Solana has struggled to recover after a recent price decline, with SOL remaining capped below the $130 resistance. The altcoin has shown attempts to stabilize, yet momentum remains fragile.
Unlike previous rallies driven by new inflows, the next move appears dependent on existing Solana holders rather than fresh market entrants.
Some Solana Holders Show Resilience
On-chain data shows early signs of stabilization. The Chaikin Money Flow has posted a sharp uptick over the past few days. Although the indicator remains below the zero line, the upward movement suggests that capital outflows are slowing.
This shift is critical for Solana’s recovery outlook. Declining outflows often precede a transition toward inflows. Once buying pressure outweighs selling, SOL price can respond quickly. Sustained improvement in CMF would signal returning confidence among current holders.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Macro indicators present a more cautious picture. The number of new Solana addresses has dropped sharply in recent sessions. New addresses declined from 6.077 million to 5.390 million, an 11.3% decrease over ten days.
Falling network participation suggests weaker speculative interest. New investors appear hesitant, citing limited short-term incentives. This lack of fresh demand places greater importance on existing holders to support price stability and any recovery attempt.
Solana trades near $126 at the time of writing, remaining below the $130 resistance level. Price action shows consolidation rather than a breakout. The immediate goal for SOL is reclaiming $130, which would mark a shift in short-term momentum.
Declining outflows improve the probability of a rebound. If current holders maintain accumulation and inflows emerge, buying pressure could lift SOL toward $130. A sustained move above this level would require consistent support rather than brief speculative spikes.
Downside risks persist if sentiment deteriorates. Renewed selling could push Solana below the $123 support. A breakdown at that level may expose $118 as the next downside target. Losing this support would invalidate the bullish outlook and reinforce short-term weakness.
A coalition of more than 125 cryptocurrency companies and advocacy groups has launched a coordinated offensive against US banking lobbyists. The group includes major crypto firms such as Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken.
The move escalates a high-stakes battle over who has the right to pay interest on stablecoin deposits.
Why Banks Are Lobbying to Tweak the GENIUS Act
The main bone of contention is that the GENIUS Act explicitly prohibits stablecoin issuers like Tether from paying dividends.
However, there is currently a loophole that allows third-party platforms, such as crypto exchanges, to pass this stablecoin yield on to users.
The banking lobby contends that if unregulated fintech platforms are allowed to offer high yields on cash-equivalent tokens, it poses a systemic risk to the traditional financial architecture.
In briefings with Capitol Hill, they warned that preserving the current rules could trigger a massive capital flight. They estimated potential deposit outflows of up to $6.6 trillion from commercial banks to digital asset platforms.
Such a shift, they argue, would hollow out the capital base that banks use to underwrite mortgages and business loans. That erosion would force lenders to shrink capacity and raise borrowing costs for American households.
Crypto Coalition Fights Back
In a December 18 letter to the US Senate Committee on Banking, the crypto coalition urged lawmakers to reject attempts to expand the scope of the recently enacted GENIUS Act.
“Reopening this issue before the GENIUS Act’s implementation would weaken the certainty that defines Congressional-enacted regulatory frameworks and introduce unnecessary risk into the broader market structure effort. It would signal that even recently enacted compromises remain subject to almost immediate renegotiation, undermining the predictability that markets, consumers, and innovators rely on,” the group argued.
The crypto coalition also dismissed the banks’ concerns about stability as a protectionist effort to maintain a monopoly on low-interest deposits.
The signatories argued that banks are merely trying to protect their profit margins by preventing consumers from accessing the 4% yields currently available in the Treasury market.
“Stablecoins rewards programs enable platforms to share value directly with users, helping households benefit from higher-rate environments rather than absorbing losses to inflation,” the crypto firms argued.
The Banksters are trying to prohibit platforms like @Gemini, @coinbase, and @krakenfx from offering stablecoin rewards to you. The GENIUS Act already settled this issue with an elegant compromise — stablecoin issuers cannot offer rewards, but intermediary platforms like Gemini,… https://t.co/QpdiQfaD0X
Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, also publicly slammed the banking lobby’s maneuver, characterizing it as an attempt to “relitigate a settled legislative issue.”
XRP has struggled to sustain a recovery over the past several days, with price repeatedly failing to gain traction near key resistance levels. Despite the hesitation, investor behavior is shifting.
Large holders appear to be increasing exposure, signaling growing confidence that current prices may offer an attractive entry point.
XRP Holders Are Imbuing Confidence
On-chain data shows a notable increase in whale accumulation. Addresses holding between 100 million and 1 billion XRP added roughly 330 million tokens over the past 48 hours.
This accumulation is valued at approximately $642 million, highlighting renewed demand from large investors.
Such behavior suggests XRP whales are capitalizing on depressed prices rather than exiting positions. Accumulation during consolidation phases often reflects expectations of recovery.
This demand can provide structural support, reducing downside risk while improving the probability of a sustained rebound.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Macro indicators further support the constructive outlook. XRP’s liveliness metric has declined over the past week, signaling reduced coin movement. This trend suggests that long-term holders are shifting away from a selling behavior.
Lower liveliness readings often reflect accumulation or holding patterns. Even a pause in selling by long-term holders can stabilize price action.
Reduced distribution helps absorb short-term volatility, improving conditions for recovery when new demand enters the market.
XRP trades near $1.94 at the time of writing, sitting just below a month-long downtrend that has capped upside. The immediate recovery target stands at $2.02. A break above this level would signal renewed strength and an improvement in the trend.
Accumulation by whales and declining long-term selling pressure favor a bullish scenario. If these factors persist, XRP could push past $2.02 and advance toward $2.20. Such a move would mark a clear breakout from the prevailing downtrend.
Downside risks remain if bearish pressure regains control. A failure to sustain momentum could pull XRP back toward $1.85. Further weakness may expose the $1.79 support. Losing that level would invalidate the bullish thesis and reinforce near-term downside risk.
Hedera’s HBAR continues to trade under pressure as a persistent downtrend limits upside attempts. Multiple breakout efforts have failed, keeping the altcoin from establishing higher levels.
The broader market environment has added strain, preventing HBAR from gaining traction despite brief stabilization near key support zones.
Hedera Is Facing Bearishness
Technical indicators show growing bearish momentum. The Squeeze Momentum Indicator was released earlier last week, triggering heightened volatility. Instead of an upside move, the release resulted in a sharp price drop, reinforcing negative sentiment among short-term traders.
The indicator’s histogram continues to deepen in bearish territory. This pattern suggests selling pressure remains dominant. Strengthening downside momentum reduces the likelihood of HBAR price recovery, as traders hesitate to reenter positions amid weak technical confirmation.
HBAR’s macro outlook is closely tied to Bitcoin’s performance. The altcoin currently shows a strong correlation of 0.79 with BTC. This relationship indicates HBAR is largely mirroring Bitcoin’s price movements rather than acting independently.
