Coinstelegram

Stablecoin leaders Circle and Tether have both secured major regulatory approvals from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a significant milestone for regulated stablecoin operations in the Middle East.

The approvals allow ADGM-licensed institutions to conduct stablecoin-related activities across multiple supported blockchains, greatly expanding their regulated use in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset hubs.

Circle Secures Financial Services License in the UAE

As part of its regional expansion, Circle received a Financial Services Permission (FSP) in ADGM, enabling the company to operate as a regulated money services provider. The license allows Circle to support payments, settlements, and financial infrastructure under ADGM’s strict regulatory framework.

Commenting on the development, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said:

“With our @DGlobalMarket FSRA licence secured, USDC is poised to support real-world payments, FX, settlements, and social use cases across the region.”

Tether’s USDT Recognized as an Approved Fiat-Referenced Token

At the same time, Tether announced that USDT has officially been recognized as an accepted fiat-referenced token within ADGM, allowing it to be used by licensed firms for regulated financial activities across several major blockchains.

Celebrating the milestone Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated:

“The UAE continues to set the global standard for digital asset regulation.”

The FSRA has since published its official list of approved stablecoins, formally confirming the regulatory status of both USDC and USDT within the financial zone.

USDC and USDT Compete for Institutional Dominance in the Middle East

The approvals come as USDC and USDT increasingly compete for dominance across the Middle East’s institutional financial sector, where adoption of blockchain-based payments and settlements is accelerating.

Unlike retail-driven crypto markets, ADGM is heavily institution-focused, with regional banks, fintechs, and sovereign wealth funds exploring the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, treasury management, and on-chain settlements. In this environment, regulatory approval is a decisive competitive advantage.

Abu Dhabi Global Market has positioned itself as one of the world’s most advanced regulatory environments for digital assets, offering licenses for:
– Crypto exchanges
– Custody providers
– Tokenization platforms
– Staking and lending services

All under strict investor protection and financial crime prevention standards.

Major global firms like Binance and Kraken already operate under ADGM supervision.

UAE Continues to Set Global Standards for Crypto Regulation

The UAE is rapidly strengthening its status not only as one of the world’s largest crypto hubs, but also as a jurisdiction with clear, secure, and internationally respected crypto regulation.

Just days earlier, Binance also secured a full FSRA license, becoming the first global exchange to receive comprehensive regulatory approval with end-to-end supervision of its global operations and liquidity under ADGM.

Stablecoin leaders Circle and Tether have both secured major regulatory approvals from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a significant milestone for regulated stablecoin operations in the Middle East.

The approvals allow ADGM-licensed institutions to conduct stablecoin-related activities across multiple supported blockchains, greatly expanding their regulated use in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset hubs.

Circle Secures Financial Services License in the UAE

As part of its regional expansion, Circle received a Financial Services Permission (FSP) in ADGM, enabling the company to operate as a regulated money services provider. The license allows Circle to support payments, settlements, and financial infrastructure under ADGM’s strict regulatory framework.

Commenting on the development, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said:

“With our @DGlobalMarket FSRA licence secured, USDC is poised to support real-world payments, FX, settlements, and social use cases across the region.”

Tether’s USDT Recognized as an Approved Fiat-Referenced Token

At the same time, Tether announced that USDT has officially been recognized as an accepted fiat-referenced token within ADGM, allowing it to be used by licensed firms for regulated financial activities across several major blockchains.

Celebrating the milestone Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated:

“The UAE continues to set the global standard for digital asset regulation.”

The FSRA has since published its official list of approved stablecoins, formally confirming the regulatory status of both USDC and USDT within the financial zone.

USDC and USDT Compete for Institutional Dominance in the Middle East

The approvals come as USDC and USDT increasingly compete for dominance across the Middle East’s institutional financial sector, where adoption of blockchain-based payments and settlements is accelerating.

Unlike retail-driven crypto markets, ADGM is heavily institution-focused, with regional banks, fintechs, and sovereign wealth funds exploring the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, treasury management, and on-chain settlements. In this environment, regulatory approval is a decisive competitive advantage.

Abu Dhabi Global Market has positioned itself as one of the world’s most advanced regulatory environments for digital assets, offering licenses for: – Crypto exchanges – Custody providers – Tokenization platforms – Staking and lending services

All under strict investor protection and financial crime prevention standards.

Major global firms like Binance and Kraken already operate under ADGM supervision.

UAE Continues to Set Global Standards for Crypto Regulation

The UAE is rapidly strengthening its status not only as one of the world’s largest crypto hubs, but also as a jurisdiction with clear, secure, and internationally respected crypto regulation.

Just days earlier, Binance also secured a full FSRA license, becoming the first global exchange to receive comprehensive regulatory approval with end-to-end supervision of its global operations and liquidity under ADGM.

Strategy significantly expanded its Bitcoin exposure in the first week of December, acquiring 10,624 BTC worth approximately $962.7 million between December 1 and December 7 at an average price of $90,615 per coin, the company disclosed on X.

