Invest ideasNews
22 Jan 2026, 09:48
Thailand SEC readies new regulations to back crypto ETFs
Thailand’s financial regulator is preparing an overhaul of digital asset rules to channel investor demand into regulated markets, as its central bank battles headwinds that threaten to slump the country’s economy. The Thai SEC is drafting a new set of regulations, scheduled for release early this year, to support digital asset investments. The planned framework is meant to cover crypto exchange-traded funds, crypto futures trading, and the use of tokenized investment instruments, local news outlet Bangkok Post reported on Thursday. Jomkwan Kongsakul, deputy secretary-general of the SEC, said the regulator intends to publish formal guidelines to support the establishment of crypto ETFs in Thailand within the coming months. Thailand SEC pushes for crypto ETFs and futures trading Following the Thai SEC’s approval of crypto ETFs in principle last year, Ms Jomkwan confirmed that it is now finalizing investment and operational rules to govern how the products are structured and traded. The proposed framework will see asset management companies and licensed crypto exchanges cooperate to jointly develop ETFs that could eventually be listed and traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. A key advantage of crypto ETFs is ease of access; they eliminate concerns over hacking and wallet security, which has been a major barrier for many investors. Jomkwan Kongsakul said Alongside ETFs, the SEC is working to formally recognize digital assets as an underlying asset class under the Derivatives Act, which would allow crypto futures to be traded on the Thailand Futures Exchange under the Futures Trading Act. Ms Jomkwan admitted that legal and regulatory hurdles have slowed efforts to implement a crypto framework in the past. “This year, the SEC will encourage issuers of bond tokens to enter the regulatory sandbox,” she said. The sandbox approach would allow issuers to test products under regulatory supervision before full approval. Crypto investors with higher risk tolerance could allocate around 4 to 5 percent of their portfolios to digital assets, according to the SEC’s guidance. However, the SEC wants to add other varieties of digital tokens used for investment, away from ETFs and popular tokens like bitcoin and ether. Moreover, it plans to tighten oversight of financial influencers, noting a clear distinction between sharing factual information and providing regulated investment advice. Providing factual information may not require a licence, but any recommendation related to securities or investment returns will require proper authorisation as either an investment advisor or introducing broker. Jomkwan Kongsakul. In addition, Thailand’s government is planning to launch its first green token as part of this expansion, which it said would support sustainable, environmental, social, and governance finance. Thailand’s economy could slow in 2026, central bank says The crypto-friendly regulatory charge is against the backdrop of a flailing economy. The central bank warned last week that Thailand’s economic competitiveness is getting weak. US tariffs, high household debt levels, and a strong currency are among the bumps that could thwart economic growth, according to the Bank of Thailand. According to a Reuters report, the baht gained more than 10% against the greenback last year, a move expected to weigh on export shipments in 2026. A standing 19% US tariff that took effect in August could also impact exports this year. A border dispute with Cambodia escalated into nearly three weeks of heavy fighting last month. Thailand has had three prime ministers in as many years and is heading into a snap general election scheduled for February 8. “This year there is a lot of uncertainty,” Bank of Thailand deputy governor Piti Disyatat told reporters. “Policy room is low, but that doesn’t mean there is none. If we think it is necessary then it will be used.” The central bank said GDP growth in the second half of last year likely reached 1.3% year-on-year, with exports climbing to 9.1% over the period. However, the Thai Trade Policy and Strategy Office predicts exports to turn flat in 2026 as the full impact of US tariffs is felt. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program
22 Jan 2026, 09:45
Bitcoin Policy Institute, Fedi, Cornell to study American views on financial privacy
The initiative comes as enforcement actions and pending market structure legislation raise questions about how privacy tools and open-source developers are treated.
22 Jan 2026, 09:00
Bitcoin dips 3.8% amid EU and Greenland tensions- Is BTC at $85k ‘premature’?
How President Trump’s economic comments are shaping market sentiment.
