hodler

21 Jan 2026, 14:11

SEC submissions push for self-custody, proprietary trading in tokenized and DeFi markets

New submissions filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission discuss self-custody rights and the regulation of proprietary trading in tokenized and decentralized finance markets. According to the SEC’s registry, the submissions were added on Tuesday to the SEC Crypto Task Force’s “Written Input” page . Lawmakers and regulators are still unsure what to do about the stalled federal crypto market structure bill, the CLARITY Act . One letter was filed by a Louisiana state individual identified as DK Willard, while the Blockchain Association Trading Firm Working Group submitted the other. Both of the filings discuss how existing and future regulations should treat self-directed activity, liquidity provision, and innovation in on-chain markets. Louisiana cites HB488 to encourage self-custody regulatory approval According to the author of the state’s letter , DK Willard, state-level House Bill 488 affirms the right of Louisiana residents to hold and manage digital assets through self-custody. The filing argues that federal lawmakers should respect and preserve those protections in their finalization of nationwide crypto regulations. Willard explained that self-custody is a foundational principle that any federal crypto market structure framework should not meddle with, and watchdogs should let individuals control their own digital assets. “Louisiana has made strides to embrace digital assets and protect those who own them. Now it’s time for Congress to build financial markets with commonsense safeguards for investors from all walks of life,” the submission states. DK Willard also references progress in the House of Representatives, noting that lawmakers passed a draft of the bipartisan market structure bill that attempted to strike a middle ground. Here's a quick summary of what happened last week with the CLARITY Act. Now we're all working together to find a win-win scenario for everyone, especially the American people. pic.twitter.com/Wcry97B3qf — Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) January 21, 2026 “Congress should build on that foundation and avoid letting controversial provisions added to Senate proposals block progress on innovative reforms where there is already bipartisan consensus,” they asserted. Blockchain Association seeks clarity on dealer rules The second submission, filed by the Blockchain Association Trading Firm Working Group, focuses on how the SEC should interpret dealer registration requirements under the Securities Exchange Act. The group asked the Commission to clarify whether firms trading solely for their own account should not automatically be classified as dealers. According to the BA, these firms do not solicit customers, hold customer assets, or execute trades on behalf of others. According to the filing, treating proprietary trading firms as dealers simply because they trade on-chain could improperly expose them to the law. The group believes dealer rules were meant for customer-facing intermediaries in traditional finance, not for liquidity providers using their own capital. The working group warns that without enough trading firms, tokenized equity markets could suffer from price dislocations in tokenized assets, damaging investor confidence and market integrity. It also argues that to achieve these objectives, firms must be able to engage in on-chain trading, price discovery, and cross-venue arbitrage without fear of dealer registration requirements. “Clear regulatory treatment of on-chain liquidity provision, paired with adequate implementation timelines, will enable fair and orderly markets, and efficient price discovery at the outset of tokenized securities trading in the United States. We appreciate your work on these issues and welcome the opportunity to engage further,” the association wrote. CLARITY Act future uncertain as Ripple CEO calls for compromise The submissions were made as negotiations over the CLARITY market structure bill continue on Capitol Hill. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are attempting to reconcile differences between House and Senate proposals. Senior White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt has told proponents in the industry to consider compromises to move the legislation forward . In an X post, Witt told off Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who said “no bill is better than a bad bill,” arguing that the naysayers of the current bill’s draft have the privilege to stall its passing due to the Trump government’s flexibility. “No bill is better than a bad bill.” What a privilege it is to be able to say those words thanks to President Trump’s victory, and the pro-crypto administration he has assembled. But let’s not kid ourselves. There *will* be a crypto market structure bill — it’s a question of… — Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 21, 2026 Speaking from Davos on Wednesday, Coinbase chief executive Armstrong revealed that progress was being made on advancing the legislation. “We’re all working together to find a win-win scenario for everyone, especially the American people,” Armstrong said. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.

