Vitalik Buterin has warned that the European Union’s regulatory approach under the Digital Services Act risks undermining pluralism by trying to leave “no space” for controversial speech or products online.

In a detailed post on X, the Ethereum co-founder argued that a free society should not aim to eliminate ideas it considers harmful. Instead, he said regulators should focus on stopping such content from being algorithmically amplified and dominating public discourse.

What the EU’s “No-Space” Approach Means

The Digital Services Act applies to the entire online ecosystem. Any service reaching EU users falls under the law, regardless of size or location. Obligations scale with reach and risk, but no platform sits outside the regulatory framework.

This design aims to close legal and technical loopholes that previously allowed platforms to avoid responsibility. 

Critics describe this as a “no-space” approach, meaning there should be no unregulated digital gaps where harmful content can escape accountability.

This is what I worry Europe will get negatively polarized into: an ideology taking pride in a neat, sanitized online environment free of evil corporate and fascist pathogens.

I hope European govs do not go this way, and instead take a Pirate Party approach of user empowerment.… https://t.co/oH7Yfdg9pa

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) December 26, 2025

The goal is not blanket censorship. Instead, the DSA focuses on risk assessments, transparency, and platform design choices that influence how content spreads.

Buterin said the real failure of modern social platforms is not that fringe views exist, but that algorithms often push them at scale. 

He warned that zero-tolerance thinking can lead to overreach, conflict, and growing reliance on technocratic enforcement.

should be solved at as local a level as possible, ideally the operator of whatever institution is using the room and organizing toddlers to come there, otherwise the municipality

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) December 26, 2025

Buterin warned that treating disliked ideas as pathogens to be erased reflects an anti-pluralistic instinct. He argued that disagreement is inevitable in open societies and that trying to fully remove controversial views often expands surveillance and enforcement powers.

He advocated for user empowerment, transparency, and competition. In his view, platforms should reduce incentives that reward harmful content, rather than attempting to eliminate it entirely.

Bullish for Privacy Coins?

The debate has also drawn attention to privacy coins such as Monero and Zcash.

As regulators push platforms to monitor behavior and retain more data, users may grow more aware that increased oversight often leads to greater data exposure. 

That strengthens the narrative appeal of financial tools designed to minimize traceability.

However, the impact is uneven. While philosophical support for privacy coins may grow, access in regulated EU markets remains constrained. Exchanges continue to limit or delist them due to compliance risk.

In short, Europe’s approach reinforces why privacy matters, even as it complicates where privacy-focused tools can operate.

The post Vitalik Buterin Slams EU’s ‘No-Space’ Digital Rules appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The crypto market is heading into the final weekend of 2025, and before the new year begins, there might be some room for altcoins to record growth still. 

Led by Pippin (PIPPIN), these three altcoins are must-watch in the coming 48 hours as we near the year-end.

UNUS SED LEO (LEO)

LEO price surged 25% over the past week, trading near $8.45 at the time of writing. The technical structure shows strong support, with the Parabolic SAR confirming an active uptrend. This setup suggests buyers remain in control as momentum builds despite broader market uncertainty.

If bullish conditions persist, LEO could rebound toward $9.10, recovering losses recorded earlier this month. Sustained buying pressure may extend gains toward the $9.80 target. Achieving this level would reflect renewed confidence and reinforce the prevailing upward trend in the short term.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Downside risks remain if investors move to lock in profits early. Selling pressure could push LEO below the $7.82 support. A further decline toward $7.32 would weaken technical structure, invalidate the bullish thesis, and signal a potential shift back to short-term bearish momentum.

Pippin (PIPPIN)

PIPPIN has emerged as one of the strongest-performing altcoins this week, gaining 34% over the past seven days. The token continues to post fresh all-time highs on a weekly basis. Persistent buying interest and strong momentum have supported its sustained upward trajectory.

The latest all-time high stands at $0.720, with PIPPIN requiring a 45.6% move to revisit that level. Achieving this depends on flipping $0.600 into firm support. A successful hold above that zone would confirm strength and increase the probability of continued price discovery.

Downside risk remains if broader market sentiment turns bearish. Weakening risk appetite could push PIPPIN below the $0.434 support. A breakdown there may extend losses toward $0.366, erasing recent gains and invalidating the prevailing bullish outlook.

MYX Finance (MYX)

MYX price traded near $3.35 at the time of writing after rising 15.2% over the past seven days. The altcoin continues to hold above the $3.26 support. The current structure suggests buyers are targeting the $3.62 resistance as momentum gradually builds.

Technical indicators reinforce the bullish bias. The Relative Strength Index remains above the neutral 50.0 level, signaling sustained buying pressure. This strength could support further recovery. A confirmed breakout above $3.62 may open the path toward $3.80 in the short term.

Downside risks persist if broader market conditions weaken. Increased selling pressure could push MYX below the $3.26 support. A breakdown there would expose the $2.88 level, invalidating the bullish outlook and signaling a shift back toward short-term bearish momentum.

