BeInCrypto Global

The crypto market faces a pivotal week between December 8 and 13, 2025, as six major events converge to impact prices and sentiment. With multiple critical events condensed into a few days, the interplay of macroeconomic policy, technology milestones, legal proceedings, and regulatory action creates a unique dynamic.

Together, these forces are likely to influence altcoin valuations and shape investor confidence across the sector.

FOMC Interest Rate Decision Sets the Tone for Bitcoin

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will reveal its interest rate decision on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is an 87.4% chance of a rate cut, a 12.6% probability of no change, and no expectation of an increase.

Interest Rate Cut Probabilities. Source: CME FedWatch Tool

Markets anticipate easier financial conditions, which could boost risk assets like Bitcoin. However, the greatest market movement is expected from Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s 2:30 p.m. ET press conference, which will provide key guidance for future monetary policy.

Solana Breakpoint Conference

The flagship Solana Breakpoint Conference begins December 11 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Organizers say this will be the largest Breakpoint yet, running through December 13.

The event overlaps with Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, placing Solana at the center of financial and technological attention.

Panels will focus on institutional adoption, with sessions on staking infrastructure for Solana ETFs and network security.

Breakout events like MEV Day, Block Zero, and Colosseum Breakpoint Arena will cover blockchain scaling and decentralized applications. Registration prices range from $100 for students to $700 for late-bird admission, keeping the event accessible to a broad audience.

Industry leaders and institutional investors will meet to discuss how to generate revenue within the Solana ecosystem.

The conference’s emphasis on strong infrastructure signals Solana’s increasing appeal for traditional finance participants seeking blockchain exposure.

Announcements made during the event could influence the Solana price, which traded for $138.49 as of this writing.

Solana (SOL) Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto Do Kwon Sentencing and Implications for Terra

Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon will be sentenced on December 11, 2025, before Judge Engelmayer in the Southern District of New York.

Kwon pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud following the May 2022 collapse of the Terra blockchain, which included LUNA and UST stablecoin.

This collapse wiped out around $40 billion in market value and led to a broad crypto downturn, drawing more scrutiny to algorithmic stablecoins.

Kwon faces a possible maximum of 25 years in prison, though the final sentence will depend on various factors, such as cooperation and victim impact statements.

This sentencing is a key moment for accountability in crypto. It may shape global regulatory attitudes toward stablecoins and algorithmic projects.

Many in the industry see this as a potential precedent for how authorities will pursue future crypto fraud, which may influence confidence in emerging projects.

Nonetheless, developments at the court could sway sentiment for the LUNA price, which is down by almost 20% in the last 24 hours.

Terra (LUNA) Price Performance. Source: Coingecko Aster Accelerates Buyback Program to Support Token

Aster will begin an accelerated Stage 4 buyback program on December 8, 2025, purchasing about $4 million in tokens each day for up to 10 days. The aim is to reduce volatility and support token holders through strategic liquidity management.

Aster’s accelerated buyback program details (Source: mehulcrypto)

This approach front-loads liquidity to address concerns and shows Aster’s commitment to token economics. By concentrating purchases within a short window, the project aims to create upward price pressure and absorb excess selling.

The program is transparent, with set timelines and daily targets, contrasting with less structured methods used by other projects.

In token markets, buybacks can reduce supply, signal confidence, and align team incentives with holders. Aster’s aggressive schedule suggests urgency about market conditions or future announcements.

Bittensor’s TAO Halving

Bittensor’s first TAO halving will occur between December 12 and 15, 2025, depending on block timing. Daily token emissions drop from about 7,200 TAO to 3,600 TAO, copying Bitcoin’s fixed-supply model.

Since nearly half of the 21 million tokens are already in circulation, this marks a vital milestone for the AI-focused blockchain.

Grayscale Research notes the halving could increase scarcity and fuel price speculation as the network attracts developers building AI applications. The halving mechanism ensures predictable supply and rewards long-term validators.

Avalanche ETF Decision

Meanwhile, December 12 is the next deadline for US regulators to decide on an Avalanche ETF. The SEC has delayed decisions on applications from VanEck and Grayscale since mid-2025.

Approval could unlock institutional access to AVAX, while further delays may strengthen Bitcoin and Ethereum’s lead among regulated crypto products.

The SEC’s response will signal attitudes toward investment products for blockchains beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Approval may lead to more ETF filings, while further delays could reinforce the dominance of existing regulated assets.

XRP is once again trapped in tight consolidation, extending a rangebound pattern that has held the altcoin for several days. 

The altcoin is drawing renewed attention from traders, but this interest has not yet translated into meaningful market participation or price expansion. 

XRP Investors Pull Back

The number of active addresses on the XRP Ledger has dropped sharply, falling to 35,931 — the lowest level in more than three months. This decline highlights waning investor engagement as users pull back from transacting on the network. The lack of consistent activity reinforces the perception that XRP is struggling to generate momentum.

This retraced participation weakens the foundation needed for a sustainable recovery. When network activity falls this low, price rallies often lose strength quickly. This is making it difficult for XRP to build the demand required to break out of its established range.

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XRP Active Addresses. Source: Santiment

The NVT ratio is flashing another warning sign as it surges to a two-week high. A rising NVT typically suggests that an asset is overvalued relative to its transaction volume. In XRP’s case, subdued on-chain activity and elevated valuation pressure form a bearish combination that complicates recovery prospects.

This imbalance indicates that investors may be pricing in optimism that the network’s current fundamentals do not support. Until transaction activity increases, XRP will likely remain vulnerable to correction despite brief speculative rallies.

XRP NVT Ratio. Source: Glassnode XRP Price Faces Sideways Movement

XRP is trading at $2.08 at the time of writing, maintaining a position above the $2.02 support. The altcoin has been stuck between $2.20 and $2.02 for several days. This reflects a lack of directional conviction.

The $2.00 zone remains a critical psychological and structural support. XRP may appear to bounce off $2.02 at times, but given current sentiment and macro signals, it will likely remain capped below $2.20 unless buyer interest strengthens.

XRP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If market conditions deteriorate further and XRP loses both $2.02 and $2.00, the bullish-neutral thesis would collapse. A breakdown could send the price below $1.94 and toward $1.85, exposing XRP to deeper losses.

The altcoin market in December no longer shows the heavy losses seen last month. It is now moving into a new sideways phase. Several altcoins with unique catalysts and news flows have pushed many derivatives traders to take one-sided positions.

However, this week also brings several important macro events. These events may expose their positions to significant liquidation risks.

1. Zcash (ZEC)

From the all-time high of $748 set last month, ZEC has dropped by 50%. Such a deep decline tends to attract investors who believe they missed earlier opportunities. This sentiment encourages derivatives traders to expect a rebound in December. As a result, accumulated liquidation volume on the Long side has surged.

ZEC Exchange Liquidation Map. Source: Coinglass

Traders also gained another reason to bet on Long positions. Zooko Wilcox, the founder of Zcash, will join a December 15 discussion hosted by the SEC on crypto, financial oversight, and privacy. Investors expect his appearance to amplify support for privacy altcoins, including ZEC.

If Long positions remain overly confident without stop-loss plans, Long traders may face up to $98 million in liquidations if ZEC falls toward $295 this week.

A recent analysis by BeInCrypto shows that ZEC remains in a broader downtrend after the earlier FOMO rally. Its technical structure continues to resemble a bubble pattern.

2. Aster (ASTER)

Aster, a leading derivatives DEX on BNB Chain, benefited from soaring trading activity during the Perpetual DEX boom in September. However, its price has since dropped by more than 60% and now fluctuates below $1.

Liquidation maps show that total active liquidation volume for Short positions exceeds that of Long positions. Even so, Short sellers may face considerable risk this week.

ASTER Exchange Liquidation Map. Source: Coinglass

Aster recently announced an accelerated buyback program starting December 8, 2025. The new daily buyback pace is about $4 million, up from the previous $3 million.

This development could support a price increase this week. If ASTER rises to $1.07, the total Short-side liquidation volume may exceed $32 million.

Technically, analysts also note that the price has reached a strong support zone and has broken above a one-month trendline.

3. Bittensor (TAO)

The liquidation map for Bittensor (TAO) shows a severe imbalance. Long-side liquidation volume far exceeds that of the Short side.

If TAO drops to $243.50, Long traders may face nearly $17 million in losses. Conversely, a rise to $340 could liquidate approximately $5 million in Short positions.

TAO Exchange Liquidation Map. Source: Coinglass

Why are so many traders betting on Long positions? Many expect the price to rise ahead of TAO’s first halving.

According to BeInCrypto, around December 14, Bittensor’s first halving will reduce daily issuance from 7,200 TAO to 3,600 once total supply reaches 10.5 million.

“This reduction in supply will lower emissions to network participants and increase TAO’s scarcity. Bitcoin’s history shows that reduced supply can enhance network value despite smaller rewards, as its network security and market value have strengthened through four successive halvings. Similarly, Bittensor’s first halving marks a key milestone in the network’s maturation as it progresses toward its 21 million token supply cap.” – Grayscale explained.

Grayscale’s report has strengthened bullish sentiment among Long traders. Without strict stop-loss planning, a “sell-the-news” effect may trigger widespread liquidations.

Additionally, the second week of December is the week the Federal Reserve announces its interest rate decision. Historically, this announcement has far greater market impact than most internal crypto news. Even if traders correctly predict the Fed’s move, they may still fail to avoid extreme volatility that triggers liquidations for both Long and Short positions.

Crypto funds recorded a second consecutive week of inflows, pulling in $716 million as investor sentiment across crypto markets continued to stabilize and improve.

The fresh capital increased total assets under management (AuM) to $180 billion, marking a 7.9% rebound from the lows in November. However, this is still significantly below the sector’s all-time high of $264 billion.

Crypto Inflows Hit $716 Million as Crypto Sentiment Turns Higher

According to weekly flow data, crypto inflows were broad-based across major regions, signaling renewed global participation. The US led with $483 million, followed by Germany with $96.9 million and Canada with $80.7 million.

This highlights a coordinated return of institutional interest across North America and Europe.

Bitcoin once again emerged as the primary beneficiary, attracting $352 million in weekly inflows. That brings Bitcoin’s year-to-date (YTD) inflows to $27.1 billion, still trailing the $41.6 billion recorded in 2024, but showing renewed momentum after months of hesitation.

At the same time, short-Bitcoin products saw outflows of $18.7 million, the largest withdrawal since March 2025.

Crypto Inflows Last Week. Source: CoinShares

Historically, similar outflows have coincided with price bottoms, suggesting that traders are increasingly abandoning bearish positioning as downside pressure weakens.

However, daily data showed minor outflows on Thursday and Friday, which analysts attribute to the release of fresh US macroeconomic data indicating persistent inflation pressures.

“Daily data highlighted minor outflows on Thursday and Friday in what we believe was a response to macroeconomic data in the US alluding to ongoing inflationary pressures,” wrote CoinShares’ James Butterfill.

That brief pause suggests that while sentiment is improving, it remains sensitive to interest rate expectations and signals from the Federal Reserve.

XRP and Chainlink Post Standout Demand

Beyond Bitcoin, XRP continued its strong multi-month run, recording $245 million in weekly inflows. This pushes XRP’s YTD inflows to $3.1 billion, dramatically outperforming its $608 million total for all of 2024.

The sustained demand reflects ongoing optimism surrounding XRP’s institutional use cases and regulatory positioning in key jurisdictions.

Chainlink posted one of the most striking performances of the week, with $52.8 million in inflows, its largest weekly intake on record.

Notably, this figure now represents over 54% of Chainlink’s total ETP AuM, highlighting how fast capital is rotating into oracle and infrastructure-focused crypto assets.

Sentiment Shifts After November’s Surge

The latest inflow streak follows an even stronger period at the end of November. For the week ending November 29, crypto funds recorded a powerful $1.07 billion in inflows, driven largely by rising expectations of potential 2026 interest rate cuts.

Together, the late-November surge and the current $716 million follow-up suggest a gradual yet consistent shift in institutional sentiment, even as concerns about inflation remain unresolved.

While total AuM remains well below peak levels, the steady return of capital into Bitcoin, XRP, and Chainlink suggests growing confidence that the worst of the recent risk-off cycle may be behind us.

SocialChain Inc., the company behind Pi Network, is facing a $10 million lawsuit after an investor accused it of orchestrating a fraud scheme.

The complaint alleges that the company conducted unauthorized token transfers, secretly sold 2 billion Pi tokens, and deliberately delayed network migration. These actions reportedly triggered a dramatic collapse in the token’s price.

Federal Securities Fraud Lawsuit Challenges Pi Network Leadership

According to court documents, the lawsuit was submitted on October 24 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. It is assigned to Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. The complaint targets Pi Network founders Chengdiao Fan and Nicolas Kokkalis, as well as SocialChain Inc.

The plaintiff, Harro Moen Moen of Arizona, alleges a multi-year scheme that resulted in substantial financial losses. He is seeking $10 million in damages.

Moen claims that 5,137 Pi tokens were transferred from his verified wallet to an unknown address without his authorization on April 10, 2024. He further added that the situation was worsened by the failure to migrate his remaining 1,403 tokens to the Pi Network Mainnet.

“The complaint, brought by Bulldog Law on behalf of an Arizona cryptocurrency investor, alleges that the defendant and its executives conducted a massive fraud scheme through unauthorized token transfers, secret sales of 2 billion Pi tokens and deliberate migration delays that caused token values to plummet from $307.49 to $1.67,” the summary read.

The complaint also argues that despite marketing Pi Network as decentralized, the defendants allegedly maintained centralized control by operating only three validator nodes.

“He’s also accusing pi of being an unregistered security which is a whole other problem,” a market watcher added.

Pi Core Team Silent as Community Debunks Claims in California Fraud Filing

The Pi Core Team has not publicly addressed the lawsuit. However, the Pi community has been quick to challenge several of the plaintiff’s claims. Many Pioneers argue that unauthorized token transfers could stem from compromised login credentials or phishing attempts. They added that these incidents do not prove any wrongdoing by the team.

It is also worth noting that Pi Network launched its Open Mainnet in February. OKX, the first exchange to list Pi, introduced it with a floor price of $2. The Pi coin reached an all-time high of $2.99 later that month. This raises the question of how the plaintiff arrived at a $307.49 price valuation.

Community members have suggested that a substantial portion of the plaintiff’s argument is based on losses tied to IOU trading. The Pi Core Team has consistentlywarned against this price.

“Where did “$307.49″ come from—even the IOU value was never that high. Also, from a legal standpoint Open Market Value ≠ IOU Value. The lawsuit is based on false equivalence,” a user wrote on Reddit.

Overall, the lawsuit has intensified debate within the Pi community. With the Pi Core Team remaining silent and community members challenging key claims, the outcome will depend on how the court evaluates the evidence behind the alleged losses and valuation discrepancies.

The upcoming US FOMC Meeting, scheduled for December 10, is expected to bring a 25-basis-point cut in interest rates. FOMC’s decision event could bring the interest rate to 3.50% – 3.75% and prove to be highly beneficial for the crypto market.

At the moment, the probability of a rate cut is sitting at 87.2% while a 12.8% chance of no interest rate slash exists. If the former occurs, cryptocurrencies could rise as Lower rates typically drive capital into risk assets like crypto. However, a hawkish surprise could suppress demand, especially with Bitcoin down 20% over 90 days.

US Interest Rate Cut Probability. Source: CME Group

Thus, ahead of the meeting, BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that could benefit from the Fed’s rate cut.

Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)

FARTCOIN has emerged as a strong performer this week, gaining 32% in seven days despite bearish market conditions. The altcoin is trading at $0.404 and continues to show resilience as broader sentiment attempts to stabilize.

The RSI indicates healthy bullish momentum, with the indicator positioned above the neutral line. This trend could support a continued climb, allowing FARTCOIN to break $0.417 and potentially reach $0.470 if buyers remain active and market cues hold steady.

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

FARTCOIN Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If the anticipated rate cut fails to lift sentiment, FARTCOIN may struggle to extend its rally. A loss of momentum could push the price below $0.358. This could risk a decline toward $0.320 or even $0.280, which would invalidate the bullish outlook.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Bitcoin Cash is up nearly 11% this week, making it a key altcoin to monitor as markets prepare for potential rate-cut reactions. As a Bitcoin namesake, BCH often mirrors BTC’s momentum, meaning a BTC rally could extend directly into BCH’s price action.

The Parabolic SAR confirms an active uptrend, signaling sustained bullish momentum. If this strength continues, BCH could push toward $624. This is only possible, provided it successfully flips $593 into a stable support level. Securing this range is essential for extending recovery.

BCH Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If investors shift to profit-taking, BCH may face a sharp reversal. Losing the $593 support could send the altcoin down to $555 or lower. This would invalidate the bullish outlook and expose BCH to deeper corrective pressure.

Double Zero (2Z)

2Z price has surged 21%, pushing the altcoin into the top 100 crypto assets. It is trading at $0.1382, sitting just below the $0.1433 resistance. Holding this range is key as momentum builds across the broader market.

The MACD signals strengthening bullish momentum, which could intensify if the rate cut fuels additional upside. A successful move above $0.1433 may open the path toward $0.1581, supported by improving technical and market conditions.

2Z Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If uncertainty takes over or investors sell into strength, 2Z could face a reversal. A drop to $0.1296 or even $0.1199 would invalidate the bullish outlook and expose the altcoin to deeper corrective pressure.

The gaming world is at a crossroads. For decades, the success of a video game has been measured by two core metrics, the depth of its storyline and the quality of its graphics. Yet, in the era of decentralized technology and the ubiquitous mobile phone, these traditional fundamentals are being challenged and expanded upon. This tension was the core subject of the BeInCrypto panel, “Traditional Studios vs. Blockchain: Can There Be Common Ground?”

Moderated by Alevtina Labyuk, Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer at BeInCrypto, the discussion brought together industry heavyweights: Mark Rydon, Co-Founder of Aethir, and Inal Kardan, Director of Gaming at TON Foundation. The consensus? Blockchain isn’t here to replace core gaming fundamentals, but to expand what is possible if developers can prove its worth to a skeptical audience.

The Evolution of Gaming Success Metrics

Alevtina Labyuk opened the conversation by reflecting on the industry’s slow pace of fundamental change. “Actually, I also have kind of an experience in gaming 15 years ago, but things didn’t change much in traditional gaming. The two key factors of success of a game were the story line and the graphics. But with the growth of blockchain and mobile phones, the new factors are coming in.”

This evolution means success today isn’t just about the cinematic experience; it’s increasingly about user agency, economic participation, and digital ownership. However, the panel was unanimous on one crucial point that grounds the discussion in reality: the average player remains deeply indifferent to the underlying technology.

The 95% Problem: Joy, Fun, and Indifference

While Web3 enthusiasts often tout the benefits of decentralization, the speakers stressed that the majority of players simply don’t care about the blockchain layer. They play for inherent enjoyment.

“In general, I do agree that players, they don’t need blockchain. Actually, 95% of players don’t care about blockchain, they don’t care of anything, they just think about game itself, they play games for joy, for fun,” stated Inal Kardan.

This perspective is critical. It implies that any successful integration of blockchain must be invisible or, at the very least, purely additive to the fun experience. The technology cannot be the primary selling point.

Kardan, however, offered a powerful example of where that indifference breaks down: when security and ownership become relevant.

He pointed to the Telegram ecosystem, where millions use simple digital gifts, yet a smaller, highly engaged segment leverages smart contracts to secure and trade these assets, ensuring their scarcity and provenance.

“There are cases where users will care about blockchain, to be sure their assets are secure,” Kardan confirmed.

For this active, economically participating user base, transparency and security transform from a niche feature into a mandatory requirement. This highlights a key nuance: blockchain is not necessary for everyone, but it is meaningful for users who want transparency and security around digital items.

The Centralization Risk: The $3 Billion Lesson from CS:GO

The most compelling argument for blockchain as a superior underlying system for digital asset ownership rests on unalterable, transparent rules. Mark Rydon provided a potent, real-world case study to illustrate how traditional centralized systems fail their user bases the CS:GO skins market.

The trading ecosystem for CS:GO skins had grown into a massive market, valued at approximately $6 billion, with defined tiers of rarity. As a centralized ecosystem, however, the rules were ultimately controlled by Valve, the game’s developer.

Rydon detailed the recent incident:

“The CS:GO skins market… they have defined rarity of these skins. A few days ago, Valve came out and changed the rules. They allowed users below the gold tier to burn red skins to obtain gold tier, which caused gold rarity to dump. The market cap was dumped to $3 billion because everyone could make red into gold overnight. People lost millions.”

This incident perfectly encapsulates the inherent risk of a centralized economy. A single authority can change the conditions of ownership overnight, wiping out millions in user-generated value.

Rydon emphasized the core difference: “That impossibility to change the rules would not be possible in an NFT class.”

In a blockchain system, the rules governing asset scarcity, exchange, and minting are recorded in an immutable smart contract. While a centralized authority can still update a game, it cannot unilaterally alter the pre-defined scarcity or rights associated with a user’s on-chain asset. This predictability is what creates trust and sustains value in decentralized economies.

The Commitment Problem: Talkers Versus Builders

The discussion then pivoted to the major studios. Alevtina Labyuk brought up the attempts by established players like Sega and Ubisoft to enter the blockchain segment. The question posed was: how will these giants integrate blockchain without fundamentally sacrificing the centralized control they currently enjoy?

Inal Kardan remained highly skeptical of the sincerity of many legacy studios’ efforts.

“Most of them are just talking. They jump from one blockchain to another looking for grants. That’s not how games are built,” Kardan noted. He continued:

“These big companies, it’s a bit hard to compare them with each other because some of them want to build, some of them want to just to talk.”

This skepticism points to a fundamental misalignment of incentives. Many traditional entities and even new projects, according to Kardan, are optimizing for extracting funds from protocols rather than finding genuine product-market fit that benefits players.

Kardan summarized:

“The majority is about taking money from the protocols, instead of finding a product market fit, they are just looking which protocol they can take more money from”

This focus on short-term financial extraction over long-term product development risks solidifying Web3 gaming’s perception as a speculative, rather than innovative, space.

The Developer’s Responsibility: Proving Real Use Cases

The panel agreed that the onus is ultimately on the developers to demonstrate value. Mark Rydon placed the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the innovators.

Rydon stated:

“It’s really on the developers now, to find either really solid use case. Something like GTA 6 is probably an example that will bring the value and the use cases of the blockchain to the fore in the gaming context, but it’s on them to convince gamers now that this isn’t just a money grab, this is actually a useful feature.”

Blockchain integration must solve a real problem for the player, not just the developer or protocol. Without a genuine, compelling use case—such as true cross-game ownership, secure trading, or transparent economy mechanics—Web3 gaming risks being perceived as a persistent search for speculative value rather than a technological leap forward.

Practical Obstacles and The Question of Control

Inal Kardan also addressed the practical friction points that still limit mass adoption, even with progress in Web3 technology. Technical and policy obstacles remain, particularly within mobile ecosystems:

Platform Restrictions: Telegram mini-apps and similar platforms cannot easily sell digital goods through established ecosystems like Apple and Google.

Payment Barriers: Direct crypto payments are often unsupported.

Trading Limitations: Trading digital goods inside mini-apps is still cumbersome or prohibited, preventing smooth onboarding for everyday users.

