hodler

17 Jan 2026, 10:23

Ripple CTO Emeritus Issues Scam Alert on Copy Trading, What’s Real Risk?

Former Ripple CTO warns of hidden risks of copy trading as holders seek to profit from the markets.

17 Jan 2026, 10:17

xAI posts job for accounting tutor to train Grok on tax issues

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI is advertising an accounting role to train its chatbot Grok on tax filings and corporate accounting, as it looks to expand its technical workforce and the AI outputs. Early Saturday morning, a member of program staff, Jeffrey Weichsel, announced on X that xAI is hiring experienced accountants to help train Grok on tax and accounting matters. “Do you want to prepare taxes for the next 3 months, or would you rather do something meaningful with purpose, helping create a truth-seeking AI that roots out corruption, fraud, and waste? Apply now,” he wrote , sharing a Greenhouse website link to the job application. xAI is training Grok on US taxes As seen in the Greenhouse job link, the Elon Musk-led firm xAI said it is searching for an “AI Accounting tutor” who would help improve Grok’s understanding of accounting, financial reporting, and tax-related issues. They would be required to train the chatbot using proprietary software to label and curate high-quality data, while supporting the development of new AI tasks together with xAI’s technical staff. According to the job description, the trainer will select and solve complex accounting problems from real-world corporate environments like consolidations, internal controls, and compliance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Candidates will also refine annotation tools used in AI training and regularly interpret and execute tasks based on instructions, and critique Grok’s responses to mould its accuracy and consistency in accounting scenarios. Applicants must have at least three years of experience at a Big Four accounting firm working on corporate or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clients. Alternatively, they may qualify through senior corporate positions such as controller, assistant controller, or technical accounting manager at enterprises with reporting requirements. Moreover, the company issued educational requirements that included a master’s degree or doctorate in institutional accounting, or equivalent credentials as a licensed Certified Public Accountant. They must also be comfortable handling accounting resources like regulatory filings, financial databases, and enterprise resource planning systems. Teaching experience and published academic work in accounting journals were also listed as desirable attributes. The position is based either in Palo Alto, California, or on a fully remote basis, and the compensation would range from $45 to $100 per hour, depending on experience, education, and location. However, xAI said it cannot hire candidates based in Wyoming or Illinois and does not offer visa sponsorship. xAI training plea grows amid deepfake lawsuits The hiring push comes at a time when xAI is facing lawsuits over Grok’s generation of sexualized and nonconsensual images. Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk’s children, filed a lawsuit against xAI in New York on Thursday, blaming the firm for allowing Grok to generate sexually explicit images of her that were shared on X. “X users dug up photos of St Clair fully clothed at 14 years old and requested Grok undress her and put her in a bikini. Grok obliged,” St Clair’s attorneys surmised, adding that the imagery generated was “de facto non-consensual” and Grok’s developers had “explicit knowledge” that consent was absent. xAI has denied responsibility and countersued Ms St Clair, claiming she violated the company’s terms of service. Even with all the drama going on, the firm announced it raised $20 billion in a funding round held last week, surpassing its initial $15 billion target. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

17 Jan 2026, 10:02

XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out

XRP often appears widely distributed on paper. Wallet counts suggest millions of holders. However, a closer look tells a different story. Recent data shared by an XRP Ledger validator, 24HrsCrypto (@24hrscrypto1), challenges mass ownership and shifts attention to where meaningful XRP supply sits. The distinction is important because raw wallet numbers hide concentration. They also shape expectations around future demand. When ownership narrows, market dynamics change. Owning XRP will be a dream to many..and time is running out. When you strip out dust wallets and count meaningful XRP holders (1,000 – 500,000 XRP) you’re left with ONLY 1.2 million accounts. Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human (which is generous)… 1,118,000 ÷ 8.2bn =… https://t.co/O7RiWfDMrw pic.twitter.com/a6bAB141Gc — 𝟸𝟺𝙷𝚁𝚂𝙲𝚁𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙾 (@24hrscrypto1) January 14, 2026 What the Wallet Data Shows The charts highlight wallet distribution , showing XRP account balances by range. Millions of wallets hold between 0 and 20 XRP. Another large block sits below 1,000 XRP. These wallets add little weight to ownership analysis. They represent dust balances, inactive accounts, or testing wallets. Once those are removed, the picture tightens fast. Wallets holding between 1,000 and 500,000 XRP total roughly 1.2 million accounts. 24HrsCrypto described this group as “meaningful XRP holders.” He went further. “Even if you assume 1 wallet = 1 human,” he wrote, that group equals “0.0135% of humanity.” The math leads to a clear ratio. “That’s 1 out of every 7,395 people.” The commonly cited figure of over 4 million XRP wallets remains technically accurate. It just lacks context. As 24HrsCrypto put it, “The ‘4M XRP holders’ number is inflated by millions of 0 – 1,000 XRP dust wallets.” This makes XRP holders a class among the population . Concentration Changes the Narrative The charts also show where XRP supply concentrates. Wallets holding 10,000 to 100,000 XRP control billions of tokens. Larger tiers above that hold even more, despite far fewer accounts, and these whales are constantly moving billions of tokens within the ecosystem. This structure points to ownership depth rather than breadth. XRP does not trade like a retail-saturated asset. It trades like one still building its holder base. That matters for price behavior. It also matters for liquidity shifts during periods of increased demand. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What Comes Next for XRP? Narrow ownership creates optionality. New participants do not need to replace existing holders. They only need to join a relatively small group. That dynamic favors expansion phases over saturation. As infrastructure matures, access improves. Custodial platforms, institutional rails, and regulatory clarity all lower friction. Each step widens the potential holder pool without diluting existing supply concentration. The charts show XRP supply already positioned. Large balances sit idle across defined tiers. If demand increases, supply does not need to be reshuffled across millions of wallets. It can move through far fewer hands. That structure supports stability during accumulation phases. It also allows sharp upward repricing when conviction builds. 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 XRPL Validator: Owning XRP Will Be a Dream to Many. Time Is Running Out appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 Jan 2026, 10:00

