Cryptocurrency Victim Loses Entire Bitcoin Holding to AI-Enhanced Romance Scam A recent case highlights the alarming rise of AI-powered scams targeting cryptocurrency investors, culminating in the loss of an entire Bitcoin investment. The victim, a recently divorced individual, fell prey to an elaborate scheme that manipulated emotional vulnerabilities using sophisticated AI-generated deepfake technology, illustrating the growing sophistication of modern crypto scams. Key Takeaways Crypto investors are increasingly targeted by AI-driven romance scams that exploit emotional vulnerabilities, especially during stressful life events such as divorce. Scammers leverage AI to create hyper-realistic fake identities and conduct live deepfake video calls, making deception nearly indistinguishable from reality. These scams operate within the framework of "pig butchering," a relationship-based fraud model that relies on psychological manipulation over technical hacking. Blockchain transa...

Bitcoin's Outlook for 2026: Challenges and Growing Utility While Bitcoin faces a potentially difficult 2026 with analysts predicting a decline extending from late 2025, the coming year could prove pivotal in expanding real-world use cases. As market pressures persist, innovations in payment infrastructure and increased accessibility may drive Bitcoin’s utility beyond speculative investment into everyday transactions. Key Takeaways Market analysts forecast Bitcoin could bottom near $60,000 in late 2026, presenting a potential buying opportunity. Early investors believe the end of 2026 may be optimal for accumulation, with subsequent halving events likely to trigger supply shocks and price rallies. The likelihood of Bitcoin reaching new highs before the cycle low diminishes, with macroeconomic factors heavily influencing outcomes. Progress in Bitcoin payments infrastructure, including layer-2 solutions and neobanking services, is expected to enhance adoption for transactional purpose...

AI-driven Forecasts Signal a Maturing Crypto Market in 2026 Artificial intelligence has evolved from a mere research tool into a dominant force shaping market predictions across global asset classes, including cryptocurrencies. In 2025, the adoption of large language models has surged among funds and analysts, enabling deeper analysis of macro signals, on-chain data, and regulatory developments. As the crypto landscape prepares for 2026, AI forecasts suggest a market increasingly influenced by institutional capital, infrastructure improvements, and evolving regulation. Key Takeaways AI models project Bitcoin prices between $85,000 and $250,000 by 2026, driven by institutional inflows and macroeconomic tailwinds. Ethereum's value could range from $3,000 to $18,000, buoyed by ecosystem maturation and scaling upgrades. Major altcoins such as BNB, XRP, and Solana are forecasted to experience significant growth, contingent on regulatory clarity and developer activity. Risks include regu...

Bitcoin Consolidates Amid Gold-Led Recovery, Signals of a Major Move Ahead Bitcoin has been trading sideways after unsuccessful attempts to surpass the $90,000 mark, with repeated rejections around the $85,000–$87,000 zone. The cryptocurrency’s recent price action reflects a broader consolidation phase that traders believe may precede a significant breakout or deeper correction, especially as key support levels and historical patterns come into focus. Key Takeaways Bitcoin is in a consolidation phase following a 30% decline from its October all-time high. Important support levels include the $84,000–$85,000 area and the 100-week EMA. Precious metals like gold and silver are leading price movements, often preceding Bitcoin’s upward shifts. The distribution of Bitcoin holdings indicates accumulation around current levels, hinting at potential upward movement. Tickers mentioned: Crypto → $BTC, $ETH. Stocks → None. Sentiment: Neutral Price impact: The current sideways trend suggests mar...

Fresh projections from Changpeng Zhao signal a bold phase for Bitcoin and the wider crypto market for audiences worldwide today. At the center of attention is a claim that Bitcoin could climb toward one million during the current cycle boldly. The outlook is fueling debate, and momentum and policy shifts now reshape expectations across major platforms and regions today globally. Bitcoin Outlook Price history shows rapid swings, yet structural support from expanding adoption and regulated products now strengthens the narrative rapidly worldwide. According to Zhao, supply halving effects and demand from large pools could push valuations toward unprecedented territory over coming months. Bitcoin is approaching the cycle with new all-time highs already recorded, and market depth continues to broaden at a strong pace. Background context includes the January peak above one hundred eight thousand dollars and recent consolidation near the mid-ninety-thousand range today. Past signals from Zhao...

Dogecoin fell to its lowest level since November last year, extending losses for a third consecutive month as investor demand for the meme-based cryptocurrency continues to fade. The token dropped to an intraday low of $0.1232, marking a decline of about 74% from its peak in 2025. The sharp pullback has made Dogecoin one of the worst-performing digital assets among the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Dogecoin ETFs See Weak Inflows Post-Approval Third-party sources indicate that the Dogecoin demand has been declining considerably in recent months. The dim performance of the Grayscale and Bitwise Dogecoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one indicator. Based on a data provided by SoSoValue, the two products have registered a cumulative net inflows of 2 million dollars since being granted the approval in November. The two funds together are already handling approximately five million dollars, a relatively small amount in comparison to other altcoin ETFs and a small porti...

