The XRP price has dropped below the $2.00 psychological level, revisiting levels last seen during the October 10 crash.

In comes amid a broader bearish sentiment in the crypto market, that saw the Bitcoin price fall below the $87,000 level and $220 million longs blown out of the water within the hour.

XRP Price Retests June Lows As it Falls Below $2

As of this writing, the powering token for the Ripple ecosystem was trading at $1.98, down 2.5% in the last 24 hours and nearly 16% in the last week.

The drop came as Bitcoin pulled the broader crypto market down after slipping below $87,000 and blowing over $220 million worth of long positions out of the water in an hour.

Surprisingly, the drop came while the Ripple community was still in the XRP ETF frenzy, following Bitwise Invest’s recent move to launch the financial instrument.

Very excited to launch the Bitwise XRP ETF $XRP. What a journey for this asset and this community. Excited to see what’s next.

— Matt Hougan (@Matt_Hougan) November 20, 2025

In fact, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had only hours ago called the “pre-thanksgiving rush” for the XRP ETF as the financial instrument first hit the NYSE.

The pre-thanksgiving rush (shall we say, 'turkey trot'!?) for XRP ETFs starts now.. congrats @BitwiseInvest on today's launch! https://t.co/EgYVrm0TmM

— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) November 20, 2025

Nonetheless, ETF analyst James Seyffart revealed that the financial instrument was already making a name for itself, garnering $22 million in trading with three hours left before trading closed on November 20.

“With a bit over ~3 hours left in trading Bitwise’s XRP is almost at $22 million in trading today. Quite impressive for the second product to market a full week after Canary Capital’s XRPC, which is the #1 launch by volume this year,” wrote Seyffart.

Canary Capital’s XRP ETF saw strong early demand, with Bitwise’s financial instrument following suit despite recent sentiment in the crypto ETF market.

However, concerns exist for the XRP community after Glassnode revealed a decline in the volume of supply that is currently in profit. Clearly, there is a disconnect between the ETF’s strong inflows and the XRP price performance.

The share of XRP supply in profit has fallen to 58.5%, the lowest since Nov 2024, when price was $0.53.
Today, despite trading ~4× higher ($2.15), 41.5% of supply (~26.5B XRP) sits in loss — a clear sign of a top-heavy and structurally fragile market dominated by late buyers.
📉… https://t.co/CBXPzDalxV pic.twitter.com/UpLNKV7LqD

— glassnode (@glassnode) November 17, 2025

Well, XRP whales contributed significantly to the recent price drop. Reports indicate whales sold around 200 million XRP within 48 hours of the ETF launch.

Meanwhile, analysts say it may take until 2026 for institutional flows to show up, which means next year is when the impact of the XRP ETF can really be felt on the Ripple price.

Why is XRP dropping even after ETF launches?

Because the market misunderstood the play.

Retail:
Thought ETFs would instantly FOMO into XRP → rushed in early → heavy speculation.

Institutions:
• Launch ETF
• APs send cash
• Issuers buy XRP slowly, on dips
• Accumulate… pic.twitter.com/sWPuaxyphr

— BD (@DiepSanh) November 17, 2025

The post Ripple Price Falls Below $2 on Day #1 of Bitwise XRP ETF appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin fell below $87,000 on November 20, 2025, amid a storm of quantum security fears and $1.3 billion whale capitulation. In the process, it blew almost $220 million in long positions out of the water.

This sharp decline extended a two-day pattern of Asian rebounds erased by US market sell-offs. Traders struggled with mixed signals from institutional buyers and a wave of retail panic.

Quantum Computing Panic Triggers Market-Wide Fear

The latest sell-off accelerated after billionaire Ray Dalio raised concerns about Bitcoin’s vulnerability to advances in quantum computing.

His remarks reignited debate in the cryptocurrency community, focusing attention on cryptographic security risks.

“I have a small percentage of Bitcoin I’ve had forever, like 1% of my portfolio. I think the problem with Bitcoin is that it’s not going to be a reserve currency for major countries because it can be tracked, and it could be conceivably controlled, hacked, and so on,” Ray Dalio stated.

