Moon5labs

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his own coin, which is set to take place on Wednesday. While some people speculated that it might be a cryptocurrency, Trump’s project is more of a traditional product than a digital asset.

 
New Coin to Support Presidential Campaign
Donald Trump, who is running for the presidency of the United States again, announced the launch of a new coin to raise funds for his election campaign. The project, titled "Silver Medallion First Edition President Trump," aims to distribute physical silver to Americans who support his political vision and want to see him back in office. Although many of his supporters expected Trump to release a cryptocurrency, this new coin is something entirely different.
 Launch of Limited Edition Coin
Trump announced that the coin will be sold for $100 each through the website RealTrumpCoins.com. The coin will be made of 99.9% pure silver and will only be available in a limited edition. One side of the coin will feature Donald Trump’s likeness, while the other side will display the White House accompanied by the phrase "In God We Trust."
 This coin is expected to be one of several activities that Trump undertakes to secure the necessary funding for his campaign ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S. The coin comes at a time when Trump is actively seeking new ways to bolster his campaign and ensure he has the resources he needs. He stated that this silver coin is the "ONLY OFFICIAL coin" he has designed and that was minted in the U.S. under his leadership.
 Cryptocurrency Expectations Unfulfilled
In recent months, several meme coins featuring themes related to Donald Trump have appeared in the market, capitalizing on his popularity. However, Trump has distanced himself from these unofficial tokens and emphasized during the introduction of his silver coin that:
"I’ve seen a lot of coins using my beautiful face, but they’re not official. RealTrumpCoin.com is the only place to purchase the official Trump coin."
 At first glance, Trump’s announcement of a new official coin might seem related to cryptocurrency, as many of his fans have been expecting him to introduce a digital asset. For instance, last week, 84% of bettors on the Polymarket platform believed that Trump would come out with his own cryptocurrency. This anticipation was fueled by the launch of the World Liberty Financial project, which was speculated to potentially include an official Trump cryptocurrency.
 World Liberty Financial and the True Purpose of the Coin
The World Liberty Financial project does contain a token called WLFI, but this token lacks the key characteristics of a classic cryptocurrency as many had envisioned. Although WLFI has been presented as a type of digital asset, it is not the classic cryptocurrency that Trump fans hoped for. While speculation continues regarding whether Trump will eventually come up with his own cryptocurrency project, the silver coin remains his current official product and focuses more on traditional investment in precious metals.
Thus, Trump continues to favor physical, tangible assets rather than joining the wave of digital assets that currently dominate the financial world.
Trump's fondness for cryptocurrencies.
Donald Trump also commented on the Fatty token before the presidential campaign. #Fatty caught Trump's attention because one of the characters in the game mimics Donald Trump, and they are also counting on Don's participation in their new video clip. The first episode featured UFC Champion Jiří Procházka and world-famous beauty contest winners. Fatty.io is still in presale, and it is expected to be one of the best launches of this period.
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Most account closures in the U.S. — a phenomenon known as debanking — are driven more by government pressure than private biases, according to a new report from the Cato Institute. The analysis shows that federal influence over financial institutions is far greater than commonly acknowledged.
What is debanking?
Debanking refers to the sudden and often unexplained termination of accounts — not only by banks, but also by credit unions, crypto exchanges, payment apps, and other financial entities.
Economist Nicholas Anthony explains that debanking typically occurs for one of three reasons:

🔹 Operational grounds, such as the bank no longer wanting to serve a client

🔹 Ideological motives, such as religious or political beliefs

🔹 Government pressure, either direct or indirect
According to Anthony, it is this third category — government-driven closures — that poses the greatest threat.

Hidden Hand: How Washington Influences Account Closures
The Cato Institute warns that U.S. authorities often influence financial institutions behind the scenes, nudging them to drop certain clients. While these closures may appear voluntary, they’re frequently rooted in pressure from federal regulators.
Key findings include:

🔹 72% of conservatives believe the real issue lies in government overreach

🔹 This public sentiment has already begun influencing federal policy, especially during the Trump administration, which issued executive orders on debanking and appointed pro-crypto officials to agencies like the SEC

Legislative Reform Proposed
Anthony argues that the current framework transforms banks into unofficial enforcement arms of federal agencies, incentivizing them to cut ties with clients to reduce regulatory risks.
He proposes three major reforms:

🔹 Repeal secrecy rules that prevent banks from explaining account closures

🔹 Eliminate reputation risk regulations

🔹 Reform the Bank Secrecy Act to protect consumers from arbitrary debanking

Crypto Industry in the Crosshairs
The crypto sector has been particularly vulnerable to debanking. Many firms have found themselves cut off from the traditional banking system — often without warning or justification.
Anthony cites an example where the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) allegedly sent private letters to banks, instructing them to cease crypto-related activities — with no timeline, meetings, or explanations. In practice, these letters functioned as “termination orders.”
He also references a 2015 incident where money-transfer businesses serving Somalia were rapidly shut out of the banking system after U.S. authorities launched a crackdown on alleged money laundering.

Community Pushback & JPMorgan Allegations
In a December interview with Fox News, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon denied claims that the bank had closed customer accounts due to religious or political views. His statement followed accusations from Jack Mallers (CEO of Bitcoin Lightning app Strike) and Houston Morgan, who said their personal accounts were closed without explanation.

Conclusion: The Invisible Hand of the State
The Cato Institute report paints a worrying picture: financial freedom in the U.S. is increasingly shaped by government intervention, not market forces.
Anthony concludes:
“If Congress fails to act, debanking will become a powerful tool — not just against crypto, but against the very principle of free access to financial services.”

#debanking , #DigitalAssets , #CryptoRisks , #JPMorgan , #SEC

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

While Bitcoin remains stuck in a narrow range between $89,000 and $95,000 and XRP lost 1.54% in recent days, few have noticed one crucial fact: XRP has outperformed Bitcoin for nearly two years.
Trader Dark Defender shared a long-term XRP/BTC chart on X, showing that Ripple's token has held relative strength over Bitcoin—even during weaker altcoin market phases. The latest XRP rally toward $2.38 met resistance near the lower edge of the $2.25 support zone, which may signal a repeat of past cycles that led to sharp upward moves.