Bitcoin’s struggle to recover has therefore weighed heavily on HBAR. When BTC lacks momentum, correlated assets often face similar constraints. Unless Bitcoin stages a sustained rebound, HBAR’s ability to break its downtrend remains limited by broader market weakness.
HBAR Correlation With Bitcoin. Source: TradingView
HBAR Price Could Note Further Decline
HBAR trades near $0.111 at the time of writing, holding slightly above the $0.110 support. The token dropped 24.5% earlier last week after failing to escape its month-long downtrend. Current price action suggests cautious stabilization rather than reversal.
Given prevailing conditions, HBAR may continue to struggle below the $0.120 level. Persistent bearish momentum could drag the price toward $0.099. A move to this zone would extend losses and reinforce the downtrend that has dominated recent trading sessions.
A bullish alternative depends on renewed investor inflows. Increased buying interest could help HBAR reclaim $0.120 and break free from its downward structure. A sustained push toward $0.125 would invalidate the bearish thesis and signal improving confidence among market participants.
Ethereum core developers have revealed plans to execute two major network upgrades in 2026, codenamed “Glamsterdam” and “Hegota.”
This decision marks the blockchain network’s continued strategic pivot toward a faster release cadence. The move is intended to establish a predictable biannual upgrade schedule and strengthen its competitive position against high-throughput rivals.
Ethereum Shifts to Biannual Upgrades to Fend Off High-Speed Rivals
The roadmap positions “Glamsterdam” for release in the first half of 2026, arriving fast on the heels of the recent “Fusaka” hard fork.
According to developers, Glamsterdam will focus on immediate scalability and efficiency fixes, primarily through gas optimizations and “Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation” (ePBS).
Meanwhile, the developers intend to finalize the full feature list for Glamsterdam immediately following the holiday break.
On the other hand, the second phase of the 2026 sprint, “Hegota,” targets the latter half of the year.
The upgrade’s name reflects its dual nature, combining the “Bogota” execution-layer update with the “Heze” consensus-layer update.
Christine Kim, a former Vice President at Galaxy Digital who now closely tracks protocol governance, noted that scoping discussions for Hegota will commence on the January 8 All Core Developers call.
These sessions will determine the fork’s “headliner” features, with a finalized scope expected by late February.
Other Planned Updates
Parallel to these structural changes, the Ethereum Foundation is aggressively reorienting its long-term research toward security hardening.
Researcher George Kadianakis confirmed that the network aims to achieve “128-bit provable security” by year-end 2026. The cryptographic standard is considered essential for institutional-grade financial applications.
“For zkEVMs, this isn’t academic. A soundness issue is not like other security issues. If an attacker can forge a proof, they can forge anything: mint tokens from nothing, rewrite state, steal funds. For an L1 zkEVM securing hundreds of billions of dollars, the security margin is not negotiable,” he stated.
The Foundation has linked this initiative to specific milestones, including a “soundcalc” integration in February and full alignment with the Glamsterdam hard fork in May.
Meanwhile, these efforts aim to remove the technical friction that currently limits Ethereum’s mass adoption.
To bridge this gap, developers are implementing a strategy to lower entry barriers and match the intuitive simplicity of mainstream consumer applications.
Zcash has recorded a sharp upside move, gaining 13% over the past 24 hours and pushing closer to the $500 level.
The rally reflects improving holder confidence and supportive technical momentum. Unlike many altcoins, ZEC is maintaining relative strength despite broader market uncertainty.
Zcash Holders Seem To Be Changing Stance
Momentum indicators highlight Zcash’s improving sentiment. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has climbed above the neutral 50.0 level and entered the positive zone. This shift places ZEC among a small group of altcoins currently showing bullish momentum.
An RSI above 50.0 suggests buyers are gaining control. This positioning may help Zcash resist short-term bearish pressure affecting the wider market. Strong momentum readings often support trend continuation when paired with stable demand from holders.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Macro indicators reinforce the constructive outlook. The Chaikin Money Flow is trending higher, signaling a slowdown in capital outflows. Although the indicator remains below the zero line, the upward move suggests selling pressure is easing.
Retracing outflows is significant during recovery phases. If market conditions remain steady, declining outflows could transition into net inflows. Such a shift would confirm improving conviction and provide the liquidity needed to sustain ZEC’s upward trajectory.
Zcash price is standing near $438 at the time of writing, marking a 13% gain in one day. The price is now testing the $442 resistance zone. Clearing this level is critical for confirming the continuation of the current rally.
Bullish technical signals support further upside. If momentum indicators remain positive and capital flows stabilize, ZEC could advance toward $500. The move would require only a 13.8% increase from current levels, making the target technically achievable in favorable conditions.
Downside risks persist if resistance holds. Failure to breach $442 or renewed selling could pull ZEC back toward the $403 support. A breakdown below that level would weaken the bullish outlook and open the door to a deeper correction toward $370.
A cryptocurrency trader lost $50 million in Tether’s USDT after falling victim to a sophisticated “address poisoning” attack.
On December 20, blockchain security firm Scam Sniffer reported that the attack began after the victim sent a small $50 test transaction to his own address.
How The Address Poisoning Scheme Unfolded
Notably, traders use this standard precaution to confirm that they are sending funds to the correct address.
— Scam Sniffer | Web3 Anti-Scam (@realScamSniffer) December 20, 2025
The fake address is designed to match the intended recipient’s address at the beginning and end of the alphanumeric string. The differences appear only in the middle characters, making the fraud difficult to detect at a glance.
The attacker then sent a negligible amount of cryptocurrency from the spoofed address to the victim’s wallet.
That transaction effectively placed the fraudulent address into the victim’s recent transaction history, where many wallet interfaces display only truncated address details.
Relying on that visual shorthand, the victim copied the address from their transaction history without checking the full string. So, instead of transferring funds to a secure personal wallet, the trader sent 49,999,950 USDT directly to the attacker.
After receiving the funds, the malicious attacker quickly moved to limit the risk of asset seizure, according to on-chain records. The attacker immediately swapped the stolen USDT, which its issuer can freeze, for the DAI stablecoin using MetaMask Swap.
Attacker Moves to Obscure Transaction Trail. Source: Slowmist
The attacker then converted the funds into roughly 16,680 ETH.
To further obscure the transaction trail, the attacker deposited the ETH into Tornado Cash. The decentralized mixing service is designed to sever the visible link between sending and receiving addresses.
Victim Offers $1 Million Bounty
In an attempt to recover the assets, the victim sent an on-chain message offering a $1 million white-hat bounty in return for 98% of the stolen funds.
“We have officially filed a criminal case. With the assistance of law enforcement, cybersecurity agencies, and multiple blockchain protocols, we have already gathered substantial and actionable intelligence regarding your activities,” the message stated.
The message warned that the victim would pursue “relentless” legal action if the attacker failed to comply within 48 hours.
