Category: crypto

India’s Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at 21 locations linked to 4th Bloc Consultants for allegedly running a decade-long fake crypto investment scheme. The group used fake platforms, stolen images, MLM-style referrals, and social media to defraud investors. Proceeds were laundered through multiple channels, with properties and wallets seized.

Exodus, in partnership with MoonPay and M0, plans to launch a fully reserved USD-backed stablecoin in early 2026 to power its ecosystem and upcoming Exodus Pay feature. The stablecoin will integrate with recent acquisitions and focus on transparency, full USD backing, and ease of use for non-crypto-native users. Launch details remain undisclosed.

The global neobanking industry is expected to grow from $149 billion in 2024 to $4.4 trillion by 2034. Neobanks are moving towards on-chain operations, running core financial activities directly on blockchain infrastructure. This shift allows for global payments, transparent ledgers, and software-based scalability, paving the way for internet-native economies.

Gold-backed stablecoins have increased their market capitalization to around $4 billion in 2025, nearly tripling since the beginning of the year. Two main tokens dominate the market, accounting for almost 90% of the supply. The rise is driven by higher gold prices and increased demand for tokenized bullion.

A $1,000 investment split between Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum, and Avalanche at the beginning of 2025 would now be below breakeven, despite Scaramucci viewing it as a long-term bet. Scaramucci holds significant amounts of Bitcoin and Solana, with smaller positions in Ethereum and Avalanche, all staked.

Florida’s pension fund increased its investment in MicroStrategy shares, a move in line with other U.S. public funds seeking exposure to Bitcoin. Institutional ownership of MicroStrategy reached a 2025 high despite the stock testing yearly lows. The correlation between MicroStrategy and Bitcoin makes it a popular choice for indirect BTC exposure.

Tether froze $3.3 billion across 7,268 addresses mainly on Tron, coordinating with U.S. law enforcement using a freeze-burn-reissue model. Circle froze $109 million across 372 addresses on Ethereum, largely under court or regulatory orders without burning or reissuing tokens. The data highlights differing compliance strategies between the two stablecoin issuers.

Obyte celebrates its ninth anniversary with new governance, DeFi apps, and a virtual city on its decentralized crypto network. The platform now allows GBYTE holders to vote on upgrades and select Order Providers. Milestones include the election of CariPower as the first community Order Provider and the launch of Obyte City. Plans for 2026 include…

Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, will be released from federal custody on Jan. 21, 2026, after cooperating in the FTX case. She received a 10-year industry ban and is under post-release supervision. Ellison played a key role in the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, leading to a reduced custody period.

BitMart has consistently shown deeper order book liquidity in Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual markets compared to its competitors, leading to tighter spreads and lower slippage. The data tracked the top seven order book levels in U.S. dollars across multiple exchanges, with BitMart maintaining higher liquidity levels throughout the observed period.