However, market analysts pushed back on the quantum panic narrative. Mel Mattison, a financial analyst, argued that these fears are overblown and overlook Bitcoin’s strong cryptography in comparison to traditional banks.

“If people are selling BTC on quantum decryption, they should be selling the hell out of every bank on the planet. JPM should be down 20%. Every account will be hackable. BTC is SHA-256, which is tougher than RSA,” Mel Mattison countered.

This debate reflects a significant divide in how investors assess long-term tech risks. While Dalio highlighted theoretical vulnerabilities as quantum computing develops, critics point out that Bitcoin’s SHA-256 provides stronger security than the RSA standard used by most banks.

If quantum computers pose a threat to Bitcoin, global banking may face even greater risks.

Early Bitcoin Adopter Exits With $1.3 Billion Sale

Adding to quantum security worries, blockchain analytics firm Arkham reported a massive capitulation. Owen Gunden, an early Bitcoin adopter who accumulated holdings since 2011, sold his entire 11,000 BTC for about $1.3 billion.

OWEN GUNDEN HAS NOW SOLD ALL OF HIS $1.3 BILLION BITCOIN

Owen Gunden was an OG Bitcoin whale who held BTC since 2011. Since late October he has sold 11K BTC worth $1.3 billion.

He has just transferred $230M of BTC to Kraken, marking his final sale. pic.twitter.com/m0gQWCHrxZ

— Arkham (@arkham) November 20, 2025

Gunden’s exit came at a precarious time for sentiment. According to data from BeInCrypto, Bitcoin was trading at $86,767 at the latest update, down 2.55% over 24 hours.

This whale’s decision to sell after 14 years highlights a shift from the usual long-term holding mentality. The reasons are unclear, whether profit-taking, rebalancing, or concerns about Bitcoin’s outlook.

Still, the sale injected extra supply into an oversold market and deepened the price slide.

Massive Liquidation Cascade Accelerates Decline

Quantum fears and whale selling sparked a large liquidation cascade across exchanges. CoinGlass data shows over $910 million in crypto positions were liquidated in 24 hours, forcing out 222,008 traders.

During one hour in early US trading, long liquidations spiked to $264.79 million while shorts hit $256.44 million.

These forced closures highlight the significant leverage in crypto markets and how quickly positions can unwind during sharp market moves.

This cascade revealed structural weaknesses in crypto derivatives as well. As Bitcoin dropped from above $91,000 to $86,000 in 48 hours, leveraged traders faced margin calls and had their positions automatically closed.

This automated selling created further price declines and additional liquidations, fueling a cycle of volatility.

Institutional Buyers Return Despite Retail Panic

Despite the sell-off, US Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds) saw $75 million in net inflows on Wedneday, ending a five-day outflow streak.

BlackRock’s IBIT and Grayscale’s mini ETF accounted for all the inflows, showing that some institutional investors viewed the dip as a buying opportunity.

Yet, sentiment among ETF issuers remained mixed. VanEck, Fidelity, and other large issuers reported flat or negative flows, indicating cautious optimism.

This split highlights the mixed outlook in Bitcoin markets. Some institutions view the current levels as valuable, while others hesitate due to near-term uncertainties.

buy the dip

— Hoss (@hoss_crypto) November 20, 2025

The collision of whale sales, quantum security concerns, and institutional buying has driven sharp volatility. Investors now face the question of whether the quantum narrative signals real risk or simply profit-taking after Bitcoin’s rally this year.

The next days will show whether institutional support can hold prices steady or if more declines lie ahead as the market processes these risks and the influx of long-term holder supply.

The post Whale Dump Meets Quantum Panic: Bitcoin Slips to $86,000 and Blows $220 Million Longs appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Rep. Warren Davidson has introduced the Bitcoin for America Act, aiming to permit federal tax payments in Bitcoin. Collected funds would build a new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which Davidson claims will boost US financial stability and leadership in digital assets.

