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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is set to advocate for crypto market structure legislation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on aligning interests with traditional banks. In a video on X, Armstrong emphasized engaging with bank CEOs to craft a viable bill, particularly around stablecoins, which he believes can benefit both crypto platforms and lenders. He aims to relay these talks to US lawmakers to push the legislation forward. The bill seeks to classify digital tokens as securities or commodities, placing spot crypto markets under the CFTC, a goal for many US exchanges. However, Coinbase recently withdrew support for the Senate Banking draft, citing issues like a de facto ban on tokenized equities and restrictions on decentralized finance. The draft also faces contention over stablecoin rewards, with banking groups opposing interest-like incentives, while crypto advocates warn against stifling innovation. The Senate Banking Committee delayed markup to allow bipartisan negotiations, with stablecoin rules and disclosure requirements by the SEC and CFTC still under debate. Armstrong also plans to promote crypto infrastructure and tokenization as tools to modernize markets and broaden capital access at Davos.
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A Bitcoin whale, inactive for over 12 years, made a significant on-chain move by transferring 909 BTC—worth over $84 million—to a new address on Monday, as reported by blockchain trackers Whale Alert and Lookonchain. The wallet, active since 2013 when Bitcoin was priced under $7, holds an unrealized gain of over 13,000%. This transfer mirrors a trend of dormant addresses reactivating after Bitcoin's price surged past $100,000 last year, stirring speculation on social media about potential profit-taking that could impact market prices. However, no coins have been moved to exchanges, indicating the transfer might be for consolidation or security rather than an imminent sale. Bitcoin is currently trading around $92,000, reflecting its volatile yet lucrative nature for early investors. This event underscores the intrigue surrounding long-dormant cryptocurrencies and their potential to influence market dynamics when awakened.
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The US Crypto News Morning Briefing highlights significant developments in the crypto space, focusing on the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS) investing $3.2 million in MicroStrategy (MSTR), a company holding over 687,000 BTC as a Bitcoin proxy. This move, representing 0.2% of LSERS’s $1.56 billion portfolio, underscores growing institutional interest in crypto-linked assets. MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, plans to acquire an additional 13,627 BTC for $1.25 billion, potentially owning 3.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply. Supporters laud the company’s innovative capital strategy, using equity and debt to fund Bitcoin purchases, which tightens supply and bolsters its balance sheet. However, critics warn that issuing preferred instruments dilutes common shareholders’ Bitcoin exposure, risking long-term value erosion. Meanwhile, MSTR stock shows bullish momentum despite Bitcoin’s 2.26% price drop, with MSTR up 1.64%. The briefing also touches on broader crypto market trends, including gold hitting record highs, bearish Bitcoin signals, and significant crypto fund flows, painting a complex picture of opportunity and risk in the evolving digital asset landscape.
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This article explores how gold, silver, and bitcoin perform as wealth preservation tools during uncertain economic times. Gold stands out as a stable hedge against inflation, maintaining value and liquidity, with a 20% price increase in 2020 from $1,581 to $1,895 per ounce. Silver also provides stability, though less reliably than gold, appreciating over 46% in the same year due to its industrial and monetary uses. In contrast, bitcoin, a newer asset, shows high volatility, dropping significantly at the pandemic's onset before rebounding with a 300% gain by year-end. The article emphasizes that preserving wealth depends on individual risk tolerance, with some preferring stable assets like gold and silver, while others may embrace bitcoin's potential for high returns despite its fluctuations. Ultimately, a balanced portfolio combining these assets is recommended to mitigate risks and capture growth, tailored to personal financial goals and market conditions.
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The article discusses growing concerns over the security of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) due to advancements in quantum computing. While banks warmed to crypto last year, the looming threat of quantum technology, which could break Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography within 10 to 15 years, is prompting caution. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis highlights the rapid progress in quantum research, exemplified by Google’s demonstrations of superior computational speed. Although current quantum systems are far from threatening blockchain networks, the potential for Shor’s algorithm to derive private keys from public ones poses a significant risk, especially for early Bitcoin wallets holding vast sums. The “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, where adversaries store data for future decryption, adds to the concern. Reflecting this unease, Christopher Wood, a prominent strategist at Jefferies, recently removed Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing quantum advancements as a challenge to its long-term value proposition for institutional investors. Despite being an early supporter, Wood now questions Bitcoin’s reliability as a store of value amidst these technological uncertainties.
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The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is maturing beyond its speculative origins, as highlighted by Nic Roberts-Huntley, CEO of Blueprint, in a discussion with TheStreet Roundtable. While early DeFi was dominated by risk-seeking "degens," platforms like Blueprint are now prioritizing capital preservation, compliance, and consistent yields to attract traditional investors. Roberts-Huntley aims to build a sustainable business, offering better rates and experiences without exposing users to excessive risk. Blueprint’s user base reflects this shift, split between volatile crypto traders and cautious traditional finance participants seeking productive assets with minimal risk. The company is also engaging with institutional investors to explore acceptable risk boundaries, marking a 2026 trend of blending DeFi innovation with institutional-grade frameworks. Despite its conservative approach, Blueprint upholds DeFi’s ethos of user autonomy, allowing individuals to select their leverage levels while warning of the consequences of overexposure. This balance of freedom and accountability represents a new narrative in DeFi, positioning it as a parallel system to traditional finance (TradFi) with growing appeal to diverse investors.
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Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen suggests Bitcoin may have peaked in Q4 2025, marking the end of its post-halving cycle, as outlined in his recent quarterly macro risk memo. Unlike the euphoric tops of 2017 and 2021 driven by retail speculation, this cycle’s peak was characterized by apathy, with minimal social engagement and speculative breadth, resembling mid-2019. Cowen warns of choppy, uneven price declines ahead, featuring countertrend rallies rather than a single capitulation event, though not necessarily a prolonged bear market. He also highlights a cautious outlook due to macroeconomic conditions, noting that while the economy is cooling, it remains resilient enough to limit significant liquidity expansion. Consequently, Cowen argues the risk-reward profile for crypto currently leans toward capital preservation over aggressive growth. While short-term rallies are possible, structural upside for Bitcoin remains constrained until liquidity, participation, and on-chain conditions reset. His analysis focuses on market structure and risk asymmetry rather than specific price predictions, casting doubt on sustained bull market growth in 2026.
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Elon Musk’s social media platform X is implementing a policy to restrict crypto projects that reward users for posting, a move aimed at reducing spam and low-quality content as stated by X’s head of product, Nikita Bier. This decision has disrupted parts of “Crypto Twitter,” drawing criticism from the digital asset community who fear it penalizes legitimate creators alongside bots. The policy led to a sharp sell-off in tokens linked to engagement incentives, such as Kaito, which dropped over 15%. While X isn’t banning crypto discussions outright, the backlash highlights tensions over alternative income models for creators, especially as X’s own payouts lag behind competitors. Simultaneously, X is rolling out “Smart Cashtags,” a feature linking posts to real-time market data for stocks and digital assets, aiming to keep users engaged within the platform. This policy shift occurs amid broader scrutiny of Musk’s ventures, particularly over the AI chatbot Grok, which faced criticism for generating manipulated images, leading to tightened controls and ongoing investigations by regulators like Britain’s Ofcom. The mixed reactions from users reflect a divide—some welcome the crackdown on automated “AI slop,” while others question the consistency of X’s own engagement-based monetization features. This development raises significant questions about the future of tokenized engagement and content quality on the platform.
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South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit, once a market leader, has been fined nearly $2 million by the Financial Intelligence Unit for failing to adhere to anti-money laundering regulations. An October 2024 investigation uncovered over 22,000 violations, including poor customer due diligence and incomplete know-your-customer checks. Korbit has accepted the penalty and an official warning to its leadership, choosing not to appeal in a bid to foster transparency in the crypto sector. The exchange, whose trading volume has dwindled to just 0.5% of the South Korean market, is also navigating a potential ownership change, with Mirae Asset nearing a takeover deal worth up to $95 million from current stakeholders Nexon and SK. Following the regulator’s findings, Korbit has implemented recommended corrective measures and pledged to enhance user protection through rigorous compliance. This incident coincides with broader inspections across South Korea’s crypto exchanges, highlighting systemic issues in the industry.
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VanEck's latest investment note reveals a divided outlook on Bitcoin and the crypto market, adopting a cautious stance for the next three to six months due to the breakdown of Bitcoin's traditional four-year cycle, influenced by institutional involvement and macro trends. Despite Bitcoin trading near $92,000, internal debates persist, with some VanEck leaders remaining optimistic about its immediate future. In contrast, the firm is bullish on traditional risk assets like AI stocks, which appear attractive after a correction, and gold, seen as a stabilizing global currency near its all-time high of $4,615, with pullbacks viewed as buying opportunities. Amid political uncertainties, including a DOJ lawsuit questioning Fed independence, both Bitcoin and gold are highlighted as potential hedges against systemic risks. Experts suggest that if central bank autonomy is challenged, diversification into non-sovereign assets like Bitcoin could accelerate, potentially reshaping its role in portfolios alongside gold.
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The Department of Justice’s grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve on Jan. 9 over a $2.5 billion renovation have sparked controversy, with Chair Jerome Powell defending the Fed’s independence in a rare video statement. Powell suggested the probe is a pretext for political pressure, a concern echoed by Senator Thom Tillis, who questioned the DOJ’s credibility. Market reactions saw gold surge 1.78% to $4,588.77 per ounce, outpacing Bitcoin’s 1.5% rise to $92,000, as debates intensify over Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against political interference in monetary policy. However, Bitcoin ETFs faced significant withdrawals, with $431 million pulled in early January 2026, following a record $4.57 billion outflow in late 2025, casting doubt on institutional demand. Meanwhile, attention turns to Powell’s potential successor, with crypto-friendly Kevin Hassett leading prediction market odds at 43% to replace Powell, whose term ends in May 2026. Analysts predict Bitcoin could reach $120,000–$170,000 in 2026, contingent on the next Fed chair’s policies and market clarity. While gold currently benefits from safe-haven flows during this institutional crisis, Bitcoin’s long-term outlook remains tied to evolving political and monetary dynamics.
