Leading real estate developer MegPrime&nbsp;Holding, LLC, said Thursday it will launch a &#8220;universal payments&#8221; cryptocurrency after receiving approval from the SEC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cryptocurrency For Affordable Housing?</h2>



The Texas-based homebuilder received a No-Action Letter from the regulator to roll out the cryptocurrency, named MegPrime Token (MP Token).



The token aims to convert routine spending into tangible value and &#8220;long-term financial progress.&#8221; Users making rent or mortgage payments through MP Token on the MegPrime app could reap up to 20% back in the same token, MegPrime said in a press release.



Furthermore, renters who use MP Token for payments could be eligible to receive 100% of their previous year&#8217;s rent, capped at $25,000, towards a future home purchase. Qualified users may also avail of mortgage rates up to 2.0% below the market rate.



The token will be available for purchase during its upcoming Token Generation Event and subsequently&nbsp;on the MegPrime app. It&nbsp;is also anticipated to be listed on other third-party cryptocurrency exchanges.



&#8220;The integration of blockchain technology into the residential homebuilding space is an economic leap forward and represents what we believe to be the single greatest use case for blockchain technology of our time,&#8221; said Aaron Ipour, co-founder of Megatel Homes and MegPrime.



MegPrime described the token as a &#8220;utility-based digital currency,&#8221; rather than an investment or bank deposit. The blockchain on which the token will be based has not been disclosed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Borrowing Costs: A New Normal For Homebuyers</h2>



The development comes as the market remains constrained by high borrowing costs and tight supply.



The 30-year fixed mortgage rates, which were near 2.65% in early 2021, s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/12/49590243/housing-in-2026-how-unaffordable-homes-could-create-windfall-for-apartment-reits">piked to the mid-6% region last year</a>, impacting household affordability. 



Redfin, a real estate brokerage platform, predicted the rates will average 6.3% in 2026, only a slight dip from 2025. The firm projected rents to rise between 2% and 3% nationwide in 2026.



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.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

Earning Crypto By Paying Rent? Texas-Based Homebuilder Receives SEC Approval To Launch 'Universal Payments' Token

Coinbase Global Inc.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a></a>)&nbsp;CEO Brian Armstrong urged Congress on Thursday to enact laws ensuring fair competition, following the postponement of the cryptocurrency market structure bill.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Armstrong Pushes For Stablecoin Rewards</h2>



Speaking to CNBC, Armstrong advocated for a &#8220;level playing field&#8221; while enacting legislation in Congress. 



&#8220;This is allowed, this is not allowed. Now, all American companies compete. Try to build the best products and services.&#8221; That&#8217;s great. What&#8217;s not great is if the banks can put their thumb on the scale to try to kill some of their competition,&#8221; Armstrong argued.



He emphasized the importance of consumers&#8217; rights&nbsp;to earn 3.8% on their&nbsp;stablecoins.



&#8220;People in America should be able to earn more money on their money,&#8221; the cryptocurrency mogul added. &#8220;And so we&#8217;re going to keep fighting for our customers&#8217; rights and the 52 million Americans who use crypto every day.&#8221;



<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">We&#39;re going to keep fighting for our customer&#39;s rights, and the 52 million Americans that have used crypto. <a href="https://t.co/0Ile4qFuiH">pic.twitter.com/0Ile4qFuiH</a>&mdash; Coinbase &#x1f6e1;&#xFE0F; (@coinbase) <a href="https://twitter.com/coinbase/status/2011935409144488310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Notably, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">reported</a> the national average for savings accounts at 0.39% APY in December 2025.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coinbase&#8217;s Withdrawal Impacts Legislation</h2>



Armstrong&#8217;s comments came after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/01/49931241/coinbase-withdraws-support-for-crypto-bill-over-stablecoin-rewards-ban">Coinbase withdrew its support</a>&nbsp;for the cryptocurrency market structure bill, hours before lawmakers were set to vote on the legislation. The withdrawal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49926587/tim-scott-says-everyone-remains-at-the-table-in-good-faith-as-senate-delays-crypto-bill-markup-after-opposition-from-coinbase">led to an indefinite postponement </a>of the bill&#8217;s markup.



The primary objection centers around a rule that would prohibit cryptocurrency platforms from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/01/49931241/coinbase-withdraws-support-for-crypto-bill-over-stablecoin-rewards-ban">paying rewards on idle stablecoin balances</a>, which does not apply to traditional banks offering interest on dollar deposits.



Stablecoin rewards are a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49841531/coinbase-pushes-for-crypto-market-structure-bill-but-the-window-is-closing-fast">key revenue source for Coinbase</a>, largely tied to interest on&nbsp;USDC&nbsp;<a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;USDC)</a>&nbsp;reserves shared with&nbsp;Circle&nbsp;<a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CRCL" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRCL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRCL">CRCL</a>)</a>.



Price Action: Coinbase shares rebounced 1.01% in after-hours trading after closing 6.48% lower at $239.28&nbsp;during Thursday&#8217;s regular trading session, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



The stock maintains a weaker price trend over the short, medium, and long terms with a poor Momentum ranking, according to Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="970" height="192" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15221530/image-261.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261794" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15221530/image-261.png 970w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15221530/image-261-300x59.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15221530/image-261-768x152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px" /></a></figure>



Photo Courtesy: Thrive Studios ID on Shutterstock.com



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Brian Armstrong Demands 'Level Playing Field' In Congressional Laws — Coinbase CEO Accuses Banks Of Stifling Competition

Economist&nbsp;Peter Schiff&nbsp;said in an interview aired Thursday that he&#8217;d prefer a gold-backed cryptocurrency over 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> during a crisis like the one in Iran.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schiff Choses Gold Again</h2>



Appearing on the Randi Hipper show, Schiff said that if he were to transact anonymously through an app in Iran, given the currency crisis and internet ban, he would choose tokenized gold over Bitcoin.



&#8220;I&#8217;d rather have a cryptocurrency backed up by real money,&#8221; Schiff stated, adding that Bitcoin is backed by nothing.



According to the Bitcoin critic, the best option in Iran would be to use a stablecoin. &#8220;There are plenty of those that you could get into. And in fact, the best stable coin, believe, would be a tokenized gold,&#8221; he said.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Bitcoin Is NOT Digital Gold – Peter Schiff EXCLUSIVE interview with Randi Hipper" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vSXo9od6wU0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inflation Crisis Fueling Bitcoin&#8217;s Rise In Iran?</h2>



The Iranian Rial has become <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49823153/bitcoins-overlooked-role-in-the-protests-in-iran">nearly worthless against the dollar</a>, pushing people toward cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, as a hedge.



While internet shutdowns expose a vulnerability, there have been claims that Iranians are using Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app developed by Jack Dorsey&#8217;s Block&nbsp;Inc.,&nbsp;and its clones, to send BTC via Bluetooth.



