Crypto World Echo

Valkyrie amends Bitcoin Fund S-1 filing with enhanced custody and valuation rules

Valkyrie Investments refiled an amended Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday for its Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund, adding more precise rules around custody, valuation, seed investments, and risks as the cryptocurrency investment vehicle awaits regulatory approval to trade on Nasdaq. The new filing updates the index used to value the fund’s Bitcoin from Lukka Prime to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate – New York Variant, which calculates the reference rate as of 4 PM Eastern

FLOCK is available for trading!

We’re thrilled to announce that FLOCK is available for trading on Kraken!Funding and tradingFLOCK trading is live as of January 9, 2026.To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’. Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost.Trade on KrakenHere’s some more information about this asset:FLock.io (FLOCK)FLock.io (FLOCK) is a decentralized AI training platfo

This Investor Thinks the United States Could Start Buying Bitcoin in 2026

Bitcoin MagazineThis Investor Thinks the United States Could Start Buying Bitcoin in 2026Cathie Wood is betting that politics, not just markets, could be the catalyst that pushes the United States into actively buying bitcoin.The ARK Invest founder said this week that cryptocurrency has become a durable political issue for President Donald Trump, one that could shape policy decisions as the White House looks ahead to the 2026 midterm elections. In Wood’s view, that dynamic increases the odd

Ripple Gets FCA Green Light for UK Payments via Local Unit, but with Tight Limits

Ripple has secured a key regulatory approval in the UKthat lets its local subsidiary offer regulated payment services, while thecountry moves toward a full licensing regime for crypto assets. The decisiongives Ripple a clearer base in one of the world’s major financial centres. The Financial Conduct Authority granted Ripple MarketsUK an Electronic Money Institution registration and listed the firm under theUK’s Money Laundering Regulations, according to the regulator’s register. EMI status allow

Bitcoin ETFs Extend Losing Streak With $399 Million Exit

Selling pressure persisted across bitcoin and ether ETFs, while XRP quickly rebounded from its first outflow day. Solana continued to attract fresh capital, reinforcing its growing appeal among investors. Bitcoin, Ether Slide Again as XRP and Solana Rebound Momentum remained fragile across U.S. spot crypto ETFs as Thursday, Jan. 8, delivered another uneven session. Bitcoin […]

South Korea Preparing to Approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Crypto Policy Pivot

Bitcoin MagazineSouth Korea Preparing to Approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Crypto Policy PivotSouth Korea is reportedly preparing to open its financial markets to spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) this year, marking a shift in the country’s long-standing approach to digital assets as regulators accelerate work on a comprehensive new crypto law.The plan was outlined in the government’s newly released 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) taking the lead on

Vexl: Empowering Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Exchange Through Social Networks

Bitcoin MagazineVexl: Empowering Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Exchange Through Social NetworksIn an era where centralized exchanges dominate cryptocurrency trading, Vexl stands out as a peer-to-peer (P2P) application designed to connect Bitcoin users within their personal networks for direct, non-custodial trades. The app facilitates buying and selling Bitcoin without intermediaries, emphasizing in-person meetings for cash exchanges while also supporting fiat transfers arranged privately between users.

Tether partners with UN’s drug control agency to boost cybersecurity in Africa

<p>The partnership could enhance Africa's digital economy by improving cybersecurity, fostering financial transparency, and reducing crime.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/tether-unodc-cybersecurity-africa/">Tether partners with UN&#8217;s drug control agency to boost cybersecurity in Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Wyoming Launches First U.S. State Stablecoin $FRNT on Solana, Taps $300B Market With Sub-Cent Fees

Key Takeaways:Wyoming has launched $FRNT, the first fiat-backed, fully reserved stablecoin issued by a U.S. state, now live on Solana.$FRNT is available to the public via Kraken, with cross-chain access to Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Optimism, and Polygon.Interest earned on reserves flows back to Wyoming’s public schools, positioning the stablecoin as a revenue-generating public good.Wyoming has taken a historic step in crypto adoption, bringing the first U.S. state-issued stablecoin in

Ripple wins FCA approval to offer compliant payment services in UK

<p>Ripple's FCA approval enhances its UK market presence, potentially accelerating digital asset integration and fostering financial innovation.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/ripple-fca-approval-uk-payment-services/">Ripple wins FCA approval to offer compliant payment services in UK</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

