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The post Ethereum’s TVL Could Explode in 2026 as Stablecoins and RWAs Expand appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum’s current market sentiment remains mixed. While on-chain adoption and institutional interest continue to grow, ETH’s price has struggled to reflect these improvements. Ether is trading near $2,924, down more than 12% over the past year, suggesting that strengthening fundamentals have yet to translate into short-term price momentum.

Despite this disconnect, analysts and industry leaders believe Ethereum’s fundamentals are steadily improving beneath the surface.

Why Ethereum’s TVL Could Surge in 2026?

Joseph Chalom, co-CEO of Sharplink Gaming, believes Ethereum’s total value locked (TVL) could increase by as much as 10× in 2026. His outlook is driven by the rapid expansion of stablecoins and the growing adoption of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization on-chain.

The stablecoin market is expected to grow from approximately $308 billion to $500 billion by the end of next year. With more than half of stablecoin activity already occurring on Ethereum, this expansion could significantly boost network usage and capital inflows.

Beyond stablecoins, Chalom expects tokenized real-world assets to reach $300 billion in 2026, as major financial institutions move from pilot programs to full-scale on-chain fund offerings. Firms such as BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Franklin Templeton are already expanding their blockchain presence, reinforcing Ethereum’s position as the preferred settlement layer.

Ethereum’s Economic Security Hits New Highs

Supporting the institutional adoption narrative, Ethereum’s network security has quietly grown at scale. According to Milk Road, Ethereum has gone from zero ETH staked in 2020 to more than 32 million ETH staked in 2025, securing over $105 billion in economic value.

Validator participation has also surged, rising from zero to more than one million active validators. While Bitcoin demonstrates security through hashrate, Ethereum showcases strength through economic security—an increasingly important factor for institutional investors.

Wall Street Tokenization Could Fuel ETH’s Upside

Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee believes Wall Street’s push to tokenize equities and financial instruments will directly benefit Ethereum. He argues that Ethereum’s neutral architecture, strong uptime, and deep developer ecosystem make it the natural choice for institutional tokenization.

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Lee has reiterated bullish price targets, suggesting ETH could reach $7,000–$9,000 in early 2026, with the potential to climb toward $20,000 over the longer term if adoption accelerates. He has also suggested Ethereum could eventually challenge Bitcoin’s dominance as real-world use cases expand.

Crypto analyst Christopher Perkins echoed this view, noting that institutions will favor blockchains offering reliability, security, and effective risk management—areas where Ethereum continues to lead.

ETH Price Lags, but the 2026 Outlook Remains Strong

Despite improving fundamentals, ETH’s price remains under pressure, trading near $2,900 and down more than 12% year-over-year. Additionally, analyst Benjamin Cowen warns that broader market conditions, particularly Bitcoin’s cycle, could delay a major Ethereum breakout.

Still, with rising TVL, expanding institutional adoption, and strengthening network security, Ethereum’s setup heading into 2026 appears increasingly robust. The foundation seems to be forming not for speculative hype, but for sustained, utility-driven growth.

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FAQs

What is driving Ethereum’s total value locked (TVL) growth in 2026?

Ethereum’s TVL could surge due to stablecoin expansion and the adoption of tokenized real-world assets by major institutions.

How much ETH is currently staked and why does it matter?

Over 32 million ETH is staked, securing more than $105 billion and demonstrating Ethereum’s strong economic security for investors.

Could Ethereum challenge Bitcoin in the long term?

Yes, as Ethereum expands institutional adoption and tokenization, it could rival Bitcoin in dominance for real-world blockchain use cases.

Why is ETH price lagging despite strong fundamentals?

ETH’s price is under pressure due to broader market cycles and short-term trends, even as network security and adoption improve.

The post Predicting the “Best Crypto to Buy”—Why Digitap ($TAP) Dominates All 2026 Growth Forecasts appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Digitap ($TAP) is an upstart fintech crypto presale project with a live banking product. Users can send, receive, store, save, invest, and spend both crypto and cash together in the same app.

The project is making its way onto many investors’ lists of top altcoins to buy for 2026 because of its growth potential and low entry price. The live app has already onboarded thousands of users, but its total addressable market is measured in the billions.

Using comparisons to public companies, it is clear why Digitap is an undervalued crypto to buy.

Why Digitap’s Omni-Bank Model Serves Users, Not Speculators

Digitap’s live fintech banking app is available now on iOS and Android devices, as well as through a web browser. The platform offers a wide variety of fiat and crypto services, including offshore IBAN foreign exchange accounts, global money transfers, high-yield savings accounts, crypto wallets for more than 100 digital tokens, and more.

Digitap recently partnered with Visa to power its prepaid debit cards. Every Digitap user can obtain a Visa card that is loaded through their account. Users can even load their card with crypto, and the app will swap crypto for cash to complete a transaction.

Key selling points that make Digitap an attractive product for a global audience include global transfers. Money remitters are notorious for overcharging customers at an average cost of 6.2%.

Digitap could move the same money within seconds at a cost of less than 1%. According to estimates, one in nine people worldwide relies on money remittances. This represents real savings in the pockets of people who need it most, strengthening the case for Digitap as a top altcoin to buy.

Digitap’s optional no-KYC feature opens its total addressable market to a global audience. There are more than one billion adults worldwide who are unbanked or underbanked. Many of these adults live in countries where access to identification is impossible. Digitap’s goal of financial inclusivity and fairness is notable and bodes well for the token’s long-term prospects.

How $TAP’s Tiered Presale Turned a Slump Into 200% Gains

Digitap’s crypto presale of its native $TAP token is within striking distance of the $3 million raised milestone. Currently at $2.88 million raised, $TAP was a hot altcoin to buy during the early days of the bear market.

The presale is structured in stages, with the price of $TAP increasing once each round is complete. Investors who bought $TAP at the initial price of $0.0125 are sitting on more than 200% in paper profits, with $TAP now offered at $0.0383. This strong gain was a lifesaver for many investors who needed a hedge against harsh selling in the broader market.

However, Digitap’s token is also built for long-term value creation. Half of the platform’s profits are allocated toward buying back and burning $TAP on the open market. 

Just in time for the Christmas season, Digitap is hosting a festive event to celebrate its recent success. New and existing investors can take advantage of daily presents on the $TAP presale widget through January 2.

Investors could unwrap bonus $TAP top-ups, platform rebates, free upgrades, and more. The deals are time sensitive, so once they expire, they are gone for good.

User Growth Math Backs Digitap’s Case as Best Crypto to Buy

Traditional investors gauge fintech companies’ worth by metrics such as market cap per user. Digitap operates in a category of its own, so the closest comparison would be Coinbase. The crypto exchange giant does offer some overlapping products and services.

Currently, Coinbase boasts 9.3 million monthly transacting users, while its stock trades at a $65 billion valuation. This implies the market values each transacting user at $6,990. Applying a conservative 50% discount for a crypto presale stage project gives an implied valuation of $3,495 per user.

If Digitap grows to 500,000 monthly active users, the implied market cap would be $1.75 billion. This is a meaningful but attainable goal, given the size of its total addressable market. With a fixed maximum supply of 2 billion $TAP tokens, this equates to a target price of roughly $0.87 per $TAP. This price target does not factor in Digitap’s buyback and burn mechanism, so the actual price, in theory, would be higher.

If Digitap reaches 1 million active users, the same math implies a price target of $1.75. This would place Digitap’s fully diluted valuation in the low single-digit billions, which is reasonable for a global crypto banking platform with meaningful adoption.

How Digitap’s User-Based Valuation Model Frames the Upside

Even under conservative assumptions, $TAP could reasonably trade roughly 22 times higher than its current crypto presale price. The user-based model highlights how adoption, not speculation, unlocks value for investors. At 1 million users, the implied $1.75 price reinforces the upside case if Digitap gains mainstream traction.

Assigning value to each transacting user is a logical analysis tool. The value of $TAP is tied to real usage metrics, so each transaction, card swipe, or transfer generates platform revenue that translates into real value for investors.

Digitap’s 2026 price target looks promising, and there is a path for $TAP to reach $1 and even $2 within a couple of years, making it an undervalued altcoin to buy. Digitap’s team plans to use part of its raise to fund a global marketing campaign, so the chances of global adoption are real.

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The post At Least Five Crypto Treasury Firms Face Asset Sales or Closure in 2026, Galaxy Says appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The rapid rise of crypto treasury companies could be facing its real test soon.

In its annual report, Galaxy Digital warned that five or more Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs) could soon be forced to sell assets, merge with larger players, or shut down altogether as market conditions tighten.

The report points to growing pressure on firms that rushed into crypto treasuries without solid long-term strategies.

Digital Asset Treasuries – publicly listed companies that hold assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum on their balance sheets – surged earlier this year as crypto prices climbed and financing became easier. But that momentum is fading fast.

mNAV Slips Below Key Levels

Galaxy highlighted a sharp shift in market-to-net asset value (mNAV), a key metric that compares a company’s market value to the value of its crypto holdings. Many Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana-focused DATs are now trading at mNAVs below 1, meaning investors value these companies at less than their underlying assets.

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“After the rush of companies across disparate business lines converting into DATs to capitalize on market financing conditions, the next phase will separate durable DATs from those without coherent strategies or asset management capabilities,” Galaxy’s Jianing Wu said.

Once mNAV falls below 1, issuing new shares becomes dilutive, limiting a company’s ability to raise capital and expand its crypto holdings.

A Crowded Trade Faces Reality

The DAT boom was fueled by bullish markets and friendlier regulation in the U.S., even as investors gained easier access to crypto through ETFs. Many DATs aimed to outperform spot crypto prices using tools like equity issuance and staking strategies.

But as prices decline, those models are under strain.

“The viability of DATCOs is closely tied to the persistence of an equity premium to NAV,” Macquarie analysts warned. “If this premium erodes or reverses to a discount, the model faces significant challenges”

Only the Strongest May Survive

Galaxy suggests that firms with scale, strong capital structures, and liquidity planning – such as Strategy or Japan-based Metaplanet – may weather the downturn. Others, especially late entrants without clear planning, may not.

For now, DATs hold less than 1% of the total crypto market. Still, Galaxy’s message is clear: the easy phase of the crypto treasury trade is over, and the next chapter will be about discipline, not hype.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

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FAQs

What are Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs)?

DATs are publicly listed firms holding crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum to grow assets and earn returns through trading or staking.

Why are DATs facing pressure now?

DATs struggle as crypto prices drop and market-to-net asset values fall below 1, limiting their ability to raise funds or expand holdings.

How did the DAT boom start and why is it fading?

The boom was fueled by rising crypto prices, easy financing, and bullish sentiment; it’s fading due to market declines and strategy gaps.

What risks do investors face with DATs in the current market?

Investors may face losses if a DAT’s crypto holdings decline or the company struggles to raise funds. A falling market-to-net asset value can reduce confidence and limit liquidity.

The post Are Stablecoins About to Overtake ACH Payments in 2026? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Stablecoins are no longer just a tool for crypto traders. They are on track to challenge one of the most important payment systems in the U.S. financial system.

In its latest annual predictions report, Galaxy Digital said stablecoins could surpass the ACH in transaction volume by 2026, pointing to rapid growth in both usage and adoption.

ACH currently powers everyday payments like payroll, bill payments, and bank transfers. Galaxy believes stablecoins are now close enough in scale to seriously compete.

Stablecoin Transactions Are Already Closing the Gap

Galaxy’s research shows that stablecoin activity has grown quickly over the past few years. Stablecoins already process more transaction volume than major credit card networks like Visa and now handle roughly half of ACH’s volume.

“Stablecoin velocity remains remarkably high compared to its traditional counterparts,” said Thad Pinakiewicz, Vice President of Research at Galaxy Digital. “We have seen a continued 30%-40% CAGR in stablecoin supply growth, with transaction volume increasing in tandem.”

According to DefiLlama data, the stablecoin market is now valued at around $309 billion, led by Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC.

Regulation Could Speed Up Growth

Galaxy highlighted regulation as a key driver behind its 2026 prediction. The GENIUS Act, expected to be finalized in early 2026, would establish clear rules for stablecoin issuance under FDIC supervision.

The framework would require full reserve backing and strong governance standards, giving banks a regulated path to issue dollar-backed stablecoins.

“With the GENIUS Act definitions to be solidified in early 2026, we could easily see stablecoin growth accelerate beyond its historical average CAGR,” Pinakiewicz said.

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Institutions Are Moving In

Stablecoins are already gaining traction in traditional finance. Visa has expanded its stablecoin settlement program for U.S. banks using USDC on Solana, allowing faster, around-the-clock transactions.

Outside the banking sector, companies like Western Union and Sony Bank have announced plans to launch their own stablecoins, signaling broader acceptance beyond crypto-native firms.

Why This Matters

If stablecoins overtake ACH, it could change how money moves across the U.S. economy especially for payments, settlements, and cross-border transfers.

One thing is clear: stablecoins are moving steadily toward the center of the financial system.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

Could stablecoin growth affect consumer protections for everyday payments?

Yes. As stablecoins move closer to mainstream use, consumer protection rules around error resolution, fraud recovery, and disclosures may need to expand beyond current banking frameworks.

What happens if regulation lags behind stablecoin adoption?

A regulatory gap could slow institutional participation or create uneven oversight, increasing risk for users and prompting stricter enforcement actions later rather than gradual integration.

Who stands to benefit most if stablecoins scale further?

Businesses handling high-volume payments, gig workers needing faster payouts, and cross-border users could see lower costs and quicker settlement compared to traditional systems.

The post 10x Research Outlines Key Events That Could Move Crypto in 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

With the crypto market cap near $3.04 trillion, investors are already looking ahead to 2026. Instead of hype, the focus is now on key dates, policy moves, and rule changes that could shape the next market phase.

10x Research, led by Markus Thielen, breaks the year down quarter by quarter, highlighting moments that could drive volatility in Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Quarter 1: Tight Money, Policy Pressure

The year will begin under tight liquidity conditions. Early meetings of the U.S. Federal Reserve, tax deadlines, and the possibility of renewed U.S. government shutdown risks in the first quarter could all add pressure.

Even the CME-fed watch tool shows an 82% chance that there will be no rate cut in January. Which means that if no cut happens, Bitcoin and altcoins could see a pullback or sideways movement.

For crypto, new rules will also come into effect. From January 1, 2026, the European Union’s DAC8 rules will require exchanges to report detailed crypto transactions to tax authorities. This could add short-term pressure but also bring more clarity to the industry.

Quarter 2: Leadership Change, Network Upgrades

The second quarter could bring more uncertainty. Jerome Powell will reach the end of his second term as Federal Reserve Chair on May 15, 2026. Markets may react as investors try to guess who will replace him.

Many expect the next Fed Chair to align more closely with Donald Trump’s preference for lower interest rates. Meanwhile, names like Kevin Hassett, Christopher Waller, and Kevin Warsh are often mentioned as possible candidates.

At the same time, Ethereum is expected to undergo major network upgrades around mid-year. These changes could create both risks and opportunities for traders.

Quarter 3: MiCA Rules Take Effect, Volatility Rises

By the third quarter, new crypto rules move from plans to real action. The European Union will fully apply its MiCA rules by July 1, 2026, giving clear laws for digital assets.

During this period, U.S. budget problems and shutdown risks may return. In the past, similar issues caused a government shutdown that lasted about 40 days, which hurt market confidence.

