Jeremie Davinci, a cryptocurrency influencer and one of the earliest adopters of Bitcoin, has recently shared a prediction about the future price of the leading crypto. According to Davinci, Bitcoin price could soar to $350,000, though he did not specify a timeline for this forecast. His analysis is grounded in BTC’s historical performance and its correlation with mining costs.

Bitcoin Price May Soar to $350K, Says Early Adopter Jeremie Davinci

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Jeremie Davinci outlined his perspective on Bitcoin’s potential price trajectory. He emphasized the correlation between the cost of mining one Bitcoin and its eventual market value. According to Davinci, Bitcoin has historically demonstrated an ability to surpass its mining cost by a factor of five during bull market cycles.

Currently, the estimated cost to mine one Bitcoin stands at $70,000, considering the expenses incurred by miners using advanced equipment and low-cost energy sources. Based on this metric, Davinci speculated that Bitcoin could eventually reach $350,000 if past trends hold. He highlighted the immense potential of Bitcoin, referring to its unique properties as a digital asset that combines scarcity and utility.

Davinci refrained from providing a specific timeline for his forecast, focusing instead on the factors that influence Bitcoin price. He emphasized that his projection relies on historical patterns rather than short-term speculation.

Moreover, this prediction comes amid the rising dominance of institutions buying Bitcoin, with $100 billion worth of BTC accumulated by giants like BlackRock, MicroStrategy, and Fidelity. Their aggressive buying signals confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential.

Mining Costs and BTC Correlation Explained

Jeremie Davinci’s prediction stems from the close relationship between Bitcoin’s mining cost and its price in the market. Mining costs are determined by the resources required to validate transactions and secure the blockchain, including electricity and specialized equipment. As these costs rise, they often set a baseline for Bitcoin price.

Historically, Bitcoin price has outperformed its mining costs during bullish periods. For example, in previous cycles, Bitcoin surged to valuations above the breakeven cost for miners. Davinci pointed out that this trend demonstrates the economic incentives embedded in the cryptocurrency’s design.

The dynamics of Bitcoin’s supply play a critical role in shaping its price trends. After the most recent halving event in April 2024, the block reward for miners was reduced to 3.125 BTC. Halving events, which occur every four years, are designed to reduce the rate at which new Bitcoin is created, ultimately capping the total supply at 21 million coins.

With nearly 20 million Bitcoins already mined, the remaining supply is limited, adding to the asset’s scarcity. Historically, Bitcoin price has often experienced upward momentum following BTC halving events due to reduced supply pressure.

Market Sentiment Amid Price Movements

While Jeremie Davinci’s forecast paints an optimistic picture, Bitcoin’s recent market performance has exhibited volatility. Earlier this week, Bitcoin dropped below $96,000 after reaching $102,000, prompting varied reactions from market participants. Renowned investor Robert Kiyosaki celebrated the dip, calling it an opportunity for accumulation at a discounted price.

More so, analysts have also supported the “buy the dip” narrative, leveraging historical trends and current market signals. CryptoQuant’s Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) indicator, which is currently at 0.987, highlights that short-term Bitcoin holders are selling at a loss. Historically, such scenarios have often preceded a market rebound. 

According to CryptoQuant analyst MAC.D, the pain experienced by these short-term investors typically marks an opportune moment for accumulation.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $94,100, showing resilience despite short-term corrections. 

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Heritage Distilling Holding Company, listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker CASK, has officially announced its Bitcoin Treasury Policy Statement. The company intends to incorporate Bitcoin into its operations by accepting it as payment and holding it as a strategic asset. This initiative positions the craft distiller as an early adopter of cryptocurrency within the craft spirits industry.

Heritage Distilling Adopts Bitcoin Strategy for Treasury and E-Commerce

In a recent press statement, Heritage Distilling outlined plans to integrate Bitcoin into its business model. The company will accept Bitcoin as payment through its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, enabling customers to purchase craft spirits using cryptocurrency. This move reflects a broader trend of businesses leveraging digital assets for seamless payment options.

Heritage Distilling also plans to hold Bitcoin as part of its corporate treasury strategy. The company believes this strategy enhances its financial flexibility and broadens its consumer base.

Notably, the growing adoption of Bitcoin strategy among institutional players has raised a lot of buzz in the cryptocurrency market. Most recently, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju revealed the only scenario in which MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Strategy could lead to bankruptcy. According to him, the company, which holds $46 billion in BTC against $7 billion in debt, faces a liquidation threshold if Bitcoin’s price drops to $16,500—a situation he deems highly improbable.

Strategic Cushion Against Bitcoin Volatility

Heritage Distilling emphasized its ability to mitigate potential risks associated with Bitcoin price volatility. As a producer of consumer goods, the company benefits from a margin between the cost of production and the retail price of its products. This margin is a cushion allowing the company to absorb fluctuations in Bitcoin price without impacting its stability.

The company’s leadership noted that the recent updates to financial accounting standards simplify how public companies report Bitcoin holdings. This change makes it easier for businesses like Heritage Distilling to incorporate Bitcoin into their operations without accounting challenges.

Leadership and Governance Behind the Initiative

Heritage Distilling’s Board of Directors has established a Technology and Cryptocurrency Committee to oversee the development and implementation of its Bitcoin Strategy. Chaired by Matt Swann, a leader in technology and digital payments, the committee is tasked with crafting a formal Bitcoin Treasury Policy for board approval.

According to CEO Justin Stiefel, this initiative positions Heritage Distilling as an innovator in the craft spirits industry. The company aims to attract new customers, including Bitcoin users, while leveraging the potential growth of Bitcoin as an asset. 

 Justin Stiefel commented,

“Heritage has always been an innovator and once again we are leading the way in the craft spirits space as we prepare to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment for online e-commerce sales and to acquire and hold Bitcoin as an asset.”

Meanwhile, another notable Bitcoin adopter, Genius Group, has boosted its Bitcoin Treasury by $5 million, bringing its total holdings to $35 million. The AI-powered education firm remains committed to its “Bitcoin-first” strategy. It leverages crypto-backed loans to fund reserves and integrate blockchain into its educational platforms.

The company most recently boosted its Bitcoin Treasury by $10 million, bringing its holdings to 319.4 BTC at an average cost of $93,919 per BTC.

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Aptos has added Chainlink Data Feeds to give developers access to reliable off-chain data in order to enhance the development of dApps on its blockchain. Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that provides trusted and secure data to blockchains, and it is a popular solution in the Web3.

This integration will improve scalability, reliability and security of applications that are developed on Aptos.

Aptos Partners With Chainlink For Web3 Applications

In its most recent blog post, Aptos revealed that it is now collaborating with Chainlink Data Feeds to further complement its blockchain community. This integration enables the Aptos developers to integrate reliable off-chain data in their dApps. To avoid the risk of a single point of failure, Chainlink’s infrastructure combines data from several premium sources.

