Strong selling pressure overwhelmed positive Coinbase integration news as the psychological $1.90 level failed to hold.
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ASTER is trading at around $0.74 after falling over 22% over the last seven days. The drop continued with an 8% decline in the past 24 hours. Consequently, the recent swap occurred after a noticeable technical failure as the price dumped below its important support area of $0.85 to $0.9. The selling pressure was high all through the week, and there has not been any recovery yet. Breakdown Confirms Downtrend The chart shows a steady pattern of lower highs over several weeks, with a descending trendline guiding the move down. That trend ended with the support level breaking cleanly, without any strong rebound or wick. Cirus described the move as a “ textbook breakdown ,” adding, “ That wasn’t panic selling. That was acceptance of lower prices .” The post warned that any short-term bounce should not be mistaken for a reversal, saying “ Bounces ≠ reversals in broken structure. ” The trend remains in place until strength returns above the former support. Meanwhile, ASTER trades well below both the 9-day and 21-day moving averages. The 9-day MA is now at $0.89, while the 21-day is at $0.96. A bearish crossover confirms continued downside pressure. The MACD also remains negative. The MACD line is at -0.080, with the signal line at -0.063. The histogram is widening to the downside. Momentum is still pointing lower, with no signs of divergence or recovery. ASTER Price Chart 17.12. Source: TradingView In addition, futures open interest has dropped to $420 million, down from over $600 million in November, per CoinGlass data. This decline came as the price declined and suggests traders are exiting positions. The data reflects lower participation rather than panic. Volume has not surged, and the move appears to show traders stepping back rather than rushing out. The price and open interest falling together often signal lower conviction in the market. Product Launch and Whale Accumulation On December 15, Aster DEX introduced Shield Mode. The new feature offers up to 1001x leverage, instant execution, and no slippage. It also includes off-book trading and one-tap long or short orders. However, whale wallets remain active. BeingInvested reported high-volume accumulation over the past 24 hours. “ Massive inflow into $ASTER, ” the post said, listing top buyers, including one purchase of 1.34 million tokens valued over $1 million. The post ASTER Tanks 22% as Key Support Breaks: What’s Next? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
As crypto betting continues to mature, players in 2026 are no longer choosing platforms based solely on bonuses or payment speed. Safety, licensing, and operational transparency have become key decision factors—especially as regulators and users alike demand higher standards across the online wagering industry. Licensed crypto betting sites now represent a middle ground between traditional sportsbooks and early, unregulated crypto platforms. They aim to offer the flexibility of digital assets while providing clearer rules, accountability, and long-term reliability. Below, we look at what makes a licensed crypto betting platform safer in 2026 and review several well-known options operating in this space. Why Licensing Has Become a Key Factor in Crypto Betting In earlier years, many crypto betting sites operated without formal oversight. While this allowed for fast onboarding and anonymity, it also exposed players to higher risks, including withdrawal disputes, platform shutdowns, and unclear legal standing. By 2026, licensing plays a critical role in building trust. A licensed crypto betting site typically operates under a recognized jurisdiction, adheres to defined operational standards, and provides users with clearer protections. For players, this means: More predictable withdrawal policies Defined dispute resolution frameworks Greater platform longevity Increased accountability without necessarily abandoning crypto-native features Licensing does not automatically guarantee safety, but it significantly reduces counterparty risk compared to fully unregulated platforms. Licensed Crypto Betting Sites to Watch in 2026 Several platforms stand out in 2026 for combining licensing, crypto support, and established betting infrastructure. While each follows a different model, they illustrate how licensed crypto betting is evolving. Dexsport Dexsport operates as a licensed crypto betting platform under authorization from the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros. Launched in 2022, it was built with a Web3-first approach, focusing on crypto-only wagering, transparency, and