The purchase marks Strategy’s largest Bitcoin accumulation since July, reinforcing its long-standing conviction in the asset and signaling growing confidence in Bitcoin’s medium-term outlook.

Stock Sales Fund the Latest Bitcoin Accumulation

The latest acquisition was financed through the issuance and sale of Class A common stock (MSTR) and STRD perpetual preferred shares via the company’s at-the-market (ATM) program.

Over the same period, Strategy: – Sold 442,536 STRD shares, generating $34.9 million in net proceeds – Sold 5,127,684 MSTR shares, securing $928.1 million in net proceeds

The capital raised was directed entirely toward expanding the company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Strategy Now Holds Over 660,000 BTC

As of December 7, 2025, Strategy holds a total of 660,624 BTC, acquired for an aggregate cost of $49.35 billion, with an average purchase price of $74,696 per Bitcoin.

This stash represents more than 3% of Bitcoin’s total 21 million supply, giving Strategy one of the most influential positions in the public market. At current prices, the company’s unrealized gains are estimated at over $10.6 billion.

Given the scale of Strategy’s exposure, its Bitcoin transactions have effectively become a key sentiment indicator for the broader crypto market.

Bitcoin Trades Sideways as ETF Inflows Turn Positive

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $92,360, showing relatively stable price action after the sharp correction to $80,000 in mid-November. Since then, BTC has avoided major volatility, gradually recovering and consolidating within a narrow range.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs recorded $151.74 million in net inflows on December 9, marking a shift back to positive momentum after several months of sustained outflows — a development that could further support Bitcoin’s price action in the near term.

Strategy significantly expanded its Bitcoin exposure in the first week of December, acquiring 10,624 BTC worth approximately $962.7 million between December 1 and December 7 at an average price of $90,615 per coin, the company disclosed on X.

The purchase marks Strategy’s largest Bitcoin accumulation since July, reinforcing its long-standing conviction in the asset and signaling growing confidence in Bitcoin’s medium-term outlook.

Stock Sales Fund the Latest Bitcoin Accumulation

The latest acquisition was financed through the issuance and sale of Class A common stock (MSTR) and STRD perpetual preferred shares via the company’s at-the-market (ATM) program.

Over the same period, Strategy:
– Sold 442,536 STRD shares, generating $34.9 million in net proceeds
– Sold 5,127,684 MSTR shares, securing $928.1 million in net proceeds

The capital raised was directed entirely toward expanding the company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Strategy Now Holds Over 660,000 BTC

As of December 7, 2025, Strategy holds a total of 660,624 BTC, acquired for an aggregate cost of $49.35 billion, with an average purchase price of $74,696 per Bitcoin.

This stash represents more than 3% of Bitcoin’s total 21 million supply, giving Strategy one of the most influential positions in the public market. At current prices, the company’s unrealized gains are estimated at over $10.6 billion.

Given the scale of Strategy’s exposure, its Bitcoin transactions have effectively become a key sentiment indicator for the broader crypto market.

Bitcoin Trades Sideways as ETF Inflows Turn Positive

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $92,360, showing relatively stable price action after the sharp correction to $80,000 in mid-November. Since then, BTC has avoided major volatility, gradually recovering and consolidating within a narrow range.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs recorded $151.74 million in net inflows on December 9, marking a shift back to positive momentum after several months of sustained outflows — a development that could further support Bitcoin’s price action in the near term.

NEWS DIGEST – 10.12.2025  

1) U.S. banks get green light to act as crypto intermediaries — major shift in mainstream adoption

What happened: The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced that banks can now operate as “riskless principal” intermediaries for crypto transactions — meaning they can match buyers and sellers without holding crypto on their balance sheet.  

Why it matters: This is a structural push to integrate traditional finance and crypto — making it easier for everyday banking infrastructure to support crypto flows. It could widen access and liquidity, as banks become a bridge, not just niche crypto-only platforms. Risk for systemic exposure increases, but so does mainstream legitimacy.

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2) Bitcoin supply on exchanges crater — less than 1.2 M BTC remain listed (from 1.8M)

What happened: On-exchange Bitcoin reserves dropped sharply over the past 12 months, from ~1.8 million BTC down to roughly 1.2 million BTC — signalling a significant drawdown in exchange liquidity.  

Why it matters: Less BTC sitting on exchanges means lower immediate sell pressure — but also reduced liquidity. This could tighten the market: if demand re-emerges, price moves might be more abrupt. For long-term holders, it’s a bullish signal of scarcity. For traders, watch for volatility spikes.

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3) Major sell-side warning: Standard Chartered slashes 2025–2026 BTC price targets amid weak demand from crypto-treasury firms

What happened: Standard Chartered cut its year-end BTC forecast from $200,000 to $100,000 and trimmed the 2026 target, citing cooling demand from firms that stockpile digital assets (digital-asset-treasury companies, DATs), despite earlier bullish forecasts.  

Why it matters: Big banks revising down targets signals waning institutional optimism — combined with exchange supply drawdown, this suggests the market may stay range-bound or volatile until new catalysts emerge (macro or structural). BTC bulls should watch flows, not just technicals.

