CryptoTale News

El Salvador launches Bitcoin Country passport to boost tourism and daily BTC use.

Passport offers up to 10% discounts at hotels and merchants accepting Bitcoin payments.

Program links Bitcoin adoption with national branding and lifestyle incentives tourism.

El Salvador unveiled its “Bitcoin Country” passport program this week, extending its Bitcoin strategy into tourism and daily commerce. The initiative offers holders up to 10% discounts at participating vendors. Officials introduced the program to encourage Bitcoin use, attract visitors, and reinforce national branding through everyday incentives.

How the Bitcoin Country Passport Is Designed to Work

Unlike a traditional passport, the Bitcoin Country passport does not enable international travel. Instead, it functions as a branded identification or membership document tied to local benefits. According to details shared online, holders can access discounts at participating businesses across El Salvador.

Notably, those discounts can reach up to 10% when customers transact with merchants supporting Bitcoin payments. The structure aims to reward both consumers and businesses already using crypto-friendly payment systems. As a result, the program connects spending habits directly to Bitcoin adoption.

Officials have not published a complete vendor list so far. However, early participation appears focused on hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services. These sectors already serve visitors drawn by El Salvador’s Bitcoin policies, creating a natural entry point for the program.

Linking Bitcoin Adoption With Tourism and Identity

Since El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, it has tried different ways to bring it into daily life. At first, the focus was on wallets, remittances, and payment systems. The new passport idea shows a shift toward lifestyle and identity, not just payments.

Instead of only pushing transactions, the passport mixes national branding with everyday perks. Officials say it is both symbolic and practical, giving people a clear way to show they are part of the country’s Bitcoin community. In this way, Bitcoin becomes part of normal, everyday experiences.

Tourism authorities have also been marketing El Salvador to crypto-friendly travelers. Bitcoin conferences and events have already raised the country’s profile. The passport builds on that by adding real benefits for visitors while they are in the country.

For international visitors, the document provides structured access to discounts while indicating El Salvador’s policy experiment. For residents, it reinforces Bitcoin’s role beyond investment. Therefore, the program aligns tourism, commerce and digital finance under a single framework.

Related: El Salvador Continues Aggressive BTC Accumulation Amid Market Dip

Bitcoin Markets React as Global Attention Grows

While El Salvador rolled out the passport program, Bitcoin prices responded to broader macroeconomic developments. Bitcoin briefly climbed above $92,500 after U.S. inflation data met expectations. Markets assessed the Federal Reserve’s outlook alongside political tensions involving the central bank.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, December consumer price index data showed 2.7% annual inflation. That figure matched November levels and economists’ forecasts. Month-over-month headline inflation rose 0.3%, also in line with expectations.

Core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased 2.6% year over year. That reading came slightly below the expected 2.7% and matched the prior month. Core inflation rose 0.2% month over month.

Matt Mena, crypto research strategist at 21Shares, said the data supported a soft-landing narrative. According to Mena, cooling core inflation and recent jobs data align with the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. He added that markets now price higher odds of additional rate cuts.

Mena also noted Bitcoin’s growing role amid geopolitical uncertainty. He described Bitcoin as increasingly behaving like a macro hedge. According to him, markets reprice Bitcoin as an international reserve asset during periods of political tension.

Those tensions include a Department of Justice investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The probe relates to Powell’s testimony on a Federal Reserve building renovation exceeding $2.5 billion. Powell has called the investigation politically motivated, while the White House denies involvement.

Gold prices also rose during the same period, gaining about 1.3%. Market participants described a partial safe-haven response across assets. However, uncertainty remains over the Federal Reserve’s rate path.

Goldman Sachs pushed expected rate cuts to June and September 2026. Earlier forecasts targeted March and June. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has traded between $88,000 and $94,000 in January, following October 2025 highs above $126,000.

As global attention stays fixed on Bitcoin markets, El Salvador continues expanding its domestic initiatives. The Bitcoin Country passport now sits alongside wallets, education programs, and merchant adoption efforts. These measures frame Bitcoin as part of daily economic life.

The post El Salvador Gives “Bitcoin Country” Passports and 10% Savings appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post El Salvador Gives “Bitcoin Country” Passports and 10% Savings appeared first on Cryptotale.

Senators filed over 75 amendments as a major crypto bill heads into a pivotal Senate markup.

Amendments target stablecoin yields, DeFi rules, ethics concerns, and oversight gaps.

Ethics, quorum rules, and Trump-linked concerns surface as bipartisan talks near markup.

U.S. senators have proposed more than 75 amendments to a major crypto market structure bill ahead of a key Senate hearing this week. The proposals arrive as lawmakers prepare for a markup session that could shape the future of U.S. crypto regulation.

According to a document obtained by CoinDesk, senators from both parties submitted amendments before Tuesday’s deadline. The changes cover stablecoin yield rules, DeFi language, ethics standards, and oversight of crypto-related activity.

The Senate Banking Committee plans to hold its markup hearing on Thursday. Lawmakers will debate the amendments, vote on individual changes, and decide whether to advance the main bill. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee rescheduled its own markup session to late January.

Lawmakers released the base text of the Banking Committee bill late Monday night. Since then, senators, staff, and industry lobbyists have reviewed the language in detail.

Stablecoin Yield and DeFi Provisions in Focus

Several amendments target stablecoin rewards and yield provisions in the draft bill. Some proposals seek to limit how companies can offer yield on payment stablecoins. Others aim to remove yield entirely from the framework. Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks jointly proposed three amendments. Two of those focus directly on stablecoin yield language.

One amendment would remove the word “solely” from a key restriction in the bill. The current text bars service providers from paying yield solely for holding a payment stablecoin. Removing that term could widen the restriction’s scope.

Another proposal from the same group would adjust reporting rules for yield programs. It would also add risk guidance requirements for companies offering such products. Several additional amendments from other senators also challenge the stablecoin rewards section.

Some proposals seek clearer definitions around digital asset mixers and tumblers. Others address how decentralized finance activities fall under the bill. Despite the large number of filings, most amendments may never reach a vote. In typical congressional markups, lawmakers drop many proposals during negotiations. Deals made during the session often narrow the list significantly.

Ethics, Oversight, and Political Tensions

Ethics concerns continue to shadow the crypto bill discussions. Democrats earlier raised objections related to President Donald Trump’s family ties to crypto businesses. They outlined these concerns in a document released last fall. So far, no amendment directly addresses those concerns in explicit terms.

Senator Ruben Gallego reportedly helped lead ethics negotiations. However, none of his submitted amendments focus clearly on that issue. Still, Senator Chris Van Hollen proposed an amendment with an anti-corruption provision. He also filed a separate amendment requiring disclosures of financial interests.

A Democratic aide said that ethics talks remain ongoing. The aide said no agreement has emerged yet. They described ethics as one of several unresolved issues in negotiations. Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester filed an amendment on quorum requirements. Her proposal reflects concerns about leadership at federal regulatory agencies.

Related: Senate Committees Set Jan. 15 Votes on Crypto Market Rules

Democrats note that the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission lack Democratic commissioners. Both agencies currently operate under Republican leadership only. The amendment seeks to address that imbalance through quorum rules.

According to the document, several Democratic senators filed amendments. They include Gallego, Alsobrooks, Blunt Rochester, Jack Reed, Andy Kim, and Raphael Warnock. Catherine Cortez Masto, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Van Hollen also submitted proposals.

On the Republican side, multiple senators filed amendments as well. They include Tillis, Mike Rounds, Bill Hagerty, Pete Ricketts, and Katie Britt. John Kennedy, Cynthia Lummis, Kevin Cramer, and Tim Scott also participated.

As the markup approaches, the fate of most amendments remains uncertain. Lawmakers now face intense negotiations ahead of Thursday’s session. The outcome could define the final shape of U.S. crypto market regulation.

The post Senators File 75 Amendments Ahead of Major Crypto Bill Votes appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Senators File 75 Amendments Ahead of Major Crypto Bill Votes appeared first on Cryptotale.

Germany approved dozens of MiCAR licenses by late 2025 under firm BaFin oversight.

DZ Bank gained approval for meinKrypto as crypto trading enters cooperative banking.

MiCAR rules link digital assets with banks through licensed custody and execution.

Germany’s second-largest financial institution, DZ Bank, has achieved a major regulatory milestone by securing approval under the European Union’s Markets. The Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) offers cryptocurrency trading services through its new platform, meinKrypto.  At the very end of December 2025, the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) gave the green light for the authorization, which was a significant step in the traditional banking sector’s acceptance of digital assets under a completely regulated system.

Germany’s banking giant DZ Bank just went full crypto !

DZ Bank has officially launched its meinKrypto platform under #MiCA approval, enabling trading of $BTC, $ETH, $LTC, and $ADA, marking a major step in institutional crypto adoption across Germany. pic.twitter.com/mi3ywksEbn

— CryptoTale (@cryptotalemedia) January 14, 2026

At the same time, BaFin has shown little tolerance for incomplete applications. The regulator rejected Ethena GmbH’s request for authorization, a decision that signaled how narrow the compliance corridor has become. From that point on, market access increasingly flowed through regulated platforms rather than standalone crypto firms.

One of those platforms now sits inside the traditional banking system. DZ Bank has secured approval to offer crypto-asset trading through its meinKrypto platform. The move ties digital asset access directly to Germany’s cooperative banking network.

A Faster Clock for Compliance

Germany chose to move quickly than the wider European Union. While MiCAR allows an 18-month transition period, German authorities opted for a 12-month window. Existing crypto firms faced tighter deadlines, and many rushed to restructure operations.

According to a Structured Retail Products report, licensing activity surged as a result. By the end of 2025, BaFin had completed reviews for dozens of applicants, and a few cleared the process. The regulator also approved MiCAR-compliant structures linked to established financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank’s securities subsidiary and Bitpanda Asset Management.

This approach reshaped the market. Firms that met capital, governance, and reporting requirements stayed active. Those who failed to adjust lost their entry point. Germany’s crypto sector began to look less fragmented and more institutionally aligned.

meinKrypto Enters the Cooperative Network

DZ Bank’s meinKrypto platform was built for the cooperative banking system. It serves Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, which together form one of Germany’s largest retail banking networks. Each cooperative bank must still notify BaFin before offering the service.

That requirement allows staggered adoption. Some banks may move quickly. Others may wait. The structure keeps regulatory oversight intact while giving individual institutions room to plan their rollout.

The timing reflects MiCAR’s wider role. Finalized in 2023 and fully applied in 2025, the framework introduced uniform rules for crypto issuance, trading, and custody across the EU. For DZ Bank, operating inside that framework was a prerequisite rather than a formality.

Related: Santander’s OpenBank Launches Retail Crypto Trading in Germany

Familiar Systems, Regulated Rails

meinKrypto connects directly to the VR Banking App. Customers can trade digital assets and manage holdings without leaving their usual banking interface. The setup mirrors traditional online banking rather than standalone crypto platforms.

Custody services come from Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody, which operates under a crypto license. Trade execution runs through EUWAX. Both partners work within MiCAR’s operational and reporting standards.

These arrangements address long-standing concerns around custody and execution. They also reflect how MiCAR has reshaped infrastructure choices. Licensed providers now rely on regulated partners instead of bespoke or offshore solutions.

The post Germany Pushes MiCAR as Banks Open Regulated Crypto Access appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Germany Pushes MiCAR as Banks Open Regulated Crypto Access appeared first on Cryptotale.

The XRP price holds above the $2.00 mark as selling pressure builds after a failed breakout.

XRP’s long and short leverage liquidations remain balanced, keeping price movement constrained.

The token’s major resistance near $2.40 blocks upside, while support forms at key moving averages.

The XRP price is still holding above the $2.00 line after a rough stretch that forced the market to reassess its footing. The token has slipped over the past week, yet buyers continue to cluster around a level that has become something of a battleground.

The floor has not broken, suggesting traders are not ready to abandon the broader structure. The retreat followed a sharp rally that kicked off late last week and stretched into Monday. And, the XRP price jumped more than 30% during that window, briefly tapping the $2.40 region before momentum faded.

That rally, however, was built on a well-defined base. For nearly two weeks before that surge, the token sat quietly in a $1.84 to $1.72 pocket. That stretch acted as a staging zone, with steady exchange outflows hinting that longer-horizon holders were content to accumulate while volatility cooled.

Rally Meets Long-Term Resistance

The advance stalled near $2.40 after XRP encountered a descending resistance trendline that has capped upside attempts since mid-July of 2025. That same trendline marked the area where the altcoin reached its yearly high near $3.66.

Failure to break through the resistance triggered a swift 16% correction, sending the token back toward the $2.00 area. As the decline settled, the token managed to find its footing along the 20-day and 50-day moving averages.

Source: TradingView

Those levels didn’t reverse the trend, but they slowed the loss and helped stabilize the token’s price around the $2.07 region as of press time. This zone signals an inch up of roughly 2% over the last day, though sentiment remains tense after a week marked by a 13% pullback and continued resistance at the 23.60% Fibonacci mark.

On-Chain Trends Point to Calmer Underpinnings

From an on-chain perspective, market-wide aggression has cooled. Indicators tied to liquidation pressure show a relatively even split between long and short exposure near current levels.

Roughly $73 million in short exposure would be at risk if the price climbs above $2.30, with a dense cluster near $2.10. On the other hand, long positions total about $84 million at $1.85, including a sizeable block around the $2.02 level.

Source: CoinGlass

When leverage piles up so tightly on both sides, breakouts tend to be harder to sustain, often resulting in hesitation rather than a clean move. Meanwhile, momentum readings reflect the same indecision. The RSI has held near 52, doesn’t dictate a bullish or bearish story. It implies that the token is drifting in a middle lane with little urgency from either camp.

Related: PEPE Price Falls 14% in a Week After Stalling 20-Week

Pressure Points Ahead That Could Decide XRP’s Trajectory

However, for the market to regain upward traction, the XRP token needs to reclaim the 23.60% Fibonacci level and break through the multi-month descending trendline. Until then, every rally attempt faces the same ceiling.

Similarly, if the token loses the moving-average support instead, focus will likely return to the historical demand zone between $1.84 and $1.72, an area that previously steadied the market during broader uncertainty. For now, the XRP price remains anchored above $2.00, keeping traders fixated on what comes first: a break above resistance or a slip back toward its old support band.

The post XRP Price Holds Firm Above $2.00 as Weekly Selling Pressure Builds appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post XRP Price Holds Firm Above $2.00 as Weekly Selling Pressure Builds appeared first on Cryptotale.

CONSOB signals coordinated EU enforcement as ESMA finfluencer rules expand across markets.

Social media crypto promotions now face full EU investment and advertising regulations.

Finfluencers remain liable for disclosures, authorization checks, and misleading crypto claims.

European regulators are increasing oversight of investment content on social media as crypto promotions spread across short videos, livestreams, and creator channels. Italy’s securities regulator CONSOB has amplified new guidance from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), adding Italy to a wider effort that seeks consistent enforcement across the European Union’s markets across EU borders.

ESMA announced its finfluencer factsheet on January 9, 2026, and CONSOB drew attention to it in a notice dated January 12, 2026. Both documents state that EU rules on investment recommendations and advertising apply when creators post about crypto assets, trading platforms, or high-risk strategies.

CONSOB echoes ESMA guidance on crypto promotions

CONSOB directed creators and investors to ESMA’s “tips for responsible promotion,” which warns that financial promotions require more care than consumer marketing. ESMA states that promoting a financial product “isn’t like promoting shoes or watches,” and it reminds creators that they remain responsible for posts even without financial credentials.

Are you a #finfluencer promoting financial products online?

Remember: promoting investments isn’t like promoting shoes or watches. Your words can have real financial consequences for your followers.

#FinfluencerTips for responsible promotion → https://t.co/kdPiVHHf16 pic.twitter.com/pziyCMbARo

— ESMA – EU Securities Markets Regulator (@ESMAComms) January 8, 2026

The ESMA factsheet lists products that finfluencers often market, including CFDs, forex, futures, certain crowdfunding offers, and volatile cryptocurrencies. It warns that followers can lose 100% of invested capital, especially when leverage enters the trade. CONSOB also urged the public to question “get rich quick” claims and to verify whether firms mentioned online hold the required authorisations.

EU Market Rules Extend to Social Media

ESMA has linked social media investment commentary to the EU Market Abuse Regulation for several years. In an October 28, 2021, public statement, ESMA explained how posts can qualify as investment recommendations and how undisclosed conflicts can breach EU requirements, even when a creator frames content as opinion.

ESMA has also highlighted the sanctions that can follow when posts cross into market abuse or non-compliant promotion. In a 2024 warning on social media investment recommendations, ESMA noted administrative fines of up to €5 million for natural persons and up to €15 million for legal persons for serious offences, while it described lower maximum fines for breaches of the investment recommendation regime. Some member states also allow criminal penalties for certain conduct.

Related: France Urges EU to Give ESMA Full Control Over Crypto

Growth of Coordinated Enforcement

European authorities have started to build practical compliance tools that target influencer marketing and referral models. In France, the AMF and ARPP launched a finance-focused “Responsible Influence Certificate” that sets standards for influencers who promote financial services and crypto-assets with participating brands.

Other regulators have used the same disclosure approach, which supports Europe’s push for consistent oversight. The UK Financial Conduct Authority finalised guidance in 2024 that applies financial promotion rules to social media and requires clear, fair messaging. In the United States, the SEC said in 2022 that Kim Kardashian agreed to a $1.26 million settlement tied to EthereumMax promotion disclosures, highlighting the legal risks linked to paid crypto endorsements.

For creators, the ESMA and CONSOB messaging sets concrete expectations. Paid partnerships need clear labels, and creators must not hide sponsorships behind vague hashtags. Performance claims must stay fair and not misleading, and personalised investment tips may require authorisation. 

ESMA also warns that short disclaimers such as “not financial advice” do not remove legal duties. Regulators advise retail investors to stay sceptical of guaranteed returns and to check authorisation status before acting on social media trading tips. 

The post Europe Tightens Crypto Finfluencer Rules As ESMA Widens Clampdown appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Europe Tightens Crypto Finfluencer Rules As ESMA Widens Clampdown appeared first on Cryptotale.

The community is reviewing a plan to reduce CAKE max supply after emissions dropped.

Tokenomics 3.0 lowered daily CAKE output and sustained a long-running deflation cycle.

The proposal changes only the supply cap and leaves emissions and burn systems intact.

The PancakeSwap community is debating a governance proposal to reduce CAKE’s maximum supply from 450 million to 400 million. The discussion follows recent tokenomics changes that lowered emissions and produced consistent net burns. The proposal seeks to align CAKE’s hard cap with its current circulating supply and long-running deflationary trend.

The proposal went around community forums and official governance channels. Stakeholders from different parts of the ecosystem expressed their support and reservations. Meanwhile, the protocol is still considering the issue of long-term supply limits and growth strategies.

Discussion of Proposal to Reduce CAKE Max Supply

Following the rollout of CAKE Tokenomics 3.0, CAKE’s token supply has achieved a net burn of ~8.19% in 2025

Given this momentum, the Kitchen is proposing to:
Reduce CAKE’s max supply from 450M to 400M CAKE

Your feedback… pic.twitter.com/IqfJXSSodP

— PancakeSwap (@PancakeSwap) January 13, 2026

Tokenomics 3.0

In an April 2025 blog post, PancakeSwap confirmed the approval of CAKE Tokenomics Proposal 3.0. The update retired the veCAKE model and sharply reduced daily token emissions. Emissions fell from roughly 40,000 CAKE per day to about 22,500. Following the change, PancakeSwap reported a net burn of about 8.19% of CAKE’s total supply in 2025. Supply declined from around 380 million tokens at the start of the year to roughly 350 million. 

The pattern of deflation has been going on since September 2023. Based on the protocol, the burning of tokens is the result of the revenue generated from the sales of its products. The products are liquidity pools in the spot market, trading of futures contracts, and services for launching new tokens. Every source of income is connected to the process that lowers the total supply of CAKE.

Proposal to Reduce the Maximum Supply

Based on these trends, PancakeSwap’s Kitchen proposed reducing CAKE’s maximum supply to 400 million tokens. The team stated that the new cap would support all foreseeable protocol growth needs. The change would formalize a deflationary structure already visible on-chain.

The proposed cap would leave a buffer of about 50 million CAKE above current circulation. 

PancakeSwap stated it does not expect to use this buffer under normal conditions. Still, the protocol may access it if unusual circumstances arise. PancakeSwap also disclosed the growth of its Ecosystem Growth Fund, which has accumulated roughly 3.5 million CAKE tokens. The protocol plans to use this reserve before considering any new emissions.

Community Feedback and Governance Process

Supporters of the proposal say a lower cap reduces inflation risk perceptions. They argue that a 400 million limit improves long-term supply clarity for CAKE holders. They also point to reduced emissions as evidence that new issuance is unlikely.

Related: PancakeSwap Surges 24% in a Day, Can Bulls Hold Momentum?

The pattern of deflation has been taking place since September 2023. The products are the liquidity pools in the spot market, trading futures contracts, and services for launching new tokens. Every source of income is connected to the process that lowers the total supply of CAKE. PancakeSwap said it will continue discussions before scheduling an on-chain vote.

If approved, the CAKE token contract will update only the maximum supply parameter. No changes to emission rates or burn mechanisms appear in the proposal. All existing Tokenomics 3.0 structures would remain in place. The discussion continues across PancakeSwap governance channels.

The post PancakeSwap Community Discusses To Reduce CAKE Max Supply appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post PancakeSwap Community Discusses To Reduce CAKE Max Supply appeared first on Cryptotale.

Final counterfeit FLOW recovered from Binance and HTX; tokens isolated on-chain now.

Flow to revoke emergency council access on Jan. 13, 2026, ending recovery powers.

Counterfeit FLOW destruction is scheduled for Jan. 30, 2026, after exposure review.

Flow Network said the final recovery of outstanding counterfeit FLOW has been completed from centralized exchanges. The recovery included Binance and HTX, closing the last operational step of its Isolated Recovery Plan. The Community Governance Council executed the retrieval. All traced counterfeit FLOW is now isolated on-chain. Permanent destruction is set for Jan. 30, 2026.

An X post from the project confirmed the conclusion of Phase 4 of the Isolated Recovery Plan. Validator network participants ratified the mandate through super-majority consensus. Forensic partners were cited as the source for tracing and confirming the counterfeit token set. 

Isolated Recovery Complete – Counterfeit FLOW Recovered
This morning, the final recovery of outstanding counterfeit FLOW from remaining centralized exchanges, including Binance and HTX, was executed by the Community Governance Council.

As of today, all counterfeit FLOW traced by… https://t.co/3SNXwXfdkU

— Flow.com (@flow_blockchain) January 12, 2026

Emergency Access On Jan. 13 As Token Burn Nears

Next, the Foundation would remove the elevated access used during the recovery process. January 13, 2026 was scheduled for revoking the temporary permissions held by the Community Governance Council. Flow described the access as an emergency measure deployed for the first time in the network’s five-year history. 

Governance controls were emphasized as part of the response. The company said every power granted to the Governance Council and every action taken is transparent and auditable on-chain. Majority approval from network validators is required for node software updates to proceed.

Token destruction remains the final step in removing counterfeit supply from the system. The Foundation scheduled the burn of counterfeit tokens for January 30, 2026. External legal counsel and forensic partners are coordinating with exchanges to assess possible user exposure. The platform said it would cooperate with exchange partners to restore full deposit and withdrawal functionality across all trading venues.

Service restoration has already resumed on several platforms. Coinbase, Kraken, and Gate reopened deposits and withdrawals, according to Flow. The Foundation said the objective is a complete return to normal operations everywhere FLOW trades. 

Related: Bitfarms Exits Latin America to Fund North American AI Build

The incident began on December 27, 2025, according to the Foundation’s timeline. The platform said an attacker exploited a vulnerability in the Flow network to counterfeit tokens and extract about $3.9 million across bridges. No existing user balances were accessed or compromised.

Cadence Exploit

Containment actions reduced the ability to liquidate the counterfeit tokens. Flow  Network said most counterfeit assets were contained on-chain or frozen by exchange partners before liquidation. 

Validators ratified a decentralized governance action authorizing the permanent destruction of 100% of counterfeit assets. Network operations resumed on December 29, 2025 and continued with full transaction history preserved.

Technical details described the exploit as highly coordinated. The attacker deployed more than 40 malicious smart contracts in a sequence designed to defeat runtime protections. Flow network said the exploit relied on a three-part attack chain. Each part weakened safeguards that normally prevent duplication of protected assets.

First, the attacker bypassed attachment import validation, according to Flow’s report. Second, defensive checks on built-in types were circumvented to avoid enforcement rules. Third, contract initializer semantics were exploited to complete the counterfeit flow. 

Root cause analysis identified a vulnerability in the Cadence runtime v1.8.8. The issue was patched in v1.8.9 and later. The flaw allowed a protected non-copyable asset to be disguised as a standard data structure that could be copied. 

Exchange coordination became a central part of remediation. After bridging assets out of the network, the attacker attempted to deposit counterfeit FLOW into multiple centralized exchanges. Abnormally large deposits triggered freezes through internal AML protocols.

The platform said about 50% of counterfeit deposits were returned by exchange partners and destroyed. OKX, Gate, and MEXC were named as cooperative venues in that stage. Continued coordination with remaining exchanges led to the final retrieval, including Binance and HTX, according to the Foundation.

The post Flow Network Completes Phase 4 Counterfeit FLOW Recovery appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Flow Network Completes Phase 4 Counterfeit FLOW Recovery appeared first on Cryptotale.

Polymarket data shows a 27 percent probability for Bitcoin to reach $100K in January 2026.

Traders price 80% chance of Bitcoin reaching $100K before 2027, reflecting optimism.

Short-term look contrasts with long-term conviction amid macroeconomic conditions.

Polymarket data has showed rising expectations for Bitcoin price outcomes. The prediction platform places a 27% probability on Bitcoin reaching $100,000 in January. The prediction market odds, reflects shifting expectations shaped by macro events, regulation, and derivatives positioning.

Shifting Short-Term Expectations

According to Polymarket, traders currently place a 61% probability for Bitcoin reaching $95,000 in January. However, downside probabilities also remain visible, reflecting balanced market positioning. Data shows a 33% chance of Bitcoin falling to $85,000 this month. Meanwhile, users assign a 13% probability to Bitcoin dropping to $80,000 before January closes.

These contracts update continuously based on user trading activity rather than price forecasts. This framework helps explain why bullish and bearish outcomes coexist across January contracts. However, the same market shows stronger conviction beyond the short-term horizon.

Polymarket users are placing an 80% chance that Bitcoin hits $100,000 before 2027. That longer outlook stands in sharp contrast to the more careful bets being made for January. It shows traders are distinguishing short-term price swings from what they expect over several years. That long-term confidence ties back to deeper factors guiding Bitcoin’s overall path.

