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Bitcoin was born as a rebellion against centralized financial power. Ironically, more than a decade later, it is now being embraced by Wall Street, ETFs, and traditional financial institutions. What once stood outside the system has become part of it.
Enter Bittensor — a project many see as a new challenge to centralized power, this time not in finance, but in artificial intelligence.
As AI rapidly reshapes the global economy, fears around concentration are growing. A handful of companies—OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, and a few others—are increasingly controlling the world’s most powerful models, data, and compute infrastructure. In response, Bittensor and its native token TAO are positioning themselves as a decentralized alternative: a “Bitcoin for the AI age.”
But how realistic is this comparison?
The Core Idea Behind Bittensor
At its heart, Bittensor aims to decentralize AI the same way Bitcoin decentralized money.
Bitcoin proved that cryptographic incentives could coordinate a global network of anonymous participants to secure a ledger without a central authority. Bittensor borrows this idea—but instead of securing transactions, it incentivizes participants to produce useful intelligence.
Rather than proof-of-work puzzles, Bittensor introduces Proof-of-Intelligence. Nodes compete by performing real AI tasks—training models, generating outputs, or providing AI services. The higher the quality of a node’s contribution, the more TAO it earns.
As Evan Malanga, an executive at Yuma (one of Bittensor’s largest backers), explains:
> “Bitcoin coordinated global hardware to secure a ledger. Bittensor redirects that same incentive structure toward something with immediate real-world value: AI models, applications, and infrastructure.”
Tokenomics That Echo Bitcoin
The similarities don’t stop at philosophy.
Fixed Supply: TAO has a maximum supply of 21 million, mirroring Bitcoin’s hard cap.
Halvings: Bittensor recently completed a reward halving on December 15, cutting daily emissions from 7,200 TAO to 3,600 TAO.
Scarcity Narrative: Like Bitcoin, Bittensor leans heavily on predictable issuance and long-term scarcity.
These design choices are intentional. They appeal to investors who believe Bitcoin’s success came not only from decentralization, but from credibly enforced scarcity.
However, history shows that many cryptocurrencies have copied Bitcoin’s supply mechanics without achieving similar adoption. Scarcity alone is not enough.
Subnets: The AI Marketplaces
Bittensor’s network is organized into subnets, each acting as a specialized marketplace for a specific type of AI service.
Language models
Image generation
Financial intelligence
Deepfake detection
Data processing
Specialized research models
There are currently 128 subnets, nearly doubling from 65 at the start of 2025—a 97% increase in less than a year.
Each subnet has its own validators, incentives, and performance benchmarks. In theory, this allows innovation to scale horizontally rather than bottlenecking around a single dominant model or company.
Arrash Yasavolian, co-founder of Taoshi (a financial intelligence subnet), describes it simply:
> “Each subnet is a marketplace for a specific type of intelligence.”
The Centralization Paradox
Despite its ambitions, Bittensor is not without serious criticisms.
In July 2024, the network suffered an $8 million hack, forcing it into a “safe mode” where blocks were produced but transactions were frozen. This raised uncomfortable questions about governance and control.
Today:
The OpenTensor Foundation remains the sole block validator.
The top 10 subnet validators control roughly 67% of total stake weight.
These facts challenge the claim that Bittensor is truly decentralized—at least for now.
Supporters argue this is a phase of progressive decentralization, similar to Ethereum’s early years. Critics counter that the ability to halt the network contradicts the very principles Bittensor claims to uphold.
Why the AI Narrative Matters
Centralized AI companies are now valued at staggering levels:
OpenAI: ~$500 billion
Anthropic: ~$350 billion
DeepSeek (rumored): ~$150 billion
These valuations reflect one thing: intelligence is becoming the most valuable commodity on Earth.
Ken Jon Miyachi, CEO of BitMind (a deepfake detection subnet), believes Bittensor’s potential could rival—or even surpass—Bitcoin:
> “Bitcoin revolutionized the store of value. Bittensor could revolutionize entire economic systems by making intelligence a global commodity.”
If intelligence becomes as foundational as money, a decentralized intelligence network could, in theory, command immense value.
Can Bittensor Really Be “The Next Bitcoin”?
Bitcoin succeeded because it emerged at the perfect intersection of:
Monetary distrust
Financial crises
Technological simplicity
Relentless decentralization
Bittensor faces a tougher challenge. AI is vastly more complex than money, and quality control is harder than validating transactions. Centralized AI companies also move faster, have better resources, and benefit from regulatory clarity.
Still, narratives matter in crypto.
Bitcoin thrived during bank failures, pandemics, and currency debasement. If society grows increasingly uncomfortable with centralized AI controlling speech, surveillance, and decision-making, the narrative could shift.
Maybe one day, instead of:
> “Long Bitcoin, short the banks”
People will say:
> “Long Bittensor, short centralized AI.”
Whether that future arrives remains uncertain—but history shows that disruptive ideas often look unrealistic until suddenly, they’re not.
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#Bittensor #bitcoin #Aİ

Bitcoin went through one of its most violent intraday swings of the month on December 17, briefly adding and then erasing nearly $100 billion in market capitalization within just a few hours. The price surged more than $3,000 in under an hour, momentarily reclaiming the $90,000 level, before sharply reversing and sliding back toward $86,000.
Notably, the move was not driven by breaking news, macro announcements, or regulatory headlines. Instead, available market data points to a familiar culprit: excessive leverage, crowded positioning, and fragile liquidity in derivatives markets.
A Short Squeeze Ignited the Initial Rally
The upside move began as Bitcoin approached the psychologically important $90,000 resistance zone. This level also aligned with a heavy concentration of leveraged short positions, making it a natural trigger point for forced liquidations.
As price pushed higher, those short positions were automatically closed by exchanges. Because closing a short requires buying Bitcoin, this created a rapid feedback loop that accelerated the rally. Liquidation data shows that approximately $120 million in short positions were wiped out during the spike.
This type of move is known as a short squeeze, where forced buying—not organic demand—drives price higher than spot market flows would normally justify. On the surface, the rally appeared strong, but the underlying structure lacked real depth.
The Momentum Trap: From Breakout to Long Liquidation Cascade
Once Bitcoin briefly reclaimed $90,000, momentum traders piled in, betting that a clean breakout was underway. Many of these positions were highly leveraged longs, opened during a period of thin liquidity.
However, the rally stalled quickly. Without sustained spot buying, price failed to hold above resistance. As Bitcoin rolled over and began to fall, those newly opened long positions became vulnerable.