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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly misleading Congress about renovation work at the Fed’s headquarters. Powell asserts that the probe is a retaliatory move by the Trump administration due to the Fed’s independent stance on interest rates, which conflicts with Trump’s push for lower borrowing costs. Trump, while denying involvement in the legal action, has criticized Powell and is likely to nominate a more aligned successor as Powell’s term nears its end. This has sparked bipartisan outrage, with senators like Thom Tillis and Elizabeth Warren decrying the investigation as an assault on Fed independence and pledging to block Trump’s nominees. The controversy has introduced significant uncertainty into financial markets, with potential impacts on Wall Street, the dollar, and Bitcoin. Bitcoin, which often benefits from low interest rates, could face volatility depending on the outcome of this political clash and the future direction of Fed policy. Market reactions have already shown a downturn in major indices and a surge in gold prices, reflecting investor concerns over the erosion of central bank autonomy. This situation underscores the broader debate over the Fed’s independence and its critical role in maintaining economic stability, with far-reaching implications for global markets.
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Despite recent bearish trends, Bitcoin (BTC), the world's first decentralized cryptocurrency launched in 2009, continues to draw optimistic forecasts. With a current market cap of $1.8 trillion, it remains the largest cryptocurrency. Hedge fund manager Mark Yusko, founder of Morgan Creek Capital Management, shared bullish predictions on the Coin Bureau podcast on January 7. He argued that Bitcoin is a better form of gold due to its scarcity, portability, and divisibility, positioning it as a superior hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. Yusko predicts Bitcoin’s market cap will rise to $15 trillion, an eightfold increase, driven by increased adoption and money printing by governments. He also envisions a long-term scenario where Bitcoin could become a global monetary unit, potentially reaching a market cap of $120 trillion to $150 trillion. However, he notes this is part of a 30-year adoption cycle, with only the first decade completed. While short-term corrections are expected, Yusko remains confident in Bitcoin’s long-term value as a scarce and valuable asset. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $90,505.20.
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Tether has joined forces with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle digital asset fraud and cybersecurity threats in Africa, Papua New Guinea, and other at-risk areas. Announced recently, this partnership supports victim protection, youth education, and blockchain-based solutions to combat organized crime. Key initiatives include cybersecurity bootcamps in Senegal, aid for trafficking victims across six African countries, and fraud prevention programs in Papua New Guinea. Africa, a rapidly growing crypto hub with over $205 billion in transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, faces significant scam and trafficking risks, with Interpol uncovering $260 million in illicit flows. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized empowering vulnerable communities through innovation and education. This marks a shift for Tether from enforcement—having frozen $3.3 billion in illicit funds—to proactive development. The collaboration aligns with UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 and addresses broader crypto security challenges, including recent hacks and social engineering attacks. Tether also continues to innovate with tools like Rumble Wallet and Scudo, enhancing secure digital transactions.
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In a recent podcast with Anthony Scaramucci, Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, declared the end of the era where crypto treasuries could dilute shareholders to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum and call it a business model. He emphasized that these treasuries must transform into companies with real products and services to deliver shareholder value, as merely holding crypto assets no longer suffices. Nearly 40% of Bitcoin treasuries trade below their asset value, with over 60% having bought at higher prices than current levels. Ethereum treasuries have largely stopped buying, except for BitMine, which holds over 50% of Ether in the sector. Novogratz noted that the hype around treasuries has faded, with many trading at steep discounts and lacking the success of pioneers like Strategy, which is still down 50% in six months. He attributes this to structural issues, including the rise of ETFs offering direct crypto exposure. For struggling treasuries, Novogratz advises buying back discounted stock and using assets to innovate, such as creating neobanks, to avoid becoming obsolete discount vehicles.
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Binance Blockchain Week (BBW) in Dubai marked a pivotal moment for the crypto industry, positioning the UAE as its potential global hub. Amidst the desert heat, the event at Coca-Cola Arena shifted focus from hype to infrastructure, spotlighting Real-World Assets (RWA) tokenization, AI-blockchain synergy via DePIN, and scalable Layer-2 solutions. Insights from industry leaders like Fernando Lillo Aranda of Zoomex and Griffin Ardern of BloFin underscored Dubai’s strategic advantage with friendly regulations and deep liquidity from traditional finance giants like Millennium. A mature, sober bullishness pervaded, reflecting post-FTX resilience and a long-term adoption outlook. Networking on Dubai Marina yachts fueled immediate capital flows into DeFi and Bitcoin staking, while regulators like VARA lent credibility through partnership. BBW signaled Dubai’s rise not just as a host, but as the infrastructure for the “4th Technology Revolution,” redefining global finance with clarity and opportunity.
