hodler

23 Jan 2026, 07:50

Cronos, USDC, and Bitget Token see surge in whale transactions

Crypto.com’s Cronos, Bitget Token, and Circle’s USDC have seen a surge in whale activity over the past seven days, even as the two exchange tokens’ prices have slumped by more than 7% in that period. On-chain analysis from Santiment Feed shows that Cronos and Bitget Token recorded the steepest week-on-week increases in whale activity among tokens with market capitalizations above $500 million. Whale transactions on Cronos jumped by more than 1,100% compared with the previous week, while Bitget Token activity climbed by 800%. USDC on Optimism also ticked upwards more than fivefold over the same period, placing the stablecoin among the most transferred assets despite its price peg to $1. Whale activity mulls an impending increase in exchange trading volumes According to Santiment’s research, an uptrend in whale crypto exchange-affiliated token transfers usually precedes a phase of spiked volatility and changes in liquidity. During earlier market cycles, surges in whale transfers on Cronos coincided with increases in on-chain transactions and centralized exchange volumes on Crypto.com. Cronos, Bitget, and USDC whale transactions chart. Source: Santiment. CRO whale transactions jumped 1,111% over the past seven days, according to Santiment. The surge came despite a 75% drop in 30-day whale activity, while CRO’s price fell 0.5% and daily trading volume declined more than 25%. Whale transactions for BGB increased by 800% compared with the previous week. Unlike Cronos, Bitget token saw a modest short-term price uptick, gaining about 0.25% on the day, while trading volume increased by 75%. Over a 30-day horizon, however, whale activity for BGB was still down around 16%, likely from a sudden but localized resurgence in large transfers. At the time of this reporting, BGB was trading at $3.65, with a 24-hour trading volume of $110 million. “This is a strong sign that whales are repositioning inside ecosystems. Both CRO and BGB whale spikes often precede trading volume jumps, and means both platforms are very likely getting much higher usage than usual,” Santiment wrote in a post on X. Meanwhile, stablecoin USD Coin transactions on Optimism climbed by about 528% compared with the previous week and 94 % on a 30-day basis, while daily trading volume declined by nearly 22%. On the same blockchain network, Wrapped Ether activity rose by 710% week over week, on the backdrop of a strong rebound in 30-day whale activity, which was up more than 132%. Bitcoin whales in an accumulation spree, bull market incoming? The spike in altcoin and stablecoin whale activity comes on the heels of a sustained accumulation phase by Bitcoin whales since the year began. According to CryptoQuant’s charts tracking inflows to Bitcoin accumulation addresses, large holders have been adding coins to their portfolio even though the coin dropped from its year-high $97,000 to levels below $90,000. BTC exchange inflows. Source: CryptoQuant. From early January through late 2025, Bitcoin inflows to accumulation addresses were mostly in the high. Through mid-year, the market saw notable spikes in July and August when inflows surged above 10,000 BTC for some days. In October and November, inflows to accumulation addresses accelerated, with several sessions recording inflows of 20,000 BTC or more. The data shows that by the early days of the new year, daily inflows briefly reached the upper end of the observed range, nearing 40,000 BTC last week. Wallets held by short-term holders, defined as those under five months old and holding more than 1,000 BTC, also increased steadily throughout late 2025. Even after the October 10 liquidation event that took almost $20 billion away from markets, the number of these wallets was on the uptrend heading into January. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

23 Jan 2026, 07:10

Binance’s CZ Says Buy Crypto And Retire in Few Years, as AI Would Make You Jobless

Amid rising fears that AI will trigger widespread job losses, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has positioned crypto as a long-term alternative to traditional work. The former Binance CEO stated that while AI will cut jobs, crypto ownership could remove the need for salaried work. Visit Website

23 Jan 2026, 06:15

Ledger NYSE Listing: The Ambitious $4 Billion Valuation That Could Transform Crypto Security

