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Yesterday — 24 January 2026Main stream

Expert Forecasts $5 XRP Price As Exchange Balances Plummet By 57%

24 January 2026 at 01:00

XRP has given back all of its early‑year gains, sliding toward the $1.90. Despite the pullback, several on‑chain and market indicators are pointing to a possible breakout from current levels, driven largely by a sharp decline in XRP held on exchanges. 

XRP Exchange Balances Slide To 1.5B

Market analyst Sam Daodu notes that over the past months, a substantial portion of XRP has steadily moved off centralized trading platforms and into long‑term storage and institutional custody. 

On‑chain figures indicate that XRP exchange balances dropped from roughly 4 billion tokens in early 2025 to about 1.5 billion by late December. This 57% decline represents the steepest annual reduction in XRP exchange supply on record.

Data from CryptoQuant reinforces this trend, showing shrinking XRP reserves on major trading platforms such as Binance, where balances continued to fall into early 2026. At the same time, wallet accumulation has increased, particularly among institutional custody accounts. 

Daodu argues that with fewer tokens available on exchanges, buying pressure that previously moved XRP only marginally can now drive gains of 10% to 15% within days. 

When combined with approximately $1.37 billion in XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows recorded since November 2025, Daodu believes the conditions favor a potential breakout toward the $4 to $5 range, rather than another rally that stalls below $3.

Bullish, Base, And Bearish Scenarios

Looking ahead, Daodu outlines three broad price paths for XRP, each tied to how exchange balances and ETF inflows evolve. In a bullish scenario, the altcoin could move into the $4 to $5 range if monthly ETF inflows average $300-$500 million and exchange balances fall below 1.5 billion tokens. 

A more neutral outcome would see XRP trading between $2.50 and $3.50. This scenario assumes ETF inflows slow to roughly $50 million to $70 million per week and exchange balances continue to decline at a steadier pace. 

The bearish case hinges on the possibility that the supply contraction thesis proves overstated. If rapid transfers refill exchange order books, escrow releases increase selling pressure, or ETF demand slows due to tighter macroeconomic conditions, XRP could lose support. 

In that scenario, prices may fall below $2.00 and revisit the $1.60 level during periods of risk aversion. Prolonged uncertainty could see XRP trading between $1.50 and $2.00 for much of 2026, according to the analyst. 

XRP

At the time of writing, the altcoin was trading at $1.94. This represented losses of 4% and 8% over seven and fourteen-day periods, respectively. This positions the fifth-largest cryptocurrency in terms of market cap 46% below the current all-time high of $3.64 reached back in July of last year.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Before yesterdayMain stream

Binance Forms New Company In Greece, Moves Forward With MiCA Licensing

22 January 2026 at 17:21

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has taken a significant step toward strengthening its regulatory standing in Europe by establishing a formal presence in Greece and applying for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license ahead of the July 1 deadline.

Binance’s Greek Subsidiary

Corporate filings show that Binance has set up a new wholly owned subsidiary in Greece under the name “Binary Greece.” The entity has been incorporated as a single-shareholder public limited company with an initial share capital of €25,000. 

Binary Greece has been structured as a holding company. According to its articles of association, its primary activities include acquiring and managing equity stakes in companies both within Greece and internationally. 

It is also authorized to provide advisory services related to capital structuring, investment strategy, and liquidity management. 

Leadership of the new entity has been assigned to Gillian Majella Lynch, a senior executive with experience in banking, fintech, and digital assets. Lynch joined Binance in mid-2025 as Head of Europe and the United Kingdom. 

Greece’s Regulatory Stability Key In License Bid

A Binance spokesperson confirmed to Fortune that the besides formally applying for a MiCA license in Athens, the cryptocurrency exchange is currently engaged in discussions with Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). 

The spokesperson emphasized that Binance sees the MiCA framework as a positive development, offering regulatory clarity and a consistent set of rules that support innovation while ensuring compliance across the European Union.

Commenting on the choice of Greece, the exchange’s spokesperson noted that the country plays an important role in the European economy, highlighting that Greece’s economy is growing faster than the EU average and operates within a regulatory environment that Binance considers essential. 

Binance

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest Forecasts Nearly 9× Growth in Digital Assets to $28 Trillion by 2030

21 January 2026 at 23:34

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest is leaning into a big end-of-decade call on crypto.

In its Big Ideas 2026 report published Wednesday, the firm says digital assets could reach $28 trillion in market value by 2030. That is up from about $3.13 trillion today, a jump of roughly 9x.

The firm framed the estimate around two buckets, smart contract networks and “pure-play digital currencies”, which it describes as stores of value, mediums of exchange, and units of account on public blockchains.

Ark said the market “could grow at an annual rate of ~61% to $28 trillion in 2030”.

Ark also expects Bitcoin to dominate the pie. “We believe Bitcoin could account for 70% of the market,” it said, with the rest led by smart contract networks such as Ethereum and Solana.

Image Source: Ark Invest/ Big Ideas 2026

Ark Sees Bitcoin Market Cap Climbing To $16 Trillion By 2030

Based on Ark’s forecast, Bitcoin’s market cap could rise at a compound annual growth rate of about 63% during the next five years, climbing from nearly $2 trillion to $16 trillion by 2030.

The report also argued that Bitcoin is increasingly behaving like a safe-haven asset, pointing to lower volatility and drawdowns in 2025 that looked shallow versus its own history across 5-year, 3-year, 1-year, and 3-month windows.

Institutional ownership is a big part of that story. Ark said US spot Bitcoin ETFs and public companies held about 12% of total Bitcoin supply, up from 8.7%, after Bitcoin ETF balances rose 19.7% in 2025 from about 1.12M to about 1.29M, and public company holdings jumped 73% from roughly 598,000 to about 1.09M.

Bitcoin’s maturation is showing. ARK's Big Ideas 2026 research details rising adoption, leading risk-adjusted performance, the shallowest drawdowns in its history, and more.

Read @dpuellARK’s thread below and download the report for a deeper dive: https://t.co/Uw1o20VSMc https://t.co/L8GynmfSQz

— ARK Invest (@ARKInvest) January 21, 2026

Smart Contract Networks Could Grow At A 54% Annual Pace

Regarding smart contracts, Ark projected that the segment could reach approximately $6 trillion by 2030, growing at a 54% annual rate, as networks generate annualized revenue of around $192B at an average take rate of 0.75%.

It also expects two to three Layer-1 platforms to take the lion’s share, with valuations driven more by monetary premium than discounted cash flows.

