hodler

17 Jan 2026, 10:02

XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out

XRP often appears widely distributed on paper. Wallet counts suggest millions of holders. However, a closer look tells a different story. Recent data shared by an XRP Ledger validator, 24HrsCrypto (@24hrscrypto1), challenges mass ownership and shifts attention to where meaningful XRP supply sits. The distinction is important because raw wallet numbers hide concentration. They also shape expectations around future demand. When ownership narrows, market dynamics change. Owning XRP will be a dream to many..and time is running out. When you strip out dust wallets and count meaningful XRP holders (1,000 – 500,000 XRP) you’re left with ONLY 1.2 million accounts. Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human (which is generous)… 1,118,000 ÷ 8.2bn =… https://t.co/O7RiWfDMrw pic.twitter.com/a6bAB141Gc — 𝟸𝟺𝙷𝚁𝚂𝙲𝚁𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙾 (@24hrscrypto1) January 14, 2026 What the Wallet Data Shows The charts highlight wallet distribution , showing XRP account balances by range. Millions of wallets hold between 0 and 20 XRP. Another large block sits below 1,000 XRP. These wallets add little weight to ownership analysis. They represent dust balances, inactive accounts, or testing wallets. Once those are removed, the picture tightens fast. Wallets holding between 1,000 and 500,000 XRP total roughly 1.2 million accounts. 24HrsCrypto described this group as “meaningful XRP holders.” He went further. “Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human,” he wrote, that group equals “0.0135% of humanity.” The math leads to a clear ratio. “That’s 1 out of every 7,395 people.” The commonly cited figure of over 4 million XRP wallets remains technically accurate. It just lacks context. As 24HrsCrypto put it, “The ‘4M XRP holders’ number is inflated by millions of 0 – 1,000 XRP dust wallets.” This makes XRP holders a class among the population . Concentration Changes the Narrative The charts also show where XRP supply concentrates. Wallets holding 10,000 to 100,000 XRP control billions of tokens. Larger tiers above that hold even more, despite far fewer accounts, and these whales are constantly moving billions of tokens within the ecosystem. This structure points to ownership depth rather than breadth. XRP does not trade like a retail-saturated asset. It trades like one still building its holder base. That matters for price behavior. It also matters for liquidity shifts during periods of increased demand. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What Comes Next for XRP? Narrow ownership creates optionality. New participants do not need to replace existing holders. They only need to join a relatively small group. That dynamic favors expansion phases over saturation. As infrastructure matures, access improves. Custodial platforms, institutional rails, and regulatory clarity all lower friction. Each step widens the potential holder pool without diluting existing supply concentration. The charts show XRP supply already positioned. Large balances sit idle across defined tiers. If demand increases, supply does not need to be reshuffled across millions of wallets. It can move through far fewer hands. That structure supports stability during accumulation phases. It also allows sharp upward repricing when conviction builds. 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 advised to conduct thorough 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 X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 Jan 2026, 10:00