XRP Up 331% vs. Bitcoin’s 42% Since 2024
Since March 2024, XRP has climbed over 331%, while Bitcoin gained a modest 42%. Back then, XRP traded around $0.47, while BTC was near $63,000. Today, XRP trades at approximately $2.03, with BTC near $90,000.
Based on Fibonacci projections, the XRP/BTC pair could reach up to 0.00002487 BTC, a level seen during previous cycle highs. Dark Defender even speculates that with BTC at $136,000, XRP could hit $13.60—though this remains entirely hypothetical.

Short-Term Pressures: Key Support and Resistance Zones
After briefly breaking above 2,400 satoshis, XRP ran into resistance at the 200-day moving average and dropped back below $2.05. If XRP fails to hold 2,200 satoshis, a fall toward the 2,000 satoshi demand zone—seen during earlier pullbacks—could follow.

XRP Decouples from Ethereum
One major trend: XRP broke away from ETH/BTC influence in 2024. In previous cycles, XRP typically rallied when Ethereum outperformed Bitcoin. This time, XRP surged despite Ethereum’s weakness, suggesting it may now follow its own path.
Community analyst Bird XRPL noted that XRP no longer depends on ETH's strength. “We’re now back at the exact ETH/BTC zone where the previous two explosions started… A breakout looks imminent… XRP can run alone—but if ETH/BTC flips, a true price discovery phase could follow,” they posted.

XRP Approaches Ichimoku Cloud Breakout
Analyst The Great Mattsby highlighted that XRP/BTC is close to breaking above the monthly Ichimoku cloud—for the first time since 2018. Historically, such breakouts preceded sustained XRP outperformance.
Meanwhile, TheChartNerd pointed to the $2.26 level, where XRP sellers have repeatedly rejected bull moves. XRP now appears to be in a "digestion phase" following a strong early-year rally.

Market Sentiment Impacted by Trump–Powell Tensions
Markets were also shaken by a political conflict over the weekend. Fed Chair Jerome Powell claimed the Trump administration threatened him with criminal charges over renovations at the Fed’s HQ. Trump, unhappy with Fed policy since his 2025 inauguration, called Powell a “numbskull” and pushed for more control over monetary policy.

Key Levels to Watch:
🔹 Support: $2.00

🔹 Resistance: $2.28–$2.35

🔹 XRP/BTC zones: 2,200 satoshis (support), 2,400 satoshis (resistance)

#xrp , #Ripple , #Altcoin , #bitcoin , #crypto

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

More than sixty leading economists from universities and institutions across Europe are sounding the alarm. In an open letter addressed to the European Parliament, they warn that if the EU fails to implement a digital euro, it could lose control over a key pillar of its economy – money itself.

Foreign Dominance and Geopolitical Risks
The letter’s signatories – including renowned French economist Thomas Piketty and Professor Dirk Bezemer of the University of Groningen – emphasize that Europe's payment system is already heavily reliant on a handful of non-European companies. In 13 eurozone countries, everyday retail payments are dominated by international card networks, mostly American.
The letter highlights how access to payment systems can quickly become a geopolitical tool during crises. Without a strong digital euro, Europe’s dependency could deepen as private US-backed digital currencies expand across the continent. The only viable safeguard, economists argue, is a robust public digital euro issued by the European Central Bank (ECB).

Digital Euro: Conditions for Success
The economists call for a digital currency that:
🔹 Is available to all citizens, including those without commercial bank accounts

🔹 Functions both online and offline

🔹 Prioritizes privacy by design

🔹 Cannot be refused by merchants

🔹 Has sufficiently high holding limits to serve as a real store of value
If these conditions aren’t met, the economists warn, the project will collapse into a symbolic gesture with no real impact.

Banks Push Back – Lobbying Intensifies
However, the digital euro project faces strong resistance from major banks. Institutions such as Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, and ING have spoken out against it, fearing an outflow of cheap and stable retail deposits. The German banking association has also criticized the ECB’s proposal as too complex and costly, claiming it offers little benefit to consumers.
Hans Stegeman, chief economist at Triodos Bank and a key signatory, argues that banks’ opposition stems from fear of losing influence. “We want a financial system that serves society, not the other way around,” he said, emphasizing that a public digital currency is essential for a fairer and more sovereign payment infrastructure.

Europe’s Last Chance?
The letter urges the European Parliament, the Commission, and the Council to act decisively and turn the digital euro into the backbone of a sovereign European payment system. The economists warn that Europe may not get another chance to fix this.
The letter ends with a direct challenge to EU policymakers:

“In the digital age, will Europeans control their money – or will someone else control it for them?”

Notable signatories include:
Dirk Bezemer, Peter Blom, Arnoud Boot, Kristof Bosmans, Wouter Botzen, Rutger Claassen, Jézabel Couppey-Soubeyran, Paul De Grauwe, Panicos Demetriades, and Sandrine Dixson-Declève.

#digitaleuro , #ECB , #Geopolitics , #CBDC , #worldnews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The United States and India are inching closer to finalizing their long-anticipated trade agreement. On his first day in office, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor announced in New Delhi that negotiations are ongoing and another key call between the two sides is already on the calendar.
"True allies may sometimes disagree, but they always find their way back to common ground," Gor told embassy staff. He confirmed that both governments are actively engaged and committed to reaching a deal.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCV6soEErQ

India’s Complexity Slows the Process, But Resolve Remains
Gor noted that the challenges primarily stem from India’s sheer size and economic complexity. The U.S. initially planned to finalize the agreement early in Trump’s second term, but unresolved issues caused delays.
One sticking point: import tariffs. The U.S. imposed duties of up to 50% on Indian goods—one of the highest in the world—as a response to India’s growing energy imports from Russia.
Tensions were further fueled by claims that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi never called Trump to close the deal. The remark, made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, stirred backlash in New Delhi. Indian officials were also angered by Trump’s past claims of personally ending the India-Pakistan conflict—something India strongly denied.
Seeking to ease tensions, Gor emphasized the personal bond between the two leaders. "I can attest that Trump’s friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real," he said during a speech on the embassy steps, affirming high-level collaboration between both nations.

India Set to Join the Elite Pax Silica Tech Alliance
Gor also revealed that India will soon be invited to join “Pax Silica,” a new tech alliance led by the U.S. and already including Japan, South Korea, the U.K., and Israel. The initiative aims to build an independent, secure supply chain for semiconductors, AI, and rare earths.
“Pax Silica is a U.S.-led strategic initiative to build a resilient and innovative silicon supply chain—from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced chip manufacturing, AI development, and logistics,” Gor explained. India’s formal invitation is expected next month.
Behind the scenes, Trump’s administration is moving fast: acquiring stakes in mining and chip-making firms, investing in rare earth projects, and leveraging advanced chip export licenses as a key diplomatic tool.

