlier Cocaine Case Predates Latest US Charges

This is not Wedding’s first encounter with US law enforcement. In 2008, he was arrested in California in a cocaine trafficking sting involving a Vancouver-based operation.

He was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to four years in prison, before being released around 2011.

The arrest comes as crypto-related crime remains a growing concern. According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency addresses received a record $154 billion in 2025, a sharp increase from the year before.

In another case, US prosecutors have charged a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, Ronald Spektor, with stealing roughly $16 million in cryptocurrency from around 100 Coinbase users through an alleged phishing and social engineering scheme.

The post FBI Arrests Former Olympic Snowboarder and Top Cocaine Trafficker in Crypto-Linked Case appeared first on Cryptonews.

• LayerZero (ZRO) has absorbed a major token unlock as demand outweighs new supply.
• Speculation and leverage have led to a clean breakout above $2.20 resistance.
• Holding $2.20 support could open upside toward the $2.60–$2.70 zone.

LayerZero is currently commanding attention across the crypto market as its native token ZRO pushes higher despite heavy supply-side headwinds.

The ZRO price has surged decisively above the critical $2.20 resistance level, defying expectations tied to recent token unlocks.

At the time of writing, ZRO is trading near $2.21, posting gains of over 12% in 24 hours, 35% over the past week, and more than 74% on the monthly timeframe.

This move has positioned LayerZero as one of the strongest outperformers in an otherwise flat broader crypto market.

LayerZero demand overwhelms token unlock pressure

One of the most notable aspects of the current ZRO price rally is how the market has handled new supply.

On January 20, LayerZero unlocked approximately 25.71 million ZRO tokens, representing around 6.36% of the circulating supply.

Token unlocks of this magnitude are typically bearish, as they increase sell pressure and dilute existing holders.

Instead, ZRO demand absorbed the new supply with little visible impact on price.

On-chain data showed large transfers moving into institutional-grade custody solutions rather than exchanges.

WLFI(@worldlibertyfi) advisor @cryptogle opened a 5x long on 347,280 $ZRO($795K) over the past 2 hours.

Two weeks ago, he also spent $50K to buy 33,411 $ZRO($75.5K now) spot.https://t.co/1xdWB68yW3https://t.co/cn2UKw6Ab2 pic.twitter.com/k0X0FCGWEn

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) January 23, 2026

This suggests accumulation rather than distribution by large holders.

In market terms, predictable supply increases lose their bearish influence when buyers are willing to absorb them.

The ability of LayerZero to withstand repeated unlocks reinforces confidence in its long-term value proposition.

This dynamic has turned what is normally a negative catalyst into a bullish signal for the ZRO price.

Speculation and momentum fuel LayerZero price strength

Beyond supply dynamics, speculative interest has played a major role in pushing ZRO higher.

Traders are positioning ahead of a teased LayerZero ecosystem event scheduled for February 10, 2026.

The clearly defined date has created a countdown effect, encouraging pre-emptive buying.

In slow market conditions, assets with identifiable upcoming catalysts often attract disproportionate capital.

As demand increased, ZRO broke above the $2.20 resistance that had capped previous rallies.

This breakout triggered short liquidations worth roughly $236,000, adding forced buying pressure.

LayerZero’s futures open interest surged by more than 30% in a single day, signalling fresh leverage entering the market.

Momentum indicators reflect this intensity, with the RSI reaching extreme overbought levels.

While this confirms strength, it also introduces short-term volatility risk.

LayerZero price forecast

The LayerZero price forecast now hinges on whether ZRO can maintain its breakout structure.

The $2.20 level is the most important area for traders to watch in the near term.

Holding above this zone would confirm former resistance as new support.

If that support holds, the next upside targets sit near $2.60 and $2.70, where prior liquidity zones emerge.

A strong continuation driven by event-related news could even open a path toward the $3.00–$3.40 range.

On the downside, failure to hold $2.20 could trigger a short-term correction.

In that scenario, traders should monitor support between $1.80 and $2.00.

The sustainability of the current bullish momentum, however, will depend on follow-through buying and concrete announcements around the upcoming LayerZero event.

The post LayerZero defies token unlock pressure, ZRO breaks above $2.20 appeared first on CoinJournal.

Crypto payments firm Mercuryo has partnered with Visa to enable near real-time conversion of digital assets into fiat currency.

The move allows users to send proceeds directly to Visa debit and credit cards through Visa Direct, the payments giant’s real-time money movement network.

Under the arrangement, eligible Mercuryo users will be able to off-ramp crypto holdings and receive fiat funds on their cards within minutes, according to the companies.

Mercuryo Taps Visa Direct to Speed Up Low-Cost Crypto-to-Fiat Payments

The service is designed to reduce settlement times and costs compared with traditional conversion and payout methods, particularly for cross-border transactions.

The integration expands Mercuryo’s use of Visa Direct, which already supports real-time transfers across brokerage, crypto and digital banking accounts.

By tapping into Visa’s global payments infrastructure, Mercuryo said it aims to make crypto-to-fiat conversions more accessible without requiring users to leave the wallets, exchanges or platforms they already use.

Mercuryo said the partnership allows Visa Direct to connect with its network of non-custodial wallets, exchanges and payment providers, giving millions of users access to fast off-ramping tools through familiar interfaces.

Funds converted to fiat can be spent at more than 150 million merchant locations worldwide that accept Visa.

“This partnership with Visa will further enhance Mercuryo’s ability to deliver a fast, low-cost user experience,” said Mercuryo co-founder and CEO Petr Kozyakov.

He said the integration reduces the friction historically associated with moving funds across borders or cashing out digital assets, allowing users to access local currencies more quickly.

Anastasia Serikova, head of Visa Direct in Europe, said the collaboration is intended to bridge the gap between crypto platforms and traditional financial systems.

She said the service enables users to convert digital assets into fiat in near real time, improving convenience and reliability for everyday payments.

Visa Deepens Crypto Strategy as Stablecoin Settlements Reach $3.5B Run Rate

The deal adds to Visa’s growing push into digital assets. In December, the company launched a Stablecoins Advisory Practice to help businesses explore ways to integrate stablecoins into their operations.

In July last year, Visa surpassed $200 million in cumulative stablecoin settlement volume while expanding its crypto infrastructure through African partnerships and platform development.

However, CEO Ryan McInerney warned that the technology still requires clearer regulations to reach its full potential.

Visa has also reported rising stablecoin settlement volumes, reaching an annualized run rate of $3.5 billion.

