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White Whale Memecoin Slides 60% after Dump by Large Holders
Solana-based meme coin White Whale fell 60% within minutes after large holders sold $1.3 million in tokens, sparking rug pull accusations across the market.
White Whale, a Solana-based memecoin launched three months ago on Pump.fun, plunged roughly 60% within minutes on Monday following a sudden sell-off by large holders. Onchain data indicates the largest wallet offloaded about $1.3 million worth of tokens, triggering sharp losses and fueling accusations of a coordinated rug pull.
Blockchain analysts flagged that at least one early participant realized significant gains. One trader reportedly acquired a sizable position for a minimal initial cost before selling a portion during peak trading, contributing to the rapid decline. Despite the crash, some large wallets continue to hold substantial balances, suggesting incomplete liquidation.
The episode comes amid heightened scrutiny of memecoin sustainability as market conditions remain volatile. While White Whale has since partially rebounded, the incident underscores structural risks in thinly traded tokens and reflects broader concerns about liquidity events and investor protections in the memecoin sector.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs See $395M Outflows amid Trade Tensions
US spot Bitcoin ETFs returned to net outflows as geopolitical uncertainty tied to US-EU trade tensions weighed on crypto markets.
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds posted net outflows of $394.7 million on January 16, reversing a four-day inflow streak as broader crypto markets weakened. Data shows Fidelity’s FBTC led the withdrawals, while Grayscale, Bitwise, and Ark and 21Shares products also saw significant redemptions, partially offset by modest inflows into BlackRock’s IBIT.
The shift followed reports of escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union after comments from President Donald Trump regarding potential tariffs linked to Greenland. The geopolitical backdrop added pressure to bitcoin, which fell from recent highs above $95,000 and extended losses into the weekend amid reduced risk appetite.
Market participants also pointed to domestic policy uncertainty after delays to US crypto market structure legislation. While other crypto ETFs showed mixed flows, analysts said macro and political risks continue to shape short-term sentiment across digital asset markets.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Makina Finance Hit by $5M Stablecoin Pool Exploit
Blockchain security firm CertiK flagged a suspected exploit at Makina Finance that drained roughly $5 million from a stablecoin pool using a large flash loan.
Decentralized finance protocol Makina Finance was flagged for a suspected exploit that drained approximately $5 million from a stablecoin liquidity pool, according to blockchain security firm CertiK. The attacker reportedly used a 280 million USDC flash loan to manipulate an oracle tied to the protocol’s DUSD and USDC pool, allowing assets to be extracted in a single transaction sequence.
Makina Finance, which launched in early 2025 and markets itself as an institutional-grade DeFi execution engine, currently holds just over $100 million in total value locked. Security firms provided varying estimates of the losses, while CertiK noted that a large portion of the funds were ultimately captured by an MEV builder rather than remaining under direct attacker control.
The Makina team has not formally confirmed the exploit, stating only that it is investigating a potential incident and advising liquidity providers to withdraw from affected pools. The episode adds to ongoing concerns around DeFi security following billions of dollars in crypto theft reported across the sector in 2025.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Satoshi-Era Wallet Moves $85M in Bitcoin
A long-dormant Bitcoin wallet from the Satoshi era moved more than $85 million in BTC after 13 years, drawing attention from onchain analysts.
A Satoshi-era Bitcoin wallet became active after more than 13 years, transferring its full balance of 909.38 BTC, now valued at roughly $85 million, to a new address. Onchain data shows the wallet first received Bitcoin in 2013, when prices were below $7, underscoring the scale of long-term appreciation.
The transfer adds to a broader pattern of older Bitcoin wallets resurfacing over the past two years, as early holders move coins for custody changes, security updates, or potential liquidation. Analysts note that such movements do not necessarily signal selling, but they are closely monitored for signs of exchange deposits.
The renewed activity also comes amid growing discussion around long-term security risks, including future quantum computing threats to older Bitcoin outputs. While practical risks remain distant, some early holders may be proactively reorganizing funds using newer wallet structures.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Pendle Replaces vePENDLE with Liquid Governance Token
DeFi protocol Pendle is phasing out its vePENDLE governance token in favor of a new liquid model, citing complexity and low user adoption despite protocol growth.
DeFi yield trading protocol Pendle said it will begin phasing out its vePENDLE governance token this month, replacing it with a new liquid token called sPENDLE. The change marks a shift in Pendle’s tokenomics as the platform seeks to address low participation tied to long lockups and complex governance mechanics.
According to the team, vePENDLE’s non-transferable design and extended lockup periods limited flexibility and interoperability, creating barriers for most users. While Pendle’s total value locked has grown to nearly $3.5 billion, governance participation remained concentrated among a small group of advanced users. The new sPENDLE token introduces a 14-day withdrawal period and can be integrated across other DeFi platforms.
