Invest ideasNews
28 Jan 2026, 20:46
White House To Host Crypto And Banking Leaders In Push To Break Regulatory Deadlock
The White House is set to bring together senior figures from the banking and crypto industries on Monday in an effort to break the deadlock over the crypto market structure bill, namely the CLARITY Act, according to a Reuters report. The planned meeting comes as progress on the bill has stalled amid growing tensions between the two sectors over how digital assets should be regulated. White House Crypto Council To Lead Talks People familiar with the matter said the meeting will be organized by the White House’s crypto council and will include executives from several industry trade groups. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Braces For FOMC Volatility As History Shows Major Post‑Fed Sell‑Offs Discussions are expected to focus on one of the most contentious aspects of the legislation: whether and how crypto firms should be allowed to offer interest or other rewards on customer holdings of stablecoins. The anticipated market structure legislation has been under consideration in the Senate for several months. It is intended to establish a comprehensive federal framework for regulating digital assets following the passage of the GENIUS Act last July. Stablecoin Rewards Clash With Bank Stability Fears The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill in July, but progress in the Senate has been slower. Earlier this month, the Senate Banking Committee was scheduled to debate and vote on the measure. However, the markup was postponed after cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN) withdrew its support for the bill and criticized various elements of it, including stablecoin rewards. Crypto representatives argue that offering rewards such as interest is essential to attracting and retaining customers. Related Reading: Crypto Funds Funneled To Money Launderers Hit $82 Billion, According To Chainalysis Banks, on the other hand, have raised alarms that allowing crypto platforms to pay yield on stablecoins could draw deposits away from insured lenders. Since deposits are the primary source of funding for most banks, industry representatives warn that a significant outflow could pose risks to financial stability. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
28 Jan 2026, 20:02
Bubblemaps Flags LICK Token as On-Chain Data Ties Launch to Alleged $40M US Government Theft
A newly launched meme coin called LICK has come under scrutiny after on-chain data linked its creation to John Daghita, also known online as “Lick,” who has been accused of stealing $40 million from the US government. In its latest update, blockchain analytics platform Bubblemaps reported that Daghita recently launched LICK on Solana-based meme coin launchpad, Pump.fun, and has been actively live-streaming on Telegram to promote the token. According to the data shared, a single wallet linked to Daghita holds roughly 40% of the total LICK supply, which has sparked immediate centralization and risk concerns. Bubblemaps described the situation as “unhinged.” From Seized Funds to Pump.fun The Bubblemaps update comes just days after prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT published a detailed finding connecting the “Lick” to wallets tied to large-scale suspected thefts and funds linked to US government seizure addresses. ZachXBT said his investigation stemmed from a leaked recording of a private group chat, in which a threat actor named “John” was seen screensharing wallet balances and moving millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency during an argument with another actor. According to ZachXBT, the dispute escalated into “band for band,” a practice in cybercrime circles where participants attempt to prove wealth by displaying and transferring funds in real time. The investigator stated that the recording showed John controlling multiple wallets and moving significant amounts of crypto while being filmed, which allowed the wallets to be traced afterward. After analyzing the footage, the on-chain sleuth reported that the wallets displayed in the recording could be linked to more than $90 million in suspected thefts. He said that one wallet in the transaction chain received 1,066 WETH on November 20, 2025, which he traced back to a wallet that had received $24.9 million from a US government address in March 2024. Ties to Bitfinex Funds ZachXBT claimed this address was connected to funds seized from the Bitfinex hack, which he previously reported on in October 2024. He further claimed that the same wallet received over $63 million in inflows from suspected victims and government seizure-related addresses during the fourth quarter of 2025, along with an additional 4,170 ETH, worth about $12.4 million at the time, originating from MEXC. John had a long history of boasting about his net worth on Telegram and shared identifiers tied to those messages, as per ZachXBT, who also added that rumors in cybercrime channels indicated the individual could be John Daghita, who was arrested in September 2025, though he acknowledged that further confirmation was needed. The investigator raised additional questions about access to seized funds, while citing that John’s father owns CMDSS, a company holding an active US Marshals Service contract related to managing forfeited crypto assets. He stressed that it remains unclear how any access may have occurred. Meanwhile, public statements from officials confirmed that the US government authorities are investigating the matter. The post Bubblemaps Flags LICK Token as On-Chain Data Ties Launch to Alleged $40M US Government Theft appeared first on CryptoPotato .
