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26 Jan 2026, 05:55

The XRP Ledger Now Hosts $150M+ Worth of Tokenized U.S. Treasury Debt

The XRP Ledger now hosts over $150 million worth of tokenized U.S. Treasury Debt amid a rapid increase in RWA value over the past year. Visit Website

26 Jan 2026, 05:45

The crypto market faces one of the most severe downturns in history

The global crypto markets fell sharply over the weekend, wiping out approximately $100 billion from the overall market capitalization. This comes as concerns about a potential US government shutdown deepened, prompting selling in digital crypto assets. As tensions in the crypto market escalated further, Senate Democrats threatened to block funding packages if they discovered they included funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a US federal executive department responsible for public security, including border management. Notably, this threat was issued against the backdrop of recent reputable reports of a case where federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis, Minnesota’s largest city. Concerning the Senate Democrats’ warning, Chuck Schumer, the senior US senator from New York and the Senate Democratic Leader, alleged that, “Democrats wanted sensible changes in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because Republicans won’t challenge President Trump, the DHS bill fails to address ICE’s issues. I will vote no.” To underscore the urgency of the situation, Schumer emphasized that Senate Democrats will oppose advancing the appropriations bill if it includes DHS funding. The crypto market faces one of the most severe downturns in history As the crypto market faces a tough time due to escalating global conflicts, data from TradingView showed that its capitalization dropped from a previous peak of $2.97 trillion to $2.87 trillion in just 6.5 hours by Sunday, January 25, at 9:30 pm UTC. Consequently, Bitcoin’s price declined by 3.4% in the past 24 hours. As the dominant cryptocurrency, BTC’s price movement affected other cryptocurrencies, such as Ether, which declined by about 5.3% during the same period. Apart from this incident, data from Gate, a top-tier, centralized cryptocurrency exchange, disclosed that leveraged crypto positions valued at over $360 million were liquidated in the last 24 hours, with $324 million in long positions closed. On the other hand, traders on major prediction markets, Kalshi and Polymarket, placed their bets anticipating an 80% probability that a US government shutdown would occur by Saturday, January 31. To break this probability down, sources noted that the likelihood of another shutdown by January 31 on prediction market Kalshi skyrocketed from below 10% on Saturday, January 24, to 78.6% on Sunday, January 25. For Polymarket, its prediction also surged to 80%. Just after making this prediction, traders began to panic amid deepening recession fears, following US President Donald Trump’s earlier assertion that he might raise tariffs on Canada to 100% if the country strikes an agreement with China. Furthermore, reports stated that the US military sent warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. Crypto investors recall how prices behave during US government shutdowns. Bitcoin’s price sharply declined amid last year’s US government shutdown Regarding the last US government shutdown, sources noted that the federal government was closed from October 1 to November 12 last year. This shutdown resulted from the Congress’s decision to delay the approval of funding for the 2026 fiscal year. As a result of the record 43-day shutdown, Bitcoin’s price sharply declined from its all-time high record of $126,080 to $100,000. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that ongoing conflicts in Washington and the October 10 crypto market crash partly drove this decline. The key driver of this market crash was Trump’s tariff threats against China. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

26 Jan 2026, 05:20

Ether treasury ETHZilla buys plane engines amid tokenization focus

ETHZilla acquired two aircraft engines for $12 million, just weeks after the company said it was renewing its focus on tokenizing real-world assets.

26 Jan 2026, 02:30

SEC Filing Shows BTC, ETH, XRP Lead Proposed S&P Crypto ETF

A proposed SEC-filed crypto ETF spotlights top cryptocurrencies bitcoin, ethereum, and XRP, showing how new U.S. products could deliver heavily concentrated exposure as regulators weigh index-based digital asset fund structures. SEC Filing Details Crypto ETF Structure With BTC, ETH, XRP Out Front A proposed exchange-traded crypto product highlighted heavy concentration in leading digital assets as

26 Jan 2026, 01:10

South Korean Bitcoin Catastrophe: Prosecutors Pinpoint Phishing in Staggering Loss of Seized Crypto

BitcoinWorld South Korean Bitcoin Catastrophe: Prosecutors Pinpoint Phishing in Staggering Loss of Seized Crypto SEOUL, South Korea – In a stunning security breach that exposes critical vulnerabilities in digital asset custody, South Korean prosecutors now suspect a sophisticated phishing attack led to the disappearance of seized Bitcoin valued at tens of billions of won. This incident, first reported by Segye Ilbo, throws a harsh spotlight on the procedural risks law enforcement faces when managing confiscated cryptocurrency, especially when relying on hardware wallets. Consequently, the investigation underscores a pressing, global challenge for authorities worldwide as they increasingly grapple with securing digital evidence and assets. South Korean Bitcoin Investigation Uncovers Phishing Vector According to official explanations from the prosecutorial team, the lost cryptocurrency was stored on a hardware wallet—a device typically considered among the most secure methods for holding digital assets. However, investigators believe the security key was compromised when someone connected the wallet to an internet-enabled device and subsequently accessed a malicious phishing site. This action potentially allowed attackers to drain the funds without direct physical access to the wallet itself. Therefore, this points not to a brute-force hack but to a social engineering exploit, a method that remains alarmingly effective against even robust technical safeguards. Furthermore, the case reveals a complex custody arrangement. The seized assets were under shared management, a detail that has expanded the scope of the inquiry. Prosecutors are actively considering the possibility of intentional theft by an insider with authorized access. This dual-track investigation—examining both external cyber intrusion and internal malfeasance—illustrates the multifaceted security threats confronting institutional crypto holders. For instance, similar high-profile losses have occurred at exchanges and investment funds, where combined human error and insider threats have led to catastrophic financial damage. Hardware Wallet Security Under Scrutiny This incident critically challenges the perceived invulnerability of hardware wallets. Often marketed as “cold storage” and immune to online attacks, their security model depends entirely on user behavior. When connected to a compromised computer or if the user is tricked into approving a malicious transaction, the physical device offers no protection. Security experts consistently warn that the “air-gap” is only as strong as the person bridging it. Private Key Isolation: Hardware wallets store private keys offline, but they must interact with online software to sign transactions. Phishing Vulnerability: Attackers can create fake interfaces that trick users into signing transactions that send funds to the attacker’s address. Supply Chain Risks: Maliciously modified hardware or compromised seed phrases during manufacturing present additional threats. For law enforcement agencies, this creates a significant dilemma. They must balance security with accessibility, as evidence may need to be accessed or transferred for legal proceedings. The South Korean case suggests that standard operating procedures for managing seized crypto may be dangerously outdated. A comparative analysis shows varied approaches globally: Jurisdiction Typical Seizure Custody Method Notable Incidents United States Transfer to government-controlled wallets, use of third-party custodians Department of Justice auctions seized Bitcoin United Kingdom Similar to US, with increasing use of regulated custodian services National Crime Agency has specialized crypto units South Korea (prior to incident) Hardware wallet storage under shared management Current investigation into phishing loss Expert Analysis on Institutional Crypto Custody Cybersecurity specialists emphasize that institutional custody, especially for legally seized assets, requires enterprise-grade solutions far beyond consumer hardware wallets. These include multi-signature setups requiring several authorized keys, dedicated hardware security modules (HSMs), and rigorous transaction approval workflows. The apparent use of a standard hardware wallet in a shared management context, as described by prosecutors, indicates a potential gap between the technical complexity of cryptocurrencies and existing asset management protocols within some government bodies. This gap represents a systemic risk as the volume of seized digital assets continues to grow worldwide. The Broader Impact on Crypto Regulation and Enforcement The financial loss, while significant, may have a more profound impact on regulatory confidence and operational tactics. Firstly, it could strengthen regulatory arguments for stricter oversight of all cryptocurrency custody solutions, including those used by private entities. Secondly, it may force law enforcement agencies globally to audit and overhaul their digital evidence handling procedures. Finally, the incident provides a stark, real-world case study for legislators debating new digital asset laws, highlighting that security failures can occur at any point in the chain, even under state control. Moreover, the timing is critical. South Korea has been actively refining its regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, aiming to enhance consumer protection and prevent financial crimes. A high-profile failure within the prosecutorial system itself could accelerate calls for more robust, standardized national protocols for handling digital assets. This event may also influence ongoing discussions about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), where security and custody are paramount concerns for policymakers. Conclusion The suspected phishing attack leading to the loss of seized Bitcoin in South Korea serves as a critical warning for institutions worldwide. It demonstrates that even hardware wallets, when mismanaged or exposed to social engineering, can fail. The investigation underscores the urgent need for specialized, secure, and auditable custody frameworks for digital assets, particularly within law enforcement and government agencies. As cryptocurrency adoption progresses, developing and implementing these ironclad protocols will be essential to maintaining legal integrity and public trust. This South Korean Bitcoin incident is likely to become a benchmark case, driving significant changes in how seized digital assets are secured globally. FAQs Q1: What exactly happened in the South Korean seized Bitcoin case? South Korean prosecutors lost access to seized Bitcoin worth tens of billions of won. They suspect a phishing attack compromised the hardware wallet storing the crypto, though insider theft is also under investigation due to shared management of the assets. Q2: How can a hardware wallet be vulnerable to a phishing attack? While hardware wallets keep private keys offline, they must connect to software (on a computer or phone) to sign transactions. If a user is tricked into visiting a phishing site and approves a malicious transaction signature, funds can be stolen without the wallet itself being hacked. Q3: What does “shared management” of the seized assets imply? It suggests multiple individuals or departments had access or authority over the hardware wallet and its credentials. This complicates the investigation, as it raises the possibility that someone with legitimate access intentionally stole the cryptocurrency. Q4: How do other countries typically handle seized cryptocurrency? Methods vary. Many transfer seized crypto to government-controlled wallets, often using multi-signature technology or third-party custodian services with enterprise-grade security. Some, like the U.S. Department of Justice, eventually auction seized assets. Q5: What are the likely long-term effects of this incident? The case will likely pressure global law enforcement to adopt stricter, more secure digital asset custody protocols. It may also influence cryptocurrency regulation, emphasizing the need for robust institutional security standards and potentially accelerating the development of more secure custody solutions for government use. This post South Korean Bitcoin Catastrophe: Prosecutors Pinpoint Phishing in Staggering Loss of Seized Crypto first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

26 Jan 2026, 00:49

Trump America first policy forces allies to rethink global economy

President Donald Trump’s United States is leading a radical rethinking of the world economy as allies and investors deal with a less predictable Washington. U.S. policymakers for decades touted globalization as a road to growth, stability, and peace. To some extent, today’s world is characterized by shifting tides, with countries seeking resilience or hedging against the pressure to adapt to the threat of economic coercion posed by the world’s largest economy. Allies reduce dependence as Trump reshapes global power Trump’s unapologetic “America First” policy has included threats of tariffs , supply chain constraints, and other aggressive measures to gain concessions from his allies. His ill-fated effort to acquire Greenland and a subsequent threat of tariffs on European countries revealed the dangers of strategic reliance on Washington. Although the overnight crisis receded following a temporary solution, European leaders vowed not to be pressured, suggesting they would increase efforts to rely less on Washington. Neil Shearing, chief economist at Capital Economics in London, said the current environment demonstrates a change in global power relationships. “It’s about power, dependency, and coercion,” Shearing said.” “Now, countries are looking for ways to weaken their strategic reliance on the United States.” In the post-World War II regime, where the U.S. Navy defended sea lanes and the U.S. capital ensured stability, efficient global commerce was possible. But Trump’s recent moves are prompting countries to exchange some of that efficiency for security. Rising costs and market shifts signal a new economic era Even in a time of economic upheaval, the implications are clear. The drive to reduce dependence on U.S. supply chains is increasing the cost of critical goods. Gold prices have surged nearly 80 percent in the past year as investors scramble for refuge, and copper and other metals have soared as domestic semiconductor and pharmaceutical capacity is developed. The American economy continues to emerge as strong, thanks to technological and AI discoveries. Financial markets have been responsive to U.S. growth despite geopolitical tension. The Trump administration argues that its policies reinforce — not weaken — global alliances. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed concerns about a dollar pullback as a “false narrative,” and the White House stressed that America First does not mean America Alone. There are, however, concerns that the implications for the U.S.’s long-term future could be serious. As European countries, Canada , and fast-growing Asian regions pour money into their own technology and defense systems, markets worldwide for capital are growing. Higher borrowing costs will have to confront the U.S., now over $30 trillion in debt and facing annual budget deficits on an urgent scale. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts that by 2035, the Government will need to borrow over $21 trillion, and even modest increases in interest rates will raise annual service costs to the hundreds of billions of dollars. The Greenland affair and other moves during Trump’s second term demonstrate a broader trend: allies and investors cannot take American leadership for granted. “President Trump is intent on jettisoning the Atlantic Alliance and the overall world order that we’ve known for 80 years,” said former U.S. deputy treasury secretary Roger Altman. “He wants to replace that with a tripolar global order among Putin and Xi Jinping.” Today, the global economy is undergoing a transition. Countries that were previously dependent on U.S.-led globalization are carving out their own financial, technical, and strategic resilience in industries that have grown increasingly resistant—or independent—of U.S. centrality. So while American markets are still robust, the global system as a whole is likely to see rising costs, even more fragmented capital flows, and greater uncertainty. What we will have in the next decade will be a new world order, a world order forged by the competition among many powers and the demise of the American monopoly upon unquestioned supremacy. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.