user control. One of Dexsport’s distinguishing features is its flexible approach to verification. The platform does not require mandatory KYC for standard betting activity, allowing users to register via email, Telegram account, or DeFi wallets such as MetaMask and Trust Wallet. This makes it appealing to players who want licensed infrastructure without intrusive identity checks. Dexsport supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and USDT, across multiple blockchain networks. Security is reinforced through independent smart contract audits by CertiK and Pessimistic, while transparency is supported by a public betting desk that allows users to observe live wagers and outcomes in real time. From a betting perspective, Dexsport emphasizes esports and major sports markets, paired with cashback-based rewards and structured bonuses designed to reduce friction rather than lock users into aggressive wagering requirements. Thunderpick Thunderpick has built its reputation primarily around esports betting, offering strong coverage of titles such as CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, and League of Legends. The platform operates with crypto-only deposits and withdrawals and incorporates provably fair mechanics. While Thunderpick is licensed and generally regarded as reliable, it may require KYC for higher withdrawal amounts or access to certain promotions. Withdrawals can also take longer than on some competitors, making it better suited for esports-focused bettors who value market depth over speed. Stake Stake is one of the most established crypto betting platforms, offering a broad sportsbook that covers traditional sports, esports, and niche betting categories. It supports a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and provides advanced features such as live betting, cash-out options, and streaming. Unlike some crypto-native platforms, Stake requires full KYC verification before withdrawals. This regulatory approach appeals to users who prioritize structure and liquidity but may be less attractive to privacy-focused bettors. Stake is generally seen as a more traditional, compliance-heavy option within the crypto betting space. Betplay Betplay focuses on speed and convenience, particularly through its support for Lightning Network Bitcoin transactions. This allows for extremely fast deposits and withdrawals, which is a key advantage for BTC-focused users. However, Betplay operates with weaker regulatory backing compared to fully licensed platforms. While it often allows no-KYC access, this semi-regulated status can introduce higher risk over time. Betplay is typically favored by users who prioritize transaction speed over long-term regulatory assurance. Licensed vs Unregulated Crypto Betting Platforms For many players in 2026, the choice between licensed and unregulated crypto betting sites comes down to risk tolerance. Licensed platforms generally offer: Greater operational stability Clearer user protections Lower risk of sudden service disruptions Unregulated platforms may still attract users seeking maximum anonymity or speed, but they come with fewer safeguards and limited recourse in case of disputes. Platforms like Dexsport attempt to bridge this gap by combining licensing and audits with a crypto-native, low-friction user experience. What Makes a Licensed Crypto Betting Site “Safe” in 2026 Experienced bettors tend to evaluate licensed crypto betting platforms using a combination of regulatory and technical criteria rather than marketing claims. Key safety indicators include: A valid gambling license from a crypto-friendly jurisdiction Transparent KYC requirements clearly stated in advance Independent security audits or provably fair mechanisms Consistent withdrawal performance Clear, readable bonus terms A track record of stable operation Platforms that combine these elements are increasingly viewed as safer choices for long-term betting activity. Final Thoughts As crypto betting continues to evolve, licensing has become an important benchmark for platform credibility. Players are increasingly looking for betting sites that balance flexibility with accountability, rather than choosing between regulation and innovation. In 2026, licensed crypto betting sites represent a more mature phase of the industry—where safety, transparency, and crypto efficiency coexist. Platforms that manage to combine these elements without sacrificing user experience are likely to define the future of online wagering.
New Arbitrum Wallet Executes TWAP to Buy $2M Worth of HYPE Tokens While Holding About $7M USDC
The decline was accompanied by sharp volatility in bitcoin and weakness in U.S. tech stocks, suggesting a return of risk-off sentiment.
