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28 Jan 2026, 12:27

Harvard University Shines Light on Visa’s Blockchain-Based Settlement System with XRP and Stellar Leading the Charge

Harvard Recognizes Visa’s Digital FIAT Settlement Patent, Mentioning XRP and XLM Harvard University acknowledged Visa’s Digital FIAT Currency Settlement patent as a glimpse into blockchain’s potential to revolutionize money movement, citing Ripple’s XRP and Stellar as key enablers. Shared by crypto researcher SMQKE, the revelation has sparked major attention across the digital asset community. Visa’s 2020 patent proposes a system for central banks to digitize physical currency, issuing blockchain-based digital equivalents. By combining a central authority with a distributed ledger and vetted participants, the design aims to enable faster, more transparent, and secure transactions while maintaining fiat currency’s legal status. Well, Harvard spotlights XRP and XLM as prime blockchain examples aligning with Visa’s vision. Though the patent doesn’t mention them explicitly, the study frames both networks as strong contenders based on performance and design. Why XRP and XLM Matter XRP is engineered for high‑speed settlement, with transactions often confirmed in seconds and low fees, making it appealing for large‑scale cross‑border payment systems. The XRP Ledger also supports decentralized exchange functionality and has a track record of enterprise‑grade integrations. XLM, the native token of the Stellar network, focuses on inclusion and remittances, optimizing cross‑border transfers for both individual users and institutions at minimal cost and with reliable throughput. Therefore, their mention alongside Visa’s patented system reflects more than theoretical merit. Harvard’s choice to highlight these networks signals a shift in academic and institutional thinking, from viewing cryptocurrencies as speculative assets to recognizing them as useful infrastructure in the evolving world of digital money. Institutional Recognition and Broader Implications Harvard’s academic spotlight lends institutional credibility to blockchain’s role in mainstream finance. Once niche assets like XRP and XLM are now being explored in systems like Visa’s patented framework, signaling their potential to bridge traditional finance with decentralized networks. This recognition points to a future where blockchain underpins global payment and settlement infrastructure. Conclusion Harvard’s citation of Visa’s Digital FIAT Currency Settlement patent, illustrating XRP and XLM, marks a turning point in how academia and institutions view blockchain. These networks are no longer speculative, they are recognized as practical infrastructure that can streamline global payments and connect traditional finance with digital currencies. As central banks and enterprises explore digital fiat adoption, XRP and XLM emerge as efficient, scalable solutions, validating their role at the forefront of a future where digital assets and traditional finance operate seamlessly together.

28 Jan 2026, 12:17

Cactus Custody Rolls Out MPC Self-Custody Platform With Chainalysis

Digital asset custodian Cactus Custody announced it is rolling out a new institutional-grade self-custody platform built on Multi-Party Computation (MPC) as demand grows for secure digital asset control without reliance on centralized custodians. The new platform is designed to give clients direct ownership of their assets while maintaining compliance-ready integrations with key anti-money laundering and Travel Rule technology providers including Chainalysis and Notabene. Institutional Self-Custody Powered by MPC MPC tech has emerged as one of the most widely adopted security frameworks for digital asset management allowing private keys to be split into multiple encrypted shares rather than stored in a single location. By using MPC, Cactus said it aims to reduce the risk of single-point key compromise while allowing institutional clients to retain full control over their funds. The solution is positioned for organizations seeking autonomy and resilience in their custody infrastructure. Cactus Custody Integrates Circle’s USDC Infrastructure In December, Cactus Custody announced a collaboration with an affiliate of Circle Internet Group to improve access to USDC for institutional clients. The firm has integrated Circle’s USDC infrastructure to improve workflow interoperability allowing institutional clients to manage their digital asset operations. Cactus Custody is integrating Circle’s USDC infrastructure to improve institutional operational efficiency. The integration enhances workflow interoperability for digital asset operations, helping institutions streamline processes with institutional-grade security and… pic.twitter.com/K0QkS7XoGo — Cactus Custody (@CactusCustody) December 2, 2025 Addressing Compliance Through Integrated Tooling Alongside security, Cactus Custody explains compliance remains a central concern for institutions operating in the digital asset space. Cactus’ self-custody platform integrates with AML and Know-Your-Transaction (KYT) tools such as Chainalysis allowing clients to monitor on-chain activity and meet regulatory obligations. Travel Rule compliance is also supported through integrations with solutions like Notabene allowing institutions to exchange required transaction information as global regulatory frameworks tighten. Targeting Clients Who Want Full Control Daniel Lee the CEO of Cactus Custody told CryptoNews that the product is aimed at a broad range of institutions that prefer self-custody over third-party custodial models. “The target client based would anyone that requires self custody solution. There are those that prefer self custody over using a centralised custodian,” Lee said. He added that compliance tooling is flexible depending on client preference. “Chainalysis is an option for the client to use for their KYT [Know-Your-Transaction] obligations. However, if the client chooses another onchain analysis vendor we can also consider integrating it to our system,” Lee said. Daniel Lee — a leading voice in institutional digital assets and former Head of Web3 at Banking Circle — becomes CEO of @CactusCustody from Jan 2026. #Web3 #Custody https://t.co/GYfKNfVF0Q — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 8, 2025 The post Cactus Custody Rolls Out MPC Self-Custody Platform With Chainalysis appeared first on Cryptonews .

28 Jan 2026, 12:14

Wallet Tied to US Crypto Theft Launches Solana Meme Coin — Plunges 97% Overnight

A Solana-based meme coin launched by a wallet linked by blockchain investigators to an alleged theft of U.S. government-controlled crypto assets has collapsed almost entirely within hours of trading. The token, named John Daghita and trading under the ticker LICK, was created on the Pump.fun launchpad and briefly surged to a market capitalization of roughly $915,000 before falling more than 97% overnight. Onchain data shows the token later dropped below $25,000 in market value, with current figures placing it near $27,700 after a steep 24-hour decline. Source: pump.fun Trading activity indicates that the deployer wallet accumulated tokens early while the market capitalization was still below $21,000, making four purchases before the sharp rally and subsequent collapse. Bubblemaps Finds Concentrated Supply in LICK Token Debut Further scrutiny came from blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps, which reported that the deployer of LICK held approximately 40% of the total token supply at launch. John Daghita ( @lick ), who stole $40M from the US government, just launched $LICK on pumpfun and is live streaming on Telegram He holds 40% of the supply Unhinged https://t.co/jUku6wIfXg pic.twitter.com/apZQojKnuz — Bubblemaps (@bubblemaps) January 27, 2026 Such concentration is widely viewed by analysts as a warning sign, as it allows insiders to exert outsized control over price action and liquidity. Bubblemaps claimed that the same individual tied to the alleged theft controlled the deployer wallet and a significant share of the supply during the token’s launch phase. The launch attracted attention after blockchain investigator ZachXBT said the wallet associated with the token deployer was connected to tens of millions of dollars in crypto allegedly tied to U.S. government-seized assets. @ZachXBT alleges a crypto theft from US government wallets is linked to the son of a federal crypto custody contractor’s CEO. #Hack #Crypto https://t.co/5G1BLSmHCn — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 26, 2026 In an X post on Jan. 23, ZachXBT claimed the individual behind the online alias “John Daghita,” also known as “Lick,” had displayed control over wallets holding approximately $23 million during a recorded dispute with another actor in a Telegram group. Public records show that Command Services & Support, a Virginia-based firm whose president is Dean Daghita, received a U.S. Marshals Service contract in October 2024 to assist with the custody and disposal of certain digital assets seized by the government. ZachXBT alleged that John Daghita, the president’s son, gained unauthorized access to wallets connected to those holdings. The allegations have not been tested in court, and no criminal charges have been announced. Meme Coin Chaos Deepens Across Solana’s Pump.fun Ecosystem The incident has also drawn attention from policymakers, as Patrick Witt, director of the White House Crypto Council, said in a post on X that he was reviewing the claims following ZachXBT’s disclosures. On it. More to follow. https://t.co/lZJHM12Nx5 — Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 26, 2026 According to BitcoinTreasuries.NET, U.S. authorities may control more than 328,000 Bitcoin through various seizures, including assets from the Bitfinex case, potentially worth around $30 billion at current prices. Beyond the specific allegations, the LICK collapse fits into a broader pattern within Solana’s meme coin ecosystem. Data from early 2025 suggests that more than 98% of tokens launched on Pump.fun exhibit characteristics associated with rug pulls or rapid pump-and-dump schemes. Analysts estimate that only a tiny fraction of the millions of tokens created on the platform ever reach even modest liquidity levels, while the average lifespan of many tokens has dropped to less than 25 minutes before abandonment or sharp declines. Recent cases have reinforced these concerns, as in December, Solana-based AI token AVA fell more than 96% after onchain analysis showed roughly 40% of its supply had been accumulated by wallets linked to the deployer at launch. In January, the WhiteWhale memecoin briefly lost around 60% of its market value within minutes after a large holder sold a significant portion of the supply, an event widely described by traders as a rug pull despite later partial recovery. The post Wallet Tied to US Crypto Theft Launches Solana Meme Coin — Plunges 97% Overnight appeared first on Cryptonews .

28 Jan 2026, 12:10

Bitcoin Soars: Historic Rally Propels BTC Above $90,000 Milestone

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Soars: Historic Rally Propels BTC Above $90,000 Milestone In a landmark moment for digital assets, Bitcoin (BTC) has decisively broken the $90,000 barrier, trading at $90,066.54 on the Binance USDT market as of March 2025. This surge represents a significant psychological and financial threshold for the world’s premier cryptocurrency, signaling robust market confidence and renewed institutional interest. Consequently, analysts are scrutinizing the confluence of factors driving this ascent, from macroeconomic shifts to evolving blockchain adoption. Bitcoin Price Analysis: Decoding the $90,000 Breakthrough The journey to this price point follows a period of consolidation. Market data from Bitcoin World and other aggregators shows steady accumulation over recent quarters. Importantly, this rally contrasts with previous volatile spikes. The current movement exhibits stronger fundamentals, including sustained buying pressure from large-scale investors. Furthermore, trading volumes across major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have increased substantially, providing technical validation for the price support. Several key metrics underscore the rally’s strength. For instance, the Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index has shifted into ‘Greed’ territory, reflecting growing retail optimism. Simultaneously, network fundamentals remain robust. The hash rate, a measure of computational security, continues to hit all-time highs. This indicates strong miner commitment despite the recent halving event, which reduced block rewards. Therefore, the price appreciation aligns with a healthy and secure underlying network. Expert Perspective on Market Structure Financial analysts point to a changing market structure. “The $90,000 level is not just a number; it’s a testament to Bitcoin’s maturation as a macro asset,” notes a report from Fidelity Digital Assets. Traditional finance entities are now major holders, creating a more stable ownership base. This institutional presence reduces panic selling during minor corrections. Additionally, regulatory clarity in several jurisdictions has provided a more predictable environment for corporate treasury allocations to Bitcoin. Historical Context and the Road to Six Figures To appreciate the $90,000 milestone, one must consider Bitcoin’s volatile history. The asset has weathered multiple boom-and-bust cycles since its 2009 inception. Each cycle has reached a new, higher peak, followed by a significant drawdown. The previous all-time high, near $69,000 in November 2021, was followed by a prolonged ‘crypto winter.’ The current breach suggests the market has fully absorbed that cycle and is building a new foundation. A brief timeline highlights key resistance levels: Price Level Date First Reached Significance $1,000 Nov 2013 First major mainstream attention $10,000 Nov 2017 Entry into public consciousness $50,000 Feb 2021 Institutional adoption phase begins $69,000 Nov 2021 Previous all-time high $90,000 Mar 2025 Current milestone, post-halving rally Market technicians now watch the $100,000 level as the next major psychological target. However, they caution that resistance may intensify as the price approaches this round number. Historical data shows that Bitcoin often experiences volatility near such key benchmarks. Meanwhile, on-chain analysts monitor exchange outflow trends, which can indicate whether investors are moving coins to long-term storage—a typically bullish signal. Macroeconomic Drivers Fueling the Rally The broader financial landscape plays a crucial role. Global central banks have begun a new cycle of monetary policy adjustments. Persistent inflation concerns in several economies have renewed interest in Bitcoin’s perceived value as a hedge against currency debasement. Moreover, geopolitical tensions continue to drive demand for decentralized, borderless assets. Savvy investors are increasingly allocating a small percentage of their portfolios to digital gold as a diversifier. Key macroeconomic factors include: Monetary Policy: Shifts away from zero-interest-rate policies alter traditional asset yields. Currency Volatility: Weakness in some fiat currencies boosts Bitcoin’s appeal. Adoption Waves: New spot Bitcoin ETF products have opened floodgates for regulated investment. Technological Integration: Payment giants and fintech apps are embedding crypto services. This environment creates a perfect storm for digital asset appreciation. Consequently, capital is flowing from multiple sectors into the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Traditional asset managers now routinely publish research on Bitcoin’s correlation with other asset classes. Their analysis generally finds a low or changing correlation, supporting its diversification thesis. This academic and professional validation further legitimizes the asset class for conservative investors. The Impact of Global Adoption Beyond speculation, real-world use cases are expanding. Several nations now recognize Bitcoin as legal tender for specific transactions. Major corporations are integrating blockchain technology for supply chain and settlement. This practical utility builds a floor under the price that did not exist in earlier cycles. The network effect—whereby each new user increases the value for all existing users—continues to compound. This fundamental adoption is arguably the most powerful long-term driver for the Bitcoin price. Technical Outlook and Trader Sentiment On the trading floors, sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Derivatives data shows a balanced market without excessive leverage, which reduces the risk of a sharp, cascading liquidation event. Options markets indicate traders are pricing in a high probability of stability above $85,000. This technical strength suggests the $90,000 breakout could hold as a new support level. However, experienced traders always advise managing risk, as cryptocurrency markets remain inherently volatile. Critical technical levels to watch include: Immediate Support: $87,500 (previous resistance turned support) Major Support: $80,000 (psychological and technical zone) Next Resistance: $95,000, then the historic $100,000 level Market participants also monitor the behavior of ‘whales’—entities holding large amounts of Bitcoin. Recent blockchain analysis shows these large holders have been net accumulators during dips, not distributors during rallies. This behavior pattern suggests a long-term horizon among the most informed investors. Their actions often provide clues about the sustainability of a price trend. Conclusion The Bitcoin price achievement above $90,000 marks a pivotal chapter in digital finance. This milestone reflects a complex interplay of technological adoption, macroeconomic forces, and evolving market structure. While the path forward will undoubtedly include volatility, the breach of this barrier underscores Bitcoin’s growing integration into the global financial system. The focus now shifts to whether this level can consolidate as a foundation for the next leg of growth, potentially toward the long-anticipated $100,000 valuation. The market’s journey continues to be a primary narrative for the future of money. FAQs Q1: What does Bitcoin trading above $90,000 mean for the average investor? It signifies growing mainstream acceptance and potential market maturation. For average investors, it highlights the importance of understanding volatility and considering cryptocurrency as part of a diversified, long-term portfolio strategy, never investing more than they can afford to lose. Q2: How does the current rally compare to Bitcoin’s 2021 peak? The current rally appears more institutionally driven, with stronger on-chain fundamentals and less leverage in derivatives markets. The 2021 peak was heavily influenced by retail speculation and high leverage, which contributed to the subsequent sharp correction. Q3: What are the main risks to Bitcoin’s price at this level? Key risks include unexpected regulatory crackdowns in major economies, a sharp reversal in global macroeconomic policy, a major security flaw discovered in the protocol, or a broader downturn in risk assets that triggers widespread liquidation across financial markets. Q4: Does this price affect Bitcoin’s utility as a payment system? Not directly. Bitcoin’s utility is based on its network security, transaction finality, and decentralization. A higher price can increase transaction fees measured in dollar terms, but layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network are designed to enable fast, low-cost payments regardless of the underlying asset’s market price. Q5: What should someone new to cryptocurrency do when seeing this news? Newcomers should focus on education first. They must understand blockchain technology, self-custody security, and market cycles before considering an investment. Starting with small, manageable amounts to learn the process is widely recommended by financial advisors in the digital asset space. This post Bitcoin Soars: Historic Rally Propels BTC Above $90,000 Milestone first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Jan 2026, 12:06

Arthur Hayes sees weak Japanese yen, rising bond yields boosting Bitcoin

Arthur Hayes, who helped establish the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, thinks trouble with Japan’s currency could ultimately lead to a significant increase in Bitcoin prices. He’s built a reputation for making strong calls about digital currencies. Problems with the yen and declining prices on Japanese government debt indicate serious financial weakness, Hayes says. These issues could prompt action from American officials that would ultimately benefit Bitcoin. How intervention could boost cryptocurrency markets Hayes explained this in a blog entry called “Woomph. ” The yen is weakening while yields on Japanese government bonds are increasing. That show s Ja pan is facing real economic strain. He thinks this situation will push the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve to step in. When that happens, it’d pump new money into the system. This would exacerbate the situation. The Fed might also grow its balance sheet at the same time, which could give a bo ost to risky investments like Bitcoin. This money flowing into markets would push Bitcoin and other major digital tokens, Hayes claims. It might break them out of their current flat period. Japan’s dealing with mounting economic stress . The yen keeps losing value. That makes everything Japan imports more expensive since the country relies heavily on other nations for its energy. Rising yields on government bonds make it harder and costlier for the government to borrow. Without outside help, Japan’s currency problems could push U.S. Treasury yields higher, Hayes stressed. America’s already running its biggest peacetime budget shortfalls ever. This would exacerbate the situation. Hayes’s positive outlook on Bitcoin centers on how the yen’s drop and high interest rates affect the global economy. High yields on Japanese government bonds mea n Ja panese companies and investors are less likely to invest in foreign assets, which could initiate a damaging pattern. This could initiate a damaging pattern. U.S. Treasury yields might surge suddenly, prompting the Fed to take action. Hayes outlined exactly how he thinks intervention would work. The New York Fed would create new bank reserves by printing dollars to trade for yen in currency markets. This would gradually push the yen’s value back up without shocking markets. Then those yen would go into Japanese government bonds, bringing yields down while the Fed assumes the interest rate risk. Yen pressure creates global economic concerns The yen’s faced intense selling pressure recently. It’s dropped sharply against the dollar over recent months. Hayes says this happened because Japanese officials lost control over long-term government bond yields. When JGB yields rise while the yen falls at the same time, it shows investors don’t trust the government to protect the currency’s value or handle its deficits properly. Japan needs to import most of its energy. A cheaper yen directly raises the cost of bringing goods in. This drives up price s pe ople pay every day and makes budget decisions harder. The Bank of Japan holds more JGBs than anyone else. It’s sitting on huge paper losses from bond prices dropping. This eats away at confidence even more. The Fed cut rates by 1.75% starting in September 2024. However, yields on 10-year Treasury bonds actually increased a bit, Hayes pointed out. Inflation keeps going, and there’s pressure on supply. If the yen situation forces more Treasury selling, it could make this worse. A stronger dollar would hurt American companies trying to sell goods overseas, as their products would cost more. The Bank of Japan kept rates unchanged on January 23. They needed to raise them, but didn’t. Hayes predicte d of ficials probably asked for American help to calm things down. Bitcoin could jump once Fed intervention confirms that more money’s entering the system, if Hayes turns out to be right. The Wall Street Journal reported on this. But risks exist too. If no intervention comes, the yen could crash completely. That’d cause worldwide deflationary pressure that would hurt crypto. Or officials could move too hard, too fast, creating short-term market swings. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

28 Jan 2026, 12:05

Ripple Makes Major Announcement for XRP Army

In crypto, moments of clarity often arrive not through market volatility but through direct engagement between builders and believers. As the digital asset industry matures, community-driven conversations now play a central role in shaping trust and long-term conviction. Ripple has taken a clear step in that direction, drawing fresh attention from the global XRP Army. In a post shared on X, Ripple confirmed that XRP Community Day will officially kick off on February 11. The company revealed that the event will feature a fireside chat between Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and well-known crypto media voice Tony Edward of the Thinking Crypto platform. The announcement immediately sparked interest, signaling that Ripple intends to address XRP’s broader role in an evolving financial landscape. XRP Community Day Returns at a Critical Moment This year’s XRP Community Day arrives during a period of accelerating institutional engagement across the crypto sector. Digital assets now feature more prominently in public market discussions, regulatory frameworks, and enterprise-level financial planning. XRP Community Day kicks off on Feb 11 with a fireside chat featuring @bgarlinghouse and Tony Edward @thinkingcrypto ! They're diving into: The macro shift in institutional adoption and public market acceptance of crypto XRP's growing use in capital markets infrastructure… pic.twitter.com/pkxkwv5qRi — Ripple (@Ripple) January 26, 2026 By hosting an open conversation, Ripple positions the event as a bridge between its leadership and a community that has remained active through multiple market cycles. The fireside chat format suggests a candid discussion rather than a scripted presentation, allowing both speakers to explore complex themes with nuance and clarity. Institutional Adoption and Market Acceptance One of the core areas of discussion will center on the macro shift in institutional adoption and public market acceptance of crypto. This topic reflects a broader trend where banks, asset managers, and payment providers increasingly view blockchain technology as a viable financial infrastructure. XRP’s design for fast, low-cost settlement continues to place it within these conversations as institutions evaluate scalable digital assets. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 XRP’s Expanding Role in Capital Markets Infrastructure The discussion will also examine XRP’s growing presence in capital markets infrastructure. Over time, XRP and the XRP Ledger have gained attention for their potential role in liquidity management, cross-border settlement , and tokenized financial instruments . These use cases reinforce XRP’s positioning as a utility-focused asset rather than a purely speculative vehicle. Longevity, Stability, and the XRP Community Another focal point will highlight XRP’s longevity and stability, qualities closely tied to the strength of its global community. The XRP Army has remained engaged despite regulatory challenges and shifting market sentiment, providing consistent support that has helped sustain visibility and adoption. Why This Announcement Matters Ripple’s announcement frames XRP Community Day as more than a routine update. It reflects an effort to align leadership vision with community understanding at a time when credibility and long-term strategy carry increasing weight. For XRP holders and observers alike, the February 11 fireside chat represents an opportunity to gain clearer insight into XRP’s trajectory within the next phase of crypto’s evolution. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple Makes Major Announcement for XRP Army appeared first on Times Tabloid .