Gor Takes the Helm to Strengthen Strategic Ties
Sergio Gor, a longtime Trump loyalist and former head of the Presidential Personnel Office, now holds one of the most strategic diplomatic positions in South Asia. While new to the region, he has deep experience in White House operations—and a clear mission: complete the U.S.-India trade deal and anchor India as a core tech ally of the West.
He replaces Eric Garcetti, former Los Angeles mayor and Biden campaign supporter, marking another Trump-era shift in global influence.
Whether Gor can secure the long-delayed deal remains to be seen. But with negotiations back on track and India poised to join the Pax Silica alliance, the path to a new era of U.S.-India cooperation appears wide open.

#TRUMP , #India ,#usa , #Geopolitics , #worldnews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply distanced himself from the recent subpoena issued to the Federal Reserve (Fed), a move that has sparked significant controversy. Trump claimed he knows “absolutely nothing” about it—adding that Fed Chair Jerome Powell “isn’t very good at his job and definitely can’t build buildings.” Powell, however, hit back, declaring that the Fed will not yield to pressure and will continue to act independently of political interference.

Powell: The Fed Will Not Bow to Political Intimidation
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that he faces unprecedented pressure—allegedly even threats of criminal prosecution. He accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of attempting to influence the Fed because it continues to set interest rates based on economic indicators rather than presidential preferences.
“We will not submit to political intimidation,” Powell declared. He emphasized that he has served under four administrations—both Republican and Democrat—and always fulfilled the Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment, free from political influence.

Trump Claims No Connection to the Subpoena
In response, Trump denied any involvement with the DOJ’s subpoena, insisting it had “nothing to do” with interest rates. While acknowledging he has criticized high rates, he claimed Powell deserved public pressure for causing financial pain to many Americans.
“If it were about interest rates, I wouldn’t even think of doing something like that,” Trump said, while simultaneously casting doubt on Powell’s competence as Fed Chair.

Congress Warns Against Undermining Central Bank Independence
Senator Thom Tillis warned that the Fed’s subpoena appears to be an attack on its independence and raised concerns over the intentions behind it. He accused the Trump administration of actively seeking to undermine both the Federal Reserve and the DOJ’s credibility.
Tillis stated he would oppose confirming any Trump nominee for Fed Chair until the issue is fully resolved. Potential Trump picks reportedly include former Fed governor Kevin Warsh and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

Is Trump Using Pulte to Pressure the Fed?
The subpoena effort is allegedly being driven by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and a close Trump ally. Pulte has reportedly influenced debates over housing policy and is believed to be helping Trump apply pressure on the Fed ahead of appointing a new chair.
However, senior officials insist that the DOJ—not Pulte—is behind the move. Some of Trump’s inner circle were reportedly shocked by the subpoena and fear the legal dispute could destabilize bond markets.

#FederalReserve , #JeromePowell , #DonaldTrump , #USPolitics , #Fed

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The year 2025 made crypto history — and not in a good way. According to data from CoinGecko, a staggering 11.6 million crypto tokens failed, with the majority being short-lived meme coins. In fact, more than half of all coins launched since 2021 are now defunct.

The Largest Collapse in Crypto History
This mass wipeout means that 2025 alone accounted for 86.3% of all recorded token failures since 2021. The main culprit? A flood of tokens generated via platforms like pump.fun, which allowed anyone to mint new coins in minutes — with no oversight or technical background required.
The peak of the crash came in October 2025, when on a single day — October 10 — the market saw the largest liquidation event in crypto history. In just 24 hours, $19 billion in leveraged positions were wiped out, and 7.7 million tokens disappeared. Meme coins were the first to fall.

Half of GeckoTerminal Projects Have Failed
Between mid-2021 and the end of 2025, over 53% of all projects listed on GeckoTerminal ended in failure. Yet 2025 also saw explosive growth: 20.2 million tokens were launched, compared to just 428,383 in 2021 — a nearly 50-fold increase.
However, most tokens launched in 2025 failed within the same year, confirming the speculative nature of many of these ventures.

Token Failures Aren’t New – But the Numbers Are Shocking
In 2024, nearly 1.4 million projects failed, during a year when over 3 million new ones were created. In contrast, between 2021 and 2023, the crypto space was more stable — those three years combined accounted for just 3.4% of all token failures.
The data confirms that the meme coin boom triggered unprecedented volatility and collapse across the ecosystem.

#memecoins , #blockchain , #cryptocrash , #MemeCoinMarket , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Tether has taken another bold step in its fight against crypto-related crime. In a single operation, the company froze $182 million worth of stablecoins held in five TRON-based wallets. According to investigations, the addresses were involved in suspicious and likely illegal activities — including trust scams and attacks on personal wallets.

Five Wallets Blacklisted in a Single Transaction

All funds were frozen in one swift transaction, with the addresses immediately added to Tether's blacklist. The move sends a clear message: USDT is being closely monitored, and any misuse will be acted upon.

Over $3.3 Billion Frozen to Date

Since 2023, Tether has frozen more than $3.3 billion in stablecoins. Most of this was on the Ethereum network (over $1.5 billion), but TRON is increasingly being targeted by scammers. Currently, more than 7,200 addresses are on the blacklist.

Fraud, Lack of KYC, and Iranian Links

Some of the frozen wallets are reportedly tied to users without verified identities (KYC) or to entities operating out of Iran, raising regulatory red flags. Freezing such addresses remains one of the few effective tools against fraud and money laundering.

T2 Financial Crime Unit in Partnership with TRON

In 2024, Tether established the T2 Financial Crime Unit, a task force created in cooperation with TRON to track and block illicit fund flows. The unit has already identified over $300 million in suspicious transactions.

TRON Network Grows Despite Risks

The TRON network now hosts more than 82 billion USDT tokens. Transactions typically align with Asian trading hours, and most transfers originate from wallets holding less than 100 USDT. The average transaction ranges between $100 and $1,000.

P2P Payments and Fraud Risks

TRON-based USDT remains a popular tool for peer-to-peer payments, but it's also widely used on fraudulent marketplaces. Only a small fraction of stolen funds can be recovered, as they're quickly scattered across hundreds of smaller wallets.

#Tether , #Tron , #USDT , #Stablecoins , #defi

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Bitcoin is once again drawing investor attention. The current BTC price hovers around $90,580, falling below the estimated average mining cost of approximately $101,000 per BTC. This scenario typically creates a potential price floor—miners tend not to panic sell but instead slow production and wait for more favorable market conditions.

“Bitcoin is cheap compared to what it costs to produce it. Most people panic and sell here. Then BTC bounces back above mining cost and everyone suddenly becomes optimistic again. Same story every cycle,” explained analyst Wimar.X.

Woo: Real Flows Matter More Than Market Narratives
On-chain expert Willy Woo emphasizes that actual capital inflows are the key driver of BTC’s recovery, rather than market stories or correlations with equities.
“The market can grow without BTC if investors aren’t allocating capital. Our work focuses on measuring real inflows from real investors—not imaginary flows based on narratives,” Woo stated.

Trump’s Credit Policy May Accelerate Shift Toward DeFi
A potential catalyst is former President Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, starting January 20, 2026. While aimed at relieving financial pressure for millions of Americans, the policy could restrict access to traditional credit for those with a credit score under 780.

Financial commentators warn that this may push underserved consumers toward alternative financial systems—like Bitcoin, stablecoins, and decentralized finance platforms (DeFi) such as Aave or Compound. Banks could respond by excluding higher-risk customers, who might then explore crypto-based financial tools.
“Tomorrow we’ll see the market’s reaction to Trump’s call for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates, which could significantly impact Visa and Mastercard,” noted one analyst.

A Delicate Balance Between Hope and Structural Challenges
While on-chain signals and political developments suggest the potential for a short-term BTC rally, Woo cautions that liquidity inflows have been declining since early 2025 compared to price momentum. This raises doubts about whether any rebound will have the support needed for sustained growth.
In summary, Bitcoin is entering a crucial phase. If mining cost support, accelerating real capital flows, and government-induced pressure on traditional finance converge, the result could be significant price volatility. Investors will be closely watching the coming weeks to see whether the market can seize this rare moment.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 BTC price is trading below estimated production costs (~$101,000)

🔹 Willy Woo: Real investor flows matter more than narratives or market correlations

🔹 Trump’s 10% credit rate cap could spark interest in DeFi

🔹 Banks may turn away high-risk clients → crypto and DeFi adoption

🔹 Recovery possible, but long-term sustainability remains uncertain

#bitcoin , #BTC , #CryptoMarket , #CryptoVolatility , #TRUMP

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Precious metal prices are soaring after former President Donald Trump hinted at potential military intervention amid the escalating Iran crisis. Gold has reached an all-time high, while silver has surged past the psychological threshold of $84 per ounce.

Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Market Surge
In early Monday trading, precious metals experienced a sharp rally. Spot gold approached $4,600 per ounce, while silver broke through a record $84, according to TradingView. This surge reflects the growing demand for safe-haven assets during times of global uncertainty.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following a deadly crackdown on protesters in Tehran. While Trump acknowledged the possibility of diplomatic talks, he also warned that the rising number of casualties is approaching a “red line”, pledging U.S. support for demonstrators.

Tehran Threatens Retaliation
Iranian officials have warned that any military strike from the U.S. or Israel would be met with forceful retaliation. The situation is further aggravated by a recent unexpected U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of a high-ranking Iranian leader.

Investment Demand Rises
The rally in gold and silver is driven not only by geopolitical risk but also by sustained investor demand and increased industrial use of silver. ETF funds focused on precious metals are reporting continued capital inflows, as investors prepare for prolonged market turbulence.

Beyond Iran: Markets Eye the Fed and the Dollar
In addition to the Middle East conflict, investors are closely monitoring:
🔹 The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Trump’s proposed tariff agenda

🔹 The Federal Reserve’s policy direction, especially regarding inflation and interest rates

🔹 The strength of the U.S. dollar, which heavily influences commodity prices
The precious metals market is now reflecting not only immediate events but also the broader uncertainty in global politics and macroeconomics.

#TRUMP , #GOLD , #Silver , #Geopolitics , #MarketVolatility

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin openly admits the network must be able to survive without him — which is why he’s laying out a long-term vision of independence. His goal? To pass what he calls the “walkaway test”, a resilience benchmark for Ethereum.
“Ethereum must reach a point where it works regardless of whether we — the developers — are still around,” Buterin stated.

Ethereum as a Tool — Not a Service
Buterin compares his vision to owning a hammer: once you buy it, it’s yours. It works without updates or reliance on a company. Ethereum, he says, should function the same way — as a tool that lasts.

Buterin’s 7-Point Plan to Future-Proof Ethereum
To make this vision a reality, Buterin believes Ethereum must complete seven critical upgrades in the coming years:
🔹 Quantum Resistance – The protocol must be secure against future quantum computer attacks.

🔹 Full Scalability – Enabled by technologies like ZK-EVM and PeerDAS.

🔹 Durable State Architecture – The network’s core must remain reliable for decades.

🔹 Complete Account Abstraction – Enhanced flexibility in managing accounts and addresses.

🔹 DoS-Resistant Gas Model – A gas structure immune to denial-of-service vulnerabilities.

🔹 Decentralized Proof-of-Stake – Validator participation must remain genuinely distributed.

🔹 Censorship-Resistant Block Building – Block creation must remain immune to centralized control.
Buterin emphasized that quantum security must not be postponed:
“We should already be able to say, ‘Ethereum’s protocol today is cryptographically secure for the next hundred years.’”

What This Means for ETH Holders
Buterin sees ETH as a long-term trustless collateral. He points to use cases such as ETH-backed stablecoins that require no active governance.
His vision is for future upgrades to involve parameter changes, not constant protocol overhauls. Validators would vote on things like scaling limits — much like they currently vote on gas limits.

Community Response
The crypto community has welcomed Buterin’s vision. Many praised the focus on long-term resilience over perpetual tinkering.
“This is spot-on. Prioritizing structural soundness is the only way Ethereum becomes a true foundation for decentralized applications,” said one highly-rated comment.