The post 3 Altcoins To Watch This Weekend | December 27 – 28 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The fallout from Trust Wallet’s Chrome extension incident intensified on December 26 after Changpeng Zhao (CZ), weighed in publicly, suggesting the breach may have involved an insider. 

The comment came as Trust Wallet confirmed that roughly $7 million in user funds have been affected so far.

Insider Access as Key Line of Investigation

CZ said Trust Wallet will fully reimburse impacted users and stressed that customer funds remain safe. 

However, he added that investigators are still examining how a compromised browser extension update was able to pass through distribution controls, calling an insider role “most likely.” 

The statement amplified concerns around internal access and update governance, rather than an external exploit alone.

Most likely.

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) December 26, 2025

Trust Wallet later confirmed that the incident affected Browser Extension version 2.68 only, reiterating that mobile users and other versions were not impacted. 

The company said it is finalizing reimbursement procedures and will issue clear instructions to affected users. 

Meanwhile, users should remain cautious against phishing attempts posing as official support.

Update on the Trust Wallet Browser Extension (v2.68) incident:

We’ve confirmed that approximately $7M has been impacted and we will ensure all affected users are refunded.

Supporting affected users is our top priority, and we are actively finalizing the process to refund the… https://t.co/2XRx8GvZ75

— Trust Wallet (@TrustWallet) December 26, 2025

The insider angle has drawn particular attention within the crypto security community. Browser extensions require signing keys, developer credentials, and approval workflows to publish updates. 

For a malicious or compromised build to be distributed through the official Chrome Web Store, investigators typically look at either credential compromise or direct internal access. 

Both scenarios point to weaknesses in operational security rather than a traditional software vulnerability.

Such risks are not theoretical. Over the past year, several high-profile browser extension incidents have stemmed from hijacked developer accounts or compromised release pipelines.

TWT Token Briefly Dips Before Rebounding

Market reaction reflected the uncertainty. Trust Wallet’s native token, TWT, saw a sharp sell-off following the initial reports on December 25. 

However, prices stabilized and rebounded on December 26 after confirmation that losses were limited and refunds would be issued. 

While Trust Wallet has moved quickly to contain the incident, the episode reflects a broader industry challenge. 

As crypto wallets increasingly rely on browser extensions, update security and insider risk management are emerging as critical attack surfaces, not secondary concerns.

The post Trust Wallet Incident Deepens as CZ Suggests Possible Insider Role appeared first on BeInCrypto.

As another year comes to an end, the hope of a bullish next year is likely proliferating among the investors. While the leash generally sits with Bitcoin to lead the altcoins upwards, some tokens have carved out their path owing to independent factors.

BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that could witness growth and also form new all-time highs in January 2026.

Monero (XMR)

Monero price remains among the closest to its all-time high, trading just 17.5% below $519. A breakout above this level would establish a new record. Relative strength reflects sustained demand as XMR continues to outperform many large-cap cryptocurrencies during the current market cycle.

Monero benefits from growing attention toward privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. This narrative has strengthened amid regulatory debates and user demand for financial confidentiality. Chaikin Money Flow indicates strong capital inflows. These factors could drive XMR above $450 and toward the $500 psychological level, a key step toward $519.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Downside risk remains if profit-taking intensifies before a breakout occurs. Selling pressure could push XMR below the $417 support zone. A confirmed breakdown may extend losses toward $387, erasing recent gains and invalidating the bullish outlook in the short term.

Midnight (NIGHT)

NIGHT has attracted strong investor interest due to its foundation and leadership. Developed by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, the project benefits from credibility and long-term vision. This association has strengthened market confidence, positioning NIGHT for potential price appreciation as adoption builds in early trading phases.

As a newly launched token, NIGHT is expected to see steady growth in users and demand. A successful bounce from the $0.075 support could lift the price toward $0.100. A breakout above that level may drive NIGHT to $0.120, marking a 54.1% gain and a potential new all-time high.

Downside risk depends heavily on broader market conditions at the start of the year. A positive 2025 open could sustain momentum. However, deteriorating sentiment may push NIGHT below $0.075. A drop toward $0.060 would invalidate the bullish outlook and signal increased selling pressure.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum remains roughly 66.7% below its $4,956 all-time high, highlighting the scale of recovery still required. A rapid, miracle-style rally appears unlikely under current conditions. Recent price action suggests ETH needs sustained demand and broader market alignment before attempting a meaningful upside move.

In August, Ethereum briefly surged to set a new peak, but replicating that move soon appears improbable. Any recovery may take weeks and requires consistent investor support. A decisive break above the $3,000 psychological level is critical. Success there could lift ETH toward $3,287, narrowing the gap to its record high.

Furthermore, the strong correlation that Ethereum shares with Bitcoin will be a major factor. If BTC manages to post a bullish momentum, ETH can benefit from it and rise as well.

