Convicted Bitfinex hacker Ilya Lichtenstein said a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42599660/bitfinex-hacker-of-biggest-heist-ever-documentary-takes-responsibilitybut-his-wife-has-other-ideas">prison reform law signed</a> by President Donald Trump led to his early release after serving part of a five-year sentence for one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts on record.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prison Reform Law Cited In Early Release</h2>



Lichtenstein, a Russian-U.S. national who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42011697/bitcoin-hacker-sentenced-to-5-years-for-laundering-billions-in-crypto-theft">admitted to hacking crypto exchange</a> Bitfinex in 2016 and stealing nearly 120,000 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>, said on Thursday he has been released from prison early under the First Step Act, the bipartisan criminal justice reform law signed by Trump in 2018.



In a post on his X, he added that he plans to pursue work in cybersecurity and thanked supporters while saying he intends to prove critics wrong.



<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">Thanks to President Trump&#39;s First Step Act, I have been released from prison early. I remain committed to making a positive impact in cybersecurity as soon as I can. To the supporters, thank you for everything. To the haters, I look forward to proving you wrong.&mdash; Ilya Lichtenstein (@cipherstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/cipherstein/status/2006939277230297536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



A Trump administration official <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/02/bitcoin-hacker-ilya-lichtenstein-bitfinex-razzlekhan.html">confirmed</a> to CNBC on Friday that Lichtenstein has served a significant portion of his sentence and is now on home confinement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sentence, Custody Credits And Official Release Date</h2>



Lichtenstein, 38, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced in November 2024 to five years in prison.



His sentence included credit for time already served following his 2022 arrest, more than five years after the Bitfinex hack.



As of Friday morning, the federal inmate locator still listed Lichtenstein's scheduled release date as Feb. 9, indicating he remains under supervision despite leaving prison custody. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/01/49679708/fbi-thwarts-alleged-isis-inspired-new-years-eve-terror-attack-in-north-carolina-charges-18-year-old">FBI Thwarts Alleged ISIS-Inspired New Year&#8217;s Eve Terror Attack In North Carolina, Charges 18-Year-Old</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wife Heather Morgan Also Released Early</h2>



Lichtenstein's wife, Heather Morgan, who pleaded guilty to helping launder the stolen bitcoin, shared his message on social media, calling his return home the "best New Year's present" after four years apart.



<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 best New Years present I could get was finally having my husband home after 4 years of being apart. &#x1f49c;&#x1f64f;&#x1faac; <a href="https://t.co/toUJ0Bz70h">https://t.co/toUJ0Bz70h</a> <a href="https://t.co/plsnktmJ5l">pic.twitter.com/plsnktmJ5l</a>&mdash; Heather &quot;Razzlekhan&quot; Morgan (@HeatherReyhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherReyhan/status/2006939858774929720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Morgan, 35, who performs as a rapper under the name "Razzlekhan," was sentenced to 18 months in prison and entered custody in February.



She announced her own early release in October, also crediting Trump's prison reform law.



The First Step Act allows eligible federal inmates to earn time credits and transition to home confinement, but does not involve presidential pardons or individual intervention.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/12/49600116/zelenskyy-heads-to-florida-for-high-stakes-ukraine-peace-talks-with-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zelenskyy Heads To Florida For High-Stakes Ukraine Peace Talks With Trump</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Shutterstock

Bitfinex Hacker Ilya Lichtenstein Freed Early Thanks To Trump's Prison Reform Law— Wife Calls It 'Best New Years Present'

The past year tested investor confidence, as markets grappled with policy upheaval tied to President Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/12/49641957/trumps-tariffs-and-the-art-of-the-rebound">"Liberation Day" tariffs</a> and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/11/48823925/house-passes-funding-bill-to-end-record-42-day-government-shutdown-mike-johnson-my-friends-lets-get-this-done">disruptive government shutdown</a> that kept IPO activity largely frozen. 



As the calendar <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/25/12/49245739/nyse-chief-says-2026-ipo-boom-is-coming-after-market-shutdowns-its-going-to-be-a-busy-january">turns to 2026</a>, however, prediction market data points to a shift in sentiment, fueled in part by sustained enthusiasm around artificial intelligence (AI). 



While headlines have focused on blockbuster names such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/26/01/49659528/from-starship-v3-to-ipo-what-elon-musks-spacex-is-targeting-in-2026">SpaceX</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/48517314/sam-altmans-openai-targets-up-to-1-trillion-valuation-in-historic-ipo-after-major-restructuring-and-california-approval-report">OpenAI</a>, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/12/49177214/amazon-backed-anthropic-moves-closer-to-one-of-the-largest-tech-ipos-ever-taps-wilson-sonsini-as-it-sets-eyes-on-over-300-billion-valuation-report">Anthropic</a>, under-the-radar IPOs are quietly capturing investor attention. 



Kalshi, a real-money prediction market where traders bet on future events, <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxipo/ipos/kxipo-26">shows</a> early indications of which companies could go public before 2027. These probabilities were checked as of Friday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Companies Will Announce IPOs Before 2027? </h2>



Kraken: Kalshi markets price an 83% chance that the crypto exchange, which has already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/48956185/kraken-confidentially-files-for-ipo-targets-20-billion-valuation">confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO</a>, will formally go public before 2027. The filing adds momentum to a broader rush among digital asset companies preparing to tap U.S. equity markets ahead of the 2026 midterms.



Cerebras Systems: The AI chipmaker carries a 77% probability of announcing an IPO before next year. After filing confidential IPO paperwork in 2024 and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/25/10/48031409/nvidia-competitor-cerebras-shelves-ipo-plans-days-after-touching-8-billion-valuation">withdrawing in October 2025</a> following a reported review tied to an Abu Dhabi investor, the 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> rival is reportedly preparing to re-file as early as Q2 2026.



Databricks: The San Francisco-based AI software company has a 70% chance of announcing its plans to go public before 2027. Databricks raised more than $4 billion last month at a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/12/49129279/databricks-in-talks-to-raise-5-billion-at-a-massive-134-billion-valuation-amid-explosive-sales-growth">$134 billion valuation</a>, making its potential IPO one of the most-watched tech listings.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/11/48938909/nancy-pelosis-portfolio-keeps-winning-her-databricks-stake-is-up-302">Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s Portfolio Keeps Winning—Her Databricks Stake Is Up 302%</a>



Discord: On Kalshi, the market is betting 70% odds that Discord will announce an IPO before 2027. The popular communication platform, widely used by gaming and online communities, has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44503300/discord-prepares-for-potential-ipo-with-goldman-sachs-jpmorgan-bloomberg">private for over a decade</a> and raised significant funding, and was last valued at around $15 billion. 



Apart from this, fintech firm Plaid has a 49% chance, while defense tech company Anduril and apparel brand Skims both have a 46% likelihood of going public before 2027, according to the data. 



