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22 Jan 2026, 05:50
NYSE Tokenization Plan Faces Scathing Criticism: Columbia Professor Calls Announcement ‘Vague and Superficial’
BitcoinWorld NYSE Tokenization Plan Faces Scathing Criticism: Columbia Professor Calls Announcement ‘Vague and Superficial’ NEW YORK, March 2025 – The New York Stock Exchange’s ambitious plan to tokenize real-world assets faces significant criticism from a leading academic who calls the announcement ‘vague and superficial.’ Columbia Business School professor Omid Malekan highlights crucial gaps in the NYSE’s blockchain strategy, raising questions about the future of traditional finance’s embrace of distributed ledger technology. NYSE Tokenization Plan Lacks Crucial Details The New York Stock Exchange recently announced its intention to build a blockchain platform for real-world asset tokenization. However, the announcement immediately drew criticism for lacking essential technical and operational details. According to Professor Omid Malekan, the exchange failed to specify which blockchain technology it would employ. Additionally, the announcement omitted critical information about whether the tokens would operate on permissioned or permissionless networks. Malekan further noted the absence of tokenomics and fee structures in the NYSE’s proposal. These elements represent fundamental components of any blockchain-based financial system. The professor’s analysis suggests the exchange may be prioritizing public relations over substantive technological innovation. Consequently, market observers question whether traditional financial institutions truly understand blockchain’s transformative potential. Centralization Concerns in Traditional Finance Blockchain Adoption Professor Malekan identified a fundamental tension between blockchain’s decentralized nature and traditional finance’s centralized structures. He argued that the NYSE’s model appears based on existing centralized frameworks. Even sophisticated technology cannot alter this fundamental architecture without disrupting established partnerships and relationships. This reality presents a significant challenge for traditional exchanges seeking blockchain integration. Real-world asset tokenization represents a growing sector within blockchain finance. The process involves converting physical assets like real estate, commodities, or artwork into digital tokens on a blockchain. These tokens can then trade more efficiently with increased liquidity and transparency. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration of regulatory compliance, technological infrastructure, and market acceptance. Expert Analysis of Financial Institution Blockchain Strategies Financial institutions worldwide have explored blockchain technology for various applications. Many have announced tokenization initiatives with varying degrees of specificity and implementation. The NYSE’s announcement follows similar moves by other traditional exchanges and financial entities. However, Professor Malekan’s criticism highlights a pattern of vague announcements that may prioritize market signaling over genuine technological advancement. Blockchain adoption in traditional finance faces multiple challenges beyond technological implementation. Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Additionally, legacy systems integration presents technical hurdles that require substantial investment and expertise. The NYSE’s announcement appears to address none of these practical considerations according to critical analysis. Comparative Analysis of Financial Institution Tokenization Approaches Several financial institutions have announced tokenization initiatives with varying approaches: Institution Announcement Date Specificity Level Current Status NYSE March 2025 Low Planning Phase Singapore Exchange 2023 Medium Pilot Programs European Investment Bank 2022 High Issued Digital Bonds Goldman Sachs 2024 Medium Private Platform Development This comparative analysis reveals varying commitment levels among traditional financial institutions. Some entities have moved beyond announcements to actual implementation. Others appear to remain in exploratory phases with limited public disclosure about technical specifics. The Real-World Asset Tokenization Market Context Real-world asset tokenization represents a rapidly growing sector within blockchain finance. Market analysts project the tokenized asset market could reach $16 trillion by 2030 according to recent industry reports. This growth potential has attracted traditional financial institutions seeking to maintain relevance in an evolving financial landscape. However, successful participation requires more than superficial announcements according to industry experts. Key benefits of real-world asset tokenization include: Increased liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets Fractional ownership opportunities for smaller investors Enhanced transparency through immutable transaction records Reduced settlement times compared to traditional systems Global accessibility beyond geographical boundaries Despite these