Top 3 Penny Cryptos That Could Lead the 2026 Bull Run

The next crypto bull cycle is already taking shape, and attention is shifting toward affordable tokens that combine community power, real utility, and mass adoption potential. Penny cryptos have always been magnets for retail investors because small price movements can create outsized returns. As markets mature, projects that blend hype with infrastructure are positioned to dominate 2026. Among the leading contenders are Shiba Inu (SHIB), Cardano (ADA), and the rising newcomer Mutuum Finance (MUTM) , whose presale momentum is drawing serious interest from long-term builders and yield-focused users. The project has a total supply of 4 billion tokens and has already generated around $19.80 million across all presale phases combined. The current presale price stands at $0.04 in phase 7, where 180 million tokens are allocated and 7% of this phase has already been sold. More than 18,850 holders are already participating across all phases, showing strong early demand. The token remains at a discounted stage, meaning investors who buy now are positioned better than those who wait for later phases when the price will rise again. For example, someone purchasing at $0.04 in phase 7 will pay less than buyers in phase 8 at $0.045 or phase 9 at $0.05, creating a clear advantage for early entry. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Shiba Inu (SHIB) entered the market as a playful experiment but evolved into one of the largest retail communities in crypto. Millions of holders, constant social activity, and regular ecosystem upgrades keep SHIB relevant even in quiet markets. Its Layer-2 network Shibarium is designed to lower fees and support real applications, which is gradually shifting SHIB from pure meme status toward utility-based relevance. Looking toward 2026, several market analysts expect SHIB to benefit from renewed retail participation during the next bull run. If broader market liquidity returns and Shibarium adoption expands, SHIB is positioned to revisit previous highs and potentially push beyond them. A realistic path suggests SHIB could move toward the $0.00005 to $0.00008 range by 2026, driven by burn mechanisms, transaction growth, and stronger exchange activity. While this would still be a fraction of a cent, the%age gains would be significant for long-term holders. Cardano (ADA) Cardano (ADA) stands apart from most penny tokens because it focuses on academic research, scalability, and real-world use cases rather than short-term hype. Its proof-of-stake design makes it energy efficient, and its layered architecture allows continuous upgrades without breaking existing systems. Over the past few years, Cardano (ADA) has expanded into smart contracts, decentralized applications, and defi crypto solutions that attract developers and institutions. By 2026, Cardano (ADA) is expected to be far more mature in terms of adoption. With improvements like Hydra scaling, better interoperability, and deeper DeFi liquidity, ADA could see substantial price growth. Many market projections place ADA in a range between $3 and $6 during a strong bull market, especially if institutional partnerships increase and network usage accelerates. Unlike meme coins, Cardano (ADA) grows through steady development rather than viral trends. This makes it a safer bet for investors who want long-term stability combined with high upside potential. In a mixed portfolio of penny cryptos, ADA represents reliability while still offering strong appreciation potential in the next cycle. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Mutuum Finance (MUTM) enters this landscape with a clear mission: to build a lending and borrowing ecosystem that rewards real participation. Unlike speculative tokens, its value is anchored in utility. The platform is developing its V1 of the protocol on the Sepolia Testnet, which will include a core liquidity pool, mtTokens, debt tokens, and an automated liquidator bot. Initial assets such as ETH and USDT will be supported for lending, borrowing, and collateral use. A key innovation is Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s dual lending models, which include Peer-to-Contract (P2C) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P). In the P2C model, users interact directly with a smart contract liquidity pool, making deposits and withdrawals simple and automated. Interest rates adjust based on supply and demand, ensuring efficiency. In the P2P model, lenders and borrowers connect more directly, allowing customized terms while still using blockchain security for settlement. Together, these systems give users flexibility, transparency, and control. Security has been a major focus for the project. In November 2025, Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s smart contracts underwent a formal audit by Halborn, a respected blockchain security firm. The review identified six issues, including one high-severity finding, all of which were fully resolved before final approval. Halborn confirmed that 100% of the reported findings were remediated, strengthening confidence as the project moves toward its official launch. Growth for Mutuum Finance (MUTM) will be driven by real usage. Every lending, borrowing, or staking activity will create demand for the token. Users who deposit assets will receive mtTokens representing their share of the pool and earned interest. These mtTokens can also be used as collateral for further borrowing. At the same time, mtToken holders will be able to stake them in special smart contracts to earn additional MUTM rewards. The platform will also introduce a buy-and-distribute mechanism that supports long-term price growth. A portion of revenue generated from lending and borrowing will be used to repurchase MUTM from the open market. These tokens will then be distributed to stakers, creating continuous buy pressure and encouraging loyalty. As activity increases, more revenue flows back into token purchases, reinforcing upward momentum. A beta version of the platform is expected to launch alongside the official release. This early access will allow users to test lending, borrowing, and staking features before full deployment. As more participants interact with the system, confidence and word-of-mouth promotion are expected to rise, which should naturally support price movement shortly after launch. Community Incentives and Daily rewards Community engagement is another pillar of the project. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has already built a following of more than 12,000 on Twitter. A $100K giveaway is going on, with ten winners each receiving $10,000 worth of MUTM tokens. The project dashboard is already live, allowing investors to track holdings and calculate returns in real time. A Top 50 leaderboard rewards the largest investors with bonus tokens, while a new 24-hour leaderboard offers a daily $500 MUTM prize to the top-ranked user who completes at least one transaction before the reset at 00:00 UTC. When comparing the three projects, each serves a different purpose. Shiba Inu (SHIB) offers cultural momentum and retail excitement. Cardano (ADA) delivers technological strength and institutional credibility. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) combines real DeFi utility with community rewards, audited security, and a growing ecosystem that directly ties usage to token demand. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Top 3 Penny Cryptos That Could Lead the 2026 Bull Run appeared first on Times Tabloid .

