Fresh data from the XRP rich list shows that current prices are quietly reshaping who qualifies as a top holder. As XRP trades around $2.04, the number of tokens to rank among the top holders continues to decline. Visit Website
Mike Selig pledged to make crypto a priority when he was picked to lead the CFTC in October, while Travis Hill has been speaking out against crypto debanking.
Pi Network’s team has been quite active lately, introducing interesting initiatives for the community and rolling out important updates. However, the price of its native token hasn’t managed to stage a decisive breakout and remains in red territory on both the weekly and monthly timeframes. One key factor, though, hints that a surge could be knocking on the door. Abandoning Exchanges Earlier this week, PI plunged to $0.19, but in the following days the bulls reclaimed some of the losses, and the price is now hovering around $0.20 (per CoinGecko’s data). While this might represent just a minor resurgence, the recent shift from exchanges towards self-custody methods suggests a more substantial pump could be on the way. Data shows that over 1.2 million tokens have left such centralized platforms in the past 24 hours, typically translating to reduced selling pressure. As of this writing, there are roughly 428 million PI situated on exchanges, with more than half stored on Gate.io. Bitget comes in second with 147.6 million assets. In addition, the upcoming token unlocks are less aggressive than those seen in the last few months. Nearly 165 million coins are set for release in the next 30 days, representing an average daily unlock of around 5.5 million units. PI Token Unlocks, Source: piscan.io Some of PI’s die-hard fans remain optimistic and keep outlining bullish forecasts. Recently, X user Web3_Vibes suggested that the price could head north once it bounces off the support level around $0.192. Others have predicted scenarios where PI reaches the astonishing target of $100 and even beyond. That, of course, seems quite preposterous and even impossible as of now. Some Community Members are Losing Patience Despite the optimism shared above, many industry participants are disappointed with PI’s negative performance. X user pinetworkmembers claimed the project began as an “ambitious idea” but has turned into “years of tapping a button, unclear timelines, shifting goals, and endless ‘coming soon’ updates.” “There’s still no solid utility, no open market confidence, and very little transparency about where this is actually heading. A strong community deserves real progress, not perpetual waiting and recycled promises,” they added. X user Pi Update also stands in the bearish corner. They claimed the token is “starting to look like a case study in hype outrunning execution,” adding that holders continue to wait for basic improvements such as clear tokenomics, real liquidity, and a use case that extends beyond the native ecosystem. In conclusion, the X user argued that vague promises from the Core Team and community enthusiasm can’t unlock the project’s full potential. “Until PI delivers independent price discovery and real-world utility, it feels less like a hidden gem and more like a project stuck between vision and viability,” they stated. The post 1,200,000 PI Tokens in 24 Hours: Is Pi Network’s Price Ready for a Further Rebound? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
JPMorgan analysts pushed back again on trillion-dollar projections for stablecoins, arguing that the market’s growth will remain in line with the broader crypto space. The bank argued that the stablecoin market cannot be viewed independently, as its growth is closely intertwined with the overall performance of the crypto sector, warning that expectations of a $1 trillion market by 2028 are too optimistic. In its Wednesday report, it revealed that the stablecoin market has swelled by roughly $100 billion this year to over $300 billion, with most of the increase coming from the two largest coins, Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. USDT increased by roughly $48 billion in supply, and USDC by about $34 billion. JPMorgan said stablecoin demand hinges on trading needs JPMorgan maintains that the growth of stablecoins is closely tied to broader cryptocurrency activity. It explained that in the past, the market growth surged during BTC and ETH rallies a nd eased when digital assets slowed. Earlier in the bank’s July report, it had indicated that stablecoin demand is largely driven by trading needs — tokens that are used as cash or collateral in derivatives and DeFi markets, as well as for crypto-native companies to hold unused capital. By then, derivatives exchanges had contributed approximately $20 billion in stablecoins, placing them as the principal contributor to supply growth. In their then report, it added, “The stablecoin universe is likely to continue to grow over the coming years broadly in line with the overall crypto market cap, perhaps reaching $500 billion–$600 billion by 2028, far lower than the most optimistic expectations of $2 trillion–$4 trillion.” On the other hand, Citi still expects the stablecoin market to expand to $1.9 trillion by 2030 under normal conditions and potentially reach as high as $4 trillion in an upside scenario, compared with Standard Chartered’s $2 trillion projection for 2028. JPMorgan just introduced its JPM Coin for institutional clients JPMorgan also cautioned that wider use of stablecoins for payments won’t automatically lead to a bigger market cap, as faster circulation reduces the need for higher outstanding balances. Instead, they anticipate that the greater use of payments would increase the frequency of stablecoins transactions. With USDT’s velocity around 50, they estimate that supporting $10 trillion in cross-border payments would require only $200 billion in stablecoins. Currently, more banks are taking an interest in stablecoins and exploring tokenized deposits. In November, JPMorgan, through its Kinexys unit, even introduced JPM Coin (JPMD) for institutional clients on Base, Ethereum’s layer 2 network incubated by Coinbase . It claimed the move would help both crypto-native and traditional companies transfer funds more quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, it argued that blockchain initiatives such as SWIFT’s experiments could help banks retain their position in international transfers, potentially limiting stablecoins’ use for institutional settlement. Its analysts also noted that CBDC initiatives, including the digital euro and digital yuan, could compete with private stablecoins by offering regulated payment options for cross-border and institutional use. The analysts explained, “In all, we continue to anticipate stablecoin growth broadly in line with the overall crypto market universe over the coming years. Greater usage of stablecoins in payments does not necessarily imply a large increase in the required stock of stablecoins.” Moreover, it asserted that blockchain projects targeting institutional payments could bolster banks by using non-bearer tokenized deposits, at the expense of privately issued stablecoins. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
Senior researcher at on-chain analytics firm Glassnode has explained how the recent Bitcoin shark “accumulation” is not a sign of organic buying. Bitcoin Shark-Sized Entities Have Been Growing Recently In a new post on X, Glassnode senior researcher CryptoVizArt.₿ has talked about the recent growth in the supply attached to the Bitcoin sharks. “ Sharks ” are defined as the entities carrying between 100 and 1,000 BTC. At the current exchange rate, the range of this cohort converts to $8.7 million at the lower end and $87 million at the upper one. Due to the significant size involved, sharks are considered as a investor group, although they are less influential than the whales (1,000+ BTC). Lately, the supply of the sharks has been following a rapid upward trajectory, as the chart shared by CryptoVizArt.₿ shows. Since November 16th, the Bitcoin sharks have seen their combined balance change from 3.33 million BTC to 3.60 million BTC, reflecting a significant rise of 270,000 tokens. “The key question, however, is whether this reflects genuine net accumulation, or merely internal reshuffling across cohorts, a distinction only deeper on-chain analysis can resolve,” said the Glassnode researcher. By “reshuffling,” CryptoVizArt.₿ is referring to the merging or splitting of holdings that investors sometimes take part in. For example, a whale deciding to break their balance across multiple wallets can register as a decrease in the whale supply, and an increase in the supply of whatever bracket the smaller holdings fall inside. Signs point to something similar being a factor behind the recent Bitcoin shark supply increase. Below is another chart shared by the analyst, this one comparing the trend in the supply of the 100,000+ BTC entities against that of the sharks. The 100,000+ BTC cohort corresponds to the largest of entities on the blockchain, including exchanges, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) , and custodial services. From the graph, it’s apparent that the holdings of this group have been declining recently. Interestingly, the amount distributed by the cohort in this drawdown is 300,000 BTC, which is roughly equal to that accumulated by the sharks (270,000 BTC). “This pattern strongly points to wallet reshuffling, not organic accumulation,” noted CryptoVizArt.₿. Since the 100,000+ BTC bracket also includes exchanges, reshuffling out of these platforms (that is, withdrawals) can still point toward positive accumulation. It turns out, however, that the nature of the reshuffling is truly likely to be internal, as Coinbase made internal wallet transfers amounting to a massive 640,000 BTC alongside this trend. Based on the data, the analyst has concluded: The key takeaway is that >90% of the apparent “shark accumulation” is likely driven by internal reshuffling by large custodial entities, rather than net buying by new 100–1K BTC holders. BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is floating around $87,300, down over 3% in the last seven days.
Stablecoin giant’s Devasini is director of groups that bought Peak Mining from Northern Data
BitcoinWorld IcomTech Crypto Scam: Accomplice Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Major Fraud A stark reminder has just been delivered to the shadowy world of cryptocurrency fraud. Magdaleno Mendoza, a key accomplice in the notorious IcomTech crypto scam , has been sentenced to six years in federal prison. This sentencing by a U.S. court marks a significant victory for regulatory enforcement and a warning to bad actors. But what exactly was this scheme, and how did it ensnare so many investors? What Was the IcomTech Crypto Scam? The IcomTech crypto scam was a classic Ponzi scheme dressed in modern, digital clothing. Operated from at least 2017, promoters like Mendoza lured investors with irresistible promises. They guaranteed daily returns from supposed cryptocurrency trading and mining operations. However, as the Department of Justice indictment revealed, there was no legitimate investment activity. Instead, the operation used money from new investors to pay fake “returns” to earlier ones, a textbook Ponzi structure. How Did the Scam Recruit Its Victims? The perpetrators used a combination of high-pressure sales tactics and the allure of the crypto boom. They targeted communities, often hosting lavish promotional events to build credibility. Here are the key methods they employed: Promises of Guaranteed Returns: Investors were promised risk-free, daily profits, which is a major red flag in any investment. Fake Tech Platforms: IcomTech presented bogus online portals showing fabricated account growth to convince victims their money was working. Recruitment Bonuses: The scheme heavily relied on a multi-level marketing structure, encouraging existing members to recruit others for commissions. This combination created a false sense of security and community, making the IcomTech crypto scam particularly effective and damaging. What Does This Sentencing Mean for Crypto Investors? The six-year prison term for Magdaleno Mendoza is more than just a single verdict. It represents a growing trend of accountability. U.S. authorities are actively pursuing and prosecuting complex digital asset frauds. This case, alongside others, sends a clear message: the legal system is adapting to police the crypto space. For investors, it underscores the critical need for due diligence. If an opportunity sounds too good to be true—like guaranteed daily crypto returns—it almost certainly is. How Can You Protect Yourself from Similar Crypto Scams? Vigilance is your best defense. The aftermath of the IcomTech crypto scam provides hard-learned lessons. Always verify the legitimacy of any platform. Check for proper regulatory registrations, which many fraudulent operations lack. Be deeply skeptical of promises for guaranteed, high returns with no risk. Furthermore, understand that legitimate cryptocurrency mining or trading is complex and volatile, not a source of steady, passive income. Finally, research the team behind a project; anonymous or unverifiable founders are a significant warning sign. In conclusion, the sentencing in the IcomTech crypto scam case is a pivotal moment. It demonstrates that law enforcement can and will dismantle sophisticated digital Ponzi schemes. While it offers a measure of justice for the victims, its true power lies as a deterrent. The era of operating fraudulent crypto schemes with impunity is closing. For the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, such legal actions are necessary steps toward building a safer, more trustworthy market for everyone. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What was IcomTech? IcomTech was a fraudulent company that operated a Ponzi scheme by pretending to be a cryptocurrency trading and mining business, promising investors guaranteed daily returns. How much money did the IcomTech scam steal? While the full scale is still being determined, court documents indicate the IcomTech crypto scam defrauded investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some reports suggesting the total could be in the millions. Have other people been charged in the IcomTech case? Yes. Magdaleno Mendoza is one of several individuals charged by the Department of Justice. The alleged mastermind, David Brend, and other promoters have also been indicted, with cases ongoing. Will the victims of the scam get their money back? The court may order restitution as part of the sentencing process. However, recovering funds from Ponzi schemes is often difficult, as the money is typically spent or transferred, leaving little for victims. What are the biggest red flags of a crypto Ponzi scheme? Major red flags include promises of guaranteed high returns, pressure to recruit new members, complex or secretive “strategies,” and the inability to withdraw your principal investment easily. Where can I report a suspected cryptocurrency scam? In the United States, you can report suspected fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Knowledge is the best shield against fraud. If you found this breakdown of the IcomTech crypto scam sentencing helpful, please consider sharing it on your social media channels. Spreading awareness helps protect others in your community from falling victim to similar sophisticated schemes. Let’s work together to foster a safer cryptocurrency environment. To learn more about how to identify legitimate cryptocurrency opportunities and avoid pitfalls, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto security and investor education. This post IcomTech Crypto Scam: Accomplice Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Major Fraud first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Why the $8 trillion debt rollover is a bullish signal for risk assets.
Multiple analyses suggest that investors may need to spend significantly more to acquire XRP by the end of the decade than its current price. Although XRP’s recent performance may appear underwhelming, the token has recorded substantial growth compared to its valuation in October 2024. Visit Website
BitcoinWorld Stunning Bitcoin Price Prediction: BOJ Policy Could Catapult BTC to $1 Million, Says Arthur Hayes Could a central bank’s controversial policy be the rocket fuel for the next Bitcoin bull run? BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has dropped a bombshell prediction, directly linking the Bank of Japan’s monetary strategy to a potential seven-figure future for Bitcoin. His analysis presents a compelling, if audacious, case for a stunning Bitcoin price prediction of $1 million. Let’s unpack the logic behind this bold forecast. What is Hayes’s $1 Million Bitcoin Price Prediction Based On? Arthur Hayes, a respected and often provocative voice in crypto, made his case on social media platform X. His argument hinges on a single, powerful directive: “Do not bet against the Bank of Japan.” Hayes points to the BOJ’s long-standing commitment to negative real interest rates as the core catalyst. This policy, designed to stimulate Japan’s economy, effectively makes holding yen costly over time. Hayes argues this creates immense pressure for capital to seek harder, non-depreciating assets. Therefore, his Bitcoin price prediction isn’t just hopeful thinking; it’s framed as a direct consequence of global monetary flows. How Do Negative Rates Fuel a Bitcoin Surge? To understand this potential chain reaction, we need to grasp the mechanics. Negative real interest rates mean inflation outpaces the nominal interest rate. Savers and institutions see the purchasing power of their yen erode. This triggers a search for alternative stores of value. Hayes forecasts this will lead to two major outcomes: A drastically weaker yen , potentially reaching 200 yen per U.S. dollar. A monumental capital flight into assets perceived as inflation-resistant. Bitcoin, with its fixed supply of 21 million coins, is positioned as a prime beneficiary. The logic is clear: if Japanese capital, and indeed global capital anticipating further currency debasement, moves even a fraction into Bitcoin, the demand shock could be unprecedented. This forms the bedrock of Hayes’s ambitious Bitcoin price prediction . Is This Bitcoin Price Prediction Realistic or Pure Speculation? While the narrative is compelling, it’s crucial to weigh the challenges. A Bitcoin price prediction of $1 million represents a nearly 15x increase from all-time highs. Such a move would require: Sustained BOJ policy without major reversal. Massive institutional adoption from Japanese and international investors. Regulatory clarity in major markets to facilitate large-scale entry. Furthermore, other macroeconomic factors, like U.S. Federal Reserve policy, would also play a critical role. Hayes’s scenario is a specific, focused lens on one powerful driver, but the real-world path is inevitably more complex. What Can Investors Learn From This Analysis? Regardless of whether the $1 million target is hit, Hayes’s perspective offers actionable insights. It reinforces Bitcoin’s growing narrative as a monetary policy hedge . For investors, the key takeaway is to monitor global central bank actions, not just crypto-specific news. The potential weakening of major fiat currencies like the yen could create tailwinds for decentralized digital assets. Diversifying into Bitcoin can be seen as a strategic move to mitigate the risks of aggressive monetary easing elsewhere in the world. In conclusion, Arthur Hayes has connected dots between traditional finance and crypto in a provocative way. His stunning Bitcoin price prediction of $1 million rests on the premise that the Bank of Japan’s negative rate policy will unleash a wave of capital seeking an exit from currency debasement. While the journey will have volatility, this analysis highlights a fundamental shift: Bitcoin is increasingly analyzed through the lens of global macroeconomics, not just technological adoption. The era of crypto as a standalone asset class is fading, replaced by its integration into the broader narrative of 21st-century finance. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What did Arthur Hayes predict about Bitcoin? Arthur Hayes predicted that the Bank of Japan’s negative interest rate policy could drive Bitcoin’s price to $1 million, alongside a significant weakening of the Japanese yen. How do negative interest rates affect Bitcoin? Negative real interest rates erode the value of holding a currency like the yen. This can push investors to seek alternative stores of value, such as Bitcoin, which has a fixed supply and is seen as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. Is the Bank of Japan still using negative rates? As of the latest updates, the BOJ has maintained an ultra-loose monetary policy, though it has made minor adjustments. The core environment of very low rates persists, which is the foundation of Hayes’s analysis. What would Bitcoin at $1 million mean for its market cap? A $1 million Bitcoin price would give it a total market capitalization of approximately $20 trillion, rivaling the current market cap of gold and representing a massive shift in global asset allocation. Should I invest based on this prediction? This prediction is a macroeconomic analysis, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research, understand the high volatility of cryptocurrencies, and consider your personal risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. What other factors could influence Bitcoin’s price? Bitcoin’s price is influenced by many factors, including U.S. monetary policy, regulatory developments worldwide, institutional adoption rates, technological advancements, and overall market sentiment. Did this analysis of a potential macro-driven Bitcoin boom change your perspective? Share this article with fellow investors on X or your favorite social media platform to continue the conversation about the future of finance. To learn more about the latest Bitcoin trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption. This post Stunning Bitcoin Price Prediction: BOJ Policy Could Catapult BTC to $1 Million, Says Arthur Hayes first appeared on BitcoinWorld .