‍Charles Hoskinson Warns Trump's Crypto Ventures Risk Industry Progress Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, has voiced concerns over Donald Trump's involvement in personal cryptocurrency ventures. He argues that a Trump-themed meme coin and the World Liberty Financial project have politicized digital assets, transforming them from a bipartisan policy issue into a partisan liability. This shift could impact the industry's long-term prospects ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Hoskinson stated that the launch of a "Trump coin" changed the political discourse, providing critics with ammunition to frame crypto as a partisan issue. He also opposes the administration's proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, particularly its expansion to include altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Cardano, arguing the state should not "pick winners and losers." Hoskinson believes a robust regulatory framework should precede such high-profile political crypto ventures.
‍Federal Reserve Study: Dollar Dominance is Cyclical, Stablecoins Bolster Demand A recent Federal Reserve paper reveals that the U.S. dollar's global dominance in bond markets has historically moved in cycles, not linear decline. Despite challenges, the dollar remains resilient, partly due to the growing stablecoin market. Issuers like Tether and Circle, holding billions in U.S. Treasury debt, are reinforcing the dollar's role in the digital economy. The study identified three "dollarization waves" since the 1960s, with the dollar reclaiming share post-2008. Emerging markets rely heavily on USD, and China's Renminbi has seen only modest gains. The burgeoning stablecoin market, now ~ $310 billion (85% USD-pegged), positions issuers as major holders of U.S. Treasurys. This trend prompts regulatory attention, with Europe planning a euro-pegged stablecoin by mid-2026.
‍Cypherpunk Values Face Erosion Amidst Surveillance Concerns The digital age has brought the core principles of the cypherpunk movement back into focus due to unprecedented global surveillance. While early blockchain advocates envisioned financial autonomy, modern data farming and centralized oversight are diminishing these ideals. The conflict between regulatory transparency and the right to privacy remains a key issue in the cryptocurrency ecosystem as of December 2025. Privacy was once a baseline, not an option. Historical cases show public rejection of mandatory identity tracking. However, the shift to digital has automated surveillance. Data farming, cross-referencing, and erosion of agency are key concerns. Despite regulatory pressure, figures like Vitalik Buterin advocate for privacy tools as essential for a free society. This aligns with the "cypherpunk manifesto," which defines privacy as the power to selectively reveal oneself. The fight for self-sovereignty extends to the "right to be forgotten" and "right to repair," pushing back against centralized control. The desire for privacy is not about illicit intent, but a basic need for boundaries. Emerging initiatives aim to preserve decentralization, focusing on tools that protect civil liberties. While some argue cypherpunk values are fading, the development of privacy-centric protocols suggests a resilient phase for digital autonomy.
‍ICE Considers Investment in MoonPay at $5 Billion Valuation Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), parent company of the NYSE, is reportedly in talks to invest in cryptocurrency payments provider MoonPay. MoonPay is seeking capital at a $5 billion valuation. This potential investment highlights the growing integration of traditional finance with the digital asset sector. ICE's strategic moves also include past investments in prediction platforms and explorations into stablecoin integration and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, signaling a move towards infrastructure for future financial services.
‍Ethereum Faces Pressure Near $3,000 Amidst $553M ETF Outflows Ethereum (ETH) is experiencing volatility, struggling to maintain the $3,000 mark despite lower inflation data. A significant 13% weekly decline led to $165 million in liquidations of bullish futures positions. Institutional sentiment has shifted, with US-listed Ethereum ETFs seeing $533 million in net outflows over five days. Open interest in ETH futures has fallen, and the futures premium has decreased. Ethereum's price also shows sensitivity to broader equity market declines, with the Nasdaq index dropping. On-chain activity on the Ethereum network also indicates weakness, with DApp fees declining and a slight decrease in ETH locked in staking. This suggests reduced demand and cautious positioning from both institutions and network participants.
‍Aptos Proposes Post-Quantum Signatures to Secure Blockchain Future The Layer-1 network Aptos is moving to integrate post-quantum signatures via AIP-137. This proactive measure aims to protect against the growing capabilities of quantum computing, which could theoretically bypass current cryptographic security. The proposal introduces the FIPS 205 standardized SLH-DSA scheme, an opt-in upgrade for users. This makes Aptos one of the first blockchains to offer native post-quantum accounts, safeguarding against future quantum-induced vulnerabilities without disrupting existing users. Other networks like Solana and Bitcoin are also exploring similar quantum-resistant solutions.
‍FBI Dismantles E-Note Crypto Exchange Linked to $70M Ransomware Laundering The FBI, in collaboration with international partners, has shut down E-Note, a virtual currency service allegedly used to launder over $70 million in illicit funds for transnational cybercriminal organizations since 2017. Authorities unsealed an indictment against the platform's alleged operator, Russian national Mykhalio Petrovich Chudnovets. The operation seized domains, servers, and mobile applications. E-Note operated with a low public profile to evade AML monitoring. This action is part of a broader global effort to curb crypto-related crime, with billions in digital assets stolen annually.
‍Redbelly and AMAL Modernize Asset Markets via Onchain Tokenization Redbelly Network and AMAL Trustees are advancing institutional finance through onchain tokenization, replacing manual processes with real-time digital infrastructure. Key initiatives include Project Acacia, a pilot with the Reserve Bank of Australia exploring tokenized asset-backed securities, and the use of zkIdentity for compliant participation. Redbelly Network's infrastructure supports deterministic consensus, achieving over 97,000 transactions per second. This marks a strategic shift for managing complex asset lifecycles and collateral mobility.
‍Trump Media & Technology Group to Merge with Fusion Power Leader TAE Technologies in $6 Billion Deal Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) has announced a definitive agreement to merge with TAE Technologies, a developer of fusion power. The $6 billion all-stock transaction, which aims to combine digital media infrastructure with advanced energy solutions for AI and blockchain, caused DJT shares to surge 35% in early trading. The merger is expected to be completed by mid-2026. DJT Chairman and CEO Devin Nunes stated the combination is designed to position the firm as a leader in the global AI revolution and an American energy renaissance. The company also recently facilitated a $2.5 billion Bitcoin acquisition and is advising on a $6 billion digital asset treasury firm.
‍Brickken Achieves $300M in Tokenized Assets Amidst Institutional Adoption Brickken, a platform focused on institutional tokenization, has surpassed $300 million in tokenized assets under management across 16 countries. CEO Edwin Mata highlighted the evolution of blockchain infrastructure, moving from early regulatory pilots to a robust solution for institutional capital. The company, serving over 100 institutional clients, emphasizes the increasing convergence of traditional finance and public-chain ecosystems. Market demand is notably strong in commodity issuance, particularly gold-backed assets, and extends to real estate, private credit, and investment funds, driven by the need for transparency and efficiency.