Из жизни альткоинов

22-летний житель американского штата Калифорния Эван Танжман (Evan Tangeman) признал вину в отмывании денег для группы преступников, похитивших 4100 биткоинов.

За год общие балансы первой криптовалюты на централизованных биржах снизились на 403 200 BTC. Это является положительным сигналом, считают аналитики платформы Santiment.

Глобальная бычья структура рынка биткоина сохранилась, но сейчас он перешел в тактически хрупкую стадию, заявил аналитик платформы CryptoQuant Аксель Адлер младший (Axel Adler Jr).

Комиссия по ценным бумагам и биржам США (SEC) завершила двухлетнее расследование в отношении криптопроекта Ondo Finance, ориентированного на токенизацию реальных активов, без предъявления ему обвинений.

В 2026 году в России будет введена уголовная ответственность за незаконный майнинг, заявил на Совете по стратегическому развитию и национальным проектам вице-премьер Александр Новак.

The coming week concentrates macro and protocol-specific catalysts into a tight window, with the Federal Reserve’s FOMC decision and several high-profile project events landing between December 10 and 12.

#1 Crypto On Alert: Fed’s Dec. 10 Rate Decision

The US Federal Reserve’s FOMC interest rate decision on Dec. 10 looms as a key macro catalyst for crypto. Markets overwhelmingly expect a 25 bps rate cut – about an 87% probability according to Fed funds futures– which would lower the target rate to ~3.5–3.75%. Such a move would be the third cut in as many meetings, signaling a pivot to easing as the Fed prioritizes a faltering job market over inflation.

Bitcoin (BTC) has historically reacted sharply to Fed surprises: BTC often faces downward pressure into FOMC announcements, then significant volatility as markets parse the Fed’s language. Indeed, ahead of this meeting, BTC dipped below $88,000 over the weekend on “FOMC nerves” but quickly jumped back above $91,000.

If the Fed delivers the expected 0.25% cut, it could bolster crypto by improving liquidity conditions and risk appetite. Easing financial conditions have been core to the recent crypto rebound. Any dovish signals may prompt a relief rally in BTC and the broader crypto market.

However, a hawkish surprise – if the Fed were to hold rates steady or sound cautious – risks upsetting this fragile optimism. As reported on NewsBTC, a special focus will be on whether the Fed announces a new program for Treasury bill purchases.

#2 Solana’s Breakpoint (Dec. 11–13)

Solana’s Breakpoint conference kicks off Dec. 11 in Abu Dhabi, and traders are eyeing SOL’s price action around this flagship event. Breakpoint has a track record of stirring excitement – and volatility – in SOL. At the 2023 conference in Amsterdam, for example, SOL surged over 20% to a 14-month high (~$45) as a “flurry of announcements” (like Jump Crypto’s Firedancer client and Google Cloud integrations) dropped during the event.

This year, investors are anticipating major updates once again. The full launch of Firedancer (a high-performance Solana validator) and new ecosystem partnerships are rumored, and Breakpoint acts on investors like a magnet, usually triggering strong FOMO ahead of anticipated news.

If Solana’s team delivers headline-worthy developments, SOL could rally, as happened last year when announcements at Breakpoint corresponded with a price spike. Conversely, if the conference hype fades without new catalysts, short-term traders might take profit. Still, sentiment is clearly bullish going in.

#3 Do Kwon Sentencing (Dec. 11)

The long-awaited sentencing of Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon on Dec. 11 could mark a climactic chapter in the Terra/Luna saga. Kwon’s legal fate is largely sealed after he pleaded guilty to fraud in August, but the severity of punishment matters for the market psyche.

US prosecutors have asked for the maximum 12-year prison term for Kwon’s role in the $40 billion Terra meltdown. Paradoxically, traders have taken this bad news as bullish fuel: when the DOJ’s 12-year recommendation hit headlines, LUNC spiked 130% in a day, suggesting speculators see a tough sentence as a form of closure.

The actual sentencing on Dec. 11 could thus be a “sell the news” moment if those gains are purely hype-driven. Any outcome within expectations may prompt profit-taking after the event.

#4 Bittensor’s First TAO Halving (Dec. 12)

Bittensor (TAO), an AI-focused blockchain network, will undergo its inaugural token halving around Dec. 12–14, a pivotal event that echoes Bitcoin’s quadrennial cycle. After this “maturation milestone”, TAO’s issuance rate will be cut from 7,200 tokens per day to 3,600.

The halving cements Bittensor’s hard cap of 21 million TAO (just like BTC’s 21M) and is seen as a key milestone in the network’s maturation”. In the community, bulls have been hyping the “halving = scarcity” narrative for months – daily supply dropping 50% overnight is expected to “fuel scarcity narratives” and amplify TAO’s appeal as the base asset of a decentralized AI economy.

