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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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  • 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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  • Silk Road crypto activity resurfaces as dormant Bitcoin wallets move again

    Silk Road crypto activity resurfaces as dormant Bitcoin wallets move again

    Silk Road crypto activity resurfaces as dormant Bitcoin wallets move again

    • Silk Road-tagged wallets sent $3.14 million in Bitcoin across 176 transfers this week.
    • The transactions are the most significant Silk Road-linked activity in five years.
    • The wallets sent funds to a new address beginning with bc1qn.

    Silk Road-linked cryptocurrency activity has resurfaced, drawing attention to long-quiet Bitcoin wallets connected to the darknet marketplace.

    The movement comes less than a year after US President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.

    While the pardon focused global attention on Ulbricht’s legal case, blockchain analysts are now tracking renewed activity that marks the highest level of transfers in years.

    The latest movement, recorded on Tuesday, is raising fresh questions about dormant coin reserves linked to the marketplace and how much Bitcoin remains undiscovered or untouched across older blockchain addresses.

    Silk Road wallets show renewed Bitcoin flows

    Silk Road-tagged wallets transferred about $3.14 million worth of Bitcoin BTC $92,626, according to Arkham. The activity involved 176 transactions, making it the most significant movement from these addresses in five years.

    Earlier this year, the same wallets carried out only three small test transactions, suggesting that substantial activity had been paused.

    The transfers this week were sent to an unknown cryptocurrency wallet with the address prefix bc1qn.

    The primary Silk Road-associated wallets still hold about $38.4 million in Bitcoin.

    The newly created address holds only the transferred $3.14 million.

    Pardon puts focus back on historic Silk Road funds

    Interest in the wallets has intensified since January, when Trump issued a full pardon to Ulbricht.

    Before the pardon, Ulbricht had been serving a double life sentence without parole for creating and operating Silk Road, which allowed anonymous trading of illicit goods using Bitcoin.

    The pardon also sparked new activity around the Free Ross campaign.

    Supporters have contributed about $270,000 in Bitcoin donations since the announcement, based on on-chain data.

    Unseized Bitcoin linked to Ulbricht gains attention

    Alongside the renewed transfers, discussions have shifted to older cryptocurrency holdings believed to be connected to Ulbricht but never seized by authorities.

    The US government previously confiscated at least $3.36 billion in Bitcoin from Silk Road, marking one of the largest recoveries in the history of digital asset enforcement.

    Yet blockchain analysts tracking historical movements have identified additional reserves that remain untouched.

    Coinbase exchange director Conor Grogan highlighted that 430 BTC, worth about $47 million, has not moved for more than 13 years.

    These tokens are held in wallets thought to be linked to Ulbricht.

    Dormant Bitcoin wallets remain a focal point

    Another Silk Road-tagged wallet likely controlled by Ulbricht contains about $8.3 million in Bitcoin.

    This wallet has seen only three small test transactions over the past 10 months and has otherwise remained inactive for 14 years, according to Arkham.

    The transfers observed this week have therefore shifted attention back to dormant Bitcoin reserves that could hold substantial amounts.

    Experts monitoring historical blockchain activity note that movements involving older darknet-linked wallets often prompt speculation about ownership, recovery efforts, or changes in operational control.

    The recent activity does not clarify why these wallets began moving again or who controls the receiving address.

    However, the timing, extended periods of inactivity, and historical significance of the addresses have made the transfers notable within the crypto community.

    As blockchain analysis tools improve and more historical data becomes searchable, renewed activity from legacy darknet sources continues to shape conversations about unseized assets and the long-term movement patterns of early Bitcoin holdings.

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  • Crypto ETFs diverge: Bitcoin suffers $60M outflows; ETH, SOL, XRP funds in green

    Crypto ETFs diverge: Bitcoin suffers $60M outflows; ETH, SOL, XRP funds in green

    Crypto ETFs updates

    • BTC ETFs recorded $60.48M withdrawals on December 8.
    • Ethereum funds extended their latest momentum with $35.49M inflows.
    • XRP and Solana ETFs ended yesterday with gains amid prevailing demand.

    The digital tokens space remains choppy ahead of the December 10 Federal Reserve decision on interest rates.