<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">&#x203c;&#xFE0F; warning: iranian bitchat clone raises multiple red flags: &#8211; full clone of our code but zero attribution or credit for our work. &#8211; not open-source. the app could be spying on you without your knowledge. NEVER USE A CLOSED-SOURCE PRIVACY MESSENGER! &#8211; asks for money. bitchat is… <a href="https://t.co/byLlA9Lqmo">pic.twitter.com/byLlA9Lqmo</a>&mdash; calle (@callebtc) <a href="https://twitter.com/callebtc/status/2010176828468584533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real &#8216;Digital Gold&#8217;</h2>



It&#8217;s worth highlighting that Bitcoin<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49591243/bitcoin-failed-as-store-of-value-in-2025-but-these-crypto-derivatives-of-gold-silver-delivered-sharp-returns-check-them-out"> failed to live up to its oft-repeated "digital gold" reputation</a> in 2025, while precious metals-backed cryptocurrencies proved far more reliable.



Tether Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XAUT-USD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XAUT</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;PAX Gold&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PAXG-USD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="PAXG" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PAXG-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;PAXG)</a> are both up over 70% over the past year, while the apex cryptocurrency is down 4%.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Asset</th><th>1-Year&nbsp;Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 9:45 a.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin&nbsp;</td><td>-4.17%</td><td>$95,430.78</td></tr><tr><td>Tether Gold &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+71.66%</td><td>$4,591</td></tr><tr><td>PAX Gold&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+70.96%</td><td>$4,608.10</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo: Shutterstock/GraphixTreasure</figcaption></figure>



 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.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

Peter Schiff Has Advice For Iranians Dealing With Collapse Of Their Currency And Instead Of Bitcoin He Wants Them To Choose A Crypto Like This

Leading cryptocurrencies dipped on Thursday after a key cryptocurrency bill stalled in the Senate following opposition from industry giants.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:20 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-1.29%</td><td>$95,485.03</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-0.82%</td><td>$3,306.90</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-2.66%</td><td>$2.07</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-2.75%</td><td>$142.06</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-4.23%</td><td>$0.1397</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Market Cracks</h2>



Bitcoin retreated after lifting to a 2-month high of $97,000, with trading volume dropping 13% over the last 24 hours.



Ethereum continued to stagnate in the $3,300 region, while XRP and Dogecoin slipped 2.66% and 4.23%, respectively.



The sell-offs came after the Senate Banking Committee postponed markup <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49915127/senate-crypto-vote-in-72-hours-what-are-the-chances-of-the-bill-passing">on the cryptocurrency market structure bill</a> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49926587/tim-scott-says-everyone-remains-at-the-table-in-good-faith-as-senate-delays-crypto-bill-markup-after-opposition-from-coinbase">after opposition from the industry</a>.



Shares of cryptocurrency-related companies, including Strategy Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMT">(</a>NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)&nbsp; and 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>, closed down 4.70% and 6.48%, respectively



Over $320 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/LongShortRatio">according </a>to Coinglass, with long liquidations accounting for 81% of the total.



Meanwhile, Bitcoin's open interest fell 2.31% in the last 24 hours, although more than 50% of Binance traders with open BTC positions remained long.



The market sentiment <a href="https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/">shifted </a>back to "Neutral" from "Greed," according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency (Market Cap&gt;$100 M)</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 8:20 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Decred (DCR )&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+11.99%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; $25.14</td></tr><tr><td>Wrapped Pulse (WPLS )&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+11.40%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $0.00001638</td></tr><tr><td>Yooldo (ESPORTS ) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+8.16%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $0.4633</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.23 trillion, contracting by 1.26% in the last 24 hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Recover, Oil Slips</h2>



Stocks rebounded on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 292.81 points, or 0.60%, to close at 49,442.44. The S&amp;P 500 lifted 0.26% to settle at 6,944.47, while the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite rose 0.25% to end the day at 23,530.02.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/26/01/49943611/crude-oil-falls-sharply-us-initial-jobless-claims-decline">Jobless claims</a> for the week ending Jan. 10 declined by 9,000 from the previous week to 198,000, lower than market estimates of 215,000.



Oil prices eased, with the U.S. West Texas Intermediate falling below $60 a barrel after President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/01/49927071/trump-softens-stance-on-iran-regime-change-says-would-be-fine-with-reza-pahlavis-leadership">softened his stance on Iran</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Altcoin Rally Incoming?</h2>



In a note shared with Benzinga, analysts at cryptocurrency payment company B2BINPAY viewed that Bitcoin's market structure remains bullish, citing accumulation by large holders and leverage reset.



"Overall, the structure favors continuation," the analysts noted. "As long as Bitcoin is above the $94,000–95,000 area, a move to $100,000–$105,000 is realistic within weeks."



Widely followed cryptocurrency commentator Ted Pillows highlighted total altcoin market capitalization holding above an ascending trendline.



"If BTC holds above the $95,000 level, I think a relief rally in alts will happen," Pillows projected.



<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">Altcoin MCap is still holding above its long-term support trendline. If <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> holds above the $95,000 level, I think a relief rally in alts will happen. <a href="https://t.co/1mARt6ixSs">pic.twitter.com/1mARt6ixSs</a>&mdash; Ted (@TedPillows) <a href="https://twitter.com/TedPillows/status/2011866415922651500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Photo Courtesy: Memory Stockphoto on Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slip After Crypto Bill Stalls In Senate:  BTC Could Jump To $105,000 If This Pattern Holds, Says Analyst

Coinbase Global Inc <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="COIN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a>)</a> and Robinhood Markets Inc <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="HOOD" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HOOD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HOOD">HOOD</a>)</a> slumped on Thursday as fresh turmoil around a long-awaited U.S. crypto market-structure bill rattled investors. 



Here&#8217;s what investors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49927474/robinhood-ceo-vlad-tenev-expresses-frustration-over-legislative-gridlock-as-crypto-market-structure-bill-gets-delayed-again">need to know</a>.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Robinhood Markets shares are consolidating. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HOOD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What&#8217;s ahead for HOOD stock?</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coinbase, Robinhood Stocks Drop After Armstrong Blasts Draft Bill</h2>



Thursday&#8217;s sell-off followed Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's announcement that the exchange can no longer support the latest Senate Banking Committee draft.



In a post on X, Armstrong warned the bill would effectively <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49926587/tim-scott-says-everyone-remains-at-the-table-in-good-faith-as-senate-delays-crypto-bill-markup-after-opposition-from-coinbase">ban tokenized equities</a>, impose sweeping DeFi surveillance, erode the CFTC's authority in favor of the SEC and "kill" rewards on stablecoins, arguing that no bill is better than what he called a materially worse status quo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Senate Delay Fuels Uncertainty Around Crypto Regulation</h2>



Hours later, Committee Chair Sen. Tim Scott said markup of the legislation would be put on hold for a "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49926587/tim-scott-says-everyone-remains-at-the-table-in-good-faith-as-senate-delays-crypto-bill-markup-after-opposition-from-coinbase">brief pause</a>," even as he insisted all sides remain at the table. 



Sen. Cynthia Lummis called industry pushback "deeply disappointing," while investor David Sacks and Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz urged negotiators to use the delay to finish a workable compromise. 