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4) Long-term conviction: institutional buyer continues accumulation — strongest BTC supply squeeze in months

What happened: Meanwhile, some institutional investors keep buying: recent data show large-scale accumulation even as prices wobble. This, along with reduced exchange supply, contributes to one of the tightest supply-demand dynamics seen recently.  

Why it matters: Diverging behavior (some institutions selling, others accumulating) can lead to choppy but potentially bullish long-term structures. If macro stabilises or ETF flows return, tight supply may fuel sharp rallies.

NEWS DIGEST – 10.12.2025  

What happened: The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced that banks can now operate as “riskless principal” intermediaries for crypto transactions — meaning they can match buyers and sellers without holding crypto on their balance sheet.  

Why it matters: This is a structural push to integrate traditional finance and crypto — making it easier for everyday banking infrastructure to support crypto flows. It could widen access and liquidity, as banks become a bridge, not just niche crypto-only platforms. Risk for systemic exposure increases, but so does mainstream legitimacy.

⸻

2) Bitcoin supply on exchanges crater — less than 1.2 M BTC remain listed (from 1.8M)

What happened: On-exchange Bitcoin reserves dropped sharply over the past 12 months, from ~1.8 million BTC down to roughly 1.2 million BTC — signalling a significant drawdown in exchange liquidity.  

Why it matters: Less BTC sitting on exchanges means lower immediate sell pressure — but also reduced liquidity. This could tighten the market: if demand re-emerges, price moves might be more abrupt. For long-term holders, it’s a bullish signal of scarcity. For traders, watch for volatility spikes.

⸻

3) Major sell-side warning: Standard Chartered slashes 2025–2026 BTC price targets amid weak demand from crypto-treasury firms

What happened: Standard Chartered cut its year-end BTC forecast from $200,000 to $100,000 and trimmed the 2026 target, citing cooling demand from firms that stockpile digital assets (digital-asset-treasury companies, DATs), despite earlier bullish forecasts.  

Why it matters: Big banks revising down targets signals waning institutional optimism — combined with exchange supply drawdown, this suggests the market may stay range-bound or volatile until new catalysts emerge (macro or structural). BTC bulls should watch flows, not just technicals.

⸻

4) Long-term conviction: institutional buyer continues accumulation — strongest BTC supply squeeze in months

What happened: Meanwhile, some institutional investors keep buying: recent data show large-scale accumulation even as prices wobble. This, along with reduced exchange supply, contributes to one of the tightest supply-demand dynamics seen recently.  

Why it matters: Diverging behavior (some institutions selling, others accumulating) can lead to choppy but potentially bullish long-term structures. If macro stabilises or ETF flows return, tight supply may fuel sharp rallies.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a new pilot program that allows regulated firms to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC as collateral in derivatives trading. The initiative marks a shift from the long-standing practice of relying solely on fiat currencies and traditional securities for margin requirements.

The program was announced by Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham and applies to a limited group of approved Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs). These firms will now be permitted to accept certain digital assets as margin for futures and swaps under strict regulatory supervision.

Alongside the pilot, the CFTC issued new guidance on tokenized collateral and formally withdrew several outdated regulatory requirements following the adoption of the GENIUS Act.

Strict Oversight and Custody Requirements

Participating firms must comply with enhanced standards for:

– Asset custody and segregation – On-chain storage and transfer monitoring – Weekly reporting during the first three months – Immediate disclosure of any operational or security issues

Digital collateral must be tracked separately from traditional assets, and all movements must remain fully transparent to the regulator. For now, only firms that meet specific risk-management and reporting criteria will be admitted into the program.

Acting Chairman Pham stated:

“Under my leadership this year, the CFTC has led the way forward into America’s Golden Age of Innovation and Crypto. This imperative has never been more important given recent customer losses on non-U.S. crypto exchanges. Americans deserve safe U.S. markets as an alternative to offshore platforms, and that’s why last week I announced that spot crypto can now be traded on CFTC registered exchanges.“

Stablecoins and Digital Assets Gain Regulatory Recognition

In its official statement, the CFTC noted that the new framework reflects what the crypto industry has argued for years — that digital assets and stablecoins can improve payment efficiency, reduce costs, and lower settlement risks when used within a regulated structure.

Industry players including Coinbase and Circle publicly welcomed the initiative, calling it a meaningful step toward recognizing crypto assets as a functional part of the financial system rather than a separate speculative market.

GENIUS Act Sets the Legal Foundation

The pilot program builds on the GENIUS Act passed earlier this year, which established the federal framework for regulating U.S. payment stablecoins by defining who can issue them, requiring full liquid reserves, enforcing AML/KYC compliance, and mandating regular public disclosures.

The broader goal is to support innovation while protecting consumers and safeguarding financial stability.

Why This Matters

Allowing BTC, ETH, and USDC to serve as collateral inside regulated U.S. derivatives markets represents a major step toward deep crypto integration into traditional finance. It also signals a clear policy direction: digital assets are increasingly being treated as legitimate financial infrastructure rather than fringe instruments.