However, risk remains if bullish momentum fails to develop and BTC ends up falling on the charts. Ethereum could continue consolidating near $3,000 or face a mild correction. Prolonged weakness at this level would undermine recovery efforts. Such price action would invalidate the bullish thesis and delay any realistic path toward higher resistance zones.

The post 3 Altcoins That Could Hit New All-Time Highs In January 2026 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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 and watch closely: while gold surges to new highs, signaling capital rotation toward safety, Bitcoin remains trapped below $90,000. A $300 million options structure suppressed volatility, but after the major expiry, this calm could quickly give way to dramatic price action.

Crypto News of the Day: Bitcoin’s Gamma Cage In Focus After Today’s Options Expiry

Gold has surged to fresh highs, breaking above a multi-year ceiling and reinforcing its reputation as the market’s early warning signal when capital rotates toward safety.

Bitcoin, however, has failed to respond in kind. Instead, the world’s largest cryptocurrency remains pinned below $90,000.

New insights suggest it may not be due to fading demand, but rather to a massive derivatives structure that mechanically suppresses price movement.

“Gold made the first move. Bitcoin is still loading,” said analyst Crypto Tice.

The analyst explained that gold’s breakout often marks the point where liquidity begins to reposition, while Bitcoin typically reacts later, once risk appetite returns.

“Gold tends to move first when liquidity seeks safety. Bitcoin follows when risk appetite turns back on,” CryptoTice said, adding that such compressed phases “don’t fade out slowly” but instead resolve with expansion that can reset an entire market cycle.

It aligns with a recent BeInCrypto analysis, which highlighted how gold’s rally often sets the tone for Bitcoin to climb.

In Bitcoin’s case, that compression is being driven by what derivatives analysts have dubbed a $300 million “gamma trap.”

According to David, a market structure analyst, Bitcoin is currently “mechanically trapped in a tight range” defined by heavy options positioning.

The downside is anchored by an $85,000 put wall holding nearly $98.8 million in put gamma, while the upside is capped by a $90,000 call wall containing about $36.2 million in call gamma. This positioning has created a negative gamma feedback loop.

The analyst notes that when Bitcoin rises toward the upper range, dealers who are long calls are compelled to sell spot Bitcoin to hedge their exposure. When the price falls toward the lower range, those same dealers must buy to hedge puts.

“The result: Price is effectively locked in a cage,” he said, emphasizing that the market is not being driven by sentiment or headlines, but by “the mathematical necessity of dealer hedging.”

Could Today’s Gamma Expiry Trigger Bitcoin’s Next Big Move?

This stability is temporary. Roughly $300 million worth of gamma, about 58% of the total gamma complex, expired in a single options event earlier today. David described this as a “pin release,” warning that once the expiry hits, the incentives that have kept Bitcoin locked between $85,000 and $90,000 vanish almost instantly.

Historically, such releases have often led to sharp and sudden volatility as the market seeks a new equilibrium.

One level has become especially important. The so-called gamma flip sits at $88,925. This is slightly above $88,724, Bitcoin’s price as of this writing.

A sustained move above that threshold could flip dealer flows from dampening price action to amplifying it. Such a move could force dealers to buy into strength rather than sell rallies.

Systemic Stress Builds as Bitcoin Lags Behind Precious Metals

The divergence between gold and Bitcoin is also happening against a tense macroeconomic backdrop. Economist Mohamed El-Erian recently highlighted that gold has risen by more than 40% this year, its strongest performance since 1979. Manwhile, Bitcoin is down roughly 20% year-to-date after peaking earlier in the cycle.

Bitcoin and Gold this year. #markets #investing #investors #bitcoin #gold @FT pic.twitter.com/2jYe0czJCV

— Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) December 26, 2025

At the same time, multiple analysts have warned that a synchronized rally across gold, silver, copper, and energy markets historically signals rising systemic stress. It aligns with a recent report suggesting the metals rally may signal stress.

Still, many crypto observers see Bitcoin’s stagnation as structural rather than bearish.

SP500 – All-Time High!
Nasdaq- All-Time High!
Gold – All-Time High!
Silver – Ripping, All-Time High
Platinum- All-Time High!
Palladium All-Time High!
Other world markets – All-Time High!

I don’t see a world where Bitcoin doesn’t catch up!

— Ran Neuner (@cryptomanran) December 26, 2025

With the gamma trap nearing expiration and gold already signaling stress in the system, Bitcoin’s prolonged compression may be setting the stage for its next major move.

Chart of the Day

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• Is Bitcoin about to freeze its own coins? “The Cat” proposal divides the community.
•  40% of the Ethereum supply slips into loss as whales take opposing positions.
• Bitcoin or Copper? Investors reassess as metals outperform cryptocurrencies in 2025.
• XRP ETFs post inflows for seven consecutive weeks – Why price still struggles.
• Crypto investment funds turn profits in December despite broad market weakness.
• Europe could wipe out hundreds of unlicensed crypto firms next week.
• TRON network hits record user growth as TRX price faces worst Q4 decline.