The integration will improve the credibility of the data required to design and build intricate applications. As a result, Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network will be utilized by Aptos to enable a secure and high throughput dApps environment. This will go a long way in helping to attend to the increasing needs of the Web3 ecosystem.

Thodoris Karakostas, head of blockchain partnerships at Chainlink commented,

“We are excited that Aptos has adopted the Chainlink standard. Chainlink Data Feeds will greatly enhance the reliability of applications built on the network, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ways developers leverage it.”

It is worth noting that Aptos Labs co-founder and CEO, Mo Shaikh recently resigned, with co-founder Avery Ching taking over as CEO.

Scalability and Security With Aptos’ Modular Architecture

Aptos has positioned itself as a high-performance blockchain with a focus on scalability and security. Its use of the Move programming language and Block-STM engine allows for efficient execution of complex transactions. This modular architecture supports reduced latency, ensuring fast and seamless user experiences.

With the addition of Chainlink Data Feeds, Aptos strengthens its ability to support enterprise-grade applications. Developers can now build decentralized solutions with enhanced security and scalability, addressing the evolving needs of blockchain users.

Chainlink has become a trusted standard for delivering verifiable data to blockchains, supporting major decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Its decentralized infrastructure eliminates manipulation risks by providing tamper-proof data through a network of reliable nodes. 

Chainlink’s technology plays a critical role in advancing Web3 by enabling real-time and accurate data delivery.

Ripple Leverages Chainlink for RLUSD Stablecoin

Notably, earlier this week, Ripple partnered with Chainlink to enhance its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin. Consequently, Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network now delivers secure price feeds for RLUSD on both Ethereum and the XRP Ledger.

Ripple’s adoption underscores the growing importance of secure data delivery in blockchain-based finance. The collaboration will boost RLUSD adoption by ensuring real-time, accurate pricing data. This will actively bridge the gap between blockchain technology and traditional finance.

Meanwhile, LINK whales offloaded 770,000 tokens worth $18.4 million between January 1 and January 4, following a 21% price rally. 

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CleanSpark, a Bitcoin mining company based in the United States, has recently mined more than 10,000 BTC in its treasury. As of January 9, 2025, when this report was written, the company is holding 10,097 BTC, all of which were mined. This comes after CleanSpark said it had mined 668 bitcoins in December 2024, which put the total number of Bitcoins available in its treasury at 9,952.

CleanSpark Reaches 10,000 BTC Milestone

CleanSpark announced in a press release that the company has accumulated over 10,000 BTC in its treasury through its self-mining in the USA. This amounts to a 236% yearly increase in the amount of Bitcoin the company has been holding. At the end of the year 2024, the company had mined 668 BTC in a month, taking the overall total of BTC to 10,097 from 9,952.

According to CleanSpark, this achievement was attributed to operational efficiency and positioning. So, the company has been focusing on adequate capital management to develop the mining operations and not to affect company growth.

Chief Financial Officer of CleanSpark, Gary Vecchiarelli, added,

“As the digital asset landscape evolves, we are committed to using our bitcoin holdings in a manner that aligns with sound risk management principles and disciplined capital strategy. By avoiding unfavorable counterparty exposure and leveraging our bitcoin to lower our cost of capital, we are positioning CleanSpark as a leader in responsible financial innovation.”

These milestones come amid recent reports that the Bitcoin miner would be buying BTC after raising $550 million in convertible senior notes. However, Cleanspark clarified it would not use the funds to purchase Bitcoin, instead allocating $145 million to repurchase shares and settle debts.

Commitment To US-based Operations Drives Bitcoin Mining

Notably, all Bitcoin in CleanSpark’s treasury has been mined in the United States, supported by local energy resources and jobs. This approach aligns with the company’s dedication to boosting innovation and sustainability in the Bitcoin mining industry.

Additionally, CleanSpark’s CEO, Zach Bradford, emphasized the importance of operational excellence in achieving this milestone. The company’s operations reflect a broader commitment to supporting the growth of Bitcoin mining practices and responsible use of resources.

Zach Bradford emphasized, 

“Surpassing the 10,000-bitcoin mark reflects CleanSpark’s commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and disciplined capital management.”

Notable moves include the purchase of GRIID Infrastructure and the addition of seven new facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee. These developments have enabled the Bitcoin miner to diversify its mining portfolio and increase its operational capacity.

The company’s acquisition strategy optimizes its mining facilities, which are powered by low-cost and reliable energy sources. This approach has helped CleanSpark maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic Bitcoin mining industry.

Bitcoin Miner Financial Strategy

Also, the financial strategy of CleanSpark is a perfect balance between risk-taking and the efficient use of its Bitcoin assets. The company does not take risks with counterparties and uses its Bitcoin treasury to reduce capital expenses. This is especially the case given its goal of achieving sustainable financial value for stakeholders alongside financial resilience.

Moreover, another Bitcoin miner, Riot Platforms, revealed it produced 4% more BTC in December 2024, mining 516 BTC in total. The company launched the 400MW phase of its Corsicana Facility and this saw the company’s hash rate increase by 155%. Riot generated 4,828 BTC in 2024 while still managing to keep an average net power cost of $0.034 per kWh.

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Circle, the company behind the USD Coin (USDC), has made a crypto donation to the inaugural funds of the President-Elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump. Jeremy Allaire of Circle, the CEO of Circle, stated that the company will be giving $1 Million USDC on X. The donation is a major achievement for digital assets, given the increasing adoption of stablecoins as a tool for real-world use.

Circle Donates $1M in USDC to Support Donald Trump’s Inauguration Fund

According to a recent post on X by Jeremy Allaire, Circle has made a crypto donation of $1 million in USDC to the inaugural fund of President-elect Donald Trump. The announcement highlights the Trump Committee’s willingness to accept stablecoins, reflecting the evolving use of digital dollars in political funding.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized the broader implications of the crypto donation. He noted that the donation underscores the increasing adoption of USDC in high-profile transactions. The contribution aligns with Circle’s mission of promoting digital currency as a viable tool for financial innovation in the United States.

This announcement comes a few weeks after the stablecoin issuer’s partnership with Binance to increase the usage of USDC. The partnership aims to bring USDC into Binance with the ability to trade, transact, and hold in its corporate treasury. This particular partnership will help in the provision of stablecoin and further development of the world’s financial systems.

Donald Trump Committee Embraces USDC

The Trump Committee’s acceptance of USDC demonstrates the growing relevance of digital dollars in various sectors. The $1 million crypto donation is part of a record $170 million raised by the committee for the upcoming inauguration. 

Circle CEO’s statement highlighted the crypto donation as a significant milestone for Circle and USDC. He remarked on the Committee’s willingness to accept USDC as a payment method, calling it an indicator of how far digital currencies have come in gaining acceptance.