Ark’s report kept Ethereum in the lead when it comes to on-chain assets, saying assets on Ethereum now exceed $400B. It also said stablecoins and the top 50 tokens make up about 90% of market value across seven of the eight most popular blockchains.

Ark Sees Long Runway For Tokenization Despite Small Current Share

Ark said meme coins remain a small part of most blockchains, making up about 3% or less of capital outside Solana.

Solana is the exception, where meme coins account for about 21% of assets. The firm also said tokenization of real-world assets could be one of the fastest-growing areas, as off-chain assets offer the biggest opportunity for on-chain growth.

That tokenization thesis is where Ark put another headline number. The firm said tokenized assets could grow from $19B to $11 trillion by 2030, which would still be only about 1.38% of all financial assets, suggesting plenty of runway even in a bullish scenario.

Sovereign debt dominates tokenization today, Ark said, and it expects bank deposits and global public equities to move a bigger share of value on-chain over the next five years.

It tied broad adoption to regulatory clarity and institutional-grade infrastructure, signalling that the plumbing may matter as much as the protocols.

The post Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest Forecasts Nearly 9× Growth in Digital Assets to $28 Trillion by 2030 appeared first on Cryptonews.

‘I’m Very Bullish’: Ripple CEO Forecasts Record Performance For Crypto In 2026

22 January 2026 at 00:00

Despite a mixed performance in the early weeks of 2026, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about the future of crypto markets, predicting new record highs for digital assets this year. 

Ripple CEO Optimistic About Long-Term XRP Potential

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Garlinghouse noted that recent regulatory developments, including the landmark GENIUS Act, have “unlocked a lot of activity” in the sector.

When asked about crypto performance during an interview with CNBC, Garlinghouse confidently stated, “I’m very bullish, and yes, I’ll go on record as saying, I think we’ll see an all-time high.” 

He emphasized that major financial institutions are increasingly showing interest in cryptocurrencies, labeling this shift as a “massive sea change.” However, he believes that this development is not fully reflected in current market prices.

Despite his optimistic outlook, XRP, Ripple’s associated cryptocurrency, was trading at $1.88 and had experienced a notable 13% decline over the past week. The current market performance has led analysts to speculate about the possibility of a new bear market on the horizon. 

Ripple

Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the XRP ecosystem, stating, “We are a very vested party in what goes on in the XRP ecosystem. In another five or 10 years, you’re going to see continued, very positive momentum.”

Garlinghouse Confident CLARITY Act Will Pass

Garlinghouse also anticipated that 2026 would see significant use cases for digital assets, mentioning that cryptocurrency exchange Binance is likely to re-enter the US market. 

He asserted that the GENIUS Act would facilitate the growth of stablecoins, potentially making operations like payroll more efficient. He believes cryptocurrencies are well-positioned for growth over the next decade.

Regarding the crypto market structure bill, or the CLARITY Act, a vital framework for regulating crypto, Garlinghouse voiced confidence that it will eventually succeed. “It’ll get done. We are as close as we have ever been,” he said. 

However, the proposed market structure bill has encountered significant challenges, particularly after key provisions came under scrutiny. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong withdrew support for the bill just 24 hours before an anticipated markup scheduled for January 15, leading to a postponement of the process.

Garlinghouse was taken aback by Armstrong’s strong opposition to the CLARITY Act, noting that “the rest of the industry, including exchanges that compete with Coinbase, were still supporting it.” 

The executive claimed that he still remains hopeful that industry leaders can navigate the current legislative impasse. “If we want the industry to continue to grow, we need things like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act,” he affirmed.

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com 

Vietnam Begins 5-Year Crypto Licensing Pilot To Regulate Exchanges

21 January 2026 at 23:00

Vietnam has launched a pilot program to license cryptocurrency exchanges, aiming to bring the rapidly growing market into a formal legal framework after years of regulatory uncertainty.

Vietnam’s Crypto Licensing Pilot Begins

On Tuesday, Vietnam began its pilot licensing regime to officially regulate crypto trading platforms in the country for the first time, in an effort to gradually move the sector from the shadows into a properly supervised framework under the local financial authorities.

According to local reports, the Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC on January 20, introducing procedures necessary for the implementation of Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP.

The three new administrative procedures cover the issuance, modification, and revocation of licenses for entities operating crypto asset trading platforms. The Ministry announced that it began accepting applications from businesses seeking to offer crypto asset trading services.

For context, the country’s cryptocurrency market lacked a clear legal framework, existing in an unsupervised, “gray area.” Last year, the National Assembly passed the “Law on Digital Technology Industry,” which took effect on January 1, 2026, to create a foundation for authorities to develop suitable management policies.

In September, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc signed Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, allowing a five-year pilot program for the issuance and trading of crypto assets.

As reported by Bitcoinist, under Resolution No. 05, organizations seeking to provide services for crypto trading markets must be registered with the financial authorities and fully comply with a strict set of rules, including a minimum contributed charter capital of VND10 trillion, worth around $380.66 million.

Notably, at least 65% of the charter capital must be held by institutional investors, with more than 35% contributed by at least two institutions such as commercial banks, securities companies, fund management companies, insurance companies, or technology enterprises.

The general director must have at least two years of experience in finance, while the CTO must have at least five years of experience in information technology. Moreover, firms must hire at least 10 technology staff with cybersecurity certificates and at least 10 staff with securities practice certificates working in other departments.

Financial Institutions Dive Into Digital Assets

Following the issuance of Resolution No. 05, major financial players, including securities companies and banking institutions, have announced their intention to participate in the pilot and enter the sector, noted the report.

In June, two SSI’s subsidiaries, SSI Digital Technology JSC and SSI Asset Management Company Limited, signed Memorandums of Understanding with Tether, U2U Network, and Amazon Web Services to develop a digital financial ecosystem in Vietnam based on blockchain and cloud computing platforms.

In addition, VIX Securities contributed capital to establish the VIX Crypto Asset Exchange and partnered with tech giant FPT Corp. to prepare its technology infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the banking sector saw MBBank enter a technical cooperation agreement with Dunamu, the operator of the Korean exchange Upbit, to establish a crypto exchange in Vietnam while jointly developing the legal framework and investor protection mechanisms.

Techcombank also established the Techcom Crypto Asset Exchange with a charter capital of several hundred billion VND. Similarly, VPBank stated it is fully prepared to begin operations as soon as it receives regulatory approval.