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company
Strategy (MSTR)	$158.71	$159.72 (+0.64%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$239.73	$240.40 (+0.28%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$24.43	$24.68 (+1.02%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$9.94	$9.99 (+0.50%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$13.92	$14.02 (+0.72%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$15.57	$15.63 (+0.39%)

The post Today’s $300 Million Gamma Expiry Could Triger Bitcoin’s Next Big Move | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Global cryptocurrency trading platform Zoomex today announced the official early registration for its latest payment product, the Zoomex Card.

Designed to bridge the gap between crypto assets and real-world payment scenarios, the Zoomex Card aims to provide users with a Global Multicurrency bank account that’s connected to tradfi payment rails and crypto ramps, enabling seamless on / off ramps to fiat for cross border transactions.

The Zoomex Card is jointly launched by Zoomex and fully regulated and licensed financial platform UR, with a focus on usability, security, and regulatory compliance. UR provides banking infrastructure that is fully composable, allowing Zoomex to provide a fully functional crypto-financial gateway for everyday spending, cross-border payments and subscription services to its users.

Historically, crypto assets have largely remained confined to trading and holding, making their integration into real-world payment systems cumbersome. The introduction of the Zoomex Card addresses this gap.

Through the Zoomex Card, users can deposit USDC into their multi-currency fiat accounts and use it for daily spending and global transactions across multiple countries and regions, achieving a seamless connection from on-chain assets to real-world payments.

Jerry, CEO of Zoomex, stated:

“We want our users to avoid constantly switching between the crypto world and traditional finance, and instead enjoy a truly integrated asset account.”

UR’s Chief Product Officer, Ng Yingzhong, commented: 

“As a fully licensed and regulated financial platform, UR has long been focused on delivering secure, compliant, and scalable financial infrastructure for users worldwide. Our partnership with Zoomex marks an important step forward in crypto-enabled payments. Through Zoomex Card, we aim to bring digital assets into everyday spending and cross-border use, while maintaining strict compliance and bank-grade security.”

Global Multi-Currency Account Experience

The Zoomex Card provides users with one-stop access to UR’s multi-fiat accounts, currently supporting major currencies including USD, EUR, CHF, JPY, SGD, and HKD, addressing cross-regional fund management and payment needs.

Seamless Crypto ↔ Fiat Conversion

Users can directly deposit USDC into UR accounts for spending, transfers, or subscription payments, while also supporting transfers back to the Zoomex platform for continued crypto trading.

Instant Global Payment Capability

The Zoomex Card supports mainstream payment methods including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it usable across various online and offline payment scenarios.

Bank-Grade Security and Compliance

All assets are custodied by UR, which is a registered trademark under Swiss financial institution SR Saphirstein AG, adhering to strict compliance and risk management standards to ensure financial-grade protection for cross-border payments and asset security.

Early Registration Benefits Now Open

To reward early supporters, Zoomex has launched early registration for the Zoomex Card. Upon official launch, eligible users will enjoy exclusive benefits, including:

• Limited-time Pro account free upgrade
• 1% cashback on spending
• New user reward: Spend $5, get $10 back
• No card issuance fee
• Custom Zoomex card design

Early registration will remain open until the official launch phase of Zoomex Card is completed. The product is expected to officially roll out in early 2026, with specific timelines subject to Zoomex’s official announcements.

About ZOOMEX

Founded in 2021, Zoomex is a global cryptocurrency trading platform with over 3 million users across more than 35 countries and regions, offering 700+ trading pairs. Guided by its core values of “Simple × User-Friendly × Fast,” Zoomex is also committed to the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency, delivering a high-performance, low-barrier, and trustworthy trading experience.

Powered by a high-performance matching engine and transparent asset and order displays, Zoomex ensures consistent trade execution and fully traceable results. This approach reduces information asymmetry and allows users to clearly understand their asset status and every trading outcome. While prioritizing speed and efficiency, the platform continues to optimize product structure and overall user experience with robust risk management in place.

As an official partner of the Haas F1 Team, Zoomex brings the same focus on speed, precision, and reliable rule execution from the racetrack to trading. In addition, Zoomex has established a global exclusive brand ambassador partnership with world-class goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. His professionalism, discipline, and consistency further reinforce Zoomex’s commitment to fair trading and long-term user trust.

In terms of security and compliance, Zoomex holds regulatory licenses including Canada MSB, U.S. MSB, U.S. NFA, and Australia AUSTRAC, and has successfully passed security audits conducted by blockchain security firm Hacken. Operating within a compliant framework while offering flexible identity verification options and an open trading system, Zoomex is building a trading environment that is simpler, more transparent, more secure, and more accessible for users worldwide.

For more info: Website | X | Telegram | Discord

About UR

UR is the world’s first global onchain stablecoin banking infrastructure that is compliant, fully licensed and covers over 50 countries with 7 multicurrency fiat access for each user and business — all under the supervision of SR Sapherstein AG. UR simplifies the way people and businesses move between digital assets and fiat currencies. Self-custodial, fast, and intuitive, UR turns complex crypto workflows into a seamless everyday experience.

The post Zoomex Launches Zoomex Card, Unlocking a New Path from Crypto Assets to Global Fiat Payments appeared first on BeInCrypto.

XRP price has struggled to regain traction over recent weeks, with multiple failed recovery attempts deepening bearish pressure. The token remains locked in a downtrend, reflecting hesitation across the broader crypto market. 

Despite this weakness, XRP ETFs continue to attract capital, signaling that institutional demand remains resilient.

XRP ETF Demand Remains Strong

Losses among XRP holders have steadily increased, adding pressure to near-term price action. Net Unrealized Profit and Loss data shows unrealized profits have dropped to a yearly low. Investors who purchased XRP above $1.86 are now holding losses, while only those who entered below this level remain in profit.

This shift raises concerns around long-term holder behavior. Addresses holding XRP for more than a year may consider selling to lock in remaining gains. If profit-taking accelerates among these holders, selling pressure could intensify and further weigh on XRP price stability.

XRP ETFs remain the asset’s strongest macro support. Since launching six weeks ago, the funds have not recorded a single day of net outflows. This consistency stands out amid broader market uncertainty and declining activity in the spot crypto market.

Momentum has continued into week seven. On the trading day before Christmas, XRP ETFs recorded $11.93 million in inflows. This data suggests institutional investors maintain confidence in XRP’s longer-term outlook, even as retail sentiment weakens and price action remains constrained.

XRP Price Downtrend Continues

XRP traded near $1.86 at the time of writing, holding just above the $1.85 support level. Price remains capped beneath a downtrend line that has persisted for over six weeks. Repeated failures to break this structure have reinforced bearish sentiment among short-term traders.

A breakout appears unlikely under current conditions. Market direction remains unclear, and rising losses increase the risk of additional selling. ETF inflows may help stabilize price, potentially keeping XRP above the $1.79 support. A breakdown below that level could extend the downtrend toward $1.70.

However, a shift in broader market conditions could alter the outlook. Improved risk sentiment may allow XRP to bounce from $1.85. A decisive move above the downtrend line would target $1.94. Clearing that level could open a path toward $2.00, invalidating the bearish thesis.

The post XRP ETFs Post Inflows For 7 Consecutive Weeks – Why Price Still Struggles appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Crypto markets struggled throughout December, but a small group of institutional investors managed to close the year in the black.

New on-chain data from analytics platform Nansen shows that while prices remained under pressure, several major crypto funds generated millions in realized gains, only to pivot toward aggressive selling as the month progressed.

Elite Funds Secure Top Gains Amid Market Downturn

According to Nansen, market maker Wintermute emerged as the most profitable fund in December, recording approximately $3.17 million in realized profit.

Dragonfly Capital followed closely, with profits spread across multiple wallets totaling $1.9 million, $1.0 million, and $990,000.

IOSG and Longling Capital also ranked among the top performers. Together, these trends suggest that profits were concentrated among a repeat group of highly active institutional traders rather than isolated, one-off wallets.

“Profits are concentrated among a small group of repeat funds, not one-off wallets,” Nansen noted, highlighting how consistent execution and active trade management separated institutional winners from the broader market downturn.

Arrington, Pantera, and Polychain also featured in Nansen’s 30-day dataset from five blockchain networks, each with varied profitability.

December proved challenging for most crypto participants as volatility increased and sentiment weakened into year-end.

Despite this backdrop, Wintermute and Dragonfly Capital capitalized on short-term dislocations and liquidity-driven opportunities.

Their performance highlights the advantage of scale, sophisticated trading infrastructure, and multi-chain monitoring during periods of market stress.

Dragonfly’s strategy stood out for its diversification across wallets, allowing the fund to spread risk while capturing upside across different positions.

Meanwhile, Wintermute’s dominance reflected its role as a leading liquidity provider capable of profiting from volatility rather than being harmed by it.

IOSG and Longling Capital also posted notable gains, placing them among the month’s most profitable funds. Together, the data paints a picture of institutional resilience at a time when retail traders largely struggled to stay afloat.

Active Profit-Taking Shapes On-Chain Behavior

However, Nansen’s on-chain tracking shows that these same profitable funds are now leaning toward selling rather than accumulation.

On December 26, QCP Capital deposited 199.99 ETH, worth roughly $595,929, into the Binance exchange, a move typically associated with preparing assets for sale.

Wintermute has also been active on the sell side. While social media commentary has accused the firm of aggressively dumping Bitcoin and Ethereum during December volatility, on-chain data confirms that Wintermute reduced exposure after building positions earlier in the month.

🚨 BREAKING:

WINTERMUTE ACCUMULATED MILLIONS WORTH OF $BTC AND $ETH RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS DUMP

THEY DUMPED $125M+ OF $BTC IN A MINUTE, DROPPING IT TO $24K

THIS IS PURE CHRISTMAS MANIPULATION!! https://t.co/hSbWI1Bl2R pic.twitter.com/MmQv1nBZql

— ᴛʀᴀᴄᴇʀ (@DeFiTracer) December 25, 2025

The activity aligns with profit-taking and risk management rather than passive holding.

Dragonfly Capital similarly reduced its positions in Mantle (MNT). Over seven days in December, the fund deposited 6 million MNT tokens, worth approximately $6.95 million, to Bybit.

.@dragonfly_xyz (Dragonfly Capital) continues depositing $MNT to @Bybit_Official.

Over the past 7 days, they've already sent 6,000,000 $MNT (~$6.95M USD)

They still hold 9.15M tokens across multiple wallets, worth around $10.76M. pic.twitter.com/3M2s5se9l6

— Nansen 🧭 (@nansen_ai) December 21, 2025

Despite these sales, Dragonfly still holds 9.15 million MNT tokens, valued at around $10.76 million, suggesting a partial rather than complete exit.

The contrast between strong December profits and rising sell pressure illustrates a dual institutional strategy:

• Exploit volatility when opportunities arise,
• De-risk quickly as conditions shift.

For professional funds, year-end selling may also reflect portfolio rebalancing, capital preservation, or preparation for new allocations in the early part of 2026.

While continued selling from top-performing funds could weigh on short-term prices, it may also signal discipline rather than bearish conviction.

The post Crypto Investment Funds Turn Profits in December Despite Broad Market Weakness appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Although the altcoin market cap has not recovered and market sentiment remains in a prolonged state of fear, several low-cap altcoins with market caps under $100 million have shown signs of on-chain accumulation.

This may reflect whales building positions and betting on price increases next month.

1. Avantis (AVNT)

Avantis (AVNT) is a DEX token on Base, with a market capitalization of approximately $89 million. The price of AVNT has fallen more than 85% from the October breakout phase.

However, by December, the downtrend shifted to a sideways range around $0.30. The token has also shown signs of accumulation.

Nansen data shows that AVNT whale wallets accumulated 11 million AVNT in December. The total balance of the top 100 wallets increased by 1.88%, while exchange reserves decreased by 4.9%.

Rising whale balances and declining exchange reserves typically indicate that investors are buying and moving tokens to private wallets, driven by long-term expectations.

Holderscan data also shows that the number of AVNT holders increased from 105,800 to 109,800 over the past 30 days.

From a technical analysis perspective, analysts believe AVNT may be in the final stage of a falling-wedge formation. This pattern typically predicts a reversal from bearish to bullish.

2. Succinct (PROVE)

Succinct (PROVE) is a decentralized network designed to facilitate the creation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) easily and securely.

Privacy on blockchain has gained attention thanks to Zcash (ZEC) and the broader use of ZKP technology. This trend has also drawn attention to Succinct.

The market cap of PROVE currently stands at $75.6 million. The price has dropped more than 77% after listings on Binance and Coinbase.

In recent months, Nansen data shows that top whale wallets accumulated an additional 5.34%. Exchange reserves dropped 1.24%. At the same time, the price decline of PROVE has slowed.

A slower price decline, combined with whale accumulation, has increased investor expectations of a potential rebound.

3. Plume Network (PLUME)

Plume Network (PLUME) is an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain designed specifically for Real-World Assets (RWA).

The market cap of PLUME is currently $60 million, following an 85% decline in the token price during the final quarter of the year.

However, Nansen data shows a notable shift. PLUME whales have accumulated nearly 7 billion PLUME. The price has also recovered 35%, rising from $0.014 to $0.019.

This accumulation has halted the three-month downtrend.

Another reason investors remain optimistic about RWA altcoins is the strong growth outlook for the sector in 2026.

A recent BeInCrypto report states that the total RWA market value hit a new all-time high in December, despite widespread market fear.

When discussing expectations for RWA in 2026, Plume CEO Chris Yin projected 10–20x growth in both value and users.

“Seeing 10–20x growth in value and users next year as well is the low end of what we should expect,” Chris Yin told BeInCrypto.

If this projection becomes reality, low-cap tokens such as PLUME may benefit significantly.

These three low-cap altcoins represent three different themes: DEX, Privacy, and RWA. All three themes hold strong expectations from analysts for the year ahead.

The post 3 Low-Cap Altcoins Show Strong Accumulation in December appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Zcash price has moved steadily higher in recent sessions as it attempts to break out of a well-defined bullish pattern. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency is approaching a critical inflection point that could unlock further upside. 

Investor confidence and supportive broader market conditions are reinforcing expectations of a near-term breakout.

Zcash Holders Show Strength

Large Zcash holders are showing growing optimism as the price approaches key resistance. Data indicates that the top 100 ZEC holders increased their combined balances by 1.11% over the last 24 hours. While modest, this accumulation signals confidence in continued recovery rather than short-term profit-taking.