Jeremy Allaire commented,

“We are excited to be building a great American company, and the fact that the Committee took payment in USDC is an indicator of how far we have come and the potential and power of digital dollars.”

Circle’s contribution underscores the stablecoin’s utility in large-scale financial transactions. Donald Trump’s campaign committee’s use of USDC sets a precedent for digital assets in political financing.

Circle continues to advocate for the use of USDC in diverse industries, from commerce to governmental initiatives. Late last year, the stablecoin issuer received approval from the OSC and CSA, making USDC the first to meet Canada’s VRCA regulations. This milestone ensures that USDC remains available on compliant Canadian platforms.

Will Trump’s Administration Create a US Bitcoin Reserve in 2025?

As Donald Trump’s inauguration nears, discussions around a US Bitcoin reserve have gained momentum. Industry leaders are urging the incoming administration to establish a federally-backed Bitcoin reserve to strengthen the nation’s financial infrastructure.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute has proposed allocating $21 billion to build the reserve. Analysts suggest that the initiative could define Trump’s administration as a champion of digital innovation. Whether the proposal advances remains to be seen, but it underscores the crypto industry’s high hopes for the upcoming presidency.

In addition, following Circle’s crypto donation, CNBC has reported that Google also contributed $1 million to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund. Google’s global head of government affairs, Karan Bhatia, confirmed the donation and announced plans to livestream the inauguration on YouTube. Other tech giants, including Meta, OpenAI, Amazon, and Apple, have also reportedly made contributions to the inaugural committee.

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FTX issued a formal statement clarifying details surrounding Backpack entities’ claim of acquiring FTX EU Ltd. The clarification, released on January 8, 2025, addresses inaccuracies in Backpack’s January 7 press release, which suggested its involvement in asset recovery for former FTX EU customers.

FTX Highlights Inaccuracy in Backpack’s FTX EU Acquisition Statements

In a recent press release, FTX addressed statements made by Backpack entities regarding its purported acquisition of FTX EU. FTX stated that the January 7, 2025, Backpack announcement was made without FTX’s knowledge or involvement. According to the exchange, Backpack’s press release contain multiple inaccuracies that could mislead stakeholders.

FTX emphasized that 100% of FTX EU share capital is still owned by FTX Europe AG, a subsidiary of FTX. While there was an earlier agreement to sell FTX EU to former insiders of FTX Europe as part of a settlement, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing the Chapter 11 process has not approved any transfer. The defunct exchange also confirmed that it was unaware of any indirect sale of FTX EU shares to Backpack before this week.

Bankruptcy Court and Asset Recovery Process

In addition, the defunct exchange clarified that Backpack has no role in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court-approved process for returning funds to creditors, including FTX EU’s former customers. The company reiterated that only FTX EU holds responsibility for determining and returning funds owed to its customers. The court’s Chapter 11 plan does not authorize the organization to make distributions to any creditors or former customers.

The defunct exchange further stated that the amounts owed by FTX EU to its customers would be assessed solely by FTX EU following its sale, not by the exchange or the Bankruptcy Court. Therefore, the exchange disclaimed Backpack’s liability for repayments of EU customer funds.

Furthermore, the defunct exchange expressed concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the information presented in Backpack’s materials. The report urged stakeholders to rely only on official FTX communications.

Initial Distributions Under Bankruptcy Plan

The defunct exchange also provided an update on its U.S. Bankruptcy Court-approved Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The defunct exchange plan became effective on January 3, 2025, with the initial distribution record date set for the same day. Distributions to convenience class claimants are expected within 60 days, subject to regulatory requirements.

Meanwhile, the exchange reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to the court’s processes and ensuring accurate communication with creditors.

These developments come in light of recent media speculation that US President Joe Biden might pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the defunct FTX Exchange. Biden’s recent pardon of his son has sparked further rumors that SBF could get the same treatment.

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The US has said that Do Kwon, the co-founder and former CEO of Terraform Labs, the company behind the Terra ecosystem, will have his criminal fraud trial commence in January 2026. This came out on Tuesday during the first court hearing in Manhattan where the two sides are starting to review through the six-terabyte database of evidence.

Here’s Why Terraform Co-Founder Do Kwon’s Trial Is Delayed Until 2026

According to the latest report from Manhattan’s Southern District Court, the criminal fraud trial of Terraform Co-Founder Do Kwon will start in January 2026. This is because the two parties require more time to go through the six terabytes of data in the discovery process.

Several factors that the Prosecutors pointed out as reasons for the delay include inability to access four cell phones produced by the Montenegrin authorities during Kwon’s extradition. Moreover, the translation of the extracted data from Korean language to English language took much time.

Authorities think that these encrypted phones are the main piece of evidence that can be connected to the charges against the Terraform Co-Founder. These devices are central to the prosecution’s case as they may hold records of financial transactions and communications directly linked to the allegations of crypto fraud.

Do Kwon’s Custody and Legal Proceedings to Date

Discovery Process Presents Challenges for Both Sides

During the initial hearing, lead prosecutor Jared Lenow emphasized the magnitude of the evidence. The government is working to unlock the four encrypted devices provided by Montenegrin authorities and assess their relevance. Similarly, the translation of communications from Korean into English adds another layer of complexity.

The presiding judge, Paul Engelmayer, noted the unusual length of time between the initial conference and the trial date. While unprecedented in his career, Engelmayer granted the delay to ensure both parties had adequate time to analyze the evidence. The defense team has until next week to decide if Kwon prefers an earlier trial date in 2025.

Terraform Co-Founder Faces Multiple Legal Challenges

The legal troubles for the Terraform Co-Founder are far from over. Apart from the crypto fraud charges, Kwon continues to be a focus of investigations connected with the fall of the Terra/LUNA. His position as the CEO during the period of the project collapse has put him under pressure from regulators.

The next trial will concern charges of securities fraud, wire fraud and other related charges. Therefore, the prosecution will depend on the evidence from Kwon’s devices. If found guilty, the trial will have a bearing on how other high profile crypto fraud cases will be addressed in the future.

The court has scheduled the next status conference for March 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. During this session, the court will review updates on the discovery process and any potential changes to the trial timeline. Both the defense and prosecution will provide progress reports on their analyses of the crypto fraud evidence.

Moreover, a recent filing made after Kwon’s extradition shows that Terra collapse may have affected more than a million investors globally. US prosecutors have weighed in on the scope of the global impact and noted its spread.

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Bitstamp has followed various other global exchanges in unveiling support for Ripple’s RLUSD – the enterprise-grade stablecoin supported on the Ethereum network. This addition is a part of Bitstamp’s plan to expand its services and address the needs of investors in search of a reliable digital asset for financial use.

RLUSD Stablecoin Goes Live on Bitstamp

In a recent blog post by Bitstamp, it announced that Ripple USD (RLUSD) is now tradable on the platform. The stablecoin is supported on the Ethereum network and can be traded against six major pairs: USD, EUR, BTC, ETH, XRP, and USDT.

Ripple USD (RLUSD) is a stablecoin backed 1:1 by US dollars and cash equivalents, ensuring consistent value and reliability. Its design aligns with stringent regulatory standards, including issuance under a New York Trust Charter. This backing ensures that RLUSD meets the demands of both individual and institutional users looking for secure financial tools.

This is coming over the recent news that Bitstamp is considering establishing a derivatives exchange on XRP Ledger due to low fees and high-speed transactions. Should this be the case, it will open up the ledger for more usage and potentially bring more usage for XRP in the crypto space.

Enterprise-Grade Features of Ripple RLUSD Stablecoin

Ripple designed RLUSD for enterprise-grade financial applications, tailoring it for payments, tokenization, and decentralized finance (DeFi). RLUSD provides a dependable option for businesses seeking blockchain-powered efficiencies by leveraging Ripple’s expertise in enterprise solutions.

Designed for institutional-grade applications, it offers stability and compliance, making it an ideal choice for payments and tokenization.

Additionally, the stablecoin availability on the Ethereum network enhances its usability within decentralized ecosystems. Developers and users can utilize RLUSD to explore opportunities in DeFi, ranging from liquidity pools to decentralized exchanges. This positioning makes RLUSD a key entry point for those looking to integrate blockchain into traditional financial systems.

Stablecoin Trust and Compliance Features

Moreover, one of the distinguishing features of Ripple RLUSD is its regulatory compliance. Issued under a New York Trust Charter, RLUSD adheres to high standards of transparency and accountability. This charter provides users with confidence in the coin’s stability and trustworthiness.

Bitstamp has highlighted that RLUSD global reach is boosted through partnerships, offering seamless on/off ramps between fiat, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins. This functionality will facilitate cross-border transactions and streamline the adoption of digital assets.

Amid the growing Ripple ecosystem and its recent RLUSD stablecoin launch, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty met Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting marks a pivotal start to 2025 as Ripple continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its market presence.

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President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national economic emergency to implement a universal tariff program targeting allies and adversaries. These tariffs, potentially introduced under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), will realign global trade balances. 

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller addressed concerns about inflation and the potential economic ramifications of such tariffs. This development raises questions about how these policies may influence the cryptocurrency market.

Donald Trump’s Tariff Strategy

As reported by CNN, President-elect Donald Trump is considering the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement tariffs. The intended tariffs are to rebalance global trade while focusing on the manufacturing sector in the United States. Trump’s preference for IEEPA lies in its flexibility, allowing swift implementation without needing extensive national security justification.

Supporters of the tariffs argue they could rebuild American industrial capacity and strengthen the economy. However, the uncertainty surrounding the scope and execution of these tariffs could ripple through global financial markets. This may influence investor behavior in emerging sectors like the crypto market.

Donald Trump’s deputy assistant for International Economic Affairs, Kelly Ann Shaw, commented,

“I think the president has broad authority to impose tariffs for a variety of reasons, and there are a number of statutory bases to do so.”

Federal Reserve’s Perspective on Tariffs and Inflation

Concurrently, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller has addressed the possible inflationary risks associated with Trump’s tariff proposals. Waller noted that while inflation stalled above the Fed’s 2% target in late 2024, he remains optimistic about a gradual decline in 2025. He added that increased tariffs are unlikely to cause persistent inflation, decoupling their potential effects from broader economic trends.

Waller stated, 

“I will support further cuts in 2025, but the pace will depend on further inflation progress. I don’t expect tariffs to have a significant impact on inflation.”

The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 basis points at the end of 2024, and more cuts will follow based on the inflation rate. The outlook indicates that monetary policy could continue with an accommodative stance in the year 2025. This will support financial markets, including cryptocurrencies, to improve liquidity and investment flow.

Implications of Tariffs on The Cryptocurrency Market

If the Fed cuts interest rates further, as expected by the market, then there is the possibility that more funds could flow into the crypto market for better returns. Usually, such rate cuts fuel risk-on sentiment, so assets such as crypto benefit from it.

However, Donald Trump’s tariff policies may create broader trade uncertainties. This may indirectly influence the crypto market through changes in global economic confidence.

Trade disruptions could lead to diminished faith in traditional financial systems, potentially encouraging a shift toward decentralized digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. On the other hand, if tariffs introduce unforeseen inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve might pause or reverse rate cuts, which could dampen optimism in the crypto market.

The Federal Reserve and broader economic concerns have been among the major reasons for the cryptocurrency market crash. Rising U.S. Treasury yields and a hawkish Fed stance have fueled risk-off sentiment, drawing capital away from cryptocurrencies. 

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The official platform Bitfinex Derivatives has announced that it has received a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license in El Salvador. The Seychelles based parent company made this announcement as the platform continues to expand its presence across the Latin American region.

Bitfinex Gains DASP License in El Salvador, Strengthening Latin America Presence

As reported on X recently, Bitfinex Derivatives has become the latest to obtain a DASP license in El Salvador. With this license, the platform is able to offer its derivatives service through a new subsidiary called Bitfinex Derivatives El Salvador S.A. de C.V. The company statement adds that the users have to agree to the terms in order to continue using the service.

The move to El Salvador aligns with Bitfinex’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in Latin America. The company noted its mission to deliver advanced trading solutions. This further reinforces Bukele’s government position as a key player in the crypto economy.

The trading platform stated,

“To continue to use the Derivative Services on or after this date, you will be required to accept the Bitfinex Derivatives El Salvador S.A. de C.V. terms of service. “

Enhanced Trading Solutions Through Bitfinex Derivatives

With the DASP license, Bitfinex will provide innovative derivatives trading services to its users. These services include options, perpetual futures, and other advanced trading instruments. Bitfinex has partnered with providers like Thalex to enhance its offerings and expand accessibility.

This licensing ensures compliance with local crypto regulations, providing users with a secure trading environment. The updated framework will attract more institutional and retail traders, boosting its presence in the Latin American region.

El Salvador’s Role in the Global Crypto Economy

El Salvador has solidified its role as a leader in the cryptocurrency space. The country pioneered Bitcoin adoption as legal tender in 2021 and continues to grant licenses to crypto platforms. Bitfinex was the first crypto exchange to secure DASP registration in El Salvador in 2021, followed by Bitfinex Securities obtaining a Digital Assets License.

Nayib Bukele’s government has been providing encouraging policies and making sound investments in the crypto industry. By the end of December 2024, the Bukele’s government had bought more than 6,000 BTC, which proves it’s focus on the cryptocurrency.