When key intraday support levels broke, exchanges began force-liquidating long positions en masse. More than $200 million in long liquidations followed, overwhelming order books and accelerating the downside.
This second liquidation wave explains why the decline was faster and more aggressive than the initial rally. Within hours, Bitcoin retraced most of its gains, falling back toward $86,000.
Positioning Data Reveals a Fragile Market
Trader positioning data from major exchanges provides further insight into the intensity of the move.
On Binance, the proportion of top trader accounts positioned long rose sharply ahead of the spike. However, position-size metrics revealed relatively low conviction—many traders were long, but not heavily sized, indicating speculative positioning rather than strong directional belief.
On OKX, position-based ratios shifted aggressively following the volatility. This suggests larger players rapidly adjusted exposure, either buying into the forced sell-off or rebalancing hedges as liquidations unfolded.
This combination—crowded positioning, uneven conviction, high leverage, and thin liquidity—creates an environment where price can swing violently in either direction with minimal warning.
On-Chain Transfers and the Role of Market Makers
On-chain data showed prominent market makers, including Wintermute, moving Bitcoin between exchanges during the volatility window. While these transfers coincided with the price swings, they do not indicate manipulation.
Market makers routinely move assets during periods of stress to manage inventory, provide liquidity, or adjust risk exposure. Exchange deposits can reflect hedging or margin management rather than intentional selling to drive prices lower.
Crucially, the entire price move can be explained by known market mechanics: liquidation clusters, leverage cascades, and shallow order books. There is no clear evidence of coordinated manipulation or insider-driven activity.
What This Means for Bitcoin Going Forward
This episode highlights a persistent vulnerability in today’s Bitcoin market.
Leverage remains elevated, liquidity can evaporate quickly during fast moves, and price action near key technical levels is increasingly dominated by forced liquidations rather than fundamentals.
Bitcoin’s underlying value proposition did not change during these hours. There was no shift in adoption, network security, or macro conditions. The swing reflected structural fragility, not a change in long-term outlook.
Until leverage meaningfully resets and positioning becomes healthier, similar sharp moves remain a real risk. In this case, Bitcoin didn’t rally and crash because of news—it moved because leverage turned price against itself.
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#CryptoNews #BTC

A new stablecoin-focused banking platform, Kontigo, is rapidly gaining attention by positioning itself as a global alternative to traditional financial services. Backed by prominent investors including Coinbase Ventures and Base, the company promotes a “stablecoin-first” banking model designed to operate beyond the limitations of legacy financial infrastructure.
However, as Kontigo’s growth accelerates, skepticism within the crypto community is mounting. Critics are questioning whether the platform can scale sustainably without repeating the same structural mistakes that led to some of the industry’s most damaging collapses—most notably Terra’s UST implosion.
Kontigo’s Rapid Rise Puts It in the Spotlight
Kontigo is building its identity around stable currencies rather than fiat accounts. The platform offers self-custodial wallet services, enabling users to store value in Bitcoin while spending through local stablecoins, with all transactions recorded transparently on-chain.
On Tuesday, CEO Jesus Castillo announced that Kontigo raised $20 million in seed funding, framing the round as a major step toward its ambitious goal of becoming “the world’s largest bank.” Castillo also described Kontigo as the fastest-growing stablecoin neobank globally, highlighting a range of features designed to attract both individuals and businesses.
According to company statements, users can:
Earn up to 10% yield on digital dollar holdings
Use a stablecoin-linked debit card with Bitcoin cashback
Invest in tokenized US equities
Access financial services globally without traditional banking barriers
Kontigo’s leadership claims the platform aims to bring basic financial services to nearly 5 billion people worldwide, positioning itself as a solution for underbanked regions. Institutional backing from well-known crypto firms has further amplified interest.
Yet despite this traction, many observers have begun to question whether Kontigo’s narrative feels uncomfortably familiar.
No-KYC Access Raises Red Flags
One of Kontigo’s most heavily promoted features is global access without Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Users can reportedly open accounts and transact in USDC or USDT without identity verification.
While this approach may reduce friction and appeal to users in restrictive jurisdictions, it has raised serious concerns across the crypto industry. KYC frameworks exist to protect platforms and users by preventing:
Fraud and identity abuse
Money laundering
Terrorist financing
Illicit capital flows
Historically, crypto platforms that bypassed basic compliance safeguards have exposed users to significant systemic risks.
The parallels to Terra’s collapse are difficult to ignore. Last week, Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon was sentenced to 15 years in US federal prison for orchestrating a fraud tied to the $40 billion Terra ecosystem collapse. Terra operated with minimal KYC oversight, allowing massive volumes of anonymous capital to enter and exit the system unchecked.
When confidence in Terra’s algorithmic stablecoin evaporated, the lack of transparency accelerated capital flight, obscured fund flows, and magnified losses for millions of users. The episode highlighted how unchecked growth without safeguards can quickly turn into systemic failure.
Yield Promises Put Sustainability to the Test
Kontigo’s advertised 10% yield on USDC has become another focal point for criticism. Castillo later clarified that the yield is generated through a combination of:
Lending via DeFi protocol Morpho
Exposure to US Treasury bills
Custody and yield-related services through Coinbase
However, critics argue the numbers remain difficult to justify. Under current market conditions, these sources typically produce 3% to 7% annual returns, even when combined. This gap has fueled speculation that Kontigo may be relying on undisclosed risk, leverage, or opaque yield strategies.
Concerns over operational reliability have also surfaced. One user reported that a USDC transfer was not credited for several hours, raising questions about settlement processes. For any platform positioning itself as a bank or payments provider, even brief delays can undermine trust—especially in a sector where confidence is already fragile.
Trust Will Decide Kontigo’s Future
As Kontigo scales, its long-term success will hinge less on rapid growth metrics and more on execution, transparency, and risk management. The crypto industry’s history is littered with ambitious projects that collapsed under the weight of unsustainable promises and weak safeguards.
In a market shaped by past failures, Kontigo now faces growing pressure to prove that its stablecoin-first vision can expand responsibly—without repeating the mistakes that once turned innovation into catastrophe.
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As the year-end festive season approaches, crypto markets—much like traditional financial markets—often tilt bullish. Improved liquidity, more optimistic investor sentiment, and portfolio rebalancing ahead of a new year tend to create favorable conditions for short-term rallies. While Christmas-themed tokens may see speculative spikes, seasoned traders typically focus on altcoins with strong technical structures and clear momentum.
Based on recent price action and market indicators, here are three altcoins that could potentially benefit from a “Santa Rally” in the coming week.