This behavior suggests conviction among Zcash holders. Whales typically accumulate during consolidation phases when they anticipate expansion. Their continued support implies expectations of higher prices and reduced downside risk, reinforcing bullish sentiment.

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Technical indicators support the constructive outlook. The MACD has maintained strong bullish signals for the past two weeks, reflecting sustained positive momentum. This consistency indicates trend strength rather than a short-lived bounce, reducing the likelihood of abrupt reversals under current conditions.

Broader macro cues further support ZEC price stability. Bitcoin remains near the $88,000 level, providing a firm anchor for altcoins. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 continue to show mildly bullish signals. This alignment encourages risk appetite across digital assets, benefiting Zcash.

ZEC Price Is Stagnant

ZEC price traded near $444 at the time of writing, moving within an ascending triangle pattern. This formation typically precedes upward continuation. A confirmed breakout could trigger a move of nearly 49%, aligning with the pattern’s projected target.

Flipping $442 into a sustained support level remains critical. A decisive move above $500 would confirm the breakout and validate bullish positioning. Given supportive technicals and investor behavior, Zcash could realistically cross $500 before the start of the next year.

However, risks remain if momentum weakens. Failure to break resistance may keep ZEC trading sideways between $442 and $403. A breakdown below $403 would shift sentiment sharply. In that case, price could decline toward $340, invalidating the bullish thesis and increasing downside exposure.

The post How Are Zcash Holders Positioning as Price Approaches a Major Resistance? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

While the crypto community remained focused on the possibility of an altcoin season and fresh Bitcoin highs, a different narrative unfolded. By late 2025, what many analysts now describe as a “metal season” has taken shape.

Precious metals and even base metals have outperformed cryptocurrencies this year. With analysts expecting this momentum to extend into next year, a key question emerges: could copper offer a more compelling bet than crypto?

The Great Rotation: Metals Dominate 2025 Returns

BeInCrypto previously reported that precious metals have continued to trend upward, attracting investors amid persistent concerns about inflation, dollar debasement, and broader macroeconomic fragility. Gold, silver, and platinum have all reached record highs.

“Gold is now up +72% YTD, adding +$13.2 TRILLION in market cap this year. Silver has become the 3rd largest asset in the world, up +155% YTD, worth $4.2 trillion. The only other year that comes close to what we are seeing now is 1979, when CPI inflation was running at 11%+. Platinum? Up +159% and set for its biggest annual percentage gain ever recorded. 2025 will be a year that is referenced for decades to come,” The Kobeissi Letter posted.

Base metals were not excluded from the rally. Earlier this week, copper prices rose above $12,000 per ton for the first time. Today, Bloomberg reported that copper reached a record high in China, while also extending gains in the US.

The metal has even outperformed Bitcoin in year-to-date gains, rising over 40%. By contrast, Bitcoin is down approximately 6%. Many analysts have labeled this trend a “metal season” and expect the momentum to continue into next year.

“The rally in commodities is likely to expand further in 2026 with Bloomberg Commodities Index in fresh uptrend. Basically Hard Assets are devaluing the currency knowing fully well the only option for high debt of western countries is to inflate it away. Expect commodities run to continue in 2026,” Zafar Shaikh, an investor and trader, stated.

Against this backdrop, copper has emerged as a standout due to a growing imbalance between supply and demand, leading many to anticipate additional upside.

Analyst Otavio Costa noted that, despite prices hovering near record levels, production has not risen. He revealed that output in the world’s largest copper-producing country is currently at its weakest level in more than ten years.

“Copper is one of the most critical macro assets for 2026 as we are likely to enter a true price discovery phase, in my view. This setup points to the potential for a highly explosive move from here,” Costa forecasted.

COPPER is set up for a parabolic run.
Position accordingly and Know What You Hold!!! pic.twitter.com/d6lM2XQVkv

— Echo 𝕏 (@echodatruth) December 26, 2025

Bitcoin to Nickels: An Unconventional Trade

Meanwhile, the industry’s outlook on Bitcoin remains divided. Key indicators suggest a challenging period could lie ahead for BTC in early 2026. Adding to the uncertainty, Jim Cramer has turned bearish on Bitcoin.

Galaxy Digital’s Head of Firmwide Research, Alex Thorn, described 2026 as “too chaotic to predict.” Still, some believe the world’s largest cryptocurrency could rally next year and set new all-time highs.

Amid these mixed signals, investor preferences appear to be shifting. For example, one trader sold all his Bitcoin to buy physical nickels, reflecting metal-backed arbitrage’s new appeal.

“I sold all my Bitcoin. I am putting it all into physical nickels. A nickel is worth 5 cents forever (legal tender). But the metal inside (copper/nickel) is worth 6.2 cents right now,” BarkMeta remarked.

In October, Jesse Colombo even described copper as a potential “shot at redemption” for investors who missed the early phases of gold and silver’s bull markets. Thus, as capital continues to rotate and macro risks intensify, copper is increasingly being viewed not just as an industrial input, but as a strategic macro asset.