Crypto, bitcoin, BTC, BTCUSDT

Crypto Boom Ahead? Pantera Capital Pinpoints Major Catalysts For 2026 Success

21 January 2026 at 17:02

On Wednesday, Pantera Capital, one of the largest venture capital firms in the crypto industry, released its latest blockchain letter. In this edition, the firm reflects on the challenges faced in 2025 while projecting optimism for the remaining months of 2026.

Pantera Capital Identifies Growth Catalysts

Pantera begins by acknowledging that last year was not fundamentally driven when it came to returns within the crypto markets. It cites macroeconomic factors, market positioning, and structural influences as the main drivers that shaped performance, particularly for assets beyond Bitcoin (BTC). 

The firm highlights several positive developments, including the passage of the GENIUS Act and the rise of digital asset treasuries (DATs). These factors contributed to a more stabilized market sentiment, especially with the onset of Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts.

However, the firm also describes a challenging fourth quarter in 2025, where a significant selloff on October 10 led to the largest liquidation cascade in crypto history. 

Despite this and many other setbacks during last year’s performance, Pantera expresses optimism about the future, identifying several catalysts poised to drive growth in the coming months.

First and foremost, institutional adoption of blockchain technology continues to expand. Many enterprises are now integrating blockchain into their core offerings, with examples like Robinhood’s tokenized equities and JPMorgan’s initiatives.

Moreover, the firm distinguished that there has been a notable drop in barriers to entry for major financial players into the crypto market, including sovereign reserves and large asset management firms.

Crypto Sectors Set To Rise In 2026

Pantera Capital also explored specific sector predictions for 2026. They anticipate that Real-World Assets (RWAs) will take off. They expect that treasuries and private credit could double, with tokenized stocks and equities experiencing rapid growth as well.

The firm further forecasts that prediction markets will attract acquisition interest as they consolidate around institutional infrastructure. The demand for sports-focused platforms is also expected to grow, expanding their presence in the market.

In terms of banking innovation, ten major banks are reportedly exploring the issuance of a consortium stablecoin pegged to G7 currencies, which could provide a compliant and risk-managed way for people and institutions to utilize digital currencies.

The macro perspective remains positive as well, with a significant percentage of Bitcoin now held by public companies, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and nations, indicating a shift towards compliance and institutional investment in the crypto market.

Finally, Pantera asserts that 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the digital asset space. Following a significant uptick in 2025, expectations for further growth in crypto-friendly listings are high, as companies look to tokenize assets and expand their portfolios.

Crypto

Featured image from DALL-E, char from TradingView.com 

Where Does Hyperliquid (HYPE) Stand Now? A Deep Dive Into Key Metrics Post-2025

20 January 2026 at 23:00

After a tumultuous conclusion to 2025, characterized by heightened volatility and the impactful October 10 crypto crash, Hyperliquid (HYPE), one of the market’s largest decentralized exchanges (DEXs), faced significant challenges as it entered 2026. 

With less than two weeks remaining in January, market research firm GLC released an interesting report assessing Hyperliquid’s current standing and evaluating its recovery metrics.

Post-October 10 Downturn

The report highlights that Hyperliquid’s trading volume and open interest suffered a considerable decline following the liquidation event on October 10, marking the onset of a downtrend for the platform. 

Since that date, trading volume has decreased by 44.3%, dropping from $10.17 billion to $5.66 billion. Open interest has also experienced a decline of 35.7%, falling from $14.75 billion to $9.48 billion. 

However, there are signs of recovery. Notably, since December 1, 2025, trading volume on the platform has seen a slight decrease of 3.2%, while open interest has surged by 45.6%.

Year-to-date metrics reveal a more optimistic picture: trading volume has increased by 59.2%, rising from $3.56 billion to $5.66 billion, and open interest has grown by 24.7%, going from $7.60 billion to $9.48 billion. 

While open interest has started to recover since the October event, trading volume has not rebounded at the same rate. This disparity has caused the volume-to-open interest (OI) ratio to decline from 0.90 on December 1 to 0.60 as of mid-January, likely due to decreased market volatility, which has dampened trading activity.

Despite these challenges, there is a positive trend indicating that traders are beginning to open larger positions on Hyperliquid, and the recovery in volume on a year-to-date basis is promising. 

The report suggests that open interest is a more reliable indicator of trader confidence and long-term positioning, while trading volume tends to be influenced by broader market conditions. Although current metrics remain below pre-October 10 levels, the trend indicates that recovery is underway.

Will 2026 Mark A Surprising Resurgence For Hyperliquid?

The recent volume and open interest data are said to be bullish, with the 7-day average volume increasing by over 130% year-to-date, primarily driven by one active deployer, XYZ, which accounts for roughly 80% of that volume. The 7-day average open interest has also risen by more than 60%.

Moreover, Hyperliquid is regaining market share from centralized exchanges (CEXs) as seen in the chart below, with its open interest currently representing about 14.6% of Binance’s, gaining momentum against platforms like Bybit and OKX.

Hyperliquid

Another key factor that could further contribute to the platform’s recovery this year is the rollout of portfolio margin. Currently live on testnet, this feature will enable traders to borrow and lend against their collateral, unlocking numerous new use cases. 

Historical evidence from other exchanges, such as Bybit, suggests that introducing portfolio margin can be a significant growth catalyst, potentially translating to a substantial increase in trading volume for Hyperliquid.

Overall, core metrics are gradually improving, and several catalysts lie ahead, such as the growing adoption of equity perpetuals and the introduction of portfolio margin. GLC’s report asserts: 

…If improving market conditions are combined with the catalysts outlined above, and potentially another S3 season bringing in new traders, Hyperliquid will surprise the market once again.

Hyperliquid

At the time of writing, the platform’s HYPE token is trading at around $21.84. This represents a significant 9% retracement within the last 24 hours alone, placing the altcoin 63% below its all-time high of $59.30.

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin Bear Market Depths: A Closer Look At How Low BTC Could Go

20 January 2026 at 20:00

On Tuesday, Bitcoin (BTC) dipped below the significant $90,000 mark once again, raising concerns about the possibility of entering a new bear market and casting doubt on the cryptocurrency’s prospects. Market analyst Raun Neuner published a new analysis of the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Is $37,000 On The Horizon?  

Neuner highlighted that while stocks are performing robustly and commodities are experiencing what he calls a “supercycle,” the crypto market still struggles to gain traction. This situation raises the critical question: What is the worst-case scenario for Bitcoin?

