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…
Author: Bitxjournal Team
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…
Google Play is set to enforce stricter compliance rules in South Korea, significantly reshaping how users access global cryptocurrency platforms. Starting January 28, Android users in the country will face limits on downloading or updating apps from unregistered overseas crypto exchanges, marking a major step in South Korea’s tightening digital asset oversight. New VASP Registration Requirement Under the updated policy, all cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers must be registered as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to remain listed on the Google Play Store. Platforms that fail to meet this requirement will be removed…
Interactive Brokers is expanding its digital asset capabilities by allowing 24/7 account funding using Circle’s USDC stablecoin, a move that enables round-the-clock trading and faster access to markets. The brokerage plans to introduce additional stablecoin options including Ripple’s RLUSD and PayPal’s PYUSD, as early as next week. USDC Integration and Benefits Traders can now fund their accounts with USDC through a Zerohash-powered infrastructure, which automatically converts stablecoins into U.S. dollars and credits the brokerage account in minutes. This system supports Ethereum, Solana, and Base ntworks, offering instant settlement outside traditional business hours and lower transaction costs compared to wire transfers.…
CME Group is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency derivatives lineup by introducing futures contracts linked to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM). The move reflects rising institutional demand for regulated tools that help manage volatility across major altcoins while maintaining transparency and compliance. Pending regulatory approval, the new futures contracts are scheduled to launch on February 9. They will be offered in both standard and micro contract sizes, allowing participation from a wide range of market participants, from smaller traders to large institutions. The Cardano futures will include contracts representing 100,000 tokens for standard contracts and 10,000 tokens for…
XRP weakened in the latest session as traders sold into strength near a well-defined resistance zone, even as broader fundamentals remain supportive. The move highlights the growing divide between short-term technical positioning and medium-term institutional demand. Over the 24-hour period, XRP declined 3.6%, sliding from $2.149 to $2.070. Sellers consistently defended the $2.13 resistance level, triggering repeated rejections on rising volume. During the U.S. session, trading activity surged to over 102 million tokens, roughly 130% above the daily average, confirming active distribution rather than passive drift. A late session flush briefly pushed price to $2.059, where buyers stepped in, stabilizing…
Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded sharply to approximately $7.8 billion in total activity as widespread protests and economic instability pushed citizens toward digital assets as a financial safeguard. The surge followed a rapid deterioration of the Iranian rial, which hit historic lows against major global currencies, triggering public demonstrations across the country. Bitcoin Withdrawals Signal Shift Toward Self-Custody Blockchain data indicates a notable increase in Bitcoin withdrawals from local exchanges to personal wallets, suggesting individuals are moving assets into self-custodied storage to protect purchasing power. This trend accelerated during periods of heightened unrest, reflecting growing concern over currency devaluation and restricted…
Dogecoin weakened sharply in the latest session as sellers took control, pushing the price below a critical support level. The move reflects broader caution toward meme-based tokens, with traders prioritizing assets showing clearer institutional demand. Dogecoin declined around 3.5%, falling from $0.1439 to $0.1394. The decisive moment came when the $0.1420 support zone failed, triggering accelerated selling. Trading volume surged to approximately 1.01 billion tokens, more than 100% above the daily average, confirming that the drop was driven by active selling rather than thin liquidity. Price action shows a clear bearish structure, with lower highs capped near $0.1450 before the…