READ NEXT: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/12/49534387/market-to-see-midterm-led-initial-volatility-in-2026-analyst-says-dont-chase-tech-focus-on-these-sectors">Market To See Midterm-Led &#8216;Initial Volatility&#8217; In 2026? Analyst Says Don&#8217;t &#8216;Chase&#8217; Tech, Focus On These Sectors</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock

Who's Going Public Next? Kalshi Bets Drop US IPO Clues Before 2027— And It's Not Just SpaceX Or OpenAI

A quiet crypto promotion is giving some people in the U.S. a surprisingly easy way to <a href="https://med.etoro.com/B12656_A78644_TClick_Ssignupbonusdedicated.aspx">pick up $10 worth of Bitcoin or Ethereum</a> — and unlike many sign-up bonuses, this one doesn't demand ongoing trading, referrals, or long-term commitment. 



For eligible first-time users, it's essentially a short window where opening and verifying a new investment account unlocks free crypto that can be converted to cash almost immediately.



There's no strategy involved, no hoops to jump through, and no expectation that you keep using the platform afterward. If your goal is simply to grab $10 in crypto and move on, that's very much on the table here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How the $10 Free Crypto Offer Actually Works</h2>



The promotion is<a href="https://med.etoro.com/B12656_A78644_TClick_Ssignupbonusdedicated.aspx"> tied to opening a new U.S. investment account with eToro</a>, a regulated trading platform that operates in the United States. 



In plain terms, select first-time users who complete identity verification and make an initial deposit <a href="https://med.etoro.com/B12656_A78644_TClick_Ssignupbonusdedicated.aspx">may receive $10 in free cryptocurrency</a>.



When the offer appears, the bonus can be credited as Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), or Ethereum (ETH), depending on what's shown during signup. 



The important part is how it's delivered: this is not store credit, reward points, or a locked bonus. The $10 is credited as a real crypto position at market price, meaning it behaves like any other holding in the account.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Ongoing Trading Required</h2>



Most crypto bonuses come with strings attached — trade X times, maintain activity for Y days, or keep funds locked until some condition is met. That's not how this one is structured.



Once the $10 crypto position appears, it can be closed whenever you want. When you close it, the value is converted directly into U.S. dollars and added to your available cash balance.



There's no requirement spelled out in the help documentation to keep trading, stay active, or maintain the account beyond receiving the bonus. 



For people whose only objective is free crypto, <a href="https://med.etoro.com/B12656_A78644_TClick_Ssignupbonusdedicated.aspx">this can function as a one-and-done deal</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Qualifies (and Who Doesn't)</h2>



This promotion is limited and not available to everyone. 



It only applies to first-time U.S. eToro investment account holders. If you've opened an eToro investment account in the past, you're excluded.



Location also matters. Crypto trading isn't supported everywhere, which means people living in New York, Nevada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are not eligible for the offer.



Eligibility is determined during registration. If the $10 bonus does not appear as an on-screen prompt while you're signing up, the account does not qualify; there's no way to add it retroactively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the Bonus Looks Like Once It Lands</h2>



When credited, the bonus shows up directly in your portfolio as a crypto position.



In your account history, it's labeled as a "Promotion," and on official statements it appears as an "Airdrop." From there, it can be managed like a normal crypto trade: you can adjust settings or close it immediately.



Once closed, the USD value transfers straight into your available balance. 



One limitation worth noting: because the bonus is only $10, it sits below the platform's minimum threshold for transferring crypto to an external wallet, so it stays inside the account until converted to cash.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Fine Print That Actually Matters</h2>



A few caveats are worth keeping in mind. 



The promotion isn't guaranteed for every new account. It's only valid if the offer appears during signup. 



Standard crypto trading costs apply, including eToro's 1% crypto fee and any spread when the position is opened and closed. 



And as with any crypto transaction, any gains may be taxable depending on your personal tax situation.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://med.etoro.com/B12656_A78644_TClick_Ssignupbonusdedicated.aspx">See if You Qualify for the $10 Crypto Bonus Now</a></li>
</ul>

No Catch, No Gimmick: You Could Get $10 in Free Crypto (BTC or ETH) Right Now

Bitcoin spiked above $90,000 heading into the first weekend of 2026, even as spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs recorded net outflows this week.



<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>$89,771.74</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>$3,104.24</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>$130.98</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>$1.98</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>$0.1386</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>$0.058101</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Coinglass data shows 105,578 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $381.05 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>SoSoValue data shows net outflows of $348.1 million from spot Bitcoin ETFs on Wednesday. Spot Ethereum ETFs saw net outflows of $72 million. </li>



<li>In the past 24 hours, top losers include Pepe, Floki and Pudgy Penguins.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49665477/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-to-surge-20-in-january-unlikely-polymarket-says">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP To Surge 20% In January? Unlikely, Polymarket Says</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49666863/xrp-flashes-buy-signal-as-ripple-executive-hints-at-2026-upside">XRP Flashes Buy Signal As Ripple Executive Hints At 2026 Upside</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49662672/iran-taps-into-cryptocurrency-payments-for-advanced-weapons-trade-amid-sanctions-economic-c">Iran Taps Into Cryptocurrency Payments For Advanced Weapons Trade Amid Sanctions, Economic Crisis: Report</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49668012/trump-pardoned-3-crypto-felons-in-10-months-heres-what-each-one-cost">Trump Pardoned 3 Crypto Felons In 10 Months—Here&#8217;s What Each One Cost</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49661578/mark-cuban-dallas-mavericks-cleared-of-lawsuit-linked-to-promotion-of-bankrupt-crypto-compa">Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks Cleared Of Lawsuit Linked To Promotion Of Bankrupt Crypto Company</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49661840/anthony-scaramucci-places-his-2026-altcoin-bets-on-solana-avalanche-plus-this-token-he-got-wrong-last-year-heres-why">Anthony Scaramucci Places His 2026 Altcoin Bets On Solana, Avalanche, Plus This Token He Got &#8216;Wrong&#8217; Last Year — Here&#8217;s Why</a></li>
</ul>



Trader Notes: CryptoCon <a href="https://x.com/CryptoCon_/status/2007145471274328079">said</a> Bitcoin has opened the year with a Pi Cycle "death cross," a signal that historically gains relevance later in the cycle. 



According to halving-cycle theory, 2026 is shaping up as a bear-market year, but that is not necessarily negative.



Bear markets often create the best long-term opportunities through prolonged downside and accumulation.



Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/alicharts/status/2007148132090474801">pointed</a> to a familiar historical setup. 



In early 2022, Bitcoin lost the 50-week simple moving average, briefly rebounded to retest it as resistance, and then sold off sharply. 



A similar structure today could allow for a bounce toward roughly $103,000 before a deeper decline, potentially toward the $42,000 area.



Crypto GodJohn <a href="https://x.com/CryptoGodJohn/status/2007134776504005087">noted</a> that one of his preferred strength-versus-weakness indicators is close to flipping from negative to neutral-positive for the first time in more than a month.



At the same time, the Coinbase premium is nearing a return to positive territory after heavy selling through December, signaling a pickup in U.S.-based spot demand and improving near-term sentiment.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49670014/bitcoin-stuck-at-90000-3-scenarios-to-watch-in-2026">Bitcoin Stuck At $90,000: 3 Scenarios To Watch In 2026</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Taps $90,000 As Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP Rally On First Market Day In 2026

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> executive chairman Michael Saylor says 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> makes the stock &#8220;interesting,&#8221; but Polymarket traders bet 76% the company gets booted from MSCI by March 31.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Options Activity Dwarfs Mega-Cap Peers</h3>



Saylor on Frida <a href="https://x.com/saylor/status/2006892948726718628">pointed</a> to MSTR&#8217;s options interest-to-market cap ratio, which now sits at 86.2%—far exceeding derivatives exposure at Tesla Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TSLA" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA">TSLA</a>)</a> at 22%, Meta Platforms Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="META" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META">META</a>)</a> at 10.4%, and 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> at 7.2%.



Tech giants like Alphabet Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GOOGL" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL">GOOGL</a>)</a>, Amazon Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="AMZN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN">AMZN</a>)</a>, 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>, and Microsoft Corp <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSFT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT">MSFT</a>)</a> cluster much lower around 3-4%, highlighting how extreme MSTR&#8217;s derivatives positioning is relative to its market size.



A large Jan. 2 options expiry could heighten short-term volatility, though MSTR&#8217;s returns over the past year have lagged behind its mega-cap peers despite the elevated options activity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Polymarket Sees Structural Pressure Building</h3>



Polymarket traders are <a href="https://polymarket.com/crypto/microstrategy">positioning</a> for stress around Strategy&#8217;s equity narrative as 2026 approaches.&nbsp;



The 76% probability of MSCI index <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49649875/strategy-crashed-71-since-the-election-heres-why-it-could-get-worse-in-january">removal</a> by March 31 reflects sustained concern over classification and index eligibility rather than a fleeting headline risk.



At the same time, confidence in another aggressive Bitcoin disclosure has softened.&nbsp;



The odds that MicroStrategy announces holdings above 680,000 BTC by Jan. 31 sit at 64%, down from recent highs.



Together, the pricing suggests traders expect structural pressure on the stock to materialize sooner than any near-term upside catalyst tied to fresh Bitcoin accumulation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart Shows $148 Is Last Line Of Defense</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="666" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02132247/image-2-7-1024x666.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1240469" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02132247/image-2-7-1024x666.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02132247/image-2-7-300x195.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02132247/image-2-7-768x500.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02132247/image-2-7.png 1372w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



MSTR Price Action By TradingView



MSTR is up 3.70% today, but remains in a clear downtrend after the 66% decline from late July&#8217;s peak near $460.



The 20 EMA at $167.67 represents the nearest overhead resistance, followed by the 50 EMA at $202.78.



The Supertrend indicator at $181.47 has flipped bearish, reinforcing the current downtrend.&nbsp;



The descending trendline from the November peak continues to cap upside attempts.



Recent price action shows consolidation in the $150-$160 range with diminishing volatility, which could precede a directional move.&nbsp;



The overall technical structure remains negative until the stock can reclaim key moving averages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Levels To Watch</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Immediate support: $148-$150 (recent lows)</li>



<li>Key resistance: $167-$170 (20 EMA), $180-$185 (Supertrend + psychological level)</li>



<li>Major resistance: $200+ (50 EMA zone)</li>
</ul>



A break below $148 opens the door to further downside with no clear support until $120-$130.&nbsp;



Reclaiming $180 and holding it as support would be the first sign of a trend reversal.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/01/49672867/why-is-parazero-stock-gaining-today">Why Is ParaZero Stock Gaining Today?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Michael Saylor Says Bitcoin Makes MSTR 'Interesting,' But Polymarket Aren't So Sure

Any weakness in early 2026 would reflect growing pains, not the end of crypto's long-term upside, according to BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMNR" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BMNR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMNR">BMNR</a>)</a> CEO Tom Lee.



What Happened: In a CNBC Market Alert interview on Dec. 30, Lee <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2KkyaDq3YM">said</a> crypto's strongest growth phase still lies ahead. 



He noted that only about 4 million 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> wallets hold more than $10,000, compared with roughly 900 million global IRA and brokerage accounts at that level, highlighting how early adoption remains.



While concerns around quantum risk and recent deleveraging have weighed on sentiment, Lee said fundamentals are ending 2025 on solid footing. 



The current unease, he argued, is less about failure and more about whether future gains are already priced in.



Lee grouped crypto with AI as dominant, structurally strong trades. 



He described AI as being in a "bleeding-edge" phase, where technology advances faster than real-world applications, often mistaken for disappointment before mass adoption accelerates.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49664725/bitcoin-rallies-above-89000-as-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-jump-3">Bitcoin Rallies Above $89,000 As Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Jump 3%</a>



What's Next: Lee expects the first half of 2026 to be volatile, with a potential 10%–15% pullback as investors take profits and reassess valuations. 



He said policy support could later re-emerge, with both a "Fed put" and a "White House put" coming back into focus.



After that turbulence, Lee expects a strong recovery, likening 2026 to a year that includes both a corrective phase and a renewed bull run. 



His broader message: skepticism itself may fuel the next leg higher, as crypto, AI, and even banks move closer to a true transformation phase.



Crypto trader DonAlt echoed a more neutral stance, <a href="https://x.com/CryptoDonAlt/status/2006981893871591713">outlining</a> a wide range of outcomes for Bitcoin: from a potential spike toward $150,000 in a full reversal to downside risk near $60,000 in a bearish scenario. 



He <a href="https://x.com/CryptoDonAlt/status/2006977238869344722">said</a> his outlook has shifted from bearish to neutral entering the new year.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49670014/bitcoin-stuck-at-90000-3-scenarios-to-watch-in-2026">Bitcoin Stuck At $90,000: 3 Scenarios To Watch In 2026</a></li>
</ul>

Tom Lee Sees 10% To 15% Crypto Pullback In Early 2026 As White House, Fed Policy Risks Loom

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> CEO Brian Armstrong declared on New Year&#8217;s Day that the company aims to become &#8220;the #1 financial app in the world&#8221; by building an everything exchange, as COIN tests <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/coinbase-stock-price-prediction">critical support at $218</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Everything Exchange War Plan</h3>



Armstrong&#8217;s first <a href="https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/2006855956840239265">priority</a> targets global dominance: grow the everything exchange across crypto, equities, prediction markets, and commodities—spanning spot, futures, and options.



This isn&#8217;t incremental expansion—it&#8217;s a direct <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/25/12/49482095/coinbase-takes-on-robinhood-with-stock-trading-what-the-everything-exchange-means-for-your-money">challenge</a> to 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> and traditional brokerages.



In December, Coinbase announced traditional stock trading with 24-hour access five days a week and zero commissions.



But Armstrong told CNBC the real play is tokenized equities—stocks that live on blockchain networks instead of traditional exchanges.&nbsp;



That means 24/7 trading, instant settlement, and dramatically lower costs.