Historically, Bitcoin’s bull markets tend to peak approximately 532 days after each Halving event. Applying this pattern to the current cycle suggests that Bitcoin could have reached its peak around early October, where it briefly touched $125,000. 

Historical trends show that following these peaks, Bitcoin typically endures a substantial decline of 70 to 80%. If this framework holds for the current cycle, Neuner estimates a potential downturn to around $37,000 in the event of a full bear market.

Zooming out to consider broader traditional market dynamics provides further context. After a year marked by strong performances in both stocks and commodities, market corrections are to be expected. 

During risk-off periods in equity markets, Bitcoin has historically amplified these downward moves, contributing to building pressure toward the lower end of the spectrum. The analyst indicates that a key reference point for Bitcoin might be around the $57,000 mark, where the 200-week moving average (MA) resides.

Critical Bitcoin Support Levels To Watch

The immediate factors contributing to Bitcoin’s recent drop below the $90,000 threshold are linked to heightened volatility in global bond and equity markets, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. 

Walter Bloomberg, an expert in market analysis, pointed out that the new downtrend has been spurred by various macroeconomic factors, including renewed threats from President Trump regarding tariffs on Greenland and Japan’s fiscal strategies that have added to market instability. 

Consequently, investors have turned to safe-haven assets like gold, which recently reached a record price exceeding $4,700. In response, Bloomberg warns that macro risks may be underappreciated. 

Demand for downside protection in Bitcoin’s options market is also rising, indicating that investors are aware of the potential for further declines.

The next significant levels for the Bitcoin price in the near term, according to Bloomberg, lie between $84,000 and $85,000, which are expected to act as support for BTC. If the cryptocurrency fails to hold these levels, fears of a deep bear market may become more pronounced.

Bitcoin

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Trump Media Set to Issue Non-Transferable Crypto Tokens, Cutoff Date February 2

20 January 2026 at 17:58

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated distribution of a new digital token to its shareholders, as part of its partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. The record date for this digital token initiative will be February 2, 2026.

Trump Media’s New Crypto Initiative

According to the announcement, eligible shareholders will include ultimate beneficial owners and registered holders of at least one whole share of DJT stock as of the record date. In order to ensure a smooth distribution process, Trump Media will gather information from broker participants about eligible holders. 

After the record date, Trump Media plans to collaborate with Crypto.com to mint the digital tokens, which will be displayed on the blockchain and held in custody until distribution.

In addition to the digital tokens, Trump Media has indicated that various rewards will be made available to record-date shareholders throughout the year. These rewards may include benefits or discounts associated with Trump Media’s offerings, such as Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth Predict.

CRO Token Plummets

The partnership between Crypto.com and Trump Media dates back to August last year, when the Trump-linked company announced a $6.4 billion investment in the crypto exchange’s native token, CRO, as part of a strategic reserve.

Devin Nunes, Trump Media’s CEO and Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm about the latest move and the partnership with Crypto.com, stating: 

We look forward to leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain technology consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance to benefit our shareholders and promote transparency, including by obtaining a clear picture of bona fide beneficial ownership as of the record date.

Crypto

Despite the latest announcement, Crypto.com’s native token failed to capitalize on the news, dropping to $0.089 on Tuesday amid the broader crypto market’s retracement. It has recorded an 11% drop in the past week alone. 

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com 

International Crypto Crime Ring Exposed: South Korea Uncovers $100 Million Laundering Scheme

20 January 2026 at 03:00

South Korean officials have unveiled a major international cryptocurrency crime ring involved in laundering approximately 150 billion won, equivalent to around $101.7 million, through an unauthorized foreign exchange scheme. 

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) announced on Monday that three Chinese nationals have been referred to prosecution for purported violations of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act.

Large-Scale Cryptocurrency Laundering Scheme

Local media reports have pointed out that between September 2021 and June of last year, the suspects allegedly laundered their funds by allegedly manipulating both domestic and international cryptocurrency accounts in conjunction with Korean bank accounts. 

According to the KCS, the criminal activities were disguised as legitimate expenses, including cosmetic surgery fees for foreigners and educational costs for students studying abroad.

The accused ring utilized a complex operation to evade scrutiny from financial authorities. They reportedly bought crypto in multiple countries, transferred the assets to digital wallets in South Korea, converted them into Korean won, and funneled the money through various local bank accounts to further conceal their operations.

This action comes as South Korea is actively debating a new regulatory framework for its crypto market. Despite the growing popularity of digital assets as a common investment among local households, authorities have recently intensified their oversight on cryptocurrency transactions. 

South Korea Takes New Regulatory Steps

In a move towards greater regulation, the government revealed plans to broaden its anti-money laundering (AML) framework and emphasized the implementation of the Travel Rule—a compliance measure that requires sharing information on crypto transfers, effective even for transactions below 1 million won (approximately $680).

In addition to addressing money laundering concerns, the South Korean government outlined its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, which includes plans to introduce Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) this year. 

This announcement marks a significant policy shift, as cryptocurrency-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been banned in South Korea since 2017. 

Despite reaffirming its position in 2024, post the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of similar products, the South Korean government has now pointed to the success of crypto funds in the US and Hong Kong as influencing factors for this change.

FSC Fast-Tracks Stablecoin Legislation

The country’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is also set to expedite the next phase of its digital asset legislation this quarter, aiming to establish a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins

While the Second Phase of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act has faced delays until early 2026 due to disagreements between the FSC and the Bank of Korea (BOK), major policy decisions have been made. 

As reported by Bitcoinist, these will include investor protection measures like no-fault liability for cryptocurrency operators and safeguards that separate bankruptcy risks for stablecoin issuers.

South Korea is also ready to lift its longstanding ban on institutional cryptocurrency trading, with anticipations of this initiative commencing later this year. Reports suggest that the FSC may impose limitations on corporate cryptocurrency investments, restricting them to 5% of a company’s equity capital.

Crypto

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Ethereum Poised For $4,000 Breakout? Expert Pinpoints On-Chain Triggers For Potential Rally

20 January 2026 at 01:00

As Ethereum (ETH) kicks off the year with a recovery past the critical $3,000 threshold amid a broader cryptocurrency market rally in early 2026, it continues to struggle against a key resistance level at $3,400. Currently, the second-largest cryptocurrency is entering a consolidation phase below this significant mark.

Technical analyst Ali Martinez has suggested that should the buying momentum observed in recent weeks persist, Ethereum could soon embark on a new rally that might bring it closer to reaching all-time high levels. 