Top 3 Penny Cryptos That Could Lead the 2026 Bull Run

The next crypto bull cycle is already taking shape, and attention is shifting toward affordable tokens that combine community power, real utility, and mass adoption potential. Penny cryptos have always been magnets for retail investors because small price movements can create outsized returns. As markets mature, projects that blend hype with infrastructure are positioned to dominate 2026. Among the leading contenders are Shiba Inu (SHIB), Cardano (ADA), and the rising newcomer Mutuum Finance (MUTM) , whose presale momentum is drawing serious interest from long-term builders and yield-focused users. The project has a total supply of 4 billion tokens and has already generated around $19.80 million across all presale phases combined. The current presale price stands at $0.04 in phase 7, where 180 million tokens are allocated and 7% of this phase has already been sold. More than 18,850 holders are already participating across all phases, showing strong early demand. The token remains at a discounted stage, meaning investors who buy now are positioned better than those who wait for later phases when the price will rise again. For example, someone purchasing at $0.04 in phase 7 will pay less than buyers in phase 8 at $0.045 or phase 9 at $0.05, creating a clear advantage for early entry. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Shiba Inu (SHIB) entered the market as a playful experiment but evolved into one of the largest retail communities in crypto. Millions of holders, constant social activity, and regular ecosystem upgrades keep SHIB relevant even in quiet markets. Its Layer-2 network Shibarium is designed to lower fees and support real applications, which is gradually shifting SHIB from pure meme status toward utility-based relevance. Looking toward 2026, several market analysts expect SHIB to benefit from renewed retail participation during the next bull run. If broader market liquidity returns and Shibarium adoption expands, SHIB is positioned to revisit previous highs and potentially push beyond them. A realistic path suggests SHIB could move toward the $0.00005 to $0.00008 range by 2026, driven by burn mechanisms, transaction growth, and stronger exchange activity. While this would still be a fraction of a cent, the%age gains would be significant for long-term holders. Cardano (ADA) Cardano (ADA) stands apart from most penny tokens because it focuses on academic research, scalability, and real-world use cases rather than short-term hype. Its proof-of-stake design makes it energy efficient, and its layered architecture allows continuous upgrades without breaking existing systems. Over the past few years, Cardano (ADA) has expanded into smart contracts, decentralized applications, and defi crypto solutions that attract developers and institutions. By 2026, Cardano (ADA) is expected to be far more mature in terms of adoption. With improvements like Hydra scaling, better interoperability, and deeper DeFi liquidity, ADA could see substantial price growth. Many market projections place ADA in a range between $3 and $6 during a strong bull market, especially if institutional partnerships increase and network usage accelerates. Unlike meme coins, Cardano (ADA) grows through steady development rather than viral trends. This makes it a safer bet for investors who want long-term stability combined with high upside potential. In a mixed portfolio of penny cryptos, ADA represents reliability while still offering strong appreciation potential in the next cycle. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Mutuum Finance (MUTM) enters this landscape with a clear mission: to build a lending and borrowing ecosystem that rewards real participation. Unlike speculative tokens, its value is anchored in utility. The platform is developing its V1 of the protocol on the Sepolia Testnet, which will include a core liquidity pool, mtTokens, debt tokens, and an automated liquidator bot. Initial assets such as ETH and USDT will be supported for lending, borrowing, and collateral use. A key innovation is Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s dual lending models, which include Peer-to-Contract (P2C) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P). In the P2C model, users interact directly with a smart contract liquidity pool, making deposits and withdrawals simple and automated. Interest rates adjust based on supply and demand, ensuring efficiency. In the P2P model, lenders and borrowers connect more directly, allowing customized terms while still using blockchain security for settlement. Together, these systems give users flexibility, transparency, and control. Security has been a major focus for the project. In November 2025, Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s smart contracts underwent a formal audit by Halborn, a respected blockchain security firm. The review identified six issues, including one high-severity finding, all of which were fully resolved before final approval. Halborn confirmed that 100% of the reported findings were remediated, strengthening confidence as the project moves toward its official launch. Growth for Mutuum Finance (MUTM) will be driven by real usage. Every lending, borrowing, or staking activity will create demand for the token. Users who deposit assets will receive mtTokens representing their share of the pool and earned interest. These mtTokens can also be used as collateral for further borrowing. At the same time, mtToken holders will be able to stake them in special smart contracts to earn additional MUTM rewards. The platform will also introduce a buy-and-distribute mechanism that supports long-term price growth. A portion of revenue generated from lending and borrowing will be used to repurchase MUTM from the open market. These tokens will then be distributed to stakers, creating continuous buy pressure and encouraging loyalty. As activity increases, more revenue flows back into token purchases, reinforcing upward momentum. A beta version of the platform is expected to launch alongside the official release. This early access will allow users to test lending, borrowing, and staking features before full deployment. As more participants interact with the system, confidence and word-of-mouth promotion are expected to rise, which should naturally support price movement shortly after launch. Community Incentives and Daily rewards Community engagement is another pillar of the project. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has already built a following of more than 12,000 on Twitter. A $100K giveaway is going on, with ten winners each receiving $10,000 worth of MUTM tokens. The project dashboard is already live, allowing investors to track holdings and calculate returns in real time. A Top 50 leaderboard rewards the largest investors with bonus tokens, while a new 24-hour leaderboard offers a daily $500 MUTM prize to the top-ranked user who completes at least one transaction before the reset at 00:00 UTC. When comparing the three projects, each serves a different purpose. Shiba Inu (SHIB) offers cultural momentum and retail excitement. Cardano (ADA) delivers technological strength and institutional credibility. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) combines real DeFi utility with community rewards, audited security, and a growing ecosystem that directly ties usage to token demand. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Top 3 Penny Cryptos That Could Lead the 2026 Bull Run appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 Jan 2026, 09:54

User loses $282M in one of the largest social engineering crypto heists

The crypto user was reportedly deceived by an attacker impersonating Trezor support, tricked into revealing their hardware wallet seed phrase.

