Bitcoin traded near key technical levels as spot ETF outflows topped $780 million for the week, underscoring cautious institutional positioning despite short-term price stabilization.
Bitcoin lagged broader markets during the year-end Santa rally, as equities and precious metals climbed to record highs while crypto traders reduced risk amid thin holiday liquidity.
US-listed Bitcoin ETFs recorded $825 million in net outflows over five trading days, underscoring seasonal selling pressure and reduced institutional risk appetite.
Spain will fully implement the EU’s MiCA framework by mid-2026, alongside stricter crypto reporting rules under the DAC8 directive starting earlier that year.
The Philippines has begun blocking access to Coinbase and Gemini as regulators intensify enforcement against crypto platforms operating without local licenses.
Hong Kong regulators have finalized licensing rules for crypto trading and custody providers, aligning oversight more closely with traditional securities regulation while launching a new consultation on advisory and asset management services.
Brett Harrison has raised $35 million for Architect Financial Technologies as the firm builds a regulated perpetual futures exchange focused on traditional financial assets outside the US.
Crypto.com is hiring an internal market-making team for its prediction markets, saying the move is fully disclosed to regulators and designed to improve liquidity without giving the exchange a trading advantage over customers.
OKX reported a sharp increase in trading activity after expanding into regulated markets in the United States and Europe. The exchange cited licensing approvals and regulatory clarity as key drivers.
BlackRock named its spot Bitcoin ETF a top 2025 investment theme despite negative performance, underscoring long-term conviction in the asset class.
Ghana has passed legislation legalizing cryptocurrency trading and granting its central bank authority to license and supervise digital asset providers.
Coinbase has agreed to acquire on-chain prediction markets startup The Clearing Company as it expands beyond crypto trading into event-based financial products.
Tether-backed Northern Data has sold its Bitcoin mining unit to companies linked to senior Tether executives.
Hong Kong’s insurance regulator is considering new capital rules that would impose a full risk charge on crypto assets while aligning stablecoin treatment with underlying fiat risk.
Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a leading pro-crypto voice in Congress, said she will not seek reelection in 2026, raising questions about future crypto legislation.