Invest ideasNews
18 Jan 2026, 12:25
Hong Kong to roll out central gold clearing system in MOU with Shanghai Gold Exchange
Hong Kong plans to formalize a new link with the Shanghai Gold Exchange through a memorandum of understanding that will be signed at the Asian Financial Forum next week, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog post published on Sunday. Paul said he was leaving for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, where about 3,000 political and business leaders from more than 100 countries will meet to talk about global risks. He said he would hold meetings, deliver speeches, and promote Hong Kong’s position under China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Gold clearing plans target faster trades and lower costs Paul said Hong Kong needs to move faster in a global environment that is changing by the month. Under the One Country, Two Systems framework, the city plays the role of a connector and value builder, especially as global trade rules change. One area the government wants to push harder is gold trading, with the goal of building an international gold hub . He said demand for gold has grown as investors look beyond US dollar assets. Gold prices jumped more than 60% in 2025, the biggest annual gain since 1979. By the third quarter of last year, global gold demand by value rose 44% year on year to $146 billion. Paul added that Asia now needs more reliable platforms for storing, trading, clearing, and pricing gold. Gold trading activity inside Hong Kong has already picked up. By November, average daily turnover of 99 tael gold on the local exchange climbed more than two times from a year earlier to HK$2.9 billion. Paul said the growth exposed a weakness. All over-the-counter spot trades still rely on direct settlement between buyers and sellers. There is no central clearing, which slows trades and raises risks. The government is now pushing to build a central gold clearing system as core financial infrastructure. Paul said the system aims to raise efficiency, improve physical delivery, cut transaction costs, and add liquidity. A trial run is planned within the year, and the Shanghai Gold Exchange has been invited to take part. The memorandum to be signed at the Asian Financial Forum will also include new details on strengthening this clearing system and preparing for future market links with the mainland. Trade digitization supports wider finance and logistics overhaul Paul said geopolitical tensions are not only changing asset allocation. They are also reshaping global trade, supply chains, and business models. Hong Kong plans to upgrade its entire trade ecosystem to protect its role as an international trade center. The government is supporting mainland firms expanding overseas while also speeding up digital upgrades across logistics and trade finance at home. One project is the Port Community System, which launched last week. The platform now connects more than 2,300 companies. It uses artificial intelligence and blockchain to offer real-time cargo tracking around the clock. The system is designed to improve transparency across the logistics chain and make trade data easier to use for financing. Another effort is the CargoX project, led by the government and the Monetary Authority with other agencies. The project uses cargo, logistics, and trade data to simplify trade finance processes and help small and medium-sized firms access funding. A new roadmap will be released this week. It will focus on data, infrastructure, and connectivity, with 20 proposals aimed at building a more digital and competitive trade finance ecosystem. Paul said Hong Kong will keep its open-market policies regardless of whatever, adding that public consultation on the next budget is under way, covering industry growth, job creation, public services, and living standards. He said policymakers must balance these goals against global political risks, local economic transition pressures, and the need to control public spending growth. Hong Kong is also positioning itself as a regional precious metals hub and as a bridge to mainland markets. International clearing is seen as key because it lets investors trade gold without physically moving it. Bloomberg News reported in October that the Shanghai Gold Exchange was already in advanced talks with Hong Kong officials on joining an international clearing system. Gary Ng Cheuk-yan, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank, said cooperation with Shanghai could strengthen Hong Kong’s role by expanding yuan-based products and attracting overseas investors. “With improved storage and clearing systems, Hong Kong can provide a regulated, safe environment to develop the gold trading ecosystem,” Gary said. “Hong Kong can leverage its multicurrency offerings – including the Hong Kong dollar, US dollar and yuan – to build the necessary storage and clearing infrastructure, eventually attracting investors to trade within the Asian time zone.” If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
18 Jan 2026, 12:06
