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22 Jan 2026, 18:17
Russia’s finance ministry backs plan to expand retail access to cryptocurrencies
The Ministry of Finance in Moscow has voiced support for the Bank of Russia’s push to expand investor access to cryptocurrencies. A high-ranking representative of the department also said that a suggested cap on crypto investments is still subject to discussions and change. Minfin stands behind Moscow’s policy shift regarding cryptocurrency The Russian Ministry of Finance (Minfin) supports the recently unveiled regulatory concept of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR), which allows non-qualified investors to purchase and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC). This was stated by its deputy head, Ivan Chebeskov, who made a series of comments on the upcoming rules for the market during the country’s “First Political Crypto Forum.” Organized by the nationalist right-wing Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, the event was focused on “legislative regulation of cryptocurrency and mining.” “Of course, we support it, because our original approach to this issue was to comprehensively regulate the industry,” Chebeskov said in reference to the proposal published by the monetary authority in late December. The Minfin official highlighted that financial authorities are now leaving behind previous arrangements, such as the experimental legal regime introduced last year for cross-border crypto payments and limited investments, and the regulation of individual sectors, such as mining, which was legalized in 2024. Quoted by the business news outlet RBC on Thursday, Chebeskov elaborated: “We have now reached a stage where everyone is ready for comprehensive regulation that will enable the development of a Russian crypto infrastructure and allow a wide range of individuals to participate in investing.” The Bank of Russia’s new plan envisages recognizing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as “currency assets” and admitting even ordinary Russian citizens to the crypto market, albeit under certain restrictions, as reported by Cryptopolitan. Finance ministry allows for adjustment of limit on crypto purchases While currently only “highly qualified” investors are permitted to legally buy crypto, the new framework, expected to be adopted by July 1, will invite “regular” qualified as well as non-qualified investors. However, financial regulators intend to limit investments for the latter category to 300,000 rubles a year, a little over $3,800, and only to the most liquid assets. The first two groups will be able to acquire any digital currency, except anonymous coins, and without restrictions on the amount. Both qualified and non-qualified investors will have to pass tests to determine their level of understanding of the relevant risks. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the crypto conference, Ivan Chebeskov hinted that the above-mentioned limit may be changed. Noting the threshold has been determined in talks with the CBR, he explained: “The 300,000 mark is possible for now. The concrete figure still needs to be discussed with colleagues, including law enforcement agencies. But overall, we believe that the majority of citizens who own cryptocurrency fall under this definition.” While agreeing with the restrictions for non-qualified investors in general, Russian brokers interviewed by RBC argued that the currently pitched annual limit on crypto purchases could safely be doubled. Meanwhile, LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky joint previous calls for an amnesty for illegally imported mining equipment and urged the central bank and the finance ministry to cooperate with mining firms. Since late 2024, both companies and sole proprietors are free to engage in the activity, provided they register their businesses and hardware with Russia’s tax authority, the FNS . However, the majority of the enterprises operating in the sector are yet to report to the state. Quoted by the TASS news agency, Slutsky expressed his belief that the measure would support the legalization of the industry and help reduce the risk of miners entering the shadow economy out of fear of being prosecuted for utilizing unregistered equipment. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
22 Jan 2026, 18:16
BitGo Debuts on NYSE With $18 Shares, $2B Valuation
The digital asset infrastructure firm’s shares were priced above the expected range as it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange.
22 Jan 2026, 18:15
BitGo Stock Soars: A Stunning 25% Surge on IPO Day Signals Crypto Market Confidence
BitcoinWorld BitGo Stock Soars: A Stunning 25% Surge on IPO Day Signals Crypto Market Confidence In a powerful display of market confidence, BitGo stock (BTGO) rocketed 25% above its initial offering price on its first day of public trading, January 22, 2025. The digital asset custodian’s shares, priced at $18 for its IPO, opened powerfully at $22.43, immediately propelling the company toward an approximate $2 billion valuation. This significant debut follows the notable announcement from Ondo Finance regarding a tokenized version of the stock, marking a pivotal convergence of traditional finance and blockchain innovation. BitGo Stock IPO: A Deep Dive into the First-Day Surge The opening bell on January 22 triggered immediate and substantial investor demand for BitGo stock. Consequently, the share price climbed steadily throughout the trading session. This robust performance starkly contrasts with the often volatile reception for financial technology IPOs. Market analysts quickly pointed to several key drivers. Primarily, BitGo’s established position as a leading institutional-grade custodian for cryptocurrencies provided a solid foundation of trust. Furthermore, the company’s expanding suite of services, including prime brokerage and wallet infrastructure, demonstrated a diversified and scalable business model. The 25% gain, therefore, reflects not just speculation but a calculated bet on the firm’s central role in the maturing digital asset ecosystem. The Road to Going Public BitGo’s journey to this IPO involved years of strategic growth. The company secured crucial regulatory approvals and built partnerships with major traditional finance institutions. For instance, its acquisition of HeightZero in 2023 expanded its offerings for registered investment advisors. This move directly addressed a growing market need. Additionally, the firm consistently reported increasing assets under custody, a critical metric that signals institutional adoption. The successful IPO pricing and subsequent surge validate these long-term strategies. They also highlight a broader trend of crypto-native companies seeking public market validation and access to capital for further expansion. Tokenization and Traditional Finance Converge Perhaps the most innovative context for the BitGo stock debut is its parallel existence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Prior to the IPO, Ondo Finance, a prominent real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, announced plans to launch a tokenized version of BitGo’s stock. This development represents a landmark moment for financial interoperability. Essentially, it allows blockchain-based investors to gain exposure to a traditional equity through a digital token on a decentralized network. This fusion creates new avenues for liquidity and accessibility. It also positions BitGo uniquely at the intersection of two rapidly evolving financial worlds. The implications of this dual-track offering are profound. Consider the following key aspects: Accessibility: Global investors can potentially access the tokenized stock without traditional brokerage accounts. Liquidity Pools: The token could be integrated into DeFi protocols for lending, borrowing, or as collateral. Market Efficiency: It tests the hypothesis that tokenization can reduce settlement times and intermediary costs for equities. Regulatory Dialogue: This move actively engages regulators on the future structure of securities markets. Expert Analysis on the Valuation Financial experts note that the approximate $2 billion valuation assigns a significant premium to BitGo’s infrastructure role. “Custodians are the gatekeepers of institutional capital in crypto,” explains a market strategist from a major investment bank. “Their valuation is less about speculative trading and more about the reliability and security fees associated with safeguarding trillions in future digital asset value.” This perspective frames BitGo not merely as a service provider but as critical financial market infrastructure. Comparatively, its valuation trajectory may follow that of other foundational tech companies rather than pure crypto exchanges. The first-day pop suggests public markets are beginning to appreciate this distinction. Market Context and Broader Implications The successful BitGo stock launch occurs within a specific macroeconomic and sectoral environment. Firstly, the broader stock market has shown renewed appetite for technology and fintech IPOs after a period of caution. Secondly, regulatory clarity for digital assets in several jurisdictions has improved, reducing a major overhang for related businesses. Thirdly, institutional investment in cryptocurrencies via spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has created a larger, more stable underlying market for custodians like BitGo to serve. This confluence of factors created a favorable window for the company’s public debut. The performance also sets a potential benchmark for other crypto infrastructure firms considering public listings. Companies in adjacent spaces—such as blockchain analytics, trading technology, or compliance software—will likely study BitGo’s investor presentation and market reception closely. A strong aftermarket performance for BTGO could catalyze a new wave of public offerings from the sector, bringing more traditional capital into the blockchain industry. BitGo IPO Key Metrics at a Glance Metric Detail IPO Pricing Date