Because of this, markets may react strongly to policy news, especially around the September Federal Reserve meeting and major derivatives expiry dates.

Quarter 4: Elections Volatility, Mt. Gox Repayments

The fourth quarter may bring the highest risks of all. The 2026 U.S. midterm elections could add political uncertainty, something markets often react to late.

Late in the year, the crypto space faces the final Mt. Gox creditor repayments, now scheduled for 2026. Mt. Gox still holds around 34,689 BTC, worth close to $4 billion, which could affect Bitcoin prices as distributions finish.

Lastly, markets will also be about 15 months away from the next Bitcoin halving, a phase that has often marked major cycle changes rather than immediate price rallies.

BTC & ETH Price Prediction For 2026 

10x Research founder Markus Thielen has even pointed to historical patterns where midterm years have seen sharp corrections in Bitcoin prices.

Still, Chairman of Fundstrat Thomas Lee remains optimistic. He believes Bitcoin could reach $200,000 in 2026, driven by growing institutional demand. 

He also expects Ethereum to climb toward $9,000 by early 2026, supported by staking and real-world use cases like asset tokenization.

The post Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Russia’s biggest bank is taking a careful step toward crypto.

Sberbank, the country’s largest state-owned lender, has confirmed it is exploring loans secured by cryptocurrency. The idea is that borrowers could get ruble loans while using digital assets as collateral, instead of selling them outright.

The comments come as Russia’s stance on crypto begins to loosen.

Sberbank Confirms Early-Stage Plans

Sberbank Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov said the bank is still in the evaluation phase and will not move ahead without regulators.

“We are currently exploring the possibility of lending secured by cryptocurrency. In Russia, crypto market regulation is still in its infancy, and we are ready to collaborate with the regulator in developing relevant solutions and creating the infrastructure for launching such services. I hope we will be able to announce such deals soon,” Popov said.

The focus would be on ruble lending, with crypto used strictly as collateral. There’s no indication that digital assets would be used as payment or settlement tools.

This Isn’t a Sudden Shift

Sberbank has already been building out its digital asset operations. Since the beginning of the year, the bank has organized more than 160 digital financial asset issues, including Russia’s first tokenized products linked to real estate and oil.

That track record helps explain why crypto-backed loans are now on the table. The bank already operates a licensed digital asset platform, making the move an extension of existing infrastructure rather than a new experiment.

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Regulation Is the Key Piece

Any rollout would require approval from the Central Bank of Russia, which continues to view crypto as a high-risk asset. Still, the regulatory environment is changing.

Earlier this week, the central bank released details of a broader crypto framework that would classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as “currency assets.” The plan also expands access beyond the current experimental regime and allows wider participation over time.

Lawmakers are expected to review the proposed changes, with full approval targeted for July 1, 2026.

Why This Matters

Sberbank’s comments signal something important: crypto is slowly finding a place inside Russia’s traditional financial system.

While no launch date has been set, the message is strong for the industry.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

How could banks manage price volatility of crypto used as collateral?

Lenders typically protect themselves through overcollateralization, frequent margin checks, and automated liquidation thresholds. These mechanisms reduce credit risk but can expose borrowers to sudden collateral calls during sharp market swings.

What would approval mean for other Russian banks and fintech firms?

If regulators approve Sberbank’s model, it could set a template for the wider banking sector. Smaller banks and licensed digital asset platforms may follow, accelerating the normalization of crypto-linked financial products in Russia.

The post Bitcoin Price Enters a Post-Expiry Window—Why This Weekend Could Decide BTC’s Next Move appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

After maintaining a choppy trade for a few days, the Bitcoin price rose slightly but failed to sustain above $89,000. Meanwhile, due to the pullback, the volatility seems to have risen as the token is heading into the weekend at a sensitive point. Besides, it has moved past the current options expiry after days of consolidation, which is a structural event that quietly changes the price behaviour. With the liquidity thinning over the weekend, it would be interesting to watch how the BTC price rally could unfold ahead of the year-end trade. 