21 Jan 2026, 14:10

KindlyMD Rebrands to Nakamoto: A Bold Corporate Pivot Anchored by $500 Million Bitcoin Treasury

BitcoinWorld KindlyMD Rebrands to Nakamoto: A Bold Corporate Pivot Anchored by $500 Million Bitcoin Treasury In a significant corporate evolution, Nasdaq-listed KindlyMD (ticker: NAKA) has officially announced its rebranding to Nakamoto, a move underscored by its substantial $500 million Bitcoin treasury. This strategic pivot, confirmed on March 15, 2025, from the company’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, marks one of the most notable shifts from a traditional business model to a cryptocurrency-focused corporate identity on a major U.S. exchange. Consequently, the decision reflects broader trends in institutional digital asset adoption and corporate treasury management. KindlyMD Rebrands to Nakamoto: Analyzing the Strategic Shift The transition from KindlyMD to Nakamoto represents more than a simple name change. Initially, KindlyMD operated as a healthcare services company. However, its strategic direction has fundamentally transformed. The company now positions itself as a dedicated digital asset holding entity. This rebranding follows a series of calculated Bitcoin acquisitions over the past two years. Moreover, the new name directly references Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. Therefore, the rebrand signals a complete alignment with the cryptocurrency’s ethos and long-term vision. The corporate restructuring involves updated filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the company will maintain its existing Nasdaq listing under the ticker symbol NAKA. The $500 Million Bitcoin Treasury: A Foundation of Value Central to this rebranding is the company’s formidable Bitcoin reserve. Currently, Nakamoto holds approximately $500 million worth of BTC. This treasury accumulation resulted from a deliberate corporate strategy initiated in early 2023. The company adopted a dollar-cost averaging approach to build its position. Furthermore, it utilizes secure, institutional-grade custody solutions for asset storage. This substantial holding places Nakamoto among the top publicly traded companies by Bitcoin treasury size. For comparison, consider the following corporate Bitcoin holdings as of Q1 2025: Company Bitcoin Holdings (Approx. USD) Announcement Year MicroStrategy $25 Billion 2020 Nakamoto (formerly KindlyMD) $500 Million 2025 Tesla $1.5 Billion 2021 Block, Inc. $400 Million 2024 This strategic reserve serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it acts as a primary treasury asset and an inflation hedge. The holding also provides balance sheet strength and potential for capital appreciation. Corporate Rebranding in the Cryptocurrency Era The move from KindlyMD to Nakamoto fits a recognizable pattern in modern finance. Increasingly, companies are leveraging rebrands to signal strategic pivots toward digital assets. This trend gained momentum after MicroStrategy’s pioneering Bitcoin acquisitions. For Nakamoto, the rebranding process involved several key steps: Strategic Review: The board assessed long-term growth in traditional healthcare versus digital assets. Shareholder Communication: The company engaged investors through detailed roadshows and disclosures. Regulatory Compliance: Legal teams navigated SEC regulations and Nasdaq listing requirements. Operational Wind-down: KindlyMD’s original healthcare operations were systematically phased out or divested. Furthermore, the new corporate identity emphasizes transparency and technological innovation. The company’s public statements now consistently reference blockchain technology and monetary sovereignty. This linguistic shift aims to attract a different investor demographic. Specifically, it targets those interested in the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized systems. Market Context and Institutional Adoption Trends Nakamoto’s rebranding occurs within a specific market environment. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency has evolved significantly. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024 created a new pathway for institutional investment. Subsequently, corporate treasuries have shown growing comfort with Bitcoin as a reserve asset. According to data from Bitcoin Treasuries, a tracking service, public companies worldwide now hold over $150 billion in BTC. This figure represents a 300% increase since 2022. Therefore, Nakamoto’s move appears less isolated and more part of a macroeconomic trend. Analysts from firms like Fidelity Digital Assets and CoinShares have published research supporting this corporate strategy. They cite Bitcoin’s non-correlation with traditional assets and its capped supply as key rationales. Implications for Investors and the Nasdaq For existing and potential shareholders, the rebranding carries several implications. The company’s valuation will likely become more directly tied to Bitcoin’s market price. This introduces a new volatility profile compared to its previous healthcare earnings model. However, it also offers exposure to digital asset appreciation without direct purchase. The Nasdaq listing provides a regulated, familiar venue for this exposure. Importantly, the company must now meet reporting standards that satisfy both traditional equity analysts and the crypto community. Key investor considerations include: Treasury Management: How will the company manage its BTC holdings? Will it use derivatives for hedging? Corporate Strategy: Does the company plan further digital asset diversification beyond Bitcoin? Revenue Model: With healthcare operations ended, what future revenue streams are planned? Governance: How does the board oversee risks associated with cryptocurrency volatility and custody? Market reaction to the announcement has been cautiously positive. Trading volume for NAKA shares increased by 150% in the week following the news. Several equity research firms have initiated coverage with a “watch” or “speculative buy” rating. Their reports highlight the company’s early-mover status in the pure-play public Bitcoin holding space. Expert Perspectives on the Rebranding Strategy Financial and cryptocurrency experts have weighed in on the KindlyMD to Nakamoto transition. Dr. Elena Torres, a corporate strategy professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, notes the precision of the timing. “Corporate rebranding to reflect a core asset is not new,” she states. “However, pivoting entirely from healthcare to a Bitcoin-focused identity on a major exchange is unprecedented. It demonstrates a profound conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term role as a corporate treasury asset.” Meanwhile, Michael Chen, a lead analyst at CryptoAsset Research Group, emphasizes the regulatory navigation. “Completing this shift while maintaining a Nasdaq listing required meticulous compliance work,” Chen explains. “It sets a potential blueprint for other micro-to-small-cap companies considering similar transitions.” These expert insights underscore the strategic calculation behind the move. Conclusion The rebranding of KindlyMD to Nakamoto marks a definitive moment in the maturation of cryptocurrency markets. This strategic pivot, anchored by a $500 million Bitcoin treasury, illustrates the growing acceptance of digital assets within traditional corporate structures. The move from a healthcare services model to a dedicated digital asset holder reflects both a specific corporate vision and a broader institutional trend. As the first company of its kind to execute such a complete transformation on the Nasdaq, Nakamoto establishes a notable precedent. Consequently, its performance will be closely watched by investors, regulators, and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. The success of this bold corporate strategy will likely influence future decisions at the intersection of public markets and digital asset adoption. FAQs Q1: What was KindlyMD’s original business before rebranding to Nakamoto? KindlyMD originally operated as a healthcare services company based in Utah, focusing on integrated pain management and behavioral health treatments prior to its strategic pivot. Q2: Why did the company choose the name “Nakamoto”? The name directly references Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. The company selected it to clearly signal its new strategic focus on Bitcoin and its alignment with the cryptocurrency’s foundational principles. Q3: How did KindlyMD accumulate $500 million in Bitcoin? The company employed a dollar-cost averaging strategy over approximately two years, systematically purchasing Bitcoin as a primary treasury asset while winding down its previous healthcare operations. Q4: Will Nakamoto’s stock still trade on the Nasdaq? Yes, the company will maintain its listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the existing ticker symbol “NAKA.” It has complied with all necessary regulatory requirements to effect the name change while remaining listed. Q5: What are the main risks for Nakamoto as a Bitcoin-focused company? Primary risks include Bitcoin’s price volatility, regulatory changes affecting digital assets, cybersecurity and custody challenges, and the company’s lack of diversified revenue streams following its exit from healthcare. This post KindlyMD Rebrands to Nakamoto: A Bold Corporate Pivot Anchored by $500 Million Bitcoin Treasury first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Jan 2026, 13:34