potential benefits, implementation challenges remain substantial. Regulatory frameworks continue evolving across different jurisdictions. Technological interoperability between different blockchain networks requires further development. Market acceptance among traditional investors necessitates education and demonstration of tangible benefits. Technical Implementation Challenges for Traditional Exchanges Traditional exchanges like the NYSE face specific technical challenges when implementing blockchain solutions. Legacy trading systems often operate on decades-old infrastructure that lacks compatibility with modern distributed ledger technology. Integration requires either complete system replacement or complex middleware development. Both approaches involve significant cost and operational risk. Additionally, blockchain implementation decisions carry long-term consequences. Choosing a specific blockchain protocol creates technological path dependency. Switching platforms later becomes increasingly difficult as ecosystems develop around initial choices. The NYSE’s reluctance to specify its blockchain choice may reflect uncertainty about optimal technological direction rather than strategic vagueness. Regulatory Considerations for Financial Institution Blockchain Projects Financial regulators worldwide continue developing frameworks for blockchain-based financial products. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains jurisdiction over security tokens. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversees commodity token derivatives. This regulatory fragmentation complicates implementation for traditional financial institutions. The NYSE’s announcement notably lacks discussion of regulatory strategy. Successful tokenization initiatives require close collaboration with regulatory bodies. Many blockchain projects have faced enforcement actions due to inadequate regulatory compliance. Traditional exchanges presumably understand these risks better than cryptocurrency-native entities. Their cautious approach may reflect regulatory uncertainty rather than technological unpreparedness. Conclusion The NYSE tokenization plan faces legitimate criticism for lacking substantive details according to Columbia professor Omid Malekan. Traditional financial institutions must move beyond vague announcements to concrete implementation strategies if they hope to compete in the evolving real-world asset tokenization landscape. The exchange’s centralized structure presents fundamental challenges for blockchain integration that technology alone cannot solve. Future announcements from traditional financial entities will likely face increased scrutiny regarding technical specifics, regulatory compliance, and genuine innovation versus market signaling. FAQs Q1: What exactly did the Columbia professor criticize about the NYSE tokenization plan? Professor Omid Malekan criticized the NYSE announcement for lacking crucial details including which blockchain would be used, whether tokens would be permissioned, tokenomics structures, and fee models. He described the announcement as superficial given these omissions. Q2: What is real-world asset tokenization? Real-world asset tokenization involves converting physical assets like real estate, commodities, or artwork into digital tokens on a blockchain. These tokens represent ownership or value claims that can trade more efficiently with increased liquidity and transparency compared to traditional asset ownership. Q3: Why does centralization matter for blockchain tokenization projects? Blockchain technology fundamentally enables decentralization through distributed consensus mechanisms. Traditional financial institutions like the NYSE operate on centralized models. Integrating these opposing architectures creates technical and operational challenges that may limit blockchain’s transformative potential in traditional finance. Q4: Have other traditional exchanges implemented blockchain tokenization? Several exchanges have announced or implemented tokenization initiatives with varying success. The Singapore Exchange has conducted pilot programs, while the European Investment Bank has issued digital bonds on blockchain platforms. Implementation approaches and transparency levels vary significantly across institutions. Q5: What are the main benefits of real-world asset tokenization? Key benefits include increased liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets, fractional ownership opportunities for smaller investors, enhanced transparency through immutable records, reduced settlement times, and global accessibility beyond geographical limitations that restrict traditional asset markets. This post NYSE Tokenization Plan Faces Scathing Criticism: Columbia Professor Calls Announcement ‘Vague and Superficial’ first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 05:45
Upbit XTZ Suspension: Essential Network Upgrade Halts Tezos Transactions Temporarily