Bitcoin Compressing Near Key Levels 

Bitcoin’s tight consolidation is largely gamma-driven, not a lack of interest. Nearly $415M of total gamma exposure (about 67%) sits in near-dated expiries, with December 26 alone accounting for roughly $287M. This concentration has kept BTC mechanically pinned, muting follow-through on both breakouts and pullbacks.

As price moves within this window, dealer hedging absorbs momentum, reinforcing range-bound trade. That explains why recent attempts to break key levels have stalled quickly. Once the December 26 expiry passes, this gamma concentration falls sharply, with exposure rolling into much smaller January and March buckets. This unwind does not create selling pressure. Instead, it removes the structural force suppressing volatility.

Post-expiry, Bitcoin shifts from a gamma-pinned environment to a flow-driven one. Range breaks are more likely to extend, but direction will depend on spot demand, volume, and acceptance, not options mechanics.

Bitcoin Price Prediction for Weekend: Can it Reach $90,000?

Bitcoin is entering a decisive phase after a sharp sell-off earlier this month, followed by stabilisation near the $88,000–$90,000 zone. The daily chart shows BTC attempting to base after losing the $100,000 psychological level, with price now moving inside a clearly defined ascending channel. With the December 26 options expiry behind us and weekend liquidity thinning, traders are closely watching whether this consolidation turns into a sustained recovery or another volatility-driven move.

Technically, BTC is trading within an ascending channel, suggesting short-term structural recovery rather than trend reversal. The mid-channel region near $88,500 is acting as a pivot. DMI shows a weakening trend strength, with +DI and -DI converging, pointing to consolidation. Meanwhile, CMF has slipped below zero, indicating cautious capital flows. A daily close above channel resistance could open upside toward $94,000, while a breakdown below channel support risks a drop toward $85,000.

What to Expect From Bitcoin Price Action This Weekend

With Bitcoin trading inside a narrow range and options-related constraints now fading, the weekend is likely to act as a volatility test rather than a trend-defining move. If the BTC price holds above the $88,000–$89,000 support zone and attracts fresh spot volume, the structure favors a gradual push toward $92,000, surpassing $90,000. 

However, failure to defend this area could trigger a quick downside sweep, amplified by thin weekend liquidity.  With this, the Bitcoin price may remain consolidated within the pattern below the average range of the channel. 

The post $27B Bitcoin, Ethereum Options Expiry Today: Here’s What to Expect  appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Around $27 billion worth of Bitcoin, Ethereum options expired today on Deribit, one of the world’s largest crypto options exchanges. Bitcoin is trading near $88,000, while Ethereum is hovering close to $2,950, as traders brace for possible volatility. 

With such a large amount of contracts settling at once, the expiry could have a massive impact on the crypto market

Bitcoin Faces $23.6 Billion Option Expiry

Bitcoin accounts for the biggest share of today’s expiry, with over $23.6 billion in BTC options rolling off. Data from Deribit shows 268,000 option contracts settled at the same time, clearing a major amount of risk from the market in a single session.

Despite the size of the expiry, trader positioning still leans positive. The put-to-call ratio stands at 0.38, which means more traders were betting on higher prices than lower ones. 

The “max pain” level, where most option holders would see losses, was near $96,000. This level often acts like a price magnet around expiry, even if briefly.

Bitcoin Eyeing $100K level

Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin has remained stuck in a tight range, repeatedly testing both sides. Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe noted that sellers have failed to push BTC below $86.5K, showing strong buyer support. 

However, every move above $90K has been rejected, highlighting heavy selling pressure at that level.

Analysts say $90,000 is the key barrier. A clear breakout above it, backed by strong volume, could restore bullish momentum and open the path toward the $100,000 mark.

