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20 Jan 2026, 02:25

Binance Delists YGG/BTC in Strategic Shakeup: 15 Margin Pairs Face Removal

BitcoinWorld Binance Delists YGG/BTC in Strategic Shakeup: 15 Margin Pairs Face Removal In a significant platform update on January 22, 2025, global cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced the imminent removal of fifteen margin trading pairs, including the notable YGG/BTC pair. This strategic delisting, scheduled for 06:00 UTC on January 23, directly impacts both cross and isolated margin markets, prompting immediate analysis from traders and industry observers worldwide. The move underscores Binance’s ongoing efforts to optimize its trading ecosystem for liquidity and user safety. Binance Margin Pair Delisting: A Detailed Breakdown Binance’s official notice provides a clear list of affected trading instruments. The exchange will remove six specific pairs from its cross margin trading service. Consequently, users can no longer open new positions for these pairs after the deadline. Furthermore, the exchange will delist nine different pairs from its isolated margin service. This two-pronged approach affects several well-known altcoins paired against Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The specific pairs slated for removal are as follows: Cross Margin Pairs (6): YGG/BTC, ARPA/BTC, OGN/BTC, COMP/BTC, SUPER/BTC, JOE/BTC. Isolated Margin Pairs (9): YGG/BTC, CELO/BTC, VET/ETH, ARPA/BTC, OGN/BTC, GAS/BTC, COMP/BTC, SUPER/BTC, DIA/BTC. Notably, the YGG/BTC, ARPA/BTC, OGN/BTC, COMP/BTC, and SUPER/BTC pairs appear on both lists. This indicates a complete removal of margin trading functionality for these specific asset combinations. However, spot trading for these cryptocurrencies will continue unaffected on the Binance platform. The Rationale Behind Exchange Delistings Major exchanges like Binance periodically review their listed trading pairs. They typically base these reviews on rigorous, multi-factor analyses. Key metrics often include trading volume, liquidity depth, and market maker support. Additionally, regulatory considerations and network stability play crucial roles. When pairs consistently fail to meet the exchange’s quality standards, delisting becomes a standard operational procedure. Historically, Binance has communicated similar decisions through its “Periodic Reviews” announcements. The primary goal is to maintain a healthy, efficient trading environment. Therefore, removing low-liquidity pairs protects users from excessive slippage and volatility. It also allows the exchange to reallocate technical and monitoring resources to higher-demand markets. This process, while disruptive for some traders, generally strengthens the overall platform integrity. Immediate Impact on Traders and Markets The announcement triggers specific mandatory actions for affected users. According to Binance’s timeline, all open margin positions for the listed pairs must close before the deadline. The exchange will automatically liquidate any remaining positions at 06:00 UTC on January 23. Importantly, this includes both cross and isolated margin loans. Users will also find themselves unable to transfer additional collateral into these positions after the cutoff. Market data from the hours following the announcement showed mild price pressure on some affected altcoins. For instance, Yield Guild Games (YGG) and Origin Protocol (OGN) experienced slight increases in selling volume. However, the broader market impact remained contained. Analysts attribute this stability to the relatively niche nature of margin trading for these specific pairs. The spot markets for these assets showed minimal disruption, confirming the targeted scope of Binance’s decision. Comparing Cross Margin and Isolated Margin Effects Understanding the difference between the two affected margin types is crucial for context. Cross margin trading uses a user’s entire balance as collateral for all open positions. Therefore, delisting a cross margin pair affects a trader’s overall risk management pool. Isolated margin, conversely, allocates a specific, ring-fenced amount of collateral to a single position. Its removal is more contained but still forces position closures. Comparison of Delisting Impact by Margin