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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, 09:28
Former lawmaker says UK laws fall short in curbing Grok harms
A former UK lawmaker has revealed that the approach of the United Kingdom in terms of its laws will not reduce the harm caused by Grok. This is coming after UK ministers responded to the backlash faced by Grok, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, by fast-tracking legislation to ban the generation of non-consensual intimate images. According to the former UK lawmaker, the country is following a “what-a-mole” approach to regulating big technology companies. While there has been increased support for the law, experts have also warned that the changes may not go far to limit the harms posed by generative AI chatbots. “It looks like we are behind the curve, because we are,” says Harriet Harman, a former deputy Labour leader. “And it looks like we’re running to catch up, because we are. And it looks like we’ve got a scattergun approach, because we have.” Former lawmaker says the UK is behind in AI regulation According to the former UK lawmaker, this includes the country failing to clarify what the law should classify as “intimate” imagery. Although in the US, lawmakers have described it as depicting nudity or underwear, backbenchers and ministers have argued that the creation of non-consensual images of women and children in bikinis and wet T-shirts using Grok shows a significant weakness in the approach. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has also noted that the law is being aimed at nudification applications and may not even apply to Grok. According to Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, the nudification ban is not a solution that will tackle the generation of sexual images with Grok, noting that it won’t even apply to the chatbot. The offense is designed to apply only to applications developed for the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery. On the other hand, Grok is seen as a general-purpose artificial intelligence model capable of predicting images, text, and code, and would most likely be outside the scope of the law. In a letter to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Kendall mentioned that Grok might not be covered under the proposals. She mentioned that during the analysis, they identified that not all chatbots were covered under the scope of the law. However, she noted that officials have been commissioned to look into it so as to address the gap. Experts warn about the risks of AI chatbots Last Wednesday, X released a statement, noting that it would geoblock the ability for users to generate images of real people in skimpy outfits, like bikinis, underwear, and similar attire, in areas where it is currently illegal. It remains to be seen if similar images can still be generated using the standalone Grok application or the website. xAI , Grok’s parent company, did not disclose if that would be the case or if the enforcement would cover these parts. The debate is unfolding against rising concerns about violence against women and girls (VAWG) carried out using technologies. Reports claim that around one in 10 recorded offenses involving VAWG already has a digital element, something that experts believe significantly underestimates the true scale. Younger people are prone to more risks as they spend more time online. According to campaigners, artificial intelligence can be a harm accelerant. The group also mentioned that AI allows abuse to be generated and shared on a larger scale. Meanwhile, experts have warned that other AI-chatbot controversies are likely to emerge in the future. Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, an AI research body, mentioned that future flashpoints could include children being targeted with sexual interactions from chatbots or AI assistants dispensing questionable health or financial advice to their users. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
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 .
17 Jan 2026, 09:15
“10x for Bitcoin is Conservative,” Says Samson Mow
Samson Mow continues to express strong conviction in Bitcoin's long-term performance, this time he said a 10x prediction for Bitcoin is not bold enough.
17 Jan 2026, 09:10
Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny
BitcoinWorld Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny In a significant on-chain transaction reported by Onchainlens, a cryptocurrency wallet presumed to be controlled by the Solayer development team executed a major deposit of LAYER tokens to the global exchange Binance, immediately drawing intense scrutiny from market analysts and investors focused on Solayer LAYER deposit activity. The movement, involving 18.32 million LAYER valued at approximately $3 million, occurred just 26 minutes prior to the report’s publication, highlighting the real-time nature of blockchain transparency. Consequently, this event provides a critical case study in project treasury management and market signaling. Analyzing the Solayer LAYER Deposit to Binance The core transaction data reveals precise figures. According to the on-chain intelligence platform Onchainlens, the specific wallet address transferred exactly 18,320,000 LAYER tokens. Based on prevailing market prices at the time, this equated to a substantial $3 million valuation. Following this Binance crypto deposit, the same wallet retains a significant balance of 16.56 million LAYER, worth an estimated $2.7 million. This residual holding indicates the move was not a full liquidation but a strategic partial transfer. Blockchain analysts routinely monitor such wallets associated with project teams, as their actions can signal various operational needs, from treasury diversification to preparing for exchange liquidity provisions. Contextualizing Team Wallet Activity in Crypto Transactions from wallets linked to core development teams are never viewed in isolation. Instead, they form part of a broader narrative concerning project health and insider confidence. Typically, team token movements fall into several predictable categories: funding operational expenses, providing liquidity on decentralized or centralized exchanges, or executing planned vesting schedules. For instance, a large, unexpected deposit to a major exchange like Binance can sometimes precede increased selling pressure, potentially affecting the LAYER token’s market price. However, it may also simply facilitate necessary financial operations. The table below outlines common reasons for team-controlled wallet movements: Reason for Movement Typical Market Interpretation Vesting Schedule Unlock Planned, predictable, often neutral Liquidity Provision Generally positive for ecosystem growth Operational Funding Neutral, seen as standard business practice Large, Unplanned Exchange Deposit Can signal caution, leading to short-term volatility Therefore, understanding the context behind this Solayer team wallet activity is crucial for accurate assessment. The Solana ecosystem, which hosts the Solayer project, has established itself as a hub for high-throughput decentralized applications. Projects within it are often held to high standards of transparency regarding token allocation and team holdings. Expert Perspective on Treasury Management Signals Industry observers emphasize the importance of communication following such events. “A transparent project often pre-announces large treasury movements or provides a clear rationale shortly after they occur on-chain,” notes a veteran crypto-economist who specializes in tokenomics. This approach builds trust within the community. The lack of immediate