BitcoinWorld Upbit XTZ Suspension: Essential Network Upgrade Halts Tezos Transactions Temporarily SEOUL, South Korea – January 22, 2025 – Leading South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit announced a significant operational pause today. The platform will temporarily suspend all deposit and withdrawal services for Tezos (XTZ) tokens. This suspension begins precisely at 9:00 a.m. UTC on January 23. Consequently, traders and investors must prepare for this brief interruption. The exchange explicitly cited an upcoming Tezos network upgrade as the primary reason for this necessary maintenance window. This proactive measure highlights the evolving infrastructure demands within the blockchain ecosystem. Understanding the Upbit XTZ Suspension Announcement Upbit communicated this decision through an official notice on its website and user dashboard. The announcement provides clear details for its substantial user base. Deposits and withdrawals for the XTZ token will halt entirely during the maintenance period. However, trading of XTZ against Korean Won (KRW) and other paired cryptocurrencies will continue normally on the exchange’s order books. This distinction is crucial for active traders. The suspension affects only the movement of tokens on and off the exchange’s custodial wallets. Therefore, internal market activity remains uninterrupted. Network upgrades, often called hard forks or protocol amendments, are common in blockchain development. They introduce new features, enhance security, or improve efficiency. Exchanges like Upbit typically suspend external transactions during these events. This precaution prevents users from sending funds to outdated addresses or experiencing failed transactions. Major global exchanges, including Coinbase and Binance, follow identical procedures for similar network events. The practice has become an industry standard for ensuring user asset safety. The Technical Rationale Behind Tezos Network Upgrades Tezos employs a unique self-amending governance model. This model allows the blockchain to upgrade itself without requiring a contentious hard fork. Stakeholders, or bakers, vote on proposed protocol upgrades. Successful proposals then activate automatically across the network. This elegant process aims to reduce community splits and ensure smooth evolution. The upcoming upgrade, referenced by Upbit, is part of this continuous improvement cycle. These upgrades can involve changes to transaction validation, smart contract capabilities, or consensus mechanisms. For an exchange, synchronizing with these upgrades is a complex technical task. Engineers must update internal node software, test new transaction formats, and verify wallet compatibility. This process requires a stable environment, hence the temporary suspension of services. A failed synchronization could potentially lead to fund loss or incorrect accounting. Therefore, reputable exchanges prioritize caution over convenience. This operational philosophy protects millions of dollars in user assets under their management. Historical Context of Exchange Maintenance Events This is not an isolated incident for Upbit or the broader crypto industry. In Q4 2024, multiple exchanges paused Ethereum transactions during its major “Dencun” upgrade. Similarly, Cardano and Solana upgrades have prompted identical safety measures globally. Data from CryptoExchangeMonitor shows an average of 15-20 similar suspension notices from top-20 exchanges per quarter. These events are routine infrastructure maintenance, not indicative of platform problems. Savvy investors recognize them as signs of responsible operational management. The duration of such suspensions varies. Typically, they last between 2 to 8 hours, depending on upgrade complexity. Upbit has not specified an exact end time, which is standard. The exchange will likely issue a follow-up announcement once services resume normally. Users should monitor official channels for the completion notice. Past Upbit maintenance events for other assets have generally concluded within the same business day. Immediate Impacts on Traders and Investors The temporary suspension creates several practical considerations for market participants. Firstly, users cannot transfer XTZ from external private wallets or other exchanges to Upbit during this window. Secondly, withdrawing XTZ from Upbit to an external address is also impossible. This affects users needing liquidity on other platforms or in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. However, as trading continues, arbitrage opportunities between exchanges may emerge. Price discrepancies sometimes occur when one major platform isolates its liquidity pool temporarily. Action Required: Users planning time-sensitive XTZ transfers must complete them before 9:00 a.m. UTC on Jan 23. No Action Needed: Users simply holding XTZ on Upbit do not need to take any steps. Funds remain secure and unaffected. Trading Continues: All buy/sell orders for XTZ/KRW and XTZ/BTC pairs will execute normally. Market analysts observe that such suspensions rarely cause significant long-term price movement. Short-term volatility can occur if the news triggers uninformed selling. However, the underlying reason—a network upgrade—is typically a positive fundamental development. Upgrades