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19 Jan 2026, 15:00
Kazakhstan Restricts Crypto Trading to Central Bank-Approved Coins Only
Kazakhstan’s Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has enacted legislation concerning Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. The law grants the nation’s central bank authority to determine which cryptocurrencies may be traded on regulated exchanges. The legislation, detailed in a recent official document , encompasses over five distinct amendments and additions to various legislative acts addressing financial market regulation, communications, and bankruptcy procedures. NEWS: Kazakhstan establishes a digital asset regulatory framework, licensing crypto exchanges and giving the central bank authority to approve tradable coins. pic.twitter.com/gxL7U61H0K — CoinGecko (@coingecko) January 19, 2026 The law also introduces comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital financial assets, while tightening controls on “unsecured” cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum . Kazakhstan Introduces a Three-Tier Digital Asset Framework A significant development is the authorization and regulatory introduction of digital financial assets as a new asset class in Kazakhstan. The new regulatory structure categorizes digital financial assets into three distinct types, each subject to different oversight mechanisms. Translated from Russian. | Source Gov.kz Stablecoins backed by fiat currency will fall under the National Bank’s requirements governing their issuance, circulation, and redemption. Digital financial assets backed by financial instruments, property rights, goods, or other tangible assets represent the second category, while financial instruments issued electronically on digital platforms comprise the third tier. Digital platform operators will function as newly licensed financial market entities authorized to issue these assets, subject to traditional financial instrument requirements, including risk management protocols and investor protection standards. Additionally, the law addresses another digital asset category, “unsecured digital assets,” referring to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). The legislation provides for the establishment of cryptocurrency exchange organizations, which will be licensed and supervised by the National Bank. To safeguard investors, the National Bank will establish a list of approved cryptocurrencies for circulation , along with operational limits and restrictions on crypto exchanges. For anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing purposes, crypto exchanges and digital asset market infrastructure participants are classified among entities subject to financial monitoring. Aggressive Enforcement Against Illegal Operations Kazakhstan’s regulatory push follows months of intensive enforcement action against unauthorized crypto activity. Authorities shut down 130 illegal crypto exchanges in October 2024, seizing virtual assets worth $16.7 million suspected of laundering criminal proceeds. Only platforms licensed by the Astana Financial Services Authority and integrated with local banks can legally operate under the Law on Digital Assets. The crackdown extended beyond exchanges to 81 shadow cash-out groups discovered with a combined turnover reaching 24 billion KZT ($43 million) in 2024. Kazakhstan Seizes $16.7M from Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges, Shuts Down 130 Platforms Kazakhstan has shut down 130 illegal crypto exchanges suspected of laundering criminal proceeds and seized virtual assets worth $16.7 million. https://t.co/WVKmsTRmf9 pic.twitter.com/aY75nl0eSJ — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 8, 2025 Deputy Chairman of the Financial Monitoring Agency, Kairat Bizhanov, identified ATMs as a critical vulnerability, noting that cash withdrawals totaled 13.2 trillion KZT ($24.1 billion), 1 trillion more than the previous year. Anonymous transactions using nominee-owned bank cards enable criminals, including cyber fraudsters and drug traffickers, to operate without sender or recipient identification. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Financial Monitoring Agency blocked over 3,500 illegal online crypto exchanges in coordination with the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Culture and Information. In 2024 alone, regulators closed 36 illegal exchangers handling a total of 60 billion tenge ($112 million) in turnover, while Kazakhstan officially blocked Coinbase’s website for violating digital asset regulations. Kazakhstan Greenlights Crypto Banks and National Reserve Fund Despite strict enforcement measures, Kazakhstan is simultaneously exploring progressive digital asset initiatives. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced plans to launch crypto banks as part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable, regulated ecosystem. Kazakhstan is exploring the launch of crypto banks as part of its broader push to build a sustainable and regulated digital asset ecosystem. #Kazakhstan #Bitcoin https://t.co/egghK92tqY — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) April 30, 2025 These institutions would offer digital asset exchange services, secure storage solutions, and transaction processing through infrastructure providers,s including digital asset platforms, custodians, brokers, and dealers. Kazakhstan also intends to establish a national cryptocurrency reserve fund valued between $500 million and $1 billion by early 2026, according to Bloomberg reporting. The initiative represents one of Central Asia’s most ambitious moves to integrate digital assets into state-managed investment portfolios, though authorities have indicated the fund will avoid direct exposure to volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and adopt a cautious investment approach. The post Kazakhstan Restricts Crypto Trading to Central Bank-Approved Coins Only appeared first on Cryptonews .
