Ripple's chief technology officer recounts a funny incident with Chris Larsen during a major event.
David Schwartz, Ripple’s chief technology officer, recounted the most humorous event he has witnessed during his tenure at the company.
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
Market Capitalization:2 963 186 378 181,6 USD
Vol. in 24 hours:111 764 801 740,33 USD
Dominance:BTC 58,83%
ETH:11,91%
news.title
ui.at_all_countPolish officials urge the president to approve the cryptocurrency bill after his veto.
The cabinet has re‑approved the crypto‑assets bill and urged President Karol Nawrocki to sign it. Officials argue that any further delay will leave Poland misaligned with EU rules and weaken oversight of the growing digital‑asset sector. The renewed push comes despite the president’s recent veto and the fact that the draft text is unchanged. Nawrocki vetoed the bill in December, citing concerns over its scope and impact on market participants. Parliament attempted to override the veto but fell short of the required supermajority, so the legislation remains blocked. The veto created an unusual stalemate, even though the ruling coalition had already cleared most parliamentary hurdles. The government says the law is needed to implement the EU’s MiCA framework and keep Poland from falling behind other member states. It warns that regulatory gaps could expose the financial system to abuse and illicit activity. Until the president signs the bill or a revised version passes, Poland’s crypto regulatory framework stays in limbo.
Key Concerns Delay Crucial US Crypto Bill, Shifting Vote to January
The U.S. crypto bill, meant to set a unified market framework, will likely miss a vote until January. Senate talks stalled, pushing negotiations into the year‑end recess. The delay underscores how hard it is to regulate a fast‑moving finance‑tech sector. Three core issues block the bill: stricter ethics rules for officials, the status of interest‑bearing stablecoins, and SEC authority over DeFi. The White House rejected tighter conflict‑of‑interest measures, and lawmakers remain split on stablecoins. Defining the SEC’s jurisdiction is the most contentious, with industry fearing limits on decentralized protocols. Stakeholders, like Digital Chamber CEO Cody Carbone, say talks continue and expect progress in January. The delay is seen as a tactical pause, not a collapse of negotiations. A compromise could set a global precedent and unlock further industry growth.
The OCC grants conditional approval to Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity, and Paxos to operate as national trust banks.
The OCC conditionally approved five digital‑asset firms on December 12. Circle and Ripple received new national trust bank charters, while BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets and Paxos were allowed to convert existing state trusts. These approvals expand the number of crypto firms under direct OCC supervision. New charters let Circle and Ripple provide nationwide custody and trust services under a single federal regulator. Conversions move BitGo, Fidelity and Paxos from state‑chartered trusts to national trust banks, preserving their focus on digital‑asset custody and settlement. National trust banks differ from commercial banks by not taking retail deposits or issuing traditional loans, instead safeguarding assets and managing fiduciary accounts. Approval remains provisional; each firm must meet capital, governance, risk‑control and compliance conditions before operating. The OCC will monitor these supervisory requirements using the Anchorage Digital model as a benchmark. Final charters are granted only after all conditions are satisfied. Expanding federal supervision aims to replace fragmented state regimes with uniform national standards. The move signals growing regulatory acceptance of crypto custody and settlement services. It reflects a broader push for clearer oversight of digital‑asset infrastructure.
Analyzing the First Month of XRP ETFs: Highlights, Shortcomings, and Challenges
After the 2024 U.S. elections, regulators softened their stance on crypto, prompting issuers to file spot ETFs for major altcoins. Ripple’s XRP quickly became a focal point, with Canary Capital’s XRPC debuting in November and 21Shares launching TOXR in December. Additional products from Grayscale, Bitwise, and Franklin Templeton followed within weeks. The market now hosts five distinct XRP‑linked ETFs. XRPC’s first day set a 2025 record, moving just under $60 million in volume and attracting $243 million in net inflows. Since then, cumulative inflows have risen to roughly $974.5 million, pushing total net assets above $1.18 billion. All trading days after the debut have shown positive net flow. The rapid capital accumulation signals strong investor appetite for XRP exposure. Despite the influx of funds, XRP’s price has fallen about 20 % in the first month. It peaked near $2.60 before the XRPC launch, slipped below $2.00 during the late‑November dip, and briefly touched $1.85. The token has since recovered to just above the $2.00 support level. Thus, robust ETF inflows have not translated into proportional price gains for XRP.
Bitcoin Valuation Forecast 2025‑2030: The Remarkable Future of BTC Prices
Bitcoin price depends on macro economics, regulation, technology and market sentiment. Halvings halve new supply; the 2024 cut to 3.125 BTC historically precedes bull runs. Institutional entry via spot ETFs, Lightning layer‑2 growth and its digital‑gold appeal drive demand. For 2025, the first post‑halving year, forecasts range $120‑180k as institutions add capital and lower rates boost risk appetite. 2026 may consolidate, with scenarios: bullish $150‑250k (35%), correction $90‑140k (45%) or bear $60‑90k (20%). Key drivers will be ETF flows, Lightning adoption and overall market sentiment. By 2030 Bitcoin could act as a reserve asset, with estimates from $300k‑500k up to $1 million in bullish cases. Achieving this requires regulatory clarity, integration with traditional finance and scalable tech. Investors should DCA, keep holdings in hardware wallets and limit risk capital.
Crypto spot trading volume falls 66%, hinting at a calm before the next bull run?
Bitfinex reports crypto spot trading volume fell 66% from its January peak in Q4. The drop reflects reduced activity from both retail and institutional traders. Analysts view this lull as a typical pause before a strong rally, not a market collapse. It suggests the market is catching its breath and consolidating. A 25‑basis‑point Fed rate cut and a $962 million Bitcoin purchase sparked little price movement. Experts say these events were already priced in, leading to muted reactions. This behavior typifies a consolidation phase where the market digests information quietly. Past bull markets often emerged after periods of low spot volume and sideways price action. Such phases weed out short‑term speculators and build conviction among long‑term holders. The current low‑volume environment mirrors those pre‑bull setups. Avoid panic selling; use the calm to research solid projects and dollar‑cost average into favored positions. Strengthen security by moving assets to cold storage and set clear entry‑exit rules. Patience and preparation during this lull can position investors for the next price surge.
SGB launches complimentary Solana stablecoin minting and redemption services for customers.
Singapore Gulf Bank unveiled a fee‑free pilot that lets corporate clients mint and redeem USDC and USDT directly on Solana. The service, announced at Solana Breakpoint 2025 in Abu Dhabi, converts fiat to stablecoins and back without transaction or gas fees. Initially it targets treasury and cross‑border flows, with personal banking planned for a later phase. Clients can create or destroy stablecoins on‑chain, bypassing intermediaries and using Solana’s high throughput and low cost. This enables real‑time, high‑volume transfers that are faster and cheaper than traditional banking. CEO Shawn Chan highlighted that the solution provides a compliant, bank‑grade stablecoin offering for GCC and Asian corporates. SGB, which has processed over $7 billion since launch, paired with Fireblocks for institutional‑grade custody and operates under Singapore’s Payment Services Act. Internal trials show the Solana corridor cuts fees to under 0.3% with seconds‑level settlement. The stablecoin market now exceeds $300 billion, reflecting rapid growth and broader adoption across regulated banks.
A $93 million Bitcoin long aligns with record options open interest as Binance withdrawals climb toward $91 K.
A $93 million 5x leveraged Bitcoin long appeared on a derivatives platform on Dec 12, entering near $91,506. The trade showed more than $1 million unrealized profit as BTC rose above $92,500. Its size places it among the largest visible leveraged positions. Such bets signal strong conviction but carry heightened liquidation risk. Bitcoin options open interest stayed near record levels, rising alongside price in recent months. Notional exposure remains high, indicating dense leverage across the market. The metric has not slipped during recent consolidations, suggesting persistent positioning. Elevated open interest points to active market participation and price sensitivity. Withdrawals from Binance surged, reaching around $91,000 as Bitcoin hovered near recent highs. This on‑chain activity reflects investors moving coins to self‑custody rather than preparing to sell. The spike is markedly larger than in previous months. Historically, such withdrawal bursts accompany reduced exchange supply and accumulation phases. The combination of large leveraged longs, high options open interest, and increased withdrawals shows heavy futures and options positioning with ongoing accumulation. Bitcoin’s price stability near $91k reinforces market confidence. However, the concentration of leveraged bets raises the risk of sharp corrections. Continued on‑chain inflows suggest that bullish sentiment remains resilient.
The CBI targets a fraud network aimed at U.S. citizens.
