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RippleX, the developer arm of Ripple, is prototyping zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) capabilities for the XRP Ledger (XRPL), positioning the technology as a route to “programmable privacy,” trust-minimized interoperability, and a scaling model that pushes heavy computation to layer-2 systems while keeping XRPL as the settlement layer.

In Episode 9 of Ripple’s “Onchain Economy” video series, Aanchal Malhotra, Ph.D., Head of Research at RippleX, framed ZK enablement as a near-term research priority and a long-horizon bet on XRPL’s competitiveness. “I would really like to see an XRP ledger with zero knowledge proof technology enabled. There are so many use cases. There are so many innovative applications that we can build using this technology. So my number one priority right now is to work on enabling zero knowledge proofs on XRP ledger,” Malhotra said.

What Ripple Is Planning With ZK-Proofs

Malhotra also stressed that integrating modern ZK systems into XRPL is not a simple plug-in exercise. “We are getting past the exploration phase of zero knowledge technologies. When the XRP ledger was built, these technologies were not even around. So it takes a while. We cannot just use any off-the-shelf solution. It takes a while for us to figure out the specifics of ZK technology to integrate with XRP ledger,” she said, describing the work as moving from exploratory research into prototyping.

That prototyping effort, according to RippleX’s Head of Research, is taking a hybrid form. Some components of ZK proofs would be implemented “natively for better performance,” while another portion would sit in a “programmability layer” to let developers choose proving systems and build applications tuned to their requirements.

The goal, she indicated, is a design that balances throughput and developer flexibility rather than forcing a single ZK stack across all use cases. “We are at the stage of prototyping zero knowledge proof,” Malhotra said, adding that the approach is intended to support “different applications [and] different proving systems.”

Much of Malhotra’s framing centered on privacy, specifically, a version that can satisfy compliance and business constraints without collapsing into blanket opacity. “In my opinion, zero knowledge proofs is a very very powerful tool. When we talk about privacy, people think about 100% privacy where everything is hidden […] and those things could be used in nefarious ways,” she said.

“However, what blockchains enable is something called programmable privacy […] you can do selective disclosure meaning disclose the relevant information to third parties for example auditors for compliance purposes.” In her example, a user could prove they are above a threshold, such as being over 18, without revealing the underlying data like an exact age.

Malhotra also pointed to interoperability as a domain where ZK techniques could reduce reliance on trusted intermediaries. She characterized bridges as “fraught with technical challenges,” with trust being the biggest: today’s designs often depend on third parties, federators, or other centralized structures. “What zero knowledge proofs provide is trustlessness. It provides verifiability. So you do not have to trust a third party. Instead what you trust in is cryptography,” she said.

Zero-knowledge proofs will drive breakthroughs in privacy and compute scalability.

Watch Episode 9 of the Onchain Economy: https://t.co/joOV5Uj7uU@aanchalmalhotre, Head of Research at RippleX, explains how zero-knowledge proofs enable programmable privacy on XRP, supporting… pic.twitter.com/oCSBYAitY6

— RippleX (@RippleXDev) January 18, 2026

On scaling, Malhotra described a model where ZK proofs help compress or externalize execution: layer-2 systems perform computation, then submit succinct proofs that can be verified on XRPL. That, in her telling, lets the base layer focus on settlement and proof verification rather than running every workload directly. The practical implication is an architecture where XRPL could support more complex applications without forcing all computation onto the L1.

At press time, XRP traded at $1.976.

Canaan Inc., a maker of crypto mining rigs, has been hit hard over the past year as its American Depositary Shares fell well below key thresholds.

Reports say the company received a written notice from Nasdaq after its ADS had closed under $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days, triggering a formal compliance process.

Minimum Bid Deadline

The exchange gave Canaan 180 calendar days to push its share price back above $1.00 for 10 straight trading days, a rule meant to keep listings on the Nasdaq Global Market.

Reports note this grace period ends on July 13, 2026, and that trading will continue while the company works to meet the threshold.

Drop Stings Investors

Canaan’s stock has slid about 63% over the last 12 months, reflecting weak demand and broader stress in the crypto hardware sector.

Some market reports put the most recent close near $0.79 or roughly in that area, underlining how far the price has fallen.

Reports say part of the pressure comes from lower orders and a shift in computing demand, as some buyers explore AI hardware instead of mining rigs.

That change hit revenues and left the stock vulnerable. The company has faced similar trouble before; this is a repeat warning less than a year after a prior compliance notice.

Options On The Table

Company filings and market watchers say Canaan could try a reverse stock split to push the per-share price up quickly, or look for ways to boost sales and cash flow.

Either route has tradeoffs. A split can change share math but does not fix demand. Strengthening sales takes time and money.

Watch the daily closing price. If the ADS can close at or above 10 or more consecutive trading days at $1.00 or higher, Nasdaq will confirm compliance. If that does not happen by July 13, the company may face delisting or seek another extension through Nasdaq procedures.

A Hard Road Ahead

Canaan still trades on Nasdaq for now. But the notice is a reminder that small shifts in demand and price can force big changes for hardware makers.

For holders, the path to safety is clear but not easy: the share price must climb and stay there. Reports say management will monitor the market and consider options to restore the listing standard.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Market analysts have often discussed the wealth-building potential of XRP, and a recent statement by a crypto pundit has renewed this conversation. According to Austin, owning 10,000 of the altcoin could position investors well ahead of the profit curve, underscoring his confidence in the cryptocurrency’s long-term growth potential. 

What Holding 10,000 XRP Means For Investors

Crypto expert and maxi, Austin (@Austin_XRPL), recently caused a stir on X by stating that owning 10,000 XRP essentially makes an investor “pre-rich.” His statement highlights the token’s significant growth over the past few years and its potential for further gains in the long term. 

