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26 Jan 2026, 14:04
Ripple partners with Riyad Bank’s Jeel to explore blockchain in Saudi Arabia
Ripple, the global blockchain and digital payment company, has announced a strategic partnership with Jeel, the innovation arm of Riyad Bank in Saudi Arabia. Reece Merrick @reece_merrick · Follow More big news from the Middle East! @Ripple is partnering with @Jeelmovement , the innovation arm of @RiyadBank , to advance Saudi Arabia’s financial future through blockchain innovation 🇸🇦The Kingdom’s visionary leadership has established Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking 12:23 pm · 26 Jan 2026 840 Reply Copy link Read 45 replies The collaboration aims to explore blockchain technology to enhance the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure. While the news has done little to change the bearish XRP market sentiment , it has added some positive impetus to the overlay bearish market. Exploring blockchain use cases in Saudi Arabia Through this partnership, Ripple and Jeel will focus on practical blockchain applications. One of the primary objectives is to improve cross-border payment processes. Blockchain technology has the potential to make these transactions faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient. In addition, the collaboration will explore solutions for digital asset custody. This involves developing secure and compliant ways to manage digital assets. Another key area of focus is tokenisation, which allows the digitisation of financial assets. By tokenising assets, financial services can become more efficient and accessible. These initiatives will be tested in Jeel’s regulatory sandbox, ensuring compliance with Saudi financial regulations. The sandbox environment allows innovative solutions to be trialled in a controlled and supervised setting. This ensures that new blockchain applications meet local regulatory standards while promoting financial innovation. Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 The partnership is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda . Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and modernise the financial sector. By embracing blockchain technology, the Kingdom can strengthen its financial infrastructure. Ripple’s collaboration with Jeel is part of a broader effort to position Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking financial hub. Reece Merrick, Ripple’s executive, emphasised that the partnership will help shape the future of the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of exploring cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and tokenisation to support the Vision 2030 goals. The initiative also reflects the leadership’s commitment to digital transformation. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in innovation and fintech to attract global talent and investment. By partnering with Jeel, Ripple gains direct access to the Kingdom’s innovation platforms. This allows Ripple to test new solutions while benefiting from local expertise and regulatory guidance. The collaboration also strengthens Ripple’s presence in the Middle East. The region has increasingly embraced blockchain technology for financial services. By combining Ripple’s global blockchain experience with Jeel’s local innovation capabilities, the partnership has strong potential to deliver tangible results. Saudi Arabia is now positioned to lead in the adoption of blockchain-based financial solutions. The partnership sets a precedent for collaboration between international fintech firms and local financial institutions. It demonstrates how blockchain innovation can support economic growth and modernisation. As Ripple and Jeel move forward, the Kingdom could see faster, more secure, and more efficient financial services. The post Ripple partners with Riyad Bank’s Jeel to explore blockchain in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Invezz
26 Jan 2026, 14:04
Bitcoin's 'Silver Bullet' Is Apparently Silver
Bitcoin's weakness turns out to be investors' desire to expose themselves to assets that are more time-tested.
26 Jan 2026, 14:03
Security alert raised as Chrome security support ends for old iPhones and Macs
Apple and Google have both issued warnings to millions of iPhone and Mac users, saying they could be exposed to security risks for using the Chrome web browser. The alerts center on operating system compatibility and recently discovered vulnerabilities that affected Apple’s software ecosystem. According to Apple, users of older Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads, and those running outdated operating systems, are at risk of being hacked. The warnings follow weeks of security advisories and software update notices on Apple’s hardware lineup and Google’s Chrome browser support policies. Both companies are urging users to update their devices to the latest software to avoid exposure to cyberattacks, including sophisticated spyware. Browser warnings and the end of Chrome support for old iOS devices Apple has been messaging iOS users about browser privacy and security, telling them that Safari is a safer option than Google Chrome on their devices. In a user-facing privacy message, Apple stated, “Unlike Chrome, Safari truly helps protect your privacy.” At the same time, Google has confirmed that millions of Mac users will soon stop receiving updates to its native browser. The change applies to devices running macOS 12 (Monterey). Google announced that Chrome 150 will be the final version compatible with that operating system, since Apple had already stopped supporting Monterey in mid-2024. “Chrome 150 is the last version of Chrome that will support macOS 12 (Monterey). Chrome 151 (tentatively scheduled for release on July 28, 2026) is the first version of Chrome that requires macOS 13 Ventura or later. You’ll need to ensure your device is running macOS 13 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases,” the smartphone operating system developer said. Those who cannot upgrade their Mac to macOS Ventura or newer will be left on an unsupported browser version. “Older versions of Chrome will continue to work, but there will be no further updates released for users on this operating system,” the company continued, also adding that only those who upgrade to newer macOS versions will “continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features.” Security researchers warn that running an unpatched browser significantly raises an internet user’s exposure to hackers. Web browsers are targets for attackers because they process untrusted content from the Internet daily. Almost two weeks ago, Google had to rush out updates after a vulnerability was disclosed that could expose applications to attack. Soon after, on January 13, Google Chrome’s Srinivas Sista issued a notice revealing that 10 new vulnerabilities had been identified. “The Chrome team is delighted to announce the promotion of Chrome 144 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac, and Linux,” Sista said. However, the statement also noted that the update would “roll out over the coming days/weeks.” Apple devices hit by WebKit flaws Apple has also been working to address security weaknesses in its own software. Over recent weeks, the company sent alerts about a flaw that could impact half of all iPhone users if their devices are not updated . Apple disclosed two vulnerabilities in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and all browsers on iOS. The iPhone manufacturer found flaws in several malicious websites that, when visited, could trick devices into executing harmful code without the user realizing. Once compromised, attackers could take control of the device, steal login credentials, or access financial information. The vulnerabilities were discovered and reported by Apple Security Engineering and Architecture and Google’s Threat Analysis Group. Apple credited Google’s team with identifying CVE-2025-43529. Third-party browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Apple mobile devices were also affected at the engine level. Apple released patches for the vulnerability on several versions, including iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 for newer iPhones and iPads, iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3 for slightly older supported models. On the Mac side, fixes were included in macOS Tahoe 26.2; on Apple TV, in tvOS 26.2; on Apple Watch, in watchOS 26.2; and on the Vision Pro headset, in visionOS 26.2. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
26 Jan 2026, 14:00
Has Bitcoin found a floor near $86K? ONE BTC indicator says…
Bitcoin drifts toward $86k as fear dominates, raising fresh doubts about whether a true market bottom is in.
26 Jan 2026, 14:00
Bitmain’s Strategic Masterstroke: $110 Million Ethereum Purchase Signals Unwavering Institutional Confidence
BitcoinWorld Bitmain’s Strategic Masterstroke: $110 Million Ethereum Purchase Signals Unwavering Institutional Confidence In a bold move that reverberated through global cryptocurrency markets, Beijing-based mining giant Bitmain Technologies announced a staggering $110 million Ethereum acquisition last week, fundamentally altering institutional investment narratives and signaling profound confidence in ETH’s long-term trajectory. The company’s strategic purchase of 40,302 ETH represents one of the most significant single-week institutional accumulations in recent cryptocurrency history, bringing Bitmain’s total Ethereum holdings to an unprecedented 4,243,338 ETH. This development, confirmed on March 15, 2025, from Bitmain’s Hong Kong headquarters, provides crucial insights into evolving institutional strategies within the rapidly maturing digital asset ecosystem. Bitmain’s Ethereum Purchase: Analyzing the $110 Million Strategic Move Bitmain’s recent transaction represents more than a simple asset acquisition. The company executed this purchase through multiple exchanges and over-the-counter desks to minimize market impact. Consequently, the accumulation occurred gradually across five business days. Market analysts immediately noted the timing coincided with a minor ETH price correction, suggesting sophisticated entry strategy. Furthermore, this purchase increases Bitmain’s Ethereum portfolio by approximately 1% in a single week. The transaction’s scale immediately drew attention from institutional investors worldwide. For context, $110 million exceeds the market capitalization of numerous publicly traded companies. Additionally, this purchase represents nearly 0.03% of Ethereum’s total circulating supply. Bitmain’s accumulation strategy demonstrates calculated precision rather than speculative impulse. The company’s treasury management team reportedly planned this acquisition for several months, waiting for optimal market conditions. Institutional Cryptocurrency Investment Trends in 2025 Bitmain’s move reflects broader institutional trends reshaping cryptocurrency markets. Traditional financial institutions increasingly allocate portions of their treasury reserves to digital assets. Simultaneously, corporate balance sheets now commonly feature Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings. This institutional adoption creates new market dynamics fundamentally different from previous retail-driven cycles. The table below illustrates recent comparable institutional Ethereum acquisitions: Institution Date ETH Purchased Approximate Value Bitmain Technologies March 2025 40,302 ETH $110 million MicroStrategy February 2025 15,000 ETH $41 million Tesla Treasury January 2025 8,500 ETH $23 million Square Financial December 2024 6,000 ETH $16 million Several key factors drive this institutional accumulation trend. First, Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake consensus significantly reduced environmental concerns. Second, regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions provides greater confidence for corporate treasuries. Third, Ethereum’s robust developer ecosystem continues expanding real-world utility. Finally, institutional custody solutions now offer enterprise-grade security previously unavailable. Expert Analysis: Decoding Bitmain’s Treasury Strategy Financial analysts specializing in cryptocurrency treasury management identify multiple strategic considerations behind Bitmain’s move. The company traditionally focused on Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturing and mining operations. However, its expanding Ethereum position signals strategic diversification beyond core business lines. This diversification potentially hedges against Bitcoin-specific market volatility. Bitmain’s existing Ethereum holdings of 4.24 million ETH represent one of the largest corporate positions globally. To illustrate, this holding exceeds the Ethereum treasuries of many blockchain foundations. The company’s average acquisition cost remains undisclosed but analysts estimate significant unrealized gains. Bitmain’s treasury strategy appears focused on long-term value preservation rather than short-term trading profits. The purchase timing suggests confidence in Ethereum’s upcoming network upgrades. Specifically, the forthcoming “Electra” hard fork promises enhanced scalability and reduced transaction costs. Additionally, Ethereum’s staking yield currently exceeds traditional fixed-income returns. Therefore, Bitmain potentially views Ethereum as both growth asset and yield-generating treasury instrument. Market Impact and Ethereum Price Dynamics Bitmain’s announcement immediately influenced Ethereum market dynamics. The news broke during Asian trading hours, triggering a 3.2% price increase within ninety minutes. Moreover, trading volume spiked 40% above thirty-day averages. Market makers adjusted order books anticipating follow-on institutional interest. Derivatives markets showed increased call option activity at higher strike prices. The purchase’s market impact extends beyond immediate price action. First, it reduces available ETH supply on exchanges, increasing scarcity. Second, it signals sophisticated investor confidence to retail participants. Third, it may encourage similar accumulations by competing mining firms. Finally, it provides validation for Ethereum’s fundamental value proposition. Historical analysis reveals similar large purchases preceded sustained bullish periods. For example, MicroStrategy’s initial Bitcoin acquisitions in 2020 preceded institutional adoption waves. Similarly, Bitmain’s accumulation could signal upcoming institutional Ethereum adoption acceleration. Market structure analysis suggests reduced selling pressure from such long-term holders. Bitmain’s Evolving Business Model and Blockchain Integration Bitmain’s Ethereum accumulation aligns with broader business diversification. The company recently announced Ethereum mining software optimizations. Additionally, Bitmain expanded its staking infrastructure services. This vertical integration creates synergistic value across business segments. The company’s mining operations generate fiat revenue convertible to digital assets. Bitmain’s technological expertise provides unique advantages in cryptocurrency accumulation. The company develops proprietary trading algorithms minimizing market impact. Furthermore, Bitmain maintains direct exchange relationships securing favorable execution terms. These operational efficiencies create acquisition advantages unavailable to traditional institutions. The company’s Hong Kong headquarters provides strategic regulatory positioning. Hong Kong’s progressive cryptocurrency regulations facilitate institutional-scale transactions. Meanwhile, Bitmain’s manufacturing operations span multiple jurisdictions with favorable energy costs. This global footprint enables sophisticated treasury management across regulatory environments. Regulatory Considerations and Compliance Framework Bitmain’s substantial Ethereum holdings operate within evolving regulatory frameworks. The company maintains rigorous compliance protocols exceeding jurisdictional requirements. All acquisitions undergo anti-money laundering verification. Additionally, transaction reporting follows both Hong Kong and international standards. Institutional cryptocurrency holdings face increasing regulatory scrutiny globally. The Financial Action Task Force recently updated travel rule requirements. Meanwhile, accounting standards continue evolving for digital asset valuation. Bitmain’s transparent disclosure sets positive industry precedent. The company reportedly engages regulators proactively regarding treasury management practices. Several key compliance considerations shape institutional cryptocurrency strategies: Custody Solutions: Enterprise-grade custody with insurance coverage Accounting Standards: Proper classification as intangible assets Tax Implications: Clear documentation for capital gains calculations Disclosure Requirements: Transparent reporting to stakeholders Security Protocols: Multi-signature wallets and geographic distribution Bitmain’s approach addresses each consideration comprehensively. The company utilizes multiple custody providers minimizing counterparty risk. Additionally, external auditors verify holdings quarterly. This rigorous framework enables scale impossible for less sophisticated investors. Conclusion Bitmain’s $110 million Ethereum purchase represents a watershed moment for institutional cryptocurrency adoption. The strategic accumulation demonstrates sophisticated treasury management extending beyond speculative positioning. Furthermore, it validates Ethereum’s fundamental value proposition for corporate balance sheets. This transaction signals accelerating institutional confidence in blockchain infrastructure assets. Bitmain’s expanding Ethereum holdings reflect broader trends reshaping global finance. The company’s transparent disclosure provides valuable insights for market participants. Ultimately, such institutional movements increasingly determine cryptocurrency market structure and valuation paradigms. FAQs Q1: How does Bitmain’s Ethereum purchase affect ordinary investors? Bitmain’s accumulation signals institutional confidence potentially stabilizing prices long-term. However, large purchases temporarily reduce exchange liquidity. Retail investors should consider dollar-cost averaging rather than timing markets. Q2: What percentage of Ethereum’s supply does Bitmain now control? Bitmain’s 4.24 million ETH represents approximately 0.35% of Ethereum’s circulating supply. While significant, this percentage doesn’t constitute controlling interest or network influence. Q3: Does Bitmain stake its Ethereum holdings? While unconfirmed, analysts believe Bitmain stakes portions of its holdings. Enterprise staking solutions now offer secure yield generation. Staking would align with Bitmain’s infrastructure business model. Q4: How do Bitmain’s Ethereum holdings compare to its Bitcoin reserves? Bitmain remains predominantly Bitcoin-focused but increasingly diversifies. The company’s Bitcoin holdings likely exceed Ethereum values. However, exact Bitcoin treasury figures remain undisclosed. Q5: Could Bitmain’s purchase trigger regulatory concerns about market manipulation? Properly disclosed institutional accumulation differs from manipulative trading. Bitmain spread purchases across multiple days minimizing price impact. Regulatory frameworks increasingly distinguish between strategic accumulation and manipulation. This post Bitmain’s Strategic Masterstroke: $110 Million Ethereum Purchase Signals Unwavering Institutional Confidence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
26 Jan 2026, 13:59
Recognized by the Market: Bitunix Awards 2025 Confirm Platform Growth and Industry Impact
In 2025, the world’s fastest-growing crypto exchange, Bitunix , received four international awards from different industry platforms and regional events, reflecting growing recognition of the exchange’s product development and trading performance. The awards include Best Exchange for Futures Trading 2025 by crypto.ru, Best Emerging Exchange 2025 by FinanceFeeds, Breakthrough Platform of the Year at Cripto Latin Fest, and Best Growing Exchange by Cexfinder. Together, these recognitions come from Europe, Latin America, and global crypto media, showing feedback from both professional trading communities and industry observers. Bitunix Expands Futures Trading Capabilities in 2025 Throughout 2025, Bitunix has continued to focus on building a futures trading environment that supports active and professional traders. The platform introduced improvements to chart trading tools, order execution systems, and risk management features. Most notable was the launch of Coin-M perpetual futures through 2025, allowing traders to use the underlying asset for margin and settlement instead of USDT. This follows the launch of USDT-M futures in early 2024 and additional product releases that expanded Bitunix’s derivatives offering throughout 2025. Bitunix’s futures trading capabilities played a key role in the exchange’s 2025 industry recognition. According to the team, features such as perpetual contracts, expanding leverage of up to 200x on selected pairs, flexible margin modes, hedge mode, and advanced-candlestick charting with the possibility of opening up to 16 windows at once helped strengthen trading performance and execution quality, contributing to the platform’s growing adoption by active traders. “Our focus has been on improving trading performance, security, and transparency while building tools that support real trading needs,” said Steven Gu, Chief Strategy Officer at Bitunix. “The recognition we received this year reflects the work of our teams and the feedback from the trading community.” Bitunix Strengthens Regional Presence Across CIS and LATAM Bitunix’s recognition in the CIS by crypto.ru as the Best Futures Trading Platform and Breakthrough Platform of the Year at Cripto Latin Fest reflects the exchange’s focus on building strong regional connections alongside its global expansion strategy. During the year, the Bitunix team participated in more than 10 major international industry events, including Web3 Amsterdam, Paris Blockchain Week, Token2049 Dubai and Singapore, Wealth Expo Argentina, Cripto Latin Fest, and LABITCONF, allowing the company to connect with regional communities and support its international expansion efforts. By participating in industry events, working with local partners, and engaging directly with regional trading communities, Bitunix increased brand visibility and user adoption in these markets, which, according to the team, contributed to its industry recognition and awards in both regions. Furthermore, the exchange has also confirmed its participation in Blockchain Forum 2026 in Moscow, continuing its involvement in regional crypto industry events. Security and Transparency Initiatives Rolled Out in 2025 The team also cited security and transparency initiatives as contributing factors to Bitunix’s industry recognition. By strengthening its infrastructure through partnerships with Fireblocks and Elliptic, completing independent security audits with Hacken, Certified, and Salus, and introducing Proof of Reserves to allow users to verify asset backing, the platform improved trust and operational reliability. In addition, the launch of the Bitunix Care Fund, a 30 million USDC protection reserve designed to support users in case of unexpected technical or system incidents, further demonstrated the exchange’s commitment to user protection. This factor contributed to its positive market perception and award recognition. Trading Volume Growth Reflects Platform Adoption According to the latest CoinGlass Annual Report , Bitunix ranked 7th worldwide in trading volume in 2025, reflecting the platform’s growing adoption among traders and contributing to its industry recognition. The exchange also rose in position on some of the most reputable ranking platforms in the crypto industry, such as CoinMarketCap and Coingecko, reflecting its growing influence in both futures and spot markets throughout 2025. About Bitunix Bitunix is a global cryptocurrency derivatives exchange trusted by over 3 million users across more than 100 countries. The platform is committed to providing a transparent, compliant, and secure trading environment for every user. Bitunix offers a fast registration process and a user-friendly verification system supported by mandatory KYC to ensure safety and compliance. With global standards of protection through Proof of Reserves (POR) and the Bitunix Care Fund , Bitunix prioritizes user trust and fund security. The K-Line Ultra chart system delivers a seamless trading experience for both beginners and advanced traders, while leverage of up to 200x and deep liquidity make Bitunix one of the most dynamic platforms in the market. Bitunix Global Accounts X | Telegram Announcements | Telegram Global | CoinMarketCap | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Reddit | Medium Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
