hodler

17 Jan 2026, 10:26

Ripple CEO Reacts to Coinbase Drama

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly commented on a growing rift within the digital asset sector following Coinbase’s unexpected decision to withdraw its support for the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act . His remarks come at a time when the U.S. crypto industry is facing heightened uncertainty over how future regulation will be structured and enforced. Coinbase’s Withdrawal Shakes Legislative Momentum The debate intensified when Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced that the exchange could no longer support the CLARITY Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at clarifying regulatory oversight of digital assets. The announcement came just hours before a scheduled markup by the Senate Banking Committee , disrupting what had appeared to be coordinated industry engagement with lawmakers. Armstrong described the draft legislation as “materially worse than the status quo,” arguing that it introduced new risks rather than resolving existing regulatory ambiguity. His criticism focused on provisions he said would effectively prohibit tokenized equities, impose restrictions on stablecoin incentives, and raise unresolved privacy issues. The decision marked a sharp reversal from Coinbase’s earlier participation in discussions surrounding the bill. Garlinghouse’s Response Garlinghouse weighed in on the issue during a panel discussion at the CfC St. Moritz conference in Switzerland on January 15. The session examined whether crypto-native firms can coexist with traditional public markets, a topic that closely mirrors the broader regulatory debate unfolding in Washington. During the discussion, Garlinghouse acknowledged that Coinbase’s move caught him off guard. He said he was surprised by how forcefully the exchange rejected the legislation so late in the process. Nevertheless, he stopped short of dismissing Armstrong’s objections, suggesting that several of the concerns raised deserved fair consideration. While recognizing the validity of some of Coinbase’s criticisms, disagreement over legislative language should not derail broader efforts to achieve regulatory clarity . We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Industry Support Remains Despite Setback Coinbase’s withdrawal does not represent a collapse of industry support. Garlinghouse revealed that several major players, including Ripple, Circle, Kraken, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, remain committed to working with policymakers to improve the legislation rather than abandoning it. The CLARITY Act aims to define the respective roles of the SEC and CFTC, an issue that has long contributed to regulatory uncertainty for crypto firms operating in the U.S. Garlinghouse had previously expressed optimism about the bill’s potential before it stalled following Coinbase’s exit. While the industry has not yet reached a consensus on the path forward, much of the sector continues to advocate for engagement rather than withdrawal from the regulatory process. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CEO Reacts to Coinbase Drama appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 Jan 2026, 10:17

xAI posts job for accounting tutor to train Grok on tax issues

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI is advertising an accounting role to train its chatbot Grok on tax filings and corporate accounting, as it looks to expand its technical workforce and the AI outputs. Early Saturday morning, a member of program staff, Jeffrey Weichsel, announced on X that xAI is hiring experienced accountants to help train Grok on tax and accounting matters. “Do you want to prepare taxes for the next 3 months, or would you rather do something meaningful with purpose, helping create a truth-seeking AI that roots out corruption, fraud, and waste? Apply now,” he wrote , sharing a Greenhouse website link to the job application. xAI is training Grok on US taxes As seen in the Greenhouse job link, the Elon Musk-led firm xAI said it is searching for an “AI Accounting tutor” who would help improve Grok’s understanding of accounting, financial reporting, and tax-related issues. They would be required to train the chatbot using proprietary software to label and curate high-quality data, while supporting the development of new AI tasks together with xAI’s technical staff. According to the job description, the trainer will select and solve complex accounting problems from real-world corporate environments like consolidations, internal controls, and compliance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Candidates will also refine annotation tools used in AI training and regularly interpret and execute tasks based on instructions, and critique Grok’s responses to mould its accuracy and consistency in accounting scenarios. Applicants must have at least three years of experience at a Big Four accounting firm working on corporate or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clients. Alternatively, they may qualify through senior corporate positions such as controller, assistant controller, or technical accounting manager at enterprises with reporting requirements. Moreover, the company issued educational requirements that included a master’s degree or doctorate in institutional accounting, or equivalent credentials as a licensed Certified Public Accountant. They must also be comfortable handling accounting resources like regulatory filings, financial databases, and enterprise resource planning systems. Teaching experience and published academic work in accounting journals were also listed as desirable attributes. The position is based either in Palo Alto, California, or on a fully remote basis, and the compensation would range from $45 to $100 per hour, depending on experience, education, and location. However, xAI said it cannot hire candidates based in Wyoming or Illinois and does not offer visa sponsorship. xAI training plea grows amid deepfake lawsuits The hiring push comes at a time when xAI is facing lawsuits over Grok’s generation of sexualized and nonconsensual images. Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk’s children, filed a lawsuit against xAI in New York on Thursday, blaming the firm for allowing Grok to generate sexually explicit images of her that were shared on X. “X users dug up photos of St Clair fully clothed at 14 years old and requested Grok undress her and put her in a bikini. Grok obliged,” St Clair’s attorneys surmised, adding that the imagery generated was “de facto non-consensual” and Grok’s developers had “explicit knowledge” that consent was absent. xAI has denied responsibility and countersued Ms St Clair, claiming she violated the company’s terms of service. Even with all the drama going on, the firm announced it raised $20 billion in a funding round held last week, surpassing its initial $15 billion target. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