#5 Avalanche Spot ETF Decision

Avalanche (AVAX) could make history this week, as the US SEC faces a Dec. 12 deadline to approve or reject VanEck’s spot Avalanche ETF. This is the final decision date after multiple delays. Approval would mark one of the first mainstream investment vehicles for a “Ethereum-killer” layer-1 token, potentially unlocking new capital for AVAX.

Regulatory watchers are optimistic – Bloomberg ETF analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart put the odds around 90% for approval. They argue that a spot AVAX fund would likely follow the path of recent Bitcoin and Ether ETFs.

#6 Aster’s S4 Buyback Program (Dec. 10)

Aster (ASTER), a DeFi protocol on BNB Chain, is commencing its Season 4 (S4) token buyback program on Dec. 10. Under this program, Aster will allocate 60–90% of all fees collected in Season 4 to buying back ASTER tokens from the open market.

This aggressive buyback scheme is designed to reduce supply and support the token’s price. In fact, the team announced it is accelerating the Phase 4 buybacks, with execution ramped up to roughly $4 million worth of ASTER purchases per day as of Dec. 8. Aster’s developers stated that this acceleration allows them to quickly deploy the fees accumulated since Nov. 10 onto the blockchain to prop up the market “during periods of volatility.”

By their estimates, it will take 8–10 days of these heightened buybacks to catch up, after which daily buybacks will continue at a steady 60–90% of the prior day’s fee revenue for the remainder of Season 4. A dedicated on-chain wallet for the buybacks is to be made public, ensuring transparency as the protocol executes what is essentially a large-scale, programmatic share (token) repurchase.

At press time, the total crypto market cap stood at $3.09 trillion.

Bitcoin started the week attempting to reclaim the $92,000 level, a move that hints at early signs of recovery after weeks of volatility and uncertainty. This renewed strength arrives at a critical moment for global markets, as investors turn their attention to one event: the upcoming FOMC meeting. According to a new CryptoQuant report by XWIN Research Japan, the central question is whether the Federal Reserve will finally begin cutting interest rates—a decision that could reshape market expectations heading into 2026.

Historical data provides an important context. During the last two rate-cut announcements on September 17 and October 29, Bitcoin followed a strikingly similar pattern. Prices climbed in the days leading up to each meeting, reflecting optimism and speculation.

Immediately after the announcements, the market experienced a brief bounce, only to fall sharply soon after. This behavior highlights a common reaction in macro-driven markets: although rate cuts are usually seen as bullish, they often fuel a “buy the rumor, sell the news” dynamic in the short term as traders lock in profits.

With Bitcoin hovering below major resistance and macro uncertainty rising again, the coming days may determine whether this attempted recovery evolves into momentum—or fades into another corrective swing.

Market Positioning Meets Macro Reality

Rather than simply repeating past rate-cut reactions, the current setup requires placing Bitcoin’s behavior in the broader macroeconomic landscape—a landscape that looks very different from previous cycles. While XWIN Research highlights the historical “up first, down later” pattern around FOMC cuts, the real story lies in how today’s liquidity conditions interact with on-chain signals.

Stablecoin exchange reserves now reflect not just crypto sentiment but the macro backdrop. With the US nearing the end of quantitative tightening and global liquidity subtly improving, rising stablecoin reserves would confirm that investors are preparing to deploy capital into risk assets.

If reserves remain flat or decline, it may indicate hesitation tied to uncertainty over inflation persistence or concerns about policy missteps.

Funding rates, meanwhile, must be interpreted through the lens of a market recalibrating after a 36% correction while still operating in a high-rate environment. Excessive long leverage during a macro turning point—especially if the Fed cuts earlier than expected—creates the perfect setup for volatility spikes.

Neutral or mildly positive funding, however, would suggest traders are not overextended, allowing Bitcoin to absorb macro news more smoothly.

Ultimately, Bitcoin’s reaction to the FOMC will depend on the interplay between improving macro liquidity conditions and the internal positioning of the market. This cycle’s environment is more complex—and potentially more supportive—than prior rate-cut events, making risk-managed positioning more crucial than prediction.

Weekly Chart Shows Stabilization But Trend Still Vulnerable

Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows the market attempting to stabilize after a sharp multi-week correction, with price hovering around $91,800. The current candle is printing a modest rebound, signaling that buyers are stepping in near the green 100-week moving average, a level that has acted as a cyclical support zone in past downturns. This reaction suggests that long-term participants are defending the structure, even as momentum remains weak.

Despite the bounce, BTC continues to trade well below the 50-week moving average, which has curled downward—evidence that medium-term trend pressure still leans bearish. The breakdown from the $110K–$100K region triggered a decisive shift in sentiment, and the latest consolidation under $95K reflects a market still searching for direction rather than forming a clear recovery trend.

Volume also tells an important story: selling spikes in recent weeks have been met with noticeably softer buy-side volume, indicating that bulls are present but not yet aggressive. Until a sustained surge in demand appears, rallies near the 50-week MA are likely to face resistance.