Xapo Bank’s Bitcoin Wealth Ecosystem, Explained

Xapo Bank has been pushing a simple message to long-term Bitcoin holders: do not just park your coins, put them to work. From its base in Gibraltar, the Bitcoin-first bank has built a suite of “wealth” products that turn both USD and BTC balances into yield, with all returns paid out in Bitcoin.For Bitcoiners weighing counterparty risk after a string of yield-platform blowups, Xapo’s approach is worth a closer look, both for what it offers and for what it deliberately avoids.A regulated Bitcoin

Today’s “perfect storm” for Bitcoin brings several critical macro tests that signal a volatility surge – what to watch

By the time most people finish their first coffee, the market will already have picked a direction for the day, and Bitcoin will have reacted, overreacted, and possibly reversed.Friday, January 9 has that familiar feeling traders dread and secretly crave, the kind of calendar where the headlines are close enough together that one story bleeds into the next. If you’re holding Bitcoin today, you’re basically watching a live experiment in how fast markets can reprice fear, hope, and interest rates.

China’s Gold Rush Continues as Buying Streak Reaches 14 Months

The People’s Bank of China acquired 30,000 troy ounces of gold in December, according to official figures, extending its 14‑month buying streak. China is among the countries with the largest gold reserves, officially holding more than 74 million troy ounces of the precious metal. China Ramps up Gold Purchases, Continues 14-Month Buying Streak China has continued its gold [&#8230;]

Crypto whale opens $325M long positions in BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL

<p>This significant investment shift may signal increased market confidence, potentially influencing broader crypto market trends and investor sentiment.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/crypto-whale-opens-325m-long-positions-btc-eth-sol-xrp/">Crypto whale opens $325M long positions in BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>

BingX Expands TradFi Futures as Crypto Platforms Move Closer to Broker Territory

Crypto exchange BingX has launched BingX TradFi, a new feature offering futures tied to traditional assets. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward building one-stop financial platforms rather than single-purpose trading venues.With this latest expansion, BingX joins an increasingly competitive push by crypto platforms to move beyond digital assets and into multi-asset trading. Crypto-native platforms are leveraging their existing infrastructure and user bases to offer exposure to fore

Multi Asset Broker XTB Launches American Style Options Under CySEC Supervision

XTB has added trading options for shares of major globalcompanies to its offer, launching the new instrument in the Cypriot market.Traditionally a CFD and FX broker, XTB’s introduction of stock options marks anexpansion. The options are of the American type and are cash-settled, meaninginvestors do not need to purchase underlying assets when exercising them.The offering operates under the supervision of the CyprusSecurities and Exchange Commission. Initially, vanilla options are availablefor 100

Crypto Firms Must Apply for FCA Authorisation Starting September This Year

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has outlinedrequirements for firms seeking to undertake new regulated cryptoassetactivities, with the application period expected to open in September 2026. Firms will need authorisation under the Financial Servicesand Markets Act before the new regime begins in October 2027. The move is part of efforts to regulatethe cryptocurrency sector and introduce consumer protections currentlylacking.FSMA Authorisation Mandatory for Crypto FirmsTo support this transiti

$33 Trillion Stablecoin Boom: USDC Leads as Crypto Payments Race Toward $56T by 2030

Key Takeaways:Stablecoin transaction volume surged 72% to a record $33 trillion in 2025, driven by policy clarity and rising global demand for digital dollars.USDC dominated transaction flows with $18.3 trillion, outpacing USDT’s $13.3 trillion despite Tether’s larger market cap.Quarterly momentum accelerated, with Q4 2025 hitting $11 trillion, and analysts see stablecoin payments reaching $56 trillion by 2030.Stablecoins are no longer a niche crypto tool. In 2025, they became a core pillar of g

Coincheck Group to Acquire 3iQ in $112 Million Deal

Coincheck Group signs a stock purchase agreement to buy 97% of 3iQ for about $112 million. Coincheck Group N.V., the holding company of Japan’s leading crypto exchange Coincheck, announced that it has entered a stock purchase agreement with Monex Group to acquire approximately 97% of 3iQ Corp., a Canadian digital‑asset manager based in Ontario. The [&#8230;]

Tom Lee’s Bitmine stakes 827K Ethereum worth over $2.5B

<p>Bitmine's significant Ethereum stake highlights the growing institutional confidence in crypto assets and the potential for increased market influence.</p><p>The post <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com/bitmine-stakes-827k-eth-worth-over-2-5b/">Tom Lee&#8217;s Bitmine stakes 827K Ethereum worth over $2.5B</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cryptobriefing.com">Crypto Briefing</a>.</p>