A separate Galaxy Research note this week put the odds of a truly bipartisan bill at just 25%, warning failure could push any comprehensive framework out to 2027.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Robinhood CEO Slams Gridlock As HOOD Shares Fall</h2>



Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev added to the pressure, blasting "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49927474/robinhood-ceo-vlad-tenev-expresses-frustration-over-legislative-gridlock-as-crypto-market-structure-bill-gets-delayed-again">legislative gridlock</a>" that keeps staking unavailable in four U.S. states and blocks tokenized stocks that the broker already offers in Europe. He urged Congress to pass rules that "protect consumers and unlock innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why The Crypto Market Structure Bill Is Critical For Coinbase</h2>



For Coinbase, the market structure bill is existential because it will define whether its U.S. business can scale under clear, durable rules or remain trapped in case-by-case enforcement fights. 



The draft language Armstrong opposes would effectively bar tokenized equities, sharply restrict DeFi and stablecoin rewards, and tilt power from the CFTC toward the SEC, directly constraining several of Coinbase's highest-potential product lines and future revenue streams.



A constructive version of the bill could instead clarify which assets are securities, create a licensed path for crypto exchanges, unlock institutional demand that currently sits on the sidelines, lower Coinbase's regulatory and litigation overhang and prevent further migration of trading volumes to offshore platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why The Crypto Market-Structure Bill Matters For Robinhood (HOOD)</h2>



For Robinhood, the bill is just as pivotal because it will govern whether the company can fully integrate crypto into its low-cost brokerage <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/09/47598326/whats-going-on-with-robinhood-stock-today-5">super app</a> vision in the U.S. 



A clear federal framework could harmonize state and federal rules, specify which tokens a retail broker may safely list, create compliant pathways for staking and tokenized equities, reduce headline regulatory risk and allow Robinhood to continue to compete on innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COIN Benzinga Edge Rankings</h2>



<a href="http://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Edge</a> stock rankings give you four critical scores to help identify the strongest and weakest stocks, and for Coinbase, the platform assigns a Momentum score of 8.46, signaling heightened volatility in the current market environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="207" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172313/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.50-PM-1024x207.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261579" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172313/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.50-PM-1024x207.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172313/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.50-PM-300x61.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172313/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.50-PM-768x155.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172313/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.50-PM.png 1486w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOOD Benzinga Edge Rankings</h2>



For HOOD, Benzinga Edge assigns a 94.33 Momentum score alongside a 91.00 Growth score, highlighting unusually strong performance despite recent volatility.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="201" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172227/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.09-PM-1024x201.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261578" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172227/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.09-PM-1024x201.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172227/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.09-PM-300x59.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172227/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.09-PM-768x151.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15172227/Screen-Shot-2026-01-15-at-5.22.09-PM.png 1172w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COIN, HOOD Stocks Fall Sharply Thursday</h2>



COIN Price Action: Coinbase Global shares closed Thursday down 6.48% and up 0.57% in after-hours trading, last trading at $240.65, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Benzinga Pro data</a>.



HOOD Price Action: Robinhood Markets shares closed Thursday down 7.79% and up 1.47% in after-hours trading, last trading at $111.97.



Image: Shutterstock

Coinbase (COIN), Robinhood (HOOD) Tumble As Senate Crypto Bill Stalls: What It Means For Both Stocks

Dogecoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a> and Shiba Inu <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SHIB" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHIB-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</a> both dropped roughly 5%, as DOGE&#8217;s record $18.77 million outflow shows institutions selling, while SHIB&#8217;s 72% burn rate spike proves supply reduction alone won&#8217;t save price.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DOGE Sees Largest Outflow In Months During Price Spike</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="255" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-1024x255.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261413" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-1024x255.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-300x75.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-768x192.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-1536x383.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Dogecoin saw $18.77 million flow out of exchanges yesterday—the biggest single-day withdrawal in months—but it happened while the price was trying to go up.



That&#8217;s a red flag. When price rises but money leaves, it means larger players are selling their positions to smaller buyers who are jumping in late.&nbsp;



The buying pressure from retail isn&#8217;t strong enough to absorb the selling from institutions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="689" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140433/image-258-1024x689.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261416" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140433/image-258-1024x689.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140433/image-258-300x202.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140433/image-258-768x517.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140433/image-258.png 1332w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Additionally, DOGE has fallen 48% from September&#8217;s $0.27 peak and now trades below every major EMA.&nbsp;



The 20-day sits at $0.13968, the 50-day at $0.14315, the 100-day at $0.15861, and the 200-day at $0.17829.



The December bounce from $0.1215 to $0.158 has already given back half its gains.&nbsp;



Moreover, support at $0.12-0.13 has been tested three times since December, and chart patterns suggest the fourth test breaks it.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SHIB Burns 3 Million Tokens But Price Keeps Falling</h3>



Shiba Inu&#8217;s burn rate <a href="https://www.shibburn.com/">jumped</a> 72.33% in the last 24 hours, removing 3.04 million SHIB tokens from circulation. Over 410 trillion tokens have been burned from the original supply.



But the price keeps dropping anyway. Token burns reduce the number of coins available, but they don&#8217;t create buying demand on their own.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="689" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-1024x689.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261415" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-1024x689.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-300x202.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257-768x517.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15140348/image-257.png 1332w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



SHIB has dropped 53% from August&#8217;s $0.00001785 peak. Like DOGE, it trades below all moving averages with the 200-day at $0.00001046 sitting far above current price.



The Supertrend indicator sits at $0.00000754—the last major support level before the chart breaks down completely.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Key Levels That Matter Now</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Dogecoin</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Next support: $0.13968 (20-day moving average)</li>



<li>Critical level: $0.12 (tested three times already)</li>



<li>If that breaks: $0.10-0.11, then potentially $0.08-0.09</li>



<li>Resistance above: $0.14315 (50-day), then $0.15-0.158</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Shiba Inu</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Next support: $0.00000794 (yesterday&#8217;s low)</li>



<li>Critical level: $0.00000754 (Supertrend indicator)</li>



<li>If that breaks: $0.000007, then December low at $0.00000676, potentially $0.000005-0.000006</li>



<li>Resistance above: $0.0000085-0.000009</li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Crash 5% — Why Burns And Inflows Can't Save Them

For years, Sam Altman said he hated ads, calling them &#8220;last resort.&#8221; Yet, prediction markets are betting he won't have a choice.



What Happened: On <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/openai-implements-ads-on-llm-by-december-31">Polymarket</a>, traders are currently pricing in a 37% chance that OpenAI implements ads on ChatGPT before March 31. Could this be a warning flare about the health of the AI bubble?



With OpenAI's annual burn rate reportedly exceeding $17 billion this year, the company is facing a harsh reality: subscription revenue alone will not be enough to feed the compute-hungry models like o3 and GPT-5.



In 2025, OpenAI made a series of deals that increasingly tied it to the broader market, effectively turning itself into the engine room of the S&amp;P 500.



