The post 21Shares Launches Bitcoin and Gold ‘BOLD’ ETP on London Stock Exchange appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Asset manager 21Shares has launched its Bitcoin and Gold exchange-traded product (ETP), known as BOLD, on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with trading beginning on January 13. The product offers U.K. investors physically backed exposure to both bitcoin and gold within a single exchange-traded vehicle, marking the first time these two assets have been combined in one regulated product listed in the U.K.

The debut follows the lifting of the U.K.’s long-standing restrictions on crypto exchange-traded products in October, opening the door for wider access to regulated digital asset investments.

How the BOLD ETP Is Structured

The BOLD ETP provides physically backed exposure to both bitcoin and gold, with the underlying assets held by institutional-grade custodians. Rather than allocating capital equally, the product uses a monthly risk-based rebalancing model. Asset weightings are determined by inverse historical volatility, meaning the portfolio leans toward whichever asset shows greater stability at the time of rebalancing.

This structure is designed to reduce overall volatility while preserving upside potential, offering investors a more balanced approach than holding bitcoin on its own.

Proven Performance Since 2022

BOLD is not a new product globally. It first launched on Switzerland’s SIX Exchange in April 2022 and has since built a solid performance history. Through the end of 2025, the ETP delivered a 122.5% return in sterling terms, outperforming both bitcoin and gold when held individually over the same period.

As of January 12, the product manages approximately $40.1 million in assets and charges an annual management fee of 0.65%, positioning it competitively among diversified exchange-traded products.

Regulatory Shift Opens Doors for Retail Investors

The London debut follows the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s decision in October 2025 to lift a four-year ban on crypto exchange-traded notes for retail investors. The regulatory shift quickly translated into rising market activity. In December 2025 alone, crypto ETNs on the London Stock Exchange recorded around $280 million in trading volume, making the U.K. Europe’s third-largest crypto ETP market by volume.

This change has significantly expanded access for retail investors who previously had limited or indirect exposure to digital assets.

Growing Competition in the Crypto ETP Space

BOLD’s listing also reflects intensifying competition among asset managers in the U.K. crypto ETP market. Firms including BlackRock, Bitwise, and WisdomTree have introduced or expanded crypto-linked products following the regulatory green light.

For U.K. investors, BOLD offers a regulated, risk-adjusted alternative to direct cryptocurrency ownership. The product can be accessed through standard brokerage accounts and tax-advantaged structures such as ISAs and SIPPs, making it an appealing option for those seeking diversified exposure to bitcoin within a traditional investment framework.

The post Indian Crypto Exchanges Now Require Live KYC and PAN Verification Under AML Law appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

India is stepping up its regulatory grip on cryptocurrencies as authorities intensify efforts to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the country’s anti–money laundering watchdog, has rolled out a new set of rules that significantly raise compliance standards for crypto exchanges operating in the country. The updated framework signals a shift toward deeper surveillance and stricter accountability across India’s digital asset ecosystem.

Under the updated rules issued on January 8, crypto platforms are now officially classified as Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) service providers. This places them squarely within India’s anti–money laundering framework and subjects them to the same expectations as traditional financial institutions. Regulators cited the fast-moving and semi-anonymous nature of crypto transactions as a key risk factor for money laundering, terror financing, and proliferation-related crimes.

Live Identity Verification Becomes the New Standard

One of the most notable changes is the requirement for live identity verification during user onboarding. Exchanges can no longer rely solely on document uploads. Instead, they must verify users through real-time checks, including selfie-based authentication, to ensure identities are genuine and active.

Beyond identity documents, platforms are required to collect and store a wide range of technical data points, including IP addresses with timestamps, geolocation details, device identifiers, wallet addresses, and transaction hashes. These data points are intended to strengthen monitoring, risk profiling, and investigative capabilities.

Also Read : Indian Crypto Traders Get Tax Notices as Government Tightens Oversight

Stricter Controls on PAN and Bank Verification

The new framework makes Permanent Account Number (PAN) verification mandatory before users can access any crypto-related services. Bank account verification has also been reinforced, with exchanges required to use a “penny-drop” method to confirm account ownership and functionality.

In addition, users must submit a secondary government-issued ID, such as a passport, Aadhaar card, or voter ID, while phone numbers and email addresses must be verified through one-time passwords.

Industry Reaction and Reduced Regulatory Ambiguity

Major players in India’s crypto sector have largely welcomed the updated rules. Industry leaders note that many large exchanges had already implemented similar safeguards. The FIU’s move is seen as reducing uncertainty and minimizing the risk of inconsistent enforcement across platforms, which has been a long-standing concern for operators.

Crackdown on ICOs and High-Risk Activity

The FIU also signaled a tougher stance on fundraising through crypto. The framework strongly discourages Initial Coin Offerings and Initial Token Offerings, citing weak disclosure standards and elevated financial crime risks.

Enhanced due diligence is now mandatory for high-risk users, including politically exposed persons, nonprofits, and clients connected to jurisdictions flagged by the Financial Action Task Force. Exchanges must also identify and block transactions involving mixers or other anonymity-enhancing tools.

The post Cardano Founder Warns 2026 Is “Make-or-Break” for Crypto After $2.5B Loss appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said he lost around $2.5 billion in paper value over the past four years. The losses came from regulatory chaos and political interference that wiped out retail investors across the market.

In a recent interview with Scott Melker from The Wolf of All Streets, Hoskinson broke down what went wrong between 2022 and 2025. The FTX and Luna collapses destroyed trust. Aggressive and unclear U.S. regulation created fear. Bitcoin benefited while altcoins stagnated.

“Retail got battered and burned and broken,” Hoskinson said.

Hoskinson Criticizes Political Interference in Crypto

The Cardano founder pointed to government-led memecoins and “photo-op policymaking” as factors that hurt the industry’s credibility. He said bipartisan support for crypto collapsed once it became tied to partisan politics.

“By definition, cryptocurrency should be politically neutral, geographically neutral, ethnically neutral,” he added.

Bitcoin Advanced – The Rest of Crypto Didn’t

Hoskinson noted a clear split in the market. Bitcoin moved forward with institutional adoption, while most altcoins were left behind.

As Bitcoin gained clarity through ETFs and traditional finance access, other networks faced uncertainty and enforcement pressure. The result was a market where Bitcoin matured, but broader crypto growth stalled.

Why 2026 Is a Reset, Not a Bull Market

Hoskinson rejected the idea that 2026 is a traditional bull cycle. He called it a reset.

Previous cycles were driven by speculation. This time, he argued, real utility and next-generation infrastructure are required. Regulatory clarity alone will not bring retail investors back.

He outlined two possible paths: one where Wall Street gains control through institutional dominance and surveillance, and another where privacy-focused infrastructure brings retail back into the market.

“This is the make-or-break year for the soul of crypto,” Hoskinson said.

Despite his losses, Hoskinson said he remains optimistic. He compared crypto’s future to Amazon’s transformation, where the company eventually represented something entirely different built on real utility.

The post XRP Price Holds $2 Mark Despite Mixed ETF Flows: What Comes Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP price has managed to stay firm above the $2 support level, even while ETF-related flows painted a mixed picture.

After pushing higher above the $2 hurdle, XRP price showcased minor profit booking in the past three sessions. However, the volatility has compressed, but notably without sharp rejection wicks or panic-driven candles, a clear price action was observed.

XRP Price Consolidates Above a Critical Level

From a technical standpoint, XRP price structure remains constructive. After a sharp recovery, XRP price has transitioned into a sideways range rather than a deep pullback. 

As of press time, XRP price trades at $2.05 with a 24-hour volume of $2.79 Billion. The $1.80-$2.00 zone has repeatedly acted as a demand zone, attracting buyers on dip and allowing higher lows to form.

Following a reversal from the $1.80 support zone and a falling channel breakout above the $2 zone, XRP price was currently retesting the breakout region and could see a further rebound ahead.

On the upside, resistance remains clustered around $2.30-$2.70 zone. However, XRP price declines slowly toward the breakout region, which suggests that bears are struggling to regain control and an aggressive bounce could be seen following a retest of $2 ahead.

A clean breakout above $2.30 could open the doors toward $2.70, while a drop below $2 would weaken the bullish setup and may push XRP toward $1.70-$1.90 ahead.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) line reverted toward the neutral 50 level from the overbought zone, indicating bullish momentum is intact. Moreover, the MACD indicator is hovering close to the zero line, reflecting balance between buyers and sellers. This flat structure often precedes momentum expansion once price breaks from sideways momentum.

Additionally, XRP price regains support above the 20-day and 50-day EMA and aims to surpass the immediate hurdle of $2.30 stays close to the 200-day EMA zone.

On-Chain Outlook: Accumulation Builds as Network Activity Expands

XRP’s on-chain data continues to favor the bullish as top wallet balance remains steady, signaling confidence rather than urgency to exit.

XRP balance on centralized platforms have increased significantly, reducing the likelihood of near-term decline. Typically, a decline in exchange-reserves suggests a bullish signal. 

It means that investors may be planning to hold long-term rather than sell, which suggests confidence in future price rally. If demand boosts up alongside the decline in exchange reserves, price rally could be seen next.

Moreover, the total transactions count on the XRP network has started to trend higher again after a cooldown. Rising transaction activity during price consolidation reflects growing network usage and improved participation, rather than speculative churn.

Meanwhile, flows across XRP-linked products have been mixed, overall trading volume have expanded pointing to positioning and liquidity buildup rather than one sided speculation. 

Conclusion

XRP’s ability to stay firm above the $2 level keeps the broader structure intact. Until XRP price either clears the $2.30 resistance or loses $2 support, patience remains the edge. The next move is likely to be decisive.

The post SUI and SEI Price Compress in Tight Ranges—Which Layer-1 Token Is Set to Break Out First? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Since the start of 2025, the prices of both SUI and SEI have shifted into consolidation after the strong directional waves. SUI surged by over 40%, while SEI rose by close to 25%, but both tokens faced a 9% to 12% pullback and entered a consolidation phase. In the past few sessions, the ranges have tightened further, volume has declined, and momentum indicators have stabalised, a combination that often precedes a decisive breakout. 

The focus has now turned to structure and momentum to assess which layer-1 is positioned to break first. Moreover, it could deliver a strong upside following an escape from the persisting price compression. 

SUI Price Analysis: Can Bulls Trigger a 100% Upswing?

Since the beginning, the SUI price has remained elevated, holding along the rising trend line that has been a strong support level. However, the price has encountered an important trend reversal level that could flip the course of the SUI price rally if secured with strong volume. However, the crypto is facing some resistance at $1.87, and hence a breakout from this range could be very important for the bullish continuation. 

SUI’s weekly chart shows the price holding within a rising parallel channel, indicating a broader bullish structure remains intact. The recent pullback respected the lower trendline near $1.70–$1.75, suggesting buyers continue to defend higher lows. Momentum indicators are stabilizing, while OBV shows early signs of accumulation. A decisive weekly close above $1.90 could validate a breakout and open upside targets near $2.50, followed by $3.20. Failure to hold the channel support would delay the bullish thesis but not invalidate it immediately.

SEI Price Analysis: Can SEI Reach $0.2?

SEI price, in contrast, has remained stuck within a descending parallel channel since 2024 and has bounced from the support. The trend appears to be very similar to the 2025 start, which displayed a rebound and further dropped, forming an inverse curve. Currently, the selling volume is fading with a notable rise in liquidity. Hence, it would be interesting to watch how the upcoming price action could unfold. 

The SEI price continues to trade inside a descending channel, reflecting sustained bearish pressure on the higher timeframe. Price remains capped below the mid-range resistance near $0.19–$0.20, while CMF stays negative, signaling capital outflows. MACD also lacks bullish crossover confirmation, highlighting weaker momentum compared to SUI. For SEI to shift bullish, a strong reclaim of $0.20 is required. Until then, downside risk persists toward $0.12–$0.10, keeping SEI structurally behind in the breakout race.

Which Token Could Break Out First?

From a trader’s perspective, Sui currently has the structural edge. Price is compressing inside a rising channel, higher lows remain intact, and downside risk is clearly defined near channel support. This favors a breakout-first scenario, especially if volume expands on a move above $1.90.

Sei, meanwhile, remains in a corrective structure. Any upside attempt without a reclaim of $0.20 risks being sold into. For traders, SUI offers the cleaner breakout setup, while SEI looks more suitable for reactive trades only after confirmation.

The post 17 Years of Bitcoin’s First Peer-to-Peer Transfer appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

On January 12, 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto sent 10 BTC to Hal Finney, marking the first peer-to-peer Bitcoin transaction in history. Finney, an early supporter, had downloaded Bitcoin v0.1 shortly after its release and helped test the network. Recorded in block 170, this transaction proved that digital money could operate without banks or intermediaries. Before this, Bitcoin was only mined for rewards. This historic transfer showed that value could move directly between people, laying the foundation for today’s global Bitcoin network.

The post Dubai Bans Privacy Tokens and Tightens Stablecoin Rules appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) will ban privacy tokens, including Zcash and Monero, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from January 12, 2026, citing money laundering and sanctions evasion risks linked to anonymized transactions. Regulated firms will be prohibited from trading, holding, promoting, or using mixers and tumblers. Stablecoins will now be restricted to fiat-pegged assets backed by high-quality, liquid reserves able to meet redemption requirements under stress. Firms must self-assess token suitability using updated criteria, replacing previous approved lists to enhance compliance and investor protection.

The post Dubai Tightens Crypto Regulation as DFSA Bans Privacy Tokens in DIFC appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Dubai has introduced major changes to its crypto regulations, signaling a tougher stance on compliance within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has banned privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, refined stablecoin rules, and shifted greater responsibility to crypto firms operating in the financial free zone.

