Visa launched its Stablecoins Advisory Practice through Visa Consulting & Analytics to guide banks, fintechs, merchants, and enterprises on stablecoin strategies, tech setup, and rollout. Clients like Navy Federal Credit Union and VyStar use it for cross-border payments to volatile markets and B2B transactions, cutting costs and delays. With $3.5B in annual stablecoin settlement volume across 130+ programs in 40 countries, Visa positions stablecoins as a faster payment infrastructure.
BingX announced it hit 40 million global users in 2025, doubling last year’s count while reaching over $26 billion in peak daily volume. The exchange rolled out smart AI trading tools, enhanced spot and derivatives platforms, and strengthened security with full Proof of Reserves and a user protection fund. This rapid expansion highlights BingX’s strong position in the booming crypto trading world.
As early as January, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to begin selling its massive ETF holdings, a portfolio valued at ¥83 trillion ($534 billion). The plan is to move slowly and avoid market shock. But even a gradual exit from ETFs by one of the world’s biggest central banks carries weight, especially at a time when global liquidity is tightening.
See how this could affect the markets.
Bank of Japan Prepares to Start Selling ETFs
According to Bloomberg, BOJ officials plan to offload ETFs gradually following a decision made at the September policy board meeting. The central bank has set a pace of ¥330 billion per year based on book value, a timeline that could stretch for decades.
The goal is to keep the impact minimal. Officials want the market response to be barely noticeable,similar to how Japan sold bank stocks in the 2000s without disrupting markets.
Still, the scale is hard to ignore. The ETF holdings have grown sharply in value as Japan’s stock market rallied over the past two years, leaving the BOJ with massive unrealized gains.
That shift matters because Japan has long been the world’s cheapest source of leverage.
“For decades, the Yen has been the #1 currency people would borrow & convert into other currencies & assets… That carry trade is diminishing now, as Japanese bond yields are rising rapidly,” wrote analyst Mister Crypto.
The Bank of Japan is about to do a rate hike on Friday the 19th, creating massive fear surrounding the Yen carry trade.
Bitcoin dumped hard the last time they hiked rates:
That said, the market response has been relatively controlled. Many analysts note that expectations around a Bank of Japan rate hike have been circulating for weeks, giving traders time to adjust positioning. In that sense, part of the impact may already be reflected in current prices.
While markets are clearly paying attention, there is no sign of disorderly selling so far, suggesting investors are treating this as a macro adjustment rather than a sudden risk event.’
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FAQs
Why is the Bank of Japan selling its ETFs, and will it crash the market?
The BOJ is selling its ETFs to normalize monetary policy after years of stimulus, but it plans to sell so gradually that the market impact is designed to be “almost unnoticeable”.
How could the BOJ’s policies affect Bitcoin and cryptocurrency prices?
A BOJ interest rate hike and ETF sales could pressure Bitcoin by reducing global market liquidity. This could weaken the popular “yen carry trade,” where investors borrow cheap yen to buy riskier assets like crypto.
When will the Bank of Japan start selling ETFs?
BOJ is expected to begin its ETF sales in January, moving slowly over the years to avoid sudden market reactions.
The Bank of Japan plans to begin selling its ETF holdings worth ¥83 trillion ($534 billion) as early as January. The sales will happen very slowly, with about ¥330 billion sold each year, meaning it could take more than 100 years to fully exit. The ETFs have a book value of ¥37.1 trillion. This gradual strategy is designed to avoid market shocks and ensure stability while the central bank slowly unwinds its stimulus-era investments.
Across Doha and the wider Gulf region, market sentiment is steadily shifting toward digital finance. Banks, regulators, and investors are no longer just watching tokenization trends from the sidelines. There is growing confidence that digital tools can improve speed, efficiency, and transparency without disrupting trusted financial systems. This changing mood has now translated into real action, with Doha Bank stepping forward to execute a fully digital bond deal.
Doha Bank Makes a Strategic Move
Doha Bank has issued a $150 million digital bond, marking an important moment for the region’s capital markets. Instead of running a pilot or test project, the bank went straight into live issuance. The bond was built and settled using Euroclear’s distributed ledger technology platform, signaling that digital infrastructure is ready for large, regulated transactions.
This move shows how traditional banks are adopting new technology while staying firmly within established financial frameworks. The focus is not on crypto speculation, but on improving how bonds are issued, settled, and managed.
Same-Day Settlement Changes the Game
One of the standout features of the deal was instant settlement. The bond was listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market and settled on the same day, known as T+0 settlement. In normal bond markets, settlement can take several days, tying up capital and increasing operational risk.
Rather than using a public blockchain, the bond was issued on a permissioned DLT system run by Euroclear. This choice reflects a clear industry preference. Regulated platforms offer controlled access, legal certainty, and seamless integration with existing custody and settlement systems.
For institutional investors, this matters. They get the efficiency benefits of digital assets while maintaining the safeguards they expect from traditional markets. Euroclear highlighted that this structure proves digital bonds can be fast, secure, and fully compliant at the same time.
Part of a Regional Infrastructure Upgrade
The deal fits into a wider regional effort to modernize financial infrastructure. Across the Middle East and Asia, banks are embedding DLT into existing systems instead of building entirely new crypto-native markets. Platforms from major institutions like HSBC and JPMorgan are being used in a similar way, helping tokenized bonds connect smoothly with familiar post-trade processes.
According to Standard Chartered, client interest in digital issuance is rising quickly. Institutions are no longer just curious about tokenization. They are actively using it to improve how capital markets function. Doha Bank’s digital bond adds to a growing list of live issuances and signals that tokenization is becoming a practical tool, not just a concept. For regulated markets, permissioned DLT now looks like the preferred path forward.
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FAQs
What is a digital bond?
A digital bond is a traditional bond issued using blockchain technology, improving settlement speed and transparency while operating within regulated financial systems, like Doha Bank’s recent issuance.
How does a digital bond settlement work?
Digital bonds can settle instantly (T+0) on a distributed ledger, unlike traditional bonds which take days. This reduces capital lock-up and operational risk for banks and investors.
