The post “Quantum Threat to Bitcoin Is Decades Away”, Says Adam Back appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Talk of quantum computers destroying Bitcoin is making the rounds again, but leading voices in crypto say the panic is getting far ahead of reality. While dramatic claims suggest Bitcoin could be wiped out overnight, experts argue these fears ignore how the network actually works and how far quantum technology still has to go.

At the same time, the Bitcoin price has shown mild weakness. On December 15, BTC traded around $89,608, down 0.62% in 24 hours. The drop briefly pushed Bitcoin as low as $87,996 before it bounced back near $89,900. The broader crypto market followed suit, losing more than $130 billion in value and bringing total market capitalization down to $2.98 trillion.

How the Quantum Fear Started

The renewed concern began after writer Josh Otten claimed future quantum computers could unlock Bitcoin’s earliest wallets. According to him, advanced machines could break the keys protecting Satoshi Nakamoto’s coins, shake investor confidence, and send Bitcoin’s price crashing. While the idea sounds serious, many experts say it skips over crucial details and exaggerates what quantum computers can actually do today.

Bitcoin Security Is Often Misunderstood

Blockstream CEO Adam Back stepped in to correct what he calls a basic misunderstanding. Bitcoin does not protect coins by locking data behind traditional encryption. Instead, it uses digital signatures to prove ownership.

In simple terms, Bitcoin users prove they own their coins without ever revealing their private keys. This system works very differently from files that can be unlocked or decrypted, making the threat far less direct than critics suggest.

Why Early Wallets Are Not Easy Targets

Another key point is how Bitcoin addresses behave. Public keys only become visible when coins are spent. Many early wallets, including those linked to Bitcoin’s creator, have never moved their funds.

Because of this, there is often no exposed public key for an attacker to target. Without that information, even a powerful quantum system would have nothing to crack.

Experts Disagree on the Timeline

Some leaders believe quantum computing deserves attention. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has said the risk is real but measurable. Solana’s Anatoly Yakovenko estimates powerful systems could arrive within the next decade.

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However, Back takes a much calmer view. He believes meaningful quantum threats are likely 20 to 40 years away, if they ever arrive at all. Current machines still lack the stability needed to cause real damage.

Bitcoin Can Adjust Over Time

Bitcoin is not frozen in place. Quantum-resistant cryptography already exists, and the network can evolve long before any serious threat appears.

Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo echoed this view, saying even a worst-case event would not destroy the network. He believes sharp dips would attract strong buying from long-term holders. In his view, the result would be a long adjustment period, not the end of Bitcoin.

For now, most experts agree that the quantum panic makes headlines, but reality remains far less dramatic.

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The post UK to Regulate Crypto Under FCA by 2027 in Major Financial Law Overhaul appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The United Kingdom plans to bring the crypto industry fully under its financial regulatory framework, with oversight transferring to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) beginning in 2027, according to the UK Treasury. The policy aims to regulate digital assets in a manner similar to traditional financial products while preserving space for innovation, signaling the government’s intent to strengthen consumer protection and maintain the UK’s position as a global financial hub as crypto adoption continues to rise.

This move signals that the UK wants to stay competitive as a global financial hub, even as crypto adoption continues to grow among everyday users.

FCA to Oversee Exchanges, Wallets, and More

Once the new framework is in place, crypto firms such as exchanges, brokers, and digital wallet providers will be supervised by the FCA. This means they will need to meet the same standards as other financial services, including transparency, consumer protection, and operational safeguards. UK officials believe this approach will give businesses clear rules to follow, helping serious players plan for the long term while pushing out bad actors. 

With around 12% of UK adults now owning crypto, regulators see this as a necessary step rather than an optional one.

Consumer Protection Takes Center Stage

A key reason behind the regulatory push is rising concern over scams and fraud. Recent data shows that losses linked to crypto investment scams in the UK jumped sharply over the past year. By bringing crypto into the regulatory perimeter, the government hopes to reduce these risks and improve trust in the sector. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the rules are meant to create clarity and protect consumers, while also supporting responsible innovation.

