Invest ideasNews
17 Jan 2026, 11:10
China weigh pros and cons as crypto-linked corruption, fraud enter headline
China might not warm up to digital currencies, especially after the discovery and seizure of crypto holdings from corruption and fraud cases. According to the South China Morning Post, a debate ensued in the country following two high-profile investigations on a former senior central bank official and an alleged scam network operator accused of leading one of the largest Bitcoin-linked fraud schemes ever uncovered. The extradition of alleged crypto scam billionaire Chen Zhi has dominated chatter on Chinese social media and state media outlets. Chen, the founder of Prince Holding Group, was arrested in Cambodia on January 6 at the request of Chinese authorities. China talks Chen Zhi, arrest makes citizens woeful of crypto Cambodian officials detained three Chinese nationals, including Chen, before transferring them to China, according to the Cambodia China Times. Last year, the United States prosecutors seized about $15 billion in Bitcoin that supposedly belonged to Chen, Cryptopolitan reported . According to Chinese investigators, Chen was part of a large-scale crypto fraud operation, though full details of the charges have not yet been publicly disclosed. Last Wednesday, state broadcaster China Central Television aired a documentary on how authorities tracked down bribes paid in cryptos to Yao Qian. Yao previously headed the People’s Bank of China team responsible for developing the digital yuan, Beijing’s flagship central bank digital currency project. This has led the public to question if blockchain technology is truly anonymous and secure, and how transparent transaction records expose illicit financial activity. On China’s RedNote social media platform, users are having a back-and-forth discussion between strong encryption protecting private keys and the fact that all Bitcoin transactions are visible on public ledgers. Strict bans on the mainland, openness in Hong Kong Digital asset transactions have been banned for years in mainland China, as authorities seek to control capital flows and reduce financial risks. The central bank has consistently warned that virtual currencies lack legal tender status and cannot function as money within China’s markets. In October, the People’s Bank of China reiterated its commitment to cracking down on virtual money, even as some market participants called for the introduction of yuan-denominated stablecoins. A meeting convened by the People’s Bank of China last November brought together 13 government agencies to coordinate enforcement actions against illegal digital currency activities. Foreign-issued stablecoins were flagged as posing risks related to money laundering, fraud, and illegal cross-border fund transfers. But in its special administrative jurisdiction, Hong Kong, crypto businesses have licenses and regulatory clarity to freely operate. Some industry observers say Hong Kong is a “litmus test” for how cryptocurrencies would fare in the mainland, although the sentiment from the government says this won’t come any time soon. Genevieve Donnellon-May, a Vasey Fellow at the Pacific Forum, believes the arrest of Chen is “a successful crackdown on criminal misuse of crypto,” and should not be deemed a flaw in Bitcoin itself. “Such actions may actually help strengthen longer-term confidence by curbing scams and illicit flows that harm the asset’s reputation,” she denoted. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program
17 Jan 2026, 11:05
Pundit: Institutions Will Flip the Switch, and XRP Will Become the Bridge Once This Happens
The debate around XRP has entered a more mature phase. Market participants no longer argue only about charts or short-term volatility. Instead, attention has shifted toward infrastructure readiness, regulatory resolution, and the role digital assets may play inside real financial systems. As traditional finance seeks faster and cheaper cross-border settlements, XRP stands at the center of that conversation. That broader perspective shaped a recent commentary from market analyst X Finance Bull, who challenged persistent bearish narratives around XRP. Rather than framing XRP as a speculative token, the pundit positioned it as a liquidity tool waiting for full institutional adoption once regulatory barriers are fully cleared. Ripple’s Institutional Network Is Already Built Ripple has spent more than a decade integrating its payment technology with regulated financial institutions worldwide. Banks, payment service providers, and remittance firms across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America already use Ripple’s infrastructure for messaging and settlement coordination. These integrations involve real compliance checks, internal identifiers, and operational testing, not informal partnerships. Seriously, you’re still bearish on $XRP ?! Ripple has already assigned banking IDs to 500+ banks. These are real institutions! Once regulatory clarity hits, they flip the switch and $XRP becomes the bridge. It’s not if, it’s when. You’re either early or late. So which… pic.twitter.com/bIAYZ8J3kY — X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) January 16, 2026 Crucially, this network exists independently of XRP’s immediate use. Ripple designed its system to allow institutions to adopt the technology first and enable XRP-based liquidity later, when regulatory and risk approvals are in place. That structure permits XRP’s integration into existing payment flows without forcing institutions to rebuild their systems. Regulatory Clarity as the Activation Point X Finance Bull emphasized regulation as the decisive trigger for XRP’s next phase. With Ripple’s U.S. legal battle now fully concluded and appellate proceedings withdrawn, XRP operates under far clearer legal conditions than during the years of uncertainty that previously constrained adoption. This clarity matters because large institutions do not experiment lightly. Compliance teams require explicit regulatory comfort before approving live liquidity solutions. As those barriers fall, institutions that already tested Ripple’s rails can move from prefunded accounts to on-demand liquidity models. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 XRP’s Function as a Bridge Asset XRP’s core utility centers on bridging fragmented global liquidity. Traditional cross-border payments rely on nostro and vostro accounts that lock up capital across jurisdictions. XRP offers an alternative by sourcing liquidity in real time, reducing settlement time and capital inefficiency. This function does not depend on retail adoption or consumer usage. It depends on whether institutions choose efficiency over legacy friction. In that sense, XRP competes less with other cryptocurrencies and more with outdated financial plumbing. Timing, Not Possibility, Defines the Outcome The argument presented by X Finance Bull frames XRP’s future as a question of timing rather than feasibility. The infrastructure already exists. Regulatory clarity has materially improved. Institutional relationships remain active. Once institutions decide, conditions align with their risk frameworks, XRP can move from optional to operational. In that scenario, the market does not witness a gradual shift but a rapid transition. From this viewpoint, investors face a simple choice: position early or react late when the switch finally flips. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Pundit: Institutions Will Flip the Switch, and XRP Will Become the Bridge Once This Happens appeared first on Times Tabloid .
17 Jan 2026, 11:00
Tim Scott’s crypto bill faces criticism wave from US Senators
Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott has seen his push to pass sweeping new cryptocurrency regulations hit a stumbling block. The bill has faced criticism from Senate Judiciary chairman Chuck Grassley, who has raised concerns alongside ranking member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) about a section of the crypto bill. According to reports, they claimed that the section of the crypto bill would exempt certain software developers from financial licensing requirements. They also mentioned that the language would limit the ability of law enforcement to go after money laundering and illicit financing in the crypto industry. Their complaints were noted in a private letter addressed to Scott and Senate Banking ranking member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Tim Scott’s crypto bill encounters a stumbling block In the letter, which was obtained by POLITICO, the pair mentioned that the language in Section 604 of the crypto bill was the type of legislative change that falls within the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction, adding that the panel was not involved in it before the since-postponed markup. Scott had plans to hold a vote on the crypto market structure legislation this week, but moved the mark-up amid surprise opposition from a leading crypto firm and other uncertainties. The section is similar to the standalone bipartisan legislation known as the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act that is led in the House by Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and in the Senate by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). A spokesperson for Scott mentioned that the South Carolina Republican appreciates the engagement from Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin on the issue. “As the parliamentarian has ruled, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act falls squarely within the Banking Committee’s jurisdiction,” said the spokesperson, Jeff Naft. “The Chairman remains committed to protecting software developers while ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary tools to prosecute actual illegal money transmission operations.” In his statement, Grassley mentioned that he appreciates the work done by Chairman Tim Scott and his staff as they work through the important bill. Grassley mentioned that the country needs to protect its national and financial security while ensuring that crypto and other industries play by the same rules as everyone else. He also plans to work with Scott to reach a sound outcome. According to reports, Grassley and Durbin are warning that the provision exempts a dangerously broad category of actors from treatment under the current criminal law. They