If Bitcoin holds the 100-week MA and forms higher weekly lows, a recovery phase could build. Failure to maintain this zone, however, would expose deeper downside levels and confirm a broader trend reversal.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Ethereum (ETH) is entering a phase that analysts say resembles the early stages of its strongest market cycles, driven by institutional accumulation, shrinking exchange supply, and new proposals aimed at stabilizing the network’s economics.

Related Reading: ‘Something Big’ Is Coming For XRP, Says Toroso Investments Portfolio Manager

As large investors deepen their presence and developers explore changes that could make transaction fees more predictable, sentiment on Wall Street has shifted sharply recently. For many, the combination of tightening supply and improving fundamentals has created conditions that could support a meaningful repricing.

Exchange Supply Tightens as Institutions Accelerate Accumulation

Ethereum held on centralized exchanges has fallen to its lowest level since the network launched in 2015. Glassnode data shows that balances dropped to 8.7% of the total supply last week, marking a 43% decline since July.

The reduction is tied to staking, layer-2 migration, institutional custody, and long-term treasury allocations, destinations that rarely send tokens back to exchanges.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, now the largest corporate holder of Ether, expanded its position by another $199 million over the weekend. The firm controls $11.3 billion in ETH, representing about 3.08% of supply, and continues buying toward its 5% target.

ETFs have also contributed to the drawdown, with cumulative inflows now above $12 billion. Analysts note that nearly 40% of all ETH is locked in staking or institutional products, creating one of the tightest supply environments the asset has experienced.

Technical analysts point to hidden signs of accumulation. Recent On-Balance Volume readings have broken above resistance, even as the price lingers near $3,050, a divergence that some interpret as indicating buying pressure.

Fee Reform Pushes Forward as Vitalik Buterin Proposes Gas Futures Market

Alongside market activity, a new economic proposal from Vitalik Buterin is drawing attention. The Ethereum co-founder outlined a system for onchain gas futures that would allow users to lock in transaction fees for future time periods.

The mechanism resembles traditional futures markets and is designed to help traders and developers hedge against sudden increases in network demand.

Buterin argues that clearer forward pricing could support businesses that rely on predictable costs, particularly as activity expands across staking, tokenization, and decentralized applications. Although still in its early stages, the idea is viewed as part of a broader effort to make Ethereum more stable as it scales.

Analysts See Conditions Forming for a Larger Cycle

Market commentators increasingly cite a combination of shrinking supply, rising institutional involvement, and improving network efficiency as reasons Ethereum may outperform in the next major cycle.

Some compare current dynamics to Bitcoin eight years ago, noting that Ethereum’s evolving economic model and expanding role in tokenized finance give it a broader set of drivers than in previous cycles.

Related Reading: Trump’s New Security Strategy Leaves Crypto And Blockchain Out

Whether these developments immediately translate into price gains remains uncertain. But with exchange balances at record lows and institutions steadily accumulating, analysts agree that Ethereum is entering a structurally different phase, one defined less by speculation and more by sustained demand.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview

Bitcoin is attempting to reclaim the $92,000 level as bullish momentum gradually returns after weeks of uncertainty. The market has spent nearly two months in a corrective phase, shedding roughly 36% from its highs, yet signs of stabilization are beginning to emerge. A new CryptoQuant report from analyst Darkfost highlights a striking deviation from typical mid-cycle correction behavior—one that may explain why sentiment is starting to shift.

According to the report, inflows of cryptocurrencies onto Binance remain unusually low, even as Bitcoin has experienced one of its deepest pullbacks of the cycle. Historically, during significant corrections, investors tend to send large amounts of BTC and other assets to exchanges, signaling growing willingness to sell and escalating market fear. This pattern appeared repeatedly in past downturns, often marking periods of capitulation.

But this time, the data suggests something different: investors are not rushing to offload their holdings. Instead, they appear more comfortable holding through volatility, showing patience rather than panic. Such low inflows contrast sharply with prior mid-cycle resets and hint at a more resilient market structure beneath the surface—one where holders may be preparing for the next phase rather than abandoning ship.

A Shift in Inflows Reveals Unusual Investor Behavior

Darkfost notes that today’s data shows a markedly different behavior from what Bitcoin typically displays during major corrections. Instead of focusing on BTC alone, the analysis aggregates total inflows of all cryptocurrencies sent to Binance, offering a broader view of market intent. The logic behind this metric is straightforward: rising inflows signal growing selling pressure, while shrinking inflows indicate that investors prefer to hold rather than exit their positions.

During previous downturns, inflows surged. In April 2024, right after Bitcoin hit a new all-time high at $73,800, total inflows exceeded 200 million coins, reflecting intense selling pressure. A similar spike appeared in December 2024, as BTC broke above $100,000, signaling that investors were preparing to lock in profits.