What are the benefits of tokenizing bonds?
Tokenization makes bonds faster to settle, increases transparency of ownership, and improves operational efficiency, all while maintaining the safeguards of the traditional regulated market.
Is Qatar adopting digital finance?
Yes, Qatar’s financial sector is actively adopting digital finance, as shown by Doha Bank’s live digital bond deal, part of a wider Gulf region shift to modernize capital markets with blockchain technology.
JPMorgan Chase is launching its first tokenized money market fund directly on the Ethereum blockchain, seeding it with $100 million. This groundbreaking move allows qualified institutional investors to trade fund ownership as digital tokens, enabling faster, smoother settlements compared to traditional systems. By building on a public blockchain, the $4 trillion banking giant signals a major shift: treating crypto infrastructure as a serious, efficient tool for global finance rather than just a niche experiment.
A new report from The New York Times has stirred controversy by claiming that President Donald Trump and his family may have financially benefited from the settlement or rollback of several crypto cases during his second term. According to the report, a noticeable number of enforcement actions against crypto firms were either dropped or softened after Trump returned to the White House, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Sharp Shift in Crypto Enforcement
The NYT investigation found that more than 60% of crypto cases active at the start of Trump’s second term were later paused, reduced, or dismissed. This level of pullback stood out sharply when compared to enforcement trends in other industries, where only a small fraction of cases were dropped. During the same period, regulators continued to pursue non-crypto cases as usual, making the crypto sector an exception rather than the norm.
The report described this shift as unusual, noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission has historically avoided backing away from large clusters of cases within a single industry.
Links to Donations and Business Ties
According to the NYT, several of the eased or dismissed cases involved companies or individuals who later developed political or business connections with Trump or his family. The report alleges that some legal outcomes coincided with donations or ties to the Trump family’s expanding crypto-related ventures.
One example cited was a crypto company founded by the Winklevoss twins. The firm reportedly faced a federal lawsuit that stalled after the administration changed. Around the same time, the SEC also dropped its case against Binance entirely. Another high-profile shift involved Ripple Labs, where the SEC later sought to reduce a court-ordered penalty following Trump’s return to office.
The report claims that crypto cases were dismissed at a much higher rate than cases involving other industries. Of the 23 crypto cases inherited from the previous administration, the SEC reportedly pulled back from 14. Eight of those involved defendants who later formed financial or political links tied to Trump or his family. In contrast, only around 4% of non-crypto cases inherited during the same period were dismissed, highlighting what the NYT described as a clear imbalance.
Pushback on the NYT’s Framing
Not everyone agrees with the report’s conclusions. Crypto analyst Alex Thorn strongly criticized the NYT’s framing, arguing that it ignores the context of the prior administration’s crypto stance. He says the earlier crackdown on crypto was far from normal and had been openly criticized for years by bipartisan lawmakers and even federal courts.
Thorn points to past moments when Congress, including Democrats, moved to overturn aggressive SEC policies tied to crypto, showing that resistance to that approach was widespread. In his view, the recent easing of enforcement reflects a correction of an extreme regulatory phase rather than favoritism or personal gain.
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FAQs
Did Trump personally benefit from dropped crypto cases?
The report claims possible links between eased cases and Trump-related ties, but no court has proven direct personal financial benefit so far.
Why were so many crypto enforcement cases rolled back?
Over 60% of inherited crypto cases were paused or dropped, which critics call unusual, while supporters say it corrected overly aggressive regulation.
Which major crypto cases were affected by the policy shift?
Cases involving Binance, Ripple Labs, and a Winklevoss-backed firm saw pauses, dismissals, or reduced penalties after the administration change.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking public Feedback to decide whether Nasdaq can list and trade tokenized stocks. The move comes as regulators closely examine how blockchain-based assets could fit into existing market rules.
If approved, blockchain-based shares could trade like regular stocks, offering faster and cheaper settlements.
SEC Seeks Feedback On Nasdaq Tokenized Securities Plan
According to the SEC filing on Nasdaq’s rule change, the SEC has asked for public Feedback to decide whether Nasdaq should be allowed to list and trade securities in tokenized form.
This marks the start of a deeper review process covering legal, technical, and policy issues.
Under Nasdaq’s plan, tokenized stocks and exchange-traded products would trade alongside traditional shares. Both would use the same order book, offer the same investor rights, and settle through the DTCC, while blockchain technology improves efficiency.
A key example of this shift is Galaxy Digital, which recently became the first Nasdaq-listed company to tokenize its stock on Solana, showing how traditional finance and blockchain are merging.
Industry Reactions Remain Mixed
Market participants have shown mixed responses to the proposal. Groups like the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association support the plan, saying tokenization can improve how markets work.
At the same time, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved a test program that allows tokenized assets to be used as collateral, showing growing acceptance.
However, firms like Ondo Finance and Cboe Global Markets have opposed the idea. They want the SEC to wait until DTCC clearly explains how tokenized trades will be settled, since all such trades would still depend on DTCC systems.
DTCC Approval Strengthens Tokenization Push
In a related development, the SEC recently issued a no-action letter to the Depository Trust Company, part of DTCC, allowing it to tokenize certain custody assets. This decision is seen as a critical building block, as any tokenized trades on Nasdaq would still need to clear and settle through DTCC systems.
Meanwhile, the CFTC now allows tokenized bitcoin, ether, and USDC as derivatives collateral.
Banks like JPMorgan and BMW are testing on-chain transactions, showing tokenization can make trading faster, cheaper, and available 24/7 despite some challenges.
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FAQs
What are tokenized stocks?
Tokenized stocks are blockchain versions of traditional shares, offering faster settlement and lower costs while maintaining the same rights and regulations as regular stocks.
Is Nasdaq getting into crypto?
Not exactly. Nasdaq seeks SEC approval to list tokenized stocks—traditional securities on a blockchain—which would trade alongside regular stocks using the same systems and rules.
How do tokenized stocks settle and clear?
Under Nasdaq’s plan, tokenized stocks would still settle through the DTCC, using blockchain to streamline the process while relying on established, regulated financial infrastructure.
