Thailand is taking a significant step toward becoming a regional digital asset hub as regulators prepare new rules for crypto-based investment products. The country’s securities watchdog aims to meet rising institutional interest while strengthening market structure and investor protection. Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing formal guidelines to support the launch of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), along with rules for crypto futures trading and tokenized investment products. These measures are expected to be introduced early this year as part of a broader strategy to integrate digital assets into the regulated financial system. According to regulators crypto ETFs offer simpler…
Author: Blockto Team
U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced significant outflows on Wednesday, totaling nearly $1 billion as institutional investors reduced exposure amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Data shows Bitcoin ETFs reported $708.7 million in net outflows, with BlackRock’s IBIT accounting for $356.6 million and Fidelity’s FBTC posting $287.7 million. Ether ETFs recorded a combined $286.9 million in outflows, led by BlackRock’s ETHA at $250.3 million, while smaller funds saw minor inflows. Analysts describe these moves as classic derisking behavior, noting that institutions often rotate out of higher-risk assets during periods of geopolitical tension, rising rates, or market volatility. Importantly, these outflows…
Market observers caution that institutional investors may not propel Bitcoin to new highs in 2026 without a significant market-moving event. While institutional demand remains strong, macroeconomic factors and potential shocks could limit their impact on price surges. Macro researcher and FFTT founder Luke Gromen highlighted that expecting institutions to drive Bitcoin from around $89,880 to $150,000 a 67% rise—may be unrealistic without a major catalyst. He emphasized that institutional behavior tends to be cautious: they often wait for clear signals before committing large funds, making rapid price jumps unlikely in their absence. Potential catalysts under watch include US regulatory changes…
Layer-1 blockchain network Saga has temporarily halted activity on one of its Ethereum-compatible chainlets following a significant security breach that resulted in a multi-million-dollar loss and the destabilization of its US dollar-pegged stablecoin. Saga confirmed it paused its SagaEVM chainlet after detecting an exploit that allowed approximately $7 million in unauthorized funds to be bridged out and converted into Ether. The chain was stopped at a specific block height to prevent further damage while investigations continue. Saga team announced in an X post on Wednesday; According to the protocol, the incident involved a coordinated series of smart contract deployments, cross-chain transactions, and…
ARK Invest projects the crypto market could expand to $28 trillion by 2030, driven primarily by Bitcoin adoption, decentralized finance (DeFi), and tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). According to ARK’s latest analysis, the market is expected to grow at a 61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next decade, with Bitcoin potentially accounting for 70% of the total market value. With around 20.5 million Bitcoin projected to be mined by 2030, ARK estimates Bitcoin’s price could reach $950,000 to $1 million, reflecting growing institutional participation. Bitcoin ETFs and corporate holdings increased from 8.7% to 12% of total supply in…
A World Economic Forum panel in Davos intended to explore tokenization instead exposed deep divisions between crypto leaders and central bankers. The exchange highlighted unresolved tensions over stablecoin interest, Bitcoin’s role in the global system, and monetary sovereignty. The sharpest disagreement centered on whether fiat-backed stablecoins should be allowed to pay interest. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong argued that interest-bearing stablecoins benefit consumers by increasing returns on cash-like assets and strengthening competitiveness against offshore and state-backed digital currencies. He warned that banning yield could push users toward less regulated alternatives. French central bank governor François Villeroy de Galhau strongly disagreed, calling…
The US Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to unveil an updated version of its digital asset market structure legislation, a key step in shaping how cryptocurrencies and related activities are regulated in the United States. The move comes amid growing debate over decentralized finance, stablecoins, and ethical safeguards. Committee Chair John Boozman has indicated that the panel will release its revised text of the Digital Asset Markets Clarity (CLARITY) Act by the end of the business day Wednesday. A markup hearing is scheduled for the following week, signaling continued legislative momentum despite recent setbacks in parallel efforts. The committee previously…
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has signaled a renewed focus on decentralized social media, arguing that open platforms are essential for building healthier online communication systems. Looking ahead to 2026, he believes decentralized networks can restore competition and shift power away from engagement-driven algorithms. In a recent statement, Buterin said he plans to fully recommit to decentralized social platforms in 2026. He emphasized that only systems built on shared, decentralized data layers can support genuine competition, allowing multiple clients to operate on the same social graph. According to Buterin, this structure prevents any single company from controlling user identities, content, or…
The United Nations is expanding its use of digital financial infrastructure after receiving a new grant from stablecoin issuer Circle, aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of humanitarian aid payments across borders. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward modern payment systems in global relief efforts. The grant, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, will support the UN’s Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS). The program focuses on streamlining how monetary value moves across UN agencies, particularly in complex, cross-border humanitarian operations. While Circle did not disclose the size of the grant, it marks the company’s first…
Progress on US crypto market structure legislation may slow in the coming weeks as lawmakers redirect attention toward domestic affordability issues. The shift reflects growing political pressure to address rising living costs ahead of the November midterm elections. The Senate Banking Committee is expected to pause work on the crypto market structure bill while it focuses on implementing President Donald Trump’s affordability initiatives. This follows a newly signed executive order that bars large financial institutions from purchasing single-family homes, a move aimed at cooling housing prices and easing pressure on families. The crypto bill has already faced setbacks, with two…