Earning Interest on Bitcoin: Simple and Flexible Ways to Get Passive Income from BTC Holdings
Bitcoin’s role as a long-term store of value is well established, but the market has evolved beyond simple holding. BTC owners increasingly look for practical ways to earn passive income without selling or undertaking complex on-chain strategies. In 2026, this is easier than ever thanks to flexible savings accounts, decentralized lending, and Bitcoin Layer 2 networks. This guide outlines how BTC holders can earn interest efficiently, what risks to evaluate, and how flexible savings platforms like Clapp now offer a streamlined path to passive income with daily payouts and instant liquidity. Why Earn Interest on BTC? Earning yield on Bitcoin provides straightforward benefits: passive BTC accumulation without trading, liquidity preservation even while earning, steady compounding through daily interest, diversification across earning strategies. The challenge has always been finding methods that do not require technical expertise, lock-ups, or exposure to opaque lending practices. Market infrastructure in 2026 offers more transparent, flexible alternatives. 1. Centralized Exchange Earn Programs Major exchanges continue to offer BTC savings products with flexible or fixed terms. How this works You deposit BTC, the exchange lends it to margin traders or institutional borrowers, and you receive a share of the interest. Benefits Simple onboarding. Flexible withdrawal options. No need to wrap BTC or interact with DeFi. Limitations APY is modest. Full custodial dependency. Borrowing demand fluctuates. Typical APY: 0.5–3%. 2. Bitcoin in DeFi via wBTC DeFi lending protocols allow BTC holders to earn yield by lending wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) on networks like Ethereum, Arbitrum, or BNB Chain. Benefits Non-custodial control. Transparent interest mechanics. Competitive yields. Limitations Requires wrapping BTC. Smart contract exposure. Bridge and custodian dependencies. Typical APY: 0.5–4%. 3. Bitcoin Layer 2 Yield Opportunities Bitcoin’s Layer 2 landscape has grown into a functional ecosystem with lending markets, liquidity pools, and collateral-based reward systems. Benefits BTC utility without full migration to alt-chain environments. Expanding infrastructure for native BTC yield. Opportunities tied to network growth. Limitations Early-stage risk. Synthetic BTC models vary by L2. Smart contract surface area is larger. Typical APY: 1–6%. 4. Clapp Flexible Savings: Daily BTC Interest with Instant Access Clapp.finance offers interest-earning accounts for Bitcoin alongside EUR and stablecoins. Its Flexible Savings product is designed for users who want yield without navigating on-chain protocols, lock-ups, or complex lending structures. Simple structure, no lock-ups Clapp credits interest on BTC every day. You can withdraw at any time without losing accrued yield, and there are no fixed terms or penalty fees. Full liquidity Your BTC remains liquid 24/7. You can transfer or convert it instantly whenever needed. Flexible access is preserved at all times. Transparent yields with no hidden tiers Clapp displays its BTC APY directly in the app with no “loyalty levels,” conditional bonuses, or earnings caps. What you see is what you earn. Low minimums You can start earning daily BTC interest with small amounts, removing the barrier to entry often found in traditional or DeFi strategies. Secure and licensed Clapp Finance is a registered VASP in the Czech Republic and operates within EU AML and compliance standards. Digital assets, including BTC, are secured through Fireblocks’ institutional-grade custody. Clapp’s model removes unnecessary friction, offering a clean alternative to both centralized exchange lending and technical DeFi workflows. Users get predictable BTC yield, instant access to funds, and a clear understanding of how earnings are generated. Key Risks to Understand Regardless of the platform or method, earning yield on BTC includes several risks: Custodial risk on centralized platforms and fintech apps. Smart contract risk for DeFi and Layer 2 environments. Wrapping and bridge risk when using wBTC or synthetic BTC. Impermanent loss in liquidity provision strategies. Regulatory risk for interest-bearing crypto products. BTC volatility also influences strategies tied to paired liquidity or collateralization. Conclusion Earning APY on Bitcoin in 2026 is straightforward. The market now offers accessible, flexible methods that work for both technical and non-technical users. While DeFi and Bitcoin Layer 2 networks provide innovative earning opportunities, flexible savings accounts remain the most user-friendly option. Clapp’s BTC Flexible Savings product delivers daily interest, instant access, transparent rates, and institutional-grade security. For BTC holders who want passive income without sacrificing liquidity or taking on unnecessary complexity, it is one of the most practical solutions available today. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
18 Jan 2026, 11:00
LATAM crypto news: El Salvador’s Bitcoin zones expand, Polymarket bet on Maduro sparks speculation
