Category: crypto

Bitcoin is in a consolidation phase in 2026 with decreased capital inflows, normalized ETFs, options resetting positions, and long-term treasuries replacing the old whale-retail cycle. Institutional holdings and diversified liquidity have transformed market dynamics, with a focus on long-term investment strategies. Different perspectives exist on the future market trends.

Large transactions involving Shiba Inu cryptocurrency have increased by 111% this week, showing renewed institutional interest in SHIB. This is happening as retail activity remains low, with institutions favoring SHIB’s market cap and liquidity. Institutional accumulation could precede future retail rallies, according to market analysts.

From January 1, 2026, EU DAC8 rules require cryptocurrency platforms serving EU users to collect KYC and transaction data on trades and withdrawals. This includes reporting on crypto-fiat trades, crypto-crypto swaps, and withdrawals to self-custody wallets. Failure to comply could result in frozen accounts or blocked transactions.

Nearly $150 million in leveraged crypto long positions were liquidated in one hour as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP fell, with total daily liquidations exceeding $464 million. Bitcoin accounted for $66.5 million and Ethereum for $33.8 million in liquidations. The broader crypto market lost 2.19% in value alongside significant ETF redemptions.

U.S. XRP ETFs saw their first net outflow on Jan. 7 after 36 days of inflows, raising questions about the streak’s continuation. The outflow was small compared to overall inflows and could be due to profit-taking or rebalancing. Analysts are monitoring for sustained outflows, which could indicate weakening institutional interest.

U.S. community banks are concerned about a loophole in the GENIUS Act that allows exchanges to pay indirect yields on stablecoins, potentially moving billions from insured deposits. They are urging Congress to close the loophole to protect local economies. Crypto industry groups argue that tighter rules could stifle innovation and digital payments growth.

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs had their first net outflow of 2026, with Fidelity, Grayscale, Ark 21Shares, and VanEck products seeing redemptions. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust still attracted cash and remains the largest Bitcoin ETF. Morgan Stanley plans to launch new Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, showing continued institutional demand for crypto assets.

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation next week, with lawmakers divided on key policy issues. Bipartisan rifts, Trump politics, and midterm pressure may delay passage until 2027. The bill aims to establish federal regulations for digital assets, but unresolved issues and political considerations complicate its progress.

JPMorgan Chase plans to issue its JPM Coin on the Canton Network, a blockchain for large institutions to move money quickly and securely. This move signals a trend among major banks toward digital assets and blockchain integration. The rollout will happen in phases, aiming to make digital assets part of mainstream finance.

MSCI decided not to exclude bitcoin-focused treasury companies from its indexes, including DATCOs, boosting shares of Michael Saylor’s Strategy. The rise in popularity of firms holding digital assets like bitcoin as treasury assets has offered investors proxy exposure, but volatility and accounting treatment remain concerns. Despite gains, the sensitivity of crypto-linked stocks to market fluctuations…