28 Jan 2026, 19:51
Supply Squeeze: Bitcoin Reclaims $90,000 as Binance Inflows Hit 4-Year Low
Bitcoin briefly surged past $90,000 on Jan. 28 before retreating to trade between $89,300 and $89,600, with market cap peaking at $1.78 trillion. Contradicting ETF Trends Bitcoin briefly surged past the $90,000 milestone Jan. 28, fueled by reports that bitcoin transfers to Binance—the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange—have plummeted to a monthly average of 5,700 BTC.
28 Jan 2026, 19:10
South Korea's FSC chairman support move to cap ownership of crypto exchanges to around 15-20%
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon on Wednesday called for a cap on the ownership stakes of major shareholders on digital asset exchanges. The country’s financial regulator seeks to cap ownership at 15-20%. Lee’s remarks suggest that the country’s financial regulator is moving ahead with the initiative despite pushback from the Digital Asset eXchange Alliance (DAXA) of South Korea and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. He argued that the initiative aims to align governance standards with the exchanges’ growing public role in the crypto industry. FSC incorporates the shareholder ownership cap into the Digital Asset Basic Act The era of founder-led giants is facing a major shift. South Korean regulators are pushing for a 15% to 20% ownership cap for major shareholders of crypto exchanges. The FSC argues that exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb have become "core public infrastructure" and must adopt… pic.twitter.com/p9y1Ub48BQ — Conor Kenny (@conorfkenny) January 28, 2026 The financial regulator’s proposal on controlling shareholders’ stakes is expected to be incorporated into the second phase of virtual asset legislation, the Digital Asset Basic Act. Lee stated that the existing Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information and the Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset Users focus on anti-money laundering and investor protection. The FSC’s chair revealed that the new legislation aims to serve as a comprehensive legal framework governing the entire crypto industry. He also pointed to the current system, which allows digital asset exchanges to operate under a notification system with a 3-year renewal requirement. Lee believes that the shift to an authorization system would effectively grant local exchanges permanent operating status in South Korea. He argued that a higher status requires digital exchanges to adopt governance rules that align with their larger roles and responsibilities. “Excessive concentration of ownership could increase the risk of conflicts of interest and undermine market integrity. Securities exchanges and alternative trading systems are already subject to ownership limits, making it reasonable to apply similar standards to virtual asset platforms.” – Lee Eog-weon , Chairman of South Korea’s Financial Service Commission. Lee also acknowledged that the initiative is part of South Korea’s broader effort to integrate crypto exchanges into the mainstream financial system. The FSC believes the initiative will reinforce accountability, transparency, and the public interest. DAXA and Korea’s Democratic ruling party oppose FSC’s ownership cap initiative DAXA previously opposed FSC’s initiative to cap major shareholders’ stakes in virtual asset exchanges at around 20%. Cryptopolitan reported that the joint council representing major local crypto exchanges, including Coinone and Upbit, warned that the proposal could hinder the development of Korea’s virtual asset industry. Shareholders at Upbit’s operator, Dunamu, including Chair Song Chi-hyung and related parties, hold more than 28% of the firm’s shares. Coinone’s Founder Cha Myung-hoon holds roughly 53% of the company’s shares. FSC’s new law would force the crypto exchanges’ shareholders to offload a significant portion of their holdings. The Democratic ruling party of South Korea also argued that similar ownership caps on shareholders’ stake in crypto exchanges are uncommon internationally. The party believes that the ownership caps could put South Korea out of sync with global regulatory trends. Lee responded to the concerns raised, disclosing that he remains in close talks with the party. He argued that while there is broad agreement on the need for the initiative, ongoing discussions are underway over its scope and timing. Lee maintained that the Digital Asset Basic Act is a major legislative endeavor. He revealed that there will be continued consultations with the National Assembly and relevant ministries to ensure the legislation moves forward without unnecessary delays. Cryptopolitan previously reported that the FSC plans to allow more than 3,500 listed firms and professional investors to invest directly into crypto. The financial regulator will allow firms to invest up to 5% of their equity capital in digital assets. Authorities also revealed that the FSC is in talks with lawmakers to establish a legislative proposal for the Framework Law on digital assets. The law is expected in the first quarter, with companies facing an annual deposit or investment ceiling capped at 5% of their initial capital. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.