He also announced a radical shift on token listings by outsourcing to decentralized exchanges.&nbsp;



Coinbase now offers millions of tokens via DEX, though he warned users not to treat any listing as an endorsement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stablecoins As Bank Replacement</h3>



Armstrong&#8217;s second priority <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45309227/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-believes-traditional-banks-launching-own-stablecoins-not-necessarily-the-best-path-pitches-usdc-as-option">focuses</a> on scaling USDC for everyday use—from buying coffee to settling million-dollar cross-border invoices.



In a September 2025 Fox Business interview, Armstrong positioned Coinbase as a bank replacement and questioned why consumers pay 2 to 3% fees every time they swipe a credit card.&nbsp;



Stablecoin-based <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48550368/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-calls-payments-the-next-big-use-case-for-crypto-sees-potential-for-stablecoins-in-this-space">payments</a> could undercut these fees while offering superior speed.



With Trump&#8217;s GENIUS Act (signed July 19, 2025) creating federal stablecoin regulations, Armstrong sees the perfect moment to scale USDC adoption aggressively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Base And Onchain Strategy</h3>



Armstrong&#8217;s third priority leverages Coinbase&#8217;s Ethereum layer-2 network Base and Base App to &#8220;bring the world on-chain.&#8221;



The company plans major investments in automation and product quality underlying all three priorities.



Moreover, David Duong, Coinbase&#8217;s Global Head of Investment Research, <a href="https://x.com/DavidDuong/status/2006381532756295969">argued</a> in a New Year&#8217;s Eve update that regulatory clarity and institutional adoption &#8220;are converging to make crypto part of the financial core.&#8221;



He points to spot crypto ETFs, stablecoins, and tokenization as the three forces driving that shift into 2026.



Faster ETF approvals, wider use of stablecoins in settlement, and acceptance of tokenized collateral are pulling crypto into core financial infrastructure according to him.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart Shows $218 Is The Line In The Sand</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="667" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02121500/image-2-6-1024x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1240392" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02121500/image-2-6-1024x667.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02121500/image-2-6-300x195.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02121500/image-2-6-768x500.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02121500/image-2-6.png 1372w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



COIN Price Analysis By TradingView



COIN is up 3.32%, after touching the lower Bollinger Band at $218.32, which suggests the stock may be oversold and could bounce higher from this historically strong support zone.



The stock is testing critical support at $218 after the 48% decline from July&#8217;s peak.&nbsp;



Immediate resistance sits at the Supertrend level of $260.32, followed by the BB midpoint at $251.52 and upper band at $284.73.



Upside targets: $260, $285, then $300-$340 on sustained breakout.



Downside risks: Break below $218 targets $200, with catastrophic failure below $180 opening $150-$160.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49671021/ethereum-crushes-a-record-from-2021-so-why-is-price-still-stuck-at-3000">Ethereum Crushes A Record From 2021—So Why Is Price Still Stuck At $3,000?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Coinbase CEO Unveils 2026 Roadmap But COIN Stock Shows Ominous Signs

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> recorded 1.87 million daily transactions on Dec. 31 but remains trapped under resistance as another failed breakout attempt <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/ethereum-eth-price-predictions">dashed bulls&#8217; hopes</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Network Activity Explodes To Record Highs</h3>



Ethereum&#8217;s 7-day moving average of daily transactions hit 1.87 million on Dec. 31, surpassing the previous ATH of 1.61 million from May 2021 during the NFT and DeFi mania <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/384130/ethereum-daily-transactions-all-time-high?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social">according</a> to The Block.



The network also logged 728,904 active addresses—the highest since May 12, 2021—and added 270,160 new addresses in a single day, the biggest daily surge since early 2018.



Nick Ruck, director of LVRG Research, credited the spike to network upgrades that slashed fees, boosted scalability, and pulled in institutional money via ETFs and real-world asset tokenization.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pectra And Fusaka Upgrades Fueled The Surge</h3>



Two major 2025 upgrades, Pectra and Fusaka, drove the transaction boom.



Pectra increased blob throughput, introduced account abstraction for smoother wallet use, and raised validator staking limits.&nbsp;



Fusaka activated PeerDAS, which streamlined data availability sampling to support higher blob counts without stressing nodes.



These upgrades, combined with higher gas limits and zkEVM breakthroughs, crushed transaction costs and advanced Ethereum&#8217;s rollup-centric roadmap.



Two more upgrades are coming in 2026.&nbsp;



Glamsterdam (early-to-mid 2026) will improve performance and decentralization. Hegota (second half) will target long-term sustainability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Price Action Tells A Different Story</h3>



Despite record network activity, ETH is pinned under the 20 EMA at $3,373 on the weekly chart.



RSI sits at 43.92—not oversold, but bleeding momentum. Each rally since August 2024 failed to push RSI above 60, a classic bear market signal inside a bull structure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="667" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-19-1024x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1240173" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-19-1024x667.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-19-300x195.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-19-768x500.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-19.png 1372w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



ETH Daily Chart Analysis



On the daily chart, ETH is testing a descending trendline around $3,100-$3,200 right now. Price keeps wicking above the line but gets rejected immediately—no follow-through, no conviction.



The Supertrend at $3,296 and the SAR act as overhead resistance.&nbsp;



Without a daily close above $3,200 and volume confirmation, this breakout is a fake-out.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">$6,000 Path Requires Clean Break Above $3,200</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="667" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-2-5-1024x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1240174" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-2-5-1024x667.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-2-5-300x195.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-2-5-768x500.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02102224/image-2-5.png 1372w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



ETH Weekly Price Outlook



Bulls need ETH to close above $3,200 on the daily, then hold it as support on any retest.&nbsp;



That opens the door to $3,400, then $3,600, keeping the $6,000 dream alive.



If ETH gets rejected here (like it has repeatedly), the descending triangle confirms, and a breakdown to $2,800 or lower kills the $6,000 narrative for Q1.



Weekly support sits at $3,009 (100 EMA), with the final line in the sand at $2,608 (200 EMA).



Justin d&#8217;Anethan, head of research at Arctic Digital, said Ethereum still dominates stablecoin activity, RWAs, yield protocols, trading, gaming, and NFTs—all on Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains.&nbsp;



He thinks the setup for a massive surprise is forming as investors capitulate on tame price action.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49668012/trump-pardoned-3-crypto-felons-in-10-months-heres-what-each-one-cost">Trump Pardoned 3 Crypto Felons In 10 Months—Here&#8217;s What Each One Cost</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

Ethereum Crushes A Record From 2021—So Why Is Price Still Stuck At $3,000?

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> continues to struggle below $90,000, leaving investors uncertain whether 2026 will begin with prolonged consolidation or a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction-oct-14">decisive macro-driven move</a>.



What Happened: According <a href="https://x.com/cryptoquant_com/status/2006622920764792941">to</a> CryptoQuant, Bitcoin has entered the new year stuck in a volatile range rather than a clearly defined bull or bear trend. 