Are tokenized stocks safe for investors?
If approved, they’d operate under the same investor protections, regulations, and clearing systems as traditional stocks, with added blockchain efficiency. Regulatory scrutiny aims to ensure safety.
South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit, is listing HumidiFi’s WET token today, December 15, with KRW, BTC, and USDT trading pairs starting at 18:30 KST. HumidiFi, a Solana-based protocol, handles over 35% of daily DEX volume through its proprietary AMM technology, offering dark pool-like execution, sub-0.1% slippage on large trades, and MEV protection. WET holders can earn fee rebates and participate in staking. After doubling post-launch via Jupiter DTF, the token now aims to boost liquidity through Upbit’s active KRW markets.
The UK government is drafting new legislation to bring cryptocurrencies under the Financial Conduct Authority’s supervision from 2027. Under the proposal, digital assets would be regulated in the same way as other financial products. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the goal is to set clear rules for the industry, remove bad actors from the market, and strengthen confidence. She also emphasized that the new framework will offer strong consumer protections and create a safer environment for crypto users.
In a recent interview, popular crypto analyst ElliotTrades shared his views on how investors should think about building a crypto portfolio today, with a long-term view toward 2026.
According to ElliotTrades, anyone investing $10,000 in crypto should start with Bitcoin. He said around $6,000 to $7,000 should be allocated to Bitcoin and Bitcoin-linked assets for safety.
He described Bitcoin as the “blue-chip” of crypto. Along with holding BTC directly, he also favors exposure through companies that move closely with Bitcoin’s price, such as MicroStrategy and Coinbase stock.
Recent negative news around MicroStrategy selling Bitcoin did not push prices lower. He said this was a strong signal that much of the selling pressure may already be over. Trading volume in MicroStrategy stock has also picked up, suggesting renewed interest.
Ethereum Looks Undervalued as Tokenization Grows
ElliotTrades says Ethereum (ETH) is entering a very important phase. He pointed to comments from U.S. regulators hinting that traditional markets may move on-chain over the next few years.
At present, tokenized stocks on blockchain are worth roughly $670 million, while global stock markets are worth around $67 trillion.
He expects Ethereum to be the main network for this shift. Even a small increase in tokenized assets could have a meaningful impact on ETH’s price. For this reason, he advised allocating around $2,000 to Ethereum and Ethereum-related infrastructure plays.
When it comes to altcoins, ElliotTrades said prices are currently depressed, but that also means risk-reward is improving. He believes “a little goes a long way” at these levels.
However, he warned that altcoins may not move immediately. In his view, Ethereum could lead first, with altcoins following later once risk appetite increases. This means investors do not need to rush but should start researching early.
He also stressed watching the altcoin-to-Bitcoin ratio. When smaller coins begin to outperform Bitcoin, it often signals a broader altcoin rally.
DeFi Altcoins and Revenue-Generating Tokens
ElliotTrades showed strong interest in DeFi altcoins, especially protocols that generate real trading fees. He explained that owning parts of decentralized exchanges can give investors regular income instead of relying only on price appreciation.
Unlike meme coins or hype-driven tokens, these DeFi models distribute actual fees earned by the protocol. This creates what he called “speculative cash flow,” which can help investors manage emotions and avoid panic selling.
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Bitcoin price is trading below $90,000 and has now slipped under $89,000, changing hands near $88,794, down 1.46% in the last 24 hours.
One of the reasons behind today’s drop is growing concern over a possible interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
Although no official rate increase has been announced, traders are reacting to historical patterns. Data shared by market analysts shows that Bitcoin fell between 23% and 31% after previous BoJ rate hikes.
Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. government debt. A tighter BoJ policy could force global investors to reduce risk exposure, which often impacts assets like Bitcoin.
Options Selling Caps Bitcoin’s Upside
Bitwise Alpha head Jeff Park said Bitcoin’s upside remains limited due to continued selling pressure from long-term holders, often called OG Bitcoin holders.
According to Park, these holders are actively selling call options, which suppresses price movement and keeps volatility low.
“ETFs are buying spot Bitcoin and call options, but demand is still not strong enough to offset the steady options selling by long-term holders,” he said.
Volatility Drops Sharply
Bitcoin’s implied volatility has fallen sharply in recent weeks. After reaching about 63% in late November, volatility has now dropped to around 44%.
Low volatility often leads to sideways price action and limits sharp upward moves. Analysts say Bitcoin needs sustained higher volatility to break out of its current range.
ETFs and Bitcoin Show Different Market Behavior
Another trend emerging in the market is the growing difference between Bitcoin ETF options and native Bitcoin options.
Options tied to the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) show strong demand for upside exposure, meaning investors are willing to pay more for bullish bets. In contrast, Bitcoin options on crypto platforms still show weaker demand for upside moves.
This difference suggests traditional investors are positioning for higher prices, while crypto-native holders continue to sell into rallies.
Long-Term Holders Continue to Supply the Market
Many early Bitcoin holders are using a covered call strategy, selling options against Bitcoin they already own.
This adds steady selling pressure and encourages market makers to hedge in a way that keeps prices moving within a narrow range. As a result, Bitcoin remains stuck in a high-supply, low-volatility environment.
What Could Change Bitcoin’s Trend
Jeff Park said Bitcoin could see stronger price action if one of two things happens:
A slowdown in options selling by long-term holders
A sharp increase in demand for Bitcoin ETF options
Until then, Bitcoin may continue to struggle despite strong interest in ETFs and broader adoption.
For now, Bitcoin remains under pressure as macro uncertainty and market structure continue to limit upside momentum.
XRP price has struggled to move higher even as XRP exchange traded funds continue to see strong interest. This has confused many investors, especially with growing headlines around institutional demand and ETF inflows.
On Paul Barron Podcast, analyst Zach Rector said the lack of price movement is frustrating but not surprising. According to him, the market is going through a “sell-the-news” phase that often follows major ETF launches.
Why ETF Inflows Have Not Boosted XRP Price Yet
Rector explained that ETF demand has not directly pushed XRP’s public market price higher because most ETF purchases are happening over the counter, not on public exchanges.