28 Jan 2026, 18:36
Coinbase Global shares fall for seven consecutive sessions; at high risk of bad performance
Coinbase Global ( COIN ) shares clocked seven straight sessions of losses on Wednesday, as the stock was 1.4% lower at $207.97. The largest U.S. crypto platform lost over 7% in the preceding six sessions. Overall, the stock has fallen 7.3% so far this year, compared to the near 2% rise in the broader S&P 500 Index ( SP500 ). COIN is down 12% over the past one month. Most recently, Coinbase Global chief executive Brian Armstrong urged lawmakers to protect his crypto exchange's ability to offer reward on stablecoins, as part of his opposition to the Senate Banking Committee's crypto market structure draft bill. “The CLARITY Act threatens COIN’s ability to pay interest on stablecoin deposits, undermining a key future revenue stream,” pointed out a recent Seeking Alpha analysis. Crypto platform rewards are significantly above typical bank deposit rates, with banking groups warning that high-yield crypto tokens could drain deposits and threaten lenders. Coinbase Global has characteristics which have been historically associated with poor future stock performance. COIN has decelerating momentum and is overpriced when compared to other financials stocks, to the point that it gets a Sell rating from Seeking Alpha's Quant rating system. The company received C in the prospect of profitability, while it received F in the momentum factor. Seeking Alpha analysts are positive and see the stock as a Buy. Turing to the Wall Street , 23 analysts have given the stock a Buy or above rating. Eleven analysts gave the stock hold recommendation, while one positioned Strong Sell. More on Coinbase Coinbase: Ride The Everything Expansion Coinbase: Clarity Act Is Bad For Business (Rating Downgrade) Coinbase: Long-Term Thesis Intact Ahead Of Q4 Coinbase's Armstrong lobbies lawmakers to preserve stablecoin rewards - report Banks vs. Crypto battle escalates over token yields
28 Jan 2026, 17:27
Bybit EU says tokenization could become the backbone of global financial infrastructure
Tokenization may become the new rails for global finance, stated Georg Harer, Co-CEO of Bybit EU. During a panel discussion, Harer commented on the potential of tokenization from concept to commercial application. Bybit EU is looking into tokenization as one of the rails for global finance. Georg Harer, Co-CEO of Bybit EU, joined an expert panel discussion on the topic of ‘Tokenisation as the Backbone of Next-Generation Financial Infrastructure.’ The roundtable format discussed tokenization from concept to viable commercial use. The panel brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to explore how tokenization can serve as a foundational layer for global financial systems. During the conference, experts discussed regulatory frameworks and how blockchain-based infrastructure can reshape traditional financial markets. Tokenization has already taken over some of the leading networks, with most of the new products launched on Ethereum and Solana. For now, Bybit offers no access to branded tokenized products, but has used its exchange infrastructure to offer precious metals derivative trading. Real and fully regulated tokenization can boost trading and ensure legitimate backing by real assets, as well as transparent ownership. Tokenization may displace legacy tech Tokenization may displace some outdated frameworks based on legacy technology and financial models. To use the full potential of tokenization, players must still solve the issues of fragmentation and limited interoperability. ‘ Seeing the industry come together was invaluable at a time when we at Bybit EU are trying to build both the scalable infrastructure and the necessary guardrails for the digital asset class, ’ said Harer. Harer still believes tokenization will become a critical component of the financial infrastructure that will serve operations in the future. Bybit focuses on fighting crypto crime Harer also joined a discussion panel on financial crime, examining the role of exchanges to stop fraud. Bybit, which survived a $1.5B heist , notably cooperated with exchanges on tracking and clawing back some of the stolen funds. Harer noted that bad actors are becoming more organized and attempting more complex attacks with new tools. Bybit EU has already added new measures to uphold user safety, in part under the MiCAR laws and requirements. Bybit already mentioned its increased EU compliance with the latest full MiCAR certification. Source: Bybit Nordic via X The discussion also noted emerging technology becoming a threat vector, such as deepfake-enabled impersonation and automated phishing. Harer noted exchanges had a role in effective identification and identity verification. He added that new types of financial crime require advanced detection tools, but also transparency and industry-wide shared efforts. Exchanges currently react to signals, though some platforms are still used by hackers to swap or disguise funds, with no resort to freezing or clawing back lost tokens. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.