Type Feature Cross Margin Delisting Impact Isolated Margin Delisting Impact Collateral Affects entire portfolio balance used for margin. Affects only the specific allocated collateral for that pair. Risk Higher systemic impact on user’s open trades. Contained, position-specific risk. User Action Required Must close position or risk liquidation of multiple assets. Must close the specific isolated position. This distinction explains why some pairs appear on both delisting lists. Binance is eliminating all leveraged trading avenues for those asset combinations. The move suggests these pairs failed to meet viability thresholds in both margin trading formats. Historical Precedent and Industry Trend Exchange delistings are a common phenomenon in the dynamic cryptocurrency sector. For example, Binance executed similar removals throughout 2023 and 2024, affecting pairs like SRM/BTC and FIO/BTC. Other major platforms, including Coinbase and Kraken, follow identical protocols. The industry-wide trend focuses on consolidating liquidity into fewer, more robust markets. This practice enhances price discovery and protects retail investors from illiquid, manipulative markets. Data from CryptoCompare shows that delisted margin pairs typically account for less than 0.1% of an exchange’s total margin volume. Their removal, therefore, is a cleanup of peripheral services. It rarely signals issues with the underlying blockchain projects themselves. Projects like Compound (COMP) and Celo (CELO) maintain strong fundamentals and development activity despite their margin pair removal. Traders should interpret the news as an exchange-specific liquidity adjustment, not a fundamental judgment on the assets. Expert Perspective on Market Health Industry analysts view periodic delistings as a sign of exchange maturity. “Routine maintenance of trading pairs is essential for ecosystem health,” notes a report from Arcane Research. “It removes friction and concentrates liquidity, which ultimately benefits the majority of users.” This process mirrors traditional finance, where exchanges regularly delist poorly performing stocks or derivatives contracts. The action demonstrates Binance’s commitment to operational excellence and risk management, key pillars of its long-term strategy. Conclusion Binance’s decision to delist fifteen margin trading pairs, including YGG/BTC, on January 23, 2025, represents a standard operational procedure to ensure market quality and user protection. Affected traders must close relevant positions promptly to avoid automatic liquidation. While disruptive for a small subset of users, this strategic shakeup aims to consolidate liquidity and enhance the trading experience for the broader Binance community. The move aligns with industry best practices and underscores the exchange’s focus on maintaining a robust, efficient financial marketplace. FAQs Q1: What should I do if I have an open margin position in one of the delisted pairs? A1: You must actively close your position before 06:00 UTC on January 23, 2025. Binance will automatically liquidate any remaining open positions at that time. Q2: Will spot trading for YGG, ARPA, or other affected coins still be available on Binance? A2: Yes. This delisting only affects margin trading for specific pairs. Spot trading for these cryptocurrencies continues normally on the Binance platform. Q3: Why is Binance delisting these particular margin pairs? A3: While Binance hasn’t specified exact reasons, such decisions typically follow periodic reviews based on factors like low liquidity, insufficient trading volume, or to streamline market offerings. Q4: Does this delisting mean the affected cryptocurrency projects are failing? A4: Not necessarily. Delistings from margin markets are often related to pair-specific liquidity metrics and do not reflect the fundamental health or adoption of the underlying blockchain project. Q5: Can I re-open a margin position for these pairs after January 23? A5: No. After the delisting time, these specific margin pairs will be permanently removed. You cannot open new cross or isolated margin positions for them on Binance. This post Binance Delists YGG/BTC in Strategic Shakeup: 15 Margin Pairs Face Removal first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Jan 2026, 02:15

Sky Protocol’s Strategic Masterstroke: $1.9M SKY Buyback Fuels Token Confidence After MakerDAO Rebrand

BitcoinWorld Sky Protocol’s Strategic Masterstroke: $1.9M SKY Buyback Fuels Token Confidence After MakerDAO Rebrand In a decisive move that signals robust confidence in its evolving ecosystem, Sky Protocol has executed a substantial 31.57 million SKY token repurchase over the past seven days, deploying 1.9 million USDS from its treasury to reinforce token value and holder alignment. This latest transaction, confirmed on April 15, 2025, represents another strategic chapter in the project’s aggressive buyback initiative, which has now allocated over $102 million toward SKY acquisition since its February 2025 launch following the high-profile rebrand from MakerDAO. Sky Protocol Buyback Program Demonstrates Strategic Treasury Management The recent Sky Protocol buyback operation removed approximately 31.57 million SKY tokens from circulating supply, according to verified blockchain data. Consequently, the project transferred these tokens to a permanent burn address or designated treasury reserve. Market analysts immediately noted the transaction’s timing, which coincided with broader cryptocurrency market stabilization. Furthermore, this consistent repurchase activity demonstrates a clear commitment to the tokenomics model outlined during the MakerDAO transition. Sky Protocol’s treasury management strategy now includes several key components. First, the program uses protocol-generated revenue exclusively for buybacks. Second, all repurchased tokens undergo transparent on-chain verification. Third, the initiative maintains a predictable execution schedule. Finally, the project publishes regular audit reports for community review. This systematic approach has gradually reduced sell pressure while simultaneously increasing scarcity metrics for the remaining SKY supply. Historical Context: From MakerDAO to Sky Protocol The MakerDAO community voted overwhelmingly for the rebrand to Sky Protocol in January 2025, completing the transition by early February. This strategic shift aimed to reflect the project’s expanded vision beyond its original stablecoin focus. Importantly, the buyback program launched simultaneously with the rebrand announcement. Since then, the treasury has executed weekly repurchases with varying volumes based on revenue generation and market conditions. Historical data reveals an accelerating buyback pace throughout 2025. Initially, the program allocated approximately $5-10 million weekly. However, recent months have seen increased allocations as protocol revenue streams diversified. The cumulative $102 million expenditure represents one of the largest sustained buyback initiatives in decentralized finance history. Comparatively, this commitment exceeds many traditional corporate share repurchase programs relative to market capitalization. Expert Analysis: Tokenomics and Market Impact Blockchain economists emphasize several critical implications from sustained buyback programs. Primarily, they reduce circulating supply, which potentially increases scarcity value. Additionally, they signal strong fundamental confidence from protocol developers. Moreover, they align treasury management with long-term token holder interests. Finally, they create predictable demand sinks that stabilize price discovery mechanisms. Industry observers note that Sky Protocol’s approach mirrors successful tokenomic models from traditional finance. Specifically, the program resembles corporate share repurchase strategies that have historically supported equity valuations. However, the blockchain implementation offers superior transparency through on-chain verification. Each transaction becomes publicly auditable, eliminating the disclosure delays common in traditional markets. Technical Implementation and Blockchain Verification Sky Protocol executes all buyback transactions through smart contract automation, ensuring program integrity. The system automatically allocates a percentage of protocol fees to a dedicated buyback contract. Subsequently, this contract executes market purchases through decentralized exchange liquidity pools. Transaction records show consistent execution across multiple blockchain explorers, confirming the 31.57 million SKY acquisition. The technical architecture incorporates several protective measures. First, purchase limits prevent excessive market impact during execution. Second, time randomization avoids predictable trading patterns. Third, multi-signature treasury controls require governance approval for parameter changes. Fourth, real-time analytics dashboards provide community transparency. This sophisticated infrastructure supports the program’s reliability and sustainability. Comparative Analysis with Other DeFi Projects Project Buyback Program Total Value Timeframe Sky Protocol Active $102M Feb 2025-Present Compound Finance Completed $47M 2023-2024 Aave Protocol Intermittent $31M 2022-2024 Uniswap Treasury Governance Proposal $0 Not Activated The comparative data reveals Sky Protocol’s exceptional commitment to token repurchases. Notably, the project’s $102 million expenditure doubles the nearest competitor’s historical total. This substantial investment reflects both available treasury resources and strategic prioritization of tokenomics management. Furthermore, the consistent weekly execution demonstrates operational discipline uncommon in decentralized governance environments. Economic Implications for SKY Token Holders Sustained buyback programs generate multiple economic effects for token holders. Initially, they reduce circulating supply, potentially increasing scarcity. Subsequently, they demonstrate treasury commitment to token value support. Additionally, they create deflationary pressure when combined with token burning mechanisms. Moreover, they enhance governance alignment by concentrating tokens among long-term stakeholders. Market data indicates several observable impacts since February 2025. First, SKY token volatility has decreased relative to comparable assets. Second, trading volume has increased during buyback execution windows. Third, exchange reserves have declined as tokens move to permanent addresses. Fourth, governance participation metrics show improved voter turnout among remaining holders. These trends suggest the program achieves its intended structural objectives. Regulatory Considerations and Compliance Framework Sky Protocol’s legal team has structured the buyback program within existing regulatory frameworks. The initiative uses protocol-generated revenue rather than investment capital, distinguishing it from securities repurchases. Additionally, all transactions occur transparently on public blockchains, exceeding traditional disclosure requirements. The project maintains ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies regarding program parameters and reporting standards. Compliance documentation emphasizes several protective features. First, the program avoids market manipulation through execution limits and randomization. Second, it publishes advance notice of schedule changes. Third, it maintains complete transaction history for audit purposes. Fourth, it incorporates governance oversight for all significant parameter adjustments. This comprehensive approach addresses potential regulatory concerns while preserving program effectiveness. Future Projections and Program Sustainability Protocol revenue projections suggest continued buyback capacity throughout 2025. Current fee generation rates could support approximately $150-200 million in annual repurchase volume. However, governance proposals may adjust allocation percentages based on ecosystem development needs. The community recently debated increasing buyback allocations versus funding new protocol development, ultimately maintaining the existing balance through a governance vote. Long-term sustainability depends on several factors. Primarily, protocol adoption must continue generating sufficient fee revenue. Additionally, market liquidity must accommodate purchases without excessive price impact. Moreover, regulatory developments must remain favorable toward treasury management activities. Finally, community governance must maintain consensus regarding program prioritization. Current indicators suggest strong support for continuing the existing strategy. Conclusion The Sky Protocol buyback program represents a sophisticated tokenomics strategy that has now removed 31.57 million SKY tokens through its latest weekly execution. This consistent approach, totaling over $102 million since February 2025, demonstrates the project’s commitment to value alignment following its MakerDAO rebrand. The program’s transparent execution, substantial scale, and strategic design establish new standards for treasury management in decentralized finance. As the initiative continues evolving, it will likely influence tokenomic models across the broader blockchain ecosystem while supporting SKY’s fundamental value proposition through verifiable scarcity creation and governance alignment. FAQs Q1: What is the purpose of Sky Protocol’s buyback program? The program aims to reduce SKY token circulating supply, support token value, align treasury management with holder interests, and demonstrate fundamental confidence through consistent protocol investment. Q2: How does Sky Protocol fund its token repurchases? The initiative uses protocol-generated revenue exclusively, primarily from transaction fees and service charges within the Sky Protocol ecosystem, ensuring sustainable funding without external capital requirements. Q3: What happens to SKY tokens after buyback execution? Repurchased tokens typically transfer to permanent burn addresses or designated treasury reserves, permanently removing them from circulation or holding them for future ecosystem development purposes. Q4: How does this buyback compare to MakerDAO’s previous treasury management? The current program represents a more aggressive and systematic approach than MakerDAO’s historical treasury activities, reflecting Sky Protocol’s expanded tokenomics focus following rebranding. Q5: Can governance participants change the buyback program parameters? Yes, SKY token holders can propose and vote on parameter adjustments through decentralized governance, including allocation percentages, execution schedules, and overall program prioritization relative to other treasury expenditures. This post Sky Protocol’s Strategic Masterstroke: $1.9M SKY Buyback Fuels Token Confidence After MakerDAO Rebrand first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Jan 2026, 02:10

Ethereum posts record onchain activity as research points to possible spam-driven growth: Asia Morning Briefing

Data suggests much of the recent spike in Ethereum transactions is tied to address poisoning, a scam that relies on cheap “dust” transfers to contaminate transaction histories rather than organic user demand.

20 Jan 2026, 02:10

Trove Investor Backlash Erupts After Shocking Pivot from Hyperliquid to Solana

BitcoinWorld Trove Investor Backlash Erupts After Shocking Pivot from Hyperliquid to Solana In a move that has sent shockwaves through the decentralized finance (DeFi) community, the Trove token project now faces significant investor backlash following its decision to abandon its original Hyperliquid-based chain in favor of building on Solana. This strategic pivot, announced just ahead of the project’s token generation event (TGE), involves redirecting $9.4 million of a total $11.5 million raise—funds initially secured under the premise of Hyperliquid integration. The controversy, first reported by Cointelegraph, highlights the complex tensions between developer autonomy, investor expectations, and the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape. Consequently, the team has initiated a refund process, returning $2.44 million to date with plans for more, as it argues the Solana move is critical for the project’s survival. Trove Investor Backlash: Anatomy of a Strategic Pivot The core of the Trove investor backlash stems from a fundamental shift in technological commitment. Initially, Trove conducted a token sale that successfully raised $11.5 million. Investors participated based on a clear proposition: the development of a perpetual decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Hyperliquid ecosystem. Hyperliquid is an emerging Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for high-performance perpetual futures trading. However, in a sudden announcement, the Trove team declared a change in development direction. They revealed plans to allocate the majority of the raised capital—$9.4 million—to build its perpetual DEX on the Solana network instead. The team framed this not as a mere preference but as “the only path for the project’s survival,” citing Solana’s superior liquidity, developer ecosystem, and proven throughput for DeFi applications. This decision triggered immediate protests from a segment of the project’s backers. Many investors felt the pivot violated the implicit contract of the fundraise, which was explicitly tied to Hyperliquid’s architecture and growth potential. The backlash manifested in public forums and direct demands for refunds. In response, Trove has undertaken a partial refund initiative. To date, the project has refunded $2.44 million to dissenting investors and has committed to issuing an additional $100,000. This refund process, while addressing some concerns, also underscores the financial and reputational costs of such a late-stage strategic change. Hyperliquid vs. Solana: The Ecosystem Dilemma To understand the depth of the Trove investor backlash, one must examine the technical and philosophical differences between Hyperliquid and Solana. This pivot represents more than a simple platform switch; it signifies a bet on two distinct visions for decentralized trading. Hyperliquid : This is a specialized, application-specific blockchain. Its entire design is optimized for a single function: hosting a decentralized perpetual futures exchange. Proponents argue this focus allows for maximal efficiency, tighter security, and governance tailored specifically to traders. Investing in a Hyperliquid-based project was often seen as a bet on a novel, high-performance niche. Solana : In contrast, Solana is a general-purpose, high-throughput Layer 1 blockchain. It hosts a vast and diverse ecosystem of applications, from DeFi and NFTs to gaming and social media. Its primary strengths are its proven scalability, immense liquidity pool, and large, active developer community. Building on Solana offers network effects but also means competing for attention within a crowded marketplace. The Trove team’s rationale likely hinges on Solana’s established market fit. Data from 2024 consistently showed Solana leading in non-EVM DeFi activity and user engagement. For a project building a perpetual DEX, immediate access to Solana’s deep liquidity and large user base could be a decisive advantage for launch and growth. However, this pragmatic argument collided with the specific investment thesis of backers who believed in Hyperliquid’s specialized future. Expert Analysis on Developer Pivots and Investor Trust Industry observers note that while developer pivots are not uncommon in the fast-moving crypto sector, the scale and timing of Trove’s shift are particularly notable. “The closer a pivot occurs to a token generation event, the higher the scrutiny,” explains a blockchain venture analyst who requested anonymity due to firm policy. “Investors allocate capital based on a specific technological stack and roadmap. A late-stage change can be perceived as a breach of trust, even if the new direction is commercially sound. The refund mechanism is a necessary, but costly, tool to manage that reputational risk.” Furthermore, this incident touches on broader themes of governance and transparency in early-stage crypto projects. Unlike traditional equity fundraising, many token sales operate in a regulatory gray area, where investor protections are often defined by community norms and the project’s own promises rather than formal securities law. The Trove investor backlash serves as a case study in how these norms are tested and enforced by the community itself through social pressure and demands for capital return. The Ripple Effect and Market Implications The fallout from Trove’s decision extends beyond its immediate investor base. This event sends a signal to the broader market about the perceived viability of emerging blockchain ecosystems versus established giants. Comparative Impact: Trove’s Pivot Decision Aspect Potential Positive Impact Potential Negative Impact For Solana Validates its dominance as the go-to chain for high-performance DeFi; attracts more developer attention. Raises questions about centralization of projects on a few large chains. For Hyperliquid None directly from this event. Could be perceived as a setback, raising doubts about its ability to attract and retain major projects. For Future Crypto Fundraises May lead to more explicit contractual terms regarding fund use and pivot conditions. Could increase investor skepticism and due diligence, potentially making fundraising harder for all but the most established teams. For DeFi Users May result in a better-funded, more competitive perpetual DEX on a liquid network (if Trove succeeds). Highlights instability and uncertainty in project roadmaps, potentially reducing user trust. Moving forward, the success or failure of Trove’s perpetual DEX on Solana will be closely watched. If the project thrives, it may retrospectively justify the controversial pivot in the eyes of some. Conversely, if it struggles, the Trove investor backlash will be remembered as a prescient warning. The situation also places a spotlight on the project’s execution capability, as it must now deliver under increased scrutiny and with a potentially divided community. Conclusion The Trove investor backlash underscores a critical juncture in decentralized project development, where technological agility must be balanced with unwavering commitment to investor expectations. The pivot from Hyperliquid to Solana, framed as an existential necessity by the team, has ignited a fierce debate over trust, capital allocation, and the future of specialized versus general-purpose blockchains. While the partial refunds address immediate grievances, the long-term reputational damage and the project’s ultimate performance on Solana remain uncertain. This event serves as a potent reminder that in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, clear communication and aligned incentives between builders and backers are as vital as the code itself. The resolution of this Trove investor backlash will likely influence how future projects navigate similar strategic crossroads. FAQs Q1: Why are Trove investors demanding refunds? Investors are demanding refunds because they provided $11.5 million in funding based on Trove’s original plan to build a perpetual DEX on the Hyperliquid blockchain. The team’s subsequent decision to pivot and use those funds to build on Solana instead violated the specific premise of the investment for many backers. Q2: How much money has Trove refunded so far? As of the latest reports, the Trove project has refunded $2.44 million to investors who protested the pivot. The team has also announced plans to issue an additional $100,000 in refunds. Q3: What reason did the Trove team give for pivoting to Solana? The Trove team stated that building its perpetual decentralized exchange on the Solana ecosystem represented “the only path for the project’s survival.” They likely cited Solana’s larger user base, deeper liquidity pools, and more mature developer ecosystem as key reasons for the strategic shift. Q4: What is the difference between Hyperliquid and Solana? Hyperliquid is an application-specific blockchain built solely for perpetual futures trading, offering a specialized, optimized environment. Solana is a general-purpose, high-speed Layer 1 blockchain that hosts a wide variety of applications, including many DeFi protocols, and is known for its high throughput and large community. Q5: Could this Trove investor backlash happen to other crypto projects? Yes, similar backlash can occur whenever a project makes a fundamental change to its core technology or business model after raising funds, especially if the change contradicts the specific promises made to investors during the fundraising phase. It highlights the importance of clear communication and governance in web3 projects. This post Trove Investor Backlash Erupts After Shocking Pivot from Hyperliquid to Solana first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Jan 2026, 02:00

ETP Frenzy: Crypto Funds Attract Over $2 Billion This Week

Reports say global exchange-traded products tied to crypto pulled in about $2.2 billion in net inflows during the latest week, a jump that marked the strongest weekly move since October last year. Bitcoin-focused funds took the lion’s share, while Ether and a handful of altcoin products also saw fresh money enter. Related Reading: What’s Driving The $1.42 Billion Comeback In Spot Bitcoin ETFs? Rising Appetite For Bitcoin And Ether According to CoinShares, Bitcoin-led products accounted for most of the inflows, while Ether-linked ETPs grabbed a meaningful slice of new capital as well. Many investors treated these products as an easier way to get exposure to crypto without owning coins directly. The pattern points to growing comfort among big traders and funds with exchange-traded wrappers. Some Flows Came As Prices Moved The uptick in cash into ETPs coincided with a fresh push higher in prices for core tokens. Traders who had been on the sidelines made buys after recent rallies, and funds that track these assets reported higher trading volumes. That increase in trade activity helped push the headline inflow number into view. A few market watchers said the move looked like accumulation by longer-term holders, while others warned that part of the money could be short-term positioning around events and news. Ease Of Access Draws Institutional Money For many institutions, these products are more familiar than direct custody of crypto. Brokers and wealth managers can put them on client platforms with the same tools they use for stocks and bonds. Some banks and advisers have started to offer these ETPs as part of broader portfolios, which has helped open a new tap of capital. That said, differences in rules across countries still shape where the biggest flows land. Where The Money Went And What It Means Bitcoin ETPs were the main beneficiaries, taking most of the $2.2 billion. Ether funds also saw healthy inflows, and a small number of altcoin products attracted fresh cash. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bulls Fired Up As Saylor Teases ‘Bigger Orange’ After Huge Buy The data shows demand is not limited to a single corner of crypto anymore. Instead, investors are spreading bets across the biggest names while a few niche tokens get tested. This could mean more stable demand for core products, even when smaller tokens wobble. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

20 Jan 2026, 01:58

Tether and Bitqik launch digital asset education program in Laos

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced the company’s plan to collaborate with Laos-based licensed exchange Bitqik to enhance education initiatives on Bitcoin and stablecoins. The partnership aims to empower individuals through financial literacy and encourage greater participation in formal financial systems. Following this motive, Ardoino noted that, “By closing knowledge gaps, improving access to education, and showcasing real-life uses for stablecoins, we are working towards a more resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-filled financial future,” he mentioned. Tether and Bitqik foster widespread adoption of cryptocurrency among individuals Regarding Tether and Bitqik’s education program , sources familiar with the situation who wished to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the matter mentioned that the initiative will offer online resources and host live, face-to-face gatherings in key cities to share knowledge on the practical uses of cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins and the blockchain technology, particularly USDT to individuals of all walks of life. By the end of this move, the two partners aim to engage more than 10,000 individuals, encouraging the adoption of digital assets among communities and students as their preferred payment method. In a statement, Virasack Viravong, the CEO of Bitqik, asserted that this partnership is a game-changer for the people of Laos as it will improve digital asset education in the Asian country via the Bitqik Academy. Some of the topics set to be covered in this initiative include learning activities focused on blockchain technology, investing in Bitcoin, and using stablecoins, enabling a large number of individuals interested in cryptocurrencies to access digital assets throughout the coming year. Cryptocurrencies set to conquer the traditional correspondent banking networks As cryptocurrencies become more popular among individuals, reports highlighted that, apart from Tether and Bitqik, Coins.ph, the leading and most established cryptocurrency exchange and mobile wallet platform in the Philippines, launched a significant educational campaign to help several Filipinos lower their remittance costs towards the end of last year. This education program is set to take effect from late 2025 to the second quarter of 2026. The initiative will cover topics, particularly remittances and payments, and will include a Polkadot Stablecoin Adoption Program that provides new users with a one-time reward. Notably, this program focuses on areas with large numbers of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), such as Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon. The educational effort was initiated following the Polkadot Asset Hub upgrade. This upgrade has played a crucial role in enhancing Coins.ph’s ability to manage cross-border transactions. With the Polkadot Asset Hub, designed to facilitate stablecoin movement, users on the cryptocurrency exchange Coins.ph can easily send, receive, and transfer popular stablecoins such as USDT and USDC faster and at a lower cost, without delays. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Coins.ph is capitalizing on a worldwide trend in which stablecoins are swiftly positioning themselves as cost-efficient alternatives to traditional correspondent banking networks. Following this finding, sources noted that stablecoins are expected to account for about 23% of global remittance flows. Moreover, analysts predicted that this cryptocurrency would reach a new all-time high of $250 billion in remittance volume, supported by stablecoins for Asia, by 2028. With this projected, massive shift in financial infrastructure, Coins.ph seeks to establish the Philippines as a leading digital finance hub. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.