Binance has confirmed that it has suspended direct fiat withdrawals to Visa ( NYSE: V) and Mastercard (NYSE: MA) bank cards for its users in Ukraine, effective from December 29, 2025. The suspension follows the termination of services by the exchange's fiat payment provider, Bifinity UAB, which is set to cease its operations on December 31, 2025, as a result of the changes in regulations in the region. The exchange made it known that the suspension will only affect customers from and within the Ukrainian territory who were using Bifinity services for their fiat payments. And has notified affected customers on the 15th of December, 2025, citing changes in regulations in Europe. A Binance spokesperson said, "The announcement regarding changes to payment methods applies exclusively to users from Ukraine who previously used Bifinity services." And further added that the changes are "not related to the National Bank of Ukraine." Basic operations on cryptocurrencies,...

Decentralized Exchange Lighter Executes Historic Token Giveaway Amid Community Concerns Lighter, a decentralized exchange specializing in perpetual futures trading, has conducted one of the most significant token distributions in recent crypto history. The platform airdropped approximately $675 million worth of its Infrastructure Tokens (LIT) to early supporters, marking a milestone event that has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism within the crypto community. On Tuesday, blockchain data visualization platform Bubblemaps confirmed the staggering airdrop, which saw the distribution of 675 million dollars in LIT tokens. According to Bubblemaps, around $30 million was withdrawn post-distribution, highlighting the immediate market activity. This airdrop positions itself as the tenth-largest by USD value, surpassing projects like 1inch Network and only trailing behind the 2022 LooksRare airdrop. Source: Bubblemaps The magnitude of the $675 million issuance notably exceeds previous airdr...

US Stablecoin Regulation and Global Competition: Industry Leaders Warn of Potential Setbacks A senior executive at Coinbase has issued a stark warning regarding upcoming changes to the US stablecoin regulatory framework, suggesting that these modifications could diminish America's leadership in the international digital payments arena. As China advances its central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives, tensions are mounting over the competitive landscape of digital finance. Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, expressed concern via X about the implications of the GENIUS Act, which governs stablecoin issuance in the US. Specifically, he highlighted that restrictions preventing stablecoin platforms from offering rewards—linked to the law’s provisions—could hamper the global competitiveness of US dollar-pegged digital assets. Shirzad pointed out that China’s recent announcement indicating the introduction of interest payments on digital yuan wallets from January 2026 s...

Ugandan Opposition Leader Promotes Decentralized Messaging Amid Election Concerns As Uganda approaches its 2026 presidential election, opposition leader Bobi Wine is advocating for the use of Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, to counter potential government communication blackouts. With past elections witnessing extensive internet shutdowns, Wine warns that authorities may try similar tactics to hinder political organizing and civil engagement. Key Takeaways Ugandan authorities have a history of shutting down internet and social media platforms during elections. Bobi Wine is promoting Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app designed for secure, decentralized communication. The government is reportedly restricting the import of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet technology. Bitchat's popularity surged in Uganda, reflecting public concern over communication restrictions amid elections. Tickers mentioned: N/A Sentiment: Cautiously optimistic about the po...

Ethereum Investment Surges Amid Market Saturation Despite a subdued cryptocurrency market towards the end of 2025, Ethereum treasury company BitMine Immersion Technologies has significantly increased its holdings, acquiring $97.6 million worth of Ether in a single transaction. This move underscores a strategic shift towards accumulation, even as broader market dynamics remain constrained. Key Takeaways BitMine purchased 32,938 Ether, boosting its total ETH holdings to 4.07 million, valued at approximately $12 billion. The company continues to stake an additional 118,944 ETH, reinforcing its passive income strategy. Market pressures from tax-loss selling, coupled with reduced institutional activity, have kept prices relatively flat around the $3 trillion total market cap. Despite market stagnation, BitMine remains aggressive in accumulating ETH, adding over 77,400 tokens since last week, marking it as the largest new money buyer in the space. Tickers mentioned: N/A Sentiment: Bullish ...

Crypto Market Shows Signs of Potential Rebound Ahead of 2026 The cryptocurrency market remains subdued amid broader asset recoveries, yet analysts see opportunities for a turnaround as we approach 2026. Recent data indicates Bitcoin and other major crypto assets lag behind traditional safe havens and equities, but signs of renewed institutional and retail interest are emerging. Key Takeaways Bitcoin trails gold and the S&P 500 following November’s market correction. Whale accumulation appears to be resuming after a period of stagnation. Long-term holders are ceasing their sell-offs, suggesting confidence. On-chain activity signals traders may be shifting back into crypto after departing sectors. Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $COIN Sentiment: Neutral to cautiously optimistic Price impact: Neutral. Despite recent declines, on-chain activity and whale behavior hint at potential bullish momentum. Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, as market reversal signals are forming but...

