The latest developments in cryptocurrency, blockchain and digital finance.
Fundstrat’s Mark Newton predicts Ethereum (ETH) will bottom near $4,200 before rallying toward $5,500, viewing the recent dip as a normal correction. Analysts and institutions remain bullish, citing macroeconomic shifts and growing ETH accumulation as signs of an impending breakout.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has warned that governments worldwide are rapidly undermining internet freedom through surveillance-driven laws like the EU’s Chat Control, the UK’s digital ID program, and Australia’s online age verification system. He called these moves “dystopian,” urging global resistance to protect privacy, free speech, and the open internet.
Monero’s new Fluorine Fermi update introduces advanced anti-spy node protections and improved peer selection to enhance privacy and security. The upgrade reaffirms Monero’s mission to protect user anonymity amid rising surveillance efforts by blockchain analytics firms.
Dragonfly Capital reports that entry-level crypto jobs now make up less than 10% of total openings, as firms prioritize senior hires amid market caution. Recruiters say project failures have flooded the market with experienced candidates, making it harder for newcomers to break into the industry.
Democratic senators have proposed a “restricted list” for risky DeFi protocols and new KYC rules for crypto wallets, drawing widespread backlash. Critics warn the move could cripple U.S. DeFi innovation, drive developers overseas, and undo recent bipartisan progress on crypto regulation.
Amina Bank has become the first regulated financial institution to offer Polygon (POL) staking, allowing clients to earn up to 15% rewards. The initiative strengthens Polygon’s institutional presence and reflects Switzerland’s continued leadership in regulated crypto banking.
Global crypto ETP inflows have already surpassed 2024’s record at $48.7 billion, driven by surging demand for Ether, Solana, and XRP funds even as Bitcoin’s dominance declines. With upcoming SEC decisions on altcoin ETFs, analysts expect another wave of institutional participation in the months ahead.
Luxembourg’s sovereign wealth fund has invested 1% of its $900 million portfolio — about $9 million — in Bitcoin ETFs, marking one of Europe’s first state-backed Bitcoin allocations. The move reflects a cautious but forward-looking step toward digital asset adoption within the nation’s evolving investment framework.
Uganda has launched a CBDC pilot backed by treasury bonds as part of a $5.5B tokenization initiative, while Kenya’s crypto bill nears final approval. The twin developments position East Africa as a growing hub for regulated digital finance and blockchain innovation.
Citi Ventures has invested in London-based BVNK, underscoring Wall Street’s growing embrace of stablecoin infrastructure. The move follows improving U.S. regulation, particularly under the GENIUS Act, and aligns with Citi’s broader push into blockchain payments and digital assets.
SoftBank’s PayPay has acquired a 40% stake in Binance Japan to integrate crypto payments into its platform, opening access to 70 million users. The move strengthens Binance’s presence in Japan and aligns with PayPay’s global ambitions, including a planned U.S. stock listing and expansion across Asia.
Coinbase has received New York state approval to offer crypto staking on Ethereum, Solana, and other assets. The move signals a regulatory shift in favor of staking services and marks another step in Coinbase’s broader goal of integrating crypto with mainstream finance.
Square has launched a new Bitcoin payment option for U.S. merchants, letting them accept and hold BTC with zero fees through 2026. The move aligns with Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin-focused vision and comes amid renewed growth in crypto-based payments and AI-driven financial innovation.
Ethereum’s price is moving in sync with small-cap stocks, forming a bullish cup-and-handle pattern. Analysts say easing monetary policy and capital rotation into risk assets could soon push ETH toward new all-time highs.
Bitcoin miner IREN and treasury firm Kindly MD (NAKA) announced over $1 billion in convertible note deals this week, triggering investor concern over dilution and sending both stocks lower after hours. The companies say the funds will fuel expansion and Bitcoin accumulation amid a tougher crypto financing environment.
CleanCore Solutions has added 710 million Dogecoin to its balance sheet, worth nearly $174 million, as part of its goal to reach 1 billion DOGE. The company says it’s pursuing a transparent, long-term accumulation strategy — even as analysts warn smaller firms may face mounting exposure risks in the expanding corporate crypto treasury space.
The AFL-CIO has condemned the Senate’s Responsible Financial Innovation Act, arguing it would expose retirement funds to crypto volatility and create systemic financial risks. The union compared the bill’s potential consequences to the 2008 financial crisis, calling for lawmakers to reject it in favor of stronger worker protections and oversight.
Canary Capital’s Litecoin (LTCC) and Hedera (HBR) ETFs are nearly ready for launch after final filings with the SEC. However, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown has delayed their approval. Analysts say the funds could pave the way for a broader altcoin ETF wave once the SEC resumes normal operations.