Tether unveiled PearPass, a peer-to-peer password manager that eliminates the need for cloud storage and centralized servers, amid major breaches that have exposed billions of credentials. The stablecoin giant announced that its free application synchronizes encrypted passwords directly between user devices via a peer-to-peer architecture, removing traditional cloud infrastructure vulnerabilities that have plagued competitors. PearPass addresses escalating cybersecurity threats as cloud-based password managers face persistent attacks from sophisticated hackers targeting centralized databases. The application stores credentials exclusively on user devices while enabling encrypted synchronization across platforms without intermediaries, giving users complete control over digital security through locally stored data. Introducing PearPass — the password manager that keeps your data on your devices. No servers to hack. No cloud to leak. Just pure local security. Follow @Pears_p2p & Download the App https://t.co/gP9FIPn2dW pic.twitter.com/ObIuyfToMo — Tether (@Tether_to) December 17, 2025 Decentralized Architecture Removes Single Point of Failure The password manager eliminates server dependencies through peer-to-peer synchronization, unlike traditional cloud-based competitors that store millions of credentials on centralized infrastructure. PearPass employs end-to-end encryption powered by open-source cryptographic libraries, allowing users to recover their accounts using personal keys rather than relying on external systems that are vulnerable to breaches. “ Every major breach proves the same point: if your secrets live in the cloud, they’re not really yours, ” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “ PearPass removes the single point of failure. No servers, no intermediaries, no back doors. Recovery and synchronization across users’ devices happens peer-to-peer, with your keys, under your control, without gatekeepers. “ PearPass is the first super-secure password manager. It synchronizes your info across your devices, without the need of any server. No middlemen. No reliance on pinky swear security. Fully peer-to-peer and open-source. You can review it for yourself. It's available for… https://t.co/sxHtBOyihK — Paolo Ardoino (@paoloardoino) December 17, 2025 The application underwent independent security auditing by Secfault Security, a specialist in offensive security and cryptographic analysis, to ensure resilience against real-world threats. PearPass includes built-in password generation and continues to function during outages or in high-threat environments, maintaining operability when centralized systems fail. The fully open-source code allows community auditing, enabling developers to review security implementations independently. Growing Demand for Privacy-First Communication Tools PearPass represents Tether’s first fully open-source application developed on the Pears ecosystem, which builds decentralized solutions for sovereignty, efficiency, privacy, and security. The launch follows growing adoption of peer-to-peer technologies as users seek alternatives to centralized platforms facing regulatory pressure and surveillance concerns. Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat messaging app recorded over 360,00 downloads since launch, with 48,781 downloads in Nepal during September protests against government corruption and social media bans. The Bluetooth Low Energy mesh network application operates without an internet connection, enabling encrypted communication between devices within 30 meters during network shutdowns. Madagascar experienced similar adoption spikes during violent protests over utility shortages, with Google Trends showing searches spiking from zero to 100 in Antananarivo as demonstrators sought censorship-resistant communication. Dorsey's Bitchat explodes in Madagascar as protesters adopt censorship-resistant messaging during violent protests over infrastructure failures. #BitChat #Madagascar https://t.co/oZS9WNukd2 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) September 29, 2025 The peer-to-peer app recorded over 21,000 downloads within 24 hours during civil unrest that prompted government curfews across the capital. Elon Musk also announced XChat, a development for the X platform featuring Bitcoin-style encryption, promising cross-platform communication without phone number requirements. “ WhatsApp knows enough about what you’re texting to know what ads to show you, ” Musk alleged during a recent podcast interview . “ That’s a massive security vulnerability. ” The messaging service is expected to launch within months as part of Musk’s broader “ everything app ” ambitions. Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies Across Jurisdictions Privacy-focused platforms face mounting regulatory pressure as governments demand access to encrypted communications for law enforcement purposes. The European Union is advancing Chat Control regulations requiring messaging apps to scan content before encryption, with 15 countries currently supporting the controversial proposal despite privacy advocates warning of mass-surveillance implications. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov remains out on bail of €5 million following a French arrest under warrants related to the encrypted messaging platform. The 40-year-old billionaire criticized charges as “ legally and logically absurd ” while avoiding infrastructure deployment in jurisdictions with aggressive surveillance demands. Despite this tightening of regulations across Europe, Worldcoin also introduced World Chat in March , integrating encrypted messaging with World ID verification and distinguishing verified users with blue chat bubbles. @worldcoin has launched World Chat, an encrypted messaging feature within World App that enables users to communicate and send crypto. #worldcoin #wld https://t.co/uwWgL1r9bH — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) March 6, 2025 The feature enables crypto transfers within conversations while supporting over 100 Mini Apps that launched more than 250 million times in early 2025. For this new privacy app, Tether emphasized that PearPass represents technology designed to withstand future centralization pressures from governments, corporations, and intermediaries seeking to control data. The company plans additional ecosystem applications restoring internet control to individual users through decentralized infrastructure resilient against external seizure or compromise. The post Tether Launches PearPass, a Peer-to-Peer Password Manager Without Cloud Storage appeared first on Cryptonews .