public commentary from the Solayer team, while not unusual in the immediate aftermath, will likely prompt questions. Analysts will now monitor for follow-up transactions, official statements, or changes in exchange order book depth for LAYER. Furthermore, they will compare this action to the project’s original token distribution plan outlined in its documentation. Key metrics for watch include: Remaining Treasury Balance: The $2.7 million still held suggests ongoing runway or future planned use. Exchange Inflow Metrics: Aggregators will track if this deposit correlates with a spike in overall LAYER exchange inflows. Price Action Correlation: Analysts will study any immediate or lagged effect on the LAYER/USD trading pair. This event underscores a fundamental principle of decentralized finance: blockchain data is public, but interpretation requires nuance. A single transaction does not define a project’s trajectory but serves as one data point in a complex financial landscape. The Broader Impact on Solayer and Market Perception The immediate impact of this $3 million deposit extends beyond the transaction itself. Market participants use tools like Etherscan for Ethereum or Solscan for Solana to track these flows in real-time. Consequently, the speed at which Onchainlens reported the activity demonstrates the mature infrastructure for blockchain surveillance. For the Solayer project, this event tests its relationship with its holder community. Proactive communication can mitigate potential fears of a sudden sell-off. Historically, projects that maintain open dialogues about treasury management, even for routine operations, foster stronger, more resilient communities. Moreover, this incident highlights the evolving expectations for project teams in 2025, where sophisticated on-chain analytics are accessible to all market participants. Conclusion The reported deposit of $3 million in LAYER tokens from a Solayer team-linked wallet to Binance represents a significant on-chain event worthy of analysis. While the exact motive remains unconfirmed by official sources, the transaction provides a clear window into the continuous and transparent nature of blockchain-based asset movement. Monitoring the Solayer LAYER deposit and the team’s subsequent communication will be essential for understanding its strategic implications. Ultimately, this event reinforces the critical importance of transparency and well-communicated tokenomics in building sustainable cryptocurrency projects within the modern digital asset landscape. FAQs Q1: What exactly happened with the Solayer team wallet? A wallet identified by on-chain analysts as belonging to the Solayer team transferred 18.32 million LAYER tokens (worth $3M) to the Binance exchange. The wallet still holds an additional 16.56 million LAYER. Q2: Why do people monitor team wallets? Team wallet activity can provide insights into a project’s financial strategy, signal potential future selling pressure, or indicate routine operational moves like vesting or liquidity provisioning. Q3: Does this mean the Solayer team is selling their tokens? A deposit to an exchange like Binance often, but not always, precedes a sale. It could also be for other purposes like providing liquidity or converting tokens for operational expenses. The intent is not confirmed solely by the deposit. Q4: How was this transaction discovered so quickly? Blockchain intelligence firms like Onchainlens use automated systems to track large transactions from known wallets, especially those linked to project founders or treasuries, and report them in real-time. Q5: What should LAYER token holders do in response to this news? Holders should seek official communication from the Solayer team for context, monitor credible market analysis for interpretation, and avoid making impulsive financial decisions based on a single data point. This post Solayer LAYER Deposit: Strategic $3M Binance Move Sparks Intense Market Scrutiny first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
17 Jan 2026, 09:02
Ireland flags potential misuse of Grok on X
Ireland has expressed concerns over the misuse of the artificial intelligence chatbot Grok on blogging platform X. According to reports, the dissatisfaction was expressed to company executives at a recent meeting held in the country. This puts Ireland on a long list of countries worried about the implications of the actions of the chatbot. Over the last few weeks, countries and their leaders have called out the platform, its owner, Elon Musk, and its chatbot, Grok. This is because some users are now taking advantage of the chatbot to generate sexualized images of women and children. While some countries have threatened legal sanctions, others have called on the platform to take measures to protect children and women from being digitally abused. Ireland wants X to take corrective measures In the meeting, Artificial Intelligence Minister Niamh Smyth hailed the corrective measures that the company said it had taken to curb the menace. This was after the executives told her that Grok had been disabled from removing or reducing clothing on individuals worldwide. The new development came after the platform confirmed that it will ‘geoblock’ the ability of X and Grok users to create images of people in limited outfits. In its statement, the platform mentioned that these requests will be halted only in regions where the actions have been deemed illegal. During the meeting, the Irish AI Minister expressed her concerns that nonconsensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse materials were being generated and posted on the public platform. She told the company executives that the sophistication of the safeguards needs to match the sophistication of the technology. However, Smyth noted that her concerns remain regarding Grok as a standalone application, noting that the Irish government will need to examine it further. She added that she will continue to monitor the situation closely. Niamh also added that she is scheduled to hold an in-person follow-up meeting with executives from X in the future to ensure that adequate and enduring protections against the technology remain in place. Countries continue to criticize X and its Grok chatbot The renewed criticism comes after the platform allegedly failed to curb the generation of the menace after it pledged to halt and suspend users who generate them. During the period, UK communication watchdog Ofcom noted that it had made urgent contact with X and xAI to understand what they are doing to comply with their legal duties to protect users in the UK. The regulatory body mentioned at the time that it would assess whether an investigation is necessary. After its statement, the government of Indonesia announced that it had taken decisive action concerning the chatbot. The country mentioned that the chatbot will remain temporarily banned, citing the need to protect its women and children from the dangers of AI-generated explicit content. “The government views non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and citizens’ security in the digital space,” the country said. The development came after Australian PM Anthony Albanese threw his weight behind countries criticizing the platform, calling on them to do what is right in terms of protecting its vulnerable users. The eSafety Office of Australia mentioned that the number of reports it received was relatively small; it noted that there has been a rise in reports in relation to the incident compared to previous years. The watchdog vowed to use its powers as defined in the Australian Online Safety Act to remove these contents. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