The on-chain analytics firm outlined three potential scenarios for 2026:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>High probability — Range-bound ("twisted range"): Bitcoin trades broadly between $80,000 and $140,000, with $90,000–$120,000 acting as the core zone. This outcome would be driven by uneven capital flows, ETF-driven trading, and derivatives activity.</li>



<li>Medium probability — Macro shock: A recession or sharp risk-off event could trigger deleveraging and ETF outflows, pushing Bitcoin below $80,000 and potentially toward $50,000.</li>



<li>Low probability — Risk-on breakout: Early monetary easing and sustained ETF inflows could propel Bitcoin toward $120,000–$170,000, though this would require multiple favorable macro and liquidity conditions.</li>
</ul>



CryptoQuant noted that which scenario plays out will depend on exchange reserves, ETF flows, futures open interest and liquidations, and behavior across short- and long-term holders. 



For now, a range-bound market remains the most likely baseline.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49664725/bitcoin-rallies-above-89000-as-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-jump-3">Bitcoin Rallies Above $89,000 As Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Jump 3%</a>



What's Next: While long-term supports such as ETF adoption and structural supply constraints remain intact, CryptoQuant said macro uncertainty, U.S. political dynamics, and derivatives-driven trading continue to cap sustained upside. 



As a result, the near-term outlook remains neutral to slightly bearish due to a lack of strong confirmation signals.



Echoing a similar view, Stockmoney Lizards <a href="https://x.com/StockmoneyL/status/2007073324682080432">expects</a> Bitcoin to range initially before eventually breaking out to a new all-time high later in the cycle. 



He argues that as Bitcoin dominance peaks and capital begins to rotate, oversold altcoins could see relief rallies.



With multiple ETFs expanding market access, the infrastructure for broader exposure is growing—raising the odds that capital eventually spreads beyond Bitcoin.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49665477/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-to-surge-20-in-january-unlikely-polymarket-says">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP To Surge 20% In January? Unlikely, Polymarket Says</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Stuck At $90,000: 3 Scenarios To Watch In 2026

President Donald Trump pardoned three high-profile crypto figures between January and October 2025, triggering allegations that personal financial ties influenced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49637021/donald-trumps-2025-crypto-playbook-heres-every-major-move-he-made">executive clemency decisions</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ross Ulbricht: The Silk Road Founder</h3>



Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44754684/silk-road-creator-ross-ulbricht-plans-first-public-appearance-since-release-at-bitcoin-conference">granted</a> a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht on Jan. 21, 2025, freeing the creator of the Silk Road marketplace after more than a decade behind bars.



Ulbricht had been serving a double life sentence since 2013 for operating an online marketplace that prosecutors said facilitated roughly $1 billion in illegal transactions involving drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, largely settled in 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>.



Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, saying he personally called Ulbricht's mother and credited support from libertarian voters.&nbsp;



He described those involved in Ulbricht's prosecution as having "weaponized the government."



Following the pardon, Ulbricht publicly praised Trump as "a man of his word."&nbsp;



Blockchain analysis later showed wallets linked to Ulbricht still held about 430 BTC, valued at more than $45 million at the time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BitMEX Co-Founders Receive Clemency</h3>



On March 27, 2025, Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/03/44544963/donald-trump-pardons-bitmex-co-founders-arthur-hayes-benjamin-delo-samuel-reed">pardoned</a> Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, Samuel Reed, and former BitMEX executive Gregory Dwyer.



The four had pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act for failing to establish anti-money laundering and know-your-customer programs while operating BitMEX.



Prosecutors accused them of operating BitMEX as a &#8220;money laundering platform.&#8221;&nbsp;



The co-founders were ordered to pay $10 million each in civil fines, while BitMEX itself paid $100 million.



Hayes tweeted &#8220;Thank you POTUS&#8221; after the announcement while Delo said the decision validated their long-standing claim that the case was excessive.



Hayes has since continued to promote a bullish long-term outlook for Bitcoin, including a $1 million price target tied to global monetary expansion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Changpeng Zhao's Pardon Sparks Backlash</h3>



Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48385790/trump-pardens-binance-founder-changpeng-zhao-ending-biden-administrations-war-on-crypto">pardoned</a> Binance founder Changpeng &#8220;CZ&#8221; Zhao on October 23, 2025, sparking the most intense backlash of all crypto pardons.



CZ pleaded guilty in November 2023 to enabling money laundering while CEO of Binance, paid a $50 million fine, and served four months in prison.&nbsp;



Binance agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with regulators.



Trump said he doesn&#8217;t know CZ personally but was told by &#8220;a lot of people&#8221; that CZ was &#8220;persecuted&#8221; by the Biden administration.



The decision drew immediate criticism from lawmakers, who argued the pardon raised serious ethical concerns.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Corruption Allegations</h3>



Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48401652/maxine-waters-says-trumps-crypto-pardons-show-presidency-built-on-corruption">called</a> the pardon a &#8220;blatant display of corruption&#8221; tied to Trump&#8217;s financial interests in digital assets.



Waters claimed Changpeng Zhao &#8220;spent months lobbying Trump and his family while funneling billions into Trump&#8217;s personal crypto company,&#8221; referring to World Liberty Financial <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="WLFI" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WLFI-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: WLFI)</a>.



Reports indicate Binance parked $2 billion in WLFI&#8217;s stablecoin, generating about $80-87 million annually.&nbsp;



With a 60% stake, the Trump family could receive $48-52 million in passive income.



Additional disclosures showed Binance spent about $800,000 on lobbying related to clemency efforts and paid $450,000 to a firm run by Charles McDowell, a longtime associate of Donald Trump Jr., to seek executive relief.



Zhao denied any quid pro quo, calling reports of a deal with World Liberty Financial "categorically false."



Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46410017/elizabeth-warren-says-convicted-felon-leveraged-trump-familys-crypto-interests-for-pardon-senator-makes-scathing-comments-on-binance-co-founder">echoed</a> the criticism, saying Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering charges, promoted a Trump-linked crypto venture, and then received a presidential pardon.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/01/49665388/why-is-globavend-stock-gaining-today">Why Is Globavend Stock Gaining Today?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Trump Pardoned 3 Crypto Felons In 10 Months—Here's What Each One Cost

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 attempting to reclaim $2 as technical indicators turn constructive, exchange supply tightens and spot <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49648161/how-xrps-incredible-year-became-a-48-crash-despite-everything-going-right">XRP ETFs record fresh inflows</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$1.89</td><td>$115.1 billion</td><td>+1.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$89,240.56</td><td>$1.78 trillion</td><td>+0.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$3,049.31</td><td>$368 billion</td><td>+2.3%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Web3Niels <a href="https://x.com/Web3Niels/status/2006758347375001941">noted</a> that while XRP's price action remains subdued, a significant supply shift is unfolding beneath the surface. 



Exchange balances have fallen sharply from about 3.76 billion XRP in October to roughly 1.6 billion today, pushing available supply to seven-year lows.



This reduction reflects liquidity being pulled from exchanges, increasing sensitivity to any pickup in demand.



Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/alicharts/status/2006742962194317519">highlighted</a> that the TD Sequential has printed a macro buy signal on XRP, a pattern that often signals downside exhaustion and raises the probability of a near-term rebound.



Degen Hardy <a href="https://x.com/Degen_Hardy/status/2007053040004763834">said</a> XRP appears "washed out, not broken." 



While the asset has trended lower since July, it continues to hold the broader range it has respected since 2024.



Prolonged downside pressure without a range breakdown typically points to exhaustion rather than further decline, making current levels a potential long-term accumulation zone.



Statistics: Whale Alert data <a href="https://x.com/whale_alert">showed</a> Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP from escrow in multiple tranches.



Meanwhile, SoSoValue data indicated spot XRP ETFs recorded $5.58 million in net inflows on Dec. 31, contrasting with net outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs.



Community News: Ripple senior executive officer Reece Merrick <a href="https://x.com/reece_merrick/status/2006498883627810976">wished</a> the community a happy New Year on X, thanked supporters for 2025 and said he is "excited" about potential wins heading into 2026.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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Image: Shutterstock

XRP Flashes Buy Signal As Ripple Executive Hints At 2026 Upside

Is 2026 crypto's year of consolidation? After a decade of fragmentation and protocol sprawl, deal activity across exchanges, platforms and infrastructure is on the up.&nbsp;



Coinbase's <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>  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45287050/coinbase-acquires-deribit-in-2-9b-deal-to-expand-crypto-derivatives-business">$2.9 billion purchase of Deribit</a> adds to a growing list of blockchain buyouts that suggest money is moving toward scale. What's emerging is an industry that's still open in code but increasingly consolidated in ownership. This year will test which platforms live long enough to absorb the rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snapshot</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Exchanges are consolidating power –&nbsp;Coinbase and Kraken are using M&amp;A to secure derivatives, liquidity and regulatory reach, reinforcing scale advantages that smaller venues struggle to match.</li>



<li>Infrastructure is the real battleground –&nbsp;Recent deals have skewed toward wallets, data, compliance and trading rails rather than speculative protocols, signalling a shift from token-led growth to platform-led economics.</li>



<li>Regulation is the catalyst –&nbsp;Rising compliance and operating costs are quietly pushing mid-sized crypto firms toward partnerships or exits, setting up 2026 as a year defined more by survivors and acquisition targets than new launches.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">M&amp;A as a signal, not the story</h2>



The value of crypto M&amp;A activity may look modest compared to the <a href="https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/mergers-acquisitions/m-and-a-activity-report" rel="nofollow">megadeals</a> that powered traditional finance last year, but consider the pace. Figures from <a href="http://www.rootdata.com/news/479179" rel="nofollow">RootData</a> show 267 crypto mergers and acquisitions in 2025. What's also interesting is the opacity: only a fraction of those disclosed their values. Early consolidation phases rarely announce themselves with headline buy-ups; they show up in incremental absorption, strategic tuck-ins and acqui-hires that compress the competitive landscape incrementally.



Better to look beyond the volume figure and ask who's buying and why. The most active acquirers are firming up their grip on token distribution, regulatory positioning, and infrastructure that would be too expensive or politically fraught to try and build from scratch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where you see it today</h2>



Coinbase's Deribit deal is the model: a dominant derivatives venue being folded into a larger, compliance-friendly platform with global reach. Liquidity tends to concentrate. As regulatory scrutiny grows and volumes migrate to venues with the deepest order books, smaller exchanges need to specialize, sell, or risk fading away.



A similar story is playing out in wallets and onboarding. Two categories that used to turn out distinct products are converging around a smaller set of combo solutions for user access, identity and custody. Wallets without scale struggle to compete on security, UX and regulatory integration.



Data, analytics and compliance tooling may be joining forces even faster. As crypto firms enter new markets and categories, they need to adapt to a wider array of rulebooks. That shifts demand toward enterprise-grade providers capable of serving banks, funds and regulated exchanges all at once. These businesses are less visible to retail users, but they'll be the connective tissue for the next phase of crypto adoption.



Even at the protocol layer, the list of reasons to merge is growing. All those general-purpose Layer 2s and middleware stacks are adapting themselves to fit into dominant ecosystems or being absorbed into larger platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why this year matters</h2>



Crypto's 2025 embrace by governments and TradFi intensified all these pressures. Regulatory frameworks are hardening and token incentives can't sustain ecosystems anymore. At the same time, the integration of AI into trading, compliance and risk management is increasing fixed costs; another trend that advantages sheer size.



When an industry starts buying up plumbing rather than investing in innovation, you know something&#8217;s up. Fragmentation is normal in early innovation cycles when experimentation dominates. Consolidation comes later as the initial game-changing technologies mature and competition shifts from tinkering to efficiency and scale. Crypto appears to be crossing that threshold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The take away</h2>



None of this means decentralization disappears. There will still be open protocols and new experiments in permissionless transacting. But control over liquidity, compliance pathways, and user relationships is coalescing upward.



The uncomfortable truth for purists is that crypto is looking more and more like the financial system it set out to disintermediate. Fewer gatekeepers, maybe, but bigger and stronger ones.



That transition tends to reward incumbents and consolidators, and it suggests that 2026 will be shaped less by new metas and more by fundamental dynamics of ownership and control.



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.

Crypto's M&A Phase Is Coming and 2026 Will Be About Survivors, Not Launches

The pattern has become predictable. A new creator coin launches with viral momentum. Trading volume explodes. Market cap shoots into the millions within hours. Venture capitalists and crypto enthusiasts celebrate the future of creator monetization. Then, within days or weeks, the token crashes 60% to 90%. Users disappear. The platform fades into irrelevance.



This cycle has repeated so consistently across SocialFi that it is no longer a bug but a feature. From platforms that raised hundreds of millions to weekend experiments by viral journalists, creator coins follow an identical trajectory toward failure. The question is not whether the next project will collapse, but how long the initial hype can sustain itself before gravity takes over.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Anatomy Of A SocialFi Collapse</h2>



Friend.tech wrote the playbook for spectacular failure. Launched in August 2023 on Coinbase 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>&#8216;s Base blockchain, the platform let users buy and sell keys representing access to creators&#8217; private channels. Within months, it peaked at $10 million in daily trading volume and attracted 80,000 daily active users. Venture capital poured in from Paradigm and Uncommon Projects. Media outlets declared it the breakthrough SocialFi needed.



The collapse was swift and total. By September 2024, the platform was effectively abandoned after developers transferred smart contract control to a burn address. As of January 2026, Friend.tech records minimal activity with fewer than 250 daily active users according to recent analytics. The FRIEND token currently trades around $0.04, down 99% from its $3 peak, according to price data from December 2025. Meanwhile, team members had sold 19,477 ETH worth approximately $52 million as the token collapsed, leaving investors with worthless holdings.



