🇳🇱 MoonPay Secures MiCA Approval In The Netherlands Amid Europe Expansion Plans 🇪🇺

MoonPay recently announced that it secured MiCA regulation approval to offer services in The Netherlands, primarily Dutch investors.

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📈 Bitcoin Miners Achieve Record Earnings and Hashrate in December

💰 Bitcoin miners have already surpassed their November earnings this December, accumulating $1.33 billion with two days still remaining in the month. This increase in revenue is attributed to rising bitcoin prices, despite a decline in hashprice, which measures the value of 1 petahash per second (PH/s) of SHA256 output. The hashprice has dropped from $61.78 per PH/s to $55.57 over the past 30 days. During this period, Bitcoin’s hashrate reached an all-time high of over 805 exahash per second (EH/s).

🔧 A scheduled difficulty adjustment on December 29 is anticipated to result in a slight increase, driven by faster block discovery times averaging 9 minutes and 53 seconds per block. The current total computational power of the network stands at 791.45 EH/s, contributed by sixty-five entities each operating at least 286.33 kilohash per second (KH/s).

📊 Despite the decrease in hashprice, December's revenue has already exceeded November's total of $1.21 billion, which included $38.73 million from onchain fees. So far this month, miners have earned $37.69 million from onchain fees and the majority of their revenue, $1.29 billion, has come from Bitcoin’s subsidy. With just over 48 hours left in the year, it is likely that bitcoin miners will surpass November’s fee totals.

🚀 As the month draws to a close, the sector appears set for further growth driven by increasing computational power and a steady market demand. Despite occasional profit fluctuations, the momentum remains strong due to technological advancements and an expanding operational scope.

🌍 Binance Gains 21st Regulatory Approval – Crypto Giant Tightens Grip Worldwide

✅ Binance Secures Brazil Approval for Broader Expansion
Crypto exchange Binance announced approval from the Central Bank of Brazil to acquire Sim;paul, a licensed broker-dealer. This marks Binance’s 21st global regulatory milestone, solidifying its status as the most licensed cryptocurrency exchange worldwide. The company stated:
“This approval underscores our commitment to compliance and security, and we look forward to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative platform for digital-asset needs.”

📈 Accelerating Crypto Adoption in Brazil
Binance CEO Richard Teng highlighted Brazil’s role as a dynamic market with strong crypto adoption. He remarked:
“We thank local regulators for their commitment to defining clear rules for this important, growing industry.”
Brazil, ranked 10th in Chainalysis’ global crypto adoption index, is actively engaging with public consultations and legislative efforts to regulate stablecoins and asset segregation.

🌟 Global Compliance and Regulatory Leadership
This approval follows Binance’s regulatory successes in Argentina, India, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia, emphasizing its commitment to aligning with national standards. Guilherme Nazar, Binance’s Head of Latin America, described the license as a:
“Significant milestone in expanding our products and services in Brazil.”
Binance has enhanced its global compliance by increasing its team size by 34%, with over 1,000 professionals dedicated to regulatory alignment.

🚀 Shaping the Future of Crypto
Through trust-building and transparency, Binance continues to lead in the crypto sector, driving adoption across key global markets while reinforcing its compliance infrastructure.

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📉 XRP Price Analysis: Current Trends and Future Outlook

📊 XRP is trading at $2.37, down 3.7% in the last 24 hours. Its market cap is $136 billion with a daily trading volume of $4.58 billion. The price has fluctuated between $2.34 and $2.46 and is currently 30.1% below its all-time high of $3.40 set on January 7, 2018.

📈 The daily chart shows a stabilization period after a recent upward trend that raised the price from $2.00 to $2.50. Key support levels are at $2.20 and $2.00 while resistance is at $2.50 and $2.65. Indicators like the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) and momentum (10) suggest sustained optimism, supported by buy signals from both exponential and simple moving averages across various timeframes.

➡️ On the 4-hour chart, there has been lateral movement after reaching a peak of $2.50. Diminishing highs indicate a possible retreat. Volume analysis shows a decline in activity at resistance points, signaling buyer fatigue. Support is confirmed at $2.35 and $2.20, providing potential for short-term long positions if the $2.35 support holds. While the Stochastic oscillator leans bearish, other tools like the awesome oscillator and MACD continue to offer buy signals.

🌟 The hourly chart shows increased volatility with a sharp fall from $2.50 to $2.35 followed by attempts to rebound. Resistance at $2.42 and $2.50 is crucial, with the $2.35 level serving as a key point for short-term trading strategies. Traders should set stop-loss orders below $2.30 to manage risk. Oscillators like the relative strength index (RSI) (14) are neutral, while other momentum indicators show mixed sentiments.