The proposal follows President Trump’s March 2025 executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling greater congressional interest in formalizing Bitcoin’s role in the federal financial system.

Bill Emphasizes Bitcoin, Sparking Debate Over Market Neutrality

The Bitcoin for America Act stands out for its exclusive focus on Bitcoin, in contrast to more comprehensive frameworks, such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

Davidson’s bill would let taxpayers pay federal taxes in Bitcoin, channeling those payments directly into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This reserve aims to diversify government holdings beyond traditional assets.

I’m introducing the Bitcoin for America Act to strengthen long-term national financial resilience and position the U.S. at the forefront of global asset leadership!

This marks an important step forward in embracing the innovation that millions of Americans use every day. pic.twitter.com/2JSlaJSVkc

— Rep. Warren Davidson (@Rep_Davidson) November 20, 2025

Davidson highlights Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins as a defense against inflation and volatility. He says the reserve could reduce reliance on debt-financed spending and protect the US from currency devaluation/

According to the Ohio representative, this would give the country an edge over global competitors such as China and Russia, which have developed their own digital asset strategies.

The Bitcoin for America Act will position our country to lead—not follow—as the world navigates the future of sound money and digital innovation.

Read more about my Bitcoin for America Act below!https://t.co/1DqIkbStoG

— Rep. Warren Davidson (@Rep_Davidson) November 20, 2025

However, this Bitcoin-specific approach has sparked criticism. Singling out one cryptocurrency may risk distorting competition and impeding growth in the digital asset space. Critics warn that focusing solely on Bitcoin might limit broader innovation in the digital asset market.

“Why only Bitcoin? This is classic politicians trying to pick winners and losers. We’ve seen enough of this market rigging,” one user challenged.

The plan also introduces practical challenges. The IRS currently treats digital assets as property, requiring taxpayers to report any income from their activities.

Recent IRS guidance has clarified that all income from digital assets must be reported. Accepting Bitcoin for taxes would mean new systems for valuation, conversion, and custody, issues Davidson’s release does not address.

Building on an Executive Foundation

Davidson’s bill extends President Trump’s March 2025 executive order, which created the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and US Digital Asset Stockpile.

The executive order tasked the Treasury Department with overseeing custodial accounts for Bitcoin and digital assets seized in federal cases, instructing officials to retain these assets rather than sell.

The Bitcoin for America Act would introduce a separate acquisition route by accepting voluntary tax payments in Bitcoin. Davidson promotes this as widening taxpayer choice and letting the government hold an appreciating asset.

He presents the reserve as a safeguard against inflation, arguing that Bitcoin’s built-in scarcity makes it advantageous compared to fiat currencies.

Davidson also points to increased financial inclusion. About 5.9 million US households do not use traditional banks, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Crypto advocates argue that digital wallets can serve these individuals, although critics contend that price fluctuations and technical barriers remain obstacles to everyday use.

Legislative Push Reflects Policy Tensions

Davidson introduced the bill in coordination with the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization that supports Bitcoin adoption.

Davidson represents Ohio’s 8th District, known for its crypto-friendly policy stance. His bill differs from the bipartisan BITCOIN Act of 2025, which outlined strategic reserve management but did not include tax payment paths.

This latest debate reveals underlying questions about the government’s role in shaping digital technology markets.

Supporters say federal adoption confirms Bitcoin’s legitimacy and strengthens the country’s leadership in digital finance. Detractors argue that the government should maintain neutrality, supporting open competition rather than backing single technologies. Whether Congress should favor one cryptocurrency will be a central issue in policy discussions going forward.

As the Bitcoin for America Act moves through Congress, lawmakers will weigh a focused Bitcoin strategy against broader integration of digital assets. Their response could shape U cryptocurrency policy and the future of blockchain innovation nationwide.

The post Is Congress Codifying BTC Maximalism into Law with the Bitcoin for America Act? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) made its first major arrests in a cryptocurrency case, detaining two men in London and Bradford over an alleged $28 million fraud linked to the collapse of the Basis Markets scheme.