Earlier, Visa partnered with crypto infrastructure firm Aquanow to improve stablecoin settlement speeds and reduce reliance on legacy payment rails.

The post Crypto Firm Partners With Visa to Enable Near Real-Time Crypto-to-Fiat Off-Ramping appeared first on Cryptonews.

Merkle Manufactory, the company behind the crypto-oriented social media protocol Farcaster, plans to return $180 million in venture funding to investors.

The decision was disclosed late Thursday by Merkle co-founder Dan Romero in a post on X, following speculation around the future of the project.

Several investors, including former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan, separately confirmed the plan to return the capital.

Romero: Farcaster Not Shutting Down as Merkle Plans to Repay $180M

“Farcaster is not shutting down,” Romero wrote, pushing back on rumors surrounding the platform’s status.

He said the protocol remains operational, citing roughly 250,000 monthly active users in December and more than 100,000 funded wallets.

Romero added that Merkle intends to repay the full amount raised over the past five years, saying the firm sought to be a responsible steward of investor capital.

The announcement comes shortly after Farcaster was acquired by Neynar, a venture-backed startup that has long built infrastructure within the Farcaster ecosystem.

Under the deal, Neynar will assume control of Farcaster’s smart contracts, code repositories, mobile application, and Clanker, an AI-driven token launchpad.

Romero and fellow co-founder Varun Srinivasan, along with parts of the Merkle team, will step away from day-to-day development.

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Romero wrote earlier this week. “But after five years, it’s clear Farcaster needs a new approach and leadership to reach its full potential.”

Farcaster was launched with the ambition of decentralizing social media by allowing users to control their identities and data rather than relying on centralized platforms.

The project drew significant attention in 2024 when it raised $150 million from major crypto venture firms, including Paradigm and Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm.

Despite early enthusiasm, Romero acknowledged that the platform struggled to achieve sustainable growth as a social-first product.

In December, the team shifted its focus toward in-app wallets and trading features in an effort to drive engagement, signaling a strategic pivot away from competing directly with mainstream social networks.

Neynar, which provides developer tools and APIs for applications built on Farcaster, said it plans to steer the protocol in a more builder-centric direction.

The company is expected to roll out a new roadmap focused on infrastructure and developer adoption rather than consumer-facing social features.

Offline Web3 Messaging Apps Gain Momentum

The controversy around Farcaster comes as Web3-style social media and messaging tools are gaining traction as governments increasingly restrict internet access during periods of political unrest.

Bitchat, an offline messaging app created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has emerged as a key communication channel in countries facing election-related shutdowns.

In Uganda, Bitchat surged to the top of local app store rankings after authorities cut internet and mobile services ahead of a disputed election.

Downloads in the country have nearly quadrupled in recent months, with similar spikes reported in Iran as users seek ways to communicate during state-imposed blackouts.

The app operates without internet or cellular connections, relying instead on Bluetooth mesh technology that allows messages to hop between nearby devices.

The post Decentralized Social Network Farcaster Developer to Return $180M to Investors appeared first on Cryptonews.

World Liberty Financial, the crypto project associated with the family of US President Donald Trump, has entered a partnership with satellite startup Spacecoin to explore how decentralized finance could operate over space-based internet infrastructure.

In a blog post published Thursday, Spacecoin said the collaboration includes a token swap between the two projects, though financial terms were not disclosed.

The companies said the partnership is aimed at expanding access to digital financial services in regions where traditional banking and broadband infrastructure remain limited.

World Liberty Financial Says USD1 Targets Real-World Payments in Underserved Areas

Zak Folkman, co-founder of World Liberty Financial, said the initiative aligns with the project’s broader focus on real-world payments and settlement.

He said the USD1 stablecoin is designed to support transactions in environments where conventional financial rails are unavailable or unreliable, including remote and underserved areas.

Spacecoin is building a low-Earth orbit satellite network intended to provide internet connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial broadband.

The company said it has already launched three satellites and is positioning its system as a decentralized physical infrastructure network, or DePIN, that could support financial and communications services in hard-to-connect regions.

The partnership comes as World Liberty Financial continues to broaden the use cases for its USD1 stablecoin.

Beyond payments, the project has expanded into crypto lending through its World Liberty Markets platform, while promoting USD1 as a settlement asset for onchain and offchain activity.

USD1, a dollar-pegged stablecoin launched last year, has grown rapidly. Its market capitalization now stands at approximately $3.27 billion, placing it among the larger stablecoins in circulation.

World Liberty Financial has also stepped up its international outreach.

Earlier this month, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with a World Liberty affiliate to explore potential applications of USD1 in payments and remittances.

The agreement marked one of the first instances of a sovereign entity formally engaging with the Trump-linked protocol.

Bitcoin Loses 25,000 Millionaire Addresses Despite Pro-Crypto Turn Under Trump

As reported, Bitcoin has shed roughly 25,000 millionaire addresses in the year since Donald Trump returned to the White House, even as US policy shifted toward a more crypto-friendly stance.

Blockchain data shows the number of addresses holding at least $1 million in BTC fell about 16% year over year, suggesting regulatory optimism has not translated into sustained on-chain wealth growth.

The pullback was less severe among the largest holders. Addresses with more than $10 million in Bitcoin declined by about 12.5%, indicating that top-tier investors were better able to withstand price volatility, while wallets near the millionaire threshold were more exposed to market swings.

Much of the increase in Bitcoin millionaire addresses occurred before Trump took office, driven by a late-2024 rally fueled by election-related optimism and expectations of deregulation.

The post Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial Partners With Spacecoin on DeFi Initiative appeared first on Cryptonews.

Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic’s report shows that Russia’s ruble-backed stablecoin A7A5, launched last year to help evade sanctions, has processed over $100 billion in transactions in less than a year.

Russia-based cross-border payments firm A7 LLC launched the stablecoin in January 2025 to circumvent Western sanctions. It claims a 1:1 backing by ruble deposits held at Russian state-owned Promsvyazbank (PSB).

Per the report released on Thursday, the stablecoin issued on Ethereum and TRON blockchains processed nearly 250,000 on-chain transactions from 41,300 distinct accounts.

“Transaction numbers increased significantly in late September 2025, due to the introduction of the ability to purchase A7A5 with PSB bank cards,” Elliptic noted.

In June 2025, Cryptonews reported that A7A5 crossed over $9.3 billion in transactions on crypto exchange Grinex.

