🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaRipple signs MOU with Riyad Bank's Jeel to pilot blockchain payments, custody, and tokenization under Vision 2030. Riyad Bank manages $130B. Partnership explores cross-border corridors and digital asset infrastructure. Saudi Arabia moves to catch up with UAE's regional leadership in enterprise blockchain.7/9 ...

Core Viewpoint - A noticeable split is forming within the technology sector, with blockchain and digital asset companies significantly outperforming traditional tech leaders in early 2026 [1] Performance Comparison - The Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) has increased by 11.78% year-to-date as of January 27, 2026, while the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has only risen by 2.83% during the same period [1] Reasons for BLOK's Outperformance - BLOK's active management and exposure to dynamic segments of the digital asset market contribute to its strong performance [1] - The crypto market revival, particularly the renewed strength of Bitcoin and Ethereum, has positively impacted companies supporting the crypto ecosystem [1] - BLOK includes companies applying blockchain technology to enterprise use cases, which are seeing growing institutional adoption [1] - Unlike XLK, BLOK has a broader exposure to smaller, faster-growing companies, reducing concentration risk and allowing individual winners to significantly impact performance [1] Key Holdings Contributing to BLOK's Performance - Cipher Mining (CIFR) - 3.73% weight, focused on industrial-scale bitcoin mining [1] - Robinhood Markets (HOOD) - 3.74% weight, benefiting from increased retail crypto trading volumes [1] - CleanSpark (CLSK) - 3.77% weight, known for sustainable bitcoin mining practices [1] - Hut 8 Corp. (HUT) - 4.08% weight, expanding into high-performance computing and AI data center hosting [1] - Galaxy Digital (GLXY) - 5.00% weight, providing investment banking and asset management services in the digital asset space [1] Key Themes to Monitor - Mining stocks are a major performance driver, with three of the top five holdings directly tied to bitcoin production [1] - Companies like Hut 8 and Galaxy Digital are diversifying into AI infrastructure and data center services, adding a second growth narrative [1] - BLOK's active management strategy allows it to focus on outperforming infrastructure plays while capping individual positions around 5%, avoiding top-heavy exposure typical of traditional tech ETFs [1]

There are plenty of talking heads in the crypto sector to listen to. Many have long-standing bullish views on certain tokens. And it goes without saying that Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) is among the most closely-watched and most commented on cryptocurrencies in the market. Quick Read Tom Lee forecasts Bitcoin at $250,000 by year-end, implying a market cap above $5 trillion. Lee cites spot ETF launches, institutional capital flows, and Bitcoin’s capped supply as key drivers. Lee views accommodative Fed poli ...

Core Viewpoint - Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Morgan International Finance Ltd, which involves a potential investment of up to US$90 million at a price of US$3.00 per share, aimed at enhancing the company's capital strength and supporting its initiatives in blockchain infrastructure and digital assets [1][2][3]. Group 1: Investment Details - Morgan intends to invest in the company's shares through a structured arrangement at a price of US$3.00 per share, with specifics regarding the investment structure, source of shares, and timelines to be finalized upon further negotiations [2]. - The proposed investment is expected to optimize the company's capital structure and diversify funding sources, providing financial backing for digital asset strategies and Web3 infrastructure development [3]. Group 2: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration with Morgan is anticipated to introduce an internationally oriented capital partner, leveraging Morgan's experience in cross-border capital operations to accelerate the implementation of strategies in blockchain and digital assets [4]. - Both parties plan to explore opportunities for technology synergy, resource sharing, and international market development within the framework of definitive transaction documents [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. focuses on new energy vehicle sales, financial services, and technology enablement, committed to providing intelligent and eco-friendly mobility solutions [7]. - The company continues to explore strategic opportunities in emerging technology fields such as blockchain and digital assets, aiming to create sustainable long-term value for shareholders and partners [7].

Core Viewpoint - Hanwha Asset Management has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Solana Foundation to enhance its digital asset ecosystem and strengthen its position in South Korea's digital asset market [1][3]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The agreement focuses on deepening cooperation between Hanwha Asset Management and Solana, a leading blockchain platform [1][3]. - The partnership aims to leverage Hanwha's international network to scale digital asset innovation globally [4]. Group 2: Market Context - South Korea is identified as a key market for global crypto adoption due to its regulatory clarity, institutional infrastructure, and developer talent [3]. - Hanwha Asset Management is recognized as an early mover in South Korea's asset management industry regarding digital assets [4]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The firm established a dedicated digital asset team during 2020-2021 and created a Digital Asset Business Team in 2025 to monitor global crypto market trends [5]. - The partnership aims to build digital income-oriented businesses utilizing the Solana ecosystem [6]. Group 4: Educational and Product Development Goals - The collaboration will include education on Solana's development tools and ecosystem [7]. - Plans to launch SOL-based exchange-traded products and publish custody guidelines for Solana-linked assets are also part of the agreement [7].

