Core Insights - Bitget Wallet has completed a strategic transformation into an integrated daily financial application, placing payment functionality at the center of user experience, coinciding with its global user base surpassing 90 million [3][4] - The shift reflects a broader industry trend where cryptocurrency wallets are evolving from investment-focused use cases to supporting everyday financial activities such as consumption, transfers, savings, and fund management [3][4] - The update emphasizes a "utility-first" approach, indicating a clear turning point in the crypto payment ecosystem, with significant growth in stablecoin transactions and mainstream crypto card usage [3][4][5] Company Developments - The Pay Center integrates crypto cards, QR code payments, bank transfers, and in-app shopping into a unified payment process, making Bitget Wallet one of the few self-custody platforms covering all major crypto payment methods [4] - The redesign features a streamlined interface aimed at reducing friction in daily financial operations, introducing a Dynamic Panel for real-time notifications and a Today's View for quick access to recent activities [4][5] - Bitget Wallet's CMO highlighted that the platform aims to provide an intuitive experience for users to perform savings, transfers, and payments globally, positioning the wallet as a daily-use crypto account [5][6] Industry Trends - Data indicates that stablecoin consumption and yield growth rates have outpaced trading, with crypto card spending increasing over 28 times year-on-year, and subscription for yield products nearing a tenfold increase [5][6] - The trends suggest that the adoption of cryptocurrencies is entering a new phase driven by the practical financial application value [6]

Core Viewpoint - Strive has successfully closed an upsized follow-on offering of its preferred stock, raising a total of $225 million, which includes a significant debt reduction from its acquisition of Semler Scientific [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Actions - Strive increased its fundraising target from $150 million to $225 million, which includes a $90 million note exchange that involved issuing 930,000 shares of SATA to eliminate $90 million of a $100 million convertible note due in 2030 [1][2]. - The company sold 1,320,000 shares of SATA at $90 per share, generating $118.8 million in proceeds [2]. - Strive has retired $110 million of the $120 million debt inherited from Semler Scientific, with plans to eliminate the remaining $10 million by April 2026 [3]. Group 2: Asset Management - Following the retirement of the Coinbase loan, Strive's Bitcoin holdings are now fully unencumbered [2]. - With the proceeds from the fundraising, Strive acquired 333.89 Bitcoin at an average price of $89,851, increasing its total Bitcoin holdings to 13,131.82 [3]. Group 3: Market Performance - At the time of publishing, Strive's stock was down 3.15% after market open [3].

Core Insights - Gold prices have surged, approaching $5,600 per ounce, marking a significant increase of over 27% in the past year and nearly 100% year-to-date [1][2] - The rally is driven by geopolitical tensions, a weaker U.S. dollar, and speculation regarding potential monetary easing by central banks [2] - Tether has expanded its physical gold holdings to approximately 140 tonnes, valued at around $23 billion, positioning itself as one of the largest non-sovereign gold holders globally [2][3] Market Dynamics - The total market capitalization of gold is estimated at roughly $37 trillion, while Bitcoin's market cap is around $1.8 trillion [6] - A notable 5% increase in gold prices on a single day added the entire market cap of Bitcoin, highlighting the scale of the gold market's movement [4] Future Considerations - Potential scenarios that could trigger a rotation between gold and Bitcoin include renewed monetary expansion, stress in bond markets, and shifts in investor psychology [7] - If the Federal Reserve engages in large-scale balance sheet expansion, both gold and Bitcoin could benefit, with Bitcoin potentially outperforming due to its higher beta [7] - Stress in bond markets could enhance gold's appeal, while Bitcoin may regain its status as an uncorrelated hedge if market conditions worsen [7]