The stablecoin helps facilitate sanction evasion by functioning as a 1:1 ruble-backed “safe harbour,” even though Tether’s USDT became the primary crypto asset for Russian sanctions evasion.

A7A5 Stablecoin Hits $100B Transactions – Here’s How

The asset, which is currently listed only on Uniswap, has a market cap of more than $540 million, per CoinMarketCap data.

Further, the Elliptic data shows that 35,500 accounts now hold the stablecoin, an increase from the 14,000 in July 2025.

“Total A7A5 exchange volumes have now reached $17.3 billion,” Elliptic added. “The primary trading pairs, A7A5/rubles ($11.2 billion) and A7A5/USDT ($6.1 billion), highlight the stablecoin’s primary role as a bridging asset between rubles and USDT.”

Stablecoin Supply Stalled Amid Heavy Western Sanctions

Besides, the stablecoin activity is currently showing signs of stalling after heavy sanctions by the US, UK and EU on Russia-linked cryptos. The Western sanctions were imposed on Russia, targeting finance, energy and goods, since the nation’s full-scale Ukraine invasion.

“Despite relatively high transaction volumes, there are indications that demand for A7A5 has stalled,” Elliptic report noted. “There are just over 42.5 billion A7A5 in circulation, with a US dollar value of $547 million.”

Additionally, the transaction volumes have dropped from a peak of over $1.5 billion per day to around $500 million per day.

The post Russian Ruble-Pegged Stablecoin Surpasses $100B in Transactions Less Than a Year – Report appeared first on Cryptonews.

Capital One has agreed to acquire fintech firm Brex in a deal valued at $5.15 billion, marking one of the largest fintech transactions in recent years and signaling the bank’s growing interest in stablecoin-based payments.

The US banking giant said on Thursday that the transaction will be structured as a combination of cash and stock and is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

As part of the deal, Capital One will absorb Brex’s payments technology, including its stablecoin infrastructure.

Capital One Says Brex Deal Accelerates Push Into Business Payments

“Since our founding, we set out to build a payments company at the frontier of the technology revolution,” Capital One founder and CEO Richard Fairbank said in a statement.

He added that the acquisition would accelerate the bank’s push into business payments, an area where competition from fintech firms has intensified.

Brex, best known for its corporate cards and spend management tools, has increasingly positioned itself at the intersection of traditional finance and crypto.

In October, the company announced plans to become the first global corporate card provider to support native stablecoin payments, beginning with USDC.

That move placed Brex among a small but growing group of fintech firms experimenting with blockchain-based settlement for everyday business transactions.

Brex co-founder and CEO Pedro Franceschi said he would continue to lead the company following the acquisition.

Writing on X, Franceschi said the deal would allow both firms to move faster and invest more deeply, bringing expanded financial tools to businesses that remain underserved by traditional banks.

The acquisition comes as stablecoins draw renewed attention across Wall Street.

Following the passage of comprehensive US stablecoin legislation last year, major financial institutions have begun exploring how tokenized dollars could fit into payments, treasury management, and cross-border transfers.

According to CoinGecko, the total market capitalization of stablecoins has climbed 18.6% since the GENIUS Act was passed in July 2025, reaching a record $314 billion.

That growth has sharpened interest from banks seeking to modernize payment rails while staying within regulatory boundaries.

Stablecoin Transactions Hit $33 Trillion in 2025 as USDC Leads Usage

Global stablecoin transaction value reached $33 trillion in 2025, marking a 72% increase from the previous year, according to Bloomberg data compiled by Artemis Analytics.

USDC emerged as the most-used stablecoin by transaction volume, processing $18.3 trillion, while Tether’s USDT handled $13.3 trillion, despite maintaining its lead by market capitalization at $187 billion.

The surge in activity followed the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, the first comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.

Industry participants say the legislation has provided legal certainty that encouraged broader institutional and global adoption.

As reported, stablecoin usage on fintech platform Revolut also accelerated sharply in 2025, with payment volumes estimated to have climbed 156% year over year to roughly $10.5 billion, as digital dollars gain ground in everyday payments.

The post Capital One Agrees to Acquire Technology and Stablecoin Firm Brex in $5.15B Deal appeared first on Cryptonews.

Defi Development Corporation has pushed the boundaries of crypto culture and corporate experimentation after launching what it describes as the world’s first memecoin created by a publicly traded company.

The company’s move has already ignited controversy across the Solana ecosystem.

The token, called DisclaimerCoin and trading under the ticker $DONT, briefly surged to a market capitalization of more than $26 million within hours of launch.

DFDV Launches $DONT Memecoin as a Corporate Experiment

The launch comes at a time when Solana’s memecoin market remains hyperactive, driven by speculation, rapid liquidity rotation, and a growing overlap between on-chain culture and institutional capital.

Against that backdrop, DFDV’s decision to issue a memecoin has raised questions not only about market behavior but also about how far publicly listed companies can go in embracing crypto-native norms without crossing regulatory or ethical lines.

DeFi Development Corporation said that $DONT was intentionally released without a utility, roadmap, or promises.

The company framed the token as a live experiment rather than a product, stating that it exists purely to test what happens when a real corporation engages directly with internet-native markets.

In a post confirming the launch, DFDV executive Dan Kang said the token was legitimate and reiterated a simple message to traders: “Don’t buy it.”

Despite this, on-chain activity of the token has seen massive activity.

Within two hours of launch on the Bonk.fun platform and Raydium liquidity pools, $DONT climbed rapidly, with early wallets recording outsized gains.

On-chain Data Flags Early Profits in $DONT Debut

On-chain data shows that some addresses were able to trade the token profitably before or immediately after the public announcement, fueling speculation about insider access or privileged information.

One wallet reportedly sold billions of $DONT tokens for hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit without purchasing them on the open market.

Meanwhile, other wallets linked by analysts to validator infrastructure associated with DFDV also posted gains.

The suspicious activity has added to skepticism, particularly given Solana’s history of high-profile memecoin launches tied to compromised social media accounts.

However, Defi Development Corporation has repeatedly affirmed the authenticity of the token that $DONT was officially issued by DFDV.

Tokenomics published by the company outline a fixed supply of 420 billion $DONT, with no inflation mechanism.

Thirty percent of the supply is held permanently on DFDV’s balance sheet, forty percent was allocated to public liquidity, and twenty percent was reserved for ecosystem and community purposes.

Additionally, ten percent is assigned to early contributors, including employees subject to predefined sales rules.

