Coinpedia Fintech News

The post Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Expects At Least 50Bps Fed Rate Cuts In 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Federal Reserve is expected to continue with its interest rate cut in 2026, amid the high executive pressures. As President Donald Trump prepares to name his pick for the Fed Chair to replace Jerome Powell, Wall Street analysts are now forecasting at least a 50 bps rate cut in 2026.

Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Forecast More Fed Rate Cuts in 2026

According to client notes from Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) and Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C), the Federal Reserve will initiate at least two 25-bps rate cuts in 2026. Morgan Stanley changed its forecast of 25 bps rate cuts in January and April to June and September 2026.

Citigroup changed its forecast for 2026 Fed rate cuts from January, March, and September to March, July, and September. As such, Citigroup expects the Fed to initiate a up to 75 bps rate cut in 2026, thus pushing the range below 3%.

Why is Wall Street Anticipating More Rate Cuts?

Wall Street expects the Fed to continue with its rate cuts in 2026 after undertaking three cuts in 2025. With President Trump expected to name a new Fed Chair soon, Wall Street is confident of at least two rate cuts in the coming months.

Source: X

Despite the weaker than expected jobs growth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized the need for lower interest rates to spur economic growth. 

What’s the Expected Impact on Bitcoin and Crypto?

The expected Fed rate cuts have coincided with the ongoing liquidity injection under President Trump. The Fed kick-started its Quantitative Easing (QE) in early December 2025 and President Trump will inject $200 billion through the housing industry.

These events are extremely dovish for the crypto market. Furthermore, Wall Street investors have gradually turned on risk-on mode. With the expected capital rotation from the precious metals industry, amid the ongoing stock market bull rally, Bitcoin and the wider altcoin industry will ultimately register a strong bull run in 2026.

The post Ethereum Nears Breakout as $1 Billion in Liquidations Build — What’s Next for ETH Price? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Crypto markets entered the week expecting heightened volatility ahead of key macro triggers, including U.S. unemployment data and the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump-era tariffs. While a brief bullish push lifted prices across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins, the move lacked follow-through. Selling pressure quickly returned, forcing prices back into their respective ranges. As a result, Ethereum—the second-largest crypto—has drifted into a critical phase.

With the ETH price compressing sharply, derivatives data now reveals why this consolidation persists. Leverage is building on both sides, turning indecision into pressure. Ethereum is no longer drifting—it’s coiling. The key question now is what comes next.

ETH Liquidation Map Signals a High-Risk, High-Volatility Zone

Ethereum’s derivatives market is showing clear signs of stress. The ETH liquidation map reveals a dense buildup of leveraged positions on both sides of the price, creating a high-risk zone where even a modest move could trigger forced liquidations and sudden volatility.

The ETH liquidation map highlights a rare and dangerous setup for overleveraged traders.

Around $1.64 billion in short liquidations sit above current price levels

Nearly $1.05 billion in long liquidations are clustered below

A ~10% move in either direction could trigger cascading forced exits

This tells us the market is balanced on leverage, not conviction. When liquidation pressure builds on both sides like this, ETH typically remains choppy until price breaks structure—and once it does, the move tends to be fast and unforgiving.

ETH Price Compresses Inside a Symmetrical Triangle

Ethereum’s price action reflects growing indecision. ETH is trading inside a tightening symmetrical triangle, a structure that typically forms when buyers and sellers are evenly matched, and volatility is being compressed ahead of a decisive move. On the daily ETH/USDT chart, price action confirms what the liquidation data is warning. ETH is trading inside a symmetrical triangle, marked by lower highs descending from the $3,300–$3,350 region and higher lows rising from the $2,850–$2,900 support zone.

This structure reflects volatility compression, where buyers and sellers are evenly matched while leverage quietly builds. Volume remains muted, reinforcing the idea that ETH is waiting for a trigger—not trending organically.

RSI on the daily chart is hovering near the neutral 50 level, showing no momentum extreme and confirming that ETH is in a wait-and-see phase rather than an overbought or oversold condition. A push in RSI above 60 would likely accompany a breakout above $3,300–$3,350, signaling bullish continuation. Conversely, a drop below 40 would align with a breakdown below $2,950–$2,900, increasing downside risk.

At the same time, Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) remains slightly positive, indicating mild capital inflows even as the price compresses inside the triangle. This suggests quiet accumulation rather than distribution. If CMF stays positive during a breakout, ETH could accelerate toward $3,500–$3,600. However, a flip into negative territory would support a downside flush toward $2,700–$2,600.

Together, neutral RSI and positive CMF reinforce that ETH is coiled at a decision point, with indicators supporting a reactive trade based on price confirmation rather than anticipation.

Bottom Line

Ethereum is nearing a critical turning point. With over $1 billion in liquidations positioned on both sides and price compressing inside a symmetrical triangle, the next move is likely to be sharp and decisive. ETH is not trending—it is coiling under heavy leverage. A confirmed break above $3,300–$3,350 could trigger a short squeeze toward higher resistance, while a drop below $2,900 risks a rapid long flush. For traders, patience is key. The edge lies in reacting to confirmation, not anticipating direction.

The post Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Rise After US Supreme Court Delays Trump Tariff Ruling appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prices moved higher on Thursday after the US Supreme Court delayed an important decision on tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, easing near-term macro uncertainty.

Bitcoin jumped sharply in a short period, climbing more than $2,000 in under an hour and briefly trading near $92,000. Ethereum followed with steady gains near $3,120, while XRP rose above $2.10, extending its recent outperformance among major tokens.