When Will It Happen?
Buterin hopes at least one box will be checked per year, ideally more. He urges the community to embrace the heavy lifting now to ensure long-term stability:
“Do the right thing once — based on knowing what truly is the right thing.”
He closed with a familiar rallying cry:

“Ethereum is getting real. This is gwei.”

#Ethereum , #ETH , #Altcoin , #VitalikButerin , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

21Shares has officially announced the launch of its spot Dogecoin ETF, which received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The new fund, trading under the ticker TDOG on Nasdaq, will join existing Dogecoin ETFs such as Grayscale’s GDOG and Bitwise’s BWOW. This move further strengthens institutional exposure to DOGE and contributes to the token’s growing market traction.

ETF Backed by Real DOGE Set to Launch
21Shares filed its official prospectus through Form 424B3 with the SEC, receiving the green light to move forward with the ETF launch this week. The fund will offer direct exposure to the spot price of Dogecoin, tracking the CF Dogecoin-Dollar US Settlement Price Index.
The management fee is set at 0.50%, accrued daily and payable weekly in DOGE. The issuer has not announced any fee waivers or promotional discounts.

Key Partners and Fund Infrastructure
The fund will be operated in partnership with established financial entities. Bank of New York Mellon will act as the administrator, cash custodian, and transfer agent, while Coinbase Custody Trust, Anchorage Digital Bank, and BitGo will serve as crypto custodians holding the actual DOGE tokens.

Market Response: DOGE Sees Modest Gain
The news triggered a mild rally in Dogecoin’s price, which climbed by over 1% in the last 24 hours to trade around $0.140. The 24-hour low stood at $0.135, while the high reached $0.142. Meanwhile, trading volume surged by 111%, signaling heightened trader interest.
According to technical indicators, DOGE remains above the 50-day moving average (50-MA) at $0.138. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 52.96, suggesting a slightly bullish sentiment.

In the derivatives market, sentiment remains mixed. The total open interest in DOGE futures rose to $1.80 billion in the last four hours. Positions increased by 0.05% on Binance and 4.20% on OKX, while Bybit and Gate saw declines of 1% and nearly 3%, respectively.

#DOGE , #Dogecoin‬⁩ , #memecoin , #21Shares , #etf

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Between January 12 and 19, 2026, the crypto market will witness major token unlocks totaling more than $1.69 billion, with ONDO and TRUMP emerging as the week’s most influential projects, according to data from Tokenomist.

ONDO: Largest Cliff Unlock of the Week
ONDO tops the cliff unlock charts, set to release 1.94 billion tokens worth $772.42 million — representing 57.23% of the adjusted released supply. This marks the single largest token unlock event across all projects for the week.

TRUMP: Dual Impact in Cliff and Linear Modes
The TRUMP token appears in both cliff and linear unlocks:
• Cliff unlock: 55.10 million tokens valued at $299.17 million

• Linear unlock: Same volume and value, representing 27.55% of the circulating supply
This makes TRUMP the second-largest project by unlocked value this week, with a significant impact on market dynamics.

Other Major Cliff Unlocks
In addition to ONDO and TRUMP, several other projects are participating in cliff unlocks:
• CONX: 1.32 million tokens worth $20.59M (1.59%)

• Arbitrum (ARB): 96M tokens worth $19.56M (1.68%)

• DBR: 618.33M tokens worth $11.52M (14.81%)

• CHEEL: 20.81M tokens worth $11.50M (2.78%)

• Starknet (STRK): 127M tokens worth $10.33M (4.83%)

• SEI: 75.80M tokens worth $9.15M (1.44%)

• ZK: 173.08M tokens worth $5.89M (3.16%)
Total value of cliff unlocks is approximately $1.16 billion, with ONDO and TRUMP accounting for a massive 92.4% of that sum.

Linear Unlocks Add Another $537 Million
Key linear token releases scheduled for the week include:
• RAIN: 9.41 billion tokens worth $84.13M (2.77%)

• Solana: 482,400 tokens worth $67.14M (0.09%)

• Worldcoin: 37.23M tokens worth $21.13M (1.37%)

• RIVER: 1.25M tokens worth $21.02M (6.38%)

• DOGE: 97.56M tokens worth $13.42M (0.06%)

• Avalanche: 700,000 tokens worth $9.57M (0.16%)

• ASTER: 10.28M tokens worth $7.34M (0.43%)

• Bittensor (TAO): 25,200 tokens worth $7.22M (0.26%)

Smaller Projects Continue Unlock Schedules
Smaller-cap projects are also advancing their unlock timelines:
• Masters of Trivia (MOT): 5.5M tokens worth $17.92M (1.10%)

• HyperGPT (HGPT): 13.92M tokens worth $71,885 (86.04% already unlocked)

• Checkmate (CHECK): 16.77M tokens worth $1.32M (1.68%)

• BounceBit (BB): 32.78M tokens worth $2.08M (1.56%)

• DappRadar (RADAR): 107.89M tokens worth $50,961 (79.12% already unlocked)

Summary
This week's unlock schedule brings heightened potential for market volatility, especially among high-value projects.
ONDO and TRUMP stand out significantly, and their unlock events will be closely monitored for pricing impact.

Key Figures at a Glance:
• Total unlock value: $1.69 billion

• ONDO: $772M (57.23%)

• TRUMP: $299M (13.3% cliff, 27.55% linear)

• Top 2 projects = 92.4% of cliff unlock value

• The rest includes a mix of mid- and small-cap projects

#TRUMP , #ONDO , #TokenUnlock , #altcoins , #Web3

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Tensions between China and Europe over control of semiconductor technology have exploded into open conflict. In a dramatic ruling, a Dutch court removed chipmaker Nexperia from the control of its Chinese parent company Wingtech, triggering a cascade of global consequences.

Netherlands Seizes Control, China Furious
The spark was lit in October 2025, when a Dutch court ruled that Wingtech Technology had secretly transferred technology from Europe to China. The court removed Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng as CEO and handed over Nexperia’s control to a Dutch supervisory team. The result? The company was split in two — a European division and a Chinese mega-factory in Guangdong, now cut off from its European counterpart.
The ruling led to immediate supply freezes. Nexperia’s Dutch team halted wafer shipments to China, and the Guangdong factory suspended cooperation. Panic followed: banks pulled out hundreds of millions of dollars, including an unused $800 million credit line. Despite this, Nexperia insists it remains debt-free and financially stable.

Europe Draws Red Lines, China Threatens Retaliation
European governments justified the move as a matter of national security, while China blasted the Netherlands for political interference. Wingtech Chairwoman Ruby Yang accused the Dutch government of “inappropriate interference” and said the company was now pursuing a “self-rescue production” strategy inside China.
The battle isn’t over. A new hearing is underway in Amsterdam, where the court is deciding whether to launch a full investigation into Nexperia’s management. If approved, the case could drag on for years. If not, Wingtech may regain its stake. Either way, both sides are gearing up for a legal war.

Carmakers Caught in the Crossfire
Global automakers are already feeling the shockwaves. Honda shut down factories, Volkswagen scrambled for chip supplies, ZF Friedrichshafen slashed production, and Bosch began flying wafers across continents just to keep assembly lines running. The process is expensive, slow, and unsustainable.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Nexperia team is seeking to expand chip production outside China, negotiating with clients on new factories in Southeast Asia. Wingtech, for its part, is trying to keep its Chinese division alive by sourcing wafers from alternate suppliers.

The Global Chip Crisis Reveals Fragile Geopolitics
As Europe moves to reduce its reliance on China, Beijing is pushing back hard. Some exports from Nexperia have resumed, but the trust is broken.
What started as a corporate dispute has now become a symbol of the new technological cold war, where semiconductors are no longer just hardware — they are strategic weapons in a geopolitical showdown.

#china , #Eu , #Geopolitics , #Regulation , #technews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Donald Trump has announced plans to consult billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk about deploying SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet to help reconnect Iranian citizens to the internet after authorities shut it down in response to widespread protests.
The former U.S. president emphasized that Starlink’s advanced technology could bypass local censorship and reestablish connectivity independently of Iran’s state-controlled infrastructure.

Iran Plunged into Digital Darkness Amid Protests
Iranian authorities have cut off internet access in most regions of the country amid ongoing protests. According to data from NetBlocks, connectivity across Iran has dropped to near zero and remains severely limited.
This blackout has crippled communication, leaving people unable to access news, use cloud services for work, study online, or send and receive money digitally. Journalists and human rights monitors are also struggling to verify information and monitor the extent of violence.
Iran relies on a centralized infrastructure that requires government authorization to operate mobile towers, fiber optics, and data centers. This gives officials total control and the power to shut down services at any time.

Starlink: A Signal from Space, Beyond Censorship
Starlink offers a unique lifeline: it connects users directly to orbiting satellites, bypassing local towers and cables. This makes it difficult for regimes to interfere with or block access.
Satellite internet has already proven its value in other countries facing authoritarian crackdowns. For Iranians, it could mean a return to basic freedoms in communication and access to outside information.

Trump: “Musk is the best at this”
Trump praised Musk’s technical expertise and said he plans to discuss how Starlink terminals could bypass Iranian censorship and reconnect people.
He stressed that it’s vital for Iranian citizens to read the news, talk to family members, and share their experiences with the outside world – especially during a time of fear and unrest.
However, Trump also noted that any such plan would need to navigate U.S. sanctions. Iran is subject to strict export controls on technology and services, meaning companies need special approval to provide internet hardware or access.

Iran Warns: Foreign-Controlled Internet Unwelcome
Iranian leaders have long warned citizens against using unauthorized satellite equipment and have actively jammed or blocked foreign signals. They view foreign internet infrastructure as a threat to national sovereignty.
Starlink would therefore face both technical and political resistance.

A New Alliance in the Making?
Beyond geopolitics, this initiative marks a potential rekindling of ties between Trump and Musk. The two had a strained relationship in recent years, especially after Musk criticized Trump’s tax policies.
But signs of reconciliation are emerging – including a private dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Their collaboration on Starlink for Iran could be the start of a new political-technological alliance.

🔹 Trump eyes Starlink to break Iran’s digital blockade

🔹 Iran cuts off internet to silence protests

🔹 Musk’s tech could reconnect citizens to the world

🔹 Sanctions and political tension pose major hurdles

🔹 Trump–Musk relations show signs of revival

#TRUMP , #ElonMusk , #starlink , #SpaceX , #Geopolitics

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The UK is once again at the center of a heated debate over the role of cryptocurrencies in politics. On January 11, 2026, the chairs of seven parliamentary committees submitted a joint letter urging the government to consider a total ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties. This bold move reignited concerns around transparency and foreign influence in election financing.
Lawmakers warn that crypto donations threaten transparency and traceability. Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Energy Committee, emphasized that crypto can obscure the real source of funds, enable small fragmented donations to dodge disclosure rules, and expose British politics to foreign interference. The letter also highlights how modern technology makes regulatory enforcement much harder.

Labour and Ministers Acknowledge the Risks – But Legal Action Still Lacking
The idea of banning crypto donations isn’t new. Back in July 2025, Labour’s Patrick McFadden admitted the government was already evaluating the issue. Now, however, pressure is mounting, with cross-party officials raising alarms about threats to election integrity.
Several UK ministers agree the risks are real — particularly around tracking crypto origins — but admit that technical and legal complexities could prevent the ban from being included in the upcoming Electoral Law package.

Reform UK Under Fire After £9M Crypto Donation from Tether Investor
Tensions peaked in December 2025 when the Electoral Commission revealed that Reform UK had accepted a crypto-linked donation worth £9 million (around $12 million) from crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who owns a 12% stake in Tether.
Although the donation itself was reportedly made in fiat currency, its origin raised serious questions. Both the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats launched internal investigations into whether the gift breached any political finance laws.

Crypto Donations Under Scrutiny as UK Develops Broader Regulatory Framework
The controversy comes as the UK works to establish a comprehensive crypto regulatory regime. In December, Parliament passed a law recognizing cryptocurrencies as property, and the government aims to regulate digital assets like traditional financial instruments by 2027.
Lawmakers now warn that crypto donations could be used to bypass transparency rules and erode public trust. The push for a total ban shows just how seriously British officials are taking the intersection of technology, politics, and democracy.

Summary
As the UK shapes its crypto rules, the proposal to ban all political crypto donations underscores the growing unease around digital assets and election integrity. With public pressure rising, the coming months may prove pivotal for how Britain handles this modern political risk.

#Tether , #UK , #CryptoRegulation , #DigitalAssets , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Following the dramatic arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, during a military operation and his extradition to the United States, Venezuela is facing even harsher sanctions and deeper economic collapse. Yet amid the chaos, Tether’s stablecoin USDT continues to fuel the country’s oil trade and everyday payments for millions of citizens.
Despite hyperinflation, shattered trust in the national currency, and a failed banking system, USDT has become an essential survival tool.

State Oil Giant Uses Tether to Evade Banks and Sanctions
The country’s main oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, started using USDT to handle oil transactions after U.S. sanctions blocked access to traditional banking systems. Instead of wire transfers, buyers now send USDT through digital wallets, often using OTC brokers or setting up dedicated addresses for oil payments.
According to economists, this system allows Venezuela to:
🔹 Keep oil exports running despite banking restrictions

🔹 Track payments more transparently via blockchain

🔹 Maintain records even without a functioning financial infrastructure
Today, 80% of oil revenues are received in cryptocurrency, mainly USDT.

U.S. Authorities Track Wallets – Tether Joins the Effort
But the public nature of blockchain also drew the attention of U.S. law enforcement, which began tracking wallets tied to the oil trade. Tether reportedly cooperated and helped freeze wallets associated with suspicious transactions.
Investigators allegedly used these records to uncover how Maduro’s regime moved illicit funds, adding further pressure on the Venezuelan government.

USDT Becomes a Daily Currency for Venezuelans
While the state uses USDT for strategic trade, ordinary citizens turned to the stablecoin out of necessity.
After more than a decade of hyperinflation, the bolívar lost nearly all of its purchasing power. Wages couldn’t keep up with rising prices, and savings evaporated within days.
As faith in the bolívar collapsed, people began turning to USDT for:
🔹 Storing their savings in stable form

🔹 Receiving remittances from abroad

🔹 Daily transactions — groceries, bills, transport

USDT Used for Rent, Haircuts, and Repairs – Just Like Cash
Venezuelans now use Tether as a full replacement for their national currency. USDT is accepted for:
– Rent

– Haircuts

– Cleaning and gardening

– Home repairs

– Groceries and services
Small businesses and service workers trust USDT more than the bolívar, seeing it as safer and more reliable.

Peer-to-Peer Wallets Replace Banks – Communities Self-Educate
Despite the lack of clear crypto regulation, communities in Venezuela began sharing knowledge on how to use digital wallets:
🔹 How to install wallet apps on phones

🔹 How to send/receive USDT securely

🔹 How to avoid scams and high fees
Venezuelans didn’t adopt crypto because of tech enthusiasm — they adopted it because they had no other choice.

Petro Failed. Stablecoins Keep the Economy Running
The government once launched its own oil-backed digital currency, Petro, but it failed due to lack of public trust. In contrast, USDT – unaffiliated with the regime – earned wide acceptance.
Other factors like strict capital controls further forced citizens to seek alternatives. With limited access to cash or bank withdrawals, cryptocurrencies became a financial escape route.

Analysts: Stablecoins Are Keeping Poor Families Alive
Experts now agree:
Without USDT, many Venezuelan families would be completely excluded from the economy
Stablecoins bypass restrictive controls that hit regular people the hardest
A digital wallet is now a survival tool in a broken financial system

#USDT , #Tether , #CryptoNews , #Stablecoins , #venezuela

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

According to the latest 2026 Crypto Crime Report from TRM Labs, illegal crypto activity reached a staggering $158 billion in 2025, up 145% from the $64.5 billion recorded in 2024. This marks a new all-time high in illicit blockchain flows.
TRM noted that this dramatic rebound came after years of steady decline. From $85.9 billion in 2021, criminal crypto volumes dropped to $73.3 billion by 2023 — only to skyrocket again in 2025.

The Paradox: More Crime in Dollars, Less Crime in Percentage
TRM’s data reveals a twist: the percentage of illegal activity is actually shrinking.
In 2025, illicit transactions made up just 1.5% of known crypto flows, down from 1.7% in 2024 and 3.5% in 2023. Likewise, only 2.7% of inbound funds went into flagged wallets, compared to 2.9% the year before and 6.0% in 2023.
This means the market is growing faster than the criminals — but they’re still handling more money than ever before in raw numbers.

Russia Leads the Way — One Token Alone Moved $72 Billion
TRM identified Russia-linked addresses as the dominant players in the 2025 illicit crypto ecosystem.

🔹 Token A757 processed $72 billion in dirty money

🔹 Wallet cluster A7 received an additional $39 billion
Combined, they accounted for over 80% of all sanction-related volume.
Key actors include Garantex, Grinex, and the A7 network, with a spotlight on a ruble-backed stablecoin called A7A5. According to TRM, this token is central to Russia’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and build an independent payment infrastructure.

Stablecoins Take Over — Criminals Are Getting Smarter
TRM found that 95% of all funds entering sanctioned wallets came through stablecoins — a clear sign of tactical adaptation.
Today’s bad actors avoid major exchanges and instead use smaller, riskier platforms, private deals, and stealthy transaction tools.

In fact:

🔹 In 2020, this type of off-chain service moved about $123 million

🔹 By 2025, that number ballooned to over $103 billion
They now rely on OTC brokers, underground banking networks, Asian crypto casinos, and money mules to move huge sums of stablecoins into the regulated financial system.

Venezuela, China, and the Darknet — Where the Dirty Money Goes
TRM also highlighted cases where governments themselves use crypto to bypass sanctions.

🔹 In Venezuela, authorities reportedly rely on crypto to keep state functions running, from payroll to remittances — because banks are frozen.

🔹 In China, underground escrow services support fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime with little oversight.
Meanwhile, darknet markets for illegal goods and services grew by 20% year-over-year.

Enforcement Gets Faster — and TRM Updates Its Tracking Model
TRM emphasized that the spike in identified crime is not due to smarter criminals, but to faster enforcement.
The Beacon Network, a collaborative international platform, now lets investigators cross-reference wallets, transactions, and patterns in real time. The result: dirty wallets are flagged much faster.
Even stablecoin issuers have joined the effort. TRM notes that Tether has actively blocked wallets tied to terrorism, fraud, and hacking, which explains the surge in flagged stablecoin transactions.

New Methodology: Real Risk vs. Fake Volume
TRM has also changed how it measures risk. Previously, illegal crypto was calculated against total blockchain volume, but that included bots, wash trades, and internal exchange shuffling — inflating the numbers and hiding the truth.
Now, TRM compares illicit flows only to real, usable capital — money entering or exiting licensed VASPs (crypto exchanges, payment providers, etc.).

