Low rug-pull count masks crypto’s most expensive year

2025 turned out to be a year of progress for crypto investors who had burned their money in the previous cycle. With all the positive things happening for the digital assets market last year, scams, hacks, and rug pulls also grabbed eyeballs. A report suggests that the crypto industry lost $3.4 billion to theft for the year. The February mega Bybit hack alone accounted for $1.5 billion. North Korean hackers managed to steal $2.02 billion in crypto in 2025. This has been a 51% year-over-year increase for them. Amid all this, rug pull events became less frequent, but looted many investors. 2025’s rug pulls were marked by social influence, insider access, and rapid liquidity drains. These events covered politically linked meme coins to DeFi protocols that broke trust built over months or even years. Collapse of Mantra The fall of Mantra Network shocked the market in April. Its OM token collapsed by more than 90% in under an hour. It plunged from nearly $6 to below $0.40, which led to the erosion of billions overnight. However, analysts flagged unusual activity shortly before the crash, but they were unable to avoid it. Large and sudden position closure became one of the main reasons behind the fall as it pushed liquidity under pressure. John Patrick Mullin, Mantra co-founder, has rejected the allegations around insider rug pull. He argued that the collapse was triggered by exchange-side liquidations. These trades were reportedly carried out without margin calls or notice. Some called it the result of reckless liquidations. The collapse of Mantra’s price. Source: CoinMarketCap . At the end of the event, approx. $6 billion was wiped out. This made Mantra one of the largest alleged rug pull collapses in crypto history. OM is trading at an average price of $0.08 at the press time. It’s down by 99% from its all-time high of $9.04. Pi Network pulling high hopes down On one side, Mantra showed investors a sudden collapse, then Pi Network displayed the risks of delayed hopes on the other. Pi came into the market with a buzz around the first mobile mining crypto. It managed to grab millions of users over time. Meanwhile, its much-awaited mainnet launch in early 2025 turned into a controversial affair. Blockchain investigators alleged that 12 million PI tokens were dumped within hours. This slashed the token’s price by more than 50%, sending investors under pressure. Pi Core Team wallets were reportedly flagged as potential sources of the outflows. Such allegations raised questions about insider behavior. However, Pi’s backers denied it . More than $8 billion in notional value was drained by the end of the incident. Pi price went on to nose-dive straight from $2.7 (27 Feb, 2025) to hit below $1.3 (3 March 2025). It then went on to break below $1 later. The token is trading at an average price of $0.20 at the press time. It is still holding a market cap of $1.7 billion. MetaYield Farm made DeFi suffer February 2025 witnessed another massive free fall of hopes. MetaYield Farm, a DeFi protocol, disappeared entirely. They drained approx. $290 million from more than 14,000 users. On-chain data reportedly flagged funds being bridged from Hyperliquid to Ethereum. Almost 752 ETH were routed out through Tornado Cash. This landed MetaYield at the top of the pure DeFi rug pull of the year. The team deleted all online presence while investors tried to find out answers. The whole project ran on aggressive social media marketing. Unverified smart contracts were used to attract liquidity before the running away act. Rise of political meme coins The year 2025 saw a new fascination with politically branded tokens. LIBRA turned out to be one of the most controversial tokens in the category. Argentine President Javier Milei took to social media to promote the $LIBRA token based on Solana. His tweets are sent the token’s market cap to hit above $4.5 billion. Insiders were quick they pull out between $107 million and $250 million within hours. Over 114,000 investor wallets lost money in the act. Milei later said he had no connection to the project. He also deleted the post after the matter made the global headlines. However, the damage was already done. The episode became known locally as “Cryptogate.” In the US, the Trump family-linked tokens followed a similar arc. Cryptos with names like $TRUMP, $MELANIA, and $BARRON came into the market. They also recorded a drop of around 90% to 99% from their peaks. A federal class-action lawsuit alleged that insiders treated the projects as well as planned pump-and-dump schemes. TRUMP is trading at an average price of $5.64 at the press time. It had posted an ATH of over $75 in Jan 2025. Similarly, MELANIA is trading down by 99% from its ATH of $13.73. Investors also got duped into a fake Eric Trump token, too. The fake project went on to hit $160 million market cap before crashing to near zero. With rug pulls, the crypto investors also got a taste of some huge hacks. February saw the Bybit hack. Users lost around $1.5 billion in stolen Ethereum. This turned out to be the largest single crypto theft ever recorded. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

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Polymarket: Jesus Vs. GTA VI: 90% Bet On Game First

In a surprising twist of modern-day prophecy, bettors on Polymarket are overwhelmingly confident that Grand Theft Auto VI will hit shelves before the second coming of Jesus Christ. With a whopping $7.8 million in volume, the current odds heavily favor GTA VI at 90%. The bet captures the imagination of both the faithful and the The post Polymarket: Jesus Vs. GTA VI: 90% Bet On Game First appeared first on CryptoCoin.News .

