An unauthorised contract upgrade enabled direct withdrawals from the protocol.Funds were bridged to Ethereum and laundered through Tornado Cash.Assets affected included WIP, USDC, WETH, stIP, and vIP.A governance failure at Unleash Protocol has resulted in a major security breach, with attackers draining around $3.9 million in user funds.The incident was first identified by blockchain security firm PeckShieldAlert and later confirmed by the Unleash team.While the exploit did not affect the wider Story ecosystem, it has renewed attention on how governance mechanisms can become a critical point of failure in decentralised finance.Unleash Protocol is a decentralised platform built on Story Protocol.The project said the incident was limited to its own contracts and administrative controls, with no signs of compromise across Story Protocol’s validators or core infrastructure.Even so, the event shows how vulnerabilities at the application level can still lead to significant losses.Governance controls bypassedOn-chain analysis indicates the attacker targeted Unleash Protocol’s multi-signature governance system.By exploiting weaknesses in how admin permissions were enforced, the attacker gained unauthorised access normally reserved for approved signers.This access was then used to push through a contract upgrade that had not been sanctioned by the core team.The unauthorised upgrade altered how the protocol handled withdrawals. With standard governance checks effectively bypassed, the attacker was able to move funds directly out of the protocol.According to Unleash, these actions occurred outside its established governance framework and were not detected until after the funds had already been removed.Laundering through bridges and mixersAfter extracting the assets, the attacker bridged the funds to Ethereum. From there, the assets were broken into multiple transactions, a strategy often used to make tracking more difficult.Blockchain data shows that 1,337.1 ETH was later deposited into Tornado Cash. The deposits were made in varying sizes, ranging from small transfers to batches of up to 100 ETH.This pattern suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure transaction trails and reduce the effectiveness of on-chain monitoring tools.Tokens impactedIn an official incident notice, Unleash Protocol confirmed that several assets were affected during the exploit.These included WIP, USDC, WETH, stIP, and vIP.The team reiterated that all affected withdrawals took place through the unauthorised contract upgrade rather than through normal user interactions.The clarification that Story Protocol itself was not compromised is significant.It indicates that the breach stemmed from Unleash’s internal governance design, not from flaws in the underlying blockchain or its validator set.Emergency measures takenFollowing confirmation of the breach, Unleash Protocol paused all platform operations to prevent further losses.The team said it is working with independent security experts and forensic investigators to determine how the governance safeguards were bypassed and whether additional vulnerabilities remain.Users have been advised to avoid interacting with Unleash Protocol contracts until further updates are issued.The project has stated that future communications will be shared only through official channels as the investigation continues.The post How a governance failure led to the Unleash Protocol hack appeared first on CoinJournal.

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BitMine’s ETH accumulation and staking tighten supply, boosting price potential.The immediate resistance at $3,000 and the key support near $2,700 guide the short-term forecast.Upgrades like Fusaka and strong fundamentals may drive ETH toward $5,000.Ethereum has continued to show resilience in the face of broader market fluctuations, as traders and investors position themselves ahead of critical macroeconomic updates.Over the past 24 hours, the Ethereum price rose 1.66% to $2,975, outperforming the broader crypto market’s modest 0.65% gain.Most notably, ETH’s recent rebound from $2,920 has highlighted both short-term technical strength and growing interest from institutional players, signalling that January 2026 could set the stage for important developments in the market.Institutional accumulation shapes the marketInstitutional activity remains a central factor for Ethereum price movements, with BitMine emerging as a key driver.BitMine recently added more than 44,000 ETH to its treasury, bringing its total holdings to roughly 4.11 million ETH, or about 3.41% of the circulating supply.LATEST: 📈 Bitmine has added another 44,463 ETH over the past week, bringing its total holdings to roughly 3.41% of Ethereum's circulating supply, or two-thirds of the way toward its 5% goal. pic.twitter.com/FmZPcySNJ0— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) December 30, 2025This large-scale accumulation reduces liquid supply in the market, creating upward pressure on the Ethereum price and reinforcing the long-term bullish thesis for the token.BitMine has also begun staking a portion of its holdings, approximately 408,000 ETH, as it prepares to launch its Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN) in early 2026.By locking up ETH in staking, BitMine is not only generating yield but also further tightening supply, which could influence price dynamics if demand remains steady.This institutional approach mirrors strategies seen in other crypto assets, where consistent accumulation and staking serve as mechanisms to anchor the asset and attract long-term investors.Ethereum price forecast: technical and macro considerationsFrom a technical standpoint, the Ethereum price has been testing the $3,000 resistance level, with the MACD recently flipping bullish and the RSI at 44.23, indicating recovering momentum but room for further consolidation.Analysts note that a breakout above $3,052 could trigger algorithmic buying, while a failure to hold above $2,850 may lead to a retracement toward stronger support levels near $2,700.Short-term volatility is further influenced by the anticipation of Federal Reserve policy updates, with traders adjusting positions ahead of potential macroeconomic shifts.The technical setup is further complemented by macro catalysts, including the Fed’s policy minutes, which could affect USD strength and, consequently, the appeal of risk assets like ETH.Meanwhile, ETF flows into spot Ethereum have been inconsistent, reflecting broader uncertainty in institutional appetite.A positive response to upcoming network upgrades, including the Fusaka upgrade, may drive renewed capital inflows and provide additional support for the Ethereum price in 2026.Long-term growth potentialBeyond immediate technical and macro drivers, Ethereum’s long-term growth prospects remain strong.Other analysts have highlighted the potential for Ethereum to reach $5,000 by 2026, citing the network’s robust ecosystem, proof-of-stake infrastructure, and ongoing upgrades that expand utility and attract institutional participation.The Fusaka upgrade, which will increase data storage capacity on Ethereum blocks, is expected to open new use cases, including tokenisation of real-world assets, further enhancing the network’s fundamentals.Historically, Ethereum has demonstrated rapid growth in active wallets, transaction volume, and total value locked, positioning ETH as a leading platform in decentralised finance (DeFi).These metrics, combined with strategic accumulation and staking by major holders, provide a strong backdrop…

The price of TRON (TRX) traded above $0.28 amid an $18 million backing from Justin Sun.As top coins looked to bounce, TRX was showing resilience.The altcoin’s move is largely helped by Sun’s investment and broader market sentiment.Tron Inc. announced that it has secured an $18 million strategic equity investment from Justin Sun, the founder of the TRON blockchain.Sun’s investment was made through Black Anthem Limited, with shares purchased at $1.3775 per share.Tron Inc., which also operates in custom merchandise for major entertainment venues through a subsidiary, has been aggressively building a blockchain-integrated treasury strategy.In this case, the company may be eyeing proceeds from this investment for a fresh expansion.What does the Sun investment mean for Tron Inc?Purchases will position the digital asset treasury firm as one of the largest corporate holders of the cryptocurrency and the leading publicly traded entity aligned with the TRON network.Rich Miller, chief executive officer of Tron Inc., described the investment as a “powerful endorsement” of the company’s strategy and long-term vision.He emphasised that the capital will strengthen the balance sheet, enhance digital asset holdings, and support growth in areas such as global blockchain-based payments and Web3 infrastructure.Sun’s continued backing of the TRON ecosystem is consistent with his broader push to support development across the blockchain network.The latest investment builds on earlier initiatives by Tron Inc., including prior treasury expansions that have already positioned it as a notable participant in corporate adoption of TRX.Market participants may interpret the move as a signal of confidence in the network’s growth trajectory, particularly as TRON seeks to strengthen its role in decentralized applications and stablecoin transfer activity.TRON price: bulls hold $0.28Despite volatility in the broader cryptocurrency market, TRX has maintained strong support around the $0.28 mark.That’s where bulls hovered as of December 30, 2025, with a slight uptick to above $0.286.Buyers saw a 24-hour trading volume of over $560 million. This stability reflects TRON’s robust network activity.Key aspects include record user growth as Tron’s pivotal role in facilitating a substantial portion of global USDT transfers continues.JUST IN: Tether has minted $1B $USDT on the #Tron Network.In 2025, they minted $26B USDT on Tron. pic.twitter.com/KCzoZideuq— SwanDesk (@SwanDesk) December 30, 2025The blockchain’s high throughput and low-cost transactions continue to attract developers and users, contributing to TRX’s resilience.Market observers suggest that the latest investment news could provide upward momentum, as it highlights institutional-level alignment with the ecosystem.MediaTron price chart by CoinMarketCapShort-term price action remains influenced by overall crypto sentiment.However, the fundamental backing from Justin Sun may encourage accumulation among holders anticipating further ecosystem developments.The post TRX price eyes gains amid $18M boost from Justin Sun appeared first on CoinJournal.