Core Viewpoint - Russia is set to implement cryptocurrency market regulations by June 2027, allowing both qualified and unqualified investors to participate under different rules [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The regulations will impose a cap of 300,000 rubles ($4,000) on retail investors' cryptocurrency purchases [2]. - Qualified investors will need to pass mandatory testing to understand cryptocurrency transaction risks, but they can purchase unlimited quantities of crypto assets, excluding anonymous ones [2]. - The framework will include penalties for illegal activities by intermediaries, akin to sanctions for illegal banking activities [3]. Group 2: Central Bank's Role - The Central Bank of Russia proposed a framework in December to legalize and regulate cryptocurrency trading for individuals and institutions, indicating a shift towards a more favorable stance on cryptocurrencies [4]. - Digital currencies and stablecoins are recognized as monetary assets but are not permitted for domestic payments [4]. Group 3: Mining and Trading - Cryptocurrency miners will be encouraged to legalize their operations, with potential administrative, financial, and criminal liabilities for illegal activities [5]. - The Central Bank will compile a list of 5 to 10 cryptocurrencies allowed for trading, likely including BTC and ETH, with others available only to qualified investors [5]. Group 4: Anti-Money Laundering Measures - The Central Bank prohibits the purchase of cryptocurrencies that conceal transaction recipients, such as Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), and Dash, to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations [6].

Core Viewpoint - Bit Digital Inc is transitioning from bitcoin mining to Ethereum-based infrastructure and AI compute assets as its main business focus, with 2025 identified as a pivotal year for this transformation [1][2]. Business Strategy - The company is adopting a strategic asset company model, emphasizing the deployment and operation of infrastructure assets rather than passive holding [2]. - Bit Digital has exited bitcoin mining due to its inefficiency compared to yield-generating opportunities, consolidating its digital asset exposure around Ethereum [3][4]. Ethereum Focus - Ethereum is now the primary economic infrastructure for the company, with over 150,000 ETH held, most of which is staked for rewards while ensuring liquidity and custody standards [4]. - The company views Ethereum as programmable financial infrastructure with long-term relevance across various sectors [4]. AI Infrastructure - Bit Digital's AI strategy is centered on its investment in WhiteFiber, which is seen as a long-term strategic asset due to sustained demand for AI compute driven by structural constraints [5][6]. - The company intends to remain a long-term owner of WhiteFiber as it scales, with improvements in utilization noted by the third quarter [6]. Financial Strategy - To support its transformation, Bit Digital completed an unsecured convertible note offering, which allows for capital raising while maintaining balance sheet flexibility [7]. - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation, prioritizing infrastructure assets for long-term ownership and operation [7]. Future Outlook - Bit Digital plans to transition from transformation to execution in 2026, aiming to strengthen self-funding growth through durable cash flow while maintaining balance sheet flexibility [8]. - Current returns are linked to market performance in Ethereum and WhiteFiber, with plans for differentiated value creation through operational execution and strategic capital deployment [8]. Commitment to WhiteFiber - The company reaffirms its long-term commitment to WhiteFiber, stating it will not sell any shares during 2026, even after the IPO lockup period expires [9][10]. - Bit Digital continues to hold approximately 27 million shares of WhiteFiber and views it as a core strategic holding, emphasizing alignment with other shareholders and confidence in long-term growth [10][12].

Core Insights - Universal launched USDU, the first USD-backed stablecoin registered by the UAE's central bank, amidst a global push for clearer regulations on stablecoins [1][2] - The approval of USDU by the UAE central bank signifies a move towards trust in digital currencies, as it allows for legal use in the UAE's financial system [1][4] Group 1: USDU Overview - USDU is a digital token designed to maintain a value close to $1, functioning like a digital cashier's check on blockchains [2] - It is issued by Universal Digital Intl Limited, regulated in Abu Dhabi, and registered as a "Foreign Payment Token" for institutional use in digital-asset trades [2][3] Group 2: Regulatory Context - UAE regulations require crypto payments and derivatives to be settled in fiat currency or an approved token, which USDU now satisfies [3] - The UAE aims to position itself as a regulated crypto hub, adopting stablecoins with tighter oversight compared to other regions [5] Group 3: Trust and Compliance - Universal claims that USDU holds dollars 1:1 in onshore UAE bank accounts, with monthly attestations to ensure trust in reserves [4][5] - This model is similar to how other large stablecoin issuers explain their reserve strategies, enhancing user confidence [4][5] Group 4: Target Market and Use Cases - USDU is targeted at banks, exchanges, and large trading desks, focusing on compliance rather than speculative trading [6] - Aquanow serves as the global distribution partner, facilitating conversions between USDU and local currencies, supporting domestic settlements [6]

Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BMNR) is among the Growth Stock Portfolio: 12 Stock Picks By Cathie Wood.   Cantor Fitzgerald Analyst Initiates Coverage on Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (BMNR) Brett Knoblauch, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, began covering Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BMNR) on January 5, 2026, as reported by TheFly. It holds an Overweight rating and a $39 price goal on the stock. The company identified the corporation as one of the biggest fundraisers in ...

Core Insights - Greenlane Holdings has announced the integration of Ethena's USDe as approved collateral for Berachain's HONEY stablecoin, expanding the collateral options available on the platform [1][2] - The integration aims to enhance liquidity, network activity, and economic mechanisms within the Berachain ecosystem by creating a deeper pool of dollar-denominated capital [1][2] - Currently, approximately $19 million of USDe is being utilized as collateral within the HONEY framework, while the total supply of USDe exceeds $6 billion [2] Company Overview - Greenlane Holdings is focused on a Berachain-centered digital asset treasury strategy, which includes acquiring BERA and enhancing BERA-per-share through treasury management [4] - The company is actively participating in the Berachain ecosystem by engaging in network staking, liquidity provisioning, and supporting decentralized applications [4] Berachain Insights - Berachain is the first blockchain utilizing Proof of Liquidity, designed to facilitate business scaling and sustainable on-chain economies [5] - The platform has successfully raised $150 million from notable digital asset investors, indicating strong market confidence [5] Ethena Overview - Ethena is the protocol behind USDe, which has seen significant growth, with a peak circulating supply exceeding $14 billion [6] - Ethena also contributes to USDtb, the 13th-largest stablecoin, with nearly $1 billion in supply [6]

Core Insights - Bitcoin has fallen below the $89,000 level due to tighter financial conditions and geopolitical stress impacting risk assets [1][8] - The US Federal Reserve's cautious stance and declining investor appetite in crypto markets are contributing to the negative sentiment [3][8] Market Sentiment - Market sentiment is pressured by a neutral to hawkish central bank stance and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East [3][7] - The crypto market is experiencing a lack of fresh capital, leading to diminished speculative activity [4] Trading Behavior - There is a notable loss of conviction among traders, with crypto futures open interest down 42% from record highs, indicating reduced risk-taking [4][8] - Attempts at bullish breakouts are quickly followed by sell-offs, suggesting a fragile market structure [5] Institutional Activity - Institutional investors are adopting a defensive posture, with Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds experiencing $160 million in outflows over the past three trading sessions [5] - Larger investors are remaining on the sidelines, waiting for more favorable conditions as volatility persists [5][8] Policy Environment - The Federal Reserve's current policy, with benchmark rates held between 3.5% and 3.75%, is a significant drag on market sentiment [6] - Internal divisions within the Fed and geopolitical uncertainties are further complicating the investment landscape [6][7]

Wallet, 0x1b7D, withdrew a combined 194.4 XAUT ($993,000) and 106.2 PAXG ($538,000) from MEXC on the same day.Meanwhile, blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported multiple high-value transactions during the final week of January, pointing to sustained whale interest in gold-backed tokens.Now, the precious metal is just shy of Morgan Stanley’s $5,700 forecast, and the $6,000 and $6,600 predicted by the Bank of America and Jefferies, respectively.As of this writing, gold was trading at $5,585, after Gold ...