Market Turns Green

The broader crypto market also moved into positive territory. Total market capitalization rose to about $3.13 trillion, up more than 1% on the day. Several large-cap tokens, including BNB and Solana, also posted gains, while market sentiment remained neutral based on widely followed indicators.

The sudden move higher triggered forced liquidations in derivatives markets. Data showed roughly $39 million worth of short positions were wiped out as prices climbed quickly.

Tariff Decision Put on Hold

The rally came after the Supreme Court said it would not issue a ruling on January 9 in a closely watched legal challenge to global tariffs imposed by Trump using emergency powers. The delay leaves the future of those tariffs uncertain for now.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said senior officials had discussed backup legal options in case the court eventually blocks the tariffs. In an interview with CNBC, he added that the administration could rely on other laws to keep similar trade measures in place if needed.

“There are a lot of other legal authorities that can reproduce the deals that we’ve made with other countries, and can do so basically immediately. And so our expectation is that we’re going to win, and if we don’t win, then we know that we’ve got other tools that we could use that get us to the same place,” he said.

The post Could Charles Hoskinson’s Exit From Social Media Affect Cardano ADA’s Price? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said he is stepping away from social media, raising questions among investors about whether his reduced public presence could affect interest in the Cardano blockchain and its ADA token.

In a video message, Hoskinson said that as he became more well known, staying highly visible on social platforms became counterproductive. He said his public persona was influencing how people viewed Cardano and related projects, including Midnight, in ways he felt were unfair.

Hoskinson said he plans to uninstall X and move into what he described as “silent mode,” leaving future online communication to curators and artificial intelligence tools. “I have more important things to do,” he said, adding that he no longer felt the need to remain active on the platform.

Debate Over Cardano’s Public Image

Hoskinson’s comments triggered debate within the crypto community. Some supporters said his decision could help shift attention away from personality-driven narratives and back toward Cardano’s technology and long-term development.

Others expressed concern that Hoskinson’s visibility played a major role in Cardano’s past growth. Tim Warren, host of Investing Broz, said Hoskinson’s accessibility helped build a loyal following that supported ADA during earlier market cycles.

Warren said many investors bought into Cardano because of Hoskinson’s vision and communication, particularly during the 2021 bull market, when ADA surged to record highs despite limited real-world adoption at the time.

Could ADA Be Affected?

Market participants remain divided on whether Hoskinson’s reduced presence will have a lasting impact on ADA’s price. Critics argue that stepping back could weaken investor confidence, especially among retail holders who were drawn to Cardano through Hoskinson’s frequent updates and commentary.

Others say mature blockchain projects should not rely on a single individual and that Cardano’s future should be driven by technology, developers, and real-world use cases rather than personal branding.

Hoskinson did not comment on ADA’s price or market performance. ADA continued to trade in line with the broader crypto market following his remarks, with no immediate reaction linked directly to his announcement.

The post Ethereum Faces Rising Accumulation Cost Around $2.7K–$2.8K: Will Long-Term Buyers Push ETH Price? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum’s accumulation cost has increased and LTHs are concentrated around $2.7K–$2.8K price range. This is where long-term buyers keep adding to their holdings instead of selling. This level shows where LTHs believe Ethereum offers good return, even when the market is bearish. While many other altcoins have struggled to attract the same steady support, Ethereum has held up better over time. The main question now is whether these long-term holders will continue supporting ETH if prices move lower. 

Why Do Long-Term Investors Keep Buying Ethereum?

Over the last 24 hours, ETH price faced strong selling pressure. Data from Coinglass reveals that ETH faced around $42 million worth of liquidations in the past 24 hours. Of this, buyers liquidated nearly $26.5 million worth of positions.

Also read: $2.2B Bitcoin & Ethereum Options Expiry Today Amid OI Hit 2022 Low 

However, as soon as buyers took the control, sellers faced nearly $16 million in liquidation. The recent comeback of buyers was triggered by LTH concentration around key zones. According to Cryptoquant, the long-term holder cost basis tracks ETH held by addresses that accumulate gradually instead of trading frequently. This metric often acts as a floor for long-term value, as these holders tend to buy during weakness rather than sell into fear.

Source: CryptoQuant

The current $2.7K–$2.8K zone has emerged as a strong structural support level. Even during periods of sharp market volatility, ETH has repeatedly found buyers near this range. Late 2025 and early 2026 saw record inflows into accumulation addresses, with millions of ETH added despite market pressure, suggesting that long-term investors remain intact.

Institutional demand is further strengthening Ethereum’s support, following patterns seen in 2020 and 2022. During both periods, long-term holders kept accumulating ETH through major downturns, helping establish durable recovery bases.

While Trend Research reports an average accumulation price near $3,150, highlighting confidence during pullbacks. For investors, this makes the $2.7K–$2.8K zone especially important, as it continues to attract buyers just as past accumulation levels did before previous recoveries. While ongoing dip-buying suggests belief in Ethereum’s long-term growth, a break below this range would signal a significant shift in long-term investor behavior.

What’s Next for ETH Price?

Ether price is hovering within a tight trading channel over the past few months and buyers are unable to keep prices above the triangular channel. As a result, ETH has slipped back into its December trading range. As of writing, ETH price trades at $3,106, surging over 0.3% in the last 24 hours.

ETH/USDT Chart: TradingView

If Ether bounces above the EMA20 trend line, it could regain momentum and push higher toward the edge of the channel at $3,300. A break above this level might push the ETH price toward $4,000. 

However, if ETH faces resistance at $3,300 and continues to fall below EMA trend lines, it would suggest profit-taking sentiment. In that case, Ether could slide toward $2,900 and retest the ascending support line. 

The post Bitcoin Price Drops, Yet Long-Term Holders Aren’t Selling—Here’s Why appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin’s price has slipped from recent highs, breaking below key short-term levels and triggering renewed fears of a deeper correction. However, beneath the surface, on-chain data tells a very different story.

Despite the pullback, long-term Bitcoin holders are not selling aggressively. Key on-chain indicators show that older coins remain largely inactive, suggesting the recent downside move is being driven by short-term traders and leverage resets rather than structural distribution.

This divergence between the BTC price weakness and holder behavior is critical. It points to a market that is cooling off and rebalancing—not one that is topping out.

What the On-Chain Data Is Saying

The Value Days Destroyed (VDD) Multiple tracks when older, long-held BTC is being spent. Historically, major market tops are accompanied by sharp red spikes, signaling long-term holders distributing into strength. Right now, that signal is missing.

Recent readings from Glassnode remain in the low-to-mid VDD range, indicating that:

Long-term holders are not aggressively selling

Most BTC being moved belongs to short-term participants

Selling pressure is tactical, not structural

This behavior typically aligns with consolidation or trend continuation, not final tops.

Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Remain Optimistic

The price chart shows Bitcoin rejecting higher supply zones around the $105k–$110k region, followed by a breakdown below mid-range support near $102k–$98k. This triggered a sharp move lower, but importantly, the price has not entered freefall. Instead, BTC is reacting around the established demand zones. Volatility is high, but a structure is forming, and hence the moves could resemble liquidity sweeps but not panic sweeps. 

Source: X

The combined charts point towards three main outcomes. Firstly, no mass distribution from long-term holders. Secondly, distribution is occurring at higher levels, followed by a controlled reset and thirdly, short-term traders are driving volatility, not smart money exits. This is typical of mid-cycle corrections, where leverage and late longs are flushed while long-term conviction remains intact. 

What’s Next for the BTC Price Rally?

Bitcoin price is facing notable upward pressure but continues to trade within a demand zone. If the price reclaims the range between $98,000 and $102,000, it could signal absorption and open the door for continuation. An invalidation could drag the price close to $82,000, which could weaken the broader bullish thesis. Besides, holding within the current demand zone between $88,000 and $92,000 could keep the structure constructive. 

Despite the sharp pullback, on-chain data does not support a cycle-top narrative. Long-term holders remain calm, while price action reflects a market resetting excess, not unwinding conviction. For now, the BTC price appears to be digesting gains, not ending the trend. Direction will be decided not by fear, but by how price reacts at key levels in the days ahead.

The post Bitcoin Price Live Today: BTC Holds Near $90,000 After US Jobs Data appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin price today remained steady near the $90,000 level after fresh US economic data showed a slight improvement in the labor market, easing immediate pressure on risk assets.

Bitcoin was trading around $90,200, up 1% on the day, as investors digested lower-than-expected unemployment figures while waiting for clearer market direction.

US Unemployment Data Comes in Lower Than Expected

The US unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in December, beating expectations of 4.5%, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the drop points to a stabilising labor market, the rate remains well above the Federal Reserve’s long-term comfort zone.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 50,000 jobs, missing forecasts and marking a sharp slowdown from previous months. Payroll numbers for October and November were also revised lower by a combined 76,000 jobs, highlighting softer momentum in hiring.

For the full year, average monthly job growth dropped to 49,000, compared with 168,000 in 2024, reinforcing the view that the US economy is cooling.

Crypto Market Remains Calm After Data Release

Despite the mixed macro signals, the broader crypto market showed little reaction. Total crypto market capitalisation stood near $3.08 trillion, up slightly on the day, while sentiment indicators stayed neutral.

Ethereum was priced near $3,076, while XRP traded close to $2.09, extending its recent relative strength compared with other large tokens.

Bitcoin is currently trading in a sideways range, showing no clear direction as buyers and sellers remain evenly matched. Prices have repeatedly struggled near a strong resistance zone between roughly $92,800 and $101,200, an area where Bitcoin was rejected several times in November and December. 

On the downside, the market has been holding above the $86,500 to $88,200 support area, which continues to act as a cushion during pullbacks.

The post Polygon (MATIC) Price Rallies 33% in Early 2026: Is This the Start of a Bigger Move? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Polygon (MATIC) price witnessed a massive rally in the first week of 2026, reigniting investor confidence. 

The rally was driven by Polygon’s launch of its Open Money Stack, a payments-focused framework aimed at stablecoins and institutional use, along with a spike in token burn activity. 

Unlike short-lived speculative pumps, MATIC exhibited a seven day consecutive surge which displays follow on buying momentum. 

With bullish momentum returns, attention has now shifted whether MATIC price can sustain this upward move or enter another consolidation phase.

Polygon (MATIC) Technical Structure & On-Chain Signals

Amidst the positive development, Polygon (MATIC) price has surged massively over 33% this week, signaling fresh buying interest.

The latest rally pushed MATIC above its short-term moving averages, flipping the short term trend from bearish to bullish. 

The 20 EMA has started to curl upward, suggesting bullish momentum. However, the MATIC price still trades below the 200 day EMA, indicating that the broader trend has not fully flipped bullish yet.

Currently, Polygon (MATIC) price trades at $0.1453 with a weekly rise of over 33%. On the upside, MATIC price may retest the $0.2000 hurdle soon. While the support zone exists around $0.1200- $0.1000.

Furthermore, the momentum indicators also support this shift. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved in the bullish region, showing a shift without entering overbought territory, leaving room for further upside ahead.

Moreover, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has printed a bullish crossover, with the MACD line above the signal line. The histogram has turned positive, reinforcing the idea that bullish momentum is building rather than fading.

Looking at the on-chain data for MATIC, the Total Value Locked (TVL) and active addresses data reinforces the bullish case. 

Polygon’s TVL has shown a rising trend suggesting users are entering the capital into the market. Historically, sustained TVL growth has preceded stronger and more durable price trends for MATIC.

Additionally, the daily active addresses have also trended higher, highlighting increased on-chain participation. This rise suggests the network is seeing renewed user activity across DeFi, gaming, and payments-related applications.

Conclusion

Polygon (MATIC)’s recent rally looks well-supported backed by strong news catalysts, improving chart structure and rising on-chain activity.

If bullish momentum continues, Polygon price may reach the upside target of $0.2375 ahead.

The post What Powell’s February FOMC Meeting Could Mean for XRP Price appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP is trading in a narrow range as markets look ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s February policy meeting, with experts weighing whether interest rate signals from Fed Chair Jerome Powell could lift prices or trigger another pullback.

Analyst Evan Aldo said XRP is currently moving sideways, showing signs of consolidation rather than a clear trend. He said that the recent pullback has kept prices below earlier highs, but the market has so far avoided a sharp breakdown.

XRP holds range near $2.10

According to Aldo, XRP has found short-term stability around the $2 level after slipping from higher prices earlier this month. He said this area is acting as a holding zone as investors wait for direction from broader markets.

If conditions improve, Aldo said XRP could attempt a move back toward the $2.40–$2.50 range in the coming weeks, which remains an important resistance area.

“I think the big thing that we want to do to kind of fit that narrative would be break above and hold $2.50 right here, hold this 200 daily moving average and then eventually break up to these areas,” he said.

Fed meeting seen as turning point

Aldo said the February Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting could be decisive. He warned that Powell’s comments on inflation, rates, or financial conditions could pressure risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

He pointed to past Fed meetings where cautious or restrictive messaging led to market pullbacks, adding that crypto remains sensitive to shifts in U.S. monetary policy.

He added, “So if you can do something like this and keep going upward, you’re in the beginning of February after that FOMC meeting, you’re still going upward, then that would fit the narrative to keep going.”

What would change the outlook

Aldo said a sustained move back above $2.50 after the February Fed meeting would improve the outlook for XRP. Holding above that level into early February would mean reversal and reduce the risk of further declines.

Until then, XRP is expected to remain range-bound near current levels, with Powell’s policy signals likely to play a major role in determining the next move.

The post GUNZ Coin Attempts First Positive Breakout In 6 Months appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The avalanche-supported blockchain gaming project Gunz (GUN) has finally made a notable move. In a daily frame, this gaming crypto has broken out of a downward channel started in early July 2025. 

Gunz coin is a Web3 gaming and in-Game NFT project like the Sanbox, GameFi, and Immutable X. This gaming crypto has surprised everyone with a spike of 20% in 24 hours and a volume surge of 58.48%. 

It is also to be noted that the price action of the GUN token is bullish in daily, weekly, two-hour, and hourly charts. 

GUN/USDT Daily Shows Good Support 

At press time, GUN is at $0.02365 after bouncing from the $0.001215 support zone. The price in the daily frame shows moving out of a downward channel with printing support at  $0.01110 to $0.001215. 

If the trend continues and fundamentals stay positive, GUN will be pushed into a higher highs and higher lows pattern. 

The GUN/USDT Hourly Chart Is More Exciting

On the hourly chart, the price is moving above 100 day EMA and trading near the upward resistance. The price may see a correction near the buying zone, but the support seems solid enough to hold the candles red for long. 

GUN/USDT Hourly

As seen, the RSI is now accelerating upward, and volume is facing volatility. The GUN/USDT pair could challenge the upper resistance soon. Traders must keep an eye on the marked entry zone of $0.02023/ GUN Coin.

The post Solana Price Shows Strong Bullish Momentum After Falling Channel Breakout appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Solana (SOL) is flashing signs of bullish momentum as institutional optimism and falling channel breakout were noted.

Since the start of 2026, SOL price continued to form higher-highs and trades in an upward momentum, which confirms the accumulation.

One of the key reasons behind this upward momentum is the growing user interest. On January 6, 2026, Morgan Stanley submitted a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to introduce two new crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), one of which is linked to Solana.

On-Chain Data Highlights Growing User Engagement

Recent on-chain data showcased that Solana continues to gain traction in the market. The rapid increase in daily active users replicates the large number of users awho re transacting and participating in the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the steady growth in the stablecoin supply on the network also fuels bullish momentum. In the recent sessions, the total stablecoin balance continues to expand, signalling growing confidence among users.

Also Read :

  Will Bitcoin Reach $2.9M? VanEck’s 25-Year Forecast Explained

  ,

Solana’s stablecoin supply increased by over $900M in the past 24 hours.We're seeing a rotation unfolding in real time. pic.twitter.com/KQkRRBV1Tp

— Solana Sensei (@SolanaSensei) January 8, 2026

Typically, when stablecoin supply increases, it denotes that potential upward trend is positioning in the market.

Analyst Flags Solana Breakout, Eyes $171 Target

In a recent post on X, Crypto Analyst King Arthur has given a bullish call on Solana. According to his analysis, SOL has finally escaped a falling channel and displayed bullish momentum. He notes that holding above the $143 level would strengthen bullish confidence, while a decisive close above $152 could confirm a renewed uptrend.

FAQs

Why is Solana (SOL) showing bullish momentum in 2026?

SOL is forming higher highs, breaking a falling channel, and seeing rising user activity, signaling accumulation and improving market confidence.

What does rising on-chain activity mean for Solana investors?

Higher daily active users suggest growing adoption, more real usage, and a healthier ecosystem supporting price growth.

Will Solana reclaim its crown of being an Ethereum killer?

Solana stock, with its strengths in fundamentals, still holds significant prominence. That said, we can expect its glory to shine brighter with resolutions to shortcomings and major Solana news.

The post BNY Mellon Tokenized Deposits Now Live for Ripple, Citadel, ICE appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bank of New York Mellon has entered the tokenized deposits race.

The bank, which holds $57.8 trillion in assets under custody, announced Friday that clients can now transfer deposits using blockchain rails. These on-chain deposits work for collateral, margin transactions, and payments, with BNY targeting 24/7 operations.

The first users include Intercontinental Exchange (which owns the New York Stock Exchange), Citadel Securities, DRW Holdings, Ripple Prime, asset manager Baillie Gifford, and stablecoin firm Circle.

“This is very much about connecting traditional banking infrastructure and traditional banking institutions with emerging digital rails and digital ecosystem participants in a way that institutions trust,” said Carolyn Weinberg, BNY’s chief product and innovation officer.

How Tokenized Deposits Work

Tokenized deposits differ from stablecoins in one key way. Stablecoins are backed by reserves like cash or short-term government debt. Tokenized deposits sit within the banking system itself and can pay interest.

This launch follows the passage of the GENIUS Act, which sets up stablecoin rules in the US.

Why This Matters for 24/7 Markets

Blockchain-based deposits could play a key role in tokenized securities, acting as the settlement layer for assets like stocks and bonds.

ICE plans to support tokenized deposits across its clearinghouses as it prepares for continuous trading. CEO Jeffrey Sprecher has previously said tokenization could help increase trading volumes by enabling round-the-clock collateral management.

BNY also pointed to programmable transactions, which allow transfers to execute automatically when certain conditions are met, such as releasing collateral once a loan obligation is fulfilled.

Banks Are Piling In

BNY joins a growing list. JPMorgan rolled out JPM Coin to institutional clients in November. HSBC plans to expand its tokenized deposit service to the US and UAE in the first half of this year.

In the UK, Barclays recently invested in Ubyx, a US startup building clearing systems for tokenized deposits. UBS, PostFinance, and Sygnum Bank have run Ethereum-based tests, while Swift is building on-chain settlement infrastructure.

The post News Watch: XRP Hits $2.27 On ETF Volume; Is Digitap ($TAP) the Real Future of Payments? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP has entered 2026 with renewed momentum. The token climbed to $2.27, rising around 25% in the first week of the year, as capital continued to flow into newly launched XRP exchange-traded funds. Since November, XRP ETFs have absorbed $1.3 billion in inflows, an unusually strong start by crypto ETF standards.

Yet behind the headlines, price action has been uneven, and questions remain about XRP’s long-term role in payments for everyday users. As markets digest the rally, attention is quietly shifting toward newer, retail-focused platforms such as Digitap ($TAP), which many analysts now include among the best crypto to buy in 2026.

ETF Demand Drives XRP’s Early-2026 Surge

XRP’s recent rise has been driven primarily by ETF demand. According to data from SoSoValue, XRP ETFs have recorded $1.3 billion in net inflows since Canary Capital’s launch in November, with no single day of net outflows, a rare streak in the crypto ETF space.

Improving regulatory clarity in the U.S. has also helped sentiment. Katherine Dowling, president of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company, noted that investors are growing more comfortable with XRP’s legal position, which has supported institutional participation.

Why XRP’s Payments Model Still Feels Distant

On-chain data, however, tells a more complex story. Santiment shows that XRP transactions over $100,000 rose to 2,802 on January 6, the highest level in almost three months. 

Normally, that kind of whale activity helps prices move higher. This time it didn’t. XRP failed to hold above $2.40 and slipped below $2.20, suggesting large holders are shifting positions rather than building new exposure.

Why Digitap ($TAP) Is Drawing Attention Beyond Price Moves

Digitap enters the market as a cross-border payments and crypto banking platform built for everyday use. Instead of focusing on institutional corridors, it allows individuals to receive, convert, and spend crypto and fiat in one place.

The app is already available on iOS and Android, with over 120,000 wallets connected so far. Instead of locking users into a single setup, Digitap lets users choose how they use the platform.

The Wallet Plan is the simplest option. It requires no KYC and allows users to store crypto, send and receive funds, and swap assets inside the app without transfer fees. It’s designed for quick access and basic use.

The Virtual Plan adds spending features. After completing KYC, users can create virtual cards, fund them with crypto, and spend anywhere cards are accepted, with automatic conversion to fiat at checkout.

The Pro Plan introduces full banking tools. It includes an offshore account, IBAN support, and access to SEPA and SWIFT transfers, along with physical cards linked to both crypto and fiat balances.

For users who need more flexibility, the Premium Plan removes most limits and adds personal support, while the Business Plan is built for companies handling cross-border payments, payroll, and expenses.

This structure lets users decide how much information to share and how far to go, without cutting off features for those who need compliant banking options.

$TAP Named Among The Best Crypto Presales With Rising Stage Prices

Digitap’s presale is moving in defined stages, with the token price increasing at each step rather than reacting to daily market swings. Early participants entered at $0.0125, and with the current presale price at $0.0411, those buyers are now up by roughly 230%.

The pricing doesn’t stop here. Digitap’s planned launch price is $0.14, which means the presale is still well below where the token is expected to begin public trading, leaving room for further upside.

Why Retail Use May Define Crypto’s Next Chapter

XRP’s ETF-driven momentum confirms its relevance in institutional finance, but price hesitation and whale repositioning suggest that long-term growth may depend on regulatory developments and retail usage rather than organic user adoption.

Digitap represents a newer approach to cross-border payments, one that is secure, decentralized, and designed for different types of users, not just institutions. For those evaluating the best crypto to invest in for the next phase of adoption, the debate may no longer be about which token rallies next, but which platforms people will actually use.

Discover the future of crypto cards with Digitap by checking out their live Visa card project here:

Presale https://presale.digitap.app  

Website: https://digitap.app 

Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app 

Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

The post Tether Partners with UN to Strengthen Crypto Safety in Africa appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Tether, the leading stablecoin provider, has joined forces with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle rising cybercrime in Africa’s fast-growing crypto market. With scams and fraud increasing, Interpol recently uncovered $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat. The initiative focuses on strengthening digital asset security and educating the public. By combining Tether’s expertise with UNODC’s global reach, the partnership aims to make crypto safer, promote responsible adoption, and protect users across the continent.

The post Why Polygon (POL) Price Is Rising Today—How High Can It Go Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Polygon’s POL price is gaining traction as traders rotate into altcoins showing relative strength and clean technical structure. While the broader crypto market remains cautious, POL has started to attract fresh volume and momentum-driven participation, pushing prices higher in the short term.

The move comes amid renewed attention on the Polygon ecosystem and improving sentiment around scalable Ethereum-linked assets. The rally is being supported by price behavior, making POL one of the more closely watched altcoins right now.

Why POL Price Is Rising Now

A key trigger has been renewed focus on Polygon’s Open Money Stack, a payments and settlement framework aimed at enabling regulated stablecoin transfers and on-chain settlement. This has pushed POL back into the spotlight as a payments-linked trade, drawing short-term speculative flows as traders rotate into real-world utility narratives.

At the same time, recent market reports around Polygon exploring strategic integrations and a potential acquisition of Coinme have lifted sentiment. While unconfirmed, the news flow has positioned POL as a candidate for deeper on- and off-ramp exposure, which traders are front-running.

On-chain data from the past few weeks shows clear improvement: daily POL burns have accelerated to around 1 million tokens, active addresses are up over 25%, and transaction volumes have risen close to 20%, signaling stronger network usage and tightening short-term supply.

Together, these recent catalysts explain why POL is attracting momentum now—driven by news, speculation, and measurable activity, not broad market strength alone.

How High Can Polygon Price Go in 2026?

Ever since the rejection from $0.2964, the POL price has maintained a strong descending trend, marking the lows below $0.1. The start of 2026 turned out to be extremely bullish as the prices rose by over 50%. However, the token is facing significant upward pressure at a crucial resistance that may raise some concern. But in the wider perspective, the bulls appear to be poised for an 18% to 20% jump that may open the doors for higher targets. 

The POL price rebounded from the lows at 0 FIB at $0.098 and surged magnificently to reach 0.236 FIB, where it faced resistance. The RSI has entered the overbought zone while not showing signs of a pullback. This suggests the bullish momentum remains intact despite facing some resistance. On the other hand, the accumulation/distribution level displays a V-shape recovery that indicates the accumulation has begun aggressively, ending the distribution. The volume is in bullish favour, which has increased notably; hence, the POL price is primed to maintain a healthy upswing. 

Here’s What Traders Should Watch Next!

Polygon’s POL price upside depends on how the price reacts at key resistance zones, with momentum currently favoring continuation as long as structure holds.

Near-term target: $0.15–$0.16: This is the first major resistance zone where sellers previously stepped in. A clean break and hold above this level could trigger follow-through buying.

Next upside target: $0.20–$0.22: A psychological and structural level. Reclaiming this zone would signal a broader trend shift and attract momentum and breakout traders.

Extended bullish target: $0.25–$0.28: This area aligns with higher-timeframe supply. POL would need sustained volume and a supportive market environment to reach this zone.

Bearish invalidation level: $0.11–$0.12: A breakdown below this support would weaken the bullish structure and increase the risk of a deeper pullback.

For traders, these levels should be treated as reaction zones, not guaranteed targets. Volume behavior and price acceptance at each level will determine whether POL consolidates, extends, or rejects.

The post JUST IN: Ripple Wins UK FCA Registration as Crypto Rules Tighten appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ripple just secured regulatory approval in the UK, and the timing tells a bigger story.

Ripple Markets UK Ltd. gained registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the country’s money laundering regulations, according to an update to the regulator’s registry on Friday.

The registration means Ripple now complies with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules. But this is not full financial services authorization.

What Ripple Can and Cannot Do

The FCA approval comes with clear restrictions.

Ripple cannot operate crypto ATMs, serve retail clients without prior FCA consent, appoint agents or distributors, or issue electronic money to consumers, micro-enterprises, or charities.

Still, the registration gives Ripple a regulated foothold in the UK as the country works to position itself as a global crypto hub.

Also Read: Ripple’s GTreasury Acquires Solvexia: What It Means for XRP and RLUSD

UK Crypto Firms Face New Deadline

Ripple’s registration lands just as Britain prepares stricter rules for the entire crypto industry.

The FCA announced that crypto firms must apply for authorization under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) starting September 2026. The new regime kicks in by October 2027.

Firms currently registered under anti-money laundering or payment regulations will not get automatic conversion. They must apply fresh. Firms already holding FSMA authorization for other activities will need to vary their permissions separately.

Late applicants face a tough spot. They can keep existing contracts but cannot start any new UK-regulated crypto activities until they get authorized.

Why This Matters for Ripple

By locking in FCA registration now, Ripple gets ahead of the rush that will hit when the September 2026 application window opens.

The UK is pushing to bring digital assets into its financial framework. Policymakers want crypto regulated like traditional finance, and Ripple just made sure it has a seat at the table before the rules tighten.

For a company already battling regulatory questions in the US, a clean UK registration sends a clear signal to the market.

The post Top 3 Altcoins Under $0.1 for the Next Bull Cycle? Analysts Weigh In appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Every bull cycle reshuffles attention. Tokens that once felt dominant begin to stall, while others quietly gain relevance. Market commentators suggest that the biggest gains often come from assets positioned early, before momentum returns to the broader market. This is why many investors tracking crypto prices today are already asking which crypto to buy ahead of the next cycle. Among altcoins under $0.1, three names are often discussed, but not for the same reasons.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) 

Shiba Inu currently trades near $0.000009 with a market cap of about $5.25B. It remains one of the most widely held meme tokens and still benefits from brand recognition.

However, resistance zones have become clear. Crypto charts show repeated selling pressure around recent highs. For SHIB to deliver strong gains, a large inflow of new capital would be required. Some analysts believe that even in a bullish market, price growth may remain limited due to the token’s massive circulating supply. A modest upside scenario might see incremental movement, but projections show that a major breakout would be difficult without a sharp shift in demand.

For long-term investors, this changes expectations. SHIB may still move with market sentiment, but its size now works against rapid appreciation.

Dogecoin (DOGE) 

Dogecoin trades around $0.15 and carries a market cap close to $25B. Like SHIB, DOGE benefits from strong name recognition and deep liquidity.

Resistance remains firm near $0.20. DOGE has tested this level multiple times and failed to hold above it. Market commentators suggest that breaking this zone would require strong external catalysts rather than organic growth. Because of its size, even a 2x move would demand billions in new capital.

Some analysts believe DOGE may continue to follow broader market trends but offer limited upside compared to earlier cycles. In a bullish scenario, projections point to slower gains rather than explosive moves. This has led investors to look elsewhere for stronger appreciation potential.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) 

Mutuum Finance enters the conversation from a very different angle. Instead of relying on brand or community-driven demand, Mutuum Finance focuses on building a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol.

The project began its presale in early 2025 and has progressed through multiple stages. Funding has reached about $19.6M, with more than 18,800 holders participating. Around 825M tokens have already been distributed from the presale allocation. Out of a total supply of 4B tokens, 45.5% or roughly 1.82B tokens are reserved for presale distribution.

Pricing has moved gradually with each phase. MUTM is currently priced at $0.04, reflecting a steady climb from the initial $0.01 entry point. The official launch price is set at $0.06. This structure shows controlled growth rather than sudden spikes.

According to the official X statement, Mutuum Finance is preparing the V1 release of its lending and borrowing protocol, with a Sepolia testnet deployment planned for Q1 2026. Initial supported assets include ETH and USDT. Core components include liquidity pools, mtTokens, debt tokens, and an automated liquidator bot.

Growth Catalysts and Halborn Security

What separates Mutuum Finance from many new crypto projects is how demand is created. Users who supply assets receive mtTokens. These mtTokens increase in value as interest accrues. Borrowers pay interest on overcollateralized loans, which generates protocol revenue.

A portion of that revenue is used to buy MUTM on the open market. MUTM purchased on the open market is redistributed to users who stake mtTokens in the safety module. Some analysts believe this creates consistent buy pressure tied to usage rather than attention.

Security has also been addressed early. The V1 protocol has completed an independent audit by Halborn Security. Mutuum Finance also holds a 90/100 CertiK token scan score and operates a $50k bug bounty focused on code vulnerabilities. These steps help explain why confidence has grown as the project approaches its next phase.

In a bullish scenario, projections show that a move from the $0.04 level toward and beyond the $0.06 launch price could happen as visibility increases. The launch price marks the point where presale distribution ends and the token begins trading in a more open environment. 

At that stage, pricing is no longer determined by fixed tiers but by supply-and-demand dynamics. Once supply stops being released at discounted presale levels, new buyers must source tokens from the market instead of the presale, which can shift the pricing floor higher.

In this usage-driven scenario, some projections place MUTM in the $0.25 to $0.35 range over time, which would represent roughly a 6x to 8.7x increase from the current $0.04 level, assuming participation grows in line with the roadmap milestones.

Roadmap Milestones

Mutuum Finance places strong emphasis on stablecoin lending, starting with USDT. Stablecoins reduce volatility risk and support predictable borrowing behaviour. This is important during periods when investors question why crypto is down today or when markets trade sideways.

The roadmap also includes layer-2 integration. Layer-2 networks lower transaction costs and improve speed. For lending platforms, this can attract more users and increase activity. Higher activity feeds into revenue, which supports the token’s role within the system.

When comparing altcoins under $0.1, context matters. Shiba Inu’s and Dogecoin’s size limits upside potential. Mutuum Finance offers a different setup. It is earlier in its lifecycle, focused on real financial use, and approaching a key development milestone.

When asking what is the best cryptocurrency to invest in ahead of the next cycle is, analysts suggest looking beyond familiarity. In a market shaped by timing and structure, projects like Mutuum Finance may stand out as the cycle turns.

For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:

Website: https://www.mutuum.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

The post Colombia Crypto Tax Rules: Bitcoin, Altcoins, and Stablecoins Under Scrutiny appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Colombia is moving decisively to clamp down on crypto-related tax evasion by rolling out mandatory reporting requirements for digital asset platforms. The new framework signals a tougher regulatory tone, placing transparency and tax compliance at the center of the country’s crypto policy. While Colombia has stopped short of fully legalizing or formally regulating digital assets, the latest step makes it clear that undeclared crypto activity will face greater scrutiny.

What the New Reporting Rules Require

The initiative is being led by Colombia’s National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN), which will now require crypto exchanges and service providers to gather and submit detailed data on user activity. These obligations cover all major digital assets, including Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins, and memecoins.

Platforms must report information such as account ownership details, transaction volumes, asset transfer counts, market prices, and users’ net balances. By collecting this data, tax authorities aim to build a clearer picture of how crypto is being used and ensure that taxable gains are properly reported. The rules were finalized toward the end of 2025, but enforcement will begin with the 2026 tax year. The first full annual report, covering activity throughout 2026, is due by May 2027.

Aligning With Global Crypto Tax Frameworks

Colombia’s reporting regime closely follows the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which is designed to standardize how crypto data is shared between countries. Jurisdictions such as the UK, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the UAE have already introduced or announced similar systems.

By aligning with CARF, Colombia hopes to close gaps that allow users to move crypto activity across borders to avoid taxes. The move also strengthens international cooperation, making it easier for tax authorities to trace digital assets and reduce regulatory arbitrage.

France Expands Controls Beyond Exchanges

Colombia’s action comes as France also tightens its crypto tax net. French lawmakers approved measures in December 2025 that require holders of self-custody wallets, including Ledger and MetaMask, to declare balances exceeding €5,000. The proposal extends oversight beyond centralized exchanges to personal wallets, reflecting concerns about hidden holdings.

France’s push follows a turbulent year marked by data breaches involving taxpayer information, kidnappings linked to crypto investors, and criminal misuse of confidential tax data. These events reinforced the case for stricter monitoring of digital assets.

A Global Shift Toward Full Transparency

Taken together, developments in Colombia, France, and the UAE point to a clear global trend. Governments are moving away from voluntary disclosures toward enforceable digital audit trails that include exchanges, intermediaries, and individual holders.

For crypto users and platforms, the message is increasingly clear. Digital assets are now firmly on the radar of tax authorities, and non-compliance carries real legal and financial risks. As transparency becomes the norm, the era of crypto’s semi-anonymous operation appears to be rapidly fading.

The post XRP Holds $2.10 Support as Golden Cross Forms After Leverage Reset appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP is trading near the $2.10 level after a strong move earlier this month. While the market has cooled and excess leverage has been cleared. On top of it, XRP has formed a Golden Cross, a signal that previously appeared before the token rallied to its all-time high, raising questions about whether the pattern could repeat.

Leverage Reset Pushes XRP Into a Tight Range

One of the biggest changes came from the derivatives market. XRP recently went through a rare two-sided liquidation event on Binance Futures. First, on January 5, the price pushed sharply higher, triggering around $4.4 million in short liquidations as late sellers were forced to exit. 

Just a day later, the move reversed. Nearly $5.5 million in long positions were wiped out, pulling the price back down. 

This back-to-back cleanup removed leverage from both directions and left XRP trading in a narrow $2.07 to $2.17 range as traders waited for a fresh catalyst.

Whale Activity Cools After Months of Heavy Participation

With leverage flushed out, attention has shifted to on-chain and institutional signals. According to CryptoQuant data, whales are still the dominant force, accounting for about 60% of XRP inflows to Binance, while retail traders make up the rest. 

However, whale activity has been slowly declining since mid-December. This suggests large holders may be stepping back after months of heavy involvement near the top of the rally, allowing the market to cool and stabilize.

Institutional & ETF Flows Remain Key Support 

At the same time, institutional interest remains a key support. Spot XRP ETFs have attracted nearly $1.49 billion in inflows since launch, even though they saw a $40.8 million outflow on January 7 during the recent price dip. 

This shows that while short-term sentiment can weaken, longer-term interest has not disappeared.

XRP Chart Forming Golden Cross

On the technical side, analysts are watching early signs of strength. Chart data shared by ChartNerd shows XRP printing a Golden Cross on the 5-day MACD, with the histogram turning positive. The last time this signal appeared was in July, just before XRP pushed to new highs.

$XRP has printed a Golden Cross on its 5-Day MACD with a switch into positive on the histogram. The last time this signal printed was in July, where $XRP rallied to a new ATH. pic.twitter.com/LdCYU709Kt

— ChartNerd (@ChartNerdTA) January 9, 2026

If the historical pattern follows again, XRP price will soon hit its all-time high of $3.68.

The post UK to Launch New Crypto Licensing Regime in 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority will open a crypto licensing gateway in September 2026, giving firms time to prepare for a new regulatory regime launching on 25 October 2027. All crypto businesses will need fresh FCA approval under the Financial Services and Markets Act, as existing AML or payments registrations will not carry over. Companies that miss the deadline may continue offering current services under a transitional regime, but will be blocked from launching new products. The changes aim to improve oversight, raise standards, and strengthen consumer protection across the UK crypto market.