Halving Cycles and Institutional Flows 

Historically, Bitcoin halving events have preceded extended price advances. Traders often monitor these events due to programmed reductions in new Bitcoin issuance. At the same time, institutional allocation trends continue to influence market structure. 

An increasing number of hedge funds and asset managers now hold Bitcoin exposure. These allocations occur through spot holdings, futures and structured products. As demand rises, the fixed supply means fewer coins are available. 

Even so, recent price moves show some hesitation despite these fundamentals. Bitcoin ended 2025 lower, breaking the well-known four-year cycle many traders relied on. That cycle once guided expectations after halvings, and its apparent failure has created more uncertainty about what comes next.

Related: Fidelity And CZ See ETF Inflows Reshaping Bitcoin Cycles In 2026

Macro Pressures, Policy Signals and Derivatives Positioning

Macroeconomic uncertainty is still shaping how people feel about Bitcoin, much like other financial markets. Worries about inflation and unstable currencies have pushed more attention toward alternatives that can store value.

According to QCP Broadcast, Bitcoin initially rallied alongside precious metals during recent dollar weakness. The move came after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke about Department of Justice subpoenas. Many traders saw the situation as political pressure linked to interest rate decisions. That view tends to shake trust in how independent major institutions really are.

However, QCP said Bitcoin could not hold its strength after hitting resistance near $92,000. The price pulled back during European trading hours. This type of pullback has appeared before in past fourth-quarter market moves. Derivatives data also revealed reduced long-dated call exposure. Traders rolled positions into later maturities with higher strike prices.

Meanwhile, U.S. policy developments remain in focus. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new Federal Reserve chair soon. Markets are now pricing in the chance of interest rate cuts under new leadership at the Fed. At the same time, lawmakers are still working on the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act. Both bills are meant to set clearer rules for crypto and how companies should comply.

Several firms have shared price outlooks based on these shifts. Standard Chartered, Strategy, and Bernstein see Bitcoin reaching $150,000 in 2026. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee expects a higher range, between $200,000 and $250,000.

Polymarket data shows modest expectations for January but strong confidence further out. Short-term caution contrasts with longer-term optimism. This split reflects broader economic pressures, market structure, and derivatives positioning shaping Bitcoin’s outlook over time.

The post Polymarket Projects 27% Probability for Bitcoin to Reach $100K appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Polymarket Projects 27% Probability for Bitcoin to Reach $100K appeared first on Cryptotale.

World Liberty Financial launched a DeFi lending platform supporting USD1 and crypto assets.

Early deposits reached $20 million as USD1 incentives drove strong user participation.

The rollout expands USD1 utility while WLFI governance guides future assets and changes.

World Liberty Financial has launched a new crypto lending and borrowing platform as competition intensifies across on-chain credit markets. The decentralized finance firm announced the rollout of World Liberty Markets on Monday. The platform allows users to lend and borrow digital assets using on-chain infrastructure.

World Liberty Financial confirmed the service supports its USD1 stablecoin alongside major cryptocurrencies. Users can lend or borrow USD1, Ethereum, Bitcoin, and several widely used stablecoins. The company said the launch marks a major expansion of its decentralized finance offerings.

World Liberty Markets is now live, built to give users access to transparent, high-performance liquidity markets provided by @dolomite_io. You can earn on supplied assets or borrow against your portfolio with fast, flexible liquidity. WLFI Markets is designed to make these tools…

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) January 12, 2026

The platform operates through a web-based application at launch. However, the firm plans future integration with the WLFI mobile app. World Liberty Financial said user governance will shape future upgrades.

Lending Platform Gains Early Activity

World Liberty Markets runs on the multi-chain decentralized exchange protocol Dolomite. The system enables users to earn yield by supplying assets or borrow against existing holdings. Supported assets include WLFI, USD1, USDC, USDT, ETH, and Coinbase’s wrapped Bitcoin cbBTC.

Shortly after launch, the platform recorded around $20 million in supplied assets. USD1 accounted for most of the early deposits. The stablecoin currently offers a 27% incentive rate for liquidity providers.

Users who supply at least $1,000 in USD1 also earn USD1 rewards points. World Liberty Financial said these incentives aim to boost stablecoin adoption. The firm views USD1 as a core pillar of its ecosystem.

Co-founder and chief operating officer Zak Folkman commented on the milestone. He said the company began building USD1 to compete with leading stablecoins. Folkman stated USD1 exceeded internal growth expectations within one year.

He added that the lending platform expands how users deploy their stablecoins. Folkman described World Liberty Markets as the first of several planned products. The company plans additional launches over the next 18 months.

World Liberty Financial stated the platform supports tokenized finance development. The firm aims to offer access to third-party and WLFI-branded real-world asset products. It also plans support for new tokenized assets as they enter markets.

Stablecoin Growth and Governance Plans

World Liberty Financial launched the USD1 stablecoin across multiple blockchains in March last year. Since then, the token has grown into the seventh-largest stablecoin by supply. DeFiLlama data places USD1 circulation above $3.4 billion.

The company said the lending platform expands USD1 utility across WLFI applications. It also supports the firm’s broader real-world asset roadmap. Governance decisions will guide asset additions and incentive changes.

WLFI token holders can vote on protocol updates through decentralized governance. The firm said community input will determine long-term platform direction. This structure aligns with broader DeFi governance models.

Related: Trump-linked World Liberty Applies for U.S. National Bank

World Liberty Financial launched its native governance token WLFI in September. The token traded just under $0.17 at last check. Market data showed a 1.2% gain over the past 24 hours. WLFI has risen around 18% during the past two weeks. However, the token remains about 49% below its all-time high. The previous peak price reached $0.33.

The company continues to draw attention due to its political connections. President Donald J. Trump holds the title of Co-Founder Emeritus. His sons Eric, Don Jr., and Barron appear on the firm’s team page.

Last year, the Trump family reduced its ownership stake in the company. Nevertheless, the family maintains a visible association with the project. Lawmakers and critics have scrutinized these ties.

Last week, World Liberty Financial applied for a national bank charter. The application went to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The firm joined crypto companies Circle and Ripple, which gained approval in December.

The post Trump-Backed World Liberty Expands Stablecoin Lending Market appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Trump-Backed World Liberty Expands Stablecoin Lending Market appeared first on Cryptotale.

Ukraine classified Polymarket activity as gambling under the existing law framework.

Regulators cited missing licensing while enforcing national online betting rules.

War-related markets drew scrutiny as large volumes flowed through the Polymarket platform.

Ukraine has officially limited access to Polymarket, citing the platform’s lack of a license required for activities classified as gambling. The restriction followed a regulatory review that concluded the decentralized prediction market failed to meet national gambling requirements.
Authorities stated that the move reflects enforcement of existing law rather than a targeted action against digital assets.

The decision was issued by the National Commission for State Regulation of Electronic Communications under Resolution No. 695. Internet providers received instructions to restrict access to the platform within Ukraine’s borders. Officials framed the action as a compliance measure tied to consumer protection and licensing rules. 

The restriction places Ukraine among jurisdictions tightening oversight of prediction markets. These platforms allow users to trade on real-world outcomes using digital assets. The classification of such activity remains contested across regulators worldwide.

Regulatory Process Behind the Restriction

The restriction followed a two-step regulatory process involving multiple state bodies. On November 27, PlayCity issued an initial decision after reviewing Polymarket’s operations.
PlayCity oversees gambling and betting activity, including online platforms.

PlayCity examined whether operators follow Ukrainian licensing rules and consumer safeguards. Its review found Polymarket noncompliant with national gambling law. The agency flagged the platform for operating without a recognized gambling license.

The assessment then moved to the National Commission for the Development of the Economy. On December 10, the commission approved a nationwide limitation on access, activating enforcement under Resolution No. 695.

War-Related Markets and Public Scrutiny

Scrutiny intensified due to the nature of markets available on Polymarket. Forbes reported that users trade yes or no contracts on real-world events using USDC. These events include political outcomes and geopolitical conflicts.

In Ukraine, hundreds of bets tied to the Russia-Ukraine war appeared on the platform. Reports said more than $270million in wagers were settled by late December 2025. Another $140million remained active during that period.

Over 97 war-related bets totalling $96.8 million were there In November 2025. Ukrainian media criticized markets linked to the possible occupation of cities in Donbas. 

Legal Classification and Ethical Concerns

Critics argue that prediction markets resemble gambling rather than financial instruments. Ukrainian regulators relied on this view when applying the gambling law to Polymarket. The absence of a local license formed the legal basis for the restriction.

The case also raised ethical concerns tied to wartime betting. According to Meduza, critics said such markets commodify human suffering. This debate gained traction during periods of heightened security pressure.

Further controversy emerged over data use. Reports said Polymarket integrated data from the Ukrainian OSINT project DeepState through an API. The project stated that the platform used the data without permission.

Related: Polymarket Leads Crypto Protocols in User Retention Rate

International Context and Regulatory Divergence

Polymarket has faced similar scrutiny in other jurisdictions. Some regulators classify prediction markets as unlicensed gambling. Others treat them as information or derivatives markets.