The update aims to bring Dubai’s crypto market closer to global anti-money laundering and sanctions standards.

DFSA Bans Privacy Coins Over AML Concerns

One of the most significant changes is the complete ban on privacy tokens across the DIFC. The DFSA stated that cryptocurrencies designed to hide transaction details or wallet identities are not compatible with international compliance rules.

The ban applies to:

• Trading of privacy coins
• Promotion and marketing
• Investment funds
• Derivatives linked to privacy-focused tokens

In addition, DFSA-regulated firms are prohibited from offering or using privacy tools such as mixers, tumblers, or transaction obfuscation services.

According to the regulator, privacy coins make it extremely difficult to meet Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements, which require clear identification of both senders and receivers in crypto transactions.

Despite the growing global interest in privacy-focused assets, Dubai has chosen to prioritize regulatory clarity and transparency.

Stablecoin Rules in DIFC Become More Defined

The DFSA has also tightened the definition of stablecoins under DIFC regulations.

Only crypto tokens that:

• Are pegged to fiat currencies
• Those backed by high-quality, liquid reserve assets

will be recognized as “fiat crypto tokens.” The DFSA emphasized that reserves must be strong enough to handle redemptions even during market stress.

Algorithmic stablecoins do not meet this definition. While they are not banned, they will be treated as regular crypto tokens and face stricter risk assessments and compliance checks.

This approach reflects global regulatory trends that focus on reserve quality, transparency, and investor protection.

Crypto Firms Now Responsible for Asset Approval

Another major shift is how crypto assets are approved in the DIFC.

The DFSA will no longer maintain a regulator-approved list of digital assets. Instead, licensed crypto firms must decide which tokens they offer, based on their own risk assessments.

Firms are required to:

• Document their evaluation process
• Review assets regularly
• Ensure products are suitable for their clients

The DFSA said this change reflects a more mature crypto market, where firms are expected to take responsibility rather than rely on regulators to approve assets.

Dubai Aligns Crypto Rules With Global Standards

Dubai’s updated crypto framework brings it closer to regions like the European Union, where privacy coins have largely been pushed out of regulated markets. At the same time, it differs from jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, which still allow privacy tokens under strict conditions.

Overall, the new rules show that Dubai’s financial center is prioritizing transparency, traceability, and accountability. Crypto firms that fail to meet global compliance standards will struggle to operate in the DIFC, while compliant firms will have more freedom—but also more responsibility.

The post No Fed Cuts in 2026? JPMorgan’s New Forecast Puts Bitcoin Back Under Pressure appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

JPMorgan Chase no longer expects any Fed rate cuts in 2026. Instead, the bank now predicts the Federal Reserve will raise rates by 25 basis points in the third quarter of 2027.

This marks a major shift. JPMorgan previously called for a 25 bps cut in January 2026. That forecast is now gone.

The change came after Friday’s U.S. jobs data. Employment growth slowed more than expected, but unemployment dropped to 4.4% and wage growth stayed solid. In short, the labor market isn’t weakening fast enough to force the Fed’s hand.

“If the labor market weakens again in the coming months, or if inflation falls materially, the Fed could still ease later this year,” JPMorgan said.

Other Banks Delay Rate Cut Calls

JPMorgan isn’t the only one walking back earlier predictions.

Goldman Sachs pushed its rate cut forecast from March and June to June and September. The bank also cut its 12-month U.S. recession odds to 20% from 30%.

“If the labor market stabilizes as we expect, the FOMC will likely shift from risk management mode to normalization mode,” Goldman said.

Barclays and Morgan Stanley also moved their rate cut expectations to mid-2026. Morgan Stanley had previously predicted cuts in January and April.

The CME FedWatch tool shows traders now see a 95% chance the Fed holds rates at its January meeting. That’s up from 86% before the jobs report dropped.

Did Trump Threaten Powell?

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Sunday that the Trump administration threatened him with a criminal indictment. The clash adds another layer of uncertainty around the Fed’s independence.

Tuesday’s CPI data is now the next big test. Bitcoin is trading at $90,561 after giving up earlier gains, and is down 2.48% over the last week.

The post Standard Chartered to Launch Crypto Prime Brokerage appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures is planning a crypto prime brokerage for institutional clients, offering custody, financing, trading, and clearing for Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital assets while avoiding Basel III 1250 percent capital charges. The move builds on the bank’s July 2025 debut in spot Bitcoin and Ether trading, its Zodia Custody expansion, Coinbase partnerships, and the 140 billion dollar spot ETF surge amid the UK’s 2026 crypto regulations. Talks are at an early stage with no confirmed launch date, reflecting growing Wall Street interest in institutional crypto.