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested six suspects in a coordinated raid on an illegal call centre in Noida. Authorities seized cash worth Rs 1.88 crore (about $207,000), one of the largest cash recoveries in similar cases. The operation targeted a sophisticated network that used digital assets to move illicit funds. The syndicate, active since 2022, impersonated officials from the DEA, FBI and Social Security Administration to intimidate US residents. Victims were told their Social Security numbers were tied to money‑laundering and drug schemes, and were pressured to transfer money into crypto wallets and bank accounts controlled by the criminals. Over $8 million was allegedly siphoned from unsuspecting Americans using these fear‑based tactics. The bust formed part of Operation Chakra, India’s flagship initiative against transnational crime, conducted alongside the FBI, Interpol and other foreign agencies. Police recovered laptops, phones, hard drives and other evidence, and continue to trace additional accomplices and money flows. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of the network’s proceeds.
Kenya equips a dedicated team to fight cryptocurrency scams
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations announced a new unit to combat crypto scams after investors lost up to KES5.6 billion ($43.3 m) in 2024. The unit will focus on fraud and related cyber offences that exploit anonymous online platforms. Officials describe the move as a “ruthless” crackdown to stay ahead of criminal syndicates. Crypto‑fraud losses jumped 73 % year‑on‑year, and early 2025 figures already exceed the entire 2024 total. The DCI has handled more than 500 crypto cases in three years and made dozens of arrests, including scams of $119 k, $100 k and $30 k in Nairobi and Nakuru. Authorities also pursued a few cases linking digital assets to terrorism financing. President William Ruto warned that crypto misuse threatens Kenya’s digital economy and national security. In October parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Bill, legalising crypto activity and introducing licensing requirements. The Central Bank of Kenya has yet to issue licences under the new framework. The EU co‑funded a Blockchain and Crypto Investigation Training Module to equip investigators with forensic and cross‑border skills. Training covers tracing blockchain transactions, analysing wallets and applying international best practices. The initiative aims to supervise innovation rather than ban it.
Analyst tells Ripple’s CEO that XRP holders merit a 0% interest rate and explains why.
Ripple is moving from a fringe player to a core part of regulated finance. The company now works with licensed institutions and holds multiple approvals. This transition marks a pivotal change for the broader blockchain sector. John Squire publicly urged Ripple’s CEO to reward long‑term XRP supporters. Holders endured regulatory battles, delistings and stagnant prices. Their continued conviction is now being highlighted as a fairness issue. The OCC granted conditional approval for Ripple National Trust Bank. Ripple launched the RLUSD stablecoin in December 2024, further aligning with compliance standards. These moves solidify its role in traditional financial systems. Squire suggested loyal XRP holders deserve zero‑interest benefits as symbolic recognition. Implementing such privileges faces legal and regulatory hurdles. Nonetheless, the call reflects growing expectations for tangible rewards for endurance.
Ribbon Finance, previously called Aevo, suffers a $2.7 million loss due to a DeFi hack.
The Ribbon Finance contract was drained of about $2.7 million. The attacker moved the funds to fifteen wallets, some already consolidated. The exploit surfaced six days after an oracle upgrade. Smart‑contract calls extracted ETH, WETH, USDC, WBTC and other tokens. The upgrade added 18‑decimal pricing for stETH, PAXG, LINK and AAVE, while USDC stayed at eight decimals. This mismatch let a malicious contract feed false expiry prices through the Opyn/Ribbon oracle stack. The falsified prices were accepted by Ribbon’s MarginPool during settlement, enabling large short oToken positions to be liquidated. The attacker created poorly structured oTokens using whitelisted collateral and strike assets, e.g., a stETH call option with a 3,800 USDC strike. By setting identical expiry timestamps, the contract triggered fraudulent ExpiryPriceUpdated events and burned oTokens for WETH rewards. Around 900 ETH was extracted through repeated proxy admin calls and delegate‑call price manipulation. Spectre traced the initial transfer to address 0x354ad… and subsequent distribution across 14 accounts, some feeding treasury consolidation pools. Opyn’s platform was confirmed not to be compromised; the breach stemmed from the oracle code change. Analysts warn that improper decimal handling and open price setters can expose DeFi protocols to similar attacks.
Merlin Chain (MERL) skyrockets, with a remarkable 17% surge earning it a place among the crypto elite’s top 100.
Merlin Chain (MERL) surged 17% in 24 hours, briefly hitting $0.44 on OKX. The jump pushed MERL into the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap. This milestone marks a strong boost in visibility and investor interest. Growth in the Bitcoin Layer‑2 ecosystem has drawn attention to MERL as a native solution. On‑chain activity, possible protocol upgrades, and partnership rumors likely fueled buying pressure. Breaking into the top 100 creates a feedback loop that further amplifies demand. Entry into the top 100 signals market confidence and enhances credibility. The token gains greater exposure on tracking sites, attracting new investors and institutional funds. Sustaining this rank will require real utility and continued ecosystem development. While the rally demonstrates strong short‑term momentum, crypto markets remain volatile and corrections are possible. Long‑term value depends on genuine adoption of Merlin Chain’s scaling solution, overall Bitcoin health, and competition within Layer‑2 projects. Investors should assess fundamentals and roadmap before committing further.
Enable effortless integration: Ethereum’s ERC‑8092 introduces groundbreaking cross‑chain account connections
ERC‑8092 is a draft Ethereum standard that creates a public, cryptographic link between accounts on different blockchains. It lets users prove that wallets on Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum and similar chains belong to the same entity without a central authority. The link is transparent, verifiable and can be revoked by the owner, providing a “digital handshake” across chains. A user generates a signature payload that declares “Account A on Chain 1 and Account B on Chain 2 are linked under my control.” This payload is recorded on‑chain as a declaration. Anyone can verify the signature to confirm authenticity, and the owner can later submit a transaction to revoke the link if needed. Cross‑chain links enable unified identity, allowing reputation or credentials from one chain to be trusted on another. dApps can require proof of ownership on a more secure chain for sensitive actions, improving security. The approach reduces wallet fragmentation, offering a smoother multi‑chain experience and supporting trustless collateral across networks. ERC‑8092 remains a draft and must pass community review, security audits, and gain adoption beyond Ethereum. Interoperability depends on other blockchains implementing compatible mechanisms. If widely embraced, it could unlock new DeFi, gaming, and social‑app possibilities by tying identity, intent and assets together across the blockchain ecosystem.
South Africa softens its position as Musk advances the Starlink deployment.
Malatsi ordered ICASA to treat equity‑equivalent investment programs (EEIP) as a substitute for the 30% Black‑ownership rule. 19,000 comments were received; about 90% supported the change, disproving claims it favours Elon Musk. EEIP must equal 30% of the South African operation’s value or 4% of annual revenue and will be overseen by the DTIC for all telcos. Starlink aims to invest up to R2 billion, including R500 million to connect 5,000 schools for 2.4 million learners. It will partner with local ISPs, use an open‑access model and set up a B‑BBEE‑compliant SA subsidiary. ICASA still needs hearings and rule changes, likely taking 12‑18 months, delaying launch to late 2027. The EFF and civil groups argue EEIP lets foreign firms dodge true transformation and threaten legal action. Similar programs already exist for Microsoft, AWS and JPMorgan in other sectors. South Africa wants a more flexible framework than Kenya or Nigeria to stay competitive, while over 20% of the population remains offline mainly because of cost.
Three Altcoins Poised for the Highest ROI: Ozak AI, XRP, and BNB
Ozak AI is emerging as the top ROI candidate for the 2025‑2026 cycle. Its AI‑driven intelligence layer processes multi‑chain data in milliseconds, using 700K+ nodes and SINT‑powered agents to automate trading strategies. The presale already exceeds $4.9 M, and analysts cite its early‑stage valuation and operational infrastructure as drivers of exponential upside. XRP trades near $2, supported by a robust technical structure and growing institutional adoption, with analysts projecting $5‑$10 in a full market expansion. BNB remains anchored around $900, benefiting from the Binance ecosystem’s exchange utility, token burns, and staking incentives, and is expected to reach $1.6‑$1.7 k. Both coins offer reliable, linear growth but their mature market caps limit the explosive gains seen in early‑stage projects. Analysts rank Ozak AI, XRP, and BNB as the trio with the highest breakout potential, with Ozak AI leading by a wide margin. Its compounding AI capabilities create a growth curve unmatched by the more linear trajectories of XRP and BNB. As sentiment strengthens, investors are positioning for the next bullish wave, targeting Ozak AI as the premier high‑ROI opportunity.