often enhance blockchain utility, security, or speed, which can increase asset value over time. Upbit’s Role in South Korea’s Crypto Ecosystem Upbit, operated by Dunamu Inc., is a dominant force in South Korea’s digital asset market. It consistently ranks among the top exchanges by KRW trading volume globally. The platform is known for its rigorous compliance with South Korea’s strict financial regulations. These include real-name verification banking and extensive anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Its decision-making carries significant weight in the Asian crypto sector. When Upbit announces a suspension, other regional exchanges often monitor the situation closely. The exchange’s communication regarding this XTZ event follows its established transparent protocol. It provides advance notice, clear reasoning, and specific timelines. This approach builds user trust and aligns with South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) guidelines on consumer protection. Transparency during operational changes is a key metric in the country’s exchange licensing framework. Upbit’s adherence to these standards reinforces its authoritative position in the market. Comparing Global Exchange Protocols for Network Upgrades Exchange Typical Advance Notice Service Impact Communication Channel Upbit (KR) 12-24 hours Deposits/Withdrawals paused only Website banner, email, app notification Coinbase (US) 24-48 hours Full trading & transfers paused Blog post, status page, email Binance (Global) 6-12 hours Deposits/Withdrawals paused, trading often continues Announcement blog, Twitter Kraken (US/EU) 24+ hours Similar to Upbit’s model Support page, email alert This table illustrates different operational philosophies. Upbit’s method balances user convenience (keeping trades active) with technical safety. The approach minimizes market disruption while ensuring upgrade integrity. The exchange’s technical team will perform the node update and conduct post-upgrade verification tests. These tests confirm that the new network protocol interacts correctly with Upbit’s systems. Only after full validation will the deposit and withdrawal gates reopen. Conclusion The Upbit XTZ suspension represents a standard, precautionary procedure in cryptocurrency exchange management. It directly results from the progressive Tezos network upgrade. Users should view this as a routine maintenance event, not an alarming development. The temporary pause safeguards assets during a critical technical transition. Furthermore, it underscores the mature, institutional-grade operational protocols now standard at major exchanges like Upbit. As blockchain technology evolves, such coordinated pauses between networks and service providers will remain essential. They ensure the secure and seamless advancement of the entire digital asset ecosystem. FAQs Q1: Can I still buy or sell XTZ on Upbit during the suspension? A1: Yes. The suspension applies only to depositing XTZ into your Upbit account from an external source or withdrawing XTZ out of Upbit. All trading pairs involving XTZ on the exchange will remain fully operational. Q2: How long will the XTZ deposit and withdrawal suspension last? A2: Upbit has not announced a specific end time, which is common. The duration depends on the technical complexity of the Tezos network upgrade integration. Similar past maintenance events typically conclude within several hours. Users should watch for an official “resumption of services” notice from Upbit. Q3: Is my XTZ safe on Upbit during this time? A3: Yes. The suspension is a preventive measure, not a response to a security incident. Your XTZ holdings in your Upbit wallet are unaffected and remain secure. The exchange is performing this maintenance to ensure continued safety and compatibility with the upgraded Tezos blockchain. Q4: What happens if I send XTZ to my Upbit deposit address during the suspension? A4: You should avoid doing this. Transactions sent during the suspension may not be credited automatically and could be delayed significantly. They may require manual review by support staff after services resume, which can take additional time. Always verify that deposit services are active before sending funds. Q5: Will this suspension affect the price of XTZ? A5: Isolated exchange suspensions rarely have a lasting impact on an asset’s market price. While minor, short-term volatility is possible due to reduced arbitrage, the underlying reason—a network upgrade—is generally a positive long-term development for the Tezos ecosystem and its token’s utility. This post Upbit XTZ Suspension: Essential Network Upgrade Halts Tezos Transactions Temporarily first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 05:40
Binance SENT Listing: A Bold Move for High-Volatility Spot Trading in 2025