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Ethereum Traders Remain Cautious After Options Expiry

Ethereum is also under the spotlight, with nearly $4 billion in ETH options expiring. Although ETH has seen small price gains, traders remain cautious rather than confident. The max pain level sits near $3,100, keeping pressure on the price.

Ethereum has once again failed to hold above the key $3,000 level, which is worrying traders. Crypto analyst Ted noted that unless ETH clearly moves back above $3,000, the risk of another drop stays high.

If the price falls below $2,800, selling pressure could increase quickly. Below that, the next strong support lies around $2,600, $2,500, where buyers stepped in during earlier sell-offs.

XRP and Solana Show Mixed Signals

XRP options show continued pressure, with traders closely watching the $1.80 support level. A break below this could lead to further downside.

Solana shows a more balanced picture. Options data remains neutral, and SOL has already seen a small recovery around $123. 

As 2026 approaches, this option’s expiry could act as an important turning point for the token.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What happens when Bitcoin and Ethereum options expire?

When options expire, contracts settle, removing market risk and often causing short-term price volatility in BTC and ETH.

How does a large options expiry affect crypto prices?

A massive expiry clears a large amount of market risk at once, which can increase short-term volatility. The “max pain” price often acts as a temporary magnet, but the overall trend depends on broader market sentiment.

How do crypto option expiries impact other tokens like XRP and Solana?

Large expiries can influence market sentiment, affecting XRP support at $1.80 and Solana’s price recovery around $123.

The post Lithuania Declares War on Unlicensed Crypto Firms as MiCA Enforcement Begins appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Lithuania is preparing for one of its toughest crypto enforcement actions yet, signaling a clear shift from regulatory tolerance to strict oversight. Starting January 1, 2026, crypto firms operating without a valid MiCA license will be treated as illegal, exposing hundreds of companies to fines, website blocks, and even criminal liability.

The move places Lithuania at the forefront of Europe’s push to turn MiCA from a framework on paper into active enforcement.

Deadline Set as Transition Period Ends

Lithuania’s central bank, Lietuvos Bankas, has confirmed that the transition period for crypto service providers expires on December 31. From that point onward, any exchange, wallet provider, or crypto platform serving users without MiCA authorization will be operating outside the law.

While more than 370 crypto-related entities are registered in the country, only around 120 are actively operating. Even more concerning for regulators, fewer than 10% of firms, roughly 30 companies, have applied for the required license so far. Authorities have warned that waiting any longer could leave businesses exposed to immediate enforcement action.

Enforcement Will Be Aggressive

Regulators have made it clear that consequences will be serious. Unlicensed firms may face financial penalties, forced shutdowns, website blocking, and, in severe cases, criminal charges carrying prison sentences of up to four years.

Lithuania’s central bank has urged companies that do not plan to seek a license to begin winding down operations immediately. Firms are expected to notify users, return customer funds, and provide clear instructions for transferring assets to other custodians or self-hosted wallets before services are terminated.

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Why Lithuania Is Taking This Path

Lithuania wants to position itself as a “MiCA gateway” for compliant crypto businesses entering the European Union. Rather than acting as a permissive hub, the country is choosing to attract firms willing to operate under strict transparency, investor protection, and reporting standards.

Officials argue that tighter oversight will reduce fraud, improve trust, and align crypto services with traditional financial regulations. In their view, enforcement is necessary to protect consumers and the integrity of the financial system.

Crypto Market Sentiment Turns Cautious but Strategic

The immediate crypto sentiment around Lithuania’s decision is mixed. Smaller firms and offshore operators see the move as hostile, while regulated exchanges and institutional players largely welcome the clarity. Many in the industry view this as a broader European trend rather than an isolated event. As MiCA enforcement ramps up across the EU, crypto firms are increasingly forced to choose between compliance and exit. The uncertainty phase is ending.

Long-Term Impact on Lithuania’s Crypto Future

In the short term, Lithuania may see a sharp drop in the number of crypto firms operating locally. However, analysts believe the country could benefit long-term by becoming a trusted, regulated crypto jurisdiction.