As a result of the price surge, the balance sheet allocation alone briefly translated into an estimated $8 million increase in the company’s reported on-chain assets.

DeFi Development Sticks With Solana Despite Treasury Drawdown

The move fits into a broader pattern of experimentation by DeFi Development Corporation, which has positioned itself as an unconventional digital asset treasury firm.

Since adopting its non-Bitcoin DAT strategy in 2025, the company has tokenized its stock on-chain, operated validators as a treasury function, and deployed capital into Solana DeFi protocols to generate yield.

The firm ended 2025 as one of the top-performing crypto-linked Nasdaq stocks, even as the broader Solana market faced declining prices.

That context is important, as Solana-focused treasuries have been under pressure in recent months. With SOL down sharply from late 2025 highs, many DATs have seen treasury values fall, and net asset values compress.

DFDV’s treasury, currently valued at roughly $283 million and centered around nearly 2.2 million SOL, has declined by more than 30% over the past three months, underscoring the financial strain across the sector.

The post Solana DAT’s $DONT Memecoin Hits $26M – But Degens Are Warned: “Don’t Buy It” appeared first on Cryptonews.

F/m Investments has asked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to allow it to tokenize shares of its flagship Treasury exchange-traded fund.

The $18 billion asset manager filed an application on Wednesday seeking exemptive relief that would permit ownership records for the F/m US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (TBIL) to be maintained on a permissioned blockchain.

The fund, which holds roughly $6 billion in assets, would continue to operate as a conventional ETF regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

F/m Calls Proposal First-of-Its-Kind Bid to Tokenize ETF Shares

In a press release announcing the filing, F/m described the proposal as the first attempt by an ETF issuer to obtain US regulatory approval specifically for tokenized shares of a registered investment company.

Under the plan, blockchain-based shares would carry the same CUSIP identifier as existing TBIL shares and offer identical rights, fees, voting privileges and economic exposure.

According to the firm, the initiative is not intended to create a new digital asset. Instead, tokenization would function as an alternative method for recording ownership, alongside traditional book-entry systems used by brokerages and custodians.

The filing places F/m alongside a growing number of traditional asset managers experimenting with tokenization.

Franklin Templeton has already launched blockchain-enabled US government money market funds, moving share ownership records onchain while maintaining compliance with federal securities laws.

F/m’s proposal extends that model to a listed Treasury ETF, potentially expanding access to tokenized fixed-income products within regulated markets.

F/m also drew a sharp distinction between its approach and crypto-native instruments such as stablecoins or unregistered tokens.

The company emphasized that tokenized TBIL shares would remain subject to independent board oversight, daily portfolio disclosure, third-party custody and audits, as well as the investor protections embedded in the 1940 Act.

If approved, the structure would allow TBIL to trade through both traditional brokerage channels and digital-native, token-aware platforms using a single share class. F/m said the fund’s investment strategy and portfolio composition would remain unchanged.

NYSE’s Tokenization Push Signals Shift Beyond Pilot Projects

The application arrives as tokenization gains traction across financial markets.

Just days earlier, the New York Stock Exchange revealed plans for a new trading venue designed to support around-the-clock trading and onchain settlement of tokenized stocks and ETFs, underscoring the industry’s push beyond pilot projects toward broader adoption.

Market forecasts suggest the opportunity could be significant. Standard Chartered previously projected that tokenized real-world assets could reach a $2 trillion market capitalization by 2028.

In a recent research, Web3 digital property firm Animoca Brands said that tokenization of RWAs could unlock a $400 trillion traditional finance market.

Last month, Libeara, the blockchain infrastructure platform backed by Standard Chartered’s venture arm SC Ventures, rolled out a new tokenized gold investment fund in Singapore, bringing one of the world’s oldest safe-haven assets onto digital rails.

The fund, launched in partnership with FundBridge Capital, allows professional investors to gain exposure to gold through blockchain-based tokens issued on Libeara’s ledger.

The post Asset Manager F/m Seeks SEC Approval to Tokenize Treasury ETF Shares appeared first on Cryptonews.

Stablecoin issuer Circle has awarded a grant to support the United Nations’ push to modernize its internal payment systems, aiming to make humanitarian aid transfers faster, cheaper and more transparent.

The grant was announced Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Circle did not disclose the size or structure of the grant.

The Circle Foundation said the funding would support the UN’s Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS), a program focused on improving how money moves across the UN’s global operations.

Circle Expands UN Stablecoin Aid Efforts

The initiative builds on earlier cooperation between Circle and the United Nations.

In 2022, Circle partnered with the UN Refugee Agency and DHoTS to facilitate USDC stablecoin payments to Ukrainians displaced by the war, marking one of the first large-scale uses of stablecoins in humanitarian aid distribution.

UN Development Programme administrator Alexander De Croo said digital payments could help stretch limited resources further at a time when humanitarian budgets are under strain.

“Stablecoin payments allow us to make every dollar work harder,” he said, pointing to inefficiencies tied to legacy banking infrastructure.

According to Circle, roughly $38 billion in humanitarian funding flows through outdated financial rails each year, often resulting in delays, high transaction fees and limited transparency.

Digital financial infrastructure, including blockchain-based payments, could help address those issues while improving accountability.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih said the use of new technology was about more than efficiency.

“This is about using technology to uphold dignity and choice for people forced to flee, while maximizing impact for every dollar entrusted to us,” he said.

The grant comes shortly after Circle launched the Circle Foundation in December, a philanthropic arm focused on financial inclusion and resilience.

Supporting public-sector use cases for stablecoins appears to be an early priority.

Stablecoins are playing an increasingly prominent role in global payments. The sector has grown into a $312.7 billion market, with tokens widely used for remittances, business settlements and savings in regions facing currency instability.

Bermuda Unveils Plan for Fully On-Chain Economy With Coinbase and Circle

As reported, Bermuda has announced plans to place blockchain infrastructure at the core of its financial system, partnering with Coinbase and Circle to develop what officials describe as a fully on-chain economy.

The initiative was unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Premier David Burt outlined a model that would integrate digital assets into everyday payments, financial services and government operations.

The push reflects long-standing challenges faced by the island’s economy, including high transaction fees, limited banking access and slow settlement times caused by global bank de-risking.

By using dollar-denominated stablecoins and blockchain-based settlement, Bermuda aims to bypass traditional correspondent banking networks and reduce costs for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized firms.

