Crypto

Heavy losses hit altcoins as Bitcoin weakens, but traders appear to be waiting rather than rushing for exits.

The UK's FCA launched three consultations on new crypto market rules covering exchanges, staking, lending and DeFi, with feedback due Feb. 12, 2026. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a series of consultations on proposed rules for digital asset markets, marking the next phase in the government’s effort to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets. The proposals, published across three consultation papers, cover crypto trading platforms, intermediaries, staking, lending and borrowing, market abuse, disclosures and decentralized finance (DeFi). The FCA said consultation responses will be open until Feb. 12, 2026. The regulator said the proposals aim to support innovation while ensuring that consumers understand the risks associated with crypto investment. It added that regulations should not eliminate risks entirely, but should ensure that participants operate responsibly and transparently.  Read more

For our team, this is not only the loss of a respected builder in the Web3 space, but the loss of a close and trusted partner. For our team, this is not only the loss of a respected builder in the Web3 space, but the loss of a close and trusted partner with whom we worked side by side on strengthening validator infrastructure and staking systems within the Solana ecosystem as part of the CTDG initiative. The Web3 community lost a builder whose contribution deserves to be named with clarity and gratitude. For us, his absence is felt both professionally and personally - in the work we shared, the decisions we shaped together, and the long-term systems we helped build. Read more

Bitcoin is expected to rally 20% short term, but there's a catch.

The total cryptocurrency market cap stands just north of $3 trillion.

The growth rate of USDT’s market cap has plunged by two-thirds since November, signaling a major contraction in crypto market liquidity.

StraitsX will expand its Singapore dollar and US dollar stablecoins to Solana by early 2026, targeting payments, DeFi and AI use cases. Singapore-based StraitsX plans to bring its Singapore dollar-backed XSGD and US dollar-backed XUSD to the Solana blockchain by early 2026. The rollout, announced in collaboration with the Solana Foundation, will allow users to settle transactions in Singapore dollar- and US dollar-backed stablecoins using Solana’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure, the issuer said in a Tuesday blog post. “Launching XSGD and XUSD together on Solana will be game-changing. It unites CEX support, AMM liquidity, lending pools, and everyday payments on a single high-performance chain,” said Tianwei Liu, co-founder and CEO of StraitsX. Read more

The initiative will see approximately 1,000 engineers recruited to build AI infrastructure across federal agencies.

The amount of Bitcoin in long-term holder wallets hit cyclical lows, but is it enough to help the bulls avoid a decline toward $68,000? Bitcoin (BTC) long-term holders continued to reduce their BTC exposure as their holdings fell to the lowest levels since April. Key takeaways: Bitcoin long-term holders reduced their supply to 72%, the lowest since April Read more

Bitcoin breaks below key support, analysts eye $74K–$81K as bottom range before a 4–8 week rally. Market waits for macro data impact.

Gemini says its prediction markets are now live nationwide via affiliate Gemini Titan after it secured a CFTC Designated Contract Market license Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, has rolled out prediction markets in the United States after securing key regulatory approval. Gemini launched its in-house prediction market, Gemini Predictions, across all 50 US states, the exchange announced in an X post on Monday. Provided via affiliate Gemini Titan, Gemini Predictions enables users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events with “near instant execution” and full transparency. Read more

Bitcoin slipped below $85,000 overnight, triggering nearly $600 million in liquidated long positions across crypto markets within 24 hours as expectations mounted that the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates this week. As of press time, Bitcoin recovered slightly to around $86,000. The drop wiped out $218.7 million in Bitcoin long positions and $213 […] The post Bitcoin plummeted below $85,000 today, but $600M in liquidations hides a much scarier macro catalyst appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Jackson, WY, United States, 16th December 2025, Chainwire

Nexo steps into the Australian Open as crypto partnerships make a steady comeback across the sports world.

Cryptocurrency markets have tanked again in a pattern that is becoming tediously familiar in recent weeks. 

"By Christmas, Ethereum is more likely to challenge the upside than suffer a deep collapse," ChatGPT stated.

End of Fed tightening, possible rate cuts, and rising liquidity could favor risk assets like Bitcoin in 2026.

Bitcoin's drop to $85,800 has pushed new whales into 2023-level losses, while on-chain data reveals short-term holders buying the dips.

PayPal is seeking a state-chartered bank license as it deepens lending, deposits, and crypto-linked settlement services in the U.S.

The digital yen stablecoin aims to plug Japan into onchain finance and cross-border tokenized asset flows under the country's new FSA regime.