First Cryptocurrency Transactions Could Be Made In Russia During 2026
The first cryptocurrency transactions could be conducted in normal Russian domestic transactions by the end of this year if the corresponding law is passed, according to Ekaterina Lozgacheva, the head of the Central Bank of Russia’s financial market strategic development department.
She said that “We expect that in the near future, when the draft bill on regulating the Russian cryptocurrency market reaches the State Duma, it will be possible to discuss many details concerning use very soon. With the approval of the draft bill this year, we see that the first transactions could take place by the end of this year already, and a rather lively agenda therefore awaits us this year.”
At the end of December last year, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) reported that it had submitted a concept for regulating cryptocurrencies in Russia to the government, according to which digital currencies and stablecoins are recognized as currency values that can be bought and sold, though not used for payments within the country. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov has said previously that the draft bill is expected to be forwarded to the State Duma in March 2026 and approved in the spring session.
The CBR’s concept would allow cryptocurrency transactions to be conducted via existing infrastructure—exchanges, brokers, and trustees—on the basis of their current licenses. Other requirements will only be set for special depositaries and crypto exchanges. The concept permits qualified investors to acquire cryptocurrency assets without restriction but limits purchases by non-qualified investors to ₽300,000 (US$3,900) via one intermediary each year. The use of cryptocurrency in Russia is to be staggered to allow security issues and the relevant infrastructure to be thoroughly tested. However, when it is in full use, $BTC $GOOGLon $AAPLon
Promising Cryptocurrency Stocks To Keep An Eye On - February 21st
Galaxy Digital, Bitfarms, HIVE Digital Technologies, Digi Power X, and ZenaTech are the five Cryptocurrency stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeat's stock screener tool. Cryptocurrency stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose business models, services, or balance-sheet holdings are directly tied to cryptocurrencies—examples include crypto miners, exchanges, wallet and infrastructure providers, blockchain developers, or firms that hold large amounts of digital assets. For stock market investors, these equities offer indirect exposure to crypto price movements and industry growth but carry company-specific, regulatory, and market risks that differ from owning the underlying cryptocurrencies. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Cryptocurrency stocks within the last several days.$BTC $BNB $USDC
Cryptocurrency Market Trends: Evolving Strategies From The Experts
The cryptocurrency market continues to shift rapidly, leaving many traders struggling to adapt their strategies. This article gathers actionable insights from seasoned professionals who have successfully navigated recent market volatility. Learn how top experts identify opportunities, manage risk, and adjust their approach when market conditions change.$USDC Respect Regimes Reassess Assumptions Manage Drawdowns Favor Asymmetric Setups over Crowded Consensus Analyze System Risks like Financial Infrastructure Use Fear and Greed Index for Direction Respect Regimes Reassess Assumptions Manage Drawdowns As a market analyst at BTCC, with a long-standing focus on market structure and liquidity dynamics, this is a topic I often discuss with institutional clients and in media interviews. $BTC Over time, my focus has shifted away from trying to predict where prices might move next, toward understanding why markets behave the way they do and how different mechanisms shape that behavior. That shift has materially influenced how I approach research and risk, with greater emphasis on identifying structural drivers rather than reacting to short-term price signals.
Before discussing trades, it is essential to understand the market’s current operating regime. Different environments require very different approaches to positioning and risk management, and treating them as interchangeable often leads to avoidable drawdowns.
Taking Bitcoin’s 2025 performance as an example, activity picked up after early-year election and tariff volatility faded. Despite short-term disruptions, the expansionary regime held—until the first rate cut, when choppy inflation data quickly shifted market expectations toward a more defensive stance.
A critical part of that process is discipline around information sources. Primary materials should always form the foundation, while social platforms and community discussions are better used to capture sentiment. High-quality secondary research can help frame prevailing narratives, but it should support—never replace—independent judgment. Another principle reinforced across cycles is treating every analysis as a hypothesis rather than a final conclusion. When key assumptions change—such as shifts in liquidity conditions or regulatory expectations—the original logic must be reassessed, even if prices have not yet reached technical stop levels. In practice, the greater risk often lies in continuing to act on assumptions that are no longer valid.
Finally, I place more weight on risk-reward structure than on win rates. The goal is not to be right every time, but to ensure losses remain controlled when a thesis fails, while allowing returns to compound when the market validates the underlying logic. Over time, disciplined downside management is what allows any framework to remain viable across cycle$BTC s.