Pendle said the revised governance model will reduce the need for frequent voting while maintaining incentives through protocol fee distribution. The update reflects a broader trend among DeFi protocols toward liquid governance structures designed to balance decentralization with usability.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Hong Kong Crypto Firms Flag Risks in CARF Tax Rollout
Hong Kong crypto firms warn that strict implementation of global CARF tax rules could create operational strain and weaken the city’s competitiveness.
Hong Kong’s crypto industry is raising concerns over the planned adoption of the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, warning that the rules could have unintended consequences if applied rigidly. While firms broadly support tax transparency, industry groups say the framework’s design may strain local operators.
In a recent submission to the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association highlighted risks tied to data collection, record retention, and legal exposure. Firms cautioned that collecting information on non-reportable clients could conflict with local privacy laws, while extended record-keeping requirements could place personal liability on former executives after a company dissolves.
Penalties are another focal point. Industry representatives warned that uncapped fines calculated on a per-account basis could escalate rapidly due to technical or reporting errors. Firms also flagged tight filing deadlines and limited automation options as operational challenges. Regulators are expected to finalize legislative amendments in 2026 as Hong Kong prepares for data exchange under CARF by 2028.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Privacy Coins Rise as Broader Crypto Market Slips
Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, including Monero and Dash, posted gains despite a broad crypto sell-off, as investors shifted toward defensive assets.
Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies outperformed the broader digital asset market as prices fell across major tokens. Monero (XMR), Dash, and Dusk recorded gains over the past 24 hours even as Bitcoin (BTC) and most altcoins declined, triggering widespread liquidations and highlighting a divergence in market behavior.
Market participants attributed part of the move to short-term technical factors, including elevated transaction volumes in relatively thin markets. Analysts also pointed to reports of illicit Bitcoin flows being converted into Monero, which can temporarily amplify price action. However, industry executives emphasized that the rally reflects more than isolated catalysts.
The stronger performance of privacy coins aligns with a broader reassessment of their role amid rising regulatory scrutiny, expanded onchain surveillance, and geopolitical uncertainty. As public blockchains become more transparent through institutional adoption and compliance tooling, privacy-focused assets are increasingly viewed as portfolio hedges rather than speculative trades.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Bybit EU Adds Bitcoin Cashback to Payment Card
Bybit EU has launched Bitcoin cashback for its payment card, allowing users to earn BTC on everyday spending under a regulated European framework.
Bybit EU has introduced Bitcoin cashback on its Bybit Card, enabling eligible users to earn rewards in BTC on everyday purchases. The feature allows cardholders to receive between 2% and 10% cashback, depending on their rewards tier, with earnings credited daily to users’ funding accounts.
The Bybit Card is available across the European Economic Area and operates on the Mastercard network, with support for digital wallets and optional physical cards. Users can choose to receive rewards in either Bitcoin or USDC, without changing how cashback is calculated. Bybit EU said the program is designed to offer gradual crypto exposure through routine spending rather than active trading.
The rollout reflects a broader industry push to integrate crypto rewards into traditional payment products under clearer regulatory frameworks. Bybit EU operates as a licensed crypto-asset service provider under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, positioning the product within Europe’s evolving digital asset compliance landscape.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
South Korea Uncovers $100M Crypto Remittance Ring
South Korean authorities charged three suspects over an underground remittance network that moved more than $100 million using WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cryptocurrencies.
South Korea’s Korea Customs Service has uncovered an underground remittance operation that allegedly moved more than 150 billion won, or roughly $100 million, through cryptocurrencies. Authorities have referred three suspects for prosecution for violating the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, according to local media reports. The scheme is said to have operated for nearly four years.
Investigators allege the group collected funds through WeChat Pay and Alipay, converted the proceeds into digital assets via overseas exchanges, and transferred them into South Korean wallets before converting them back into local currency. The transactions were reportedly disguised as legitimate payments, including education fees and medical expenses.
The case underscores the growing complexity of tracking cross-border financial crime involving digital assets. It also comes as South Korea moves to tighten anti-money laundering controls, including expanding Travel Rule requirements and lowering reporting thresholds to curb illicit crypto-linked transfers.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
NYSE Builds 24/7 Blockchain Platform for Tokenized Stocks
The New York Stock Exchange is developing a 24/7 blockchain-based trading platform for tokenized stocks and ETFs, pending regulatory approval.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and parent company Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) are developing a new blockchain-based trading platform designed to support tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds. The system would enable 24/7 trading and near-instant settlement, subject to approval from US regulators. It combines the NYSE’s Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based post-trade infrastructure and multi-chain custody support.
The initiative reflects growing institutional interest in modernizing market infrastructure as demand for continuous access to US equities rises globally. Under the proposal, trades could settle in real time using stablecoins, moving away from the current one-day settlement cycle. Nasdaq and other exchanges have also explored extended trading hours, signaling broader competitive pressure among major venues.
For ICE, the platform fits into a wider digital asset strategy that includes tokenized collateral and blockchain-enabled clearing. While the project remains exploratory, it highlights how traditional exchanges are positioning themselves for the gradual adoption of on-chain market structures within existing regulatory frameworks.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Michael Saylor Defends Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
Strategy chairman Michael Saylor pushed back against criticism of companies using equity or debt to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets.