January 21, 2025 IPO Price $18 per share First Trade Date January 22, 2025 Opening Price $22.43 First Day Gain 25% Approximate Valuation $2 Billion Notable Pre-IPO Development Ondo Finance tokenized stock announcement Conclusion The 25% surge in BitGo stock on its first trading day is a multifaceted event with significant ramifications. It underscores growing institutional confidence in cryptocurrency infrastructure providers. Moreover, it highlights the innovative bridge being built between IPO equities and tokenized assets through partners like Ondo Finance. This debut strengthens BitGo’s position to capitalize on the next phase of digital asset adoption. Ultimately, the market’s enthusiastic response validates the company’s business model and points toward an increasingly integrated future for traditional and decentralized finance. The trajectory of BitGo stock will now serve as a key indicator for the health and maturity of the entire crypto infrastructure sector. FAQs Q1: What is BitGo and why is its IPO significant? BitGo is a leading digital asset custody, security, and financial services company. Its IPO is significant because it represents a major crypto infrastructure firm achieving public market validation, signaling maturity for the sector and attracting traditional investment. Q2: How does the Ondo Finance tokenized stock work? Ondo Finance plans to create a digital token on a blockchain that represents ownership in a fund holding BitGo stock. This allows the value of the stock to be traded and utilized within decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, increasing accessibility and potential liquidity. Q3: What does a $2 billion valuation mean for BitGo? The approximate $2 billion valuation reflects the market’s assessment of BitGo’s current business, future growth potential in digital asset custody, and its role as critical financial infrastructure. It provides the company with capital and a public currency for potential acquisitions or expansion. Q4: How does this IPO compare to other crypto company listings? Unlike crypto exchanges whose revenues are tied heavily to trading volatility, BitGo’s custody-focused model offers more recurring, fee-based revenue. Its first-day performance was notably strong, potentially setting a positive precedent for other infrastructure-focused crypto businesses. Q5: What are the risks associated with investing in BitGo stock? Rights include regulatory changes impacting digital assets, competition in the custody space, the inherent volatility of the crypto market which affects client activity, and the novel risks associated with the parallel tokenized stock offering on DeFi platforms. This post BitGo Stock Soars: A Stunning 25% Surge on IPO Day Signals Crypto Market Confidence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 18:15
Ripple (XRP) Traders Turn Bearish Fast: History Says That Might Be Bullish
Ripple (XRP) has been under pressure after setting an all-time high of $3.65 in July 2025 before entering a steady decline in the months that followed. The crypto asset later attempted a fresh upswing in early January and neared $2.40, but failed to gain traction. The pullback has been amplified by market uncertainty, as rising geopolitical tensions pushed investors into a more defensive mode. As a result, XRP sentiment appears to be collapsing fast. But it is important to note that periods of extreme bearish chatter have been followed by rebounds and unexpected moves. Ripple’s Next Battle Zones In its latest update, Santiment said XRP has entered “Extreme Fear” territory based on its social data, as small retail traders have turned pessimistic after a 19% drop from its January 5 high. The analytics firm added that historically, heavy bearish commentary has often been followed by rallies, and prices frequently move opposite to retail expectations. “XRP traders show major FUD, which usually is a rally starter.” Additionally, crypto analyst Ali Martinez also identified crucial price levels to monitor for XRP. He pointed to $1.78 as an important support zone. If the asset manages to break past this level, the next major resistance zones are situated at identifying $1.97 and $2. Distribution Phase XRP is currently trading around 47% below its July 2025 all-time high, following an extraordinary 600% rally since November 2024. CryptoQuant explained that the market naturally entered a phase of distribution and correction, which is being deemed a healthy adjustment. The current bearish sentiment is unusual because it formed after the price had already dropped more than 50%, rather than at the peak. On Binance, funding rates for XRP have been mostly negative since December, which means that leveraged short positions now dominate the market. Previous instances show that markets often move against late consensus, meaning heavy short positioning can create both short-term selling pressure and latent buying pressure. If XRP’s price begins to rise, these short positions could be forced to close, which would boost upward momentum. Similar patterns occurred twice since 2024. During the August-September 2024 period and the April 2025 correction, XRP funding rates turned negative for a time, followed by bullish rebounds as investor sentiment flipped and funding rates returned to positive levels. As such, analysts believe that the current setup could indicate a potential reversal for the crypto asset if buying pressure starts to build. The post Ripple (XRP) Traders Turn Bearish Fast: History Says That Might Be Bullish appeared first on CryptoPotato .