Related Reading: Expert Predicts This Massive Move For XRP Within The Next 2 Years

Notably, the altcoin’s price has seen remarkable gains in recent years, particularly after its explosive surge in 2024. At the time, the token skyrocketed from $0.5 to more than $2, breaking out of its nearly seven-year downtrend. In 2025, its price approached its all-time high, peaking near $3.6. During that rally, market analysts attributed the surge to several factors, including the token’s regulatory clarity after Ripple’s win against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the hype around XRP ETFs. 

Due to these developments, many analysts, including Austin, remain confident in XRP’s long-term outlook. As a long-time XRP advocate, Austin frequently emphasizes that holding the altcoin could become a life-changing decision for investors. In one of his posts on X, he even compared owning the coin to having a “golden ticket to generational wealth,” highlighting his optimism about the token’s future potential. 

In other posts, Austin has pointed out that XRP is being positioned at the center of the new global financial system. He stated that rather than worrying about whether its price can reach $5, investors should focus on its rails, which he believes could drive its value much higher over time.  

Additionally, Austin has expressed strong bullish support for Ripple’s recent banking license. He said this achievement “changes everything” and could transform the crypto company into a regulated financial institution. He also stated that when this happens, the token would stop being a mere “speculation” and transform into an “infrastructure.”

Analyst Says It Will Make More Millionaires Than Bitcoin Did

In a separate X post, Austin boldly declared that the altcoin has the potential to make more millionaires than Bitcoin ever did. Bitcoin, which began at just a few cents after its inception, eventually surged past $60,000 in 2021, creating hundreds of millionaires along the way. 

Related Reading: XRP Wave C Push On The Way: What Could Send Price Below $2?

XRP started under $0.01 and also grew dramatically, reaching an ATH of $3.84 in 2018. Although its price faced challenges during the legal battle with the SEC, the token still held strong over the years. If its momentum continues and even reaches the ambitious forecasts some analysts predict, such as a $10,000 surge, it could create significant wealth for long-time investors. However, whether it will surpass Bitcoin in making millionaires is yet to be seen.

XRP’s presence on Binance has undergone a dramatic contraction over the past year, with exchange-held reserves dropping by roughly 45%. This sharp decline has shifted attention away from short-term price fluctuations and toward a deeper structural change in how XRP supply is being managed on the world’s largest crypto exchange. The scale and persistence of this crash raise a central question: why is XRP disappearing from Binance, and what does this mean for the market going forward?

Binance’s XRP Reserves Collapse Signals A Structural Supply Shift

Over a twelve-month period, the value of XRP held on Binance fell from about $10.16 billion in mid-January 2025 to roughly $5.55 billion by mid-January 2026, according to on-chain data. This was not a sudden drain triggered by a single event. Instead, reserves declined through a steady sequence of withdrawals, with short-lived recoveries repeatedly followed by fresh outflows.

This pattern points to a deliberate and sustained move away from keeping XRP on the exchange. As Binance acts as a primary liquidity venue for XRP, such a steep contraction materially reduces the amount of supply readily available for trading. By early 2026, reserve levels had dropped close to yearly lows, confirming that the crash was not corrective but structural in nature.

The result is a tighter exchange-side supply environment. With fewer tokens sitting on Binance, the market loses a layer of immediate liquidity that typically absorbs selling activity. This reshaping of supply dynamics changes how price reacts to shifts in demand.

How XRP’s Price Behavior Connects To The Binance Crash

XRP’s price action during the reserve drawdown provides important context. Periods marked by accelerated outflows from Binance have historically aligned with price stabilization or subsequent upside moves. This relationship became especially clear in mid-2025, when a steep fall in exchange-held XRP coincided with a strong rally.

The underlying mechanism is straightforward. When exchange reserves shrink, selling pressure tends to ease because fewer tokens are positioned for rapid distribution. At the same time, XRP’s relatively stable price during the latest phase of reserve contraction suggests that holders are not exiting en masse but repositioning for longer-term exposure.

The continued crash in Binance’s XRP reserves implies that investors are favoring self-custody or long-term storage strategies. This behavior is commonly associated with accumulation phases rather than imminent sell-offs. As a result, any meaningful pickup in demand could have an outsized impact on XRP’s price due to the reduced supply available on the exchange.

While broader market conditions will still dictate direction, the 45% crash in Binance’s XRP reserves highlights a decisive shift in market structure. It suggests XRP is moving into a tighter supply phase, one that has historically created conditions favorable for stronger price responses when demand re-emerges.

Bullish sentiment is gradually returning to the broader cryptocurrency space, and Cardano (ADA) is seeing growing institutional interest and adoption. Even though its price remains in a consolidation phase, several moves are being made to showcase Cardano’s relevance in the global finance sector.

CME To Broaden Crypto Offering With Cardano Futures

One of the most recent announcements making the headlines in the cryptocurrency sector is the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group’s move to expand its crypto portfolio, choosing Cardano as one of the major coins. The CME is preparing to increase the scope of its crypto derivatives offering and take a further step toward the institutionalization of digital asset markets, with the introduction of futures contracts for Cardano (ADA) and Chainlink (LINK). 

By adding ADA and LINK futures to its platform, CME is strengthening the function of regulated derivatives as an entry point for institutional involvement in the developing cryptocurrency ecosystem. This action demonstrates the rising significance of other blockchain networks in global finance. It also reflects the growing demand from professional traders seeking regulated exposure outside of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest crypto assets.

According to Lucas Macchiavelli, a Cardano ambassador and blockchain strategist, this could be the strongest institutional validation in ADA’s history, and it might be the largest sign of approval the leading altcoin has ever gotten. Macchiavelli added that this is not just another listing since the move expands the network’s role in digital finance operations.

The strategist’s claims major hinges on the fact that the CME Group is the largest derivatives exchange in the world, which is increasingly used by banks, hedge funds, asset managers, and institutional investors across the globe. Currently, this goes beyond Cardano. 

Macchiavelli stated that this kind of action sends a signal to the entire cryptocurrency market, improving price discovery, deepening capital access, increasing institutional visibility, and making it easier for traditional finance to participate. “This is how crypto keeps moving into the financial mainstream,” the expert added.

