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24 Jan 2026, 09:00
Binance Founder CZ Addresses Trump‑Related Controversy In Latest Statement
Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has pushed back against growing scrutiny surrounding his relationship with President Donald Trump, saying his ties to the president and his family have been widely misunderstood following Trump’s decision to grant him a pardon last year. CZ Rejects Allegations Of Binance’s Political Links Attention on Zhao intensified after President Trump issued a pardon in October 2025, a move that prompted renewed criticism from Democratic lawmakers and fueled questions about Binance’s alleged political and business connections. Addressing the controversy in a recent interview with CNBC, Zhao said claims of a business relationship with the Trump family are inaccurate. “There’s no business relationship whatsoever,” Zhao stated. The former executive added that the narrative surrounding the pardon and Binance’s alleged ties to Trump had been “misconstrued.” Related Reading: Binance Forms New Company In Greece, Moves Forward With MiCA Licensing Much of the scrutiny centers on Binance’s connection to the Trump-linked decentralized finance (DeFi) venture World Liberty Financial (WLFI). That connection traces back to a $2 billion investment made in March 2025 by MGX, a state‑owned firm based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. MGX invested in Binance using USD1, a stablecoin created by World Liberty Financial. Zhao emphasized that the payment method was chosen by the investor, not Binance. “MGX is the investor. They choose USD1,” he said. “My request to them was they pay us in crypto. I don’t want to deal with banks, really.” According to Zhao, the use of the venture’s USD1 stablecoin has been wrongly interpreted as evidence of a deeper relationship. “Many people misconstrued that,” he added. WLFI Push Back On Political Influence Claims In a statement, WLFI spokesperson David Wachsman said the company played no role in the pardon process. “As we have stated many times, WLFI is not a political organization and had zero role in the pardon process,” Wachsman said. “To imply otherwise is dangerous and false.” Trump himself downplayed any personal connection in a November interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes. “I have no idea who he is,” the president said of Zhao. Trump added that he had been told Zhao was “a victim, just like I was and just like many other people, of a vicious, horrible group of people in the Biden administration.” Additional attention has focused on Binance’s lobbying efforts in Washington. NBC News reported during the week of the pardon that Binance had hired Checkmate Government Relations, a lobbying firm led by Charles McDowell, who is a friend of Donald Trump Jr. Related Reading: Expert Analyzes XRP, Ethereum, And Solana: Predictions For The Next Altcoin Season According to disclosures, the firm was paid $450,000 to lobby the White House and the Treasury Department on matters including “executive relief” and digital asset‑related financial services policy. Zhao denied that any lobbying effort was connected to his pardon. “There is a lot of media saying that there is some deal in place to get me the pardon,” he told CNBC in Davos. “As far as I know, that does not exist at all.” Binance’s former CEO also said he has never spoken directly with President Trump. “The closest that I got to him was today when he was doing the Board of Peace session,” Zhao said. “I was in the audience, about 30 to 40 feet away from him.” At the time of writing, Binance Coin (BNB) was trading at $893, having recorded a 4% drop over the previous week. However, it is one of the few cryptocurrencies to have retained gains year-to-date, with an increase of 30% in that time. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
24 Jan 2026, 08:34
SEC Drops Enforcement Case Against Winklevoss-Founded Crypto Exchange Gemini
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has agreed to dismiss its enforcement case against Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, after investors in its defunct lending program recovered their crypto assets in full. Key Takeaways: The SEC dropped its case after Gemini Earn investors were fully repaid in crypto. Repayments came through the Genesis bankruptcy process in mid-2024. The decision hinged on a 100% in-kind return of customer assets. In a joint filing submitted Friday to federal court in Manhattan, the SEC and Gemini Space Station cited the complete repayment of assets to users of the Gemini Earn program through the Genesis Global Capital bankruptcy process. The repayments were completed between May and June 2024, according to the court document. SEC Drops Gemini Case After Earn Investors Made Whole The regulator said the decision followed the “100 percent in-kind return” of crypto assets to affected investors, meaning customers received the same digital assets they had originally deposited rather than cash equivalents. Based on that outcome, the SEC concluded that dismissing its claims against Gemini was appropriate. The case stems from charges brought in January 2023, when the SEC accused Gemini Trust Company and Genesis Global Capital of offering unregistered securities through the Gemini Earn program. Under the arrangement, Gemini users loaned their crypto to Genesis in exchange for yield, with Gemini acting as the platform intermediary. The SEC has dismissed its lawsuit against the Winklevoss twins–backed Gemini over its earn product pic.twitter.com/aq35vpGxG7 — 0xMarioNawfal (@RoundtableSpace) January 23, 2026 At its peak, the Gemini Earn program held approximately $940 million in customer assets. That balance was frozen in November 2022 when Genesis halted withdrawals amid broader market turmoil following the collapse of several