“If you fail to comply: We will escalate the matter through legal and international law enforcement channels. Your identity will be uncovered and shared with the appropriate authorities. We will relentlessly pursue criminal and civil action until full justice is served. This is not a request. You are being given one final chance to avoid irreversible consequences,” the victim stated.
The incident underscores a persistent vulnerability in how digital wallets display transaction information and how attackers exploit user behavior rather than flaws in blockchain code.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that wallet providers’ practice of abbreviating long address strings for usability and design reasons creates a persistent risk.
If this problem is not solved, attackers are likely to continue exploiting users’ tendency to verify only the first and last few characters of an address.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, the US Senate’s most prominent cryptocurrency advocate, announced on December 19 that she will not seek reelection in 2026.
The decision sets a definitive deadline on her legislative agenda, creating a two-year sprint to enshrine digital asset regulations before she leaves office in January 2027.
Lummis’ Impending Retirement Adds Pressure to Codify Crypto Laws
Lummis cited the “exhausting” pace of recent sessions as the primary driver for her exit. “I am a devout legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon,” she wrote, admitting she lacks the energy reserves for another six-year term.
Thank you, Wyoming! Serving our state has been the honor of my life. – Cynthia Lummis pic.twitter.com/FoRTlHaHxI
While the Trump administration has reversed several anti-crypto measures and advanced pro-crypto goals through executive action, Sen. Lummis has welcomed those steps.
She has consistently argued, however, that durable progress requires legislative codification rather than policy set by executive order alone.
So, her final term will focus on bridging the gap between temporary executive orders and permanent congressional law to protect the industry from future political reversals.
“I look forward to throwing all my energy into bringing important legislation to [Trump’s] desk in 2026 and into retaining commonsense Republican control of the US Senate,” Lummis said.
Meanwhile, the announcement triggered immediate accolades from industry heavyweights. Some argued that her exit would leave a crypto leadership vacuum in Washington.
Collin McCune, Head of Government Affairs at a16z, highlighted her national impact and noted her role in advancing crypto legislation.
“Senator Lummis fought for Wyoming every day for many years. Beyond that, her leadership created space for innovators and builders across the country. Crypto would not be where it is today without her fight in the Congress,” he added.
Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of crypto exchange Kraken, offered a detailed retrospective on Lummis’s legacy, crediting her with making Wyoming the first jurisdiction to take a “technically informed approach” to digital assets.
Sethi praised Lummis for championing frameworks that aligned with “technical reality” rather than legacy assumptions. He said the approach helped create operating certainty across markets, from Bitcoin to emerging “memetic assets.”
“Senator Lummis advocacy for Bitcoin and digital assets has been grounded, patient, and long term. Not performative. Not reactive. Focused on competitiveness, resilience, and ensuring the United States remains a place where open systems can be built and operated responsibly,” Sethi said.
The US Dollar (USD) enters the new year at a crossroads. After several years of sustained strength driven by US growth outperformance, aggressive Federal Reserve (Fed) tightening, and recurrent episodes of global risk aversion, the conditions that underpinned broad-based USD appreciation are beginning to erode, but not collapse.
FXStreet predicts the coming year is better characterised as a transition phase rather than a clean regime shift.
A Transitional Year for USD
The 2026 base case is for a moderate softening of the Greenback, led by high-beta and undervalued currencies, as interest-rate differentials narrow and global growth becomes less asymmetric.
The Fed is expected to move cautiously towards policy easing, but the bar for aggressive rate cuts remains high. Sticky services inflation, a resilient labour market, and expansionary fiscal policy argue against a rapid normalisation of US monetary settings.
US Dollar Index Over the Past Decade. Source: Macro Trends
In the FX galaxy, this implies selective opportunities rather than a wholesale US Dollar bear market.
Near-term risks include renewed US fiscal brinkmanship, with shutdown risk more likely to generate episodic volatility and defensive USD demand than a lasting shift in the Dollar’s trend.
Looking further ahead, the approaching end of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term in May introduces an additional source of uncertainty, with markets beginning to assess whether a future Fed leadership transition could eventually tilt policy in a more dovish direction.
Overall, the year ahead is less about calling the end of Dollar dominance and more about navigating a world in which the USD is less irresistible but still indispensable.
US Dollar in 2025: From Exceptionalism to Exhaustion?
The past year was not defined by a single shock but by a steady sequence of moments that kept testing, and ultimately reaffirming, the US Dollar’s resilience.
It began with a confident consensus that US growth would slow and that the Fed would soon pivot towards easier policy.
Inflation became the second recurring fault line. Headline pressures eased, but progress was uneven, particularly in services.
Every upside surprise reopened the debate about how restrictive policy really needed to be, and each time the result looked familiar: a firmer Dollar and a reminder that the disinflation process was not yet complete.
Geopolitics added a constant background hum. Tensions in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and fragile US-China relations – namely on the trade front – regularly unsettled markets.
Outside the US, there was little to challenge that setup: Europe struggled to generate clear momentum, China’s recovery failed to convince, and relative growth underperformance elsewhere capped the scope for sustained Dollar weakness.
And then there’s the Trump factor: Politics has mattered less as a clean directional driver for the Dollar and more as a source of recurring volatility.
As the timeline below shows, periods of heightened policy or geopolitical uncertainty have typically been moments when the currency benefited from its safe-haven role.
Trump Timeline
Moving into 2026, that pattern is unlikely to change. The Trump presidency is more likely to influence FX through bursts of uncertainty around trade, fiscal policy, or institutions than through a predictable policy path.
Federal Reserve Policy: Cautious Easing, not a Pivot
The Fed policy remains the single most important anchor for the US Dollar outlook. Markets are increasingly confident that the peak in the policy rate is behind us.
Still, expectations for the pace and depth of easing remain fluid and somewhat over-optimistic.
Inflation has clearly moderated, but the final leg of disinflation is proving stubborn, with both headline and core Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth still above the bank’s 2.0% goal.
Services inflation remains elevated, wage growth is only slowly cooling, and financial conditions have eased materially. The labour market, while no longer overheating, remains resilient by historical standards.
US Inflation Performance Since 2022
Against this backdrop, the Fed is likely to cut rates gradually and conditionally, rather than embark on an aggressive easing cycle.
From an FX perspective, this matters because rate differentials are unlikely to compress as rapidly as markets currently expect.
The implication is that USD weakness driven by Fed easing is likely to be orderly rather than explosive.
Fiscal Dynamics and the Political Cycle
US fiscal policy remains a familiar complication for the Dollar outlook. Large deficits, rising debt issuance, and a deeply polarised political environment are no longer temporary features of the cycle; they are part of the landscape.
There is a clear tension at work.
On the one hand, expansive fiscal policy continues to support growth, delays any meaningful slowdown, and indirectly props up the Dollar by reinforcing US outperformance.
On the other hand, the steady increase in Treasury issuance raises obvious questions about debt sustainability and how long global investors will remain willing to absorb an ever-growing supply.