17 Jan 2026, 09:10

Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny

BitcoinWorld Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny In a significant on-chain transaction reported by Onchainlens, a cryptocurrency wallet presumed to be controlled by the Solayer development team executed a major deposit of LAYER tokens to the global exchange Binance, immediately drawing intense scrutiny from market analysts and investors focused on Solayer LAYER deposit activity. The movement, involving 18.32 million LAYER valued at approximately $3 million, occurred just 26 minutes prior to the report’s publication, highlighting the real-time nature of blockchain transparency. Consequently, this event provides a critical case study in project treasury management and market signaling. Analyzing the Solayer LAYER Deposit to Binance The core transaction data reveals precise figures. According to the on-chain intelligence platform Onchainlens, the specific wallet address transferred exactly 18,320,000 LAYER tokens. Based on prevailing market prices at the time, this equated to a substantial $3 million valuation. Following this Binance crypto deposit, the same wallet retains a significant balance of 16.56 million LAYER, worth an estimated $2.7 million. This residual holding indicates the move was not a full liquidation but a strategic partial transfer. Blockchain analysts routinely monitor such wallets associated with project teams, as their actions can signal various operational needs, from treasury diversification to preparing for exchange liquidity provisions. Contextualizing Team Wallet Activity in Crypto Transactions from wallets linked to core development teams are never viewed in isolation. Instead, they form part of a broader narrative concerning project health and insider confidence. Typically, team token movements fall into several predictable categories: funding operational expenses, providing liquidity on decentralized or centralized exchanges, or executing planned vesting schedules. For instance, a large, unexpected deposit to a major exchange like Binance can sometimes precede increased selling pressure, potentially affecting the LAYER token’s market price. However, it may also simply facilitate necessary financial operations. The table below outlines common reasons for team-controlled wallet movements: Reason for Movement Typical Market Interpretation Vesting Schedule Unlock Planned, predictable, often neutral Liquidity Provision Generally positive for ecosystem growth Operational Funding Neutral, seen as standard business practice Large, Unplanned Exchange Deposit Can signal caution, leading to short-term volatility Therefore, understanding the context behind this Solayer team wallet activity is crucial for accurate assessment. The Solana ecosystem, which hosts the Solayer project, has established itself as a hub for high-throughput decentralized applications. Projects within it are often held to high standards of transparency regarding token allocation and team holdings. Expert Perspective on Treasury Management Signals Industry observers emphasize the importance of communication following such events. “A transparent project often pre-announces large treasury movements or provides a clear rationale shortly after they occur on-chain,” notes a veteran crypto-economist who specializes in tokenomics. This approach builds trust within the community. The lack of immediate public commentary from the Solayer team, while not unusual in the immediate aftermath, will likely prompt questions. Analysts will now monitor for follow-up transactions, official statements, or changes in exchange order book depth for LAYER. Furthermore, they