Ethereum Poised For Potential Price Breakout

In a recent update shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Martinez pointed to on-chain indicators suggesting a fresh bullish sentiment among Ethereum investors. Notably, daily active addresses on the Ethereum network have surged, doubling to exceed 800,000 in just two weeks.

Martinez’s analysis further hints at a potential correlation with the rising demand for Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Since December 29, these investment vehicles have accumulated approximately 158,545 ETH, a sum valued at around $520 million, adding to the positive outlook for the altcoin. 

This heightened on-chain activity has created substantial support levels for Ethereum’s price action looking ahead, particularly between $2,772 and $3,109 that could prevent a new drop below these key marks. 

Martinez believes that if these support levels remain intact and buying pressure continues, a breakout above the crucial $3,400 resistance could pave the way for a significant rally toward $4,000—representing an increase of approximately 24.33% from its current trading level of around $3,217.

Ethereum

What Lies Ahead For The Altcoin?

Other analysts, such as those from BitBull, share an optimistic view of ETH’s price trajectory. The analyst has identified a potential inverse head and shoulders pattern forming in the 10-day chart, which could lead to a bullish price target of $5,000. This projection implies a remarkable 55.48% increase, exceeding last year’s record highs.

However, despite these bullish forecasts, Ethereum’s price has fallen by 3% within a 24-hour period, according to CoinGecko data. The cryptocurrency has yet to demonstrate the bullish momentum necessary to meet these targets.

Another encouraging factor for investors looking for upward price movement is liquidity. Market expert Ted Pillows recently noted that, following Ethereum’s latest price drop, the maximum pain point appears to lean upward. 

Ethereum

Historically, large investors and institutions have tended to “hunt” liquidity levels, which helps to reset positioning in the market and evacuate numerous retail investors. 

With approximately $3.4 billion in short positions at risk if Ethereum successfully breaches the $3,400 mark in the days ahead, the possibility of a significant price movement looms. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Trade War Headlines Trigger $800M In Liquidations Overnight: Longs Get Wiped Out Across Crypto Markets

19 January 2026 at 22:00

The crypto market faced a sharp selloff overnight as renewed trade conflict fears between the United States and the European Union shook global risk sentiment. Bitcoin and major altcoins reversed recent gains, with traders reacting to fresh tariff headlines and the possibility of escalating economic retaliation on both sides of the Atlantic. While crypto is often viewed as a separate market, this move once again showed how quickly digital assets can behave like high-beta risk trades when macro uncertainty spikes.

According to analyst Darkfost, the liquidation impact was immediate and aggressive. More than $800 million worth of leveraged positions were wiped out in a matter of hours, including roughly $768 million in long liquidations. The scale of long closures suggests that traders were positioned for continuation to the upside, but were caught offside as prices rolled over sharply.

Crypto Market Liquidations by Exchange | Source: Coinglass

What stood out most was where the damage occurred. Darkfost noted that Hyperliquid recorded the largest share of forced liquidations, with $241 million, while Bybit followed closely with $220 million. The wave of liquidations appears partly tied to the announcement of new tariffs targeting Europe, which triggered an equally fast response from EU policymakers, reigniting the broader “trade war” narrative across markets.

CME Opens the Door to Fresh Volatility

Darkfost warns that the timing of this selloff matters as much as the liquidation size. As soon as CME trading opened, Bitcoin saw a sharp downside move, suggesting that institutional flows and macro-linked positioning played a direct role in the shakeout. In past risk-off episodes, the CME open has often acted like a volatility trigger, especially when markets are already fragile, and leverage is elevated across major exchanges.

This is why the next few hours are critical. The same type of move could easily repeat at the opening of the US markets, where liquidity conditions and headline sensitivity tend to amplify reactions. If sellers press again, the market could see another cascade of forced closures, particularly in high-beta altcoins that remain vulnerable after the overnight wipeout.

The message is straightforward: stay cautious and avoid overexposure to leverage while the macro backdrop remains unstable. Liquidations can create sharp bounces, but they can also reset momentum quickly if fear spreads across risk assets.

Darkfost adds that attention should remain on incoming political updates. The market is now trading the narrative, not just the chart. Further statements could arrive at any moment, and as history has shown, Trump often delivers market-moving headlines right in the middle of the weekend.

Bitcoin Holds Fragile Rebound As Crypto Tests Macro Nerves

Bitcoin is trading near $93,100 after a sharp rejection from the $96,000–$97,000 supply zone. The chart shows BTC still struggling below key moving averages, with momentum capped by the declining blue trendline overhead. This reinforces the idea that the latest upside attempt was more of a rebound than a clean trend reversal.

BTC consolidates in a long range | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

Structurally, price is forming higher lows after the violent breakdown from the $110,000 area. However, the rebound remains vulnerable as long as BTC stays trapped beneath resistance and fails to reclaim the mid-$90,000s with conviction. The recent candles also highlight hesitation, with wicks suggesting aggressive selling into strength.

The red long-term moving average is rising near the low-$90,000s, acting as a potential dynamic support zone. If Bitcoin holds above that level, it keeps the recovery structure intact and prevents a deeper reset toward prior liquidity pockets.

This matters for the broader crypto market. When BTC remains range-bound under resistance, altcoins usually struggle to sustain rallies and become more sensitive to liquidation-driven volatility. Risk appetite can return quickly, but it requires Bitcoin to break above resistance and hold. Until then, crypto remains in a fragile stabilization phase, not a confirmed bullish continuation.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

Is A New XRP Price Record Imminent? Analyst Forecast Colossal Short Squeeze Ahead

19 January 2026 at 16:38

A significant short squeeze may be on the horizon for XRP investors, potentially serving as the main catalyst for a rally that could push prices beyond the all-time high of $3.90. 

Market analyst Bird made these predictions in a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting key observations from his analysis.

Key Liquidity Zones For XRP

Bird shared a chart that illustrates where leveraged positions—both long and short—are concentrated in the market. He explained that the colored bands on the chart indicate levels of liquidity, where the potential for forced buying or selling could occur due to stop-loss orders and liquidations. 

The analysis of the altcoin’s daily chart heatmap categorizes liquidity into two distinct zones: red, signifying deep liquidity, and lighter colors indicating less liquidity.

XRP

From his observations, Bird noted that price movements away from low liquidity areas tend to occur rapidly. He explained this process: when prices approach zones with significant stop-loss clusters, they often trigger large sell-offs, wiping out long positions. 

