Author: BTCLFGTEAM

  • Pi Network suspends wallet payment requests after scammers drain millions

    Pi Network suspends wallet payment requests after scammers drain millions

    Pi Network suspends wallet payment requests

    • Pi Network halts wallet requests after large-scale scams target users.
    • Scammers exploit public balances and impersonate trusted contacts.
    • PI trades near $0.20 amid low liquidity and token unlocks.

    Pi Network has temporarily disabled its wallet payment request feature in response to a surge of sophisticated scam activity that has led to the loss of millions of PI tokens from user wallets.

    The move, announced by the Pi Core Team on social platform X, comes as attackers increasingly exploit the platform’s payment request function to trick users into approving fraudulent transfers.

    According to on‑chain data shared by community observers and reporting outlets, scammers have siphoned off more than 4.4 million PI by sending deceptive payment requests to holders with large balances.

    One single scammer address reportedly received hundreds of thousands of tokens each month throughout 2025.

    Tokens approved through these requests are moved instantly to the attacker’s wallet and cannot be reversed, meaning victims have no recourse once a transfer is authorised.

    The Pi Core Team stressed that this issue stems from social engineering rather than a flaw in the network’s protocol.

    Because wallet balances and addresses are publicly visible on Pi’s blockchain, bad actors can identify high‑value wallets and impersonate trusted contacts, friends, moderators, or even official accounts, to convince users to authorise transfers.

    To curb further losses, the network has disabled the payment request feature across its ecosystem while assessing potential safeguards.

    The suspension is intended to be temporary, but the team has not yet announced a specific timeline for restoring the function.

    In the meantime, community moderators and safety advocates are urging users to refuse all unsolicited payment requests.

    Scam tactics and broader security concerns

    Experts and user reports indicate that the scams are part of a broader uptick in deceptive schemes targeting Pi users.

    Fraudsters cast a wide net, from phishing links claiming fake airdrops or price promotions to counterfeit portals that ask for wallet credentials or private keys, which can lead to full account takeovers.

    Pi Network’s core team has repeatedly warned against sharing sensitive information or engaging with unverified links circulating on social media and messaging platforms.

    While Pi Network itself is not widely regarded as an outright scam project by independent analysts, its rapid growth, mobile‑centric model, and referral‑based incentives have drawn scrutiny and made its large user base a target for scammers.

    Users are advised to stick strictly to official communication channels and exercise heightened caution when interacting with unverifiable contacts.

    Impact on PI token price

    The payment request suspension arrives amid mixed sentiment around the PI token’s market performance.

    While Pi token’s price forecast remains optimistic, it currently trades near the $0.20 level, up only 1% in two weeks.

    Notably, the PI coin price has been weighed down by low liquidity and ongoing token unlocks, with significant amounts entering circulation in recent months.

    The token has struggled to absorb the added supply, and daily trading volumes remain moderate.

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  • David Beckham–backed Prenetics abandons Bitcoin strategy to focus on core health business

    David Beckham–backed Prenetics abandons Bitcoin strategy to focus on core health business

    David Beckham–backed Prenetics abandons Bitcoin strategy

    • Prenetics halts new Bitcoin purchases after recent crypto market volatility.
    • The company is prioritising the growth of its IM8 supplements brand.
    • Prenetics currently holds 510 BTC and over $70 million in cash reserves.

    Prenetics Global, a consumer health and supplements company backed by football icon David Beckham, has reversed its short-lived plan to build a Bitcoin treasury, opting instead to focus its capital on expanding its flagship nutrition brand, IM8.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nasdaq-listed firm confirmed that it will no longer pursue additional Bitcoin purchases, signalling a shift away from digital assets amid volatile market conditions.

    The company’s management stated that the redirection of resources is aimed at accelerating growth in IM8, which the company describes as one of the fastest-scaling supplement brands in the global wellness sector.

    Notably, the decision comes less than three months after the company raised $48 million in fresh equity financing that was raised for cryptocurrency accumulation as a strategic objective.

    Strategic pivot after crypto market volatility

    When Prenetics announced its equity raise in October, Bitcoin was trading near historic highs, hovering above $110,000.

    Since then, prices have dropped significantly, reflecting broader instability across digital asset markets driven by tightening financial conditions, regulatory uncertainty, and reduced institutional risk appetite.

    As of this week, Bitcoin has fallen to the high-$80,000 range, underscoring the challenges companies face when managing crypto-heavy balance sheets.

    Although the fundraising round was intended to support both Bitcoin accumulation and consumer brand expansion, Prenetics’ leadership now views its health and wellness business as a clearer path to long-term value creation.

    The Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Danny Yeung, said the board unanimously agreed that focusing on IM8 represents a rare growth opportunity that outweighs the potential benefits of further crypto exposure.

    However, the company plans to hold on to its crypto assets despite halting new purchases.

    Prenetics disclosed that it still holds approximately 510 Bitcoin alongside more than $70 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing flexibility while it reassesses capital allocation priorities.

    Part of a broader corporate reassessment of crypto treasuries

    Prenetics’ move mirrors a growing trend among publicly listed companies that experimented with cryptocurrency treasury strategies during bullish market cycles.

    As crypto prices pull back, several firms are scaling back or abandoning aggressive accumulation plans in favour of more predictable uses of capital.

    Earlier this month, Ethereum-focused treasury firm ETHZilla, backed by prominent technology investors like Peter Thiel, announced a pivot away from holding ether toward real-world asset tokenisation initiatives.

    Other companies across sectors have similarly turned to share buybacks, debt reduction, or reinvestment in core operations as safer ways to support shareholder value during uncertain market conditions.

    Investors in Prenetics’ October funding round included major crypto industry names such as Kraken, Exodus, and GPTX, alongside traditional investment firms.

    While their participation highlighted confidence in the company’s innovation strategy, Prenetics’ latest announcement reflects a more cautious and pragmatic stance toward digital assets.

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  • Michael Saylor’s Strategy caps 2025 with 1,229 Bitcoin purchase

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy caps 2025 with 1,229 Bitcoin purchase

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy buys 1,229 Bitcoin

    • Michael Saylor’s Strategy added 1,229 BTC in late December, ending 2025 with record holdings.
    • The $109M buy was funded through new share sales, raising dilution concerns.
    • Strategy’s shares fell despite the purchase as Bitcoin and MSTR closed 2025 lower.

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, is closing 2025 with another decisive Bitcoin buy, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the digital asset despite a challenging year for both crypto markets and its own stock.

    The company disclosed that it acquired 1,229 Bitcoin in the final week of December, marking its last purchase of the year and underscoring a strategy that has come to define the firm’s identity.

    A final buy to end the year

    Strategy’s latest acquisition took place between December 22 and December 28, with the company spending roughly $108.8 million to add 1,229 Bitcoin to its treasury.

    The coins were purchased at an average price of about $88,568 per Bitcoin, a level close to where the market was trading during the final days of the year.

    With this transaction, Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings climbed to approximately 672,497 BTC.

    The company’s cumulative investment now runs into tens of billions of dollars, with an average cost basis estimated at just under $75,000 per coin.

    That scale cements Strategy’s position as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally.

    MSTR stock slides amid Bitcoin bet

    The market reaction to the latest purchase was mixed, with Strategy’s stock slipping following the disclosure of the purchase.

    The stock is currently trading near its yearly lows even as the company expanded its Bitcoin position.

    Although some may argue that the decline is a result of bitcoin price pullback, it also reflects ongoing investor unease about dilution and the broader performance of the stock in 2025.

    However, some continue to view Strategy as a leveraged proxy for Bitcoin, arguing that sustained long-term appreciation in the asset could ultimately outweigh near-term stock pressure.

    Betting on metrics, not moods

    Strategy continues to point investors toward its internal performance measures, particularly a metric it calls “BTC Yield.”

    This figure is designed to show how effectively the company increases Bitcoin holdings relative to its share count over time.

    Strategy has highlighted a BTC Yield in excess of 20% for 2025, suggesting that, from its perspective, the strategy of issuing shares to buy Bitcoin is still delivering results.

    The company has framed this approach as disciplined capital allocation rather than speculative trading.

    For Michael Saylor, the year-end purchase fits a consistent narrative.

    He has repeatedly argued that short-term price swings are secondary to building a large, permanent Bitcoin treasury and, ending 2025 with another nine-figure buy reinforces that message.

    As the calendar turns, Strategy moves into 2026 with its largest Bitcoin (BTC) holdings to date, even as uncertainty lingers over how markets will ultimately respond.



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  • IMF advances talks with El Salvador on Bitcoin policy and Chivo wallet future

    IMF advances talks with El Salvador on Bitcoin policy and Chivo wallet future

    Why IMF negotiations are forcing changes to El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy

    • IMF says talks with El Salvador continue, focusing on transparency, public funds protection, and Bitcoin-related risks.
    • Negotiations to sell or wind down El Salvador’s Chivo Bitcoin wallet are well advanced under the IMF loan program.
    • Despite IMF pressure, El Salvador continues daily Bitcoin purchases while GDP growth is projected near 4%.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said discussions with El Salvador over its Bitcoin-related policies remain ongoing, with a focus on improving transparency, protecting public funds, and reducing financial risks.

    The update came as part of the IMF’s second review of El Salvador’s 40-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), under which the country secured a $1.4 billion loan in 2024 after prolonged negotiations strained by its Bitcoin adoption.

    According to the IMF, talks are particularly advanced regarding the future of the government-run Chivo Bitcoin wallet, including a potential sale or wind-down of the platform.

    Chivo, launched in September 2021 as part of El Salvador’s Bitcoin rollout, has faced widespread criticism since its debut, including allegations of identity theft, fraud, technical failures, and frozen user accounts.

    Chivo wallet under negotiation

    The IMF confirmed that negotiations for the sale of the Chivo wallet are “well advanced,” marking a significant step in scaling back the government’s direct involvement in Bitcoin infrastructure.

    One of the architects of the wallet said last year that the application should be shut down due to the controversy it generated since its launch.

    As part of the EFF agreement, El Salvador committed to reducing public sector participation in Bitcoin-related activities.

    In March, the IMF formally asked the country to halt Bitcoin accumulation through purchases and mining and to dismantle public structures used to acquire the digital asset.

    The fund later said El Salvador has complied with these commitments, including initiating a full phase-out of the Chivo wallet.

    Despite these steps, several private-sector Bitcoin wallets are expected to continue operating in the country.

    At the time the IMF loan was agreed, Stacy Herbert, director of El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office, said that while Chivo’s role would change, private wallet providers would continue to serve users.

    Bitcoin accumulation remains a point of tension

    Bitcoin policy remains a central source of friction between El Salvador and the IMF.

    The fund has repeatedly warned that Bitcoin’s price volatility poses risks to public finances and has pushed for limits on government exposure.

    Nevertheless, El Salvador continues to report ongoing Bitcoin purchases.

    Last month, the country added 1,098 BTC to its national reserves, worth nearly $100 million at the time, according to official disclosures.

    Data published by El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office shows that the country holds about 7,509 BTC, with purchases continuing on a daily basis, even during periods of high market volatility.

    In May, the IMF reiterated that “efforts will continue” to ensure El Salvador does not accumulate additional Bitcoin.

    President Nayib Bukele has publicly rejected the idea of stopping purchases, stating in March that the policy would continue regardless of external pressure.

    IMF praises economic performance

    While flagging ongoing concerns around Bitcoin, the IMF struck a positive tone on El Salvador’s broader economic performance.

    The fund said the economy is expanding faster than expected, with real GDP growth projected to reach around 4% this year and strong prospects for next year.

    The IMF also noted that fiscal targets remain on track, foreign reserves are increasing, and domestic borrowing has declined.

    Structural reforms have advanced, including new banking stability legislation, the adoption of Basel III standards, and updated anti-money laundering rules.

    The IMF said it will maintain close engagement with Salvadoran authorities as it works toward a staff-level agreement to complete the second EFF review, underscoring that Bitcoin-related risks remain under scrutiny even as the country’s macroeconomic outlook improves.

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  • BTC at $143K, ETH above $4000: Citi issues bullish price forecasts as crypto market continues to struggle

    BTC at $143K, ETH above $4000: Citi issues bullish price forecasts as crypto market continues to struggle

    Citigroup issues optimistic price forecasts for Bitcoin and Ethereum

    • Citi forecasts Bitcoin at $143K and Ethereum at $4,304 in 12 months.
    • Regulatory clarity and adoption drive institutional interest in crypto.
    • Short-term risks, including bearish patterns, options expiry, and ETF outflows, still linger.

    Citigroup has delivered one of the most upbeat outlooks from a major Wall Street institution on digital assets, forecasting strong upside for both Bitcoin and Ethereum over the next year.

    The bank’s projections come at a time when crypto markets are navigating sharp short-term volatility while longer-term adoption trends continue to strengthen.

    A bullish baseline with room to run

    In a recent research note, Citigroup set a 12-month price target of $143,000 for Bitcoin, representing an upside of roughly 62% from levels near $88,000 at the time of the forecast.

    The bank also gave Ethereum a favourable outlook, with a target price of $4,304, implying potential gains of about 46% from around $2,950.

    The bank said its forecasts reflect improving market conditions after recent drawdowns, arguing that crypto prices are now closer to measures of value tied to actual user activity.

    Citi framed its base case as a recovery scenario rather than an aggressive speculative call, noting that valuations have adjusted following the pullback from October highs.

    Beyond its baseline projections, Citi also outlined a wide range of possible outcomes.

    In a bullish scenario, the bank sees Bitcoin climbing as high as $189,000 and Ethereum reaching $5,132.

    Under a bearish case, however, Bitcoin could slide to $78,000, while Ethereum may fall toward $1,270, underscoring the asset class’s persistent volatility.

    Regulation shifts from risk to catalyst

    Citi identified regulatory developments as the central driver behind its constructive stance.

    The bank pointed to a noticeable shift by US authorities toward clearer, more tailored frameworks for digital assets, replacing years of regulatory uncertainty with defined rules.

    Several enforcement actions and lawsuits against major crypto platforms have been dismissed, a change Citi believes could encourage institutional investors to re-engage with the sector.

    The bank also highlighted President Donald Trump’s pro-digital-asset rhetoric, which has coincided with broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies within traditional finance.

    According to Citi, these policy shifts have the potential to unlock renewed capital inflows, particularly from institutions that previously stayed on the sidelines.

    The firm expects regulatory clarity to support adoption across spot markets, ETFs, and tokenised financial products over the coming year.

    Volatility clouds the near-term forecasts

    Despite the optimistic outlook, Citi acknowledged that recent market turbulence remains a significant headwind.

    Bitcoin fell to multi-month lows in November as investors reduced exposure to risk assets amid concerns over elevated technology stock valuations.

    Market sentiment has weakened further in December after Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy and the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, cut its 2025 earnings forecast.

    Strategy cited Bitcoin’s prolonged weakness, drawing heightened attention given its outsized exposure to the cryptocurrency.

    Short-term technical signals also suggest caution, seeing that Bitcoin has formed a bearish flag pattern on the daily chart and remains below key moving averages and the Supertrend indicator.

    Bitcoin price analysis
    Bitcoin price analysis | Source: TradingView

    Analysts warn that the price could dip toward $87,341, or even $85,188.

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  • Aster (ASTER) price outlook as whale dumps 3M coins at a loss

    Aster (ASTER) price outlook as whale dumps 3M coins at a loss

    A Whale and Price Charts in teh Background

    • A large-scale investor has offloaded millions of ASTER tokens, absorbing a 22% loss within two weeks.
    • ASTER price has dropped below key levels, signaling bearish short-term bias.
    • Aster team calms supply-side worries by confirming no plans to sell unlocked tokens.

    The digital assets market remained deteriorated on Wednesday, with the global crypto market capitalization at $2.94 trillion after a 0.65% dip in the past 24 hours.

    Also, Bitcoin remained somewhat muted in the last day after the recent decline, changing hands at $86,640 following a mere 0.30% decline on its daily chart.

    While most altcoins sought footing after the latest broad-based crash, ASTER is experiencing renewed selling momentum as large-scale players exit.

    The digital token has lost nearly 10% of its value in the past 24 hours, underscoring overwhelming downward momentum.

    According to Lookonchain, one whale has sold 3 million Aster coins, worth approximately $2.33 million today.

    The entity executed the transaction when the alt traded at $0.78 per token.

    Notably, the whale accumulated these tokens only two weeks ago and has now suffered a roughly 22% loss (or $667,000).

    Such moves are often more than just a trade gone wrong.

    Generally, whale investors have high risk tolerance and intend to hold for the long term, possibly until the asset turns bullish.

    So, when a large-scale investor surrenders at a loss, it can signal a lack of conviction in short-term price rebounds.

    Furthermore, the exit has coincided with ASTER’s significant price decline, magnifying prevailing bearish sentiments.

    ASTER price analysis

    Aster’s native token is changing hands at $0.7475 after losing more than 8% of its value in the last 24 hours.

    The daily trading volume has increased by nearly 45%, signaling increased activity from participants likely exiting before further declines.

    Meanwhile, ASTER has breached the crucial support zone at $0.81 – $0.82 and is ready to turn it into an overhead supply region.

    That suggests immense bearishness, with any potential rebound to $0.80 likely to encounter heavy selling pressure.

    Sellers are targeting the barrier at $0.72, where ASTER briefly paused during the previous dip.

    Failure to attract adequate buying activity at this mark could expose the altcoin to further declines to the psychological zone at $0.70 in the near term.

    Meanwhile, ASTER should reclaim $0.82 to flip to bullish.

    Surpassing $0.85 with massive volumes could support breakouts to $0.90 and clear the path to $1.

    Aster team boosts community confidence

    Amidst the devastating downward pressure, the DEX has shifted attention to supply dynamics.

    Early today, December 17, the team took it to X to address these concerns, confirming the completion of December’s Community & Ecosystem token unlock.

    They have moved the unlocked assets to an address that now holds 235.2 million Aster coins after three months of coin releases.

    Notably, Aster emphasized that it has no immediate plans to spend the unlocked ASTER and that the team will communicate in advance in case of future deployment plans.

    While the announced transfer doesn’t add new supply to the circulating tokens, it comes amid amplified uncertainty, with traders worrying about additional selling pressure as key holders surrender.

     

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  • BNB Chain introduces new stablecoin for large-scale applications

    BNB Chain introduces new stablecoin for large-scale applications

    BNB Chain introduces new stablecoin for large-scale applications

    • BNB Chain has introduced a stablecoin to enhance cross-chain liquidity.
    • The token targets large-scale, high-volume usage across different sectors.
    • Community buzzes as Binance founder CZ follows a new stablecoin named U.

    BNB Chain is planning a massive step into the stablecoin industry.

    The platform took it to X to introduce a new stablecoin set to launch soon.

    The new token aims to integrate liquidity across different applications while catering to high-volume, large-scale utility needs.

    While most existing stablecoins have payment and trading as their primary use cases, BNB Chain’s upcoming token aims to seamlessly integrate into different financial platforms, dApps, and other blockchain-linked systems.

    The late Tuesday X post read:

    A brand new stablecoin will officially launch on BNB Chain. The goal is to integrate liquidity across various application scenarios – designed specifically for large-scale applications.

    BNB Chain is looking to unify liquidity from various application scenarios for users and developers to interact with several financial services without fragmentation challenges.

    With that, the Chain can maintain its competitiveness as scalability and interoperability see impressive demand.

    CZ’s interest drives community buzz

    The announcement sparked debates among the Binance community across crypto forums and social media.

    Enthusiasts rejoice as the new stablecoin could solve liquidity issues for projects that need large-scale transactions.

    Binance founder Changpeng Zhao added to this excitement after recently following a new stablecoin project called U on X.

    That has triggered speculation about a possible support and partnership.

    The U stablecoin – designed for the next phase of digital finance

    The new U stablecoin is a purpose-built asset designed to serve the changing needs of on-chain finance.

    Its three core principles, Unified, Inclusive, and Fluid, underscore its goal to unify liquidity, support large-scale adoption, and ensure smooth integration across various platforms.

    U will launch on December 18, and according to its X handle:

    U is built on a comprehensive reserve management framework that prioritizes both security and liquidity – ensuring reliability at its core. Designed for individuals, institutions, and builders who demand unwavering stability.

    Though without a formal confirmation, markets have interpreted CZ’s interest as a signal for possible future ‘U’ stablecoin integration on the Binance ecosystem.

    Broad market context

    The U debut comes as markets move to stablecoins that prioritize transparency, institutional-grade offerings, liquidity, and increased earning opportunities.

    For instance, synthetic stablecoins have seen increased traction in 2025, outperforming giants like USDT and USDC in key metrics such as weekly volumes.

    Stablecoins have been the primary gateway into the cryptocurrency market, allowing individuals to enter and exit anytime without the need for repeatedly converting to fiat.

    Grayscale expects a boom in stablecoins in the coming year after the 2025 breakout that saw supply hitting $300B with $1.1 trillion average monthly transactions.

    The report added:

    In 2026, we expect to see the practical results: stablecoins integrated into cross-border payment services, stablecoins as collateral on derivatives exchanges, stablecoins on corporate balance sheets, and stablecoins as an alternative to credit cards in online consumer payments.

    Binance is likely preparing to tap into this demand by integrating a new stablecoin into BNB Chain.

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  • Why quantum computing is becoming a real concern for Bitcoin

    Why quantum computing is becoming a real concern for Bitcoin

    Why quantum computing is becoming a real concern for Bitcoin

    • Charles Edwards warns Bitcoin could face sharp price pressure if upgrades are delayed.
    • Banks are already moving toward post-quantum encryption, increasing Bitcoin’s relative exposure.
    • Crypto leaders remain divided on urgency, mitigation strategies, and timelines.

    Quantum computing has long hovered on the fringes of crypto risk discussions, often dismissed as a distant or hypothetical challenge. That framing is now being questioned.

    New warnings from within the Bitcoin ecosystem suggest the technology may become a practical threat sooner than expected, with implications not just for network security but also for market confidence.

    As timelines tighten and views diverge, the debate is shifting from abstract theory to concrete preparedness, raising questions about whether Bitcoin’s current cryptographic foundations are ready for what comes next.

    Quantum threat timelines tighten

    The core concern around quantum computing lies in its potential ability to break widely used cryptographic systems.

    For Bitcoin, this could mean exposing private keys linked to public addresses, allowing attackers to access funds or compromise sensitive data.

    Until recently, most discussions placed this risk decades into the future.

    That assumption was challenged this week by Charles Edwards, founder of quantitative Bitcoin and digital asset fund Capriole.

    In an X post on Wednesday, Edwards suggested that quantum risk could become critical by 2028.

    He argued that if Bitcoin does not become quantum-resistant within that window, the consequences could be severe for both security and price stability.

    His comments pointed to a narrower timeline than many in the industry have assumed.

    Price risk linked to inaction

    Edwards tied the technical challenge directly to market behaviour.

    He warned that failure to deploy a solution by 2028 could see Bitcoin trade well below $50,000 and remain under pressure until the issue is resolved.

    In his view, the lack of urgency stems from complacency, with meaningful action likely only after a significant market downturn forces the issue.

    He has also indicated that any effective quantum patch would need to be rolled out by 2026 to avoid destabilising the network.

    Delays beyond that point, he suggested, could trigger a prolonged and deep bear market driven by eroding confidence rather than a single external shock.

    Why Bitcoin may be exposed

    Sceptics of the quantum threat argue that the technology remains too immature to pose a near-term risk.

    They point out that banks, governments, and large institutions would be targeted first, giving Bitcoin ample warning time to adapt.

    Edwards disputes this view. He has repeatedly argued that Bitcoin could be an early target precisely because of its design.

    Many banks and institutions are already migrating toward post-quantum encryption standards, while Bitcoin continues to rely on existing cryptographic assumptions.

    In addition, fraudulent transactions in traditional finance can often be reversed or blocked, whereas Bitcoin transactions are irreversible once confirmed, increasing the potential impact of any breach.

    A divided crypto response

    Views across the crypto ecosystem remain sharply split on how seriously Bitcoin should treat the quantum threat.

    Some participants argue that interim measures already exist to reduce exposure over the next several years, buying time for more comprehensive upgrades to be designed and implemented at the protocol level.

    Others dismiss the issue as overstated, maintaining that quantum computing remains too underdeveloped to pose a meaningful risk to Bitcoin’s cryptography.

    From this perspective, heightened concern is seen as premature and potentially driven by broader narratives rather than immediate technical realities.

    These contrasting positions underline an unresolved tension within the Bitcoin community.

    As quantum capabilities progress, the discussion is shifting from whether the threat is real to how quickly Bitcoin needs to adapt to safeguard its long-term security.

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  • Bhutan plans to fund Gelephu Mindfulness City using national Bitcoin reserves

    Bhutan plans to fund Gelephu Mindfulness City using national Bitcoin reserves

    Bhutan plans to fund Gelephu Mindfulness City using national Bitcoin reserves

    • Bhutan plans to use up to 10,000 Bitcoin from its national reserves to fund Gelephu Mindfulness City.
    • Bhutan holds about 11,286 Bitcoin, making it the fifth-largest national holder globally.
    • The city will be developed in phases over 20 years with executive autonomy and legal independence.

    Bhutan is preparing to deploy part of its national Bitcoin reserves to finance the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a flagship urban project designed to reshape the country’s economic future, as per a Cointelegraph report.

    The Himalayan kingdom has confirmed that it will tap up to 10,000 Bitcoin from its holdings to support the special administrative region, which was launched in 2024.

    The move places Bhutan among a small group of governments actively integrating digital assets into long-term development planning, while also highlighting how Bitcoin mining and treasury management have become embedded in the country’s broader economic strategy.

    Gelephu Mindfulness City vision

    Gelephu Mindfulness City is located in southern Bhutan near the Indian border and has been positioned as a new economic hub aimed at reversing youth migration.

    The project seeks to create high-value domestic jobs and expand opportunities beyond the country’s traditional sectors.

    According to official plans, the city is designed to attract companies across finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, and agriculture.

    The special administrative region covers around 1,544 square miles, equivalent to roughly 10% of Bhutan’s total land area.

    Its regulatory structure allows greater flexibility, particularly for crypto and fintech firms, while also supporting the expansion of Bhutan’s Bitcoin mining activities.

    Officials have described the city as a testing ground for new economic models that balance innovation with sustainability.

    Bitcoin funding strategy

    According to Cointelegraph, the government said on Wednesday that a range of approaches is being considered to manage the Bitcoin allocation, valued at about $875 million.

    These include risk-managed yield strategies, treasury-style management, and long-term holding plans intended to protect and preserve the value of the assets.

    Authorities have emphasised that development funding will proceed in a stable and sustainable manner, with governance frameworks focused on capital preservation, oversight, and transparency.

    Bhutan ranks as the fifth-largest national holder of Bitcoin, with most of its reserves accumulated through mining operations.

    Data from Bitbo estimates that the country holds about 11,286 Bitcoin, with a market value exceeding $986 million.

    The Gelephu plan represents the most concrete use yet of this digital asset stockpile for public development.

    National Bitcoin policy

    The decision to use Bitcoin for Gelephu Mindfulness City forms part of Bhutan’s broader Bitcoin Development Pledge, a national policy aimed at supporting long-term economic growth through mining and asset management.

    King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has stated that the objective is to ensure that the entire population of more than 796,682 people benefits from the project.

    As part of this approach, Bhutan is developing a new land policy intended to protect landowners, prevent widening inequality, and ensure shared national prosperity.

    The city has been framed as a collective national enterprise, with landowners treated as stakeholders.

    Because most land is state-owned, citizens from all Dzongkhags are expected to share in the project’s success.

    Governance and rollout

    A masterplan and legal framework for Gelephu Mindfulness City have already been unveiled, alongside the appointment of a governor and a board of directors.

    Construction work has begun to clear and prepare the site.

    The region has also introduced crypto-based payments for merchants and tourism services and launched TER, a sovereign-backed digital token linked to physical gold.

    The city has been envisioned as an economic corridor connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, with executive autonomy and legal independence.

    Development is planned in phases over the next 20 years, reflecting Bhutan’s long-term strategy to integrate digital assets, infrastructure, and governance reform.

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  • Crypto oversight in US tightens as CFTC and FDIC leadership near confirmation

    Crypto oversight in US tightens as CFTC and FDIC leadership near confirmation

    Crypto oversight in the US tightens focus as CFTC and FDIC leadership nears confirmation

    • Mike Selig is positioned to replace Acting Chair Caroline Pham at the CFTC if confirmed.
    • The CFTC has already expanded crypto oversight through collateral approvals and spot trading permissions.
    • Travis Hill’s confirmation would formalise his interim role at the FDIC and continue crypto-friendly banking policies.

    Crypto regulation in the United States is entering a more defined phase as Senate procedures bring key financial watchdog appointments closer to completion.

    Two agencies with direct influence over digital assets, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., are on the verge of formal leadership changes, as per a CoinDesk report.

    President Donald Trump’s nominees to chair both regulators have advanced through the Senate confirmation process, signalling a potential shift in how crypto markets and crypto-linked banking are supervised.

    While the final votes have not yet taken place, recent developments suggest that decisions are approaching, narrowing uncertainty around regulatory direction.

    Senate clears path for final votes

    The Senate moved the process forward on Thursday by approving a resolution that clears the way for final confirmation votes.

    The measure passed by a 52–47 margin and applies to a large group of nominees being considered together, reports CoinDesk.

    Mike Selig, nominated to lead the CFTC, and Travis Hill, nominated to become chairman of the FDIC, are among the names included.

    A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said on X that the final vote is likely early next week, though the chamber remains days away from formally confirming the candidates.

    Republicans in the Senate have adopted a strategy of voting on dozens of nominations in batches rather than individually. In this round, lawmakers are deciding on 97 confirmation questions at the same time.

    Selig and Hill represent only two of those positions, but both roles carry outsized importance for the crypto sector.

    The approach has helped accelerate confirmations but has also compressed scrutiny of individual nominees.

    CFTC positions itself as crypto regulator

    Selig currently serves as a senior official at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he has been working on crypto-related issues.

    If confirmed, he would replace Acting Chair Caroline Pham, who has guided the CFTC through a series of initiatives seen as supportive of digital asset markets.

    Under Pham’s leadership, the CFTC has positioned itself as an active player in crypto supervision, even as Congress continues to debate broader market structure legislation.

    The agency is widely expected to take a leading role in crypto oversight if lawmakers eventually pass a bill that formally assigns authority.

    Even without new legislation, the CFTC has already expanded its reach.

    It has created a CEO council to advise on policy matters, approved the use of Bitcoin BTC $92,157.53, Ether ETH $3,237.28, and USDC, along with other payment stablecoins as collateral, and allowed registered firms to offer spot crypto trading services.

    These steps have embedded crypto more deeply into regulated financial activity.

    FDIC banking stance comes into focus

    At the FDIC, Hill has already been serving as interim chief, meaning his confirmation would formalise an existing role rather than introduce new leadership, notes CoinDesk.

    During his interim tenure, Hill has pursued policies that indicate a more accommodating stance toward crypto banking.

    This includes engagement with banks that provide services to digital asset firms, an area that has previously faced uncertainty due to regulatory caution.

    Oversight framework begins to align

    Together, the pending confirmations point toward a more coordinated regulatory environment for crypto in the US.

    With leadership at both the CFTC and FDIC close to being finalised, oversight of crypto markets and crypto-related banking may soon operate under clearer and more consistent supervision.

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