HashKey Holdings saw its shares slip 3% on Wednesday during its Hong Kong trading debut, closing at HK$6.51 after pricing near the top of its marketed range at HK$6.68, according to CNBC . The crypto exchange raised $206 million in its initial public offering, marking the first public listing by a digital asset company in the city, even as bitcoin tumbled 36% from its October all-time high above $126,000. The underwhelming performance came despite robust investor demand, with the institutional tranche drawing subscriptions 5.5 times the available stock and retail investors oversubscribing by nearly 394 times. Cornerstone investors, including Fidelity, UBS, CDH Investments, and Cithara Fund, participated in the offering, while JPMorgan and Guotai Haitong served as joint bookrunners. HashKey’s Hong Kong debut briefly jumped 6% before slipping below its IPO price, as a $206M listing met cautious sentiment in a volatile crypto market. @HashKeyExchange #Hashkey #HongKong https://t.co/AHWJZQLtGQ — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 17, 2025 Hong Kong’s Crypto Hub Ambitions Face Market Headwinds Founded in 2018, HashKey operates the city’s largest licensed virtual asset trading platform and secured one of the earliest approvals under Hong Kong’s 2022 digital asset regime. The company holds more than 75% of Hong Kong’s onshore digital asset trading volume, providing exchange services alongside over-the-counter trading, staking, tokenization, and asset management solutions for institutional and retail clients. Speaking with Reuters , CEO Xiao Feng emphasized his long-term confidence despite near-term volatility. “ My confidence is only growing stronger and I am more optimistic than 10 years ago because there’s more regulation and compliance guidelines for us to follow which will allow the industry to grow further, ” he said at the listing ceremony. The exchange facilitated HK$1.7 trillion in trading volume through September 2025, though first-half revenue fell 26% year over year to HK$284 million. HashKey posted a HK$506.7 million loss during that period, narrowing from HK$772.6 million the previous year as the company invested heavily in compliance infrastructure and market expansion. Mainland Ban Contrasts With Hong Kong’s Digital Asset Push Hong Kong’s embrace of cryptocurrencies stands in sharp contrast to mainland China, which banned crypto trading in 2021 and recently renewed warnings about virtual assets . The city launched a stablecoin licensing system this year and is considering allowing exchanges to connect local platforms with global operations, positioning itself as a testing ground for regulated digital asset adoption. Xiao distinguished Hong Kong’s approach from Beijing’s crackdown, noting mainland measures targeted pyramid schemes and stablecoin fraud. “ Hong Kong continues to promote policies regarding digital assets and we have benefited from that, ” he said. “ We should firmly adhere to ‘one country’, but wisely take advantage of ‘two systems.’ “ CFO Eric Zhu expressed confidence that the Asian market would catch up with U.S. crypto penetration rates. “ We are confident that the penetration rate in Hong Kong, in the Asian market, is going to catch up with what happens in the U.S, ” he told CNBC. The company plans to deploy IPO proceeds toward technology infrastructure upgrades, market expansion partnerships, and enhanced risk management systems. HashKey will prioritize cash flow over profitability in the near term while continuing investments as the sector develops, according to Xiao. @HashKeyExchange is poised to price its Hong Kong IPO near the top of the range, with strong institutional demand suggesting the raise could reach about $206M. #HashKey #IPO https://t.co/cDu3Bqa2i9 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 15, 2025 The listing arrived during a challenging period for global crypto equities. As reported earlier by Cryptonews , stablecoin provider Circle lost 70% of its value since peaking in June, while exchanges Bullish and Gemini declined over 30% and 60% respectively, since their summer debuts. Bitcoin has fallen roughly 30% from October highs amid concerns about geopolitical tensions and broader market jitters. Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the listing ceremony, which shows the city’s official support for its digital asset initiatives. The debut contributed to Hong Kong’s strongest IPO year since 2021, with over $34 billion raised from new listings through December, according to data obtained by Reuters, reclaiming the top global ranking from U.S. exchanges for the first time since 2019. The post HashKey Shares Drop 3% in Disappointing Hong Kong Debut Despite $200M Raise appeared first on Cryptonews .
Bitcoin’s prolonged sell-side pressure from long-term holders may be approaching its limits after years of steady distribution, according to a new report from research and brokerage firm K33. Key Takeaways: About 1.6 million BTC from long-term holders have returned to circulation since 2024. K33 says the scale points to deliberate selling, not technical wallet movements. Institutional liquidity has enabled early investors to exit at high prices. The firm argues that a large portion of early holders has already taken profits, potentially setting the stage for a shift in market dynamics. 1.6M BTC From Long-Term Holders Has Re-Entered Circulation Since 2024 In a recent note , K33 head of research Vetle Lunde said Bitcoin supply held in unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) older than two years has been declining consistently since 2024. Over that period, roughly 1.6 million BTC, worth about $138 billion at current prices, has re-entered circulation, signaling sustained onchain selling from early investors. Lunde said the scale of this decline suggests intentional distribution rather than routine technical activity. While some reactivations can be explained by factors such as Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust converting into an ETF, wallet consolidation, or security upgrades, he argued those factors alone cannot account for the magnitude of supply that has moved. “The numbers point to meaningful selling,” Lunde wrote, rather than passive reshuffling of coins. According to K33, 2024 and 2025 rank as the second- and third-largest years on record for long-term supply reactivation, exceeded only by 2017. Activity stays low in the crypto market, with low volumes and modest open interest following another week of chop. Will rebalancing effects improve the momentum as we grind towards the end of 2025? https://t.co/yHb10zXtbP — K33 Research (@K33Research) December 16, 2025 Unlike that earlier cycle, which was driven by ICO participation and altcoin speculation, the current wave appears to be fueled by direct selling into deeper institutional liquidity. Lunde pointed to the growth of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and increased corporate treasury demand as key enablers of this shift. The report cited several large transactions as evidence, including an 80,000 BTC over-the-counter sale facilitated by Galaxy in July, a whale swapping 24,000 BTC for ether in August, and another selling roughly 11,000 BTC between October and November. K33 said similar activity has been widespread among large holders and is likely a major factor behind Bitcoin’s relative underperformance in 2025. In total, K33 estimates that about $300 billion worth of Bitcoin aged one year or more has been revived this year alone. Lunde said the availability of institutional liquidity has allowed long-term holders to exit positions at six-digit prices, reducing ownership concentration and establishing new cost bases across the market. K33 Expects Bitcoin Sell-Side Pressure to Ease as Long-Term Supply Stabilizes Looking ahead, K33 expects sell-side pressure to ease. “With 20% of BTC’s supply reactivated over the past two years, we expect onchain sell-side pressure to approach saturation,” Lunde said. He expects the two-year supply metric to stabilize and end 2026 above its current level of around 12.16 million BTC. The firm also flagged potential portfolio rebalancing effects as the quarter turns. Bitcoin has historically tended to move opposite the prior quarter early in a new one, Lunde noted. After underperforming other asset classes in Q4, Bitcoin could see renewed inflows in late December and early January as managers rebalance fixed allocations. As reported, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan and Grayscale Research both project BTC will exceed its previous peak despite conventional wisdom suggesting 2026 should be a pullback year. The post K33 Says Long-Term Bitcoin Holder Selling May Be Nearing Exhaustion appeared first on Cryptonews .