The rollout will begin with a pilot using Circle’s USDC stablecoin and Coinbase’s Base infrastructure, focusing on government and commercial payments, tokenization tools for financial institutions and nationwide digital literacy programs.

The post Circle Issues Grant to Fund UN Initiative to Streamline Humanitarian Aid Payments appeared first on Cryptonews.

The fourth quarter of 2025 may have quietly signaled the end of the crypto bear market, according to a new report from digital asset manager Bitwise, even as prices struggled to reflect improving fundamentals.

In a report shared Wednesday, Bitwise chief investment officer Matt Hougan said Q4 presented a confusing picture for investors.

Crypto prices weakened through much of the quarter, yet on-chain data, user activity, and revenue metrics across the sector continued to strengthen.

Bitwise’s Hougan Draws Parallels Between Today’s Market and Post-FTX 2023

Hougan compared the current setup to early 2023, when markets were still reeling from the collapse of FTX.

At the time, crypto prices appeared directionless despite signs of recovery under the surface. Bitcoin rebounded from lows near $16,000 and ultimately surged to around $98,000 by the start of 2025.

“At the time, we were starting to rebound post-FTX, and the data was topsy-turvy; some up, some down, some sideways,” Hougan said. “In the two years that followed, crypto prices soared.”

According to Hougan, the same divergence between sentiment and fundamentals emerged again in late 2025. While asset prices pulled back, key indicators across the crypto economy moved sharply higher.

The outlook for 2026, however, remains a point of debate among analysts.

Fundstrat head of research Tom Lee has warned that macro headwinds, including trade tariffs and political uncertainty, could weigh on markets for much of the year before a late rebound.

By contrast, VanEck expects the first quarter of 2026 to favor “risk-on” assets such as crypto, citing greater fiscal clarity and signs of stabilization in the U.S. economy.

Hougan highlighted four trends from Q4 that he believes strengthen the case for a market bottom.

Ethereum and layer-2 networks saw transaction volumes climb to record levels, suggesting growing real-world usage.

At the same time, revenues among crypto-focused companies outpaced many traditional sectors in the stock market.

Stablecoin Market Hits Record $300B as Transaction Volumes Surge

Stablecoins also played a central role. Transaction volumes and assets under management surged throughout 2025, with total stablecoin market capitalization surpassing $300 billion in Q4, marking a new all-time high.

Decentralized finance adoption rounded out the list. Hougan pointed to Uniswap, noting that the decentralized exchange now consistently processes more transaction volume than Coinbase.

“That’s the kind of divergence you get at the bottom of bear markets, when sentiment is down but fundamentals are up,” he said.

Bitwise added that several potential catalysts could push crypto markets higher in 2026, including progress on the CLARITY Act, continued growth in stablecoins, a new Federal Reserve chair appointment, and major wirehouses opening client access to crypto exchange-traded funds.

The post Q4 2025 May Have Marked the End of Crypto Bear Market: Bitwise appeared first on Cryptonews.

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss donated 3,221 ZEC (approximately $1.2 million) to Shielded Labs on Tuesday, the Swiss-based nonprofit confirmed, marking their second contribution to the independent Zcash development organization.

Zcash (ZEC) is currently trading around $368.85 and is up about 3.01% over the past 24 hours.

The funds will support three protocol-level initiatives: the Network Sustainability Mechanism (economic health upgrades), Crosslink (a hybrid PoW/PoS layer), and Dynamic Fees. Shielded Labs operates entirely outside Zcash’s Dev Fund structure, relying solely on donations from ZEC holders.

“A healthy Zcash ecosystem depends on multiple independent organisations contributing at the protocol level. Shielded Labs plays an important role in that effort, and we’re glad to support their work,” Cameron Winklevoss said.

Cameron Winklevoss also added that the twins have backed Zcash for years, calling privacy “the point at which government and corporate overreach end and your freedom and self-sovereignty begin.”

Timing and Context

The donation lands two weeks after the entire Electric Coin Company development team (roughly 25 members, including CEO Josh Swihart and Chief Scientist Chelsea Komlo) resigned on January 7, citing what Swihart described as “constructive discharge” following a governance dispute with Bootstrap, ECC’s nonprofit overseer.

The departing developers immediately formed a new startup, cashZ, and announced plans for a wallet built on the existing Zashi codebase. ZEC dropped 20% following the announcement, briefly touching $385.

Shielded Labs, led by Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox as Head of Product, now represents a parallel development path. The organization received its first Winklevoss donation in 2023 to seed the Crosslink team.

Winklevoss-Backed Accumulation

The brothers’ support extends beyond donations. Winklevoss Capital led a $58.88 million private placement in October 2025 for Cypherpunk Technologies (NASDAQ: CYPH), a company that shifted to a Zcash treasury strategy.

Cypherpunk purchased 56,418 ZEC last month and now holds nearly 2% of the circulating supply. Zooko Wilcox joined Cypherpunk as Strategic Advisor in December 2025.

Regulatory Tailwind

The SEC closed its two-year investigation into the Zcash Foundation on January 14, 2026, without enforcement action. The probe, initiated via subpoena in August 2023, examined whether ZEC constituted a securities offering. The closure aligns with broader SEC pullback on crypto enforcement under Chair Paul Atkins.

ZEC surged 14% on the SEC news but has since retraced as governance uncertainty persists.

What This Means for Desks

The Winklevoss donation shows institutional confidence in Shielded Labs as the de facto development anchor for Zcash. With ECC’s team now operating independently under cashZ and regulatory clarity secured, ZEC’s path forward hinges on execution of the Crosslink hybrid PoS upgrade.

Liquidity providers watching the privacy coin sector should note the twins’ coordinated accumulation via Cypherpunk and direct protocol funding. The governance fracture introduces development risk, but also decentralizes the previously ECC-centric structure.

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Cryptocurrency hackers are exploiting trusted Linux software to steal digital assets, using a new technique that turns legitimate Snap Store packages into malware.

Rather than creating fresh accounts on the Snap Store, which is operated by Canonical, attackers are now taking over existing publisher accounts, according to a warning from Ubuntu contributor and former Canonical developer Alan Pope.

The method relies on identifying expired web domains and email addresses linked to long-standing Snap Store developers, registering those domains, and then using the recovered access to hijack Snapcraft accounts.

Attackers Turn Legitimate Packages Malicious

Once inside, the attackers push malicious updates to packages that were previously benign, catching users off guard through automatic updates and long-established trust signals.

The Snap Store, like other major package repositories, has long been a target for malware campaigns.