Top Crypto Coins for 2026: BlockDAG, XRP, Chainlink, and Polkadot Deliver Genuine Value
The crypto world keeps changing as technology grows and real adoption spreads. Investors don't chase hype cycles alone anymore. They examine infrastructure, rule clarity, and practical function. Projects providing speed, size capacity, and obvious applications pull ahead from the pack.$XRP Right now, BlockDAG, XRP, Chainlink, and Polkadot shine as top crypto coins pushing progress across payments, data systems, network connections, and rapid blockchain activity. These networks tackle separate parts of the ecosystem. They handle quick transaction settlement, chain-to-chain talks, and distributed data streams. Competition heats up constantly. Grasping what keeps these projects meaningful today matters for anyone following the top crypto coins building the market's next growth wave.$BTC 1. BlockDAG: 5,000 TPS Beast Released as Mainnet Activates Crypto momentum changes when promising tech launches. That happens right now with BlockDAG. Its mainnet turned on live. This shifts its position instantly. The system cranks through 5,000 transactions each second. That speed runs 500 times quicker than Ethereum. This isn't a small improvement. It builds infrastructure ready for massive scale immediately. The Token Generation Event finished recently. This opened the airdrop claim right now through the official dashboard. Participants connect wallets directly to BlockDAG Mainnet. They review token amounts and execute claims on the blockchain instantly. This represents a critical switch from development work to active market presence. BlockDAG (BDAG) pricing holds at $0.00016 currently with 300× upside potential and zero vesting schedules. This access window remains briefly before BDAG debuts on major global exchanges, including COLD WALLET, among numerous others. After public trading launches, BDAG shifts entirely to open markets. Pricing and availability follow liquidity supply, buyer interest, and transaction speed at that point.
T he platform handles 5,000 transfers every second. DeFi protocols, financial tools, and decentralized offerings operate efficiently at big scale. This powerful base matches BDAG's transparent token design. Buyers get complete allocations on launch day without waits. They start staking coins right away and grab rewards instantly, using the network's total capabilities.
2. XRP: Rule Clarity Strengthens Payment Function XRP jumped 380% year-to-date as years of regulatory fog lift. This spotlights Ripple's international payments network. More than 300 financial institutions tap RippleNet now. They settle worldwide transactions in 3-5 seconds for tiny fractions of a penny. Traditional international payments eat up days and demand tens of dollars per transfer. This hands XRP an obvious utility. Investors weighing XRP should consider regulatory danger, centralization worries, and rivalry from stablecoins plus CBDCs. Its tight payment focus means it is less for those wanting a wide blockchain ecosystem. Despite unknowns, XRP remains a notable project among top crypto coins. It gives exposure to utility-powered tokens and quick, cheap international settlement. 3. Chainlink: Price Feeds Power DeFi Via Distributed Oracles Chainlink links smart contracts to real-world information through decentralized oracle systems. It supplies price feeds, weather facts, and other data essential for DeFi and blockchain apps. Over $75 billion in DeFi value relies on Chainlink price feeds. The CCIP allows cross-chain interoperability. RWA tokenization might fuel future demand. Limits include token utility arguments, infrastructure tokens' slower value growth, staking barriers, and rivalry from competing oracles. Despite these elements, Chainlink dominates as the oracle supplier across 1,000+ projects. This makes it a vital infrastructure layer. For investors hunting foundational blockchain ventures, Chainlink ranks among the top crypto coins. It offers exposure to critical decentralized infrastructure.
4. Polkadot: Parachains Allow Blockchain Communication Polkadot powers blockchain interoperability using parachains connected through a shared relay chain. Specialized chains swap data and value safely. Projects compete for parachain slots by locking DOT tokens for 96 weeks. This can restrict adoption. The network targets solving fragmentation and creating a multi-chain ecosystem. Growth came slower than anticipated, though. Dangers include multi-chain theory uncertainty, rivalry from Cosmos, and complicated architecture potentially blocking developer adoption. Despite obstacles, Polkadot remains a significant Layer-1 project backing interoperability. For investors seeking exposure to networks enabling communication between blockchains, Polkadot stands as an important player among the top crypto coins. It balances fresh ideas and structural intricacy.