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More Rules Coming Before 2027

Alongside regulation, the UK has taken steps to formally recognize crypto assets as legal property. Under new legislation, digital assets like Bitcoin can be owned, inherited, and legally recovered. This gives crypto holders stronger legal standing and adds another layer of legitimacy to the asset class.

The FCA and the Bank of England are not waiting until 2027 to act. Both institutions are working on detailed rules covering crypto trading, custody, issuance, and market abuse. The Bank of England has also proposed a framework for stablecoin regulation. Regulators aim to finalize most of these rules by the end of 2026, giving firms time to prepare.

Global Coordination and Political Concerns

The UK is also looking beyond its borders. Officials plan to work closely with the US through a “Transatlantic Taskforce” to align crypto regulation and support innovation. At the same time, lawmakers are considering banning crypto political donations due to concerns over transparency and ownership.

Overall, the UK’s approach reflects a balancing act between control and growth, setting the stage for a more mature crypto market in the years ahead.

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The post Kevin Hassett Says “Donald Trump Will Not Influence Fed Interest Rate Decisions” appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Kevin Hassett, a leading contender for the next US Federal Reserve chair, has stated that the central bank does not take instructions from the White House and that Donald Trump’s views on interest rates will not shape monetary policy. Hassett said the Federal Reserve is designed to operate independently and bases its decisions on economic data rather than political pressure.

He emphasized that interest rate decisions are made collectively by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), not by the president or any single official. The comments come as markets closely watch the race to lead the Fed amid concerns over political influence.

Fed Chair Race Narrows Between Hassett and Warsh

The contest to succeed current Fed chair Jerome Powell is tightening. Trump recently confirmed that two candidates named Kevin are leading the race: Kevin Hassett and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh. While Trump has hinted that Warsh may currently be his preferred option, both remain strong contenders.

Prediction markets reflect the shifting dynamics. Hassett previously led the odds by a wide margin, but Trump’s recent remarks have narrowed the gap, increasing uncertainty around the final decision. This has kept investors across traditional finance and crypto markets on alert.

Trump’s Views on Interest Rates, But No Direct Control

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for lower interest rates and has said future Fed leaders should consult with him on monetary policy. Hassett acknowledged that discussions with the president can occur but drew a firm distinction between consultation and control.

According to Hassett, even strong arguments from the White House do not override the Fed’s structure. Policy decisions depend on how the FOMC evaluates inflation, employment, and economic data, followed by a committee vote rather than executive direction.

Recent Fed Rate Cut Triggers Limited Market Reaction

The Federal Reserve recently announced a 25-basis-point rate cut, but markets showed little reaction. Equity markets remained stable, while crypto prices traded mostly flat following the decision. The muted response suggests traders are waiting for clearer policy signals rather than reacting to individual rate moves.

Powell has described the current economic environment as difficult to navigate. Inflation risks remain, while pressure in the labor market is building, limiting how aggressively the Fed can ease policy in the near term.

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Debate Over Federal Reserve Independence

Hassett’s comments have sparked debate within the crypto and financial communities. Crypto market commentator Edge of Power questioned whether the Fed can remain fully independent while acknowledging the president’s strong views on monetary policy. The remarks have fueled speculation about informal political influence behind closed doors.

Analysts Defend Hassett’s Track Record

Others argue that concerns over Fed independence are overstated. Analyst Rubén Anguiano highlighted Hassett’s academic background, experience working with the Federal Reserve, and consistent reliance on data-driven analysis. According to Anguiano, Hassett has supported interest rate cuts only when inflation conditions allow and has repeatedly defended the Fed’s independence.

As the decision on the next Federal Reserve chair approaches, markets are likely to remain sensitive to any signals on policy direction, leadership choices, and the future path of US interest rates.

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The post Ripple News Today: VivoPower Launches $300M Institutional Ripple Equity Fund appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ripple is seeing growing attention from large investors as VivoPower International moves forward with a new investment vehicle focused on Ripple’s equity. The company has received approval from Ripple to launch a $300 million fund aimed at institutional investors, with a strong focus on South Korea. The move highlights rising demand for Ripple-related exposure beyond public XRP trading.

How the $300 Million Investment Vehicle Works

The fund will be launched through a joint venture between VivoPower and Lean Ventures, a well-known asset manager based in Seoul. Lean Ventures manages capital for both the South Korean government and private institutions, which adds credibility and local trust to the initiative. VivoPower’s digital asset arm, Vivo Federation, will handle sourcing and purchasing Ripple Labs shares.

Ripple has already given written approval for the first batch of preferred shares. VivoPower is now in talks with existing institutional shareholders to gradually build the fund toward the $300 million target. This structure allows investors to gain exposure to Ripple’s growth without directly buying XRP on the open market.

Why Korea Is Central to the Strategy

South Korea plays a key role in this launch. According to VivoPower’s advisory council chairman, Adam Traidman, Korean investors are showing strong interest in Ripple’s long-term growth. He noted that the fund offers access to Ripple equity at valuations that may be more attractive than current XRP market prices.

Lean Ventures managing partner Chris Kim echoed this view, saying demand for Ripple and XRP-related investments in Korea remains high. The country’s active crypto market and improving regulatory clarity are helping support institutional participation.

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Regulatory Progress Adds Confidence

The timing of the fund launch aligns with broader regulatory progress for Ripple. Recent developments, including Ripple securing an OCC banking license in the U.S., have helped strengthen institutional confidence. These steps suggest Ripple is positioning itself for deeper integration with traditional finance.

VivoPower Sees Revenue Upside

VivoPower expects the fund to generate at least $75 million in management and performance fees over the next three years. This estimate is based on the current fund size, meaning future growth or higher Ripple valuations could boost returns further.

Following the announcement, VivoPower’s stock jumped around 13%, reflecting investor optimism. Crypto analyst Crypto Eri noted that the fund offers structured exposure to Ripple and XRP-linked growth, potentially at a discount compared to spot market pricing.

Overall, the launch of this fund signals growing institutional confidence in Ripple’s business model. By opening a regulated pathway for large investors, especially in crypto-friendly markets like Korea, Ripple continues to expand its reach beyond retail trading and into long-term capital markets.

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The post Crypto Giants Push Back Against Citadel as SEC DeFi Rules Spark Industry Showdown appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

A group of major crypto and DeFi organizations has pushed back strongly against Citadel Securities after the firm urged the US SEC to tighten oversight on decentralized finance, especially around tokenized securities. The response came in the form of a joint letter sent to the SEC by the DeFi Education Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, The Digital Chamber, the Uniswap Foundation, and others. They argue that Citadel’s view misunderstands how DeFi actually works and could lead to rules that are difficult to apply in practice.

What Sparked the Dispute

The disagreement started after Citadel asked the SEC to clearly identify and regulate all intermediaries involved in trading tokenized US equities. Citadel claimed that many DeFi protocols act like traditional exchanges or brokers and should follow the same registration rules. According to Citadel, failing to do so could weaken investor protections and create unfair differences between traditional finance firms and on-chain platforms.

Why Crypto Groups Disagree

Crypto advocates say Citadel’s argument stretches existing securities laws too far. In their letter, they said that labeling software tools or blockchain infrastructure as intermediaries is misleading. They stressed that most DeFi platforms do not control user funds and do not act as middlemen. Instead, users keep control of their own assets, and transactions happen directly on-chain. Because of this, applying traditional registration rules could end up targeting developers and builders who never touch customer money.

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SEC Tries to Balance Rules and Innovation

Moreover, the debate comes as the SEC continues to talk about supporting innovation while enforcing existing laws. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has said the agency wants to help new technologies fit within current rules rather than block progress. Tokenization, which puts assets like stocks and bonds on blockchains, has gained attention as a way to modernize markets, but it also raises new regulatory questions that are still being worked through.

Community Disagree 

Crypto analyst Walter Peppenberg argues that Citadel’s recent push for stricter SEC rules on DeFi is not about protecting investors but about protecting its own business. He says Citadel, which makes billions from traditional market-making, feels threatened by DeFi because it removes middlemen and lets users trade directly. According to him, the DeFi coalition rightly pushed back, calling Citadel’s claims misleading. Analyst adds that the timing looks desperate, especially as the current U.S. political and regulatory climate is becoming more open to crypto and DeFi developers, exposing how nervous legacy finance is about losing control.