Moreover, El Salvador plans to accelerate Bitcoin accumulation, adding to its current reserves valued at approximately $596 million. Despite retiring the Chivo wallet and IMF restrictions limiting Bitcoin use in public transactions, the government remains committed to advancing Bitcoin education and capital market development as part of its strategy.

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The cryptocurrency market was in the red on Tuesday as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE) and other digital assets tanked. The crypto market crash happened at the same time as other risk-off events across the global financial market due to higher US treasury yields, a more hawkish Fed, and increased macroeconomic risk.

Why The Sudden Crypto Market Crash?

1. Rising U.S. Treasury Yields Trigger Risk-Off Sentiment

The crypto market has been declining today, and one of its leading causes was the increase in bond yields. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to 4.70%, with the 30-year and 5-year U.S. Treasury yields also up at 4.61% and 4.50%, respectively.

For context, higher bond yields make traditional investments more attractive, drawing capital away from riskier assets like cryptocurrencies. This shift also lead to further sell-off across other assets classes, including equities. The Nasdaq 100 dropped more than 1 percent and popular tech stocks including NVIDIA and Tesla suffered losses. For instance, Tesla stocks fell by 4.68% to $391.81 per share wiping off $19.24 of the share value.

     2. Hawkish Federal Reserve Outlook Adds to Pressure

Moreover, the stance of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy also played a big role in influencing investor perception. Minutes from the December meeting estimated lower interest rate cuts in 2025 than earlier projected.

The reports before the Fed minutes unveiled a robust labour market with job openings climbing to a six-month high. This led to a question of a possible continued inflation, which would mean a stricter monetary policy. In the past, tighter policies have been unfavorable to the cryptocurrencies as the higher interest rates make the cryptocurrencies unattractive.

Also, JOLTS job openings increased by 259,000 to 8.1 million in November 2024, which was the second straight month of growth. Professional services and finance were the best performers in the market. ISM Services PMI also pointed to the continuation of economic performance which stirred the fears of limited fed rate cuts in 2025.

     3. Macro Uncertainty and Broader Economic Concerns

Uncertainty in the U.S. economy has heightened market volatility. Fiscal policies under President Donald Trump and the looming debt ceiling have created investor unease. Rising fiscal deficits and unclear Treasury strategies add to the concerns, further impacting market confidence.

Analysts, including Arthur Hayes, predict a short-term boost for crypto in Q1 2025 due to increased U.S. dollar liquidity. The Treasury’s spending could temporarily fuel gains for Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, the need to refill the Treasury General Account and April’s tax season could reverse these gains, leading to a crypto market crash.

Crypto-linked stocks like Coinbase and MicroStrategy have also suffered sharp declines. Rising bond yields and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance have intensified the sell-off. This downturn reflects the interconnected nature of global markets

BTC, ETH, DOGE, And Altcoins Price Action Amid Crypto Market Crash

The crypto market’s losses were pronounced, with major cryptocurrencies suffering steep declines and trading volumes surging amid the sell-off.

Bitcoin (BTC) price dropped 5.04% to $96,713, falling below the $100,000 psychological support level. The 24-hour trading volume rose 13% to $55.12 billion, indicating increased activity as traders reacted to the downturn. Its market capitalization declined to $1.91 trillion, reflecting the broader BTC bearish sentiment.

Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) was down by 8% to $3,394 after failing to hold the $3,600 level. Market capitalization of the company fell to $412.29 billion, while trading volume rose by 21% to $28.23 billion. Rising volatility indicated that the investors are more uncertain as compared to the previous periods in this environment.

Likewise, the value of XRP price declined by 5.66% to $2.29 as market capitalization fell by 6.03% to $131.29 billion. Nevertheless, the trading volume rose to $6.95 billion, which is 57.57% more, which shows increased activity.

The crypto market crash also affected top meme coins. Dogecoin (DOGE) recorded a 9.12% drop to $0.3546. Its market capitalization decreased to $52.3 billion, and trading volume soared 54% to $4.6 billion. The increase in trading activity reflected mixed reactions, ranging from profit-taking to panic-driven selling.

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Babylon has officially announced the launch of its Phase-2 testnet, known as bbn-test-5, set to begin block production on January 8, 2025, at 9 AM UTC. This phase introduces an upgraded staking web app and focuses on testing new functionalities within the Babylon Proof-of-Stake chain. The testnet emphasizes interoperability and collaboration among key protocol participants.

Key Features of The Babylon Phase-2 Testnet

According to a recent blog post, the Babylon Phase-2 testnet will include a Proof-of-Stake chain secured by both Bitcoin PoS stakes and Signet Bitcoin stakes. This will incorporate both existing stakes from Phase-1 and newly created ones. Participants can register their Phase-1 stakes using the upgraded staking web app, which goes live at 10 AM UTC on January 8.

The new testnet will allow developers, stakers, and other participants explore the registration of Phase-1 Signet Bitcoin stakes for Phase-2 operations. The testnet encourages collaboration among stakers, wallets, and developers by supporting the deployment of permissionless smart contracts. However, the tokens involved in this testnet are simulated and hold no monetary value.

Moreover, it is important to note that BOB recently integrated with Babylon to leverage Bitcoin finality for securing transactions. This integration uses Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) to enhance Bitcoin liquidity in DeFi while retaining the robust security of Bitcoin’s blockchain.

Faucets and Testnet Participation

To enable participation, the Bitcoin staking network has provided testnet faucets for acquiring the necessary funds. The faucets will distribute test Signet Bitcoin and tBABY tokens after the testnet launch. Signet Bitcoin, available through the Discord and OKX faucets, will be used for creating new stakes. Similarly, the Discord faucet will distribute 0.3 tBABY tokens per address weekly.

Additionally, the staking app enables migration of Phase-1 stakes to the Phase-2 testnet. New stakes can also be created, and the app provides fast unbonding times of approximately 16-17 hours.

Staking and Validation in The Bitcoin PoS Testnet

Participants in the Babylon Phase-2 testnet include stakers, finality providers, CometBFT validators, and wallets. Stakers can register stakes through the staking app or CLI tools, while finality providers ensure network security by casting finality votes. CometBFT validators participate in block production, contributing to the consensus mechanism of the Bitcoin PoS chain.

In addition, stake limits for Phase-2 have been established to prevent spam and manage stake flow. Transactions require a minimum stake of 0.0005 Signet Bitcoin, with a maximum stake of 350 Signet Bitcoin per transaction. The active set size for finality providers and CometBFT validators is capped at 100 slots each.

Notably, participation in the Phase-2 testnet is restricted based on jurisdictional and regulatory considerations. Individuals and entities from sanctioned regions, including U.S. residents, are prohibited from participating. 

More so, last month, crypto exchange Binance revealed its plans to debut On-chain Yields, starting with Babylon BTC Staking. This initiative allows users to stake BTC and earn rewards directly through the platform.