Prenetics Global Shifts Focus Away from Bitcoin Purchases to Prioritize Consumer Health Brand Prenetics Global Limited has announced a strategic pivot, discontinuing its Bitcoin treasury acquisition program to concentrate on expanding its consumer health brand, IM8. The decision marks a significant change from the company's previous bullish stance on digital assets as part of its capital allocation. Key Takeaways Prenetics has halted its Bitcoin purchasing activities to reallocate resources toward its flagship health brand, IM8. The company still retains 510 Bitcoin on its balance sheet, alongside over $70 million in cash and equivalents. Earlier this year, Prenetics invested $20 million to acquire approximately 187 Bitcoin at an average cost of $106,712 per coin. The move aligns with broader industry trends where companies reassess their cryptocurrency strategies amid market volatility. Tickers mentioned: None Sentiment: Neutral Price impact: Negative. The cessation of Bitcoin ...

US Court Rejects DeFi Education Fund's Amicus Brief in High-Profile Ethereum Exploit Case The US government has officially opposed efforts by the DeFi Education Fund (DEF) to submit an amicus brief in a controversial case involving allegations against two hackers accused of exploiting the Ethereum blockchain, resulting in a $25 million theft. The case has gained significant attention within the crypto community, raising questions about the legal boundaries of DeFi activities and automated trading bots. Key Takeaways The US government filed a letter in court opposing DEF’s amicus brief, claiming it offers no new insights. The defendant brothers, Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, faced a mistrial in November after jurors failed to reach a verdict. The government has requested a retrial, scheduled for late February or early March 2026. Defense and advocacy groups argue the case could set a dangerous precedent impacting DeFi innovation. Tickers mentioned: None Sentiment: Neutral Price i...

South Korea Delays Stablecoin Legislation Until 2026 Amid Industry Concerns South Korean lawmakers have postponed the enactment of a comprehensive cryptocurrency bill aimed at regulating and fostering the nation’s burgeoning digital asset sector. The delay, now projected into 2026, reflects ongoing disagreements within government agencies and industry stakeholders over key regulatory provisions, particularly concerning stablecoin issuance. Key Takeaways Legislative progress on South Korea’s Digital Asset Basic Act has stalled until 2026. The proposed bill would legalize and regulate the issuance of domestic stablecoins pegged to the won. Disputes primarily revolve around oversight mechanisms and the involvement of financial institutions. The government considers balancing institutional oversight with encouraging innovation from tech firms. Tickers mentioned: None. Sentiment: Neutral Price impact: Neutral — regulatory uncertainty continues to influence market sentiment without immedi...

Cypherpunk Technologies Boosts Zcash Holdings Amid Rising Privacy Concerns Nasdaq-listed Cypherpunk Technologies has significantly expanded its cryptocurrency treasury by acquiring an additional 56,418 Zcash tokens, valued at approximately $29 million. This strategic move reflects the company’s increasing confidence in privacy-focused blockchain assets amidst growing societal emphasis on digital privacy and anonymity. Key Takeaways Cypherpunk’s total Zcash holdings now amount to over 290,000 tokens, representing roughly 1.76% of the circulating supply. The firm intends to acquire up to 5% of the total Zcash supply, emphasizing its long-term privacy-oriented investment strategy. Zcash has experienced an over 800% surge this year, outperforming Bitcoin’s modest decline, driven by renewed privacy debates. Industry figures highlight Zcash’s role in addressing concerns over government overreach and digital surveillance. Tickers mentioned: $ZEC Sentiment: Bullish Price impact: Positive. T...

Ripple (XRP) Holds Key Support as Supply Reduction Sparks Optimism for 2026 Recovery Ripple's XRP continues to demonstrate resilience, maintaining support above a critical demand zone that has persisted throughout 2025. Recent data highlights a significant decline in the token's supply held on exchanges, fueling speculation about a potential bullish turnaround as the cryptocurrency approaches the new year. With supply tight and accumulation rising, market analysts are cautiously optimistic about XRP's prospects heading into 2026. Key Takeaways Supply of XRP on exchanges has plummeted to its lowest levels in eight years, indicating diminished selling pressure. Recent exchange outflows suggest strong accumulation by large holders moving into cold storage or investment products. Support remains firm above $1.78, with historical recoveries often preceded by holding this level. Market sentiment hints at a possible structural shift towards institutional acceptance in the near ter...