🟢 Long-term moving averages like the 100-period and 200-period EMAs and SMAs continue to emit strong buy signals, reflecting a clear upward trajectory. The Ichimoku baseline indicates market balance around the current price, instilling confidence in price stability near $2.35. However, the hull moving average (HMA) suggests selling pressure, calling for a cautious approach.

🟢 Bull Verdict: XRP’s overall trend remains bullish, supported by strong buy signals across long-term moving averages and momentum indicators. If the $2.35 support holds and the price breaks above the $2.50 resistance, a rally toward $2.65 could be expected in the coming sessions.

📌 Bear Verdict: Despite longer-term bullish trends, short-term indicators show signs of exhaustion and selling pressure. A breakdown below $2.35 support could trigger a deeper pullback toward $2.20 or lower, driven by bearish signals from oscillators like the stochastic and hull moving average.

🚨 Breaking: MicroStrategy Acquires 1,070 BTC For $101M ⚡️

MicroStrategy has announced another Bitcoin purchase of $101 million, making its the company's ninth BTC purchase in as many weeks.

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🔥 CFTC Subpoenas Coinbase for Customer Data in Polymarket Investigation

🔍 The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has reportedly subpoenaed Coinbase, a U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, for customer data related to the crypto prediction market platform Polymarket. This was disclosed in a customer notice shared by EthHub co-founder Eric Conner on January 8.

🌟 The notice indicated that Coinbase must provide general customer information to the CFTC unless users file a legal motion to prevent this disclosure by January 15, 2025. Coinbase reassured users that no immediate action was required from them but mentioned that it might share the requested data if the subpoena is not contested.

We write to inform you that Coinbase has been served with a subpoena in the above-referenced matter seeking general customer information that includes information related to your account

the notice read.

🚨 This development comes amid increased scrutiny of Polymarket, especially after the FBI raided the home of its CEO, Shayne Coplan, in mid-November 2024. The investigation gained momentum following reports that cryptocurrency investors made millions by betting on Donald Trump’s victory in the November 5, 2024 U.S. presidential election through Polymarket. Some users allegedly won up to $50 million from these bets.

⚖️ Concerns have been raised about potential manipulation of Polymarket’s decentralized prediction market, prompting regulatory attention. France’s Autorité nationale des jeux initiated its own investigation into Polymarket’s compliance with gambling laws shortly after Trump's election win.

🚫 Polymarket, based in New York, has been unavailable to U.S. residents since 2022 due to a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC over allegations of operating an unregistered derivatives trading platform. However, reports indicate that some U.S. users have circumvented these geo-blocking measures using VPNs to place bets.

🔄 Transition in U.S. Crypto Regulation: Key Figures Depart

🔴 Top U.S. regulators known for their strict enforcement of cryptocurrency regulations are stepping down, signaling a shift towards a more innovation-driven oversight approach under the new administration.

📉 Several prominent leaders in cryptocurrency enforcement from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are leaving their positions. The CFTC announced that Ian McGinley, Director of the Division of Enforcement, will resign on January 17. McGinley has been credited with establishing the CFTC as a leading agency for digital asset enforcement. CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam praised McGinley’s leadership, stating,

Ian led the Division of Enforcement to two groundbreaking years, raising the bar to historical heights.

🛡 During his tenure, McGinley focused on positioning the CFTC at the forefront of digital asset enforcement. He initiated efforts to address violations in the cryptocurrency sector and established the Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology Task Force to tackle issues like artificial intelligence and digital fraud.

🔄 Other leadership changes are also occurring. Behnam announced his resignation effective January 20, coinciding with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Behnam has been a strong advocate for comprehensive regulation in the digital asset space.

🚨 Similarly, SEC Chair Gary Gensler has also announced his resignation, effective January 20. Gensler's tenure was marked by a rigorous regulatory approach towards cryptocurrencies, launching over 100 enforcement actions against crypto companies.

✅ These departures indicate a potential shift in the regulatory landscape for digital assets. The incoming administration may appoint successors with different views on cryptocurrency oversight. President-elect Trump has expressed his intention to make the U.S. a global leader in cryptocurrency and plans to establish a national bitcoin reserve and support domestic bitcoin mining.

💣 Will Solana & SUI Kickstart An Explosive Altcoins Rally? 🚀

The TOTAL 3 altcoins market cap is showing similar signs before the explosive rally of 2017 and 2021 with Solana and SUI poised to lead.