“In November, about $803 million flowed into XRP ETFs,” Rector said. “At the same time, around $808 million worth of XRP was sold on centralized exchanges.”
Because XRP’s market price is set on public exchanges, selling pressure there has canceled out the ETF demand happening privately.
Exchange Outflows Offset ETF Buying
Rector said nearly $808 million left centralized exchanges in November as investors sold XRP for dollars or stablecoins. This selling pressure kept prices down even as ETF interest increased.
“When ETF inflows move onto exchanges, that’s when things change,” he said. “That’s when buying becomes aggressive.”
Market Cap Data Shows Strong Upside Potential
Rector pointed to past market data to explain why XRP can still move quickly when sentiment turns positive.
In November 2024, XRP’s market cap expanded by nearly $100 billion in one month due to strong inflows. In contrast, November 2025 saw a $41 billion drop in market cap due to exchange outflows.
“This shows how fast XRP can move when buyers step in,” Rector said.
Analyst Says $1 XRP Is Highly Unlikely
When asked directly whether XRP could ever fall back to $1, Rector was clear.
“Not a chance,” he said. “It would take a massive black swan event.”
He added that the market now has deep liquidity, strong passive buying, and many long-term holders waiting to buy on dips.
Strong Buying Interest Below $2
Rector said large buy orders are already stacked near current support levels.
“I have a buy order at $1.91,” he said. “If we break $1.90, we could retest $1.80, but below that is very hard.”
He pointed out that XRP has been setting higher lows all year, with key levels around $1.60 in April, $1.77 in October, and $1.81 in November.
Bitcoin price continues to move sideways after a quiet weekend, showing little momentum in either direction. Saturday saw very low activity, and early Sunday trading has not brought any major change.
For now, Bitcoin has slipped below the important $90k level after dropping more than 1% in the last 24 hours.
Support and Resistance Levels
Bitcoin is currently supported between $78,960 and $83,130, a zone that has held during recent pullbacks. On the upside, resistance remains between $92,588 and $101,570, which marks the upper boundary of the current range.
This range is based on the recent swing low formed on Friday, November 21, and the high reached earlier this week. Price action remains trapped between these levels, suggesting consolidation rather than a breakout.
Sideways Movement May Continue Into January
Market conditions hint Bitcoin may remain range-bound through the end of December and possibly into early January. Trading activity often slows during the final days of the year, and the first week of January is usually quiet as well.
While some investors are hoping for a year-end rally, current price action does not yet show the strength needed for a sustained breakout. Any move higher is expected to take time rather than happen suddenly.
Upside Still Possible, But Momentum Is Weak
Bitcoin could still attempt another push toward higher resistance levels between $96,730 and $101,570, but such a move may take one to two weeks to develop.
At the moment, there is no strong momentum signal or sharp buying pressure. The market lacks the kind of decisive move that usually leads to a clear trend change.
Downside Risk Still Exists for Early 2026
If Bitcoin fails to break higher in the coming weeks, a deeper pullback early next year remains possible. Current price declines have been gradual and corrective rather than aggressive, which keeps the market in a holding pattern.
A move below $86,000 would increase the chance that the current consolidation phase has already ended. However, even that would still fall within a broader sideways structure rather than signal panic selling.
Short-Term Levels to Watch Closely
In the near term, Bitcoin continues to respect a trend line that has acted as support multiple times.
On the upside, a clear break above $93,550 would mean that buyers are regaining control and that a fresh move higher may be starting.
Overall, Bitcoin’s current behavior reflects a calm and patient market. Instead of sharp spikes, price action is showing controlled movement within defined levels.
Interest in XRP exchange traded funds is growing quickly after another product received approval. Cboe has approved a 21Shares XRP ETF under the XR ticker, adding to the list of funds offering exposure to the token.
The pace of inflows has surprised even industry leaders. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently celebrated that XRP ETFs crossed $1 billion in assets in about 17 days, a much faster start than many expected.
Market analysts say this trend could accelerate.
$10 Billion Target Within a Year
Crypto analyst Mickle said that if current inflow rates continue, XRP ETFs could hold as much as $10 billion worth of XRP within a year.
He said ETFs are removing friction for investors who previously avoided crypto exchanges. Many investors did not buy XRP earlier simply because access was complicated or outside their compliance rules.
ETFs change that by allowing investors to buy XRP exposure through regular brokerage accounts. Mickle said XRP today is very different from what early investors bought years ago.
“The XRP I bought in 2016 or 2017 is not the same XRP we have today,” he said. “The network keeps getting more powerful. New features are being added, and from an investment point of view, that matters.” He added that many investors overlook Ripple’s original vision for the XRP Ledger.
“If you go back and watch interviews with Chris Larsen from as early as 2013, he was already talking about issuing assets on the ledger and using XRP as liquidity,” Mickle said. “That idea has been there from the start.”
New Liquidity Pipeline for XRP
The analyst described XRP ETFs as a new liquidity pipeline rather than a short term trade. This steady institutional demand could reduce reliance on retail trading cycles and add depth to the XRP market.
Over time, that demand may support price stability and higher trading volumes. As these markets develop, Mickle said the role of the XRP Ledger is likely to expand.
“You’re going to see more infrastructure move onto the XRP Ledger,” he said. “That positions XRP as underlying liquidity across different financial uses, not just money moving back and forth.”
Institutions Drive the Next Phase
Institutions have strong incentives to promote ETF products because they fit within compliance, marketing, and advisory frameworks.
This makes XRP ETFs easier to recommend and distribute than direct crypto holdings. Analysts see this as a major positive catalyst for long term adoption.
Market Cycles Are Changing
Recent price swings following U.S. rate cuts show that crypto still reacts to macro news. However, the analyst argues the market is moving away from strict four year boom and bust cycles.
Instead, performance is becoming more driven by fundamentals such as regulation, infrastructure, and institutional use cases.
XRP has already outperformed many altcoins over the past 18 months, suggesting capital is becoming more selective.