While the pilot is limited in scope, it sets a regulatory precedent that could reshape how crypto is used across U.S. capital markets in the years ahead.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a new pilot program that allows regulated firms to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC as collateral in derivatives trading. The initiative marks a shift from the long-standing practice of relying solely on fiat currencies and traditional securities for margin requirements.

The program was announced by Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham and applies to a limited group of approved Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs). These firms will now be permitted to accept certain digital assets as margin for futures and swaps under strict regulatory supervision.

Alongside the pilot, the CFTC issued new guidance on tokenized collateral and formally withdrew several outdated regulatory requirements following the adoption of the GENIUS Act.

Strict Oversight and Custody Requirements

Participating firms must comply with enhanced standards for:

– Asset custody and segregation
– On-chain storage and transfer monitoring
– Weekly reporting during the first three months
– Immediate disclosure of any operational or security issues

Digital collateral must be tracked separately from traditional assets, and all movements must remain fully transparent to the regulator. For now, only firms that meet specific risk-management and reporting criteria will be admitted into the program.

Acting Chairman Pham stated:

“Under my leadership this year, the CFTC has led the way forward into America’s Golden Age of Innovation and Crypto. This imperative has never been more important given recent customer losses on non-U.S. crypto exchanges. Americans deserve safe U.S. markets as an alternative to offshore platforms, and that’s why last week I announced that spot crypto can now be traded on CFTC registered exchanges.“

Stablecoins and Digital Assets Gain Regulatory Recognition

In its official statement, the CFTC noted that the new framework reflects what the crypto industry has argued for years — that digital assets and stablecoins can improve payment efficiency, reduce costs, and lower settlement risks when used within a regulated structure.

Industry players including Coinbase and Circle publicly welcomed the initiative, calling it a meaningful step toward recognizing crypto assets as a functional part of the financial system rather than a separate speculative market.

GENIUS Act Sets the Legal Foundation

The pilot program builds on the GENIUS Act passed earlier this year, which established the federal framework for regulating U.S. payment stablecoins by defining who can issue them, requiring full liquid reserves, enforcing AML/KYC compliance, and mandating regular public disclosures.

The broader goal is to support innovation while protecting consumers and safeguarding financial stability.

Why This Matters

Allowing BTC, ETH, and USDC to serve as collateral inside regulated U.S. derivatives markets represents a major step toward deep crypto integration into traditional finance. It also signals a clear policy direction: digital assets are increasingly being treated as legitimate financial infrastructure rather than fringe instruments.

While the pilot is limited in scope, it sets a regulatory precedent that could reshape how crypto is used across U.S. capital markets in the years ahead.

NEWS DIGEST – 09.12.2025  

1) Bitcoin likely ends 2025 with first annual loss since 2022 — analysts warn of prolonged slump

What happened: A new report argues that after a turbulent 2025 — with a peak above $126K in October and subsequent sell-offs — Bitcoin could finish the year with a net loss. The sharp drawdowns and correlation with tech stocks weigh heavily.  

Why it matters: This underscores that the 2025 “crypto summer” may have ended badly. For investors, it signals heightened downside risk and that caution remains essential entering 2026 — especially with macro uncertainty and potential rate changes.

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2) Hong Kong’s HashKey to IPO — first publicly traded crypto exchange under SFC regime

What happened: HashKey, a Hong Kong-based crypto exchange operating under the regulated SFC framework, announced plans to go public — listing its IPO on December 17, 2025. It would become the first publicly traded exchange under Hong Kong’s new crypto rules.  

Why it matters: This is a structural step for market infrastructure. A regulated, public exchange brings transparency and could attract institutional capital to the region. It also signals growing legitimacy for crypto in Hong Kong — which can influence regional flows and global sentiment.

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3) XRP shows renewed strength — potential breakout to $2.65 amid institutional interest

What happened: After recent weakness, XRP registered solid inflows and technical signals point to a possible rebound toward $2.65. According to a daily market update, institutional funds appear active in driving demand for XRP.  

Why it matters: If XRP holds momentum, it may signal a revival in altcoins — not just major ones like BTC/ETH, but also smaller-cap and mid-cap tokens. Given weak sentiment for many cryptos, a fresh altcoin rally — even narrow — could reshape portfolios. Still, macro headwinds remain a risk.

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4) Strategy — biggest corporate holder of Bitcoin — buys $1 B in BTC, doubling down on long-term conviction

What happened: Strategy revealed a purchase of 10,624 BTC (~$1 billion) between Dec 1–7, 2025, despite price weakness, increasing its holdings to over $60.6 B.  

Why it matters: This shows some major institutional players maintain long-term bullish views — even during rough markets. Large buys by established entities often influence sentiment and may encourage cautious institutional or retail re-entry if macro improves. It underlines that some believe in crypto’s multi-year story beyond short-term volatility.

NEWS DIGEST – 09.12.2025  

What happened: A new report argues that after a turbulent 2025 — with a peak above $126K in October and subsequent sell-offs — Bitcoin could finish the year with a net loss. The sharp drawdowns and correlation with tech stocks weigh heavily.  

Why it matters: This underscores that the 2025 “crypto summer” may have ended badly. For investors, it signals heightened downside risk and that caution remains essential entering 2026 — especially with macro uncertainty and potential rate changes.

⸻

2) Hong Kong’s HashKey to IPO — first publicly traded crypto exchange under SFC regime

What happened: HashKey, a Hong Kong-based crypto exchange operating under the regulated SFC framework, announced plans to go public — listing its IPO on December 17, 2025. It would become the first publicly traded exchange under Hong Kong’s new crypto rules.  

Why it matters: This is a structural step for market infrastructure. A regulated, public exchange brings transparency and could attract institutional capital to the region. It also signals growing legitimacy for crypto in Hong Kong — which can influence regional flows and global sentiment.

⸻

3) XRP shows renewed strength — potential breakout to $2.65 amid institutional interest

What happened: After recent weakness, XRP registered solid inflows and technical signals point to a possible rebound toward $2.65. According to a daily market update, institutional funds appear active in driving demand for XRP.  

Why it matters: If XRP holds momentum, it may signal a revival in altcoins — not just major ones like BTC/ETH, but also smaller-cap and mid-cap tokens. Given weak sentiment for many cryptos, a fresh altcoin rally — even narrow — could reshape portfolios. Still, macro headwinds remain a risk.

⸻

4) Strategy — biggest corporate holder of Bitcoin — buys $1 B in BTC, doubling down on long-term conviction

What happened: Strategy revealed a purchase of 10,624 BTC (~$1 billion) between Dec 1–7, 2025, despite price weakness, increasing its holdings to over $60.6 B.  

Why it matters: This shows some major institutional players maintain long-term bullish views — even during rough markets. Large buys by established entities often influence sentiment and may encourage cautious institutional or retail re-entry if macro improves. It underlines that some believe in crypto’s multi-year story beyond short-term volatility.

Two Bitcoin wallets linked to rare physical Casascius coins have come back to life after more than 13 years of inactivity, moving a combined 2,000 BTC — now valued at approximately $180 million — in a single day.

According to on-chain data mentioned by blockchain analysts on December 5, one of the wallets transferred 1,000.0028 BTC after remaining untouched for around 13.2 years, while the second moved 999.9999811 BTC after being dormant for nearly 14 years. Both wallets originally received their funds between 2011 and 2012, when Bitcoin was trading below $15.

The transactions were first highlighted by blockchain trackers monitoring the addresses tied to the physical coins. On the same day, another 8 BTC was also redeemed from smaller Casascius-linked wallets, suggesting broader activity among early physical Bitcoin holders.

Why the Coins Suddenly Moved Remains Unclear

The motive behind the transfers remains unknown. There is no confirmation whether the movements were connected to a sale, internal asset restructuring, or a precautionary transfer aimed at safeguarding access to the funds.

Some analysts speculate the activity could be linked to concerns over the physical condition of the coins, as Casascius wallets rely on concealed private keys under tamper-evident holograms. Over time, physical degradation could pose a risk to access, prompting owners to redeem the BTC into standard digital wallets.

The identity of the wallets’ owner or owners has not been established.

What Are Casascius Coins?

Casascius coins are early physical representations of Bitcoin created in 2011 by developer Mike Caldwell. Each metal coin contains a concealed private key hidden beneath a holographic seal, allowing the holder to redeem real Bitcoin by peeling the sticker. The concept bridged physical collectibles with digital currency and quickly became a symbol of early crypto adoption.

The project ceased production in 2013 after regulatory pressure from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which required Caldwell to register as a money services business. By the time minting stopped, an estimated 90,000 coins had entered circulation — most holding small BTC amounts.

However, only a handful of ultra-rare versions were ever produced with 1,000 BTC each — just six coins and 16 bars in total — making the recent movement particularly notable.

A Reminder of Bitcoin’s Early Era

At today’s prices near $90,000 per BTC, the reactivation of these early wallets serves as one of the most striking reminders of how dramatically Bitcoin’s value has evolved since its early days — and how much dormant wealth still lies hidden across the blockchain.

Two Bitcoin wallets linked to rare physical Casascius coins have come back to life after more than 13 years of inactivity, moving a combined 2,000 BTC — now valued at approximately $180 million — in a single day.

According to on-chain data mentioned by blockchain analysts on December 5, one of the wallets transferred 1,000.0028 BTC after remaining untouched for around 13.2 years, while the second moved 999.9999811 BTC after being dormant for nearly 14 years. Both wallets originally received their funds between 2011 and 2012, when Bitcoin was trading below $15.

The transactions were first highlighted by blockchain trackers monitoring the addresses tied to the physical coins. On the same day, another 8 BTC was also redeemed from smaller Casascius-linked wallets, suggesting broader activity among early physical Bitcoin holders.

Why the Coins Suddenly Moved Remains Unclear

The motive behind the transfers remains unknown. There is no confirmation whether the movements were connected to a sale, internal asset restructuring, or a precautionary transfer aimed at safeguarding access to the funds.