MicroStrategy Rebrands as Strategy Amid Bitcoin Holdings In early 2025, MicroStrategy underwent a branding transformation, adopting the name Strategy to emphasize its core focus on Bitcoin. The company's new visual marketing reflects its standing as the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder. As of December 30, Strategy owns approximately 672,497 Bitcoin, valued at nearly $59 billion, acquired at an average price of $74,997 per coin. With Bitcoin trading near $88,000, the firm boasts an unrealized gain of about 17%. However, mounting financial pressures have raised concerns about its stability, particularly due to fixed dividend and debt obligations that persist regardless of Bitcoin's market fluctuations. Despite securing a cash reserve of $1.44 billion in December to cover at least 12 months of dividend and interest payments, questions remain regarding the sustainability of Strategy’s model as market conditions shift. The company’s initial foray into Bitcoin began in Au...

Introduction Lighter, a prominent player among perpetual decentralized exchanges, has recently revealed its tokenomics for the new Lighter Infrastructure Token (LIT), generating varied reactions within the DeFi community. The structure of the token distribution, alongside its recent launch, has sparked debates on transparency and investor incentives. Key Takeaways 50% of LIT supply allocated to the ecosystem, with the remaining split between team and investors, featuring vesting schedules. Approximately 25% of LIT was airdropped during its first season, with additional allocations planned for future growth initiatives. Community divided over the tokenomics, with some critics deeming the insider-heavy allocation as excessive, while supporters cite long-term investor backing as a stabilizing factor. Whale activity shows conflicting sentiment, with large players betting against LIT through leveraged short positions, yet others demonstrating conviction by increasing long positions despite ...

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, 30 December 2025 — Bitcoin's journey through 2025 proved to be a period of heightened volatility, ultimately ending the year broadly where it began. The cryptocurrency reached a new all-time high of approximately USD 126,000 in early October, supported by growing optimism around regulation and strong inflows into newly launched spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, these gains were reversed in the fourth quarter as over-leveraged positions were unwound and risk-off sentiment took hold, pushing Bitcoin down from its October peak to lows below USD 86,000 by late November. Farhan Badami, Market Analyst at eToro , said that despite the turbulence, several positive trends continued to underpin the crypto market throughout the year. Institutional adoption and market infrastructure strengthened in 2025, even as prices fluctuated sharply. Spot Bitcoin ETFs highlighted this shift, with the iShares Bitcoin ETF recording USD 24 billion ...

Stable XRP ETF Inflows Persist Amid Market Turbulence Despite a volatile December for the broader crypto market, spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States continued to demonstrate resilience by maintaining inflows over a sustained 29-day period. As of the end of the month, these ETFs accumulated a total net inflow of $8.44 million on Monday alone, bringing their overall inflows to $1.15 billion since launch, with total assets reaching approximately $1.24 billion, even as XRP prices and the larger crypto sector faced selling pressures. Vincent Liu, Chief Investment Officer at Kronos Research, noted that investments in XRP are largely driven by increasing regulatory clarity and a shift toward less crowded trading strategies compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum. He emphasized that XRP's unique use case in cross-border settlement solutions "offers differentiated exposure that continues to attract longer-term investors," supporting the ongoing capital influx despit...

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 29 December 2025 — Crypto markets remained subdued over the festive period, with total market capitalisation hovering around the $3 trillion mark, according to analysis from eToro. Bitcoin, which currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total crypto market capitalisation, continues to trade within a narrow range between the $85,000 support level and $90,000 resistance, as markets await a catalyst to push prices higher. “Crypto markets have been fairly muted over the festive season, with bitcoin remaining range-bound and seemingly in need of a catalyst to drive prices higher,” said Simon Peters, Crypto Market Analyst at eToro . “There isn't much in the way of major economic data this week to provide that spark, although the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting on Tuesday may offer greater insight into policymakers' expectations for future interest rate cuts.” Despite bitcoin reaching a new all-time high earli...

Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) is continuing to expand its regulated derivatives offering in the United States, introducing a new set of crypto futures contracts designed to serve both retail and institutional traders. The latest products broaden the exchange’s coverage of major digital assets while remaining fully compliant with US regulatory standards. Alongside the new listings, Coinbase plans to launch similar futures contracts for a range of cryptocurrencies, including Avalanche (AVAX), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK), Hedera (HBAR), Litecoin (LTC), Polkadot (DOT), Sui (SUI), and Stellar (XLM). The move strengthens Coinbase’s position as a regulated gateway for derivatives exposure to large-cap digital assets in the US market. In addition, Coinbase confirmed that monthly futures contracts for Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and Shiba Inu (SHIB) will begin trading on December 5. These products will be available seven days a week, including weekends, reflecting global perpetual future...