In September, Open AI signed a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47685129/openais-unprecedented-cash-burn-poses-massive-challenge-to-300-billion-oracle-deal-no-company-in-history-has-ever">$300 billion cloud computing contract</a> with Oracle Corp <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ORCL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ORCL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ORCL">ORCL</a>)</a>. 



That same month, Open AI announced a strategic partnership with Nvidia Corp <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="NVDA" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>)</a>, involving up to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/11/48970273/nvidia-gives-no-assurance-on-100-billion-openai-pact-but-ceo-jensen-huang-calls-startup-once-in-a-generation">$100 billion in hardware investment</a>. 



By late 2025, the partnership was restructured, cementing Microsoft&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSFT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT">MSFT</a>)</a> stake at roughly $135 billion.&nbsp;



All of these companies saw an increase in their stock prices after the deals were announced. If OpenAI&#8217;s revenue model falters, the shockwaves travel instantly to the balance sheets of the world&#8217;s most valuable companies.



OpenAI's closest competitor, Google's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GOOGL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL">GOOGL</a>)</a> Gemini, is already eating into ChatGPT&#8217;s market share. Unlike OpenAI, Google has an almost infinite runway funded by search revenue.



Gemini-3-Pro currently ranks #1 on LM Arena's text leaderboard.



Why It Matters: If OpenAI is forced to clumsily shoehorn ads into ChatGPT to survive, it risks driving users straight into the arms of its rival.



Investors with significant AI exposure should take note that OpenAI is the load-bearing pillar of the S&amp;P 500's current valuation.



If OpenAI&#8217;s forced pivot to ads does not go well, it's a public admission that AI might become a commodity product, sold at close to breakeven. 



With so much of last year&#8217;s stock market gains being attributed to the AI play, this could spook the broader market.&nbsp;



What&#8217;s Next: This instability is happening against a fragile economic backdrop. 



Polymarket traders currently price the odds of <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/us-recession-by-end-of-2026">a U.S. recession</a> in 2026 at ~22%. 



If the AI bubble pops while the economy softens, 2026 could see a violent correction.



Image: Shutterstock

OpenAI Ads Possible In Q1, Polymarket Says: Why That Could Hurt AI Stocks Like NVDA, ORCL

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> is staging a massive reversal, prompting widely followed crypto trader DonAlt to predict a squeeze toward $105,000 as he warns shorts are &#8220;in deep trouble&#8221; after getting trapped above $92,000.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bitcoin Setup: A Classic Bear Trap</h3>



DonAlt <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTmrGIlgN4I">argues</a> that Bitcoin&#8217;s recent price action—breaking down below support only to aggressively reclaim the range—is one of the most reliable bullish signals in trading.



Bitcoin looked &#8220;dead&#8221; when it lost the $92,000 level, enticing traders to open short positions. By pushing back above that breakdown level, bulls have trapped those shorts in losing positions.



&#8220;If you are shorting here, you are in deep trouble,&#8221; DonAlt said. He notes that failed breakdowns usually lead to violent moves to the opposite side of the range, targeting a retest of $104,000 to $105,000.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Monthly Resistance Is The Only Worry</h3>



While the weekly chart signals a breakout, DonAlt cautioned that the monthly timeframe remains at resistance.&nbsp;



However, he views Bitcoin&#8217;s ability to return to these highs as a sign of strength rather than weakness.



The market needs to hold $92,000. As long as price stays above this level, the breakout remains valid.&nbsp;



A close back below $90,000 would signal a failed breakout and likely lead to a flush lower.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Altcoins: The &#8216;Bleed&#8217; Continues</h3>



Despite Bitcoin&#8217;s strength, DonAlt remains skeptical of the broader altcoin market, describing it as a capital trap for retail investors.



DonAlt dismissed the narrative that Litecoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="LTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ltc/usd">LTC</a>)</a> will rally because Silver is hitting highs, calling the chart underwhelming. &#8220;It&#8217;s at support, but it&#8217;s been disappointing,&#8221; he said.



Monero <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XMR-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XMR" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xmr/usd">XMR</a>)</a> stands out as the lone bright spot.&nbsp; DonAlt highlighted XMR as one of the few charts breaking out of a multi-year slumber, calling it &#8220;one of the more interesting ones&#8221; with room to run.



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> is simply chopping sideways. While not bearish on SOL, DonAlt sees it as a safer hold than most legacy alts but currently less attractive than Bitcoin.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Hard Truth For Bagholders</h3>



DonAlt offered a stark warning to investors holding underwater positions in older altcoins hoping for a rotation.



The opportunity cost is massive. &#8220;You miss out on the entire rally because you&#8217;re just sticking with laggards,&#8221; he said.



The reality is harsh: &#8220;99.9% of altcoins eventually go asymptotically to zero against Bitcoin. If you aren&#8217;t ready to take losses, you will sit through losing all your money.&#8221;



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Could Hit $105,000, Shorts Are In 'Deep Trouble,' Analyst Warns

XRP <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a> is testing $2.13 after four consecutive rejections at a key resistance line, but Ripple&#8217;s $150 million deal with LMAX Group and $1.26 billion in ETF inflows are setting up a potential breakout to $3.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Four Rejections Mark The Resistance</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="689" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15125106/image-256-1024x689.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1261361" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15125106/image-256-1024x689.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15125106/image-256-300x202.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15125106/image-256-768x517.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15125106/image-256.png 1332w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



XRP has tried to break above a descending trendline four times since July&#8217;s $3.60 peak—and failed every single time.



The rejections came in August, September, October, and most recently in early January. Each attempt met with strong selling pressure at the same technical level.



Right now, XRP is caught between two important price zones. Support sits at $1.95, which has held firm through three separate tests.&nbsp;



Resistance clusters between $2.4-$2.6, with the 200-day moving average at $2.32 adding another layer.



If XRP breaks cleanly above $2.6, the path opens to $3 and potentially higher. But if $1.95 support breaks, the next stop is likely $1.6.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Money Floods In While Traders Step Back</h3>



XRP spot ETFs pulled $1.26 billion in cumulative inflows since launch, with $10.63 million arriving on January 14 alone.



But the derivatives market tells a different story. XRP futures volume <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/currencies/XRP/futures">dropped</a> 30% to $5.58 billion, and open interest fell 4% to $4 billion according to Coinglass.&nbsp;



That means, traders are closing positions and stepping back after the volatile run in past days.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ripple Injects $150 Million To Push RLUSD Stablecoin</h3>



Ripple <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/01/15/ripple-injects-usd150-million-into-lmax-to-push-rlusd-stablecoin-for-institutions">announced</a> Thursday it&#8217;s investing $150 million in LMAX Group to integrate its RLUSD stablecoin into LMAX&#8217;s institutional trading platform.



This matters because LMAX handled $8.2 trillion in institutional trading volume last year.&nbsp;



The deal lets major banks, brokers, and asset managers use RLUSD as collateral across spot crypto, futures, and contracts for difference.



RLUSD launched about a year ago and now has a $1.4 billion market cap, according to RWA.xyz.&nbsp;



Moreover, Ripple is positioning it as a regulated stablecoin specifically for institutions.



David Mercer, CEO of LMAX Group, called it a strategic partnership designed to create a unified marketplace bridging traditional finance and crypto.



For institutions, this simplifies how they move capital around. Instead of managing separate margin accounts for different assets, they can use RLUSD across LMAX&#8217;s entire platform.



Image: Shutterstock

Can This $150 Million Ripple Deal Lift XRP Back To $3?

Blockchain firm Polygon Labs <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="POL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/POL-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">POL</a>)</a> <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/polygon-labs-inks-deal-to-acquire-coinme-sequence-for-250m-to-expand-into-us-licensed-stablecoin-payments-302660006.html" rel="nofollow">said </a>on Tuesday it would buy crypto payments company <a href="https://coinme.com/blog/coinme-joins-polygonlabs" rel="nofollow">Coinme</a> and crypto infrastructure provider ​Sequence for $250 million to make its foray into the stablecoin-based payments market. At the time, Sandeep Nailwal, founder of the Polygon Foundation said in a press release, &#8220;We aspire Polygon to be the biggest stablecoin money movement avenue in the world."



Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to fiat currency, namely the dollar, and are increasingly being used as a payments tool. Stablecoins seemingly got their <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-signs-genius-act-into-law/" rel="nofollow">blessing from the White House</a> last year after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/01/49812170/stablecoin-regulation-after-the-genius-act-what-it-means-for-defi-liquidity-in-2026">passage of ‌the Genius Act. </a>



This year is shaping up already to be "the year stablecoins graduated from a crypto trading primitive to a payments primitive," said Steven Willinger, General Partner at Blockchain Builders Fund in Palo Alto.



That doesn't mean the world needs 50 new stablecoins, even if startups will try their luck at it.&nbsp;



Around six distinct stablecoin projects have been announced or launched globally since Dec. 1, 2025. JP Morgan launched <a href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/payments/newsroom/jpm-coin-usd-deposit-token-institutional-clients" rel="nofollow">JPM Coin</a> in November. This is a fast moving target for investors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Stablecoin Projects Since December</h2>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/25/12/49517764/sofis-stablecoin-launch-and-what-it-means-for-financial-institutions" rel="nofollow">SoFiUSD</a> — Launched Dec. 18, 2025



Fully reserved U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin by SoFi Bank on a public blockchain. SoFi is the first national bank to issue such a stablecoin.



<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-to-partner-with-firm-connected-to-trump-familys-main-crypto-business/articleshow/126522191.cms" rel="nofollow">USD1</a> stablecoin partnership for Pakistan — Announced Jan. 14, 2026 Pakistan government signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate the USD1 stablecoin into its digital payment infrastructure.



<a href="https://www.xmoney.com/eurxm" rel="nofollow">EURXM</a>, <a href="https://www.xmoney.com/usdxm" rel="nofollow">USDXM</a>, <a href="https://www.xmoney.com/ronxm" rel="nofollow">RONXM</a> — Dec. 8, 2025 These three new stablecoins were formally announced with plans to launch this summer by a Romanian bank.



Wyoming FRNT stablecoin — Launched



Wyoming's official state-issued <a href="https://stabletoken.wyo.gov/pages/FRNT" rel="nofollow">Frontier stablecoin</a> began public launch around early January 2026, following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/47212643/wyomings-stablecoin-frnt-hits-mainnet-could-this-be-the-end-of-u-s-bank-fees">mainnet testing phases in August.</a> 



Despite the newcomers, the network effects in payments push value toward a small number of highly liquid, widely integrated settlement assets. Today, Tether <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDT" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDT-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>)</a> and U.S. Dollar Coin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>)</a> issued by Circle Internet Group <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> account for most of the stablecoin market cap. 



Do we need more stablecoins?



"For broad, everyday payments, probably not," said Willinger. Merchants and payment service providers (PSP) "will prefer the tokens with the deepest liquidity, clearest compliance posture, and easiest integration paths."



Where new stablecoins make sense includes when they're product-specific, such as engineered for a protocol's own liquidity and incentive system, or for a particular yield design, said Willinger.&nbsp;



For example, <a href="https://app.capp.fi/" rel="nofollow">Cap</a> – a stablecoin protocol – positions itself as a stablecoin protocol with cUSD backed by a basket of regulated payment stablecoins and stcUSD as their yield-accruing variant.  



<a href="https://www.unitas.so/" rel="nofollow">Unitas </a>positions their USDu as a decentralized, yield-bearing stablecoin. 



New stablecoins also make sense if they are coming from highly liquid banks or payment systems like the privately held PSP giant Stripe, Willinger said. In May, Stripe introduced stablecoin-based accounts to clients in over 100 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Willinger Explains: How merchants integrate stablecoins into real cash flows</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>"Accept stablecoins, settle in fiat" — Stripe's stablecoin payments flow lets customers pay with stablecoins while the merchant settles in dollars. </li>



<li>Abstract stablecoins behind the card networks —<a href="https://immersve.com/" rel="nofollow"> Immersve</a> is a principal member of Mastercard and markets non-custodial APIs/smart contracts that let partners create experiences where users spend digital cash anywhere Mastercard is accepted; it also offers stablecoin "issuing as a service." </li>
</ul>



Visa (V) is working to integrate stablecoins into existing payment systems, Reuters reported on Jan. 14.  The hype is real. But mainstream merchant acceptance is still limited. There are more than $270 billion worth of stablecoins in circulation, more than twice the $120 billion from 2023, Reuters reported citing data from blockchain indexers Allium Labs.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="556" data-id="25594" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15162402/CRCL_2026-01-15_11-23-17-1024x556.png" alt="" class="wp-image-25594" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15162402/CRCL_2026-01-15_11-23-17-1024x556.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15162402/CRCL_2026-01-15_11-23-17-300x163.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15162402/CRCL_2026-01-15_11-23-17-768x417.png 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15162402/CRCL_2026-01-15_11-23-17.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Circle and Polygon both underperforming the Nasdaq, as seen here using Invesco&#8217;s QQQ Trust ETF. Could this be a buying opportunity?</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More To Come. Segments Poised for Growth</h2>



Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) recently released a new <a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/market_structure_draft.pdf" rel="nofollow">draft</a> of what he described as a &#8220;negotiated market structure bill&#8221; for stablecoins. The bill text states that digital asset service providers be prohibited from paying any form of interest or yield for holders with the exceptions given for activity-based rewards and staking, providing liquidity, or posting collateral. If passed, this could make it harder for investors in yield bearing coins like 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> from easily unstaking. They might have to hold onto their positions similar to holders of bank CDs. 



This is where traditional finance is seeking to differentiate from fintech before they get steam rolled by digital assets, including yield bearing stablecoins.



Stablecoins are not money makers. Retail investors use them to hold digital cash in their trading accounts before cashing out for fiat, or exchanging for another cryptocurrency.&nbsp;



For venture capital, investment opportunities tend to be into startups that are in distribution, compliance, and workflow integration. The Blockchain Builders Fund, for example, <a href="https://x.com/i/lists/1785809399166169246/members" rel="nofollow">invests in</a> Immersve, <a href="https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/664564-78">Levl</a>, Efexpay and <a href="https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/1168942-51" rel="nofollow">Moni</a>.



"I think the real investment opportunity is in infrastructure, distribution, and regulated local variants," said Przemek Kowalczyk, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of Ramp Network, a regulated payments infrastructure provider.



"The true value of a stablecoin is how they're used; payments, treasury management, merchant settlement, cross-border flows, and increasingly, everyday financial products," Kowalczyk said. "For merchants, I think the appeal is straightforward. Stablecoins can reduce foreign exchange costs, enable faster settlement, and open access to global customers without relying entirely on legacy banking. Once stablecoins integrate more deeply into payment stacks, they'll start to feel less like ‘crypto' and more like a better version of digital cash," he said.



This is what Polygon is banking on.



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>"For merchants, the demand isn't for stablecoins themselves, but for what they unlock. They don't want to think about tokens or blockchains. They want money to move better. We are entering a new phase of payments, where infrastructure providers that can bridge stablecoins and fiat seamlessly will define the next generation of payment companies."<cite>Michael Treacy, Director of Marketing &amp; Business Development at OpenPayd</cite></blockquote></figure>



Industry sees stablecoins as the real digital dollar. This is especially true in countries where the local currency is highly undervalued versus the dollar. Some 30% of international payments in emerging markets could shift to stablecoins, experts predict.&nbsp;



Bullish sentiment stems from regulatory clarity from Europe and the U.S., boosting adoption.&nbsp;



Jean Rausis, Co-founder of Everything (formerly SMARDEX), predicts that Tether will still be dominant on volume and in liquidity, citing the TRON Network's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/49766179/tron-records-7-9-trillion-in-usdt-transfer-volume-in-2025-new-research-from-messari-rwa-io-and-stabl">$7 trillion dollar Tether move</a> last year, but thinks USDC will excel in traditional finance circles.&nbsp;



Competition will likely erode USDT&#8217;s share this year as rivals like PayPal Holdings <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="PYPL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PYPL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PYPL">PYPL</a>)</a> PYUSD and World Liberty Financial's USD1 stablecoin move in. Merchants will integrate via Visa, PayPal, Stripe and Cash App for real-world flows, Rausis said, citing the Rumble <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RUM" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="RUM" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RUM">RUM</a>)</a> and Tether hook up for tips sent to Rumble show hosts, bypassing banks. 



"Two stablecoins are truly dominant, but the market isn&#8217;t saturated. Do we need more? Yes," said Rausis. "For niche needs like DeFi yields, up to 20%&nbsp; in some protocols, or for chain-specific liquidity, and real-world asset tokenization, you need more."



"Competition matters," said Kowalczyk from Ramp Network. "There's going to be different use cases, jurisdictions, and user needs benefit from choice, whether that's dollar-based stablecoins, euro stablecoins, or local and regulated alternatives. We don't rely on a single bank or a single payment network globally. Digital money won't be any different," he predicted.



Meanwhile, 2026 will still see USDT and USDC as the main stablecoins in use, but risk venture investors are seen putting their money into companies that are seeing merchant acceptance. Risk capital will be flowing to companies that can "turn stablecoins into something businesses can use to run payroll, Treasury and merchant settlement on," said Willinger.



The writer is an investor in Solana. Featured Image created by the author. Chart from TradingView.



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.

Polygon Labs' $250M Coinme Acquisition Shows Stablecoin Payments Entering A New Phase In 2026

State Street Corporation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STT" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="STT" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STT">STT</a>)</a> shares were trading slightly higher Thursday after the company unveiled a new digital finance infrastructure aimed at bridging <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/01/b49941211/state-street-launches-digital-asset-platform-to-power-tokenized-finance" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional and blockchain ecosystems.</a>



 • State Street stock is challenging resistance. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why did STT hit a new high?</a>



The latest development comes just ahead of the firm&#8217;s earnings release, which is scheduled before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STT/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opening bell on Friday, Jan. 16.</a>



Analysts expect the Boston, Massachusetts-based company to report quarterly earnings at&nbsp;$2.84&nbsp;per share, up from&nbsp;$2.60&nbsp;per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for State Street&#8217;s quarterly revenue is&nbsp;$3.62 billion, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/26/01/49931749/state-street-likely-to-report-higher-q4-earnings-these-most-accurate-analysts-revise-forecasts-ahead-of-earnings-call" rel="noreferrer noopener">up from&nbsp;$3.41 billion&nbsp;a year earlier.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What The Platform Offers</h2>



The latest initiative is part of State Street's broader effort to lead in tokenized asset services for institutions.



State Street has launched its Digital Asset Platform, a secure and scalable backbone for tokenized assets, including tokenized ETFs, money market funds, and cash products.



The new infrastructure includes wallet management, custodial support and cash handling tools.



It aims to help institutions develop and operate tokenized products across both public and private permissioned blockchains, while offering a seamless link to existing financial systems.



State Street said the platform is designed with enhanced security, operational controls and on-chain compliance tools.



The financial institution said this integrated setup will allow institutional clients to access tokenized products securely and scale use cases across global markets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Executive Perspective</h2>



"This launch marks a significant step in State Street's digital asset strategy," said Joerg Ambrosius, president of investment services at State Street. "We are moving beyond experimentation and into practical, scalable solutions that meet the highest standards of security and compliance."



Donna Milrod, chief product officer for State Street, said clients want reliable digital infrastructure that is interoperable and safe.



She added that the platform's ongoing evolution will align with regulatory expectations and market needs.



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



State Street said the platform reflects its commitment to help clients navigate the fast-changing digital asset sector.



The bank said it will leverage expertise from teams across its global business and State Street Investment Management to support institutional digital adoption.



STT Price Action: State Street shares are trading higher by 1.27% to $136.43 at publication on Thursday.



Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

What's Going On With State Street Stock Today?

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> underperformed in 2025 while gold soared 120%, yet BitMex co-founder Arthur Hayes says dollar liquidity is about to return in 2026.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Reason Bitcoin Lagged</h3>



The Professional Capital Management CEO used his latest essay to <a href="https://cryptohayes.substack.com/p/frowny-cloud">point out</a> why Bitcoin traded flat while gold exploded and tech stocks kept climbing.



Bitcoin follows dollar liquidity. When the money supply shrinks, Bitcoin drops. When it expands, Bitcoin surges.



Gold surged because central banks dumped U.S. treasuries after Russia&#8217;s $300 billion asset freeze in 2022. Venezuela&#8217;s recent military operation intensified the flight to non-confiscatable reserves.



Tech stocks kept rising because Donald Trump turned AI into a national priority.&nbsp;



Bitcoin didn&#8217;t have either advantage, so it tracked the one thing that matters: dollar liquidity going down.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three Ways Money Supply Explodes In 2026</h3>



Hayes sees three catalysts returning dollars into the system starting now.



First, the Federal Reserve ended its balance sheet drawdown in December and launched a new program, adding at least $40 billion per month into markets.



Second, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co created a $1.5 trillion loan program for industries the government labels &#8220;strategic.&#8221; When banks make loans, they create new money instantly.



Federal Reserve data shows bank lending turned positive in Q4 2025 after contracting most of the year.



Third, President Trump ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion worth of mortgages. 



Lower mortgage rates mean homeowners can borrow against their home equity and spend that money, which Hayes sees as election-year stimulus.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Gold Went Parabolic</h3>



December trade data tells the real story behind gold&#8217;s rally.



The U.S. trade deficit dropped 11% to $52.8 billion—the lowest since June 2020.



Over 100% of that improvement came from gold exports, according to Commerce Department data reported by the Financial Times.



Meanwhile, retail investors aren&#8217;t buying gold. 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> holdings keep shrinking, which means the real mania hasn&#8217;t even started yet.



Hayes calculates gold could hit $12,000 if central banks keep buying at this pace.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hayes Loads Up On Leveraged Bitcoin Plays</h3>



Hayes said he bought Strategy 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> and Metaplanet Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MTPLF" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MTPLF" data-exchange="OTC" rel="noopener">(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MTPLF">MTPLF</a>)</a>—two companies that borrow money to buy Bitcoin.



Both stocks trade near two-year lows relative to Bitcoin&#8217;s price.&nbsp;



If BTC climbs back to $110,000, these companies should outperform because they hold Bitcoin bought with borrowed money.



Hayes runs the Maelstrom fund and says he&#8217;s &#8220;nearly fully invested&#8221; but adding more risk anyway because the liquidity wave looks inevitable.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Happens Next</h3>



Bitcoin bottomed alongside dollar liquidity in late 2025, and that liquidity has now turned decisively higher. 



With the Fed easing, banks lending again, and housing stimulus incoming, Bitcoin becomes the most direct, leveraged bet on renewed dollar expansion.



Image source: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Lost To Gold In 2025, But Dollar Liquidity Fixes That In 2026, Arthur Hayes Claims

BitMine Immersion Technologies <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> invested $200 million into MrBeast&#8217;s Beast Industries as Chairman Tom Lee bets the YouTuber with 330 million subscribers will become &#8220;the most impactful entertainment brand in the world&#8221; while integrating crypto into a new financial services platform.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why An Ethereum Company Is Betting On A YouTuber</h3>



BitMine is the world&#8217;s largest 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> treasury company, holding 4.17 million ETH worth roughly $13 billion.&nbsp;



The company&#8217;s entire strategy has been buying and holding Ethereum—so <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitmine-immersion-technologies-bmnr-announces-200-million-investment-in-beast-industries-302662082.html">putting</a> $200 million into a YouTube creator&#8217;s business marks a major shift.



Lee said Beast Industries has unmatched reach with Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennials.



That matters for BitMine because MrBeast&#8217;s audience skews heavily toward younger demographics who are more comfortable with crypto than older generations.



Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold specifically mentioned plans to &#8220;incorporate DeFi into our upcoming financial services platform.&#8221;&nbsp;



BitMine is betting MrBeast can introduce millions of young users to Ethereum-based financial products, with the deal closing around January 19.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BMNR Stock Attempts Bounce After 82% Crash</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="689" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15091349/image-246-1024x689.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1260918" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15091349/image-246-1024x689.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15091349/image-246-300x202.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15091349/image-246-768x517.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15091349/image-246.png 1332w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Price Prediction for BMNR&nbsp;



BMNR closed Tuesday at $31.74, up 4.61%, and trades up in premarket at $32.72.&nbsp;



The stock is attempting to break out after crashing 82% from June&#8217;s $140 peak to December&#8217;s $24.43 low.



The stock needs to break above $34 to flip short-term momentum bullish, targeting $36 and potentially $38-$40.



Breaking $34 would negate the descending triangle pattern that&#8217;s been pressuring the stock for months.



However, losing $31 support would retest the $29 zone, with further weakness targeting $27.50 and the critical $24.43 base. Also current tight consolidation suggests volatility is imminent.



Image: Shutterstock

Mr. Beast Receives $200 Million Investment By Tom Lee's BitMine

U.S. spot 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> ETFs pulled in $843.62 million Wednesday—the highest single-day total since October 7—as institutional money floods back into crypto after three months of cautious positioning, pushing BTC to test the critical $100,000 resistance level.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three-Day Streak Brings $1.71 Billion In Fresh Capital</h3>



Wednesday&#8217;s massive inflow caps a three-day run that brought $1.71 billion into Bitcoin ETFs.



That&#8217;s a complete reversal from early January, when these same funds bled $1.38 billion from January 6-9 as investors pulled back.



The shift happened fast. Tuesday saw $753.73 million in inflows—the highest in three months at the time.&nbsp;



Wednesday topped that with $843.62 million, the biggest single day since October 7.



BlackRock&#8217;s IBIT <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBIT" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="IBIT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IBIT">IBIT</a>)</a> led the charge with $648 million flowing in Wednesday alone.&nbsp;



Fidelity's FBTC <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FBTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="FBTC" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FBTC">FBTC</a>)</a> added $125.4 million, while Ark &amp; 21Shares' ARKB <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARKB" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ARKB" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARKB">ARKB</a>)</a> attracted $27 million.



Overall, eight of the 12 U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reported net inflows for the session, signaling broad-based institutional demand.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">January Shows Recovery Pattern After Year-End Weakness</h3>



January has now posted $1.81 billion in net inflows through 14 trading days, with positive flows on six days and outflows on three. 



The month&#8217;s strongest inflow day came Wednesday at $843.62 million, while the worst outflow hit $486.08 million on January 7.



Nick Rick, director of LVRG Research, <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/385715/bitcoin-etf-inflows-three-day-streak">said</a> the ETF inflows represent a resurgence of institutional demand, signaling investors are aggressively reallocating capital after year-end caution and de-risking late last year.



Total Bitcoin ETF assets now stand at $128.04 billion, representing 4.54% of Bitcoin&#8217;s entire market cap. Cumulative net inflows since inception hit $58.12 billion, with daily trading volume reaching $6.26 billion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ethereum, XRP, And Solana ETFs Join The Party</h3>



The enthusiasm extends beyond Bitcoin. Spot 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> ETFs posted $175 million in positive flows Wednesday, marking their third consecutive net inflow day.



Spot 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> ETFs and XRP <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a> ETFs also reported inflows, worth $23.5 million and $10.6 million respectively.&nbsp;



The broad-based buying across crypto ETFs suggests renewed confidence in the entire digital asset ecosystem.