Morning Minute: Saylor Buys $2.13B in Bitcoin, 9-Month High

Strategy's approach is pushing the firm closer to a Bitcoin-backed financial platform rather than a single corporate treasury strategy.

21 Jan 2026, 13:25

Solana Policy Institute Demands Critical Legal Protections for Developers Amid Regulatory Storm

BitcoinWorld Solana Policy Institute Demands Critical Legal Protections for Developers Amid Regulatory Storm In a significant policy intervention this week, the Solana Policy Institute issued a stark warning about the future of technological innovation in the United States. The non-profit organization is urgently calling for stronger legal safeguards for software developers, framing the issue as a fundamental choice between fostering innovation and driving talent overseas. This call to action follows the high-profile conviction of Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, a case the institute describes not as an isolated event but as a crucial precedent. The institute’s position highlights a growing tension within the U.S. regulatory landscape, where the principles of open-source development increasingly clash with stringent financial crime enforcement. Consequently, the debate now centers on whether developers can be held liable for how others utilize their publicly available code. Solana Policy Institute Advocates for Developer Legal Protections The Solana Policy Institute, established to research and advocate for sensible blockchain governance, has positioned itself at the forefront of a critical digital rights discussion. The organization argues that current legal frameworks inadequately protect software creators, especially those working on decentralized and open-source projects. Furthermore, the institute contends that without clear safe harbors, developers face unacceptable legal risks that stifle creativity and technological progress. This advocacy comes at a pivotal moment, as jurisdictions worldwide grapple with applying existing laws to novel Web3 technologies. The institute’s report, citing legal scholars and historical tech policy, suggests that ambiguous liability standards could cause a “brain drain” from the American tech sector. Therefore, their recommendations aim to balance necessary law enforcement with the protection of legitimate software innovation. The Roman Storm Case: A Defining Legal Precedent The institute’s advocacy directly references the landmark case against Roman Storm. In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Storm on serious charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitter. Prosecutors alleged that Storm, as a co-developer of the Tornado Cash privacy tool, willfully facilitated criminal activity. However, the defense and many in the tech community argued that Storm merely published open-source code, which is a protected activity under the First Amendment. A jury ultimately convicted Storm, sending shockwaves through the global developer community. This verdict established a precedent that developers can be held criminally liable for third-party misuse of their tools. The Solana Policy Institute emphasizes that this case exemplifies the precise legal vulnerability their proposed protections seek to address. Analyzing the Broader Impact on Software Innovation The implications of the Storm verdict extend far beyond a single developer or protocol. Legal experts warn that the ruling creates a chilling effect on open-source development, particularly for financial privacy and blockchain tools. Developers may now hesitate to work on projects that could be misused, even if their primary purpose is legitimate. This hesitation could slow innovation in critical areas like zero-knowledge proofs, decentralized finance, and secure communication protocols. Moreover, the uncertainty pushes startups to incorporate in jurisdictions with more favorable digital asset laws. The Solana Policy Institute’s analysis includes a comparative table of international approaches: Jurisdiction Approach to Developer Liability Notable Legislation/Policy United States Aggressive prosecution based on tool misuse Bank Secrecy Act, Money Transmitter Laws European Union Risk-based, focused on entity control (MiCA) Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation Switzerland Distinction between code publication and service operation Fintech licensing sandbox Singapore Guidance-based, emphasizing intent and governance Payment Services Act This global patchwork creates complexity for developers working on international projects. The institute’s call for stronger protections is therefore also a call for legal clarity and predictability. Historical Context and Expert Perspectives This debate echoes earlier technological battles. In the 1990s, the U.S. government treated strong encryption software as a munition, restricting its export. However, courts and policymakers eventually recognized that code was speech, leading to more nuanced regulations. Similarly, the early internet faced liability questions regarding platform content, which Congress addressed with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act . This provision granted immunity to platforms for user-generated content, a protection credited with enabling the growth of the modern web. The Solana Policy Institute suggests that a similar, tailored safe harbor is needed for public good software