Today’s environment looks nothing like those periods. Despite experiencing a much deeper correction, inflows are five times lower—and notably stable. Investors are not sending coins to exchanges, which means they’re not eager to sell. Instead, they are sitting through the decline, showing patience rather than panic.

This unusual calm suggests a more confident market structure. If selling pressure continues to fade, this investor restraint could become one of the most constructive signals supporting a future bullish recovery once the correction runs its course.

Bitcoin Price Action Shows Early Signs of Stabilization

Bitcoin’s latest 3-day chart shows the market attempting to stabilize after a sharp two-month correction that pushed the price from above $120,000 to the recent lows near $84,000. The current rebound toward $91,960 reflects improving short-term sentiment, but the broader structure still leans bearish until key levels break.

One of the most important developments is BTC’s interaction with the 200-day moving average (red line). The price dipped below it during the flush-out but has now reclaimed it slightly, a signal that sellers may be losing momentum. Historically, regaining the 200MA on high timeframes marks the first stage of recovery after major corrections. However, confirmation requires follow-through and stronger volume—something that remains limited for now.

The 50MA and 100MA sit well above price, reflecting the depth of the recent decline and acting as overhead resistance. The clustering of these moving averages between $100,000 and $110,000 forms a heavy supply zone. Bulls would need several consecutive strong candles to break back into that region.

Volume has decreased notably during the rebound, suggesting that buyers are still cautious. Until BTC reclaims the $96K–$98K area—where structural resistance and realized-price bands align—this move remains a relief bounce rather than a confirmed bullish reversal.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

The United States’ new national security strategy has renewed debate across the crypto community after omitting any direct reference to digital assets or blockchain technology.

Released by the Trump administration, the document outlines the nation’s long-term security priorities and technological ambitions, yet its silence on crypto stands in contrast with both market momentum and recent political statements.

As global financial systems increasingly integrate digital assets, many observers see the absence as a signal of policy uncertainty at a time when regulatory clarity is becoming more important for industry growth.

Why Has AI Taken the Spotlight

Across its 33 pages, the strategy places artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing at the center of America’s next-generation competition.

The administration states that U.S. technology and standards must “drive the world forward,” underscoring a focus on advanced computing rather than decentralized finance. Digital assets, which had gained prominence through previous remarks from officials, receive no explicit mention.

This stands at odds with comments from President Trump in recent months. In a CBS 60 Minutes interview, he warned that China should not become the global leader in virtual assets and insisted that Bitcoin mining should remain within U.S. borders.

A Subtle Reference, but No Clear Policy

While crypto is not named in the strategy, the document does reference strengthening American “leadership in digital finance and innovation.”

Analysts view this as a broad gesture rather than a firm policy direction, but it leaves open the possibility that digital assets may still influence future regulatory or economic strategies.

This ambiguity comes despite a year of significant pro-crypto actions. Measures such as the GENIUS Act for stablecoin oversight, the formation of a crypto enforcement task force, reduced regulatory pressures on exchanges, and opposition to a central bank digital currency have all shaped expectations.

The establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve, funded through forfeited digital assets, further signals that crypto remains a strategic consideration even if not formally acknowledged in the latest blueprint.

Market Response and Broader Implications

Currently trading around $91,900, Bitcoin briefly fell below $90,000 following the release of the strategy, a move compounded by broader macroeconomic pressures and anticipation of a Federal Reserve rate decision.

The administration’s call for increased defense spending among NATO allies has also raised questions about inflation and monetary policy, factors that could influence investor appetite for digital assets.

For now, the omission leaves the industry navigating a familiar gap of strong political rhetoric, scattered policy initiatives, but no comprehensive framework. As the U.S. centers its priorities around AI and quantum computing, crypto’s position in national strategy remains undefined. Is this the end of the ‘Crypto Administration’?

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview

Institutional investors are quietly reshaping the narrative around XRP, with the latest analysis report from the billion-dollar asset manager WisdomTree confirming what insiders have long suspected. According to the report, XRP is garnering institutional interest and demand on a global scale. While retail traders debate short-term price movements, smart money capital inflows into XRP are surpassing those of almost every other altcoin. 

XRP Dominates Institutional Inflows Across Europe And The Globe

According to an X post by crypto expert Stern Drew, the latest WisdomTree report shows that XRP is the only digital asset attracting consistent institutional demand worldwide. In Europe, XRP has attracted over $549 million in new institutional capital this year, more than three times the inflows into Ethereum. This figure surpasses the total for every altcoin in the market and multi-asset products except Bitcoin. 

In a continent traditionally known for conservative investment strategies, these flows into XRP represent a decisive vote of confidence from European institutional investors. Drew has revealed that the demand for XRP has also extended beyond Europe. Outside the United States, XRP has captured roughly $252 million in fresh institutional capital just this year. 