These friction points underscore one of the panel’s core issues: Why would Web2 studios give up control? If a traditional studio controls its platform, distribution, economy, and player base, the incentive to decentralize and thus relinquish control over monetization and rule changes is inherently low.

Kardan concluded by warning against unbalanced economic models: “When ninety percent of people in a game are there just to make money the system is not sustainable.” A healthy, sustainable model relies on a balanced mix of motivations: fun, competition, creativity, and economic participation.

Predictions and The Solidification of Common Ground

The panel concluded with predictions for the future.

Mark Rydon expects a significant shift toward AI-generated gaming content, deeper player customization, and highly automated creation pipelines.

Inal Kardan believes that while AI will dominate the gaming industry overall, blockchain will stabilize, remaining one monetization avenue among many for mainstream developers.

The final takeaway was clear. Blockchain is not a replacement for good gaming; it is a technology that broadens the possibilities of ownership and economic participation.

However, until protocols stop chasing grant distribution, legacy studios commit to genuine decentralization, and developers prioritize building real value that earns player trust, the common ground between traditional gaming and blockchain will remain an aspiration, not a reality. Innovation hinges on teams willing to show that blockchain is not just an opportunity for speculation, but a useful, invisible feature that enhances the joy and fun of the game.

Coinbase, the largest US-based cryptocurrency exchange, has resumed user onboarding in India after a two-year pause.

This return follows sustained engagement with Indian regulators. Despite heavy taxes and regulatory friction, India continues to show rapid growth in digital asset adoption.

Coinbase Reopens Doors to Indian Users

Coinbase initially launched in India in April 2022, targeting a growing crypto user base. However, regulatory headwinds emerged quickly.

The platform suspended support for the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) shortly after the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) distanced itself from the platform. By September 2023, Coinbase had stopped accepting new Indian sign-ups and told existing users to withdraw their balances.

Despite this setback, the company continued working to reestablish its presence in India. In February, BeInCrypto reported that the exchange had begun actively working with Indian regulators to align with local compliance requirements.

According to TechCrunch, Coinbase began allowing Indian users to return to the platform in October through an early-access program. The app registration has now been opened widely, although Indian customers are still restricted to crypto-to-crypto transactions.

During India Blockchain Week, Coinbase’s APAC director, John O’Loghlen, said the company is preparing to introduce a fiat on-ramp in 2026, which would allow users to add local currency and purchase cryptocurrency directly.

“We had millions of customers in India, historically, and we took a very clear stance to off-board those customers entirely from overseas entities, where they were domiciled and regulated. Because we wanted to kind of burn the boats [sic], have a clean slate here. As a commercial business person wanting to make money and active users, that’s like the worst thing you can do, and so you know it wasn’t without some hesitation,” O’Loghlen stated.

Coinbase’s reentry is broader than just platform access. In October 2025, it announced a strategic investment in CoinDCX, one of India’s largest crypto exchange, which serves over 20.4 million users.†

Last week, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Karnataka’s state government to strengthen the state’s blockchain ecosystem and technical capabilities. The partnership centers on developer training, early-stage startup incubation, and public awareness initiatives.

Why Exchanges Are Rushing Back Into India’s Crypto Market

In addition to Coinbase, several other major global exchanges have returned to the Indian market. Bybit resumed operations after completing local registration requirements and paying a $1 million penalty. Binance also made its way back into India last year following the payment of a $2.2 million fine.

This renewed push to operate in India is notable given the country’s strict tax regime. Crypto gains are taxed at 30%, and every transaction carries a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). Still, India leads Asia-Pacific in crypto activity.

“India, the largest at $338 billion, blends grassroots adoption with structural gaps in finance: a large diaspora has remittance needs, young adults are using crypto trading as a supplementary income, and fintech rails like UPI and eRupi accelerate usage,” Chainalysis highlighted.

Thus, while India’s regulatory environment remains challenging, the renewed interest from Coinbase, Binance, Bybit, and others highlights the market’s long-term potential. With strong grassroots adoption and ongoing government engagement, India is positioning itself as a central hub for digital asset innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bitcoin traders are preparing for a pivotal week, as four major US economic releases, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and essential labor market data, stand to influence market sentiment and determine the crypto’s next move.

This convergence of monetary policy updates and employment figures finds Bitcoin trading near technical levels that may result in notable volatility, upward or downward.

FOMC Interest Rate Decision

The FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee’s) interest rate decision, scheduled for Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. ET, is widely viewed as the most significant event for Bitcoin and risk assets this week.

Market pricing implies an 87% probability of a rate cut, based on CME Group data, reflecting broad expectations for accommodative monetary policy that often benefits cryptocurrencies.

Interest Rate Cut Probabilities. Source: CME FedWatch Tool

Speculation is growing on social media about the scope of any rate change, with some saying that the market is already pricing a rate cut.

This assumption comes as the Bitcoin price is already showing strength, holding well above the $90,000 psychological level after the weekend’s whipsaw event.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

Beyond the interest rate decision, the actual impact on Bitcoin may depend less on the decision and more on the Fed’s guidance for future policy.

Fed Chair Powell Press Conference

After the announcement, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET. Powell’s commentary on future policy, inflation, and the economy is likely to provide important cues for crypto investors.

Historically, his statements have shaped positioning across markets, with Bitcoin being especially sensitive to changes in monetary policy direction.

Market analysts caution that unexpected hawkish comments could put pressure on Bitcoin, even if the rate decision itself appears positive for crypto.

Job Openings (JOLTS) and Initial Jobless Claims

Job openings data for October will be released on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. ET, with economists anticipating 7.2 million openings, unchanged from last month.

This data measures labor market tightness and influences Federal Reserve policy. Strong job openings could discourage aggressive rate cuts, possibly limiting Bitcoin’s short-term gains.

Initial jobless claims for the week ending December 6 will be published Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET. Analysts expect 220,000 claims, up from the prior week’s 191,000, which was a near two-year low.

Large departures from this forecast could spark swift market moves as traders reassess economic strength and policy outlooks.

The jobs market’s status can cut both ways for Bitcoin. Strong figures can suggest economic health, which typically supports risk appetite, yet may lessen the push for monetary easing. Conversely, weaker data could prompt more rate cuts but signal risk-off sentiment in speculative markets.

Technical analysts are focusing on Bitcoin’s key levels in advance of these releases. The $86,000 mark is a crucial support; consistent moves below it may open a path toward $80,000. Conversely, reclaiming $92,000 could fuel momentum toward the headline $100,000 level.

Additional Federal Reserve officials, such as Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, are due to speak on Friday after the FOMC meeting. Their remarks could further clarify policy and influence how markets interpret recent decisions, extending the Bitcoin impact beyond Wednesday.

This Week’s Major US Economic Reports & Fed Speakers. Source: Market Watch

This compressed timeline of major economic updates sets the stage for amplified reactions. Bitcoin’s response will likely determine its path in December, impacting year-end investor positioning and testing the resilience of recent institutional interest.

South Korea’s Korbit Research Center projects Bitcoin to trade between $140,000 and $170,000 in 2026, citing US fiscal policy reforms and structural institutional demand as primary catalysts.

In its fourth annual market outlook, Korbit’s research team outlined a macro-driven thesis diverging from the traditional four-year halving cycle narrative. The report argues that Bitcoin’s price trajectory will be shaped less by supply-side mechanics and more by productivity-led US growth under what it terms “stronger Reaganomics.”

Triple-Axis Rebalancing Puts Bitcoin in Sovereign-Asset Class

The forecast highlights three main drivers reshaping asset allocation. Strong US dollar forecasts, possible gold price corrections, and Bitcoin’s growing institutional presence through ETFs and Digital Asset Treasuries fundamentally alter how investors see digital assets. As of November 2025, ETFs and DATs together hold about 11.7% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

Central to the forecast is the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), enacted in July 2025. The bill permanently restores 100% bonus depreciation and immediate R&D expensing. Korbit estimates these provisions will reduce effective corporate tax rates to 10-12%, triggering a capital expenditure boom and attracting foreign direct investment. This policy mix, the report contends, will sustain dollar strength, contrary to Wall Street’s consensus that expects depreciation.

In a strong-dollar, disinflationary environment, gold may underperform as a yield-free asset. At the same time, Bitcoin consolidates its position alongside the dollar as a sovereign-grade store of value, possibly leading to gold corrections—even as some analysts project gold at $4,000 per ounce, down 5% from current levels.

This change is challenging older portfolio models. Bitcoin now operates more like a sovereign-level store of value, standing toe-to-toe with gold and the dollar in institutional allocations.

The usual four-year Bitcoin cycle is becoming less relevant. High rates, shrinking liquidity, and slower market rallies have changed the landscape. Rather than a sharp rally by the end of 2025, experts now see price consolidation in the $100,000–$120,000 range, with a possible second peak in 2026 if liquidity returns.

Institutional adoption continues to rise, despite macro headwinds. Bitcoin ETFs are seeing strong inflows since approval, and more companies are adding substantial Digital Asset Treasury holdings. This provides stronger price support and less volatility than in previous cycles.

GENIUS Act Compliance Spurs Layer 1 Blockchain Rivalry

The GENIUS Act, signed in July 2025, delivers clear federal rules for payment stablecoins. White House documentation confirms the law requires 100% reserves in cash or short-term Treasuries from issuers. Regulatory certainty is prompting US banks and institutions to adopt stablecoins swiftly.

This compliance also brings technical demands. Institutions need blockchains with instant finality and privacy features to efficiently meet KYC and AML requirements. Ethereum’s 12-second finality and complete transaction transparency deter institutional users requiring privacy and instant settlement. New Layer 1 networks, including Arc, Tempo, and Plasma, are emerging with selective privacy features and sub-second finality designed for regulatory compliance.

Meanwhile, Solana is making gains in retail use and will introduce Firedancer in early 2026. This upgrade aims for much quicker settlements and higher throughput, which could help Solana win more institutional stablecoin business.

Perpetual DEXs Dominate: Tokenization Pushes DeFi Forward

Decentralized exchanges now account for 7.6% of total cryptocurrency volume as of mid-2025 and could reach 15% by the end of 2026. Perpetual derivatives DEXs are at the forefront, earning most of the top DeFi protocol revenues. OAK Research data shows Hyperliquid held 73% of perpetual DEX market share by June 2025.

Hyperliquid’s dominance comes from efficient trade matching, fast adoption, and creative tokenomics. HYPE token buyback model spurs ongoing demand, and traders can create markets for any asset. Competitors are expanding into real-world assets, FX, commodities, and US equities.

The tokenization of real-world assets has reached $35.6 billion as of November 2025. Growth is led by private credit and US Treasury tokenization. The report expects fintech and web3 firms to drive further adoption, as traditional finance faces hurdles with legacy processes and compatibility issues.

Super-app competition is also heating up. Robinhood integrates stocks, crypto, perpetuals, and real-world assets in a single platform. Coinbase, using CFTC licenses, aims to be the go-to for all on-chain assets and is awaiting regulatory approval for tokenized securities.

Prediction markets are set to benefit as well. Platforms like Polymarket, Kalshi, and Opinion have seen rising volumes and increased regulatory attention. With CFTC approval in the US, these venues are moving closer to the mainstream.

One figure represents decades of trading experience. The other is labeled “the individual with the highest IQ in the world” based on standardized tests. What are their predictions for Bitcoin’s price in the second week of December?

Interestingly, their views appear to clash. Their opposite perspectives highlight how even those with exceptional experience or intelligence can interpret the market in very different ways.

Peter Brandt – Bitcoin Is Retesting Before Returning to a Downtrend

Peter Brandt, a legendary trader with decades spent in commodity and equity markets, is warning about a bleak scenario for Bitcoin.

In his latest Bitcoin analysis, he argues that BTC is retesting a broadening top pattern. This formation shows rising highs and falling lows, often signaling a weakening uptrend.

Bitcoin Price Prediction. Source: Peter Brandt

“This week’s rally may be all the retesting of the broadening top we will see BTC. Of course, we will see.” – Peter Brandt predicted.

Brandt has repeatedly warned about a dead cat bounce scenario for Bitcoin. His chart markings suggest that BTC might push as high as $102,000 before possibly correcting toward $58,840 in the near term.

His perspective acts as a cold reminder from past cycles: the market does not reward naïveté, and classical technical models remain reliable guides amid relentless volatility.

YoungHoon Kim – Manipulation Has Passed, and BTC Is Ready for a New ATH

In contrast, YoungHoon Kim — whose verified IQ score is 276 — views the situation through the lens of game theory.

In his latest assessment, Kim argues that the current dip represents temporary manipulation by market whales. He believes it could fade within a week. After that, Bitcoin may move toward a new all-time high.

Bull Theory, an X account focused on crypto analysis, provides supporting evidence for Kim’s view.

Recent price action shows Bitcoin dropping to $87,700 before quickly rebounding to $91,200. This rapid dump-and-pump sequence, completed within four hours, reflects typical low-liquidity weekend manipulation aimed at wiping out both long and short leveraged positions.

Between the two perspectives—one shaped by decades of technical pattern mastery and the other based on reasoning about crypto market behavior—the answer may soon become clear during the second week of December.

These predictions emerge as the FOMC meeting approaches. Historical data shows a pattern during the last two rate cuts (September 17 and October 29):

Bitcoin tends to rise a few days before the announcement,

Bounce slightly right after the decision,

And then drop sharply afterward.

The market may soon reveal which outlook proves correct.

The meme coin market is showing clearer signs of recovery in December. Pump.fun — the leading platform for launching meme coins — is reporting a renewed increase in newly created tokens.

Analysts also note that investor sentiment is shifting toward a higher risk appetite as the year draws to a close.

How Is Pump.fun Reflecting December’s Increased Risk Appetite?

Dune data shows that the number of new meme tokens created daily on Pump.fun has stayed above 20,000 throughout December. On December 2, the figure exceeded 25,000. This was the highest level since mid-September, marking a notable shift.

Daily Token Created on Pump.fun. Source: Dune

This rebound still cannot match the peak levels seen in early 2025. However, it signals a shift in investor psychology.

Many appear to believe that this is a favorable moment for retail capital to flow back into low-cap and newly launched tokens.

Although the number of new tokens shows a mild upward trend, Pump.fun’s revenue and DEX volume remain down more than 80% compared to early 2025.

Daily Active Wallets on Pump.fun. Source: Dune

One positive indicator stands out: the number of active addresses — including new addresses and returning users — has consistently stayed around 100,000 on average since August. The market experienced multiple major liquidation events during this period, yet user participation did not drop sharply.

Additionally, Michael Nadeau, founder of The DeFi Report, highlighted a notable comparison between user retention in Web2 and on Pump.fun. Pump.fun achieved higher retention rates, with 12.4% in Week 4 and 11.4% in Week 8. In contrast, Web2 averages range from 5% to 10% in Week 4 and 2% to 5% in Week 8.

These data points appear encouraging within a market environment defined by falling valuations and persistent extreme fear during the final quarter of the year.

Furthermore, well-known trader Daan Crypto Trades observed that meme coins have outperformed major altcoins over the past two weeks.

Crypto Sector Performance. Source: Daan Crypto Trades

“Over the past two weeks, memes were the outperformer for a change. It has been a long time since those did well. This is after a long streak of outperformance back in 2023 & 2024,” Daan Crypto Trades stated.

He added that this performance could be an early sign that the market is ready to accept higher risk levels. However, he also cautioned that the trend may be short-lived and might not reflect a long-term shift.

A recent report from BeInCrypto also highlighted at least three indicators suggesting that the meme coin season could return in December. If that scenario plays out, the Pump.fun ecosystem may attract retail investors — those who embrace high risk in pursuit of large potential returns.

At the time of writing, the Pump.fun Ecosystem ranks as the market’s third-best performing category during the first week of December, according to Coingecko.

Japan, the world’s largest foreign holder of US government debt, is stoking market anxiety as analysts warn that a potential large-scale bond sell-off could be approaching.

The concern is rippling into the crypto sector, where Tether, issuer of the USDT stablecoin backed primarily by over $113 billion in US Treasuries, faces renewed scrutiny over possible depeg risks.

Analysts Warn Japan Could Dump US Treasuries as Domestic Yields Surge

According to the latest data from the US Department of the Treasury, foreign appetite for US Treasuries weakened in September. Total overseas holdings edged down to $9.249 trillion, a slight dip from August.

Nonetheless, Japan was the exception to this slowdown. The country extended its nine-month buying streak, increasing its holdings to $1.189 trillion, the highest amount it has held since August 2022. This reinforces Japan’s long-standing position as the largest foreign owner of US Treasuries.

“They bought foreign debt because Japanese bonds yielded almost nothing,” an analyst stated.

That spread made US debt an attractive, low-risk yield alternative. But the macro backdrop is shifting. As BeInCrypto previously highlighted, yields on Japanese government bonds have climbed to their highest levels in years.

With domestic yields improving, the incentive to continue accumulating US Treasuries weakens. It also raises the possibility that Japan may reduce its exposure if market conditions or policy priorities shift further.

“​Japan’s long-ignored debt crisis is surfacing, as its 230% debt-to-GDP burden collides with a massive new fiscal expansion under PM Sanae Takaichi, triggering a sharp spike in bond yields and investor alarm. A shock in Japan could reverberate worldwide, especially given Tokyo’s role as the largest buyer of U.S. Treasuries, raising the stakes for global markets already strained by rising borrowing costs and shrinking fiscal room,” Lena Petrova stated.

An analyst further highlighted that the yield spread between US and Japanese bonds has narrowed from 3.5% to 2.4% in six months. The hedged return on Treasuries has turned increasingly unattractive. The post warned that if the spread approaches 2%, repatriation becomes economically compelling.

That could prompt Japanese institutions to sell US government bonds and reallocate capital domestically. Some models suggest as much as $500 billion may exit global markets in 18 months.

“Then there’s the yen carry trade, roughly $1.2 trillion borrowed cheaply in yen and deployed around the world into stocks, crypto, EM, anything with yield. As Japanese rates rise and the yen strengthens, those trades turn toxic. Positions unwind. Forced selling accelerates….For 30 years, Japanese yields acted as the anchor keeping global rates artificially low. Every portfolio built since the mid-90s has quietly relied on that anchor. Today, it snapped,” the analyst added.

Tether’s US Treasury Exposure Draws Focus

The question many analysts are now asking is straightforward: If Japan begins reducing its Treasury holdings, what does that mean for USDT? The concern arises because Tether’s reserve structure is heavily concentrated in the same asset class that could come under pressure.

According to Tether’s transparency report, more than 80% of its reserves are in US Treasuries. This makes it a major participant in the global Treasury ecosystem, and remarkably, the 17th largest holder of US government debt worldwide, surpassing many sovereign entities.

Tether Reserves Composition. Source: Tether

Such concentration has advantages and vulnerabilities. Treasuries offer high liquidity and historically strong price stability. However, if a major foreign creditor like Japan begins to unwind its holdings, the resulting volatility in bond prices or yields could tighten liquidity conditions, indirectly pressuring large holders like Tether.

“Japan will be forced to sell US bonds, the rest of the world will follow. Tether will suffer a sharp depeg and Bitcoin will sink as a result. MicroStrategy will be forced to sell and this will further depress the Bitcoin price.  Japan ➡️Tether➡️Bitcoin In this order,” a market watcher wrote.

Adding to these concerns, S&P Global Ratings downgraded its assessment of Tether’s ability to maintain its peg, moving USDT from a score of 4 (constrained) to 5 (weak). According to the evaluation,

“5 (weak) reflects the rise in exposure to high-risk assets in USDT’s reserves over the past year and persistent gaps in disclosure. These assets include bitcoin, gold, secured loans, corporate bonds, and other investments, all with limited disclosures and subject to credit, market, interest-rate, and foreign-exchange risks.”

Despite these macro-driven concerns, most market participants see little chance of a forced Tether depeg. Traders on the Opinion prediction market assign a 0.5% probability to the scenario, showing high investor skepticism.

Odds of USDT Depegging. Source: Opinion

Several factors explain this skepticism. Tether has maintained its peg during previous market crises. The firm generated $10 billion in profit through Q3 2025, offering a substantial buffer against reserve swings.

Although Japan’s Treasury exit could be significant, it will likely unfold gradually. US Treasury markets remain vast and can absorb pressure from selling without huge disruptions. Even so, the combination of Japan’s yield rise, S&P’s downgrade, and Tether’s reserve mix requires close monitoring.

Binance has become the first global crypto exchange to secure a comprehensive suite of licenses from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), placing its entire global platform under full regulatory supervision.

The approval, announced on December 8, 2025, covers exchange, clearing, and custody, as well as broker-dealer activities, aligning Binance’s structure with traditional financial market oversight.

Binance Secures Landmark FSRA License, Splits Operations Under ADGM Oversight

The milestone marks a major shift in how large crypto platforms integrate with institutional regulation. Binance plans to begin regulated operations under ADGM on January 5, 2026.

With more than 300 million users globally and over $125 trillion in cumulative trading volume, the move positions Binance as one of the most tightly supervised digital asset platforms in the world.

Under the FSRA approval, Binance will operate through three distinct regulated entities:

Nest Services Limited: (Soon to be renamed Nest Exchange Limited) will serve as the Recognised Investment Exchange handling spot and derivatives trading.

Nest Clearing and Custody Limited: Has been approved as a Recognized Clearing House to oversee clearing, settlement, and custody.

BCI Limited: (Soon to be Nest Trading Limited) will operate as a broker-dealer handling off-exchange activities such as OTC trading and conversions.

This separation mirrors TradFi market infrastructure. It addresses long-standing concerns around concentration risk, transparency, and conflicts of interest in crypto markets.

By structurally separating trading, custody, and brokerage, the ADGM framework introduces clear accountability and strengthens consumer protection.

Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng described the approval as a defining moment for the exchange and the broader industry.

“This is an important milestone for Binance. We have become the 1st global exchange to secure a comprehensive regulatory approval from a world-respected regulator – FSRA ADGM – to have its global operations and liquidity supervised end-to-end,” Teng said. “Earning a full FSRA license reflects the strength of our foundations and our commitment to build the most trusted and compliant global exchange.”

Binance also described the approval as a “turning point for the industry” that raises global standards for regulation, security, and institutional trust.

ADGM Strengthens Its Role as a Global Crypto Hub

The Abu Dhabi Global Market has played a central role in positioning the UAE as a leading hub for crypto and blockchain adoption. Its supportive regulatory framework, streamlined processes, and innovation-first approach have attracted major industry players, including infrastructure firms, Layer-1 networks, and institutional service providers.

ADGM’s regulatory momentum extends beyond exchanges. On November 27, the FSRA formally approved Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD for regulated institutional use within ADGM, unlocking compliant applications across lending, settlement, and brokerage platforms.

The approval highlights the regulator’s push to build a fully regulated digital asset and stablecoin ecosystem.

Industry observers say the Binance license sends a powerful signal to institutional markets. Crypto commentator Muhammad Azhar called the approval a game-changer for the Binance exchange.

The full FSRA license suite signals a serious long-term commitment to compliance. It could accelerate mainstream adoption as the exchange targets one billion users.

Binance’s ADGM authorization may now serve as a blueprint for other large exchanges seeking institutional legitimacy at scale.

The three-entity regulatory model directly addresses many of the structural weaknesses exposed during past crypto market failures.

Binance’s submission to full FSRA supervision signals a strategic shift toward embedding crypto infrastructure within established financial systems. This is with the ADGM providing regulatory clarity, global recognition, and enforcement standards comparable to TradFi

Binance’s ADGM framework may shape the design of future global crypto regulation and the entry of institutional capital into the digital asset economy.