17 Jan 2026, 09:38

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate

Bitcoin (BTC) is steady near $95,000, with traders weighing fresh catalysts shaping its outlook. Belgium’s KBC Bank has opened regulated crypto trading, Iran’s ecosystem surged past $7.8 billion amid unrest, and a Jefferies strategist warns of quantum computing risks. Together, these developments highlight Bitcoin’s dual role as a growth asset and hedge, while technical charts point toward a possible breakout. Belgium Bank Opens Crypto Trading Belgium’s KBC Bank will allow customers to trade Bitcoin and Ether starting February 16 through its Bolero platform. The move coincides with the full rollout of the Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework, which went live in January 2026. KBC says it’s the first Belgian bank to offer crypto trading directly under its own custodial system, giving retail investors a regulated and secure entry point. LATEST: KBC Bank will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on Feb. 16 via its Bolero platform, becoming Belgium's first bank to offer crypto within a regulated framework. pic.twitter.com/EgmCiR9cWF — CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026 Although no Belgian MiCA licenses are yet listed on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, KBC insists it has complied with MiCA rules and notified the National Bank of Belgium. The launch underscores growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin in Europe, even as regulatory details remain in flux. Iran’s $7.8B Crypto Surge Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded to $7.78 billion in 2025, with activity peaking during nationwide protests and economic unrest. As the rial collapsed and internet blackouts spread, citizens turned to Bitcoin as a store of value and financial lifeline. Daily withdrawals from exchanges surged, highlighting crypto’s role in bypassing traditional banking restrictions. ICYMI: Iran sees a $7.8B surge in crypto activity amid unrest, inflation, and internet shutdowns. Sanctions pressure is pushing both users and state-linked actors toward crypto. pic.twitter.com/yocdxQTM4j — The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) January 16, 2026 Chainalysis data shows more than half of late‑2025 inflows were linked to addresses associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), underscoring crypto’s dual use by both citizens and state‑affiliated entities. Despite volatility, Bitcoin’s demand in Iran illustrates its appeal as a hedge during instability. Quantum Risk Debate Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently cut Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing concerns that advances in quantum computing could eventually compromise cryptographic security. He replaced a 10% Bitcoin allocation with physical gold and mining equities. Jefferies' Greed & Fear removes Bitcoin allocation over quantum computing concerns, allocates to gold and silver Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/buN5cB6jvP #Bitcoin #Jefferies #Gold #Silver pic.twitter.com/qC8eY4uXxd — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 16, 2026 Bitcoin developers disagree, arguing that quantum threats are decades away. Blockstream CEO Adam Back estimates 20–40 years before such machines pose real risks, leaving ample time to adopt quantum‑resistant cryptography. While Wood’s remarks may weigh on sentiment short‑term, ongoing research could strengthen Bitcoin’s resilience in the long run. Will Bitcoin Break $100K? BTC Chart Shows Bullish Flag and EMA Support Near $95K Bitcoin price prediction remains neutral as BTC is trading near $95,188, holding firm above the $95,150 support zone. The 4‑hour chart shows a clear ascending structure with higher lows and a potential bullish flag formation just below $97,700 resistance. A breakout above this level could open the path toward $99,000 and the psychological $100,500 barrier. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview BTC remains above short‑, medium‑, and long‑term EMAs, all sloping upward, signaling sustained momentum. RSI readings at 57.94 and 53.56 are neutral but lean bullish, leaving room for continuation. Candlestick action adds weight to this view, with a recent bullish engulfing pattern near $93,000 and small‑bodied candles suggesting consolidation before another push higher. Candlestick behavior supports this view. Recent formations include a bullish engulfing pattern near the $93,000 level and a series of small-bodied candles, potentially signaling a pause before continuation. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks above $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may consider long setups targeting $99,000 and $100,500, with stop-losses below $93,000. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may eye long setups targeting $99,000–$100,500, with stops below $93,000. With sentiment stabilizing and adoption expanding, Bitcoin looks poised for a fresh bullish leg. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate appeared first on Cryptonews .