Markets have been remarkably relaxed about the so-called “twin deficits” thus far. Demand for US assets remains strong, drawn by liquidity, yield, and the absence of credible alternatives at scale.
Politics adds another layer of uncertainty.
Election years – with midterms in November 2026 – tend to increase risk premia and introduce short-term volatility into FX markets.
The recent government shutdown serves as a prime example: despite the US government resuming operations after 43 days, the main issue remains unresolved.
Lawmakers have pushed the next funding deadline to January 30, keeping the risk of another standoff firmly on the radar.
Valuation and Positioning: Crowded, but Not Broken
From a valuation standpoint, the US Dollar is no longer cheap, but neither does it screen as wildly stretched. Valuation alone, however, has rarely been a reliable trigger for major turning points in the Dollar cycle.
Positioning tells a more intriguing story: Speculative positioning has swung decisively, with USD net shorts now sitting at multi-year highs. In other words, a meaningful portion of the market has already positioned for further Dollar weakness.
That does not invalidate the bearish case, but it does change the risk profile. With positioning increasingly one-sided, the hurdle for sustained USD downside rises, while the risk of short-covering rallies grows.
This matters particularly in an environment still prone to policy surprises and geopolitical stress.
Put together, a relatively rich valuation and heavy short positioning argue less for a clean Dollar bear market and more for a choppier ride, with periods of weakness regularly interrupted by sharp and sometimes uncomfortable counter-trend moves.
US Dollar Index Against Net Position on Open Interest
Geopolitics and Safe-Haven Dynamics
Geopolitics remains one of the quieter but more reliable sources of support for the US Dollar.
Rather than one dominant geopolitical shock, markets are dealing with a steady build-up of tail risks.
Tensions in the Middle East remain unresolved, the war in Ukraine continues to weigh on Europe, and US-China relations are fragile at best. Add in disruptions to global trade routes and a renewed focus on strategic competition, and the background level of uncertainty stays elevated.
None of this means the Dollar should be permanently bid. But taken together, these risks reinforce a familiar pattern: when uncertainty rises and liquidity is suddenly in demand, the USD continues to benefit disproportionately from safe-haven flows.
Outlook for the major currency pairs
● EUR/USD: The Euro (EUR) should find some support as cyclical conditions improve and energy-related fears fade. That said, Europe’s deeper structural challenges haven’t gone away. Weak trend growth, limited fiscal flexibility, and an European Central Bank (ECB) that is likely to ease earlier than the Fed all cap the upside.
● USD/JPY: Japan’s gradual move away from ultra-loose policy should help the Japanese Yen (JPY) at the margin, but the yield gap with the US remains wide, and the risk of official intervention is never far away. Expect plenty of volatility, two-way risk, and sharp tactical moves, rather than anything that resembles a smooth, sustained trend.
● GBP/USD: The Pound Sterling (GBP) continues to face a tough backdrop. Trend growth is weak, fiscal headroom is limited, and politics remains a source of uncertainty. Valuation helps at the margin, but the UK still lacks a clear cyclical tailwind.
● USD/CNY: China’s policy stance remains firmly focused on stability, not reflation. Depreciation pressures on the Renminbi (CNY) haven’t disappeared, but authorities are unlikely to tolerate sharp or disorderly moves. That approach limits the risk of broader USD strength spilling over through Asia, but it also caps the upside for emerging-market FX tied closely to China’s cycle.
● Commodity FX: The likes of the Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), and Norwegian Krone (NOK) should benefit when risk sentiment improves and commodity prices stabilise. Even so, any gains are likely to be uneven and highly sensitive to Chinese data.
Scenarios and Risks for 2026
In the base case (60% probability), the Dollar gradually loses some ground as interest-rate differentials narrow and global growth becomes less uneven. This is a world of steady adjustment rather than a sharp reversal.
A more bullish outcome for the USD (around 25%), would be driven by familiar forces: inflation proving stickier than expected, Fed rate cuts being pushed further out (or no cuts at all), or a geopolitical shock that revives demand for safety and liquidity.
The bearish Dollar scenario carries a lower probability, around 15%. It would require a cleaner global growth recovery and a more decisive Fed easing cycle, enough to materially erode the buck’s yield advantage.
Another source of uncertainty sits around the Fed itself. With Chief Powell’s term ending in May, markets are likely to start focusing on who comes next well before any actual change takes place.
A perception that a successor might lean more dovish could gradually weigh on the Dollar by eroding confidence in US real yield support. As with much of the current outlook, the impact is likely to be uneven and time-dependent rather than a clean directional shift.
Taken together, the risks remain tilted towards episodic bouts of Dollar strength, even if the broader direction of travel points modestly lower over time.
US Dollar Technical Analysis
From a technical standpoint, the Dollar’s recent pullback still looks more like a pause within a broader range than the start of a decisive trend reversal, at least when viewed through the lens of the US Dollar Index.
Step back to the weekly and monthly charts, and the picture becomes clearer: the DXY remains comfortably above its pre-pandemic levels, with buyers continuing to appear whenever stress returns to the system.
On the downside, the first key area to watch is around the 96.30 region, which marks roughly three-year lows. A clean break below that zone would be meaningful, bringing the long-term 200-month moving average just above 92.00 back into play.
Below there, the sub-90.00 area, last tested around the 2021 lows, would mark the next major line in the sand.
On the topside, the 100-week moving average near 103.40 stands out as the first serious hurdle. A move through that level would reopen the
door towards the 110.00 area, last reached in early January 2025. Once (and if) the latter is cleared, the post-pandemic peak near 114.80, which emerged in late 2022, could start to take shape on the horizon.
Taken together, the technical picture fits neatly with the broader macro story. There is room for further downside, but it is unlikely to be smooth or uncontested.
Indeed, the technicals point to a DXY that remains range-bound, paying attention to shifts in sentiment, and prone to sharp counter-moves rather than a clean, one-directional decline.
US Dollar Index (DXY) weekly chart
Conclusion: The End of the Peak, not the Privilege
The year ahead is unlikely to mark the end of the US Dollar’s central role in the global financial system.
Instead, it represents the end of a particularly favourable phase in which growth, policy, and geopolitics aligned perfectly in its favour.
As these forces slowly rebalance, the Greenback should lose some altitude, but not its relevance. For investors and policymakers alike, the challenge will be to distinguish between cyclical pullbacks and structural turning points.
The SEC has finalized civil settlements against three former senior executives at FTX and Alameda Research.
This judgment formally closes a major chapter in the regulator’s case tied to the collapse of the crypto exchange.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Associates Receive a Decade of Ban
In a statement released on December 18, the SEC said it has filed proposed final consent judgments against Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, Gary Wang, former chief technology officer of FTX, and Nishad Singh, former co-lead engineer at FTX.
The judgments are subject to court approval.