By comparison, Bitcoin products absorbed only $268 million in smart money capital. Given that BTC products are more than 25 times the size of XRP products, this suggests that institutions have directed nearly 25 times more new capital into XRP than into Bitcoin. Drew has suggested that this increase in flows indicates careful, deliberate positioning rather than short-term speculative activity, which highlights the market’s growing preference for XRP. 

US Adoption Signals Broader Shift

In his post, Drew also revealed the growing institutional interest in XRP within the US. This year, a new synthetic XRP product attracted $241 million, surpassing flows into Solana and all other altcoin products in the same category. This surge came at a time when the two largest cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum, collectively saw $6.4 billion exit their ETF structures. 

Drew revealed that the dramatic outflows from BTC and ETH signaled that institutional investors were diversifying from established assets while selectively accumulating XRP. The WisdomTree report also showed that, excluding Europe and the US, regions such as Asia and other global markets are increasing their exposure to XRP. 

Surprisingly, this surge in global institutional demand is occurring during periods of market stress rather than euphoric rallies. The XRP price is currently down by more than 15% this year and trading at just $2.1. The cryptocurrency has also been experiencing significant choppy action over the past few months, failing to reclaim former highs above $3.

Despite this structural weakness, institutions continue to accumulate XRP in large quantities, indicating a clear bias toward the cryptocurrency. Drew has also revealed that smart money views XRP as a settlement-grade asset, well-suited for integration into the future architecture of regulated digital finance. He highlights that, as global institutional preference increasingly concentrates on XRP, price movements might follow later.

South Korea moved to tighten rules for cryptocurrency platforms after a major breach at Upbit that sent shockwaves through the local market and government halls.

Government Pushes Bank-Level Rules

According to government and industry reports, the Upbit breach on November 27, 2025 involved the transfer of about 104 billion tokens on the Solana network in roughly 54 minutes.

The value of the tokens was reported at about 44.5 billion won, equal to roughly $30–36 million. Upbit said it would cover customer losses from its own funds, but officials say current law does not force exchanges to reimburse users automatically.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) have begun drafting rules that would hold virtual asset service providers to bank-level liability standards, requiring compulsory compensation for customers hit by hacks or system failures.

Past Failures Put Pressure On Regulators

Reports have disclosed that the five biggest exchanges in Korea — Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit and Gopax — were cited in official data showing 20 system failures between 2023 and September 2025.

Those incidents affected more than 900 users and caused combined losses of about 5 billion won. Regulators say those prior problems, plus the recent Solana transfers, highlighted gaps in consumer protection and operational stability that current rules don’t close.

Exchanges Face Higher Costs And Fines

Under the proposed measures, exchanges would need to meet stronger IT security and custody standards, submit to regular audits, and maintain clearer recovery plans.

Penalties are also being rethought. Current maximum fines were a fixed 5 billion won in earlier regulations; new drafts reportedly include fines up to 3% of an exchange’s annual revenue for serious breaches.

That kind of exposure could push firms to raise spending on security and insurance, and it may change how they price services.

What It Means For Users And Markets

According to industry analysts, forcing mandatory compensation would boost consumer confidence. That is the stated aim. But restoring trust will likely take time.

Some exchanges have already promised voluntary payouts after the Upbit incident, yet a legal requirement would mark a big shift in how crypto platforms are treated compared with banks and electronic payment firms under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

Timeline And Lawmaking Steps

Based on reports, the draft rules are currently under internal review within the FSC and will need to pass through formal legislative processes before becoming law.

Lawmakers and regulators are deliberating exactly which parts of bank rules should apply to crypto firms, and how to avoid stifling competition or innovation while protecting customers.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Ripple and the XRP ecosystem have entered one of their most important weeks to date. A series of regulatory and market-structure breakthroughs has pushed the token deeper into the core of federally supervised financial infrastructure, and this carries implications far beyond short-term sentiment, starting with its advancement into new territory under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

A New Regulatory Alignment Surrounds XRP

Bitnomial, a CFTC-regulated derivatives and spot-crypto platform, secured approval to include XRP within its market structure of the first US-regulated spot-crypto market. This allowed the Chicago-based exchange to activate a supervised spot-XRP contract in the United States, as well as accept the token as margin collateral across its derivatives products. 

The move placed XRP in the same operational category as traditional commodities that must meet liquidity and settlement standards before entering federally regulated markets.

Behind these approvals sits a story that many observers initially missed. An market participant who goes by the name SonOfaRichard on the social media platform pointed out the significance of what had unfolded. 

He noted that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CTFC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), three agencies with entirely different remits, moved in the same direction in the same week. 

According to him, the altcoin effectively transitioned into a commodity-grade collateral asset within a federally regulated derivatives ecosystem, and he described this not as a narrative but as plumbing. This is the same standard applied to gold, FX, treasuries, and LME metals.

Secondly, the SEC did not object to the CFTC’s move with Bitnomial, and that silence carried far more weight than a formal statement, because it pointed to an unusual moment of alignment between agencies that typically operate with different mandates on XRP. 