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XRP trades near $1.86 as ETF inflows clash with weak price momentum.Technical setups hint at a rebound, but $1.77 support remains critical.The 2026 outlook hinges on adoption, usage growth, and valuation debates.XRP enters 2026 caught between ambitious long-term projections and growing short-term scepticism.With price performance lagging despite strong institutional signals, the debate around where XRP heads next has intensified, especially after the altcoin slipped below $2.XRP trades sideways as conviction remains splitXRP is currently trading near $1.86, giving it a market capitalisation of roughly $113 billion and placing it among the largest digital assets globally.But the size of that valuation contrasts sharply with recent performance.Over the past three months, XRP has fallen nearly 37%, while remaining about 49% below its recent high reached in mid-2025.The price has settled into a tight range between $1.83 and $1.91, reflecting a market that appears hesitant rather than convinced.But despite this price stagnation, institutional interest has not faded.XRP-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have recorded seven consecutive weeks of net inflows, with total assets approaching $1.24 billion.Total XRP Spot ETF Net InflowSource: CoinglassThese steady inflows suggest that larger investors are accumulating exposure during periods of weakness rather than exiting positionsSuch accumulation can quietly absorb selling pressure, helping to stabilise XRP during prolonged consolidations.Bullish chart patterns collide with valuation concernsFrom a technical standpoint, several analysts see early signs of a possible reversal.Chart patterns such as a triple bottom near the $1.76 level and a developing inverse head-and-shoulders formation point to a market attempting to build a base.Momentum indicators like the MACD have also begun to turn higher, reinforcing the idea that downside pressure may be weakening.XRP price chartSource: TradingViewStill, these bullish signals remain conditional. A failure to hold the $1.77–$1.80 support zone could expose XRP to a much deeper pullback.Some analysts warn that a decisive break below this area could open the door to a decline toward $0.80, a level that would represent a dramatic reset in market structure.This risk persists as long as price action remains capped below key moving averages.Beyond charts, criticism has emerged around XRP’s underlying network activity.Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz recently questioned whether XRP’s valuation is justified, given reports of roughly 16,000 daily active addresses.In his view, such figures pale in comparison to other major networks with significantly higher on-chain engagement.This argument highlights a broader concern that XRP’s valuation may be driven more by narrative and institutional positioning than by visible usage growth.But supporters counter that XRP’s role in cross-border payments and its expanding ecosystem are not fully captured by simple address counts.They also point to regulatory clarity following Ripple’s legal progress as a structural advantage that could support long-term adoption.What the XRP price forecast says about 2026The most optimistic outlook comes from Standard Chartered, with the head of digital assets research, Geoffrey Kendrick, predicting that XRP could reach $8 in 2026.That XRP price forecast implies more than 300% upside from current levels and assumes a powerful combination of sustained ETF inflows, tighter supply dynamics, and broader institutional adoption.Under such a scenario, XRP’s market capitalisation would exceed $450 billion, placing it among the most valuable financial assets in the digital economy.However, even proponents acknowledge that this is a best-case scenario rather than a baseline expectation.Achieving such levels would require not only favourable market conditions but also continued confidence in XRP’s long-term utility.Without stronger evidence of expanding network usage, critics argue that the path to those valuations becomes far more difficult.The…

Prenetics halts new Bitcoin purchases after recent crypto market volatility.The company is prioritising the growth of its IM8 supplements brand.Prenetics currently holds 510 BTC and over $70 million in cash reserves.Prenetics Global, a consumer health and supplements company backed by football icon David Beckham, has reversed its short-lived plan to build a Bitcoin treasury, opting instead to focus its capital on expanding its flagship nutrition brand, IM8.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nasdaq-listed firm confirmed that it will no longer pursue additional Bitcoin purchases, signalling a shift away from digital assets amid volatile market conditions.The company’s management stated that the redirection of resources is aimed at accelerating growth in IM8, which the company describes as one of the fastest-scaling supplement brands in the global wellness sector.Notably, the decision comes less than three months after the company raised $48 million in fresh equity financing that was raised for cryptocurrency accumulation as a strategic objective.Strategic pivot after crypto market volatilityWhen Prenetics announced its equity raise in October, Bitcoin was trading near historic highs, hovering above $110,000.Since then, prices have dropped significantly, reflecting broader instability across digital asset markets driven by tightening financial conditions, regulatory uncertainty, and reduced institutional risk appetite.As of this week, Bitcoin has fallen to the high-$80,000 range, underscoring the challenges companies face when managing crypto-heavy balance sheets.Although the fundraising round was intended to support both Bitcoin accumulation and consumer brand expansion, Prenetics’ leadership now views its health and wellness business as a clearer path to long-term value creation.The Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Danny Yeung, said the board unanimously agreed that focusing on IM8 represents a rare growth opportunity that outweighs the potential benefits of further crypto exposure.However, the company plans to hold on to its crypto assets despite halting new purchases.Prenetics disclosed that it still holds approximately 510 Bitcoin alongside more than $70 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing flexibility while it reassesses capital allocation priorities.Part of a broader corporate reassessment of crypto treasuriesPrenetics’ move mirrors a growing trend among publicly listed companies that experimented with cryptocurrency treasury strategies during bullish market cycles.As crypto prices pull back, several firms are scaling back or abandoning aggressive accumulation plans in favour of more predictable uses of capital.Earlier this month, Ethereum-focused treasury firm ETHZilla, backed by prominent technology investors like Peter Thiel, announced a pivot away from holding ether toward real-world asset tokenisation initiatives.Other companies across sectors have similarly turned to share buybacks, debt reduction, or reinvestment in core operations as safer ways to support shareholder value during uncertain market conditions.Investors in Prenetics’ October funding round included major crypto industry names such as Kraken, Exodus, and GPTX, alongside traditional investment firms.While their participation highlighted confidence in the company’s innovation strategy, Prenetics’ latest announcement reflects a more cautious and pragmatic stance toward digital assets.The post David Beckham–backed Prenetics abandons Bitcoin strategy to focus on core health business appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Bitwise filed for 11 crypto strategy ETFs with mixed direct and indirect exposure.The proposed ETFs target assets like TAO, TRX, UNI, ZEC, Aave, and other tokens.Bitwise remains bullish, citing ETF demand, institutions, and easing cycles.Crypto asset manager Bitwise has taken another step toward expanding investors’ access to digital assets, filing applications with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for 11 new cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).According to regulatory filings submitted this week, the proposed products are structured as “crypto strategy” ETFs.Unlike pure spot ETFs, each fund would combine direct exposure to a specific cryptocurrency with indirect exposure through other exchange-traded products and financial instruments.Bitwise said that each ETF could allocate up to 60% of its assets directly into the underlying token, with the remaining portion invested in related exchange-traded products, derivatives, or other instruments designed to track the asset’s performance.The filing also notes that the funds may use derivatives such as futures contracts and swap agreements, a structure that could allow for greater flexibility in managing exposure while operating within current regulatory constraints.The 11 crypto ETFs targeted by BitwiseThe proposed crypto ETFs span a wide range of blockchain ecosystems and decentralised finance (DeFi) projects.Assets named in the filing include Aave, Ethena (ENA), Hyperliquid (HYPE), NEAR, Starknet (STRK), Sui, Bittensor (TAO), Tron (TRX), Uniswap (UNI), Zcash (ZEC), and Canton (CC).If approved, the lineup would give US investors