ICYMI – Caroline Ellison was "quietly moved" from federal prison to "community confinement," after serving 11 months of her two year sentence, with online prison records listing an early release for Feb 2026 — BI pic.twitter.com/5HCAK5mQD2
The SEC confirms that FTX raised more than $1.8 billion from investors by portraying itself as a safe trading platform with strong protections for customer assets.
Investors were also told that Alameda Research operated like any other customer on the exchange. But those claims were false.
In reality, FTX secretly gave Alameda special privileges. The trading firm was exempted from risk controls and granted a virtually unlimited line of credit backed by FTX customer deposits.
This allowed Caroline Ellison to borrow and lose billions without facing liquidation.
The regulator alleges that Wang and Singh built the software code that enabled customer funds to be diverted from FTX to Alameda.
Ellison, who ran Alameda, then used those funds for trading, venture investments, and loans to executives, including Sam Bankman-Fried, Wang, and Singh.
Ryan Salame tweets his court filing that his plea was based upon no federal charges against Michelle Bond
All FTX insiders – Caroline Ellison, Gary Wang, Nishad Singh, Daniel Friedberg, Sam Trabucco etc
— Sunil (FTX Creditor Champion) (@sunil_trades) August 26, 2025
Without admitting or denying the allegations, all three executives agreed to permanent injunctions barring them from violating key antifraud provisions of US securities law. They also accepted additional restrictions on their future professional roles.
Ellison consented to a 10-year ban from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
Wang and Singh each agreed to 8-year bans as officers and directors.
All three are also subject to 5-year conduct-based injunctions, allowing the SEC to act quickly if they reenter securities-related activities improperly.
Gary Wang, FTX’s former CTO and co-founder, received a criminal sentence of time served after cooperating extensively with federal prosecutors. He is currently on supervised release.
Nishad Singh, the former co-lead engineer at FTX, also received a time-served criminal sentence and remains on supervised release.
The crypto market is heading into the final week of 2025, and this will be the second last weekend of the year. As Bitcoin and the altcoins alike have been directionless, external factors may act as catalysts in the coming days.
BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that present interesting opportunities for investors this weekend.
Midnight (NIGHT)
NIGHT has emerged as the best-performing altcoin of the week, gaining 61% since launch. Strong early momentum continues to attract speculative interest. The sharp rise reflects heightened demand from traders seeking exposure to newly launched assets with high growth narratives.
Investor interest is driven by NIGHT’s development ties to Charles Hoskinson and the Cardano ecosystem through the Midnight blockchain. The token now exceeds a $1 billion market cap. Trading near $0.064, NIGHT could break $0.065 and $0.075, targeting the $0.088 all-time high.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Downside risks remain elevated for a newly launched token. Premature profit-taking could reverse momentum quickly. If selling pressure increases, NIGHT may fall toward $0.045. Such a move would erase recent gains, invalidate the bullish thesis, and increase short-term volatility.
Pump.fun (PUMP)
PUMP has moved opposite to NIGHT, ranking among the worst-performing altcoins this week. The token has fallen more than 35%, trading near $0.00197. Persistent selling pressure reflects weak sentiment, as investors continue reducing exposure amid broader market uncertainty.
Despite losses, technical indicators offer a potential rebound signal. The relative strength index has entered oversold territory, suggesting selling pressure may be exhausting. If buyers step in, PUMP could rebound above $0.00212 and extend gains toward the $0.00242 resistance level.
The recovery scenario remains fragile. Failure to attract buying interest could extend losses. A breakdown below current levels may send PUMP toward the $0.00171 support. Such a move would invalidate the bullish outlook and reinforce continued downside risk.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Bitcoin Cash jumped 8% today on asset-specific activity rather than broader Bitcoin moves. The rally followed speculation surrounding ShapeShift founder Erik Voorhees swapping 4,619 ETH, valued at $13.42 million, for 24,950 BCH from a wallet inactive for nine years, reigniting market interest.
However, Erik Voorhees confirmed that the wallet did not belong to him, nor does he own any BCH. Nevertheless, the rally ignited by the speculation may likely extend into the weekend.
Continued investor inflows, confirmed by a rising Chaikin Money Flow, support the upside case. If demand holds, BCH could break above $593 and advance toward $624, signaling short-term recovery strength driven by renewed confidence.
Downside risks persist if momentum fades. Failure to reclaim $593 could keep Bitcoin Cash capped below $600. In that scenario, weakening demand may pull BCH toward $555 or lower, reinforcing consolidation and invalidating the near-term bullish outlook.
Fresh US economic data is sending a clear but nuanced signal to markets. Inflation pressures are easing, but consumers remain under strain.
For Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, that mix points to improving macro conditions, tempered by near-term volatility.
Why Inflation Expectations Matter More Than Sentiment
US consumer sentiment edged up to 52.9 in December, slightly higher than November but still nearly 30% lower than a year ago, according to the University of Michigan.
For markets, those inflation expectations matter more than confidence levels.
Consumer sentiment measures how people feel about their finances and the economy. Inflation expectations measure what they think prices will do next. Central banks care far more about the latter.
Falling short- and long-term inflation expectations suggest households believe price pressures are easing and will stay contained.
This data follows November’s CPI report, which showed inflation cooling faster than expected. Together, the two reports reinforce the same message: inflation is losing momentum.
Who do you believe:
A. University of Michigan consumer confidence below COVID April 2020 and Lehman September 2008 levels.
Lower inflation expectations reduce the need for high interest rates. Markets tend to respond by pricing in earlier or deeper rate cuts, even if economic growth remains slow.
For risk assets, including crypto, this matters because:
Lower rates reduce returns on cash and bonds
Real yields tend to fall
Financial conditions gradually loosen
Bitcoin has historically responded more to liquidity conditions than to consumer confidence or economic growth.
Why Weak Confidence Does Not Hurt Crypto as Much
Low consumer confidence reflects cost-of-living pressures, not collapsing demand. People still feel stretched, but they are less worried about prices rising sharply from here.
Crypto markets do not rely on consumer spending in the same way equities do. Instead, they react to:
Interest rate expectations
Dollar strength
Global liquidity
That makes falling inflation expectations supportive for Bitcoin, even when confidence remains weak.
Why Volatility Is Likely to Continue
This environment favors risk assets over time, but not in a straight line.
Weak confidence means growth remains fragile. That keeps markets sensitive to data releases, positioning, and short-term flows. As seen after the CPI report, even bullish macro data can trigger sharp reversals when leverage is high.
For Bitcoin, that typically results in:
Strong reactions to macro news
Choppy price action
Rallies driven by liquidity rather than conviction
Looking Ahead to January 2026
Taken together, the data points to a constructive macro backdrop for crypto heading into early 2026. Inflation pressures are easing, policy constraints are loosening, and liquidity conditions are improving.
At the same time, weak confidence explains why markets remain volatile and prone to sudden selloffs.