MYX Finance (MYX)
MYX Finance has emerged as one of the more compelling setups going into the holiday period. The project recently confirmed that MYX V2 has been in development for several months, with a potential launch window around Christmas or early in the New Year. Historically, protocol upgrades announced during bullish seasonal conditions tend to amplify volatility and speculative interest.
From a technical perspective, MYX has maintained a clear uptrend for more than six consecutive weeks, signaling sustained bullish momentum. The token is currently trading near $3.55, and a break above the $3.71 resistance would confirm continuation strength. If that level is reclaimed, MYX could target the $4.00 zone, marking its highest price in nearly two months.
Momentum indicators remain supportive. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stays firmly in bullish territory, suggesting ongoing demand. However, traders should remain cautious, as extended RSI readings could invite short-term profit-taking.
On the downside, a surge in selling pressure could invalidate the bullish setup. A pullback toward $3.00 or lower would weaken market confidence and negate the near-term rally thesis.
Memecore (M)
Memecore has staged a notable recovery, gaining approximately 25% over the past week as it attempts to reclaim losses from late November. This rebound highlights improving short-term momentum and renewed speculative interest—often a key ingredient during holiday-driven market moves.
If buying pressure continues, Memecore could challenge the psychological $2.00 level, signaling a broader recovery phase. Technical indicators support this outlook. The Parabolic SAR remains positioned below price, confirming an active uptrend. Additionally, ongoing Christmas-themed events may further stimulate demand and social engagement.
To sustain upside momentum, M must first clear the $1.88 resistance. A confirmed breakout above this level could open the door to $2.12, reinforcing bullish sentiment and trend continuation.
However, downside risks remain. A shift in sentiment or broader market weakness could push M back toward the $1.42 support zone. A breakdown at this level would invalidate the bullish outlook and significantly weaken short-term confidence.
Mantle (MNT)
Mantle has quietly outperformed several major altcoins despite ongoing market volatility. Over the past week, MNT has climbed roughly 15%, currently trading near $1.28. This relative strength suggests that capital rotation may be favoring assets showing resilience during uncertain conditions.
Supporting this view, On-Balance Volume (OBV) has trended higher, indicating growing accumulation and sustained buying interest. This shift in volume dynamics may underpin a short-term relief rally or a broader bullish reversal.
If momentum holds, MNT could attempt to break above the $1.34 resistance. A successful daily close above this level may pave the way toward $1.50 in the near term, reinforcing the bullish narrative.
That said, risks persist if buying momentum fades. Failure to clear $1.34 could lead to consolidation or a pullback toward $1.30. A breakdown below this level would invalidate the bullish outlook and reinforce sideways or bearish price action.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 Santa Rally season approaches, MYX Finance, Memecore, and Mantle stand out for their momentum, technical structures, and near-term catalysts. While seasonal optimism can provide tailwinds, traders should continue to monitor key resistance and support levels, as volatility often increases during low-liquidity holiday periods.
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#CryptoNews #MYX

Bitcoin mining firm Hut 8, which has drawn heightened attention due to its links to the Trump family through recent restructuring and partnerships, made headlines this week after announcing a landmark AI data center lease worth $7 billion with cloud infrastructure provider Fluidstack.
The announcement immediately reignited investor interest. Hut 8 shares surged sharply in pre-market trading, snapping a prolonged stretch of volatile and underwhelming stock performance. The move underscores a growing industry-wide shift as crypto miners increasingly pivot away from pure Bitcoin mining and toward artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The big question now is whether this AI pivot represents a sustainable turnaround for Hut 8—or merely a temporary relief rally.
Inside Hut 8’s Landmark AI Data Center Deal
At the core of the announcement is a 15-year base lease agreement covering 245 megawatts of AI computing capacity at Hut 8’s River Bend campus in Louisiana. This alone positions the site as one of the more significant AI-focused power hubs operated by a former Bitcoin miner.
The contract includes three optional five-year extensions, which could raise the total value of the deal to approximately $17.7 billion over its full lifespan. In addition, Fluidstack has secured priority rights to lease up to an additional 1,000 megawatts as the campus continues to expand—effectively locking in long-term growth potential.
Beyond the initial agreement, the lease forms part of a broader collaboration involving AI developer Anthropic, with total capacity across projects potentially scaling to 2.3 gigawatts over time. This level of power demand places Hut 8 firmly at the intersection of energy, cloud computing, and next-generation AI infrastructure.
Adding further credibility, Google (Alphabet-owned) is providing a financial backstop for the initial lease term. This signals how aggressively major cloud providers are moving to secure reliable, long-duration power sources for energy-intensive AI workloads.
Hut 8 estimates the project could generate roughly $6.9 billion in net operating income during the initial lease period alone—a figure that dwarfs recent mining-related earnings.
Market Reaction: A Vote of Confidence
Investors wasted little time reacting. Hut 8 shares jumped roughly 20% in pre-market trading, reflecting optimism that the company may have found a more stable and scalable revenue model.
The rally highlights growing investor appetite for miners that can successfully reposition themselves as AI infrastructure providers, rather than remaining exposed solely to Bitcoin price cycles. For Hut 8, which has struggled to maintain stock stability amid recent market volatility, the announcement offered a long-awaited narrative shift.
Bitcoin Mining Enters a Structural Reset
Hut 8’s strategic pivot comes against a challenging backdrop for the Bitcoin mining sector as a whole.
Over the past year, mining economics have deteriorated due to:
Rising network difficulty and hash rate
Higher and more volatile energy costs
Margin compression following Bitcoin’s halving
Increased competition among publicly listed miners
Many miners that remained pure-play Bitcoin operators have found it increasingly difficult to deliver consistent earnings or articulate a compelling growth story. As a result, diversification has shifted from being optional to structurally necessary.
Why AI Is the Natural Next Step for Miners
At the same time, the explosion of artificial intelligence has created unprecedented demand for computing power. Bitcoin miners are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend because they already control:
Large-scale power access
Industrial-grade infrastructure
Data center expertise
Long-term energy procurement agreements
Repurposing or expanding mining facilities into AI-focused data centers allows miners to monetize power assets more efficiently and reduce dependence on Bitcoin price cycles.
Hut 8’s move reflects this broader industry evolution—particularly as its stock has struggled in recent weeks alongside heightened Bitcoin volatility.
Can the AI Pivot Deliver a Lasting Turnaround?
While the market reaction has been strongly positive, sustainability will depend on execution. Investors will be watching closely to see whether Hut 8 can:
Deliver AI capacity on schedule
Maintain cost discipline
Secure additional long-term tenants
Balance AI expansion with its core Bitcoin operations
If successful, Hut 8 could transition from a cyclical miner into a hybrid energy and AI infrastructure company—a transformation that may justify higher long-term valuations.
For now, the AI pivot has clearly changed the conversation. Whether it permanently reverses Hut 8’s stock slump will be decided not by headlines, but by consistent delivery in the quarters ahead.
👉 Follow for more deep-dive crypto, AI infrastructure, and market analysis you won’t want to miss. #BTC #AI

Solana’s price action has gone unusually quiet after weeks of persistent downside pressure. Over the past 30 days, SOL is down roughly 10%, yet in the last 24 hours it has traded largely flat—even as the broader crypto market continues to weaken. That pause matters.
Periods of low volatility after sustained selling often precede decisive moves. In Solana’s case, this consolidation is unfolding just as a new institutional narrative quietly emerges: Valour’s Solana Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) is set to be listed on Brazil’s B3 exchange, opening a regulated access channel for institutional and professional investors.
The timing is notable. While the ETP itself is unlikely to trigger an immediate price spike, it introduces a steady source of regulated demand at a moment when technical charts are approaching a potential inflection point. The key question now is straightforward: can this backdrop help Solana resolve its challenging technical setup, or do sellers still control the trend?
ETP Momentum Meets a Descending Chart Structure
Valour’s Solana ETP offers regulated exposure to SOL for Brazilian investors who may be restricted from direct token custody. While this type of product rarely acts as a short-term catalyst, it plays a more subtle role by absorbing supply during periods of selling pressure.
That absorption becomes especially relevant when the chart structure tightens. Solana is currently trading within a descending head-and-shoulders–like formation. It is not a textbook pattern, but the downward-sloping neckline increases its significance. In such setups, breakouts require stronger confirmation, as sellers continue to push price lower over time.
Narratives matter in markets driven by sentiment. The Brazil ETP does not change Solana’s fundamentals overnight, but it adds psychological support at a moment when technical traders are watching for confirmation.
Early Buyer Signals Begin to Emerge
Despite the struggling price, on-chain data points to quiet accumulation beneath the surface.
Wallets holding SOL for 3 to 6 months have meaningfully increased their share of total supply. On November 16, this cohort controlled 11.756% of supply. By December 16, that figure had risen to 16.126%. A shift of this magnitude over just one month suggests that mid-term buyers are stepping in during weakness rather than distributing.
At the same time, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator is flashing a constructive signal. Between November 3 and December 15, Solana’s price printed lower lows, while CMF formed higher lows. This bullish divergence implies that buying pressure is gradually increasing, even as price continues to grind downward.
That said, CMF remains below the zero line. This tells us that large-scale capital has not yet committed aggressively. Buyers are positioning, but conviction remains cautious. Taken together, these signals suggest preparation, not confirmation.
Key Price Levels Will Decide Solana’s Next Move
At this stage, price action carries the full weight of the thesis.
$141 is the first level to watch. Reclaiming it would represent a break above the descending neckline, but not yet a confirmed trend reversal due to the slope of the structure.
$153 is the decisive level. A daily close above $153 would signal that buyers have fully overcome the descending formation, potentially unlocking a move toward higher resistance zones.
On the downside, $121 remains critical support. A breakdown below this level would invalidate the accumulation narrative and negate the breakout setup, shifting focus back to deeper downside risk.
Final Thoughts
Solana finds itself at a crossroads. The Brazil ETP narrative introduces a steady, regulated demand channel just as technical and on-chain indicators hint at growing buyer interest. However, sellers have not yet relinquished control, and confirmation is still required.
Whether SOL breaks higher or resumes its downtrend will depend on how price reacts at the key levels ahead. For now, the charts—and not the headlines—will determine Solana’s next major move.
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Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research and one of the most prominent figures tied to the collapse of the FTX crypto empire, is no longer housed in a federal prison. According to records from the US Bureau of Prisons, Ellison has been transferred from incarceration to Residential Reentry Management (RRM) in New York, signaling a major shift in the final phase of her sentence.
While headlines may suggest early freedom, the reality is more nuanced. Ellison remains under federal custody, with an official projected release date of February 20, 2026. However, her removal from a correctional facility has reignited debate over accountability, fairness, and sentencing standards in high-profile crypto crime cases.
What Residential Reentry Management (RRM) Really Means
RRM represents the final stage of a federal prison sentence. Individuals under this status are no longer confined to traditional prison facilities and may instead be placed in halfway houses or home confinement, depending on risk assessments and compliance.
Under RRM supervision, inmates are still legally in custody but experience substantially fewer physical restrictions. There are no prison cells or armed guards. Instead, individuals may be allowed to:
Work approved jobs
Maintain limited social contact
Begin structured reintegration into society
Prepare for post-release life under close monitoring
Despite this increased autonomy, movement remains restricted and compliance is strictly enforced. Ellison’s transfer does not mean she has been released — it means she has entered the supervised reentry phase of her sentence.
Ellison’s Role in the FTX Collapse
Ellison pleaded guilty in 2022 to multiple federal fraud charges related to the misuse of customer funds at FTX. As CEO of Alameda Research — the trading firm closely intertwined with the FTX exchange — she admitted to executing trades and financial strategies that relied on billions of dollars in misappropriated customer deposits.
However, prosecutors emphasized a crucial distinction: Ellison did not design or control FTX’s core exchange infrastructure, customer custody systems, or internal governance mechanisms. Those systems were built and overseen by FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who was ultimately convicted on multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy.
Ellison’s cooperation became a defining factor in her sentencing. She served as the government’s key witness, providing detailed testimony that was instrumental in securing Bankman-Fried’s conviction. In 2024, a federal judge sentenced her to two years in prison, citing:
Early acceptance of guilt
Extensive cooperation with prosecutors
A subordinate role in the broader fraud scheme
A Sharp Contrast With Do Kwon’s Sentence
Ellison’s move into community confinement stands in stark contrast to the case of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs. Kwon recently began serving a 15-year US federal prison sentence for fraud related to the collapse of the TerraUSD algorithmic stablecoin.
Prosecutors argued that Kwon knowingly misrepresented the stability of Terra’s peg, contributing to investor losses estimated at over $40 billion. Unlike Ellison, Kwon was a founder, system architect, and public promoter of the project at the center of the collapse.
The dramatic sentencing disparity underscores how US courts differentiate between:
System designers vs. operators
Primary architects vs. cooperating subordinates
Obstruction vs. early cooperation
Too Lenient — Or Legally Consistent?