The LINK price remains capped and under bearish pressure despite there being strong signs of sustained accumulation and a growing narrative that positions Chainlink as foundational infrastructure for on-chain finance. While exchange balances continue to fall and enterprise adoption accelerates, LINK price USD action suggests the market is still struggling with short-term demand constraints, and LINK ETF’s declining inflows kind of proves that.
LINK Crypto’s Infrastructure Narrative Continues to Expand
Fundamentally speaking, Chainlink crypto is a very strong asset and can be viewed as one of the top blue-chip projects in the industry. As it is increasingly viewed as the backbone of on-chain finance, similar to how Microsoft’s operating systems ruled early enterprise computing.
By setting data, interoperability, and security standards, Chainlink is kind of enabling financial institutions to transition from traditional digital systems toward onchain infrastructure.
Chainlink is today’s equivalent of Microsoft in 1990.
At that time, personal computers were still primarily the domain of hobbyists and tinkerers rather than the backbone of enterprise operations. The release of Windows 3.0 changed that trajectory. It established the standard… pic.twitter.com/fPzQFjy95y
This project’s efforts demonstrate that global finance is gradually migrating onto the blockchain. If that shift accelerates, Chainlink’s role will be supreme, similar to what Nvidia, Microsoft, and even Apple have, which’s a standardized middleware layer that could become indispensable. This factor alone is reinforcing long-term utility beyond speculative cycles.
Exchange Balances Signal Silent Accumulation
Not just verbally, it’s growing; even on-chain data shows a notable decline in LINK exchange balances, which suggests that accumulation is happening. On October 13, exchanges held approximately 167 million LINK tokens, a figure that has since dropped like a falling knife to 127.8 million LINK.
Such a sharp reduction is an open book example of how LINK crypto tokens are being bought every day, while retail keeps discarding it due to sector-wide pessimism. The big and wise investors are involved in this game, making long-term investments rather than short-term trades.
However, the LINK price chart has not reflected this accumulation, because if it does rise, the smart money won’t be able to buy at discounts more easily. Instead, they deliberately chose for its price to bleed slowly, so the more the decline, the better their profits will be in the future, which only the wise can understand.
That shows that retail distribution is being absorbed by larger participants. This dynamic explains why selling pressure persists without sharp breakdowns, keeping the LINK price USD suppressed but structurally supported.
ETF Flows Fail to Reinforce Buying Pressure in LINK Price
Despite the introduction of a LINK ETF early December 2025, institutional flows have remained underwhelming. Total cumulative net inflows currently stand near $52.67 million, with recent inflows failing to cross even $10 million during December. While there have been no notable outflows so far, the lack of sustained inflows signals limited conviction from traditional capital.
Without stronger ETF participation, LINK price forecast models remain constrained, as spot accumulation alone has not been sufficient to drive upside momentum. Continued stagnation could risk eventual outflows, which would add further downside pressure.
Technical Structure Shows Rising Risk
From a technical perspective, LINK price is losing alignment with its ascending trendline. This weakening structure increases the probability of further downside if demand does not materialize. If the current trend persists, LINK price prediction scenarios point toward a potential test of the $8 region.
At the same time, the divergence between long-term accumulation and short-term technical weakness highlights the broader tension within the market. While Chainlink’s fundamentals continue to strengthen, price action remains dependent on renewed demand and institutional participation.
The XRP price is currently in a decisive standoff, as its price is capped despite robust fundamentals, but a wavering market sentiment is preventing it from rising. Ripple’s recent regulatory breakthrough represents a historic shift for the crypto landscape, yet the XRP price has yet to show some response on the chart.
So far, it has been missing significant moves from many positive news stories, similar to other altcoins this quarter, but reflecting negative news immediately on the chart. However, unlike any other altcoin, the resilience in holding $2 is still commendable, and that was only possible for XRP due to its fundamentals, consistent demand, and the trust its investors have in it. Now, people are closely monitoring whether the $2 level will maintain its stability.
Ripple’s OCC Approval Signals a Structural Shift
Ripple recently received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. This development places Ripple directly under federal banking oversight, aligning its operations with both OCC and NYDFS standards.
From a structural perspective, this approval elevates Ripple beyond a payments-focused crypto firm into regulated financial infrastructure. The move strengthens the foundation for RLUSD while positioning XRP as a compliant settlement asset connecting fiat rails, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.
HUGE news! @Ripple just received conditional approval from the @USOCC to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. This is a massive step forward – first for $RLUSD, setting the highest standard for stablecoin compliance with both federal (OCC) & state (NYDFS) oversight.
Importantly, this milestone addresses long-standing criticism that crypto operates outside traditional financial rules. Instead, Ripple now operates within them under direct supervision.
Although this announcement did sparked intense discussion across crypto communities, but the XRP price chart seems to have digested this one too, showing little immediate reaction. This disconnect highlights the current environment where macro sentiment outweighs individual project advancements.
Under the new framework, XRP’s role is improving but markets often delay repricing until usage metrics and liquidity flows reflect these changes.
For now, XRP crypto fundamentals appear to be accelerating faster than price .
Market Sentiment Keeps XRP Range-Bound
Despite positive developments, broader market sentiment remains cautious. Risk appetite across crypto has weakened, limiting follow-through even on major news. As a result, XRP price USD continues to trade defensively near the $2 psychological zone.
Technically, XRP is in a consolidation phase in 2025, where buyers consistently defend $2, while upside attempts fail to attract sustained momentum. This behavior suggests distribution rather than accumulation, reinforcing short-term uncertainty.
As long as sentiment remains subdued, XRP price prediction models remain restrained.
From a technical standpoint, the $2 level has become the most important reference point on the XRP price chart. Repeated defenses of this zone indicate longer-term holder confidence, yet each failed recovery adds pressure.
If sentiment does not improve, downside risk remains open. A loss of $2 could expose XRP/USD to deeper retracement levels near $1.20, according to prevailing technical projections.
Meanwhile, as Ripple’s regulatory positioning continues to mature, the divergence between price action and fundamentals leaves XRP price at a pivotal turning point, and what comes next depends purely on improving market sentiment in future weeks or months.
Singapore Gulf Bank has launched a service that allows clients to convert fiat money into stablecoins like USDC and USDT directly on the Solana blockchain with no transaction or gas fees for now.
Announced at Solana Breakpoint 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the move highlights rising institutional confidence in stablecoins for everyday financial operations.
Singapore Gulf Bank Launches Zero-Fee Stablecoin Minting
Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and backed by Whampoa Group and the Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund, said this new step helps bridge traditional banking and blockchain technology for real-world financial use.
This first phase of the service is designed for corporate clients, especially for treasury management and cross-border business payments, before it expands to personal banking services.
Clients who have verified accounts with SGB can now deposit fiat currencies, such as USD or SGD, and instantly receive USDC or USDT on Solana.
JUST IN: Singapore Gulf Bank launches stablecoin minting and redemption on Solana. pic.twitter.com/z7gWouIVIa
This approach removes traditional banking delays by allowing clients to interact with blockchain settlement directly, without relying on multiple intermediaries.
Why Solana Was Chosen for Stablecoin Minting
SGB chose Solana for its fast speed and low costs, making it suitable for high-volume, real-time financial flows. Using Solana, the bank aims to cut those costs to under 0.3% and settle in seconds, making cross-border transfers easier for businesses across Asia and the GCC region.
Since entering the market, Singapore Gulf Bank has already processed more than $7 billion in transactions.
The bank says this demand shows growing interest from enterprises looking for seamless links between digital assets and traditional banking.
Security, Compliance, and Future Expansion
To strengthen security, SGB has partnered with Fireblocks to provide institutional-grade digital asset custody. This setup uses advanced cryptography and secure wallet infrastructure to protect client funds while meeting regulatory standards.
With zero-fee stablecoin minting, secure custody, and instant settlement tools, Singapore Gulf Bank is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized finance.
The move reflects a broader shift as banks adapt to 24/7 global markets and rising demand for faster, cheaper financial services.
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FAQs
What is Singapore Gulf Bank’s zero-fee stablecoin service?
It lets verified clients convert fiat like USD or SGD into USDC or USDT on Solana instantly, with no transaction or gas fees for now.
Who can use Singapore Gulf Bank’s stablecoin minting service?
The service is currently available to corporate clients for treasury and cross-border payments, with plans to expand to personal banking later.
Is Singapore Gulf Bank’s stablecoin service secure and regulated?
Yes. SGB is regulated by Bahrain’s central bank and uses institutional-grade custody with Fireblocks to ensure security and compliance.
RaveDAO’s $RAVE launch turned heads after early buyers entered near $0.20 and the price quickly climbed close to $0.60, marking a clean 3x move. Unlike many recent launches, the chart expanded upward from the start, allowing real participants to enter instead of insiders dumping. This fair structure rewarded the community and boosted confidence. In a market filled with post-launch sell-offs, RaveDAO’s approach stands out as a refreshing and trust-building debut.
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.
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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FAQs
Why is Citadel Securities pushing for stricter SEC rules on DeFi?
Citadel says some DeFi platforms act like exchanges or brokers and should follow the same rules to protect investors and ensure fair markets.
What are tokenized securities and why do they matter?
Tokenized securities are real-world assets like stocks issued on blockchains, aiming to make trading faster, cheaper, and more transparent.
How is the SEC approaching DeFi and innovation overall?
The SEC says it wants to balance investor protection with innovation, exploring how new technologies can work within existing laws.
RaveDAO’s $RAVE is witnessing extreme volatility following its token generation event. The token surged over 285% in the past 24 hours, trading around $0.62 with a market cap of $143 million. Trading volume spiked sharply to $238 million, signaling strong capital inflows and aggressive price discovery. While momentum remains strong, traders are closely watching for short-term volatility after the rapid upside move.
Coinbase has added Lighter (LIGHTER) to its public asset listing roadmap, signaling potential future trading on the platform. Trading launch depends on securing market-making support for liquidity and completing technical integrations like wallets and systems. No deposits or transfers yet, sending LIGHTER early risks permanent loss. The official start date will be announced via Coinbase’s blog and X once ready, boosting excitement for this emerging project backed by Ribbit Capital and Haun Ventures
Research firm Kaiko reports that crypto market liquidity is increasingly concentrated in just a few centralized exchanges, with Binance leading the pack. This concentration could increase risks during volatile periods, potentially causing ripple effects across the market. The report also highlights ongoing challenges for Binance, including structural, operational, and legal uncertainties, lack of formal regulation, a U.S. conviction for anti–money laundering violations, and the absence of an EU MiCA license, raising concerns about the exchange’s long-term stability and its impact on the broader market.
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.
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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FAQs
Can Tether really buy Juventus?
Tether has made a binding offer to acquire Juventus, aiming for majority control pending regulatory approval. The deal is feasible but not yet finalized.
Will Tether invest more in the club?
Yes, Tether plans to inject up to €1 billion into Juventus for team development, infrastructure upgrades, and global expansion.
How did the market react to Tether’s bid?
Juventus shares jumped sharply, reflecting investor optimism about new ownership and the club’s future growth potential.
Could Tether face regulatory issues buying Juventus?
Yes, the deal depends on regulatory approvals, as large crypto-financed acquisitions are closely monitored.
Why are crypto firms investing in traditional sports now?
Crypto firms see clubs as strong global brands with long-term value, bridging digital assets with real-world business opportunities.
RaveDAO made a powerful entry as $RAVE launched simultaneously across major exchanges, including Binance Alpha, Kraken, Bitget, MEXC, Gate, and Aster. Such coordinated listings are rare for new projects and signal strong preparation and demand. Early traders are already active, and interest from key Binance Labs members has added to the buzz. With momentum building fast, RaveDAO has firmly placed itself in the market spotlight.
The crypto market is extending losses as Bitcoin and altcoins face a sharp Friday sell-off, with prices sliding 5–10% across major tokens. While the timing may feel familiar, the pressure is not random. Markets are reacting to tightening global liquidity conditions, driven largely by renewed concerns over Japan’s interest rate policy and its impact on risk assets worldwide.