The key takeaway is simple: macro conditions are improving for Bitcoin, but price action will continue to be shaped by flows, leverage, and timing rather than optimism alone.
Hedera is moving into a risky zone. Over the past month, buying pressure has dropped by nearly 90%, even as the HBAR price continues to slide. While the broader crypto market is trying to stabilize, Hedera is not seeing the same response, especially on the charts.
Buyers are stepping away instead of buying dips. At this point, a downside break is no longer a low-chance outcome. It is starting to look like the base case.
Spot Buying Has Almost Vanished as Downtrend Stays Intact
In the week ending November 10, Hedera recorded spot outflows of approximately $26.7 million, indicating strong buying as coins moved off exchanges. By the week ending December 15, that number fell to just $2.4 million. That is a collapse of roughly 90% in buying pressure in little more than a month.
This is significant because the price is already trading within a descending channel, a bearish pattern. When buyers disappear during a downtrend, sellers need little force to push the price lower. The market becomes fragile.
The Money Flow Index, or MFI, confirms this weakness. MFI tracks how much money is entering or leaving an asset using both price and volume. In HBAR’s case, MFI has been making lower lows along with price and has now slipped into oversold territory. Instead of bouncing, it keeps trending down.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
That indicates that dips are not being bought, suggesting minimal price-specific conviction.
Why the HBAR Price Breakdown Scenario Is Gaining Weight
With weak spot demand and falling money flow, the HBAR price action becomes the final judge.
HBAR is sitting near the lower boundary of its descending channel. The first key level to watch is $0.106. If price loses this level on a daily close, the next downside target comes in near $0.095, which is about 12% lower than current levels. Reaching there would mean a confirmed bearish breakdown, bringing even $0.078 into the mix.
That move would confirm continuation of the downtrend rather than a temporary dip.
For the bearish case to break, HBAR would need a major shift. Price would have to reclaim several resistance zones and close near $0.155. Given the collapse in spot buying and the persistence of weak MFI, that outcome appears unlikely at present.
The conclusion is straightforward. With buyers largely gone, money flow falling, and price already trapped in a bearish structure, a breakdown is no longer just a risk. For now, it is the base case, or rather a likely outcome.
Arthur Hayes has moved 508.647 ETH, worth roughly $1.5 million, to Galaxy Digital, sparking fresh speculation that the crypto veteran may be trimming exposure. The move is surprising because recently Hayes delivered one of his strongest bullish theses on Ethereum.
Arthur Hayes Ethereum Sell Speculation
On-chain data shows the transfer originated from a wallet linked to Hayes and landed at a Galaxy Digital deposit address.
Transfers to institutional desks do not always signal an immediate sale. But such movements are commonly associated with liquidity provisioning or over-the-counter execution.
Arthur Hayes Sent 508 ETH To Galaxy Digital. Source: Arkham
“You’re going to see large banks start doing crypto and Web3 using a public blockchain. I think the public blockchain will be Ethereum.”
He acknowledged that privacy remains a sticking point for institutional adoption but argued that the issue will be addressed at the application or Layer-2 level, with Ethereum continuing to anchor security.
“They might build an L2 that has some sort of privacy features… but the substrate, the security layer, is still Ethereum.”
However, market conditions remain mixed. Ethereum has struggled to regain sustained momentum above $3,000 as spot ETH ETFs recorded notable outflows in mid-December, while implied volatility in derivatives markets has compressed. This reflects caution rather than panic.
At the protocol level, activity continues to migrate toward rollups, keeping transaction costs low but limiting fee capture on Ethereum’s base layer.
Hayes also struck a pragmatic tone on valuation expectations, offering a long-term target rather than a near-term prediction.
“If ETH gets to $20,000, that’s about 50 Ethereum to make a million… by the end of the cycle, by the next presidential election.”
For now, Hayes’ on-chain activity suggests tactical positioning, not a reversal of conviction. His thesis remains intact: Ethereum wins if stablecoins and institutional on-chain finance scale.
The market, however, may still be waiting for that narrative to fully materialize.
Ethereum continues to struggle with price recovery as it repeatedly fails to close above the $3,000 level. ETH has shown brief upside attempts, only to retreat under selling pressure.
While price action remains frustrating for holders, underlying network data points to strengthening fundamentals that may support future recovery.
Ethereum Holders Are Staying
Ethereum leads all major cryptocurrencies in non-empty wallet count. The network hosts more than 167.9 million active addresses holding balances. Bitcoin, by comparison, has about 57.62 million. Other top-cap assets trail significantly behind both networks.
This dominance highlights Ethereum’s broad user base and diverse use cases. Decentralized finance, NFTs, and smart contract activity continue to drive engagement. Strong participation reflects confidence, which plays a critical role in sustaining demand.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Macro indicators further support a constructive outlook. Ethereum balances on centralized exchanges have declined steadily. Since the start of the month, roughly 397,495 ETH have been withdrawn from exchanges, reducing immediate sell-side supply.
These outflows suggest accumulation at current price levels. The withdrawn ETH is valued at over $1.17 billion, signaling confidence among long-term investors. Lower exchange balances often precede reduced selling pressure, which can support price recovery when demand strengthens.
Ethereum trades near $2,946 at the time of writing, remaining below the psychological $3,000 level. The asset has consistently bounced off the $2,762 support zone over recent weeks. This behavior indicates buyers are defending lower levels despite broader uncertainty.
If supportive trends continue, ETH could attempt another breakout above $3,000. A successful move may open the path toward $3,131. Continued momentum could extend gains toward $3,287, signaling improving confidence among both retail and institutional participants.
Risks persist if selling pressure intensifies. A breakdown below $2,762 would weaken the recovery narrative. Losing this support could send Ethereum toward the $2,681 level, marking a four-week low and invalidating the bullish thesis outlined by improving on-chain metrics.
Zcash price has struggled to find a clear direction over the past few weeks, despite being up over 600% in the 3-month window. The token is moving sideways even as other parts of the crypto market attempt small rebounds.
This comes despite fresh attention from a high-profile voice in crypto. In a recent interview, Arthur Hayes spoke positively about Zcash’s design.
Still, the ZEC price action shows hesitation despite the near 4% uptick, day-on-day. Traders are now weighing whether this support matters in the short term or if charts will decide first.
Arthur Hayes Said This About The Privacy Model
Arthur Hayes is the co-founder of BitMEX and a well-known crypto market figure. In a recent interview with Kyle Chasse, Hayes explained why his view on privacy coins has changed over time.
He said that while Monero was once seen as the strongest privacy option, new data and upgrades shifted his thinking. Hayes highlighted Zcash’s progress, particularly in shielded transactions and cryptographic improvements.
“That’s one of the reasons why I moved from the Monero camp into the Zcash camp when we talk about privacy coins,” he said, 30 minutes into interview.
What matters here is context. Hayes did not talk about Zcash price targets. He did not say buyers should rush in. His comments focused on technology and design, not market timing.