Ellison’s transition out of prison is procedurally routine within the federal system, yet politically and socially controversial. Critics argue it reinforces the perception that white-collar defendants in crypto scandals face lighter consequences than the damage they cause.
Prosecutors counter that the outcome reflects long-standing sentencing principles: cooperation reduces punishment, and responsibility is assessed based on authority and intent.
For now, Ellison remains under federal supervision. But her exit from prison — even in a controlled reentry setting — has once again raised a familiar question for the crypto industry:
When billion-dollar crypto empires collapse, who truly pays the price?
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#FTX #ETH

Pi Coin has come under intense selling pressure over the past several weeks, with its price falling sharply to a multi-week low. The altcoin’s decline comes amid broader weakness across the crypto market, where Bitcoin’s correction has weighed heavily on altcoins with limited independent momentum.
As selling pressure persists, investor confidence in Pi Coin appears to be fading. Rising withdrawals and a lack of strong buying interest have prevented any meaningful recovery, leaving the asset vulnerable to further downside.
On-Chain Data Signals Weakening Investor Confidence
On-chain indicators paint a concerning picture for Pi Coin holders. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), a key metric used to track capital inflows and outflows, has plunged to its lowest level in the past eight months. This sharp drop indicates aggressive capital outflows, suggesting that investors are actively reducing exposure rather than accumulating at lower prices.
The sustained selling pressure reflects growing frustration among holders following multiple failed recovery attempts. Each bounce has been met with renewed selling, reinforcing bearish sentiment. As a result, many investors appear unwilling to wait for a turnaround and are choosing to exit positions to limit further losses.
Bitcoin Correlation Adds Downside Risk
Pi Coin’s broader market dynamics remain closely linked to Bitcoin’s price action. Currently, the correlation between PI and Bitcoin stands at 0.42, a moderately positive relationship that has strengthened steadily over the past three weeks—coinciding with Pi Coin’s recent decline.
This increasing correlation has worked against PI. As Bitcoin entered a corrective phase, Pi Coin followed suit, amplifying losses rather than showing resilience. A rising correlation during a downtrend often heightens risk, as it reduces the likelihood of an independent recovery unless Bitcoin stabilizes or Pi Coin benefits from a strong, asset-specific catalyst.
Key Price Levels Under Pressure
At the time of writing, Pi Coin is trading around $0.201, marking a 25% decline over the past 20 days. The latest sell-off followed a failed breakout attempt above the $0.272 resistance level, which proved to be a decisive rejection and signaled a shift toward sustained bearish momentum.
PI is now hovering just above the $0.198 support, an eight-week low that has historically acted as a critical demand zone. This level is crucial for bulls to defend. However, bearish indicators remain dominant, and a confirmed breakdown below $0.198 could open the door to further declines toward $0.188, or even $0.180, extending the current downtrend.
Is a Short-Term Recovery Still Possible?
Despite the prevailing bearish outlook, a recovery scenario cannot be ruled out entirely. If historical price behavior repeats, Pi Coin could attempt a short-term bounce from the $0.198 support level. A successful defense of this zone may help restore some confidence among short-term traders.
For bullish momentum to regain credibility, PI would need to reclaim $0.208 as a support level. Such a move would weaken the bearish thesis and could allow price to push toward $0.217, offering temporary relief. However, without stronger volume or a shift in broader market sentiment, any rebound is likely to remain fragile.
Final Thoughts
Pi Coin remains under significant pressure as investor outflows rise and its correlation with Bitcoin increases downside risk. Until market conditions improve or PI shows signs of independent strength, caution remains warranted for traders and investors alike.
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#BTC #CryptoNews

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing — your essential rundown of the most important developments shaping crypto, digital finance, and markets today.
Grab a cup of coffee ☕ as Tether, the issuer behind the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, makes a bold move that could fundamentally change how we protect our digital lives.
This new approach promises to put control back in the hands of users, bypass the cloud entirely, and make traditional password-based security models look increasingly outdated.
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Crypto News of the Day:
Tether Just Unleashed a Secret Weapon Against Cloud Vulnerabilities
Tether has officially entered the cybersecurity arena with the launch of PearPass, a first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer password manager designed to eliminate reliance on centralized cloud storage.
Unlike traditional password managers, PearPass:
Stores all credentials locally on user devices
Removes centralized servers and third-party intermediaries
Gives users full ownership and control over their digital security
Uses encrypted peer-to-peer synchronization only between trusted devices
The launch comes at a critical time, as billions of login credentials have been exposed in high-profile data breaches over recent years — leading to identity theft, financial losses, and widespread cybercrime.
Cloud-based password managers, while convenient, have become prime targets for hackers due to their centralized data storage models. A single breach can compromise millions of users at once.
Why PearPass Is Different
PearPass tackles these weaknesses head-on by:
Keeping all sensitive data off the cloud
Enabling encrypted device-to-device syncing without servers
Eliminating single points of failure
Allowing recovery and access only through user-controlled private keys
According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino:
> “Every major breach proves the same point: if your secrets live in the cloud, they’re not really yours.
PearPass removes the single point of failure. No servers. No middlemen. No backdoors. Recovery and syncing happen peer-to-peer, under your control.
This is security that can’t be shut down, seized, or compromised — because it was never in someone else’s hands to begin with.
Security Meets Usability
PearPass aims to balance strong security with ease of use, offering:
A built-in password generator
End-to-end encryption powered by open-source cryptography
A decentralized, peer-to-peer architecture
Full user-controlled recovery via private keys
Crucially, PearPass is 100% open-source, allowing security researchers and the community to inspect, verify, and contribute to the codebase.
The platform has also reportedly undergone an independent security audit by Secfault Security, a firm specializing in offensive security and cryptographic analysis — strengthening confidence in its real-world resilience.
---
A Broader Strategy From Tether
PearPass reflects Tether’s broader push toward decentralized, censorship-resistant technologies. As governments, corporations, and intermediaries increasingly seek access to personal data, PearPass presents an alternative model — one that prioritizes privacy, independence, and user sovereignty, even in high-risk environments.
The Trade-Offs and Open Questions
Despite its promise, PearPass isn’t without challenges:
Peer-to-peer systems may be less convenient for users who frequently switch devices
Recovery relies entirely on users managing their own private keys — risky for non-technical users
Some experts question whether mainstream consumers are ready for fully decentralized password managers
Cloud-based solutions remain more tightly integrated into browsers and mobile ecosystems
Strong device-level security is still essential
PearPass can’t protect against malware, local hacks, or physical device theft
Peer-to-peer syncing introduces potential latency, sync issues, or new attack vectors if misconfigured
While open-source audits and third-party reviews add credibility, no system is completely risk-free. Early peer-to-peer solutions often reveal unknown vulnerabilities only after large-scale real-world use.
Alpha Byte: What Else to Watch Today
Bitcoin trading at a “belief value”: why $81,500 matters now
Solana begins quantum-resistant upgrades as blockchain security accelerates
Cantor Fitzgerald’s $200B Hyperliquid call reshapes the HYPE trade
Six weeks of ETF inflows fail to lift XRP — on-chain data explains why
Top 3 price outlook: Bitcoin, gold, silver — are metals signaling stress?
Binance offers a $5M bounty to expose fake listing agents
How the UK could make stablecoins core to payments by 2026
Ethereum falls below $3,000 amid weakening holder conviction
Crypto Stock Market Overview (Pre-Market)
As of December 16 close:
Strategy (MSTR): $167.50 → $167.40 (-0.06%)
Coinbase (COIN): $252.61 → $254.00 (+0.51%)
Galaxy Digital (GLXY): $24.31 → $24.51 (+0.82%)
MARA Holdings (MARA): $10.69 → $10.75 (+0.56%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT): $13.47 → $13.65 (+1.34%)
Core Scientific (CORZ): $14.73 → $15.11 (+2.58%)
Crypto-linked equities are set for a competitive open, according to Google Finance.
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Ethereum (ETH) is once again under notable selling pressure after failing to break out of a two-month descending trend structure. Although ETH attempted a short-lived recovery last week, the move quickly lost strength as buyers failed to defend higher price levels. The inability to sustain upside momentum has reignited concerns about Ethereum’s near-term outlook and the broader lack of investor confidence.
At the time of writing, ETH is trading near $2,929, marking the third breakdown below the $3,000 psychological level this month. Repeated rejections around this zone highlight persistent selling interest and underscore how fragile bullish attempts remain.
Ethereum Is Losing Investor Support
On-chain metrics point to a clear deterioration in investor conviction. Profitability levels for both long-term holders (LTHs) and short-term holders (STHs) have steadily declined, with both groups now sitting at nearly identical profit margins. This convergence signals that neither cohort is enjoying meaningful unrealized gains, a condition that often precedes heightened volatility or further downside.
Further reinforcing this trend, the MVRV Long/Short Difference has fallen below the zero line, indicating that long-term holders no longer possess a profitability advantage over short-term traders. If this metric continues to decline, short-term holder profits could begin to dominate, historically a bearish signal that increases the probability of additional sell-offs as speculative participants rush to lock in modest gains.
Network Activity Reflects Waning Confidence
Ethereum’s macro on-chain activity has also weakened noticeably. Active addresses have dropped to a seven-month low, highlighting reduced engagement across the network. This decline suggests that users and investors see limited incentive to transact or interact with Ethereum amid stagnant price action.
Lower network activity often coincides with periods of fading market confidence, as participants wait for clearer direction or stronger catalysts. Without renewed demand, improved sentiment, or a fundamental trigger—such as ETF inflows, ecosystem growth, or macro risk-on conditions—Ethereum may continue to struggle to regain upside momentum.
Technical Outlook: Key Levels to Watch
From a technical perspective, Ethereum’s recent breakout attempt failed to hold above descending resistance, reinforcing the broader downtrend. Momentum indicators remain neutral-to-bearish, while price action continues to respect lower highs.
Immediate Resistance: $3,000 (psychological & structural level)
Secondary Resistance: $3,131
Key Support: $2,762
Bearish signals suggest Ethereum could retest the $2,762 support zone, a level that has historically acted as a critical floor. While downside risks remain present, a deeper breakdown below this area may be limited unless broader market conditions deteriorate significantly or Bitcoin experiences renewed weakness.
What Could Invalidate the Bearish Outlook?
A shift in investor sentiment could quickly change Ethereum’s trajectory. Reclaiming $3,000 as a firm support level is essential. A sustained daily close above this zone, supported by rising volume and improving on-chain activity, would open the door for ETH to challenge $3,131. Such a move would invalidate the bearish thesis and potentially confirm a breakout from the two-month downtrend.
Final Thoughts
For now, Ethereum remains at a critical crossroads. Weak holder conviction, declining network activity, and repeated failures at key resistance levels suggest caution is warranted. Until ETH can reclaim and hold above $3,000, downside risks will continue to overshadow recovery attempts.
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PancakeSwap (CAKE) remains under strong selling pressure after failing to reclaim a key technical resistance. On December 9, CAKE was rejected at the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $2.36, a level that also aligns closely with a descending trendline that has been intact since early October. This confluence of resistance significantly strengthened sellers’ control, triggering a sharp pullback of nearly 14% shortly afterward.
Selling momentum intensified further into Tuesday and Wednesday, with CAKE dropping an additional 6%, marking its lowest price in the past two months at approximately $1.88. The broader price structure continues to form lower highs and lower lows, confirming that the market remains firmly in a bearish trend.
Technical Outlook: Bears Still in Control
From a technical perspective, momentum indicators strongly support the bearish narrative:
Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily timeframe is currently hovering around 31, approaching the oversold threshold. While this suggests selling pressure may be stretched, it also confirms that bearish momentum is still dominant.
MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) has maintained a bearish crossover since Sunday, with the histogram remaining in negative territory. This indicates that downside momentum has not yet exhausted itself.
Price action continues to trade below both the 50-day EMA and the descending trendline, reinforcing the idea that rallies are likely to face strong selling pressure.
Key Support and Resistance Levels
Immediate Support: $1.88
Major Support: $1.51 (October 10 swing low)
Key Resistance: $2.13 (Weekly resistance)
Major Resistance: $2.36 (50-day EMA & trendline)
If the current downtrend persists, CAKE is likely to extend its decline toward the critical support zone near $1.51, which previously acted as a strong demand area in October.
Trade Scenarios (Not Financial Advice)
🔴 Bearish Scenario – Preferred Setup
Entry (Sell): $2.05 – $2.15 (rejection near weekly resistance)
Take Profit 1: $1.75
Take Profit 2: $1.51
Stop Loss: $2.38 (above 50-day EMA & trendline)
This setup offers a favorable risk-to-reward ratio, as selling near resistance aligns with the prevailing trend.