Price Targets $4.20

Following these movements, the price typically rotates back toward shorts, leading to additional liquidation events. Bird pointed out that on Sunday, a number of long XRP positions were liquidated. 

Now, he sees a dense liquidity pocket forming around the $4.20 mark, primarily from short XRP positions. This situation incentivizes market makers to drive prices toward this liquidity to close out those trades, rather than moving away from it. 

As a result, Bird expressed confidence that the current XRP price rally is far from over. He believes that a new all-time high is imminent, as the potential for a substantial short squeeze looms. 

XRP

At the time of writing, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency on the market was trading at $2, having briefly dropped to $1.84 earlier on Monday. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Analyst Reveals How Far Bitcoin Price Will Crash If The Uptrend Doesn’t Continue

17 January 2026 at 20:30

A warning signal is flashing on the charts, with market analysts predicting that the Bitcoin price could collapse again soon. According to technical analysis, if BTC fails to continue its uptrend, it could repeat the bear-market crash from past cycles, potentially dragging its price down by double-digit percentages. 

Bitcoin Price To Repeat 2022 Bear Market Crash?

Crypto analyst Tyrex believes that Bitcoin may be approaching a critical turning point if the current uptrend fails to hold. In his latest BTC price outlook on X, he compares the current market structure to the April 2022 cycle, when Bitcoin made an ATH and then crashed hard for weeks. 

Tyrex disclosed that Bitcoin dropped roughly 45% from its all-time high in 2022 before entering an extended consolidation phase that lasted nearly four months. The accompanying chart shows that during that period, prices respected clear horizontal boundaries, creating a false sense of strength and stability, all while underlying weakness continued to build. 

That consolidation eventually led to an upside fakeout, with the Bitcoin price briefly breaking resistance before reversing sharply. Unfortunately, the rejection triggered a continuation of the broader downtrend that year, resulting in another aggressive price crash that wiped out remaining bullish confidence. 

According to Tyrex, BTC’s current chart structure closely mirrors the same historical setup from 2022. Bitcoin has once again pulled back sharply after reaching an all-time high of over $126,000. Additionally, the cryptocurrency has spent roughly two months consolidating within a defined range, repeatedly stalling at resistance levels. 

Tyrex warns that Bitcoin is barely holding above $95,000, which aligns with the resistance zone shown on the chart. If price fails to recover and continues to stall near this level, the move higher could turn out to be a fakeout, potentially leading to another sharp dump— just as it did in 2022. The red-shaded area on the chart shows how far BTC could crash if the uptrend breaks, with the analyst projecting an 11.04% drop to the $86,000-$84,000 range. 

Bitcoin Set For March ATH And May Flash Crash

Another forecast from market expert CryptoXLarge outlines where Bitcoin could be headed over the next four months. The analyst bases the outlook on historical market behavior, suggesting the current cycle may be replicating past cycle peaks. 

CryptoXLarge points to January 2026 as a phase of quiet accumulation with controlled price action and muted volatility. February is expected to bring a powerful rally as momentum builds rapidly and buyers push the BTC price higher. This surge could set the stage for Bitcoin to reach a new all-time high around $240,000 in March. 

After this projected peak, April will likely be a bull trap where the price appears strong but fails to sustain upward momentum. The forecast concludes with a warning of a flash crash in May 2026, during which prices could pull back to fresh lows. 

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

XRP Wave C Push On The Way: What Could Send Price Below $2?

17 January 2026 at 17:30

XRP’s price action is trading just above $2, but technical analysis of mid-term charts shows a more complex corrective structure for what comes next. 

According to a technical analysis shared by CasiTrades on X, XRP may still have one more bullish push ahead before the structure turns lower. The chart showing the analysis outlines a developing Elliott Wave sequence that could first lift XRP’s price higher, then open the door to a breakdown if support levels fail.

B Wave Dips Hint At Coming Wave C Surge

Technical analysis of XRP’s price action on the 1-hour candlestick timeframe chart by CasiTrade proposes an interesting outlook that shows XRP might end up correcting below $2 in the coming days. This correction, however, will only play out after XRP finishes a Wave C move that takes its price above $2.2.

The wave C, in turn, is expected to play out after the recent pullback to $2.03 in the past 48 hours. According to CasiTrades, XRP’s recent pullback unfolded as a deeper B wave than initially expected. Instead of forming a tight consolidation, price traced out a full ABC move and fell into the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement around $2.09. This depth, however, does not invalidate the structure. Such a move is consistent with a B wave in the Elliott Wave theory.

This retracement coincides with clustered Fibonacci levels and prior intraday support, and the next possible move from here is the next leg higher within the larger Wave 2 structure.

Now that the B wave is likely in place, the attention is towards the anticipated C wave push. CasiTrades identifies the golden retracement near $2.26 as the primary upside target, with a possible extension into the $2.28 region where the golden pocket and the 1.236 extension converge. The chart highlights this zone as a dense resistance area, reinforced by prior reaction highs and overlapping Fibonacci projections.

This C wave is expected to subdivide into five smaller waves. If this plays out as expected, XRP’s price action should feel bullish through its clean subwave development. However, the way price behaves as it approaches and reacts to the $2.26 to $2.28 band will be critical for confirming the broader outlook and if a correction is next.

XRP Price Chart. Source: @CasiTrades on X

A Post-C Rejection Could Drag XRP To $1.65

The current focus is on a possible push higher, but there’s still a downside risk after the C wave is complete. The analyst expects a rejection that could become the beginning of a larger Wave 3 move to the downside after XRP reaches the projected levels around $2.26 to $2.28.

If that rejection materializes cleanly, XRP could begin a sustained move lower, with the macro support region around $1.65 coming back into focus. Confirmation of this bearish path, however, depends on how the C subwaves form and whether price delivers a decisive rejection.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Surge In XRP Transactions: 1.45 Million Daily Users Could Signal Price Rally Ahead, Says Expert

17 January 2026 at 03:00

Recent reports indicate that XRP has reached an almost six-month high in daily transactions, marking a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency as it exhibits increasing adoption across both payment systems and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. 

For January 2026 alone, the XRP Ledger recorded 1.45 million daily transactions, following a steady upward trend in network usage that began in late 2025, coinciding with the introduction of new payment corridors through Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity platform and the integration of stablecoins such as RLUSD.

Gaps Between XRP Demand And Price

Market expert Sam Daodu highlighted in a recent report for 24/7 Wall St. that historical trends suggest that gaps between rising demand and stagnant prices often precede sharp rallies. 

