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25 Jan 2026, 12:30

Quantum Threat Looms, New Whales Rising, and More — Week in Review

Quantum Threat Looms, New Whales Rising, Brandt Sees $58K–$62K, Trump Tariff Shock, and more in this Week in Review. Week in Review Debate intensified over whether advancing quantum computing could threaten Bitcoin’s network, onchain data showed new institutional whales now control a larger share of realized BTC cap (creating a roughly $6 billion influence gap),

25 Jan 2026, 09:57

GameStop Transfers $420M in Bitcoin to Coinbase, Sparking Exit Speculation

GameStop has transferred its entire Bitcoin stash to Coinbase Prime, triggering fresh speculation that the video game retailer may be preparing to unwind its short-lived Bitcoin treasury strategy. Key Takeaways: GameStop moved its entire 4,710 BTC stash to Coinbase Prime, sparking speculation of a potential exit from its Bitcoin treasury. If sold near current prices, the company would realize an estimated $75M–$85M loss on its Bitcoin holdings. The transfer comes as corporate crypto treasury strategies face pressure amid falling digital asset prices. Blockchain analytics firm CryptoQuant flagged the move on Friday after identifying a wallet labeled as belonging to GameStop that sent all 4,710 BTC , worth roughly $420 million at current prices, to Coinbase’s institutional trading platform. “GameStop throws in the towel?” CryptoQuant asked in a post on X, suggesting the transfer was “likely to sell.” GameStop Faces Potential $75M–$85M Loss on Bitcoin Bet if Sold If liquidated near recent market prices, the sale would lock in a sizable loss. CryptoQuant estimates GameStop accumulated its Bitcoin in May at an average price of around $107,900 per coin, implying unrealized losses of roughly $75 million to $85 million, depending on execution price. GameStop announced its Bitcoin purchase earlier this year after CEO Ryan Cohen met with Strategy chairman Michael Saylor in February to discuss corporate crypto treasury models. At the time, the move aligned the meme-stock retailer with a growing group of public companies experimenting with digital assets as balance-sheet holdings. GameStop throws in the towel? Their on-chain wallets just moved all BTC holdings to Coinbase Prime, likely to sell. Between May 14–23, 2025, they bought 4,710 BTC at an avg. price of $107.9K, investing ~$504M. Now selling for around $90.8K, potentially realising approximately… pic.twitter.com/Bp7MwRVQ43 — CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) January 23, 2026 Since the transfer, GameStop has not publicly confirmed whether it has sold or intends to sell the Bitcoin. While moving funds to Coinbase Prime often precedes a sale, given the platform’s deep liquidity and execution tools, such transfers do not always signal imminent liquidation. Coinbase Prime also provides custody and wallet management services through its regulated trust business, leaving open the possibility of an internal restructuring. The timing has fueled debate. Corporate Bitcoin treasuries surged in popularity throughout 2024 and early 2025, but the model has faced growing scrutiny as crypto prices pulled back sharply in recent months. Several firms that adopted similar strategies are now sitting on steep paper losses, prompting some to trim holdings to shore up balance sheets. Ethereum-focused ETHZilla, for example, recently disclosed selling part of its Ether reserves to reduce debt. Cohen Stock Purchase Lifts GameStop Shares as Bitcoin Questions Swirl The transfer also coincides with renewed activity from Cohen himself. A regulatory filing this week revealed the CEO purchased an additional 500,000 GameStop shares worth more than $10 million, helping push GME shares up over 3% on Thursday. The stock move added another layer of intrigue, with some investors viewing the buy as a vote of confidence amid uncertainty around the company’s crypto exposure. Despite the recent pressure, corporate crypto treasuries remain embedded in traditional markets. Earlier this month, MSCI opted not to remove digital asset treasury companies from its indexes, a decision that spared firms like Strategy from potential billions in passive outflows. The post GameStop Transfers $420M in Bitcoin to Coinbase, Sparking Exit Speculation appeared first on Cryptonews .

25 Jan 2026, 04:42

The Fed and other central banks plan to keep interest rates steady.

The Federal Reserve, along with three central banks that recently voiced support for its embattled chair, is united in a key objective of keeping interest rates steady during this delicate period for global leaders. Amid rising pressure from US President Donald Trump for lower borrowing costs, the Fed has urged Washington officials to stay focused on this goal. The officials are expected to reaffirm this stance when they wrap up their two-day meeting on Wednesday, January 28. At the same time, analysts predict that central banks in countries such as Brazil, Canada , and Sweden are also likely to maintain their current interest rates given the prevailing economic conditions. The Fed encountered a tense moment amid Trump’s demands Regarding the Fed’s recent decision , sources close to the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, as the discussions were private, unveiled that the three central banks teamed up with more than a dozen others, including the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB), who proved to be Fed chair Jerome Powell’s strong supporters. Under this collaboration, these banks stressed the importance of independence at a time when the administration in Washington exerted heightened pressure on Powell and the team. To demonstrate the intensity of the situation, reports highlighted that, in addition to the US president repeatedly complaining about the Fed chair’s cautious approach to lowering interest rates, the Fed is currently facing grand jury subpoenas, suggesting the possibility of criminal charges. On the other hand, the Supreme Court reviewed arguments presented regarding whether Trump can proceed with his motive to dismiss Lisa Cook, a Member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the United States. Following this drama, central banks worldwide have adopted a strategic approach to their operations to counter mounting international pressures. However, they still raise concerns due to several challenging global situations, including a recent market crash in Japan, rising investor tensions over Trump’s interest in Greenland, and his escalating threats to international trade flows . Regarding this matter, Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund, commented that the world is currently more vulnerable to sudden changes. Georgieva made this statement during the closing session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, further arguing that things have taken a different turn nowadays. Several analysts also weighed in on the topic. They noted that, “We believe that most members of the FOMC can find data that supports keeping rates unchanged at the upcoming meeting. This level of agreement would show support for Powell, who has faced strong criticism from the White House. The key figures to watch are Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman: If they join the majority in voting to keep rates steady, they will signal their backing for Powell — especially regarding Fed independence. We think Waller will vote with the majority, but Bowman may disagree.” In the meantime, policymakers noted that while they are concerned about the negative impact of tariffs on economic expansion, they remain focused on monitoring potential inflationary pressures in today’s climate. Uncertainties surround the fate of the Fed’s decision on interest rates A group of 18 central banks worldwide is set to attend meetings scheduled for decision-making sessions next week. Following this announcement, several analysts anticipated that central banks in Africa would take a different approach from the Fed, thereby supporting new easing measures as they adapt to shifting economic conditions. On the other hand, sources noted that inflation reports from Australia to Brazil and Japan, along with Chinese industrial profits and European GDP figures, will be major highlights. In the meantime, officials from the Fed are expected to maintain interest rates steady after implementing three consecutive rate reductions by late 2025. At this moment, analysts predict that Powell will propose that the current policy is fit for purpose for the time being, but the Fed chair will not outline upcoming changes to interest rates. With this approach in place, officials can take their time to observe how previous rate reductions have affected the country’s economic progress. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.

25 Jan 2026, 03:40

Trump’s second term fuels a wave of silver buying across Asia

Silver just hit $112 an ounce in Shanghai, smashing every local record and doubling its price since November. The jump has widened the price gap with the U.S., where local Chinese buyers are now paying a $9 premium over global levels. It’s no longer just a rally. It’s a physical scramble. People are lining up in Shenzhen, emptying shelves, and banks are struggling to keep up. China’s shortage of silver is no longer isolated. Refineries in Turkey are reporting zero stock for the past 10 days, especially on 10 oz and 100 oz bars. Buyers there are offering premiums of up to $9 per ounce, the same premium seen in China. Meanwhile, a recent Korea Mint sale sold out in just one hour, giving more proof that physical demand is spiraling out of control across Asia. Trump’s second term fuels a wave of silver buying across Asia The price pressure started rising right after Donald Trump returned to the White House and launched attacks on the Federal Reserve. Since early January, silver has jumped another 30%, after gaining nearly 150% in 2025. It started with Chinese buyers snapping up coins and bars, but now the hunger is spreading into India, Turkey, and the Middle East. Firat Sekerci, a bullion dealer based in Dubai, said this is the wildest buying he’s seen. Firat said Turkish refiners have had no stock for days, and demand hasn’t slowed. Because of that, banks have shifted their shipping priorities toward Turkey and nearby regions. This has led to fewer shipments reaching India, where demand is climbing again. Right now, demand in India is even hotter than it was during the Diwali buying rush last October. Back then, people bought everything ahead of the festival, while tariffs kept metal stuck in the U.S., and that drained liquidity in London. That squeeze pushed benchmark prices to levels not seen since the 1970s. But now, India is going through it again, with buyers grabbing smaller bars and coins, especially from MMTC-PAMP, the country’s biggest refiner. The company’s boss, Samit Guha, said interest hasn’t slowed. Even Elon Musk got involved in December. He posted on X about new Chinese export rules, right as silver demand started blowing up outside China. China shipped around 5,100 tons of silver in 2025 . That’s the biggest number in over 16 years, based on customs data. So while people are panicking over possible export controls, the numbers suggest things haven’t tightened just yet. But nerves are high. China has already tightened exports on other materials like antimony and rare earths, and no one’s ruling out that silver could be next. This entire shortage was kicked off by a short squeeze back in October, when local supply problems spiraled out across the globe. It’s a reminder that in this market, if China runs dry, everyone feels it. And right now, Shanghai is sucking up every ounce it can find. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

24 Jan 2026, 23:54

Brazil sets clearer rules for banks entering crypto

The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) set new regulations for banks and brokers handling crypto assets in South American country. The new crypto rulebook specifies what banks and securities firms must submit and what an external certifier must confirm before offering crypto intermediation and custody services in Brazil. Instrução Normativa (IN) BCB No. 701 was published in Brazil’s official gazette on January 23, 2026, and will become effective on February 2, 2026. Brazil’s central bank formalizes crypto entry rules IN 701 does not build Brazil’s crypto framework from the ground up. It applies sections of BCB Resolution No. 520 (Nov. 10, 2025) by defining the communication steps and the essential content needed. Under IN 701, banks must maintain current registration in Unicad. Also, they must submit independent certification via the BCB’s APS-Siscom system. If the bank does not complete all required steps, the communication is ineffective at the BCB. The bank stays barred from providing crypto services under the new rules. Banks must hire an independent, qualified certifier to verify their compliance with the BCB rules for VASPs before starting operations. The certifier must sign a declaration with the applicant bank, confirming no corporate or commercial ties that might cause a conflict of interest. User funds must be separated Certifiers must verify that institutions keep user funds separate from company assets and show evidence of reserves for all digital assets held by both customers and the company. IN 701 requires the certification to clearly evaluate each item to determine if the institution meets baseline requirements. The certification must include operational controls common in prudential frameworks. These controls involve outsourced services, especially data processing and cloud computing. It must also assess the technical and legal compliance of key suppliers, including those abroad. Recovery plans for client assets and funds are required. Governance policies, internal controls, and cybersecurity with incident response measures must also be addressed. The certifier must examine controls related to anti-financial-crime compliance, including anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and proliferation-financing risks. They must also review market integrity procedures aimed at detecting and stopping abusive actions in the virtual-asset market. The certification should cover each required item individually. The BCB may ask the certifier for more detailed explanations if needed. IN 701 requires certifiers to verify that banks clearly inform customers about the services, support channels, key third-party providers, guarantee funds or insurance, custody processes, risks of the virtual asset and its blockchain, and the terms and risks of staking operations. The rule now mandates certifiers to retain working papers and memos for five years, enhancing the BCB’s review capability. Brazilian banks gain a faster path into crypto Isac Costa, professor and director of the Brazilian Institute of Technology and Innovation (IBIT), says banks may function without fully completing the usual authorization process for common VASPs if they secure certification. He told Valor Econômico that institutions may begin services 90 days after notifying the Central Bank, provided they have independent technical certification confirming full regulatory compliance. The rules do not name the companies that will certify institutions, but Costa thinks auditors familiar with crypto will take on this role. The central bank is likely to clarify this issue because these auditors play a key role in bringing banks into the crypto industry. This is important for Brazil’s effort to promote crypto through banks. Banks and brokerages in Brazil are interested in providing crypto trading and custody to retail investors. The BCB’s method shifts some initial verification tasks to an external certifier but retains the supervisor’s authority to review, block, or stop actions. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

24 Jan 2026, 23:00

Stablecoins Gain Ground In Africa As Remittances Outpace Aid, Ex-UN Official Says

Africa is seeing a quiet shift in how people send and hold value. Mobile phones are central. According to Vera Songwe, a former UN under-secretary-general, millions who lack bank accounts can use stablecoins to protect savings and move money faster. That access matters in places where inflation has been high and bank fees are steep. Use By Businesses And Everyday People Reports have disclosed that stablecoins now make up around 43% of all crypto transaction volume in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria alone processed nearly $22 billion in dollar-linked stablecoin activity over a recent 12-month span. That money is used for remittances, payroll and business settlements. Firms and market traders are among the biggest users, but many everyday people are joining in too. In countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa, demand is driven by volatile local currencies and rules that limit access to dollars. Mobile money networks help push adoption along. Stablecoins Speed Up Cross-Border Payments Traditional remittances can be costly. At a World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday, Songwe noted that sending $100 through traditional money transfer services in Africa often costs around $6, making cross-border payments both slow and costly. Stablecoins cut those costs and shorten wait times from days to minutes for many transfers. Small payments and wages can be settled quickly, and that speed changes how businesses plan cash flow. Local Rules Are Changing Fast Governments are reacting in different ways. Ghana passed a Virtual Asset Service Providers law to bring trading into a formal framework. On January 13, Nigeria required crypto platforms to link transactions to tax ID numbers, a move meant to bring activity into official records. South Africa’s central bank has warned that stablecoins and other tokens could pose risks to financial stability as use grows. Policy is being written while users and tech firms keep pushing ahead. Risks And The Road Ahead High inflation remains a core reason people are turning to stablecoins . Reports say inflation has exceeded 20% in 12 to 15 countries since the pandemic, and that reality pushes people to look for alternatives to local notes. Everyday Use, Measured Change What started as a tech niche has grown into a practical tool for many across the continent. For small and medium businesses, the benefit is clear: faster settlements and lower costs. For people without bank accounts, a smartphone can now open a route to store value in currencies less tied to local inflation. Adoption will likely keep rising, but how quickly it becomes part of mainstream finance will depend on stronger rules, better safeguards, and the continued spread of simple mobile services that people trust. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView