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According to ChainCatcher, a report from Goldman Sachs suggests that U.S. crypto market structure legislation could be a pivotal factor for institutional adoption of crypto assets by 2026. The report highlights that regulatory easing under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, along with changes in SEC leadership, may provide policy certainty for institutions. Goldman Sachs anticipates growth in areas such as tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), and stablecoins under the new regulations. Infrastructure companies, in particular, are expected to benefit from ecosystem expansion while avoiding the volatility of trading cycles.

According to Odaily, gold prices increased on Tuesday, reaching a one-week high due to dovish remarks from Federal Reserve officials and heightened demand for safe-haven assets amid tensions in Venezuela. Ilya Spivak, Global Macro Director at Tastylive, noted that while the Fed's comments did not negatively impact the market, they did not fundamentally alter market perceptions. This week is crucial, with the employment report set to be released on Friday. On Monday, Federal Reserve's Kashkari stated that inflation is gradually declining, but there is a risk of a sudden rise in unemployment, which could lead to rate cuts. Investors currently anticipate at least two rate cuts this year. Spivak also mentioned that the U.S.-Venezuela situation under Maduro highlights a broader trend of de-globalization. In periods of low interest rates and geopolitical or economic uncertainty, non-yielding assets tend to perform well.

According to Odaily, South Korean financial authorities are exploring the introduction of a 'payment suspension' system in cases of virtual asset price manipulation. This measure aims to prevent suspects from transferring or concealing illicit gains during the investigation phase. The South Korean Financial Services Commission discussed this approach in a routine meeting last November, suggesting that accounts suspected of manipulating virtual asset prices could be frozen in advance, similar to measures taken in capital markets against stock price manipulation. This would restrict withdrawals, transfers, and other fund outflows.The report highlights that under the current system, the confiscation or recovery of illegal gains from virtual assets typically requires a court warrant following a prosecutorial investigation, posing a risk of asset transfer during this period. The Financial Services Commission believes that a payment suspension mechanism, akin to those in capital market laws, could be introduced in the proposed 'second phase of virtual asset legislation' to more effectively prevent premature disposal of unrealized gains. A representative from the financial authorities noted that since virtual assets can be more easily concealed once transferred to personal wallets, such a system could help enhance early-stage regulation and asset preservation.

According to Odaily, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia accepted a class-action lawsuit on December 31, 2025, against renowned rapper Drake. The lawsuit accuses him of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) while promoting and using the crypto casino Stake.us. The lawsuit also names popular streamer Adin Ross and an Australian citizen accused of assisting in fraudulent activities as defendants. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants used Stake.us's tipping feature to transfer funds and conceal financial flows related to music streaming fraud. The platform is accused of evading U.S. gambling regulations by operating under the guise of a 'social casino.' The lawsuit seeks damages of no less than $5 million and requests a jury trial. This is not the first time Drake and Ross have faced legal challenges due to their promotion of Stake.us.

According to ChainCatcher, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has granted approval to the licensed virtual asset trading platform EX.IO to conduct over-the-counter (OTC) trading of virtual assets. This service is currently available only to eligible investors. The initial batch of supported cryptocurrencies includes BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and USDTTRC20, along with fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar and Hong Kong dollar.

According to Odaily, Venezuelan media reported that on the evening of January 5, local time, intense gunfire and explosions were heard in the center of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, including areas near the presidential palace. Additional reports suggested the possible presence of drones or aircraft, prompting the activation of the air defense system. Some areas have experienced power outages. The Venezuelan government has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.

According to Odaily, the U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly sold Bitcoin that was paid by Samourai developers as part of a plea agreement, despite Executive Order 14233 mandating that seized BTC be stored in the U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve. This is not the first instance where the Southern District of New York has acted contrary to federal guidelines in the Samourai case.

According to BlockBeats, the CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 17.2% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in January, while the likelihood of maintaining the current rate stands at 82.8%. By March, the probability of a cumulative 25 basis point rate cut increases to 43.6%, with a 49.4% chance of rates remaining unchanged. The probability of a cumulative 50 basis point rate cut is 6.9%.

U.S. manufacturing activity weakened further in the latest data, adding to concerns about slowing economic momentum and complicating the near-term outlook for risk assets, including crypto.The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 47.9, marking a 14-month low, according to data released Monday. The reading came in below market expectations of 48.4 and remained firmly under the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.Manufacturing contraction deepensThe latest print extends a downtrend in U.S. manufacturing activity, signaling continued contraction across the sector. PMI readings below 50 indicate shrinking output, weakening demand, and pressure on industrial activity — conditions typically associated with slowing economic growth.The data suggests that the U.S. economy continues to face headwinds, particularly in interest-rate-sensitive and cyclical sectors, even as broader financial markets attempt to stabilize.Implications for risk assets and cryptoFor risk assets, including equities and cryptocurrencies, the PMI data reinforces a cautious macro backdrop.Historically, sustained bullish momentum in risk assets tends to align with ISM readings above 50, signaling expanding economic activity and improving demand conditions. With manufacturing still in contraction territory, traders remain wary of extrapolating short-term rallies into durable uptrends.In crypto markets, macro-sensitive assets such as Bitcoin often respond to PMI data through its impact on:Liquidity expectationsFederal Reserve policy outlookBroader risk sentimentWhile weaker PMI readings can eventually support expectations for monetary easing, they also highlight near-term economic fragility, which can limit upside appetite until clearer growth stabilization emerges.

According to BlockBeats, Goldman Sachs has expressed optimism about the future of the crypto industry, citing improved regulatory conditions and emerging applications beyond trading as positive factors. The financial giant emphasized the importance of these developments for infrastructure companies that support the ecosystem but are less affected by market cycles.In a report released on Monday, Goldman Sachs noted that regulatory uncertainty remains a significant barrier to institutional participation, though this landscape is rapidly evolving. The analyst team, led by James Yaro, stated, "We believe that improved regulatory conditions are a key driver for the continued adoption of crypto assets by institutions, particularly for buy-side and sell-side financial entities. Additionally, new applications for crypto assets beyond trading are developing."Yaro highlighted that upcoming U.S. market structure legislation could serve as a crucial catalyst. Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has undergone a complete overhaul, with Paul Atkins confirmed as chairman. Under Atkins, the SEC has retreated from aggressive enforcement in the crypto industry, withdrawing nearly all pending cases and exiting multiple court litigations. Trump has made the development of the U.S. crypto industry a core policy goal, and Atkins has prioritized it within the SEC. The draft legislation currently under congressional review aims to clarify the regulatory framework for tokenized assets and decentralized finance projects, while defining the roles of the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.Goldman Sachs believes these measures are crucial for unlocking institutional capital. The report suggests that passing legislation by the first half of 2026 is particularly important, as the U.S. midterm elections later that year could delay progress. The bank's survey data indicates that 35% of institutions view regulatory uncertainty as the biggest obstacle to adopting crypto assets, while 32% consider regulatory clarity the most important catalyst.

According to Odaily, U.S. Treasury yields fell during the European trading session midday. Despite investor caution, there was no significant concern over the U.S. military's recent capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, as market focus shifted to upcoming economic data. Exness analyst Krisada Yoonaisil noted in a report that the market might remain cautious ahead of a crucial week for monetary policy expectations, with new data shaping the outlook for the dollar and interest rates. The strategist highlighted that this week, attention will be on Federal Reserve officials' speeches, with any guidance on inflation and labor market balance potentially causing fluctuations in currency and bond markets. Tradeweb data indicated that the two-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased by 1.6 basis points to 3.460%, while the ten-year yield fell by 2 basis points to 4.168%.

Turkmenistan has formally legalized cryptocurrency mining and crypto exchanges, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets as part of a broader push to stimulate economic development and attract foreign investment.The country’s Law on Virtual Assets, signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Nov. 28, establishes legal rules governing the creation, use and exchange of cryptocurrencies. The legislation treats virtual assets strictly as property, rather than legal tender or securities.Virtual assets classified as property, not moneyUnder the new law, virtual assets are explicitly barred from being used as payment for goods or services. Instead, they are classified as investment or property assets and divided into two categories:Secured virtual assets, backed by an underlying assetUnsecured virtual assets, such as BitcoinThe framework aims to provide legal clarity while limiting the role of cryptocurrencies in the domestic payments system.Mining legalized under central bank oversightCryptocurrency mining is now permitted for both companies and individuals, provided operators register with the Central Bank of Turkmenistan and comply with technical and operational standards set by regulators.The law explicitly bans covert mining practices, including cryptojacking, and introduces compliance requirements intended to bring mining activity into the formal economy.Licensed exchanges and custody services allowedThe legislation also authorizes the operation of crypto exchanges and custodial services, subject to licensing by the central bank. Both domestic and foreign entities are eligible to operate such platforms, with exceptions for firms linked to offshore jurisdictions.Licensed exchanges must enforce know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. Anonymous wallets and transactions are prohibited, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on regulatory control and transparency.Policy aligned with broader economic researchThe move aligns with findings from a 2025 study examining Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, which include Turkmenistan. The study concluded that permitting regulated crypto activity can support economic growth in developing economies.“Cryptocurrency legalization has significantly boosted economic growth in developing nations by enhancing financial inclusion and providing the legal clarity essential for attracting digital foreign direct investment,” said Muhammad Rheza Ramadhan, an economist and researcher at Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance.Balancing investment appeal with tight controlsTurkmenistan’s framework reflects a cautious but deliberate approach: opening the door to crypto-related investment and infrastructure while maintaining strict oversight through the central bank and limiting crypto’s role as a medium of exchange.By legalizing mining and exchange activity under a defined regulatory structure, authorities appear to be positioning the country to capture foreign capital and technology inflows — without relinquishing control over monetary policy or financial supervision.

According to Foresight News, the Financial Times reports that the United Kingdom and more than 40 other countries have begun implementing new tax regulations for crypto assets starting January 1. These regulations are based on the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Major crypto exchanges are now required to collect comprehensive transaction records for UK users and report their trading activities and tax residency status to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The UK is among the first 48 countries to adopt this framework. From 2027, HMRC will automatically share relevant data with EU member states and other participating countries, including Brazil, the Cayman Islands, and South Africa. A total of 75 countries have committed to implementing CARF, with the United States planning to adopt it in 2028 and begin information exchange in 2029.

According to Cointelegraph, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson has expressed concerns about the direction of the United States' financial system, warning that it is moving towards a heavily surveilled and permissioned model. Davidson criticized recent cryptocurrency legislation, particularly the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act, which he argues undermines the original promise of cryptocurrency as a permissionless and private form of money. In a post on X, Davidson highlighted his apprehensions about the GENIUS Act, suggesting that it could pave the way for a wholesale version of a U.S. dollar central bank digital currency (CBDC). He warned that such a system could be used for surveillance, coercion, and control. Davidson also voiced fears about the potential implementation of a digital ID system that would require Americans to obtain government permission to access their own funds. He urged his followers to reject what he described as a globalist surveillance state and to return to the foundational principles of cryptocurrency, emphasizing Bitcoin's original intent as a permissionless, peer-to-peer payment system. Davidson, who has been a strong advocate for permissionless money, self-custody, and privacy since he began representing Ohio in 2016, has introduced various legislative measures aimed at limiting state control over cryptocurrency. These include efforts to criminalize CBDCs and a proposal to remove then-Securities and Exchange Commission chair, Gary Gensler. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shares Davidson's concerns, having voted against the GENIUS Act. She argued that the legislation grants excessive power to banks and creates a potential pathway for a CBDC. Greene echoed Davidson's warnings about the dangers of digital IDs, CBDCs, and the lack of self-custody. Both Davidson and Greene have shown more support for the CLARITY Act, which is currently awaiting passage in the Senate and is expected to be reviewed in early 2026. Davidson noted that the CLARITY Act promises to address some of the GENIUS Act's shortcomings by protecting self-custody and incorporating other provisions from the House. However, he cautioned that with the GENIUS Act already in effect, any changes to individual freedoms resulting from the CLARITY Act may be largely superficial. Davidson concluded by stating that the future of money will shape the future itself, and without significant intervention, that future appears to be one of permissioned, surveilled, and debased financial systems.

According to Cointelegraph, members of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee are anticipated to advance the consideration of a digital asset market structure bill in the second week of January, following prolonged delays. Reports and insights from individuals familiar with the situation suggest that the Banking Committee may conduct a markup session for the Responsible Financial Innovation Act during this period. This development signifies progress in legislative efforts that have been hindered by Democratic lawmakers' apprehensions regarding decentralized finance and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Cody Carbone, CEO of The Digital Chamber, a digital asset advocacy organization, informed Cointelegraph that the Senate is expected to hold at least one markup on pending market structure legislation in January. Concurrently, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is reviewing its version of the market structure bill before any potential floor vote in the chamber. The market structure bill, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in July as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY), aims to enhance the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) authority in regulating digital assets. Initial drafts of the Senate bill indicated increased collaboration between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning cryptocurrency regulation. The fate of the legislation in the Senate remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether it will garner sufficient support for passage if presented for a floor vote. Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed in October that the commencement of campaigning for the 2026 midterm elections could potentially impede progress on crypto-related bills, including the market structure legislation. In addition to political challenges, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent advocate for the market structure bill, announced on December 19 that she would not seek reelection in 2026. Having served one term in the Senate, Lummis cited a mismatch between her energy levels and the demands of serving another six-year term. Despite her decision, she continues to advocate for the bill's support.

According to Foresight News, Florida State Senator Joe Gruters has introduced two bills, SB 1038 and SB 1040, aimed at establishing a strategic cryptocurrency reserve and a cryptocurrency reserve trust fund in the state. SB 1038 proposes the creation of a strategic cryptocurrency reserve under the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, while SB 1040 outlines the establishment of a cryptocurrency reserve trust fund, detailing its funding sources and intended uses. Both bills are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, contingent upon the passage and enactment of SB 1040, SB 1038, or similar legislation during the same legislative session or its extension.

According to Cointelegraph, the Federal Reserve's approach to interest rate cuts in 2026 is expected to play a crucial role in determining the return of retail investors to the cryptocurrency market. A crypto analyst suggests that the Fed's decisions will significantly impact investor sentiment next year, especially after three rate reductions were already implemented in 2025.Clear Street's managing director, Owen Lau, emphasized to CNBC that the Fed's rate decisions are pivotal for the crypto sector in 2026. Lau noted that both retail and institutional investors could become more enthusiastic about entering the crypto market if the Fed continues to cut rates. Typically, interest rate cuts are seen as favorable for crypto assets, as they make traditional investments like bonds and term deposits less appealing, prompting investors to seek higher returns in riskier assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies.The Federal Reserve's December minutes, released on Tuesday, reveal that the central bank is open to adjusting rates next year to meet broader economic objectives. The minutes stated that the Committee is prepared to modify monetary policy if risks arise that could hinder the achievement of its goals. However, there is skepticism in the market about whether the Fed will continue with rate cuts in the early months of the year, as indicated by data from the crypto prediction platform Polymarket.Polymarket's data shows a mere 15% probability of a rate cut in January, while the likelihood increases to 52% for a rate cut in March. In 2025, the Fed executed three rate cuts, with the first being a 25 basis point reduction in September. This was followed by another 25 basis point cut in October and a further 25 basis point cut in December. Despite these cuts, the minutes revealed a division among Fed members regarding the necessity of the December reduction.Bitcoin experienced a surge to a new high of $125,100 following the initial rate cut in September. However, this uptrend was short-lived due to a significant liquidation event on October 10, which resulted in $19 billion being wiped out from leveraged positions. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $88,439, down 29.3% from its October peak, as reported by CoinMarketCap. The broader crypto market sentiment has also declined, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remaining in the 'Extreme Fear' territory since December 13, posting a score of 23 on Wednesday.

According to Cointelegraph, South Korean lawmakers have postponed the submission of a cryptocurrency bill aimed at allowing the issuance of domestic stablecoins due to unresolved key issues. The Digital Asset Basic Act, initially proposed by the ruling Democratic Party in June, is now expected to be submitted in 2026. The delay stems from disagreements with relevant organizations, including stablecoin issuers, over major aspects of the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to permit the issuance of stablecoins pegged to the South Korean won, potentially boosting the country's crypto market. Under the bill, stablecoin issuers would be required to entrust their reserve assets to authorized custodians, such as banks. However, disagreements have arisen over whether it is necessary to authorize a group of organizations to oversee stablecoin issuers before approval. The Financial Services Commission is currently reviewing the proposal and considering limiting the role of financial institutions in stablecoins to encourage participation from technology companies. Addressing the issuance of local stablecoins was among the promises made by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung before taking office in June. He also advocated for the national pension fund to invest in digital assets and supported the issuance of exchange-traded funds linked to Bitcoin (BTC). In related news, Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon, recently sentenced to 15 years in prison in the United States for his involvement in the collapse of the company's ecosystem, may serve part of his sentence in South Korea, where he holds citizenship. Kwon could face up to 40 years in prison locally, according to a filing from his legal team.

According to Cointelegraph, Russia has introduced a draft bill aimed at curbing unregistered cryptocurrency mining activities within its borders. The proposal, put forth by the Ministry of Justice, suggests imposing penalties of up to 1.5 million rubles, equivalent to approximately $19,000, and up to two years of forced labor for those engaged in illegal mining operations. For cases involving significant profits, the penalties could escalate to five years of imprisonment, 480 hours of forced labor, and fines reaching 2.5 million rubles, or about $31,800. The draft amendments to the Criminal Code also target organized groups involved in illegal mining, with similar penalties. Russia's latest legislative move reflects the government's ongoing efforts to regulate and benefit from the burgeoning cryptocurrency mining industry. Miners are mandated to submit a monthly tax form detailing their digital currency production. However, as of June 19, only 30% of miners have registered and legalized their operations, according to Ivan Chebeskov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Finance. Chebeskov emphasized the government's intention to bring the industry out of the shadows, although the process remains incomplete. Miners consuming less than 6,000 kWh monthly are classified as individuals and are exempt from registration with the Federal Tax Register, though they must pay personal income tax on mined cryptocurrency, as per a decree effective November 1, 2024. By the end of October, Russia had 1,364 registered cryptocurrency miners, as reported by Anton Siluanov, the country's Minister of Finance, during a State Duma plenary session. In August 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin enacted laws establishing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency mining, which took effect on November 1, 2024. These laws require compulsory registration and taxation for all mining entities, including infrastructure providers. The legislation also prohibits foreign entities from mining in Russia and grants the government authority to restrict mining in specific regions, a decision that has faced criticism for not fully legalizing crypto mining nationwide.

According to ChainCatcher, the United Kingdom is set to incorporate crypto assets into its financial services regulatory framework by October 2027. HM Treasury has submitted the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Crypto Assets) Regulations 2025 to Parliament in December 2025, aiming to formally authorize activities such as operating trading platforms, custody, staking, and lending. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released three consultation papers proposing governance, information disclosure, anti-market manipulation, and prudent capital requirements for trading platforms, token issuers, and service providers, similar to traditional finance. Additionally, the UK government has initiated an independent review of foreign financial intervention, assessing political financing risks, including cryptocurrency donations. The related report is expected to be completed by March 2026.