DeFi

خلاصہ: Who Bought 49% of Trump-Linked Crypto Platform for $500M?Key Highlights A 49% stake in World Liberty Financial was sold for $500 million just days before the inauguration. President Trump said he had no knowledge of the deal and that his sons handled the business. The investor is an Abu Dhabi royal with diplomatic and business ties to the United States. US President Donald Trump has denied having any role in a reported $500 million cryptocurrency deal involving his family and a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, saying he was not aware of the transaction and that his sons were managing the business separately. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he had no direct knowledge of the deal, while acknowledging that cryptocurrency has become a major area of investment. “I don’t know about it,” Trump said. “I know that crypto is a big thing.” He added that the business decisions were being handled by his family. “My sons are handling that — my family is handling it. And I guess they get investments from different people.” What the World Liberty Financial deal is about The deal centers on World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a cryptocurrency platform closely linked to the Trump family. According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, emissaries of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, reached an agreement with Eric Trump to purchase a 49% stake in WLFI for $500 million. The agreement was reportedly finalized four days before Donald Trump was inaugurated as US president last year. The Journal based its report on internal WLFI documents and comments from people familiar with the matter. Breakdown of the $500 million investment The investment was structured in phases, beginning with an initial payment of $250 million. Of that amount, $187 million was directed to entities linked to the Trump family. According to the report, at least $31 million was earmarked for entities associated with Steve Witkoff, a co-founder of World Liberty Financial who currently serves as the US special envoy to the Middle East. Another $31 million was allocated to an entity connected to the platform’s other co-founders, Zak Folkman and Chase Herro. The investment was made through Aryam Investment 1, a company backed by Sheikh Tahnoon, which would become World Liberty Financial’s largest shareholder if the full transaction is completed. Why the deal has drawn wider attention The transaction has attracted attention not only because of its size and timing, but also because of Sheikh Tahnoon’s broader diplomatic and business relationships with the United States. Sheikh Tahnoon is the chairman of Group 42 Holding Ltd. (G42), an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company. In December last year, G42 received approval from the US Department of Commerce to purchase advanced AI chips from major American firms, including Nvidia Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., and Cerebras Systems Inc., following discussions with US officials at the White House. The overlap between high-level diplomacy, sensitive technology approvals, and a major investment in a Trump-linked crypto venture has led to increased scrutiny, even though no wrongdoing has been alleged. Political and regulatory response The reported deal has also prompted questions from US lawmakers. In January, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren urged banking regulators to delay reviewing World Liberty Financial’s application for a bank charter until President Trump divested his interest in the company. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) later rejected that request, stating that political or personal financial ties would not affect the review process and that WLFI’s application would be evaluated under the same “rigorous review” standards applied to other companies. Company pushes back on claims World Liberty Financial has maintained that President Trump had no involvement in the transaction after taking office. Responding to the reports, company spokesman David Wachsman said, “Neither President Trump nor Steve Witkoff had any involvement whatsoever in this transaction and have had no involvement in World Liberty Financial since taking office.” He also defended the company’s approach to raising capital, adding, “The idea that, when raising capital, a privately-held American company should be held to some unique standard that no other similar company would be held is both ridiculous and un-American.” What comes next While no investigation has been announced, the scale of the investment, its timing just before Trump’s inauguration, and the involvement of a foreign royal have ensured continued attention from regulators, lawmakers, and the media. For now, Trump continues to distance himself from the deal, while the company insists the transaction was conducted independently, as questions around politics, crypto, and global capital remain firmly in focus. Also Read: Could Kevin Warsh’s Crypto Ties Boost Trump’s Financial Play?Source InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Crypto Users on MacOS Targeted in Sneaky Token Vesting Malware ScamKey Highlights Mac users face new phishing risks; fake audit emails can steal passwords and install hidden malware. Hackers use disguised AppleScript files and backdoors to control Macs and bypass privacy protections. Phishing and wallet related scams gain as crypto’s popularity grows worldwide. Blockchain security firm SlowMist warned that a new phishing attack is putting macOS users at high risk. In their latest X post, SlowMist shared that Chainbase Lab has detected a phishing email disguised as an “audit/compliance confirmation.” The emails lured recipients to reveal sensitive information, including system credentials. Chainbase also revealed the malicious samples with SlowMist for deeper analysis. Both the firms confirmed that the campaign uses multi-stage, fileless malware specifically targeting Mac devices. 🚨 Threat Intelligence | Analysis of Token Vesting Phishing Poisoning 🚨 Recently, @ChainbaseHQ detected a phishing email campaign disguised as “audit/compliance confirmation” and shared the sanitized samples with the SlowMist team. We jointly analyzed the campaign and confirmed… pic.twitter.com/0em6y2M1k6 — SlowMist (@SlowMist_Team) February 3, 2026 The attackers initially ask users to “confirm the company’s legal English name,” then share a follow up email titled “FY2025 External Audit” or “Token Vesting Confirmation — deadline.” These messages contain Word or PDF attachments. However, these attachments are not regular documents, but rather disguised AppleScript malware. Opening these attachments allows the victims to unknowingly install malware that can steal important information from them. As such, this malware campaign is a mix of social engineering, technical deception, and sophisticated memory-resident malware. How the malware works on macOS The malware file is given the name “Confirmation_Token_Vesting.docx.scpt” and is designed to appear as a legitimate document file due to its use of a double extension. Once executed, the malware displays fake progress bars to resemble a system update or repair process. At the same time, it will display legitimate-looking password prompt pop-ups to steal system credentials. “When the user enters a password and clicks ‘OK,’ the script invokes the dscl command to verify whether the password is correct,” SlowMist said. The malware also tries to sneak past Mac’s built-in privacy protections. It quietly gives itself access to your files, camera, screen, and keyboard. On top of that, it installs a hidden program that lets hackers control your Mac and run additional harmful code. The backdoor connects to a remote server to collect information about your Mac and run more harmful programs. Hackers hide their tracks using temporary websites like sevrrhstcom. Connection to broader crypto phishing trends This is not the first time SlowMist has alerted cryptocurrency users. In January 2026, the company raised awareness regarding a MetaMask scam involving false two-factor authentication messages. The victims were redirected to false sites, leading them to leak their seed phrases. 🚨 New #metamask phishing scam alert Attackers are impersonating a “2FA security verification” flow, redirecting users via look-alike domains to fake security warnings with countdown timers and “authenticity checks.” The final step asks for your wallet recovery phrase — once… pic.twitter.com/3bX9U1wZbs — SlowMist (@SlowMist_Team) January 5, 2026 In December 2025, a phishing attack occurred on a Solana digital wallet, causing users to sign transactions and resulting in the loss of over $3 million worth of cryptocurrency. The hackers changed the ownership of the digital wallet, giving themselves complete access without the owner’s knowledge. SlowMist explained, “You thought you just connected your crypto wallet to a website, but in reality, you gave all your money to a stranger.” Besides going after wallets, SlowMist also warned earlier about AI-powered phishing. Hackers tampered with AI search results to show fake imToken wallet links. People who clicked these links risked malware or phishing attacks. Hence, the firm emphasized checking all URLs carefully and only downloading wallets from official sources. 🚨SlowMist Security Alert🚨 Beware of AI Pollution! We tested mainstream AI assistants for @imTokenOfficial 's official website — some returned phishing links!🎣 ✅The official website of imToken is: https://t.co/LnehWwXDE0 ⚠️AI boosts productivity, but many treat it as a… pic.twitter.com/m3FQ9TkbbG — SlowMist (@SlowMist_Team) April 3, 2025 This Mac phishing attack shows how clever hackers are becoming. People should be careful with unexpected emails, check attachments before opening, and make sure links are real. Also Read: Korea’s FSS Launches VISTA to Combat Crypto Price RiggingSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Ethereum Plunges Below $2,700 — Could $2,094 Be Next?Key Highlights Ethereum drops 7% in 24 hours, falling below the critical $2,700 support, testing market sentiment. Over $414M in liquidations and significant ETF outflows show growing selling pressure from both retail and institutional investors. If ETH fails to hold support, the next major level around $2,094 could come into play, signaling a sharper correction. Ethereum (ETH), the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, began the day around $2,738 but quickly lost momentum, slipping below the crucial $2,700 mark and touching nearly $2,680. The drop caught traders off guard and pushed ETH into one of its sharpest declines in recent weeks, down nearly 7% in the last 24 hours. At the time of writing, ETH is hovering around $2,715–$2,720, a level that now feels like a make-or-break zone. All eyes are on whether the price can stabilize here — or if the selling pressure will drag it even lower. Ethereum’s trading range Since November 14, 2025, Ethereum has been moving in a range between $2,737 and $3,410. This means the price has been mostly sideways for over two months. The upper limit, $3,410, acts as resistance. Source: TradingView The lower limit, around $2,700, shows support, where buyers usually step in to prevent the price from falling further. Because of this range, the market has been quiet in terms of trends. Neither buyers nor sellers have been able to take control. The move today shows how fast things can change if pressure builds on the market. Liquidations and market activity Ethereum’s recent drop triggered a lot of forced position closures. In the last 24 hours, roughly $414 million worth of ETH trades were liquidated, as per data by Coinglass . Most of this — about $387.88 million — came from traders who had bet on the price going up, while $26.52 million came from those betting it would fall. When these positions get closed automatically, it adds more selling pressure, and the price drops faster. Ethereum’s 24-hour trading volume also shot up to $44.34 billion, almost 90% higher than yesterday. Traders were moving quickly, buying and selling as the price changed, and that kept the downward pressure going. ETF outflows add more pressure on ETH Ethereum’s weakness wasn’t limited to futures and leveraged traders. Spot ETF data also showed clear signs of caution from institutional investors. On January 29, U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs recorded a net outflow of $155.61 million, as per SosoValue , suggesting that big players were reducing exposure as prices slipped. Some of the largest funds saw notable withdrawals: BlackRock’s ETHA recorded outflows of $54.88 million Fidelity’s FETH saw $59.19 million leave the fund Grayscale’s ETHE lost $13.05 million, while its lower-fee ETH fund saw another $26.49 million in outflows Even smaller ETFs like Bitwise’s ETHW saw money move out Despite this, total assets held across Ethereum spot ETFs remain sizable at $16.75 billion, accounting for nearly 5% of Ethereum’s total market value. The big outflow in just one day shows that investors are starting to step back as Ethereum’s price weakens. Market confidence has clearly cooled off, with many choosing to stay on the sidelines instead of taking fresh bets. At the same time, trading picked up sharply. ETF volumes jumped to $2.15 billion as investors moved quickly to adjust their positions after ETH slipped below key support levels. Taken together, the ETF data adds to the growing bearish tone in the market — suggesting that it’s not just short-term traders pulling back, but institutional investors as well, who are choosing to stay on the sidelines as uncertainty builds. Options expiry adds pressure Ethereum’s drop today was partly due to a $1.4 billion options expiry. Large expiries often make the market more active because traders and institutions adjust their positions to protect themselves. This can push the price up or down quickly. Source: Deribit Today, it added to the selling pressure and helped ETH fall below $2,700. Traders pay close attention to these expiry dates since they can trigger sudden moves. What could happen next Ethereum is at a tricky point right now. If it can hold the $2,700 support, it might keep trading sideways within its usual range and try to climb back toward the resistance at $3,410. But if selling pressure keeps building, or if any negative news hits the market, ETH could break support and head toward $2,094, which would be a bigger drop. The market is playing it safe right now. Ethereum has been stuck between $2,737 and $3,410 for the past two months, and today’s big drop shows that the price is still swinging a lot. Traders and investors will be watching closely over the next few days to see if Ethereum can settle down or if it will fall even more. Also Read: Silver Outshines Bitcoin with 100% Gain in 50 Days — Is Risk Appetite Changing?Source InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Binance Opportunistically Jumps onto Bitcoin with $1B in SAFU FundKey Highlights Binance is converting its $1B SAFU Fund from stablecoins to Bitcoin, reinforcing long-term value and user fund protection. The exchange recovered $48M in mis-sent assets in 2025 and helped users prevent $6.69B in scam losses. Binance surpasses 300M users, applies for EU crypto license, and promotes Yi He to Co-CEO to drive global growth. World’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has announced a major restructuring of Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), converting its $1 billion stablecoin reserves entirely into Bitcoin over the next 30 days. The move aims to strengthen its long-term asset strategy and respond to market volatility. In an update on X, Binance cited Bitcoin’s role as a core crypto ecosystem asset and emphasized its long-term value in safeguarding user funds. Notably, the move comes as Bitcoin falls to multi-month low following broader market drawdown. An open letter to the crypto community 💛 During periods of market volatility and pressure, the impact felt across the industry is naturally also felt by Binance. As a global industry leader, we hold ourselves to elevated standards and continually improve based on feedback from… pic.twitter.com/HvWEQYjuKZ — Binance (@binance) January 30, 2026 The SAFU Fund, established in 2018 to protect users’ assets, originally grew from a percentage of trading fees. Currently, it is managed by Nest Clearing and Custody Limited under the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) framework. In the post, Binance claimed that it achieved several important milestones in 2025 that show it keeps users’ funds safe and manages risks well. The platform said it has helped in the recovery of 38,648 cases of incorrectly sent assets worth $48 million and has now recovered over $1.09 billion since its inception. What are the SAFU funds? AFU, or Secure Asset Fund for Users, is a reserve fund launched by Binance in 2018. The fund is sustained by a portion of the trading fees and serves as a financial cushion in the event of hacks or security breaches. Through compensating users and ensuring transparency, SAFU enhances user trust and confidence in the platform’s efforts to secure their assets. The fund secures users on the Binance platform and also shapes the industry and crypto practices. The existence of SAFU encourages other platforms to put similar measures in place, thereby improving the security of the market. Furthermore, the existence of SAFU can have a positive effect on the development of regulations and innovation in blockchain security, ensuring that the crypto develops with adequate safeguards for users. Although none of the amount within the fund have been used as of now. Strategic industry investment and global expansion Besides risk control, Binance continues investing in ecosystem development. The exchange recently surpassed 300 million registered users globally, adding 100 million users within 18 months, achieving over 180,000 new users daily. To celebrate, Binance launched “300M Users, OneUnstoppableCommunity,” a global initiative inviting users to share experiences and perspectives. Furthermore, Binance applied for a pan-European crypto license under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework via the Hellenic Capital Market Commission in Athens. This application allows Binance to operate across multiple European markets legally. To support the review, international audit firms, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and PwC, are engaged in the process. Binance also announced a leadership change last month during Binance Blockchain Week. Co-Founder Yi He was promoted to Co-CEO. Richard Teng noted, “Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance. Her innovative and user-focused approach has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision.” The company remains committed to becoming “the most trusted and regulated exchange in the world.” Also Read: Dubai Residents Can Now Pay Insurance Premiums in BitcoinSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: CFTC Signals Reset for Polymarket, Kalshi as Fed vs States Clash RisesKey Highlights CFTC Chair Michael Selig to rewrite prediction market rules, withdrawing the 2024 ban and 2025 advisory. Legal battles intensify as states challenge sports-related contracts, raising jurisdiction questions. New framework aims to clarify federal oversight, support innovation, and protect investors. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is moving forward with a broad reset of its regulatory approach to prediction markets, announcing plans to write new rules that clarify how these fast‑growing platforms will operate under federal law. The announcement comes from CFTC Chairman Michael Selig at a panel alongside Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins, as the tension between federal regulators, states, and the courts intensifies. Prediction markets let users trade contracts tied to future outcomes, such as elections, economic events, and sports results. Platforms such as Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, DraftKings, FanDuel, Robinhood, and others operate or plan to launch products that let people buy and sell these contracts. But questions about legality, jurisdiction, and consumer protections have always shadowed this sector, prompting the CFTC’s renewed regulatory effort. Why the regulatory pivot? Chairman Selig emphasized that the current framework for event contracts, the legal term used by the CFTC, has created “uncertainty” rather than clarity for market participants. To address this, he directed staff to withdraw a 2024 proposal that would have banned political and sports-related event contracts, as well as a 2025 advisory cautioning the offering of sports‑related contracts amid legal disputes. Selig told the audience that the previous efforts, while well‑intended, failed to provide clear guidance and instead left operators and traders in a regulatory gray zone. “It is time for clear rules and a clear understanding that the CFTC supports lawful innovation in these markets,” he said, reflecting his goal to balance innovation with investor protection and market integrity. The new rulemaking will aim to lay out precise standards for how event contracts should be structured, vetted, and overseen, including how they relate to derivatives law and whether federal jurisdiction preempts conflicting state gaming laws. State vs Federal: A growing legal clash Legal challenges have become widespread. Multiple states have argued that prediction markets’ sports‑related contracts resemble unlicensed gambling and should fall under state gaming laws, not federal oversight. For example, Tennessee’s Sports Wagering Council recently ordered Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com to halt sports contracts and refund customers by Jan. 31, 2026, claiming these offerings violate state law. BREAKING: Tennessee Sports Wagering Council sends cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi (📸), Polymarket and Crypto, demanding that they cease offering sports event contracts to TN customers immediately, void all pending contracts and issue refunds by Jan. 31. Lawsuits are imminent. pic.twitter.com/jDIPIwsrCn — Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) January 9, 2026 Similar actions have been taken in Connecticut, and courts in Massachusetts have barred Kalshi from offering sports markets without state gambling licenses. In contrast, federal courts previously ruled that some political event contracts did not constitute illegal gaming, underscoring the debate over jurisdiction. Selig signaled that the CFTC may engage more actively in these cases. He directed staff to reassess how the agency participates in ongoing litigation, especially where jurisdictional questions are contested, asserting that “the Commission has the expertise and responsibility to defend its exclusive jurisdiction over commodity derivatives.” Growth, innovation, and scrutiny Prediction markets are not new, they have operated under the CFTC’s jurisdiction for years. However, rapid adoption in the last few election cycles, expanding retail participation, and the integration of crypto platforms have dramatically increased their profile. In late 2025, Polymarket re‑entered the U.S. market after acquiring a regulated exchange operator and winning CFTC approval to operate as a registered designated contract market. Kalshi, meanwhile, has handled billions in trading volume, especially on questions tied to major sports leagues, elections, and economic events. These developments drew attention not just from regulators but also from legislators. A proposed Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026 would seek to ban government officials from trading on contracts related to their official duties, after a controversial high-stakes trade on a Venezuelan political outcome sparked concern about insider trading. Industry and market impacts The regulatory pivot could have far‑reaching effects. Proponents argue a clearer federal framework will reduce legal risk, encourage responsible innovation, and support transparent markets. The critics fear that the state regulators will still push their own standards, resulting in a patchwork of regulations that do not reflect the federal intentions. Daily volumes and contract offerings are growing, which investors and traders are observing. While some states continue enforcement actions, federal efforts to harmonize rules may impact where and how prediction markets operate, especially if legislation formalizes the CFTC’s authority over event contracts. Looking ahead As Selig and the SEC coordinate on digital asset and prediction market rules, stakeholders across finance, gaming, and technology will be closely tracking how these regulatory contours take shape. The outcome will affect not only specialized platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket but any exchange offering predictive financial products tied to real‑world events. Also Read: Vitalik’s “Anti-Crazy Mode” Nets $70,000 on PolymarketSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: US DOJ Forfeits $400M from Dark Web’s Biggest Cryptocurrency MixerKey Highlights DOJ seizes $400M tied to Helix, a crypto mixer that laundered $300M from darknet markets between 2014–2017. Helix hid Bitcoin trails, helped major hacks and darknet sales, showing how mixers fuel crypto crime globally. DOJ, FBI, and IRS work with Belize highlights strong intl. effort against crypto laundering and illicit funds. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has forfeited over $400 million in cryptocurrencies, real estate, and monetary assets tied to the notorious darknet mixing service, Helix. Announced last week, this operation marks one of the largest counter-efforts against money laundering using cryptocurrencies. As per the DOJ release , Helix hid where coins came from and where they went, moving over $300 million in illegal funds between 2014 and 2017. The platform was run by Larry Dean Harmon, who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit money laundering in August 2021. In November 2024, he was sentenced to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and his assets were seized. On January 21, a judge formally gave the government ownership of the assets, finalizing the DOJ’s claim. Helix’s role in darknet money laundering Helix was a key tool for cleaning money from illegal online drug sales. It mixed cryptocurrency from many users, making it very hard to trace. Court records show Helix processed transactions of about 354,468 Bitcoin (BTC)—worth around $300 million back then—much of it moving through major darknet markets. Harmon took a cut as fees, earning money from these illegal transactions. Harmon also connected Helix to Grams, a search engine for the darknet, and made it easy for markets to automatically move Bitcoin. Investigators traced tens of millions of dollars through Helix, showing how important it was to illegal online operations. Officials from the DOJ, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) emphasized the teamwork involved in taking down the platform. The government also worked with authorities in Belize, showing strong international cooperation. Broader context of crypto mixers and sanctions The Helix case is an example of a broader crackdown on crypto mixers. The Treasury has in the past sanctioned Tornado Cash for facilitating the movement of billions of dollars in illegal transactions. However, the sanctions on Tornado Cash were removed in 2025 due to legal and policy challenges. Other crypto mixers, like Blender, have also been sanctioned for helping launder money from hacks. For example, the North Korean-backed Lazarus Group used Blender to move over $20.5 million stolen from the Ronin Network. The DOJ records show Helix helped launder more than $455 million in Lazarus Group funds, $96 million from the Harmony Bridge hack, and at least $7.8 million from the Nomad hack. Similar cases and industry impact Not just Helix, but the team behind Samourai Wallet also went to prison for helping criminals hide $237 million in stolen funds. Its CTO William Lonergan Hill got four years , while CEO Keonne Rodriguez got five. They also had to give up millions. As seen, these are just some of the cases where the authorities are cracking down hard on crypto mixers in order to stop money laundering and help the victims of hacks and online scams. The seizure of the DOJ is evidence that authorities are monitoring crypto mixers more closely than ever. As people are trying to launder money using digital currencies, authorities all over the world are working together to protect the financial system. Also Read: Midnight Takes Privacy Off the Internet With Satellite MessagingSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Bitcoin Drops 7% and Loses Multi-month Gains Amid Market DrawdownKey Highlights Bitcoin slid 7% to around $81K, triggering $1.68 billion in liquidations and dragging the broader crypto market lower. Macro uncertainty around the Fed leadership change added pressure to the crypto market, with traders bracing for tighter or less predictable monetary conditions. Strategy (MSTR) shares dropped nearly 10% as Bitcoin broke key support, highlighting spillover impact on crypto-linked stocks. Bitcoin extended its sharp sell-off late Thursday, falling nearly 7% in 24 hours to trade around $82,000 after briefly dipping as low as $81,000 during U.S. trading hours. The decline erased multi-month gains from Bitcoin’s price in a single day and triggered a wave of forced liquidations across the crypto market, highlighting renewed fragility in risk assets. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: CoinMarketCap According to CoinGlass data, more than $880 million worth of crypto long positions were liquidated within one hour during the steepest part of the drop, with total liquidations reaching about $1.68 billion over the past 24 hours. The broader cryptocurrency market followed Bitcoin’s decline, with major tokens falling between 7%–9%. Ethereum was floating close to $2,750, as BNB and XRP were trading at approximately $850 and $1.75, respectively. At current levels, Bitcoin is trading just above its November dip near $81,000 . Market participants are closely watching this zone, as a decisive break could open the door to a deeper move toward the April 2025 lows near $75,000 , which formed during tariff-related market stress earlier in the year. Fed leadership speculation rattles risk assets One of the factors weighing on sentiment appears to be renewed uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy leadership. Traders reacted to reports that President Donald Trump may nominate former Federal Reserve Board member Kevin Warsh to replace current Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Trump said he would announce his nominee on Friday, a day after publicly criticizing the Fed for not cutting interest rates. Prediction market Polymarket showed odds of Warsh being selected surging to 90%, up sharply from 37% just hours earlier. Source: Polymarket Before the shift, some investors had expected a more dovish candidate, such as BlackRock fixed-income chief Rick Rieder. This threat of an even more aggressive Fed policy puts additional strain on already weak crypto markets, which are extremely sensitive to liquidity expectations. Analysts see correction, not collapse Despite the sharp move, several analysts describe the current decline as a corrective phase rather than a structural breakdown. Technically, Bitcoin failed to hold a rebound above $83,800, keeping downside risks in focus. Some analysts now point to the November low near $80,600 as a near-term test. Market analyst CryptoZeno noted that Bitcoin’s returns have turned negative in recent months, down about 26% since last July, following a strong expansion phase in mid-2025. The concept of leverage unwinding is supported by derivatives data. Previous declines of 8% to 10% in futures open interest have been accompanied by local price lows, such as declines in February-March, early April, and mid-November 2025. These patterns suggest forced selling may be approaching exhaustion rather than signaling a prolonged downtrend. Strategy stock slides as Bitcoin breaks key support The sell-off also hit crypto-linked equities. Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ: MSTR), widely known for holding Bitcoin as a core treasury asset, fell as much as 9.63% on Thursday, trading near $143, close to its 52-week low. Strategy Inc. Stock Price Chart – Source: Google Finance The stock often amplifies Bitcoin’s moves due to the company’s large exposure. Earlier this week, Strategy bought 2,932 BTC for $264 million , lifting its total holdings to 712,647 BTC, roughly 3.4% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply. While the accumulation underscores long-term conviction, the recent price drop highlights the short-term volatility risks tied to corporate Bitcoin strategies. Investors are, at least, considering macro uncertainty, heavy lever unwinds, and key technical levels. It will probably be determined by the overall market response to the changes in Fed leadership and liquidity expectations in the coming days whether Bitcoin will stabilize around the existing support or fall further. Also Read: Bitcoin Falls Below $85K as $850M Gets Liquidated in Market Sell-OffSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Why Trump Pardoned the Crypto Industry but Left SBF to RotKey Highlights Trump’s second-term pardons reveal a new “Crypto Clemency Doctrine” based on ideology and political utility, not legal merit. Crypto figures framed as regulatory martyrs or strategic partners received pardons, while those tied to retail harm did not. The pardons of Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao contrast sharply with the continued incarceration of Sam Bankman-Fried. The White House now seems to function as a de facto final court of appeal for crypto elites with political access. The second term of U.S. President Donald J. Trump has moved far beyond the deregulatory agenda of his first term. In a move that has fundamentally rewritten the intersection of federal criminal justice and the digital asset industry, the White House has operationalized the presidential pardon power as a tool for ideological signaling and strategic transaction. The result is a bifurcated justice system for crypto entrepreneurs: one track for those who can be useful to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) ecosystem, and another for those deemed political liabilities. This report provides a deep-dive investigation into what we term the “Crypto Clemency Doctrine”. This is a framework that has liberated figures like Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht and Binance Co-Founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), while leaving FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) to wither in a federal cell at FCI Terminal Island. A deep dive into the pardons issued during Trump’s second term reveals that executive mercy is no longer a tool for balancing an unjust judicial system; it is a commodity distributed based on ideological compliance, victim profile, and political networking. This report exposes the untold story behind this disparity: a lucrative financial feedback loop involving the Trump family’s own crypto venture that paved the way for CZ’s release, and a catastrophic, unauthorized jailhouse media strategy by SBF (involving Tucker Carlson and a stint in solitary confinement) that backfired spectacularly. The Crypto Clemency Doctrine The Trump administration’s approach to justice is not arbitrary. It follows a rigorous, if unwritten, logic. An analysis of the 1,600+ pardons issued since January 2025 show two distinct types of privileged defendants eligible for the President’s mercy: Firstly, the martyrs, whose prosecutions can be framed as “Deep State weaponization.” These are figures whose crimes are interpreted by the Trump administration as acts of rebellion against an overreaching government. Ross Ulbricht is the primary figure of this group. Second are the partners who offer financial or political benefit. These are wealthy executives whose businesses align with the administration’s or the Trump family’s financial interests. Changpeng Zhao fits the mold in this category. In contrast, the denial of Sam Bankman-Fried represents the doctrine’s exclusion parameters. Despite SBF’s aggressive, behind-the-scenes attempts to pivot politically, including an infamous unauthorized interview with Tucker Carlson, he remains the narrative’s “Villain.” It stems from his irrevocable branding as a “Democrat mega-donor” and the direct financial ruin he brought upon retail investors, a core demographic of the Trump coalition. The Mechanics of Mercy: A Structural Shift To understand how these decisions are made, one must look at the dismantling of the traditional pardon process. Historically, the Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA) within the Department of Justice served as a meritocratic filter, reviewing petitions based on time served, remorse, and behavior. Under the current regime, this bureaucratic process has been largely bypassed in favor of a “network-based” approach driven by media personalities, high-dollar donors, and Trump-adjacent lobbyists. During the 2024 campaign, the Trump team successfully framed crypto enforcement as a “war on innovation” led by the Biden-era Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). This rhetorical shift allowed the President to categorize convicts into a binary system: The martyrs: Technical or regulatory offenders (e.g., CZ’s anti-money laundering failures, Arthur Hayes’ Bank Secrecy Act violations). The villains: Fraudsters who harmed “real people” (e.g., SBF). This distinction allows the administration to argue that crimes against the state (regulatory violations) are invalid, while crimes against the individual (theft) remain punishable, provided the thief is a Democrat. The Pay-to-Play Perception: The Case of Roger Ver The commoditization of access is best exemplified by the case of Roger Ver, the early industry evangelist known as “Bitcoin Jesus.” In 2024, Ver was facing indictment for tax evasion related to his renunciation of U.S. citizenship; a charge that historically carries significant prison time. Ver bypassed the typical legal meat grinder. Instead of relying solely on criminal defense attorneys, investigations reveal that Ver’s team retained Roger Stone, the infamous political operative and longtime Trump confidant. Reports indicate Ver paid Stone a lobbying fee of $600,000 to advocate for his case directly to the administration. The result was a stunning reversal of DOJ priorities. Rather than a prison sentence, Ver secured a favorable settlement that involved a monetary fine but no incarceration, effectively buying his freedom. For the crypto industry, the message was clear: freedom has a price tag, and the currency is “influence.” This case established the precedent that legal jeopardy could be neutralized through the right political channels, a lesson Changpeng Zhao would later apply with even greater success. The Ross Ulbricht Case Study: The Ideological Signal On January 21, 2025, his first full day in office, President Trump fulfilled a signature campaign promise by issuing a full and unconditional pardon to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. This move was the administration’s “Day One” signal to the libertarian wing of the GOP. Ulbricht had served 12 years of a double life sentence plus 40 years for running the Silk Road darknet market. While prosecutors argued he was a drug kingpin who facilitated deadly transactions, the crypto community viewed him as a software developer who created a neutral, decentralized platform. By pardoning Ulbricht, Trump bridged the gap between his MAGA base and the Libertarian voters he courted during the election. During his campaign, Trump was explicit : “If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served....

خلاصہ: Strategy Stock Slides 11% After Bitcoin Breaks $85K SupportKey Highlights Strategy Inc.’s stock fell 10%, hitting the bottom of its 52-week range, after Bitcoin dropped below $85,000. The company recently bought 2,932 Bitcoin for $264 million, raising its total holdings to 712,647 BTC. Strategy’s stock tends to mirror Bitcoin’s price movements, often amplifying market swings. Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ: MSTR), the Bitcoin-focused treasury firm, saw its stock drop sharply on Thursday, falling as much as 11.85% during the afternoon trading session. The stock was currently trading for $140.18, close to the bottom of its 52-week range. The decline came as Bitcoin (BTC) fell under $85,000, reacting immediately as the company holds a huge amount of Bitcoin; its stock often moves even more strongly than BTC itself. MSTR Share Price Chart | Source: Yahoo Bitcoins fell roughly 6% from the previous day. Earlier this week, it had briefly gone above $90,000 but quickly reversed and fell back. The token is trading around $84,300. At one point, the price was near $83,559, down about 7% in a single day. Trading activity also jumped strongly, with volume rising over 35% to above $55 billion, as traders began to close positions by panic selling. Bitcoin’s total market value also dropped by around 6.73% to $1.68 trillion. Holding 3.4% of Bitcoin’s total supply Strategy is known today as a “bitcoin treasury firm,” while still running its enterprise analytics software business. Earlier this week, the company purchased 2,932 BTC for $264 million, bringing its total Bitcoin holdings to 712,647 BTC, which is roughly 3.4% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply. The firm paid an average price of $90,061 per coin for the recent purchase. Overall, Strategy has spent about $54.2 billion to acquire all its Bitcoin, with an average cost