Vincent Liu, CIO of Kronos Research, said sustained net inflows into crypto ETFs will create a &#8220;structural tailwind&#8221; for crypto prices, supported by improving regulatory clarity from the Senate Banking Committee&#8217;s draft bill granting major altcoins Bitcoin-like commodity status.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BTC Consolidates Below $100,000 As Bulls Build Position</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="685" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15072410/image-241-1024x685.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1260683" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15072410/image-241-1024x685.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15072410/image-241-300x201.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15072410/image-241-768x514.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/15072410/image-241.png 1339w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



BTC Price Analysis By TradingView



Bitcoin is trading flat today, down 0.40%, consolidating just below the critical $100,000 psychological resistance.&nbsp;



Price holds above both the 20-day moving average at $91,860 and 50-day average at $92,068, maintaining short-term bullish structure.&nbsp;



However, the 200-day average at $99,560 has proven formidable, rejecting multiple breakout attempts.



A sustained move above $99,500-$100,000 would confirm the ascending triangle breakout, targeting $104,000 and potentially $108,000.&nbsp;



The consolidation pattern suggests a big move is imminent—direction will be determined by whether bulls can finally conquer the $100,000 barrier.



Support sits at $95,000, then $92,000 where moving averages converge, followed by $89,000. Losing $95,000 would signal the breakout attempt failed.



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Taps $97,000 Powered By $843 Million ETF Inflows: What Is Going On?

The online casino industry is evolving rapidly, and operators are exploring new ways to engage and retain players beyond traditional promotions. Historically, casinos have relied on bonuses, loyalty points, and advertising to attract users. While effective in the short term, these methods often encourage passive engagement, with limited long-term impact on retention or revenue. As the digital entertainment landscape becomes more competitive, operators are turning to innovative approaches that integrate technology, behavioral science, and gamified experiences. Among these, Web3-enabled incentive frameworks are emerging as a promising strategy to reshape player engagement and unlock new avenues for monetization.



One illustrative example comes from High Roller Technologies, Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ROLR" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ROLR" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ROLR">ROLR</a>)</a>, a publicly listed operator of premium online casino brands. The company is experimenting with next-generation engagement models through a partnership with Power Protocol. This collaboration aims to explore how mission-based rewards, behavioral incentives, and co-created user experiences can be responsibly deployed across regulated markets. By moving away from passive promotion, High Roller hopes to create more meaningful interactions with players, potentially enhancing retention and generating incremental revenue streams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Evolution of Online Casino Engagement</h2>



Online casinos have long relied on a combination of promotional offers and loyalty programs to drive activity. Free spins, deposit bonuses, and tiered reward structures remain staples of the industry. While these incentives can be effective for short-term engagement, they often fail to foster long-term loyalty. Users may engage only to capitalize on a bonus before moving on, leaving operators with limited insight into actual behavior or preference.



The rise of mobile gaming, live dealer experiences, and increasingly sophisticated online platforms has also shifted consumer expectations. Players today seek more than just monetary rewards; they want interactive, personalized, and immersive experiences that provide a sense of achievement and connection. This shift has prompted operators to consider behavioral and mission-based incentives, which reward players for completing specific actions, achieving milestones, or participating in co-created experiences. Unlike traditional promotions, these strategies aim to strengthen the connection between the operator and the player, improving retention and lifetime value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Web3 Incentives as a Game-Changer</h2>



Web3 technologies, which include blockchain-based rewards and tokenized experiences, offer tools to implement these new engagement models at scale. Incentives can be tailored to individual behaviors, enabling operators to offer personalized rewards and gamified experiences that reflect player preferences. Co-created experiences, for example, allow users to participate in shaping certain aspects of gameplay or rewards, fostering a sense of ownership and deeper engagement.



For operators, the appeal of Web3 extends beyond engagement metrics. By integrating tokenized rewards and behavioral incentives, casinos can create additional revenue streams, encourage repeat play, and gather insights into player behavior that were previously difficult to quantify. These models also allow operators to differentiate themselves in increasingly crowded markets, providing a technological and experiential edge over competitors relying solely on traditional promotions.



Regulatory compliance is an important consideration in deploying these technologies. Operators must ensure that incentive mechanisms adhere to responsible gaming standards and regional licensing requirements. This is particularly critical in regulated markets, where misaligned incentives could risk regulatory scrutiny or harm the player experience. Companies must strike a balance between innovation and compliance, ensuring that Web3 tools enhance engagement without introducing undue risk or complexity for players.



The collaboration between High Roller and Power Protocol serves as a practical example of this trend. By leveraging the incentive infrastructure provided by Power Protocol, High Roller is testing mission-based rewards and co-created experiences across its portfolio of brands, including High Roller and Fruta. The initiative is designed to be consumer-friendly and compliant, demonstrating how operators can innovate responsibly while exploring the potential of Web3 tools. It also reflects a broader industry pattern, with leading operators increasingly integrating emerging technologies to enhance user experiences and drive growth in regulated markets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Implications for Investors and the Industry</h2>



For investors, these developments highlight a broader shift in the iGaming sector toward innovative engagement strategies that could influence long-term revenue and market positioning. Companies that adopt next-generation incentive models early may gain a competitive advantage, offering unique experiences that differentiate them from rivals.



Increased player engagement through behavioral incentives can also translate into higher lifetime value and more predictable revenue streams. Operators can more accurately assess retention trends, forecast revenue potential, and reduce reliance on costly player acquisition campaigns. For investors, these factors contribute to longer-term visibility into growth prospects, which can be particularly valuable in a sector subject to regulatory pressures and intense competition.



The initiative also underscores the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. By leveraging specialized expertise in incentive design, operators can accelerate experimentation without overhauling their core platforms. Investors observing these efforts may interpret them as signals of proactive management strategy and forward-looking growth planning, rather than short-term marketing efforts.



The broader implications for the industry are significant. As more operators experiment with Web3-enabled engagement models, the market could see a shift toward data-driven, personalized, and interactive player experiences, with long-term benefits for revenue and retention. Companies that fail to adapt may struggle to compete in a landscape where user experience and behavioral engagement are increasingly central to success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges and Adoption Considerations</h2>



Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges to widespread adoption. Regulatory frameworks vary by jurisdiction, and operators must ensure that any Web3-enabled incentive system complies with local laws and responsible gaming standards. Players may also be unfamiliar with Web3 concepts or hesitant to engage with tokenized rewards. Achieving adoption may require education and seamless integration with existing platforms.



Operationally, scaling these engagement models requires careful planning and data-driven design. Rewards must be meaningful, achievable, and compliant, while avoiding unintended consequences such as encouraging compulsive play. Companies that balance innovation with compliance and user experience are likely to succeed, while those that rush adoption may face both regulatory and reputational risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Web3 Is Taking iGaming</h2>



Web3-enabled incentives represent a new frontier in online casino engagement. By moving beyond traditional promotions toward mission-based and co-created experiences, operators can foster deeper connections with players, improve retention, and potentially unlock new revenue streams. More broadly, the trend illustrates how leading operators are testing frameworks responsibly within regulated markets, offering a glimpse into the future of digital engagement in iGaming.



As the industry continues to evolve, the companies that successfully integrate technology, behavioral insights, and regulatory compliance into their engagement strategies are likely to stand out. For investors and industry observers alike, the shift toward Web3-enabled, incentive-driven engagement offers a compelling lens through which to evaluate the long-term growth potential of online casinos and the evolving dynamics of digital entertainment.



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.

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