major crypto firms. Genesis later filed for bankruptcy, triggering months of negotiations among creditors, regulators, and counterparties. Unlike many firms that failed during the 2022 crypto downturn, Genesis ultimately returned customer assets rather than liquidating holdings and distributing cash proceeds. That outcome played a central role in the SEC’s decision to unwind its case against Gemini. SEC Drops Gemini Case as Crypto Policy Softens and Exchange Grows The dismissal comes amid a broader shift in the SEC’s approach to digital asset regulation under US President Donald Trump. The administration has signaled a more accommodating stance toward the crypto sector, with Trump publicly pledging to support mainstream adoption of digital assets and ease regulatory pressure on the industry. In its filing, the SEC stressed that the dismissal does not reflect its position on other crypto-related enforcement actions, underscoring that the decision was specific to the facts of the Gemini case. The exchange has continued to expand its institutional footprint following the resolution of the Earn dispute. Gemini made a high-profile debut on Nasdaq last year, reflecting renewed investor interest in regulated crypto platforms as the market rebounds. According to LSEG data, the company is currently valued at approximately $1.14 billion. The post SEC Drops Enforcement Case Against Winklevoss-Founded Crypto Exchange Gemini appeared first on Cryptonews .
24 Jan 2026, 08:27
Oklahoma considers BTC payments for government payroll and vendors
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have submitted a new bill that will allow businesses and state employees to receive payments in Bitcoin. The new legislation is not limited to businesses, as residents are also covered under the new bill that was submitted this week. The bill, Senate Bill 2064, was introduced by Senator Dusty Deevers during the 2026 legislative session. It establishes a legal framework for the use of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange and compensation without officially recognizing the asset as a legal tender. The bill mentions that it does not conflict with the United States Constitution’s prohibition on states declaring legal tender other than gold and silver. Instead, it will recognize Bitcoin as a financial instrument being used within the legal frameworks of the country. Oklahoma releases new bill focused on BTC payments According to Senate Bill 2064 , it would provide state employees in Oklahoma with the option to receive their salaries or wages in Bitcoin. The payment is expected to be based on the asset’s market value at the start of a pay period or at the time of payment. Employees would also be allowed to choose their payment preference at the beginning of every pay period, where they could choose to take their pay in Bitcoin, US dollars, or a combination of both. Payments are also expected to be deposited in a self-hosted wallet under the control of the employee or a third-party custodial account of the employee’s choice. The legislation will also provide vendors in contract with the state an option to take their payment in Bitcoin on a per-transaction basis. The value of the Bitcoin payment would be determined by the price of the asset at the time of the transaction, unless otherwise stated in a written agreement. Aside from payroll and procurement, the bill also allows private businesses and residents in Oklahoma to negotiate and receive payments in Bitcoin. This means that the bill enforces the use of the asset as a voluntary medium of exchange across the state. According to reports, SB 2064 includes several provisions, including ones aimed at limiting regulatory friction for Bitcoin native businesses. Firms dealing exclusively in crypto and do not exchange them would be exempted from Oklahoma’s money transmitter licensing requirements. The new bill could take effect in November 2026 The bill also directs the Oklahoma State Treasurer to issue a request for proposals for a crypto firm that would be used to process Bitcoin payments for state employees and vendors. While selecting a provider, the Treasurer is expected to consider several factors, including fees, transaction speed, relevant state licenses, custody options, and cybersecurity practices. The Treasurer is expected to finalize all contracts with a provider by January 1, 2027. In addition, the Treasurer is also expected to promote the rules for implementing the program. The current bill follows a previous one introduced by Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers in January 2025. It was called the Bitcoin Freedom Act (SB 325) and was designed to allow employees, vendors, and businesses choose if they want to receive and make payments in Bitcoin while creating a legal framework for the use of the asset in the state’s economy. The move follows States like New Hampshire and Texas in looking into several ways to integrate Bitcoin into public finance. New Hampshire passed the country’s first Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law, allowing the state to hold about 5% of its funds in high-cap digital assets. In addition, it also approved a Bitcoin-backed municipal bond. On the other hand, Texas created its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and made the first US state Bitcoin ETF purchase of around $5 million. If passed, the new legislation would take effect in Oklahoma in November 2026, adding the state to a small list of US states looking into the direct integration of Bitcoin into government payment systems. The Oklahoma Tax Commission would also be tasked with issuing guidance on the tax treatment of digital assets received as payment starting from January 2027, addressing an area that has often created uncertainty for employees and employers. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.