Data On The ADA Stays Written

Crypto expert Dave stated that Cardano is exceptionally well-suited to real-world use cases like traceability because once data is written on the network, it stays written. There is no rewriting history, no ambiguity, just facts that are retained exactly as they were recorded.

Such performance underscores its immutability, which is backed by over 8 years of continuous reliability. Cardano network has been continuously operating, developing, and securing genuine worth while being enhanced between. This is key when trust, verification, and accountability are required in real-world governance by compliance and regulation.

According to the expert, the network quietly stands apart in a world of transparency and reliability. With this, ADA goes beyond the status of a store of value. It is also considered a store of truth, continuity, and real utility.

Bitcoin’s price action in recent days has shifted from controlled upward momentum to rejection in the past 24 hours. After failing to hold above $97,000 last week, Bitcoin has rolled over with expanding downside momentum, printing consecutive indecisive bearish candles on the daily timeframe.

An interesting view was laid out in a recent technical analysis shared on X by a crypto analyst known as Guru, who argued that what many traders mistook for consolidation was, in fact, a late-stage distribution phase for Bitcoin.

Rejection At The Range Top

Technical analysis of Bitcoin’s price action on the daily candlestick timeframe chart shows that the leading cryptocurrency has been trading in an ascending channel with a series of higher lows and higher highs since November 2025. An ascending channel is generally bullish, since it suggests buyers are increasingly gaining control.

However, the outlook laid out by Guru projects Bitcoin’s price action resolving into a bearish downturn. Notably, Bitcoin’s price action recently pushed into the upper boundary of the range and was firmly rejected. This rejection is the focal point of his analysis. Instead of a breakout or a clean continuation higher, Bitcoin failed to sustain momentum at resistance, which is a sign that sellers are stepping in.

In Guru’s view, this behavior is inconsistent with accumulation. He describes the structure as a rising range forming after a completed expansion. The rejection at the upper boundary means supply is overwhelming demand, even though the price is trending slightly higher within the range. 

Based on this, the analyst warned that the “party is over” for bulls as a final warning for traders before a projected downturn. “Last call to SELL before the REAL crash hits below 80K. Bulls won’t get another warning,” he said.

Price Target And The Bearish Roadmap

Guru’s analysis is very specific when it comes to where he believes Bitcoin is headed if the range continues to hold as resistance. In terms of a price target, the analyst projected a move that sees BTC falling below $80,000 and even extending the crash below $76,000. 

As it stands, Bitcoin is trading at $92,930, having retraced by 2.1% in the past 24 hours. What has added validity to Guru’s prediction is the comparison between his previous analysis in December 2025 and the current price action. A month ago, he shared the same rising channel and outlined a path that he expected the price of Bitcoin to follow within the channel. 

Bitcoin respected the channel throughout December, bounced within its boundaries, and then rejected almost precisely where the projection suggested. The subsequent decline is unfolding along the same path he outlined. This alignment has led Guru to double down on his bearish outlook.

The analyst also challenged the narrative of BTC as a dependable store of value in what he describes as a “chaos economy” in 2026.

A crypto analyst has delivered a detailed psychological breakdown outlining what investors, traders, and market watchers should expect from the Bitcoin price this week. The report focuses on market behavior that has remained largely unchanged and could most likely continue its bearish streak to new lows. 

Bitcoin Price Expectation For The Week

Crypto market expert Doctor Profit has released a compelling report examining the Bitcoin price movement this week. In this analysis posted on X, he explained that Bitcoin has seen almost no meaningful price movement since November 2025. Price action remains stuck in a sideways consolidation, which the analyst views as a bearish sign that could eventually lead to another crash below the $80,000 zone. 

Doctor Profit revealed that he had anticipated Bitcoin’s current consolidation months earlier. He warned that sideways movement would dominate the market before BTC faces a sharper pullback. That warning still stands, signaling a cautious, bearish outlook for the leading cryptocurrency.   

Because he expects Bitcoin to move lower, the analyst confirmed that he is still holding his short position from $115,000 and $125,000. He noted that additional shorts would only be considered if BTC revisits the $97,000-$107,000 range, and nowhere earlier. Doctor Profit also revealed that his first short, around $97,000, has already been filled, with another positioned near $98,000.

The analyst shared a detailed price chart showing all his short positions and Bitcoin’s “top territory” near $120,000. Several additional orders have also been placed between $97,000 and $110,000 to manage risk during the cryptocurrency’s prolonged consolidation phase. 

Beyond technical structures, the report highlighted January 21, 2026, as a key date for the crypto market, as it marks the expected release of the CLARITY Act bill. Doctor Profit stressed that once the bill is published, it would give institutions and traders a clear view of the regulatory framework, showing who regulates crypto, how exchanges would be treated, and whether the new rules would favor or restrict the industry. 

Even without an immediate vote by the US Senate Banking Committee, Doctor Profit noted that the bill’s release alone could move markets. He explained that clarity eliminates uncertainty in the market, which is a powerful catalyst for price action. Notably, the vote on the bill has been scheduled for January 27, with its outcome set to shape the future of crypto regulations and also influence price movements. 

Analyst Remains Extremely Bearish On Bitcoin

Doctor Profit has said in his report that he remains extremely bearish on the market, expecting another leg down that would officially confirm his bear market thesis. He stated that there have been no relevant updates to invalidate his outlook or support a new bullish narrative. His chart forecasts a potential drop toward the $70,000- $75,000 range. With Bitcoin currently trading above $92,500, that would mean a decline of over 20%. 

Buying activity among investors and traders has improved in the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP leading the charge. Investors’ growing adoption and interest in these leading coins underscores their potential to produce significant gains in the long term.

Discreet Buying of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP

With the market regaining bullish traction, several major cryptocurrency assets are starting to showcase upward movements. Following this rebound, institutional investors are stealthily reentering the cryptocurrency market and establishing holdings in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, without the customary fanfare.

According to the On-Chain Mind, a Bitcoin and crypto data analyst, this renewed demand among institutional investors is observed in the Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) field. Specifically, the behavior, which is significant for the market, is outlined on the Total ETF Flow metric.

This suggests that large funds and professional desks seem to be accumulating during times of muted volatility and mixed moods, taking advantage of liquidity supplied by cautious retail traders rather than pursuing short-term price movements. A widespread purchasing pressure across several significant networks suggests a shift from selective exposure to a more diversified institutional strategy.

After observing the key metric, On-Chain Mind revealed that the daily total crypto ETF flows for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP are showing their highest net inflows since October 2025. The expert stated that institutional capital stepping back in quietly, absorbing supply while sentiment is still unstable, is exactly what investors have been anticipating. With capital from smart money flowing underneath the surface, these key investors may be preparing the market for its next sustained phase. 

XRP Spot ETFs Are Still Maintaining Strong Inflows

Lately, the XRP Spot ETFs are seeing one of the most significant demands and interest from institutional investors. Arthur, a market expert and BingX partner, shared on X that smart money traders are heavily positioning themselves into the XRP spot ETFs.

While retail investors step back, institutional flows are showing a completely different narrative and action. Such a divergence frequently signals a change in market structure, when conviction-driven capital absorbs supply from weaker hands without immediately causing price excitement.

In the past week alone, more than 22.63 million XRP were recorded flowing into the newly launched funds, as seen in the chart posted by the expert. After weeks of additional positions from every major issuer, over 803.78 million XRP is currently being locked within the spot ETFs.

When millions of tokens are being moved into ETFs per day, it often means that a major repricing is only a matter of time before it occurs. Meanwhile, XRP’s current structure reflects a more careful and calm positioning process, which historically tends to develop in price right after the accumulation phase is essentially finished.

X’s owner, Elon Musk, is allegedly considering integrating XRP and RLUSD into the social media platform. This marks a shift from rumors that the world’s richest man could integrate Dogecoin, given his fondness for the foremost meme coin. 

Pundit Claims Rumors of Elon Musk Integrating XRP and RLUSD

In an X post, crypto pundit JackTheRippler claimed that there are rumors that Elon Musk will integrate XRP and RLUSD into X. This came as he shared a video in which the world’s richest man said the social media platform could become half of the global financial system if done right.  

This aligns with Elon Musk’s vision to transform X into an ‘Everything App.’ However, it is worth noting that the world’s richest man didn’t mention anything about integrating XRP or RLUSD on the social media platform. Musk has only once commented on XRP, in 2024, when he said he thinks crypto helps with individual freedom, in response to a question about whether the XRP Ledger could be integrated into financial institutions in the future. 

Before JackTheRippler’s claim about an XRP and RLUSD integration, Dogecoin had been the coin that had been widely rumored to get integrated into X payments when the payments system launches. This is due to Elon Musk’s fondness for the foremost meme coin, with the world’s richest man referencing the meme coin on several occasions. 

However, Elon Musk has never confirmed plans to integrate Dogecoin or any other crypto asset, including the altcoin and RLUSD, into X. There has also been no confirmed date for the X payments launch, which was expected to happen last year. Meanwhile, although Musk has not mentioned integrating cryptocurrencies, the world’s richest man appears to be warming to them, especially Bitcoin. 

Last year, Elon Musk admitted that Bitcoin, alongside Dogecoin, was based on energy. He then stated that one can issue fake fiat currency, which governments have done, but that it is “impossible to fake energy.”

Musk Likely To Integrate Crypto Into X

Market experts, such as SkyBridge founder Anthony Scaramucci, have opined that Elon Musk will integrate cryptocurrencies into X. In an interview, he said the world’s richest man will build a super app and that he will be using crypto. However, Scaramucci admitted that he wasn’t sure how Musk would go about it, whether he would integrate known cryptos like Bitcoin, XRP, Dogecoin. 

He also raised the possibility of Elon Musk creating his own coin, like Telegram’s TON, or that it could be a stablecoin. In the meantime, X’s Head of Product, Nikita Bier, announced that they are building smart cashtags that will allow users to specify the exact crypto asset when posting a ticker. Users will be able to tap these tickers to see real-time pricing for these crypto assets in their timeline.

Over the weekend, Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko pushed back on Vitalik Buterin’s latest case for Ethereum “ossification,” arguing that for Solana, continuous protocol iteration is not optional, it is survival.

The exchange was sparked by a Jan. 12 post in which Buterin said “Ethereum itself must pass the walkaway test,” framing Ethereum as a base layer that should remain usable even if the community largely stops making substantive protocol changes.

“It must support applications that are more like tools […] than like services that lose all functionality once the vendor loses interest in maintaining them,” Buterin wrote. “But building such applications is not possible on a base layer which itself depends on ongoing updates from a vendor in order to continue being usable […] Hence, Ethereum itself must pass the walkaway test.”

Why Solana Can’t Afford To Ossify

Yakovenko replied that he “actually think[s] fairly differently on this,” laying out a philosophy that treats adaptability as core to Solana’s value proposition. “Solana needs to never stop iterating,” he wrote. “It shouldn’t depend on any single group or individual to do so, but if it ever stops changing to fit the needs of its devs and users, it will die.” In Yakovenko’s framing, the risk is not merely technical stagnation; it is a network losing relevance to the people building and transacting on it.

Buterin’s “walkaway test” rests on the idea that Ethereum should reach a point where its usefulness does not “strictly depend on any features that are not in the protocol already,” even if the ecosystem continues improving via client optimizations and limited parameter changes. He also sketched a set of medium-term protocol objectives, ranging from quantum resistance and scalable architecture to long-lived state design and decentralization safeguards, aimed at making Ethereum robust “for decades” and reducing the need for frequent disruptive upgrades.

Yakovenko’s critique is less about those specific goals than the premise that a base layer should aspire to being able to “ossify if we want to.” In his view, ossification is not a neutral milestone; it risks locking in a protocol that can’t keep pace with developer and user demands. “To not die requires to always be useful,” he wrote. “So the primary goal of protocol changes should be to solve a dev or user problem.” At the same time, he emphasized prioritization over maximalism: “That doesn’t mean solve every problem, in fact, saying no to most problems is necessary.”

A key overlap in both positions is a skepticism toward dependence on a single “vendor,” though they operationalize it differently. Buterin wants Ethereum’s base layer to become sufficiently complete that it can remain dependable even if the upgrade cadence slows dramatically. Yakovenko, by contrast, argues that Solana should assume upgrades will keep coming, but not necessarily from any one core team.

“You should always count on there being a next version of solana, just not necessarily from Anza or Labs or fd,” he wrote, referencing major entities in Solana’s development orbit. He then pointed to a future where governance and funding mechanisms could directly underwrite that work, suggesting “we are likely to end up in a world where a SIMD vote pays for the GPUs that write the code,” a nod to both on-chain coordination and the growing role of AI-assisted development.

At press time, SOL traded at $133.84.

Anthony Scaramucci has warned that a new US rule could hand the upper hand to Beijing. Reports say he believes a ban on paying yield to holders of dollar stablecoins will make dollar-linked digital rails less attractive than the digital yuan, which is moving toward paying interest on wallets.

Stablecoin Yield Ban And Dollar Competitiveness

Lawmakers in Congress are considering a bill that would reshape how digital assets are treated in the United States.

“The whole system is broken,” Scaramucci said on X, reacting to the Clarity Act’s restriction that blocks crypto exchanges and service providers in the US from paying yield to stablecoin holders.

According to the bill text, the proposed Clarity Act would bar certain kinds of yield or interest from being paid in connection with holding payment stablecoins, closing off a path some platforms use to offer rewards. This change is woven into a broader effort to define which digital tokens fall under which regulators.

The whole system is broken: The Banks do not want the competition from the stable coin issuers so they’re blocking the yield in the meantime the Chinese are issuing yield so what do you think the emerging countries will choose as a rail system the one with or without yield?

— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) January 16, 2026

Banks And Exchanges Push Back

Reports note the move has split industry players. Some banks have warned that easy access to yield outside the banking system could drain deposits and change lending patterns.

At the same time, major crypto firms have voiced concern that a hard ban on yield will blunt the competitiveness of US dollar-based token services and could push global users toward alternatives that offer returns.

The debate has also strained support for the bill, with at least one high-profile exchange pulling its backing amid disagreement.

China’s Move To Pay Interest On e-CNY

China is already acting on a different path. Based on reports, commercial banks there will be allowed to pay interest on digital yuan holdings, a step meant to boost use of the state’s central bank digital currency.

The change went into effect around the start of this year and was presented as a way to encourage people and institutions to try the e-CNY more often.

Why This Matters For Smaller Economies

Money flows respond to yield. If a digital yuan offers returns while US dollar tokens cannot, some governments and firms in emerging markets might favor the payment rails that provide a financial edge.

That is the central point behind Scaramucci’s warning. It’s not just about finance and stablecoins; it is also about which systems gain traction for trade and cross-border payments.

Regulators now face a tough call. Reports say the choice is between strict limits that curb certain crypto yields and looser rules that could pressure bank deposits. Either route carries tradeoffs for stability, competition, and the global reach of the dollar.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson took aim at Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse in a January 18, 2026 video, criticizing what he framed as an industry push to accept the US Clarity Act on terms that would expand the Securities and Exchange Commission’s authority over new projects.

Speaking on Jan 18, Hoskinson used a wide-ranging monologue on market fatigue, industry morale, and the mission behind Cardano and Midnight to zero in on a regulatory flashpoint: a bill he described as swollen by “137 amendments” and tilted toward the SEC. In his telling, the proposal would force crypto projects to “go beg and plead” for relief, with “all new projects” treated as securities by default.

Why Hoskinson Blasted Ripple CEO Garlinghouse

Hoskinson argued that the outcome would be a strategic own-goal, worse, in his view, than the policy uncertainty the industry has been trying to escape. “How is that any better than what Scary Gary [Gensler] gave us under Biden?” he said, referring to the SEC’s enforcement action against the crypto industry under former US President Joe Biden, before extending the critique to lobbying and political dealmaking more broadly.

Hoskinson’s sharpest remarks came when he cited unnamed industry figures he suggested are urging compromise, then called out Garlinghouse directly. “Still got people like Brad [Garlinghouse] saying well it’s not perfect but we just got to get something,” he said. “You know, it’s better than no clarity. Hand it to the same people who sued us. Hand it to the same people who put us out of business, who subpoenaed us, who put us in jail. That’s better. That’s what we fought for.”

He then framed the decision as effectively irreversible once legislated, invoking the long life of US securities law to argue that a flawed framework would calcify. “And tell me, how do we change it? Like we changed the Securities Exchange Act of 1933,” Hoskinson said. “93 years later, have we been able to change it? No. You pass it, you own it forever. Sorry, Brad. It’s not better than chaos. Take the chaos and fight for what’s right. Fight for integrity.”

How about focusing on helping shape the Clarity Bill instead of crashing out on Brad for no reason, Charles? pic.twitter.com/3jDHUiEbNp

— Vet (@Vet_X0) January 18, 2026

While the Garlinghouse jab was the most explicit, Hoskinson placed it inside a larger narrative: that crypto’s purpose is being reduced to a lobbying-driven contest for acceptable market access rather than an attempt to redesign how value and identity are handled online.

He argued that the industry is at risk of normalizing a world of “custodial wallet” defaults, pervasive KYC, and reversible transactions, outcomes he associated with legacy power structures rather than the original “revolution” ethos.

“I didn’t sign up to hand the revolution to 15 banks,” he said, describing a future where transactions can be “frozen at a whim.” Hoskinson linked those concerns to a broader critique of technological surveillance and what he called the loss of individual “agency,” suggesting the industry’s incentive structure is pulling leaders toward comfort and access rather than confrontation.

The remarks landed amid a separate thread in his talk: a rebuke of what he called “toxic learned hopelessness” in crypto discourse. Hoskinson said he had stopped using X/Twitter, still broadcasting, but not reading or engaging—arguing that constant outrage and demands for instant announcements distort how long negotiations and product development actually work.

At press time, XRP traded at $1.95.

House Democrats have accused the SEC of abandoning many high-profile investigations, including its legal battle with Ripple, which has brought attention back to the agency’s handling of crypto enforcement. 

The claims, which were outlined in a January 15 letter to SEC Chair Paul Atkins, raised questions about why several cases were dropped after favorable court rulings and whether political relationships played any role in those decisions. However, according to crypto attorney Bill Morgan, these cases are wrapped up, done, and dusted.

Lawmakers Say SEC Walked Away From Major Crypto Cases

In a January 15, 2026 letter addressed to Atkins, House Democrats accused the agency of dramatically scaling back crypto enforcement since early 2025. The lawmakers claimed the SEC has dismissed or closed more than a dozen major crypto-related cases, including actions against Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and Ripple, despite having received favorable court rulings in some of those matters. 

According to the letter, companies whose cases or investigations were dismissed donated at least $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration. This raises concerns about an unmistakable inference of a pay-to-play scheme, investor protection and market integrity at a time when digital assets are starting to become deeply intertwined with capital markets.

Much of the letter’s criticism was focused on the SEC’s decision to seek and maintain a stay in its case against Justin Sun, which has now been in place for about 11 months now. Unlike all the other cases, the SEC’s case against Justin Sun has not yet been dismissed. Democratic Lawmakers claimed this move sends a dangerous signal that political connections may influence enforcement outcomes. 

The letter explicitly referenced Sun’s reported financial ties to businesses linked to Donald Trump. One of which was Sun’s reveal in September 2025 that he was purchasing an additional $10 million worth of $WLFI tokens from World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump family business. 

According to the democrats, such circumstances could undermine public trust in the SEC’s independence. The Letter also seeks information related to the SEC’s knowledge of Sun’s ties to the People’s Republic of China and any CCP-affiliated persons or entities.

Crypto Lawyer Pushes Back On Ripple Lawsuit Talk

The letter by House Democrats brings into focus whether political pressure could lead to a new action against Ripple and other firms. However, according to Morgan, this is not possible.

Morgan dismissed the idea that the SEC could simply relaunch cases it has already litigated or closed on the same grounds, pointing to the legal doctrine of res judicata. Under that principle, once a matter has been conclusively decided between the same parties, it cannot be retried on identical issues.

“Too bad the SEC can’t go against those companies again on the same matters. Res Judicata baby. Live with it fools,” he said.

Still, one unresolved question hangs over the broader controversy. Unlike the other crypto cases cited in the lawmakers’ letter, the SEC’s action against Justin Sun has not been formally dismissed and can be revisited anytime.

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from TradingView

Reports say Moldova will roll out its first full crypto law by the end of 2026. The move aims to copy much of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets rules. This is not a sudden idea. It comes as Moldova continues to line up its laws to match EU standards while it works on closer ties with the bloc.

Moldova Will Mirror EU Rules

According to the finance minister, the plan is to shape a law that looks a lot like MiCA, the EU rulebook for digital assets. That means platforms will need licenses, and services will face rules on how to protect users and stop dirty money.

People in Moldova will be allowed to hold and trade crypto, but using crypto to pay for everyday goods and services will be kept off the table.

What This Means For People And Firms

Reports note the legislation will clarify which firms can convert crypto to the local currency and which cannot. Local authorities say they want to reduce risk for ordinary savers while also giving firms a clear path to operate legally.

Banks and regulators will have a role in writing the details, which will include how exchanges report to tax and anti-money-laundering units.

A Slow Step Toward Openness

Some see this as a cautious opening. By legalizing ownership and trading under tight rules, Moldova hopes to attract clearer investment flows without making crypto a substitute for money.

Reports also mention stricter AML/KYC checks and transparency measures to prevent illicit flows. These parts of the plan are meant to reassure both local users and international partners.

The law is expected to be drafted with input from the finance ministry, the central bank, market regulators, and anti-money-laundering officials.

That mix of voices could slow the process, but it also makes it likelier that the rules will fit the country’s wider financial system. Drafting will be followed by debate and possible revisions before anything becomes final.

A Regional Signal

Based on reports, Moldova’s choice to follow EU templates sends a clear message to neighboring states: align with the EU’s standards and you get legal certainty.

For citizens who trade crypto today in informal ways, the change could mean safer options and official channels to move money. For companies, it means new compliance costs — but a path to operate openly.

Featured image from Reuters/Vladislav Bachev/File Photo, chart from TradingView

Spot Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds) in the United States have had a relatively positive start to the new year after a wobbly ending to 2025. In this spirit of market positivity, the crypto-linked investment products have just recorded their best weekly performance since early October.

This latest weekly inflow of capital signals the return of demand among the US institutional investors, with the price of Bitcoin also reacting positively in the same period. Over the past week, the premier cryptocurrency saw the return of bullish momentum, surging to as high as $97,500.

Bitcoin ETFs Record $1.42B In Weekly Inflows

According to the latest market data, the US spot Bitcoin ETFs registered a total net inflow of $1.42 billion in the past week. As earlier mentioned, this round of capital influx marked the strongest weekly performance by the crypto-linked investment products in nearly three months.

This $1.42 billion weekly performance also stands in stark contrast to the Bitcoin ETFs’ previous week record of over $681 million in withdrawals. Before this renewed investor attention, the BTC exchange-traded funds had pulled in approximately $1.26 billion in capital since the week ending 17th October, 2025.

On Friday, January 16, though, the US-based Bitcoin ETFs saw a total of $394.64 million in net outflow, ending a mini 4-day streak of capital influx. Leading the outflows was Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), with $205.22 million of value withdrawn  on the day.