    Crypto exchange-traded funds, which have become vital in gauging institutional appetite in these risk assets, confirm the current uncertainty.

    Bitcoin ETFs suffer outflows despite IBIT’s gains

    Interest around BTC ETFs remained negative yesterday, with the products recording net outflows amounting to $60.48 million (SoSoValue data).

    The significant withdrawals came as investors reacted to the weekend’s sluggish performance across the crypto landscape.

    Bitcoin failed to break $92,000 again, currently trading at $90,150.

    However, Monday was not gloomy for all BTC ETF issuers.

    BlackRock proved its resilience and dominance as its IBIT attracted $28.76 million in inflows.

    While funds like Graycale’s GBT (-44.03M) and Fidelity’s FBTC (-39.44M) saw substantial withdrawals on December 8, IBIT’s steadiness indicates that profit taking, not a shift in interest, likely triggered the mixed flows into Bitcoin.

    Ethereum ETFs flip positive

    While Bitcoin bled on December 8, Ethereum exchange-traded funds turned positive with $35.5 million inflows.

    Notably, the funds recorded substantial exits in the previous two sessions, on December 4 (-41.5M) and December 5 (-75.2M).

    Indeed, Ethereum has been on the investor radar lately following its Fusaka upgrade, which targets enhanced speed, scalability, and lower costs for Ether-based Layer 2 platforms.

    Moreover, the inflows indicate that investors are viewing Ethereum as a legitimate token for portfolio diversification beyond Bitcoin.

    Indeed, the second-largest crypto by value is experiencing renewed interest from institutional participants.

    For example, BlackRock is seeking the SEC’s authorization for a new staked Ether trust ETF – the ETHB.

    The proposed product differs from BlackRock’s popular ETHA trust in that the staking Ether trust will track Ethereum’s performance and include incentives gained from the trust’s staked Ether.

    ETH is trading at $3,124 after gaining more than 10% the past seven days.

    Solana ETFs see steady demand

    Solana spot products closed the previous day with $1.2 million inflows.

    While the figure remains modest, it reflects consistent demand for SOL ETFs.

    Monday’s inflows have extended their winning streak to three days, demonstrating appetite for these products despite broader turmoil.

    Solana exchange-traded funds have attracted roughly $639 million since their late October debut.

    Meanwhile, SOL price is hovering at $133, down 2% the past 24 hours.

    XRP ETFs steal the show

    Ripple’s crypto asset stood out on December 8, with a net inflow of $38.04 million, eclipsing peers for the day.

    Grayscale led as its GXRP drew over $810K in fresh capital on Monday.

    Also, Canary, Bitwise, and Franklin’s XRP exchange-traded funds recorded notable daily gains.

    Regulatory clarity and XRP’s unique utility in cross-border transactions have elevated the altcoin’s appeal among institutional investors.

    Nevertheless, the December 8 ETF performance sends a clear message.

    Investors are now diversifying into other cryptos beyond Bitcoin.

    Altcoin ETFs are gaining traction for their added advantages, as the crypto industry gains increased acceptance in mainstream finance.

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  • Argentina moves to reshape crypto rules as banks prepare for Bitcoin services

    Argentina moves to reshape crypto rules as banks prepare for Bitcoin services

    Argentina moves to reshape crypto rules as banks prepare for Bitcoin services

    • A new framework would allow trading, custody, and approved coins.
    • Banks must follow strict KYC, AML, and CNV regulations.
    • High inflation has pushed people toward Bitcoin and stablecoins.

    Argentina is preparing for a major shift in how its financial system treats digital assets, with regulators working on a plan that could allow banks to offer Bitcoin and other crypto services for the first time in three years.

    The move marks a notable shift for a country where crypto has become a day-to-day tool for people trying to manage inflation, and it signals a wider effort to bring informal crypto activity into regulated channels.

    The change remains under review, but internal planning shows that Argentina wants its banking system to play a formal role in crypto access, custody, and compliance.

    Banks and crypto rules evolve

    Argentina’s central bank, the Banco Central de la República Argentina, has restricted banks from handling crypto since May 2022.

    The regulation was designed to contain financial risks and prevent money-laundering activity during a period of economic instability.

    The policy now sits at the centre of a broader reassessment of how digital assets fit into a financial system that is struggling with persistent inflation and rising demand for stable alternatives.

    Since December 2023, the arrival of President Javier Milei has reshaped the conversation.

    His administration has promoted financial freedom, arguing that people should be able to choose different forms of money, including Bitcoin.

    This shift has influenced how regulators approach the current ban and has accelerated work on a new framework.

    New framework plans grow

    Reports indicate that the central bank is developing a system that would permit banks to integrate crypto into their services.

    The plan includes trading access, custody options, and a list of approved coins, limited to assets such as BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, and XRP.

    Banks would need to comply with strict rules under the CNV, follow enhanced KYC and AML procedures, and operate crypto activities through legally separate units with additional capital, security, and liquidity requirements.

    The approach represents a transition from prohibition to controlled participation.

    Argentina would be one of the first inflation-hit economies to regulate crypto within mainstream banking rather than leaving it to informal platforms.

    The change also aims to reduce regulatory gaps and improve transparency across transactions that citizens already rely on to protect their savings.

    Inflation pressures fuel demand

    Crypto adoption has grown rapidly in Argentina over the past three years as households look for ways to preserve value.

    With inflation reaching 1,427% in 2023 and still rising more than 2% each month, people have turned to Bitcoin and dollar-linked stablecoins to manage daily expenses, store money, and avoid exposure to the peso’s depreciation.

    Regulators now want this activity to operate under formal safeguards.

    Allowing banks to support crypto services would offer a safer environment, limit the use of unregulated exchanges, and help authorities strengthen financial monitoring.

    It would also create a more structured relationship between digital assets and traditional banks during a period of economic stress.

    Timeline points to 2026

    Although approval is not final, experts suggest that the updated rules could be ready around April 2026. Work on the technical structure is already underway.

    If the proposal moves forward, Argentina could become a key example of how a country facing extreme inflation integrates crypto into conventional financial channels.

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  • Vanguard reverses course, opens door to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana ETFs

    Vanguard reverses course, opens door to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana ETFs

    Vanguard opens door to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana ETFs

    • Vanguard now allows clients to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana ETFs.
    • XRP ETFs have seen $756M inflows in 11 days, with no outflows recorded.
    • Goldman and other firms are boosting crypto exposure alongside Vanguard.

    In a dramatic shift that signals growing acceptance of digital assets by mainstream finance, Vanguard has opened its brokerage platform to regulated crypto ETFs.

    Starting this week, US investors can access exchange-traded funds tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, marking a major reversal from the firm’s long-held resistance to cryptocurrency.

    Notably, the move comes amid surging client demand and increasing institutional interest in digital assets, reshaping Vanguard’s traditional investment philosophy.

    Vanguard finally embraces crypto

    For years, Vanguard maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrencies, with former CEO Tim Buckley publicly dismissing BTC and other digital assets as too speculative and unsuitable for long-term portfolios.

    The firm consistently refused to offer crypto ETFs, emphasising stability and low-risk investments for retirement-focused clients.

    However, leadership changes paved the way for a rethink.

    Salim Ramji, formerly the global head of ETFs at BlackRock, assumed the CEO role and gradually steered Vanguard toward regulated crypto offerings.

    While the firm still will not create its own crypto ETFs or mutual funds, it now supports third-party products that meet regulatory standards, providing clients with access to digital assets while maintaining compliance.

    The platform expansion enables more than 50 million US brokerage clients to trade crypto ETFs alongside other non-core assets like gold.

    This could significantly increase market participation, with some predicting near-term price boosts in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

    Vanguard’s inclusion of XRP ETFs

    Among the new offerings, XRP-based ETFs have generated particular excitement.

    In just 11 trading days, spot XRP ETFs have recorded net inflows exceeding $756 million, with total assets under management reaching $723 million.

    Remarkably, there have been no outflows, and major inflow events include $243 million during Canary Capital’s launch, $164 million tied to Grayscale and Franklin Templeton ETFs, and $89.65 million in the most recent session.

    This rapid accumulation is reducing the liquid XRP supply on exchanges, potentially creating a supply shock that could influence pricing.

    Mainstream finance accelerates crypto adoption

    Vanguard’s pivot reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions embracing crypto.

    Goldman Sachs, for example, is deepening its exposure through a $2 billion acquisition of Innovator Capital Management, which issues defined-outcome ETFs, including Bitcoin-linked structured funds.

    The bank has rapidly increased its holdings in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, totalling billions in assets, while also developing infrastructure for tokenised financial products.

    Industry observers view these moves as part of a gradual yet significant integration of digital assets into mainstream portfolios, indicating that regulated, institutionally backed crypto investment is shifting from a niche to a standard.

    The implications of Vanguard’s decision extend beyond immediate market activity.

    By allowing access to regulated crypto ETFs, the firm is providing a channel for both retail and institutional investors to participate in digital asset markets within a familiar, compliant framework.

    This could draw additional inflows, potentially reshaping liquidity dynamics and market sentiment across Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana.

    For Vanguard, the shift represents not only a strategic response to client demand but also an acknowledgement that digital assets have become a permanent fixture in the global financial landscape.

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  • Crypto market mixed as Bitcoin tests $93K, Ethereum and XRP hit major resistance

    Crypto market mixed as Bitcoin tests $93K, Ethereum and XRP hit major resistance

    Bitcoin Price Bearish

    • Bitcoin price rose to near $93,000 on Friday before sell-off pressure resumed.
    • Ethereum and XRP also climbed but faced key hurdles around $3,000 and $2.25.
    • Sentiment remains downbeat across the crypto market despite notable gains for a few top altcoins.

    The cryptocurrency market continued to witness a mixed outing on Friday, with Bitcoin retesting the $92,500 mark while Ethereum and XRP both broke to key resistance areas.

    While gains indicated renewed investor optimism amid broader economic uncertainties, the swift retreat to below $91k for BTC highlights the fragile market sentiment.

    Also, while Sky, Monero and Bitcoin Cash gained, Zcash, Dash and Aptos led the top losers in the leading 100 coins by market cap.

    Bitcoin breaks to highs near $93k

    Bitcoin’s price marked a decisive breach of the $92,500 resistance level by rising to near $93,000.

    On Friday, the benchmark asset hit highs of $92,969 across major exchanges. However, the level has proved a robust barrier that means the quest to break higher towards the psychological $100 mark continues to evade bulls.

    QCP Group analysts shared the short-term Bitcoin price outlook via an X post. They see mid-$90k levels as key supply wall zones, while major support remains in the $82k-$80k area.

    “Options markets show caution even as year-end BTC call open interest stays heavy. Skew, IV and sentiment have softened, reinforcing a rangebound profile. Supply likely caps moves toward mid-90Ks, while support sits near 80–82K, leaving macro catalysts firmly in control of direction.”

    Despite the dip to below $91k as of writing, BTC’s gains earlier in the day allowed layer-1 and layer-2 solutions on the Bitcoin network to post gains.

    As noted, BounceBit and Stacks were among the Bitcoin ecosystem tokens to see an uptick.

    But as prices have dipped again, rather than bounce higher, this latest move could be a dead cat bounce.

    ETH and XRP face resistance

    Like Bitcoin, Ethereum has struggled to sustain momentum. Recently, the top altcoin fell to lows of $2,600 after closing above $4,000 in late October. The breach of the $3,000 level threatened more pain for bulls.

    However, after testing the demand reload zone, the ETH price has jumped back to the resistance area above $3,000.

    That’s despite a 25% dip over the past month.

    While prices are nearly 9% up in the past week, ETH’s inability to break higher reflects broader altcoin fatigue. Bitcoin’s drop to $90,504 at the time of writing suggests a potential downward cascade for ETH.

    XRP has fared similarly, trading at $2.18 amid a 1.4% dip in the past 24 hours.

    The token faces formidable overhead resistance at $2.25 and at $2.50. Per market data, the latter marks a level at which bulls have struggled since the crash on Oct. 10,2025.

    The launch of spot XRP ETFs in recent days has failed to help bulls break higher.

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