Trustless BTCVaults aim to use Bitcoin as on-chain collateral without wrappers or custodians.Babylon’s staking previously reached over $2 billion in total value locked.An integration with Aave V4 is expected to bring native Bitcoin collateral to DeFi by April 2026.Babylon is moving to widen Bitcoin’s role in on-chain finance, following fresh backing from venture capital firm a16z Crypto.The investment supports Babylon’s transition from a single-purpose staking platform toward a broader financial infrastructure built directly on Bitcoin.Rather than focusing only on yield, the project is positioning BTC as usable collateral across lending and other decentralised applications, without relying on wrapped tokens or custodial bridges.The shift reflects a growing push across crypto markets to unlock capital efficiency from Bitcoin’s large but largely inactive supply, while keeping security anchored to the Bitcoin network itself.a16z crypto investmentOn Dec. 7, a16z Crypto disclosed a $15 million investment in Babylon, made through the purchase of Babylon’s native BABY tokens.Babylon was originally developed as a Bitcoin staking protocol that allows BTC holders to earn yield without transferring assets off the Bitcoin network.The firm said the investment reflects confidence in Babylon’s approach to extending Bitcoin’s functionality beyond staking, while preserving Bitcoin’s core security assumptions.a16z positioned the project as a potential neutral alternative to wrapped BTC models, which currently dominate decentralised finance but introduce reliance on issuers, custodians, or multi-signature structures.Trustless BTCVaults explainedBabylon is now expanding into lending infrastructure through what it calls Trustless BTCVaults.These vaults are designed to allow Bitcoin to act as verifiable on-chain collateral without bridges, wrappers, or custodians.The architecture relies on cryptographic tools such as witness encryption and garbled circuits to enable conditional execution tied directly to Bitcoin transactions.The aim is to let Bitcoin interact with decentralised applications while remaining native to its own network.According to a16z, this design could reduce counterparty and settlement risks that arise when BTC is represented on other blockchains via synthetic tokens.Babylon’s approach targets the large pool of Bitcoin capital that currently sits idle, estimated at more than $1.4 trillion, by making it usable in lending, credit, and other capital-efficient use cases.Founders and technical rootsBabylon was founded by David Tse and Fisher Yu.Tse is a professor at Stanford University and is known for his academic work in information theory and blockchain research.a16z highlighted Tse’s long-standing role in mentoring crypto founders and researchers as part of its rationale for backing the project.The firm framed the investment as support for technically driven infrastructure that could reshape how Bitcoin integrates with decentralised finance, rather than incremental improvements to existing staking models.From staking to DeFi integrationBabylon’s staking protocol has previously drawn significant demand.Earlier staking caps recorded more than $2 billion in total value locked, with participation from institutional custodians such as BitGo and exchange partners including Kraken.More recently, development has shifted toward BTCVaults and native Bitcoin lending.In early December 2025, Babylon and Aave announced that native Bitcoin would be used as collateral on Aave V4.The proposed integration includes Aave’s first Bitcoin-backed “Spoke”, enabling borrowing and lending against BTC without converting it into ERC-20 tokens.The launch is expected around April 2026.If successful, it could open new decentralised finance markets built directly on Bitcoin’s base layer, with potential extensions into perpetual futures, stablecoins, and other financial primitives.The post Babylon pushes Bitcoin into on-chain finance as a16z crypto backs expansion appeared first on CoinJournal.

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20% of SKR supply is reserved for Solana Seeker phone users and developers via airdrop.Seeker Season 1 saw over 100,000 users, 9 million transactions, and $2.6 billion in volume.SKR launches on January 21 with governance, staking, and Guardian delegation.Solana Mobile has officially confirmed plans to airdrop a significant portion of its upcoming SKR token to users of its Seeker smartphone.The announcement marks a major milestone for the Solana Mobile ecosystem as it transitions from early adoption into a token-powered governance and incentive model.With the SKR launch scheduled for January 21, Solana Mobile is positioning the Seeker phone as a central gateway to crypto-native mobile experiences.The airdrop is designed to reward early participants who helped validate the concept of crypto-first smartphones.Airdrop details and snapshot confirmationSolana Mobile has confirmed that 20% of the total SKR token supply has been set aside specifically for an airdrop.The allocation is intended for both Seeker phone users and developers who actively participated in the ecosystem.According to the company, a snapshot has already been taken to determine eligibility for the airdrop.This means participation during Seeker Season 1 is the key factor in qualifying for SKR tokens.Solana Mobile has not yet released exact individual allocation figures, but further details on claims are expected soon.The company has emphasised that the airdrop is meant to recognise real usage rather than speculative behaviour.This approach reinforces SKR’s role as a utility and governance token rather than a short-term promotional asset.Seeker Season 1 proves crypto mobile demandThe airdrop follows the conclusion of the first-ever Seeker Season.Season 1 recorded participation from more than 100,000 Seeker users.During the season, users interacted with over 265 decentralised applications.The ecosystem processed more than 9 million transactions over the period.Total on-chain volume during Season 1 reached approximately $2.6 billion.Solana Mobile described these results as proof that crypto-native mobile devices can scale.The data also demonstrates sustained engagement rather than one-time experimentation.This performance set the foundation for introducing SKR as a coordination mechanism for the platform.Transition into Seeker Season 2Alongside the SKR announcement, Solana Mobile confirmed the launch of Seeker Season 2.Season 2 begins immediately following the conclusion of the first season.While full details are still forthcoming, the company has indicated that new incentives are coming.This suggests that SKR will play an active role in future engagement and rewards.The timing positions the token launch as a bridge between past participation and future growth.By tying seasons together, Solana Mobile is encouraging long-term involvement rather than one-off usage.SKR token launch and utilityThe SKR token is scheduled to launch on January 21 at 2:00 a.m. UTC.In the United States, this corresponds to January 20 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.SKR is designed to function as both a governance and utility token within the Seeker ecosystem.Token holders will be able to delegate SKR to network participants known as Guardians.Guardians play a role in securing the ecosystem, verifying devices, and curating the decentralised app store.Delegation is also expected to unlock staking-style rewards for participants.This model aims to decentralise decision-making while maintaining ecosystem quality.The post Solana Mobile to airdrop 20% of SKR tokens to Seeker phone users appeared first on CoinJournal.

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The entire Electric Coin Company team behind Zcash development exited after governance changes.A new company will be formed to continue the same privacy-focused mission.The Zcash protocol remains unaffected despite leadership and governance turmoil.Electric Coin Company, the long-standing development organisation behind Zcash, is preparing to start a new company following a sudden and highly public split tied to governance disputes.According to public statements and reporting, the entire Electric Coin Company team has departed from its previous organisational arrangement with Bootstrap, the nonprofit created to support Zcash.Notably, the exit was not framed as a routine resignation or gradual transition.Instead, the company’s leadership described the situation as a breakdown in alignment that made continued work impossible.The move marks a major turning point for one of the cryptocurrency industry’s most prominent privacy-focused projects.Zcash has long positioned itself as “private money,” and the organisational fracture highlights growing tensions between mission-driven development teams and nonprofit governance structures.Governance conflict at the centre of the splitAt the core of the dispute is Bootstrap, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support Zcash by governing the Electric Coin Company.Josh Swihart, CEO of Electric Coin Company, publicly stated that a majority of Bootstrap board members had moved into clear misalignment with the mission of Zcash.He specifically named Zaki Manian, Christina Garman, Alan Fairless, and Michelle Lai as central figures in that majority.Swihart said that over recent weeks, changes imposed by the board altered the terms of employment for the Electric Coin Company team.Those changes, according to his account, made it impossible for the team to perform their duties effectively and with integrity.As a result, the entire team left after what Swihart characterised as constructive discharge.Constructive discharge refers to situations in which working conditions are changed so significantly that employees are effectively forced to resign.The framing suggests the split was driven by governance actions rather than disagreements over technology or code.The dispute also exposed confusion around roles and noscripts, with Swihart acknowledging that public listings showing him as executive director of Bootstrap were outdated.A new company, but the same missionDespite the split, Swihart emphasised that the departing team is not abandoning its core vision.He confirmed that the former Electric Coin Company team plans to found a new company.The goal of that new entity, he said, remains building “unstoppable private money.”This language mirrors Zcash’s long-standing emphasis on privacy, censorship resistance, and user sovereignty.Importantly, Swihart and other figures stressed that the Zcash protocol itself is unaffected by the organisational changes.Zcash’s codebase is open-source, and no single company owns or controls the network.That distinction is critical for users and developers concerned about continuity and security.Former Electric Coin Company CEO and Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox defended the Bootstrap board and stated that Zcash remains permissionless, secure, and safe to use.His response highlighted the reality that leadership perspectives differ sharply on the causes and implications of the split.Market reaction, Zcash price dropsZEC, the native token of the Zcash network, saw a notable price drop in the aftermath of the announcement.At press time, Zcash was trading at around $443.38, down 10.3% in a day, eroding the majority of its December gains.The price decline reflects uncertainty around governance, leadership stability, and future development direction.At the same time, supporters of the departing team argued that separating from what they view as hostile governance may ultimately strengthen development.They see the creation of a new company as a way to protect mission-driven work from nonprofit board dynamics.Critics, however, worry about fragmentation…

Products listed as XAUUSDT and XAGUSDT are designed to track gold and silver prices onchain.The contracts operate under FSRA regulation in Abu Dhabi through the ADGM framework.Other major exchanges already offer precious metals-linked perpetual contracts, reflecting rising demand.Binance has widened its derivatives suite by adding perpetual futures linked to gold and silver, marking a push beyond purely digital assets.The move reflects growing demand among crypto-native traders for exposure to traditional safe-haven markets through familiar onchain infrastructure.By listing precious metals products that trade around the clock and have no expiry date, the exchange is positioning itself at the intersection of commodities and crypto trading.The launch comes as gold and silver prices have reached fresh records, drawing renewed attention from investors seeking hedges against volatility across global markets.Precious metals enter crypto derivativesThe exchange said on Thursday that it had launched perpetual futures contracts tied to gold and silver.The products allow traders to speculate on price movements without holding the underlying metals and without worrying about contract expiration.Trading is available continuously, mirroring the structure of crypto perpetuals that already dominate derivatives volumes on major exchanges.The contracts are listed under the symbols XAUUSDT and XAGUSDT. Both are designed to track the market price of gold and silver, respectively.Instead of physical settlement, positions are settled in Tether’s USDT stablecoin, giving traders onchain exposure to precious metals pricing while remaining within a crypto-based settlement system.Settlement and market accessBy settling the contracts in USDT, Binance is extending the use of stablecoins beyond crypto-native assets into traditional commodity-linked products.This structure allows traders to gain price exposure without converting funds into fiat currencies or commodity-backed instruments.It also removes the need for storage, delivery, or custody arrangements associated with physical gold and silver.The approach highlights how derivatives are being used to mirror traditional financial markets inside crypto trading platforms.Binance has indicated that additional contracts linked to traditional assets are planned, suggesting that commodities and other non-crypto markets may feature more prominently in future product rollouts.Regulatory framework in Abu DhabiThe gold and silver perpetuals are offered through Next Exchange Limited, a Binance entity operating under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework.The contracts fall under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, with Binance holding the relevant licences within ADGM.This regulatory setup is central to Binance’s effort to expand its derivatives catalogue while maintaining compliance in key jurisdictions.Abu Dhabi has also become relevant for stablecoin usage, with USDT approved for use by regulated companies in the emirate, even as Tether has chosen not to seek authorisation under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.Competition and safe haven demandBinance is not alone in offering precious metals-linked perpetual contracts.Other exchanges active in this segment include Coinbase, MEXC, BTCC, BingX, and Bybit, although Bybit currently limits its offering to gold-linked perpetuals.The growing number of platforms listing such products points to rising interest in blending commodity exposure with crypto derivatives trading.The timing of Binance’s launch aligns with a period of heightened demand for safe-haven assets.Both gold and silver have recently climbed to new all-time highs, driven by investor appetite for assets perceived as stores of value.By enabling trading in these markets via USDT-settled perpetuals, Binance is tapping into that demand while keeping activity within its existing derivatives ecosystem.The post Binance launches gold and silver perpetual futures in expansion beyond crypto appeared first on CoinJournal.…

XRP’s rally paused as spot ETF inflows slowed and early profit-taking emerged.Technical resistance triggered selling, but long-term holders stayed largely inactive.Price outlook hinges on holding key support while ETF demand stabilises.XRP entered 2026 with powerful momentum after ending last year on a strong institutional narrative.The token quickly outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in early January, drawing renewed attention from traders, funds, and mainstream media.Spot XRP ETFs were a major driver of this enthusiasm, as consistent inflows signalled sustained institutional demand.Low exchange balances reinforced the bullish case by suggesting limited immediate sell-side supply.This combination helped propel XRP sharply higher in the first days of the year.However, the rally is now facing its first meaningful stress test.Price action has turned volatile as ETF flows cool and short-term traders begin to lock in gains.Although the shift does not mark a trend reversal yet, it does highlight growing fragility beneath the bullish narrative.XRP ETF momentum slows as early exuberance fadesSpot XRP ETFs recorded their first net outflows since launch on January 7, breaking a long streak of daily inflows.The pullback was concentrated in one large product, while other issuers still saw modest inflows.Even so, the headline reversal weighed heavily on sentiment.ETF flows have been central to XRP’s 2026 rally, making any slowdown psychologically significant.The outflows coincided with broader weakness across crypto ETFs, including Bitcoin and Ether products.This suggests the move was driven more by risk reduction than by XRP-specific panic.Cumulative ETF inflows remain firmly positive, keeping the longer-term institutional thesis intact.Still, the market is now adjusting to the idea that ETF demand may not rise in a straight line.As flows normalise, prices become more sensitive to technical levels and short-term positioning.XRP price forecastXRP’s short-term outlook hinges on how it behaves around critical support zones.Holding above the $2.00–$2.05 region would signal that the pullback is corrective rather than structural.XRP price analysisXRP price analysis | Source: TradingViewA sustained break below that area could open the door to deeper retracements toward the high-$1.80s.On the upside, bulls need a decisive daily close above the $2.25–$2.35 range to regain control.Such a move would indicate that selling pressure has been absorbed.If momentum rebuilds, a recovery toward $2.60 and $2.80 becomes technically plausible.Medium-term prospects remain tied to ETF flow trends and broader crypto sentiment.As long as cumulative ETF assets stay elevated and exchange supply remains constrained, downside risk may be limited.However, the explosive pace seen at the start of 2026 is unlikely to repeat immediately.Instead, XRP appears poised for consolidation as the market digests gains.If demand reaccelerates later in the year, this cooling phase could form the base for another advance.The post XRP’s 2026 price surge faces its first test as ETF flows cool and profit-taking emerges appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Key takeawaysPI is down 1% in the last 24 hours and has now dropped below $0.21.The cryptocurrency could record further bearish performance amid market correction.PI trades at $0.2072 as the market undergoes a correctionPI, the native token of the Pi Network, has lost 1% of its value in the last 24 hours and is now trading at $0,2072 per coin.The bearish performance comes as centralized exchanges (CEXs) received 1.90 million PI tokens over the last 24 hours, suggesting risk-off sentiment among holders.According to data obtained from PiScan, over 1.90 million PI tokens were deposited on PI-listed CEXs, adding to the supply pressure. Usually, large deposits on centralized exchanges are considered a sell-off move, with investors taking some profits from the market. The inflow of tokens into exchanges could intensify selling pressure on PI in the near term.  PI could drop below $0.20 amid selling pressureThe PI/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as the coin has failed to rally in recent days. PI is trading below the 200-day EMA price of $0.2092 after reversing from the 50-day EMA at $0.2166.The dip suggests renewed supply pressure from the higher EMA. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped to the neutral level of 50, indicating growing selling pressure and further downside potential.PI/USD 4H ChartFurthermore, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is closing in on the bearish zone, suggesting that the bullish momentum is fading. If MACD crosses below the signal line, it would indicate renewed bearish momentum.If the selloff continues, PU could retest the October 11 and September 22 lows at $0.1996 and $0.1842 over the next few hours or days. If Pi Network declines further, the October 11 and September 22 lows at $0.1996 and $0.1842, respectively, could serve as support levels.However, if the bullish trend resumes, PI could target the 50-day EMA at $0.2166 before rallying towards the December high of $0,2295.The post PI dips below $0.21 as indicators flash bearish signal appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Key takeawaysCRV is up by less than 1% despite the ongoing market correction.The coin could rally towards the $0.5 psychological level as bulls continue to accumulate.Curve DAO tops $0.40Curve DAO (CRV) is trading above $0.40 after adding more than 8% to its value in the last 24 hours. It is facing resistance at $0.433 after recording excellent gains in the near term. The bullish performance comes amid whale accumulation. According to Santiment’s Supply Distribution data, whales holding between 10 million and 100 million CRV tokens (blue line) have accumulated a total of 33 million CRV tokens from early January to Thursday. However, wallets holding between 100,000 and 1 million ADA tokens (red line) and 1 million and 10 million CRV tokens (yellow line) have shed 29 million tokens.In addition to that, Santiment’s Daily Active Addresses index, which tracks network activity over time, also suggests a bullish bias. An increase in the metric suggests growing blockchain usage.CRV’s Daily Active Addresses rose from 945 on December 26 to 1388 on Thursday, the highest level since October 14. The surge indicates that demand for Curve DAO’s blockchain usage is increasing, which could benefit CRV’s price. CRV could extend gains above $0.5The CRV/USD 4H chart is bearish and efficient despite the coin’s recent bullish action. CRV retested the weekly resistance level at $0.433 and has now declined to trade at $0.414. At press time, CRV is attempting to break above the weekly resistance level. If that happens, CRV could extend the rally toward the November 10 high of $0.548, which coincides with the 200-day EMA.CRV/USD 4H ChartThe Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart reads 51, above the neutral level of 50, indicating bullish momentum is gaining traction. Finally, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows a bullish crossover, adding further bullish confluence to the coin.If the market correction persists, CRV could decline towards the new year low of $0.357.The post CRV eyes $0.5 amid whale accumulation: Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

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The TRU token collapsed from $0.1659 to near zero, wiping out market value.Liquidity on decentralised exchanges dried up following the exploit.The attacker wallet was linked to a Sparkle protocol attack 12 days earlier.A serious security breach at Truebit Protocol has triggered one of the sharpest collapses seen in decentralised finance this year.The blockchain project, which focuses on verified computing, lost around $26.5 million after an attacker exploited a weakness in its smart contract system.The incident sent the protocol’s native TRU token crashing to near zero and left liquidity across decentralised exchanges severely strained.On-chain movements following the exploit show how quickly funds were siphoned away, highlighting ongoing risks around smart contract design and monitoring across the DeFi sector.How the exploit unfoldedThe breach was first flagged by blockchain security firm PeckShield, which detected a series of suspicious transactions on the Ethereum network.Analysis showed that the attacker drained nearly 8,500 ETH from Truebit Protocol.At the time of the exploit, the stolen cryptocurrency was valued at about $26.5 million.On-chain data indicates that the funds were quickly split and transferred to two separate wallet addresses, identified as 0x2735…cE850a and 0xD12f…031a60.Dividing funds in this way is a commonly used technique to complicate tracking and reduce the chances of recovery.PeckShield’s preliminary findings suggest the exploit targeted a flaw within the protocol’s contract structure, although a detailed technical breakdown has not yet been published.Token collapse and liquidity shockThe market impact was immediate. Truebit’s native TRU token suffered a near-total collapse, falling from a daily high of $0.1659 to a low of $0.000000018.The move effectively erased the token’s market capitalisation within hours.Liquidity across decentralised exchanges also dried up rapidly.With pools depleted and confidence shaken, many token holders were unable to exit positions.The episode underlined how tightly token valuations are linked to protocol security, particularly for smaller DeFi projects where confidence can evaporate quickly once an exploit is confirmed.Protocol response and containment stepsAfter the breach, Truebit Protocol issued an official update acknowledging the incident.The team confirmed that a specific smart contract had been compromised and warned users not to interact with it until further notice.The protocol stated that it is working alongside law enforcement authorities and taking steps to limit further damage.Users were also advised to rely only on official communication channels for updates as investigations continue.No timeline has yet been shared for remediation or potential recovery efforts.Link to earlier DeFi attackPeckShield further reported that the wallet involved in the Truebit exploit had been connected to a separate attack on the Sparkle protocol roughly 12 days earlier.In that case, the attacker acquired tokens and later routed funds through Tornado Cash, a privacy service often used to obscure transaction trails.The repeated use of similar techniques points to an experienced exploiter actively scanning for vulnerabilities.The connection has raised broader concerns across the DeFi ecosystem, where a series of linked attacks can amplify risk perception beyond the affected projects.The post Truebit protocol hack exposes DeFi security risks as TRU token collapses appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Polygon price pumped to highs of $0.15 amid a 15% spike.The POL token rose on Thursday as Bitcoin tried to bounce off its latest lows around $90,000.Open Money Stack and the potential Coinme acquisition buoyed buyers.Polygon (ex-MATIC) saw a sharp 15% price surge in the past 24 hours, with the token inching to its highest level in a month amid broader cryptocurrency weakness.The POL token traded around $0.14 at the time of writing, with trading volume up 137% to $228 million.While Bitcoin seemed to struggle with downside pressure on Friday, the Polygon price spiked.Data showed a double-digit rally, allowing the bulls to hit intraday highs of $0.15, gains that have added to renewed momentum following the ex-MATIC token’s rise from lows of $0.09 on January 1, 2026.Polygon price today: Why is POL soaring?As noted, the Polygon token’s price jumped to near $0.15 as the community reacted enthusiastically to key project-related developments.Pivotal among these are plans to make the network the future of on-chain money.News of what lies ahead in 2026 appears to have boosted bullish sentiment for the Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution.The vision is outlined by Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal and Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron.Specifically, the project has announced Open Money Stack, a modular framework designed to bridge fiat and on-chain settlement.Instead of creating a closed ecosystem, the Open Money Stack is built to be interoperable, allowing businesses to adopt only the components they require while remaining connected to other networks.Polygon presents this approach as a move toward making blockchain-based payments as seamless as those in traditional financial systems.According to Nailwal, “all money will move on-chain over time,” and Open Money Stack positions Polygon as a foundational infrastructure for the next era of programmable finance.Another news that buoyed bulls was the report that Polygon is close to sealing a $100-$125 million acquisition of Coinme, a prominent Bitcoin ATM operator.Coinme is one of the largest crypto ATM platforms and has a presence across 49 US states.The acquisition represents a strategic move for Polygon and is key to the quest to bridge traditional fiat infrastructure and blockchain technology.Investors are showing confidence amid these developments.Overall, these moves signal the L2’s ambitious evolution.Polygon price forecastBulls are hovering at a month high after breaking above the key resistance at $0.13.Market conditions suggest caution is warranted. However, Polygon’s trajectory could extend upwards if bullish momentum persists.The token’s recent breakout from lower levels showed bullish strength.Polygon Price ChartPolygon price chart by TradingViewBuyers feared for the worst when POL dropped below $0.10, but amid a notable bounce, the next critical threshold lies at $0.20.If bulls successfully reclaim this level, it could pave the way for a more substantial rally.Immediate supply wall pressure above the $0.20 area will be $0.27 and $0.30, with the near term allowing for a retest of $0.50 range.On the downside, year-to-date lows of $0.09 remain a key target.The extended RSI on the chart above suggests potential pullback amid profit-taking.The post Polygon (POL) jumps 15% as open money stack plans and Coinme deal boost sentiment appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Evernorth and Doppler partner to explore institutional liquidity on XRP Ledger.Collaboration aims to deploy XRP capital and improve treasury management strategies.Strategic alliance focuses on bridging traditional finance with XRPL-native systems.SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 9, 2026 – Evernorth, an XRP digital asset treasury company supported by Ripple and SBI Holdings, and Doppler Finance (“Doppler”), a leading XRPfi infrastructure provider, have entered into a strategic relationship to explore potential collaboration in support of the XRP Ledger (“XRPL”), including the design and pilot of institutional liquidity and treasury use cases on XRPL.The collaboration highlights a deepening integration between one of the largest public XRP treasury companies and a core onchain infrastructure provider, paving the way for deeper convergence between traditional finance and XRPL-native financial systems.Through this collaboration, Evernorth and Doppler are exploring initiatives designed to support institutional adoption of the XRPL ecosystem, with a focus on structured liquidity deployment, potential treasury management strategies, and the development of a resilient, long-term ecosystem foundation.Under the collaboration, Evernorth and Doppler are exploring institutional liquidity deployment frameworks that may support treasury management activities on the XRPL, such as the evaluation of onchain products and mechanisms for deploying XRP capital at scale.By leveraging Doppler’s institutional-grade architecture, the collaboration contemplates structured participation from institutional capital while establishing the commercial, operational, and technical foundations required for sustained, long-term engagement.Beyond infrastructure and liquidity, the collaboration includes coordinated strategic communications and market-facing initiatives, including joint announcements, publications, and offline engagements.In parallel, Evernorth and Doppler intend to pursue global market expansion efforts targeting both institutional and retail participants, with the objective of accelerating adoption and reinforcing confidence in XRPL-native financial infrastructure.This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to positioning XRP as a key asset within a transparent and institutionally aligned onchain framework, while bridging traditional financial standards with next-generation blockchain-based infrastructure.“The next phase of XRPL adoption will be driven by institutions that demand clarity, structure, and real economic utility,” said Asheesh Birla, CEO of Evernorth.“By collaborating with Doppler, we are advancing practical frameworks for deploying institutional XRP liquidity onchain, with the goal of setting a higher standard for how XRP is used, managed, and scaled across global markets.”“Working with Evernorth represents a meaningful step forward in expanding institutional participation across the XRP Ledger,” said Rox, Head of Institutions at Doppler Finance.“By aligning institutional liquidity with robust infrastructure and disciplined risk frameworks, we aim to unlock XRP’s full potential as a scalable, yield-generating asset for global markets.”About EvernorthAt closing of a newly announced Business Combination Agreement with Armada II, Evernorth will be a publicly traded digital asset treasury that provides investors with exposure to XRP through a regulated, liquid, and transparent structure.Unlike ETFs, Evernorth intends to actively grow its XRP per share through a mix of institutional and DeFi yield strategies, ecosystem participation, and capital markets activities.For important information regarding forward-looking statements and where to find additional information, see: https://www.evernorth.xyz/press-release-10-20-2025About Doppler FinanceDoppler Finance is leading XRPfi by introducing an institutional-grade yield infrastructure natively built on XRP Ledger.Our stack combines regulated custody, fully audited reserves, and strictly vetted yield strategies designed for safety and scale.We…

Sky token price dropped over 5% as altcoins struggled.The token could fall further amid broader market weakness.Anchorage Digital has reportedly transferred over 69 million SKY tokens.Sky (SKY), the governance asset of the decentralized Sky Protocol (formerly MakerDAO), has dropped by over 5% in the past 24 hours as major cryptocurrencies face downward pressure.After renewed uptrends in early 2026, Bitcoin has retreated to support at $90,000, Ethereum to $3,000 and XRP to around $2.15.Increased trading volume as the token faces significant downward pressure suggests there could be further downside movement.SKY price falls amid large token transferSKY’s price declining nearly 6% to trade near $0.056 is a drop that aligns with a broader altcoin market weakness observed on Friday.Sky Price ChartSky price chart by TradingViewThe token’s struggles come as profit-taking adds to risk-off sentiment.For Sky, sellers have been on top since prices fell from highs of $0.096 in July 2025.Bears even tested the support levels around $0.041 in November.Recent gains saw buyers top $0.068, but things have looked tough on the upside across the cryptocurrency market, and SKY is following a similar trajectory.On Jan. 9, the price decline happened as onchain data showed that Anchorage Digital, a prominent institutional crypto custodian and federally chartered bank, had moved over 69 million SKY tokens.This significant on-chain transfer is likely a repositioning for custody services, institutional allocation, or other strategic purposes.However, such large transfers often trigger heightened selling activity.What next for SKY price?Technical indicators on the daily chart point to continued downside risk for SKY in the near term.The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering in the mid-40s, suggesting weakening momentum and leaving room for a further slide toward oversold conditions.At the same time, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remains bearish, with the MACD line below the signal line and a negative histogram.Despite the recent decline of roughly 9% over the past week, some investors remain constructive on the token’s longer-term outlook.Supportive factors cited include ongoing token buybacks funded by protocol revenue and signs of growing real-world usage.Data also shows that annualised SKY repurchases have risen sharply alongside a jump in revenue, placing the project among the top-ranked protocols by buyback activity.While Hyperliquid leads the group, Sky ranks second, ahead of names such as Pump.fun, TRON and Solana.Here are the Top 10 leading in annualized revenue and their market cap / revenue ratio. 1. Hyperliquid $HYPE – $514M (12.1x)
2. Sky Ecosystem $SKY – $371M (3.6x)
3. https://t.co/FCQRXgJqew $PUMP – $368M (3.5x)
4. Tron $TRON – $339M (82.1x)
5. Solana $SOL – $282M (280.7x)
6.… pic.twitter.com/pLXz4LAloy— Coinage x DAIC (@coinage_x_daic) January 9, 2026The positive fundamentals may provide a boost that could see bulls counter macro-driven headwinds.If bulls take control, bullish price targets include $0.080 and $0.10. Conversely, bears might eye $0.050 and $0.037 lows.The post Sky token slides over 5% as altcoin weakness deepens appeared first on CoinJournal.

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The approval allows limited crypto-related activities but not full financial services authorisation.Registration confirms compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules.The approval supports Ripple’s expansion in regulated international markets.Ripple has taken a formal step into the regulated UK crypto market after securing approval from the country’s financial watchdog.The development places Ripple among a limited group of digital asset firms that have met the UK’s compliance standards, at a time when regulators are tightening supervision of the sector.The move reflects how crypto companies are increasingly navigating jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction rules to maintain access to key financial centres.For the UK, it also underscores efforts to bring crypto activity within an established regulatory perimeter rather than leaving it to operate on the margins.FCA registration statusRipple’s UK subsidiary, Ripple Markets UK Ltd., has been registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under the country’s money laundering regulations.The update appeared on the FCA’s official register on Friday, confirming that the entity has satisfied the regulator’s requirements related to financial crime controls.Registration under these rules signals that Ripple complies with UK standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.Firms listed on the register are required to monitor transactions, carry out customer due diligence, and report suspicious activity.For crypto businesses, this registration is a legal requirement to operate certain services in the UK.Scope of the approvalWhile the registration allows Ripple to carry out specific crypto-related activities, it does not amount to full financial services authorisation.The FCA’s approval is limited in scope and does not permit activities such as offering regulated investment products or providing broader banking services.This distinction is central to the UK’s regulatory framework for digital assets.Crypto firms can gain entry to the market by meeting baseline compliance requirements, but further permissions are needed as business models expand into more heavily regulated areas.Ripple’s status reflects compliance with financial crime rules rather than a comprehensive licence.UK regulatory directionRipple’s approval comes as the UK seeks to position itself as a global hub for digital assets while strengthening oversight.Policymakers have been working to integrate crypto firms into existing regulatory structures, focusing first on areas such as money laundering and terrorist financing risks.The FCA has adopted a selective approach to crypto registrations, with many applicants failing to meet its standards in previous years.Against this background, inclusion on the register indicates that Ripple has cleared a relatively high compliance bar.The process also highlights the regulator’s emphasis on governance and controls rather than rapid market expansion.The post UK’s FCA grants regulatory approval to Ripple appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Zcash (ZEC) has staged a notable intraday recovery in the volatile world of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.The token pumped following a sharp sell-off triggered by governance uncertainties at the Electric Coin Company (ECC).ZEC price has rebounded more than 10% in the last 24 hours, up from lows of $396.The price of Zcash (ZEC), the privacy-focused cryptocurrency that staged a notable surge in 2025, has rebounded from its latest dip under $400 with an impressive 10% uptick in the past 24 hours.Zcash (ZEC)  traded around $436 at the time of writing, posting a double-digit recovery after the token dipped to around $396 amid negative ecosystem developments.Why did Zcash price dump?Notably, the recent price action follows the sharp sell-off triggered by internal governance challenges within the Zcash ecosystem.On January 7, 2026, the development team from the Electric Coin Company (ECC), the primary entity historically responsible for Zcash’s core development, announced mass resignations. The split impacted the ZEC price.The departure stemmed from a misalignment with the Bootstrap nonprofit board.Developers cited concerns over shifts away from the project’s original privacy mission as a reason.But despite the lingering jitters of what turmoil for Zcash developer Electric Coin Company could mean for the privacy coin, the swift reversal suggests investor interest remains high.Zcash price recovers 10%, can bulls go higher?News around Zcash prompted panic selling, driving ZEC to an intraday low near $389 on Thursday.Losses helped wipe out a significant portion of the privacy coin’s market value, with bulls under threat as bears threatened the psychologically important $400 level.Zcash Price ChartZcash price chart by CoinMarketCapAccording to data from Coinglass, uncertainty saw more traders lean bearish.However, buyers have quickly stepped in, absorbing the selling pressure.The movement has seen 24-hour liquidations increase to over $7.95 million. Among these, over $6.20 are in short positions, while over $1.75 are long positions.This double-digit recovery highlights the bulls’ resilience as fresh demand emerges for the privacy coin.Significantly, the Zcash Foundation has emphasized that the protocol remains decentralized, open-source, and unaffected by the organizational changes.In light of recent developments @ElectricCoinCo, Zcash Foundation would like to reaffirm several key facts about the Zcash network and our enduring role in the ecosystem.— Zcash Foundation 🛡️ (@ZcashFoundation) January 8, 2026The developer split, while disruptive in the short term, has not crashed Zcash bulls.“We recognize that moments of transition within the ecosystem can create uncertainty. However, at moments like this it is important to understand this distinction: distinguish between organizational shifts and the health of the network. The Zcash network is fundamentally independent of any single organization, board or corporate entity,” the foundation noted via X.Given the outlook, could the ZEC price edge higher?Short-term, the key for bulls would be to stay above $400. A close above $450 and a retest of $500 will be a huge step. If not, a reset to the support around $313 is possible, and near-term reload zones will be at $220.The post Zcash price rebounds 10% after dip below $400 amid developer turmoil appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Bitcoin currently trades in a tight range near $90K amid a 3-day streak of ETF outflows.The current market consolidation mirrors pre‑2025 surge patterns with low volatility.The key levels to watch include the support at $90K, the immediate resistance at $95K, and $100k in case of a breakout.Bitcoin (BTC) price has remained stuck in a narrow trading range around $90,000.The cryptocurrency is showing signs of consolidation after a volatile start to 2026.Bitcoin ETF flows and macroeconomic uncertainties are playing a key role in the price movement.Bitcoin ETF outflows weigh on BTC priceIn early January, Bitcoin spot ETFs initially attracted strong inflows, signalling renewed institutional interest.However, a three-day streak of outflows totalling over $1 billion has nearly erased those gains.This shift indicates waning conviction among institutional investors.The outflows have contributed to Bitcoin’s inability to break above $95,000.Traders are cautious as geopolitical tensions between the USA, Latin American countries and Iran, and broader risk-off sentiment, weigh on the market.ETF redemption patterns are currently a major driver of near-term price behaviour.These flows may represent tactical rotation rather than long-term liquidation.Investors could be reallocating capital to other assets while maintaining exposure to Bitcoin.Nonetheless, the short-term pressure has kept BTC trading in a tight range between roughly $88,000 and $95,000.Echoes of pre‑2025 rally patternsBitcoin’s current sideways trading resembles the consolidation phase before its 2025 rally.In the months leading up to the surge, BTC spent nearly 50 days in a narrow range, a phenomenon called time-based capitulation.This period allowed weak hands to exit and set the stage for a powerful upward move.The current market consolidation mirrors that pattern, suggesting the market may be quietly building momentum.Bitcoin price analysisCurrent consolidation mirrors pre-2025 rally consolidation | Source: TradingViewUnlike traditional capitulation, this phase does not involve panic selling or sharp drops.Instead, low volatility and a steady range characterise this pre-rally accumulation period.Some analysts see this as a signal that Bitcoin could be preparing for a significant breakout.The ETF outflows and geopolitical pressures may simply be temporary obstacles.If history repeats, a sustained push above resistance could trigger renewed bullish momentum.The key Bitcoin price levels to watchOne of the key price levels to watch out for is the key support that remains near $90,000.A break below this support could open the door to further declines toward $86,000–$88,000.However, a sustained move above $95,000 would signal renewed institutional buying and potential acceleration.If Bitcoin overcomes $100,000, the market could revisit mid‑2025 highs and even target $110,000 in the medium term.Moving forward, traders and investors should monitor both technical levels and macro catalysts to gauge the timing and scale of the next potential surge.The post Bitcoin extends consolidation amid ETF outflows, echoing pre‑2025 surge patterns appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Dogecoin whale accumulation spikes signal confidence and reduce sell pressure.Dogecoin ETF inflows show growing institutional interest in DOGE.Japan partnerships expand Dogecoin’s real-world use and adoption potential.Dogecoin (DOGE) has shown signs of stabilisation around $0.14 as the new year begins.The DOGE price has increased by 1.18% over the past 24 hours, slightly outperforming the broader cryptocurrency market.This modest gain results from multiple bullish catalysts converging as the memecoin market sees a resurgence in investor interest.Whale accumulation boosts confidenceOn-chain data shows a 300% surge in large DOGE transactions, with whales accumulating 218 million DOGE ($31 million) in 12 hours.Such accumulation by major holders typically signals confidence and reduces immediate sell pressure.Historically, sustained whale buying has preceded short-term rallies in the DOGE price.Record Dogecoin ETF inflowAccording to data from SoSoValue, Grayscale’s Dogecoin Trust ETF (GDOG) recorded a $7.55 million inflow on January 8, marking its largest single-day purchase since launch.Grayscale Dogecoin Trust ETF inflowGrayscale Dogecoin Trust ETF | Source: SoSoValueHistorically, ETF inflows indicate growing institutional interest and structural buying pressure in the DOGE market.Even modest institutional participation can have a notable impact on meme coins like Dogecoin.Continued inflows may help maintain support around $0.144, which is a critical level for converting the 50-day moving average into a bullish foundation.Dogecoin’s real-world expansion in JapanIn an agreement announced on Thursday, the Dogecoin Foundation, through its corporate arm House of Doge, has partnered with abc Co., Ltd. and ReYuu Japan Inc. to explore real-world adoption in Japan.This strategic collaboration focuses on regulated tokenisation, payment infrastructure, and real-world asset solutions.Japan represents a high-adoption market for cryptocurrencies, and expanding utility beyond memes can increase long-term demand for DOGE.While no immediate product launch has been announced, these partnerships establish a roadmap for future integration with merchants and financial services.Dogecoin price outlook: the key levels to watchDogecoin (DOGE) remains in a sideways trading range between $0.1387 and $0.145, reflecting consolidation after a prolonged downtrend from mid-2025.The 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs continue to act as resistance, while momentum indicators such as MACD and RSI show neutral to mildly bullish conditions.While technical indicators suggest sideways trading for now, the fundamentals point to potential upside if institutional and real-world adoption trends continue.The combination of whale accumulation, ETF inflows, and the strategic partnerships in Japan has created guarded optimism for DOGE price movement.In the short term, a daily close above $0.145 could trigger a short-term rally toward $0.15–$0.16, while a breakdown below $0.14 would risk revisiting support near $0.12.The post Dogecoin eyes $0.15 amid whale accumulation, ETF flows, and Japan expansion appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Chainalysis recorded $154 billion in illicit inflows, driven largely by sanctioned entities.Russia’s ruble-backed A7A5 token processed over $93.3 billion in transactions within a year.Illicit transactions remain under 1% of total on-chain activity despite rapid growth.Illicit cryptocurrency activity expanded rapidly in 2025, not because of a sudden spike in everyday crypto crime, but due to a structural shift in how sanctioned states and entities are moving money.As global financial restrictions widened, blockchain networks increasingly became an alternative channel for cross-border transfers that are harder to block or monitor through traditional systems.A new report from Chainalysis shows that this change is altering the shape, scale, and participants of the illicit crypto ecosystem.Illicit crypto addresses received at least $154 billion during 2025, a 162% jump from $59 billion in 2024.Chainalysis attributed much of this growth to sanctioned actors moving funds on-chain at scale.While illicit activity still represents less than 1% of total crypto transactions, its rapid expansion highlights how sanctions policy is influencing blockchain usage in ways not seen in previous years.Sanctions push activity on-chainChainalysis described 2025 as a turning point, marked by unprecedented volumes linked to nation-state behaviour.Unlike earlier phases dominated by hacks, scams, and darknet markets, recent activity has shown higher levels of coordination and technical sophistication.This reflects growing familiarity with blockchain tools among sanctioned entities facing restricted access to the global banking system.The scale of sanctions worldwide has risen sharply.The Global Sanctions Inflation Index estimated in May that nearly 80,000 individuals and entities are currently under sanctions.Separate research from the Center for a New American Security found that the United States added 3,135 entities to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List in 2024, the highest annual total ever recorded.This expanding sanctions environment has increased incentives to seek alternative settlement systems.Russia’s growing roleOne of the most prominent contributors to the rise in illicit crypto flows was Russia, which has faced extensive international sanctions since it invaded Ukraine.In February 2025, Russia launched a ruble-backed digital token known as A7A5.According to Chainalysis, the token processed more than $93.3 billion in transactions in less than a year.The use of a state-linked token illustrates how sanctioned governments are experimenting with blockchain-based instruments to maintain trade and financial connectivity.This approach differs from earlier crypto usage patterns, where states were largely indirect beneficiaries of illicit networks rather than active participants in token-based systems.Stablecoins take centre stageStablecoins played a dominant role in illicit crypto activity throughout 2025, accounting for 84% of total illegal transaction volume.Chainalysis linked this to their price stability, high liquidity, and ease of cross-border transfer.These same characteristics that support legitimate payments and remittances have also made stablecoins attractive to sanctioned users seeking predictable settlement.The growing reliance on stablecoins signals a shift away from volatile assets for illicit transfers.Rather than speculative trading, the focus has moved toward efficiency, reliability, and scale, particularly for large-value transactions involving sanctioned entities.Crime remains a smaller shareDespite record illicit volumes, Chainalysis stressed that criminal activity still accounts for a small fraction of the broader crypto economy.Overall, on-chain activity expanded significantly during the year, keeping illicit transactions below 1% of total volume, even as their absolute value surged.Other forms of crypto-related crime persisted alongside sanctions-driven flows.Blockchain security firm PeckShield documented over 20 major exploits in December, including…

The action was detected by Whale Alert and ranks among the largest single-day USDT freezes.Tether has frozen over $3 billion in assets from more than 7,000 addresses since 2023.Stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit crypto activity tracked by Chainalysis.Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, froze more than $180 million worth of USDT within 24 hours, underscoring the growing role of centralized control and law-enforcement coordination in the stablecoin market.The event stands out not only for its size but also for what it reveals about issuer-level control in the crypto economy.As regulators scrutinise digital dollars more closely, the mechanics behind this freeze offer insight into how compliance now shapes on-chain liquidity.Large-scale freeze on TronOn Jan. 11, Tether froze roughly $182 million worth of USDT held across five Tron-based wallets in a single day.The action was flagged by on-chain tracker Whale Alert, which showed individual wallet balances ranging from about $12 million to nearly $50 million.The timing and concentration of the freezes marked it as one of the largest single-day USDT enforcement events recorded on the Tron network.The wallets were not drained or moved.Instead, the tokens were locked at the contract level, making them unusable while remaining visible on-chain.This approach is consistent with how fiat-backed stablecoins are restricted when issuers respond to external requests.Enforcement-linked coordinationWhile Tether did not publish a detailed explanation, the freezes appear linked to cooperation with US authorities, including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Historically, similar actions have followed investigations tied to scams, hacking incidents, sanctions breaches, or other forms of illegal crypto usage.Tether maintains administrative control through special keys embedded in the USDT smart contracts it issues.These keys allow the company to halt or freeze tokens at the issuer level.Such functionality is central to how stablecoin operators comply with anti-money-laundering rules and legal enforcement demands, particularly when funds are suspected of being linked to criminal activity.Scale of past USDT freezesData from analytics firm AMLBot places the Jan. 11 action in a broader context.Between 2023 and 2025, Tether froze more than $3 billion in assets spread across over 7,000 addresses.That cumulative figure far exceeds comparable actions by other stablecoin issuers, underlining USDT’s dominant role in enforcement-led interventions.Tron has become one of the largest settlement layers for USDT, with more than $80 billion in circulation on the network.Its low fees and fast settlement times have driven adoption, particularly in emerging markets and high-frequency trading environments.At the same time, this scale makes Tron-based USDT a focal point for monitoring illicit flows.Centralisation and market implicationsThe episode has renewed debate around centralised control in stablecoins.Unlike decentralised assets such as Bitcoin, USDT can be paused or frozen by its issuer when legal pressure is applied.This structural difference has practical consequences for users who rely on stablecoins as cash equivalents.According to Chainalysis, stablecoins accounted for around 84 % of illicit crypto activity by the end of 2025.The data reflects how dollar-pegged tokens have become a primary medium in fraud cases and sanctions-related transfers.As enforcement actions grow in size and frequency, issuer-controlled stablecoins continue to sit at the intersection of regulatory compliance and decentralised finance.The post Tether freezes $182M in USDT, highlighting centralized control in stablecoins appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Companies would be limited to investing up to 5% of their equity capital.Only top market cap tokens on major regulated exchanges would be eligible.Stablecoin inclusion remains under regulatory discussion.South Korea is preparing to reopen its digital asset market to corporate money, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of tight restrictions.Financial regulators are updating long-standing guidelines that have barred companies from holding crypto assets since 2017, a period defined by concerns over money laundering and market instability.The proposed changes would allow listed companies and professional investors to allocate a limited portion of their balance sheets to cryptocurrencies.The move signals a recalibration of policy as Seoul seeks to strengthen its digital finance ecosystem while keeping risks contained through strict guardrails.Corporate access returnsAccording to a report by the Financial Services Commission, legal entities will be permitted to invest up to 5% of their equity capital in crypto assets.The information was reported by the Seoul Economic Daily.Regulators are expected to release the final version of the guidelines in January or February.Once in place, companies will be able to engage in virtual currency transactions for investment and financial purposes, ending a nine-year prohibition.The FSC first outlined a phased easing of corporate crypto rules in February 2025 and shared the latest draft with its crypto working group on Jan. 6.The approach reflects a gradual opening rather than a wholesale liberalisation.Tight limits on assetsThe planned framework places clear limits on where and how companies can invest.Corporate purchases will be restricted to the top 20 crypto assets by market capitalisation, narrowing exposure to the most liquid and widely traded tokens.Transactions will also be confined to South Korea’s five largest regulated exchanges, reinforcing oversight and compliance standards.The inclusion of dollar-pegged stablecoins remains unresolved.The report said regulators are still debating whether assets such as Tether’s USDT should be permitted under the new rules.These conditions are designed to address the same financial crime risks that prompted the original ban, while recognising that the domestic market has matured since 2017.Market impact expectationsThe reopening of corporate access could unlock significant capital flows into crypto markets.Seoul Economic Daily noted that the scale of potential investment runs into tens of trillions of won.By way of illustration, the report pointed to internet giant Naver, which holds around 27 trillion won in equity capital.Under the proposed cap, the company could theoretically deploy funds equivalent to roughly 10,000 Bitcoin.Beyond direct market inflows, the change could alter corporate strategy.Large South Korean firms have previously invested in digital assets overseas to avoid domestic restrictions.Easing local rules may redirect that activity back home, supporting blockchain startups, digital asset treasuries, and related infrastructure.Broader digital currency strategyThe corporate crypto shift sits alongside a wider push into digital currencies.The government has outlined plans to execute 25% of national treasury transactions through a central bank digital currency by 2030 as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy.The government also plans to introduce a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers.Under the proposal, issuers would need to maintain 100% reserve backing and provide legally guaranteed redemption rights for users.Together, these measures suggest South Korea is seeking to integrate crypto assets, stablecoins, and a CBDC into a single regulatory framework rather than treating them as isolated experiments.The post South Korea moves to reopen corporate crypto investing after long freeze appeared first on CoinJournal.