19 Jan 2026, 14:34
Privacy Coins Defy Crash, Surge 13% Amid Market-Wide Liquidations
Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies surged over the past week, even as Bitcoin and most altcoins tumbled, with the sector climbing 13% while nearly $1 billion in positions were liquidated across broader markets following Trump’s tariff threat on Europe over Greenland. The rally has pushed privacy tokens, including Monero , Dash , and DUSK , into the spotlight amid widespread crypto weakness, indicating what analysts describe as selective capital rotation rather than traditional risk-off behavior. Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin dropped nearly 3% , while most altcoins fell between 3% and 10%; privacy coins, however, moved in the opposite direction, according to CoinGecko data . Dash traded at $81.61, up 1.9% on the day and 119% over the week, while Monero, which hit a new all-time high last Thursday, traded around $644, gaining 8.9% in 24 hours. Source: CoinGecko DUSK posted the steepest gains, surging 110.5% daily and over 354% weekly, bringing the privacy coin category’s market capitalization to $21.7 billion with $2.4 billion in trading volume. Structural Demand Replaces Stablecoins as Safe Haven Speaking with Cryptonews, Ray Youssef, CEO of crypto app NoOnes, explained that the strength in assets like Monero, Dash, and DUSK reflects investors seeking to preserve capital without fully exiting crypto positions. “ Privacy coins’ outperformance during a broad market pullback is an indicator of selective risk-taking by investors who prefer not to fully de-risk or exit their positions in the crypto markets, ” Youssef said, adding that while stablecoins traditionally served as the preferred safe haven during volatility, “ privacy coins now offer a compelling alternative by aligning with the trend toward censorship resistance. “ The renewed interest comes amid ongoing debates over stablecoin rewards in the U.S. market structure bill and escalating trade tensions , creating conditions where some market participants anticipate continued volatility. Trump's Europe tariff threats erase $875 million in crypto positions as Bitcoin falls 3% to $92,000 amid geopolitical market shock. #Trump #Europe #Tariffs #Bitcoin https://t.co/heRs8hxlkV — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 19, 2026 Investors are increasingly seeking assets that can decouple from broader market weakness and show resilience during periods of macro stress. Youssef pointed to tightening KYC and AML requirements worldwide as key catalysts pushing users toward protocol-embedded financial privacy. The mass freezing of stablecoins has accelerated this shift, most notably Tether’s freezing of over $182 million in USDT across five addresses on January 11. From 2023 to early 2026, Tether froze over 7,000 wallets totaling approximately $3.3 billion USDT, primarily citing illegal activity. “ This raises the question of complete centralized control over assets previously considered immutable and decentralized, ” Youssef noted, arguing that “ privacy coins are taking on a new role, becoming a form of financial independence from corporate and regulatory structures. “ Dubai’s International Financial Centre’s prohibition on privacy tokens trading due to AML and sanctions risks announced last week has failed to interrupt the bullish trend. Despite these regulatory headwinds, the sector has continued to post gains. “ Remarkably, even the ban on privacy coin trading announced last week by Dubai authorities hasn’t interrupted their bullish trend, ” Youssef observed. Dubai has banned privacy tokens and anonymity tools in the DIFC to align with global AML and sanctions standards. #Dubai #Crypto https://t.co/CChT7Nd4mH — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 12, 2026 Technical Momentum Points to Further Upside Privacy coins have outperformed large-cap assets across several recent market downturns, establishing divergence patterns that could cement their role in strategic portfolios. “ Privacy is once again recognized as fundamental to decentralization, ” Youssef said, noting that “ the core use case and technology of privacy coins remain relevant, especially amid ongoing concerns about peer risk, sovereign surveillance, and the future of digital finance. “ With DUSK posting over 540% growth in 30 days, market participants are watching whether it can sustain momentum and join established privacy leaders. DUSK Price Chart. | Source: CoinGecko “ If privacy coins’ strength endures, we could see XMR at $650, Dash at $90, and DUSK at $0.28 in the coming days, ” Youssef projected. Pavel Nikienkov, founder of Zano, also emphasized last week that privacy represents more than a passing trend. “ Privacy isn’t a passing trend, ” Nikienkov stated, pointing to a16z’s 2025 State of Crypto report, which highlights sharp rises in Google search interest for privacy-related terms. He argued that mainstream blockchains like Ethereum and Solana , by integrating optional privacy layers, indicate the sector’s maturation, though “ only systems designed for confidentiality ” can meaningfully protect users in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape. The post Privacy Coins Defy Crash, Surge 13% Amid Market-Wide Liquidations appeared first on Cryptonews .
19 Jan 2026, 14:30
Why Is Bitcoin And Crypto Down Today? Key Drivers Behind The Move
Bitcoin slid to $91,920 late Sunday in New York, down 3.8% from roughly $95,500, as a sharp risk-off impulse hit crypto markets and quickly bled into high beta majors. Ether fell as much as 5.3% to $3,177, while XRP and Solana underperformed with drawdowns of 10.4% to $1.847 and 9% to $130, respectively, as leveraged positioning was forced out. Why Is Bitcoin And Crypto Down Today? The immediate catalyst was a geopolitics-to-trade headline that landed into a weekend liquidity window: President Donald Trump said the US would impose additional 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland starting Feb. 1, escalating to 25% on June 1 unless a deal is reached for the US to acquire Greenland. Related Reading: Bitcoin Long Signal That Preceded 370% Move Is About To Go Off Again — What To Know European officials framed the move as coercive and signaled a coordinated response. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel called the threat “blackmail,” adding: “It’s not necessary. It doesn’t help the alliance (NATO).” The targeted countries, many of them NATO allies, issued a stark pushback warning that tariff threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” while EU representatives convened emergency talks over potential retaliation. France’s President Macron threatened EU’s “anti-coercion instrument.” BREAKING: France’s President Macron calls for the EU to activate its “most potent trade weapon” against the US after President Trump’s tariff threat over Greenland. Macron is now calling for the use of the EU’s “anti-coercion instrument.” If used against the US, it would… pic.twitter.com/E47Bpe03lK — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 18, 2026 For Bitcoin and the entire crypto market, the significance isn’t the tariff math in isolation; it’s the abrupt repricing of global growth and policy risk. When macro traders de-risk into headlines like this, liquid markets tend to transmit the shock first and crypto, with its 24/7 structure and deep derivatives footprint, often becomes the pressure valve. On-chain and venue-level indicators suggested the sell pressure was not simply offshore flow. CryptoQuant analyst Mignolet pointed to an elevated “CPG” (Coinbase Premium Gap), a metric tracking the price differential between Coinbase’s USD market and Binance’s USDT market that is often read as a proxy for US-led demand or supply. “We’re seeing the strongest selling premium (CPG) in recent periods. Since the ETF market was not open at the time, this selling pressure is coming from US whales operating outside of ETFs. It’s one of the traditional selling patterns we’ve seen repeatedly in the past,” Mignolet wrote in a CryptoQuant note. That framing matters because it implies the move wasn’t driven by ETF creations/redemptions, so the marginal seller was active in spot/OTC and derivatives channels that remain open through the weekend. Related Reading: Bitcoin Tailwind: Cathie Wood Sees ‘Reaganomics On Steroids’ Ahead Once spot price slipped through key levels, futures mechanics did the rest. Coinglass data showed 249.422 traders were liquidated, the total liquidations coming in at $874.93 million over the past 24 hours. Longs accounted for $787.92 million versus $87.01 million in shorts, an asymmetric wipeout that typically reflects crowded long exposure being force-closed into falling prices. At press time, Bitcoin recovered to $93,000. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com
19 Jan 2026, 14:03
Bitcoin Faces Challenges as Market Volatility Surges
Bitcoin lost $94,000 support due to US-EU tensions and tariff concerns. Future markets outpace spot and ETFs, holding most Bitcoin trading volume. Continue Reading: Bitcoin Faces Challenges as Market Volatility Surges The post Bitcoin Faces Challenges as Market Volatility Surges appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
19 Jan 2026, 13:51
Crypto Rally Fades as Geopolitical Risks Re-Enter Focus: Laser Digital
Cryptocurrency markets began last week on firm footing supported by aggressive institutional buying and continued inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Bitcoin finally broke above the closely watched $95,000 resistance level after multiple failed attempts in recent weeks rallying into a $97,000–$98,000 range. The move was triggered by sustained demand from large corporate buyers such as MicroStrategy alongside improving sentiment around regulated investment vehicles, according to Laser Digital. https://t.co/mVOAe2rKlG — Laser Digital (@LaserDigital_) January 19, 2026 Despite the bullish breakout momentum proved difficult to maintain. As the week progressed buying pressure eased and prices began to consolidate around the $95,000 level suggesting the rally had become increasingly vulnerable to macro-driven shocks. Tariff Headlines Trigger Risk-Off Move Over the weekend renewed geopolitical tension weighed heavily on broader risk markets after former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed new tariff measures targeting European Union and NATO countries. While crypto assets appeared insulated from the news sentiment deteriorated sharply once U.S. equity futures opened weaker during early Asian trading hours. This shift triggered aggressive selling across digital assets. Bitcoin fell to approximately $92,500, while Ethereum dropped to around $3,200, effectively erasing the majority of gains recorded during the prior week. The move highlights crypto’s continued sensitivity to global macro and geopolitical developments, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty. On Monday Bitcoin’s price action is showing near-term consolidation after a sharp pullback, with BTC trading around $93,000following a rejection from the mid-$90,000s. Near-Term Outlook Hinges on Macro Developments Looking ahead near-term price action is expected to remain highly reactive to how U.S.–EU trade tensions evolve. Any escalation could pressure risk assets while signs of de-escalation may provide room for stabilization. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East remain elevated with tensions increasing over the weekend and contributing to a more cautious market backdrop. From a macro perspective, markets face a busy week. Key events include the World Economic Forum in Davos, upcoming U.S. GDP and PCE inflation data and a Bank of Japan policy meeting. Although there are no scheduled Federal Reserve speeches due to the blackout period, markets may still see policy-related developments. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that a Fed chair announcement could occur closer to the Davos Forum, adding another potential catalyst for volatility. Caution Returns After Breakout Attempt While last week’s breakout above $95,000 marked a technical milestone for Bitcoin the subsequent pullback shows the fragile nature of sentiment at elevated price levels. With macro and geopolitical risks back in focus, traders are likely to remain cautious in the near term, watching for clarity on tariffs, central bank direction and broader risk appetite before committing to the next directional move. The post Crypto Rally Fades as Geopolitical Risks Re-Enter Focus: Laser Digital appeared first on Cryptonews .
19 Jan 2026, 13:17
Bitcoin Nears Breakdown or Bounce: What’s Next for BTC Price?
Bitcoin (BTC) is testing a key technical level after dropping from recent highs. At the time of writing, the asset trades near $93,000 with a 24-hour loss of 2%. Over the past seven days, it remains up by almost 3%. After failing to hold above $95,000, the price declined by $3,000 within hours. This latest move places Bitcoin directly below its 50-week moving average, a level that has held as support throughout previous stages of the current cycle. Weekly Support Comes Under Pressure The 50-week moving average has served as a base for several price recoveries over the last year. Bitcoin’s return to this line, now from below, raises questions about whether it can hold or fail. Analyst Merlijn The Trader called the setup a “ make-or-break moment. ” He noted, “ Reclaim and hold MA50. Continuation higher ,” outlining the possible bullish scenario. If that fails, he warns of “more downside.” BTC weekly: make-or-break moment. Bitcoin is retesting the 50-week moving average. This level has acted as support multiple times in this cycle. Bull case: Reclaim and hold MA50. Continuation higher. Bear case: Rejection at MA50. More downside. pic.twitter.com/iOgG64tHzH — Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) January 19, 2026 The current rejection near the $95,000 zone shows that the market is cautious. A close back above the moving average could help reset momentum. Without it, sellers may stay in control. Despite short-term weakness, Bitcoin continues to trade above the 21-day moving average. This level has supported the recent trend of higher lows and shows that momentum is not entirely lost. Analyst Michaël van de Poppe pointed to rising concern around macro news but suggested that the trend has not broken. “A lot of people are afraid… I don’t think you should,” he wrote on X. Support is building near $90,000, and this zone could decide the next move. On the upside, the resistance band between $100,000 and $105,700 remains in play. Unless the asset breaks through that range with strong volume, upside moves may remain limited. BTC Price Reacts to Global Headlines The move down came after news of new trade tariffs out of the US , which the markets responded to early in the futures session. Analyst Daan Crypto Trades noted , “BTC moved straight down from the futures open when TradFi got a chance to react.” He also pointed to the 4-hour 200EMA as short-term support. This decline shows how closely crypto markets are now tracking major global events. With uncertainty high, traders may wait to see how US equities react in the coming sessions. Still, some analysts are pointing to positive signs beneath the surface. Long-term holders appear to be selling less. “They’re clearly not selling like this is the top,” said on-chain observer Crypto Tice. According to CryptoQuant’s COINDREAM, the recent bounce was not led by leverage, but by buying in the spot market. They explained that demand came first from spot traders before moving into futures. That shift points to early-stage accumulation rather than a short-lived rally. The post Bitcoin Nears Breakdown or Bounce: What’s Next for BTC Price? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