development. Legal scholars like Professor Angela Walch of St. Mary’s University School of Law have noted the difficulty of applying old financial laws to new technological paradigms. She argues that regulation must distinguish between the act of creating software and the act of operating a financial service. The institute’s proposal aligns with this expert view, advocating for liability shields when developers do not control or profit directly from specific illicit transactions. Proposed Framework for Developer Safeguards The Solana Policy Institute does not merely identify a problem; it proposes a concrete framework for change. Their recommendations, aimed at legislators and regulators, include several key pillars: Clear Safe Harbor Provisions: Establish legal protections for developers of open-source software who publish code for legitimate purposes, absent evidence of direct intent to facilitate crime. Intent-Based Prosecution: Require prosecutors to demonstrate specific criminal intent, moving away from strict liability based on potential misuse. Regulatory Sandboxes: Create formal environments where developers can build and test novel financial tools under temporary regulatory relief and supervision. Public Interest Defense: Allow developers to argue that their software provides a net public benefit, such as enhancing financial privacy or security. Technical Advisory Bodies: Involve expert technologists in the regulatory process to accurately assess the capabilities and limitations of software tools. This framework seeks to protect good-faith innovation while preserving the government’s ability to prosecute bad actors who intentionally build tools for criminal enterprise. The Stakes for U.S. Technological Leadership The ultimate stakes, as framed by the institute, are national competitiveness. The United States has long been the global leader in software innovation, attracting top talent and venture capital. However, the current legal uncertainty threatens this position. Developers and entrepreneurs may choose to launch projects in more legally predictable environments like the EU or Singapore. This shift could deprive the U.S. economy of future technological breakthroughs and high-skilled jobs. The blockchain sector, in particular, represents a frontier of computing with applications across finance, supply chain, and digital identity. Losing leadership in this space could have long-term strategic consequences. The institute’s report concludes that proactive, sensible policy is not just about protecting developers—it is about securing America’s innovative future. Conclusion The Solana Policy Institute’s call for stronger legal protections for developers marks a critical moment in the evolution of technology policy. The case of Roman Storm has crystallized a profound legal risk facing software innovators, particularly in the blockchain domain. As the institute argues, the United States now faces a clear choice: it can update its legal frameworks to safeguard good-faith innovation, or it can risk ceding its technological leadership through overbroad liability standards. The proposed safeguards—emphasizing intent, safe harbors, and expert guidance—offer a path forward that balances innovation with security. The outcome of this debate will undoubtedly shape not only the future of blockchain but the broader landscape of software development for years to come. FAQs Q1: What is the Solana Policy Institute? The Solana Policy Institute is a non-profit research and advocacy organization focused on developing sensible, innovation-friendly public policy for blockchain and digital asset technologies. It engages with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to promote balanced governance. Q2: Why is the Roman Storm case so important to this debate? The Roman Storm case is pivotal because it resulted in the criminal conviction of a developer for publishing open-source code. It set a legal precedent that developers can be held liable for how unknown third parties misuse their software, creating significant uncertainty for the entire open-source community. Q3: What specific legal protections is the institute proposing? The institute advocates for several measures, including clear safe harbor laws for open-source development, a requirement for prosecutors to prove specific criminal intent, the creation of regulatory sandboxes for testing new tools, and the establishment of a “public interest” defense for beneficial software. Q4: How does this issue affect developers who aren’t working in cryptocurrency? While the immediate cases involve blockchain, the legal principles at stake apply to all software development. Tools for encryption, networking, and data privacy could also face similar liability challenges if used for illicit purposes, potentially chilling innovation across the tech sector. Q5: Are other countries facing similar debates? Yes, jurisdictions worldwide are grappling with these questions. The European Union’s MiCA regulation takes a different approach, focusing liability on the entities that control a protocol, not necessarily the original developers. This international divergence adds complexity to global software projects. This post Solana Policy Institute Demands Critical Legal Protections for Developers Amid Regulatory Storm first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Jan 2026, 13:14

Grok access restored in the Philippines after developer assures changes

Grok has assured the Philippines authorities of improved safety measures, leading to the country agreeing to restore access to the AI chatbot, but regulators signal continued tougher oversight. Authorities in the Philippines said that this decision came after the developer committed to remove image-manipulation features from the platform that triggered concern and prompted a temporary block. In a statement, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) revealed that Grok AI reached out to them indicating that the platform “will no longer use any content-manipulation.” Philippines to keep a watchful eye on Grok Despite lifting the ban, regulators will continue to monitor the platform for full compliance. The CICC said that: “Even after lifting the ban, the CICC will still closely monitor the app to ensure they comply with the rules and regulations in our country,” underscoring caution. Last week, Grok was prohibited from operating in the Philippines due to worries regarding sexualized material and or the possibility of exposing children to content produced automatically. Governments throughout Europe and Asia have exerted pressure on Grok to create systems to protect users from image manipulation, which is being used to generate explicit content. The authorities have also pledged to continue monitoring the system. On January 5, the European Commission, which has been vocal as the EU’s digital watchdog, also voiced concerns over the platform, saying it was “very seriously” looking at the complaints. “Grok is now offering a ‘spicy mode’ showing explicit sexual content with some output generated with childlike images. This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling. This has no place in Europe,” EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier said then. Throughout the monitoring period, Grok is tasked to show the required compliance as per their commitment. Authorities say the restoration of services does not show leniency but a belief that Grok will abide by the laws. “The Grok AI app has reached out to us and stated that its platform will no longer use any content manipulation,” the developer pledged changes, reassuring authorities. Through pairing access restoration with monitoring, the Philippines aims to balance innovation and protection, signaling that AI platforms must adapt to public expectations. Other governments raise legal threats over Grok’s images India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a formal warning to X, demanding a complete review of Grok and its ability to generate nudity, sexualized material, or anything that’s unlawful. Bloomberg claimed it saw a copy of the notice, dated January 2, which gave X 72 hours to submit a full report on actions taken. The letter warned of potential criminal charges and additional penalties under the country’s IT laws. As reported by Cryptopolitan, France’s government didn’t hold back either. Officials said on Friday that Grok had generated “clearly illegal” sexual material on X without people’s consent. They said the chatbot’s behavior was likely in violation of the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which demands large platforms take strong action to limit illegal content. Meanwhile, just last month, the European Union fined X €120 million (about $140 million) for breaking the Digital Services Act. The fine was for deceptive blue checkmark designs, opaque advertising systems, and refusal to give researchers data access. But Elon still blew up on the platform. In one reply to the EU’s official post, Elon simply wrote: “Bullsh*t!” Then the next day, he posted, “The EU should be abolished and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people.” Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