17 Jan 2026, 09:52

Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions

Newrez is set to begin counting certain cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a policy shift that could expand access to home loans for borrowers with digital assets. Key Takeaways: Newrez will begin counting certain crypto holdings as qualifying assets for mortgages starting in February. Borrowers will be able to use Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins without selling them, subject to risk adjustments. The move targets younger buyers and aligns with ongoing US policy discussions on crypto in mortgage underwriting. The change is expected to take effect in February and will apply across the lender’s non-agency products, including home purchases, refinancings and investment properties. Newrez to Count Bitcoin, Ether and Stablecoins as Mortgage Assets Under the new approach, Newrez will allow eligible crypto holdings to be considered alongside traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, removing a long-standing requirement for borrowers to liquidate their digital assets before applying. At launch, the lender said it will recognize Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds backed by those assets, and U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins. The assets must be held with US-regulated crypto exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks. Newrez said crypto valuations used in underwriting may be adjusted to reflect market volatility, while borrowers will still need to cover closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars. The lender emphasized that the policy is designed to integrate crypto within existing risk controls rather than overhaul its underwriting standards. Chief commercial officer Leslie Gillin said the decision reflects changing investor behavior, particularly among younger buyers. JUST IN: Major US lender Newrez to recognise crypto for mortgage qualification. Bitcoin is the new collateral pic.twitter.com/1GEyMzHuoT — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 16, 2026 About 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrency, Gillin said, adding that recognizing digital assets could help broaden access to homeownership for groups that have struggled to enter the housing market. Newrez’s move comes as US policymakers continue to debate how cryptocurrencies should factor into mortgage risk assessments. In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to study how crypto assets could be considered in single-family mortgage underwriting without first being converted into dollars. Shortly afterward, Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would codify that directive into law. Lummis argued that housing affordability challenges are increasingly affecting younger Americans, many of whom hold a significant share of their savings in digital assets. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where it has yet to advance. Interactive Brokers Enables 24/7 Account Funding With Stablecoins Interactive Brokers has expanded its crypto services by allowing clients to fund brokerage accounts with stablecoins that are automatically converted into US dollars. The new feature enables 24/7 deposits using USDC across multiple blockchain networks through a partnership with zerohash, removing delays tied to traditional wire transfers. Once received, stablecoins are converted into dollars and credited directly to client accounts, letting investors begin trading within minutes. Interactive Brokers said support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD will launch next week, building on USDC funding that was first introduced for retail clients in December. The brokerage said the move addresses a key friction point for global investors, as wire transfers can be slow and costly. The post Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions appeared first on Cryptonews .

17 Jan 2026, 09:38

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate

Bitcoin (BTC) is steady near $95,000, with traders weighing fresh catalysts shaping its outlook. Belgium’s KBC Bank has opened regulated crypto trading, Iran’s ecosystem surged past $7.8 billion amid unrest, and a Jefferies strategist warns of quantum computing risks. Together, these developments highlight Bitcoin’s dual role as a growth asset and hedge, while technical charts point toward a possible breakout. Belgium Bank Opens Crypto Trading Belgium’s KBC Bank will allow customers to trade Bitcoin and Ether starting February 16 through its Bolero platform. The move coincides with the full rollout of the Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework, which went live in January 2026. KBC says it’s the first Belgian bank to offer crypto trading directly under its own custodial system, giving retail investors a regulated and secure entry point. LATEST: KBC Bank will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on Feb. 16 via its Bolero platform, becoming Belgium's first bank to offer crypto within a regulated framework. pic.twitter.com/EgmCiR9cWF — CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026 Although no Belgian MiCA licenses are yet listed on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, KBC insists it has complied with MiCA rules and notified the National Bank of Belgium. The launch underscores growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin in Europe, even as regulatory details remain in flux. Iran’s $7.8B Crypto Surge Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded to $7.78 billion in 2025, with activity peaking during nationwide protests and economic unrest. As the rial collapsed and internet blackouts spread, citizens turned to Bitcoin as a store of value and financial lifeline. Daily withdrawals from exchanges surged, highlighting crypto’s role in bypassing traditional banking restrictions. ICYMI: Iran sees a $7.8B surge in crypto activity amid unrest, inflation, and internet shutdowns. Sanctions pressure is pushing both users and state-linked actors toward crypto. pic.twitter.com/yocdxQTM4j — The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) January 16, 2026 Chainalysis data shows more than half of late‑2025 inflows were linked to addresses associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), underscoring crypto’s dual use by both citizens and state‑affiliated entities. Despite volatility, Bitcoin’s demand in Iran illustrates its appeal as a hedge during instability. Quantum Risk Debate Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently cut Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing concerns that advances in quantum computing could eventually compromise cryptographic security. He replaced a 10% Bitcoin allocation with physical gold and mining equities. Jefferies' Greed & Fear removes Bitcoin allocation over quantum computing concerns, allocates to gold and silver Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/buN5cB6jvP #Bitcoin #Jefferies #Gold #Silver pic.twitter.com/qC8eY4uXxd — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 16, 2026 Bitcoin developers disagree, arguing that quantum threats are decades away. Blockstream CEO Adam Back estimates 20–40 years before such machines pose real risks, leaving ample time to adopt quantum‑resistant cryptography. While Wood’s remarks may weigh on sentiment short‑term, ongoing research could strengthen Bitcoin’s resilience in the long run. Will Bitcoin Break $100K? BTC Chart Shows Bullish Flag and EMA Support Near $95K Bitcoin price prediction remains neutral as BTC is trading near $95,188, holding firm above the $95,150 support zone. The 4‑hour chart shows a clear ascending structure with higher lows and a potential bullish flag formation just below $97,700 resistance. A breakout above this level could open the path toward $99,000 and the psychological $100,500 barrier. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview BTC remains above short‑, medium‑, and long‑term EMAs, all sloping upward, signaling sustained momentum. RSI readings at 57.94 and 53.56 are neutral but lean bullish, leaving room for continuation. Candlestick action adds weight to this view, with a recent bullish engulfing pattern near $93,000 and small‑bodied candles suggesting consolidation before another push higher. Candlestick behavior supports this view. Recent formations include a bullish engulfing pattern near the $93,000 level and a series of small-bodied candles, potentially signaling a pause before continuation. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks above $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may consider long setups targeting $99,000 and $100,500, with stop-losses below $93,000. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may eye long setups targeting $99,000–$100,500, with stops below $93,000. With sentiment stabilizing and adoption expanding, Bitcoin looks poised for a fresh bullish leg. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate appeared first on Cryptonews .