Citadel Responds and Stands Firm

However, Citadel has pushed back on the criticism, saying it supports tokenization and digital finance but does not want investor protections weakened. Company representatives said that innovation does not require lowering standards that have long supported US markets. They also warned that giving broad exemptions to DeFi could harm investors if risks are not properly addressed.

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The post Tether Plans $1 Billion Acquisition of Juventus: Crypto Firm Eyes Major Football Club appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Crypto companies are slowly moving into traditional industries, and Tether has now taken one of the biggest steps yet. On December 13th, Tether announced its plan to acquire Italian football club Juventus, with a proposed $1 billion investment if the acquisition is completed. Following the announcement, Juventus’ fan token, JUV, surged by 30%. Juventus is one of Europe’s most well-known football teams, and this deal, if completed, would mark a rare case of a crypto firm taking control of a major sports club.

Targeting Control of Juventus

Tether confirmed that it has made a binding offer to Exor, the holding company of the Agnelli family, which currently owns 65.4% of Juventus. The Agnelli family has been linked to the club for over a century, so this decision carries major historical weight. Accepting the offer would mean ending more than 100 years of family control over the club.

Along with buying Exor’s stake, Tether’s proposal includes a public offer to purchase remaining shares at the same price, once regulatory approvals are cleared. The goal is to secure majority control while keeping the process open and transparent for other shareholders.

Strong Market Reaction

The market reacted quickly after news of the bid became public. Juventus shares jumped, lifting the club’s market value close to €1 billion. At current prices, Exor’s existing stake is valued at roughly €540 million. This sharp move shows renewed investor interest and optimism around the possibility of new ownership and fresh capital entering the club.

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More Investment Planned

Tether has said that its plans go beyond simply buying the club. If the deal is approved, the company is ready to inject up to €1 billion more into Juventus over time. This funding would be aimed at long-term growth, including infrastructure upgrades, team development, and expanding the club’s global presence.

The bid comes despite ongoing discussions in the crypto space about Tether’s finances. However, research firm CoinShares has previously stated that Tether is not financially weak, helping ease concerns about its ability to support such a large investment.

Why Juventus Matters to Tether

According to Tether, Juventus represents a strong global brand with lasting commercial and sporting value. CEO Paolo Ardoino said the offer reflects Tether’s focus on serious, long-term investments as it expands beyond stablecoins into real-world businesses.

This move highlights a broader trend where crypto companies are no longer limiting themselves to digital markets. If successful, Tether’s bid would place a major crypto firm at the center of global football, showing how closely digital finance and traditional industries are beginning to connect.

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The post Jupiter Unveils JupUSD Stablecoin and Major DeFi Upgrades at Solana Breakpoint 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Jupiter, the top decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator on Solana, has unveiled a comprehensive suite of eight major upgrades at Solana Breakpoint 2025, designed to transform the platform into a full-scale DeFi hub. The primary goals of these upgrades are to simplify DeFi, improve safety, and complete Jupiter’s offerings beyond just token swaps.

JupUSD Brings a Native Stablecoin

The biggest announcement is JupUSD, a new dollar-backed stablecoin built with Ethena. Unlike most stablecoins that live separately from apps, JupUSD is designed to work directly inside Jupiter’s products. Users will be able to use it while setting up DCA strategies, placing limit orders, and taking part in prediction markets, while also earning rewards. Jupiter believes that owning both the stablecoin and the platform allows funds to move more smoothly across swaps, perpetual trades, and lending. JupUSD is set to launch next week and will tap into the large trading volumes already flowing through Jupiter.

Lending Grows Stronger on Solana

Jupiter Lend is another major focus. The lending platform has now exited beta and is fully open source, giving users and developers full transparency. In just eight days, Jupiter Lend reached one billion dollars in supplied assets, the fastest growth seen on Solana so far. New design changes allow risky positions to be closed more safely and make borrowing more flexible. Around the same time, Solana’s stablecoin activity is expanding, with Western Union planning a dollar token launch in 2026 and the Solana Foundation working with Wavebridge on a regulated Korean won stablecoin.