22 Jan 2026, 08:45
South Korean Prosecutors Lose Seized Bitcoin in Shocking Custody Failure Worth Tens of Billions of Won
BitcoinWorld South Korean Prosecutors Lose Seized Bitcoin in Shocking Custody Failure Worth Tens of Billions of Won In a stunning development that exposes critical vulnerabilities in state-held digital asset security, South Korean prosecutors have lost a significant cache of seized Bitcoin. The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed the loss on January 22, 2025, following an exclusive report by OhmyNews. While authorities withhold the exact quantity, the missing cryptocurrency’s value reaches tens of billions of Korean won, triggering an urgent internal investigation and casting a harsh spotlight on institutional custody protocols. South Korean Prosecutors Lose Seized Bitcoin in Major Security Breach The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office serves as a key law enforcement body in South Korea’s Honam region. This office routinely seizes assets during criminal investigations. Consequently, the loss of Bitcoin from its custody represents a severe operational failure. The office has not disclosed the specific criminal case linked to the seized Bitcoin. However, the incident underscores a growing global challenge: securely managing confiscated digital currencies. South Korea maintains a sophisticated and active cryptocurrency market. Therefore, its legal framework for handling digital assets is under constant scrutiny. This loss directly challenges public trust in the state’s ability to manage high-value digital evidence. The internal investigation will likely examine both technical security failures and potential procedural lapses. Anatomy of a Digital Asset Custody Failure Losing physical evidence like cash or gold requires a significant logistical failure. In contrast, losing Bitcoin typically involves mismanagement of cryptographic keys. These keys are the only means to access and transfer cryptocurrency on the blockchain. Prosecutors’ offices worldwide face a steep learning curve in digital asset management. Private Key Mismanagement: The most probable cause involves losing or compromising the private keys controlling the Bitcoin wallet. Insufficient Security Protocols: Agencies may lack enterprise-grade, multi-signature wallets or hardware security modules (HSMs). Internal Threats or Human Error: The loss could stem from accidental deletion, insider misconduct, or a sophisticated cyberattack. For context, managing seized crypto differs fundamentally from traditional asset forfeiture. Authorities must secure cryptographic information, not just physical items. This case highlights a dangerous gap between legal authority and technical expertise. Expert Analysis on Institutional Crypto Security Financial cybersecurity experts point to systemic issues. “This incident is a textbook case of institutional unpreparedness,” explains Dr. Mina Choi, a digital forensics professor at Korea University. “Prosecutors excel at legal procedure but often lack the dedicated, trained personnel for long-term crypto custody. Without a formal, audited custody framework, storing keys on a standard computer or a single hardware wallet is a profound risk.” Globally, similar incidents have occurred. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice employs specialized procedures and partners with certified custodians for large seizures. South Korea’s National Police Agency has its own cyber investigation units. However, coordination with local prosecutors’ offices on asset storage may be inconsistent. The table below contrasts common custody models: Custody Model Typical Security Risk Level Single Hardware Wallet One physical device holds keys Very High (Single point of failure) Multi-Signature Wallet Requires multiple approvals for transactions Medium to Low Professional Third-Party Custodian Insured, regulated service with robust security Low Broader Impacts and Legal Repercussions This loss carries immediate and long-term consequences. Primarily, it may jeopardize the original criminal case. The lost Bitcoin represented potential evidence or assets for restitution. Victims or the state may now face irrecoverable financial damages. Furthermore, the incident provides ammunition for defense attorneys to challenge the competence of digital evidence handling in other cases. On a policy level, the scandal will likely accelerate calls for formalized national standards. South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Ministry of Justice may need to mandate specific custody solutions for all law enforcement agencies. The event also impacts South Korea’s reputation as a technologically advanced regulator in the crypto space. International observers will closely watch the government’s response. The Timeline of Transparency and Public Accountability The sequence of events reveals critical pressure points. OhmyNews broke the story on January 22, 2025, indicating the loss was not proactively disclosed. The prosecutors’ office then confirmed the report and announced its internal investigation. This reactive transparency often fuels public skepticism. Moving forward, the National Assembly may summon officials for hearings. Additionally, the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea could launch its own review. Public funds ultimately back the value of the lost state-held asset. Therefore, taxpayer anger is a predictable outcome. The incident also creates a paradoxical narrative: while regulators enforce strict compliance on crypto exchanges, a state agency failed its own security test. This dichotomy will not escape public notice. Conclusion The loss of seized Bitcoin by South Korean prosecutors is more than a financial mishap. It is a stark warning about the institutional gaps in digital asset management. As