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Stablecoin issuer Tether, has in conjunction with a popular crypto exchange platform revealed that it will be conducting a $1 billion USDT chain swap. The swap will shift the stablecoin from other blockchains to Tron network to improve the communication between the supported chains.

Details of the Tether USDT Chain Swap to Tron Network

On January 6, Tether revealed via its X account that it is coordinating with a top third-party exchange to move $1 billion worth of USDT. The swap will involve transferring a portion of the stablecoin held in cold wallets to the Tron blockchain.

Tether’s stablecoin, USDT, is currently available on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Tron. The issuer clarified that the process will not alter the total USDT supply but will ensure that liquidity is optimized across various networks. This mechanism enables traders and users to leverage their assets on any blockchain supported by the crypto firm.

Meanwhile, the stablecoin issuer recently joined the bandwagon of firms increasing their Bitcoin reserves, adding 7,629 BTC worth $705.25 million. The funds, transferred from Bitfinex after nine months of dormancy, bring Tether’s total Bitcoin holdings to 82,983 BTC. Acquired for $2.99 billion, these holdings are now valued at $7.68 billion, reflecting its growing Bitcoin strategy.

USDT’s Dominance in the Stablecoin Market

Furthermore, USDT remains on top of the list in the stablecoin market cap with a value of more than $137 billion. Its main application areas are in payment systems, trading, and cross-border transactions. The stablecoin has recorded a 24-hour trading volume of $107 billion, a 69% jump in the last 24 hours.

On the other hand, the second popular stablecoin, the USDC, has a market cap of $45.8 billion and a daily trading volume of $7.7 billion. However, Tether’s stability pegged to the U.S. dollar has made it an essential tool for traders in the crypto market.

Nonetheless, despite the growing dominance, Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff has accused Tether of market manipulation following its recent 7,629 BTC purchase. Schiff claimed that the stablecoin issuer mints USDT “out of thin air” to acquire Bitcoin, likening it to quantitative easing. While Tether backs USDT with reserves and conducts audits, Schiff continues to question its practices.

Role of Chain Swaps in the Crypto Ecosystem

Chain swaps play a crucial role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem by enabling seamless asset transfers between blockchains. This allows users to access liquidity and trading opportunities across multiple blockchains, enhancing market efficiency.

The stablecoin issuer decision to facilitate a chain swap to Tron underscores its commitment to maintaining liquidity across supported networks. The Tron blockchain remains one of the primary platforms for USDT, driving substantial trading activity.

However, despite its dominance, the stablecoin issuer has not been without some challenges. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, proposed in December last year, has impacted the stablecoin market directly.

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Gemini Trust Co., the company established by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has reached a settlement of the case with the CFTC for $5 million. The complaint revolved around accusations that Gemini Trust submitted false and misleading information when trying to establish the first US-licensed Bitcoin futures contract.

Winklevoss Twins’ Gemini Ends CFTC Dispute With $5M Settlement

In a Bloomberg report, Gemini Trust agreed to settle with the CFTC and paid $5 million. This settlement is with respect to the regulator’s claims without Gemini admitting or denying liability. The case was filed in Manhattan federal court and the case was set to go to trial on January 21, 2025.

The legal action arose from allegations that Gemini Trust misled the CFTC in 2017 while describing mechanisms to prevent manipulation in Bitcoin pricing. These mechanisms were to serve as references for derivatives linked to the cryptocurrency.

This Gemini settlement comes after another recent prediction by former SEC enforcement lawyer Marc Fagel, who stated that a settlement is likely in the Ripple SEC case. Fagel noted that both Ripple and the SEC appealed parts of the case they lost, leaving penalties on hold. He believes the incoming Trump administration and SEC Chair Paul Atkins may decide not to pursue the appeal, prompting a settlement. 

CFTC Allegations and Regulatory Efforts

The CFTC had alleged that Gemini Trust made false statements regarding its Bitcoin futures contract proposal. The regulator argued that the company’s safeguards against price manipulation were insufficient and not accurately represented to the commission.

During the investigation, Gemini Trust provided subpoenaed laptops belonging to two former executives. These were part of a related criminal probe that ended without any charges. While the criminal investigation closed, the civil case brought by the CFTC continued, ultimately resulting in a $5 million settlement.

The civil enforcement case was one of many brought under President Joe Biden’s administration, which sought to tighten regulatory oversight. With President Donald Trump set to begin his second term on January 20, 2025, crypto advocates anticipate a shift toward industry-friendly policies.

Moreover, in a recent report, Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the “Trump effect” on Ripple, revealing that 75% of Ripple’s open roles are now US-based. He noted that the company signed more US deals in the last six weeks of 2024, post-Trump’s victory, than in the prior six months. Garlinghouse also emphasized the success of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, which recently surpassed PYUSD and EURC in 24-hour trading volume.

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KULR Technology Group Inc. has reported an expansion to its Bitcoin Treasury, adding an additional $21m through acquisitions. This takes the company’s Bitcoin holding value to $42 million. The purchases were done at an average price of $98,393.58 per Bitcoin inclusive of fees and expenses.

KULR Adds $21M In BTC, Achieves 93.7% BTC Yield With Bitcoin Treasury Strategy

KULR has added another $21 million worth of Bitcoin to its Bitcoin Treasury. This takes its Bitcoin buys to $42m, in line with the firm’s policy of putting up to 90% of excess cash into Bitcoin. The purchases were made with the use of cash balances and the company’s At-The-Market (ATM) equity offering programme.

The company introduced BTC Yield as a key performance indicator to track the growth of Bitcoin holdings per share. From its initial purchases in December 2024 to January 2025, KULR achieved a BTC Yield of 93.7%. This metric evaluates the increase in Bitcoin holdings relative to its fully diluted shares, offering investors an innovative transparency tool.

As more institutions invested in BTC, MicroStrategy bought 1,070 BTC for $101 million at an average of $94,004 per BTC in its ninth purchase in nine weeks. The company now owns 447,470 BTC bought for $27.97 billion which makes it the largest publicly traded bitcoin holder.

Bitcoin Strategy and Investor Considerations

KULR Bitcoin Treasury strategy focuses on increasing shareholder value through disciplined financial management. BTC Yield serves as a supplementary indicator, providing insights into the company’s Bitcoin acquisition growth. However, this metric does not reflect operating performance or stock price predictions. Investors review KULR’s financial statements and SEC filings for a comprehensive understanding of its financial position.

Despite the volatility of BTC price, KULR remains committed to its strategy, viewing Bitcoin as a core component of its treasury program. This approach aligns with its long-term vision to diversify its asset holdings and leverage Bitcoin potential as a store of value.