Early efforts were relatively unsophisticated, with scammers publishing fake crypto wallet applications under newly created accounts.

When those attempts became easier to detect, attackers began disguising malicious apps using lookalike characters from other alphabets to evade filters.

According to Pope, the tactic then evolved into a bait-and-switch approach. Attackers would publish harmless software under neutral names such as “lemon-throw” or “alpha-hub,” often posing as simple games. After approval and a period of inactivity, a follow-up update would quietly introduce a fake crypto wallet designed to steal funds.

The latest development raises the stakes. In at least two confirmed cases, attackers took control of expired domains once owned by legitimate Snap publishers and used them to distribute wallet-stealing malware through automatic updates.

The affected applications appeared normal on the surface but were built to harvest wallet recovery phrases and transmit them to attacker-controlled servers.

By the time users noticed suspicious behavior, funds and sensitive data were already compromised.

Canonical has since removed the malicious snaps, but Pope warned that the response highlights deeper weaknesses in the platform’s trust model.

He said domain takeovers undermine publisher longevity as a safety signal and called for additional safeguards, including monitoring domain expirations, enforcing stronger account verification for dormant publishers, and requiring mandatory two-factor authentication.

Security Researcher Warns of Delayed Snap Store Takedowns

Pope also noted delays in removing reported malicious snaps, sometimes stretching over several days.

He advised users to exercise extra caution when installing cryptocurrency wallets on Linux and to consider downloading them directly from official project websites instead of app stores.

To help users assess risk, Pope created SnapScope, a web-based tool that flags snaps as suspicious or malicious before installation.

He also urged developers to keep domain registrations active and secure Snapcraft and email accounts with two-factor authentication.

According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency addresses received a record $154 billion in 2025, a sharp increase from the year before.

In another case, US prosecutors have charged a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, Ronald Spektor, with stealing roughly $16 million in cryptocurrency from around 100 Coinbase users through an alleged phishing and social engineering scheme.

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Ripple’s US dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD is set to debut spot trading on Binance, expanding the token’s reach on one of the world’s largest digital asset exchanges.

The launch will begin with support on Ethereum, with integration on the XRP Ledger expected to follow. Trading pairs available on day one will include XRP/RLUSD and RLUSD/USDT.

The listing marks a notable step in RLUSD’s rollout and reflects Ripple’s push to position the stablecoin as a payments-focused asset with institutional-grade infrastructure.

RLUSD Expands Utility With Multi-Chain Support and Binance Trading Tools

In addition to spot trading, Binance plans to extend RLUSD’s utility through portfolio margin eligibility and future inclusion in Binance Earn, opening the door to broader use across trading and yield products.

By launching across multiple chains, RLUSD aims to serve users operating within different ecosystems.

Ethereum support offers access to smart contract functionality and decentralized finance integrations, while upcoming availability on XRPL is expected to appeal to users seeking faster settlement and lower transaction costs.

For Ripple, the dual-chain strategy is central to its goal of enabling real-world payments, on-chain liquidity and cross-network interoperability.

The timing comes as demand grows for stablecoins designed specifically for payments rather than trading alone.

RLUSD is backed one-to-one by US dollar deposits, short-term US Treasuries and other cash equivalents, with monthly attestations intended to provide transparency and regulatory clarity.

Ripple has positioned the token as a compliant alternative for institutions navigating tighter oversight of dollar-pegged assets.

Binance’s global footprint is expected to significantly raise RLUSD’s profile, particularly in emerging markets where stablecoins are increasingly used for remittances and dollar access.

Deeper exchange liquidity could also accelerate adoption among developers building payment rails and institutions exploring tokenized cash management and settlement.

RLUSD’s market capitalization has recently climbed past $1.3 billion, underscoring its rapid growth since launch.

The stablecoin is issued under a New York Department of Financial Services limited-purpose trust charter, and Ripple has also received conditional approval for a US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency charter.

Ripple’s RLUSD Wins Regulatory Green Light in Abu Dhabi

As reported, Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD was cleared for institutional use in Abu Dhabi after receiving recognition as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token from the local regulator.

The approval allows licensed firms within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to use RLUSD for regulated financial activities inside the free-zone financial center.

The decision strengthens Ripple’s expansion across the UAE. In recent months, the company secured approvals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and onboarded partners including Zand Bank and Mamo.

As reported, Ripple is also weighing whether to bring staking to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a move that would push the decade-old blockchain deeper into the rapidly expanding world of decentralized finance.

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Vietnam has begun moving cryptocurrency exchanges out of a long-standing legal gray area by piloting a formal licensing regime for crypto asset trading platforms.

Under Decision No. 96/QD-BTC, issued this week by the Ministry of Finance, authorities introduced three new administrative procedures covering the issuance, adjustment, and revocation of licenses for organizations that operate crypto asset trading platforms, according to reports by local news outlets.

The framework places the sector under the supervision of the State Securities Commission, which published detailed guidance on application dossiers and procedures.

Vietnam’s Crypto Licensing Pilot Draws Interest From Banks

The move signals a shift away from years of informal tolerance, during which crypto trading activity flourished without a clear legal basis.

Several major financial institutions have already signaled interest. Around 10 securities firms and banks have announced plans to enter the market once licensing approvals are granted.

Among securities firms, SSI Securities established SSI Digital Technology JSC in 2022 and has since expanded its blockchain ambitions.

Its digital unit recently partnered with Tether, U2U Network, and Amazon Web Services to develop blockchain-based financial infrastructure in Vietnam.

VIX Securities has also contributed capital to launch the VIX Crypto Asset Exchange, while teaming up with FPT Corp. to build out its technology stack.

Banks are moving in parallel. MBBank has signed a technical cooperation agreement with Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, to explore launching a regulated exchange in Vietnam.

Techcombank has already set up the Techcom Crypto Asset Exchange, while VPBank said it is ready to begin operations pending regulatory approval.

Participation in the pilot program comes with strict requirements under Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP.

Applicants must be Vietnamese enterprises with a minimum paid-in charter capital of VND10 trillion ($380 million), largely funded by institutional investors.

They must also meet detailed standards on infrastructure, governance, and staffing, including cybersecurity and licensed securities professionals.

The regulatory push comes as crypto usage in Vietnam continues to expand.

According to Chainalysis, crypto transaction volumes in Vietnam reached an estimated $220–230 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, placing the country among the top three crypto markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Until recently, digital asset activity operated without a clear legal framework.

That changed with the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, formally bringing digital assets under regulatory oversight.