will compare this action to the project’s original token distribution plan outlined in its documentation. Key metrics for watch include: Remaining Treasury Balance: The $2.7 million still held suggests ongoing runway or future planned use. Exchange Inflow Metrics: Aggregators will track if this deposit correlates with a spike in overall LAYER exchange inflows. Price Action Correlation: Analysts will study any immediate or lagged effect on the LAYER/USD trading pair. This event underscores a fundamental principle of decentralized finance: blockchain data is public, but interpretation requires nuance. A single transaction does not define a project’s trajectory but serves as one data point in a complex financial landscape. The Broader Impact on Solayer and Market Perception The immediate impact of this $3 million deposit extends beyond the transaction itself. Market participants use tools like Etherscan for Ethereum or Solscan for Solana to track these flows in real-time. Consequently, the speed at which Onchainlens reported the activity demonstrates the mature infrastructure for blockchain surveillance. For the Solayer project, this event tests its relationship with its holder community. Proactive communication can mitigate potential fears of a sudden sell-off. Historically, projects that maintain open dialogues about treasury management, even for routine operations, foster stronger, more resilient communities. Moreover, this incident highlights the evolving expectations for project teams in 2025, where sophisticated on-chain analytics are accessible to all market participants. Conclusion The reported deposit of $3 million in LAYER tokens from a Solayer team-linked wallet to Binance represents a significant on-chain event worthy of analysis. While the exact motive remains unconfirmed by official sources, the transaction provides a clear window into the continuous and transparent nature of blockchain-based asset movement. Monitoring the Solayer LAYER deposit and the team’s subsequent communication will be essential for understanding its strategic implications. Ultimately, this event reinforces the critical importance of transparency and well-communicated tokenomics in building sustainable cryptocurrency projects within the modern digital asset landscape. FAQs Q1: What exactly happened with the Solayer team wallet? A wallet identified by on-chain analysts as belonging to the Solayer team transferred 18.32 million LAYER tokens (worth $3M) to the Binance exchange. The wallet still holds an additional 16.56 million LAYER. Q2: Why do people monitor team wallets? Team wallet activity can provide insights into a project’s financial strategy, signal potential future selling pressure, or indicate routine operational moves like vesting or liquidity provisioning. Q3: Does this mean the Solayer team is selling their tokens? A deposit to an exchange like Binance often, but not always, precedes a sale. It could also be for other purposes like providing liquidity or converting tokens for operational expenses. The intent is not confirmed solely by the deposit. Q4: How was this transaction discovered so quickly? Blockchain intelligence firms like Onchainlens use automated systems to track large transactions from known wallets, especially those linked to project founders or treasuries, and report them in real-time. Q5: What should LAYER token holders do in response to this news? Holders should seek official communication from the Solayer team for context, monitor credible market analysis for interpretation, and avoid making impulsive financial decisions based on a single data point. This post Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

17 Jan 2026, 08:50

Whale Watch: XRP Inflows to Binance Plunge to 2021 Lows — HODL Mode Engaged

XRP Whale Activity Signals Strong HODL Culture Ahead of Next Rally XRP whales are doubling down. Whale inflows to Binance have hit their lowest since 2021, with the 30-day moving average dropping to 48–56M XRP. This signals minimal selling pressure and a strong HODL mindset among the largest holders. This trend signals rising XRP scarcity on exchanges. As whales hold rather than move tokens, liquidity tightens and supply shrinks, reflecting investor confidence and patience, often a precursor to major rallies. Notably, U.S. trading hours have emerged as a key catalyst in sparking these price surges. Market sentiment shows cautious optimism as XRP holds $2.06 , well above the key $2 support. Low whale activity and steady price action signal accumulation over selling, boosting trader confidence. Why does this matter? Well, retail investors should take note that XRP whales are holding, signaling confidence in an imminent price surge. With supply tightening on exchanges, the token may be primed for its next upward move. Therefore, XRP’s on-chain data signals a bullish surge as whale inflows to Binance hit multi-year lows, accumulation rises, and price stability builds investor confidence. Historically, low selling from major holders often sparks explosive rallies. With supply tightening and committed holders, XRP could be primed for its next major move, making it a key watch for traders and long-term investors alike. Conclusion Whale activity indicates a shift from short-term trading to long-term holding. With XRP above $2 and inflows at multi-year lows, supply tightens as confidence grows. Historically, such quiet accumulation precedes major rallies, signaling a potential upward leg and making whale behavior a key market indicator.

17 Jan 2026, 08:45

Democrats press SEC over dropped crypto lawsuits

The liberal lawmakers are accusing the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of abandoning crypto enforcement cases and blindly falling in line with the demands of crypto executives. Democratic Party representatives in the Financial Services Committee sent a letter to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, asking the regulator if it knowingly retreated from enforcing laws on Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken. The policymakers, led by Rep Maxine Waters, said the commission has dismissed or closed at least a dozen crypto-related cases, including actions it had previously deemed legally sound. Several of those cases had already survived motions to dismiss and received favorable rulings from federal judges. “Given the industry’s history of investor-harm and the clear mandate of the securities laws to protect market participants, this turn raises troubling questions about the SEC’s priorities and effectiveness. Frankly, it puts both investors and the US economy at risk,” wrote the representatives. SEC left cases with clear probable cause, lawmakers argue In the letter, Democrats bashed the SEC for turning away from “meritorious” litigation even though the courts had already validated the commission’s claims. The lawmakers said this pattern has fueled perceptions that enforcement decisions are being influenced by outside interests and the Trump administration. Waters and her colleagues mentioned that the Commissions’ actions occurred while crypto executives and firms gave financial support to the US president and his allies. But according to the letter, securities laws require the Commission to protect market participants, regardless of their political biasness. They devoted significant attention to the SEC’s dismissal of its case against Binance after it sued the crypto exchange and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, in June 2023 for securities violations. The entity accused the company of deceptive practices, conflicts of interest, and running businesses in America without proper registration. Zhao pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to Bank Secrecy Act violations in Binance’s compliance failures and served a prison term, which he was pardoned for by US President Trump last year. In June 2024, US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson upheld most of the SEC’s allegations and allowed the case to proceed. The court found that the regulator had plausibly alleged fraud and unregistered securities activity in its token listings and services. Despite that ruling, the SEC dismissed the case with prejudice in May 2025 while “exercising discretion,” away from a judgment on the merits of its claims. Liberals said the dismissal was concerning, given the seriousness of the allegations and the court’s findings, in addition to the Trump administration’s pardon of Zhao, claiming the POTUS was making sure he and his companies “would avoid accountability.” Coinbase and Kraken cases were also dropped The documents also talked about the Commissions’ retreat from its actions against Coinbase and Kraken, where federal judges had also shunned the companies’ attempts to dismiss the lawsuits, much like the Binance case. The SEC charged Coinbase in June 2023 with operating as an unregistered exchange, broker, and clearing agency, alongside failing to register its staking services. In the following year, a federal judge sided with the Commission and ruled that certain tokens sold on Coinbase qualified as securities under federal law. Fast forward to February last year, the commission reached an agreement with the US-based crypto trading platform to dismiss the case, citing the pending work of its Crypto Task Force as justification for ending the litigation. Kraken was facing similar allegations in a lawsuit filed in 2023, but the Commission and Kraken jointly moved to dismiss the case last March. FSC members Rep. Waters, Sean Casten, and Brad Sherman surmised that the choice to drop cases against crypto firms came at a time when political donations were pouring into the US government, with at least $85 million to President Trump’s reelection campaign. The firms whose cases or investigations were dismissed included Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple, Robinhood, and Crypto.com, which all supposedly donated at least $1 million to Trump’s inauguration each. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

17 Jan 2026, 08:10

Binance Delisting: Strategic Removal of BID, DMC, ZRC, and TANSSI Perpetual Futures Shakes Trading Landscape

BitcoinWorld Binance Delisting: Strategic Removal of BID, DMC, ZRC, and TANSSI Perpetual Futures Shakes Trading Landscape In a significant market development, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the strategic delisting of four perpetual futures contracts, sending ripples through the digital asset trading community and prompting immediate portfolio reassessments. Binance Delisting Announcement: Key Details and Timeline Binance officially confirmed the removal of four specific perpetual futures trading pairs from its platform. The exchange will delist BID/USDT, DMC/USDT, ZRC/USDT, and TANSSI/USDT contracts precisely at 09:00 UTC on January 21, 2025. Consequently, all pending orders will automatically cancel at that time. Furthermore, traders cannot open new positions for these contracts after the announcement. The exchange strongly recommends users close any existing positions before the deadline to avoid automatic liquidation. This decision follows Binance’s standard quarterly review process for all listed trading products. Perpetual futures contracts, unlike traditional futures, lack an expiry date. Traders use them for leveraged speculation on cryptocurrency price movements. Binance regularly evaluates all listed products against rigorous performance metrics. These metrics include trading volume, liquidity, network stability, and regulatory compliance. The exchange’s review framework aims to protect users and maintain market quality. Therefore, contracts failing to meet these standards face removal from the platform. This process ensures a healthy trading ecosystem for all participants. Understanding the Affected Cryptocurrency Projects The delisting affects four distinct digital assets, each with unique characteristics and market positions. BID (Bidao) functions as a blockchain platform focusing on decentralized finance and stablecoin issuance. DMC (DataMarketCoin) supports data marketplace and storage solutions. ZRC (ZrCoin) originally linked to zirconium dioxide production but has evolved. TANSSI (Tanssi Network) provides appchain infrastructure services for developers. Market data shows declining trading volumes for these assets throughout 2024. Industry analysts note several common factors among delisted assets. Typically, these projects exhibit sustained low liquidity and diminished developer activity. They also often face increased regulatory scrutiny in certain jurisdictions. Moreover, competing projects with stronger fundamentals frequently outperform them. Exchange delistings can significantly impact a project’s visibility and accessibility. However, projects sometimes recover on other trading platforms or through protocol upgrades. The cryptocurrency market naturally experiences continuous evolution and consolidation phases. Historical Context and Exchange Governance Trends Binance has established a clear precedent for periodic contract reviews and removals. The exchange delisted multiple spot and futures trading pairs throughout 2023 and 2024. For instance, it removed ANKR/USDT and MULTI/USDT perpetual contracts in November 2024. These decisions consistently align with the platform’s risk management framework. Major exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken follow similar governance practices. They regularly assess listed assets against evolving compliance standards. Regulatory developments significantly influence exchange listing policies. The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in the European Union sets stringent requirements. Similarly, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission maintains active enforcement posture. Consequently, exchanges proactively manage their product offerings. They aim to preempt potential regulatory challenges and protect user assets. This trend toward stricter governance reflects the industry’s maturation process. Market participants now expect more rigorous standards from leading platforms. Immediate Market Impact and Trader Response Strategies The announcement triggered immediate market reactions across several trading venues. Spot prices for BID, DMC, ZRC, and TANSSI experienced increased volatility following the news. Some traders initiated rapid position closures to avoid last-minute liquidity crunches. Others explored arbitrage opportunities between Binance and other exchanges still listing these assets. Derivatives traders particularly focused on managing their leverage exposure before the deadline. Professional trading firms recommend specific action steps for affected users. First, traders should immediately review all open positions involving these contracts. Second, they must decide whether to close positions manually or wait for automatic settlement. Third, users should explore alternative platforms if they wish to maintain exposure. Fourth, portfolio rebalancing can help mitigate concentration risks. Finally, staying informed about potential relisting announcements on other exchanges is crucial. Risk management remains paramount during such transitional periods. Recommended trader checklist: Audit all current perpetual futures positions Set reminders for the January 21 deadline Research alternative trading venues for these assets Adjust overall portfolio risk parameters Monitor official exchange channels for updates Liquidity and Settlement Process Mechanics Binance will execute the delisting process through a standardized technical procedure. The exchange will disable these trading pairs at the specified time. Then, it will cancel all remaining open orders automatically. Next, the system will settle any open positions at the final mark price. Users will receive their remaining equity in their futures wallets. The entire process typically completes within minutes after the cutoff time. Historical data from previous delistings shows minimal technical disruptions. Liquidity providers and market makers adjust their strategies before such events. They gradually reduce their exposure to affected markets. This action helps prevent sudden liquidity gaps that could disadvantage retail traders. The exchange’s risk management systems monitor order book depth continuously. Binance may intervene if volatility exceeds predetermined thresholds. These protective measures aim to ensure fair and orderly market conditions during the transition. Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency Market Structure This delisting event reflects larger trends within the digital asset ecosystem. The market continues consolidating around higher-quality projects with sustainable fundamentals. Exchanges increasingly prioritize assets with robust technology and clear regulatory compliance. This evolution benefits long-term investors seeking reduced counterparty risk. However, it may limit access to more speculative early-stage projects. The industry appears moving toward greater institutionalization and standardization. Market analysts observe several structural implications. First, exchange governance decisions now significantly influence asset valuations. Second, projects must maintain strong exchange relationships alongside technological development. Third, cross-exchange liquidity becomes increasingly important for asset resilience. Fourth, regulatory alignment emerges as a critical success factor. Fifth, transparent communication between projects and exchanges gains paramount importance. These developments collectively shape a more mature digital asset marketplace. Conclusion The Binance delisting of BID, DMC, ZRC, and TANSSI perpetual futures contracts represents a calculated governance decision aligning with broader market evolution. This action underscores the exchange’s commitment to maintaining high-quality trading products and protecting user interests. Affected traders must take proactive steps to manage their positions before the January 21, 2025 deadline. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency industry continues its maturation journey toward greater stability, compliance, and institutional participation. Market participants should view such delistings as natural ecosystem adjustments rather than anomalous events. FAQs Q1: What exactly is Binance delisting on January 21, 2025? Binance will remove four perpetual futures trading pairs: BID/USDT, DMC/USDT, ZRC/USDT, and TANSSI/USDT. The delisting occurs at 09:00 UTC, automatically canceling all open orders. Q2: What should I do if I hold positions in these contracts? You should actively close all positions before the deadline. If positions remain open, Binance will automatically settle them at the final mark price, potentially at less favorable terms. Q3: Will the delisting affect the spot trading of these tokens on Binance? This announcement specifically concerns perpetual futures contracts. However, spot trading pairs for these assets may undergo separate reviews. Monitor official Binance announcements for updates. Q4: Can these tokens get relisted on Binance in the future? Yes, potential relisting remains possible if the projects demonstrate improved trading volume, liquidity, and compliance. Projects must reapply and meet Binance’s current listing criteria. Q5: Where can I trade these assets after the Binance delisting? You may find these perpetual contracts or spot pairs on other cryptocurrency exchanges. Conduct thorough research to identify platforms that list these assets and ensure they operate in your jurisdiction legally. This post Binance Delisting: Strategic Removal of BID, DMC, ZRC, and TANSSI Perpetual Futures Shakes Trading Landscape first appeared on BitcoinWorld .