If successful, Lithuania may attract banks, fintech firms, and institutional investors seeking a stable regulatory environment. While the crackdown may sting today, it could ultimately reshape the country into one of Europe’s most credible crypto hubs under MiCA’s new rulebook.

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FAQs

Will this affect crypto users outside Lithuania who use platforms registered there?

Yes. Platforms registered in Lithuania but serving users across the EU may lose the legal right to operate, potentially forcing users to withdraw funds or migrate accounts. Customers could face short-term disruptions even if they are not based in Lithuania.

What happens to customer funds if a platform is forced to shut down?

Funds are expected to be returned or transferred, but timelines and execution depend on each firm’s internal controls. Delays or disputes could arise if a company is already financially strained or poorly governed.

How might this change the type of crypto businesses choosing Lithuania in the future?

Firms focused on compliance, institutional clients, and long-term EU market access are more likely to stay or enter. Speculative, lightly regulated, or short-term operators may shift to non-EU jurisdictions instead.

The post Cardano Founder Signals Major Midnight Push, Says 2026 “Is Not Ready” appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Charles Hoskinson’s latest update on Midnight suggests something bigger is taking shape behind the scenes.

In a tweet posted today, the Cardano founder said he is currently “writing between 80–100 pages a day of technical documents for Midnight” as the team prepares for internal workshops scheduled for January. He described the work pace as intense and made it clear this isn’t a casual effort.

“Midnight is going to be the Manhattan Project of PET, Chain Abstraction, and Smart Compliance,” Hoskinson wrote, adding, “2026’s body is not ready!”

Why Hoskinson Is Raising the Stakes on Midnight

Midnight has often been described as Cardano’s privacy-focused extension, but Hoskinson’s wording signals a shift in how the project is being positioned.

Instead of marketing privacy as a rebellious feature, Midnight is being framed around privacy-enhancing technology (PET) that works alongside smart compliance and chain abstraction. That’s a notable distinction in a sector where many privacy projects struggle with regulatory acceptance.

The reference to January workshops suggests the project is moving into a more structured phase, where internal alignment and technical direction take priority.

“Nobody Sleeping”: Community Reaction Sets the Tone

The replies to Hoskinson’s tweet added another layer to the update. When one community member urged him to rest, Hoskinson responded plainly: “Nobody sleeping. We working. We are going to win.”

In another reply, he confirmed he is also working on a non-technical book titled “The Land of PET: A non-technical guide to privacy enhancing technology,” aimed at Midnight Ambassadors and the broader community.

Community members reacted with optimism, with one noting that “2026 really isn’t ready for this level of revolution.”

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Midnight and ADA: Clearing the Air

Midnight’s rapid rise has sparked questions within the Cardano community, especially as the NIGHT token has seen strong activity. Hoskinson has already addressed these concerns, stating that Midnight is not an ADA replacement, but a privacy extension designed to strengthen Cardano’s ecosystem.

For now, the message is clear. Midnight is past the idea stage. The documentation is underway, January is the next milestone, and Cardano’s privacy push is entering a more serious chapter.

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FAQs

How might Midnight’s focus on privacy-enhancing technology affect Cardano’s regulatory positioning?

By integrating privacy-enhancing technology (PET) with smart compliance, Midnight could make Cardano more attractive to institutions and regulators. This approach aims to balance user privacy with legal obligations, potentially easing adoption in jurisdictions with strict crypto regulations.

Could Midnight impact existing Cardano users or developers?

Midnight is designed as a privacy extension, so current ADA holders and developers may benefit from enhanced privacy features without needing to switch tokens. Developers could also gain new tools for building privacy-focused applications that comply with regulatory standards.

What might be the long-term implications of Hoskinson’s technical and non-technical publications on Midnight?

Hoskinson’s technical documents and the non-technical book could help standardize understanding of privacy-enhancing technology across the Cardano community. This may accelerate developer engagement, community advocacy, and informed adoption of Midnight’s features over time.