Tether Eyes Vietnam as Next Key Market

As reported, stablecoin issuer Tether is exploring partnerships with Vietnamese companies to expand crypto adoption in the country.

Vice President Marco Dal Lago called Vietnam one of Tether’s most “promising and strategic markets,” citing its youthful population, fast-growing economy, and high remittance volumes as strong fundamentals for digital asset growth.

During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, Lago said Tether is ready to share its global expertise in building legal frameworks that support sustainable crypto transactions and economic development.

The Deputy PM emphasized Vietnam’s ambition to create a professional, well-regulated investment environment and attract international capital.

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Hong Kong is preparing to issue its first batch of stablecoin issuer licences in the first quarter of the year, stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional hub for digital assets amid growing global competition.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city’s approach to crypto regulation remains “responsible and sustainable,” according to the South China Morning Post.

Chan reportedly confirmed that the initial round of stablecoin licences is expected to be granted in the coming months.

Hong Kong Positions Stablecoins at the Core of Its Digital Finance Strategy

Chan framed stablecoins as part of a broader push to build a full digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong, spanning regulated stablecoin issuance, licensed trading platforms, and tokenized financial products.

He described digital finance as a strategic growth pillar as the city seeks to maintain its status as a global financial center.

The stablecoin licensing regime, passed in 2025, sets out strict requirements for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers.

These include rules on reserve backing, redemption rights, governance, and risk management, reflecting regulators’ focus on financial stability and consumer protection following volatility in global crypto markets.

Hong Kong’s stablecoin plans sit alongside an already active framework for crypto trading platforms.

Under rules enforced by the Securities and Futures Commission, 11 virtual asset trading platforms have received licences to date.

Approved operators include OSL, HashKey, and Bullish, according to the regulator’s public disclosures.

Beyond trading and stablecoins, Hong Kong is also pushing deeper into 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, involving major banks and asset managers.

At the same time, regulators are consulting on additional proposals that would introduce new licensing regimes for crypto asset dealing, advisory, and management services.

Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association warned that tighter virtual asset management rules could deter traditional asset managers by raising compliance costs and slowing institutional participation.

Hong Kong Asset Managers Warn Crypto Rule Change Could Deter Traditional Funds

As reported, the Hong Kong securities industry is urging regulators to rethink proposed changes that would tighten rules around crypto exposure in traditional investment portfolios, warning the move could discourage mainstream asset managers just as the city seeks to expand its digital-asset market.

In a submission to the Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association argued against removing the long-standing “de minimis” exemption for Type 9 licensed managers, which currently allows limited crypto exposure without triggering a separate virtual asset management licence.

The proposal comes as Hong Kong broadens its digital-asset framework, with authorities consulting on new licensing regimes for virtual asset dealing, advisory, and management services.

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Solana Mobile has launched an airdrop of its native token, SKR, opening claims to users of its Seeker smartphone and select developers active in its decentralized app ecosystem.

In a statement released Tuesday, Solana Mobile said the airdrop reflects its broader vision of user ownership in mobile platforms.

“Seeker and SKR are a bet that there’s another way for mobile: that the people who use the network should own the network,” the company said, adding that more than 100,000 users are eligible to claim tokens.

Solana Mobile Opens 90-Day SKR Airdrop Claims for Seeker Users

Owners of the Seeker phone can claim their allocation directly through the device’s built-in wallet.

The claim window is set at 90 days, after which any unclaimed tokens will be returned to the airdrop pool, according to the announcement.

Eligibility also extends beyond hardware users. Developers who launched what Solana Mobile described as “quality apps” on the Solana dApp Store during Season 1 are included in the distribution, underscoring the company’s push to reward early ecosystem contributors.

SKR is positioned as the core asset underpinning governance, incentives, and economic activity across the Solana Mobile ecosystem.

The token has a fixed supply of 10 billion units, with 30% allocated to airdrops and unlocks at launch.

Solana Mobile said this structure is intended to prioritize early participation while maintaining long-term issuance controls.

Airdrop recipients are being encouraged to stake their SKR tokens. According to the project’s documentation, inflation events occur every 48 hours under a linear schedule that starts with 10% annual inflation.

That rate is designed to decline by 25% each year until it reaches 2%, at which point inflation will remain constant.

The token launch coincides with the rollout of Seeker’s Season 2 campaign, which introduces new apps, rewards, and early-access programs.

Focus areas include decentralized finance, gaming, payments, trading, and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN).

Solana Mobile’s Seeker Phone Builds on Saga

Seeker is an Android-based smartphone and the successor to Solana Mobile’s first device, Saga.

It comes preloaded with blockchain-focused features, including Seed Vault hardware-backed key storage and a native Solana dApp Store.

In August, Solana Mobile said it had received roughly 150,000 preorders for Seeker, with shipments planned across more than 50 countries.

The Solana Seeker includes a Genesis NFT providing owners access to future airdrops, exclusive content, and reward programs, with particular focus on the planned native ecosystem token, SKR.

SKR represents the native ecosystem token for Solana mobile devices, operating on Solana’s layer-1 blockchain and expected to be “airdropped directly to builders and users for ecosystem participation.”

According to CoinGecko data, SKR was trading at $0.01062 at the time of publication, up 54% over the past 24 hours.

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Billionaire Brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of Gemini exchange, have donated 3,221 Zcash tokens (ZEC) to Shielded Labs, supporting the network’s initiatives. The contribution is valued at approximately $1.2 million at current market prices.

Shielded Labs, led by Zcash founder Zooko, announced Tuesday that the donation will directly support Shielded Labs’ core initiatives. This includes strengthening long-term security, sustainability, and scalability of the Zcash network.

Privacy is Crucial for Crypto: Winklevoss Twins

Cameron Winklevoss emphasized that privacy is the next frontier in crypto. It’s the point at which government and corporate overreach end and your freedom and self-sovereignty begin, he wrote on X.

“Shielded Labs is committed to building Zcash — unstoppable private money. That’s why Tyler and I are supporting their mission.”

Further, Tyler noted that the donation at the protocol level would help foster a healthy Zcash ecosystem. “Shielded Labs plays an important role in that effort, and we’re glad to support their work.”

Winklevoss twins initially donated to Shielded Labs in 2023 to support the formation of the dedicated Crosslink team.

“Their contribution meaningfully accelerates our ability to execute on critical protocol-level work and to collaborate openly with other contributors to advance Zcash’s mission,” Swiss-based Shielded Labs noted.