Thirdly, Bitnomial itself became the quiet kingmaker in this entire development, not because of its brand presence or daily trading volume, but because its regulatory position places it in integration with clearing flows that plug directly into institutional pipes. A platform like that does not list XRP unless regulators have already determined what it is.

An Exciting Phase For The Token’s Outlook

Lastly, the DTCC moved toward 24×5 settlement windows. According to the commentator, this move was about interoperability with digital collateral, tokenized treasuries, and real-time clearing.

Taken together, these milestones are not surface-level headlines. They represent a change in how XRP is being integrated. The asset is now accepted as a collateral currency, listed under CFTC oversight, and actively trading inside the country’s first regulated spot-crypto framework.

Other examples of the change in XRP integration on a global scale include the Singapore MPI license for Ripple and Vanguard, allowing XRP ETF access, among a few others.

All these recent advancements by Ripple now point to the ecosystem entering a phase that investors have waited years to witness. The question now may no longer be whether institutions will adopt the token, but how quickly they integrate it into the flows of modern digital finance.

Robinhood Markets moved into Indonesia this week by signing deals to buy two local firms, a step that gives it instant access to a big pool of investors.

The plan covers both a licensed brokerage and a regulated crypto trader, and the company says it will use those platforms to begin offering its services to Indonesian users. According to reports, the transactions are set to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Robinhood Targets Large Local Investor Base

Based on reports, Robinhood will acquire PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, two Indonesian companies that already operate under local licenses.

This gives Robinhood the chance to start operating without waiting out a long licensing process, although final approval from Indonesia’s financial watchdog is still required. The firm did not disclose the price it will pay.

We’re expanding globally. Robinhood has entered into agreements to acquire Buana Capital, an Indonesian brokerage, and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, a licensed Indonesian digital financial asset trader–marking our entry into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

More…

— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) December 8, 2025

Market Size And Recent Activity

Indonesia is home to a deep and growing retail market. Reports place close to 20 million people participating in capital markets, while about 17 million are active crypto traders — numbers that underline why global platforms are looking closely at the country.

Transaction values in 2024 reached roughly 650 trillion rupiah, which is nearly $40 billion, showing how much activity already flows through local platforms.

How Robinhood Plans To Use The Acquisitions

According to the company’s announcement, the deals are meant to let Robinhood offer its own brokerage and crypto products over time, potentially including access to US equities and global cryptocurrencies for Indonesian users.

Pieter Tanuri, who is the majority owner of the acquired businesses, is expected to serve as a strategic adviser after the closing, reports say. This local guidance could help with day-to-day operations and regulatory interactions.

Regulatory And Competitive Hurdles

The greenlighting by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan or OJK and other Indonesian regulators remains a continuing condition.

Against this, the wider policy backdrop has not stayed constant: tax rules and oversight for crypto tightened up in 2025; regulators have moved parts of crypto oversight under different agencies, making compliance more complex for entrants.

Local rivals are already well established, meaning Robinhood will face a crowded field even if it is granted regulatory clearance.

For Indonesian traders, the move could bring more choices and access to new products, including cross-border trading options that, until now, are limited on many local applications.

It’s part of a broader expansion push at Robinhood after a strong year that saw big gains in its stock price.

The company still has the practical work of integrating systems, meeting local rules, and convincing users to switch platforms.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Binance (BNB), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has initiated an investigation following allegations of insider trading involving one of its employees. 

Binance Uncovers Alleged Misuse Of Insider Information

On December 7, Binance’s internal audit team received a report claiming that an employee had exploited insider information to make posts on official social media, thereby gaining personal profits. 

In a recent communication shared on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), Binance outlined the immediate steps taken in response to these allegations.

The preliminary findings of the investigation revealed that the employee in question had connections to a token that was issued on-chain on December 7. Less than a minute later, they allegedly used details, including text and images relating to this token, in a tweet published by the Binance Futures account. The exchange noted:

These actions constitute abuse of their position for personal gain and violate our policies and code of professional conduct.

Whistleblower Bounty Of $100,000 Announced

In light of these findings, the employee whose name was not disclosed in the information provided by the exchange has been suspended immediately pending further disciplinary action. 

Furthermore, Binance has communicated its intent to engage with relevant authorities in the employee’s jurisdiction, pledging full cooperation and pursuing appropriate legal action in line with applicable laws.

While emphasizing its commitment to transparency, fairness, and user welfare, the exchange has also announced a total bounty reward of $100,000, which will be equally distributed among the earliest valid whistleblowers. 

The exchange’s native token, Binance Coin (BNB), is trading at $896.50 when writing. This means BNB is down over 34% from the all-time high of $1,369 reached earlier this year. 

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

Ethereum saw a bounce back above the $3,000 price market, with bullish sentiment gaining momentum among investors, especially those on centralized exchanges. Even with the market experiencing sideways movements, the overall supply of ETH on crypto exchanges has fallen sharply, hitting unprecedented levels.