This was followed by Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), which posted a total net outflow of $90.38 million on Friday. Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) were the only other exchange-traded funds that recorded a negative daily net outflow ($69.42 million and $44.76 million, respectively) to close the week.

It is worth mentioning that BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) tried absorbing some of the shock from the withdrawals with its lone $15.09 million inflow on Friday. This daily performance added to the leading ETF’s weekly $1-billion positive inflow performance.

Similar to the Bitcoin ETFs, Ether exchange-traded funds also saw positive activity over the past week, including its largest single-day performance since launch. According to data from SoSoValue, the ETH ETFs recorded nearly $480 million in positive capital inflows over the past week.

Bitcoin Price At A Glance

As inferred earlier, the BTC price and Bitcoin ETFs moved in tandem over the past week, as demand seemingly returned to the market. While the flagship cryptocurrency had crossed the $97,000 mark earlier in the previous week, it is now trading slightly above the $95,000 level following a minor dip in recent days.

Ethereum’s validator exit queue has dropped to zero, a shift that on-chain watchers say could change how the market views sell pressure. According to on-chain metrics and recent reports, validators who once waited weeks to withdraw are no longer lining up. That alone removes a large, visible source of potential ETH flowing back into markets.

Ethereum Exit Queue Clears

The queue once held millions of ETH. Now it is empty, data from Ethereum Validator Queue shows. This means validators who choose to exit can be processed almost immediately, rather than being forced to wait. The backlog that worried traders in late 2025 has gone.

A change this clear removes an obvious supply overhang and it shifts the balance between how much ETH stays locked versus how much can be spent.

Supply Tightening And Market Noise

Based on reports, staking inflows have been strong enough to pull a big share of circulating ETH out of active markets. With fewer validators lined up to leave, sudden large dumps tied to emergency exits become less likely.

That does not make prices certain, but it lowers one kind of downside risk. Traders tracking on-chain flows now weigh staking behavior alongside spot and derivatives activity when forming short-term views.

Staking Demand Grows

Entry requests to stake ETH are rising fast. Reports note that the entry queue — ETH waiting to become active validators — has climbed to high levels once seen only in big onboarding periods.

Wait times for new activations have stretched into many weeks in places. Institutions and staking services are part of this push, according to market observers, and their moves tend to lock up larger sums for longer.

Security, Yield, And Real Effects

More ETH locked for staking helps the network’s security because more validators are actively participating. It also creates yield opportunities for holders who prefer steady returns over trading.

That said, the presence of large staking pools and services means some risks are concentrated. If one big provider faces trouble, the effects will be felt widely. Reports say regulators and product issuers are watching closely as staking becomes easier to access through mainstream channels.

What Traders Are Watching

Price action will depend on many things beyond exit queues. Derivatives positions, ETF flows, and macro headlines still matter. Still, analysts point out that when a visible outlet for mass withdrawals disappears, the narrative around “forced selling” weakens.

Liquidity conditions can shift quietly — and then rapidly — if any of those other levers move. Market participants are therefore watching withdrawal metrics alongside exchange balances and futures open interest.

Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView

2026 got off to a disastrous start for one crypto user, who fell victim to one of the largest social engineering attacks in digital asset history, losing over $282 million in Bitcoin and Litecoin.

How Crypto User Fell Victim To $282M Theft 

According to prominent blockchain sleuth ZachXBT, the crypto theft occurred on January 10, 2026 at around 11:00 pm UTC. Around 2.05 million Litecoin (worth roughly $153 million) and 1,459 Bitcoin (equivalent to around $139 million) was drained from the victim’s hardware wallet after they were tricked into sharing their seed phrase.

The exploiter swiftly transferred the funds across multiple networks to obscure the trail after gaining full control of the crypto wallet. As revealed by ZachXBT, the attacker first began converting the stolen crypto assets into Monero’s native token, XMR, through multiple instant exchanges, leading to a surge in the price of XMR.

Furthermore, the exploiter bridged significant amounts of the stolen Bitcoin across Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin through THORChain, a decentralized cross-chain platform that enables users to swap crypto assets between different blockchain networks. Unsurprisingly, this move reignited the debate around the use — or abuse — of censorship-resistant cross-chain protocols, especially during security breaches.

After the news of the attack made it to social media, conversations around the entity or persons behind $282 million theft started, with many linking it to a state-sponsored hacking group. However, ZachXBT categorically stated that “it’s not North Korea,” potentially exonerating the infamous state-backed Lazarus Group.

In a post on LinkedIn, security firm ZeroShadow described the victim as a Bitcoin wallet “belonging to an individual who had been tricked into sharing their seed phrase by an actor impersonating Trezor ‘Value Wallet’ support.” The firm claimed that it was able to track and flag parts of the stolen funds in real time after being alerted by blockchain monitoring teams.

According to ZeroShadow, roughly $700,000 worth of crypto assets were reportedly frozen before they could be fully swapped into privacy-focused assets. This latest incident sheds light on how the digital asset industry is still being targeted by malicious actors.

XMR Price Rallies To New High Following Security Incident

As described by ZachXBT, the attacker, after gaining control of the victim’s wallet, began converting the stolen crypto assets into Monero’s native token, XMR, through several exchanges. In the background, this activity pushed the price of the privacy-focused XMR to a new all-time high around $800 over the past week.

According to data from CoinGecko, the XMR token rallied almost 80% to $797.73 from a weekly low around $450 following the crypto theft. As of this writing, XMR is valued at around $588, reflecting a nearly 25% drop in the past few days.

Starting January 28, 2026, Google Play will stop allowing downloads and updates of overseas crypto exchange and wallet apps in South Korea unless those platforms prove they are registered with the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Registration Proof Must Be Uploaded

According to Google’s new rule, developers listing crypto exchange or custodial wallet apps must upload evidence that their VASP registration has been accepted by the FIU through the developer console. This is not a technical tweak — it ties app distribution directly to local regulatory approval.

