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22 Jan 2026, 07:47
XRP’s largest treasury explores AI-driven finance on XRPL
Evernorth is collaborating with agentic finance team t54 labs to manage its XRP treasury with AI automation, as it works toward becoming the world’s largest institutional holder of the token. According to the company’s press statement issued on Wednesday evening, the t54 Labs partnership is part of an effort to grow its XRP reserves on the XRP Ledger beyond a passive holding model. Evernorth said it intends to pursue yield generation through lending, liquidity provision, and decentralized finance executed directly on XRPL. San Francisco-based t54 Labs is a cross-disciplinary group of AI, fintech, and infrastructure engineers developing automated agents and their interaction with humans and institutions in financial environments. Evernorth plans to raise $1 billion in XRP reserves According to CoinGecko data, the Ripple-backed digital asset treasury currently holds 473.2 million XRP tokens. It now plans to raise more than $1 billion in gross proceeds to build the largest institutional XRP treasury. Those funds will be used for open-market purchases of XRP, alongside allocations for working capital and transaction-related expenses. The capital raise includes a $200 million commitment from SBI and backing from Ripple, Rippleworks, Pantera Capital, Kraken, GSR, among other digital asset investors. The proceeds would be sent to traditional financial markets and DeFi networks for lending and structured trades on XRPL. In explaining the rationale, Evernorth executives reiterated that manually trading on protocols is hindered by delays and operational risks, particularly during periods of market stress. They believe these problems will become obsolete when AI agents handle both speed and verification simultaneously. Evernorth plans to integrate t54’s agentic finance infrastructure into its treasury operations, enabling automated agentic operations to execute financial actions. The two sides also plan to co-develop new tools on the XRP ecosystem, but the specifics were not disclosed. The $1 billion XRP treasury plan comes on the heels of an impending U.S. public listing. Cryptopolitan reported last October that the company, formally known as Evernorth Holdings Inc., was incorporated in Nevada. It recently announced a business combination agreement with publicly traded acquisition firm Armada Acquisition Corp II. The post-close combined entity is slated to operate under the Evernorth name and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker XRPN in early 2026, subject to listing requirements. Speaking to Nasdaq MarketSite last week, CEO Asheesh Birla said, “The timing couldn’t be more perfect. We have the right kind of regulation, administration, and institutions ready to adopt. A large lion’s share just wanna buy a public stock, so we made it as easy as buying public equities.” Evernorth CEO talks Ripple Labs support, XRP yield generation In an interview with Spac Insider, Birla was asked how Evernorth would be generating yield from its XRP reserves. The company head explained that it would tap into both traditional finance and decentralized markets, taking part in lending and liquidity provision. “There are different kinds of basis trades that you can do around XRP options, and that’s in the traditional sense, which I think is an emerging market—excited to potentially participate there. On the DeFi side is where I really get excited. And that is nascent today. But again, I really believe that in the future, anything that’s happening on the traditional side will happen on the DeFi side or the XRPL Ledger side. But I believe it’s going to be more efficient.” CEO Asheesh Birla. More than 300 publicly identifiable entities now hold Bitcoin, according to data compiled by BitcoinTreasuries.net. However, XRP has garnered the attention accorded to the top crypto by market cap. This is owing to the fact that Evernorth is the unrivaled largest institutional holder at the time of this reporting. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
22 Jan 2026, 07:46
What Are the Crypto Tax Expectations for the Indian Union Budget 2026-27?