cryptocurrency becomes integrated into the global financial system, law enforcement and judicial bodies must evolve. They require specialized tools, trained personnel, and transparent, auditable protocols. The Gwangju case will undoubtedly become a benchmark for future crypto custody reforms, not just in South Korea but for governments worldwide grappling with the same complex challenge. FAQs Q1: How much Bitcoin did the South Korean prosecutors actually lose? The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office has not disclosed the exact number of Bitcoin. Reports only confirm the value was “tens of billions of Korean won.” At current exchange rates, this could range from millions to tens of millions of US dollars. Q2: Could the lost Bitcoin be recovered or traced on the blockchain? While all Bitcoin transactions are public on the blockchain, recovery is nearly impossible without the private keys. If the keys are lost, the Bitcoin is effectively permanently inaccessible. If they were stolen, tracing is possible, but retrieving funds from a malicious actor is extremely difficult. Q3: What happens to the criminal case from which the Bitcoin was seized? The loss could seriously undermine the case. It may affect asset forfeiture proceedings, victim restitution, and the overall strength of evidence. Defense lawyers may use the incident to challenge the prosecution’s handling of all digital evidence. Q4: Are other countries’ law enforcement agencies better at handling seized crypto? Capabilities vary widely. Some countries, like the United States, have developed more advanced procedures through agencies like the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the DOJ, often using third-party custodians. Many others are still developing these protocols, facing similar risks. Q5: What is the likely outcome of the internal investigation? The investigation will aim to determine the cause (e.g., human error, theft, technical failure) and identify responsible parties. Outcomes may include disciplinary action, procedural overhauls, and potentially new legislation to prevent future occurrences. A public summary of findings is expected, though details may be limited. This post South Korean Prosecutors Lose Seized Bitcoin in Shocking Custody Failure Worth Tens of Billions of Won first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 08:39
XRP, BTC, or ETH? The Winner of the Trump Presidency is the One the SEC Hated Most (Gemini Speculates)
Donald Trump’s presidential term has brought quite a bit of changes to the global economic scene, and the cryptocurrency market is no exception. Before getting elected, he promised that he would turn the United States of America into the crypto capital of the world, and just yesterday at Davos, he reiterated that he’s working towards achieving this goal. Just a couple of days ago, we examined how his term impacted crypto prices so far, and despite what seems to be his best intentions, the market is suffering. Since he was inaugurated, Bitcoin lost 15% of its price, while the majority of altcoins are down between 70% and 90% – not exactly what the majority expected. But then again, markets rarely behave the way the majority expects them to. With that in mind, we decided to conduct an interesting experiment and poke the virtual brains of one of the most popular AI models out there – Gemini, asking it about its opinion on the best crypto performer until the end of Trump’s term. The answer might surprise you. A Speculative Conversation Prompted to choose between BTC, ETH, and XRP, Gemini took an interesting approach in what was prompted to be a speculative conversation. The AI quickly identified what many might consider the outlier between the three. If I had to speculate on highest percentage return between now and 2029, the answer is likely XRP. However, there are a lot of nuances to this answer, so let’s break them down. First things first, it did confirm that Bitcoin remains the safest bet, while XRP is “the most aggressive.” The reason? According to Gemini, Trump’s administration is “dismantling” the regulatory roadblocks that have been suppressing XRP’s price for years. It argues that during the Biden term, the altcoin was suppressed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and their lawsuit against Ripple Labs – something that’s already behind our backs . More specifically: XRP has been artificially suppressed by legal uncertainty since 2020. With the lawsuit settled and US banks now legally clear to use XRP’s on-demand liquidity (ODL), it has the most “catch-up” growth to do. But There’s More Moving aside from XRP, Gemini considers Bitcoin to no longer be just a trade – it’s now a national policy thanks to the establishment of the Strategy Bitcoin Reserve in 2025. Gemini argues that by treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, the administration has “effectively put a government floor under the price.” Just yesterday, Trump also hinted that he expects to sign additional crypto-oriented regulations soon. It’s important to add, though, that the CLARITY Act, which he was likely referencing, is reportedly facing a delay of at least several weeks, possibly even months, as the Senate Banking Committee is switching its focus to housing legislation. In any case, the AI said about BTC: It captures the massive institutional capital that wants exposure to crypto without regulatory risk. It is the “King’s Guard” of the portfolio. Last but not least, Gemini also talked about Ethereum, calling it the “tech and utility play,” outlining that the protocol would win the most thanks to deregulation rather than a specific executive order targeted at it. The post XRP, BTC, or ETH? The Winner of the Trump Presidency is the One the SEC Hated Most (Gemini Speculates) appeared first on CryptoPotato .