Some analysts speculate the activity could be linked to concerns over the physical condition of the coins, as Casascius wallets rely on concealed private keys under tamper-evident holograms. Over time, physical degradation could pose a risk to access, prompting owners to redeem the BTC into standard digital wallets.

The identity of the wallets’ owner or owners has not been established.

What Are Casascius Coins?

Casascius coins are early physical representations of Bitcoin created in 2011 by developer Mike Caldwell. Each metal coin contains a concealed private key hidden beneath a holographic seal, allowing the holder to redeem real Bitcoin by peeling the sticker. The concept bridged physical collectibles with digital currency and quickly became a symbol of early crypto adoption.

The project ceased production in 2013 after regulatory pressure from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which required Caldwell to register as a money services business. By the time minting stopped, an estimated 90,000 coins had entered circulation — most holding small BTC amounts.

However, only a handful of ultra-rare versions were ever produced with 1,000 BTC each — just six coins and 16 bars in total — making the recent movement particularly notable.

A Reminder of Bitcoin’s Early Era

At today’s prices near $90,000 per BTC, the reactivation of these early wallets serves as one of the most striking reminders of how dramatically Bitcoin’s value has evolved since its early days — and how much dormant wealth still lies hidden across the blockchain.

NEWS DIGEST – 08.12.2025  

1) Risk-on bounce: Bitcoin & Ethereum rally as rate-cut hopes stir markets

What happened: Bitcoin surged toward ~$93,400, while Ethereum climbed past $3,200, as optimism over upcoming central bank rate cuts revived demand across markets.  

Why it matters: Macro sentiment remains a key driver — when interest-rate expectations shift, crypto gains can follow quickly. But for a sustained up-trend, this needs backing by renewed volume and institutional demand (not just short-term speculation).

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2) Altcoin ETF expansion — Grayscale Investments launches first U.S. spot ETF for Chainlink (LINK), draws early inflows

What happened: Grayscale listed a spot-LINK ETF, attracting early capital and rallying the LINK token, injecting optimism into altcoins beyond just BTC & ETH.  

Why it matters: This marks growing maturity and diversification for crypto investment vehicles. Institutional-style access to altcoins could broaden capital flows — but with macro volatility high, expect high risk + high reward dynamics.

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3) Ethereum strong fundamentals: network upgrade & shrinking exchange supply strengthens ETH case

What happened: On-exchange reserves of Ethereum fell to a low level (~ 8.7 % of total supply), reducing immediate selling pressure.   Meanwhile, overall network improvements keep boosting Ethereum’s structural outlook.

Why it matters: Decreasing supply on exchanges often precedes price appreciation when demand returns. ETH’s network fundamentals + tighter supply may make it a favored asset if macro tailwinds align.

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4) Regulatory & institutional rails expand — major French bank group enters crypto retail via BPCE, and global compliance wins for major exchange group

What happened: French banking group BPCE enabled crypto-asset purchases (BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC) for millions of clients from 8 Dec — widening retail access.   Also, a major exchange group secured full compliance licensing under a top-tier regulator, raising global trust levels.  

Why it matters: Infrastructure growth and mainstream banking integration pave the way for larger, more stable capital flows into crypto — potentially a structural positive beyond the usual volatility-driven cycles.

NEWS DIGEST – 08.12.2025  

What happened: Bitcoin surged toward ~$93,400, while Ethereum climbed past $3,200, as optimism over upcoming central bank rate cuts revived demand across markets.  

Why it matters: Macro sentiment remains a key driver — when interest-rate expectations shift, crypto gains can follow quickly. But for a sustained up-trend, this needs backing by renewed volume and institutional demand (not just short-term speculation).

⸻

2) Altcoin ETF expansion — Grayscale Investments launches first U.S. spot ETF for Chainlink (LINK), draws early inflows

What happened: Grayscale listed a spot-LINK ETF, attracting early capital and rallying the LINK token, injecting optimism into altcoins beyond just BTC & ETH.  

Why it matters: This marks growing maturity and diversification for crypto investment vehicles. Institutional-style access to altcoins could broaden capital flows — but with macro volatility high, expect high risk + high reward dynamics.

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3) Ethereum strong fundamentals: network upgrade & shrinking exchange supply strengthens ETH case

What happened: On-exchange reserves of Ethereum fell to a low level (~ 8.7 % of total supply), reducing immediate selling pressure.   Meanwhile, overall network improvements keep boosting Ethereum’s structural outlook.

Why it matters: Decreasing supply on exchanges often precedes price appreciation when demand returns. ETH’s network fundamentals + tighter supply may make it a favored asset if macro tailwinds align.

⸻

4) Regulatory & institutional rails expand — major French bank group enters crypto retail via BPCE, and global compliance wins for major exchange group

What happened: French banking group BPCE enabled crypto-asset purchases (BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC) for millions of clients from 8 Dec — widening retail access.   Also, a major exchange group secured full compliance licensing under a top-tier regulator, raising global trust levels.  

Why it matters: Infrastructure growth and mainstream banking integration pave the way for larger, more stable capital flows into crypto — potentially a structural positive beyond the usual volatility-driven cycles.

NEWS DIGEST – 05.12.2025  

1) Crypto market slips — Bitcoin dips below $84,000 on liquidity & macro jitters

What happened: Bitcoin slid to nearly $84,000 before bouncing slightly; several other major cryptos also lost ground as liquidity tightened and macroeconomic uncertainty resurfaced.  

Why it matters: The drop under $85 K confirms how fragile sentiment and liquidity remain. In such conditions, even moderate selling can trigger outsized moves. Without fresh demand or macro tailwinds, crypto remains vulnerable to further downside.

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2) Traditional investors shake-up — Vanguard opens access to Bitcoin, ETH, XRP & SOL ETFs for brokerage clients

What happened: Vanguard has reportedly allowed U.S. ETF products based on Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and SOL to be available to its brokerage clients — significantly widening access to crypto exposure for traditional investors.  

Why it matters: If capital flows through Vanguard, this could broaden the investor base beyond typical crypto holders to mainstream retail & institutional portfolios. That might support medium-term demand — but only if valuations stabilize enough to attract cautious investors.

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3) Enforcement spotlight — Swiss & German authorities shut down mixing service amid money-laundering probe

What happened: Authorities in Switzerland and Germany shut down a crypto-mixer service, seized servers and froze assets after a key money-laundering investigation.  

Why it matters: The crackdown signals renewed regulatory pressure on anonymity services and privacy-focused tools. This can increase compliance costs and risk for services and users — perhaps pushing more activity into regulated, transparent ecosystems. Privacy-sensitive users may retreat, reducing demand for certain kinds of protocols.

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4) Fresh supply hitting markets — over $70 M in tokens scheduled to unlock early December

What happened: A wave of token unlocks is scheduled for the first week of December, totaling about US$76 million across multiple crypto projects.  

Why it matters: New supply entering the market — especially during weak demand and liquidity — can add bearish pressure. Smaller-cap projects and newly issued tokens may see outsized volatility or price dips if demand doesn’t match supply.

Argentina’s state-controlled oil giant YPF is evaluating the possibility of allowing customers to pay for gasoline and diesel using cryptocurrencies, according to local media. The initiative would mark one of the most significant steps toward mainstream crypto adoption in the country’s energy sector. YPF Studies Fuel Payments in Crypto

The company is reviewing whether to integrate crypto payments across its network of service stations, a move that coincides with the continued rise of digital asset adoption among Argentinians. If approved, the option would join the firm’s broader shift toward modernizing payment infrastructure.

Argentina’s state-controlled oil giant YPF is evaluating the possibility of allowing customers to pay for gasoline and diesel using cryptocurrencies, according to local media. The initiative would mark one of the most significant steps toward mainstream crypto adoption in the country’s energy sector.

YPF Studies Fuel Payments in Crypto

The company is reviewing whether to integrate crypto payments across its network of service stations, a move that coincides with the continued rise of digital asset adoption among Argentinians. If approved, the option would join the firm’s broader shift toward modernizing payment infrastructure.

The evaluation comes just two months after YPF stations became the first in the country to accept U.S. dollars for fuel purchases — a policy aligned with efforts led by Economy Minister Luis Caputo to promote gradual, market-driven dollarization and increase monetary flexibility.

Crypto Adoption Continues to Grow in Argentina

Crypto usage has accelerated in Argentina due to inflation pressures, currency instability, and rising demand for alternative stores of value. Introducing the ability to pay for essential goods such as fuel with digital assets would represent a major milestone in everyday crypto utility.

While the plan is still under internal review, such a move could position YPF as one of the first major national oil companies globally to adopt crypto payments.

What Is YPF?

YPF (Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales) is Argentina’s largest integrated energy company and a central player in the country’s oil and gas industry. The firm operates across the full value chain — from exploration and production to refining, distribution, and retail sales at its nationwide network of service stations.

The Argentine government holds a 51% majority stake, making YPF strategically important for national energy policy, infrastructure development, and long-term economic planning.

If YPF moves forward with crypto payments, it could set a precedent for other large corporate sectors in Argentina — particularly transportation, retail, and utilities — as digital assets continue gaining traction among consumers.

NEWS DIGEST – 05.12.2025  

What happened: Bitcoin slid to nearly $84,000 before bouncing slightly; several other major cryptos also lost ground as liquidity tightened and macroeconomic uncertainty resurfaced.  

Why it matters: The drop under $85 K confirms how fragile sentiment and liquidity remain. In such conditions, even moderate selling can trigger outsized moves. Without fresh demand or macro tailwinds, crypto remains vulnerable to further downside.

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2) Traditional investors shake-up — Vanguard opens access to Bitcoin, ETH, XRP & SOL ETFs for brokerage clients

What happened: Vanguard has reportedly allowed U.S. ETF products based on Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and SOL to be available to its brokerage clients — significantly widening access to crypto exposure for traditional investors.  

Why it matters: If capital flows through Vanguard, this could broaden the investor base beyond typical crypto holders to mainstream retail & institutional portfolios. That might support medium-term demand — but only if valuations stabilize enough to attract cautious investors.