BOJ Interest Rate Signals Drain Liquidity From Risk Assets
Investor sentiment turned sharply lower after reports suggested the Bank of Japan could move toward another interest rate hike at its December 18–19 meeting. Japanese bond yields jumped following the news, triggering a pullback across global markets. For years, Japan’s ultra-low interest rates acted as a backbone for cheap global liquidity, allowing funds to deploy capital into higher-risk assets such as equities and crypto.
As expectations shift toward tighter policy, that cheap liquidity is being withdrawn. Funds are reducing exposure, leverage is coming down, and risk assets are bearing the brunt. This has resulted in broad-based selling across stocks, Bitcoin, and altcoins, with the impact amplified by thin liquidity during late-week trading.
Bitcoin Price Crash Deepens as Key Levels Break
Bitcoin’s decline accelerated after it failed to hold critical support near $92,000. Once that level was lost, liquidation pressure spread quickly across derivatives markets, dragging prices lower. The breakdown triggered a familiar pattern seen during illiquid market conditions, where forced selling intensifies moves beyond what fundamentals alone would suggest.
Market watchers are now closely tracking the $86,000 area, with downside risk extending toward a sweep of previous lows in the $78,000–$80,000 range.
Bitcoin could see another leg lower toward $74,000, where bullish divergence may begin to form.
While a short-term bounce is possible later this month or over the holiday period, expectations remain cautious, with further weakness potentially carrying into January before any sustained recovery takes shape.
What Comes Next for the Crypto Market
The sell-off has also been reinforced by the December 19 quarterly options expiry, a period that often brings heightened volatility and downside pressure before markets stabilize. If the Bank of Japan confirms a rate hike, a sharp but brief sell-off cannot be ruled out. On the other hand, if policymakers delay action, risk assets could see a short-term relief rally into month-end.
For now, the move highlights how closely Bitcoin remains tied to global financial conditions. The current decline is being driven less by crypto-specific developments and more by macro forces reshaping liquidity across markets. As long as uncertainty around interest rates and funding costs persists, volatility is likely to remain elevated.
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FAQs
Why is the crypto market falling today?
Crypto prices are dropping due to global liquidity tightening, driven by potential Bank of Japan interest rate hikes affecting risk assets worldwide.
How does Japan’s interest rate policy affect Bitcoin?
Higher Japanese rates reduce cheap global liquidity, prompting investors to cut exposure to risk assets like Bitcoin and altcoins.
Will Bitcoin recover after the December sell-off?
Short-term bounces are possible, but macro uncertainty may keep volatility high until early January before a sustained recovery.
How do options expiries influence crypto prices?
Quarterly options expiries, like December 19, often increase volatility, triggering sell-offs as traders adjust positions.
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.
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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FAQs
What is Jupiter’s new JupUSD stablecoin?
JupUSD is a dollar-backed stablecoin on Solana, designed to work seamlessly within Jupiter’s DeFi tools for trading, lending, and rewards.
How is JupUSD different from other stablecoins?
Unlike most stablecoins, JupUSD integrates directly with Jupiter products, enabling seamless swaps, lending, and trading without leaving the platform.
How is Jupiter boosting platform growth?
Through $1M+ in swap rewards, JupUSD integration, lending incentives, and easy-to-use developer tools, Jupiter encourages adoption and ecosystem expansion.
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.
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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FAQs
How can I buy Bitcoin through Itaú?
Investors can use Itaú’s Íon platform or BITI11 ETF, with the bank managing custody for safety and simplicity.
Can Bitcoin protect against currency fluctuations?
Yes, Bitcoin can hedge against local currency stress, helping preserve value when the real weakens or the dollar rises.
Is Bitcoin considered risky by global banks?
Yes, but top institutions suggest small allocations (1%-4%) for long-term exposure, treating it like digital gold.
Tether has announced plans to acquire Italian football club Juventus. The top-tier stablecoin issuer announced on Friday that it has submitted a proposal to Exor to acquire its entire stake in Juventus, which represents 65.4%.
Tether Plans to Invest €1B in Juventus
According to the announcement, Tether is seeking to make a public offer for the remaining shares at the same price in a bid to acquire Juventus wholly. The company announced that the deal is awaiting regulatory approval in order to proceed with its takeover.
Moreover, the stablecoin issuer plans to inject €1 billion to support the development plans for the club.
“For me, Juventus has always been part of my life,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “I grew up with this team. As a boy, I learned what commitment, resilience, and responsibility meant by watching Juventus face success and adversity with dignity. Those lessons stayed with me long after the final whistle.”
JUV Token Surges Over 21%
Following the announcement, the Juventus Fan Token (JUV) price surged over 21% in the past 24 hours to trade at about $0.79 at press time. The small-cap altcoin, with a fully diluted valuation of about $15 million, recorded a 400% surge in its daily average traded volume to hover about $22 million at press time.
If the deal goes through, the JUV token – which is already listed on major crypto exchanges led by Binance, and Bybit – will gain more market exposure. Moreover, the altcoin market is on the cusp of a major parabolic rally fueled by regulatory clarity and the mainstream adoption of crypto assets by institutional investors.
The crypto market turned red today as the majority of tokens recorded almost no gains over the past 24 hours. Sentiment weakened sharply after Bitcoin fell $2,000 in just 35 minutes, wiping out $40 billion from its market cap. More than $132 million in long positions were liquidated within an hour as volatility returned to the market.
Bitcoin Leads the Market Decline
Bitcoin traded near $90,349, down 0.41% on the day, with its weekly performance slipping 1.82%. Trading activity remained high, with over $78 billion in 24-hour volume.
Ethereum followed the same trend, trading at $3,088, down 03% in the past day. Most top altcoins showed the same weak tone, including BNB at $878, XRP at $1.99, and Solana at $133.
Why Markets Are Dropping
The sharp sell-off appears to be linked to expectations around the Bank of Japan’s upcoming rate decision on December 19. The market is pricing in a potential rate hike next week and more in 2026. Historically, Japanese rate increases have put pressure on global risk assets, including crypto.
Market makers use the negative news like the BOJ rate hike as a fuel and cover to do their manipulation.
