BitMine Immersion Technologies has taken a notable step beyond its core crypto-focused treasury strategy with a $200 million investment in Beast Industries, the consumer and media company associated with MrBeast. Analysts view the move as a calculated effort to diversify revenue potential while maintaining exposure to digital assets. The investment is seen as adding non-crypto optionality to BitMine’s balance sheet, which has been largely centered on ether accumulation and staking. By allocating capital into a fast-growing consumer media platform, BitMine positions itself as a more flexible capital allocator rather than a company solely dependent on crypto market cycles. This partnership…
Author: Blockto Team
A major shift in institutional thinking around digital assets is emerging as concerns over quantum computing risks move from theory into portfolio decisions. A leading strategist at Jefferies has removed Bitcoin entirely from a long-standing model portfolio, signaling growing unease among long-term investors about the cryptocurrency’s future resilience. Christopher Wood, the strategist behind Jefferies’ widely followed “Greed & Fear” framework, has cut a 10% Bitcoin allocation to zero, reallocating that exposure into physical gold and gold mining equities. The decision reflects fears that rapid progress in quantum computing could eventually threaten the cryptographic foundations that secure Bitcoin wallets and transactions.…
Belarus has taken a significant step toward formalizing digital finance by introducing a legal framework for cryptobanks, integrating crypto activity directly into the country’s regulated banking system. The move follows a new presidential decree signed on January 16, reinforcing state oversight while allowing controlled innovation in token-based financial services. Cryptobanks Integrated Into the Banking System Under the new rules, cryptobanks will operate as joint-stock companies authorized to combine token-related operations with traditional banking, payments, and financial services. Rather than creating a separate crypto sector, Belarus has chosen to embed digital asset activity within existing financial infrastructure. To operate legally, cryptobanks…
Recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump have intensified attention on prediction markets and potential information leaks, after several Polymarket accounts linked to early wagers on Venezuela abruptly went inactive. In remarks made at the White House, Trump stated that the “leaker on Venezuela has been found and is in jail”, without providing further details. While no direct reference was made to betting platforms, the timing of the statement has fueled speculation about unusual trading activity tied to political outcomes. Polymarket Wallet Activity Raises Questions Blockchain analysts observed that multiple Polymarket accounts which profited from bets on Venezuelan President Nicolás…
South Korea has taken a major step toward regulating blockchain-based finance by approving a legal framework for tokenized securities. The recent amendments to the Capital Markets Act and Electronic Securities Act set the stage for regulated issuance and trading of digital securities, signaling growing government support for blockchain innovation in finance. Tokenized Securities Legislation The National Assembly passed amendments allowing qualified issuers to issue tokenized securities using distributed ledger technology. These products can now be traded through brokerages and other intermediaries, integrating blockchain into traditional financial infrastructure. The amendments cover all types of securities, including debt, equity, and non-standardized investment…
Federal court has sentenced Utah resident to three years in prison for running a long-running fraud scheme and an unlicensed cash-to-cryptocurrency operation that moved millions of dollars for criminal clients. The case underscores growing regulatory scrutiny as crypto-related financial crime expands. Fraud Scheme and Investor Losses Between December 2017 and April 2024, the defendant defrauded at least 17 investors, falsely claiming professional experience and the ability to generate high, consistent returns. Prosecutors said these misrepresentations led to more than $2.9 million in investor losses, affecting individuals, families, and financial institutions. The court ordered over $3.8 million in restitution, covering victims…
The cryptocurrency market is entering 2026 facing a structural transformation rather than a hype-driven cycle, as macroeconomic pressure and institutional participation reshape how bitcoin trades and absorbs capital. Market participants are increasingly focused on liquidity mechanics, regulation, and long-term allocation behavior, rather than short-term speculative rallies. According to market analysis, bitcoin remains the core barometer of risk sentiment, but the pathways for demand have changed. In 2025, spot bitcoin ETFs and digital asset treasury firms generated nearly $44 billion in net demand, yet price appreciation lagged historical norms. This was largely due to long-term holders supplying liquidity, reducing the reflexive…
Belgium’s KBC Bank is preparing to launch Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) trading for retail investors through its Bolero investment platform, marking a major step in regulated crypto access for Belgian customers. The rollout is scheduled for February 16, 2026, following the implementation of Belgium’s MiCA framework. KBC will provide trading and custody services through its proprietary infrastructure, enabling customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies in a secure, regulated environment. The bank has submitted a full crypto asset service provider (CASP) notification to Belgian authorities to comply with MiCA requirements, positioning itself as the first Belgian bank to align with…
Moldova is preparing to introduce its first comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation by the end of 2026, aligning with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The move aims to legalize crypto holding and trading while maintaining caution around the speculative and risky nature of digital assets. Draft Legislation and Regulatory Approach According to Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilita, the law will be developed jointly by the Finance Ministry, National Bank of Moldova, financial markets regulator, and Anti-Money Laundering authority. The framework will allow citizens to hold and transact cryptocurrencies, but will not recognize digital assets as a legal means of payment.…
Polygon Labs is restructuring its workforce as it pivots to a payments-first strategy centered on stablecoin rails and its new Open Money Stack platform. The move follows acquisitions totaling up to $250 million, including US crypto ATM and payments provider Coinme and wallet and developer platform Sequence. While the company has not confirmed exact numbers, reports suggest that up to 30% of staff were affected as roles were consolidated during post-acquisition integration. CEO Marc Boiron emphasized that the cuts reflect structural adjustments, not performance issues, as Polygon aims to narrow its mandate to moving money onchain. In a post on…