That distinction explains why the price has not reacted yet.
Why Zcash Price Has Not Reacted Yet
Despite the attention from Arthur Hayes, the Zcash price has not moved much. The reason is visible on the chart.
First, a bearish EMA crossover is forming. EMA means exponential moving average. It shows the average price but gives more weight to recent moves.
When the 20-day moves below the 50-day, it usually means short-term sellers are stronger than buyers. Right now, the 20-day EMA is very close to crossing below the 50-day. This keeps traders cautious.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Second, on-balance volume (OBV) is not helping the price. OBV tracks whether volume is flowing in or out. Between December 12 and December 18, the Zcash price trended lower, and OBV also weakened. This indicates that buyers are not yet adding strength. Without a rising OBV, rallies often fail, and downside moves usually do not reverse.
Put together, the picture is clear. The EMA crossover warns of short-term pressure. OBV shows weak follow-through from buyers. This explains why the Zcash price remains stuck and waits for a clear direction.
Arthur Hayes’ comments provide long-term confidence, but charts indicate that traders are waiting for technical evidence. Until buyers step in with volume, the price is likely to remain undecided.
What Could Decide the Next Zcash Price Move
Large capital flows provide the clearest clue. The CMF or Chaikin Money Flow indicator has been rising between December 11 and December 18, while the ZEC price corrected. This pattern means larger holders are showing interest even while the prices remain weak.
However, CMF is still below the zero line. That matters. A move above zero often confirms real buying. In past cases, like in early November, the price followed strongly once the CMF crossed that level.
For Zcash, the levels are clear. A clean daily close above $434 would show buyers are taking control again. If that happens, the next important zone sits near $516.
On the downside, $371 is the first key support. If the price slips below that level, sellers could push it toward $301, where previous buying interest appeared.
Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.
Grab a coffee because today’s Morning Briefing isn’t just about interest rates. It’s about leverage, funding, and which side of the Pacific really sets the rhythm for risk assets when the policy paths split. As one central bank eases (the US), the other tightens (Japan). The tension between the two is beginning to reshape global liquidity in ways that don’t show up in a single chart or price candle.
Crypto News of the Day: Japan Raises Interest Rates, But the Fed Cuts, Which Side Has A Stronger Impact?
Global markets are at an impasse, amid a rare and consequential policy divergence. On the one hand, the US Federal Reserve has begun cutting interest rates to support slowing growth. In contrast, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is moving in the opposite direction, raising rates to levels not seen in three decades.
The question facing investors is no longer whether these moves matter, but which one ultimately carries more weight for global liquidity, currencies, and crypto markets.
On December 19, the BOJ raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995. This marks another step away from decades of ultra-loose monetary policy. Macro analysts see the move as more than a routine adjustment.
🚨 BREAKING: 🇯🇵 BOJ DELIVERS THE HIKE
Rates raised 25 bps to 0.75%, marking a 30-year high.
Unlike the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, which are cyclical and designed to smooth economic slowdowns, Japan’s tightening is structural. For nearly 30 years, near-zero Japanese rates anchored one of the world’s most important sources of cheap leverage.
Even modest increases now carry outsized consequences because they disrupt funding strategies deeply embedded across global markets.
The immediate impact was most visible in currency markets. Despite the historic hike, the yen initially weakened as Governor Kazuo Ueda offered limited clarity on the pace of future tightening.
Reuters noted that the currency slipped as the BOJ “stays vague on tightening path.” This highlights how forward guidance, not just the hike itself, remains critical.
Still, analysts argue the real transmission channel lies elsewhere: the yen carry trade, as reported in a recent US Crypto News publication.
As Japanese yields rise and the US–Japan rate gap narrows, borrowing yen to fund higher-yielding positions becomes increasingly expensive.
Fed cut rates, but the message mattered more than the cut. Their dot plot now shows fewer cuts ahead. That flipped expectations from “easy money coming” to “higher for longer.” At the same time, BOJ hike expectations strengthened the yen → yen carry trades started unwinding →… pic.twitter.com/eSaJLWQajg
This is where the divergence between Tokyo and Washington becomes critical:
Fed cuts tend to support markets gradually by easing credit conditions.
BOJ tightening, by contrast, forces immediate repositioning as leverage costs rise.
Crypto markets have historically experienced this impact more quickly than traditional assets. Previous BOJ tightening cycles coincided with sharp Bitcoin drawdowns of 20–30% as liquidity tightened and carry trades unwound.
THE BANK OF JAPAN MIGHT BE BITCOIN’S BIGGEST ENEMY
Japan holds the most US debt. Every time they hike, Bitcoin bleeds:
“History shows every prior tightening triggered 20–30% Bitcoin drops as yen carry trades unwound and liquidity tightened. Yet with the hike fully priced in and BTC holding around $85k–$87k, this could be the dip buyers have been waiting for,” wrote analyst Blueblock.
However, resilience at the top of the crypto market does not eliminate risk elsewhere. Altcoins, which are far more sensitive to liquidity conditions, remain exposed if Japanese tightening continues.
Indeed, BOJ officials have openly signaled willingness to keep tightening if wage growth and inflation remain durable. Analysts at ING and Bloomberg have warned that while further hikes may not be imminent, the direction of travel is clear.
The implication for global markets is stark. Fed cuts may provide broad support over time, but Japan’s retreat from ultra-easy policy strikes directly at the foundation of global leverage.If the BOJ continues down this path, its influence on liquidity, currencies, and crypto could outweigh US easing, at least in the near term.
Chart of the Day
Fed Fund Rates vs BOJ Policy Rate
Byte-Sized Alpha
Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:
Ownership coins are set to transform decentralized governance in 2026, with analysts forecasting that at least one project will surpass a $1 billion market cap.
Unlike current governance tokens, ownership coins combine economic, legal, and governance rights in one asset. This development could solve longstanding issues that have challenged decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) for years.
How Ownership Coins Differ From Traditional Governance Tokens
Traditional DAO governance tokens generally offer only voting rights, lacking real economic power or legal accountability within decentralized organizations. This limitation introduces investment risks and weakens the goal of truly decentralized governance.
Ownership coins offer a major shift in design. According to research from Galaxy Digital, these tokens unite economic, legal, and governance rights within a legally enforceable digital asset. This integrated approach aims to fix accountability issues that have affected DAOs since their start.
Galaxy Digital describes this model as creating “digital companies” in which onchain governance holds legal weight rather than relying only on social consensus.
Token holders thus gain meaningful and enforceable control over digital organizations with tangible assets. This innovation creates a path toward legally recognized, self-governed on-chain entities.
MetaDAO was among the first to use this framework, applying futarchy principles, a governance system using prediction markets instead of direct votes.
The project launched on Solana in November 2023, guiding decisions with trading in prediction markets rather than traditional voting methods.