BitcoinWorld What Are the Crypto Tax Expectations for the Indian Union Budget 2026-27? The Indian Union Budget 2026-27 , set to be presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026 , is a critical event for digital asset investors hoping for relief from one of the world’s most stringent tax regimes. While the industry is heavily lobbying for tax rationalization and a reduction in Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) to boost domestic liquidity, market analysts anticipate that the government will likely maintain the status quo to discourage speculative trading. This guide outlines the current tax framework, industry demands, and the government’s probable stance on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) for the upcoming fiscal year. What Is the Current Crypto Tax Framework in India as of 2026? Since the introduction of specific VDA tax laws, India has maintained a rigorous taxation structure designed to track transactions and limit speculative participation. As of January 2026 , the following rules apply to all Indian crypto investors: Flat 30% Tax Rate: Income generated from the transfer of VDAs is taxed at a flat rate of 30% , plus applicable surcharge and cess, regardless of the individual’s income tax slab. No Expense Deductions: Investors cannot claim deductions for any expenses (such as internet costs, advisory fees, or platform charges) other than the cost of acquisition . No Set-off or Carry Forward: Losses incurred from one VDA transaction cannot be set off against gains from another VDA transaction, nor can they be carried forward to subsequent assessment years. 1% TDS Liability: A 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is levied under Section 194S on the total consideration paid for VDA transfers, ensuring that every transaction leaves a footprint for tax authorities. What Are the Key Industry Demands vs. Government Stance? The narrative leading up to the 2026 Budget is defined by a tug-of-war between industry stakeholders seeking survival and a government focused on financial stability and revenue collection. Tax Rationalization vs. Status Quo: Industry Demand: Exchanges and bodies like the Bharat Web3 Association are requesting a review of the 30% tax rate , arguing it should align with other capital assets like equities. Government Stance: Providing tax relief is unlikely, as the government views crypto as a speculative asset class similar to gambling or lottery winnings, rather than a developmental financial instrument. TDS Reduction vs. Tracking Mechanism: Industry Demand: There is a strong push to lower the 1% TDS to 0.01% or 0.1% . Industry leaders argue this would restore liquidity to Indian exchanges and discourage users from moving to non-compliant offshore platforms. Government Stance: The Finance Ministry maintains that the 1% TDS is essential for tracking transaction trails and preventing money laundering, making a reduction improbable. Loss Set-off Provisions: Industry Demand: Investors seek fairness in allowing VDA losses to be set off against gains, similar to stock market regulations. Government Stance: The “ring-fencing” of VDA losses is intentional to discourage retail participation in volatile assets, suggesting no relaxation in this area. How Will the Government Approach Crypto Regulation and CBDCs in 2026? Beyond taxation, the 2026 Budget is expected to reinforce the government’s broader strategy regarding the digital economy and compliance. Focus on Compliance: The government aims to formalize the sector by enforcing strict reporting standards. This includes the mandatory disclosure of VDA holdings in the “Schedule VDA” of Income Tax Return (ITR) forms. Promotion of Digital Rupee (CBDC): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will likely continue to receive policy support to promote the e-Rupee (CBDC) as the only safe, sovereign-backed digital currency, positioning it as a stable alternative to private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum . International Collaboration: Rather than introducing a standalone “Crypto Bill” immediately, India is expected to continue advocating for a globally coordinated regulatory framework, a stance reiterated during its G20 presidency discussions. Frequently Asked Questions Will the crypto tax be reduced in the Indian Budget 2026? It is highly unlikely that the crypto tax will be reduced in the Union Budget 2026-27 . Most experts predict that the Finance Ministry will maintain the current flat 30% tax rate on VDA income to discourage speculative trading and ensure revenue stability, despite industry lobbying. Can I set off crypto losses against gains in India in 2026? No, under current laws expected to persist through 2026 , you cannot set off losses from one virtual digital asset against gains from another. For example, if you lose money on Bitcoin but make a profit on Ripple , you must pay a flat 30% tax on the Ripple profits without deducting the Bitcoin losses. What is the TDS rate for crypto transfers in India? The TDS rate for crypto transfers is currently 1% under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act. This is deducted from the total transaction value (consideration) whenever a transfer takes place on an Indian exchange, serving primarily as a transaction tracking mechanism for the government. Conclusion As the Indian Union Budget 2026-27 approaches on February 1, 2026 , crypto investors should prepare for continuity rather than change. While the industry presents a compelling case for tax rationalization and TDS reduction to curb capital flight, the government’s priority remains strict compliance and the promotion of the Digital Rupee . Consequently, the stringent tax regime—characterized by a 30% flat tax and 1% TDS —is expected to remain the reality for Indian crypto participants for the coming fiscal year. This post What Are the Crypto Tax Expectations for the Indian Union Budget 2026-27? first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 07:45
BitGo prices IPO above range at $2B valuation: why the listing stands out
BitGo is poised to become the first cryptocurrency company to list in the United States this year after pricing its initial public offering above expectations, in a milestone debut for the digital asset industry amid ongoing regulatory and market uncertainty. The Palo Alto-based firm, one of the largest crypto custody providers in the US, said on Wednesday it raised $212.8 million after pricing shares at $18 apiece. The offer price exceeded the marketed range of $15 to $17, implying a valuation of roughly $2 billion. Shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday under the ticker BTGO. A rare pure-play crypto custody listing BitGo’s listing stands out in a sector dominated by exchanges, miners, and software firms. The company focuses on safeguarding digital assets for institutional clients, generating revenue from custody services, trading, staking, and related fees. Matthew Sigel, head of digital assets research at VanEck, said the IPO offers investors rare exposure to the crypto custody business at a relatively modest valuation. matthew sigel, recovering CFA @matthew_sigel · Follow $BTGO BitGo is the first crypto IPO of 2026 and will be the first publicly traded company to offer investors pure-play exposure to the crypto custody business. At a relatively modest $2B market capitalization, it is also one of the few publicly traded crypto-related businesses 12:21 AM · Jan 22, 2026 158 Reply Copy link Read 16 replies He added that BitGo was among the few crypto-related companies that likely achieved revenue growth of more than 50% during 2025, despite what he described as disappointing conditions across crypto markets. Sigel said BitGo could benefit from the rapid expansion of tokenised real-world assets and the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets, trends he expects to be reinforced by regulatory changes and possible new legislation. “While BitGo will obviously appeal to long-term crypto investors familiar with its service quality and investment potential, we think the offering will also attract institutional investors increasingly familiar with the concierge-level solution set that has helped BitGo win market share. In our view, BitGo equity is clearly a superior asset relative to most of the 57 digital assets with a market cap >$2B, the vast majority of which have never generated a dollar of net income for holders,” he said. Regulatory headwinds cloud broader sector The IPO comes at a delicate moment for the crypto industry, which remains caught between rising institutional interest and unresolved regulatory tensions in Washington. Hopes for clearer market rules were dented last week after a Senate Banking Committee vote on crypto market-structure legislation was postponed. Sentiment was further hit after Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong said the exchange could not support the bill in its current form, warning that proposed amendments could undermine stablecoin rewards. While other crypto firms have backed the legislation, analysts say Coinbase’s opposition could complicate its path through Congress. Crypto markets entered 2026 on a weak footing following a sharp selloff late last year that erased more than $19 billion in leveraged positions. Prices have stabilised somewhat after easing tensions between the US and the EU over Greenland, though volatility remains elevated. Tariffs and courts add to uncertainty Market attention is now shifting to the US Supreme Court, which has yet to rule on whether President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs. Emir Ibrahim, an analyst at Zerocap, said the decision could have a significant impact on risk sentiment across markets, including crypto. While investors appear less sensitive to tariff threats against US allies than they were last year, Ibrahim said a clear ruling could still trigger sharp moves. Profitability and heavyweight advisers BitGo reported a net profit of $35.3 million in the first nine months of 2025, setting it apart from many crypto firms that continue to burn cash. Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank Securities are advising on the offering. As public markets reopen cautiously to crypto listings, BitGo’s performance could shape investor appetite for future deals in the sector. The post BitGo prices IPO above range at $2B valuation: why the listing stands out appeared first on Invezz
22 Jan 2026, 06:29
F/m Investments’ Historic SEC Bid To Tokenize Treasury ETF Shares
F/m Investments files first-of-its-kind SEC application to tokenize TBIL ETF shares on blockchain, blending innovation with full investor protections under 85 years of securities law. The post F/m Investments’ Historic SEC Bid To Tokenize Treasury ETF Shares appeared first on CryptoCoin.News .
22 Jan 2026, 05:55
RWA Tokenization Shatters Expectations as 2026 Davos Forum’s Defining Crypto Topic
BitcoinWorld RWA Tokenization Shatters Expectations as 2026 Davos Forum’s Defining Crypto Topic DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – January 2026: The tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) has decisively captured center stage at the 2026 World Economic Forum, emerging as the cryptocurrency sector’s most prominent and consequential discussion topic. This development follows the RWA tokenization market’s recent milestone of surpassing $21 billion in total value. Consequently, financial leaders and blockchain innovators are now converging to shape the future of global asset ownership. RWA Tokenization Emerges as Davos’ Financial Frontier The annual meeting in Davos has consistently served as a barometer for global economic trends. This year, however, the conversation has shifted fundamentally toward blockchain-based asset representation. Major industry figures, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, participated actively in these discussions. Furthermore, officials from the European Central Bank contributed crucial regulatory perspectives. The collective dialogue focused on practical implementation pathways for converting physical and financial assets into digital tokens on blockchain networks. This focus stems from tangible market growth. The RWA sector has demonstrated remarkable expansion over the past three years. Initially, tokenization projects focused primarily on real estate and precious metals. Today, the scope encompasses diverse asset classes. For instance, treasury bills, corporate bonds, and even intellectual property now enter tokenization pipelines. This diversification explains the sector’s rapid valuation increase from approximately $5 billion in early 2024 to its current $21 billion threshold. The Regulatory Catalyst for Market Confidence Experts attribute much of this growth to the regulatory clarity established throughout 2025. Several jurisdictions, including the European Union with its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework and key U.S. regulatory guidance, provided definitive rules. These regulations specifically addressed custody, investor protection, and secondary market trading for tokenized assets. As a result, institutional investors gained the confidence necessary for substantial capital allocation. Regulatory certainty, therefore, acts as the primary catalyst for current market momentum. Projecting the $16 Trillion Tokenization Horizon by 2030 Discussions at Davos extended beyond current achievements to future potential. Multiple analyst firms and financial institutions presented projections during forum sessions. Their consensus indicates the RWA tokenization market could reach a staggering $16 trillion valuation by 2030. This projection represents nearly an 800-fold increase from today’s baseline. Such growth would fundamentally alter global capital markets structure. Several key drivers support this optimistic forecast. First, fractional ownership unlocks access to previously illiquid assets like commercial real estate or fine art. Second, blockchain settlement reduces transaction times from days to minutes while enhancing transparency. Third, programmable smart contracts enable automated compliance and dividend distributions. The table below summarizes the primary asset classes leading this transformation: Asset Class Current Tokenized Value (Est.) Primary Use Case Real Estate $8.5B Fractional property investment U.S. Treasury Bills $6.2B On-chain yield generation Corporate Bonds & Debt $3.1B Streamlined capital raising Private Equity & Funds $2.0B Enhanced liquidity for alternatives Commodities (Gold, etc.) $1.2B Verifiable asset-backed tokens Industry leaders at Davos emphasized the sequential nature of this expansion. Initially, tokenization will digitize existing high-quality assets. Subsequently, it will create entirely new financial products. Finally, it will integrate with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols for automated lending and trading. This phased approach manages risk while demonstrating utility. Institutional Adoption and Technological Infrastructure The forum highlighted the critical role of traditional finance institutions. Major banks and asset managers are no longer merely observing; they are actively building. Several panels detailed ongoing pilot programs for tokenizing private credit, syndicated loans, and money market funds. Simultaneously, technology providers are solving scalability and interoperability challenges. Layer-2 blockchain solutions and cross-chain communication protocols now enable efficient high-value transaction processing. This robust infrastructure development supports the sector’s long-term viability. Global Economic Impacts of Asset Tokenization The implications of widespread RWA tokenization extend far beyond cryptocurrency markets. Davos discussions systematically analyzed the potential macroeconomic effects. First, increased liquidity in traditionally stagnant asset classes could unlock trillions in dormant capital. Second, reduced intermediation costs might lower barriers to investment for retail and institutional participants alike. Third, enhanced transparency through immutable ledgers could mitigate fraud and improve market integrity. However, participants also acknowledged significant challenges. These hurdles require coordinated global effort to overcome: Legal Frameworks: Property rights and legal recognition vary dramatically across jurisdictions. Technological Standardization: The industry needs common protocols for token representation and transfer. Market Fragmentation: Multiple competing blockchain platforms could create siloed liquidity pools. Cybersecurity Risks: High-value tokenized assets present attractive targets for sophisticated attacks. Central bank digital currency (CBDC) development emerged as a related critical topic. Several forum sessions explored how CBDCs could serve as native settlement instruments for tokenized asset transactions. This synergy between public and private digital assets could create a more efficient financial system overall. Conclusion The 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos has unequivocally confirmed RWA tokenization as a transformative force in global finance. From a $21 billion market today, the sector possesses a credible pathway toward $16 trillion by 2030. Regulatory advancements, institutional adoption, and technological innovation collectively drive this momentum. While challenges around legal recognition and standardization persist, the collaborative spirit at Davos suggests proactive solutions are underway. Ultimately, the tokenization of real-world assets represents more than a cryptocurrency trend; it signifies the beginning of a fundamental restructuring of how the world owns, trades, and values tangible and financial assets. FAQs Q1: What exactly is RWA tokenization? RWA tokenization is the process of converting rights to a physical or financial asset into a digital token on a blockchain. This token represents ownership or a claim on the underlying asset, such as real estate, bonds, or commodities, enabling fractional ownership and easier transfer. Q2: Why was RWA tokenization such a major topic at the 2026 Davos Forum? The topic gained prominence due to the market’s rapid growth to over $21 billion and its potential to reshape global finance. Forum participants, including top crypto CEOs and central bankers, discussed its implications for liquidity, inclusion, and the future structure of capital markets, recognizing it as a key intersection of technology and traditional finance. Q3: What are the main benefits of tokenizing real-world assets? The primary benefits include increased liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets, fractional ownership lowering investment minimums, reduced transaction costs and times through automation, enhanced transparency via immutable records, and the creation of new programmable financial products. Q4: What is the significance of the $16 trillion projection by 2030? This projection, discussed at Davos, highlights the transformative potential of the technology. A $16 trillion market would represent a substantial portion of global assets, indicating mainstream institutional adoption and a fundamental shift in how assets are held and traded, moving significant economic activity onto blockchain infrastructure. Q5: What are the biggest challenges facing the growth of RWA tokenization? Key challenges include navigating diverse and evolving regulatory landscapes across countries, establishing universal technical standards for interoperability, ensuring robust legal frameworks that recognize on-chain ownership, managing cybersecurity risks for high-value tokens, and integrating with existing traditional financial systems and processes. This post RWA Tokenization Shatters Expectations as 2026 Davos Forum’s Defining Crypto Topic first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 05:22
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its January meeting.
The US Federal Reserve is set to hold its key interest rates steady through this quarter and potentially lasting until the Fed chair Jerome Powell completes his term in May. This forecast was based on Polymarket results showing that traders anticipated a 98% likelihood that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates unchanged at its January meeting, scheduled for January 27-28. Notably, this finding illustrates a significant shift from December’s prediction, when several individuals anticipated at least one reduction by March. Analysts weighed in on the situation. They explained that these recent predictions resulted from the moderate to solid growth currently experienced in the US. Therefore, many believe that economic growth will soon strengthen, reducing the likelihood of immediate cuts, particularly because inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. On the other hand, several economists believe that at least two cuts may occur in the coming months. Several individuals anticipate no change in interest rates from the Fed’s decision this January The Federal Reserve faces significant challenges in setting interest rates. Some of these problems include political interference and a split among Fed officials in their outlook for the future, sparking worries among policymakers and the financial markets as a whole. Following this discovery, sources noted that Powell has consistently faced backlash from US President Donald Trump for his overly cautious, slow rate cuts. They also noted that this situation intensified when the Justice Department warned of impending criminal proceedings against Powell regarding a multi-billion-dollar renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters. Reports indicate that Trump’s efforts to terminate Lisa Cook, a Member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the United States, from her position are also pending a final Supreme Court ruling. Meanwhile, from January 16-21, a survey was conducted, with results indicating that all 100 economists anticipated the Fed would keep rates steady in a range of 3.50% to 3.75% at its January meeting. Notably, 58% forecasted that this trend will remain unchanged throughout this quarter. Jeremy Schwartz, a senior US economist at Nomura and one of the top forecasters for the US economy according to LSEG StarMine calculations, decided to comment on this survey. Based on his argument, the country’s economic prospects suggest the Fed needs to keep interest rates steady, further indicating the likelihood that the central bank will raise rates later this year or next year. “However,” he added, “we believe that the Fed will hold rates steady for the rest of Powell’s term until May but expect that new leadership could manage to implement another 50 basis points of cuts later this year.” Trump set to announce his preferred choice for the Fed chair position next week During a survey on the Fed’s decision on interest rates, sources noted that individuals were divided on the fate of interest rates beyond this quarter, with only 55 of 100 people involved expecting a rate reduction after Powell’s term. At this time, Scott Bessent, the United States Secretary of the Treasury, asserted that Trump might appoint his preferred choice to replace Powell as the next Fed chair as early as next week. However, Bernard Yaros, the lead US economist at Oxford Economics, noted that, “There will be more resistance than ever regarding who becomes the next chair because of the criminal investigation… I don’t think Trump will manage to appoint people at the Fed who will lower interest rates.” Meanwhile, economic reports indicate that the United States experienced strong economic growth of around 4.3% in the third quarter. This year, growth is predicted to surge by 2.3%, reflecting a rise from the 2.2% recorded in 2025. Moreover, the 2.3% increase was revised up from 2% projected in December and has surpassed the Fed’s forecasted non-inflationary growth rate of 1.8%. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.