The result is immediate and practical. For Android users in Korea, apps from major overseas platforms will no longer be available for new installs or for updates through Google Play. Existing installations might keep working for a while, but they will not receive app updates or security fixes via the official store.

Local Crypto Platforms Lead Compliance

Based on reports, 27 domestic platforms have completed FIU registration, including well-known names such as Upbit and Bithumb. That leaves several major international exchanges without the needed paperwork, pushing them outside Google Play’s Korean marketplace.

For many users, this change will be felt quickly. If you rely on an overseas app to manage positions or move funds, the inability to download updates may make routine tasks harder and raise security risks. Web access to exchanges will remain an option, but it’s less convenient and sometimes less secure than using an official app.

Foreign exchanges face several demands to gain FIU acceptance. They often must set up a local legal entity, put in place anti-money-laundering systems, and obtain national information security certifications before their VASP filings are accepted. These steps can be costly and time consuming.

How The Market Might Shift

Some analysts say the move will push more trading volume toward Korea-registered firms. Others warn that it could encourage risky workarounds — such as downloading APKs from third-party sites or using VPNs — which expose users to fraud and malware. Reports say that upgrades to app-store rules follow earlier enforcement moves and aim to close gaps in oversight.

App availability will be tied to regulatory paperwork. If a platform shows FIU acceptance in Google’s console, its app can stay listed and updated. If not, the app will be removed or blocked from being updated in Korea’s Play Store.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

The Clarity Act is meant to give the US crypto market something it has lacked for years: a clear legal framework defining how digital assets are regulated, who oversees them, and how crypto companies can operate without constant regulatory uncertainty. That goal is now reportedly under pressure. 

Rumors are that a growing rift between the White House and Coinbase has raised the possibility that the administration could pull its support for the bill, putting one of the most closely watched pieces of crypto legislation at risk.

White House Frustration With Coinbase

According to reporting shared on X by Eleanor Terrett, sources close to the White House say the administration is considering pulling its support for the Clarity Act if Coinbase does not return to negotiations over stablecoin yield provisions. The issue centers on finding an arrangement that satisfies both crypto firms and traditional banks, particularly community banks that lawmakers see as a core stakeholder in the bill.

The source described Coinbase’s recent move as a unilateral action that caught the White House off guard, characterizing it as a rug pull against both the administration and the entire crypto industry. Officials reportedly pushed back against the idea that a single company could speak for the entire sector, stressing that the legislation reflects the policy agenda of US President Donald Trump and not the priorities of Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.

The Clarity Act is designed to define regulatory boundaries between US agencies and provide clearer rules for crypto markets, including how stablecoins and yield-bearing products are treated. 

Behind the dispute is a broader struggle between the White House and Coinbase over how crypto yield products should coexist with banking regulations. The White House’s position, as described by Terrett, is that reaching consensus with banks is essential for the bill to move forward.

Brian Armstrong Pushes Back On Rug Pull Claims

Coinbase is the largest crypto exchange and crypto custodian in the US, and this has naturally placed the company at the center of negotiations with the Trump administration. The scoop from Eleanor Terrett’s source is that White House officials think Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is not cooperating, as the bill is President Trump’s bill at the end of the day, not Armstrong’s.

However, the Coinbase CEO publicly rejected the notion that relations with the White House have soured. Responding directly to the report on X, Armstrong said the administration has been super constructive and confirmed that Coinbase is actively working to find common ground with banks on yield-related issues.

He added that the company is in the process of figuring out a deal with community banks, which is the important focus of the bill. Negotiations are currently open, and Armstrong noted that further details would be shared soon. 

Nonetheless, the standoff leaves the Clarity Act in a delicate position, as both sides attempt to shape the future of US crypto regulation without fracturing industry-wide support.

Featured image from Coinbase, chart from TradingView

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has denied existing tension between the exchange and the White House over the content of the crypto market structure bill, i.e., the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This development follows a series of contentious moments surrounding the highly anticipated crypto market structure bill, beginning with Armstrong raising concerns over its provisions, which the crypto exchange would rather protest than support.

Crypto Market Bill Still On, Bank Negotiations Ongoing — Coinbase CEO

In a surprising move on January 15, Armstrong announced a public support withdrawal for the Clarity Act. The key crypto figure argued that the current content of proposed legislation was introducing a regulatory structure that would produce a net negative effect on the crypto industry. In particular, Armstrong raised alarm on opposition to stablecoin yield sharing, among other issues, before emphasizing the preference of “no bill than a bad bill.”

Following this event, journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that the White House became furious over Armstrong and Coinbase’s public criticism, which they described as a “rug pull”. In particular, she claimed the Donald Trump-led administration has threatened to withdraw support for the Clarity Act if the crypto exchange fails to return to the negotiation table with satisfactory solutions to the stablecoin yield dilemma. 

However, Armstrong has come out to counter this narrative of a potential fallout between Coinbase and the US government. Rather, Armstrong stated the crypto exchange has only directed to negotiate a deal with banks on how stablecoin yield sharing can fit with the present financial system. 

Notably, the US banking industry has pushed against allowing stablecoin operators to share yield with users, which they project could potentially cause a deposit flight even at interest rates as low as 5%. Armstrong states Coinbase is now exploring a potential deal that could benefit all entities involved following what he described as a “super constructive” meeting with the White House, thereby countering the report of escalating tensions.

Terrett Fires Back At Coinbase Boss

In another X post, Terrett hit back at the Coinbase CEO, claiming her initial report remains accurate. The renowned journalist explains that Armstrong’s rebuttal on supports her earlier claim that the White House has now hinged their support of the Clarity Act to Coinbase’s ability to secure a deal with the banks on the implementation of stablecoin yield sharing.

For context, the Clarity Act is designed to clearly define how digital assets are regulated in the United States and which agencies oversee different parts of the crypto market. It is a crucial piece of legislation, the approval of which is expected to improve investor protection and encourage adoption.