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22 Jan 2026, 22:45
Nasdaq Shatters Limits: Historic Removal of BTC and ETH ETF Options Caps Signals New Era
BitcoinWorld Nasdaq Shatters Limits: Historic Removal of BTC and ETH ETF Options Caps Signals New Era In a landmark regulatory shift with profound implications for cryptocurrency markets, Nasdaq has officially removed the 25,000-contract position limit for options on spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This pivotal change, enacted on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, following a formal filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), fundamentally alters the landscape for institutional crypto derivatives trading. Consequently, major financial players now face significantly fewer constraints when building large-scale positions in these newly mainstream investment vehicles. Understanding Nasdaq’s Removal of ETF Options Position Limits Position limits traditionally serve as a regulatory safeguard. Specifically, they cap the number of derivative contracts a single entity can hold to prevent market manipulation and excessive speculation. Nasdaq’s previous limit of 25,000 contracts for Bitcoin ETF and Ethereum ETF options has now been eliminated. This decision follows the successful launch and robust trading volumes of spot crypto ETFs approved by the SEC in early 2024. The exchange filed a proposed rule change, known as a 19b-4 form, with the SEC to enact this modification. Furthermore, this move aligns Nasdaq with the evolving structure of the underlying ETF markets, which themselves have no position limits. The Regulatory Pathway and Immediate Effect The process for this change was both deliberate and expedited. Nasdaq submitted its proposal to the SEC, which subsequently published the filing for public comment. After a standard review period and finding no substantive objections, the SEC allowed the rule change to become effective. The modification took effect on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This regulatory green light underscores a growing institutional comfort with cryptocurrency-based financial products. Moreover, it reflects a maturation of the market infrastructure surrounding these assets. Implications for Institutional Crypto Derivatives Trading The elimination of these caps carries immediate and long-term consequences for market participants. Primarily, it removes a key barrier for large institutions—such as hedge funds, asset managers, and proprietary trading firms—seeking to execute sophisticated options strategies on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Previously, the 25,000-contract limit could constrain the size of complex positions involving spreads, straddles, or large hedging operations. Now, institutions can scale their exposure more efficiently. This change is expected to enhance liquidity and potentially tighten bid-ask spreads in the options market, benefiting all participants. Additionally, this development may accelerate the development of a deeper and more mature derivatives ecosystem for crypto ETFs. Options are crucial tools for risk management, income generation, and strategic speculation. With position limits removed, the market can support larger, more capital-intensive strategies that were previously impractical. This could lead to increased open interest and trading volume, further cementing the role of crypto ETFs within the broader financial system. Importantly, it provides traditional finance entities with a more familiar and accessible framework for engaging with cryptocurrency price movements. Comparative Analysis: Before and After the Rule Change Aspect Before February 19, 2025 After February 19, 2025 Position Limit 25,000 contracts per account No position limit Institutional Strategy Scale Constrained for large funds Effectively unlimited for scaling Market Liquidity Potential Limited by cap Potentially significantly deeper Hedging Capacity for Large ETF Holdings Could be insufficient Dramatically improved Broader Context in the 2025 Financial Landscape This rule change does not occur in a vacuum. Instead, it represents the latest step in the gradual but decisive integration of cryptocurrency into regulated global finance. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 marked the first major breakthrough, attracting tens of billions in assets under management. The subsequent approval of spot Ethereum ETFs continued this trend. Nasdaq’s latest action logically extends this integration into the derivatives layer, a critical component of any mature asset class. Other exchanges, including the Cboe, may review their own position limit policies in response, potentially leading to broader industry standardization. Experts point to the sheer trading volume of the underlying ETFs as a key justification for the change. For an asset with high daily turnover and deep liquidity, overly restrictive derivatives limits can become an artificial constraint that hampers market efficiency. Regulatory bodies like the SEC appear to be adopting a more nuanced, product-specific approach to crypto regulation, moving beyond blanket skepticism to tailored oversight based on an instrument’s actual characteristics and risks. This pragmatic shift is essential for fostering innovation while maintaining market integrity. Key Benefits of the New Regulatory Framework Enhanced Liquidity: Larger players can provide more volume, improving market depth. Improved Risk Management: Institutions can hedge massive ETF holdings more precisely. Strategic Flexibility: Enables complex, large-scale options strategies previously not feasible. Market Maturation: Aligns crypto ETF derivatives with norms for established equity ETFs. Potential Considerations and Market Evolution While the removal of position limits is widely viewed as a positive development for market structure, it introduces new dynamics that participants must monitor. Regulators will likely increase surveillance for potential manipulative activities, such as attempting to corner the options market or engineer unusual volatility around contract expirations. However, the inherent liquidity of the underlying spot ETF market, where shares can be created and redeemed, acts as a natural check against such manipulation in the derivatives market. Market makers and liquidity providers will need to adapt their models to account for the possibility of much larger block trades. Looking ahead, this change could pave the way for more exotic crypto-based derivatives products. The success of standard options may encourage exchanges to list options on futures-based crypto ETFs or even structured products with different payout profiles. The growth of this market segment will depend heavily on sustained institutional demand and continued regulatory clarity. Ultimately, the evolution of crypto derivatives will mirror the path of other asset classes, progressing from simple spot products to a full spectrum of investment and hedging tools. Conclusion Nasdaq’s decision to eliminate position limits for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF options marks a significant milestone in the institutionalization of cryptocurrency markets. This regulatory update, effective February 19, 2025, removes a major constraint for large-scale financial players, promising to enhance liquidity, improve risk management capabilities, and foster a more mature derivatives ecosystem. As the crypto asset class continues its integration into traditional finance, such structural advancements are crucial for building robust, efficient, and accessible markets. The focus now shifts to how institutional participants will utilize this newfound flexibility and how the market will evolve in response. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Nasdaq change regarding Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF options? Nasdaq eliminated the previous rule that limited a single account to holding 25,000 options contracts on spot Bitcoin ETFs and spot Ethereum ETFs. There is now no specified position limit for these products. Q2: Why is removing position limits important for the market? Removing these limits allows large institutional investors, like hedge funds and asset managers, to execute much larger and more complex trading and hedging strategies. This can lead to greater market liquidity, tighter spreads, and a more mature overall derivatives market for crypto ETFs. Q3: Does this mean the options market is now unregulated? No, not at all. The options trading itself remains under the full oversight of the SEC and FINRA. Surveillance for manipulation and other rules remain in place. The change specifically removes one type of restriction—the position cap—while maintaining all other investor protections and market integrity rules. Q4: Will other exchanges like the Cboe follow Nasdaq’s lead? While not guaranteed, it is a strong possibility. Exchanges often harmonize their rules to remain competitive and provide consistent markets for participants. The Cboe may file a similar rule change with the SEC in the coming weeks or months. Q5: How does this affect a retail investor trading these options? For most retail investors, the direct impact may be minimal as they are unlikely to approach the old 25,000-contract limit. However, they may benefit indirectly through potentially better liquidity, more efficient pricing, and a wider range of available strategies as institutional participation deepens the market. This post Nasdaq Shatters Limits: Historic Removal of BTC and ETH ETF Options Caps Signals New Era first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 22:44
Pi Coin Price Prediction: Critical Support Level is Being Tested – Long-Term Setup Could Surprise Everyone