21 Jan 2026, 12:56

MEXC and Ether.Fi Unveil Crypto Card With 4% Cashback and Launch Perks

MEXC , a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has recently announced the launch of a crypto card that combines digital asset rewards with everyday spending. The card is a joint effort between MEXC and a staking service Ether.Fi. The new crypto card is rolling out amid stricter regulations, such as Europe’s MiCA, which have increased scrutiny of crypto transactions and taxes. The limited-time campaign runs from January 15 to February 15, 2026, offering incentives such as 4% cashback on purchases and a $15 airdrop for early adopters. This Ether.Fi card comes at a pivotal moment, providing a privacy-conscious yet compliant way for users to spend crypto in daily life. Post-MiCA Boom: Crypto Cards Gain Momentum In the wake of the MiCA crypto regulations in Europe and other regions tightening crypto oversight, users are looking for tools that let them spend crypto directly while staying compliant. New tax reporting rules mean many crypto holders now seek alternatives that provide more control and discretion. A crypto cashback card fits this niche by bridging on-chain assets with real-world commerce. Users can pay for goods and services with crypto-backed funds without liquidating their holdings first, which is especially appealing under stricter tax regimes. This approach empowers people to use their crypto earnings for everyday expenses in a regulated yet privacy-respecting manner. Key Card Incentives The co-branded MEXC × Ether.Fi card comes with several enticing benefits. Foremost is the 4% instant cashback on every purchase, allowing cardholders to earn crypto rewards on routine spending. Additionally, new users who join during the launch period can claim a $15 USDT airdrop after completing a qualifying deposit and card application. Beyond these upfront perks, the card integrates with Ether.Fi’s platform to offer up to 10% APY on certain digital assets held in the connected account. As an added promotion, throughout January, the card provides elevated 10%-15% cashback on food and dining purchases. Visit MEXC Campaign Details: Unlocking Rewards New users can unlock the crypto credit card rewards by completing a few steps during the campaign. First, register on MEXC and pass KYC verification. Next, make a net deposit of at least 100 USDT into the account. After depositing $100+ and applying for the MEXC crypto card, users qualify for a 15 USDT airdrop bonus. The campaign runs from January 15 to February 15, 2026, with rewards credited shortly after it ends. Referral Program Incentives MEXC’s card launch includes crypto card referral rewards to encourage community growth. For each friend a user invites who meets the deposit requirement and gets the card, the referrer earns 10 USDT as a reward. There is no cap on how many referral bonuses one can collect, so avid community members can earn $10 repeatedly for every new user they bring in. On top of that, referrers also get an extra 1% cashback on all purchases their referees make with the card. This means if you refer someone and they start spending with the card, you receive 1% of their spending as a passive bonus. The referral mechanics scale without limit, making it attractive for influencers and affiliates to promote the MEXC crypto card and earn ongoing crypto card referral rewards. Travel, Luxury, and Everyday Spending A major selling point of the MEXC × Ether.Fi card is its real-world usability across travel, luxury, and everyday spending. Powered by the Visa network, the card is accepted at over 100 million merchants and ATMs worldwide wherever Visa is supported. It also integrates seamlessly with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing users to tap and pay with ease. Travel-focused users will benefit from perks such as discounts of up to 65% on luxury hotels, along with a consistent 5% cashback on hotel bookings made through affiliated programs. Beyond travel, everyday purchases like dining, ride-hailing, groceries, and online shopping earn the standard 4% crypto cashback. These rewards effectively turn routine expenses into opportunities to accumulate crypto. Privacy, Compliance, and Where It’s Available While the card emphasizes convenience and privacy, it also operates within regulatory frameworks. Users must complete identity verification through MEXC and Ether.Fi’s onboarding process, ensuring compliance with anti-fraud and regulatory requirements. Availability depends on regional regulations. The card is accessible in many countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and select parts of North America, but certain jurisdictions remain excluded. Residents of restricted regions, including China, India, and some U.S. states, are not eligible to apply. Who Benefits From This Card? The card is designed for several types of crypto users. Active traders can access their crypto liquidity for everyday spending without fully cashing out or interrupting their broader trading strategies. Assets can remain invested or staked while still being usable for payments. Yield-focused users benefit from the card’s integration with staking and interest-bearing accounts, effectively combining spending functionality with portfolio growth. Meanwhile, privacy-conscious users navigating tighter tax and reporting rules may appreciate the card’s structure, which allows crypto-backed spending within a compliant framework rather than relying on frequent bank withdrawals. MEXC Broadens Crypto Utility Beyond Trading This co-branded card launch signals MEXC’s strategic move to expand beyond just being a trading exchange and into a broader crypto lifestyle arena. By collaborating with Ether.Fi and leveraging DeFi yields and on-chain custody, MEXC is positioning itself at the forefront of crypto’s push into everyday payments. As mainstream regulations like MiCA reshape the crypto environment, MEXC’s initiative shows a forward-looking commitment to making crypto as intuitive to spend as it is to hodl or trade. In summary, the MEXC crypto card is a step toward normalizing crypto in daily life, giving users a secure, rewarding, and practical way to use their digital assets under real-world conditions. Visit MEXC The post MEXC and Ether.Fi Unveil Crypto Card With 4% Cashback and Launch Perks appeared first on Cryptonews .