Polymarket returned to the United States in 2025 and was supervised by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This was a major step for the company, as it made clear one way to comply with the regulations imposed by the financial sector. It is different from those countries whose regulators automatically abide by the gambling law.

Ukraine’s stance demonstrates the reaction of the legal system in countries to the prevailing uncertainty about the law. The government applied existing gaming laws to the decentralized finance platforms. The case represents the conflict between two forces, innovation and regulatory enforcement, which has deepened due to economic and security pressure.

The post Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Amid Prediction Market Scrutiny appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Amid Prediction Market Scrutiny appeared first on Cryptotale.

SEC Chair said any US action on Venezuela Bitcoin assets falls outside the SEC authority.

Claims Venezuela holds up to 600,000 Bitcoin remain unverified by blockchain analysts.

US lawmakers focus on crypto market rules as Venezuela Bitcoin questions stay unresolved.

The head of the US securities regulator has distanced himself from any potential US move to seize Venezuela’s alleged $60 billion worth of Bitcoin reserves. His remarks cast doubt on one of the most dramatic claims circulating in global crypto markets.

In a televised interview, the SEC chair, Paul Atkins, said decisions on foreign asset seizures fall outside the Securities and Exchange Commission’s authority. 

“…That I leave that to others in the administration to deal with… I’m not involved in that,” replied Paul Atkins when asked whether the US would “take those Bitcoin off ‘em.”

Even if Venezuela held Bitcoin at the scale reported, translating allegations into enforcement would require legal authority, jurisdiction, and verified control of private keys. Yet, none of those elements has been publicly demonstrated.

Origins And Limits Of The Bitcoin Claims

The comments come amid intense political and financial claims involving Venezuela and Bitcoin, and also follow recent US actions tied to the country’s leadership. Some reports suggest Venezuela built a large digital reserve through three main channels: gold transactions dating back to 2018, oil revenue allegedly priced in Bitcoin, and seized assets from domestic crypto miners.

Intelligence sources cited in the report suggested that Venezuela exported 73.2 tons of gold in 2018, valued at roughly $2.7 billion at the time. 

Analysts note that large-scale Bitcoin purchases would likely leave detectable traces unless routed through complex intermediaries and custody arrangements. Those claims are based on human intelligence sources rather than verified transaction data.

The reports also named businessman Alex Saab as a central figure in managing alleged crypto conversions. Court records previously revealed that Saab acted as a US informant while maintaining financial operations tied to the Venezuelan state. His current role, if any, in controlling digital assets has not been confirmed.

Related: Dubai Regulator Bans Privacy Coins in DIFC From Jan. 12

Lawmakers Focus On Crypto Regulation, Not Seizures

The remarks from the SEC Chair coincided with renewed legislative activity in Washington. The US Senate Banking Committee is scheduled to hold a markup on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, known as CLARITY, later this week.

The House passed the bill in July, though progress slowed due to a 43-day government shutdown late last year. The legislation seeks to clarify regulatory responsibilities across US agencies, including expanding authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over digital assets.

Banks and crypto firms have raised concerns about provisions addressing stablecoin rewards, while Democratic lawmakers are pushing for stronger ethics rules and clearer treatment of decentralized finance. With midterm election campaigning underway and another potential government shutdown looming, the bill’s timeline remains uncertain.

Still, the focus of lawmakers remains market structure and oversight rather than foreign asset seizures. For now, the SEC Chair has drawn a firm boundary around his agency’s role, leaving questions about Venezuela and Bitcoin firmly in the realm of unverified claims and interagency decision-making rather than securities enforcement.

The post SEC’s Cryptic Stance on US Seizure of Venezuela’s Bitcoin appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post SEC’s Cryptic Stance on US Seizure of Venezuela’s Bitcoin appeared first on Cryptotale.

Kursk woman has lost 28 million rubles after a year-long crypto scam via messaging apps.

Scammers posed as foreign investors, promising high returns to keep the victim sending funds.

The victim sold homes, a car, gold, and borrowed money before the fraudsters vanished.

A cryptocurrency investment scam in Russia has left a Kursk resident with losses totaling 28 million rubles. The regional office of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the victim was a 46-year-old woman from Kursk. Her involvement in the scheme lasted nearly a year. Police said the case followed a familiar pattern seen in recent crypto-related fraud reports.

Scam Built Through Long-Term Online Contact

According to investigators, the Russian woman met a man through a messaging application. He stated that he was living in an Arab nation and posed as a prosperous investor of cryptocurrency. Early conversations focused on personal trust rather than finance.

Over time, the man shared stories of high returns from crypto investments. Police said these claims encouraged the woman to pursue similar profits. He then guided her to download an unnamed mobile application.

Soon after, she began transferring money to accounts linked to the app. Authorities said she sent her personal savings first. The scammer continued regular communication and reinforced the promise of high returns.

After about one month, the man advised her to invest larger amounts. Police said he urged her to avoid discussing the situation with relatives. At that stage, the woman began selling personal assets.

Assets Sold as Promises Escalated

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the victim sold three apartments. She also sold her car and a gold bar. In addition, she took out bank loans and borrowed money from friends. Officials said the scammer encouraged each step. He claimed the additional funds would unlock larger profits. He also promised to help the woman move abroad once the investments matured.

Despite repeated assurances, the relocation never occurred. Police said the scammer blamed delays on temporary financial issues. Meanwhile, he insisted she continue investing.

As her resources dwindled, the woman sold her remaining property. Investigators said she transferred the proceeds in several payments. Each transfer went to accounts connected to the fraudulent app.

Related: France Faces Surge in Crypto Kidnappings Amid Data Leak Fears

Contact Ends After Funds Run Out

Once the woman exhausted her funds, communication stopped. Police said the scammer deleted all message histories. He then blocked further contact and disappeared. Authorities confirmed that the total loss reached 28 million rubles. Investigators have opened a criminal case. They are now searching for the suspect and possible accomplices.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said the case fits a broader pattern of crypto-related scams. These schemes often combine emotional manipulation with false investment platforms. Long-term engagement increases the financial damage.

Officials also referenced a similar case from the Kirov region. In that incident, a resident lost more than 2 million rubles. The victim believed claims of quick profits on a cryptocurrency exchange.

Law enforcement agencies continue to warn the public about such scams. They note that fraudsters often operate from outside Russia. Messaging apps remain a common entry point.

The Kursk case remains under active investigation. Authorities said they will pursue all leads connected to the financial transfers. The Ministry reiterated its focus on identifying organized fraud networks behind crypto investment scams.

The post Russian Woman Loses 28M Rubles in Year-Long Crypto Scam Case appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Russian Woman Loses 28M Rubles in Year-Long Crypto Scam Case appeared first on Cryptotale.

Senate delays crypto market structure reform to protect fragile bipartisan support.

Stablecoin yield and DeFi oversight disputes slow progress across Senate committees.

Lawmakers fear rushed markups could fracture votes and doom the bill on the floor vote.

U.S. lawmakers halted momentum on crypto market structure reform after the Senate Agriculture Committee delayed its markup to late January. The decision, announced Monday in Washington, followed weekend bipartisan talks led by Chairman John Boozman. The pause indicates concerns that moving too fast could fracture Democratic support and jeopardize passage requiring 60 Senate votes.

Senate Delays Markup to Protect Bipartisan Support

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry postponed its markup from January 15 to the final week of January. Chairman John Boozman said the committee needed more time to finalize details and preserve bipartisan backing. According to Boozman, discussions with Democratic Senator Cory Booker’s team progressed over the weekend.

Notably, the delay avoided dueling markups with the Senate Banking Committee, which still plans to proceed this week. Lawmakers feared similar markups could expose unresolved disputes and weaken alignment before a floor vote.

However, the delay did not pause all activity. The Senate Banking Committee continues preparing amendments to its 272-page draft. Senators must file amendments by Tuesday evening, compressing review time for complex provisions. Democrats previously raised concerns about limited review windows for such significant legislation.

Those concerns surfaced again on Monday. Senators Jack Reed, Tina Smith, and Chris Van Hollen urged Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott to hold a hearing before markup. They warned the members lacked sufficient time to analyze the draft. The letter described the bill as potentially the most significant financial law considered this century.

Stablecoin Yield and DeFi Oversight Unresolved

Stablecoin rewards and yield are the main concern. The circulating Senate draft leaves that section marked “to be supplied.” Lawmakers continue debating whether dollar-pegged tokens should offer returns linked to reserve earnings. This issue is one of the largest obstacles to bipartisan agreement.

However, the draft does address other areas. It outlines the SEC oversight for securities-related crypto assets, rules on illicit finance, and frameworks for decentralized finance. It also introduces the Senate’s “ancillary asset” definition, absent from the House version passed in May 2024.

If the Senate advances its version, the House must accept it or enter conference negotiations. Both paths require sustained bipartisan cooperation. Lawmakers remain aware that midterm election pressures could narrow the legislative window by the second quarter.

The draft also includes a new section on DeFi oversight. While it stops short of the protections in the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, developers noted safeguards remain partially intact. Industry sources said traditional finance groups sought stricter language, while crypto advocates pushed back.