17 Jan 2026, 09:19

Trading expert sets date when Bitcoin will crash to $60,000

As Bitcoin ( BTC ) sets its sights on reclaiming the $100,000 mark, a trading expert has warned that the cryptocurrency is likely to face further correction later in the year and could potentially crash to $60,000. In this context, a TradingView analysis shared on January 16 by TradingShot was based on a long-term cycle model that combines halving timelines, moving averages, and Fibonacci time extensions. The analysis suggested that Bitcoin is approaching a key technical test at the daily 200-day moving average ( MA ), a level that has historically triggered the second phase of bear cycles. Past behavior indicates that such rejections often lead to extended downside pressure rather than short-lived pullbacks, signaling a shift from a distribution phase into a deeper retracement. Bitcoin price analysis chart. Source: TradingView At the same time, the rainbow cycle chart supports this view by aligning price action with halving events and Fibonacci time extensions . The next major time target is the 4.618 Fibonacci extension in the final week of September 2026, a zone that has previously marked cycle lows. At that point, the model projects Bitcoin trading around $60,000, a sharp decline from cycle highs but still consistent with its long-term uptrend. Notably, the outlook added that this projected bottom would occur well ahead of the next halving, estimated for April 2028, meaning the market would remain far from the next profit-taking phase. Bitcoin’s failure to hit $150,000 Additionally, Bitcoin’s failure to reach the upper orange rainbow band in the latest bull cycle above $150,000 reinforces the idea of diminishing returns, with each cycle delivering smaller percentage gains. This bearish outlook comes at a time when Bitcoin has attempted to target the $100,000 level before slightly retreating. The asset briefly reignited bullish optimism earlier this week, mainly driven by institutional inflows after breaking out of a prolonged consolidation near $90,000 and rallying to nearly $98,000. The move raised expectations that traders positioned for sideways or lower prices would be forced to unwind, potentially pushing the cryptocurrency back above the $100,000 mark. However, the momentum has faded just as quickly. Instead of extending the rally, Bitcoin has reversed course and is now showing signs of weakness, increasing the likelihood of a pullback toward the low-$90,000 range. Bitcoin price analysis By press time, Bitcoin was trading at $95,123, down about 0.4% in the past 24 hours, while on the weekly timeframe, the leading digital asset was up more than 5%. Bitcoin seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold From a moving average perspective, the 50-day SMA at $90,095 remains below the current price, signaling short-term bullish momentum as Bitcoin trades above this level, potentially indicating near-term upward pressure. In contrast, the 200-day SMA at $105,657 remains above the current price, suggesting longer-term bearish undertones or an ongoing correction from prior highs. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s 14-day RSI of 63.30 remains neutral, avoiding overbought territory and implying room for further gains without immediate reversal risks, although it warrants monitoring for shifts in buying strength. The post Trading expert sets date when Bitcoin will crash to $60,000 appeared first on Finbold .