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H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Future Holdings AG.Bitcoin tops $92K as mining difficulty dips to 146.4 trillion.Adam Back supports the expansion of corporate BTC treasury operations.Sweden-listed H100 Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Swiss Bitcoin treasury company Future Holdings AG.The deal, backed by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back, aims to expand H100 Group’s presence into Switzerland’s institutional crypto market.Future Holdings AG, co-founded and funded by Adam Back, specialises in managing Bitcoin treasuries for corporate clients.The transaction is currently a non-binding letter of intent, with formal documentation and regulatory approvals needed before closing.H100 Group Bitcoin treasury strategyH100 Group has been actively growing its Bitcoin holdings through convertible loan agreements and treasury acquisitions.By acquiring Future Holdings AG, H100 Group gains access to established Swiss infrastructure for managing institutional Bitcoin assets.The proposed purchase consideration is around CHF 600,000, which includes Future Holdings’ cash on hand and payment in newly issued H100 shares.This acquisition aligns with H100 Group’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading corporate Bitcoin treasury company.Adam Back’s involvement adds credibility and highlights the growing trend of institutional Bitcoin adoption across Europe.Future Holdings AG previously raised significant capital, roughly CHF 28 million, to develop its Bitcoin treasury solutions.The company’s expertise in regulatory compliance and treasury management makes it a valuable partner for H100 Group.This move reflects a broader pattern of Bitcoin treasury consolidation in public markets, with firms seeking to combine expertise and infrastructure.Bitcoin price breaks $92 as Bitcoin mining difficulty dropsNotably, the Future Holdings AG acquisition deal comes amid notable Bitcoin market developments.To start with, Bitcoin has surpassed $92,000.In addition, the mining difficulty has adjusted downward to approximately 146.4 trillion, providing temporary relief for miners after months of rising difficulty.Bitcoin mining difficulty finally blinked lower in 2026, giving miners a brief breather.$BTC pic.twitter.com/S1v1LsnhMJ— NekoZ (@NekozTek) January 11, 2026The decline in mining difficulty signals a slight decrease in total hash power, which can affect block times and miner profitability.For H100 Group, these market conditions highlight the growing importance of strategic BTC treasury management.Corporate treasury companies like H100 and Future Holdings AG are positioning themselves to benefit from both price growth and institutional adoption trends.Adam Back has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, contributing capital and expertise to strengthen Bitcoin treasury operations.Bitcoin price outlookMarket analysis shows that Bitcoin’s price momentum remains strong as it surpasses $92K.However, short-term volatility is expected, with potential retracements near support levels around $88,000 to $90,000.Bitcoin price analysisBitcoin price analysis | Source: TradingViewContinued institutional adoption, such as the H100–Future Holdings deal, could provide upward pressure on BTC.Mining adjustments, macroeconomic conditions, and liquidity events may also influence price movements over the coming weeks.Also, with H100 Group expanding its Swiss operations, the alignment of corporate treasury strategies and rising BTC prices may create further market interest.The post H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Swiss Bitcoin firm Future Holdings appeared first on CoinJournal.

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XRP price fell 2% to $2.04 as Bitcoin pulled back towards $90,000.The XRP token jumped to $2.40 last week, helped by record ETF volumes.Bulls need to defend $2 or risk falling to $1.80 or lower.XRP saw a modest pullback, easing about 2% as it moved toward the key support level of $2.00.The retreat comes as recent bullish momentum in the token shows signs of cooling. Bitcoin also slipped during the session, alongside a pullback in stock futures.Despite the near-term price pressure, development activity at Ripple and signs of institutional demand remain intact.XRP price revisits support near $2: why the downturn?XRP fell about 2% over the past 24 hours, touching an intraday low of $2.04.The move extends the pullback from recent highs near $2.40, with market participants flagging a potential new supply zone around the $2.10 level.Trading activity remained elevated, with 24-hour volume at 2.94 billion, reflecting heightened participation amid broader market volatility.The weakness in XRP came alongside a pullback in Bitcoin, which retreated from above $92,000 after investors reassessed risk following comments from Jerome Powell.In a statement released on Sunday, Powell said the Federal Reserve had received grand jury subpoenas from the Department of Justice.Stock futures declined after Powell characterised the subpoenas, linked to his Senate testimony, as an attack on the Fed’s independence.Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all moved lower, as markets reacted to the prospect of political pressure on monetary policy.Risk-averse sentiment spread across asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, while gold climbed to fresh record highs.XRP has remained under pressure in this broader risk-off environment.Ripple price forecastXRP gained to above $2.40 last week amid bullish regulatory news from the UK.Gains nevertheless faded, even as XRP exchange-traded funds continued to record inflows and saw record trading volumes.Technical indicators point to rising selling pressure.Signals from the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) suggest momentum is weakening, and a daily close below the $2.00 level could accelerate the downside.XRP Price ChartXRP price chart by TradingViewAgainst this backdrop, XRP’s price action reflects a balance of optimism and caution, contrasting with the broader outlook for risk assets amid lingering macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.Chart patterns also indicate further downside risks. The daily RSI is hovering around 50, a neutral level, but has turned lower, signalling fading momentum.The MACD, meanwhile, is pointing toward a potential bearish crossover.If confirmed, it could trigger additional selling before any reversal takes hold. Immediate support is seen near the $1.80 level.On the upside, sustained ETF demand, falling exchange reserves, and continued institutional interest could help stabilise prices.In a recovery scenario, traders are likely to watch $2.40 and $2.50 as key resistance levels, with a short-term upside target around $3.00.The post XRP price retreats to key support as momentum stalls appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Dubai’s financial regulator has banned privacy tokens across the DIFC from Jan. 12.Stablecoins must now be fiat-pegged and backed by high-quality, liquid assets.Algorithmic stablecoins like Ethena are excluded from the stablecoin category.Dubai’s financial regulator has rolled out a major update to its crypto rulebook, drawing a clear red line around privacy tokens while changing how digital assets are approved inside the Dubai International Financial Centre.The revised Crypto Token Regulatory Framework, effective Jan. 12, reflects a broader shift in regulatory philosophy.Privacy tokens bannedUnder the updated framework, privacy tokens are prohibited across the DIFC.The ban covers assets designed to conceal transaction histories or wallet holders, as well as any related financial activity.This includes trading, marketing, fund exposure, and derivatives referencing such tokens.The decision arrives at a time when privacy coins have attracted fresh attention from traders.Monero XMR recently crossed an all-time high, and tokens such as ZEC have also seen increased activity.Despite this, the DFSA views the risks as incompatible with global compliance obligations.The regulator’s position is rooted in Financial Action Task Force standards, which require firms to identify both the originator and beneficiary of crypto transactions.Privacy tokens, by design, make this level of transparency difficult to achieve.As a result, the DFSA considers their use inconsistent with anti-money laundering and financial crime controls expected of regulated firms.Mixers and obfuscation toolsThe prohibition extends beyond tokens themselves.Regulated firms in the DIFC are also barred from using or offering privacy-enhancing devices such as mixers, tumblers, or other obfuscation tools that hide transaction details.This places Dubai closer to the most restrictive global approaches.While Hong Kong technically permits privacy tokens under a risk-based licensing model that limits their practical use.Through MiCA rules and an upcoming AML ban on anonymous crypto activity, privacy coins and mixers are effectively being pushed out of regulated European markets.Stablecoin definition tightenedStablecoins are another central focus of the revised rules.The DFSA has narrowed the definition of what it calls Fiat Crypto Tokens, limiting the category to tokens pegged to fiat currencies and backed by high-quality, liquid assets.These reserves must be capable of meeting redemption demands even during periods of market stress.Algorithmic stablecoins fall outside this definition due to concerns around transparency and redemption mechanics.Tokens such as Ethena, despite their rapid growth, would not qualify as stablecoins under the DIFC framework.They are not banned but would be regulated as standard crypto tokens rather than fiat-backed instruments.Firms take responsibilityA significant structural change in the framework shifts token approval responsibility to industry participants.Instead of maintaining a regulator-approved list of crypto assets, the DFSA will require licensed firms to determine whether the tokens they offer are suitable and compliant.Firms must document these assessments and keep them under continuous review. The change reflects feedback from the industry and the regulator’s view that the market has matured.It also aligns with international regulatory thinking that asset selection decisions should rest with firms, with supervisors focusing on oversight and enforcement rather than approvals.The post Dubai crypto rules tighten as DFSA bans privacy tokens and rewrites approval process appeared first on CoinJournal.

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