of $76,037 per coin. The company funded this purchase through its at-the-market stock offering program. Strategy sold about 1.57 million shares of its Class A stock, raising roughly $257 million in net proceeds. It also sold 70,201 shares of its preferred stock, bringing in another $7 million. The company said it still has about $8.17 billion available for future stock issuance under its program. At the previous price, the company’s holding was worth around $63 billion. However, with the current market dip, that figure has declined to about $58.95 billion, still more than some countries’ reserves. Other Bitcoin-holding firms saw similar drops Marathon Digital, another Bitcoin holding company, saw its stock drop by 6.65% due to the price drop in Bitcoin. The stock is currently trading for $9.67 from an intraday high of $10.2. The company holds about 52,850 BTC, which was valued at approximately $6.12 billion. Share of Japan-based Metaplanet also fell nearly 4%, according to Yahoo Finance . The drop comes weeks after the company shared that it recorded a 104.6 billion yen (roughly $680 million) loss on its Bitcoin holdings last year. In short, companies like Strategy move with Bitcoin like a high-speed mirror. The company’s large Bitcoin holdings make it both powerful in the crypto market and vulnerable to price swings. Also Read: Gold Prices Crash: Sheds More Than Whole Crypto MarketSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Bitcoin Falls Below $85K as $850M Gets Liquidated in Market Sell-OffKey Highlights Bitcoin dropped below $85,000, falling about 6% in 24 hours and now trading near $84,700 after failing to hold above $90,000. Nearly $850 million was liquidated as over 216,000 traders were forced out of their positions. Stock market volatility drove the sell-off, especially after Microsoft shares fell 11%, dragging major indexes down and putting pressure on risk assets like Bitcoin. Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen below $85,000 again, currently trading near $84,704 after losing roughly 6.15% in the past 24 hours. The drop came after Bitcoin briefly reached highs above $90,000 earlier in the week. Trading activity is up by 35% in the last 24 hours, resulting in over $55 billion in volume. However, the selling pressure suggests this is just traders selling their positions instead of buying. This price drop came after the cryptocurrency failed to hold about key technical levels. After briefly crossing $90,000, the token quickly reversed, dropping to lows around $84,416, before moving up slightly. As a result, Bitcoin’s total market capitalization has dropped by 6.73% to $1.68 trillion. Rate outlook and stock market volatility hit crypto The drop comes amid recent macro events, including the U.S. Federal Reserve reporting today that the labor market is strong, with unemployment at 4.4%. With this, there was no signal reason for urgent rate cuts, which has influenced investors’ decisions, especially toward Bitcoin, which is seen as a risky asset. Meanwhile, volatility in traditional markets intensified. Microsoft shares fell more than 11% after the company reported a steep growth in its cloud business, which was weaker than investors expected. This dragged the Nasdaq down by about 1.5%, increasing selling pressure across tech stocks. The S&P 500 fell 1.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 304 points. The S&P 500 Volatility Index jumped to 19, its second-highest level since November, showing rising uncertainty in the market. At the same time, the DXY index, which tracks the U.S. dollar, rebounded to 96.6, putting extra pressure on risk assets like Bitcoin. Nearly $850 million liquidated in 24 hours This turbulence in the stock market spilled over into the crypto market. Aside from Bitcoin, the overall market felt it, leading to a 4% drop in total market valuation from $2.91 trillion down to $2.87 trillion. Major altcoins, including Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano, lost between 5% and 6% during the same period. As a result, 216,843 traders were liquidated from the market. According to CoinGlass , around $849.73 million was liquidated in total. $730 million from the amount came from traders who had bet on prices going up, while $119 million came from short position traders. Total Market Liquidation | Source: Coinglass Corporate Bitcoin holders also felt the impact, with Strategy (MSTR) down 8%, marking its worst day since December 12 and returning to September 2024 levels. Circle (CRCL) and Coinbase (COIN) posted losses between 4% and 8%. Bitcoin to test key support levels at $80K Looking at the chart on the daily timeframe, Bitcoin is dropping to $80k, where the nearest support level is located. The price has tested this zone multiple times, which could act as a critical level for stabilization in the coming days. Bitcoin Daily Price Chart | Source: TradingView Moreover, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 33, while the moving average is at 46. This confirms that the price is currently controlled by the seller. However, it is approaching an oversold condition, which could act as a stable position for buyers to take over. $8 billion in Bitcoin options set to expire Looking ahead, traders are preparing for Friday’s Bitcoin options expiry, which is expected to be one of the largest this year. Options worth $8.27 billion will expire on Deribit at 8:00 UTC, the world’s largest crypto derivatives exchange. Traders appear bullish heading into the expiry, as the max pain price remains well above the current price at $90,000, with the put-call ratio standing at 0.56, showing more calls than puts. 🚨 Options Expiry Alert 🚨 At 8:00 UTC tomorrow, over $9.5B in crypto options are set to expire. $BTC : $8.27B notional | Put/Call: 0.54 | Max Pain: $90K $ETH : $1.27B notional | Put/Call: 0.74 | Max Pain: $3.1K BTC is trading sideways just under $90K going into expiry, while… pic.twitter.com/vEXRIaIreO — Deribit (@DeribitOfficial) January 29, 2026 Options allow traders to lock in prices now for future buying or selling, and the expiry could influence Bitcoin’s price action next week, especially if the Fed signals easier monetary policy. Also Read: Bitcoin May Surge if Fed Intervenes in Yen, JGB Markets: Arthur HayesSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Dubai Residents Can Now Pay Insurance Premiums in BitcoinKey Highlights Dubai Insurance has unveiled a digital wallet allowing residents to pay premiums using Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies. The initiative operates under VARA and ADGM oversight, ensuring institutional-grade transactions for policyholders. The system removes traditional banking delays and positions the UAE as a leader in the frictionless digital economy. Dubai Insurance has launched a first-of-its-kind digital wallet, allowing UAE residents to pay for car, health, and home insurance using Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. The move, announced on Wednesday, follows a regulatory change within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It functions under the supervision of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM FSRA). As per a report , the project aims to transform the insurance industry by offering a faster payment solution. This is in line with the UAE’s vision of incorporating digital assets into the economy through the “Next Gen Finance” initiative. Bypassing traditional banking fees The new payment system allows customers to pay without going through banks through a direct digital wallet integration developed in collaboration with Zodia Custody. This change prevents the usual delays and high transaction fees tied to bank-led premium payments. It allows for 24/7 instant policy issuance, even on weekends and public holidays. The introduction of this specialized wallet moves cryptocurrency beyond being a purely speculative investment. It turns it into a practical tool for everyday financial security. Residents with digital assets can now manage their insurance needs directly from their portfolios. They do not have to change their assets into fiat money in order to finish a transaction. This is a positive development for the growing number of “crypto-native” professionals in Dubai, who are increasingly earning and spending money in a purely digital environment. History of proactive regulation The UAE has historically taken a proactive approach to digital asset regulation. It established VARA in 2022 to create a clear legal framework for virtual asset service providers. Most recently, on January 12, 2026, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) updated its rules. This change shifted the responsibility of token suitability assessments to individual firms and fostered a more agile and innovative environment. These regulatory improvements have opened the door for institutional players like Dubai Insurance to connect traditional insurance and blockchain technology. Future of smart contracts The success of this model indicates a future where decentralized technologies could further streamline the insurance lifecycle. Industry insiders believe the next level could include the use of smart contracts for automatic settlement of claims. This would enable instant payment into the policyholder’s wallet upon confirmation of a covered event. By introducing crypto-based insurance payments, Dubai is reinforcing its leadership in the digital economy. The UAE is setting the pace globally by ensuring that its residents are able to insure their lives and properties without the need for banks. Also Read: Kansas Proposes Bitcoin Reserve Using Unclaimed Digital AssetsSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Midnight Takes Privacy Off the Internet With Satellite MessagingKey Highlights Midnight and Spacecoin are exploring a peer-to-peer messaging system routed through decentralized satellites. The stack removes phone numbers, servers, and terrestrial ISPs from the privacy equation. The same infrastructure could extend to finance, healthcare, and sensitive cross-border data. Midnight Foundation, a privacy-enhancing blockchain, and Spacecoin, a decentralized satellite internet provider, are partnering to push private communication beyond the reach of traditional censorship into orbit. The collaboration focuses on developing peer-to-peer communication that operates over low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, reducing dependence on centralized internet providers while preserving user privacy at multiple layers of the stack. According to the announcement , Spacecoin’s satellite network coordinated through blockchain-based infrastructure will provide the connectivity layer, while Midnight’s zero-knowledge (ZK) privacy framework will protect message content, user identities, locations, and communication patterns. Midnight 🤝 @spacecoin We’re excited to announce we're partnering with Spacecoin to explore a privacy-enhancing, peer-to-peer messaging platform built on decentralized satellite infrastructure. By combining Spacecoin’s low-Earth orbit satellite infrastructure and… https://t.co/FXCAMSvnKr pic.twitter.com/CWSegLSQve — Midnight (@MidnightNtwrk) January 29, 2026 Unlike traditional encrypted messaging apps that still rely on centralized servers, the proposed system aims to eliminate single points of control that can be censored, monitored, or shut down. Cutting the Earth-bound “kill switch” Internet shutdowns in countries like Uganda and Iran have shown how quickly governments can silence digital communication by pulling centralized levers. Spacecoin’s decentralized satellite network is designed to route data without relying on national gateways, keeping connectivity alive even during nationwide blackouts. Because the network is coordinated through blockchain logic rather than a single operator, there is no obvious choke point to subpoena or shut down. Privacy without metadata trails Most “secure” messaging apps still leak who you talk to, when, and from where. Midnight’s zero-knowledge system tackles that gap directly. Users can prove they are authorized to send or receive messages without revealing phone numbers, IP addresses, or physical coordinates to the network itself. “Privacy is not a feature or a privilege — it is a fundamental human right. To protect this right, we need to think beyond the application layer. If the underlying infrastructure itself is exploitable, true privacy does not exist,” said Fahmi Syed, President of the Midnight Foundation. That approach turns privacy into a default property of the system rather than a promise made by a service provider. Direct-to-device, no servers required Unlike satellite internet services that depend on proprietary dishes, Spacecoin is exploring direct smartphone connectivity using 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards. When paired with Midnight’s serverless architecture, the result is a communication layer with no central servers to seize, monitor, or quietly compromise. The goal is resilience by design: fewer trust assumptions, fewer intermediaries, and fewer points of failure. Recently, Spacecoin partnered with World Liberty Financial to use satellites for decentralized finance , expanding access to the internet and financial services. The company has launched three satellites to provide internet access without relying on traditional providers. The announcement arrives amid volatility for both projects’ tokens. NIGHT is trading near $0.054 , down about 4.8% on the week, while SPACE fell sharply to $0.011 over the same period despite elevated trading volume. The partnership itself is still exploratory, but it signals a longer-term bet: pushing privacy beyond apps and into sovereign, censorship-resistant infrastructure. Also read: AVAX Retests $11 Support, Can It Bounce Back to $13?Source InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Hyperliquid Slashes Team Payouts 98% to Protect HYPE FloorKey Highlights Hyperliquid cut its February team token distribution to ~140,400 HYPE, down 98% from early projections near 9M tokens per month. The move follows January’s already reduced 1.2M HYPE payout and removes a potential $300M+ monthly supply overhang. The decision coincides with record open interest near $790M and a ~58% weekly rally in HYPE. Hyperliquid, a decentralized exchange, is sharply reducing near-term token supply as it moves to protect HYPE’s price floor following a rapid rally. A message shared by a team member on Discord this week shows that only 140,400 HYPE will be unstaked and distributed to team members on February 6, marking a drop from prior months. Initial projections had pointed to roughly 9 million HYPE per month entering circulation, a level that analysts warned could overwhelm spot demand. January’s distribution was already cut to 1.2 million tokens, making February’s payout an additional 88% drop month-over-month. WTF lmao Initially it was supposed to be 9M $HYPE ($290M) each month. Then it was reduced to 1.2M $HYPE ($38.7M) the following month. And now it’s down to 140k $HYPE ($4.5M) this month. What a goated team. Hyperliquid. pic.twitter.com/tjBEEuEkDU — Alex (@alex_hunter20) January 29, 2026 Zero-VC structure enables unilateral supply control Unlike many derivatives platforms, Hyperliquid launched without venture capital backing. This gives the core team the ability to alter or cancel vesting schedules without negotiating with external investors. This supply move lands in a market where most HYPE is already constrained. Data from DeFiLlama shows roughly 59.25% of the token supply is locked, with only 40.75% circulating, meaning the team’s decision further tightens an already limited float. Token Availability. Source: Defillama In this context, cutting distributions doesn’t just reduce emissions, it amplifies the supply squeeze underpinning Hyperliquid’s current price structure. By doing so, the team is effectively absorbing short-term opportunity costs to avoid introducing heavy sell pressure during a sensitive phase of price discovery. Liquidity tightens as demand accelerates The timing of the cut aligns closely with a rise in activity across Hyperliquid’s markets. Open interest has climbed toward $790 million, while trading volumes have surged alongside the rollout of HIP-3 perpetuals, including traditional assets such as gold and silver. Reducing token emissions as leverage and participation increase creates a deliberate supply-demand imbalance. With fewer tokens entering circulation, incremental demand has a greater impact on price, reinforcing upward momentum rather than diluting it. A signal of long-term alignment At current prices, the change means the team is passing on what would have been massive monthly payouts. Instead of relying on token unlocks, Hyperliquid is leaning on protocol revenue, estimated at around $844 million in 2025, to keep things running. According to CoinMarketCap , HYPE is trading around $33.69 after a sharp 58% weekly rally, pushing its market capitalization to roughly $10.2 billion. Trading volume remains elevated near $757 million over 24 hours, reflecting heavy positioning even as activity cooled slightly day over day. The priority is clear. Rather than cashing out early, the team is choosing to limit supply and avoid putting extra pressure on the market. It’s a different approach from many 2024 launches, where heavy unlocks quickly weighed on price. For now, Hyperliquid is signaling that protecting HYPE’s market structure comes first. Also read: Crypto Trader Makes $2M in 24 Hours on Hyperliquid Amid HYPE RallySource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: Multiplifi TVL Surges to $187M as RWA Pipeline Floods ProtocolKey Highlights Multiplifi’s TVL jumped to roughly $187M, tripling in less than a week. On-chain data shows that most of the inflow occurred in a single day, not through gradual deposits. The surge was driven by rwaUSD activation and Centrifuge-backed RWA pipelines, not DeFi incentives. Multiplifi, the DeFi protocol, has seen its total value locked (TVL) surge to nearly $187 million this week after a single large on-chain inflow reshaped the protocol’s balance sheet almost overnight. The jump occurred as tokenized real-world assets were moved into the platform, following Multiplifi’s integration with Centrifuge and the launch of rwaUSD, rather than through steady user deposits. The timing suggests a pipeline deployment of institutional assets, marking a deliberate shift in how capital is entering the protocol. TVL Per Chain. Source: DefiLlama RWAUSD emerges as the largest TVL component Token composition data shows that roughly 67% of Multiplifi’s TVL is now concentrated in rwaUSD, a stablecoin backed 1:1 by short-term U.S. Treasuries, dollar deposits, and cash equivalents. The asset is issued by BitGo, with branding and ecosystem services provided by World Liberty Financial. Tokens Breakdown. Source: DefiLlama The rwaUSD has grown fast. In the past 30 days, its market cap reached $4.93 billion, while monthly transfer volume jumped above $32 billion. Active addresses nearly doubled in the same period, reinforcing that the capital flowing into Multiplifi is operational liquidity rather than idle TVL. Speculative chatter is happening on social media that the TVL surge stems from its strategic shift toward infrastructure-focused partnerships rather than traditional farming. Users point to the newly launched $50M RWA-backed stablecoin vault, a collaboration with AFI Protocol on Base, as the likely catalyst for this massive liquidity influx. Seems this was the reason @multiplifi TVL surged soo much. Thinking multiplifi would do more partnerships like this. Infra as opposed to the normal stablefarms we know. Also today is the last day to sell your crystals. So sell now if you have thoughts of selling. gMultipli https://t.co/9xGR1NVtpN pic.twitter.com/XoMviOnjqT — Jux (@Jameel69420) January 28, 2026 RWA momentum extends beyond one protocol Multiplifi’s partnership with Centrifuge brings tokenized AAA CLO exposure, including JAAA, alongside tokenized equity and Treasury instruments into a unified collateral framework. Instead of farming incentives, the protocol positions itself as infrastructure: enabling yield on tokenized stocks, borrowing against them, and turning RWAs into productive balance-sheet assets. The surge comes amid broader expansion in tokenized real-world assets. Over the past 30 days, total on-chain RWA value climbed to $24.02 billion, with asset holders up more than 34%, according to RWA.xyz . Tokenized Treasuries, private credit, and equities are increasingly being treated as long-duration infrastructure flows rather than speculative DeFi rotations. Solana’s real-world asset (RWA) ecosystem has crossed $1 billion in on-chain value , marking a key milestone for tokenized finance on public blockchains. The growth is coming from tokenized Treasury funds and yield products, which tend to be longer-term and help keep on-chain activity steady even as markets cool. In that context, Multiplifi’s TVL jump looks less like a one-off anomaly and more like a preview. As large RWA pipelines move on-chain, growth may arrive in blocks—not drips—reshaping how TVL should be interpreted across DeFi. Also read: Ethereum To Rollout ERC-8004 On Mainnet To Empower AI AgentsSource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more

خلاصہ: AVAX Retests $11 Support, Can It Bounce Back to $13?Key Highlights AVAX has dropped below $12 and is now trading around $11.07 amid strong selling pressure. Bitcoin’s drop and weak demand are adding more downside risk for AVAX. VanEck launched the first U.S.-listed AVAX ETF, but it hasn’t caused a major price rally yet. Avalanche (AVAX) is facing renewed pressure after breaking below a key support level near $12. The token is currently trading around $11.07, marking an 8% drop in the last 24 hours from an intraday high of $12.10. Trading activity has also dropped by 6.18%, recording about $295 million in trading volume, while the market cap sits at $4.8 billion. AVAX Price Chart | Source: CoinMarketCap AVAX’s market structure is pushing bearish momentum as sellers continue to control the trend. Looking at the chart on the daily, the price has initially tapped up the current support zone it is in, which propelled it up to $12.22 before dropping again. Meanwhile, this downtrend is shared across all altcoins as the overall market dropped by 2.04% to $2.94 trillion in the last 24 hours, influenced by a 2.34% drop in Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, which saw its price fall below $90,000. AVAX happens to be one of the altcoins that is highly influenced by Bitcoin’s price action. If Bitcoin falls, AVAX could face more downside pressure before finding another strong support. Analyst Jesse Peralta noted in a recent post on X that the AVAX/BTC pair remains stuck in a descending channel, with risk of falling toward the 0.000110 BTC region if support breaks. This matters because when AVAX cannot outperform Bitcoin, it often drops harder during market pullbacks. $AVAXBTC looks weak here! Could drop to 0.000110BTC pic.twitter.com/JXuteZOMcB — Jesse Peralta (@TheJessePeralta) January 29, 2026 Traders stay cautious despite ETF spotlight Derivatives are also printing similar pictures. According to Coinglass, AVAX future volume is down 8.33% to $574 million in volume, while its open interest has also dropped by 3.27% to about $463 million. This means that traders are being cautious of the market as they slow down on opening new positions. AVAX Derivatives Data | Source: Coinglass At the same time, over $881,000 has been liquidated from the market in the last 24 hours. $838,000 from that amount came from traders who had bet on the price going up, while $42,740 came from short position traders. Meanwhile, the token is gaining attention in the traditional market as VanEck launched the first U.S.-listed Avalanche ETF on January 26. The ETF, which trades on Nasdaq under the ticker VAVX, is designed to allow investors to get exposure to AVAX without directly buying or holding the token. VanEck has also waived fees on the first $500 million in assets until late February. However, the ETF has not yet triggered a strong price jump. AVAX heads straight for $10 support level On the daily chart, AVAX has broken another key support at $11 and is heading toward the weekly support level at $10.94. In short, the price disrespected the $12 support level with a break of structure to the downside despite a short rally from December 2025. AXAX Weekly Price Chart | Source: TradingView If the current daily candle takes liquidity and rejects, it could spark a possible rally, with momentum to break out above $13 or push the price toward $14.80–$15. However, if the candle closes in a solid, the price would have to test the $10.94 support level to gather enough momentum for a possible rally. Moreover, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 39, while the moving average is at 32. This means that the sellers are still controlling the market, but a switch could happen if it enters an oversold condition. Also Read: Crypto Trader Makes $2M in 24 Hours on Hyperliquid Amid HYPE RallySource InformationPublisher: The Crypto TimesOriginal Source: Read more