Chainlink Spot ETF Launch: Bitwise’s CLNK Begins Historic Trading on January 15

BitcoinWorld Chainlink Spot ETF Launch: Bitwise’s CLNK Begins Historic Trading on January 15 NEW YORK, January 2025 – The cryptocurrency investment landscape achieves another historic milestone as Bitwise’s Chainlink spot ETF, trading under the ticker CLNK, prepares for its market debut on January 15. Following formal approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, this groundbreaking financial instrument will begin trading on NYSE Arca, providing traditional investors with unprecedented direct exposure to the LINK token. This development represents a significant evolution in how institutional and retail participants access blockchain-based oracle networks. Chainlink Spot ETF Marks New Era for Crypto Accessibility The approval and imminent launch of the Chainlink spot ETF follows a carefully regulated path through the U.S. financial regulatory system. According to documentation filed with the SEC, Bitwise Asset Management successfully demonstrated adequate market surveillance mechanisms and custody solutions for the underlying LINK tokens. The SEC’s decision on January 6 culminated months of regulatory review and establishes important precedents for future cryptocurrency-based financial products. Market analysts immediately recognized the significance of this approval, particularly for blockchain infrastructure assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Chainlink’s unique position as a decentralized oracle network provider fundamentally distinguishes this ETF from previous cryptocurrency funds. Unlike pure currency or smart contract platform tokens, LINK powers critical data infrastructure that connects blockchain applications to real-world information. Consequently, the CLNK ETF offers investors exposure to blockchain’s utility layer rather than just its monetary or computational aspects. This distinction prompted extensive regulatory discussions about the token’s classification and the appropriate framework for its investment vehicle. Regulatory Framework and Market Implications The SEC’s approval process for the Chainlink spot ETF involved multiple considerations specific to the token’s utility and market structure. Regulators examined LINK’s trading volume across various exchanges, its custody requirements, and potential market manipulation vulnerabilities. Furthermore, they evaluated how price discovery occurs for an asset that primarily derives value from network usage rather than monetary policy. The successful navigation of these complex issues establishes a potential blueprint for other utility token ETFs seeking regulatory clearance. Expert Analysis on Investment Impact Financial analysts emphasize several immediate implications of the CLNK ETF launch. First, traditional investors gain simplified access to Chainlink’s ecosystem without managing private keys or navigating cryptocurrency exchanges. Second, increased institutional participation may enhance market liquidity and potentially reduce volatility for LINK. Third, the ETF structure provides regulatory clarity and investor protections that direct token ownership cannot offer. Finally, this development validates the maturation of blockchain infrastructure projects within mainstream financial frameworks. The introduction of the Chainlink spot ETF occurs within a broader context of cryptocurrency investment product expansion. Following the successful launches of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs in previous years, financial institutions have sought to diversify their crypto offerings. Chainlink represents the first major blockchain infrastructure token to receive this treatment, potentially opening pathways for similar products focused on other decentralized finance and Web3 protocols. Market observers will closely monitor trading volumes and investor interest during the ETF’s initial weeks. Technical Structure and Trading Mechanics Bitwise’s CLNK ETF employs a physically-backed structure, meaning the fund holds actual LINK tokens in secure custody. This approach differs from futures-based ETFs and provides direct exposure to spot price movements. The fund’s custodian utilizes institutional-grade security measures, including multi-signature wallets and geographically distributed key storage. Daily creation and redemption processes will allow authorized participants to exchange ETF shares for underlying tokens, maintaining price alignment between the fund and its net asset value. NYSE Arca’s selection as the listing venue follows established patterns for cryptocurrency ETFs. The exchange has developed specialized infrastructure for digital asset products, including surveillance systems that monitor for unusual trading patterns across both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. This cross-market surveillance capability addressed one of the SEC’s primary concerns regarding potential manipulation in less regulated cryptocurrency exchanges where LINK also trades. Chainlink Spot ETF Key Details Attribute Specification Ticker Symbol CLNK Listing Exchange NYSE Arca Trading Start Date January 15, 2025 SEC Approval Date January 6, 2025 Underlying Asset Chainlink (LINK) tokens ETF Structure Physically-backed spot ETF Investment Manager Bitwise Asset Management Investors should understand several key aspects of the CLNK ETF structure. The fund’s expense ratio, while not yet publicly finalized in pre-launch documentation, typically