Whether this “metal season” ultimately eclipses crypto’s appeal remains to be seen. However, the growing interest in copper suggests that, for now, parts of the market are seeking conviction not in digital narratives, but in physical scarcity.

The post Bitcoin or Copper? Investors Reassess as Metal Outperforms Crypto in 2025 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

As global demand for tech talent rises, UNICEF’s partnership with Bitget and the global tech industry expands access to 21st-century skills for youth across eight countries

Adolescent girls in Cambodia prepare to thrive in a digital economy through an unexpected entry point: video game development. Developed by the UNICEF Office of Innovation, the Game Changers Coalition, an initiative designed with and for girls, youth across the country are gaining hands-on experience in coding, storytelling, design and financial literacy concepts — skills critical for success in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.  

Despite rising demand for digital talent, girls and women remain underrepresented in technology fields. Structural barriers restrict access to gaining digital skills, professional networks, and emerging technology tools. UNICEF and partners are working to change this.

With support from Bitget, the largest Universal Exchange, alongside the Global Video Games Coalition and Micron Foundation, UNICEF is scaling inclusive, youth-centred digital learning programmes designed to build confidence, capability and long-term economic resilience.

Bitget Chief Marketing Officer Ignacio Aguirre visited Cambodia for a shared experience with teachers and students participating in the Coalition. 

Bitget CMO, Ignacio Aguirre presenting awards

The visit included dedicated time with one of Cambodia’s winning teams from the first global UNICEF Game Jam — a virtual hackathon that connected young creators from the eight participating countries of the Coalition. Cambodia emerged as one of the strongest participants, securing four of the seven global award categories.

“I am inspired by the determination and talent I have seen from the young people in Cambodia.  At Bitget, we believe that everyone should be equipped to take part in the digital world, from coding and design to emerging fields like blockchain. I am excited to see this generation of young digital creatives sharpening their skills to help shape an inclusive, equitable and prosperous digital future,” said Ignacio Aguirre.

Playing video games at the booth

In an intergenerational exchange of insights and experiences, participants shared their creative process, the stories steeped in culture and community that inspired their games, and the skills they are proud to be mastering. 

“Aside from learning how to write code, we learned how to draw, how to develop storylines, find solutions when we encounter problems, and study to understand those problems step by step. We also learned how to work in teams and understand each other much better. Before taking part in Game Changers, I thought games were only for entertainment. Now I see they can solve real problems. I want to keep building things that make life better for my community,” said Rachna, a 16-year-old video young creator from Takeo province and a member of Green Ever, a winning team in the global UNICEF Game Jam.

During the National Game Jam in Phnom Penh, co-hosted by UNICEF and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), more than 600 students (over 65 per cent of them girls) aged 10 to 18 from 14 schools across 11 provinces showcased and pitched their original video games to a jury of experts, following a six-week tailored learning journey. Their projects drew on personal experiences and issues affecting their communities, demonstrating the role of creative tech in equipping young people to become problem-solvers and digital creators.

“Every year, millions of girls around the world miss out on opportunities in the digital economy because they lack access to the skills and networks needed to thrive. In Cambodia, innovative learning approaches like video game development are breaking barriers and driving digital inclusion and confidence in our students, regardless of their gender. Young people, including those from hard-to-reach areas, are discovering that they belong in these spaces and that their ideas matter,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia.

“This initiative places girls at the centre of Cambodia’s digital transformation. It empowers them to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital age by eliminating gender gaps in digital education and ensuring equitable access to modern learning opportunities. Through coding, problem solving, and teamwork, girls build critical thinking, leadership, and digital literacy skills that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development. The girls who design games today are the future software engineers, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders who will drive Cambodia’s social and economic progress,” said H.E. Dr. Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State of the MoEYS. 

Globally, the Coalition aims to reach 1.1 million people across twelve countries by 2027, contributing to UNICEF’s global ambition to expand learning and skills-building opportunities for girls. The initiative continues to grow with the support of governments, civil society and private-sector partners. 

This press release was written in conjunction with UNICEF. 

Multimedia assets available X.

The UNICEF Game Changers Coalition builds on UNICEF’s existing work of providing girls with digital and 21st-century skills through its Skills4Girls initiative.

About Bitget

Founded in 2018, Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users with access to crypto, tokenized assets, and AI-powered trading tools across major blockchains. Its ecosystem includes Bitget Wallet, an everyday finance app used by over 80 million people. Bitget advances global crypto adoption through partnerships with LALIGA, MotoGP™, and UNICEF.

About UNICEF Office of Innovation

The UNICEF Office of Innovation aligns with a global network of thinkers, enablers and doers to identify and accelerate the scale of truly innovative solutions and approaches that address global challenges affecting children’s lives. 

The post Young People In Cambodia Equipped To Thrive In Digital Economy Through Video Game Development  appeared first on BeInCrypto.