Trading and Data Tools Get an Upgrade

For traders, Jupiter introduced a new all-in-one Terminal that brings spot trading, perps, wallet tracking, and market data into one place. It includes advanced order options and runs on Jupiter’s Ultra v3 engine, which is already trusted by large platforms like Robinhood. Developers also benefit from a new Developer Platform that puts logs, performance data, usage stats, and error tracking into one clear dashboard, making it easier to build and fix apps faster.

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Analyst Sees a Bullish Signal

Solana creator and well-known analyst Fabiano.sol shared a strongly positive, or “bullish,” view on Jupiter’s comprehensive upgrade package, citing the sheer volume of high-impact features and their potential to solidify Jupiter’s market dominance.

Key Bullish Takeaways from Fabiano.sol:

• Breadth of Announcements: While many projects announce one feature, Jupiter delivered eight significant features at once, signaling serious commitment and operational momentum.

• Stablecoin Revenue Potential: Stablecoins are among the biggest revenue generators in crypto. Fabiano.sol believes JupUSD could quickly become one of the largest stablecoins on Solana due to the sheer scale and integrated utility of the Jupiter platform.

• Lending Transparency: He praised the move to make Jupiter Lend fully open source, calling transparency an essential and non-negotiable factor for building trust and systemic safety in Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

• Ecosystem Safety: The upgraded VRFD system was specifically noted for its importance, as it directly improves safety by reducing the prevalence of scams and impostor tokens.

• Strategic Acquisition: The acquisition of RainFi strengthens Jupiter’s position in peer-to-peer lending and expands its DeFi product set.

• Growth Commitment: The new rewards program, offering over $1 million in swap incentives, demonstrates Jupiter’s serious, concerted push to rapidly grow and incentivize its ecosystem.

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The post Brazil’s Largest Bank Itaú Backs Bitcoin as Long-Term Portfolio Hedge appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Brazil’s largest private bank, Itaú, is standing firm on its Bitcoin view even after this year’s pullback. In its latest outlook, the bank advises investors to keep around 1% to 3% of their portfolio in Bitcoin as they look toward 2026. With a message that short-term drops do not cancel out Bitcoin’s longer-term role in diversification and protection against uncertainty. At the moment, Bitcoin is trading near the $90,100 level, down about 2.3% over the past day on a USDT basis.

Why Bitcoin Still Has a Place

According to Itaú analyst Renato Eid, Bitcoin does not behave like stocks, bonds, or local assets. Its global and decentralized nature means it often reacts to different forces, especially during economic stress or geopolitical tension. While volatility remains part of the package, the bank believes Bitcoin can still balance a portfolio and offer long-term upside when traditional assets struggle.

Itaú Expands Its Crypto Offering

Itaú is also building its own digital asset services. The bank has started by offering trading in Bitcoin and Ethereum, with plans to add more cryptocurrencies over time. Guto Antunes, Itaú’s head of digital assets, explained that the bank itself will handle custody. This means clients’ crypto holdings are backed by Itaú’s balance sheet, though for now, users cannot move assets to or from external wallets. The focus is on safety and ease of access rather than full self-custody.

Itaú highlights that Bitcoin’s performance in Brazil is closely tied to currency moves. In 2025, Bitcoin saw sharp swings, but the strengthening Brazilian real made losses feel larger for local investors. On the flip side, when the dollar surged in late 2024, Bitcoin helped protect value. This reinforces its role as a hedge during periods of currency stress.

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Global Banks Share a Similar View

Itaú is not alone. Morgan Stanley’s Global Investment Committee has suggested a 2% to 4% crypto allocation for suitable clients, often comparing Bitcoin to digital gold. Bank of America has also advised wealth clients to consider a 1% to 4% allocation through regulated products. Across the board, large institutions see Bitcoin as risky but increasingly established.

A Measured, Long-Term Strategy

Rather than chasing short-term moves, Itaú encourages patience. Investors can gain exposure through the bank’s Íon platform or the BITI11 ETF on Brazil’s B3 exchange, avoiding custody complexity. The bank stresses that Bitcoin should support a portfolio, not dominate it. In an uncertain global environment, a modest allocation is seen as a practical way to add global exposure and currency protection without overreaching.

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