With exchange reserves at eight-year lows and increasing institutional inflows seen with XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the current situation indicates that the altcoin may be quietly gearing up for its next breakout.

Despite a slight rebound to $2.42 on January 6, which represented a nearly two-month high for the token, its price has since retraced to approximately $2.048 at the time of writing. This decline occurred despite the transaction surge, suggesting that XRP has yet to capitalize on its increased usage.

XRP

Daodu noted that the discrepancy between XRP’s price and its on-chain activity isn’t unusual. He asserts that such gaps between usage and price have often been precursors to significant price movements, while also pointing out several factors contributing to the current delay in price reaction.

Market-wide consolidation is one of the key reasons, as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) traded sideways in early 2026, dampening momentum for altcoins like XRP. 

In addition, profit-taking pressure has emerged following XRP’s July 2025 rally up to $3.65. Many short-term holders have cashed out, creating strong resistance levels in the $2.20 to $2.50 range. Until new catalysts arise, Daodu claims XRP may remain confined to this range without breaking out.

Is A Major Price Breakout Ahead?

Looking forward, Daodu posits that XRP has a historical tendency to lag behind its on-chain progress before initiating explosive price moves. In both 2017 and 2020, spikes in transaction volume and wallet activity preceded significant rallies for the token’s price by several weeks.

For instance, in the third quarter of 2020, XRP’s daily transactions grew by over 40% in just two months, while the price remained flat at around $0.25, only to surge to over $0.70 within weeks in November. 

A similar scenario unfolded in late 2017, where heightened usage metrics preceded a jump in XRP’s price from $0.30 to $3.30 by early January 2018. This suggests that the current surge in on-chain transactions could be a leading indicator of a delayed price breakout for XRP. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin And Crypto ETFs Set To Attract $130 Billion-Plus Inflows This Year, JPMorgan Predicts

16 January 2026 at 01:00

According to analysts at JPMorgan, crypto-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), particularly for Bitcoin (BTC), are expected to see inflows in 2026 that will far exceed those from 2025. 

Led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, the analysis highlights a significant trend where capital flowing into the crypto market through ETFs reached a record high of $130 billion last year, driven by a growing interest in digital asset treasuries (DATs).

DAT Companies Lead Crypto Inflows In 2025

Panigirtzoglou explained that the inflows observed in 2025 were largely attributed to Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs, which the analyst suggests were primarily fueled by retail investors, as well as Bitcoin acquisitions by DAT companies. 

In contrast, participation from institutional investors and hedge funds, as indicated by the buying activity in Bitcoin and Ethereum Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) futures, appeared to have declined compared to 2024. 

The analysts noted that over half of the total digital asset inflows in 2025, approximately $68 billion, came from DAT companies. Another $23 billion was attributed to formal strategies, marking a slight increase from $22 billion in Bitcoin buying from the previous year. 

Notably, other DATs acquired about $45 billion in digital assets, a significant rise from just $8 billion in 2024. However, most of these purchases occurred earlier in the year, and by October, the momentum in crypto buying from DATs had markedly decreased.

Crypto venture capital funding also contributed to the overall capital flows, though this area remained substantially lower than the peaks experienced in 2021 and 2022. 

While total crypto venture capital funding saw a modest increase in 2025 compared to 2024, the number of deals declined sharply, and investment activity became increasingly concentrated in later-stage funding rounds. 

JPMorgan further suggested that this muted growth in venture funding was, in part, due to the increasing allocation of capital toward DATs. Funds that might have otherwise been directed to early-stage startups were increasingly diverted toward treasury strategies that provide immediate liquidity.

Regulatory Changes Anticipated To Boost Institutional Interest 

Looking forward, the analysts expect a rebound in institutional crypto flows in 2026, which could be spurred by the anticipated passage of additional regulatory measures, such as the Crypto Market Structure Bill (CLARITY Act) in the US. 

This anticipated legislation is expected to further entrench institutional adoption of digital assets, along with renewed institutional engagement in areas like venture capital funding, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings (IPOs). 

However, the expected markup of this bill has been delayed late on Wednesday, as crypto industry leaders, including the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN), have withdrawn their support for the legislation. 

This is attributed to issues related to key provisions, which the firm’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, has described as making this version “materially worse than the current status quo”.

Crypto

At the time of writing, the market’s leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was trading at $96,050, having recorded gains of 10% over the previous fourteen days, as broader inflows have already returned to the market since the beginning of the year. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Crypto Market Bill Draft Criticized For Allowing Continued Developer Prosecution

15 January 2026 at 02:00

The recently released draft of the CLARITY Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating the crypto market, has ignited a wave of criticism from supporters within the community. 

Initially, the bill was meant to include protections for developers. However, expert commentary suggests that it opens the door to continued prosecution of developers and enhances surveillance measures for users of non-custodial software. 

Crypto Market Structure Bill Draft Lacks Essential Protections 

Market expert Ryan Adams highlighted another key issue in the crypto bill, stating that if banks succeed in eliminating stablecoin yield provisions within the CLARITY Act, it would indicate that the Senate is prioritizing bank interests over those of the general public.

Adams’s concerns were echoed by various users, who opined that the strategy appears orchestrated to allow banks to benefit by controlling how yields are managed and distributed. 

An independent report by The Rage reinforces these worries, detailing how the proposed draft includes so-called developer protections that may fall short.  Notably absent are safeguards against the rigorous implications of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) for self-custodial wallets. 

Additionally, the draft hints at possible applications to decentralized finance (DeFi) that could empower agencies to implement Travel Rule-like regulations, along with anti-money laundering (AML) measures targeting web-based interfaces and blockchain analysis firms.

Per the report, the Senate has already received 137 amendments to the draft ahead of its markup, scheduled for January 15. A revised version of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) is also included, which has been seen as vital for protecting developers. 

BRCA Loopholes

While the BRCA offers exemptions under AML and counter-terrorist financing regulations, it continues to leave developers vulnerable to accountability for the actions of users utilizing their software. 

The BRCA states that “non-controlling” developers—defined as those without unilateral control over digital asset transactions—will not be categorized as money transmitters under the relevant laws. However, this only alleviates certain charges and doesn’t prevent criminal liability for those whose software is misused.

Pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis remarked on this aspect of the BRCA, indicating that it retains all necessary AML protections, which implies that despite any positives, accountability remains a looming threat for developers.