BitcoinWorld Ledger NYSE Listing: The Ambitious $4 Billion Valuation That Could Transform Crypto Security PARIS, FRANCE – March 2025. In a move signaling a profound maturation of the cryptocurrency sector, industry-leading security firm Ledger is reportedly pursuing a landmark initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. According to a recent report from Unfolded, the company aims for a staggering valuation of approximately $4 billion. This potential Ledger NYSE listing represents more than just a corporate milestone; it is a critical test for the integration of specialized crypto-native businesses into the world’s most prestigious traditional financial markets. The Reported Ledger NYSE Listing and Its $4 Billion Ambition Financial news outlet Unfolded first broke the story, citing sources familiar with the matter. The report indicates that Ledger, headquartered in Paris, has engaged advisors to explore a U.S. public listing. Consequently, this strategic pivot could occur as soon as the second half of 2025. A $4 billion valuation would not only crown Ledger as a titan in crypto security but also place it among the most significant European tech listings in recent years. Moreover, this valuation reflects intense investor confidence in the long-term necessity of digital asset self-custody solutions. The journey to this point has been substantial. Founded in 2014, Ledger established itself early as a pioneer in offline private key storage. Its hardware wallets, like the Nano S and Nano X, became synonymous with security for millions of users globally. Therefore, a public offering represents a logical culmination of a decade of growth, product development, and brand trust-building within a volatile industry. Ledger’s Evolution From Hardware Startup to Security Powerhouse To understand the significance of a potential $4 billion Ledger NYSE listing, one must examine the company’s expansion beyond a simple USB device manufacturer. Initially, Ledger’s core proposition was tangible: a secure element chip storing cryptographic keys offline, away from internet-connected threats. However, the company strategically evolved into a comprehensive security ecosystem. Ledger Live: This integrated software platform allows users to manage portfolios, stake assets, and swap tokens directly, creating a sticky user experience. Ledger Enterprise: A suite of solutions tailored for institutions, hedge funds, and exchanges requiring institutional-grade custody. Ledger Stax: Developed in partnership with Tony Fadell, this innovative device merged security with a consumer-friendly e-ink display, targeting a broader market. Recover Service: A controversial yet strategic subscription service offering a backup solution for seed phrases, illustrating a shift toward recurring revenue models. This diversification likely forms the bedrock of the reported valuation. Analysts often assess such companies not just on current sales but on their market position, intellectual property, and potential to define a critical industry vertical—digital asset security. Context Within the Crypto and Public Markets Landscape A Ledger IPO would enter a public market environment with a nuanced history of crypto-related listings. For instance, Coinbase’s direct listing in 2021 was a watershed moment, yet its subsequent stock volatility mirrored the crypto market’s swings. Conversely, mining companies like Marathon Digital have traded publicly for years, subject to different forces. Ledger’s proposition is distinct; its business model is indirectly tied to crypto asset prices but directly tied to adoption and the perceived need for security. The following table compares key aspects of notable crypto-related public listings: Company Listing Type & Year Core Business Key Differentiator for Ledger Coinbase (COIN) Direct Listing, 2021 Centralized Crypto Exchange Ledger offers security for decentralized self-custody, contrasting with Coinbase’s custodial model. Marathon Digital (MARA) IPO, 2011 (pivot to mining later) Bitcoin Mining Ledger’s revenue is software & hardware sales, not energy-intensive mining reliant on Bitcoin’s price. Robinhood (HOOD) IPO, 2021 Retail Stock & Crypto Trading Ledger is a pure-play security specialist, not a brokerage platform. Furthermore, regulatory clarity in 2025, particularly regarding custody rules, could significantly benefit a firm like Ledger. Its products inherently align with regulatory principles emphasizing investor control and