covers management fees, custody costs, and administrative expenses. Additionally, the ETF’s performance may slightly deviate from LINK’s spot price due to these costs and tracking error. However, the creation/redemption mechanism generally keeps such deviations minimal under normal market conditions. Broader Context for Blockchain Investment Products The Chainlink spot ETF approval represents the latest development in a multi-year trend toward institutional cryptocurrency adoption. Regulatory acceptance has progressed through distinct phases, beginning with Bitcoin futures products, advancing to Bitcoin spot ETFs, expanding to Ethereum products, and now encompassing blockchain infrastructure tokens. Each phase has required demonstrating increasingly sophisticated understanding of different cryptocurrency categories and their associated risks. Market participants have noted several factors that likely contributed to Chainlink receiving this regulatory milestone before other altcoins. The project’s established track record since its 2017 launch provides extensive historical data for regulatory analysis. Its focus on enterprise blockchain integration aligns with institutional investment narratives. Moreover, Chainlink’s oracle networks already support numerous traditional financial institutions experimenting with blockchain technology, creating natural demand from existing financial sector participants. Future Outlook for Crypto ETFs Financial industry observers anticipate that the CLNK ETF’s performance may influence regulatory approaches to other cryptocurrency investment products. Success could encourage applications for ETFs tracking additional blockchain infrastructure tokens, particularly those with substantial institutional usage and transparent governance. Conversely, regulatory challenges or market issues might slow further expansion beyond the current approved categories. The coming months will provide crucial data about investor appetite for specialized cryptocurrency exposure through regulated vehicles. The timing of this launch coincides with growing institutional interest in blockchain’s practical applications beyond speculative trading. As enterprises increasingly integrate blockchain solutions for supply chain management, financial settlements, and data verification, demand grows for investment exposure to the infrastructure enabling these use cases. Chainlink’s oracle networks serve precisely this function, potentially making the CLNK ETF attractive to investors seeking blockchain’s utility rather than just its currency aspects. Conclusion The January 15 launch of Bitwise’s Chainlink spot ETF on NYSE Arca represents a significant advancement in cryptocurrency investment accessibility. Following SEC approval on January 6, the CLNK ETF provides traditional investors with regulated exposure to blockchain’s critical oracle infrastructure. This development validates Chainlink’s established position within the blockchain ecosystem while expanding options for institutional participation. As the cryptocurrency market continues maturing, such regulated investment vehicles will likely play increasingly important roles in connecting traditional finance with decentralized technologies. FAQs Q1: What exactly is the Bitwise Chainlink spot ETF? The Bitwise Chainlink spot ETF (ticker: CLNK) is an exchange-traded fund that holds actual LINK tokens, providing investors with exposure to Chainlink’s price movements without directly purchasing or storing the cryptocurrency. The SEC approved the fund on January 6, 2025, with trading scheduled to begin on NYSE Arca on January 15. Q2: How does this ETF differ from buying LINK directly on a cryptocurrency exchange? The ETF structure offers several advantages over direct ownership: regulated oversight, professional custody solutions, simplified tax reporting, integration with traditional brokerage accounts, and avoidance of private key management. However, it also involves management fees and may have slight tracking error versus the direct spot price. Q3: Why is the Chainlink spot ETF significant for the cryptocurrency industry? This ETF represents the first regulated investment vehicle for a blockchain infrastructure token beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its approval suggests regulatory comfort with utility tokens that power decentralized networks, potentially paving the way for similar products focused on other blockchain protocols. Q4: What risks should investors consider with the CLNK ETF? Investors should understand cryptocurrency volatility risks, potential tracking error between the ETF and LINK’s spot price, management fees that reduce returns, regulatory changes that could affect the fund’s operations, and the inherent risks of blockchain technology adoption rates affecting LINK’s utility value. Q5: How will the ETF obtain and store the underlying LINK tokens? Bitwise will work with institutional-grade custodians using secure, insured storage solutions typically involving multi-signature wallets with geographically distributed key components. Authorized participants will handle the creation and redemption process that connects the ETF shares to the underlying tokens. This post Chainlink Spot ETF Launch: Bitwise’s CLNK Begins Historic Trading on January 15 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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Pyramid schemes promoted as crypto brokers fold with almost $13M of Russians funds on average