BitcoinWorld Binance SENT Listing: A Bold Move for High-Volatility Spot Trading in 2025 In a significant development for cryptocurrency markets, Binance, the world’s leading digital asset exchange, has announced it will list SENT for spot trading at precisely 12:00 p.m. UTC on January 22, 2025. This strategic move introduces the SENT token to Binance’s massive global user base while applying the platform’s distinctive Seed Tag designation, signaling the project’s potentially higher volatility profile compared to more established digital assets. The listing represents a calculated expansion of Binance’s trading offerings as the exchange continues to shape the evolving cryptocurrency landscape through selective, risk-aware token integrations. Binance SENT Listing Details and Market Context Binance’s official announcement specifies that SENT spot trading pairs will become available simultaneously across multiple trading interfaces. The exchange will support SENT/BTC, SENT/USDT, and SENT/BNB trading pairs, providing users with diverse options for accessing the newly listed asset. Market analysts immediately noted the timing coincides with broader cryptocurrency market stabilization following recent regulatory developments across major jurisdictions. Furthermore, Binance’s decision to apply the Seed Tag follows established exchange protocols for newer projects that may demonstrate increased price volatility. The cryptocurrency community has closely monitored SENT’s development trajectory since its initial decentralized exchange listings. SENT operates as the native utility token for the Sentinel ecosystem, a decentralized virtual private network (dVPN) and bandwidth marketplace protocol. This underlying technology enables users to share and monetize bandwidth resources while maintaining privacy through encrypted connections. Consequently, the Binance listing represents a substantial milestone for the project’s visibility and accessibility within mainstream cryptocurrency trading channels. Understanding Binance’s Seed Tag Designation Binance introduced its Seed Tag system as a risk classification framework to inform traders about newer or potentially more volatile projects. The exchange applies this designation to tokens that may exhibit higher price fluctuations and developmental risks compared to more established cryptocurrencies. Importantly, the Seed Tag requires users to pass specific quizzes acknowledging their understanding of associated risks before they can trade designated assets. This educational component represents Binance’s proactive approach to investor protection within evolving regulatory environments. Several notable cryptocurrencies initially debuted on Binance with Seed Tags before graduating to standard listings as their ecosystems matured and trading volumes stabilized. This historical pattern provides context for understanding SENT’s current classification. The table below illustrates recent examples of Seed Tag designations and their subsequent market performance: Token Initial Listing Date Seed Tag Duration Current Status Project A March 2023 8 months Standard Listing Project B July 2023 11 months Seed Tag Active Project C October 2023 6 months Standard Listing Exchange representatives emphasize that the Seed Tag serves primarily as an informational tool rather than a quality assessment. The designation highlights several specific characteristics that traders should consider: Volatility Potential: Newer tokens often experience wider price swings Development Stage: Projects may have unproven adoption or technology Market Depth: Lower liquidity can amplify price movements Regulatory Considerations: Evolving compliance landscapes may affect projects differently Expert Analysis of Exchange Listing Strategies Cryptocurrency market analysts observe that major exchange listings typically follow predictable patterns that influence token performance. Historical data from similar listings reveals that tokens often experience significant trading volume increases during their first week on major platforms. However, analysts caution that initial volatility frequently stabilizes as market makers establish positions and arbitrage opportunities diminish across different trading venues. Consequently, informed traders typically monitor multiple metrics beyond immediate price action when evaluating new listings. Blockchain researchers note that SENT’s underlying technology addresses growing concerns about digital privacy and decentralized infrastructure. The Sentinel protocol enables users to access censorship-resistant internet connections while earning tokens for sharing bandwidth resources. This practical utility distinguishes SENT from purely speculative assets and may influence its long-term adoption trajectory. Moreover, the project’s focus on decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) aligns with broader cryptocurrency trends toward tangible, real-world applications beyond financial speculation. Market Impact and Trading Considerations The SENT listing announcement immediately affected trading patterns across existing decentralized exchanges where the token previously traded. Market data indicates noticeable volume increases on these platforms as traders positioned themselves ahead of the Binance integration. Additionally, blockchain analytics reveal substantial token movement from external wallets to Binance deposit addresses in anticipation