Category: crypto

Bitcoin prices are now being displayed in Woori Bank’s main trading room in Seoul alongside traditional financial indicators. Korean banks are deepening ties with cryptocurrencies, with Hana Financial Group partnering with Upbit’s operator. South Korean regulators are planning stricter rules for cryptocurrency transactions to align with international standards by 2026.

DeepNode raised $5M to develop a decentralized AI network on Base, using PoWR to reward AI models in sectors like healthcare, fraud detection, and crypto trading. The funding came from seed and strategic rounds, with plans to launch the mainnet by the end of Q1 2026, targeting sub-cent fees and real-world utility.

Tom Lee predicts Ethereum will reach $20,000, leading tokenized assets as it breaks out of a long consolidation period. He believes Bitcoin’s traditional cycle is over, with new highs expected in early 2026 after tracking the S&P 500 in 2025. Ethereum is seen as undervalued and central to future financial infrastructure.

Italy’s Consob requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to obtain MiCA-compliant CASP authorization by Dec. 30, 2025, or cease operations in Italy, return client assets, and communicate exit or compliance plans. VASPs can continue operating until the deadline if registered with OAM, with a transition to MiCA-authorized CASPs necessary for ongoing service.

The IMF warns that large dollar stablecoins can accelerate currency substitution, weaken monetary control in fragile economies, and require strict global regulation and reserves. Stablecoins exceeding $300 billion, mostly dollar-pegged, could undermine central banks’ control, especially in high-inflation states. Coordination is needed to prevent shadow-banking-style risks.

1&1 has agreed to acquire Versatel for €1.3 billion, consolidating control over German fixed-line and mobile infrastructure. The deal includes Versatel’s fiber, mobile backhaul, and B2B assets, along with a €950 million loan. The acquisition supports 1&1’s strategy as Germany’s fourth facilities-based mobile provider and strengthens its position in the fiber market.

Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, supports Ethereum and decentralized finance. She facilitated a meeting between Tom Lee and Francis B. Zhou to discuss Ethereum’s potential. Ark Invest holds significant investments in ETH through BitMine Immersion Technologies and Quantum Solutions. Wood trimmed her bullish forecast for Bitcoin to $1.2 million by 2030.

Bitcoin is currently facing a crucial resistance zone, with its ability to clear $98K–$100K determining whether a final leg higher or a broader downtrend will follow. Analyst Trader Mayne believes a break of this zone could ignite the last major rally of the cycle. Failure to do so may result in a lower high and…

U.S.-based spot XRP exchange-traded funds have seen a surge in net inflows for 13 consecutive days, nearing the $1 billion mark in less than a month. This indicates a growing interest in diversifying beyond established crypto leaders. XRP ETFs are among the fastest-growing crypto-asset vehicles in traditional markets.

N3XT, a new U.S. bank, offers instant, programmable B2B payments in U.S. dollars, operating around the clock. The platform allows for automated payments, immediate access to funds, and is fully regulated as a narrow bank. Led by fintech veterans and backed by top investors, N3XT aims to revolutionize business payments.