22 Jan 2026, 08:30
What Ripple CEO Garlinghouse Said At WEF Davos 2026
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse used a Davos stage at the World Economic Forum’s 2026 annual meeting to make a pragmatic case for tokenization: stablecoins are already the lead use case, momentum has shifted sharply in the US, and the industry’s job now is to deliver measurable benefits rather than tokenize assets for novelty. Why Ripple Is Building Bridges Between TradFi and DeFi Garlinghouse’s remarks came on a panel titled “Is Tokenization the Future?” after the moderator cited Ripple-linked traction: tokenized assets on the XRP Ledger surged more than 2,200% last year. From there, Garlinghouse largely aligned with the panel’s theme that tokenization is moving from pilots toward mainstream financial plumbing, while drawing a clear boundary around monetary sovereignty. “I do think the first poster child of tokenization is really stablecoins,” Garlinghouse said, arguing that usage growth has been decisive. He cited stablecoin transaction volumes rising from “$19 trillion of transactions on stablecoins in 2024” to “33 trillion in 2025,” describing that as “about 75% growth” and adding that “many in our industry would say that’s going to continue.” Where the discussion turned to a “Bitcoin standard” framing, Garlinghouse emphasized the political reality of state money. “Sovereignty of fiat currencies, I believe, is for many countries sacrosanct,” he said, before invoking a line he attributed to Ben Bernanke from a prior Ripple event: “Governments will roll tanks into the street before giving up monetary supply, giving up the control of monetary supply, which stuck with me as yeah, that makes sense.” That worldview shaped how Garlinghouse positioned Ripple’s strategy. “At Ripple, we very much focused on building the bridges between traditional finance and decentralized finance,” he said, describing work “with a lot of the banks around the world” as the practical path to scale rather than attempting to displace existing monetary regimes. Garlinghouse also framed 2026 as a momentum year, not just a technology year. He argued that the political climate in the US has turned materially more constructive after a period he described as open hostility. “The US, the largest economy in the world, has been pretty openly hostile towards facets of crypto and blockchain technologies,” he said. “And that has shifted dramatically, you know, starting with the White House … [and] helped elect a much more pro-crypto pro-innovation Congress, and you’re seeing that play out.” But the Ripple CEO repeatedly cautioned that narrative tailwinds are not enough. “Part of the tokenization topic is like we shouldn’t tokenize everything just to tokenize something,” Garlinghouse said. “There has to be a positive outcome of efficiency or transparency […] otherwise it’s just like okay it’s a nice science experiment.” On regulation, Garlinghouse reiterated his pragmatic tone , arguing that the push for US crypto legislation should prioritize workable clarity over theoretical perfection. “What’s going on in the US right now is a classic dynamic of when you create new law, it’s never going to be perfect,” he said. “I subscribe to the idea that perfection is the enemy of good.” He pointed to Ripple’s own history: “a five-year battle with the US government being sued because of the lack of clarity” to underline the stakes, adding: “We are very much an advocate of clarity is better than chaos.” When pressed on whether stablecoins should pay rewards, one of the live fault lines in US policy debate , Garlinghouse positioned Ripple as less directly exposed than some peers, while still endorsing competitive symmetry. “Ripple doesn’t have as much of a dog in that fight as others in the industry,” he said, but added that a “level playing field goes two ways,” arguing that crypto firms and banks should face comparable standards when competing for the same activity. Garlinghouse also addressed energy concerns around blockchain-based infrastructure, pushing back on a one-size-fits-all critique. “Not all layer 1 blockchains are created equal,” he said, contrasting proof-of-work systems with proof of stake and other consensus models, and arguing that stablecoin activity is already skewing toward “more power efficient blockchains.” Spirited dialogue during today’s WEF session (to say the least), but one important point of agreement across the panelists was that innovation and regulation aren’t on opposite sides. I firmly believe this is THE moment to use crypto and blockchain technology to enable economic… https://t.co/4d3jNeNC4h — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) January 21, 2026 On tokenization’s social and market impact, Garlinghouse reframed a question about speculation as a question about access. He said he sees the opportunity in “the democratization of access to investment less so on the speculation side,” pointing to the idea that smaller investors could gain exposure to assets that are effectively inaccessible at modest ticket sizes today. At press time, XRP traded at $1.9554.