Just like on Oct. 10th when Trump tweeted about tariffs on China, the market crashed and wiped out $19 billion in leverage positions in 24 hrs.
The Federal Reserve recently delivered one of its most supportive updates in years, signaling three rate cuts in 2025, confirming that quantitative tightening has ended, and noting that inflation is cooling. Despite this, crypto remains under pressure while stocks, gold, and silver continue to rise.
Emotion Driving the Market
Analysts like Ash Crypto say the current price movements appear to be driven more by fear and uncertainty than fundamentals. The sudden swings have created frustration among retail traders, while larger institutional players continue to accumulate quietly during downturns.
Many expect volatility to persist ahead of next week’s Bank of Japan decision, which could set the tone for crypto markets for the rest of the month.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced on X that the company has received conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. This marks an important step for Ripple as it works to bring its stablecoin, RLUSD, under both federal oversight (OCC) and state oversight (New York Department of Financial Services).
Garlinghouse said the approval shows that Ripple is willing to operate under the same strict rules as traditional financial institutions. He also criticized banking lobbyists who have argued that crypto companies avoid regulation. “What are you so afraid of?” he wrote, adding that Ripple is prioritizing compliance, trust, and innovation.
HUGE news! @Ripple just received conditional approval from the @USOCC to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. This is a massive step forward – first for $RLUSD, setting the highest standard for stablecoin compliance with both federal (OCC) & state (NYDFS) oversight.
Ripple supporters celebrated the announcement, saying RLUSD is now set to become the first stablecoin issued under a national bank charter and under direct OCC supervision.
Ripple’s Push to Become a US Bank
The move follows Ripple’s larger effort to apply for a US national bank charter and a Federal Reserve master account, which would allow the company to operate like a federally regulated bank. This would give Ripple access to US payment infrastructure such as Fedwire and allow it to settle transactions directly in US dollars.
If approved, Ripple would be the first blockchain-native company with this level of access to the US banking system. It would also allow Ripple to run payment operations without depending on outside banks.
Why This Matters for XRP
A bank charter and Fed master account could strengthen Ripple’s position in the global payments industry. It would allow the company to settle international transfers faster and at lower cost. Analysts say this could increase the practical use of XRP, especially for cross-border liquidity.
Many in the XRP community also say this move could boost long-term confidence in the token. If Ripple operates as a regulated financial institution, banks and institutions may feel more comfortable using XRP in their payment flows.
For now, the conditional approval shows a big shift: a leading crypto company is moving toward direct integration with the traditional US banking system, setting a new regulatory standard for the industry.
Bitcoin continued to trade in a narrow range on Monday, with price action showing little change over the past three weeks as markets head into the year-end period of low liquidity and reduced volatility.
A technical analyst tracking the daily chart said the move still appears to be part of a broader wave-four rebound, with no confirmation yet of a direct breakout to the upside. Despite small intraday gains, chart structures across timeframes remain aligned and do not show a shift in trend.
Short-Term Moves Not Reflected in Broader Trend
According to the analyst, the recent uptick in trader sentiment on social media has been driven by minor green candles on shorter timeframes. But he added that these moves do not change the wider structure, which has remained largely unchanged for nearly a month.
He said traders should “zoom out” and separate short-term fluctuations from long-term patterns, stressing that a chart can appear bullish on lower timeframes while showing a different picture on higher ones.
Market Slows Ahead of Holiday Period
With the year-end holiday season approaching, the analyst expects slower price action to continue. Bitcoin has hovered within the same range for three weeks, and he said there is little preventing it from staying there until late December.
He added that big directional decisions from market participants are unlikely before early next year.
Technical Levels in Focus
The analyst continues to track a possible triangle pattern within the current consolidation. A break below $89,300 would invalidate the pattern and likely push the price back toward Fibonacci support between $85,988 and $88,912.
A move above $94,620, the high point of the pattern’s B-wave, would be the first signal of a possible upside breakout.
Micro-support between $90,197 and $91,888 in case of an additional pullback within the structure.
An interesting debate around XRP has resurfaced after ETF analyst Nate Geraci raised a question many investors quietly ask: How high can XRP actually go from here?
Geraci said that XRP trades near $2 with a market cap of about $125 billion. Even if the token ever grew to match Bitcoin’s current $1.8 trillion valuation, it would land somewhere near $30. Yet the crypto world remains full of predictions calling for $1,000 XRP or even higher.
To dig into the real fundamentals, Geraci turned to Christopher Jensen, Portfolio Manager and Director of Digital Asset Research at Franklin Templeton. Jensen didn’t offer price predictions, but he did explain how serious investors evaluate XRP’s long-term upside.
XRP’s Value Depends on Payments, Not Price Hype
Jensen said the investment case for XRP starts with Ripple’s push to build a global payments network. The company has spent years buying firms and inserting XRP into their systems so the token becomes part of the “back-end plumbing” that moves money.
He explained that Ripple wants XRP to serve as a kind of standard payment rail, a digital highway that institutions can use for cross-border transfers, settlement, and internal payments. If XRP becomes widely integrated into financial infrastructure, demand for the token could grow.
The Real Question: Does Activity Flow Back Into the Token?
Jensen explained something most retail investors overlook: value accrual.
Every blockchain handles this differently. If someone sends $5 of stablecoins on Ethereum, Solana, or Ripple’s network, the benefit to the native token varies. Some networks capture a lot of value, while others capture very little.
For XRP, future price appreciation depends on how much economic activity actually returns to the token, not just how many banks or companies use Ripple’s software.
Market Share Will Decide XRP’s Ceiling
Payments are one of the largest markets in crypto, but they’re also competitive. Solana and other fast networks already handle a huge volume of transactions. Jensen said investors need to consider market share, adoption, and how Ripple positions XRP as a standard for different payment use cases.
If XRP becomes the preferred rail for global money movement, the upside could be significant. If not, it may stay tied to realistic growth ranges rather than sky-high predictions.
In short, the long-term value of XRP will not be decided by big predictions — but by whether Ripple succeeds in turning the token into the backbone of modern payments.
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