Group 1: Conference Overview - CoinDesk's annual Consensus Hong Kong conference will commence with a speech from Hong Kong Chief Executive John KC Lee [2] - The conference will feature discussions on the growth of real-world asset tokenization, stablecoins, and evolving payment systems, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) [3] - Panels will include regulators and industry participants discussing privacy, artificial intelligence, decentralized finance, and trading behaviors [4] Group 2: Regulatory Context - SEC Chair Paul Atkins will be testifying before the House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees, with expectations that cryptocurrency topics will arise [5] - The White House is organizing a second meeting between representatives of the crypto and banking industries to address stablecoin yield concerns [6] Group 3: Schedule Highlights - Day 1 of Consensus Hong Kong will start at 01:30 UTC (9:30 a.m. HKT) [7] - Day 2 of Consensus Hong Kong will kick off at 02:00 UTC (10:00 a.m. HKT) [6]

China’s central bank and nine other regulators have moved to lock in a sweeping crackdown on crypto-related activity, issuing a joint notice on Friday that bans unapproved yuan-linked stablecoin issuance, classifying most real-world asset tokenization as illegal. The notice frames virtual currencies, stablecoins, and tokenized assets as sources of systemic financial risk, reaffirming that cryptocurrencies lack legal tender status and that related trading, issuance, and intermediary services constitute ill ...

Core Insights - MetaMask has integrated with Ondo Finance's Global Markets platform to provide access to tokenized U.S. stocks, ETFs, and commodities [1][3] - Eligible MetaMask mobile users in supported non-U.S. jurisdictions can trade over 200 U.S. tokenized securities directly within the wallet [2] - The integration signifies a shift towards blending traditional finance with on-chain markets, as the tokenized real-world assets market exceeds $22 billion globally [3] Group 1 - The integration allows users to buy and trade tokenized securities like Tesla, Apple, and Nvidia without needing a traditional brokerage account [2] - This launch represents one of the first instances of tokenized U.S. equities and ETFs being available through a major self-custodial wallet [3] - Joe Lubin emphasized the need for a better model that allows seamless movement between crypto and traditional assets without intermediaries [4] Group 2 - The current U.S. market access relies on outdated systems, which have not significantly evolved [4] - The move aims to enhance user control and simplify the trading process by eliminating the need for fragmented apps and rigid trading windows [4] - The integration reflects a growing trend in the crypto industry to merge traditional financial systems with blockchain technology [3]

Core Insights - The founder of Binance, Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, highlighted three emerging narratives in the cryptocurrency space: tokenization of real-world assets, the future of cryptocurrency payments, and the potential of cryptocurrency in artificial intelligence transactions [1][2][5][6]. Group 1: Tokenization - Zhao described the tokenization of real-world assets as a "huge" opportunity, indicating discussions with multiple governments about tokenizing their assets to realize financial gains for industry development [2]. - There is a notable industry shift towards tokenization, exemplified by the New York Stock Exchange's plans to develop a platform for trading and on-chain settlement of tokenized U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, with 24/7 operations and instant settlement [3]. - However, regulatory challenges remain, particularly a clause in the crypto market structure bill that could hinder the progress of tokenizing real-world assets [4]. Group 2: Cryptocurrency Payments - CZ expressed optimism regarding the cryptocurrency payments landscape, which he believes has not yet been fully "conquered," highlighting the integration of traditional payment methods supported by cryptocurrencies [5]. Group 3: Cryptocurrency and AI - Zhao emphasized that cryptocurrency could serve as the native currency for artificial intelligence transactions, suggesting that AI agents will not rely on traditional bank cards for transactions [6]. - This view is supported by economist Alex Tabbarok, who noted Coinbase's feature allowing AI agents to transact using stablecoins like USDC without traditional authentication methods [7]. Group 4: Bitcoin's Future - CZ predicted a potential Bitcoin super cycle in 2026, suggesting that the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle could be disrupted as countries become more favorable towards cryptocurrency [8]. - As of the latest data, Bitcoin was trading at $88,187.72, reflecting a 0.43% increase in the last 24 hours [8].

Core Insights - OFA Group has officially launched Hearth, a real-world asset tokenization platform, through its subsidiary Hearth Labs, Inc. on January 26, 2026 [1] - Hearth aims to bridge traditional asset structures with blockchain technology, enhancing transparency, programmability, and market accessibility while ensuring institutional-grade controls [2] Platform Functionality at Launch - At launch, Hearth serves as a primary distribution platform for tokenized real-world asset products from OFA Group and its affiliated entities [3] - The platform is designed to be modular and extensible, with future capabilities expected to be introduced as regulatory and technical conditions allow [3] Near-Term Asset Pipeline - OFA Group plans to onboard significant development assets onto the Hearth platform, sourced from its existing pipeline and strategic partners, indicating a major expansion of initial offerings [4] Strategic Milestone - The launch of Hearth is a key part of OFA Group's digital transformation strategy, integrating architecture, asset development, and emerging financial technologies [5] - Hearth is intended to support various asset classes, including real estate and infrastructure, focusing on long-duration, capital-intensive projects [5] Management Perspective - OFA Group management believes that real-world assets will increasingly transition to programmable financial systems, with Hearth designed to align disciplined asset origination with modern digital distribution [6] Platform Features - Hearth supports project-specific issuance structures, investor onboarding for primary issuances, compliant workflows, and secondary trading functionality [7] - The platform will evolve with additional features, integrations, and asset offerings following its launch [8]

HONG KONG, Jan. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hivemind Capital, a global investment group focused on the intersection of traditional markets and the onchain economy, today announced a strategic partnership with CPIC Investment Management (H.K.) Co, Ltd ("CPIC IMHK"), an affiliate of one of the world's largest insurance groups, to establish a real-world asset tokenization fund strategy. The initiative brings together Hivemind's expertise in digital asset market structure and operations with CPIC IMHK's deep inst ...

Core Viewpoint - Datavault AI Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of API Media Innovation Inc., enhancing its capabilities in the live outdoor event market through advanced media infrastructure and event technology solutions [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Datavault AI Inc. is a leader in data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, and real-world asset tokenization technologies [1]. - API Media Innovation Inc. has a long-standing history of providing innovative audio and visual technologies to the media, sports, and entertainment sectors [1]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of API Media is aimed at extending Datavault AI's offerings in the live outdoor event market [1]. - API Media is headquartered in New Jersey and has decades of experience in the industry [1].

Group 1 - Blockchain technology is gaining traction on Wall Street, driven by demand for stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization, leading banks to explore digital asset custody [1] - Coinbase Global is positioned to benefit from this trend, with a significant increase in customer crypto assets from $75 billion in Q4 2022 to over $500 billion by Q3 2025 [4] - The company has experienced a 37% compound annual growth rate in trailing-12-month revenue since 2022, with institutional transaction revenue growing 144% year over year in Q3 [3] Group 2 - Coinbase is expanding its service offerings, including stock trading, aiming to become a leading financial services company [5] - The current market cap of Coinbase at $65 billion appears low compared to more established financial services firms, suggesting potential for growth [5] - The interest from banks in digital asset custody indicates a broader acceptance and integration of cryptocurrency into traditional finance [7]

Core Insights - Sky Quarry Inc. has appointed three new board members, enhancing its governance structure with a majority independent board [1] Group 1: Board Appointments - The new board members are Omar Hussein, Alexander Monje, and Robert Byrne, collectively bringing 50 years of experience [1] - The appointments were made to fill vacancies resulting from an increase in the board size approved in August 2025 [1]

Core Insights - Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) identifies stablecoins, real-world asset tokenization, and privacy infrastructure as key forces shaping the crypto industry by 2026 [1] Group 1: Stablecoins - Stablecoins have reached mainstream scale with an estimated $46 trillion in transaction volume last year, rivaling major payment networks like PayPal and approaching U.S. ACH volumes [2] - The next challenge for stablecoins is to build better on-ramps and off-ramps that connect digital dollars to everyday financial systems [2][3] - Startups are emerging to link stablecoins to local payment rails, QR-based networks, and card-issuing platforms, enabling users to spend stablecoins at traditional merchants [3] Group 2: Tokenization - There is growing interest from banks, fintech firms, and asset managers in bringing equities, commodities, and other assets on-chain [4] - Much of today's real-world asset tokenization remains "skeuomorphic," reflecting traditional financial structures rather than leveraging crypto-native capabilities [4] - Momentum is building around crypto-native derivatives, particularly perpetual futures, which offer deeper liquidity and simpler implementation [5] Group 3: Privacy Infrastructure - Privacy is emerging as a competitive moat for blockchain networks, becoming a central theme for 2026 [6] - As public blockchains become more interoperable, privacy-preserving systems could enhance network effects by making user migration more difficult and protecting against transaction-level surveillance [6] Group 4: AI and Payments - The intersection of AI agents and crypto infrastructure is growing, particularly as autonomous systems begin transacting without human intervention [7]