24 Jan 2026, 08:11
XRP Secures Top-Tier Allocation in Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest New ETF Filing
Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest has filed an S-1 application with the U.S. SEC for the ARK CoinDesk 20 Crypto ETF, highlighting XRP among the fund’s most significant holdings. Visit Website
24 Jan 2026, 06:50
Cardano Creator Responds to Criticism from the XRP Community
A recent comment from Cardano Creator Charles Hoskinson has drawn attention following a tweet by crypto investor Xaif Crypto. The post highlighted Hoskinson’s response to criticism from parts of the XRP community . The remarks were delivered in a video captioned in the post and focused on clarifying Hoskinson’s position toward the XRP community, explaining why reactions to certain comments have at times been heightened. The exchange reflects ongoing sensitivities within the digital asset space, particularly where regulatory history and prominent industry figures intersect. Charles Hoskinson responds to criticism from the XRP community: There’s no issue with the XRPL community. They’re great people. The sensitivity comes from the SEC lawsuit and past history. Any criticism of Brad gets made bigger than it really is. pic.twitter.com/7LfPUDkcJO — Xaif Crypto | (@Xaif_Crypto) January 22, 2026 Hoskinson’s View on the XRPL Community In the video referenced by Xaif Crypto, Hoskinson emphasized that he does not hold negative views toward the XRPL community. He described members of that community as constructive participants in the broader digital asset sector and rejected the idea of an underlying conflict between Cardano and XRPL supporters. According to Hoskinson, the perception of hostility often arises not from substantive disagreement, but from how criticism is interpreted and amplified. He explained that reactions are frequently shaped by the long-running regulatory pressures faced by XRP , particularly the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit and earlier industry disputes. In Hoskinson’s view, this history has contributed to an atmosphere where comments, especially those involving figures such as Brad Garlinghouse, are sometimes received with greater intensity than intended. He suggested that criticism in a general or policy-focused context can be interpreted as personal or adversarial due to these lingering tensions. Regulatory History and the Clarity Act Hoskinson also referenced legislative efforts, including the Clarity Act , to illustrate how complex policy discussions can become mischaracterized. He noted that the act began with what he considered a solid initial structure, but later underwent extensive changes through numerous amendments. This point was raised to underscore how nuanced regulatory conversations can be reduced to simplified narratives, which then feed into broader misunderstandings between communities. By highlighting this example, Hoskinson appeared to argue that disagreements over regulation or governance should not be viewed as attacks on specific projects or communities. Instead, he framed them as part of a necessary, and often messy, process of developing clearer rules for the digital asset industry. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 XRP Community Reaction and Broader Implications The tweet also included commentary from an X user known as Pastor Blackwood, who expressed respect for Hoskinson’s stance. While identifying as an XRP holder , the commenter argued that some community members can become overly influenced by the opinions and behavior of prominent figures, rather than forming independent judgments. He further stated his belief that Hoskinson and Brian Armstrong are advocating for the interests of everyday participants in the space, rather than acting against specific projects. Overall, the exchange reflects a continuing effort by industry leaders to address misunderstandings between different digital asset communities. Hoskinson’s remarks, as presented by Xaif Crypto, focused on reducing perceived friction and encouraging a more measured interpretation of criticism, particularly in a sector still shaped by unresolved regulatory history. 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 Cardano Creator Responds to Criticism from the XRP Community appeared first on Times Tabloid .
