In the midst of market volatility, Changpeng Zhao, the founder of&nbsp;Binance, has shared his perspective on the best times to trade Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a>, sparking a lively debate within the crypto community.



What Happened: In a post on X, Zhao, also known as CZ, proposed that the secret to maximizing profits in Bitcoin&#8217;s erratic cycles is to sell when the market&#8217;s greed is at its zenith, and buy when fear is at its peak.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Unpopular opinion, but it&#39;s better to sell when there is maximum greed, and buy when there is maximum fear. &#x1f937;&#x200d;&#x2642;&#xfe0f;&mdash; CZ &#x1f536; BNB (@cz_binance) <a href="https://twitter.com/cz_binance/status/1994645956437184542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Significantly, CZ&#8217;s advice comes at a time when Bitcoin&#8217;s sentiment indicators are oscillating wildly between extremes. 



A number of commentators have concurred with CZ&#8217;s viewpoint, stressing that traders should closely monitor rather than emotionally respond to market conditions. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49021364/bitcoin-plunge-traps-over-70-of-capital-market-sentiment-hits-new-low">Bitcoin Plunge Traps Over 70% of Capital, Market Sentiment Hits New Low</a>



The recent Fear &amp; Greed Index chart indicates market greed surging during price rallies, while fear sharply increases during significant pullbacks.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Fear and Greed Index by CoinMarketCap <a href="https://t.co/LQxBspfOfD">pic.twitter.com/LQxBspfOfD</a>&mdash; Ki Young Ju (@ki_young_ju) <a href="https://twitter.com/ki_young_ju/status/1994664983561736451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



They argue that this&nbsp;principle should be applied across&nbsp;all reliable cryptocurrencies to maximize&nbsp;returns.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Sell at greed, buy at fear sounds smart only in drama. In real markets, nobody rings a bell saying maximum greed or fear. If you could actually time peaks and bottoms, you wouldn't be tweeting.. you would be running a hedge fund. Everyone thinks they are buying the dip… until…&mdash; Bumble_Bee (@Spartan_Bubble) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spartan_Bubble/status/1994668600410489262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: The advice from CZ comes at a critical time when Bitcoin&#8217;s market sentiment indicators are experiencing extreme fluctuations. His perspective on trading during times of market greed and fear resonates with the broader crypto community&#8217;s emphasis on rational decision-making. 



This approach, if applied consistently across all reliable cryptocurrencies, could potentially maximize returns for traders. 



The ongoing discussions around CZ&#8217;s advice highlight the importance of strategic trading in the volatile crypto market.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48423903/wall-street-braces-for-6-6-trillion-fed-shift-amid-bitcoin-price-surge">Wall Street Braces For $6.6 Trillion Fed Shift Amid Bitcoin Price Surge</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Koshiro K

Binance Founder CZ Reveals 'Perfect Time' To Buy and Sell Bitcoin: 'Sell When There Is Maximum Greed, and Buy When There Is Maximum Fear'

Economist and longtime Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> Peter Schiff said on Friday that the apex cryptocurrency is now acting as a "mirror image" of silver, highlighting a stark divergence in November's market performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin Mirrors Silver's Moves, Schiff Warns</h2>



Taking to X, he said, while silver climbed 16.5% in November, Bitcoin fell 17.5%.



On a year-to-date basis, silver has surged 95%, whereas Bitcoin is down roughly 4%.



"Since silver will likely go much higher, that means its mirror image will likely crash," he wrote.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin is now the mirror image of silver. During the month of November while silver surged 16.5%, Bitcoin tanked 17.5%. But silver is up 95% so far in 2025, while Bitcoin is only down 4%. Since silver will likely go much higher, that means its mirror image will likely crash.&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1994481207976010091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $90,535.28, down 0.9% in 24 hours, with a market cap of $1.8 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $57.64 billion, up 16.74%.



The iShares Silver Trust <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SLV" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SLV" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SLV">SLV</a>)</a> has soared 90.16% year-to-date, outpacing the SPDR Gold Trust <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GLD" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLD">GLD</a>)</a>, which has risen 58.05% over the same period.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/48949597/bitcoin-smacked-down-to-91000-where-do-we-go-from-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Smacked Down To $91,000: Where Do We Go From Here?</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Corporate Treasury Risks Amplify Bitcoin's Vulnerability</h2>



His latest comment came after he earlier this month also pointed to companies like Strategy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a> that use Bitcoin as a treasury asset, describing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49093635/peter-schiff-says-bitcoin-ethereum-treasury-companies-have-no-viable-business-model">approach as structurally unsound</a>.



He explained that these firms survive by issuing debt or new shares to acquire more Bitcoin. The moment the stock trades below the value of its Bitcoin holdings, the entire "yield loop" breaks, Schiff said.



He said this could trigger forced BTC sales and worsen market declines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin Fails Original Promises</h2>



The economist earlier also argued that Bitcoin is struggling to maintain its role as both a payment method and a store of value.



Stablecoins are increasingly preferred for transactions, and tokenized gold is emerging as a more reliable asset. "The race to get out of Bitcoin is on. Don&#8217;t be last," he stated, adding that investor confidence is collapsing.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/25/11/48921531/elizabeth-warren-jack-reed-call-for-probe-into-trump-linked-world-liberty-financial-over-national-security-concerns-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren, Jack Reed Call For Probe Into Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial Over National Security Concerns: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Shutterstock

Top Economist Peter Schiff Predicts 'Mirror Image' Crash As Silver Surges 16.5% In November While Bitcoin Tanks 17.5%

Bitcoin is holding firmly above $90,000 as the market waits for a broader macro catalyst to determine its next major move.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a></td><td>$90,685.03</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a></td><td>$3,037.98</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a></td><td>$136.43</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a></td><td>$2.16</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a></td><td>$0.1487</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHIB" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SHIB" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</a></td><td>$0.058647</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Coinglass data shows 107,052 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $275.94 million.       </li>



<li>In the past 24 hours, top gainers include Quant, Sky and Monero.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/11/49117192/avalanche-etf-hype-builds-bitwise-unveils-fee-waiver-bava-ticker-as-avax-rallies">Avalanche ETF Hype Builds: Bitwise Unveils Fee Waiver, &#8216;BAVA&#8217; Ticker As AVAX Rallies</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49113611/bitcoins-four-year-cycle-isnt-broken-it-was-never-real-and-the-data-finally-proves-it">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Four-Year Cycle&#8217; Isn&#8217;t Broken — It Was Never Real And The Data Finally Proves It</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49112312/visa-aquanow-partner-to-expand-stablecoin-settlements-in-cemea-region">Visa-Aquanow Partner To Expand Stablecoin Settlements In CEMEA Region</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49117262/xrp-sees-644-million-etf-surge-is-a-75-rally-on-the-way">XRP Sees $644 Million ETF Surge: Is A 75% Rally On The Way?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49118678/trumps-crypto-ties-come-under-fire-from-house-democrats-the-most-corrupt-crypto-startup-operation">Trump&#8217;s Crypto Ties Come Under Fire From House Democrats: &#8216;The Most Corrupt Crypto Startup Operation&#8217;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/11/49116450/senator-buys-bitcoin-etfs-before-thanksgiving-2025-purchases-now-over-500k">Senator Buys Bitcoin ETFs Before Thanksgiving: 2025 Purchases Now Over $500K</a></li>
</ul>



Trader Notes: Entrepreneur and Bitcoin investor Lark Davis <a href="https://x.com/TheCryptoLark/status/1994432366287208697">noted</a> Bitcoin still holding above its long-term cycle trendline. 



But it must break convincingly above $110,000 to avoid trouble. A rejection at that level could trigger a bearish head-and-shoulders setup, meaning bulls need to show strength soon.



Daan Crypto Trades <a href="https://x.com/DaanCrypto/status/1994445071857361343">noted</a> BTC is compressing in a tight consolidation range. A breakdown could drag price toward the $88,000–$89,000 zone for a potential higher low, while a clean reclaim of $91,800 would open the path toward $93,000.



Adding to the bullish case, Nebraskangooner <a href="https://x.com/Nebraskangooner/status/1994407233115799619">said</a> a daily close above $91,550 would likely spark momentum into the upper resistance band.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49113796/ethereum-outpaces-bitcoin-solana-in-speculative-demand-is-a-big-move-coming">Ethereum Outpaces Bitcoin, Solana In Speculative Demand — Is A Big Move Coming?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin, Ethereum Hold Steady While XRP, Dogecoin Slide On Friday

Bitcoin's <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> latest correction has traders questioning whether the recent bounce is a genuine recovery, or just a temporary rally before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction-oct-14">deeper pain ahead</a>.



What Happened: Crypto analyst Trader Mayne <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vNWeq_iEw">admitted</a> he misjudged the severity of Bitcoin's pullback. He initially expected support around $98,000, but BTC plunged into the low-$80,000s instead.



Now, with Bitcoin rebounding roughly $11,000 and breaking key downtrend levels, he sees room for a strong relief rally, just not a return to all-time highs.



Mayne has flipped from 70% bullish to 70% bearish, projecting a lower high and identifying the $106,000–$112,000 area as a prime zone to de-risk.



He expects sentiment to turn optimistic again as "QE" and "rate cuts" narratives re-enter the market, potentially lifting BTC back above $100,000 and spilling over into Ethereum <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> ($4,000) and Solana <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a> ($170–$200).



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49113796/ethereum-outpaces-bitcoin-solana-in-speculative-demand-is-a-big-move-coming">Ethereum Outpaces Bitcoin, Solana In Speculative Demand — Is A Big Move Coming?</a>



Why It Matters: Despite the short-term upside setup, Mayne warns of a potential macro breakdown in 2026. 



His plan: exit spot positions early that year, then wait for a major re-entry opportunity near $50,000 sometime in late 2026 or 2027.



Supporting the cautious tone, CryptoQuant <a href="https://x.com/cryptoquant_com/status/1993780297515614605">data</a> shows a rising wave of large Bitcoin deposits hitting exchanges, both in total size and as a percentage of all inflows. The 30-day SMA of large deposits has been climbing since Nov. 24 and is now nearing its previous Oct. 28 peak, typically a sign that bigger players are preparing to sell, de-risk, or rotate capital.



While exchange wallet-tag updates can skew short-term readings, the broader message remains &#8211; big money is moving coins onto exchanges, and that supply pressure shouldn't be ignored.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49112001/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-hold-steady-as-crypto-market-valuation-back-above-3-trillion">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Hold Steady As Crypto Market Valuation Back Above $3 Trillion</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Could Face 2026 Macro Breakdown, Analyst Warns: Enter Again At This Level

BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BMNR" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMNR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMNR">BMNR</a>)</a> has added another $44 million in Ethereum <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a>, landing fresh on-chain buys as Tom Lee doubles down on his call for ETH to hit $7,000 to $9,000 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49094652/tom-lees-shock-call-meets-bitmines-supply-squeeze-is-eth-set-to-ignite">by early 2026</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Arkham Data Shows Fresh $44M Ethereum Purchase</h3>



Lookonchain <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/380746/bitmine-buys-44-million-ethereum?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social">reported</a> on Friday that BitMine acquired 14,618 ETH using a wallet identified as "0xbd0…E75B8."



The transaction occurred at roughly 5:07 p.m. on Thursday, according to Arkham-linked tracking.



BitMine has not confirmed the transaction, leaving the disclosure dependent on blockchain intelligence data.



The purchase <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49036075/bitmine-adds-69822-eth-as-tom-lee-maintains-ethereum-supercycle-thesis">follows</a> BitMine's $200 million Ethereum addition earlier this week.



The company now holds 3,629,701 ETH, valued near $10.9 billion under its last confirmed disclosure.



Its holdings represent almost 3% of Ethereum's circulating supply, based on recent estimates.



BitMine has repeatedly stated a long-term goal of controlling 5% of total supply.



The company has also emphasized Ethereum's expanding presence in financial market infrastructure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tom Lee Delivers Aggressive Ethereum Forecast</h3>



BitMine Chair Tom Lee <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49065658/tom-lee-sticks-to-7000-ethereum-price-target-but-only-after-a-dip-to-2500">offered</a> a bullish outlook for Ethereum during a recent interview.



He said ETH could bottom near $2,500 before rising toward $7,000 or even $9,000 by late January 2026.



Lee argued that Ethereum's neutrality and scaling progress align with broader institutional demand.



Lee added that he anticipates a dovish Federal Reserve stance before year-end.



He believes improved clarity could help ease pressure across digital asset markets.



Lee also forecast Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> moving above $100,000 once conditions stabilize.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BMNR Stock Still Trades In A Heavy Downtrend</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="700" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692-1024x700.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1188448" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692-1024x700.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692-300x205.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692-768x525.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692-1536x1050.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28121919/image-692.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://in.tradingview.com/symbols/AMEX-BMNR/">BMNR Price Prediction As Of November 28th (Source: TradingView)</a>



BMNR continues to trade within a multi-week decline despite the new blockchain activity.



The stock remains below its descending trendline and the Supertrend resistance near $36.29.



This structure keeps sellers in control across most timeframes.



Price recently defended support at $23.86, creating a modest reaction.



However, BMNR remains below the 0.236 Fibonacci retracement near $33.77, limiting upward momentum.



A daily close above that level is required to confirm stabilization.



A trendline break could open a move toward $39.90 and $44.85.



These levels align with the 0.382 and 0.5 retracements, respectively.



Failure to reclaim that zone risks renewed selling toward the prior low at $23.86.



