Ethereum layer-1 positioned as foundational operating system for decentralized finance and identity Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has described Ethereum as the “Linux of blockchain,” arguing that the network plays a foundational role similar to the open-source operating system, but for transferring value, managing risk, and coordinating activity on the internet. The comparison underscores Ethereum’s long-term vision as a decentralized, neutral base layer supporting a wide range of applications. According to Buterin, both Ethereum and Linux are open-source systems that enable highly customized implementations without sacrificing decentralization. Linux allows developers to build tailored operating systems, while Ethereum enables customization through its…
Author: Bitxjournal Team
Monero price surge highlights stability amid Zcash developer turmoil Monero has reclaimed its position as the leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency by market capitalization, as internal upheaval at Zcash undermines investor confidence. The shift follows months of changing sentiment within the privacy coin sector, where governance stability and development continuity are becoming decisive factors for market leadership. Monero (XMR) has climbed back toward its all-time high near $490, trading around $460 after a steady multi-week rally. This rebound marks a sharp reversal from mid-to-late 2025, when Monero lagged as attention shifted to rival privacy assets. Despite earlier concerns over mining centralization and…
Blockchain intelligence reveals record illicit activity fueled by geopolitical networks and professionalized laundering infrastructure Illicit cryptocurrency activity reached an unprecedented $154 billion in 2025, marking a 162% increase from the revised $57.2 billion total for 2024, according to blockchain intelligence data. Despite representing less than 1% of all crypto transaction volume, this growth highlights the increasing professionalization of onchain criminal infrastructure and the growing role of state-linked actors in bypassing sanctions and financial restrictions. Stablecoins Dominate Illicit Transactions Stablecoins accounted for 84% of all illicit transaction volume in 2025, reflecting their low volatility and cross-border transferability. Criminal networks leveraged full-stack…
China CBDC interest policy challenges US stablecoin competitiveness China’s decision to allow banks to pay interest on digital yuan wallets is intensifying the global debate over stablecoin regulation and dollar competitiveness. As the United States enforces strict limits on stablecoin yield under the GENIUS Act, policymakers and industry leaders are questioning whether US digital dollars can compete with an interest-bearing central bank digital currency. Starting January 1, Chinese commercial banks can pay interest on balances held in digital yuan (e-CNY) wallets. Officials say this move helps integrate the central bank digital currency into the traditional banking system and encourages broader…
XRP Price Struggles Despite Strong Institutional and Market Attention XRP slipped nearly 6%, falling from around $2.28 to near $2.18, as the token failed to sustain momentum above a critical resistance zone. The pullback comes after a strong start to 2026 that briefly positioned XRP as one of the best-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies, outperforming both bitcoin and ether in early trading sessions. XRPs rally was fueled by a shift in market positioning. As bitcoin remained range-bound and ether struggled to regain traction, traders rotated into relatively under-owned large-cap alternatives, bringing XRP back into focus. This move was reinforced by steady institutional…
High-net-worth clients benefit from USDT-based strategies and delta-neutral arbitrage Bybit’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division delivered robust performance in 2025, with high-net-worth (HNW) clients realizing returns of approximately 20% APR. The results underscore a growing demand for risk-managed, yield-focused investment strategies amid volatile cryptocurrency markets and macroeconomic uncertainty. Top Performing Strategies Drive Returns Bybit’s flagship high-yield USDT-based strategies powered its top performing fund, achieving 20.3% annualized returns. The fund leveraged professional asset allocation and bespoke investment approaches tailored for HNW clients, emphasizing stable, counter-cyclical returns over directional market bets. The PWM report highlighted the success of Bybit’s Delta Neutral Arbitrage…
Revised framework limits state crypto holdings to Bitcoin and removes pension fund exposure Florida lawmakers are advancing a revised proposal that would allow the state to establish a strategic cryptocurrency reserve, significantly narrowing earlier ambitions. The updated framework focuses exclusively on Bitcoin and aims to reduce financial and political risk by distancing the initiative from public pension and retirement funds. Senate Bill 1038 and Bitcoin-Only Criteria Senate Bill SB 1038, filed in late December, proposes the creation of a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve overseen by the state’s chief financial officer. While the bill does not explicitly name Bitcoin, it restricts…
Claude AI Developer Seeks Major Funding as Global AI Investment Accelerates Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, best known for its Claude chatbot, is reportedly preparing a $10 billion fundraising round that would value the company at approximately $350 billion. The move reflects surging investor confidence in large-scale AI platforms and intensifying competition among leading model developers. Anthropic Valuation Nearly Doubles The proposed valuation would mark a sharp increase from Anthropic’s $183 billion valuation recorded in September, following a $13 billion Series F round. The latest funding round is expected to be led by sovereign and institutional investors, underscoring growing global demand…
BNB Struggles Near Key Support Amid Broader Crypto Weakness BNB slipped below the $885 level, declining nearly 2.6%, as the wider cryptocurrency market entered a corrective phase. The token failed to sustain momentum above the psychological $900 resistance, an area that had capped upside attempts earlier in the week. Price briefly dipped toward $877 before staging a modest recovery, reflecting fragile short-term sentiment. One of the key factors weighing on BNB is rising uncertainty surrounding a major BNB treasury firm. A shareholder dispute within CEA Industries, a company holding significant BNB reserves, has raised concerns about internal governance and strategic…
Crypto exchange expands derivatives offerings with precious metals amid rising safe-haven demand Binance has introduced new perpetual futures contracts for gold and silver, marking a strategic expansion beyond traditional cryptocurrencies. The contracts, settled in Tether’s USDT stablecoin, provide investors with onchain exposure to precious metals price movements without direct ownership. The newly launched products, listed as XAUUSDT for gold and XAGUSDT for silver, allow 24/7 trading with no expiration date. Binance emphasizes that the contracts are regulated under the FSRA framework via Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ensuring compliance and investor trust. More traditional asset-linked contracts are planned, aiming to…