Related: Lummis Says Crypto Bill Will Split Securities and Commodities

Political Ethics and Vote Math Shape the Timeline

Beyond technical issues, ethics provisions complicate talks. Democrats continue seeking restrictions on senior officials and families owning crypto businesses. The current draft omits such language. These concerns reference President Donald Trump and his family’s crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial.

According to analysts at TD Cowen, those ties could delay the bill until 2029. Trump-linked ventures reportedly generated hundreds of millions in revenue. Democrats argue clearer guardrails remain necessary before supporting final passage.

Meanwhile, vote math drives strategy. Republicans hold a narrow majority, making Democratic support essential. Observers say leadership fears a rushed bill could fail on the Senate floor. As a result, committees now prioritize durability over speed.

Stakeholders met privately last week to discuss remaining issues. Participants included crypto policy advocates and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Sources said DeFi treatment and yield-bearing stablecoins dominated discussions. Those talks continue as the January markup approaches.

The Senate Agriculture Committee’s delay keeps negotiations open while preserving momentum. Both committees must still advance their versions before the full Senate can act. For now, lawmakers continue refining language with bipartisan passage as the stated objective.

Meanwhile, the Senate delayed crypto market structure reform to preserve bipartisan support and manage unresolved policy disputes. Lawmakers continue negotiating stablecoin yield, DeFi oversight, and ethics provisions across two committees. The revised January timeline reflects vote requirements, committee coordination, and ongoing bipartisan talks.

The post Crypto Market Reform Meets Political Reality Over Speed appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Crypto Market Reform Meets Political Reality Over Speed appeared first on Cryptotale.

NYC Token surged after launch then erased most of its value within minutes during trading.

On-chain records showed liquidity shifts that preceded the sudden collapse event.

The episode renewed focus on risks tied to endorsed crypto tokens today globally.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the launch of his cryptocurrency memecoin, NYC Token, which briefly surged to nearly $600 million in market capitalization before crashing more than 80% within minutes. Market data from Solscan showed the token later traded near $110 million, erasing almost $500 million from its post-launch peak. 

Adams said revenue raised would be used to combat antisemitism and anti-Americanism while supporting blockchain education initiatives. The launch immediately drew attention as on-chain activity raised questions, and reports confirmed the token was not yet available for public purchase.

Launch Announcement and Public Statements

Adams addressed reporters in New York City on January 12 and said the project reflected lessons learned during his four years as mayor. He stated that the token would use modern technology to respond to rising antisemitism and anti-Americanism.

In a video posted to X by New York Daily News reporter Josie Stratman, Adams said revenue from the token would also help teach children how to embrace blockchain technology. Stratman reported that Adams said he was not taking a salary tied to the project.

Amid the Times Square sideshows, Eric Adams announces his “NYC Token,” a crypto coin he says will fight antisemitism.

“I’m not taking a salary at this time,” he said of the yet to be launched coin. “Down the line, we will make the determination of doing so” pic.twitter.com/KnTTdTv6y1

— Josie Stratman (@JosieStratman) January 12, 2026

Adams stated that a substantial portion of the money raised would support nonprofits, historically Black colleges and universities, and scholarship programs for underserved New York City students. Fox Business described NYC Token as the city’s first commemorative coin.

Token Structure and Market Activity

According to its official website, NYC Token has a maximum supply of one billion tokens. The project described the token as representing innovation, diversity, and the drive to succeed associated with New York City.

Market data showed NYC Token surged rapidly after launch, reaching a price near $0.58 before falling to about $0.11. Solscan data confirmed the decline exceeded 81% within a short period. Reports say that the token was not yet available for public purchase despite rapid market activity and a reported valuation surge.

On-Chain Findings and Liquidity Concerns

Blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps reported that the token creator sent 80 million NYC tokens to an account that added liquidity on a decentralized exchange. That same account later removed $2.43 million in USDC.

Bubble maps confirmed the account added back $1.5 million in USDC, leaving approximately $932,000 in unaccounted-for liquidity. Reports alleged a wallet linked to the project may have captured nearly $1 million through suspicious liquidity movements.

The findings added to scrutiny around the token’s launch structure as analysts reviewed transaction data following the sharp market reversal.

Read More: Atkins Pushes SEC’s New Crypto Innovation Exemption

Broader Political and Market Context

The episode comes amid increased attention on politician-backed cryptocurrencies following last year’s collapse of the LIBRA token promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei. That collapse led to fraud and racketeering class-action lawsuits.

Adams previously supported digital assets while in office and said the crypto industry faced demonization during his mayoral term. That period coincided with the collapse of FTX and the conviction of former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud.

Adams was indicted on corruption charges in late 2024 over alleged illegal gifts before a federal judge dismissed the case with prejudice in April at the request of the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump. 

The post Eric Adams’ NYC Token Surges, Then Crashes Over 80% appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Eric Adams’ NYC Token Surges, Then Crashes Over 80% appeared first on Cryptotale.

India FIU tightens crypto KYC with live selfie checks plus geo, time, and IP logs.

Rules ban ICOs and block mixers/tumblers to strengthen transaction traceability now.

Nigeria NTAA 2025 links crypto trades to tax IDs (TIN/NIN) through VASP reporting.

India and Nigeria have rolled out stricter compliance rules for the crypto sector. India’s Financial Intelligence Unit has ordered deeper identity verification for exchanges to counter money laundering and terror financing risks. Nigeria has launched a tax-driven oversight model that links digital asset transactions to taxpayer identity records under a nationwide reform.

India’s Financial Intelligence Unit updated its crypto compliance rules on Jan. 8, according to Press Trust of India. The new guidance requires exchanges to verify users using a live selfie. Users must blink during the selfie check to prove the person is real. The FIU also demands stronger traceability data during onboarding.

FIU Orders Geo-Tracking, Extra ID Documents, and Bank Ownership Checks

Under the updated framework, exchanges must log a user’s geographic coordinates. Platforms must also record the date and time of verification. The FIU requires collection of the IP address used during onboarding. This data package is meant to strengthen audit trails. It also aims to reduce fraud linked to stolen identities or synthetic accounts.

India already requires the Permanent Account Number for crypto access. The FIU now demands additional documents beyond PAN. Exchanges must collect a passport, driver’s license, Aadhaar card, or voter ID. Platforms must also gather mobile numbers and email addresses. 

The FIU has also tightened banking confirmation steps. Exchanges must authenticate bank ownership through the penny-drop method. This involves sending a refundable 1 rupee charge to confirm the account. The step confirms the bank details match the customer record.

Higher-risk clients face stricter monitoring under the rules. Enhanced due diligence is required for users linked to tax havens. It also applies to FATF-linked jurisdictions and politically exposed persons. Some non-profit organizations also fall into the high-risk screening bucket. 

India Bans ICOs and Mixers as Nigeria Links Crypto Trades to Tax IDs

India’s FIU rules also restrict certain crypto-related products. Exchanges cannot support initial coin offerings or initial token offerings. The guidelines state these offerings lack a justified economic rationale. They are described as carrying heightened and complex risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. 

Related: Coinbase Reopens in India as Asia Crypto Demand Increases

Privacy tools are also directly targeted by India’s updated framework. Exchanges are barred from using or enabling tumblers and mixers. These tools can hide transaction trails and weaken traceability. The FIU aims to block systems designed to make crypto flows untraceable. 

All platforms must register with the FIU to operate within compliance rules. Exchanges must report suspicious trades and transactions. They must keep user data for five years as required by the guidelines. The structure places crypto platforms under reporting duties similar to other regulated financial entities. 

India remains a bit wary on crypto, even though it is allowed to be traded in regulated form. The nation categorizes crypto as virtual digital assets under the Income Tax Act, 1961. VDAs can be traded by citizens on FIU-approved platforms. But crypto is not legal tender. 

Nigeria is taking a different compliance route focused on tax reporting. The country is rolling out crypto oversight through identity systems rather than blockchain surveillance. Under Nigeria’s new tax reforms, crypto service providers must link transactions to Tax Identification Numbers. 

The framework took effect on Jan. 1 under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025. It requires virtual asset service providers to submit regular returns to tax authorities. Reports must include the nature and value of the transactions facilitated. They must also include customer identity details, such as names and contact information. Tax IDs are mandatory in reporting, with NIN required where identity laws apply.

The legislation permits tax authorities to ask crypto providers for additional information. It also relies on keeping customer and transaction data for the long term. VASPs are required to exchange transaction information with tax authorities and FIUs. This also stretches AML reporting requirements into a tax control point.

The post India Tightens Crypto KYC As Nigeria Links Trades To Tax IDs appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post India Tightens Crypto KYC As Nigeria Links Trades To Tax IDs appeared first on Cryptotale.

Swiss authorities froze Maduro-linked assets nationwide for four years immediately.

The freeze targets only Maduro and close associates, not Venezuela’s government.

Measure preserves funds for possible restitution while monitoring legal developments.

Switzerland froze assets linked to Nicolás Maduro today after U.S. forces arrested him in Caracas and transferred him to the United States. The Federal Council confirmed the measure took immediate effect nationwide and applied for four years. Authorities said the step aims to prevent any transfer of potentially illicit assets during political uncertainty.