ETF-based exposure to tokens tied to smart contract platforms, privacy-focused networks, and DeFi protocols, areas that have traditionally been harder to access through regulated investment vehicles.The rising demand for crypto ETFsBitwise’s move comes amid growing demand for crypto-linked ETFs following the strong inflows into the XRP ETFs.Those products marked a turning point for the industry, opening the door for traditional investors to gain exposure to digital assets through familiar market structures.Building on that momentum, Bitwise has been active in rolling out new offerings.The firm launched a spot Solana ETF in the US in October, followed by ETFs linked to XRP and Dogecoin.It has also filed an S-1 registration statement for a spot Sui ETF and submitted an amended filing related to a Hyperliquid ETF, signalling continued efforts to broaden its crypto product suite.Bitwise’s bullish outlook despite market volatilityThe filings come after a volatile period for digital assets, with BTC and the broader crypto market experiencing weakness toward the end of last year.But despite this, Bitwise executives have maintained a constructive long-term outlook.Earlier this month, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan said he expects Bitcoin to break from its traditional four-year market cycle and reach new all-time highs in 2026, citing factors such as the declining impact of bitcoin halving events, expectations of lower interest rates, and fewer leverage-driven market collapses.Hougan has also suggested that institutional participation will continue to grow, supported by clearer regulation and the expanding availability of regulated investment products like ETFs.He added that Bitcoin’s correlation with equities could decline over time, with crypto-specific drivers, such as regulatory progress and institutional inflows, helping to support digital assets even if traditional markets face pressure.The post Bitwise seeks SEC approval for 11 crypto ETFs covering Bittensor, Tron and DeFi tokens appeared first on CoinJournal.

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China will allow interest on digital yuan (e-CNY) holdings starting in 2026.US banks and crypto firms clash over enforcing the GENIUS Act ban.Coinbase executive warns stablecoin yield bans could weaken US global competitiveness.China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), announced earlier this week that it will allow commercial banks to pay interest on holdings of the digital yuan, also known as the e-CNY.The new framework is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and the PBOC Deputy Governor Lu Lei said the change will transform the e-CNY from a form of digital cash into what he described as a “digital deposit currency,” a shift designed to boost user adoption.China has spent several years piloting the digital yuan across multiple cities and use cases, including retail payments and public services.However, adoption has been slower than policymakers initially hoped.Analysts say allowing interest payments could make the e-CNY more competitive with traditional bank deposits and private digital payment platforms, potentially accelerating its use domestically and, over time, in cross-border transactions.In the United States, the debate centres on how the GENIUS Act’s prohibition on interest should be interpreted and enforced.The law, which became effective in July, was designed to keep payment stablecoins focused on transactional use rather than savings or investment products.Banking groups argue that allowing stablecoins to pay yield would blur the line between deposits and crypto assets, potentially threatening financial stability and drawing funds away from regulated banks.Crypto industry groups strongly disagree.In a Dec. 18 letter to lawmakers, the Blockchain Association and more than 125 industry participants urged Congress to resist expanding or aggressively enforcing the ban on stablecoin rewards.The group said claims that stablecoin incentives pose a danger to community banks are not supported by evidence and warned that overly strict rules could push innovation offshore.The American Bankers Association, in a separate letter sent the same day, called for a firm application of the GENIUS Act.The group argued that some crypto firms are attempting to circumvent the spirit of the law by offering reward-like incentives that function similarly to interest, potentially undermining traditional banking activities.Coinbase executive warns China could dethrone the USA senior executive at Coinbase has warned that the United States could undermine its own position in the future of digital finance if lawmakers prohibit interest-bearing stablecoins, just as China moves to make its central bank digital currency (CBDC) more attractive by allowing it to pay interest.Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, said this week that restricting rewards on US-issued dollar stablecoins could hand a competitive edge to foreign rivals, particularly China.Shirzad’s comments come amid growing debate in Washington over the implementation of the recently passed GENIUS Act, which bars US dollar payment stablecoins from paying interest or yield directly to users.In a post on X, Shirzad argued that global competition over digital money is intensifying.He pointed to China’s latest policy shift as evidence that incentives matter in driving adoption of new forms of money.According to Shirzad, the US risks weakening the global role of the dollar if it limits the functionality of dollar-backed stablecoins while other jurisdictions move more aggressively.Shirzad said the GENIUS Act was intended to ensure that US-regulated, dollar-backed stablecoins become the primary settlement tools in a tokenised global economy.Mishandling the question of rewards, he warned, could give non-US stablecoins and CBDCs an advantage at a critical moment.The post China’s move to pay interest on e-CNY sparks US stablecoin debate appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Hacker Protocol drained 1,337 ETH via compromised Unleash multisig governance.The stolen funds have been sent through Tornado Cash to obscure transaction trails.The breach is limited to Unleash, and Story Protocol infrastructure is unaffected.A hacker who recently exploited Unleash Protocol has begun laundering stolen funds through the Ethereum-based privacy service Tornado Cash, according to on-chain data and blockchain security firms.The attacker is attempting to obscure the trail of roughly 1,337 ETH, valued at close to $4 million, drained from Unleash earlier this week.Security companies PeckShield and CertiK have reported that the funds were transferred to Ethereum and broken into multiple batches, often around 100 ETH each, before being deposited into Tornado Cash, a well-known crypto mixing protocol.Governance takeover led to the Unleash exploitUnleash confirmed on Tuesday that it had suffered a significant security breach, resulting in approximately $3.9 million in losses.The protocol has paused operations and launched a forensic investigation into the incident.According to Unleash, preliminary findings indicate that an externally owned wallet gained unauthorised administrative control over the protocol via its multisignature (multisig) governance system.The attacker then executed an unauthorised contract upgrade that enabled withdrawals of user funds without proper approvals.“This upgrade enabled asset withdrawals that were not approved by the Unleash team and occurred outside our intended governance and operational procedures,” the team said in a statement posted on X.Security analysts suggest the compromise may have been the result of phishing or another form of social engineering that allowed the attacker to gain control over governance keys, effectively bypassing standard safeguards.The stolen assets bridged and mixedThe stolen assets reportedly included Wrapped IP (WIP), USDC, Wrapped Ether (WETH), stIP, and vIP tokens.On-chain analysis shows that most of these assets were first bridged to Ethereum, then consolidated into ETH and routed through Tornado Cash, an approach commonly used by hackers to hinder tracking and recovery efforts.CertiK said it initially detected suspicious withdrawals of WETH and IP-related tokens that were sent to an externally owned address created using Safe’s SafeProxyFactory, a popular smart contract framework for multisig wallets.#CertiKInsight 🚨 We have detected deposits of 1337.1 ETH (~$3.9M) into Tornado Cash from 0xc946981F5dFBFA10cf858B95d51Fc06DCD15BfE3.The fund traces to suspicious withdrawals of Wrapped ETH and Story tokens from a multisig that may have been compromised.… pic.twitter.com/YIFEAEwilc— CertiK Alert (@CertiKAlert) December 30, 2025No broader ecosystem impact, says UnleashUnleash emphasised that the breach was confined to its own governance and administrative contracts.The Unleash team stated there is currently no evidence that Story Protocol, the Layer 1 blockchain Unleash is built on, was compromised.“The impact appears limited to Unleash-specific contracts and administrative controls,” the Unleash team said, adding that Story Protocol’s validators, core infrastructure, and contracts remain unaffected.Unleash is one of the higher-profile applications in the Story Protocol ecosystem, which focuses on tokenised intellectual property and on-chain IP management.PIP Labs, the company behind Story Protocol, has raised around $140 million in funding from prominent investors.Users warned as investigation continuesThe Unleash team has urged users not to interact with the protocol while the investigation is ongoing and said it will provide updates on the incident and potential remediation measures as more verified information becomes available.As of the time of writing, Unleash had not disclosed whether it plans to pursue fund recovery efforts or compensation for affected users, and the use of Tornado Cash by the hacker may significantly complicate any attempts to trace or reclaim the stolen assets.The post Unleash Protocol…

Pi Network halts wallet requests after large-scale scams target users.Scammers exploit public balances and impersonate trusted contacts.PI trades near $0.20 amid low liquidity and token unlocks.Pi Network has temporarily disabled its wallet payment request feature in response to a surge of sophisticated scam activity that has led to the loss of millions of PI tokens from user wallets.The move, announced by the Pi Core Team on social platform X, comes as attackers increasingly exploit the platform’s payment request function to trick users into approving fraudulent transfers.According to on‑chain data shared by community observers and reporting outlets, scammers have siphoned off more than 4.4 million PI by sending deceptive payment requests to holders with large balances.One single scammer address reportedly received hundreds of thousands of tokens each month throughout 2025.Tokens approved through these requests are moved instantly to the attacker’s wallet and cannot be reversed, meaning victims have no recourse once a transfer is authorised.The Pi Core Team stressed that this issue stems from social engineering rather than a flaw in the network’s protocol.Because wallet balances and addresses are publicly visible on Pi’s blockchain, bad actors can identify high‑value wallets and impersonate trusted contacts, friends, moderators, or even official accounts, to convince users to authorise transfers.To curb further losses, the network has disabled the payment request feature across its ecosystem while assessing potential safeguards.The suspension is intended to be temporary, but the team has not yet announced a specific timeline for restoring the function.In the meantime, community moderators and safety advocates are urging users to refuse all unsolicited payment requests.Scam tactics and broader security concernsExperts and user reports indicate that the scams are part of a broader uptick in deceptive schemes targeting Pi users.Fraudsters cast a wide net, from phishing links claiming fake airdrops or price promotions to counterfeit portals that ask for wallet credentials or private keys, which can lead to full account takeovers.Pi Network’s core team has repeatedly warned against sharing sensitive information or engaging with unverified links circulating on social media and messaging platforms.While Pi Network itself is not widely regarded as an outright scam project by independent analysts, its rapid growth, mobile‑centric model, and referral‑based incentives have drawn scrutiny and made its large user base a target for scammers.Users are advised to stick strictly to official communication channels and exercise heightened caution when interacting with unverifiable contacts.Impact on PI token priceThe payment request suspension arrives amid mixed sentiment around the PI token’s market performance.While Pi token’s price forecast remains optimistic, it currently trades near the $0.20 level, up only 1% in two weeks.Notably, the PI coin price has been weighed down by low liquidity and ongoing token unlocks, with significant amounts entering circulation in recent months.The token has struggled to absorb the added supply, and daily trading volumes remain moderate.The post Pi Network suspends wallet payment requests after scammers drain millions appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Most breaches involved failures in customer due diligence and identity verification processes.The action coincides with reports of a potential majority acquisition by Mirae Asset.The case reinforces stricter regulatory expectations across South Korea’s crypto sector.South Korea’s year-end move against Korbit marks a decisive moment for the country’s digital asset industry, as regulators signal that gaps in compliance will carry real consequences.On December 31, the Financial Intelligence Unit closed an on-site investigation into one of the country’s longest-operating exchanges with a significant financial penalty and management-level sanctions.The action, based on findings from an October inspection, places renewed focus on how exchanges verify users, manage risk, and expand services.It also lands at a sensitive time for Korbit, underscoring how regulatory discipline is shaping the future of South Korea’s crypto market.The FIU announced a 2.73 billion won ($1.88 million) fine after identifying nearly 22,000 breaches linked to anti-money laundering and customer verification obligations.The violations were uncovered during an inspection conducted between October 16 and 29, 2024, with the results later reviewed by the Sanctions Review Committee.Alongside the fine, the regulator issued an institutional warning and imposed individual accountability measures on senior executives.Inspection findingsA large share of the violations stemmed from failures in customer due diligence.The FIU found roughly 12,800 cases where identity checks were not properly conducted.These included the acceptance of unclear or unverifiable identification documents, incomplete address information, and lapses in mandatory re-verification processes.In several instances, users were allowed to continue trading even after their risk profiles increased, without additional checks being applied.Such practices run counter to requirements that higher-risk customers be subject to enhanced scrutiny rather than standard monitoring.The review also identified about 9,100 cases where customers were permitted to trade before identity verification was fully completed.South Korean rules restrict transactions by unverified users, making these cases a direct breach of core compliance standards.Accountability at the topBeyond operational failures, the enforcement action extended responsibility to leadership.The FIU issued an institutional warning to Korbit, while the exchange’s chief executive received a caution, and its reporting officer was reprimanded.This approach reflects a broader regulatory emphasis on governance and internal controls, where accountability does not stop at automated systems or compliance teams.Instead, senior management is expected to ensure that regulatory requirements are embedded across day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.Overseas transfers and new servicesRegulators also highlighted weaknesses beyond customer onboarding.Inspectors flagged 19 virtual asset transfers involving three overseas virtual asset service providers that were not properly reported.South Korean rules require exchanges to disclose dealings with foreign entities and restrict transactions with unregistered providers.In addition, the FIU identified 655 cases where Korbit failed to carry out mandatory money laundering risk assessments before introducing new transaction types.These included services linked to non-fungible tokens, an area of rapid growth that remains subject to the same compliance obligations as other digital asset products.Timing and sector impactThe enforcement action comes just days after reports that Mirae Asset is said to be considering acquiring 92% of Korbit for up to 140 billion won ($97 million).Korbit currently ranks as the fourth-largest exchange among South Korea’s six incorporated crypto platforms, placing it firmly within the regulator’s line of sight.The FIU said full details of the sanctions will be disclosed after a minimum 10-day period for opinion submissions.The post South Korea fines…

More than $107,000 in total losses have already been identified through on-chain analysis.No specific wallet provider or exploit vector has yet been confirmed by investigators.Attackers are siphoning small amounts under $2,000 per wallet, delaying detection and spreading risk widely.A new on-chain alert has drawn attention to a discreet but wide-reaching crypto theft campaign affecting hundreds of users across EVM-compatible blockchains.The warning, shared by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, points to a coordinated wallet-draining operation that has already resulted in more than $107,000 in cumulative losses.What sets this incident apart is not the size of individual thefts, but how they are carried out. Instead of targeting large balances, the attacker appears to be siphoning relatively small sums from a large number of wallets.Most losses remain under $2,000 per address, allowing the activity to spread quietly without drawing immediate attention from victims or monitoring systems.A stealthy pattern emergesThe affected wallets span several EVM-compatible networks, confirming that this is not limited to a single chain or ecosystem.Transaction data reviewed by investigators shows consistent timing and similar transfer amounts, indicating a coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents.So far, no specific wallet provider, decentralised application, or smart contract vulnerability has been identified as the entry point. There has also been no official confirmation linking the drains to compromised software updates or phishing campaigns.What has been established is that the stolen funds are being funnelled into related addresses, suggesting a single actor or closely connected group is responsible.This lack of a clear exploit vector has complicated efforts to contain the issue.Without knowing how access is being gained, users and developers are left with limited immediate options beyond heightened vigilance.Why small losses create big risksWhile the financial impact on individual users may appear limited, the method itself raises broader concerns.By spreading theft across many wallets, attackers can delay detection and reduce the likelihood of rapid, coordinated responses.Victims may notice missing funds days or weeks later, if at all.The approach also underlines the persistent risks facing self-custody users who interact with multiple chains, protocols, and permissions.Each interaction increases the surface area for potential compromise, particularly within the interconnected EVM ecosystem.The timing of the incident has added to unease in the crypto community.It follows a series of security breaches in late 2025 that renewed scrutiny around wallet approvals, private key management, and cross-chain activity.Exploits remain a constant threatThis episode fits into a wider pattern of ongoing security issues across the digital asset sector.Data from blockchain security firm PeckShield shows that December saw around 26 major crypto exploits, resulting in losses of roughly $76 million.While that total was significantly lower than November’s $194 million, it confirms that exploit activity remains persistent.One of the most prominent incidents during the period involved Trust Wallet, which disclosed a security issue linked to a specific version of its browser extension.The breach, which occurred over the Christmas period, led to about $7 million in losses.The company has since started compensating affected users and introduced updates to strengthen verification and reimbursement processes.ZachXBT has said the wallet-draining case is still developing, with fund movements continuing to be tracked.There is currently no confirmed explanation for how the wallets were compromised, and no single product or service has been publicly blamed.The post Silent wallet drains raise fresh crypto security concerns across EVM networks appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Stablecoins and the Base network sit at the core of its plans through 2026.The strategy places Coinbase closer to retail brokerages and derivatives platforms.Security and support concerns remain a constraint as the platform broadens.Coinbase is entering 2026 with a platform that looks increasingly different from a traditional crypto exchange.The company is placing greater emphasis on stablecoins, its Ethereum layer-2 network Base, and a wider range of trading products that stretch well beyond digital tokens.The shift reflects how crypto platforms are adapting as growth in spot trading cools and competition intensifies.Rather than positioning itself only as a gateway to cryptocurrencies, Coinbase is aligning its business around broader financial access, with trading, payments, and onchain activity increasingly converging inside a single ecosystem.Platform strategy shiftIn a New Year’s post, Brian Armstrong reiterated Coinbase’s ambition to build what it calls an “everything exchange.”The strategy focuses on expanding product lines so users can trade and interact with multiple asset classes from one interface.That direction was formalised at the company’s year-end conference in December, where Coinbase rolled out stock trading and prediction markets.These launches marked a clear move beyond cryptocurrencies and into areas traditionally dominated by retail brokerages and derivatives platforms.Coinbase executives have framed the rollout of stock trading on the main app as a key step toward enabling round-the-clock access to markets, with crypto, equities, and exchange-traded funds sitting side by side.Expansion beyond cryptoCoinbase’s product push is not limited to its exchange. The company has rebranded its wallet as an “everything app,” adding social networking features and deeper onchain functionality.The aim is to keep users active across more use cases, rather than relying solely on trading volumes.The company has also launched onchain prediction markets in partnership with Kalshi, allowing users to participate in markets tied to real-world events.Alongside this, Coinbase has flagged plans for perpetual futures that would cover both crypto assets and stocks.These additions move the platform further into direct competition with firms that operate across equities, derivatives, and commodities, rather than only crypto-native rivals.Stablecoins and BaseStablecoins form a central part of Coinbase’s longer-term roadmap.The company has described them as essential financial infrastructure, particularly for cross-border payments, payroll, and settlement.Armstrong has said banks are likely to seek interest-bearing stablecoin products over time, underlining Coinbase’s view that stablecoins will play a growing role in mainstream finance.Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, is positioned as another pillar of this strategy.The network is designed to support consumer applications, creators, and onchain services that can scale beyond Ethereum’s main chain.However, Base’s handling of creator coins has attracted criticism from some developers, who argue the approach risks prioritising viral growth while the company promotes creators as a key onboarding channel.The post Stablecoins, Base and ‘everything exchange’: a look inside Coinbase’s strategy to expand in 2026 appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Pepe price was up more than 35% on the day as the cryptocurrency market witnessed a pumping start to 2026.There were also huge gains for Bonk, Floki and SPX6900, highlighting renewed memecoin vigour.Speculative enthusiasm is also driving price movements for top coins, Bitcoin and Ethereum.As of writing, Pepe ranked as the best performing memecoin among the top 100 by market cap.The frog-themed token had recorded an impressive 35% gain in the past 24 hours, trading to intraday highs of $0.000005667.Notably, Pepe’s price rally has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in trading activity.Per CoinMarketCap, the Ethereum-based memecoin boasted a 24-hour volume of over $1.4 billion, the metric up a staggering 650% in the past 24 hours.As bulls ride the uptick, short liquidations have amplified upward pressure. CoinGlass data shows over $10 million in liquidations for the token.More than $9.1 million of this is in bearish positions.Pepe Price ChartPepe price chart by TradingViewWhy is Pepe’s price soaring?Optimism around Pepe comes amid a bold prediction from James Wynn, a prominent trader on the Hyperliquid platform.Wynn has forecast that the memecoin’s market capitalisation could reach an astonishing $69 billion by the end of 2026.“Back on Day 1 of $PEPE when it was at $600k market cap, I called it to go to multiple billions. Ultimate conviction and belief – and it paid off massively,” he posted on X.“Now, I’m calling $PEPE to go from $1.7bn to $69bn+ in 2026.”It’s a bold take that suggests a potential 40-fold increase from its current level of around $1.7 billion.As he notes, Pepe has the potential to mirror or even surpass what Shiba Inu did in the previous cycle.The Pepe market cap has soared to above $2.3 billion hours after Wynn’s prediction.If realised, this could mean the token’s price catapults past the all-time high of $0.00002825 reached in December 2024.Wynn says a combination of technical, sentimental, and overall bullish catalysts positions Pepe well ahead of a fresh memecoin resurgence.He noted:“If this bull market is not over, which I do not think it is, there is a high likelihood in my mind we see $PEPE at the forefront of memes leading the way as money flows into T1 memes, and proper fundamental altcoins. All social metrics (crucial factor for meme coins) MASSIVELY favor Pepe, including exchanges using it as a branding in their posts to increase engagement and get more sign ups.”In his view, if Shiba Inu can spike to $41 billion, PEPE has the potential to go higher.Top memecoin Dogecoin soared to $88 billion when its price went parabolic, and Pepe could easily do $69 billion.Bonk, Floki, and SPX6900 among top memecoin gainersWhile Pepe dominates headlines, other established memecoins have also contributed to the sector’s strong opening to 2026.Floki (FLOKI), bolstered by ongoing ecosystem developments, has seen a 19% increase in the past day.Like Pepe, this comes alongside elevated trading volumes.Another top gainer is Bonk (BONK), the Solana-based community token.Renewed interest has BONK trading 15% up in the past 24 hours.Meanwhile, SPX6900 (SPX), known for its satirical take on financial markets, has surged 16%.Pudgy Penguins, Shiba Inu and Dogecoin are also boasting double-digit gains as the memecoin category as a whole witnesses a vibrant start to the year.The post Pepe soars 35% as top memecoins lead market rally appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Hedera (HBAR) is among the standout performers on the day after climbing above the key resistance level of $0.12.With the price up more than 10% in the past 24 hours, the altcoin stands amongst the top 100 gainers.Bulls could rally on factors such as growing confidence in Hedera’s enterprise-grade network.Hedera entered the new year on a strong footing, with HBAR registering significant gains to touch multi-week highs at $0.12.This comes after consolidating below $0.11 since the breakdown below the $0.12 threshold in mid-December.Per trading data, Hedera has seen a surge in daily volume, which stood at over $166 million and was 38% up in the past 24 hours.HBAR is notching gains as analysts attribute the rally to a combination of factors.Among these is the broader market’s post-holiday portfolio rebalancing and fresh risk appetite.The crypto project’s underlying network also continues to show robust activity, helped by enterprise partnerships and real-world asset tokenisation.What’s next for HBAR price?The surge to an intraday high above $0.12 could encourage bulls, particularly if risk assets flip the bearish sentiment seen in late 2025.Looking ahead, several potential catalysts could drive further upside for HBAR throughout 2026.Growing interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including those focused on Hedera, has analysts bullish on several altcoins. Currently, spot HBAR ETFs are seeing small but steady inflows.SoSoValue data indicates that over $50 million in ETF net assets represent over 1.1% of the token’s circulating supply.Analysts anticipate that additional ETF approvals or increased allocations could inject substantial liquidity.In this case, it would mean another regulated pathway for institutional investors to gain exposure to HBAR.Beyond ETFs, Hedera’s enterprise adoption remains a core driver.Institutional adoption was the major trend of 2025. For @Hedera, this has been the reality since inception.From institutional-grade DeFi to Verifiable AI and well beyond – 2025 was a year of growth across the ecosystem 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ggZ1BQNScb— Hedera Foundation (@HederaFndn) December 31, 2025The platform saw significant traction around real-world applications in finance, supply chain, and tokenisation in 2025.Upcoming milestones, including the expansion of the Governing Council and enhanced developer tools, are expected to accelerate ecosystem growth.HBAR price technical outlookFrom a technical perspective, HBAR’s recent breakout above long-term resistance signals potential for continued gains.Bulls are showing signs of retaking control as charts signal a double bottom in the $0.10-$0.11 region.A key technical breakout from a multi-week consolidation pattern is what buyers fancy. The initial price targets are above the downtrend line around $0.13.Hedera’s daily chart also shows that the 50-day exponential moving average sits in this region.Hedera HBAR ChartHedera price chart by TradingViewIf momentum sustains, projections point to levels between $0.15 and $0.20 in the near term.Broader market recovery and Hedera-specific advancements will drive this uptick. Notably, memecoins, as shown by a 35% pump for Pepe, could lead the early charge.However, risks, including macroeconomic factors, may see bulls’ advances repelled. Key support levels include $0.10 and $0.079.The post HBAR jumps to $0.12 as ETF inflows and enterprise demand revive Hedera’s bullish momentum appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Cardano price was up 10% to above $0.38 as Bitcoin crossed $90,200.ADA is eyeing a potential breakout to $2.Bulls will look to ride key catalysts in 2026.Cardano’s ADA token rose more than 10% to trade above $0.38, after buyers pushed the price back above the closely watched $0.35 level that analysts have long identified as a key support zone.The move comes alongside a broader upswing in the cryptocurrency market.Bitcoin advanced about 2% to trade above $90,000, providing a supportive backdrop for risk appetite across digital assets.Major altcoins also recorded strong gains, with Ethereum climbing above $3,100 and XRP jumping to around $1.95, helping lift sentiment toward Cardano.Elsewhere, memecoins led the day’s advances, posting double-digit increases as Pepe and Shiba Inu rallied sharply.Hedera also traded higher, adding to the broader altcoin strength.Cardano reclaims key $0.35 levelStrong buying activity has underpinned ADA’s recent advance, with more than $770 million worth of the token changing hands over the past 24 hours.Trading volume was up about 34% on the day, pointing to renewed market participation.Cardano’s price has now moved above its 50-day simple moving average, a level often watched for signs of shifting momentum.On-chain data also shows improvement in decentralized finance activity, with total value locked on the Cardano network rising about 7% to roughly $231 million, according to DeFiLlama.While the increase signals fresh inflows, TVL remains well below previous peaks of $544 million in August 2025 and more than $865 million in December 2024.From a technical perspective, analysts note that ADA had been tightly compressed between the $0.35 and $0.38 levels in recent weeks, creating a fragile setup.The push above $0.35 is seen as a potential break from that range and could undermine the prevailing bearish pattern if sustained.Cardano Price Cardano price chart by TradingViewIf this latest upside momentum holds, short-term targets include $0.42, with potential rally to $0.50.While risks like a drop below $0.34 persist, Cardano price could rally beyond $0.54 to see bulls eye 2025 highs of $0.73 hit in October. Above that lies the critical $1 level.In the medium term, crypto analyst Javon Marks says ADA price could target $2.9 with a seven-fold upside potential.Cardano regains top 10 market cap rankCardano extended gains on Thursday, rebounding after briefly slipping out of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation at the start of the year.ADA has moved back above Bitcoin Cash, with the recovery above the $0.35 level helping restore its position among the largest digital assets.The rally has lifted Cardano’s market capitalisation to about $13.6 billion.The move comes alongside broader stability in the crypto market, with Bitcoin trading back above $90,200.Strength across major altcoins has also supported sentiment, as Ethereum climbed to around $3,100 and XRP advanced about 5% to near $1.95, reinforcing the bullish tone around Cardano. The post Cardano price jumps to $0.38 as bulls reclaim key level appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Fake two-factor authentication phishing campaign emerges targeting MetaMask users.A sophisticated phishing scam targeting MetaMask users exploits fake 2FA checks.MetaMask phishing scam highlights rising social engineering risks in crypto security.A new phishing campaign targeting MetaMask users is drawing attention to how quickly crypto scams are evolving.The scheme uses a convincing two-factor authentication flow to trick users into handing over their wallet recovery phrases.While overall crypto phishing losses fell sharply in 2025, the tactics behind these attacks are becoming more polished and harder to detect.Security researchers say the campaign reflects a shift from crude spam messages to carefully designed impersonation, combining familiar branding, technical precision, and psychological pressure.The result is a threat that looks routine on the surface but can lead to complete wallet takeover within minutes.How the scam operatesThe campaign was flagged by the chief security officer at SlowMist, who shared details on X.The phishing emails are designed to look like official messages from MetaMask Support and claim that users must enable mandatory two-factor authentication.They closely mirror the wallet provider’s branding, using the fox logo, colour palette, and layout that many users recognise.A key part of the deception lies in the web domains used by attackers. In documented cases, the fake domain differed from the real one by just a single letter.This small change makes it easy to miss, especially on mobile screens or when users are acting quickly.Once the link is opened, victims are taken to a website that closely imitates MetaMask’s interface.The fake 2FA processOn the phishing site, users are guided through what appears to be a standard security procedure.Each step reinforces the idea that the process is legitimate and designed to protect the account.At the final stage, the site asks users to enter their wallet seed phrase, presenting it as a required step to complete the two-factor authentication setup.This is the decisive moment of the scam. A seed phrase, also known as a recovery or mnemonic phrase, functions as the master key to a wallet.With it, an attacker can recreate the wallet on another device, transfer funds without approval, and sign transactions independently.Passwords, two-factor authentication, and device confirmations become irrelevant once the phrase is compromised.For this reason, wallet providers repeatedly warn users never to share recovery phrases under any circumstances.The use of two-factor authentication as bait is deliberate.2FA is widely associated with stronger security, which lowers suspicion.When combined with urgency and professional presentation, it creates a false sense of safety.Even experienced users can be caught off guard when a familiar security feature is turned into a tool for deception.Early 2026 has already shown signs of renewed market activity, including meme coin rallies and growing retail participation.As activity increases, attackers appear to be returning with more refined methods rather than higher volumes of low-quality scams.The MetaMask phishing campaign suggests that future threats may rely less on scale and more on credibility.For users of MetaMask and crypto wallets more broadly, the episode underlines the need for constant vigilance.Security tools remain essential, but understanding how they can be misused is just as important as using them.The post Fake MetaMask 2FA phishing scam uses polished design to steal wallet seed phrases appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Render, Virtuals Protocol and Artificial Superintelligence Alliance tokens lead AI’s bounceGains come as Bitcoin breaks above $92,000 amid the geopolitical situation in Venezuela.RENDER price could rally to $3-$5 region in the short term.AI tokens have joined memecoins in starting the year higher, with Render price set for a potential retest of $3.This comes as the cryptocurrency market kicks off 2026 with renewed vigor. Bitcoin has broken above $92,000 while Ethereum bulls have eyes on strengthening above $3,100.Amid this, artificial intelligence-related tokens lead the broader recovery in altcoins, which in the past 24 hours, includes major gains for Virtuals Protocol and Artificial Superintelligence Alliance.Pepe soared to lead memecoin’s rebound last week.RENDER price gains 15% as AI tokens lead crypto bounceThe Render project offers a decentralized GPU rendering network, and ranks as one of the top AI tokens in the crypto space.Amid an overall spike for AI coins, its native token has surged by more than 15%.This move in the past 24 hours has seen the token top the $2.10 mark, with the uptick riding an intraday pump in buying pressure.Per CoinMarketCap, over $139 million in Render has been traded in this period.On a weekly basis, RENDER has posted over 56% gains. This aligns with a broader rebound in the AI crypto segment, where related projects have demonstrated even stronger momentum.For instance, FET has advanced by more than 15% in the past day and 30% this past week.Elsewhere, Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) has rallied more than 25% and 51% in the same time frames, respectively.Render price hovered near $2.07 at the time of writing.Bitcoin price buoys altcoinsThe gains for RENDER and other AI tokens have materialized against a backdrop of positive developments in the broader market.After struggling at the end of 2025, Bitcoin is showing strength as the price breaks above $92,000.BTC’s upside looks to have bolstered risk appetite across digital assets, even as geopolitical tensions escalate.Recent US military actions in Venezuela, including strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, have introduced uncertainty.However, market participants appear to view these events as contained.Bulls are prioritizing Bitcoin’s strength and potential implications for energy markets over immediate risk-off sentiment.RENDER price forecastAs the new year unfolds, AI tokens are joining memecoins in delivering robust early performance.While investors could yet rotate into top coins, the early moves have the likes of Pepe (PEPE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) ranking among the top weekly performers.Render Price Chart Render price chart by TradingViewRetail enthusiasm amid some level of certainty will be good for small caps.In this case, RENDER could eye a breakout to $3 or higher.The charts show technical indicators pointing to constructive momentum.A look at the weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests a potential upside continuation.Buyers may nonetheless have to contend with the resistance zone highlighted by the weekly moving average.  The post AI tokens lead crypto rebound as Bitcoin Breaks $92,000, Render jumps 15% appeared first on CoinJournal.

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January 15 AI agent marketplace launch is driving renewed Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) demand.Rising users, revenue, and partnerships support Virtuals Protocol’s growth.Bullish technicals and long positioning are accelerating VIRTUAL price momentum.The Virtuals Protocol price is surging as focus shifts to AI crypto ecosystems.Today, VIRTUAL crypto has surged by 22.3%, emerging as one of the strongest daily gainers, outperforming much of the broader crypto market.At the time of writing, Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) was trading around the $1.00–$1.05 range.This price action is not random, and several aligned catalysts are driving momentum higher.January 15 catalyst puts Virtuals Protocol back in focusThe most immediate reason the Virtuals Protocol price is pumping is anticipation around January 15.Virtuals Protocol is preparing to launch its first decentralised AI agent marketplace.This launch introduces the concept of autonomous, revenue-generating AI agents that can be deployed, traded, and monetised on-chain.For many traders, this represents a tangible use case rather than a purely speculative AI crypto narrative.As excitement builds around this milestone, capital has flowed back into VIRTUAL crypto ahead of the event.AI crypto momentum lifts VIRTUAL priceRecently, the broader AI crypto sector has also regained momentum.Renewed interest in AI infrastructure has followed high-profile developments across the industry.This sector-wide rotation has benefited projects with clear execution and real-world applications.Virtuals Protocol sits directly at the intersection of AI, agents, and on-chain automation.As a result, the VIRTUAL price has captured spillover demand from traders seeking exposure to AI-driven protocols.OpenMind AGI partnership strengthens the narrativeAnother major factor supporting the Virtuals Protocol price is its partnership with OpenMind AGI.This collaboration connects Virtuals AI agents with physical robotics.Recent demos showed robots running on OM1 OS autonomously executing voice-commanded DeFi tasks.These tasks included cross-chain USDC transfers targeting yield opportunities.This “embodied AI” angle adds depth and credibility to the VIRTUAL crypto investment thesis.On-chain usage is rising, not just hypeBeyond headlines, Virtuals Protocol is showing improvement in on-chain activity.Active decentralised exchange users have rebounded to roughly 3,700.These levels were last seen during the previous mid-December rally.More importantly, daily protocol revenue has climbed back to around $26,000.This suggests usage is translating into real economic activity rather than short-lived speculation.Ecosystem updates reinforce execution strengthRecent ecosystem updates from Virtuals Protocol have further boosted confidence.The project updated its website to clearly outline its 2026 roadmap and four core pillars.A full recap of 2025, shared on X by Virtuals Protocol, highlighted consistent shipping across the ecosystem.Multiple agent platforms, infrastructure tools, and analytics dashboards reached new milestones.These updates reinforce the view that Virtuals Protocol is actively building, not stalling.Elliott Wave perspective highlights key timingSome analysts note that the recent rally appears to be a three-wave move.Price reacted cleanly from the Fibonacci support associated with a potential wave 2 low.The next one to two weeks are considered critical.Holding a higher low on the next pullback would favour a five-wave advance.$VIRTUAL
Good reaction to our fibonacci support zone for wave ii but clearly only a 3-wave move to the upside. The next 1-2 weeks will be very important. If the price can hold a higher low in wave (4) in the next pullback, this would give us the next 5-wave move to the upside… pic.twitter.com/7iUGWTfwft— More Crypto Online (@Morecryptoonl) January 4, 2026Such a move would help confirm a larger trend reversal for Virtuals Protocol.Short-term outlook for Virtuals Protocol priceThe short-term outlook for the Virtuals Protocol price remains constructive…

PEPE memecoin surges with high volume and strong short-term momentum.Whale activity and open interest boost bullish market sentiment.Key support at $0.0000037, while the immediate resistance lies near $0.000010.The meme coin market is roaring back, and PEPE coin is leading the charge.After a quiet holiday period, speculative appetite returned with force.PEPE memecoin has surged over 61% in less than a week, reigniting retail and investor enthusiasm.Other meme tokens like BONK, POPCAT, and MOG followed, showing gains between 20% and 75% over the past week.This resurgence has pushed the total meme coin market cap above $46 billion, according to CoinMarketCap at press time.PEPE coin has particularly captured attention due to strong trading volume and community activity.Its 24-hour volume has exceeded $1.4 billion, confirming high liquidity and robust investor interest.The Futures open interest for PEPE has also risen sharply, hitting $470 million, a bullish sign for leveraged traders.Short liquidations totalling over $10 million in just a few days have added upward momentum to the price.Whales are reportedly increasing their holdings, further strengthening the bullish narrative.PEPE price technical analysisTechnically, PEPE has rebounded above key resistance levels at $0.000005648.Its 7-day and 14-day gains stand at 61% and 69%, highlighting strong momentum in the short term.However, traders should remain cautious, as PEPE is still below its 50-day and 100-day EMAs.A large head-and-shoulders pattern is forming, signalling potential bearish risk if momentum fades.This is further supported by the fact that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for PEPE is above 74, indicating an overbought market.PEPE coin price analysisPEPE coin price analysis | Source: TradingViewHowever, the MACD shows a bullish crossover, reinforcing the possibility of further upside before an actual pullback occurs.PEPE’s price remains 72% below the all-time high of $0.00002803, leaving room for potential long-term growth.While recent pullbacks of around 2–3% suggest minor profit-taking, they do not negate the broader bullish trend.PEPE coin price predictionThe meme coin rally has been fueled by a rotation of capital from more stable assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.Lower volatility in major cryptocurrencies has allowed speculative tokens like PEPE memecoin to shine.Social sentiment also plays a role, as platforms and influencers share bullish setups and trading strategies.If bullish momentum continues, PEPE coin could rise toward the psychological $0.000010 level.The 50-day SMA and MACD signals suggest further upside is possible in the short to medium term.However, the head-and-shoulders pattern and EMA resistance indicate traders should remain cautious.The support at $0.0000037 is critical; a breach could trigger a retracement.Overall, PEPE memecoin shows strong potential for gains, making it a key watch for speculative investors in the first quarter of 2026.The post PEPE coin price forecast: bulls lead as memecoins roar back appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Ethereum price gains as bulls eye $3,500 amid broader cryptocurrency gains.The Ethereum network’s stablecoin transfer volume hit $8 trillion.Bulls could target a surge to $4,000-$4,500, although bears remain alert.The price of the Ethereum token is hovering in the green as optimism across the cryptocurrency market lifts Bitcoin to $93,000. AI tokens were among the cryptocurrencies that rallied.With ETH at $3,171 at the time of writing, analysts are pointing to a potential squeeze past $3,500.The top altcoin network’s unprecedented stablecoin transfer volumes, as well as overall risk market trends, make the odds in favour for the bulls.However, traders have also taken note of a $63 million short position by a major whale, largely signaling big investors’ view of the asset’s near-term trajectory.Ethereum price retests $3,200 resistance levelEthereum’s price climbed to highs of $3,211 early Monday.It marks a notable rebound that sees bulls reclaim the level after falling to lows of $2,700 in mid-December 2025.The token had failed to clear above $3,000 after climbing to near $3,400 earlier that month.Ethereum Price ChartEthereum price chart by TradingViewHowever, as top altcoins joined Bitcoin in a broader market upswing, ETH rose from a support level near $3,100.Bulls boasted the upper hand with daily volume jumping 40% to over $17 billion.Ethereum’s price gains aligned with the uptick for equities, which showed gains as the market reacted to news of a US operation in Venezuela.Analysts at QCP Group said in a note to investors.“After a range-bound December, crypto broke higher in early Asia, with $BTC and $ETH clearing $92k and $3,100. The move coincided with gains in equities and weaker oil prices following the US operation that led to the detention of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.”Gains for Ether also come as the network eyes momentum amid a record stablecoin transfer volume.Token Terminal data shows the Ethereum network has achieved a historic milestone, with stablecoin transfer volumes crossing $8 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025.This record high, nearly double the volume recorded earlier in the year, highlights Ethereum’s dominance as a hub for stablecoin transactions.Real-world payment use rather than speculative trading provided fuel for this growth.Bulls target $3,500, but what do analysts say?According to QCP Group, crypto price performances in the past week show “alignment with broader risk assets.”This could signal a shift in sentiment, which may then strengthen bullish narratives.2/ Crypto’s alignment with broader risk assets is looking less like a coincidence and more like a regime shift to start the year, helped by year-end tax loss harvesting fading and policy optionality back on the radar.— QCP (@QCPgroup) January 5, 2026From a technical point of view, bulls have the potential to climb toward $3,500.If price breaks out above this level, the next target could be $4,000 or higher.This short-term outlook, however, may include a sharp reversal, with any upside squeeze threatened by profit taking.As aforementioned, a large whale has taken a $63 million short position, with a liquidation threshold at $4,545.Weakness may signal a pullback to $3,000, especially if Bitcoin falters and fails to extend gains.BTC falling below $90k will spell bad news for bulls.The post Ethereum network growth hits $8T milestone, bulls eye $3,500 level appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Crypto ETFs are being studied as a regulated gateway for public access to digital assets.Japan will cut crypto taxes to 20% and reclassify major tokens as financial products.Institutional shifts in Japan could have wider implications for global markets.Japan is laying the groundwork for crypto exchange-traded funds as part of a broader effort to bring digital assets into its regulated financial system.The shift was outlined by Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama during her New Year address at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where she confirmed government backing for integrating blockchain-based assets into the country’s stock and commodity exchanges.The comments place Japan alongside jurisdictions that are rethinking how digital assets fit within traditional markets, with 2026 framed as a pivotal year for implementation.Katayama described 2026 as the first year of a new digital phase for Japan’s economy, pointing to developments overseas to underline the direction of travel.She highlighted how crypto ETFs in the US have expanded access to digital assets by embedding them within familiar investment structures, rather than treating them as a separate asset class operating outside regulated exchanges.ETFs enter policy debateThe minister’s remarks signalled a clear intention to use existing exchange infrastructure as the foundation for digital asset adoption.By anchoring crypto trading to securities and commodity exchanges, policymakers appear focused on standardisation and oversight, rather than rapid deregulation.Katayama also linked crypto ETFs in the US to their growing use as an inflation hedge for households, suggesting that Japan is assessing how similar products could function within domestic portfolios.As Minister of State for Financial Services, she pledged full support for exchanges developing fintech-focused trading systems.This backing indicates that crypto-linked products are no longer being treated as experimental but as instruments that could sit alongside equities, commodities, and derivatives.Tax and legal reset for 2026The ETF discussion coincides with sweeping regulatory changes already locked in for 2026.Japan will cut its crypto tax rate from a maximum of 55% to a flat 20%, aligning digital assets with stocks and other conventional investments.The government has also reclassified 105 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.These changes allow investors to carry forward crypto trading losses for up to three years, mirroring rules that apply to equities.The clearer framework has prompted long-standing preparations by domestic firms.Implications beyond domestic marketsJapan’s evolving stance is being watched closely outside the country.As the largest foreign holder of US Treasury bonds, with holdings of about $1.2 trillion, Japan plays a significant role in global capital flows.Any reallocation by Japanese institutions toward digital assets could influence market sentiment well beyond Asia.At home, the Financial Services Agency has already approved the country’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC, and has discussed allowing banks to hold and trade crypto directly.Katayama has characterised 2026 as a turning point for addressing Japan’s economic challenges through fiscal policy and targeted investment in growth sectors, with digital assets now firmly part of that strategy.With lower taxes, clearer legal definitions, and ETF-style products edging closer, Japan is repositioning crypto from the fringes of finance toward the centre of its regulated markets.The post Crypto ETFs may soon hit Japan amid tax cuts and regulatory reset appeared first on CoinJournal.

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