These developments come amid Bitcoin price reclaiming the $100,000 mark, fueled by a weakening US dollar. The US Dollar Index (DXY) has entered a demand zone, boosting bullish sentiment in the cryptocurrency market. Analysts predict this breakout could drive sustained momentum for Bitcoin, propelling it to uncharted price levels. This recovery highlights a growing interest in BTC as a store of value.

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As Ethena unveils plans to expand its product suite and penetrate traditional finance, the protocol’s native token, ENA, has experienced a surge in price and trading activity. The synthetic stablecoin protocol aims to cement its position as a “neobank,” introducing innovative products such as iUSDe and Telegram-based payments in early 2025.

ENA Price Surges 18% As Ethena Unveils iUSDe and Telegram Payment App

According to an official blog post, Ethena plans to launch iUSDe, a synthetic dollar savings token for institutional finance, in Q1 2025. The protocol is also developing a Telegram-based payment app, integrating blockchain technology with mobile payments. These efforts align with Ethena’s ambition to merge crypto and traditional financial systems.

The announcement fueled a strong rally in ENA price, which surged 19% to $1.24. The market capitalization rose to $3.75 billion, while trading volume increased by 50%, reaching $607 million. The price movement reflects heightened investor confidence in Ethena’s roadmap and product innovation.

This rally marks a major recovery from the recent ENA price dip, which saw a 10% decline amid massive whale selloffs. On-chain data revealed that ENA whales offloaded millions of ENA tokens to Binance, raising concerns about market volatility. Despite this, investor optimism remains high, fueled by Ethena’s ecosystem advancements.

Role in On-Chain and Traditional Finance

In addition, Ethena accounted for 85% of on-chain USD growth in 2024, driven by its core synthetic stablecoin, USDe. The protocol has positioned itself as a leader in decentralized finance, achieving a total value locked (TVL) of $5.94 billion. Its innovative approach to maintaining dollar pegs and integrating with other platforms has contributed to its growth.

With the launch of iUSDe, the stablecoin protocol will bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance (TradFi). iUSDe, designed for financial institutions, employs transfer restrictions to comply with regulatory standards. It allows institutions to access crypto-native returns without direct exposure to blockchain infrastructure.

Telegram Payments And Expansion Plans

In addition to iUSDe, the stablecoin protocol is building a payment app for Telegram users, leveraging the TON blockchain. This app will enable seamless mobile payments using USDe and Apple Pay. Telegram’s billion-user base provides an expansive market for Ethena’s payment solution.

The project also plans to introduce products like Ethereal, a crypto trading platform, and Derive, an options protocol. These tools, alongside USDtb integrations, will diversify offerings and enhance its appeal to both retail and institutional investors.

Moreover, recent data shows USDe nearing a market cap of $6 billion, reflecting a 140% growth since October. Built on the Ethereum network, USDe has been gaining traction as a scalable and censorship-resistant stablecoin alternative. This rising demand has fueled ENA price surge.

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As the cryptocurrency market grows, so do the tactics of scammers aiming to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Pro XRP lawyer John Deaton has issued a stern warning about evolving crypto scams. Deaton urged users to exercise caution and vigilance in safeguarding their digital assets.

Crypto Scam Alert: John Deaton Warns Users Against Evolving Tactics

In a detailed post on social media, John Deaton highlighted the dangers of sophisticated crypto scams targeting new and experienced users. Deaton stressed the importance of never sharing sensitive information like seed phrases or passwords. These details act as the key to accessing a user’s crypto wallet and can lead to the complete loss of funds.

Deaton shared a personal story about a near-miss incident where scammers hijacked his home WiFi and attempted to trick him into revealing his login credentials. The attackers used fake emails and calls posing as customer support representatives. John Deaton described the moment as a critical learning experience. He emphasized that scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate their targets.

The Pro XRP Lawyer added, 

“What people need to understand is that, not only do the emails look official, but it creates a sense of urgency and fear. The email states that your funds are at risk and you need to take immediate steps to protect your funds or they could be lost forever.”

Amid the increasing wave of crypto scams, Pudgy Penguins NFT holders have become the latest target. coinpress recently reported that scammers are using deceptive Google ads to lure users to fake websites designed to steal wallet credentials. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of attacks in the Web3 space and the urgent need for heightened security measures.

Sophisticated YouTube Scams Target Crypto Enthusiasts

A recent cybersecurity report from Kaspersky uncovered a new scam involving the use of YouTube comments. Scammers post crypto wallet seed phrases, claiming to seek assistance in transferring funds. These comments appear under finance-related videos and often portray the scammers as naïve beginners.

When an unscrupulous individual attempts to access the wallet using the shared seed phrase, they find it contains cryptocurrency, often USDT. However, to withdraw these funds, a small fee in TRX tokens is required. Victims transferring TRX to the wallet for fees soon discover their tokens are automatically redirected to the scammer’s account.

Multi-Signature Wallets: The New Tool in Crypto Scams

The wallet used in these scams is typically a multi-signature wallet, which requires multiple approvals to authorize transactions. This setup makes it impossible for the would-be thief to move the funds, even after sending TRX for fees. Instead, their TRX tokens are immediately drained, leaving them empty-handed.

More so, John Deaton pointed out that these scams exploit human greed, turning opportunistic individuals into victims. He warned that such schemes are becoming increasingly common and urged users to remain vigilant.

John Deaton advised users to adopt robust security measures to protect their digital assets. He emphasized the importance of enabling two-factor authentication and verifying the authenticity of emails and links before clicking. Additionally, he reiterated the critical rule,

”NEVER share passwords or seed phrases.”

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Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the famous ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ has revealed his expectations for a whopping rise in the value of Bitcoin in 2025. Kiyosaki values BTC price between $175,000 and $350,000 as he continued to take a bullish approach towards the popular cryptocurrency. The following forecasts come after Bitcoin’s outstanding year in 2024, which saw the crypto rise by 121% and hit a record $108,135 in December.

Robert Kiyosaki Says Bitcoin Will Surge to $175K-$350K In 2025

In a post on X, Robert Kiyosaki reiterated his bullish outlook on Bitcoin, predicting that the cryptocurrency could climb to $175,000 or even $350,000 in 2025. He attributed this to the growing market demand and the enhanced usage of Bitcoin as an investment instrument.

Bitcoin, the world’s largest crypto by market capitalization, surged 126% in an year and hit a record high of $108,135 in mid-December. As of the time of this writing, Bitcoin has made a sharp recovery: from the low of $94,280, the cryptocurrency has managed to rise to $98,200.

The price increase represents a 1.52% gain within the last 24 hours, with trading volumes spiking by 87.07% to $45.93 billion. This rally shows a rising market sentiment as Bitcoin price nears the $97k mark and increasing the market capitalization near $2T.

Similarly, in December, the Rich Dad Poor Dad author warned of an impending global economic depression, highlighting downturns in Europe, China, and the U.S. Robert Kiyosaki advised individuals to protect their wealth by investing in assets such as Bitcoin, gold, and silver. 

