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21 Jan 2026, 15:45
SEC Crypto Task Force Pressed on Self-Custody Rights and DeFi ‘Dealer’ Rules in New Filings
The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force is facing renewed pressure from industry groups and individual contributors as questions around self-custody rights and the scope of dealer regulation in decentralized finance move back into focus. On Tuesday, the Task Force’s public “Written Input” page added two new submissions that reflect a broader tension shaping US crypto policy: how to protect investors without collapsing core features of on-chain markets, particularly self-custody and non-custodial trading. SEC Filings Spotlight Self-Custody Protections and DeFi Market Structure One submission, filed by an individual identified as DK Willard, centers on the experience of retail crypto users in Louisiana and ties state-level protections directly to the federal debate now unfolding in Washington. Willard points to Louisiana legislation such as House Bill 488 , which explicitly affirms residents’ right to self-custody digital assets, arguing that these protections should not be diluted by federal market structure proposals. The filing shows that Congress is considering frameworks that include registration, transparency, and anti-fraud standards, but certain exemptions risk allowing developers or platforms to sidestep core investor protections. In Willard’s view, weakening self-custody protections could expose consumers to fraud and financial crime rather than supporting responsible innovation. At the same time, a more technical submission from the Blockchain Association’s Trading Firm Working Group focuses on how proprietary trading firms should be treated when providing liquidity in tokenized equity markets that operate on DeFi infrastructure. Source: SEC The group argues that long-standing distinctions in securities law between dealers and traders should continue to apply on-chain. Trading for one’s own account, without customer solicitation, custody, or agency execution, should not trigger dealer registration under the Exchange Act, the filing says, even when that trading occurs through smart contracts and decentralized venues. The association frames this issue as central to whether tokenized equity markets can function at all during any SEC-approved innovation exemption or sandbox . Without legal certainty, proprietary trading firms may avoid on-chain markets altogether, leaving tokenized equities without reliable liquidity, price discovery, or arbitrage. The group stresses that existing broker-dealer rules, including those governing clearing, custody, reporting, and capital, were designed for intermediated markets and will take time to adapt to atomic settlement and smart contract execution. Allowing proprietary firms to participate immediately, they argue, would give regulators space to modernize those frameworks without freezing market activity in the interim. SEC’s New Crypto Approach Takes Shape After 2025 Restructuring These submissions land within a broader shift at the SEC that began after the agency’s restructuring in early 2025. Under Commissioner Hester Peirce, the Crypto Task Force has moved away from what industry participants long criticized as regulation by enforcement and toward formal rulemaking and guidance. Over the past year, that approach has included dismissing the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase , pausing enforcement actions against Binance , and closing investigations into other major platforms. The @SECGov plans to drop its enforcement case against @coinbase , with CEO @brian_armstrong calling a "huge day" for crypto. #Coinbase #SEC https://t.co/8Q5mkqG1J8 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) February 21, 2025 The agency has also rescinded restrictive custody guidance and clarified that certain crypto activities do not constitute securities transactions. The latest filings also intersect with an increasingly complex legislative backdrop. Negotiations over the CLARITY Act , which aims to establish a comprehensive federal market structure for digital assets, remain unsettled. Coinbase says crypto market structure bill more complex than stablecoin framework but global competition will force congressional action this year. #Coinbase #ClarityAct https://t.co/PEuIKIZkwu — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 3, 2026 A scheduled markup in the Senate Banking Committee was postponed following industry opposition, while the Senate Agriculture Committee is still expected to review the bill later this month. Other recent submissions to the Crypto Task Force highlight how contested the custody question remains. Industry groups, including SIFMA, have cautioned against granting broad exemptions to wallet providers that perform broker-dealer functions, while policy groups tied to the Solana ecosystem are calling for clearer distinctions between non-custodial software and regulated intermediaries. The post SEC Crypto Task Force Pressed on Self-Custody Rights and DeFi ‘Dealer’ Rules in New Filings appeared first on Cryptonews .