24 Jan 2026, 05:55
Bitdeer BTC Mining Showcases Strategic Balance with 155 BTC Production and 152.7 BTC Sale
BitcoinWorld Bitdeer BTC Mining Showcases Strategic Balance with 155 BTC Production and 152.7 BTC Sale Singapore-based Bitcoin cloud mining giant Bitdeer has demonstrated a masterful operational rhythm in the volatile cryptocurrency sector. The company announced on January 23, 2025, that it successfully mined 155 BTC during the previous week. Subsequently, Bitdeer executed a strategic sale of 152.7 BTC, resulting in a net addition to its corporate treasury and bringing its total holdings to 1,504.4 BTC. This precise balance between production and liquidation offers a compelling case study in institutional cryptocurrency asset management. Bitdeer BTC Mining Operational Analysis Bitdeer’s weekly production of 155 BTC represents significant computational power and energy investment. The company operates large-scale data centers across strategic global locations, including the United States and Norway. These facilities leverage access to stable, often renewable, energy sources to maintain competitive operational costs. Consequently, the firm’s hash rate contribution to the Bitcoin network remains substantial. Each Bitcoin mined validates transactions and secures the blockchain, a process requiring immense proof-of-work. Furthermore, the regularity of this production report underscores operational consistency, a key metric for investors assessing mining enterprises. The mined Bitcoin enters the company’s financial ecosystem as a primary revenue-generating asset. The Economics of Production and Sale The near-immediate sale of 152.7 BTC, or roughly 98.5% of the week’s production, reveals a deliberate treasury strategy. Companies like Bitdeer must manage cash flow to cover significant operational expenditures (OpEx). These costs primarily include: Energy Consumption: Electricity is the single largest cost for Bitcoin mining. Hardware Maintenance: ASIC miners require cooling and eventual replacement. Infrastructure Costs: Data center leases, security, and network connectivity. Personnel and Administration: Salaries for technical and management staff. By converting the majority of new Bitcoin into fiat currency, Bitdeer ensures liquidity to meet these obligations without needing to dip into its core treasury reserves. This approach mitigates risk during periods of Bitcoin price volatility. Strategic Treasury Management in Cryptocurrency Bitdeer’s updated holdings of 1,504.4 BTC represent a formidable corporate treasury, valued at tens of millions of dollars depending on market prices. This reserve acts as a long-term strategic asset on the company’s balance sheet. Holding such an amount indicates a strong bullish conviction on Bitcoin’s future value from the company’s leadership. However, it also requires sophisticated risk management. The decision to sell most weekly production while holding a large reserve is a hybrid strategy. It balances immediate financial needs with long-term exposure to potential Bitcoin appreciation. Other public mining companies, like Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms, employ varying strategies, from holding all mined Bitcoin to selling significant portions, as shown in the comparison below. Recent Weekly Bitcoin Mining & Sale Strategies (Sample) Company BTC Mined (Approx.) BTC Sold (Approx.) Primary Strategy Bitdeer 155 152.7 High Sell-Through for OpEx Marathon Digital ~1,200 0 Full Accumulation Riot Platforms ~500 ~450 Partial Sale for Growth This table illustrates there is no one-size-fits-all model. Each company’s approach depends on its cash position, debt levels, growth ambitions, and market outlook. Bitdeer’s model suggests a focus on sustainable, cash-flow-positive operations. Expert Insights on Mining Economics Industry analysts often highlight the importance of a mining company’s cost per coin. Firms with access to low-cost, stable power can mine Bitcoin profitably even at lower market prices. Bitdeer’s geographic diversification is a key defensive measure. For instance, during a regional energy price spike, operations can be shifted or scaled in other locations. Moreover, the regular sale of coins provides a predictable revenue stream in traditional currency, which is appealing for financial planning and reporting. This operational transparency, as shown in their weekly public updates, builds trust with shareholders and the market. It demonstrates a mature, accountable approach compared to the opaque operations common in the industry’s earlier years. The Broader Impact on the Bitcoin Network Large, publicly-traded miners like Bitdeer play a crucial role in the Bitcoin ecosystem’s health and security. Their substantial hash power contributes directly to network security, making a 51% attack exponentially more difficult and expensive. Furthermore, their operational decisions can influence market dynamics. The sale of over 150 BTC weekly adds consistent, predictable sell-side pressure to the market. However, this is typically absorbed by institutional and retail demand. The net effect is a contribution to market liquidity and price discovery. Importantly, these companies are also major drivers of innovation in mining hardware and renewable energy integration, pushing the entire industry toward greater efficiency and sustainability. Regulatory and Market Context for 2025 The current regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency mining continues to evolve. In the United States, the SEC’s stance on Bitcoin ETFs has brought more institutional capital into the space, indirectly benefiting miners by validating the asset class. However, potential regulations around energy usage reporting and carbon emissions could impact operations. Bitdeer’s reported activities show compliance and adaptation to this environment. Their business model, which includes cloud mining services for retail clients, also adapts to market demand. As Bitcoin’s halving events periodically reduce the block reward, mining efficiency becomes paramount. Companies must continuously upgrade hardware and optimize operations to maintain profitability, a cycle that favors well-capitalized, professional firms like Bitdeer. Conclusion The recent report from Bitdeer BTC mining operations provides a clear window into the sophisticated mechanics of modern cryptocurrency production. The company’s ability to mine 155 BTC and strategically sell 152.7 BTC within the same week highlights a disciplined, financially-prudent approach. This balance ensures operational continuity, manages market risk, and steadily grows a substantial Bitcoin treasury. As the industry matures, such transparent and strategic management will likely define the leading players. Bitdeer’s actions reinforce its position as a significant and stable contributor to both the Bitcoin network’s security and the evolving digital asset economy. FAQs Q1: What does it mean that Bitdeer “mined” 155 BTC? A1: Mining is the process of using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems that validate and secure transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. As a reward for this computational work, which consumes significant electricity, the network grants new Bitcoin to the successful miner. Bitdeer’s 155 BTC represents its share of the global block rewards for that period. Q2: Why would Bitdeer sell almost all the Bitcoin it just mined? A2: The primary reason is to cover operational costs (OpEx) like electricity, hardware maintenance, and salaries, which are paid in traditional fiat currency. Selling a large portion of production ensures the company has immediate cash flow to remain solvent and profitable without needing to sell from its long-term treasury holdings, especially during periods of price volatility. Q3: How significant is a treasury of 1,504.4 BTC for a company like Bitdeer? A3: It is a major strategic asset. This reserve, worth tens of millions of dollars, acts as a long-term investment on the company’s balance sheet. It signals confidence in Bitcoin’s future value and provides a financial cushion. The company can potentially use it as collateral, hold it for appreciation, or sell portions to fund major expansions without taking on excessive debt. Q4: How does Bitdeer’s strategy compare to other major Bitcoin miners? A4: Strategies vary. Some miners, like Marathon Digital, have historically held all mined Bitcoin, betting heavily on long-term price increases. Others, like Bitdeer and Riot Platforms, sell a significant portion to cover costs and fund operations. Bitdeer’s high sell-through rate suggests a strong focus on maintaining positive cash flow and operational stability in the near term. Q5: What is “cloud mining” and how does Bitdeer use it? A5: Cloud mining allows individuals or companies to rent mining power from a large data center operator like Bitdeer without owning or maintaining the physical hardware. Bitdeer operates both proprietary mining for its own treasury and offers cloud mining contracts to clients. This dual model diversifies its revenue streams between direct Bitcoin production and service fees. This post Bitdeer BTC Mining Showcases Strategic Balance with 155 BTC Production and 152.7 BTC Sale first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