of the listing. These preparatory activities typically precede major exchange listings and provide insights into market sentiment. Seasoned cryptocurrency traders emphasize several key considerations when approaching newly listed assets with Seed Tags: Risk Management: Allocate only discretionary portions of portfolios to higher-volatility assets Timing Awareness: Initial listing periods often feature unusual volatility patterns Fundamental Research: Understand the project’s technology, team, and roadmap beyond trading metrics Platform Features: Utilize Binance’s risk management tools including stop-loss orders and price alerts Exchange representatives confirm that Binance will implement standard security protocols during the listing process. These measures include comprehensive wallet integrations, liquidity provisioning arrangements, and real-time monitoring systems to detect unusual trading activities. The exchange’s robust infrastructure has successfully managed numerous token listings throughout 2024, establishing procedural precedents for the SENT integration. Regulatory Landscape and Compliance Framework The cryptocurrency regulatory environment continues evolving as global financial authorities develop clearer frameworks for digital asset classification and trading. Binance’s Seed Tag system represents one approach to addressing regulatory concerns about investor protection in volatile markets. Exchange compliance officers work continuously to align platform features with emerging guidelines from financial authorities worldwide. This proactive compliance strategy has become increasingly important as cryptocurrency adoption expands across traditional financial sectors. Legal analysts note that decentralized infrastructure projects like Sentinel occupy complex regulatory positions across different jurisdictions. While the technology enables privacy-enhanced internet access, regulatory approaches vary significantly regarding data transmission protocols and bandwidth monetization. Consequently, SENT’s long-term regulatory positioning may influence its trading characteristics and exchange listing status across global markets. Binance’s due diligence processes typically include comprehensive regulatory assessments before listing decisions. Conclusion Binance’s SENT listing announcement represents a calculated expansion of the exchange’s trading offerings while maintaining appropriate risk disclosures through the Seed Tag system. The January 22, 2025, integration provides mainstream accessibility for a decentralized infrastructure project with practical applications in digital privacy and bandwidth sharing. Market participants should approach this Binance SENT listing with awareness of both opportunities and risks associated with newer cryptocurrency projects. As the digital asset ecosystem matures, such listings increasingly reflect exchanges’ balanced approaches to innovation, accessibility, and investor protection within evolving regulatory frameworks. FAQs Q1: What time exactly will SENT trading begin on Binance? SENT spot trading will commence at precisely 12:00 p.m. UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) on January 22, 2025, across all supported trading pairs simultaneously. Q2: What does the Seed Tag mean for SENT traders? The Seed Tag indicates Binance classifies SENT as a newer project with potentially higher volatility and risk. Traders must complete educational quizzes about these risks before accessing SENT trading on the platform. Q3: Which trading pairs will be available for SENT? Binance will initially support SENT/BTC, SENT/USDT, and SENT/BNB trading pairs, providing multiple options for traders with different base currency preferences. Q4: How does this listing affect SENT’s existing decentralized exchange trading? The Binance listing typically increases overall visibility and trading volume for tokens, though decentralized exchanges may continue operating independently with potentially different liquidity conditions. Q5: Can the Seed Tag designation be removed from SENT in the future? Yes, Binance periodically reviews Seed Tag designations and may remove them as projects demonstrate increased maturity, trading stability, and ecosystem development over time. This post Binance SENT Listing: A Bold Move for High-Volatility Spot Trading in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 05:10
US Crypto Market Structure Bill Further Delayed Until Late February or March – Report