This week in LATAM crypto, three stories are taking the spotlight: El Salvador is expanding its Bitcoin Zones to spur innovation and economic growth. On the other hand, MEXC claims record expansion and community participation across Latin America, and a high-profile Polymarket bet on Nicolás Maduro’s departure raises concerns about insider information. These developments highlight the region’s dynamic cryptocurrency scene, which includes legislative trials, exchange growth, and high-stakes prediction markets. Expanding Bitcoin zones strengthen El Salvador’s digital strategy El Salvador’s Bitcoin Zones have regained international interest following the formal announcement of two new developments that will complement the country’s existing programs. This step supports El Salvador’s aim of integrating Bitcoin into the economy through technological innovation, capital attractiveness, and territorial development. Despite persistent external concern, the government remains steadfast in its pro-Bitcoin attitude, framing these additional zones as an extension of the crypto model beyond the well-known programs. Bitcoin Zones are special economic zones that combine Bitcoin and digital technology into business, tourist, and finance operations. Current references such as Bitcoin Beach, Bitcoin City, and the Bitcoin Zone at the National Library all serve different purposes, ranging from ordinary BTC payments to geothermal-powered smart city construction. According to The Bitcoin Office, the newly announced zones will take a similar strategy, potentially using strategic resources while incorporating mining, data centres, and tourism, establishing Bitcoin as an active driver of economic growth rather than just a store of wealth. Polymarket bet on Maduro sparks speculation In early January, the crypto community was alerted to an odd wager on the Polymarket platform. An unnamed trader wagered $32,000 that Nicolás Maduro would depart Venezuela’s presidency by January 31, 2026, and gained nearly $400,000. The wager was placed just hours before circumstances occurred that rendered the market outcome nearly certain. On-chain analysis soon stoked conjecture about an insider tip, and the story took a turn when Donald Trump stated that the putative informant had been apprehended and was in custody. Suspicions were founded not just on profit, but also on the structure of fund movements . The study revealed that cash came from two seemingly disposable wallets with no other activity, funded solely through Coinbase, and moved nearly instantly to the prediction market. A thorough investigation showed a series of nearly similar transactions at short intervals employing wallets related to the domains StCharles, StevenCharles, and STVLU, which had previously processed millions through Coinbase. While the wallets’ ownership was not confirmed, the pattern appeared too consistent to be coincidental. Following this, Trump publicly declared that the leak had been detected, coinciding with an FBI investigation into Aurelio Pérez-Lugones, a Department of Defence contractor accused of illegally holding secret information about Venezuela. MEXC accelerates growth and user engagement in LATAM MEXC, the world’s fastest-growing digital asset exchange and the pioneer of commission-free trading, plans to expand significantly throughout Latin America by 2025. The company prioritized localizing its products, improving customer service, and expanding community engagement. Key activities included integrating PIX deposits and withdrawals in Brazil, improving fiat payment channels in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, and extending peer-to-peer services in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. MEXC has launched the Visa MEXC x Ether.fi card, which allows users to spend cryptocurrency globally via Apple Pay or Google Pay and earn up to 4% cashback, bridging the gap between digital assets and ordinary payments. The company also prioritised improving the customer experience in Latin America by increasing support in Spanish and Portuguese, localising educational content, and synchronising service hours with regional time zones. Customer satisfaction (CSAT) climbed from 92.48% to 96.25%, while problem resolution rates increased from 90.51% to 93.10%. MEXC increased its physical and cultural presence by attending key blockchain events and community meetups in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. MEXC cemented Latin America as one of its fastest-growing markets, setting the scene for future progress in 2026, after being named the “Best Exchange in Latin America” at the BeInCrypto 100 Awards and praised for its strong regional growth. The post LATAM crypto news: El Salvador’s Bitcoin zones expand, Polymarket bet on Maduro sparks speculation appeared first on Invezz
18 Jan 2026, 09:56
Solana Price Prediction: $2.25B Volume, Coinbase Validator Boosts $140 Support Toward $151