Asset Freeze Triggered by U.S. Arrest in Caracas

The Federal Council announced the decision on Monday, January 6, 2026, following Maduro’s arrest earlier that day. U.S. forces detained Maduro in Caracas during a surprise operation. They later transferred him to New York to face narcotrafficking charges.

Swiss officials said the arrest prompted concern about possible asset movements. Therefore, the government acted to secure any funds linked to Maduro or his associates. The freeze applies immediately across Switzerland.

Notably, the Federal Council stressed that members of Venezuela’s current government are excluded. The measure targets only Maduro and individuals closely associated with him. Authorities said this distinction remains essential.

The government described the situation in Venezuela as volatile. Several outcomes could emerge in the coming days or weeks. Consequently, officials said precautionary steps were necessary.

The asset freeze complements existing Swiss sanctions imposed on Venezuela in 2018. Those measures already included asset restrictions on certain individuals. However, officials said the new action extends coverage to previously unsanctioned persons.

No figures were provided regarding affected assets. Switzerland also declined to confirm whether Maduro or his associates hold funds domestically. Officials said further details depend on future legal developments.

Swiss Legal Framework Governing the Asset Freeze

Switzerland based the decision on the Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons. The law is commonly known as the FIAA. It allows asset freezes following a loss of power.

According to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the reasons behind that loss do not matter. The law does not assess legality or international law compliance. Instead, it focuses on preserving assets.

The decisive factor, officials said, is that Maduro lost power. This status allows the country of origin to seek legal assistance later. Therefore, Switzerland aims to keep assets available.

The FDFA explained that the freeze remains precautionary. It does not determine guilt or ownership. Courts would address those issues through proper proceedings.

Importantly, the freeze applies for four years unless authorities revise it earlier. Officials said this duration aligns with FIAA standards. Any extension or removal would require formal review. The government also confirmed the measure targets individuals not previously sanctioned in Switzerland. 

Existing sanctions remain unchanged. The new action adds another legal layer. Authorities reiterated that transparency would follow legal confirmation. However, they declined immediate comment on asset volumes. Requests for clarification remained unanswered.

Related: Bitcoin Holds Firm as Venezuela Shock Tests Market Strength

Restitution Goals and Switzerland’s Diplomatic Stance

The FDFA said Switzerland intends to return illicitly acquired assets to benefit the Venezuelan people. However, restitution depends on future judicial findings. Courts must confirm unlawful acquisition first.

The freeze aims to preserve assets for such proceedings. Without it, funds could leave Switzerland quickly. Officials said the measure prevents that risk. However, authorities emphasized neutrality. Switzerland did not comment on the legality of the U.S. operation. 

It also avoided judgment on Venezuela’s internal politics. The Federal Council called for de-escalation and restraint. It urged respect for international law, including territorial integrity. These statements accompanied the financial measures.

Switzerland also reiterated offers of its good offices. Officials said they remain available to support a peaceful solution. However, they framed this role as facilitative. The government said it continues monitoring developments closely. 

Officials expect fast changes on the ground. Therefore, they remain prepared to adjust responses. The asset freeze entered force immediately and applies nationwide. No exemptions exist during the four-year period. Authorities said enforcement agencies received instructions.

Meanwhile, Switzerland froze assets linked to Nicolás Maduro following his U.S. arrest and transfer to New York. The decision rests on Swiss law and excludes Venezuela’s current government. Officials said the move preserves assets for potential legal proceedings while Switzerland urges restraint and monitors developments.

The post Switzerland Freezes Maduro-Linked Assets After U.S. Arrest appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Switzerland Freezes Maduro-Linked Assets After U.S. Arrest appeared first on Cryptotale.

Japan’s 30-year bond yield hit a record high as investors priced in further BOJ rate hikes.

Short- and long-term Japanese bond yields climbed to multi-decade highs early in 2026.

Japan’s government cut super-long bond issuance to ease supply pressure as yields surged.

Japan’s bond market entered 2026 under sharp pressure as long-term yields climbed to levels unseen in decades raising questions across global markets, including crypto. The yield on the 30-year Japanese government bond reached 3.455%, a record high.

The move marked a decisive shift from Japan’s long era of ultra-low yields. It also highlighted how tightening financial conditions in major economies continue to reshape global risk dynamics.

Bond Yields Push to Multi-Decade Highs

Japan’s 10-year government bond yield jumped 5.5 basis points to 2.125% on Monday. That marked its highest level since February 1999. The two-year yield also increased and went up by 2.5 basis points to 1.195% which is the highest it has been since August 1996.

Market participants attributed the move to rising concerns over the Bank of Japan’s end-point for interest rates. Naoya Hasegawa, a senior bond strategist at Okasan Securities, said investors now see risks above the current market consensus. That consensus places the terminal rate near 1.5%.

Hasegawa noted that the yen has remained weak against the U.S. dollar. He said currency pressure continues to shape inflation expectations. Higher import costs add to that concern, reinforcing expectations for additional policy tightening.

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 0.75% last month from 0.5%. However, Governor Kazuo Ueda has not indicated when the next move may come. Markets still expect gradual action rather than rapid tightening.

Government Steps In as Market Struggles

Longer-dated bonds also reflected mounting pressure. The five-year yield rose 5.5 basis points to 1.6%, its highest level since June 2007. Meanwhile, the 20-year yield increased by 5 basis points to 3.305%.

The sharpest focus remained on the super-long end of the curve. The 30-year yield gained another 5 basis points to reach its record high. Traders said supply dynamics added to the volatility.

Eiichiro Miura, senior general manager of investments at Nissay Asset Management, said investors struggled to price bonds correctly. He said rapid yield increases made dip-buying difficult. As a result, market confidence remained fragile.

Related: Japan-Korea Stablecoin Plans Advance Through JPYC ITCEN

In response, the Japanese government announced changes to its bond issuance plans. Officials said they will reduce the issuance of super-long bonds in the next fiscal year. They also plan to hold issuance of benchmark 10-year bonds steady.

The government aims to ease concerns about oversupply in the market. Miura said the latest yield moves signal the need for additional government measures. He added that market stability remains a key priority.

Global investors are monitoring the situation closely. An increase in Japanese yields may transform capital flows in the asset classes. Analysts continue to assess how higher yields may influence risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Markets are so far still looking to the Bank of Japan cues. Volatility is expected to continue as the policymakers work on inflation risks and concerns about economic growth. Japan’s bond market stands at a critical point as 2026 begins.

The post Japan Bond Yields Hit Record Highs: Is Crypto Going To Be Bullish? appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Japan Bond Yields Hit Record Highs: Is Crypto Going To Be Bullish? appeared first on Cryptotale.

XRP consolidates as volatility cools following weeks of sustained selling pressure.

Analysts watch $2.30 for confirmation beyond the descending channel structure.

Wyckoff roadmap places XRP in post-spring recovery with higher phases mapped.

As of press time, Ripple (XRP) is trading at $2.12, rising 2% over the past 24 hours. The token stayed within a narrow weekly range after weeks of selling pressure. Price action now reflects steadier conditions. Market participants are assessing whether recent gains represent stabilization or a temporary pause before the next move.

Over the past seven days, XRP fluctuated between $1.83 and $2.16. The range reflects reduced volatility compared with December. On a monthly basis, the asset is up about 4.77%. This performance suggests selling intensity has eased. Buyers and sellers appear more balanced at current levels.

XRP Structure Shows Controlled Correction Within Downward Channel

Analyst Egrag Crypto highlighted XRP’s structure on a five-day chart. The analyst noted that price remains inside a clear descending channel. This pattern was described as a controlled correction. Momentum appears to be cooling rather than reversing sharply. The structure does not yet signal distribution.

#XRP – 5D Chart: Compression Before Expansion?

Price is still moving inside a clean descending channel. This is not distribution , it looks like controlled correction and momentum cooling.

What I’m watching next:
Close above the 21 EMA
Retest + hold as support
Break the… pic.twitter.com/ywfZMsRMyJ

— EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) January 5, 2026

The analyst outlined specific technical conditions to monitor. A daily close above the 21-period exponential moving average is the first requirement. A retest of that level as support would be the second step. The final signal would be a break above the channel top near $2.30. Without these steps, confirmation remains absent.

Egrag stated that a confirmed breakout could shift momentum. The next potential price zone cited was between $3.10 and $3.30. Until confirmation appears, the move is classified as a bounce. The analyst warned against treating current action as a breakout.

According to analysts, an upside break was assigned a 60% likelihood based on structure. Continued ranging inside the channel carried a 30% probability. A deeper breakdown toward $1 was set at 10%. That scenario was linked only to broader macro stress.

XRP Tracks Wyckoff Accumulation

However, analyst Charting Guy highlighted that XRP is tracking a Wyckoff accumulation roadmap on the daily timeframe. The structure places the market in a post-spring recovery zone, with Phase C in the chart already formed and later phases mapped ahead.

Related: XRP Price Rejected at Multi-Week $2.30 Highs: What’s the Next Move?

In this framework, Phase C represents the post-spring recovery zone. The spring was marked near the $1.60 to $1.70 area. A higher test followed around $1.95 to $2.10. This sequence showed weaker downside continuation. Sellers failed to regain control after the test.

Source: X

Phase D begins once XRP reclaims the creek. The reclaim is tied to the $2.80 to $2.90 zone on the chart. A jump across the creek marks the transition. The first sign of strength is plotted near $3.35 to $3.45. That zone aligns with upper range resistance.

After that move, the roadmap shows a last point of support level. This level sits roughly between $3.05 and $3.20. The structure assumes price holds above former resistance. Failure to do so would invalidate the phase progression. Confirmation remains level dependent.

Phase E is mapped as continued markup. Acceptance above the $3.35 to $3.45 band is required. The projected advance extends toward the $8.00 to $9.00 region and the path approaches the $10 level. These levels remain conditional on earlier confirmations.

On-chain data points to a shift in behavior. Analysis from a contributor at CryptoQuant focused on Binance metrics. The seven-day simple moving average of the Taker Buy Sell Ratio rose to 0.991. This was the highest level since late November.

The ratio measures aggressive buying against aggressive selling. The recent rise shows selling pressure has weakened. Buyers are more willing to execute at market prices. The change followed a bearish phase in mid-December. The move aligned with XRP’s recent price recovery.

Analysts noted a key threshold remains. Analysts noted that a sustained move above the 1.0 level would strengthen the bullish case by confirming buyer dominance in the short term.

The post XRP Holds Tight Range as Analysts Watch Key Breakout Levels appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post XRP Holds Tight Range as Analysts Watch Key Breakout Levels appeared first on Cryptotale.

Bitcoin showed resilience after Maduro’s arrest as markets focused on flows, not fear.

On-chain exchange netflows stayed neutral, signaling caution and not panic selling.

Options skew compressed as traders reduced downside hedges and favored upside calls.

U.S. forces detained Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro during a special operation, leading to immediate geopolitical risk across global markets early this week. U.S. authorities cited long-standing drug trafficking charges for the arrest. Bitcoin reacted with volatility, yet on-chain data and market flows showed restraint rather than panic selling.

On-Chain Data Revealing Investor Behavior

Following the news, Bitcoin prices moved sharply, briefly testing levels near $93,000 as traders assessed risk exposure. However, as per CryptoQuant, price action alone failed to reflect actual investor behavior. Instead, Exchange Netflow offered clearer evidence of market intent during the Venezuela-related uncertainty.

Exchange Netflow shows how much Bitcoin is moving in and out of exchanges which often hints at whether people are getting ready to sell or hold. During the Venezuela news CryptoQuant found no spike in Bitcoin flowing into exchanges. This suggested investors didn’t rush to sell, even with the tense headlines.

In the past, big geopolitical shocks usually led people to move funds onto exchanges as a defensive move. However, CryptoQuant pointed out that during events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, prices moved but heavy exchange inflows never really appeared.

Since 2023, on-chain data shows Bitcoin has become better at handling localized conflicts without panic selling. The Venezuela situation fits this same pattern. Traders stayed alert, but there was no mass exit. Because of this, CryptoQuant said the market looked careful, not scared. 

Risk Alignment and Options Positioning

While on-chain metrics remained steady, derivatives and spot markets showed renewed activity. According to QCP Broadcast, Bitcoin and Ethereum broke higher during early Asian trading. Bitcoin cleared $92,000, while Ethereum moved above $3,100.

Notably, this advance coincided with firmer equities and softer oil prices. Markets simultaneously digested confirmation of the U.S. operation involving Maduro. Crypto’s movement aligned with broader risk assets rather than decoupling.

QCP Broadcast noted fading year-end tax loss harvesting as a supportive factor. Additionally, renewed policy flexibility entered investor calculations at the start of 2026. These conditions helped explain the synchronized move across asset classes.

Options data further showed improving sentiment. Put skew compressed as traders reduced downside hedges. Demand increased for January 30, 2026, $100,000 Bitcoin calls and topside straddles.

However, QCP noted in recent U.S. trading hours, rallies often cooled off, which kept traders from taking excessive risks. This matched what was seen in the spot market, where prices kept rising steadily without a big increase in leveraged bets.

At the same time, CryptoRank data showed liquidity picking back up after the weekend. Bitcoin and Ethereum saw clear inflows, pointing to institutions stepping back in. Total market value climbed to $3.23 trillion, while liquidations reached $254 million.

Related: Bitcoin Jumps Toward $93K as Short Liquidations Top $75M

Venezuela’s Alleged Bitcoin Reserve 

Reports citing Whale Hunting researchers Bradley Hope and Clara Preve introduced a new dimension to the narrative. Intelligence sources suggested Venezuela may hold a hidden Bitcoin and stablecoin reserve. Estimates ranged between $56 billion and $67 billion.

According to those reports, accumulation began around 2018 through gold sales from the Orinoco Mining Arc. Roughly $2 billion in gold reportedly converted into Bitcoin at near $5,000 prices. That tranche alone could represent approximately 400,000 BTC.

At early-2026 prices near $90,000, that portion would equal roughly $36 billion. Additional accumulation allegedly occurred through oil transactions settled in USDT under U.S. sanctions. Some reports say a portion of USDT was swapped into Bitcoin to lower the risk of funds being frozen.

Other sources of Bitcoin reportedly came from seized mining operations and oil-for-crypto deals between 2023 and 2025. Taken together, estimates suggest holdings of more than 600,000 BTC. If accurate, that would put Venezuela among the world’s largest Bitcoin holders.

The reports also discussed what could happen if U.S. authorities were to seize those assets. Possible paths include locking them in custody, holding them as reserves, or selling them through regulated markets. 

Analysts compared this to Germany’s 2024 sale of 50,000 BTC, which caused a sharp market drop. For now, though, there’s no on-chain sign of heavy selling. Exchange Netflow data remains steady, backing CryptoQuant’s view. Markets are monitoring and not rushing to exit.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s move to $93,000 after the Venezuela news showed strength across spot markets, derivatives, and on-chain data. The crypto market added about $130 billion in value during the rebound. 

The post Bitcoin Holds Firm as Venezuela Shock Tests Market Strength appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Bitcoin Holds Firm as Venezuela Shock Tests Market Strength appeared first on Cryptotale.

Stablecoin market value climbed from 207B to 307B during 2025 as adoption expanded.

USDT and USDC led supply growth, while alternative stablecoins also gained traction.

Regulation and institutional adoption supported stablecoin demand across markets.

The global stablecoin market expanded sharply in 2025, with total market capitalization rising nearly 50% over the year, according to data shared by CryptoRank on X. Figures sourced from CryptoRank.io and DeFiLlama show the market growing from about $207 billion on January 1 to roughly $307 billion by December 29. 

Market Growth Accelerates Through the Year

Data pointed out by the chart reflects a constant increase in the demand for digital assets in the first half of 2025. The value of the company went up to over $220 billion in February and by April it was about $240 billion. Growth was there in May and June, but the supply increased simultaneously. 

By July, the pace of growth was already higher than before. The amount of all stablecoins in the market reached $260 billion as new coins made their way into the market. From August to October, the market saw its sharpest expansion. Total capitalization surged past $280 billion and briefly exceeded the $300 billion mark. Although small pullbacks appeared in November, the market stabilized near year-end, closing December near $307 billion. 

Supply Shifts Among Major Stablecoins

CryptoRank data also showed significant supply changes among leading stablecoins. USDT grew from $137 billion to $187 billion during 2025, preserving its dominant position across trading and liquidity markets. Its growth tracked closely with rising overall market capitalization.

Source: X

USDC recorded strong percentage growth. Supply expanded from $44 billion at the start of the year to $76 billion by year-end. The increase reflected wider usage across exchanges, DeFi platforms, and institutional channels.. USDC rose sharply from $1.28 billion to $6 billion in supply.

Related: South Korea Delays Digital Asset Law Over Stablecoin Rift

Regulation, Institutions, and Market Structure

According to the latest data from DeFiLlama, the total market cap of stablecoins has increased to $307.917 billion, with USDT having the largest market share of 60.72%. The graph indicates a downward trend over the past week, amounting to $282.39 million, or 0.09%, which is indicative of short-term consolidation.. 

Source: DeFiLlama

The overall increase was the result of several factors. The U.S.regulatory framework was significantly impacted by the passage of the GENIUS Act. Europe’s regulatory environment has also become clearer with the introduction of the MiCA regulation. At the same time, the use of stablecoins alongside their technological expansion results in more institutions adopting cryptocurrencies.

The market situation in 2025 was very favorable for expansion. The high price differences of top coins are leading many investors to switch over to stablecoins for safekeeping and liquidity.  Besides, derivatives markets and perpetual trading platforms have also contributed to the demand since stablecoins are the main assets required for margin and collateral. Currently, USDT and USDC make up approximately 90% of the total stablecoin market, as per Motley Fool’s analysis.

The post Factors Driving Stablecoin Market Expansion: Report appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Factors Driving Stablecoin Market Expansion: Report appeared first on Cryptotale.