Therefore, he stressed the need for self-custody of Bitcoin and discouraged investors from focusing on the institutional investment products such as ETFs. Interestingly, Kiyosaki did not change his stand that Bitcoin price could reach $350,000 by 2025.

Bitcoin Price Actions and Other Analysts’ Predictions

Other market experts have echoed Robert Kiyosaki bullish sentiments for Bitcoin. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee has projected a target of $250,000 for Bitcoin in 2025, while Galaxy Digital anticipates the cryptocurrency could surpass $150,000 within the first half of the year. Analysts point to growing institutional interest and macroeconomic conditions as drivers for these projections.

Additionally, an economist, Alex Krüger, suggests that a dovish stance from the Federal Reserve in 2025 could act as a catalyst for BTC price rally. He explains that reduced interest rates may create a risk-on environment, boosting assets like Bitcoin. Krüger also notes that a strong equities performance in March or April could further amplify Bitcoin’s upward momentum.

Moreover, Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise, suggested that Bitcoin could reach $1 million in 2025. However, he cautioned that this would depend on the implementation of a U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, which he estimated has less than a 10% chance of occurring. Market optimism remains high, fueled by Robert Kiyosaki’s predictions and prospect of enhanced adoption and regulatory clarity.

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Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, has outlined key areas of focus for the region, emphasizing the ongoing transformation of the financial ecosystem. Merrick highlighted several trends shaping crypto in 2025, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Ripple Exec Reveals Key Crypto Trends for 2025 in Middle East and Africa

In a recent post on X, Ripple Managing Director Reece Merrick shared insights into the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. According to Merrick, the MENA region is poised for transformative changes driven by stablecoins, blockchain innovation, and regulatory advancements.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. Merrick praised the region’s progressive regulations, which enable blockchain innovation and provide a framework for digital assets. This regulatory environment positions the UAE as a hub for global digital finance.

Merrick tweeted, 

“The UAE is setting the pace for crypto adoption with its progressive regulations, stablecoin utility, blockchain innovation & government backing, which are making the region a global hub for digital assets.

More so, most recently, the XRP company CLO outlined that in 2025, the US SEC must adopt a more nuanced approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Alderoty’s statements highlight the need for regulatory clarity, urging the SEC to avoid overreach and collaborate with Congress to establish a framework that promotes innovation.

Stablecoins Revolutionizing Cross-Border Payments

Merrick emphasized the role of stablecoins in reshaping cross-border remittances across MENA. Stablecoins are reducing costs and speeding up transactions, creating more efficient connections between the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.

Moreover, the UAE’s regulation of stablecoins has already set a precedent for their utility as legal tender, enhancing financial inclusivity. Merrick believes this crypto trend will continue to grow in 2025, with stablecoins becoming integral to the regional financial system.

Merrick stated, 

“Dirham-backed coins & frameworks for foreign stablecoins are creating a safer, faster, & more inclusive financial system. Cross-border payments will never be the same.”

Blockchain to Transform Banking and Finance in MENA

According to Merrick, blockchain technology will be increasingly embraced by banks in the region. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Morocco are expected to integrate blockchain for faster payments and the tokenization of assets.

The tokenization of bonds and other financial instruments is already unlocking economic opportunities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These innovations are driving the modernization of financial systems and enhancing resilience in the sector.

Ripple continues to focus on tokenization as a core component of its strategy. With a strong presence in the MENA region and partnerships with key banking institutions, Ripple is at the forefront of driving these crypto trends. 

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Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, along with a wave of pro-crypto candidates winning their races, has sparked interest among Canada’s cryptocurrency leaders. The crypto industry in the US invested heavily in these elections, spending $135 million to support candidates through initiatives like the Crypto’s Fairshake PAC and other super PACs.

Donald Trump’s US Election Win Spurs Crypto Advocacy Efforts in Canada

According to a Bloomberg report, Donald Trump’s presidential victory and the success of pro-crypto candidates in the US elections have led to increased interest among Canadian crypto advocates. The US crypto industry invested $135 million in supporting candidates through campaigns such as Crypto’s Fairshake PAC, backed by Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Andreessen Horowitz.

In response, Canada’s crypto leaders are focusing on grassroots advocacy rather than campaign funding due to Canada’s strict donation limits. Stand With Crypto, a US-based advocacy group, expanded its efforts to Canada in mid-2023. The advocacy group is mobilizing local communities to engage with policymakers and raise awareness about digital assets.

As Canada’s interest in cryptocurrency advocacy grows, it recently marked a regulatory milestone with USDC issuer Circle. The stablecoin issuer became the first stablecoin provider to meet the new Value-Referenced Crypto Asset (VRCA) guidelines set by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). This approval ensures USDC’s continued availability on compliant Canadian platforms.

Focus on Policy Reforms and Stablecoin Regulation

Canada’s cryptocurrency industry has identified key areas for policy reform, including the regulation of stablecoins, retirement plan exposure to Bitcoin, and tax-free savings account options for crypto. Canadian Securities Administrators introduced stricter rules in late 2023, limiting the listing of stablecoins on crypto trading platforms.

These regulatory challenges have led to the exit of major platforms like Binance, Bybit, and OKX from the Canadian market. Industry leaders argue that stablecoins should be regulated as payment instruments rather than securities, aligning with global practices. This issue remains a central focus for Canadian crypto advocates.

Increased Transactions and Adoption Post-US Election

However, since Donald Trump’s election win, crypto prices and trading volumes have surged in both the US and Canada. WonderFi Technologies reported an increase in customer transactions, while Coinbase Canada noted higher user sign-ups. This growing interest reflects a rising awareness of the potential benefits of digital assets.

The chief executive officer of WonderFi Technologies Inc., Dean Skurka, commented,

“We’re hopeful, but it hasn’t quite played out that way in Canada historically, and obviously in the US this is the first time that it’s really become an election issue. Hopefully the positive response that it has seen the start of will be a signal to Canadian politicians to take it seriously.”

Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, emphasized the importance of staying competitive in the global digital economy. He pointed to the Donald Trump administration’s pro-crypto appointments and increased adoption in the US as a call to action.

Matheson added,

“There are significant changes coming in how the US government and citizens in the US take advantage of the digital economy. It’s incredibly important that Canadians don’t miss out on this and sit on the sidelines and wait until the rest of the world has figured out how to take advantage of digital assets.”

With the next Canadian federal election approaching, Canada’s leaders aim to make digital assets a central political issue. The industry is advocating for open banking laws to include crypto and pushing for blockchain technology adoption.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump promise to make the US the crypto capital has faced challenges as 95% of Bitcoin is already mined, leaving limited scope for domestic production. Additionally, the reliance on Bitcoin mining equipment sourced from China complicates efforts to centralize operations within the US.

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