Recent data shows Friend.tech still records some trading volume, but with under 250 daily active users as of early 2026. This reveals the fundamental problem: these platforms attract speculators, not users. Trading activity divorced from actual platform usage becomes pure gambling on token prices rather than engagement with any social product.



BitClout, rebranded as DeSo, followed a similar arc with a more sinister twist. Founder Nader Al Naji raised $257 million from prominent venture capitalists by pitching decentralized social networking where users could trade creator coins. In July 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-91" rel="nofollow">charged him with fraud</a> and conducting an unregistered securities offering.



The SEC alleged Al Naji, operating under the pseudonym DiamondHands, spent $7 million of investor funds on personal expenses including a Beverly Hills mansion while falsely claiming the network was decentralized. The platform scraped Twitter profiles without consent to populate its network, triggering legal backlash. The token that traded above $160 became worthless. Users lost everything while the founder allegedly enriched himself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Even The Best Funded Projects Cannot Escape</h2>



Farcaster represents SocialFi&#8217;s best case scenario and still demonstrates the sector&#8217;s fundamental problems. The protocol raised $150 million at a $1 billion valuation in May 2024, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and built by former Coinbase 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> executives. If any project had the resources, team, and connections to succeed, Farcaster did.



Daily active users peaked at 73,700 in July 2025 before declining to between 40,000 and 60,000 by October 2025. The platform launched Snapchain in April 2025, a blockchain consensus layer delivering over 10,000 transactions per second and 780ms average finality, demonstrating technical excellence. Yet user retention continued to deteriorate despite the infrastructure improvements.



More troubling, analysis from mid 2025 suggests only 4,360 of Farcaster&#8217;s claimed 60,000 daily users represent genuinely active verified Power Badge accounts. The metrics appear inflated by 10 to 15 times through bot activity and multiple accounts. In December 2025, Farcaster announced a strategic transformation, shifting focus from social scenarios to wallet driven growth, a pivot that acknowledges the fundamental failure of the social model after 5 years of trying.



As of January 2026, the protocol continues to struggle with monetization. The Farcaster Pro subscription tier, launched in May 2025 at $120 per year, generates only around $10,000 monthly in revenue according to October 2025 reports. Daily active users hover around 40,000 to 60,000, but the platform has failed to demonstrate sustainable business fundamentals despite world class technical infrastructure.



Lens Protocol, created by the team behind Aave, shows identical struggles despite raising $46 million total, including a $31 million strategic round in December 2025. The protocol launched its mainnet on ZKsync in April 2025, moving from Polygon to attempt revitalizing growth. According to analytics from mid 2025, Lens saw daily active users peak around 42,000 in July 2025 before collapsing to approximately 8,000 in just weeks. By January 2026, activity remains severely depressed with minimal genuine engagement despite the protocol claiming over 500,000 registered profiles.



A study from 2023 captured the retention crisis bluntly: 92% of SocialFi users abandon platforms within 30 days. No business can survive when nine out of ten customers leave before their first month ends. Nothing has changed as of today to alter this fundamental problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why The Death Spiral Is Inevitable</h2>



The failure pattern stems from contradictions baked into SocialFi&#8217;s foundation. User experience represents the first insurmountable barrier. Creating wallets, managing private keys, paying gas fees, and understanding token mechanics creates friction that Web2 platforms eliminated a decade ago. When Instagram or TikTok require only an email and password, asking mainstream users to navigate crypto complexity guarantees they will never arrive.



Network effects present the second fatal problem. Social platforms derive value from users congregating where their friends, family, and favorite creators already exist. Meta Platforms Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="META" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META">META</a>)</a> commands 3 billion monthly active users. X has hundreds of millions. SocialFi platforms collectively struggle to maintain 100,000 active users as of early 2026. No creator with an established audience will abandon 99.9% of their reach to experiment on a blockchain network their fans cannot access.



The business model contradiction sits at the core of every failure. Traditional social media monetizes through advertising, which works because massive user bases create valuable attention markets. SocialFi attempted to replace advertising revenue <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/25/06/46171815/socialfi-fizzled-out-now-its-set-for-a-comeback">with token speculation</a>. This generates trading fees and buzz when tokens appreciate. It collapses the moment speculation ends, as Friend.tech demonstrated when the platform essentially shut down in 2025.



Creator coins face an additional existential threat: securities regulation. When tokens are marketed as investments that will appreciate based on a creator&#8217;s rising popularity, they meet the definition of investment contracts under the Howey Test. The SEC charged BitClout&#8217;s founder with fraud in July 2025, demonstrating continued willingness to pursue these cases aggressively. Most creators lack appetite for potential securities charges simply to experiment with monetization.



The regulatory environment remains dangerously unclear as of early 2026. While some guidance has emerged, creator tokens occupy murky territory. When a token&#8217;s value explicitly ties to an individual&#8217;s career and that individual promotes it, profit expectations from their efforts become central to purchase decisions, triggering securities concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Latest Example Proves Nothing Has Changed</h2>



On December 28, 2025, investigative journalist Nick Shirley launched a creator coin on Base after his Minnesota daycare fraud investigation went viral, surpassing 100 million views. The token briefly hit a $9 million market cap, drew public praise from Coinbase <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> CEO Brian Armstrong, then fell about 67% to roughly $3 million by January 1, 2026. On chain data shows Shirley earned an estimated $41,600 to $65,000 in creator fees within 2 days.



The token provided no utility, no special access, no unique content. Speculators bought hoping to flip at higher prices. When speculation dried up, price collapsed. This was not creator monetization but a casino using a journalist&#8217;s name as the theme. The pattern repeated exactly as it has dozens of times before. Content creator notthreadguy observed: If there was ever a time that these content coins were going to work, it was Nick Shirley right here, right now, in this moment. And it just did not work.



The Nick Shirley episode sparked renewed criticism of Base&#8217;s creator coin strategy in late 2025. Multiple Base developers publicly complained that the network prioritizes Zora linked creator coin initiatives while ignoring projects that helped establish the ecosystem. This internal discord highlights the tension between chasing viral moments and supporting sustainable infrastructure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Data Shows No Path Forward</h2>



Across the sector, the SocialFi market cap stands at approximately $2.31 billion as of January 2026 according to recent estimates, though projections vary widely. Some analysts estimate the 2025 market at $2.5 billion, while more optimistic forecasts place it at $5 billion. Regardless of the exact figure, the reality is grim. Daily active users across major platforms have collapsed, with Friend.tech under 250 users, Farcaster at 40,000 to 60,000, and Lens at approximately 8,000 as of early 2026.



Industry projections estimate the SocialFi market could reach $10 billion by 2033, representing a 17.5% compound annual growth rate. Yet this optimistic forecast stands in stark contrast to present reality. Over 64% of SocialFi projects launched between 2023 and 2025 are now dead or dying. The survivors do not demonstrate sustainable business characteristics but represent prolonged venture funded experiments waiting for breakthroughs that have not materialized.



The Zora creator coin platform on Base, despite generating over 1.6 million creator coins minted and nearly 3 million unique traders since its relaunch in August 2025, continues to see tokens follow the same boom and bust pattern. Even with over $470 million in total volume through late 2025, individual token crashes remain the norm rather than the exception.



