Falling online search activity suggests retail investors remain on the sidelines following a turbulent year for digital assets. Global interest in cryptocurrency appears to be fading as 2025 comes to a close, with Google search volume for the term “crypto” hovering near one-year lows. According to Google Trends data, worldwide searches recently fell to 26 on a 0–100 scale, just above the lowest reading of the past year. In the United States, search interest touched a one-year low, signaling particularly weak engagement from retail participants. Low search activity is often viewed as a proxy for retail investor interest, and current…
Author: Blockto Team
Proposal to grant limited Federal Reserve accounts to crypto and fintech firms signals a shift in U.S. payments policy and banking access. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has said a recent Federal Reserve proposal to introduce “skinny” master accounts could effectively end what the crypto industry refers to as Operation Chokepoint 2.0, a practice associated with denying banking access to crypto-related businesses. The proposal was introduced by Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller and would allow crypto companies, fintech startups, and payment-only banks to access restricted Federal Reserve accounts. Unlike traditional master accounts held by commercial banks, skinny accounts would come with…
Industry executives say Bitcoin’s long-term outlook remains positive, though dramatic year-over-year gains may be a thing of the past. Bitcoin is likely to deliver strong but not spectacular returns over the next ten years, according to senior CNBC executives who point to changing market dynamics and investor behavior. Rather than the explosive rallies seen in earlier cycles, the asset is expected to experience a steady upward grind with lower volatility and periodic pullbacks. The view reflects growing maturity in the Bitcoin market, where rapid retail-driven surges are increasingly balanced by slow, consistent institutional participation. This structural shift is seen as…
Landmark legislation and regulatory shifts defined a pivotal year for digital assets The crypto industry experienced a defining year in 2025 as governments, regulators, and companies adjusted their stance toward digital assets. Policy momentum accelerated, enforcement priorities shifted, and crypto firms gained renewed confidence to expand operations, particularly in the United States. One of the most significant developments was the passage and signing of the first major crypto legislation in US history. The GENIUS Act, focused on stablecoin regulation, established clearer rules for issuance and use, providing long-awaited legal certainty for parts of the market. While broader market structure reforms…
Arrest follows investigation into $20 million ransom attempt tied to customer data theft Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed that a former employee of the crypto exchange has been arrested in India in connection with a major customer data breach earlier this year. The case highlights the growing risks of insider threats within large financial technology platforms, even those with strong security reputations. Insider Bribery Led to Customer Data Theft According to statements from Coinbase leadership, criminals bribed customer service representatives in May to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The compromised data included home addresses, bank account details, and…
Major Ether treasury holder activates staking strategy as institutional participation grows Ethereum-focused treasury firm Bitmine has officially begun staking its Ether holdings, signaling a strategic shift toward generating on-chain yield. The company deposited nearly $219 million worth of ETH into Ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) system, marking its first large-scale move into validator-based rewards. Large-Scale ETH Deposit Signals Institutional Staking On-chain data shows multiple wallets associated with Bitmine transferring 74,880 ETH into Ethereum’s BatchDeposit contract. This deposit structure is commonly used by institutions to consolidate funds before activating validators, suggesting a coordinated staking operation rather than retail participation. Market analysts noted that…
Stablecoin regulation debate intensifies as fintechs push back against proposed limits on rewards The debate over stablecoin regulation in the United States has intensified after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly warned that any effort to reopen the GENIUS Act would cross a “red line.” His comments reflect growing tension between crypto platforms and traditional banks over competition, innovation, and access to consumer yield. The GENIUS Act, passed after lengthy negotiations, established a regulatory framework for stablecoins. While it prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying interest directly, it allows platforms and third parties to offer rewards through alternative mechanisms. Armstrong argues that…
Y Combinator–backed firms face banking disruption amid heightened compliance scrutiny JPMorgan Chase has frozen bank accounts linked to two venture-backed stablecoin startups after detecting exposure to sanctioned and high-risk jurisdictions. The move highlights growing compliance pressure on crypto-related firms operating across emerging markets, particularly where sanctions risks are elevated. The affected companies, BlindPay and Kontigo, are stablecoin-focused startups backed by Y Combinator and active primarily in Latin America. Both accessed JPMorgan’s banking infrastructure through a third-party digital payments provider. According to details of the matter, the accounts were frozen after internal reviews flagged transactions connected to Venezuela and other sanctioned…
U.S. regulators prepare for expanded oversight as crypto markets evolve with tokenization and innovative financial products. crypto regulation in the U.S. is set for significant developments as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC pursues an ambitious agenda and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) takes on a more influential role. After previous years of overlapping authority disputes, the two agencies are moving toward greater cooperation, aiming to clarify the regulatory landscape for digital assets, tokenization, and decentralized finance. The SEC is focusing on token classification, exemptions, and token taxonomy, aiming to delineate which digital assets qualify as securities. Initiatives like…
Polymarket and Kalshi lead growth as trading activity, partnerships, and mainstream adoption reshape prediction markets. Prediction markets achieved a record year in 2025, fueled by unprecedented attention, multi-billion-dollar valuations, and growing mainstream adoption. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi emerged as dominant players, attracting corporate partnerships, high-profile investments, and increased user engagement. As the U.S. midterm elections approach in 2026, the sector faces a pivotal moment to prove its value as a forecasting tool beyond hype. Valuations and Investment Surges Kalshi raised $1 billion at an $11 billion valuation in November, shortly after a $300 million Series D round at $5…