also say the language would have likely stopped the government from bringing charges against the founder of Tornado Cash . Lawmakers want to review the draft legislation The pair claimed that the co-founder of Tornado Cash, a platform allegedly used to launder stolen funds, was operating as a mixer and was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business last year, although crypto proponents and some congressional Republicans have criticized the conviction. They also mentioned that Scott’s draft legislation would create a big enforcement gap for decentralized digital asset platforms. “Such a gap risks attracting illicit actors—like cartels and other sophisticated criminal organizations—to decentralized platforms. Criminals already use tactics to obscure unlawful transactions. This bill would make prosecuting this conduct even more difficult,” the letter said. The concerns were shared by some law enforcement. The National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys mentioned that the crypto bill could limit the ability of prosecutors to pursue financial crimes involving the movement of funds outside established regulatory guidelines. The issue also centers around how the market structure bill should treat the sectors of the industry known as decentralized finance or DeFi. That aspect uses software to facilitate trading and lending, cutting out centralized entities like exchanges. Senators have been talking and have raised concerns about DeFi platforms being a hotbed for illicit finance. They have called for changes to the BRCA language and were preparing to amend it during the markup. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
17 Jan 2026, 11:00
DoubleZero: Will 2Z target $0.15 after its 10% breakout?
DoubleZero surged to a monthly high ,as demand recovered incentivized by Grayscale's 2026 watchlist addition
17 Jan 2026, 11:00
US Official Says Seized Bitcoin From Samourai Case Was Not Sold
According to a senior White House crypto adviser, the Bitcoin tied to the Samourai Wallet forfeiture was not liquidated by federal authorities. The assets will remain held by the government under its strategic reserve plan, the adviser said on social media. White House Advisor Confirms No Sale Reports have disclosed that about 57.55 BTC — roughly $6.3 million at recent prices — moved through addresses that some observers tracked, which sparked claims the coins had been sold. The White House adviser, Patrick Witt, stepped in to clear up the matter, saying the Department of Justice confirmed there was no sale. The coins will be kept in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in line with Executive Order 14233 , signed in March 2025 by US President Donald Trump. That order directs that seized Bitcoin be held rather than auctioned off. UPDATE: we have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated, per EO 14233. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR. https://t.co/v2GchC3vk8 — Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 16, 2026 Movement Of Coins Triggered Questions Based on reports from blockchain analysts, a transfer to a Coinbase Prime address led to speculation about a disposal. Market watchers noticed the trail and raised alarms because a sale could have put extra downward pressure on prices. Some traders reacted quickly to the noise. But officials explain that transfers between custody systems do not always mean liquidation. In this case, the DOJ and related agencies say the transfer was an internal custody step and not a sale to private buyers. Background On The Case The legal action against the Samourai Wallet developers centered on charges tied to running an unlicensed money-transmitting service and aiding money laundering through mixer tools. Those charged pleaded guilty. The forfeiture order followed those convictions, and the Bitcoin in question became part of the assets the government controls after the court rulings. How the government manages such holdings has been a fast-moving policy issue since Executive Order 14233 was issued, which set new rules for seized crypto. Policy And Market Effects According to officials, holding seized Bitcoin in a national reserve is meant to avoid sudden market shocks that could follow large government sales. Some critics argue the reserve gives the government a powerful financial tool, while supporters say it prevents volatile swings. The announcement eased some short-term market worries because uncertainty about a possible sale had been cited as a potential pressure point for crypto prices. Reactions From Industry Observers Based on reports and social posts from crypto advocates, opinions remain split. Some welcomed the clarification as stabilizing. Others want more transparency on how the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will be run and when, if ever, coins might leave it. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle may ask for hearings or written briefings to get clearer answers about custody practices and future plans. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
17 Jan 2026, 10:59
XRP OI Jumps 12%, Will Price Follow?
XRP price rebounds from the Friday's low as Open Interest shows a substantial growth.
