NEWS DIGEST – 18.12.2025
1) Bitcoin retreats near $86K amid macro uncertainty & legislative delay
What happened: Bitcoin’s price pulled back from the recent mid-$80K range, trading near $86,000 as traders reacted to news that a key U.S. Senate crypto bill was postponed until 2026. This legislative delay heightened uncertainty around future regulation and weighed on sentiment.
Why it matters: Regulatory clarity (or lack thereof) continues to be a major driver for crypto markets. When lawmakers delay action, institutional and retail capital often becomes cautious — contributing to price weakness.
Source: The Economic Times (BTC price & Senate bill delay)
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2) Fed signals shift — U.S. central bank quietly reverses anti-crypto policy
What happened: The Federal Reserve reportedly backed off its 2023 anti-crypto restrictions, effectively removing a barrier that had limited how banks interact with digital assets and digital finance innovations. This policy change opens doors for wider engagement by regulated banks in crypto activities.
Why it matters: This reversal could be a structural catalyst for broader institutional participation. When traditional banks are freed from restrictive rules, they may build products, custody services, or integrate settlement flows with crypto rails — supporting long-term demand.
Sources: AmbCrypto; Cryptopolitan
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3) Crypto derivatives get hammered — over 150K traders liquidated
What happened: Recent market volatility triggered a wave of leveraged position liquidations — over 153,000 traders were wiped out in the last 24 hours as asset prices swung.
Why it matters: Heavy leverage in crypto derivatives is a recurring risk factor. When market conditions tighten, forced liquidations can accelerate downturns and amplify volatility — especially during macro shifts or headline-driven moves.
Source: Pintu News
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4) Central African Republic crypto schemes flagged as risk to state assets
What happened: A new GI-TOC report warned that opaque crypto projects in the Central African Republic — including tokenised mineral offerings and controversial meme coins — could expose national resources to exploitation by criminal groups. The government dismissed the claims as politically motivated.
Why it matters: Nation-state crypto adoption isn’t without risk; when projects lack transparency or oversight, they can jeopardise economic stability and attract illicit finance scrutiny. This story underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks and governance for sovereign-linked crypto initiatives.
Source: Reuters