Solana is trading at $142.51 with daily volume topping $2.25 billion, holding firm above the critical $140 support zone. The token slipped 1.24% in 24 hours, but confidence is building as Coinbase and STSS launch a validator on the Solana network, strengthening decentralization and signaling growing institutional support. With technicals showing an ascending trendline and resistance near $145.47, traders are watching closely for a breakout toward $151.73. Coinbase and STSS Launch Validator In a major step for blockchain infrastructure, STSS and Coinbase have launched a validator on the Solana network. This collaboration strengthens decentralization, enhances reliability, and provides validator rewards. For STSS holders, the move adds direct utility, aligning the token with real blockchain operations rather than passive holding. Major move for Sharps Technology (STSS)! The NASDAQ-listed firm is moving beyond just holding SOL to actively securing the network. They announced the launch of the STSS Validator, operated by Coinbase Institutional, marking a transition from treasury participant to network… pic.twitter.com/5zSYptEUpd — Conor Kenny (@conorfkenny) January 17, 2026 Validators confirm transactions and secure the network, making them essential to Solana’s integrity. Coinbase’s deeper involvement highlights how centralized platforms can play constructive roles in decentralized ecosystems. Key benefits include: Increased network security and decentralization Active staking opportunities for STSS holders A clear step toward mainstream adoption of Solana projects Institutional Confidence Builds With Coinbase and STSS backing this initiative, Solana gains credibility among institutional players. The validator launch reflects growing confidence in Solana’s scalability and low‑cost, high‑speed blockchain environment. For investors and developers, it’s another sign that Solana is attracting serious long‑term support. Solana Price Prediction: Ascending Trendline Holds $140 Support, Eyes $151 Breakout On the charts, Solana price prediction seems bullish as SOL is consolidating near $142.47, with support at $140.17 and resistance at $145.47. The ascending trendline shows higher lows, while candlestick formations remain neutral. The RSI at 51.53 signals balanced momentum, and moving averages are flattening, hinting at a potential breakout A move above $145.47 could trigger a rally toward $148.82 and $151.73, while a breakdown below $140.17 risks declines toward $136.31 and $132.53. Trade setup: long above $145.47, targeting $148.82 and $151.73, with stops below $140.17. Solana Price Chart – Source: Tradingview As Solana continues to attract developer interest and institutional backing, this technical structure offers a compelling entry point. With presale opportunities heating up, positioning early could unlock upside as momentum builds. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Solana Price Prediction: $2.25B Volume, Coinbase Validator Boosts $140 Support Toward $151 appeared first on Cryptonews .
18 Jan 2026, 09:00
Bitcoin Records Large Exchange Inflows As Price Climbs — What Next For BTC?
Bitcoin recently failed to overcome the $97,000 resistance following its price surge seen in mid-January. At the moment, the leading cryptocurrency has taken on a state of inertia, with no significant movement in either direction seen. However, an investigation of on-chain dynamics has recently revealed that trouble might be looming for the flagship cryptocurrency. Related Reading: Bitcoin Holds Key Support As Weekend Liquidity Sets In — $98,200 And $107,500 In Focus Sudden Inflows: Caution Or Opportunity? In a QuickTake post on CryptoQuant, key opinion leader CryptoZeno shares a potentially foreboding observation on Bitcoin’s market dynamics, saying the premier cryptocurrency could be facing a risk of distribution in the near-term. This conjecture is based on the Bitcoin: Exchange Inflow (Total) – All Exchanges metric, which serves the basic function of tracking the total amount of BTC transferred into centralized exchanges over a certain period. CryptoZeno highlights in the post that exchange inflows have seen sharp surges through Bitcoin’s most-recent trading sessions, which represent one of the most significant spikes seen in the month of January. Typically, large inflows of BTC into exchanges act as a telltale sign that investors are preparing to distribute their holdings. This is contrary to any inclination towards long-term holding. Interestingly, the sign of distribution-readiness is more typical if the event were to occur just after a strong advance of the BTC price. Also citing historical occurrences, CryptoZeno explains that such behavior, where BTC holders increasingly send their tokens to exchanges, suggests that investors are venturing out of Bitcoin and to more “liquid venues.” Expectedly, such a massive dispersal of their holdings would translate into price as increased sell-side pressure, especially in the short-term. Notably, the analyst makes it clear that inflows alone do not tell a sure story of an immediate reversal. More accurately, spikes in exchange inflows often come before heightened volatility periods or corrective price action. Related Reading: Are XRP ETFs About To Act Like