⸻

3) Enforcement spotlight — Swiss & German authorities shut down mixing service amid money-laundering probe

What happened: Authorities in Switzerland and Germany shut down a crypto-mixer service, seized servers and froze assets after a key money-laundering investigation.  

Why it matters: The crackdown signals renewed regulatory pressure on anonymity services and privacy-focused tools. This can increase compliance costs and risk for services and users — perhaps pushing more activity into regulated, transparent ecosystems. Privacy-sensitive users may retreat, reducing demand for certain kinds of protocols.

⸻

4) Fresh supply hitting markets — over $70 M in tokens scheduled to unlock early December

What happened: A wave of token unlocks is scheduled for the first week of December, totaling about US$76 million across multiple crypto projects.  

Why it matters: New supply entering the market — especially during weak demand and liquidity — can add bearish pressure. Smaller-cap projects and newly issued tokens may see outsized volatility or price dips if demand doesn’t match supply.

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has unveiled PredictFun, a native prediction market designed specifically for BNB Chain. In an announcement on X, CZ said the platform aims to address one of the long-standing challenges of prediction markets: users locking capital without earning yield while markets remain open.

PredictFun is incubated and financially supported by YZiLabs.

BNB Chain User Base as a Key Advantage

The project is built around BNB Chain’s large and active ecosystem, which consistently ranks among the busiest networks by number of addresses. The platform allows users to make predictions while continuing to earn staking rewards on the funds they commit, reducing the opportunity cost typically associated with long-running markets.

However, the network’s limited stablecoin liquidity remains an obstacle, Coindesk mention. BNB Chain currently has fewer stablecoin options compared to competing ecosystems, which could restrict liquidity and slow the platform’s growth.

Current Metrics and Early Positioning

According to publicly available data, PredictFun has more than 12,000 users and a total market volume of roughly $300,000. Despite the traction, the platform remains significantly smaller than major competitors such as Polymarket and Kalshi.

The main challenge in the coming months will be sustaining user activity and deepening liquidity rather than relying solely on initial hype.

Prediction Markets: A Fast-Growing Sector

The launch comes during a period of rapid expansion for prediction markets. In November, the sector recorded a new all-time high with $14.3 billion in combined trading volume: Kalshi — $5.8B, Polymarket — $4.3B, Opinion Labs — $4.2B.

Major platforms are also experimenting with new incentive structures. Both Polymarket and Kalshi have introduced staking rewards, treasury-backed incentives, or point-based systems to keep participants engaged and compensate for the capital tied up in unresolved markets.

One of the major developments in the sector is Polymarket’s official return to the United States after four years — a shift that could reshape the competitive landscape.

BNB Chain’s Scale Could Strengthen PredictFun’s Position

Despite early challenges, PredictFun may benefit from the size and engagement of the BNB Chain ecosystem. With thousands of active users and high transaction volumes, the chain could help the platform secure a meaningful position among leading prediction markets if liquidity grows and user retention stabilizes.

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has unveiled PredictFun, a native prediction market designed specifically for BNB Chain. In an announcement on X, CZ said the platform aims to address one of the long-standing challenges of prediction markets: users locking capital without earning yield while markets remain open.

PredictFun is incubated and financially supported by YZiLabs.

BNB Chain User Base as a Key Advantage

The project is built around BNB Chain’s large and active ecosystem, which consistently ranks among the busiest networks by number of addresses. The platform allows users to make predictions while continuing to earn staking rewards on the funds they commit, reducing the opportunity cost typically associated with long-running markets.

However, the network’s limited stablecoin liquidity remains an obstacle, Coindesk mention. BNB Chain currently has fewer stablecoin options compared to competing ecosystems, which could restrict liquidity and slow the platform’s growth.

Current Metrics and Early Positioning

According to publicly available data, PredictFun has more than 12,000 users and a total market volume of roughly $300,000. Despite the traction, the platform remains significantly smaller than major competitors such as Polymarket and Kalshi.

The main challenge in the coming months will be sustaining user activity and deepening liquidity rather than relying solely on initial hype.

Prediction Markets: A Fast-Growing Sector

The launch comes during a period of rapid expansion for prediction markets. In November, the sector recorded a new all-time high with $14.3 billion in combined trading volume: Kalshi — $5.8B, Polymarket — $4.3B, Opinion Labs — $4.2B.

Major platforms are also experimenting with new incentive structures. Both Polymarket and Kalshi have introduced staking rewards, treasury-backed incentives, or point-based systems to keep participants engaged and compensate for the capital tied up in unresolved markets.

One of the major developments in the sector is Polymarket’s official return to the United States after four years — a shift that could reshape the competitive landscape.

BNB Chain’s Scale Could Strengthen PredictFun’s Position

Despite early challenges, PredictFun may benefit from the size and engagement of the BNB Chain ecosystem. With thousands of active users and high transaction volumes, the chain could help the platform secure a meaningful position among leading prediction markets if liquidity grows and user retention stabilizes.