Lowest Supply Of Ethereum On Exchanges

Recent signals from on-chain metrics indicate that the Ethereum market environment is undergoing a quiet yet significant transformation. This unfolding trend is due to the sharp drop in the supply of ETH available on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Related Reading: Ethereum Network Fatigue? Monthly On-Chain Transactions Drops As Activity Slows Down

As reported by Coin Bureau on the social media platform X, ETH supply on centralized exchanges has hit levels not seen in years. With more holders choosing long-term storage, staking, and self-custody over keeping their assets available for trade, this significant supply drain indicates a change in investor behavior.

Data from the ETH Percent Balance on Exchanges metric shows a total of 8.7% of Ethereum supply available on exchanges, marking the lowest level since ETH’s launch in 2015. 

As exchange reserves decrease, the structural pressure on ETH’s circulating supply is increasing, which could create a scenario for a more explosive price environment. Coin Bureau stated that several crypto analysts are currently warning that tightening liquidity might trigger a robust rally when demand recovers.

Mid-Size Whale Holders Are Still Existing In The Market

Despite a sharp withdrawal of ETH from exchanges, selling pressure still remains in the market as indicated by the Ethereum Accumulation Heatmap. After examining the metric, Alphractal, an advanced investment and on-chain data analytics platform, uncovered that wallet addresses holding 1,000 ETH to 10,000 ETH, or mid-size whales, are offloading their holdings, signaling weakening sentiment among the group due to ongoing market fluctuations.

According to the metric, these investors carried out heavy distribution just near the price top. The cohort was the one who took advantage of the euphoria to secure profits while others were celebrating at the all-time high.

What’s interesting is that these investors are still selling, mounting heavy bearish pressure on the market, which is likely fueling the current bearish wave. Meanwhile, wallet addresses holding at least 10,000 ETH or mega whale holders continue to be considerably more neutral, with relatively light distribution, demonstrating no panic, no aggressive buying, at least not yet.

Such a trend suggests that supply behavior is not completely aligned with the euphoria of retail investors. These accumulation and distribution patterns are vital to gauge those who are actually driving ETH’s price moves. It also determines those who are quietly heading for the exit, while others are still entering.

At the time of writing, the price of ETH was trading at $3,135, demonstrating a more than 3% rise in the last 24 hours. Bullish sentiment seems to be returning strongly, as evidenced by an over 142% increase in trading volume over the past day.

The last quarter of the year has always been quite bearish for the Solana price, marking the highest losses for the altcoin since it was launched back in 2020. Naturally, this has made Q4 a dreaded time for Solana investors, and the year 2025 has not been any different. The last two months have already closed in the red with double-digit losses, and with only December left to go, the Solana price might be on track to complete yet another bearish quarter.

Looking At The Historical Performance Of Solana In Q4

Taking into account data from the CryptoRank website, it shows Solana’s less-than-favorable performance in the last quarter. In the last five years, Q4 has had the highest average losses compared to the other quarters, and the month of December plays a major role in that due to how bearish it is.

December, in particular, boasts the second-highest average losses, second only to May’s -9.96% average. However, when it comes to the median returns, the month of December takes the cake, recording a high average of -19.6% losses over the year.

In the five years of its existence, only one year, in 2023, has the Solana price closed out the month of December in the green with 71.4% gains. The other years have ended with at least 18% losses, and this month is already looking bearish with -0.79% losses so far.

With the months of October and November already closing in the red, it is likely that December will follow. The last time that both October and November closed in the red was back in 2022, and December would follow suit with -29.6% returns for the month.

Analyst Says A Bounce Could Come Instead

While historical data suggests that the Solana price could end up struggling this month, one crypto analyst has presented a scenario where the altcoin could bounce back. This move is predicated on Solana’s ability to actually hold the support and break the next resistance.

Interestingly, though, the analyst’s chart shows an initial 15% dump before the Solana price finds support somewhere around $116. After that, the price is expected to rebound, and the target for the cryptocurrency after this would be the $170 level. The weekly candlestick also supports this possible jump, something that would send Solana to the green in September.

For now, the bulls continue to struggle despite last week’s campaign for $150, suggesting that there is a great deal of resistance at this level. If selling continues to build up, then it is likely that Solana will move down as predicted.

Биткоин остается крайне волатильным и высокорискованным цифровым активом. В отличие от традиционных активов, цена биткоина подвержена внезапным резким колебаниям, способным привести неопытных трейдеров к значительным потерям, заявил сооснователь компании Defiant Capital Джонатан Дейн (Jonathan Dane).  

Рынок снова нервничает: высокая волатильность, агрессивные продажи плечевых позиций и нарастающие разговоры о «криптозиме» усиливают страх перед глубокой коррекцией Bitcoin. Для многих это повод заморозить капитал в стейблкоинах, но для части инвесторов такие периоды — время искать инфраструктурные истории.

Биткоин уже больше десяти лет остается базовым активом рынка, но его ограничения никуда не делись. Медленные транзакции, высокая комиссия в периоды нагрузки и практически полное отсутствие гибких смарт‑контрактов делают сеть неудобной для DeFi и массовых приложений. Отсюда и всплеск интереса к слоям решений поверх Bitcoin.

На этом фоне усиливается внимание к инфраструктурным альткоинам, которые пытаются превратить Bitcoin из «цифрового золота» в полноценную базу для финансовых приложений. Инвесторы все чаще смотрят не только на цену, но и на архитектуру: модульные блокчейны, виртуальные машины, мосты ликвидности. В подобных обзорах уже стабильно фигурируют лучшие альткоины следующего цикла.

Именно в такой контекст вписывается Bitcoin Hyper и токен $HYPER — инфраструктурный проект, который заявляет о себе как о первом Bitcoin Layer 2 с интеграцией Solana Virtual Machine. В условиях возможной глубокой просадки Bitcoin это ставит перед инвестором простой вопрос: оставить капитал пассивным или использовать спад, чтобы зайти в инфраструктуру, которая может масштабировать сам Bitcoin.

КУПИТЬ BITCOIN HYPER

 

Почему биткоину нужен второй уровень

Главная проблема Bitcoin хорошо знакома каждому, кто хоть раз проводил транзакцию в период пикового спроса. Подтверждение может занимать десятки минут, а комиссии доходят до заметных сумм даже для простого перевода. Для мира DeFi, игр и высокочастотных платежей это критическое ограничение.

Поэтому за последние годы сформировалась целая линейка решений второго уровня. Одни делают ставку на платежные каналы, другие — на «роллап»-архитектуру, третьи экспериментируют с отдельными виртуальными машинами и боковыми цепочками. Это отражает растущую конкуренцию за роль ключевой инфраструктуры поверх Bitcoin.

Параллельно развивается сегмент высокопроизводительных цепочек вроде Solana, которые предлагают тысячи транзакций в секунду, но не имеют прямой «родной» привязки к безопасности Bitcoin. В результате рынок ищет гибрид: инфраструктуру, которая даст производительность уровня Solana, но при этом будет опираться на проверенную временем сеть Bitcoin. Bitcoin Hyper как раз пытается занять эту нишу, предлагая Layer 2 с поддержкой SVM.

Bitcoin Hyper: ставка на SVM и скорость выше Solana

Bitcoin Hyper строит модульную архитектуру: базовый слой Bitcoin отвечает за финальные расчеты, а отдельный слой с Solana Virtual Machine берет на себя исполнение транзакций и смарт‑контрактов в режиме реального времени. Это сочетание позволяет получить сверхнизкую задержку обработки операций и при этом опираться на безопасность основной сети.

Команда заявляет, что производительность L2‑уровня превосходит показатели самой Solana, а комиссии удерживаются на уровне долей цента даже при высокой нагрузке. Для пользователя это открывает возможность проводить расчеты в обернутом Bitcoin, запускать DeFi‑протоколы, платформы NFT и игровые приложения на знакомом стеке Rust, но с привязкой к капиталу в Bitcoin, а не только к экосистеме Ethereum.

Отдельный элемент конструкции — децентрализованный канонический мост для перевода Bitcoin на второй уровень, а также совместимость с токенами формата SPL, адаптированными под эту L2‑среду. На этапе раннего размещения проект уже привлек $29 млн при цене около $0.013395 за токен $HYPER, что демонстрирует заметный интерес к идее ускоренного Bitcoin на базе SVM. При этом данные ончейн‑мониторингов показывают, что два крупных кошелька суммарно приобрели около $396 000, что обычно воспринимается как сигнал внимания «умных денег».

Модель вознаграждения держателей $HYPER строится вокруг стейкинга с повышенным APY и участием в управлении сетью. После запуска токена ранние инвесторы могут практически сразу переводить токены в стейкинг, а для участников предварительной продажи предусмотрен семидневный период вестинга. В перспективе ключевую роль будут играть не только финансовые стимулы, но и права голоса в развитии протокола.

Задача Bitcoin Hyper проста и амбициозна одновременно: устранить для Bitcoin три главных ограничения — медленные транзакции, высокие комиссии и отсутствие развитых смарт‑контрактов. Если проекту удастся закрепиться в роли производительного Layer 2 с SVM и удобным инструментарием для разработчиков, $HYPER может стать одной из немногих инфраструктурных ставок, которые выиграют от следующего витка интереса к Bitcoin, а не просто будут следовать за его ценой.

Филиппинский цифровой банк GoTyme запустил в своем мобильном приложении сервис для покупки и хранения биткоинов, эфира, Solana, Polkadot и некоторых других альткоинов. Новый функционал доступен 6,5 млн клиентов компании.