Russian organizers of financial pyramid schemes are now often pretending to be brokers offering victims to earn money on investments in crypto and traditional assets. Sberbank, Russia’s largest banking institution, has warned about the new trend and estimated that each reported scheme costs unsuspecting citizens up to a billion Russian rubles on average. Fraudsters pose as brokers to pitch crypto investment opportunities The operators of financial pyramids in Russia are updating their tactics and increasingly posing as brokers providing investment services for cryptocurrencies and securities. That’s according to Stanislav Kuznetsov, deputy chairman of the board of the majority state-owned Sberbank, the biggest Russian bank by assets. Losses caused by the activities of each scheme like that reach 1 billion rubles (nearly $12.7 million), the executive revealed in an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency. “As for the groups that operate like financial pyramids, they have changed their tactics. Previously, they persuaded people to take out loans, offering rewards in return and promising repayment,” Kuznetsov noted, elaborating further: “Now they are masquerading as pseudo-brokers, offering supposedly profitable participation in cryptocurrencies or securities trading. We have calculated that, on average, one such pyramid defrauds Russians of a billion rubles.” Over the past year, Sber’s security service was able to identify 38 structures of this kind and thwart their activities, in coordination with Russian law enforcement agencies. The high-ranking executive unveiled that the bank is relying on advanced technologies in the fight against crime, including artificial intelligence (AI) models and complex algorithms that, in his view, are fundamentally changing the approach to such investigations. “Our solutions allow us to both anticipate threats and quickly solve crimes. For example, we use algorithms that analyze gigantic volumes of data, which are able to identify connections between suspects and establish their role in a criminal scheme,” Kuznetsov explained. Crypto becomes Russian fraudsters’ favorite theme ahead of legalization Russia has a long history of fighting financial pyramids – from one of the largest Ponzi schemes of all time, the 1990s MMM, to the massive crypto-focused Finiko more recently. In August, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced it had found more than 4,000 entities showing signs of illegal activities in the financial market during the first half of 2025. A quarter of that total, over 1,000, offered “fast and guaranteed” profits from investments in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, the monetary authority highlighted. In November, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow (MVD) acknowledged that crypto became one of the most popular lures employed by Russian fraudsters last year, as reported by Cryptopolitan. Then, in early December, a representative of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation alleged that two-thirds of funds obtained from defrauded citizens end up laundered through conversion into cryptocurrency. However, crypto is not the only theme exploited by scammers. Well ahead of its full-scale launch, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026, they are already using the digital rubles in multiple schemes, according to an article by the daily Izvestia that went out last September. Meanwhile, Russian interest toward cryptocurrencies has been growing over the past year , during which financial regulators in Moscow started softening their stance on decentralized digital assets. Government institutions are now preparing to comprehensively regulate crypto activities and transactions, including investment and trading, in the first half of this year. Towards the end of last month, the Bank of Russia published an excerpt from its new regulatory concept that envisages recognizing Bitcoin and the like as “currency assets.” Earlier this week, the head of the important parliamentary Committee on Financial Markets, Anatoly Aksakov, announced that Russian lawmakers have already drafted a bill to properly regulate the market and expand legal investor access. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.

Polymarket: Patriots’ Super Bowl 2026 Odds At 45%

Will the New England Patriots clinch the Super Bowl title in 2026? The odds on Polymarket currently sit at an intriguing 45%. While the team’s performance has been a roller coaster in recent years, bettors are showing cautious optimism for a resurgence. The Patriots, a team with a storied past, have been in a rebuilding The post Polymarket: Patriots’ Super Bowl 2026 Odds At 45% appeared first on CryptoCoin.News .