🟢 Bullish Relief Bounce Scenario (Counter-Trend)
If price shows strong bullish rejection near support:
Entry (Buy): $1.50 – $1.55
Take Profit: $1.90 – $2.05
Stop Loss: $1.42
This is strictly a short-term relief bounce trade, not a trend reversal, unless CAKE reclaims $2.36 with strong volume.
Conclusion
Overall, CAKE remains technically weak, with momentum indicators, moving averages, and market structure all favoring further downside in the short term. Traders should remain cautious and prioritize selling rallies until a clear trend reversal is confirmed. A sustained move above $2.36 would be required to invalidate the bearish outlook.
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Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has issued a strong public warning to crypto projects and investors: no individual has the power to influence or guarantee a token listing on Binance, and anyone claiming otherwise is running a scam.
According to CZ, Binance’s listing process is governed by strict internal procedures designed to ensure fairness, compliance, and long-term value for users. These decisions are made collectively through Binance’s internal review systems, not by any single person—regardless of their position, reputation, or personal connections.
“Not Even a President Can Make It Happen”
CZ revealed that in the past, even the president of a country privately asked whether he could help facilitate a listing on Binance. His response was clear and unequivocal: it is not possible.
This example, CZ explained, highlights an important reality of Binance’s operations:
status, influence, and personal relationships do not override the platform’s listing criteria. The same rules apply to everyone—from startup founders to government officials.
No Middlemen, No Shortcuts
CZ emphasized that Binance does not use intermediaries for listings. Anyone presenting themselves as:
A “listing broker”
A consultant with “inside access”
A third-party agent
A former or current Binance employee claiming influence
…and asking for money in exchange for a listing is lying.
> “There is no way to bypass Binance’s internal review process,” CZ stated.
“No third party can guarantee a listing under any circumstances.”
Beware of Fake “Listing Fees”
CZ specifically warned project teams never to pay so-called ‘listing fees’ to external parties. While Binance does have official application processes, any payment request outside of Binance’s verified channels is a red flag.
Scammers often exploit founders’ urgency, promising:
Fast-track approvals
“Guaranteed” listings
Insider influence
In reality, these offers almost always end with projects losing funds and, in some cases, damaging their reputation within the industry.
What Binance Actually Looks For
While CZ did not disclose every detail of Binance’s evaluation framework, he reiterated that listings are assessed based on:
The project’s real-world value
Product and technology quality
User adoption and long-term potential
Compliance and security standards
There are no exceptions—and no way to buy influence.
A Final Call for Vigilance
CZ urged crypto founders and teams to remain cautious, verify all communications, and report suspicious approaches to Binance through official channels. Protecting the ecosystem, he said, requires awareness and collective responsibility.
In a market still plagued by misinformation and fraud, this message serves as a critical reminder:
if someone promises you a Binance listing, they are not connected—they are scamming you.
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The United Kingdom is positioning itself to make stablecoins and digital assets a foundational component of its financial system by 2026, as regulators and policymakers move to modernize payments, expand digital finance infrastructure, and reinforce the country’s global competitiveness.
In a formal letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) outlined its regulatory priorities for 2026, signaling a clear shift toward supporting innovation while maintaining market integrity. Central to this strategy is the finalization of rules governing digital assets, the advancement of UK-issued stablecoins, and the integration of tokenized finance into mainstream financial services.
FCA Signals Pro-Growth, Pro-Innovation Agenda
The FCA’s 2026 roadmap reflects a broader pro-growth agenda aimed at ensuring the UK remains a leading financial hub in an increasingly digital global economy. Key initiatives include:
Establishing clear regulatory oversight for digital asset markets, providing certainty for crypto firms operating in the UK.
Supporting the issuance and use of stablecoins, particularly for payments and settlement.
Enabling asset managers to tokenize investment funds, improving efficiency, transparency, and liquidity.
Upgrading payment infrastructure to support faster, cheaper, and more interoperable transactions.
Streamlining authorizations for new and scaling firms, improving access to capital and enhancing competition across payments and investment markets.
“These developments point to a transition toward a more accessible, real-time, and interoperable financial system,” said Will Beeson, co-founder of UK challenger bank Allica and former head of Standard Chartered’s digital asset platform. “Clear regulatory guidance will help UK firms compete globally and unlock real-world crypto use cases, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.”
Stablecoins as a Payments Backbone
A major implication of the FCA’s plan is the potential role of stablecoins as a core payments layer within the UK financial system. By providing regulatory clarity around issuance, custody, and usage, the FCA aims to allow stablecoins to function alongside existing payment rails, enabling near-instant settlement, reduced transaction costs, and improved cross-border efficiency.
The FCA’s broader 2026 agenda also includes:
Oversight of variable recurring payments,
Support for SME lending via open finance, and
Continued progress on fund tokenization.
Together, these initiatives suggest a coordinated effort to modernize the UK’s financial infrastructure while ensuring consumer protection and systemic stability.
Government Backing and 2027 Crypto Legislation
The FCA’s strategy has received strong backing from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Treasury officials, who have emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity in fostering innovation without compromising trust.
Building on the 2026 framework, the UK government plans to bring all cryptocurrency firms under existing financial services regulations by October 2027. According to Reuters, legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament shortly and will closely follow draft rules published in April.
The proposed bill would cover crypto exchanges, custodians, and stablecoin issuers, extending the UK’s current financial services rulebook to the crypto sector rather than creating a separate regulatory regime. A Treasury spokesperson confirmed that the goal is integration, not reinvention.
If enacted, the legislation would mark a major milestone, offering long-awaited certainty for both domestic and international crypto firms operating in the UK.
UK Adopts US-Style Regulatory Model
By embedding crypto firms within its existing regulatory framework, the UK is aligning more closely with the United States’ approach, which applies traditional financial standards to digital asset businesses. This contrasts with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regime, which introduced a bespoke regulatory structure specifically for crypto.
Under the UK’s proposed model, crypto firms will be subject to familiar requirements around governance, consumer protection, and market integrity. Chancellor Reeves has described the approach as providing “clear rules of the road” while ensuring that “dodgy actors” are kept out of the market.
Balancing Oversight and Innovation
While industry participants have welcomed the clarity offered by the FCA’s 2026 priorities and the upcoming 2027 legislation, some caution that excessive rigidity could drive innovation offshore.
“These measures are an important step toward strengthening the UK’s role in global digital finance,” Beeson noted. “But regulators must strike the right balance between oversight and flexibility. Proportionality and pace will be critical to ensure firms can adapt without being forced into disruptive, overnight changes.”
As the UK moves toward making stablecoins and tokenized assets part of everyday financial infrastructure, its ability to balance innovation, competitiveness, and regulation may determine whether it emerges as a global leader in digital payments by 2026 and beyond.
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Binance has announced a whistleblower reward of up to $5 million as part of a sweeping enforcement campaign targeting fraudulent third-party “listing agents” who falsely claim influence over the exchange’s token listing process.
In a transparency update published on Wednesday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange warned crypto projects that any individual or firm claiming to guarantee, facilitate, or influence a Binance listing is acting illegally. The move marks one of Binance’s strongest public actions to date aimed at restoring confidence in its listing framework amid growing regulatory and community scrutiny.
Binance Launches $5 Million Whistleblower Program
The announcement comes at a sensitive moment for Binance, which has faced heightened attention following reports of alleged insider trading tied to leaked token listing information.
In its notice, Binance reiterated that all listing applications must be submitted exclusively through official channels, including Binance Alpha, Binance Futures, and Binance Spot. The exchange stressed that it does not authorize brokers, consultants, intermediaries, or third-party agents to negotiate listings on behalf of projects.
> “Any party claiming to represent Binance or offering listing-related services in exchange for payment is engaging in fraudulent behavior,” Binance stated.
To incentivize accountability, Binance said whistleblowers who submit verifiable and actionable evidence of fraudulent activity may receive rewards of up to $5 million, depending on the quality, impact, and scale of the information provided.
Internal Audit Exposes Fake Listing Facilitators
Binance revealed that an internal audit uncovered multiple cases of individuals and firms falsely presenting themselves as Binance-affiliated facilitators, while soliciting fees from project founders under the promise of guaranteed listings.
As a result, the exchange has blacklisted seven entities and individuals:
BitABC
Central Research
May / Dannie
Andrew Lee
Suki Yang
Fiona Lee
Kenny Z
According to Binance, these parties were identified for misrepresenting relationships with the exchange or offering paid listing services without authorization. The company added that legal action would be pursued where appropriate.
Blockchain data provider RootData indicates that one of the blacklisted firms, Central Research, has previously backed several crypto projects, including Fireverse, Nebula Revelation, AKI Network, Fusionist, and Artyfact. Of these, only Fusionist (ACE) currently trades on Binance. The exchange clarified that it found no direct link between the blacklist findings and prior listing decisions.
Stricter Listing Enforcement After Insider Trading Fallout
Alongside the crackdown, Binance released a detailed overview of how projects progress through its listing ecosystem—from early exposure via Binance Alpha to Futures trading and eventual Spot listings.
The exchange emphasized that:
No fees are charged for listing applications
All communications must come directly from a project’s core team
Projects using intermediaries or middlemen will be immediately disqualified from current and future listing reviews
However, Binance noted that teams who proactively report fraudulent agents may receive priority consideration, reinforcing its stance that transparency will be rewarded.
The announcement follows Binance’s confirmation earlier this month that an employee leaked confidential listing information related to the “year of the yellow fruit” meme coin. Co-CEO Yi He addressed the issue publicly, acknowledging the challenges posed by speculative behavior tied to Binance-related narratives.
> “Currently, the community is engaging in behavior unrelated to Binance by issuing coins based on Binance’s official Twitter, my statements, or words excerpted from posts. But we cannot stop posting just because someone might come looking for angles,” Yi He said.
Binance also disclosed that it had already distributed $100,000 in rewards to five whistleblowers who helped expose the misconduct.
A Broader Push to Restore Trust
Taken together, the blacklist, the multi-million-dollar bounty program, and tighter enforcement reflect a broader effort by Binance to restore trust, improve internal controls, and reinforce transparency around its listing process.
As exchanges face mounting pressure from regulators, institutions, and retail investors alike, Binance’s actions signal a shift toward zero tolerance for manipulation, insider advantage, and opaque listing practices—a critical step in maintaining credibility within an increasingly scrutinized crypto market.
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ASTER is facing mounting downside pressure. The token is down nearly 20% over the past seven days and close to 10% in the last 24 hours alone. What makes this sell-off particularly concerning is not just the magnitude of the move, but the identity of the sellers.
After weeks of defending price during prior pullbacks, ASTER’s most loyal whale cohort has begun to unwind positions. With bearish signals emerging simultaneously across spot, derivatives, and smart money metrics, the technical setup now points to a growing risk of another 10% decline if key support fails.
Loyal Whales Turn Bearish Across Spot and Derivatives
The strongest warning signal comes from spot whale activity. Over the last 24 hours, whale wallets reduced their ASTER holdings by approximately 4.05%. Current whale balances now stand at 70.39 million ASTER, implying that nearly 2.97 million tokens were sold in a single day.
At current market prices, this equates to more than $2 million in spot selling pressure.
This behavior is significant because these same whale addresses had consistently accumulated ASTER during previous dips. Their decision to sell into weakness suggests confidence in a near-term rebound is eroding, and risk appetite among long-term holders is declining.
Derivatives data reinforces this shift. The top 100 addresses—often referred to as mega whales and typically composed of leveraged traders—have reduced exposure by 34.42%. Even more concerning, remaining positions are now net short.
When both spot whales and leveraged whales de-risk simultaneously, it usually reflects an expectation of further downside rather than short-term volatility.
Smart Money Continues to Step Away
The Smart Money Index adds further confirmation. This indicator tracks the behavior of informed traders who tend to position early ahead of major moves.
For ASTER, the Smart Money Index crossed below its signal line around November 22, marking a transition from accumulation to distribution. Since that breakdown, the index has continued trending lower, with no meaningful signs of re-entry.
This is notable because ASTER is currently trading within a falling wedge—a structure that often precedes bullish reversals. However, without smart money participation, these patterns frequently fail. Until the Smart Money Index turns higher and reclaims its signal line, rallies are likely to be sold into rather than sustained.
Together with whale selling, this suggests the current move is driven by calculated risk reduction, not panic.
ASTER Price Structure Points to Another 10% Downside Risk
From a technical perspective, ASTER is pressing against the lower boundary of its falling wedge. While this area can act as a bounce zone, it requires clear buyer engagement—something currently absent.
A decisive breakdown below the lower trendline opens the door to the $0.66 level, representing roughly 10% additional downside from current prices. If that level fails, deeper downside toward $0.55 comes into focus.
On the upside, any recovery remains corrective unless ASTER reclaims $0.96 on a daily close. This level aligns with the wedge’s upper boundary and former structural support. Without it, upside attempts are likely to stall.
With loyal whales selling, smart money standing aside, and support thinning, ASTER appears vulnerable to another leg lower unless buying pressure returns quickly.
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