The November 20, 2025, operation marks a pivotal shift in UK crypto enforcement. Authorities are expanding efforts to counter sophisticated digital asset crime.

UK SFO Launches Landmark Crypto Investigation

The Serious Fraud Office announced the arrests of one man in his thirties in Herne Hill, London, and another in his forties near Bradford. Raids, conducted in collaboration with the Metropolitan and West Yorkshire Police, focused on fraud and money laundering linked to the Basis Markets scheme.

This investigation is the SFO’s first significant step into crypto crime, reflecting its growing strategy against digital asset fraud. The joint operation highlights the unique challenges of prosecuting cases that involve blockchain technology and NFTs.

SFO Director Nick Ephgrave confirmed the agency has developed specialized resources targeting cryptocurrency fraud. With digital asset schemes increasing, these capabilities are seen as critical for investor protection.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves stated that such fraudulent activity poses a serious threat to the UK economy. She pledged government backing for enforcement, warning that crypto fraud erodes trust in the financial sector.

The SFO called for victims and whistleblowers to contact [email protected]. This public appeal suggests authorities anticipate more victims and that the case could set important legal precedents.

The Rise and Collapse of Basis Markets

Basis Markets raised $28 million through two public NFT-based fundraisers in late 2021, capitalizing on the surge in NFT market activity that year. The first, in November 2021, focused on NFT sales, promising investors a stake in a new crypto investment vehicle.

The second offering came in December 2021, with funds intended to create a “crypto hedge fund” that employs advanced trading strategies. Investor momentum was high, as NFT sales and enthusiasm for crypto projects peaked during this period.

However, in June 2022, the project abruptly halted. Organizers cited “proposed US regulations” as the reason for its suspension just as US agencies were rolling out broader scrutiny of NFT and crypto fundraising practices.

This collapse left investors unable to access the $28 million raised. The project’s timing, coinciding with broader crypto market downturns in 2022, raised concerns that regulatory changes may not fully explain the failure.

NFT-based fundraising became a common approach in 2021, with projects leveraging digital collectibles to attract capital.

US Treasury research shows that about 65% of NFT fraud cases involve misleading marketing. This significant rate of fraud underlines the regulatory and enforcement challenges facing authorities.

Implications for UK Crypto Enforcement

The Basis Markets probe comes as the UK intensifies efforts against digital asset-related crime. The Crown Prosecution Service’s Economic Crime Strategy 2025, published in May 2025, identified cryptocurrency and cyber-enabled fraud as high-priority threats that require multi-agency coordination.

Authorities have appointed operational leads for cryptoasset recovery and created frameworks to boost cooperation between the CPS, SFO, and law enforcement.

These reforms show a recognition that new tools and strategies are needed to address blockchain-based financial crime.

The SFO’s move to prosecute crypto-related cases aligns with a global trend of increased enforcement against digital asset fraud.

Worldwide, regulators are scrutinizing fundraising methods that blur lines between securities, collectibles, and investments. The Basis Markets case could help define how UK courts approach crypto fraud charges going forward.

Social media reaction highlights investor attention to enforcement. Bitcoin Archive highlighted the significance of the SFO’s pursuit of large-scale crypto prosecutions with this investigation.

JUST IN: 🇬🇧 UK begins large crypto prosecutions with first major investigation, arresting two men over $28 million Basis Markets NFT sale: Press release. pic.twitter.com/UerYhrtH8k

— Coin Headlines (@coinheadline) November 20, 2025

This case signals greater regulatory risk for digital asset fundraisers that lack legal clarity. The SFO’s willingness to pursue complicated crypto cases sends a message that regulatory uncertainty will not protect those accused of fraud.

The outcome of this prosecution could shape how aggressively the UK approaches future crypto crime as the sector evolves.

The post UK Makes First Major Crypto Arrests in $28 Million Basis Markets Scandal appeared first on BeInCrypto.