Banks? Expert Thinks So Analyst Highlights Mid- To Large-Size Bands As Main BTC ‘Movers’ CryptoZeno provides more context by merging the Spent Output Value Bands with the Exchange Inflow metric. This shows which investor cohort was more involved in creating the distribution signal seen. On inspection of the blended metric, it becomes apparent that the spike in exchange inflows was largely induced by mid-to-large size bands (10-100 BTC, and 100-1,000BTC). These size bands, according to the crypto expert, are associated with whales, long-term investors who are repositioning, or even ETFs. These investor classes do not merely act without strategic reasons. As a result, their activity is usually more important compared to retail activity. A simultaneous increment to exchange inflows, alongside large investor distribution, is another sign that the Bitcoin market is on the brink of a fragile phase. In the event that inflows remain high as price struggles to reclaim past highs, the world’s leading cryptocurrency could be entering a phase of trouble, as it would suggest the predominance of supply over demand. As of this writing, Bitcoin is worth $95,250, recording almost no growth since the past day. Featured image from Flickr, chart from Tradingview
18 Jan 2026, 08:52
DOJ seeks to recover $200,000 stolen in Tinder crypto scam
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to recover $200,000 stolen by criminal elements in a crypto scam carried out on the mobile dating application Tinder. The Massachusetts US Attorney’s Office filed the civil forfeiture action to recover the funds in stablecoin Tether. According to reports, the DOJ claimed that the funds were lost to the criminal after he lied to his victim on Tinder that he was a financial advisor who worked as a crypto investment expert. The agency mentioned that the scam had all the markings of a pig butchering scam, where scammers build trust with their victims through friendship or romantic relationships before luring them to invest in fake crypto investments. Usually, some victims realize after their first investments, while others realize after losing all their funds. DOJ seeks to recover $200k in USDT in Tinder crypto scam According to the DOJ affidavit supporting the forfeiture request filed this month by FBI Special Agent Hannah Wong, the unnamed victim met a man on the dating app Tinder. The man claimed his name was “Nino Martin,” which could be an alias, as these criminals refrain from giving up their real names due to the chance that they might be caught in the act. After matching with her on Tinder, the suspect asked to move things to WhatsApp, where he claimed they could talk better. The pair moved things to WhatsApp, and they hit it off quite well. During introductions, the victim said Martin claimed to be a financial advisor who helps people make money through several crypto investments. He mentioned that he could also help her make money through crypto investments, telling her that they could make more than enough profits and be set for life. After several discussions, the victim was convinced and asked that they set up her account. Marin told the victim that he had set up a Coinbase account for her, asking the victim to send funds into the account. A while later, he told her that he would move the funds to a separate platform called onechainnm(dot)com, but the victim accidentally told Martin that they had a balance of about $500,000 in their bank account. According to the affidavit, the victim sent $384,4133 to several unhosted wallets they believed were connected to the platform that Martin suggested. The agency says it will attempt a civil forfeiture The victim claimed that they never met in person, as Martin always gave several excuses that sounded genuine because of the nature of his work. On one occasion, the DOJ said Martin told her that he had to fly to Florida to give a presentation, so they couldn’t meet. However, in March 2025, the investment platform had to change its name to onechainiy(dot)com, and the victim was restricted from their Coinbase accounts due to “sending suspicious transfers.” A while after, unknown individuals claiming to be customer service from the investment platform allegedly then gave her a way to work around Coinbase and keep investing in the platform by wiring money from their bank account to account numbers they provided. The customer service said the victim could keep investing, leading them to send $112,253 in additional funds over the next few days, around the end of March 2025. In April, the fake customer service agents claimed the victim owed an IRS tax of $200,000, which made the victim suspicious, so she stopped sending any money. In total, the victim claimed they transferred more than $500,000 to the platform, a figure that comprised most of their savings. The crypto account connected to the scheme was seized last June. Now, the DOJ is seeking to seize and recover most of these funds. The DOJ can seize properties or earnings if it is determined to be tied to criminal activities. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.