Top 3 Altcoins to Invest in Before Christmas 2025
The holiday season is driving strong market momentum, prompting analysts to highlight Solana, Ripple and Mutuum Finance as attractive buys. Among them, Mutuum Finance’s presale surge and expanding holder base have generated notable buzz. Its decentralized lending focus positions it as a leading candidate for new investment. SOL has rebounded above its rising channel’s midpoint, suggesting a potential buy setup. Key support lies around $133‑$135, while resistance is near $145‑$148. A break below the recent higher low could invalidate the bullish pattern. XRP is consolidating below its 20‑day EMA, with bears unable to force a sharp decline. A breakout above $2.12 may open a path to $2.26, whereas a dip below $1.98 could test $1.61 support. This cautious range reflects broader crypto market dynamics. MUTM is in Phase 6 of its presale, priced at $0.035, with over 18,450 contributors and $19.33 million raised. The token’s utility‑driven model rewards lending activity, linking fees to token purchases for continuous buying pressure. Dual lending mechanisms and real‑time interest on mtTokens aim to provide sustainable growth and practical DeFi use.
XRP 2026 price forecast if Bitcoin climbs to $200 K
As 2025 draws to a close, observers are turning their attention to the prospects the new year may bring for major crypto assets like XRP and Bitcoin. Throughout the year, multiple digital currencies hit fresh records, trailing Bitcoin’s momentum, with XRP and Ethereum among those that set new peaks. Visit Website
CZ announces that BNBChain has reached 2.4 million daily users.
CZ of Binance disclosed that a remarkable volume of users interact with BNB Chain each day, positioning it ahead of other leading Layer‑2 networks.
Netflix will develop a film that centers on a $35 million cryptocurrency wallet.
The upcoming Netflix rom‑com “One Last Attempt” follows a divorced couple who must recover a forgotten password to a crypto wallet worth $35 million. They won the assets on a cruise competition, then receive an SEC notice giving them 48 hours to claim the funds. The film’s release date has not been announced. Jennifer Garner stars and co‑produces, reuniting with director Kay Cannon of “Blockers.” She works alongside producers Shawn Levy, Dan Levine (21 Laps) and Nicole King (Linden Productions). Garner, known for “Alias,” “13 Going on 30” and “Juno,” brings her rom‑com credentials to the project. The premise mirrors real cases where investors lost fortunes, such as ex‑Ripple CTO Stefan Thomas and Wales miner James Howells. Netflix has added the film to a growing slate of crypto‑themed titles, including “Money Plane,” “Trust No One,” and the 2024 documentary “Biggest Heist Ever.” These works have typically focused on crime, making “One Last Attempt” a rare comedic take.
India’s Enforcement Directorate has charged five people in an $11 million fraud case.
The Enforcement Directorate filed a PMLA charge sheet against five persons for cyber frauds totaling Rs 104.15 crore. The accused are Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, Om Rajendra Pandya and Mitesh Gokulbhai Thakkar. Bassam Doctor, a key figure, has absconded and is believed to be hiding in an Arab country, where a crypto wallet received most of the illicit proceeds. Surat Police’s Special Operations Group aided the probe, leading to the arrest of four suspects and seizure of three properties worth about $1 million. Authorities uncovered fake stock tips, forged notices from agencies such as the ED and CBI, and a counterfeit police setup used to extract money. Funds were laundered through mule bank accounts, pre‑activated SIMs, hawala channels and finally converted into non‑KYC digital assets. Police have warned residents of a surge in digital scams and urged caution when sharing personal data online. Victims are advised to verify investment offers and consult professionals before committing funds. Maintaining vigilance against unknown entities is essential to prevent fraud.
UK regulator set to finalize cryptocurrency regulations and develop stablecoin framework by 2026
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority intends to complete its crypto rulemaking, develop regulations for sterling‑denominated stablecoins, and permit fund tokenisation by 2026. These initiatives form part of a wider strategy to speed up digital innovation across the financial sector. The FCA is poised to make substantial progress in governing the United Kingdom’s cryptocurrency market, establishing clearer standards for both crypto assets and stablecoins.
2026 Coinbase Crypto Forecast: The Main Factors Shaping the Market
As the year draws to a close, leading crypto exchange Coinbase outlines its expectations for market conditions in 2026.