Strategy chairman Michael Saylor defended Bitcoin treasury companies during a recent appearance on the What Bitcoin Did podcast, responding to criticism of firms issuing equity or debt to buy Bitcoin. Saylor framed the decision as a capital allocation choice, arguing that holding Bitcoin can be more effective than keeping excess cash in low-yield Treasurys or conducting share buybacks.
He rejected the idea that smaller or unprofitable companies should face heightened scrutiny, noting that balance sheet performance should be evaluated holistically. According to Saylor, Bitcoin gains can offset weak operating results, improving a company’s overall financial position even when core operations remain unprofitable.
Saylor also said companies holding Bitcoin are often judged more harshly than those avoiding the asset altogether. His comments come as corporate Bitcoin adoption has grown, with publicly listed companies collectively holding more than one million BTC, though ownership remains concentrated among a small group of firms.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Newrez to Accept Crypto Holdings in Mortgage Approval
US mortgage lender Newrez will allow borrowers to use certain cryptocurrency holdings in mortgage underwriting without requiring liquidation.
US lender Newrez said it will begin treating eligible cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process. The policy is set to take effect in February and will apply across the firm’s non-agency mortgage products, including home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties.
At launch, Newrez will recognize Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds backed by those assets, and US dollar-backed stablecoins. Assets must be held with US-regulated exchanges, brokerages, fintech platforms, or nationally chartered banks, and valuations may be adjusted to reflect crypto market volatility. Borrowers will still be required to make payments and cover closing costs in US dollars.
The move comes amid broader regulatory and industry discussions around digital assets in housing finance. US policymakers have explored whether crypto holdings should factor into mortgage risk assessments, particularly as younger borrowers increasingly hold wealth in digital assets rather than traditional investments.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Riot Platforms Shares Jump 16% after Bitcoin Sale Funds Texas Deal
Riot Platforms shares rose after the bitcoin miner sold part of its BTC holdings to finance a Texas land acquisition tied to data center expansion.
Riot Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: RIOT) shares gained nearly 16% after the company disclosed that it sold approximately 1,080 Bitcoin to fund a $96 million land acquisition in Rockdale, Texas. At the time of writing, the stock is trading at $19.22.
The BTC sale financed 200 acres intended to support expanded data center operations, marking a notable shift in capital allocation for the Nasdaq-listed miner.
Alongside the purchase, Riot entered into a long-term data center lease and services agreement with semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices. The initial deployment includes 25 megawatts of IT load capacity, positioning the site for applications beyond Bitcoin mining, including artificial intelligence and high-performance computing workloads.
The move reflects a broader industry trend as large miners reassess asset use amid rising network difficulty and tighter margins. By monetizing bitcoin reserves to invest in infrastructure, Riot joins peers pursuing diversified revenue streams tied to data centers and AI, underscoring the growing convergence between crypto mining, energy-intensive computing, and institutional technology demand.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
South Korea Advances Legal Framework for Tokenized Securities
South Korea’s National Assembly has approved amendments establishing a legal basis for issuing and trading tokenized securities under existing capital markets laws.
South Korea has approved amendments to the Capital Markets Act and the Electronic Securities Act, laying the foundation for regulated tokenized securities issuance. The legislation, passed during a plenary session of the National Assembly, formally recognizes blockchain-based securities within the country’s financial system.
Under the framework, qualified issuers will be able to issue tokenized securities using distributed ledger technology, while brokerages and other intermediaries will be permitted to support trading of these products. Regulators expect the changes to expand access to investment contract securities, including assets tied to real estate, art, and other non-standardized instruments.
The Financial Services Commission will oversee implementation, coordinating with financial authorities and market participants to build supporting infrastructure. The laws are scheduled to take effect in January 2027, following a one-year preparation period, positioning South Korea alongside other major markets advancing tokenization within traditional finance.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Iranians Move Bitcoin Off Exchanges as Rial Weakens
Iranians are increasingly withdrawing bitcoin to personal wallets as protests intensify and the rial continues to collapse amid economic stress.
Iranians are increasingly withdrawing Bitcoin from local exchanges into personal wallets as protests spread and economic conditions deteriorate. Blockchain data shows a sharp rise in self-custody activity beginning in late December, coinciding with street demonstrations and heightened political pressure across major cities.
The trend reflects growing concern over Iran’s collapsing currency. The rial has rapidly lost value, eroding purchasing power and prompting citizens to seek alternatives that can preserve wealth and remain accessible during periods of unrest. Bitcoin’s borderless nature and resistance to censorship have made it a preferred hedge during inflationary and political crises.
At the same time, crypto activity linked to state-affiliated entities has also expanded. Addresses associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now account for a substantial share of national crypto flows, underscoring how digital assets are being used across both civilian and institutional channels amid tightening controls and economic strain.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.