asset safety. Potential Impacts and Industry Implications A successful Ledger NYSE listing at a $4 billion valuation would send powerful signals across multiple domains. Firstly, for the cryptocurrency industry, it would validate the economic viability of infrastructure and security companies, even during periods of market consolidation. It demonstrates that building fundamental tools for the ecosystem can be as valuable, if not more stable, than speculative trading platforms. Secondly, for traditional finance (TradFi) investors, it offers a potentially less volatile entry point into crypto exposure. Investing in the “picks and shovels” of the digital gold rush—the security providers—has historically been a compelling strategy in other tech booms. Additionally, a public listing brings immense scrutiny, requiring enhanced corporate governance and transparent financial reporting, which could further legitimize the entire sector. Finally, for competitors like Trezor and KeepKey, a Ledger IPO raises the competitive bar. It would provide Ledger with a substantial war chest for research and development, acquisitions, and global marketing, potentially consolidating its market leadership. Expert Analysis on Valuation and Market Readiness While the $4 billion figure is eye-catching, financial analysts will dissect its basis. Valuation metrics will likely focus on recurring revenue from software services, hardware sales growth, and total value of assets secured on Ledger devices—a key network effect metric. Industry experts note that the transition from private to public markets requires a narrative shift from pure growth to sustainable, profitable growth. “A hardware company listing at this scale highlights how crypto has moved from niche to necessity,” observes a fintech analyst at a major investment bank. “The market is pricing not just devices, but the trust and security standards Ledger represents. Their challenge will be to articulate a clear path to scaling their ecosystem services to justify the premium.” This expert perspective underscores that the listing is as much about future potential as past performance. Conclusion The reported pursuit of a Ledger NYSE listing at a $4 billion valuation marks a pivotal chapter for both the company and the cryptocurrency industry. It signifies a maturation beyond speculative trading into the foundational business of security and infrastructure. If successful, this move would provide a blueprint for other crypto-native firms considering public markets, while offering traditional investors a novel way to gain exposure to the digital asset revolution’s backbone. Ultimately, the potential Ledger IPO is a powerful testament to the enduring and growing demand for sovereign financial security in the digital age. FAQs Q1: What is Ledger, and why is a potential NYSE listing significant? Ledger is a leading manufacturer of hardware wallets for securing cryptocurrency private keys. A NYSE listing would be a major milestone, bringing a core crypto security company into the mainstream public markets and validating the industry’s infrastructure sector. Q2: Where did the report about Ledger’s $4 billion IPO come from? The initial report was published by the financial news outlet Unfolded, citing anonymous sources familiar with the company’s plans. Ledger has not officially confirmed the details as of March 2025. Q3: How does Ledger make money? Ledger generates revenue primarily through the sale of its hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano X, Stax) and subscription services like Ledger Recover. Its Ledger Live software also facilitates transaction fees and swap services. Q4: How would a Ledger IPO differ from Coinbase’s listing? Coinbase is a centralized exchange where users trade assets held by the company. Ledger provides tools for self-custody, where users hold their own assets offline. Their business models and risk exposures are fundamentally different. Q5: What are the main challenges Ledger might face with a public listing? Key challenges include navigating intense public market scrutiny, meeting quarterly earnings expectations in a still-evolving crypto market, differentiating its valuation from volatile crypto asset prices, and managing regulatory perceptions as a listed entity in the crypto space. This post Ledger NYSE Listing: The Ambitious $4 Billion Valuation That Could Transform Crypto Security first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Jan 2026, 06:12

Coinbase lets users borrow up to $1 million against staked ether without selling

The new feature allows U.S. users to borrow USDC against cbETH while keeping their staked ETH exposure intact.

23 Jan 2026, 06:10

BTC Perpetual Futures Long/Short Ratio Reveals Cautious Market Sentiment Across Major Exchanges

BitcoinWorld BTC Perpetual Futures Long/Short Ratio Reveals Cautious Market Sentiment Across Major Exchanges Global cryptocurrency markets on March 21, 2025, exhibit a nuanced picture of trader positioning, as the latest BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio data from leading exchanges reveals a collective, albeit slight, tilt toward bearish sentiment. This critical metric, representing the percentage of open positions betting on price increases versus decreases, serves as a real-time barometer for institutional and retail trader psychology. Specifically, the aggregated 24-hour data shows 49.15% of positions are long, while 50.85% are short, indicating a market delicately balanced but leaning toward expectations of downward pressure. Consequently, understanding these ratios provides essential context for the current price action and potential future volatility in Bitcoin markets. Decoding the BTC Perpetual Futures Long/Short Ratio The BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio represents a fundamental gauge of market sentiment within cryptocurrency derivatives trading. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts lack an expiry date, making them a preferred instrument for speculating on Bitcoin’s price direction. The ratio calculates the proportion of open long positions, which profit if Bitcoin’s price rises, against open short positions, which profit if the price falls. A ratio above 50% long suggests bullish dominance, while a figure below indicates bearish control. However, market veterans often interpret extreme readings as contrarian indicators; excessively high long ratios can signal overcrowded trades and potential liquidations. Therefore, the current near-equilibrium state across major venues suggests a period of consolidation and indecision among traders. Major exchanges calculate this metric using their proprietary data, reflecting the positions of their specific user base. The data’s value lies not in absolute numbers but in trends and comparative analysis between platforms. For instance, a sustained shift in the ratio often precedes significant price movements. Analysts monitor these figures alongside funding rates, which are periodic payments between long and short positions to keep the contract price anchored to the spot price. When the long/short ratio shows a high percentage of longs while funding rates turn negative, it frequently signals that bullish leverage is becoming overextended and a correction may be imminent. A Comparative Analysis of Top Exchange Data The provided 24-hour data offers a precise snapshot from the three largest crypto futures exchanges by open interest: Binance, Bybit, and OKX. A side-by-side comparison reveals subtle but important differences in trader behavior across these global platforms. Exchange Long Ratio Short Ratio Net Sentiment Binance 48.71% 51.29% Most Bearish Bybit 49.38% 50.62% Slightly Bearish OKX 49.30% 50.70% Slightly Bearish Aggregate 49.15% 50.85% Bearish Lean Binance, the world’s largest exchange by volume, shows the most pronounced bearish tilt at 51.29% short. This positioning potentially reflects the sentiment of its vast and diverse retail user base. Conversely, Bybit and OKX display marginally less pessimistic ratios, with long positions nearly reaching parity. These variations can stem from several factors: User Demographics: Different exchanges attract distinct trader profiles, from high-frequency retail traders to sophisticated institutions. Regional Focus: Geographic regulatory landscapes influence local trading strategies and risk appetite. Product Offerings: The availability of other derivatives products, like options, can分流 futures positioning. Ultimately, the consistency of a bearish lean across all three major venues strengthens the signal’s reliability, suggesting a broad-based caution rather than an anomaly on a single platform. The Real-World Context and Market Impact This data arrives amidst a complex macroeconomic backdrop for cryptocurrencies in early 2025. Traders are currently weighing factors like potential regulatory clarity, institutional adoption trends, and traditional market correlations. A slightly bearish futures ratio often coincides with periods of price consolidation after a rally, as traders take profits or hedge their spot holdings. Historically, when aggregate ratios hover so close to equilibrium, it frequently precedes a period of increased volatility as the market searches for a new directional catalyst. Market makers and liquidity providers use this data to manage their risk exposure, potentially widening spreads or reducing leverage offerings if sentiment becomes too one-sided. Expert Perspective on Derivative Metrics Seasoned analysts emphasize that no single metric should be viewed in isolation. The long/short ratio gains its predictive power when combined with other on-chain and derivatives data. For example, analysts would cross-reference this ratio with: Open Interest: The total number of outstanding contracts. Rising open interest alongside a growing short ratio confirms new bearish bets. Funding Rates: To see if shorts are paying longs (negative funding) or vice versa, indicating the cost of holding a position. Liquidations Heatmap: To identify price levels where a large volume of stop-loss orders for either longs or shorts are clustered. In the current scenario, the mild short bias, if accompanied by neutral or slightly negative funding rates, suggests a healthy market without excessive leverage on either side. This environment can be conducive for trend formation once an external catalyst emerges. However, a sudden spike in the long ratio could quickly shift this balance, prompting a sharp, liquidity-seeking price move. Conclusion The latest BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio presents a clear, data-driven narrative of cautious sentiment across Binance, Bybit, and OKX. The aggregate tilt toward short positions, however slight, reflects a market in a state of watchful equilibrium. For traders, this metric is a vital piece of the puzzle, offering insight into the collective positioning of their counterparts. While not a standalone price predictor, this consistent bearish lean across major exchanges underscores the current market’s defensive posture. Monitoring subsequent shifts in this BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio will be crucial for identifying the next major directional move in Bitcoin’s price, making it an indispensable tool for informed market participation in 2025. FAQs Q1: What does a BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio below 50% indicate? A ratio below 50% long means a majority of open perpetual futures contracts are short positions, reflecting a bearish or cautious market sentiment where more traders are betting on the price of Bitcoin to decrease. Q2: Why do the ratios differ between Binance, Bybit, and OKX? Ratios differ due to varying user demographics, regional trader behavior, and the specific product mix on each exchange. Each platform’s unique user base applies different strategies and risk tolerances. Q3: Is a high short ratio always bad for Bitcoin’s price? Not necessarily. While it indicates bearish sentiment, extreme short positioning can lead to a “short squeeze,” where a rising price forces short sellers to buy back Bitcoin to close their positions, accelerating upward momentum. Q4: How often should a trader check the long/short ratio? Serious derivatives traders monitor this ratio daily for trend changes, but its most significant signals come from sustained shifts over several days or weeks, not intraday fluctuations. Q5: How does the long/short ratio relate to Bitcoin’s spot price? The ratio measures futures market sentiment, which can influence spot prices through arbitrage and hedging activity. However, spot price is driven by broader supply and demand; futures sentiment is one influencing factor among many. This post BTC Perpetual Futures Long/Short Ratio Reveals Cautious Market Sentiment Across Major Exchanges first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Jan 2026, 06:00