Core Insights - The convergence of blockchain technology, institutional adoption, and regulatory clarity is transforming digital assets into a foundational layer of the global financial system, as highlighted in Ark Invest's Big Ideas 2026 report [1] Digital Asset Growth - Bitcoin is increasingly recognized as a new institutional asset class, with U.S. ETFs and public companies raising their combined bitcoin holdings to approximately 12% of total supply in 2025, up from less than 9% the previous year [2][3] - Bitcoin's risk-adjusted returns have outperformed most major cryptocurrencies and broader crypto indexes, indicating its maturation as a store of value [3] Market Projections - Ark Invest anticipates that the combined market for Bitcoin and smart contract networks could grow at an annualized rate of about 60% to roughly $28 trillion by 2030, with Bitcoin expected to account for around 70% of that total [4] - The firm's forecast suggests Bitcoin's market capitalization could increase from about $2 trillion today to approximately $16 trillion by the end of the decade, driven by its role as "digital gold" and rising institutional participation [5] Stablecoins and Tokenization - The rapid growth of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets is identified as a key catalyst for broader adoption, with regulatory clarity in the U.S. prompting financial institutions to reassess their strategies [6] - Stablecoin transaction volumes are reaching levels that rival or exceed major legacy payment networks [6] Future of Tokenized Assets - Tokenized U.S. Treasuries, commodities, and equities are seen as early indicators of a larger migration of financial assets onto public blockchains [7] - Although the market value of tokenized assets is currently small, projections indicate it could exceed $11 trillion by 2030 as sovereign debt, bank deposits, and public equities increasingly transition on-chain [8] - Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and crypto-native issuers are closing the gap with traditional fintechs in terms of assets under management, revenue efficiency, and institutional relevance [8]

Core Viewpoint - Ondo Finance is set to tokenize BitGo's stock on blockchain platforms, providing global investors with quicker access to the newly public crypto custodian on the same day as its NYSE listing [1][2]. Group 1: Tokenization and Trading - Ondo Finance claims to be among the first to tokenize a U.S. company's stock shortly after its IPO, allowing international investors to buy BitGo shares using stablecoins without needing brokerage access [2]. - The tokenized shares will be tradable on Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain through Ondo Global Markets, enhancing accessibility for global investors [1]. Group 2: BitGo's Market Position - BitGo, a key player in the digital asset space, provides crypto custody and settlement infrastructure for institutions [3]. - The IPO of BitGo is priced at $18 per share, occurring during a challenging period for the broader crypto market, with Bitcoin nearly 30% lower than its October record high [3]. Group 3: Ondo Global Markets Performance - Since launching token versions of major U.S. stocks and ETFs in September, Ondo Global Markets has achieved over $466 million in total value locked and $6.4 billion in cumulative trading activity [4].

Core Viewpoint - The company continues to aggressively accumulate Bitcoin, recently adding 22,305 BTC to its balance sheet for approximately $2.13 billion, reflecting its long-term strategy in the cryptocurrency market [1][2]. Group 1: Recent Acquisitions - The latest Bitcoin acquisition was funded through proceeds from equity and preferred stock sales conducted between January 12 and January 19 [2]. - As of January 19, the company holds a total of 709,715 Bitcoin, acquired for approximately $53.92 billion at an average price of $75,979 per BTC [3]. Group 2: Market Conditions - Bitcoin is currently trading around $88,800, down approximately 0.3% over the past 24 hours, and has retreated from recent highs above $95,000 [4]. - The market is experiencing a consolidation phase, with trading volumes moderating as participants await new catalysts amid tightening financial conditions [5]. Group 3: Long-Term Strategy - The company views Bitcoin as a long-duration treasury reserve asset, maintaining its accumulation strategy despite market volatility [7]. - The recent purchases indicate that the company perceives periods of consolidation as opportunities for accumulation rather than signs of market weakness [7].

Core Insights - Thailand is positioning itself as a progressive player in Southeast Asia's digital asset landscape by accelerating the integration of cryptocurrencies into its financial ecosystem [1] - The Thai SEC is preparing new regulations to support crypto ETFs, futures trading, and tokenized investment products [2] Group 1: Cryptocurrency ETFs - The SEC board has approved ETFs in principle, focusing on detailed rules for investment operations, including collaboration between asset managers and licensed crypto exchanges [2] - Thailand approved its first spot Bitcoin ETF in June 2024, initially limited to institutional investors, with plans to expand offerings to include other assets like Ethereum by October 2025 [3] - Investors may allocate up to 5% of diversified portfolios to digital assets under the new framework, appealing to risk-averse institutions while mitigating volatility concerns [4] Group 2: Crypto Futures Trading and Tokenization - The SEC is rolling out new rules for cryptocurrency futures trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), which will operate under the Futures Trading Act [5] - This setup supports price discovery, hedging, and wider participation without requiring investors to hold crypto directly [5] - Regulators will formally recognize digital assets under the Derivatives Act, providing a clear legal foundation for crypto futures [8]

According to Reuters, crypto custody startup BitGo Holdings priced its IPO at $18 per share, above the marketed range of $15 to $17. The company sold 11.8 million shares to raise $212.8 million, giving it a valuation of approximately $2.08 billion and making it the first digital asset company to go public in 2026. Founded in 2013, BitGo is one of the main U.S.-based crypto asset custodians. https://t.co/qMUmU5WUWZ ...