Trading
Stablecoins
Circle launches 24/7 stablecoin FX engine as it chases a slice of the $10 trillion currency market
StableFX allows vetted counterparties to quote, trade and settle supported pairs on Arc at any hour.
AI
BlackRock sees a new $5 trillion AI trade emerging for stablecoins
As agents begin buying compute and data on their own, stablecoin issuers and blockchains are competing to become the financial layer for machines.
Hacks
Nearly $20 million in XRP drained from 6,678 wallets across six attack waves
Investigators traced millions of XRP through THORChain, NEAR Intents and exchange-linked addresses while the theft’s cause remains unresolved
ETF
Bitcoin ETFs just erased a $5.7 billion hole, but profit-taking is swallowing the new demand
More than $6 billion has returned to US spot funds since July, yet heavy short-term holder selling has forced Bitcoin retracement under $85,000.
Technology
Solana moves Alpenglow into testnet as SOL nears January highs
Alpenglow reaches testnet as SOL rallies and the network’s trading and tokenized-asset economy hit fresh milestones.
Crime
Coinbase traced $1.1 million crypto trail behind AI phishing service EvilTokens
EvilTokens used Microsoft’s own login flow to hijack sessions, then deployed AI to identify payment targets and impersonation opportunities.
Stablecoins
Circle pays millions for Binance distribution while its margins collapse
Binance customer USDC balances nearly quintupled since 2024, prompting a five-year renewal and a $100 million equity investment.
Hacks
Rogue iPhone app escapes iOS sandbox to hijack $580,000 in USDT
Security researchers found eight iOS exploit methods inside versions of the App Store crypto tracker.
Trading
Animoca Brands suspends Currenc deal that would have taken it public
The companies failed to reach definitive terms after extending negotiations beyond their original timetable.
ETF
Bitcoin ETFs just absorbed 11,500 BTC in their biggest buying day in nearly two years
The funds pulled in about $1 billion as Bitcoin broke above $86,000, with BlackRock, ARK and Fidelity leading the surge.
Digital Asset Treasuries
GameStop may have surrendered $31 million of Bitcoin upside with one options trade
BTC is trading more than $15,000 above the company’s disclosed $70,000 call strike, potentially capping gains on 2,000 coins.
Analysis
Bitcoin clears $86,000 as $1B in shorts liquidated again – battle now shifts to $90k
More than $1 billion in bearish positions were wiped out, but the next leg now depends on fresh buying as leverage rebuilds above the market.