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🛡 United Front Against North Korea's Crypto Theft

🌟 The United States, Japan, and South Korea have joined forces to combat North Korea's cryptocurrency theft schemes, which are financing weapons programs and cybercrime activities. They issued a joint warning about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s cyber operations, emphasizing the significant risks they pose to global financial systems.

🚫 The coordinated efforts aim to prevent stolen funds from being used for the regime's missile programs. The statement highlighted the malicious behavior of DPRK-affiliated groups like the Lazarus Group, which have conducted numerous cybercrime campaigns targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and users.

💰 The Lazarus Group has been linked to major thefts, including $308 million from DMM Bitcoin and $50 million from Upbit in 2024. They have employed tactics such as malware deployment through social engineering to facilitate additional thefts totaling $235 million from Wazirx.

▶️ The statement stresses the need for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors in the three countries to disrupt these cybercrime operations and protect business interests. Initiatives like the U.S. Illicit Virtual Asset Notification program and Japan's partnership with the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association are part of these efforts.

🌐 The trilateral cooperation also includes symposiums co-hosted by South Korea and the U.S. to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. The statement concluded with a commitment from the three nations to continue working together against DPRK's cyber activities and illicit revenue generation.

🪙 Microstrategy's Bold Move: Expanding Shares for Bitcoin Acquisition

📈 Microstrategy is set to expand its authorized class A common stock from 330 million shares to a staggering 10.30 billion shares to support its ambitious bitcoin acquisition strategy. This proposal will be voted on at the shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, January 21.

👤 Michael Saylor, the founder of Microstrategy, controls about 47% of the voting power, and this increase in shares will align the company's total outstanding shares with industry giants like Amazon and Alphabet.

💰 In October, Microstrategy announced plans to raise $42 billion over three years through debt sales and a share issuance program for bitcoin purchases. Since then, the company has made ten consecutive weekly acquisitions, nearly doubling its bitcoin holdings to over $44 billion.

⚖️ While investors typically oppose share increases due to dilution of voting rights and earnings per share, Microstrategy's impressive share performance—with returns exceeding 2,500% since the bitcoin buying initiative began—may mitigate their concerns.

📊 The company employs a unique metric called bitcoin yield to assess the value of its bitcoin acquisitions. This metric tracks changes in bitcoin holdings per diluted share over time, excluding bitcoin price fluctuations to provide a clearer picture of acquisition value for shareholders.

🪙 Balaji Srinivasan's Warning on Memecoins: A Zero-Sum Lottery

🚫 Former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan has voiced strong criticism against memecoins, describing them as a "zero-sum lottery" that generates no real wealth. He cautions that investors often face total losses when prices plummet. On social media platform X, he urged his 1.1 million followers to exercise caution, stating,

avoid investing in anything you can’t afford to lose.

📉 Srinivasan's comments came shortly after the launch of the official TRUMP memecoin by U.S. President Donald Trump. This memecoin saw a temporary surge in value, even entering the top 20 crypto assets by market capitalization. However, both TRUMP and MELANIA memecoins experienced significant value drops just before Trump's inauguration, raising concerns of a potential "rug pull" due to insider sales.

🔍 While acknowledging that some memecoins have established communities, Srinivasan warns against those backed by politicians. He stated,

very rapid price appreciation in a highly politicized environment has high potential for trouble.

He emphasized that the aftermath of a major price crash is crucial, noting that there isn’t any one person to blame for DOGE.

🚨 Ripple SEC Case: Ex-SEC Lawyer Says XRP Lawsuit Settlement Weeks Away ⚖️

Ex-SEC lawyer Marc Fagel states that the Ripple SEC case settlement is unlikely this week and can happen after Atkins' appointment.

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🚀 SEC Task Force Aims to Accelerate Crypto ETF Approvals

💡 A new task force led by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce could revolutionize the approval process for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), potentially including assets like XRP, SOL, and DOGE. Matt Mena, a crypto research strategist at 21Shares, emphasized that Peirce's leadership could facilitate clearer regulations and remove existing barriers related to asset classification and ETF registration.

🔍 The task force aims to address key SEC concerns such as custody, investor protection, and market integrity. Mena stated,

By promoting structured disclosure frameworks, practical registration paths, and enhanced regulator-industry engagement, this task force could create a more transparent approval process

He highlighted the importance of clarifying the status of assets like SOL and XRP as either securities or commodities and developing standardized surveillance agreements to prevent market manipulation.

📈 A streamlined approval process for crypto ETFs could significantly benefit both institutional and retail investors, providing them with new opportunities to invest in digital assets. This could lead to broader adoption of cryptocurrencies and enhance price discovery, similar to the impact of bitcoin ETFs in recent years. If successful, the task force could act as a catalyst for integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets, unlocking new capital flows and fostering innovation.

💱 US Observes BRICS Currency Discussions Amid Dedollarization Efforts

👀 The BRICS bloc's initiatives to explore dedollarization and the introduction of a potential BRICS currency have caught the attention of global powers, especially the United States. Indian international relations expert Subhashish Banerjee mentioned in an interview that while the U.S. is unlikely to interfere with BRICS activities, it will keep a close watch on their developments.

Discussions about replacing the U.S. dollar with the BRICS currency might have triggered some kind of disbalance in understanding. But I assume that it is absolutely temporary in nature.

🌍 The idea of reducing dependence on the dollar is gaining momentum among BRICS members, particularly Russia and China, due to concerns over U.S. economic influence. However, India remains cautious. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated,

India has never been a supporter of de-dollarization.

While India opposes a unified BRICS currency, the bloc is promoting the use of local currencies in trade to lower transaction costs and mitigate currency volatility associated with the dollar.

🔄 Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s BRICS sherpa, clarified that the initiative is not about abandoning the dollar but rather addressing the impacts of U.S. policies. BRICS members have already begun trading in national currencies, signing several bilateral agreements in recent years. These actions reflect a broader push for financial sovereignty within the bloc.

🌐 The BRICS group currently includes 10 member nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recently added Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopia, and Indonesia. The group is also forming partnerships with various countries to enhance its influence. BRICS' efforts to foster economic cooperation, diminish dollar reliance, and potentially create a common currency underscore its ambition to reshape the global financial landscape and challenge the dollar’s dominance.

⚠️ Robert Kiyosaki Reveals Timeline For ‘Biggest Market Crash’, Here’s All 🔻

Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki reveals the potential time for the "biggest market crash in history", but maintains a positive Bitcoin outlook.

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💰 DOGE's Ambitious Savings Goals: $1 Billion Daily and Beyond

💵 Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to be saving the federal government approximately $1 billion per day. These savings are primarily achieved by halting unnecessary hiring, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations. These measures align with President Donald Trump's Executive Orders aimed at reducing government expenditures.

☄️ DOGE was initiated by Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who both advocated for cutting government inefficiencies. Ramaswamy played a significant role in shaping the department's early direction but eventually left due to differences in long-term priorities. Musk has remained a strong supporter of DOGE's mission, frequently voicing concerns over excessive government spending.

📈 Despite its initial success, DOGE aims to increase its savings significantly. The department has outlined several key objectives, including continuing to review all federal agencies to identify redundant roles, further reducing foreign aid payments that do not align with national interests, and eliminating outdated government programs.

⚠️ Musk has repeatedly warned about the United States' financial situation, emphasizing the dangers of mounting national debt. When asked whether the U.S. could achieve a budget surplus in the next four years—something that hasn't happened since 2001—Musk responded:

It's not out of the question.

📉 NFT Sales Decline in January 2025

📊 In January 2025, non-fungible token (NFT) sales saw a significant decline of 38.97% compared to December 2024. Ethereum led the market with $340.47 million in sales, despite experiencing a 36.58% decrease in transactions. The total sales for the month amounted to $677.73 million across 5,428,020 transactions.

🌟 Bitcoin NFT sales also dropped by 40.90%, totaling $111.75 million. Solana followed in third place with $81.56 million in sales, down by 26.65%. Among the top ten blockchains, only Base recorded an increase in sales, soaring by 293.19% to reach $22.76 million.

🏆 The top five NFT collections for January were led by Ethereum's Azuki with $57.05 million, followed by Pudgy Penguins at $43.09 million. Other notable collections included Dmarket from Mythos at $33.37 million, Cryptopunks at $28.10 million, and Bitcoin's BRC20 NFTs at $25.80 million.

📈 Azuki showed the strongest performance among the top collections, with a 41.92% increase in sales and a remarkable rise in transactions by 96.83%. It also saw significant growth in buyers (99.80%) and sellers (95.56%). The highest NFT sale of the month was Cryptopunk #6472, which sold for $740,180.

🔴 Looking ahead, the NFT market faces ongoing skepticism due to last year's steep decline in sales and valuations. Critics point to oversaturation of projects and waning investor enthusiasm as factors contributing to this downturn. Despite these challenges, there is hope that upcoming collections and increased competition among trading platforms could revive interest in the sector.