Category: Reviews

EU Economists Warn on Digital Euro Delays

Key Notes 70 economists argue a publicly backed digital euro is needed to protect Europe’s monetary sovereignty. They warn delays could deepen Europe’s reliance on non-European card networks and big tech payment platforms. The ECB is still in its preparation phase, balancing innovation, privacy, and regulatory requirements. Economists in the European Union are urging lawmakers and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to back a digital euro that serves the public interest. This push comes as private stablecoins continue to gain ground in the EU market. The economists emphasized that…

Sharps Technology Taps Coinbase to Launch Solana Validator

Key Notes Sharps Technology launches Solana validator with Coinbase handling operations and security. Coinbase will operate the validator using institutional-grade infrastructure and ensure high uptime. This development shifts Sharps Technology from a treasury-only strategy to active participation in the Solana. Sharps Technology has taken a vital step into blockchain infrastructure with the launch of a Solana validator. As detailed, it will be leaning on Coinbase to handle operations as the medical device company shifts from holding digital assets to supporting the network itself. Coinbase Takes Lead in Validator Operations The…

Strategy Buys 13,627 Bitcoin for $1.25B

Key Notes Strategy now holds 687,410 BTC on its balance sheet, the largest corporate Bitcoin treasury globally. MSCI, a major stock index provider, confirmed on January 6 it will keep Strategy in its indexes. Strategy shares trade at a 20-25% discount to the value of the Bitcoin the company owns. Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, acquired 13,627 Bitcoin BTC $91 376 24h volatility: 0.7% Market cap: $1.83 T Vol. 24h: $40.42 B for approximately $1.25 billion between Jan. 5-11, bringing its total holdings to 687,410 BTC. The company paid an average price…

DOJ Subpoenas Fed as Gold Outpaces Bitcoin

Key Notes Powell defends Fed independence amid DOJ investigation. Gold hits record $4,600 per ounce, outpacing Bitcoin’s 1.5% gain. Bitcoin ETFs see $431M in withdrawals despite political news. The Department of Justice served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas on Jan. 9 over a $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, prompting Chair Jerome Powell to issue a rare video statement defending central bank independence. The probe has sparked debate over whether Bitcoin BTC $90 272 24h volatility: 0.6% Market cap: $1.80 T Vol. 24h: $36.71 B can serve as a hedge…

Standard Chartered Planning Prime Brokerage for Crypto Trading

Key Notes Standard Chartered is reportedly planning a crypto prime brokerage under its SC Ventures unit. The plan is to open the business within SC Ventures, the firm’s venture arm. The firm already has deep ties to crypto, offering spot BTC, ETH trading. Standard Chartered is reportedly exploring the launch of a prime brokerage business for crypto trading. People familiar with the matter say the London-based lender plans to house the initiative within SC Ventures, its wholly owned venture capital and innovation arm, as discussions remain at an early stage.…

XMR Matches Silver’s Historic Breakout, Says Veteran Trader

Key Notes Veteran trader Peter Brandt compared Monero’s multi-month breakout to silver’s historic “god candle” move. Without giving any specific price target, he hinted at a strong bullish momentum ahead for XMR. Analysts cite renewed focus on privacy, expectations of protocol upgrades, and shifting investor sentiment as reasons behind this rally. Monero XMR $574.9 24h volatility: 15.9% Market cap: $10.62 B Vol. 24h: $378.90 M is currently leading the privacy coin sector, surging 19% and reaching a new all-time high of $596. Today’s rally follows a multi-month breakout, with veteran…

XRP Shines as Crypto Funds Bag $454 Million Outflow

Key Notes XRP posted strong inflows while most crypto funds recorded heavy weekly outflows. Bitcoin and Ethereum led losses as investors reacted to delayed Fed rate cut hopes. US markets drove selling pressure, while Europe and Canada showed steady demand. XRP XRP $2.04 24h volatility: 2.6% Market cap: $124.10 B Vol. 24h: $3.28 B stayed in positive territory even as digital asset funds posted $454 million in weekly outflows. This happened as investors pulled back from Bitcoin BTC $90 574 24h volatility: 0.3% Market cap: $1.81 T Vol. 24h: $35.99…

$1.7B in Token Unlocks Could Spark Crypto Rally

Key Notes More than $1.69 billion in tokens are scheduled to be unlocked this week. ONDO and TRUMP dominate the unlock calendar. Gold, silver, and PMI metrics suggest capital rotation may be approaching crypto. More than $1.69 billion worth of crypto tokens are scheduled to hit the market over the next seven days, according to Tokenomist data. The unlock calendar includes both large one-time cliff releases and substantial linear token releases. Among the biggest cliff unlocks is RWA asset Ondo Finance (ONDO), which alone accounts for roughly $772 million worth…

Dubai Bans Privacy Tokens Under New DFSA Crypto Framework

Key Notes Tokens using ring signatures or stealth addresses fail new suitability criteria requiring on-chain transaction monitoring. The DFSA shifted from a prescribed recognized token list to a firm-led suitability assessment model. Dubai mainland regulator VARA banned privacy tokens in February 2023, and the DFSA action aligns DIFC with that policy. Privacy tokens, including Monero XMR $577.3 24h volatility: 17.3% Market cap: $10.62 B Vol. 24h: $385.83 M and Zcash ZEC $403.1 24h volatility: 2.4% Market cap: $6.63 B Vol. 24h: $717.48 M , are effectively banned from Dubai’s financial…

Vitalik Buterin: Ethereum Must Pass “The Walkaway Test”

Key Notes Vitalik Buterin said that Ethereum must function even if its core developers disappear. The protocol should already contain everything needed to run safely for decades, he said. He added that scaling, security, and upgrades must become optional, not required for survival. Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum ETH $3 106 24h volatility: 0.2% Market cap: $374.77 B Vol. 24h: $18.66 B must be able to survive even if its core developers walk away. In a recent post on X, he argued the base layer cannot rely on constant human intervention…