17 Jan 2026, 09:28

Former lawmaker says UK laws fall short in curbing Grok harms

A former UK lawmaker has revealed that the approach of the United Kingdom in terms of its laws will not reduce the harm caused by Grok. This is coming after UK ministers responded to the backlash faced by Grok, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, by fast-tracking legislation to ban the generation of non-consensual intimate images. According to the former UK lawmaker, the country is following a “what-a-mole” approach to regulating big technology companies. While there has been increased support for the law, experts have also warned that the changes may not go far to limit the harms posed by generative AI chatbots. “It looks like we are behind the curve, because we are,” says Harriet Harman, a former deputy Labour leader. “And it looks like we’re running to catch up, because we are. And it looks like we’ve got a scattergun approach, because we have.” Former lawmaker says the UK is behind in AI regulation According to the former UK lawmaker, this includes the country failing to clarify what the law should classify as “intimate” imagery. Although in the US, lawmakers have described it as depicting nudity or underwear, backbenchers and ministers have argued that the creation of non-consensual images of women and children in bikinis and wet T-shirts using Grok shows a significant weakness in the approach. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has also noted that the law is being aimed at nudification applications and may not even apply to Grok. According to Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, the nudification ban is not a solution that will tackle the generation of sexual images with Grok, noting that it won’t even apply to the chatbot. The offense is designed to apply only to applications developed for the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery. On the other hand, Grok is seen as a general-purpose artificial intelligence model capable of predicting images, text, and code, and would most likely be outside the scope of the law. In a letter to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Kendall mentioned that Grok might not be covered under the proposals. She mentioned that during the analysis, they identified that not all chatbots were covered under the scope of the law. However, she noted that officials have been commissioned to look into it so as to address the gap. Experts warn about the risks of AI chatbots Last Wednesday, X released a statement, noting that it would geoblock the ability for users to generate images of real people in skimpy outfits, like bikinis, underwear, and similar attire, in areas where it is currently illegal. It remains to be seen if similar images can still be generated using the standalone Grok application or the website. xAI , Grok’s parent company, did not disclose if that would be the case or if the enforcement would cover these parts. The debate is unfolding against rising concerns about violence against women and girls (VAWG) carried out using technologies. Reports claim that around one in 10 recorded offenses involving VAWG already has a digital element, something that experts believe significantly underestimates the true scale. Younger people are prone to more risks as they spend more time online. According to campaigners, artificial intelligence can be a harm accelerant. The group also mentioned that AI allows abuse to be generated and shared on a larger scale. Meanwhile, experts have warned that other AI-chatbot controversies are likely to emerge in the future. Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, an AI research body, mentioned that future flashpoints could include children being targeted with sexual interactions from chatbots or AI assistants dispensing questionable health or financial advice to their users. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .