U.S. crypto, financial markets and economic policy: the latest reporting from The Token Press.
ICE has invested $600 million more into Polymarket, moving forward its $2 billion plan and signaling strong institutional interest in prediction markets. The move comes as regulators increase scrutiny on the sector across multiple US states.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their first back-to-back weekly inflows in five months, bringing in about $568 million this week. Ether ETFs also saw a second week of positive flows. The rebound hints that institutional demand for crypto ETFs may be returning after months of withdrawals.
A US federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao of helping terrorist groups move funds through crypto transactions. CZ said centralized exchanges have no incentive to support such activity. The case may still continue if plaintiffs file a revised complaint within 60 days.
A group of US lawmakers is calling for a permanent ban on a US central bank digital currency, arguing that a temporary block until 2031 is not enough. They warn a digital dollar could threaten financial privacy and give the government excessive control over Americans’ finances.
Bitcoin and Ether fell after US-Israel strikes on Iran erased $128 billion from crypto markets. Investors rotated toward traditional safe havens, while derivatives data showed rising short-term risk aversion. The move extends Bitcoin’s broader post-October correction.
OpenAI has secured a Pentagon contract to deploy its AI models on classified networks after the US government barred Anthropic over security concerns. The shift follows a breakdown in Anthropic’s military negotiations and intensifies scrutiny over AI’s role in defense. The move signals how central AI has become to US national security strategy.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $105 million in outflows as trading volumes cooled. Q4 filings revealed both aggressive buying and sharp reductions in IBIT holdings, including a surprise $436 million purchase by a little-known Hong Kong entity. Institutional positioning appears to be rotating rather than exiting the market altogether.
Nevada has sued Kalshi after a federal appeals court allowed state regulators to move forward over its sports contracts. Kalshi argues it is governed solely by the CFTC, not state gaming laws. The case could define how prediction markets are regulated across the US.
Arthur Hayes argues that Bitcoin’s divergence from tech stocks could signal a looming AI-driven credit crunch. He believes large-scale job losses may force central banks back into money printing, ultimately pushing Bitcoin to new highs.
Binance denies enabling Iran-linked sanctions breaches and says an internal review found no wrongdoing. The dispute comes as the exchange remains under regulatory oversight following its 2023 US settlement. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of compliance controls at major crypto platforms.
Ark Invest used the recent Bitcoin dip to increase its exposure to Robinhood, Bullish and Circle, even as US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded fresh outflows. The move underscores continued volatility in institutional crypto flows, with selective equity buying contrasting broader ETF weakness.
US prosecutors say the case underscores the growing scale of relationship-based crypto fraud and renewed enforcement focus.
Kevin Warsh is expected to be nominated as the next Fed chair, replacing Jerome Powell. Markets are already pricing in a more hawkish policy shift, while Warsh’s past remarks on Bitcoin stand out for framing crypto as a potential check on fiscal excess.
A wallet linked to alleged theft of US government-seized crypto launched a Solana memecoin that crashed 97%, with onchain data showing heavy supply concentration and renewed concerns over memecoin launch risks.
Coinone is exploring the sale of major shareholder stakes, fueling takeover speculation as consolidation accelerates in South Korea’s highly active crypto market, with Coinbase rumored to be assessing a strategic entry despite no deal being confirmed.
Thailand’s SEC plans to introduce crypto ETF and futures regulations as institutional interest grows, with digital assets set to be recognized as an official asset class alongside portfolio limits and tighter rules for financial influencers, even as regulators step up enforcement, including the temporary suspension of KuCoin Thailand’s operations.
New SEC submissions spotlight rising tensions over self-custody and DeFi regulation, as industry groups push for clearer dealer rules while warning against weakened investor protections during ongoing CLARITY bill negotiations.
Trump said a Venezuela “leaker” has been jailed, comments that have refocused attention on suspiciously timed prediction market bets. Several Polymarket accounts tied to Venezuela wagers have gone inactive, while one continues betting on Iran. The episode adds momentum to calls for tighter oversight and insider trading rules for political prediction markets.