The Pi Coin price has bounced by 6% in the past 24 hours, with its move to $0.1881 coming as markets lift in the wake of softened Greenland rhetoric from President Trump. Despite this lift, PI remains down by 9% in a week and by 7% in a month, with the altcoin suffering a 93% decline since posting a record high of $2.99 in February of last year. Yet today’s rally suggests that PI may have bounced up from a key support level in the $0.180 region, having hit a bottom in recent days. And when taken with ongoing community efforts to make the coin and its platform more useful, the longer term Pi Coin price prediction is starting to look very promising right now. Pi Coin Price Prediction: Token Bounces from Critical Support Level – Long-Term Setup Could Surprise Everyone As we can see from today’s Pi Coin price chart, the token has begun a strong rebound after spending too long in oversold territory. Indeed, apart from a couple of brief bounces in late October and late November, PI’s relative strength index (yellow) has around eight months below 50. Source: TradingView This is very rare for a top-100 cryptocurrency, so rare that it points to either one of two conclusions, with the first being that the Pi Coin price is about to enjoy a massive breakout. On the other hand, pessimists may argue that such behavior indicates a coin suffering a terminal decline, which may be true given how PI has failed to attract listings on numerous major exchanges (e.g. Binance, Coinbase, Kraken). One thing worth highlighting, however, is that PI has broken out of the steeply descending channel we see in the chart above. And when combined with Pi hitting a bottom a few days ago, we could indeed see the coin reaching new levels soon. It continues to have a big and strong community, which will help boost its usability and value over the long term . SUBBD Raises $1.4 Million As It Prepares to Launch AI-Powered Content Platform If PI doesn’t seem promising enough, traders may want to diversify into newer alternatives, including presale coins. Such coins can have the potential to rally impressively when they list for the first time, particularly if they’ve had a popular sale. Earn easily with AI Agents Create your own AI Agent here: https://t.co/9jJM0SyyiQ pic.twitter.com/F8deXUUYc8 — SUBBD (@SUBBDofficial) January 7, 2026 And one new token that is gaining more popularity right now is ERC-20 cryptocurrency SUBBD ($SUBBD) , which has raised over $1.4 million in its ongoing sale. SUBBD is about to launch an AI-powered content creation platform, one which gives creators more power over how they produce and earn from adult-themed media. Its AI tools can generate everything from ideas to videos and the performers who star in them, making creators more productive than ever before. And the use of crypto means that payments are transparent and quick, in contrast to pre-existing content platforms. Investors can join SUBBD’s sale by visiting the project’s official website , where the coin currently costs $0.05748. Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here The post Pi Coin Price Prediction: Critical Support Level is Being Tested – Long-Term Setup Could Surprise Everyone appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 Jan 2026, 22:43
Bitcoin’s Biggest Critic Admits Bitcoin is Not Crashing Yet
Peter Schiff argues that Bitcoin holders are missing out on gains even though the asset is not crashing yet.
22 Jan 2026, 22:43
XRP Price Prediction: XRP Nears Accumulation Breakout as $1.85 Holds – Bulls Target $4
The Long-Term Holder Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (LTH-NUPL) indicator reveals XRP has reset to levels historically associated with accumulation phases after defending a local price floor near $1.85 . Today’s XRP price prediction shows that if the $2.00 psychological level is reclaimed, a price discovery breakout toward the $4.00 high is next. Ripple’s President Says 2026 Set to Be XRP’s Breakthrough Year Ripple President Monica Long recently predicted 2026 is set to be XRP’s big year as real utility sees banks, corporates, and providers pilot stablecoins like RLUSD, on-chain assets, crypto custody, and broader institutional investment. After one of crypto’s most exciting years (and Ripple’s), the industry is entering its production era. In 2026 we’ll see the institutionalization of crypto — trusted infrastructure and real utility will push banks, corporates, and providers from pilots to scale — across… — Monica Long (@MonicaLongSF) January 20, 2026 “Crypto is no longer speculative—it’s becoming the operating layer of modern finance,” Long stated. She projected that this year, approximately 50% of Fortune 500 companies will have crypto exposure or formalized Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) strategies, actively holding tokenized