21 Jan 2026, 15:40
Hackers Hijack Snap Store Accounts to Push Crypto-Stealing Malware on Linux
Cryptocurrency hackers are exploiting trusted Linux software to steal digital assets, using a new technique that turns legitimate Snap Store packages into malware. Key Takeaways: Hackers are exploiting trusted Snap Store packages to steal cryptocurrency by hijacking existing publisher accounts. The attacks rely on expired domains and email addresses to push malicious updates. The incidents reveal weaknesses in the platform’s trust and security model. Rather than creating fresh accounts on the Snap Store, which is operated by Canonical, attackers are now taking over existing publisher accounts, according to a warning from Ubuntu contributor and former Canonical developer Alan Pope. The method relies on identifying expired web domains and email addresses linked to long-standing Snap Store developers, registering those domains, and then using the recovered access to hijack Snapcraft accounts. Attackers Turn Legitimate Packages Malicious Once inside, the attackers push malicious updates to packages that were previously benign, catching users off guard through automatic updates and long-established trust signals. The Snap Store, like other major package repositories, has long been a target for malware campaigns. Early efforts were relatively unsophisticated, with scammers publishing fake crypto wallet applications under newly created accounts. When those attempts became easier to detect, attackers began disguising malicious apps using lookalike characters from other alphabets to evade filters. According to Pope, the tactic then evolved into a bait-and-switch approach. Attackers would publish harmless software under neutral names such as “lemon-throw” or “alpha-hub,” often posing as simple games. After approval and a period of inactivity, a follow-up update would quietly introduce a fake crypto wallet designed to steal funds. The latest development raises the stakes. In at least two confirmed cases, attackers took control of expired domains once owned by legitimate Snap publishers and used them to distribute wallet-stealing malware through automatic updates. A new Snap Store scam campaign abuses expired publisher domains to bypass trust signals and deliver malicious app updates. https://t.co/nWL9HGXACe #Linux #OpenSource — Linuxiac (@linuxiac) January 19, 2026 The affected applications appeared normal on the surface but were built to harvest wallet recovery phrases and transmit them to attacker-controlled servers. By the time users noticed suspicious behavior, funds and sensitive data were already compromised. Canonical has since removed the malicious snaps, but Pope warned that the response highlights deeper weaknesses in the platform’s trust model. He said domain takeovers undermine publisher longevity as a safety signal and called for additional safeguards, including monitoring domain expirations, enforcing stronger account verification for dormant publishers, and requiring mandatory two-factor authentication. Security Researcher Warns of Delayed Snap Store Takedowns Pope also noted delays in removing reported malicious snaps, sometimes stretching over several days. He advised users to exercise extra caution when installing cryptocurrency wallets on Linux and to consider downloading them directly from official project websites instead of app stores. To help users assess risk, Pope created SnapScope, a web-based tool that flags snaps as suspicious or malicious before installation. He also urged developers to keep domain registrations active and secure Snapcraft and email accounts with two-factor authentication. According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency addresses received a record $154 billion in 2025 , a sharp increase from the year before. In another case, US prosecutors have charged a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident , Ronald Spektor, with stealing roughly $16 million in cryptocurrency from around 100 Coinbase users through an alleged phishing and social engineering scheme. The post Hackers Hijack Snap Store Accounts to Push Crypto-Stealing Malware on Linux appeared first on Cryptonews .
21 Jan 2026, 15:34
Winklevoss twins donate $1.2M in Zcash to boost network privacy
The Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of Gemini exchange, have donated 3,221 Zcash (ZEC) tokens to Shielded Labs to support the network’s initiatives. The contribution is valued at approximately $1.2 million at current market prices. According to Shielded Labs, the contribution will directly support Shielded Labs’ core initiatives, including the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM), Crosslink, and Dynamic Fees. By extension, the initiatives focus on strengthening the long-term security, sustainability, and scalability of the Zcash network. “This donation is Tyler and Cameron’s second contribution to Shielded Labs. Their first donation, made in 2023, supported the formation of a dedicated team focused on Crosslink,” Shielded Labs wrote. Winklevoss twins emphasize that privacy is the next frontier in crypto Shielded Labs operates independently of Zcash’s block rewards and development fund. The organization is funded through donations and focuses primarily on protocol-level research and engineering rather than product development. Tyler and Cameron are long-time supporters of Zcash and its mission to build an unstoppable form of private money. Gemini was the first major exchange to support shielded Zcash withdrawals, and it now supports Orchard, Zcash’s most advanced privacy protocol. In the statement, Tyler Winklevoss stated , “A healthy Zcash ecosystem depends on multiple independent organizations contributing at the protocol level. Shielded Labs plays an important role in that effort, and we’re glad to support their work.” Privacy is the next frontier in crypto. It's the point at which government and corporate overreach end and your freedom and self-sovereignty begin. @ShieldedLabs is committed to building Zcash — unstoppable private money. That's why @tyler and I are supporting their mission. https://t.co/Y63ynX0TGY — Cameron Winklevoss (@cameron) January 20, 2026 Cameron echoed his brother’s view, saying, “We’ve supported Zcash for many years because we believe strong privacy is an essential property of sound money. Shielded Labs is doing important work at the protocol level, and we’re happy to support their efforts.” Zcash declines 12% amidst extremely volatile market conditions Zcash has been registering among the most robust performances in the crypto market since September 2025. It has increased nearly 800% in the last 12 months. However, the token has been showing a bearish outlook since the start of this year. ZEC has been trading within a narrowing triangle pattern on the daily chart. This has been driven by heightened tension and restructuring within the Zcash ecosystem. Earlier this month, several developers left the Electric Coin Company after a dispute with its board and formed a new company. This had a huge negative impact on the token. However, good news about the Zcash Foundation being cleared after a years-long investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, without any enforcement action, has brought some excitement. The move has also brought regulatory clarity to the industry’s most closely watched privacy projects. The broader market conditions are also extremely volatile. The crypto market has declined 2.3% returning to the 2 trillion threshold by market cap. On the other hand, traditional markets are also experiencing losses of over trillions. Metals like gold and silver are coiling up, hinting at a rotation of liquidity from risk assets to traditional assets. In such market conditions, analysts suggest that, because the Zcash price has maintained a steep downward trend, it may continue to do so until sentiment flips completely away from bearish influence. At the time of writing, ZEC has gained traction with a 3% surge in the last 24 hours. However, it has continued to decline by 12% in the last week. Analysts warn that if prices retreat below $360, the next stop could be $300, a 14% drop from current levels. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
21 Jan 2026, 15:31
Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin to Launch Spot Trading on Binance
Ripple’s US dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD is set to debut spot trading on Binance, expanding the token’s reach on one of the world’s largest digital asset exchanges. Key Takeaways: RLUSD will debut spot trading on Binance with Ethereum support, with XRPL integration to follow. Binance plans to expand RLUSD’s use through margin trading and future Binance Earn products. Ripple is positioning RLUSD as a regulated, payments-focused stablecoin for institutions. The launch will begin with support on Ethereum , with integration on the XRP Ledger expected to follow. Trading pairs available on day one will include XRP/RLUSD and RLUSD/USDT. The listing marks a notable step in RLUSD’s rollout and reflects Ripple’s push to position the stablecoin as a payments-focused asset with institutional-grade infrastructure. RLUSD Expands Utility With Multi-Chain Support and Binance Trading Tools In addition to spot trading, Binance plans to extend RLUSD’s utility through portfolio margin eligibility and future inclusion in Binance Earn, opening the door to broader use across trading and yield products. By launching across multiple chains, RLUSD aims to serve users operating within different ecosystems. Ethereum support offers access to smart contract functionality and decentralized finance integrations, while upcoming availability on XRPL is expected to appeal to users seeking faster settlement and lower transaction costs. For Ripple, the dual-chain strategy is central to its goal of enabling real-world payments, on-chain liquidity and cross-network interoperability. The timing comes as demand grows for stablecoins designed specifically for payments rather than trading alone. RLUSD is backed one-to-one by US dollar deposits, short-term US Treasuries and other cash equivalents, with monthly attestations intended to provide transparency and regulatory clarity. Ripple USD Binance $RLUSD is officially listed on @binance supported on Ethereum, with XRPL coming soon https://t.co/z8bGUGZpZZ — Ripple (@Ripple) January 21, 2026 Ripple has positioned the token as a compliant alternative for institutions navigating tighter oversight of dollar-pegged assets. Binance’s global footprint is expected to significantly raise RLUSD’s profile, particularly in emerging markets where stablecoins are increasingly used for remittances and dollar access. Deeper exchange liquidity could also accelerate adoption among developers building payment rails and institutions exploring tokenized cash management and settlement. RLUSD’s market capitalization has recently climbed past $1.3 billion, underscoring its rapid growth since launch. The stablecoin is issued under a New York Department of Financial Services limited-purpose trust charter, and Ripple has also received conditional approval for a US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency charter. Ripple’s RLUSD Wins Regulatory Green Light in Abu Dhabi As reported, Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD was cleared for institutional use in Abu Dhabi after receiving recognition as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token from the local regulator. The approval allows licensed firms within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to use RLUSD for regulated financial activities inside the free-zone financial center. The decision strengthens Ripple’s expansion across the UAE. In recent months, the company secured approvals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and onboarded partners including Zand Bank and Mamo. As reported, Ripple is also weighing whether to bring staking to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) , a move that would push the decade-old blockchain deeper into the rapidly expanding world of decentralized finance. The post Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin to Launch Spot Trading on Binance appeared first on Cryptonews .
21 Jan 2026, 15:30
Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surpasses Monumental $90,000 Milestone on Binance
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surpasses Monumental $90,000 Milestone on Binance In a landmark moment for digital assets, the Bitcoin price has decisively broken the $90,000 barrier on the Binance USDT trading pair, according to live market data monitored on March 15, 2025. This surge represents not just a numerical threshold but a significant psychological and financial milestone for the world’s premier cryptocurrency, potentially reshaping institutional and retail investment strategies globally. Bitcoin Price Reaches Unprecedented $90,000 Valuation The ascent of BTC above $90,000 marks a new chapter in its volatile history. Consequently, market analysts are scrutinizing the trading volume and order book depth on major exchanges like Binance. This price action follows a consolidation period where Bitcoin demonstrated remarkable resilience above previous support levels. The move is substantiated by on-chain data showing increased accumulation by long-term holders. Furthermore, the broader cryptocurrency market often reacts to such Bitcoin milestones. Historically, a strong BTC performance can catalyze altcoin rallies, though correlation dynamics constantly evolve. Market participants now watch for a sustained close above this level to confirm it as a new support zone rather than a temporary peak. Analyzing the Catalysts Behind the Cryptocurrency Surge Several concurrent factors provide context for this bullish momentum. Firstly, macroeconomic conditions, including shifting monetary policy expectations, have renewed interest in hard assets. Secondly, continued adoption by traditional finance through new ETF products has created a steady inflow of capital. Regulatory clarity in key jurisdictions has also reduced uncertainty for institutional investors. Key Driver Recent Development Institutional Investment Record inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs reported in Q1 2025. Network Fundamentals Hash rate reaches new all-time high, signaling robust security. Macro Environment Weakening dollar index and search for inflation hedges. Additionally, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, projected for 2028, is beginning to factor into long-term valuation models. This scheduled reduction in new supply has historically preceded major bull markets. However, analysts caution that past performance does not guarantee future results in this rapidly maturing asset class. Expert Perspectives on Market Structure and Sustainability Market structure analysis reveals nuanced dynamics. For instance, the derivatives market shows a balanced funding rate, suggesting a lack of excessive leverage fueling the rise. Spot market buying appears to be the primary driver, a sign of healthier accumulation. Data from Glassnode and CryptoQuant indicates that exchange reserves are declining, meaning fewer coins are available for immediate sale. Technical analysts point to the breaking of a multi-year logarithmic resistance curve. The $90,000 level coincides with key Fibonacci extension levels from previous cycles. Nevertheless, seasoned traders emphasize risk management, noting that volatility remains an inherent characteristic of cryptocurrency markets. The path forward likely involves testing and retesting this new price territory. The Ripple Effect: Implications for the Global Financial Landscape Bitcoin’s valuation milestone extends beyond crypto-native circles. It influences several interconnected sectors: Corporate Treasuries: Public companies with BTC on their balance sheets see significant unrealized gains. Payment Infrastructure: Lightning Network capacity grows, enabling faster and cheaper transactions. Mining Industry: Miner revenue hits new highs, incentivizing investment in renewable energy solutions. Regulatory Dialogue: Price prominence brings renewed focus from policymakers worldwide. Moreover, the achievement strengthens the narrative of Bitcoin as a legitimate store of value. It challenges traditional asset allocation models and prompts portfolio managers to reconsider its role. The performance also impacts related public equities and funds tied to blockchain technology, creating a broader financial ecosystem effect. Conclusion The Bitcoin price crossing $90,000 on Binance is a definitive event with multifaceted significance. It underscores the asset’s growing maturation amidst evolving global finance. While short-term fluctuations are inevitable, this milestone reflects deepening market infrastructure, institutional acceptance, and a shifting perception of digital scarcity. The focus now shifts to whether this level can consolidate as a foundation for the next phase of growth in the cryptocurrency market. FAQs Q1: What does Bitcoin trading at $90,000 on Binance mean for the average investor? It signifies a major valuation milestone that may increase mainstream attention and volatility. Investors should assess their risk tolerance and consider Bitcoin’s historical price cycles, understanding that past performance does not predict future results. Q2: How does the current price compare to Bitcoin’s all-time high? The $90,000 level represents a new all-time high, surpassing the previous peak set in the 2021 market cycle. This establishes a new price discovery phase for the asset. Q3: What are the main risks associated with Bitcoin at this price level? Primary risks include heightened volatility, potential regulatory announcements, macroeconomic shifts affecting risk assets, and technological risks inherent to blockchain networks. Liquidity can also vary across different trading platforms. Q4: Does this price surge indicate a broader cryptocurrency bull market? While Bitcoin often leads market cycles, altcoin performance does not always correlate directly. A sustained Bitcoin bull market can create positive sentiment, but each digital asset possesses unique fundamentals and adoption trajectories. Q5: Where can investors find reliable data to track Bitcoin’s price and on-chain metrics? Reputable sources include data aggregators like CoinMetrics and Glassnode for on-chain analysis, and trading volumes from major regulated exchanges. Always verify data across multiple trusted platforms. This post Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surpasses Monumental $90,000 Milestone on Binance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Jan 2026, 15:25
Ripple CEO Cleverly Shows XRP in His RLUSD Listing Message
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse subtly references XRP in reaction to Binance’s official listing of the company’s stablecoin RLUSD. Garlinghouse’s remarks follow reports that RLUSD will commence trading on Binance on January 22, 2025. Visit Website