The US Senate Banking Committee has again postponed the work on the long-awaited landmark crypto market structure bill that could create a regulatory framework for digital assets. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that the crypto market structure legislation may be delayed by several weeks. The panel is likely to consider it in late February or March, they added. Instead of focusing on the digital asset bill, the committee will pivot to housing legislation, following President Donald Trump’s recent push for affordability . President Trump wrote that he is taking “immediate steps” on the housing bill, which remains a priority and “American Dream.” Crypto Community Isn’t Happy With it The Committee’s backburnering of the crypto bill has left the community in uncertainty, despite backers pushing for the urgent passage of the legislation. Patrick Witt, White House Executive Director of the President’s Crypto Council, called for immediate implementation of the bill . He said that it is unrealistic to expect a multi-trillion-dollar industry to operate without a comprehensive regulatory framework. The work on the crypto bill – called the CLARITY Act – stalled its planned markup after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly withdrew support for the draft bill. Armstrong flagged several issues with the draft, including a de facto ban on tokenized equities. However, the Bloomberg report noted that the Banking panel’s delay might not affect the Senate Agriculture Committee’s efforts on crypto. The Agriculture Committee released its own version of that market structure bill, which the industry insiders fear might be a partisan bill lacking Democratic support. “While differences remain on fundamental policy issues, this bill builds on our bipartisan discussion draft while incorporating input from stakeholders and represents months of work,” the Committee Chairman, John Boozman, clarified. Boozman postponed this legislation markup to late January. The Agriculture Committee bill on crypto will need to get support from both Democrats and the Banking counterpart before it can continue further steps. “I Hope to Sign Very Soon:” Donald Trump President Trump confirmed that the crypto market structure bill will be signed “very soon.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum at Davos 2026, he said that his administration is working to ensure that America remains the crypto capital of the world. DAVOS 2026: President Trump says he hopes to sign the crypto market structure legislation soon, “unlocking new pathways for Americans to reach financial freedom,” including #Bitcoin . pic.twitter.com/l1ZkTGX7xl — Bitcoin.com News (@BitcoinNews) January 21, 2026 “Last year, I signed a landmark GENIUS Act into law, now Congress is working very hard on crypto market structure legislation… Bitcoin, all of them,” he spoke at Davos. “I hope to sign very soon, unlocking new pathways for Americans to reach financial freedom.” The post US Crypto Market Structure Bill Further Delayed Until Late February or March – Report appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 Jan 2026, 05:00
‘I’m Very Bullish’: Ripple CEO Forecasts Record Performance For Crypto In 2026
Despite a mixed performance in the early weeks of 2026, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about the future of crypto markets, predicting new record highs for digital assets this year. Ripple CEO Optimistic About Long-Term XRP Potential Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Garlinghouse noted that recent regulatory developments, including the landmark GENIUS Act, have “unlocked a lot of activity” in the sector. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bear Market Depths: A Closer Look At How Low BTC Could Go When asked about crypto performance during an interview with CNBC, Garlinghouse confidently stated, “I’m very bullish, and yes, I’ll go on record as saying, I think we’ll see an all-time high.” He emphasized that major financial institutions are increasingly showing interest in cryptocurrencies, labeling this shift as a “massive sea change.” However, he believes that this development is not fully reflected in current market prices. Despite his optimistic outlook, XRP, Ripple’s associated cryptocurrency, was trading at $1.88 and had experienced a notable 13% decline over the past week. The current market performance has led analysts to speculate about the possibility of a new bear market on the horizon. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the XRP ecosystem, stating, “We are a very vested party in what goes on in the XRP ecosystem. In another five or 10 years, you’re going to see continued, very positive momentum.” Garlinghouse Confident CLARITY Act Will Pass Garlinghouse also anticipated that 2026 would see significant use cases for digital assets, mentioning that cryptocurrency exchange Binance is likely to re-enter the US market. He asserted that the GENIUS Act would facilitate the growth of stablecoins, potentially making operations like payroll more efficient. He believes cryptocurrencies are well-positioned for growth over the next decade. Regarding the crypto market structure bill, or the CLARITY Act, a vital framework for regulating crypto, Garlinghouse voiced confidence that it will eventually succeed. “It’ll get done. We are as close as we have ever been,” he said. However, the proposed market structure bill has encountered significant challenges, particularly after key provisions came under scrutiny. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong withdrew support for the bill just 24 hours before an anticipated markup scheduled for January 15, leading to a postponement of the process. Related Reading: Where Does Hyperliquid (HYPE) Stand Now? A Deep Dive Into Key Metrics Post-2025 Garlinghouse was taken aback by Armstrong’s strong opposition to the CLARITY Act, noting that “the rest of the industry, including exchanges that compete with Coinbase, were still supporting it.” The executive claimed that he still remains hopeful that industry leaders can navigate the current legislative impasse. “If we want the industry to continue to grow, we need things like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act,” he affirmed. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
22 Jan 2026, 04:53
Senate crypto bill delayed as banking committee shifts focus to housing
The Senate’s push to set new rules for digital assets has hit a pause, with lawmakers redirecting attention to housing policy and Coinbase withdrawing its backing for the legislation. According to reports by Bloomberg and CoinDesk, the Senate Banking Committee will not return to the crypto bill immediately after postponing a planned markup hearing last week. The delay followed a public withdrawal of support by Coinbase, one of the crypto industry’s most influential lobbyists, over concerns related to stablecoin rewards and decentralized platforms. Bloomberg first reported earlier this week that the committee was unlikely to resume work on the legislation in the near term. The delay follows earlier setbacks, with two key committees having postponed scheduled markups to build broader bipartisan support. Banking Committee pauses amid industry disputes Two individuals familiar with the discussions told CoinDesk that committee Republicans and the White House want Coinbase and the broader crypto industry to resolve disagreements with the banking sector over stablecoin reward provisions before lawmakers revisit the bill. As a result, the markup — a formal session where senators debate and vote on amendments — has been postponed indefinitely. The legislation is designed to define how the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission would oversee crypto markets. However, the loss of Coinbase’s support has complicated efforts to advance the bill with sufficient industry backing. One person tracking the process said the delay would not be concerning if the Banking Committee advanced its version of the bill by Memorial Day in late March, with a full Senate vote around July 4. Under that timeline, the House of Representatives would still have time to act in September or during the lame-duck session following the midterm elections. Shift to housing and Trump’s affordability agenda The Banking Committee’s pause on crypto coincides with a broader shift in priorities. Bloomberg reported that the panel is expected to focus on housing policy following President Donald Trump’s recent push to reduce housing costs. On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order barring Wall Street investors from buying single-family homes, a move widely seen as part of the administration’s effort to address affordability concerns ahead of the November midterm elections. Bloomberg said the committee may prioritize implementing the executive order, delaying crypto legislation until late February or March. The cost of living has emerged as a top voter concern, even as the Trump administration has made crypto policy a first-year priority. Agriculture committee moves ahead, bipartisan tensions remain While the Banking Committee slows its work, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its own version of the crypto market structure bill on Wednesday and scheduled a markup for next week. However, industry insiders told CoinDesk they fear the bill lacks Democratic support. Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman appeared to acknowledge those concerns, saying, “Although it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t reach an agreement, I am grateful for the collaboration that has made this legislation better. It’s time we move this bill, and I look forward to the markup next week.” Boozman added that “differences remain on fundamental policy issues,” despite input from stakeholders and bipartisan discussions. White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt criticized industry opposition to the current draft, writing on X that “it’s a question of when, not if,” a crypto market structure bill passes. “You might not love every part of the CLARITY Act, but I can guarantee you’ll hate a future Dem version even more,” he said, urging compromise to secure 60 Senate votes. Even if the Agriculture Committee advances its bill, both Democratic support and alignment with the Banking Committee will be required for the legislation to progress through the Senate. Republicans are pushing for policy wins ahead of the November midterm elections, while Polymarket odds show Democrats having a 80% chance of winning a House majority, which could derail Trump’s agenda, according to Bloomberg. The Trump administration has prioritized digital asset policy in its first year, but rising living costs have made affordability a top voter concern. The post Senate crypto bill delayed as banking committee shifts focus to housing appeared first on Invezz