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao is back on top, talking up President Donald Trump’s crypto stance and pointing directly at the US as the center of where this whole industry goes next. As you should know, CZ was pardoned by Trump in October, and even though he has no position at the exchange, his voice is loud enough that everyone can see he still plays a major role in shaping where the company goes. Binance is now studying how to reboot Binance.US, and the idea on the table includes a recapitalization that may cut CZ’s majority stake. Sources say his large stake is blocking access to key states, and talks around this plan are still shifting. He told the crowd at Binance Blockchain Week, “It is my full intention to help make America the capital of crypto,” calling the country “an emerging land for us.” He also watched from the front row as Yi He, his co-founder and partner, spoke on stage and said he had “retired,” even though he was clearly active at the event. Navigating restrictions and planning a US comeback The company knows that a real push inside the US means fighting through different state licensing rules or hoping that Congress finally creates a federal system. CZ signed a plea deal in 2023 for failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program at Binance, and that deal blocks him from any direct or indirect involvement in the company’s operations. The global exchange itself pleaded guilty to federal charges and agreed to pay billions in fines. Nobody has given a clear answer on how much Trump’s pardon affects the restrictions in that plea, but everyone sees the political shift happening in Washington. Since regulators charged CZ and the exchange two years ago, Binance.US has been sinking. CZ told the crowd in December that the platform once held 35% of the US market, and now that number is basically zero. Source: BTC Inc. from Bitcoin MENA 2025 He said, “When I stepped down as Binance CEO, I actually cried. It took me a little bit to get over it.” Several states have revoked Binance.US licenses, and others like New York refused to issue one at all. A market-structure bill sitting in Congress could create a national licensing system. Supporters of the bill argue that it would change the landscape for companies like Binance, but the bill is stuck because lawmakers cannot agree on the final text. Some thought it would pass by year-end. Now, nobody is sure it will even reach a vote. Chris Hayes from Thorn Run Partners said, “Compromise text that can be reached that satisfies both parties’ political interests, as well as the traditional finance and crypto industries will be challenging,” though he still thinks the bill has a strong chance. Building alliances and reshuffling leadership Sources say Binance has looked at buying some or all of CZ’s stake to install new leadership and unlock new strategies in the US. The pressure to act is real. If Democrats gain power next year in midterm elections or retake the White House later on, the warm climate the company enjoys right now could shift fast. Lobbyists in Washington already think the tide may be turning. At the same time, Binance is trying to strengthen ties with BlackRock.The asset manager has a tokenized money-market fund that institutions can use to back trades on Binance, and both sides have discussed deeper products and revenue-sharing ideas. The exchange has also been getting closer to World Liberty Financial, a crypto group linked to Trump family members. Some of these moves started before the pardon, but they show how Binance is adjusting to the political moment. Inside the company, leadership is shifting again. Binance promoted Yi He to co-CEO with Teng. She has become the face of the company, leading events, shaping plans, and restarting the growth story. Her role makes it harder for the company to show that CZ is distant, especially since he still has a $36 billion fortune tied to Binance, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. People watching the company expect it to go hard once it enters the US again. Binance has a history of grabbing market share using zero-fee or low-fee trading. That approach rattles rivals like Coinbase. But the comeback will not be fast. Binance.US is blocked from operating in more than a dozen states, including New York, and it’ll be a big challenge for them to get money-transmitter licenses. But it sure will be interesting to watch the biggest exchange on earth go band-for-band with Coinbase on Wall Street. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program