Bulls need a decisive move above $47.64 to shift the broader trend.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/11/49116450/senator-buys-bitcoin-etfs-before-thanksgiving-2025-purchases-now-over-500k">Senator Buys Bitcoin ETFs Before Thanksgiving: 2025 Purchases Now Over $500K</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

BitMine Adds Another $44M In ETH— So Why Does BMNR Trade Like A Falling Knife?

Nasdaq's International Securities Exchange wants BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="IBIT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBIT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBIT">IBIT</a>)</a> to be treated like Apple Inc <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="AAPL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL">AAPL</a>)</a>, Nvidia Corp <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="NVDA" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>)</a> and the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SPY" data-exchange="ARCA" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY">SPY</a>)</a>. And it's making no secret of it, a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21 asks regulators to raise IBIT's options position limits from 250,000 contracts to a million.



If approved, IBIT would join the same elite tier as mega-cap equities and the largest<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs"> index ETFs</a>—a milestone for a product that only debuted in January 2024. More importantly, it would underscore how Bitcoin exposure is transitioning from a &#8220;risk-on curiosity&#8221; to a core institutional tool.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49112312/visa-aquanow-partner-to-expand-stablecoin-settlements-in-cemea-region">Visa-Aquanow Partner To Expand Stablecoin Settlements In CEMEA Region</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Bigger Arena For Institutions</h2>



Nasdaq is arguing that the current cap &#8220;restricts&#8221; traders from putting on legitimate hedging and risk-managed strategies. Analysts said an increased limit would give market makers and structured-product desks room to build sizable exposures, deepen liquidity, and tighten spreads.



&#8220;This will allow institutions to build more interesting structured products for IBIT,&#8221; said Lai Yuen of Fisher8 Capital, cited by Decrypt, noting the move should support long-term ETF flows. This is also Nasdaq&#8217;s second request for expanded limits in under a year-an unspoken signal that demand for Bitcoin derivatives is growing faster than the framework built to govern it.



The exchange is also requesting an exemption to remove limits entirely for customized physically delivered FLEX options. That could reduce activity in relatively opaque over-the-counter markets and push the activity into more transparent, exchange-based venues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ripple Effects For Rival Bitcoin ETFs</h2>



While the proposal is IBIT-specific, experts expect the broader spot Bitcoin ETF lineup to benefit. Greater derivatives capacity around the category leader tends to make Bitcoin ETFs more usable for allocation-focused investors—especially those who rely on paired hedges or volatility overlays. Research from NYDIG, as cited by CoinDesk, suggests higher Bitcoin-ETF options limits may lower volatility and boost spot-ETF demand, making Bitcoin more investable for institutional portfolios.



In all, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GBTC" data-exchange="ARCA" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GBTC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GBTC">GBTC</a>)</a>, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ARKB" data-exchange="BATS" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARKB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARKB">ARKB</a>)</a>, and Bitwise Bitcoin ETF&nbsp;<a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BITB" data-exchange="ARCA" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BITB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BITB">BITB</a>)</a> could see incremental flows as more institutions warm up to a derivatives-supported ETF ecosystem. While GBTC still captures tactical traders, ARKB and BITB, popular active crypto allocators, may also benefit if structured-product desks begin designing trades across multiple spot ETFs instead of only IBIT.



Expanded IBIT options could also pressure issuers and exchanges to pursue similar frameworks for rival ETFs over time.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/11/49117192/avalanche-etf-hype-builds-bitwise-unveils-fee-waiver-bava-ticker-as-avax-rallies">Avalanche ETF Hype Builds: Bitwise Unveils Fee Waiver, ‘BAVA' Ticker As AVAX Rallies</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Nasdaq Seeks 4X Options Limit Jump For IBIT — Will Bitcoin ETFs Lift Off?

Stocks were rising again midday Friday, putting Wall Street on pace for a fifth straight day of gains as rate cut hopes surged and risk appetite returned across <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">tech, crypto and commodities.</a>



Traders now see an 88% chance the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 25 basis points at its Dec. 10 meeting, up from just 50% last week, according to CME FedWatch data.



At midday, the S&amp;P 500 was up 0.4% to 6,840, sitting just 1% below its all-time high and heading for its strongest five-day rally since May. The Nasdaq 100 climbed 0.6% above 25,340, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 300 points to trade near 47,730, eyeing a record-high close.



Intel Corp. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="INTC" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC">INTC</a>)</a> led the S&amp;P 500, jumping nearly 8%, as dip-buying returned to November&#8217;s beaten-down tech names.



Crypto-related stocks saw sharp intraday gains after Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> steadied near $90,000. Circle Internet Group Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRCL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CRCL" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRCL">CRCL</a>)</a> rose 10%, Coinbase Global Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="COIN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a>)</a> gained 3.5% and Strategy Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a> added 2.2%.



Metals markets extended a blistering rally. Silver surged nearly 5% to an all-time high of $55.80 as Chinese inventories hit their lowest levels in a decade due to increased exports to London amid tight supply. Year-to-date, silver is now up 93% — on track for its best year since 1979. Gold was also higher, rising 1% to $4,200.



Copper gained 2.5% to $5.30 per pound, driven by persistent supply issues. It&#8217;s now up 31% on the year, its strongest performance since 2010.



Energy-related commodities also notched robust gains on Friday. Natural gas prices at the Henry Hub facility jumped 4.5% to $4.80 per million British thermal units, marking a new three-year high.



Crude oil climbed 1.5% as momentum from earlier losses faded. Optimism over a Russia-Ukraine peace deal cooled, with markets adjusting expectations and trimming short positions.



Read also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/11/49115490/sp-500-lowest-pe-stocks-most-undervalued-equities-2025">These 10 S&amp;P 500 Stocks Are Dirt Cheap This Black Friday</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>1-day % Change</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>47,761.98</td><td>0.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>25,394.23</td><td>0.6%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>6,844.19</td><td>0.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,494.57</td><td>0.3%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 12:10 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VOO">VOO</a>) rose 0.5% to $628.02.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DIA">DIA</a>) rallied 0.7% to $477.49.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QQQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.6% to $617.91.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IWM">IWM</a>) gained 0.4% to $248.34.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XLE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 1.3%; the&nbsp;Health Care&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XLV">XLV</a>) lagged, down 0.6%.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Russell 1000&#8217;s Top 5 Gainers and Losers On Friday</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Stock Name</th><th>Change %</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Circle Internet Group Inc.</td><td>+11.40%</td></tr><tr><td>Intel Corp.</td><td>+8.68%</td></tr><tr><td>Coherent Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COHR">COHR</a>)</td><td>+7.54%</td></tr><tr><td>Shift4 Payments Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FOUR">FOUR</a>)</td><td>+5.47%</td></tr><tr><td>Reddit Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RDDT">RDDT</a>)</td><td>+4.84%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Stock Name </th><th>Change %</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AU">AU</a>)</td><td>−5.07%</td></tr><tr><td>RLI Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RLI">RLI</a>)</td><td>−3.15%</td></tr><tr><td>Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LLY">LLY</a>)</td><td>−2.80%</td></tr><tr><td>Medpace Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MEDP">MEDP</a>)</td><td>−2.69%</td></tr><tr><td>Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HALO">HALO</a>)</td><td>−2.51%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Read Now: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/11/49113424/kevin-hassett-trump-fed-chair-pick-jerome-powell-monetary-policy-market-impact-reactions">Hassett Emerges As Trump&#8217;s Top Fed Pick — Here&#8217;s What A Dovish Shift Could Mean For Markets</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Wall Street Eyes Fifth Day Of Gains, Silver Hits Record Highs At $55: What's Moving Markets Friday?

<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Markets are rebounding hard, a rare breadth signal flashes, and crypto may be trying to stage a comeback.</h4>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Markets on Pace for Best Week Since June</h3>



As of Wednesday's close, U.S. stock indexes <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SPY" data-exchange="ARCA" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY">SPY</a>)</a> <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="VOO" data-exchange="ARCA" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VOO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VOO">VOO</a>)</a> <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="QQQ" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QQQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QQQ">QQQ</a>)</a> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DIA" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DIA" data-exchange="ARCA" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DIA">DIA</a>)</a> are on track for their strongest week since June, with the Nasdaq 4.2%, the S&amp;P 500 gaining 3.2%, and the Dow rising 2.6%.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The S&amp;P 500 is on pace for its BEST &#x1f7e2; week since June The NASDAQ 100 is on pace for its BEST &#x1f7e2; week since May&mdash; Evan (@StockMKTNewz) <a href="https://twitter.com/StockMKTNewz/status/1993789244767391914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That rebound comes after a significant dip, suggesting some traders are interpreting the pullback as a buying opportunity, possibly positioning for year-end or reacting to early signs of renewed liquidity and rate-cut optimism.</figcaption></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Zweig Breadth Thrust Indicator Eyes Bullish Re-Entry</h4>



The Zweig Breadth Thrust (ZBT) (a measure of market breadth that signals bullish reversal when advancing issues rise sharply) has come back into focus. Historically, when ZBT triggers (advancers jump from below 40% to above 61.5% over 10 trading days), the market tends to rally significantly over the following 6-12 months.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SPY&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SPY</a> is about to trigger the Zweig Breadth Thrust indicator. The last time this fired was around the April lows, and it ended up marking the start of a monster leg higher. Historically, when the Zweig Breadth Thrust shows up, it's usually not subtle… it's a momentum flip. Santa… <a href="https://t.co/5RZGiopqA1">pic.twitter.com/5RZGiopqA1</a>&mdash; Sam Badawi (@samsolid57) <a href="https://twitter.com/samsolid57/status/1993749742887592068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With broad participation returning alongside this week's rally, some chart-watchers argue this could mark the start of a new leg higher. That said, rare as it is, a ZBT isn't foolproof. Macro headwinds and earnings risk still matter.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Is Bitcoin Breaking Out?</h3>



Crypto is catching some strength, with traders asking whether what we're seeing is a bounce or a genuine breakout. Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> has clawed back some ground as risk sentiment improves, and Ethereum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> along with other altcoins are showing tentative signs of stabilizing. Though volatility remains elevated.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> has already rallied 14% off Friday&#39;s low but despite that it hasn&#39;t confirmed an intermediate term low yet, because it&#39;s still below its 20 DMA. A close above the 20 DMA would probably confirm an IT low and extend the rally to the 350 DMA that is currently around 102700. <a href="https://t.co/SshVkcTxxh">pic.twitter.com/SshVkcTxxh</a>&mdash; CyclesFan (@CyclesFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CyclesFan/status/1994095632051540252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



If macro clarity holds and liquidity stays supportive, crypto could benefit from renewed risk demand. On the flip side, a surprise hawkish move, weak economic data, or renewed volatility could quickly wipe out gains. For now, the market seems willing to test the waters. But only time will tell if this is a sustainable reset.



Thanks for reading! Catch you in the next one!



For more updates throughout the week, follow <a href="https://x.com/WOLF_Financial?utm_campaign=are-we-about-to-have-another-leg-up&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=marketmadness-newsletter.beehiiv.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@WOLF_Financial</a>



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Are We About To Have Another Leg Up?

As 2025 draws to a close, crypto investors are setting their sights on 2026 with a clear set of priorities. Gone are the days of chasing unsustainable yields and navigating murky regulatory waters. Today&#8217;s crypto investors, retail traders to institutional allocators. Are demanding mature market infrastructure, transparent operations and real economic value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Takeaways:</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Regulation is priority number one. Investors want clear rules across jurisdictions and not the current patch work of conflicting frameworks.</li>



<li>BITCOIN (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) needs to mature. Breaking above $100k matters.</li>



<li>The days of 100% APYs from token emission is over. Investors want treasury Backed returns and actual protocol returns.</li>
</ol>



Here are the four key developments crypto investors want to see materialize in 2026.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Traders Want Clearer Global Rules In 2026</h2>



Regulatory clarity has emerged as the number one priority for crypto investors heading into 2026. The fragmented global approach to digital asset regulation continues to create uncertainty, limit institutional participation and drive capital inefficiency across markets.



<a href="https://www.esma.europa.eu/esmas-activities/digital-finance-and-innovation/markets-crypto-assets-regulation-mica" rel="nofollow">The European Union&#8217;s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)</a> framework, which began rolling out in 2024, has provided a blueprint for comprehensive crypto regulation. MiCA establishes clear rules for stablecoin issuers, crypto service providers and token classifications across all 27 EU member states. Early results suggest institutional investors are responding positively to the regulatory certainty.



Asia presents a mixed picture.<a href="https://share.google/ExT4yEUcC1aDkuRPR" rel="nofollow"> Hong Kong and Singapore </a>have moved aggressively to establish licensing frameworks for crypto exchanges and asset managers. This has positioned them as crypto-friendly financial hubs.<a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/05/global-cryptocurrency-regulations-changing/#:~:text=Japan%20is%20open%20to%20crypto,attempt%20to%20tackle%20money%20laundering" rel="nofollow"> Japan</a> continues to refine its regulatory approach, while other jurisdictions remain cautious.



Crypto investors in 2026 want to see convergence on key issues. They want clear token classification standards, consistent stablecoin regulations, transparent licensing requirements for service providers and coordination between jurisdictions to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Until these frameworks materialize, capital allocation will remain inefficient and institutional adoption will stay below its potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Investors Want Bitcoin Above $100,000 But with Less Volatility</h2>



Bitcoin&#8217;s price action has long been characterized by explosive rallies followed by brutal drawdowns. While this volatility attracted early speculators, crypto investors in 2026 are hoping for something different. They want a sustained price appreciation with reduced volatility. This will position Bitcoin as a legitimate macro hedge rather than a speculative gamble.



The launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in early 2024 marked a turning point for the asset class. These products brought billions in institutional capital into Bitcoin markets and provided traditional investors with regulated exposure to digital assets. <a href="https://share.google/H7VVBAeVbSZi8R4Hk" rel="nofollow">According to data</a>, Bitcoin ETFs attracted more than $17 billion in net inflows during their first year of trading.



Crypto investors expect this institutional adoption to continue accelerating in 2026, with several factors supporting the thesis. First, the growing presence of options markets tied to Bitcoin ETFs provides sophisticated investors with hedging tools that can dampen volatility. CME Group Inc <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CME" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CME" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CME">CME</a>)</a> Bitcoin futures open interest has reached record levels, indicating deeper institutional participation.



Second, corporate treasury allocation to Bitcoin, pioneered by companies like MicroStrategy Inc <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a> Could expand as more CFOs view the asset as a hedge against monetary debasement. While MicroStrategy has experienced volatility on its Bitcoin holdings, the company&#8217;s long-term thesis is that Bitcoin will outperform cash over multi-year periods due to its fixed supply. For companies with excess cash and longer time horizons, small allocations to Bitcoin (1-5% of treasury) could provide diversification from purely fiat-denominated assets. 



Third, the maturation of custody solutions from major banks removes a significant barrier to entry for institutional capital.



The key desire among crypto investors is not necessarily Bitcoin reaching any specific price target, but rather the asset demonstrating stability at higher valuations. A Bitcoin that trades between $100,000 and $150,000 with 30% annualized volatility would be far more attractive to institutional allocators than one that swings between $50,000 and $200,000 with 80% volatility.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="493" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27100040/bitcoin-volatility-index-1024x493.png" alt="Line chart tracking Bitcoin volatility and price movements from 2024 to 2025, used by crypto investors to assess market risk and short-term trading conditions." class="wp-image-23064" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27100040/bitcoin-volatility-index-1024x493.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27100040/bitcoin-volatility-index-300x145.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27100040/bitcoin-volatility-index-768x370.png 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27100040/bitcoin-volatility-index.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bitcoin's 30-day and 60-day realized volatility declined through 2025, even as prices remained elevated, signaling a more mature market structure. Source: NewHedge</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Investors Want Sustainable Yields not "Ponzinomics" in 2026</h2>



The DeFi summer of <a href="https://share.google/5obuhWTSptDrCqIvX" rel="nofollow">2020-2021</a> promised investors eye-popping yields. Some protocols advertised returns exceeding 100% annually. Those yields proved unsustainable, collapsing spectacularly during the 2022 bear market and wiping out billions in investor capital. Projects like Terra-Luna, Celsius and others relied on circular token economics rather than genuine revenue generation.



Crypto investors in 2026 are demanding a fundamentally different approach. That is, sustainable yields backed by real economic activity, transparent revenue sources and proper risk management.



The shift is already underway. Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization has emerged as a legitimate source of yield in crypto markets. Protocols like Ondo Finance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ONDO-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ONDO" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">ONDO</a>)</a> and Centrifuge <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CFG" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CFG-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: CFG)</a> now offer exposure to U.S. Treasury yields and other traditional fixed-income products on-chain. These products generate returns from actual government bonds, not token emissions or new user deposits.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="426" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27095221/Screenshot-2025-11-27-104303-1024x426.png" alt="Dashboard visualizing the expanding RWA market—an essential area for crypto investors—featuring total on-chain value, asset holders, issuers, stablecoin activity, and a rising RWA value chart." class="wp-image-23062" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27095221/Screenshot-2025-11-27-104303-1024x426.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27095221/Screenshot-2025-11-27-104303-300x125.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27095221/Screenshot-2025-11-27-104303-768x320.png 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/27095221/Screenshot-2025-11-27-104303.png 1184w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The total value of tokenized RWAs has climbed to nearly $36 billion in 2025, driven by demand for private credit, U.S. Treasuries, and institutional debt products. Source: rwa.xyz.</figcaption></figure>



Stablecoin issuers represent another source of sustainable yield. Circle and Tether earn billions annually from the Treasury securities backing their stablecoins, though most of these profits are not shared with token holders. Crypto investors in 2026 want to see more yield-bearing stablecoin products that pass through a portion of these returns to users while maintaining regulatory compliance.



The emergence of protocols with genuine revenue from fees, rather than relying solely on token inflation marks another positive development. Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap generate hundreds of millions in trading fees annually, providing a real cash flow stream that could theoretically support sustainable yields for liquidity providers.



What crypto investors explicitly do not want to see in 2026 are new iterations of ponzi-like yield farming schemes. The market has matured beyond accepting &#8220;trust me bro&#8221; tokenomics. Instead, investors are looking for yields in the 4% to 8% range backed by transparent, auditable revenue sources that can persist through full market cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Traders Want More Transparency Around Token Unlocks in 2026</h2>



Token unlock schedules, the predetermined release of previously locked tokens to early investors, team members and advisors have become a critical concern for crypto investors. Large unlocks can flood the market with new supply, cratering prices and devastating retail holders who lack advance warning.



Recent examples highlight the problem. Projects that raised capital during the 2021 bull market are now hitting their unlock cliffs, releasing millions or billions of dollars worth of tokens into circulation. Without clear visibility into these schedules, retail investors get caught off-guard by sudden price collapses.



Crypto investors in 2026 want several improvements to token unlock transparency. First, real-time dashboards showing upcoming unlocks across all major projects. Services like Token Unlocks and Dropstab have made progress, but comprehensive coverage remains elusive.



Second, investors want standardized disclosure requirements. Just as public companies must file insider transaction reports, crypto projects should be required to publicly disclose unlock schedules before and after token generation events. This information should be easily accessible, not buried in technical documentation.



Third, crypto investors are demanding anti-dump commitments from insiders and early backers. Some projects have begun implementing voluntary lockup extensions or structured sell schedules that prevent insiders from immediately dumping entire allocations. These commitments should become standard practice.



Fourth, better communication from project teams about unlock events is essential. Rather than staying silent as billions in tokens hit the market, teams should proactively explain the unlock, provide context on likely selling pressure and demonstrate their commitment to long-term value creation.



The broader issue is one of alignment. When early investors and team members can exit at multiples of their entry price while retail investors suffer losses, it creates a trust deficit that undermines the entire ecosystem. Crypto investors in 2026 want to see project teams that view unlocks as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment, not an exit liquidity event.



Some projects are experimenting with alternative vesting structures that better align incentives, including performance-based unlocks tied to protocol metrics rather than simple time-based schedules. These innovations represent the kind of structural improvements crypto investors want to see become standard in 2026.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>



The crypto investor wish list for 2026 reflects a market that has matured significantly from its early Wild West days. The demands for regulatory clarity, reduced volatility, sustainable yields and unlock transparency all point toward one underlying theme: crypto investors want digital assets to evolve from a speculative casino into a legitimate component of the global financial system.



Whether these wishes materialize will depend on cooperation between regulators, project teams, exchanges and the broader crypto community. But one thing is clear, the investors allocating capital to crypto in 2026 are more sophisticated, more demanding and less willing to tolerate the excesses that characterized previous market cycles.



The projects, protocols and platforms that successfully address this investor priorities will likely be the ones that thrive in the next phase of crypto&#8217;s evolution.



Feature Image Source: Author



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

What Do Crypto Investors Want To See In 2026?

House Democrats accuse Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DJT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DJT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DJT">DJT</a>)</a> of turning the White House into an engine for an $800 million crypto windfall in 2025, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49027738/trump-established-bitcoin-reserve-and-digital-asset-stockpile-may-be-underwater">a new partisan report</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Report Claims Crypto Ventures Boosted Family Wealth</h3>



The report, <a href="https://decrypt.co/350315/trump-white-house-worlds-most-corrupt-crypto-startup-operation-house-democrats">signed</a> by Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), alleges that President Trump doubled his net worth since launching his 2024 campaign by expanding a network of cryptocurrency-linked businesses and token offerings. 



Citing earlier investigations from Reuters, the document claims the Trump family generated $800 million from token sales in H1 2025 and now holds roughly $11 billion across digital assets and equities.



Democrats argue that these ventures involved extensive foreign participation, pointing to investors connected to overseas jurisdictions and controversial industry figures.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Foreign Influence And Regulatory Pressure Highlighted In Findings</h3>



One section of the report alleges that foreign participants, including prominent cryptocurrency investors—used token purchases to gain influence within the administration.&nbsp;



The report highlights Justin Sun as an investor whose involvement raises regulatory concerns.



It also mislabels Tron <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TRX-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TRX" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/trx/usd">TRX</a>)</a>, incorrectly describing it as a crypto exchange instead of a blockchain network.



The committee also claims that favorable policy decisions benefited major digital asset companies.&nbsp;



These include pardons issued earlier in the year for BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes in March and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao in October.&nbsp;



The report asserts that federal investigations involving Coinbase Global Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="COIN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a>)</a>, Gemini Trust, Crypto.com, Kraken, Robinhood Markets Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HOOD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="HOOD" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HOOD">HOOD</a>)</a>, Yuga Labs and Ripple Labs were either halted or deprioritized.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Termination Of Enforcement Team Draws Additional Scrutiny</h3>



The report asserts that the administration dissolved the DOJ's cryptocurrency enforcement team during its first year.



It also claims the President repealed the Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets executive order introduced under former President Biden.



Committee members argue these shifts weakened investor protections and enabled rapid expansion of Trump-linked digital asset ventures.



Raskin described the situation as "the world's most corrupt crypto startup operation," reinforcing Democrats' concerns about pay-to-play dynamics.



He argued that such conditions undermined long-standing federal ethics standards.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lawmakers Request Treasury Reports On Trump-Linked Tokens</h3>



A separate letter from Representatives Connolly, Morelle and Raskin was sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.



The lawmakers requested suspicious activity reports connected to the OFFICIAL TRUMP <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TRUMP-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TRUMP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>)</a> token and World Liberty Financial platform's WLFI <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WLFI-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="WLFI" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: WLFI)</a>.



They say the documents are necessary to evaluate potential conflicts of interest and related compliance issues.



Advocacy groups echoed similar concerns.



Public Citizen's Bartlett Collins Naylor described the situation as "the greatest corruption in presidential history."



He urged Congress to restrict cryptocurrency trading and token creation by elected officials, citing significant ethical risks.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/11/49115490/sp-500-lowest-pe-stocks-most-undervalued-equities-2025">These 10 S&amp;P 500 Stocks Are Dirt Cheap This Black Friday</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Trump's Crypto Ties Come Under Fire From House Democrats: 'The Most Corrupt Crypto Startup Operation'

Upbit, South Korea&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency exchange operated by Dunamu Inc., confirmed Thursday that hackers stole approximately $37 million worth of Solana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a> based tokens in an early morning security breach. The incident marks the second major hack for the platform, occurring almost exactly six years after its devastating 2019 attack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Happened</h2>



The unauthorized withdrawals were detected at 4:42 AM KST on November 27, 2025, when monitoring systems flagged abnormal outflow activity on the Solana network. Multiple tokens including SOL, USD Coin, Bonk, Jupiter, Raydium, Render Token, and several memecoins were transferred to unknown external wallets.



Oh Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu, immediately suspended all Solana deposits and withdrawals. &#8220;We immediately identified the extent of the digital asset outflow and will cover the entire amount with Upbit assets to ensure no damage to members&#8217; assets,&#8221; Oh stated in an official notice.



The exchange has frozen approximately $8.18 million worth of Solaire tokens through coordination with developers and is working with <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/380664/upbit-suffers-37-million-hack" rel="nofollow">blockchain security teams</a> and law enforcement to trace remaining stolen funds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Anniversary Connection</h2>



The timing carries significance. This attack occurred almost exactly six years after Upbit&#8217;s previous major incident on November 27, 2019, when hackers stole 342,000 Ethereum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> from the exchange. That breach, valued at $41.5 million at the time, would be worth over $1 billion today.



South Korean authorities confirmed in November 2024 that the 2019 attack was orchestrated by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43901287/north-koreas-lazarus-group-suspected-in-1-4-billion-bybit-crypto-hack">North Korean</a> hacking groups Lazarus and Andariel. Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis reported that North Korea&#8217;s Lazarus Group stole over $1.3 billion from cryptocurrency projects in 2024 alone.



While no evidence currently links the November 27, 2025 attack to North Korean actors, security analysts note the anniversary timing warrants investigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Merger Timing Raises Questions</h2>



The breach occurred just one day after Dunamu announced a corporate restructuring. On November 26, 2025, South Korea&#8217;s Naver Financial revealed plans to acquire Dunamu through a stock swap merger valued at approximately $10.29 billion. The timing raises questions about whether attackers chose this moment while company leadership focused on merger proceedings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Industry Security Concerns</h2>



This incident adds to growing concerns about cryptocurrency exchange security. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43903335/financial-crime-weekly-1-4-billion-ethereum-stolen-in-largest-crypto-hack-ever-sec-creates-cyber-and-emerging-technologies-unit">Bybit exchange</a> suffered the largest crypto hack in history in February 2025, losing $1.4 billion in Ethereum when hackers exploited multi signature wallet vulnerabilities.



Upbit&#8217;s breach highlights ongoing security challenges with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43886224/bybit-founder-confirms-1-4-billion-ethereum-hack-blames-masked-transaction">hot wallets</a>, which remain connected to the internet to facilitate rapid trading. Security experts emphasize that hot wallets represent inherent vulnerabilities, though they&#8217;re necessary for user experience and liquidity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory Scrutiny</h2>



The hack comes amid heightened regulatory pressure. In November 2024, South Korea&#8217;s Financial Intelligence Unit identified as many as 600,000 potential Know Your Customer violations at Upbit during a business license renewal review. These violations could result in fines potentially totaling tens of millions of dollars.



Upbit also faces an antitrust investigation by South Korea&#8217;s Fair Trade Commission examining potential abuses of market dominance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s Next</h2>



Upbit has not provided a timeline for resuming normal Solana network operations. The exchange stated that services will only resume after ensuring complete platform safety. All customer funds remain secure, with the exchange absorbing the entire $37 million loss from corporate reserves.



Price Action: At press time, Solana was trading at approximately $188, down 2.59% in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and Ethereum showed minor declines, suggesting limited contagion effect on broader cryptocurrency markets.



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

South Korea's Upbit Exchange Loses $37 Million In Solana Network Hack, Pledges Full Customer Reimbursement

XRP <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a> is stabilizing as $644 million in fresh ETF demand positions the token for what traders say could be a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/ripple-xrp-price-prediction">75% breakout move</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Demand Builds As XRP Stabilizes At Support</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="700" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov-1024x700.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1188151" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov-1024x700.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov-300x205.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov-768x525.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov-1536x1050.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092553/xrp-bz-28th-nov.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://in.tradingview.com/symbols/XRPUSD/?exchange=COINBASE">XRP Price Prediction As Of November 28th (Source: TradingView)</a>



XRP continues to hold above the $2.18 to $2.20 area after defending the 0.382 Fibonacci level and maintaining its long-term ascending trendline.&nbsp;



The daily structure remains cautious, with price still below the major EMAs that sit between $2.20 and $2.51.&nbsp;



This cluster is the primary barrier that buyers need to reclaim before any meaningful shift in trend can occur.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="254" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov-1024x254.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1188153" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov-1024x254.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov-300x74.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov-768x190.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov-1536x380.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092636/xrp-nf-bz-28th-nov.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.coinglass.com/currencies/XRP/spot">XRP Netflows (Source: Coinglass)</a>



Spot flows show early signs of improvement. The latest reading reveals a modest $3.53 million outflow, far lighter than the heavy selling recorded earlier in the month.&nbsp;



Reduced distribution from large holders helps stabilize the current base even if it does not yet signal bullish dominance.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Short-Term Pattern Compresses Ahead Of Breakout Test</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="700" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2-1024x700.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1188154" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2-1024x700.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2-300x205.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2-768x525.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2-1536x1050.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28092640/xrp-28th-nov-bz-2.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://in.tradingview.com/symbols/XRPUSD/?exchange=COINBASE">XRP Price Action (Source: TradingView)</a>



Intraday price action shows XRP tightening inside a symmetrical triangle on the 30-minute chart as volatility compresses.&nbsp;



RSI near 53 indicates balanced momentum, while MACD is flat but leaning toward a bullish cross.&nbsp;



A clean move through $2.24 would open the way toward $2.27 and $2.31.&nbsp;



Failure at the lower boundary risks a retest of $2.10 and potentially $1.99.



A daily close above the 20-day EMA at $2.20, followed by a move toward $2.36, remains the key confirmation that buyers are regaining control.&nbsp;



Until that occurs, XRP sits in a consolidation phase shaped by mixed positioning and overhead resistance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wall Street Products And Macro Expectations Build Tailwinds</h3>



November inflows into XRP spot ETFs have reached $644 million as Franklin Templeton and Grayscale joined Bitwise in launching new offerings this month.&nbsp;



The $133 billion asset is up roughly 50% year to date but remains about 40% below its July all-time high of $3.65.



NOBI CEO Lawrence Samantha said XRP's institutional path is strengthening, noting that regulatory clarity and treasury products give the token a "clear path" to retesting record levels.&nbsp;



Traders are also watching macro developments closely as the Federal Reserve leans toward its December policy decision.&nbsp;



CME FedWatch shows roughly 85% odds of a 0.25% interest-rate cut, with Polymarket data reflecting similar expectations ahead of the Dec. 9–10 meeting.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49113611/bitcoins-four-year-cycle-isnt-broken-it-was-never-real-and-the-data-finally-proves-it">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Four-Year Cycle&#8217; Isn&#8217;t Broken — It Was Never Real And The Data Finally Proves It</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

XRP Sees $644 Million ETF Surge: Is A 75% Rally On The Way?

Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin announced on Friday that its European subsidiary has obtained a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation license in Austria, positioning the platform to expand regulated digital asset services across most of the European Economic Area.



KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH received approval from Austria&#8217;s Financial Market Authority and will operate from Vienna. The license enables the exchange to offer <a href="https://finance.ec.europa.eu/digital-finance/crypto-assets_en" rel="nofollow">regulated crypto services</a> across 29 EEA countries through MiCA&#8217;s passporting system, though notably excluding Malta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Regulatory Milestone</h2>



This marks KuCoin&#8217;s second major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42072282/as-mica-compliance-deadline-approaches-will-european-crypto-exchanges-face-enforcement-risks">regulatory achievement</a> in November 2025, following its Australian AUSTRAC registration earlier this month. The dual approvals signal an accelerated push toward global regulatory compliance in developed markets.



KuCoin CEO BC Wong described the MiCA license as a defining milestone in the company&#8217;s long-term trust and compliance strategy. He characterized MiCA as one of the highest regulatory standards worldwide and emphasized building European operations on a framework designed for operational continuity.



The exchange selected Austria for 3 key reasons: early implementation of MiCA accompanying laws, a stable regulatory environment, and access to a strong blockchain sector talent pool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding MiCA&#8217;s Passporting System</h2>



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41978078/mica-regulation-expected-to-drive-institutional-interest-in-european-crypto-market">MiCA regulation</a>, which came into full effect in late 2024, establishes uniform rules for crypto asset service providers across the European Union. The framework&#8217;s passporting system allows licensed entities to operate across all 29 EEA member states from a single regulatory base without seeking additional national approvals.



This represents a significant shift from the fragmented country-by-country approach that previously defined European crypto regulation. Under MiCA, authorized firms must meet strict requirements for transparency, consumer protection, and operational standards.



KuCoin joins 5 other crypto asset service providers that have secured MiCA licenses from Austria&#8217;s Financial Market Authority: Bitpanda, Bybit, Amina Bank, FIOR Digital, and Cryptonow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Malta Exclusion And Market Implications</h2>



The authorization does not extend to Malta, which maintains a separate regulatory stance and continues issuing its own licenses to platforms including Blockchain.com and Gemini. KuCoin has not announced plans to pursue separate authorization there.



As cryptocurrency regulation evolves globally, exchanges securing comprehensive regulatory approvals gain competitive advantages in attracting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41655991/mica-regulation-could-reshape-europes-crypto-market-says-industry-executive">institutional investors</a> and compliance-focused retail users. Industry experts have previously noted that MiCA&#8217;s structured framework could drive institutional interest by establishing clearer regulatory standards.



The European Commission has worked to balance innovation with consumer protection under MiCA. While some observers raise concerns about compliance costs potentially disadvantaging smaller startups, proponents argue regulatory clarity will boost investor confidence and market stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Forward</h2>



With regulatory approval secured, KuCoin plans to leverage the license to expand its full range of digital asset services across the authorized EEA countries. The Vienna-based operation will serve as the central hub for European activities, with enhanced compliance protocols to meet MiCA standards.



The exchange, serving over 40 million users across 200 countries, will now function under a regulated model in Europe. The approval represents another step in the maturation of European crypto markets under comprehensive regulatory oversight. As more exchanges seek authorization under MiCA, the competitive dynamics of European digital asset trading are likely to continue evolving throughout 2025 and beyond.



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

KuCoin Secures MiCA License In Austria, Unlocking Access To 29 European Markets

A U.S. Senator went shopping for Bitcoin ETFs ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, adding to his investment portfolio that has been buying cryptocurrency-related investments<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44569292/congressman-buys-up-to-600k-in-bitcoin-etf-after-selling-1-million-in-goldman-sachs-stock-committee-assignment-could-be-red-flag"> frequently in 2025.</a>



Here's a look at the latest purchases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Senator Goes Bitcoin Shopping</h2>



Sen. David McCormick (R-Pa.) disclosed buying shares of the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BITB" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BITB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BITB">BITB</a>)</a> ahead of Thanksgiving, as reported by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/david-mccormick">Benzinga Government Trades page.</a>



According to the disclosure, McCormick purchased the following:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nov. 24: Buy $15,000 to $50,000 BITB</li>



<li>Nov. 25: Buy $50,000 to $100,000 BITB</li>
</ul>



The senator also bought and sold multiple municipal securities, as reported on the latest disclosure.



McCormick's disclosures in 2025 have mostly included municipal securities and Bitcoin ETFs. Here's a look at the senator's purchases of BITB this year:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>April 3: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>April 2: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 31: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 27: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>March 25: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>March 24: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 20: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>March 13: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 11: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 10: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>March 5: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>March 3: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>Feb. 28: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>Feb. 27: $50,000 to $100,000</li>



<li>Feb. 26: $15,000 to $50,000</li>



<li>Feb. 25: $50,000 to $100,000</li>
</ul>



In total, McCormick has bought $550,000 to $1.3 million in shares of the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF in 2025.



The latest purchases on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 were made while Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> traded between $85,272.20 and $89,206.34.



Bitcoin is down 0.9% year-to-date in 2025, but is up 10.1% over the last seven days and at $92,635.62 currently sits ahead of McCormick's latest purchase prices.



The Bitwise Bitcoin ETF is down 5.0% year-to-date in 2025.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/11/49098464/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-are-down-since-last-thanksgiving-prepare-for-some-awkward-dinner-table-questions">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Are Down Since Last Thanksgiving: Prepare For Some Awkward Dinner-Table Questions</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">McCormick's Crypto History</h2>



The senator has been perceived as being friendly to the cryptocurrency sector, which prompted an endorsement from a key crypto figure in his 2024 Senate race.



McCormick,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/23/09/34807903/he-ran-bridgewater-associates-now-hes-running-for-senate-in-pennsylvania-again" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the former CEO&nbsp;</a>of the hedge fund&nbsp;Bridgewater Associates, narrowly won a Senate seat in the 2024 election. During his Senate campaign, McCormick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41420792/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-supports-republican-dave-mccormick-for-pennsylvania-senate-se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was endorsed by</a>&nbsp;Coinbase Global&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Armstrong&nbsp;for his pro-crypto support.



"If you live in Pennsylvania, you should vote for Dave McCormick. He is the better candidate on crypto (among many other credentials," Armstrong said at the time.



A senator buying Bitcoin ETFs could signal support for the leading cryptocurrency. The purchase and timing could also draw red flags and continue <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/02/43663526/elon-musk-questions-congress-members-wealth-where-did-they-get-all-the-money" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the hot debate </a>over whether members of Congress should be able to profit off the buying and selling of stocks, options and cryptocurrencies.



On the day of McCormick's first ETF purchase (Feb. 25), he was part of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets's first hearing.



"2025 is the year for digital assets. Blockchain and digital assets offer Pennsylvania and America a chance to lead the next wave of innovation, enhancing our national security and our economy. Proud to be a member of the inaugural Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets," McCormick&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMcCormickPA/status/1894897925907448082" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweeted</a>.



McCormick's involvement in the Subcommittee on Digital Assets and his heavy trading in a Bitcoin ETF will likely invite scrutiny ahead of a potential Bitcoin Strategic Reserve.



Did You Know?



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent112285">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Senator Buys Bitcoin ETFs Before Thanksgiving: 2025 Purchases Now Over $500K

Ethereum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> reclaiming the $3,000 level has traders debating whether momentum is building for a continued leg higher, or if the market is setting up for another volatility spike.



What Happened: On-chain data from CryptoQuant <a href="https://x.com/cryptoquant_com/status/1994090986520097092">shows</a> Ethereum's futures market accelerating far faster than spot demand, marking a clear behavioral shift among traders.



The futures-to-spot volume ratio has surged from the mid-5 range to nearly 6.9, the highest speculative appetite among major assets and far above Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and Solana's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a> more stable 3.5–4.5 zone.



This widening divergence signals traders increasingly prefer leveraged directional exposure over spot accumulation, hinting at rising expectations for short-term volatility or upcoming ETH-specific catalysts.



The steady climb in the ratio reflects building conviction and a market now dominated by derivatives positioning—fueling potential for sharper, faster moves in either direction.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49086915/ethereum-below-3000-trader-netting-578000-with-a-short-says-that-was-the-easy-part">Ethereum Below $3,000? Trader Netting $578,000 With A Short Says That Was &#8216;The Easy Part&#8217;</a>



What's Next: Crypto trader Scient <a href="https://x.com/Crypto_Scient/status/1994351552023482761">noted</a> he's cautious about Ethereum's slow, grinding ascent, warning that such structures often get erased by a handful of aggressive moves. 



Even so, he admits the lower-time-frame trend remains intact.



Ethereum has broken out of its local 1-hour range, flipped that level into support, reclaimed its local downtrend, and pushed into the bullish C-fork, adding momentum to the upside.



Scient expects that if ETH holds above $2,990, price could extend toward $3,400 before encountering any meaningful corrective pressure.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49093635/peter-schiff-says-bitcoin-ethereum-treasury-companies-have-no-viable-business-model">Peter Schiff Says Bitcoin, Ethereum Treasury Companies Have &#8216;No Viable Business Model&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



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