Coinbase Announces New Board Of Experts To Combat Rising Quantum Computing Risks

The crypto industry is preparing for a potential security challenge with the anticipated arrival of quantum computing. In response to this potential threat, Coinbase (COIN) has announced the formation of an advisory board composed of external experts. Coinbase Chief Security Officer’s Warning According to a report from Fortune, the newly established board includes academics from Stanford, Harvard, and the University of California, specializing in fields like computer science, cryptography, and fintech. Officially titled the Coinbase Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, the group also features experts from the Ethereum Foundation, the decentralized finance (DeFi) platform EigenLayer, and Coinbase itself. Jeff Lunglhofer, Coinbase’s Chief Information Security Officer, elaborated on the potential impact of quantum computing on current encryption methods. He explained that the encryption protecting wallets and private keys of Bitcoin (BTC) holders relies on complex mathematical problems that would take conventional computers thousands of years to solve. However, with the computational power that quantum computers promise—potentially a million times greater—these problems could be solved much more swiftly, Lunglhofer asserted. Although the security implications of quantum computing are genuine, Lunglhofer reassured that they are not expected to become an immediate concern for at least a decade. The purpose of the new advisory board is to examine the upcoming challenges posed by quantum computing in a measured manner. This involves fostering initiatives within the blockchain industry that are reportedly already underway to enhance the resilience of Bitcoin and other networks against quantum attacks. Blockchain Networks Expected To Implement Larger Keys At present, Bitcoin secures its wallets through private keys, which consist of long strings of random characters. These keys are accessible to their owners but can only be estimated through extensive trial-and-error computations. The advent of quantum computing, however, would make it feasible to deduce private keys using trial-and-error methods in a fraction of the time. In response to this looming threat, Fortune disclosed that blockchain experts speculate that networks will implement larger keys and add “noise” to obscure their locations, making them more difficult to detect. Implementing these defensive upgrades across blockchain networks is said to take several years. In the meantime, the newly formed Coinbase Advisory Board is gearing up to publish research papers and issue position statements aimed at helping the cryptocurrency industry brace for the impacts of quantum computing. Their first paper, which will address quantum’s influence on the consensus and transaction layers of blockchain, is expected to be released within the next couple of months. At the time of writing, Coinbase’s stock, which trades under the ticker symbol COIN on the Nasdaq, is trading at $225.10. This represents a slight drop of 1.2% over the last 24 hours. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com