Simultaneously, the “Keep Your Coins Act” within the draft includes provisions claiming that federal agencies cannot prohibit self-custody of digital assets. However, further stipulations assert that this right does not prevent the application of laws concerning illicit finance, leaving loopholes for government intervention.

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) past attempts to impose a broker rule that would classify decentralized finance services as intermediaries requiring reporting obligations have been echoed in the current draft. 

This time, the Senate Banking Committee appears to be leaning towards a similar regulatory approach, aiming to provide guidance on BSA and AML compliance for “non-decentralized finance protocols,” thereby raising concerns about the implications for crypto developers who maintain and update protocols.

Privacy Concerns Mount

Under the new sections, the Senate Banking Committee introduces a concept termed “Distributed Ledger Application Layers,” which the report claims invites scrutiny and creates compliance obligations for software applications that allow users to interact with decentralized finance protocols. 

The provisions also compel the Treasury to develop additional oversight mechanisms to mitigate exposure to illicit financing risks identified through distributed ledger analysis tools, effectively ensuring that crypto transactions remain under close scrutiny.

As it currently stands, the lack of robust protections for developers and users involved in privacy-enhancing technologies in this current draft suggests that the Senate’s proposal for market structure will do little to safeguard non-custodial developers. 

Instead, it further entrenches their vulnerability to government oversight and user surveillance. Ultimately, these developments present a significant challenge for privacy software users and developers.

Crypto

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The NYC Token Crash: Allegations Of Rug Pull After $2.5 Million Liquidity Withdrawal

13 January 2026 at 22:00

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing significant backlash after the crash of his newly launched cryptocurrency, the NYC Token, shortly after its debut on Monday. The token initially soared to a market cap of $580 million but has since fallen sharply to approximately $133 million.

Eric Adams Under Fire

In a promotional video, Adams declared, “We’re about to change the game. This thing is about to take off like crazy.” However, the excitement was short-lived as evidence surfaced suggesting that the steep decline in value resulted from a significant sell-off involving a user connected to the NYC Token’s development team.

Blockchain analysis platform Bubblemaps flagged potentially concerning activity linked to the NYC Token. Notably, a wallet associated with the token’s deployer withdrew around $2.5 million in liquidity when the token peaked. 

Although about $1.5 million was returned after the token’s value dropped by 60%, approximately $900,000 remains unreturned. This has led users on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Adams of orchestrating a crypto rug pull. 

NYC Token

Adams, who has been an outspoken proponent of cryptocurrency, stated during a Monday event that some of the funds generated by the NYC Token would be directed towards nonprofits focused on combating antisemitism and “anti-Americanism.” Additionally, he expressed intentions to use the proceeds to “teach our children about embracing blockchain technology.”

The NYC Token’s official website states there is a total supply of one billion tokens in circulation, and details reveal that 10 percent of profits are allocated to the team’s activities, though the identities of those involved were not disclosed. 

NYC Token Team Responds 

In response to criticism, the NYC Token team acknowledged the liquidity withdrawal, stating, “Given the overwhelming support and demand for the token at launch, our partners had to rebalance the liquidity.” They added, “We’re in it for the long haul!” 

However, there remains uncertainty about the details surrounding the token’s launch, with a recently listed entity, C18 Digital, associated with the project. Delaware corporation records show that C18 Digital was incorporated on December 30, 2025.

Typically, when a cryptocurrency launches, developers create a liquidity pool using various assets, such as Circle’s USDC or Solana (SOL), to allow users to buy and sell the new token. The NYC Token took a different approach by establishing a one-sided liquidity pool comprised solely of the token itself. 

As users began purchasing the token, they injected liquidity into the pool using USDC, which was followed by the significant withdrawal of $2.5 million. This tactic, described by analyst Vaiman, can be more subtle than direct token sell-offs.

Following the viral reports of the alleged rug pull, a new account associated with the NYC Token announced that additional funds had been injected into the liquidity pool. 

NYC Token

Featured image from CNN, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin Forecast: All-Time High In Sight, But Expert Flags Potential For Bear Market Reversal

13 January 2026 at 19:00

On Tuesday, Bitcoin (BTC) witnessed a notable surge, approaching its nearest resistance level at $94,000, a barrier that has thus far hindered the cryptocurrency’s return to significant milestones, including the coveted $100,000 mark. Despite this, experts remain optimistic about new all-time highs for Bitcoin within the year.

Potential Bitcoin Return To $100,000

Nic Puckrin, a digital asset analyst and co-founder of Coin Bureau, commented on the recent price movements, suggesting that the uptick is more likely a reflexive response from investors who are rebalancing their portfolios after last year’s heavy sell-off, rather than an indication of a fundamental trend shift. 

“The bounce in Bitcoin we’re seeing this week is most likely a reflexive move by investors rather than something indicative of a major shift in trend,” Puckrin explained.

Currently, Bitcoin has struggled to maintain momentum after rejecting the $94,700 resistance level. Puckrin warns that a failure to break through this barrier could lead to another decline in value. However, if BTC does breach this resistance, he believes a return to the $100,000 level may be achievable. 

Looking further ahead, Puckrin anticipates another all-time high in 2026, although he advises caution regarding the extent of that potential rise. “In the longer term, I expect to see another all-time high this year, but it won’t be as dramatic as some are predicting, and the possibility of a reversal into bear territory remains very real,” he added.

Key Resistance Level

Contrasting this optimism, some analysts express skepticism about Bitcoin’s immediate prospects. Vince Stanzione, CEO and founder of First Information, maintains a bearish outlook, arguing that the risk-reward ratio at current prices is unappealing. 

Stanzione evaluates Bitcoin against gold rather than the dollar, asserting that Bitcoin has considerable ground to cover. “I was negative on Bitcoin throughout 2025, and I’m sticking with that view in 2026,” he noted. 

He pointed out that while the market’s leading cryptocurrency experienced a decline of about 6% by the end of 2025, gold surged by 66%, resulting in a significant disparity in performance.

Stanzione believes gold will continue to outperform Bitcoin this year, predicting that the digital asset will close the year at a lower price. “There are no compelling reasons to buy Bitcoin at the current $92,000 level,” he stated. 

Meanwhile, market analyst Ali Martinez highlighted a crucial price level for Bitcoin in the short term, stating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that $94,555 is the “bullish trigger” for the cryptocurrency. 

Should Bitcoin break through this level, Martinez indicated that the next target could be $105,291, representing a potential 12% increase. This move would significantly narrow the gap to the all-time high of over $126,000 reached last October.

Bitcoin

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

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