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Cryptovka | News | CryptoMarket & Blockchain
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CryptoMarket and Blockchain News
‍Fundstrat Internal Report Signals 2026 Crypto Drawdown, Contrasting Tom Lee's Optimism An internal report attributed to Fundstrat Global Advisors suggests a "meaningful drawdown" in the first half of 2026, with specific price targets for Bitcoin ($60k-$65k), Ether ($1,800-$2,000), and Solana ($50-$75). This outlook sharply contrasts with managing partner Tom Lee's recent public bullishness on Bitcoin reaching $250,000 and Ether's "supercycle" potential. The authenticity of the internal document remains unverified.
‍Bybit Enhances Compliance and Expands RWA Integration Bybit is prioritizing regulatory compliance and expanding its Real World Asset (RWA) presence to attract institutional investors. Yoyee Wang, Head of Institutional & B2B Business, stated that adherence to legal frameworks is crucial for sustainable growth. The exchange is collaborating with traditional financial entities to integrate legacy systems with digital asset ecosystems, tokenizing traditional instruments and enhancing liquidity for RWAs. This strategic move aims to foster a more resilient financial ecosystem through institutional alignment and cooperation with regulators.
‍Shenyang Police Dismantle $2.2M Crypto-Linked Money Laundering Ring Authorities in Shenyang, China, have dismantled a cross-border illegal currency exchange operation utilizing Bitcoin and Tether. The network facilitated illicit foreign exchange and laundered funds for international drug traffickers. This action resulted from intelligence sharing between Chinese and U.S. law enforcement agencies, underscoring growing Sino-U.S. anti-money laundering cooperation against the misuse of blockchain technology. The operation, managed by suspects Tong Moumou and Chen Moumou, involved wash trading and virtual currency platforms to bypass regulations, moving over 16 million RMB (approx. $2.24M USD). Funds were converted to USDT and BTC, transferred overseas, and exchanged back to USD, with large cash deposits used to circumvent oversight. The suspects were apprehended attempting to flee the country.
‍Adam Back and Nic Carter Debate Bitcoin's Quantum Computing Risk Blockstream CEO Adam Back and Castle Island Ventures partner Nic Carter have publicly disagreed on the threat quantum computing poses to Bitcoin. Back criticized Carter's highlighting of quantum risks as "uninformed noise," suggesting the Bitcoin development community is quietly addressing the issue. Carter countered that many developers are in "total denial" and that governments are already preparing for post-quantum cryptography, indicating a tangible threat. Estimates for when quantum computers could compromise current cryptography vary significantly, with some experts predicting a need for upgrades within a decade, while others believe it is further off or less probable.
‍CryptoQuant CEO Questions Tom Lee's Consistent BTC Optimism Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, has questioned the persistent bullish outlook of analyst Tom Lee. Ju suggests Lee's 10:1 bullish-to-bearish ratio may stem from sell-side research incentives rather than solely neutral data. Reports indicate Lee's public forecasts of new all-time highs by January 2026 may differ from internal fund data suggesting potential corrections. This highlights the debate on institutional analyst objectivity and role influence on market sentiment.
‍Senator Cynthia Lummis to Retire in 2027, Citing Demands of Office Senator Cynthia Lummis, a key advocate for digital assets in the U.S. Congress, has announced she will not seek reelection when her term ends in January 2027. The Wyoming Republican cited the "difficult, exhausting" nature of legislative work as reasons for her departure, stating she is "a sprinter in a marathon." Lummis was instrumental in advancing legislation for digital asset market structure, aiming to clarify regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC. She also co-sponsored the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act. Her retirement raises questions about future leadership in crypto policy.
‍Blockchain Association Opposes Stablecoin Yield Ban Extension The Blockchain Association, representing over 125 crypto groups, has formally opposed proposed regulatory changes that would ban third-party providers from offering rewards to stablecoin holders. In a letter to the US Senate Committee on Banking, the association argued that extending the yield prohibition under the GENIUS framework would stifle innovation and concentrate market power with traditional financial institutions. They contend that crypto-based rewards are comparable to incentives offered by credit card companies and banks, and that these opportunities help consumers combat inflation. The FDIC has also proposed allowing traditional banks to issue stablecoins, suggesting a move towards integrating them into the regulated banking system. The Blockchain Association disputes claims that stablecoin rewards threaten banks, emphasizing regulatory parity for crypto platforms.
‍Bitcoin Price Model Predicts $1.42 Million by 2035 A new analysis from CF Benchmarks, a Kraken subsidiary, suggests Bitcoin could reach $1.42 million by 2035. This projection is based on Bitcoin capturing 33% of the global gold market, yielding an estimated 30.1% annualized return. The report outlines a bull case of $2.95 million and a bear case of $637,000. Catalysts include regulatory clarity, liquidity, and institutional acceptance. Experts like Cathie Wood and Michael Saylor also have optimistic long-term forecasts for BTC.
‍Arthur Hayes: Fed's RMP Program is 'Hidden Money Printing' Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, argues the Federal Reserve's new Reserve Management Purchases (RMP) program is a rebranded form of quantitative easing. Announced December 10, 2024, alongside a 25 basis point rate cut, the RMP involves purchasing ~$40B in short-term Treasuries. While the Fed states RMP aims to maintain ample reserves, Hayes believes it's a way to finance government spending and inject liquidity, potentially benefiting assets like Bitcoin. He warns such policies can devalue currency and hinder economic output. Bitcoin traded around $92,695 on the announcement day, but has since seen a correction. Market sentiment, via Polymarket, suggests a 77% probability of unchanged interest rates in January 2025. The future Fed leadership, with Jerome Powell's term ending May 2026, could also influence monetary policy.
‍South Korean Police Bust Counterfeit Ring Targeting Crypto Traders Authorities in South Korea have dismantled a criminal organization that produced counterfeit 50,000-won notes, totaling approximately 459.4 million won ($330,000), to defraud cryptocurrency investors in over-the-counter (OTC) transactions. The scheme was thwarted by an alert trader, leading to several arrests and an Interpol red notice. This incident mirrors similar cases globally, highlighting the physical security risks associated with peer-to-peer crypto trading. Experts advise caution and the use of reputable escrow services.