Platforms like Patreon, Substack, and OnlyFans already enable direct creator monetization without requiring users to learn cryptocurrency. Until SocialFi delivers clear unique benefits that outweigh its massive friction, mainstream adoption remains fantasy. The technology needs to become invisible, regulations need clarity, and business models need to work without relying on speculation.



None of these changes appear imminent as we kick start 2026. Every new creator coin launch follows the same script: viral moment, speculative frenzy, inevitable crash. The death spiral continues because the fundamental problems remain unsolved. Until the technology, regulations, and business models evolve dramatically, SocialFi will keep producing the same result: millions raised, billions lost, and creators returning to Web2 platforms that actually work.



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.

SocialFi's Death Spiral: Why Every Creator Coin Ends The Same Way

Polymarket traders are giving 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> just a 31% chance to hit $100,000 in January, while 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> sits at 8% for $4,000 and 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> at 14% for $2.40—signaling traders expect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49645676/bitcoin-to-bottom-out-at-55000-before-350000-surge-analysts-have-this-to-say-on-btcs-2026-prospects">volatility without breakouts.</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin: Stuck In A $5,000-$15,000 Range</h3>



Bitcoin <a href="https://polymarket.com/crypto">conviction</a> is strongest near current levels and deteriorates rapidly above key thresholds.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Upside probabilities:</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$90,000: 99%</li>



<li>$95,000: 60%</li>



<li>$100,000: 31%</li>



<li>$105,000: 14%</li>



<li>$110,000+: single-digit odds</li>
</ul>



The steep decay above $95,000 signals traders don&#8217;t expect buyers to absorb supply at higher levels.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Downside probabilities:</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$85,000: 61%</li>



<li>$80,000: 26%</li>



<li>$75,000: 12%</li>
</ul>



Taken together, Polymarket traders are pricing a $5,000–$15,000 trading band, not a directional push as the market expects turbulence without escape velocity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ethereum: Range-Bound, No Acceleration</h3>



Ethereum&#8217;s Polymarket ladder mirrors Bitcoin&#8217;s restrained outlook, with highest conviction clustered around mid-range prices.



Polymarket assigns 76% odds to ETH holding above $3,200, but only 27% for $3,600 and just 8% for $4,000. 



Downside probabilities remain material, with $2,800 at 57% and $2,600 at 31%, reinforcing expectations of consolidation rather than acceleration.



The distribution implies Ethereum will remain range-bound, with neither bulls nor bears displaying urgency.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">XRP: Narrow Path, No Breakout</h3>



XRP traders are even more conservative, pricing stability over volatility.



Markets price a 76% chance of holding above $1.80 and $2.00, but only 14% odds for $2.40 and single-digit probabilities beyond $2.60. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">January 15 MSCI Ruling And CLARITY Act: Catalysts That May Not Matter</h3>



Jan. 15 looms as the MSCI decision date on excluding companies with 50%+ digital asset holdings—directly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49649875/strategy-crashed-71-since-the-election-heres-why-it-could-get-worse-in-january">targeting</a> 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 its 672,497 BTC.



Polymarket traders price MSTR delisting at 75% probability, with JPMorgan estimating $2.8 billion to $8.8 billion in forced outflows from passive index funds.



Meanwhile, the CLARITY Act enters Senate markup this month, with White House crypto czar David Sacks <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49610162/how-the-clarity-act-could-boost-stablecoin-adoption-in-2026">calling</a> passage likely in Q1 to divide SEC and CFTC oversight.



However, prediction markets aren&#8217;t pricing upside on regulatory hope—they&#8217;re waiting for proof it matters. 



Additionally, Texas holds $5 million in Bitcoin ETF exposure with plans for another $5 million direct purchase, while Arizona and New Hampshire passed similar bills. 



Still, those are breadcrumbs, not the institutional wave bulls expected.



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



Longer-term Polymarket contracts show delayed optimism:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>New Bitcoin all-time high by March 31: 9%</li>



<li>By June 30: 20%</li>



<li>By December 31: 34%</li>
</ul>



Another contract reinforces short-term caution: Bitcoin hits $80,000 before $150,000 is at 83% probability.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="667" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17-1024x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1239891" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17-1024x667.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17-300x195.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17-768x500.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17-1536x1001.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02064558/image-17.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



BTC Technical Analysis



Bitcoin is roughly 12% up from the December low near $80,000, but the broader structure still looks heavy.



Price is capped below the falling 20 and 50-day EMAs, keeping short-term momentum tilted bearish.&nbsp;



The Supertrend remains firmly negative, signaling rallies are corrective rather than impulsive.



The descending trendline from October continues to act as dynamic resistance near $91,500–$92,000.&nbsp;



As long as BTC stays below that zone, downside risk toward $85,000 remains active.



A daily close above $92,000 would be the first signal that sellers are losing control.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/26/01/49663350/top-3-energy-stocks-that-may-explode-this-month">Top 3 Energy Stocks That May Explode This Month</a>

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP To Surge 20% In January? Unlikely, Polymarket Says

BitVentures Limited <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BVC" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BVC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BVC" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BVC">BVC</a>)</a></a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock rose</a> after the company said it will start a new Digital Assets division focused on cryptocurrency mining expansion.



BitVentures <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/01/g49663826/bitventures-limited-launches-new-digital-assets-segment-with-acquisition-of-high-efficiency-mining" rel="noreferrer noopener">disclosed agreements</a> to buy several fleets of Bitmain mining machines and about 0.5 MW of hosting capacity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mining Equipment</h2>



The purchase includes Antminer S21 XP Hydro miners, Antminer S21 XP air-cooled miners, and Antminer L9 miners.



Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/01/49664094/why-is-rubico-stock-gaining-friday" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Is Rubico Stock Gaining Friday?</a>



The fleet targets about 30 PH/s of Bitcoin hashrate and about 0.5 TH/s of Litecoin and Dogecoin hashrate.



BitVentures said it will host the machines at secure, high-uptime data centers across the U.S. starting in January 2026.



The company expects a full ramp-up in the first quarter of 2026.



BitVentures said it plans a diversified mining strategy, targeting Bitcoin and select altcoins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Efficiency Edge</h2>



The firm said the miners run at 12–13.5 J/TH for Bitcoin and 0.21 J/MH for Litecoin and Dogecoin.



Lawrence Wai Lok, CEO of BitVentures Limited, said the deal marks a proof-of-concept launch for the segment.



Wai Lok said the company plans to scale in tranches and explore staking, node operations, and partnerships.



BVC Price Action: BitVentures shares were up 19.32% at $1.36 during premarket trading on Friday, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/26/01/49662473/alphabet-went-from-ai-victim-to-ai-leader-in-12-months-can-googles-strategy-topple-chatgpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alphabet Went From AI Victim To AI Leader In 12 Months: Can Google&#8217;s Strategy Topple ChatGPT?</a></li>
</ul>



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