Messari Report Identifies AVICI as Top Performer
The Messari Theses report positions ownership coins as a major investment opportunity for 2026. It spotlights AVICI as the biggest winner over the past year, highlighting the sector’s growth prospects.
We are so back!
The Messari Theses for 2026 is live and available for free.
AVICI has shown strong holder retention and broad distribution, despite price volatility. As of mid-December 2025, the token counted 12,752 holders and maintained a low concentration among large holders.
Analyst crypto_iso shared that AVICI began with 4,000 holders and reached 13,300 within 45 days.
During a steep 65% price decline, AVICI lost only 600 holders, just 21% of its initial growth rate. On average, the coin added 200 holders per day at its peak and lost about 43 per day during the downturn. These numbers signal community resilience despite market fluctuation.
Yes for sure.
Here is an interesting datapoint on the holder front.$Avici is still sitting at 12.7k holders which is pretty impressive because if you think about the net number given a drawdown of 65% it's strong. I think it started with around 4k holders or so day 1 and in 45… pic.twitter.com/pTnn9pItjf
AVICI leads in holder count and distribution among ownership coins (crypto_iso)
Sector Remains Early-Stage, Offering Potential for Growth
The ownership coin market is viewed as a new frontier with substantial upside, as no project yet has exceeded a $1 billion fully diluted valuation. Many investors see this as untapped potential for significant gains.
“My biggest bet for 2026 are ownership coins. They are in early stage right now, not a single coin above 1B mcap. Opportunity right in front of you,” wrote analyst Anglio.
Much of the discourse on social media calls 2026 the “year of the ownership coin.” The blend of authentic innovation and early entry point is attracting interest from retail and institutional investors alike.
Ownership coins may solve barriers that have limited DAO growth and investment. Their legally binding onchain governance systems can let blockchain-native organizations function as true business entities.
This step could impact capital formation, investor protection, and the development of decentralized governance.
Nevertheless, this market is still in its infancy. Most ownership coin projects remain under development, and legal clarity for these hybrid entities varies across regions. Whether this innovation can fulfill the aspiration of self-governing onchain organizations will depend on successful implementation in 2026.
Wirex, a global leader in digital finance and Web3 innovation, has announced the winners of the 2025 Rising Women in Crypto Awards, recognizing exceptional women whose leadership, innovation, and influence are shaping the future of the global crypto and Web3 ecosystem.
Following an extensive nomination process, this year’s winners were determined through a combination of public community voting and evaluation by a highly respected panel of industry leaders, ensuring both broad industry participation and rigorous expert assessment.
2025 Rising Women in Crypto Awards Winners
Best Women-Led Startup to Watch:Impactful Artistry, founded by Lianna Adams
Best Crypto Journalist:Stacy Jones, Markets Editor at Decrypt
Best Crypto Influencer:Olga Arzhaeva, Business Operations at Hercle and Co-Founder & Co-President of the Blockchain Student Association Italy
Best Founder:Kara Howard, Co-Founder & Ecosystem Growth at SI<3>
Best Crypto Podcaster:Yely Kopan, Host of Voice of Web3
Best PR and Communications Strategist:Debra Nita Ravindran, Associate Director and Head of Growth at YAP Global
Each of the 2025 award recipients exemplifies excellence, vision, and impact, reflecting the growing influence of women across the global Web3 economy. Their work continues to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders in the digital asset space.
“Crypto is ultimately built by people — and the industry is stronger, more creative, and more resilient when diverse voices are truly seen and celebrated,” said Pavel Matveev, Co-Founder of Wirex. “The Rising Women in Crypto Awards honor women who are building with purpose, challenging convention, and opening doors for others along the way. Their work is shaping not only the future of Web3, but the values it will be built on.”
The Rising Women in Crypto Awards are supported by BeInCrypto, Wirex’s media partner, whose commitment to high-quality journalism and inclusive storytelling continues to amplify diverse voices across the global crypto community.
2025 Judging Panel
Final award selections were made with the involvement of a distinguished jury composed of leading voices from across the crypto and Web3 ecosystem, including:
Ada Vaughan, Senior Director of DeFi Partnerships, Stellar Development Foundation
Alena Afanaseva, Founder and CEO, BeInCrypto
Allison Alvarez, COO and Co-Founder, Gameduk
Catherine Ross-Mychka, Journalist, Writer, and Podcast Host
Maria Pia Paolicelli, Web3 Partnerships Manager and Co-Founder, CryptoGirl
Wirex extends its sincere appreciation to all nominees, voters, and community members who participated in this year’s awards. Their engagement and support continue to make the Rising Women in Crypto initiative a meaningful platform for recognition, visibility, and progress within Web3.
About Wirex
Wirex is a prominent UK-based digital payments platform with over 6 million customers spread across 130 countries. It offers secure accounts, making it easy for users to store, purchase, and exchange multiple currencies seamlessly. As a principal member of both Visa and Mastercard, Wirex goes beyond traditional services, embracing the evolving trends of Web3 to provide mainstream access to digital finance and wealth management. Having processed transactions totalling $20 billion, Wirex aims to contribute to the adoption of a cashless society by facilitating straightforward transactions in various currencies worldwide. Wirex is simplifying digital payments, making it more accessible and convenient for people across the globe.
Pi Coin has extended its decline for a third straight week, falling sharply from its recent local top. The altcoin has struggled amid weak investor support and broader market hesitation.
While selling pressure dominated earlier sessions, on-chain signals now suggest at least one key factor may be improving.
Pi Coin Holders Are Capitalizing
The Chaikin Money Flow has shown a gradual uptick over the past few days. This shift indicates capital is slowly returning to Pi Coin. Investors appear to be adjusting their stance, likely viewing current prices as attractive accumulation zones.
Rising CMF readings often reflect improving conviction. Fresh inflows are critical for any recovery attempt, as sustained buying helps absorb sell pressure. If this trend continues, Pi Coin could gain the momentum needed to stabilize and attempt a short-term rebound.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Despite improving inflows, macro indicators remain mixed. The average directional index shows the recent downtrend is close to strengthening. A move above the 25.0 threshold would confirm dominant bearish momentum, reinforcing control by sellers.
However, failure to cross this level would signal weakening trend strength. In such a scenario, selling pressure could fade. This would give Pi Coin room to recover, especially if buying interest continues to increase alongside supportive market conditions.
Pi Coin trades near $0.203 at the time of writing, holding above the $0.198 support and below the $0.208 resistance. The token remains down about 28% from its $0.284 local top. Price action suggests consolidation rather than a decisive move.
If the downtrend strengthens, Pi Coin may remain range-bound between $0.198 and $0.208. This structure would limit upside potential and delay recovery. Prolonged consolidation could further test investor patience during ongoing market uncertainty.
A bullish scenario depends on sustained capital inflows. Continued accumulation could help Pi Coin reclaim $0.208 as support. A successful breakout may drive price toward $0.217, with further upside to $0.224. Such a move would invalidate the bearish thesis.
Login