Bittensor (TAO) is days away from its first-ever halving as the decentralized AI network nears the 10.5 million TAO supply mark. Scheduled on or around December 14, the event will cut daily token issuance by half.

This halving marks a pivotal point for Bittensor, mirroring Bitcoin’s (BTC) emission reduction model. While experts expect the event to trigger a positive price reaction, others warn of a “sell the news” event.

Bittensor Halving Mechanics and Supply Dynamics

Bittensor has a fixed supply cap of 21 million TAO, designed to create scarcity similar to Bitcoin. According to the latest data from Taostats, the circulating supply has reached 10,451,753 TAO, nearing the halving threshold.

This event will reduce daily emissions from 7,200 TAO to 3,600 TAO, impacting rewards for miners, validators, and subnet owners. Unlike Bitcoin’s time-based schedule, Bittensor’s halving activates when the circulating supply hits 10.5 million tokens.

Bittensor Halving Countdown. Source: Bittensor Halving

Miner registration, network activity shifts, and the introduction of Alpha tokens can affect the timing, so the exact date is flexible. Furthermore, Subnet Alpha tokens, introduced in February 2025, follow the same emission schedule.

Why the Halving Matters

Halvings are typically considered bullish catalysts because they slow the rate at which new tokens enter circulation. Historical examples across Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) show that markets often respond with anticipatory rallies driven by tightening supply dynamics and trader psychology. While outcomes vary, the narrative around scarcity tends to shape sentiment in the lead-up to emission cuts.

Grayscale’s Research Analyst Will Ogden Moore emphasized the long-term impact of this structural shift. He noted that reduced emissions naturally increase scarcity and can reinforce network value over time.

The analyst also pointed to Bitcoin’s trajectory through four halvings, during which the asset’s market value and network security continued to strengthen even as miner rewards declined. According to Moore, Bittensor’s inaugural halving represents a comparable milestone. This signals the maturing of the protocol as it progresses toward its fixed 21 million TAO cap.

“The early success of certain subnet-based applications and an increase in institutional capital in the Bittensor ecosystem, combined with the forthcoming TAO supply halving, could be a positive catalyst for price, in our view,” Moore added.

TAO Technical Outlook and Market Sentiment

Despite this, market sentiment regarding TAO sentiment remains cautious. An analyst stressed that, although the halving will enhance TAO’s long-term scarcity, the event itself is unlikely to spark an immediate price rally.

“I am not expecting TAO to move on the halving event. Over time, increased scarcity will matter.. as it has for Bitcoin every four years But.. I don’t see it being an important catalyst to price in the short term That said.. it is a major moment in the Bittensor journey,” the post read.

Another trader warned of a possible “sell the news” event as the halving approaches. He noted that TAO has already slipped below a key support zone and faced a sharp rejection during an attempted reclaim, signalling weakening bullish momentum.

“I warned of a potential sell the news event, and it is looking more likely that is the case….The 3 day zone I highlighted has been lost, and we have just seen an aggressive rejection on the reclaim attempt. If $300 now continues as resistance I think this very likely retraces to $230, and I would not be surprised to see it below $200 either,” the analyst stated.

TAO Performance Amid the Approaching December Halving Event. Source: X/ChiefraFba

Meanwhile, BeInCrypto Markets data showed that TAO has slipped nearly 28% over the past month. However, it has seen modest gains of 5.2% over the past week.

At the time of writing, the altcoin traded at $288.33, up 1.83% over the past day. Now, whether the halving event will reinforce the broader weakness or help boost market sentiment will become clearer in the days ahead.

South Korean regulators are pushing strict no-fault liability rules on cryptocurrency exchanges, following a $28 million hacking incident at Upbit, the nation’s largest exchange.

The Financial Services Commission will include these measures in its subsequent legislation for virtual assets.

TradFi Regulation Applies As Current One Falls Short

No-fault liability is a legal principle requiring compensation without proving negligence or wrongful conduct. Victims receive quick, predictable payouts without the burden of proving who was at fault. This approach is commonly applied to motor vehicle accidents and hazardous industrial activities.

Under proposed rules, exchanges must compensate users for losses from hacking or system failures. Liability applies regardless of the company’s fault, unless users acted with gross negligence. This mirrors the country’s regulations governing traditional financial institutions under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

Currently, crypto exchanges fall outside the Act’s jurisdiction. This creates a regulatory blind spot, leaving investors without legal protection. The recent Upbit incident highlighted this vulnerability, sparking urgent calls for reform.

Governor Lee Chan-jin of the Financial Supervisory Service acknowledged the gap at a recent press conference. He stated that system security is the lifeline of virtual asset markets. Phase 2 legislation will significantly strengthen these protections.

Data reveals the full scope of the problem. Between 2023 and September 2025, five major exchanges reported 20 IT incidents. Over 900 users suffered combined damages exceeding $29 million.

Upbit alone accounted for six incidents affecting 616 users. Bithumb reported four incidents impacting 326 users. Coinone experienced three incidents, affecting 47 users.

Upbit Discloses Regulatory Weakness

The Upbit breach exposed major weaknesses in Korea’s crypto oversight framework. One hundred billion coins were transferred out in less than an hour, highlighting how rapidly growing digital asset markets can experience massive losses in a very short time when attacks occur.​

According to data submitted by the FSS to the National Assembly’s National Policy Committee, the Upbit hack occurred from 4:42 am to 5:36 am on November 27 KST, lasting 54 minutes. During this period, 24 types of Solana-based coins totaling about 104,064,700,000 units, worth roughly 44.5 billion won, were sent to external wallets, meaning around 32 million coins, or about 13.7 million won, were siphoned off every second.

Despite significant losses, regulators found no legal basis to penalize exchanges. Under current law, including the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, enacted last year, it is challenging to hold virtual asset service providers directly liable for such hacks, so financial authorities have been reviewing options to close this regulatory gap.

Tougher Standards and Penalties Ahead

New legislation will require crypto businesses to meet the same security standards as traditional financial institutions. Exchanges must maintain adequate staffing, facilities, and robust IT infrastructure. Annual technology plans must be submitted to regulators for review.

Penalties will increase dramatically under the proposed framework. Current fines are capped at roughly $3.5 million. Proposed amendments could allow fines up to 3% of annual revenue.

Industry observers expect swift legislative action. The ruling party has signaled strong support for investor protection measures. Exchanges are now preparing compliance strategies in anticipation of regulatory changes.

One enigmatic post from Michael Saylor propelled Bitcoin over $4,000 in less than three hours early in Asian morning on Monday. His “₿ack to Orange Dots?” message sparked speculation about MicroStrategy’s accumulation strategy, pushing the digital asset from just below $88,000 to above $91,000.

This response highlights how the executive chairman’s communications can strongly influence market sentiment, even while the overall market sentiment remains gripped by extreme fear.

Decoding the Orange and Green Dot System

Michael Saylor’s color-coded system wields major market influence. The “orange dots” denote each Bitcoin purchase event by MicroStrategy, visible on the company’s StrategyTracker.com portfolio chart. Each marker represents another step in the company’s robust Bitcoin accumulation plan.

The chart’s green line displays the average purchase price of all acquisitions, serving as a performance benchmark. As of Dec 8, MicroStrategy held 650,000 BTC valued at $57.80 billion, with an average cost of $74,436 per coin. This position reflected a gain of 19.47%, translating to about $9.42 billion in unrealized profits.

Recently, Saylor added a new twist to this visual vocabulary. His cryptic “green dots” have spurred speculation about potential strategy changes. The green dashed line—tracking the average cost—has taken center stage. Some analysts believe higher buying activity could move this metric upward.

Within hours of Saylor’s update, the price soared above $91,000. The day’s range stretched from $87,887 to $91,673, highlighting marked volatility around the signal.

Market Dynamics and Trader Positioning

Despite the rally, market sentiment remained fragile. The Fear and Greed Index signaled continued anxiety, but long-short ratios showed bullish trader positioning. As fear and profit transitioned, market psychology remained complex.

Source: feargreedmeter.com

Data from CoinGlass revealed Binance and OKX reported 52.22% long positions versus 47.78% short, while Bybit’s bullish skew was even stronger at 54.22% long and 45.78% short. The latest four-hour futures volume showed $106.77 million (56.23%) long against $83.11 million (43.77%) short. Traders seemed optimistic despite fearful sentiment metrics.

The split between sentiment indicators and trader positioning highlights today’s market complexity. Many are willing to wager on sustained momentum, especially after influential signals from major holders, though fear persists in the background.

MicroStrategy’s influence extends further. The company recently built a $1.44 billion cash reserve to cover dividends and provide 21 months of liquidity. On December 1, 2024, it acquired 130 BTC for about $11.7 million at $89,960 per coin, bringing total holdings to 650,000 BTC.

Strategic Evolution and Market Implications

The corporate approach has shifted in recent weeks. CEO Phong Le recently admitted MicroStrategy could sell Bitcoin if the stock drops below 1x modified Net Asset Value—should equity or debt not be raised. In November 2024, the mNAV touched 0.95, bringing this scenario closer to reality.

This marks a move away from the former “never sell” stance. Annual dividend requirements of $750 million to $800 million have forced the firm to consider new liquidity, making its market role resemble a leveraged Bitcoin ETF. Shares have lost over 60% from highs, raising questions about continued accumulation in volatile times.

Robinhood Markets has announced plans to acquire Indonesian brokerage PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and licensed digital asset trader PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, signaling its entry into Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing crypto market.

The acquisitions position Robinhood to serve more than 19 million capital market investors and 17 million crypto traders in Indonesia. These deals are subject to approval by Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.

Strategic Entry into a High-Growth Market

Robinhood, based in California, is targeting Indonesia for its young, tech-savvy population and favorable regulatory climate. Robinhood’s official announcement highlighted the country’s strong expansion potential. These acquisitions follow Robinhood’s recent establishment of a regional headquarters in Singapore and licensing of its Bitstamp crypto exchange there.

Indonesia’s evolving regulatory framework now supports digital asset trading. By the third quarter of 2025, the Financial Services Authority had licensed 28 entities involved in crypto trading, including one regulated crypto exchange and infrastructure providers. Regulatory clarity encourages international firms to seek compliant market entry.

By acquiring established local businesses, Robinhood benefits from streamlined regulatory compliance and faster market access. PT Buana Capital Sekuritas provides brokerage services, while PT Pedagang Aset Kripto provides access to crypto trading. Pieter Tanuri, the majority owner of both firms and noted for his work with Bali United football club, will stay involved as a strategic advisor.

Steve Quirk, Robinhood’s Chief Brokerage Officer, shared that the company is committed to expanding financial participation. He said on social media that they look forward to empowering more people in the financial system.

Integration and Service Expansion

Robinhood plans to maintain the current services for Buana Capital clients and will gradually roll out its broader product lineup. The initial rollout will include local Indonesian products, followed by access to US equities and cryptocurrencies, allowing the company to serve existing customers while introducing new offerings in stages.

This move coincides with Robinhood’s global growth. The platform now serves about 27 million users and has seen its shares climb nearly 268 percent in 2025, underlining investor confidence in Robinhood’s expansion strategy.

Robinhood was added to the S&P 500 index this year, a milestone in its institutional profile. The company continues to face challenges, including a $45 million US fine for a 2021 data breach and ongoing discussions with UK regulators regarding potential market entry.

Pieter Tanuri, the majority owner of both Indonesian firms and best known for making Bali United the first listed football club in Southeast Asia, will remain as a strategic advisor to Robinhood following the acquisitions.

Financial terms of the Indonesian deals have not been disclosed. The acquisitions remain subject to regulatory review by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which will determine if Robinhood meets Indonesia’s standards for financial and digital asset services.

Market Impact and Competitive Landscape

Indonesia has become a leading crypto hub in Southeast Asia, thanks to supportive regulations and high digital engagement. Its expanding market now draws international companies seeking growth in new regions. Robinhood’s arrival adds to the competitive landscape with both domestic and regional firms.

The dual-acquisition approach offers Robinhood advantages across traditional securities and digital assets. Holding licenses in both areas allows the company to provide a wide range of investment services.

Investors welcomed the news. Market reaction noted Robinhood shares rose 1.17 percent after the announcement, indicating optimism about the firm’s ability to gain market share in Indonesia’s promising environment.

The Indonesia move follows Robinhood’s announcement last year to establish a regional headquarters in Singapore, where it is still awaiting regulatory approval for its brokerage operations. The company has also been in discussions with UK regulators as part of its global push.

Seven major Chinese financial industry associations jointly issued a risk warning, marking the most comprehensive crypto crackdown since the 2021 ban that drove all crypto exchanges out of the country.

The associations cover banking, securities, funds, futures, payment clearing, listed companies, and internet finance. They stated that all crypto-related business activities, including stablecoins, airdrops, mining, and, notably, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, are illegal in China.

RWA Tokenization Enters Regulatory Crosshairs

The statement, which was issued on Dec 5, explicitly noted that Chinese financial regulators have “not approved any real-world asset tokenization activities,” marking the first official prohibition of RWA in the country.

A researcher explained that the last time this coalition mobilized was September 24, 2021. It was when 10 government departments jointly issued the “Notice on Further Preventing and Disposing of Risks from Virtual Currency Trading Speculation.” That action forced all cryptocurrency exchanges to exit China and shut down all mining operations. China’s share of global Bitcoin hashrate plummeted from 75%.

This move comes as global RWA tokenization surpasses $30 billion in market size. Major players like BlackRock’s $2 billion BUIDL fund—tokenized by Securitize and accepted as collateral on Binance, Crypto.com, and Deribit—are driving mainstream adoption.

Chinese regulators appear concerned that RWA tokenization could become a sophisticated tool for capital flight. The mechanism would allow individuals to convert domestic assets into tokens, transfer them to offshore wallets, and exchange them for foreign currency—all bypassing traditional banking and foreign exchange controls.

Enforcement Tightens With Multi-Agency Coordination

The statement reemphasized that virtual currencies, including stablecoins and tokens such as Pi coin, lack legal status and cannot be circulated in China. Individuals and organizations may not issue, exchange, or raise funds via RWAs or virtual currencies within mainland China. This restriction also applies if offshore companies employ staff based in China.

The coordinated action follows the PBoC’s November 28 meeting with top government officials. The authorities declared stablecoins a form of virtual currency subject to prosecution.

A December report noted a 37% year-on-year increase in money laundering involving virtual assets, reinforcing the push for strict enforcement.

The seven associations’ joint statement creates what analysts describe as a “four-layer blockade.” This includes cutting off mining infrastructure, blocking stablecoin payment channels, sealing RWA pathways, and eliminating fraudulent schemes like Pi Network.

The warning also draws a clear boundary with Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly approach, stating that “mainland staff of offshore virtual currency service providers” will face legal consequences. China has instead promoted the digital yuan (e-CNY) as a state-approved alternative.

Hong Kong launched its stablecoin licensing regime on August 1, 2024, attracting 80 applicants, with first approvals expected in early 2026. Licensed platforms like HashKey and OSL continue to operate virtual asset exchanges. The city also permits RWA tokenization pilots, though strictly limited to offshore assets and non-mainland users.

Youth Discontent Simmers Beneath Surface

The ban sparked a heated online debate, particularly among young investors who feel excluded from global crypto opportunities. Analysis by BigNews highlighted youth frustration, driven by hopes for quick wealth amid Bitcoin’s rally and crypto-friendly U.S. regulations.

Discussions on online communities reveal disappointment over the policy gap between China and Western nations. Critics argue that blanket bans stifle innovation alongside legitimate investor protection.