This shows the true criminal exposure — how much real money ends up in bad actors' hands.
They also removed:

🔹 Wash trading

🔹 Peel chains

🔹 Internal wallet loops
These activities create false movement without adding capital. They're now filtered out of the dataset.

$158 Billion May Just Be the Beginning
TRM calls its numbers conservative estimates. The report excludes:

🔹 Fiat crimes that later entered crypto

🔹 Unaudited or off-chain wallets

🔹 Full money laundering cycles
Moreover, investigations are ongoing. As more wallets are unmasked and sanctions updated, the real number could rise significantly.
Their final warning:

➡ Crypto crime is no longer a fringe issue. It's a fast-evolving, globally scaled threat.

#CryptoCrime , #BlockchainSecurity , #CryptoRegulation , #russia , #CyberSecurity

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

China has taken a bold step into the global satellite race, directly positioning itself against companies like SpaceX and its Starlink network. According to Shanghai Securities News, the Chinese government submitted a request to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) late last year, seeking radio frequencies and orbital slots for more than 200,000 satellites.
If realized in full, this would become the largest satellite network ever conceived. Although the request doesn’t guarantee all satellites will launch, space industry experts say one thing is clear: China is making satellite internet a national strategic priority.

New Innovation Institute Driving the Ambition
At the heart of this megaproject is the newly established Radio Innovation Institute, launched on December 30, 2025, in the Xiong’an New Area. This government-backed initiative aims to optimize frequency use and accelerate China’s satellite internet industry.
The institute brings together seven founding institutions:

🔹 State Radio Monitoring Center

🔹 China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd. – the country’s main satellite internet operator

🔹 Xiong’an Administrative Committee and Hebei’s Department of Industry and IT

🔹 Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

🔹 Beijing Jiaotong University

🔹 China Electronics Technology Group Corporation
This “national team” model blends public, academic, and industrial expertise to build the future of space-based Chinese internet infrastructure.

Over a Dozen Satellite Constellations in the Works
The submitted applications cover more than a dozen different satellite groups. Some will consist of just a few dozen satellites, but others are massive.
The two largest networks — CTC-1 and CTC-2 — each include 96,714 satellites. Both filings came from the Radio Innovation Institute.
Other companies are contributing too:

🔹 China Mobile submitted plans for 2,520 satellites under the name CHINAMOBILE-L1

🔹 Yuanxin Satellite proposed 1,296 satellites for its SAILSPACE-1 system

🔹 Guodian Gaoke plans 1,132 satellites for its TIANQI-3G constellation
This mix of government-backed and commercial entities shows that China is embracing a hybrid public-private model for satellite development.

A Filing Isn’t a Launch: The Real Work Lies Ahead
Experts caution that filing with the ITU is just the beginning. China still faces significant technical, manufacturing, and financial hurdles. It currently lacks the full capacity — in rockets, production lines, and capital — to execute a project of this magnitude.
Still, the Radio Innovation Institute could play a key role in speeding up development. By combining national resources, leveraging China’s massive domestic market and strong industrial base, and coordinating state-level efforts, the institute might help China narrow the gap with SpaceX, which already has thousands of operational Starlink satellites providing global internet.

Can China Really Catch Up to Starlink?
The big question: Can China turn this vision into reality? Success will depend on multiple factors, including:

🔹 Long-term state funding

🔹 Engineering breakthroughs in satellite manufacturing and deployment

🔹 Effective cooperation with other nations through the ITU to resolve frequency and orbital slot conflicts
The space-based internet race is now fully underway. And with this filing for 200,000 satellites, China has made it clear: it wants to become a dominant player in the future of global connectivity.
Only time will tell whether this ambition becomes reality — or whether Western competitors will continue to lead the charge.

#china , #starlink , #technews , #SpaceX , #worldnews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

A shocking twist in Washington: U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is now at the center of a criminal probe over a ballooning renovation budget that soared from the original $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion. According to anonymous insiders familiar with the matter, the Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation, and Powell is directly implicated.

Criminal Probe Targets Alleged Misleading Testimony to Congress
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., and reportedly received approval in November from federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro. Its aim is to determine whether Powell intentionally misrepresented the costs and details of the renovation during his testimony before Congress.
While it remains unclear whether a grand jury has been convened or if official subpoenas have been issued, Powell’s team has already been contacted and asked to submit documents — triggering a media storm and growing pressure on the White House, which has so far declined to comment.

Trump Demands Powell’s Resignation
Sources close to the Trump administration report that the president has expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with Powell’s leadership at the Fed, particularly regarding the costly renovation project. The first formal complaint reportedly arrived in July 2025, when Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, sent a letter to Powell raising “serious concerns” about his management of both the Federal Reserve and the renovation effort.
According to the 2025 budget documents, the increased costs stem primarily from rising prices in construction materials, especially in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. The Fed insists the budget merely reflects market conditions, not mismanagement.

Powell Responds: “This Is Political Pressure”
On Sunday, January 11, Powell publicly confirmed that the Federal Reserve had received grand jury subpoenas. In a written and video statement, he called the investigation an unprecedented action with broader political motives.
“No one — certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve — is above the law,” Powell said. “But this investigation is part of a broader pattern of threats and pressure coming from the administration aimed at influencing monetary policy.”
He warned that criminal charges are being used as a weapon to sway the Fed’s decisions on interest rates, which he said are based on economic data — not the president’s agenda. “The real question is whether the Fed can continue to set interest rates based on facts and public interest, or whether monetary policy will be hijacked by political intimidation.”

Trump Has a Replacement Ready
President Trump has already stated that he has a replacement lined up to take Powell’s role once his term ends in May 2026. Although the name has not been made public, betting markets like Polymarket currently show Kevin Hassett, head of the National Economic Council, as the leading candidate.

Powell’s Crisis Sparks Nationwide Debate
The legal battle surrounding the Fed chair has sharply divided public opinion and rattled investors. Some accuse Powell of misleading Congress and mishandling public funds, while others see him as a victim of political bullying. Regardless of how it ends, one thing is certain: the independence of America’s central bank is now at the heart of an intensely politicized struggle.

#Fed , #JeromePowell , #USPolitics , #interestrates , #FederalReserve

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“