assets, on-chain T-bills, stablecoins, and programmable financial instruments. Research shows that last year, B2B payments became the largest real-world use case for stablecoins, reaching an annualized run-rate of $76 billion. That’s a dramatic jump from early 2023, when monthly B2B stablecoin transfers sat below $100 million. Source: Flagship Advisory According to Long, the opportunity with XRP and crypto generally goes far beyond faster settlement. Companies are sitting on unprecedented amounts of trapped working capital, over $700 billion sitting idle on S&P 1500 balance sheets alone, and more than €1.3 trillion across Europe. “By the end of 2026, balance sheets will hold over $1 trillion in digital assets, and roughly half of Fortune 500 companies will have formalized digital asset strategies,” Long concluded. Similarly, according to observations shared by crypto analyst Paul Bennett, while “weak hands” are panic-selling, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is signaling “bull market.” Activity on the XRP blockchain just hit a massive 24-hour peak of 1.59 million transactions. Although XRP’s price recently dipped 13% following geopolitical tensions that sent retail into “ extreme fear ,” historically, when activity stays high while price drops, it’s a coiled spring ready for an impulsive reversal. XRP Price Prediction: Daily Chart Shows Constructive Retest The daily XRP/USD chart shows price previously respected a well-defined descending trendline, then broke above it with a strong impulsive move, signaling a momentum shift. The subsequent pullback has behaved constructively thus far, with XRP retesting the former breakout zone near the $1.90-$2.00 area and holding above it, suggesting buyers are still defending this level rather than capitulating. Source: X/ CryptoTitan However, the chart also makes clear upside is not yet free. Multiple supply zones are stacked above price, particularly between roughly $2.30 and $2.70, where prior breakdowns and aggressive selling occurred. These zones represent areas where rallies are likely to face selling pressure and potential rejection. From here, provided XRP continues holding above the retest area near $1.90-$2.00, the structure favors a gradual push higher, with a likely attempt to revisit the $2.30-$2.40 resistance first. A clean daily close above that zone would strengthen the bullish case and open the door to higher resistance near the mid-$2.60s. Maxi Doge Presale Offers Investors 70% APY Ahead of XRP Rally If XRP reclaims $3.00 and resumes a bullish trajectory, presale projects like Maxi Doge (MAXI) would attract capital from investors pursuing high ROI opportunities. Maxi Doge is an early-stage memecoin following the Dogecoin playbook, which helped it surge over 10x during the 2023-2024 breakout. MAXI presale has raised over $4.5million and offers 70% annual staking rewards for early participants at the current $0.000278 price. The presale has established an alpha channel to help traders share trade ideas, mirroring early Dogecoin days. To buy early, visit the official Maxi Doge website and connect a crypto wallet like Best Wallet. You can pay with USDT, ETH, or use a bank card immediately. Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here The post XRP Price Prediction: XRP Nears Accumulation Breakout as $1.85 Holds – Bulls Target $4 appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 Jan 2026, 22:35
Best Crypto to Buy Now January 22 – XRP, Solana, Cardano
Those expecting early 2026 to be a milestone on the road to crypto adoption will have to wait just a little longer. Coinbase recently withdrew its support for the CLARITY Act, a key piece of legislation that will enable U.S. regulators to oversee the industry, causing the U.S. Senate Banking Committeee to postpone the bill for at least a few weeks. Still, comprehensive U.S. crypto regulation this year is inevitable. Meanwhile, Bitcoin dominance has been slipping since summer , a sign that the smart money is rotating into altcoins like XRP, Solana, and Cardano ahead of the next bull run. XRP (XRP): Payments Blockchain Eyes $5 as Momentum Builds Ripple’s $119 million market cap XRP ($XRP) is a cornerstone of blockchain-based cross-border payments, offering fast settlement times and minimal transaction costs. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) was purpose-built for banks and financial institutions, aiming to overhaul slower, more expensive legacy systems like SWIFT. Ripple’s expanding profile has earned recognition from prominent organizations, including the UN Capital Development Fund and the White House, underscoring XRP’s global and potentially game changing reputation. Following the resolution of Ripple’s lengthy legal battle with the SEC, XRP surged to an all-time high (ATH) of $3.65 in mid-2025. Since then, broader market weakness has driven a pullback of roughly 46%, with the token now trading near $1.95. Despite the downturn, XRP may not remain below the $2 mark for long. A key catalyst has been the launch of spot XRP exchange-traded funds in the U.S., providing regulated access for both institutional and retail investors. Additional ETF approvals, combined with clearer regulatory frameworks, could propel XRP toward the $5 by Q2, while a 2026 bull target of $10 remains plausible. Solana (SOL): High-Speed Blockchain Poised for New ATH Solana ($SOL) is one of the best smart contract platforms out there. Known for high throughput and low transaction costs, the Solana network supports more than $8.5 billion in total value locked (TVL) and SOL maintains a market cap around $74 billion. The rollout of Solana spot ETFs by asset managers such as Grayscale and Bitwise has also been instrumental in introducing the asset to TradFi institutional investors. Trading around $130, SOL currently sits slightly below its 30-day moving average, a technical signal that often precedes a rebound toward trend alignment. A bullish flag pattern that formed in late 2026 could resolve into a strong upward move. A clear break above resistance near $200 and $275 would open the door for Solana to exceed its ATH of $293.31 and potentially climb past $300 before the end of the quarter. Solana is also emerging as a key platform for real-world asset tokenization, widely regarded as one of blockchain’s most compelling use cases for institutions. Major players such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton have used Solana to issue tokenized investment products. Cardano (ADA): Research-Driven Smart Contract Platform Cardano ($ADA) was established in 2015 by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, and officially launched in 2017. The ongoing development of this Proof-of-Stake blockchain is grounded in peer-reviewed academic research, an approach that continues to set Cardano apart from many competitors in the sector. With a market value of approximately $13.4 billion and a TVL of $168 million , ADA still has plenty of headroom to grow before competing directly with Solana as the leading alternative to Ethereum. From a technical perspective, ADA’s Relative Strength Index is hovering near 43. Over the past 24 hours, the token has gained 2%, bringing its price to around $0.365. The appearance of a bullish falling wedge pattern in late 2026 indicate the possibility of an imminent rally that could, under favorable conditions, help ADA push through local resistance zone to hit $1.20 by the end of Q1. Additionally, if the CLARITY act is resolved, Cardano could easily revisit its $3.09 ATH before year-end. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Meme Branding Meets Advanced Bitcoin Layer 2 Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is an emerging Bitcoin Layer-2 network focused on accelerating transactions, lowering fees, and enabling advanced smart contract functionality. Powered by the Solana Virtual Machine, Bitcoin Hyper incorporates decentralized governance and a Canonical Bridge facilitate seamless cross-chain Bitcoin transfers. The project’s presale has already raised over $30.8 million, with some market commentators projecting potential returns ranging from 10x to 100x once the token becomes available on exchanges. A recent audit conducted by Coinsult reported no critical vulnerabilities in the smart contract. The HYPER token underpins the ecosystem, serving as the medium for transaction fees, governance participation, and staking incentives. Participants can stake tokens during the presale to earn yields of up to 38% APY, though returns gradually decrease as overall participation increases. With exchange listings anticipated later this year, Bitcoin Hyper’s presale offers early supporters exposure to the next evolution of the Bitcoin network. Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information. Visit the Official Website Here The post Best Crypto to Buy Now January 22 – XRP, Solana, Cardano appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 Jan 2026, 22:30
Google’s Gemini AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu By the End of 2026
Google’s answer to ChatGPT, Gemini AI, has published eye-catching price predictions for XRP, Solana, and Pepe heading into 2026. The AI suggests that an extended crypto bull cycle, supported by clearer and more constructive regulation in the United States, could send leading altcoins to fresh record highs in the next market phase. Below is Gemini AI’s outlook for three of the most explosive cryptocurrencies over the year ahead. XRP ($XRP): Gemini AI Projects XRP at $6 by 2027 Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) began 2026 on a strong footing, climbing 19% in the first week of the year. In the last 24 hours, XRP rose 2.5% to change hands near $1.95. Gemini AI estimates that a full-scale bull market could drive XRP to $6 by the end of 2026, representing potential gains of roughly 3x or 200%. Source: Gemini AI XRP was one of the top-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies last year. In July, it reached its first new all-time high (ATH) in seven years, surging to $3.65 after Ripple secured a landmark legal win against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. That outcome significantly reduced regulatory overhang for XRP and helped ease fears that the SEC might pursue aggressive enforcement actions against other major altcoins. The pro-crypto Donald Trump’s return to the White House further fuelled Optimism across the sector. From a technical perspective, XRP’s Relative Strength Index is hovering around 43. Since the end of the first week of January, XRP has been forming a partial bullish flag pattern. Should this setup fully resolve alongside supportive macro and regulatory developments, Gemini’s $6 target would become easy. Adding to the bullish case, recently approved spot XRP exchange-traded funds in the U.S. are beginning to attract traditional finance capital, mirroring the sustained institutional inflows seen after Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs launched. Dogecoin (DOGE): Gemini AI Expects a 6x Run for DOGE but No New ATH What started in 2013 as a joke has grown into one of the largest assets in crypto. Dogecoin ($DOGE) now boasts a market capitalization close to $22 billion, accounting for nearly half of the $45 billion meme coin sector. DOGE formed several constructive technical patterns in late summer and early autumn of 2026, although momentum faded following a sharp, market-wide crash in October. Dogecoin hit an ATH of $0.7316 during the retail-driven bull market of 2021. While the $1 milestone remains the core dream of the Doge Army, Gemini AI believes DOGE may only hit highs of $0.70 this year. From its current price of around $0.1257, that would equate to a nearly 6x return. Dogecoin is an accepted tender in several places. Tesla accepts DOGE for select merchandise, while payment platforms such as PayPal and Revolut now support Dogecoin transactions, strengthening its position as a functional digital currency rather than a purely entertaining meme coin. Shiba Inu (SHIB): Gemini AI Forecasts Nearly 1,162% Upside Above Previous Highs Shiba Inu ($SHIB) , launched in 2020 as a tongue-in-cheek rival to Dogecoin, has matured into a major crypto project with a market capitalization exceeding $4.6 billion. Currently trading around $0.000007923, SHIB has rallied 11% over the past two weeks, far outperforming Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin over the same period. Gemini AI forecasts that a decisive breakout above resistance at $0.000025 could trigger an aggressive rally, potentially lifting SHIB to $0.0001 by year-end. Such a move would represent an approximate 1,162% increase from current levels and place it just above its current ATH of $0.00008616, recorded in October 2021. Fundamentally, the Shiba Inu ecosystem offers more than just playful meme branding. Its Layer-2 network, Shibarium, delivers faster settlement times, lower transaction fees, enhanced privacy, and improved developer tools, helping differentiate SHIB from meme coins that lack meaningful utility. Maxi Doge (MAXI): A Meme Coin Built for Extreme Price Swings Lastly, outside of Gemini’s forecasts, crypto’s presales market remains the best place for traders looking for the next Dogecoin or Shiba Inu success story. Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has emerged as one of January’s most discussed meme coin presales, raising more than $4.5 million ahead of its planned exchange listings. The project presents an exaggerated, gym bro parody of Dogecoin. Loud, unapologetic, and intentionally over-the-top, Maxi Doge leans fully into the raw meme culture that originally fueled the rise of meme coins. After years of Dogecoin dominance, Maxi Doge is forming its own Maxi Doge Army, united by meme fandom, degen trading strategies, and a shared appetite for explosive volatility. MAXI is issued as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, giving it a lower environmental impact than Dogecoin’s proof-of-work model. Stake purchased tokens during the presale for yields of up to 69% APY, though returns decrease as more people join. MAXI is priced at $0.0002795 in the latest round, with automatic price increases scheduled for each new funding stage. Tokens can be purchased via MetaMask or Best Wallet . Say goodbye to Dogecoin. Maxi Doge is the new dog in town! Stay updated through Maxi Doge’s official X and Telegram pages. Visit the Official Website Here The post Google’s Gemini AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu By the End of 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews .
