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21 Jan 2026, 07:30

Ripple exec forecasts 50% Fortune 500 DAT adoption

Long has predicted that half of all Fortune 500 companies’ corporate balance sheets will hold digital assets by the end of 2026. This aligns with her forecasts of a high adoption rate of stablecoins and crypto across global enterprises, banks, and capital markets. In an article published on Ripple’s website on Tuesday, company president Monica Long said stablecoins such as the US dollar-backed RLUSD are the “gold standard for programmable and 24/7 global payments.” She mentioned how the current United States administration’s GENIUS Act law has made corporate America more welcoming to crypto. Also, the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is evidence that digital assets are moving into core financial operations. “Within the next five years, stablecoins will become fully integrated into global payment systems as the foundational one rail. We’re seeing this shift not in theory, but in practice, as heavyweights like Visa and Stripe hard-wire these rails into incumbent flows,” Long wrote . Corporate crypto holdings will reach $1 trillion, says Long According to a 2025 Coinbase survey cited in Ripple’s president’s predictions, 60% of Fortune 500 companies were actively working on blockchain-related business plans that year. At the same time, more than 200 publicly traded companies have added bitcoin to their treasury holdings. Long believes the referenced survey is a vote of confidence in the digital asset treasury model. The number of such firms has gone up from just four in 2020 to more than 200, with nearly half of that in 2025 alone, she explained. “By the end of 2026, balance sheets will hold over $1 trillion in digital assets, and half of Fortune 500 companies will have formalized digital asset strategies. And not just crypto exposure, but active participation across tokenized assets, digital asset treasuries, stablecoins, onchain T-bills, and programmable financial instruments,” the business head continued. Speaking on the amount of capital institutions have to spare, Long said there was more than $700 billion sitting unused on S&P 1500 balance sheets and over $1.3 trillion parked in European firms. According to her, tokenized assets and stablecoins are the best way to deploy that capital into market liquidity that would help the global economy grow. Long expects financial institutions to lean on regulated stablecoins for capital markets activity, particularly for 24/7 collateral mobility. B2B payments became the leading real-world use case for stablecoins last year, reaching an annualized pace of $76 billion. Mergers and acquisitions on tradfi by crypto companies Crypto-related mergers and acquisitions hit $8.6 billion in 2025, with Ripple itself taking over financial institutions like debt manager GTreasury and hedge fund Hidden Road. The stablecoin issuer could continue buying more traditional firms to further push crypto into mainstream financial services. However, its CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, said Ripple is not looking to go public anytime soon, Cryptopolitan reported . Long also talked about the company’s conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to charter Ripple National Trust Bank, which the company will now use to provide custodial services under federal oversight. A regulatory effort by the Trump government is pushing banks to become multi-custodians for crypto and to manage its operational risks. Long is adamant that these forces will lead more than half of the world’s top 50 banks to create at least one new custody relationship in 2026. Last Thursday, Ripple announced a financing arrangement with LMAX Group to provide $150 million in multi-year funding to the institutional trading firm and integrate RLUSD into LMAX’s global exchange as a settlement and collateral asset. RLUSD will be available through LMAX Custody segregated wallets and through LMAX Kiosk, where trading in several asset classes uses stablecoin collateral. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

21 Jan 2026, 06:15

Bitcoin Price Soars: BTC Achieves Stunning $90,000 Milestone in Major Market Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Price Soars: BTC Achieves Stunning $90,000 Milestone in Major Market Rally In a landmark moment for digital assets, the Bitcoin price has decisively broken the $90,000 barrier, trading at $90,010.61 on the Binance USDT market as of early trading. This surge represents a pivotal achievement for the flagship cryptocurrency, cementing its position in the global financial landscape. Consequently, market analysts are scrutinizing the confluence of factors driving this rally. This report provides a comprehensive, factual analysis of the event, its context, and its potential implications. Bitcoin Price Breaches the $90,000 Threshold Market data from Bitcoin World confirms the Bitcoin price ascent above $90,000. This movement follows a period of sustained upward momentum. The Binance USDT pairing shows a precise value of $90,010.61. This price action reflects significant buying pressure across major exchanges. Historically, such round-number milestones often act as psychological benchmarks for traders. Furthermore, the breach suggests strong underlying demand despite macroeconomic uncertainties. Several technical indicators aligned prior to this breakout. The asset’s trading volume increased substantially in the preceding 48 hours. On-chain data also points to reduced exchange reserves, signaling a holder accumulation trend. Market structure analysis reveals consistent higher lows since the last major correction. This pattern typically indicates healthy, organic growth rather than speculative frenzy. Analyzing the Drivers Behind the Cryptocurrency Rally Multiple verifiable factors contribute to the current cryptocurrency market strength. First, institutional adoption continues its measured pace. Recent filings show several traditional finance entities increasing their Bitcoin exposure. Second, regulatory clarity in key jurisdictions has improved market sentiment. For instance, clear frameworks are emerging for digital asset custody and trading. Third, macroeconomic conditions play a crucial role. Persistent inflation concerns in certain economies drive demand for perceived hedges. Bitcoin’s fixed supply contrasts with expansive monetary policies elsewhere. Fourth, technological advancements bolster network fundamentals. The recent successful implementation of a major protocol upgrade enhanced transaction efficiency. Finally, global payment integration expands Bitcoin’s utility. Major financial technology firms now facilitate seamless crypto transactions. Recent Bitcoin Price Milestones (2024-2025) Price Level Approximate Date Primary Market Catalyst $70,000 Q4 2024 ETF Approval Momentum $80,000 Q1 2025 Institutional Inflow Reports $90,000 Present Macro Hedge Demand & Tech Adoption Expert Perspectives on Market Sustainability Financial analysts emphasize the changed market structure compared to previous cycles. Notably, leverage levels in the derivatives market remain relatively contained. This fact reduces the risk of a cascading liquidation event. Additionally, the entry of long-term investors provides more stable price support. Their holding patterns differ markedly from short-term speculative traders. Blockchain analytics firms report a decrease in dormant coin movement. This metric suggests long-term holders are not distributing assets at this price. Instead, new capital appears to be entering the ecosystem. Network security metrics also reach all-time highs. The hash rate, representing computational power securing Bitcoin, continues its upward trajectory. This growth indicates robust miner commitment and network health. The Broader Impact on the Digital Asset Ecosystem Bitcoin’s performance invariably influences the wider digital asset sector. Altcoins often experience correlated momentum during such breakthroughs. However, market dominance metrics show Bitcoin capturing a significant portion of total capital inflow. This trend highlights its role as a market bellwether. Major financial news networks are providing extensive coverage of the milestone. This mainstream attention further educates the public about cryptocurrency fundamentals. The rally also impacts related financial products. For example, Bitcoin futures and options markets see elevated activity. Volatility indices adjust to reflect the new trading range. Furthermore, corporate treasury strategies involving Bitcoin are under renewed discussion. Several publicly traded companies hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Their quarterly reports will reflect unrealized gains at this price level. Market Liquidity: Depth on order books has improved, allowing for larger trades with less slippage. Regulatory Dialogue: The milestone prompts renewed discussions among policymakers regarding digital asset frameworks. Technological Innovation: Development activity on layer-two scaling solutions accelerates, aiming to support greater adoption. Conclusion The Bitcoin price achieving $90,000 marks a significant chapter in financial history. This analysis has detailed the factual circumstances surrounding this cryptocurrency milestone. Key drivers include institutional adoption, macroeconomic factors, and technological progress. The market structure appears more mature compared to previous cycles. Moving forward, observers will monitor sustainability signals and broader economic impacts. Ultimately, this event reinforces Bitcoin’s evolving role within the global financial system. FAQs Q1: What is the exact Bitcoin price reported at the $90,000 milestone? The Bitcoin price was reported at $90,010.61 on the Binance USDT trading pair at the time of the milestone breach, according to Bitcoin World market monitoring. Q2: What are the main factors behind Bitcoin’s rise above $90,000? Primary factors include sustained institutional investment, evolving regulatory clarity, macroeconomic hedging demand, and continued technological development enhancing network utility and security. Q3: How does this price compare to Bitcoin’s all-time high? This price represents a new all-time high, surpassing the previous record set in late 2024. It continues a long-term appreciation trend since the asset’s inception. Q4: Does Bitcoin’s rise affect other cryptocurrencies? Yes, Bitcoin often acts as a market leader. Its performance can influence sentiment and capital flows across the broader digital asset ecosystem, though individual project fundamentals remain critical. Q5: What metrics do analysts watch to gauge the rally’s health? Analysts monitor on-chain data like exchange flows and holder behavior, derivatives market leverage, network security metrics (hash rate), and real-world adoption indicators to assess sustainability. This post Bitcoin Price Soars: BTC Achieves Stunning $90,000 Milestone in Major Market Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Jan 2026, 05:51

Winklevoss Brothers Donate $1.2M ZEC to Shielded Labs to Support Zcash Network

Billionaire Brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of Gemini exchange, have donated 3,221 Zcash tokens (ZEC) to Shielded Labs, supporting the network’s initiatives. The contribution is valued at approximately $1.2 million at current market prices. Shielded Labs, led by Zcash founder Zooko, announced Tuesday that the donation will directly support Shielded Labs’ core initiatives. This includes strengthening long-term security, sustainability, and scalability of the Zcash network. Privacy is Crucial for Crypto: Winklevoss Twins Cameron Winklevoss emphasized that 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, he wrote on X. “Shielded Labs is committed to building Zcash — unstoppable private money. That’s why Tyler and I are supporting their mission.” 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 Further, Tyler noted that the donation at the protocol level would help foster a healthy Zcash ecosystem. “Shielded Labs plays an important role in that effort, and we’re glad to support their work.” Winklevoss twins initially donated to Shielded Labs in 2023 to support the formation of the dedicated Crosslink team. “Their contribution meaningfully accelerates our ability to execute on critical protocol-level work and to collaborate openly with other contributors to advance Zcash’s mission,” Swiss-based Shielded Labs noted. Besides, Winklevoss-backed Cypherpunk bought 56,418 ZEC last month, holding nearly 2% of the token’s circulating supply. Zcash Token ZEC Trades in Red, What Next? Zcash, in its turn, has been registering among the most robust performances in the crypto market since September 2025. increased nearly 800% in the last 12 months. However, the token is showing bearish outlook since the start of this year. ZEC has been trading within a narrowing triangle pattern on the daily chart. The price has formed a series of lower highs and higher lows, showing a loss of momentum in both directions. At the time of reporting, ZEC trades near $357.79, down 1.5% in 24 hours , extending a 14% weekly decline. Analysts warn that a close below $360 could target $300 next – a 16% downside risk from current prices. That said, Zcash Foundation recently cleared a years-long investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission without any enforcement action. The move brought regulatory clarity to the industry’s most closely watched privacy projects. The post Winklevoss Brothers Donate $1.2M ZEC to Shielded Labs to Support Zcash Network appeared first on Cryptonews .

21 Jan 2026, 05:45

Lutnick says high interest rates slow the growth of the U.S. economy.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the national economy remains strong, possibly expanding at a pace exceeding earlier projections by early 2026. Yet one concern that persists is whether the European Union counters American tariff threats involving Greenland; if so, friction might return unexpectedly. That outcome could disturb the current economic stability despite its present strength. Speaking at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Commerce Secretary shared observations amid discussions among international figures on issues related to financial expansion, borrowing costs, and uncertainties in global exchange markets. Lutnick says high interest rates slow the growth of the U.S. economy. Lutnick noted the U.S. economy could grow by more than 5% near the start of 2026. With an overall value close to $30 trillion , movement at this scale looks good. In his view, such speed points toward endurance. Later, Lutclock identified rising borrowing expenses as central to slow growth. With rates climbing, business outlays face resistance as consumer budgets tighten. When credit becomes more expensive, enterprises postpone expansions while families avoid new liabilities. Capital flows slow as financial strain increases. What lies behind this shift is neither lack of interest nor fading confidence. Rather, stricter lending conditions raise operational costs. A fall in interest rates may spark growth, according to his observation. When policy choices, not changes in consumer appetite, guide decisions, economic growth often loses speed. Still, higher spending can appear if those conditions hold. Employment levels could respond afterward, while investment rises. Progress in production might accelerate once the right factors are in place. Should rates decrease, U.S. growth may exceed 6%, hinting at steady demand in the future. Even so, the Commerce chief emphasized that the prediction was based on personal belief, not official direction, while running the office responsible for America’s GDP figures. This line between roles highlights not just the view shared but confidence in how the economy is moving now, particularly because the comments drew attention abroad by sounding more upbeat than what others usually say. Now looking at numbers again, the U.S. economy might grow between 4% and 5% , says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; better than past guesses but below what Lutnick thought. Before this, the IMF saw only a 2.4% climb by 2026, driven by deeper investments in artificial intelligence and smoother global trade. Lutnick warns EU action could restart tariff fights over Greenland. Lutnick suggested that the European Union should exercise restraint should the United States move forward with proposed tariffs tied to Greenland. Were such measures imposed, retaliation might accelerate the deterioration of ties. One misstep could push economic disagreements into broader conflict, he noted. This warning clearly connects to Donald Trump’s approach to Greenland, especially because he threatened to impose taxes on nations blocking U.S. interests there. If the European Union responds to that move with matching penalties, a broader trade clash becomes more likely, Lutnick points out. When pushback meets harsh responses, tension builds more quickly. “If the EU retaliates, this could start a ‘tit-for-tat’ situation, where both sides keep coming up with new tariffs,” hE said. “Once that starts, it’s very difficult to get out because everything that happens afterwards creates an additional reaction, and that adds to costs and builds more mistrust,” he said. This would result in increased and more complex costs for businesses that rely on constant international transactions. Lutnick brought up the clash in 2018: U.S. tariffs hit European products, while officials in Brussels fired back with threats. Heated words flew, yet discussions led to an agreement meant to calm things down. When fights grow sharper, results often turn bitter; even so, the first red flags don’t guarantee that harm will follow. High nerves were present, but instead of collapse, there came a resolution. The Commerce Secretary thinks things will stay steady even if tension pops up now and then. When arguments flare, talks tend to smooth them out over time. Lutnick trusts these back-and-forth discussions can shield U.S.-EU commerce from serious harm. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

21 Jan 2026, 05:17

Crypto users spend more each day using payment cards

Midway through January 2026, close to 60,000 transactions per day were made with cryptocurrency payment cards, a 22 times increase since December 2024. Instead of converting digital currency through conventional exchange platforms, more people are opting to pay merchants directly. Instant conversion occurs at checkout with cryptocurrency payment cards, turning digital assets into fiat currency immediately. Because they connect to widely accepted systems such as Visa or Mastercard, users avoid moving funds through conventional banking channels. Settlement occurs during transactions, eliminating the need for extra steps before spending. Crypto users spend more each day using payment cards More crypto users are opting for payment cards for daily purchases because they bypass the traditional hurdles of converting digital currency into spending cash. Rather than using exchanges, liquidating assets, enduring withdrawal delays, and then transferring funds through banks, people can find quicker paths. Direct access is via cards compatible with established systems such as Visa or Mastercard , so transactions flow smoothly across physical stores, eateries, and online retailers alike. This trend is evident in transaction data, with the everyday use of cryptocurrency-linked cards rising alongside interest in faster ways to spend digital money without disrupting regular routines. At the point of sale, funds are instantly converted from crypto to local currency, which means users maintain access to their holdings until the exact time of payment, offering a different timing advantage over earlier asset liquidation. The trend is also spreading quickly across networks, increasing the use of crypto payment cards and daily transactions to $4 million total, suggesting these payment tools now support measurable financial flows. Slow increases in daily usage have cumulatively reached large numbers, highlighting a wider acceptance of cryptocurrency payment cards. More than 7.3 million transactions were processed, with total spending exceeding $804 million. Close to 150,000 active users support this growth. Such data suggests that use extends beyond early users to individuals treating digital currency as actual money rather than merely assets held for gain. A closer look at blockchain-specific activity reveals patterns across separate systems, with Solana emerging as a key example. Over 20,000 individuals have used crypto cards built on Solana, resulting in close to 385,000 transactions and surpassing $40 million in combined purchases; proof that efficient, economical networks can handle widespread payment demand. Such figures explain why certain card companies choose dedicated blockchains to boost performance while reducing costs during routine financial transactions. Crypto users spend more each day using payment cards Card companies are now focusing on rewards and simplicity as payment cards move closer to mainstream adoption. Because transactions are increasing fast, attracting new customers, the competition heats up. As everyday spending rises with digital currency tools, standing out from the competition matters more than ever. Simply allowing payments no longer cuts it; companies must now offer better pricing, smoother transactions, and extra features to shape who wins attention. Currently leading in a crowded sector, Etherfi manages close to 50% of cryptocurrency-based card payments, positioning itself firmly as demand grows. Even so, new competitors like Gnosis, MetaMask, Tria, Holyheld, and Ready are expanding the market through fresh launches or upgrades to current models. As these companies move forward, access widens; at the same time, standards shift, shaping how people view services tied to their digital holdings. Winning customers means focusing on practical benefits during regular transactions. A portion of what is spent is returned through cash incentives on certain cards, also referred to as cashback rewards. International transactions cost less when currency conversion fees are eliminated, and phone payments now mirror physical cards thanks to compatibility with mobile platforms. Flexibility also extends further when borrowing uses digital assets as collateral to avoid full liquidation. A few crypto payment card accounts use DeFi methods designed to steadily grow value, allowing people to earn small profits without locking away cash. One moment you’re paying for coffee, the next, your balance is working behind the scenes, earning interest. What stands out is how these tools combine careful preparation with everyday use, attracting people who prefer passive income over idle assets. However, things shift when firms are lined up side by side: pricing, perks, and progress systems diverge in separate directions. As usage grows steadily, such variations highlight a sector exploring its limits while gradually defining standards. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

21 Jan 2026, 05:00

What Binance’s Co-CEO Said At Davos: Exploring US Comeback Plans And Ripple’s Vision

A recent report from CNBC reveals that Binance’s co-CEO, Richard Teng, is contemplating a return to the US market after exiting in 2023 as part of a regulatory agreement that also resulted in the departure of the exchange’s former CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). Ripple CEO Predicts Positive Impact From Binance’s Return During an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Teng emphasized that Binance is taking a “wait-and-see” stance regarding its reentry into the US, a market he considers “very important.” In tandem with Teng’s comments, Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, shared his optimistic outlook for the world’s leading exchange comeback in a separate interview with CNBC. Garlinghouse remarked that the US market is significant and suggested that Binance had previously been a major player within it. “I think they’ll come back because they’re a capitalistic, innovative company that wants to solve larger market challenges and continue to grow,” he stated. Not only that, but Garlinghouse also believes that Binance’s entry into the country’s cryptocurrency market could increase competition and ultimately attract more users. He noted: I think it will actually have the positive impact of bringing more people into the market, in part because it’ll reduce pricing. Today their pricing is lower on a global basis than what we see here in the U.S. Teng, Garlinghouse Call For Support Of Key Crypto Bills The discussion of Binance’s future in the US comes amidst a turbulent regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. The recent cancellation of the crucial markup for the crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act , reflects ongoing challenges. Teng, a former regulator himself, weighed in on the state of US crypto regulations, asserting that “any regulation will be better than no regulation.” He explained that having regulatory clarity allows companies to navigate the framework effectively. “Once you have clarity, you can then start working around those rules,” Teng added, acknowledging that initial regulations may not be perfect but can be refined over time. This backdrop of regulatory uncertainty is further complicated by recent developments in the industry. The CEO of Coinbase, Brian Armstrong, stepped back from supporting the crypto market structure bill just 24 hours before its markup, leading to its eventual suspension. Garlinghouse, who continues to support the bill in its latest form, was surprised by Armstrong’s “vehemence” against the CLARITY Act. He noted that “the rest of the industry, including exchanges that compete with Coinbase, were still supporting it.” Looking ahead, Garlinghouse is hopeful that industry leaders will find a way to overcome the current impasse. “If we want the industry to continue to grow, we need things like the Genius Act and the Clarity Act,” he affirmed. At the time of writing, Binance’s native token, Binance Coin (BNB), had dropped to $893.65, marking a 3.7% decline over the previous 24 hours. Ripple’s associated XRP token retraced towards $1.90, suffering even greater losses of 5.5% in the same time frame. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com