22 Jan 2026, 18:12
Bybit and Block Scholes Find Crypto Derivatives Mostly Unfazed by Greenland Tensions and JGB Yield Shock
BitcoinWorld Bybit and Block Scholes Find Crypto Derivatives Mostly Unfazed by Greenland Tensions and JGB Yield Shock DUBAI, UAE , Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit , the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released the latest Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics report examining how recent geopolitical and interest rate shocks have shaped risk sentiment across digital asset markets. Key findings: Global risk sentiment weakened sharply following macro shocks. Crypto prices declined but avoided disorderly selloffs. Market leverage remains significantly lower than past peaks. Implied volatility rose mainly in the near term. Ethereum staking activity continues to expand. The report notes that renewed tariff tensions between Europe and the United States related to Greenland, alongside a sudden spike in Japanese government bond (JGB) yields, weighed heavily on global markets over the past week. The outsized move in JGBs, which coincided with notable shifts in longer-dated U.S. Treasury yields, pressured risk assets broadly, including cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin retreated from near $97,000 to lows around $87,000, while Ethereum fell from approximately $3,300 to about $2,800 before both assets recovered modestly. Despite the sharp macro-driven repricing, crypto markets remained relatively orderly compared with recent liquidation episodes. A key factor behind this resilience has been the notable decline in leverage since the October 2025 liquidation cascade. Bitcoin perpetual futures open interest fell by close to $400 million over the past 24 hours, while aggregate open interest across major altcoins remains well below pre-October levels, reducing the risk of forced selling. Derivatives positioning shows little evidence of widespread panic. Implied volatility rose primarily at short-dated maturities, reflecting heightened near-term uncertainty, while mid- and longer-dated tenors saw only modest increases. Overall volatility continues to trend lower from its late November 2025 highs. “Cryptos are rebounding slightly after the Greenland and JGB scares earlier this week, refusing to capitulate despite the sudden deterioration in the macro environment,” said Han Tan, Chief market analyst at Bybit Learn. “Notably subdued leverage in the system likely capped the recent selloff, even as derivatives are not showing a marked increase in bearish positioning or a meaningful pickup in implied volatility.” The report also highlights continued growth in Ethereum staking despite the unsettled macro backdrop. Increased institutional participation and applications for staking-enabled exchange-traded products are supporting demand, even as rising total stake has pushed staking yields below 3 percent. Overall, the findings suggest that structural shifts in crypto market positioning have helped absorb macro-driven shocks, allowing digital asset markets to respond in a more measured and stable manner. The full Bybit x Block Scholes report is available for download. #Bybit / #CryptoArk / #BybitLearn About Bybit Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube This post Bybit and Block Scholes Find Crypto Derivatives Mostly Unfazed by Greenland Tensions and JGB Yield Shock first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Jan 2026, 18:12
Solana Price Prediction: Solana Activity Explodes as AI Tokens Go Viral – Is This the New Trend?
While SOL has pulled back slightly in recent days, on-chain activity is heating up as a new wave of AI-focused tokens drives fresh interest across the Solana ecosystem. Leading the charge is Bags , a viral new launchpad built on Solana that has quickly become a favorite among users of the generative AI platform Claude . Similar to Pump.fun, Bags lets users launch tokens with ease, but its growing focus on AI-themed coins has sparked a surge in demand. This rise in activity and niche specialization could support a bullish Solana price prediction , especially as AI and crypto continue to converge. Data from DeFi Llama shows that Bags fees spiked to their highest level on record at $2 million just 6 days ago, and have stood above $400,000 every day since then. Meanwhile, Jupiter data indicates that the protocol has captured a 23.2% market share in the launchpad market in the past 7 days, surpassing well-established rivals like Meteora and LetsBonk.fun. Solana (SOL) benefits directly from Bags’ popularity as it results in higher transaction volumes for the network and a direct increase in fees. Solana Price Prediction: SOL Accumulation Persists and Needs to Break Above $160 to Start Rallying SOL has been consolidating for months now, moving between $120 and $146 as the crypto market has struggled to find direction lately. Source: TradingView This top altcoin has dropped in 4 out of the last 6 trading sessions, and could be eyeing the $120 support once again as market sentiment remains depressed. Nonetheless, a spike in network transaction volumes due to the growing popularity of protocols like Bags and Pump.fun could drive up SOL’s demand in the near term. To confirm a bullish outlook, the price has to break out of its consolidation pattern and preferably move above $160 to reverse its downtrend. In that case, SOL could rise to $200 shortly if bullish momentum gains enough traction. Other Solana-based solutions like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) could soon jump into the spotlight in the same way as Bags. This crypto presale aims to launch the first real Bitcoin L2 and has raised more than $30 million to get it done. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Presale Brings Solana-Level Speed to Bitcoin for The First Time Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a high-potential presale that brings Solana’s speed and low fees to Bitcoin, making it faster, cheaper, and far more usable. Built as a next-gen Layer 2, Bitcoin Hyper unlocks real DeFi and payments for BTC, giving developers the tools to launch efficient, scalable apps directly in the Bitcoin ecosystem. For the first time, BTC holders can stake, lend, earn yield, and trade their assets without needing to bridge out or leave the security of the Bitcoin blockchain. Bitcoin Hyper solves the key limitations of Bitcoin, bringing smart contract support and high-speed transactions to the world’s most recognized crypto network. The presale has already raised over $30 million , and early $HYPER buyers are currently earning up to 38% APY through staking. To buy $HYPER at its discounted presale price, head to the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect any compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet ). You can buy using USDT, USDC, ETH , or simply use a bank card for a quick and easy purchase. Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here The post Solana Price Prediction: Solana Activity Explodes as AI Tokens Go Viral – Is This the New Trend? appeared first on Cryptonews .