Besides, Winklevoss-backed Cypherpunk bought 56,418 ZEC last month, holding nearly 2% of the token’s circulating supply.

Zcash Token ZEC Trades in Red, What Next?

Zcash, in its turn, has been registering among the most robust performances in the crypto market since September 2025. increased nearly 800% in the last 12 months.

However, the token is showing bearish outlook since the start of this year. ZEC has been trading within a narrowing triangle pattern on the daily chart. The price has formed a series of lower highs and higher lows, showing a loss of momentum in both directions.

At the time of reporting, ZEC trades near $357.79, down 1.5% in 24 hours, extending a 14% weekly decline. Analysts warn that a close below $360 could target $300 next – a 16% downside risk from current prices.

That said, Zcash Foundation recently cleared a years-long investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission without any enforcement action. The move brought regulatory clarity to the industry’s most closely watched privacy projects.

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Blockchain analytics firm Glassnode warned on Monday that XRP’s on-chain market structure mirrors the exact cost-basis configuration observed before a 60% price collapse in 2022.

XRP is trading at $1.91, down 4.74% in the past 24 hours.

The signal centers on the holder’s cost basis. Wallets active in the 1-week to 1-month window are now accumulating below the realized price of the 6-month to 12-month cohort. Newer buyers hold at cheaper entry points while mid-term holders sit underwater or near breakeven.

This relationship creates overhead supply. When spot approaches the mid-term cohort’s cost basis, that group becomes eager to de-risk into any rally. February 2022 showed the result: XRP ran from $0.60 to $0.88 in the first week, then collapsed 60% to $0.30 by mid-year following the Terra implosion and broader macro deterioration.

The $2 Behavioral Threshold

Glassnode identified $2.00 as a level above the technical level. According to the firm’s November 2025 analysis, each retest of $2 since early 2025 triggered $500 million to $1.2 billion in weekly realized losses. Holders consistently capitulated into strength at this zone.

XRP breached $2.40 in early January, up 25% in a week. It has since retreated below $2.00. The pattern is familiar. The token is now trading below its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages.

The Counter-Data

Positive signs exist. XRP ETFs have absorbed $1.37 billion in cumulative inflows since their November 2025 launch, with 35 consecutive trading days without a single outflow, followed by a modest $40.8 million redemption on January 7. Total AUM sits near $2 billion with over 788 million XRP locked in custody.

Exchange reserves dropped from 3.76 billion XRP in early October 2025 to roughly 1.6 billion by late December, the lowest since 2018. ETF creations require spot purchases, which remove tokens from the available float.

Yet, inflows have not prevented drawdowns. XRP fell 15% in December despite record institutional buying. Exchange balance data shows 206 million XRP (roughly $430 million) moved onto platforms since January began, indicating distribution.

What Desks Are Watching

The February 2022 analog raises a specific question: can ETF-driven supply absorption offset the capitulation mechanics that Glassnode describes? Back then, no spot ETF product existed. Retail holders folded under macro pressure with no institutional bid to absorb supply.

This cycle is structurally different. Five major issuers (Canary Capital, Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, 21Shares) serve pension funds and endowments. Their consistent accumulation has tightened circulating float, and each $1 billion in inflows locks roughly 500 million XRP. But the gap between mid-term and short-term cost bases remains.

If $2.00 fails to hold, the 6-12 month cohort enters deeper loss territory. The $1.80 support level becomes the next line of support. Failure there opens downside toward $1.25, the deeper support zone identified by analysts. A sustained break above $2.40 would invalidate the bearish setup and shift focus toward $3.00 resistance.

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Trump Media and Technology Group has set February 2, 2026, as the important date upon which shareholders can claim its long-awaited digital rewards token.

However, the fine print around eligibility, ownership status, and token utility suggests the initiative will come with meaningful limitations for DJT holders.

In a press release of January 20, the company stated that the shareholders who are the ultimate beneficial owners of at least one whole share of DJT as of February 2 will be qualified to engage in the digital token program.

The announcement follows the company’s December confirmation that it plans to distribute a blockchain-based token as part of a broader push into crypto-adjacent products tied to its media and financial services ecosystem.

Trump Media Clarifies Who Qualifies for Its Planned Digital Token

The eligibility rules introduce an immediate complication.

Trump Media warned that shareholders designated as objecting beneficial owners, known as OBOs, may face delays or may not receive the timely information needed to claim tokens.

To avoid that risk, the company encouraged shareholders to confirm their status as non-objecting beneficial owners with their brokers or to move their shares into direct registration through Odyssey Transfer & Trust Company, the firm’s transfer agent.

The language effectively places the burden on shareholders to ensure they are visible to the company ahead of the record date.

When the plan was first outlined at the end of December, the company framed the token as a shareholder engagement tool rather than a financial instrument, emphasizing regulatory caution and non-security characteristics.

After February 2, Trump Media plans to work with Crypto.com to mint the tokens, record them on the blockchain, and hold custody of the assets until distribution.

While the company did not explicitly name the underlying network in the latest release, earlier disclosures indicated the tokens are expected to run on Crypto.com’s Cronos blockchain.

Trump Media said additional details on allocation and distribution will be released after the record date.

The company also reiterated that token holders may periodically receive rewards throughout the year.

These incentives are expected to take the form of benefits or discounts connected to Trump Media’s products, including Truth Social, its Truth+ streaming service, and Truth Predict.

However, the company was clear about what the token would not represent.

The company Lays Groundwork for Shareholder Token Rollout

According to the disclosure, the digital token will not confer ownership rights, will not be transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and should not be viewed as a claim on profits or managerial efforts.

Only shareholders who own DJT shares outright on the record date, excluding borrowers of stock, will be eligible.

Trump Media CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes said the partnership with Crypto.com is intended to align with existing Securities and Exchange Commission guidance while also helping the company gain a clearer view of its shareholder base as of the record date.

The company also reserved the right to modify or terminate the token distribution or any associated terms at its discretion, with or without prior notice.

The announcement comes as DJT shares showed modest gains.

At the time of publication, the stock was up about 3.1% and trading near $14.38, according to Google Finance.

Ownership data from Yahoo Finance shows a tightly held structure, with company insiders controlling roughly 42.72% of outstanding shares.

Institutional investors hold about 24.07% of total shares, representing just over 42% of the public float, with 401 institutions reporting positions.

The token initiative marks the most concrete step yet in Trump Media’s gradual move toward blockchain-based features.

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