Why BlockDAG Leads the Top Crypto Coins Pack The crypto market is maturing now. Investors look past stories and zero in on networks producing clear results. XRP keeps building its place in worldwide payments. Chainlink supports critical DeFi infrastructure. Polkadot pushes blockchain interoperability forward. Each provides exposure to separate and practical applications. BlockDAG enters the market at a different velocity, though. Its Mainnet runs live, processing 5,000 transactions per second. It jumps from possibility to reality. The claim window at $0.00016, zero vesting, and immediate access create an unusual entry point. Among top crypto coins, few blend live scale, performance, and timing as straightforwardly as BlockDAG does today.$BTC
Cryptocurrency Exchange Volume Soars: Spot Trading Jumps 10% in January 2025 as Market Shows Remarka
Global cryptocurrency markets demonstrated significant resilience in January 2025, with major exchange spot volume rising approximately 10% month-over-month to reach $1.1926 trillion according to Wu Blockchain data. This substantial increase occurred despite broader market uncertainties, suggesting renewed investor confidence in digital asset trading platforms worldwide. The January figures represent a notable shift from previous months, indicating changing market dynamics that warrant detailed examination. Cryptocurrency Exchange Volume Analysis: January 2025 Performance $BTC January’s cryptocurrency exchange volume increase marks a significant development in digital asset markets. The 10% month-over-month growth in spot trading contrasts with a 5% decline in derivatives volume, which fell to $5.562 trillion. This divergence suggests traders are adopting different strategies amid evolving market conditions. Market analysts attribute the spot volume growth to several factors including institutional adoption, regulatory clarity in certain jurisdictions, and renewed retail interest following price stabilization in major cryptocurrencies.
The total spot trading volume of $1.1926 trillion represents substantial market activity across global exchanges. For context, this figure exceeds the annual GDP of many smaller nations and demonstrates the cryptocurrency market’s growing maturity. The data comes from Wu Blockchain, a respected analytics firm known for accurate exchange volume reporting. Their methodology typically involves aggregating data from multiple exchange APIs and applying adjustments for wash trading and reporting inconsistencies. Exchange Rankings and Market Leadership Binance maintained its dominant market position with $365 billion in January spot volume. The exchange’s continued leadership reflects its extensive user base, diverse trading pairs, and global regulatory compliance efforts. Following Binance, other major exchanges showed varying performance levels. South Korea’s Upbit ranked 12th globally with approximately $35.9 billion in volume, demonstrating strong regional influence despite its more limited geographic reach compared to global platforms.
The most remarkable growth stories emerged from specific exchanges showing exceptional month-over-month increases:
* Uniswap: +84% growth, reaching significant decentralized exchange volume * Bitfinex: +70% increase, showing renewed institutional interest * Upbit: +44% growth, reflecting South Korean market strength These growth percentages substantially exceed the overall market average, indicating specific competitive advantages or regional factors driving their exceptional performance. The decentralized exchange Uniswap’s 84% surge is particularly noteworthy, suggesting growing comfort with non-custodial trading solutions among experienced cryptocurrency users. $BNB Market Structure Implications and Trading Pattern Shifts The divergence between spot and derivatives trading volumes reveals important market structure changes. While spot volume increased 10%, derivatives volume decreased approximately 5% to $5.562 trillion. This pattern may indicate several market developments. First, traders might be reducing leverage exposure amid uncertain market conditions. Second, regulatory developments in major jurisdictions could be affecting derivatives products more significantly than spot trading. Third, the growth of spot volume alongside declining derivatives suggests more fundamental, long-term oriented trading rather than speculative positioning. Historical context further illuminates January’s performance. The cryptocurrency market has experienced significant volatility in recent years, with exchange volumes fluctuating based on macroeconomic conditions, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. January 2025’s volume increase follows a period of relative stability in cryptocurrency prices, suggesting that trading activity can increase even without dramatic price movements. This represents a maturation of cryptocurrency markets beyond pure speculation toward more traditional trading patterns seen in established financial markets.$USDC
Korean cryptocurrency exchange accidentally gives away $60b in bitcoin
A South Korean cryptocurrency exchange has apologised after mistakenly transferring more than $60 billion worth of bitcoin to users, which briefly prompted a sell-off on the platform. #GoogleDocsMagic Bithumb said it accidentally sent 620,000 bitcoins, currently worth more than $60 billion, and blocked trading and withdrawals for the 695 affected users within 35 minutes after the error occurred on Friday. According to local reports, Bithumb was meant to send about 2,000 won ($1.95) to each customer as part of a promotion, but mistakenly transferred roughly 2,000 bitcoins per user. $BTC "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers due to the confusion that occurred during the distribution process of this [promotional] event," Bithumb said in a statement. The platform said it had recovered 99.7 per cent of the mistakenly sent bitcoins, and that it would use its own assets to fully cover the amount that was lost in the incident. It admitted the error briefly caused "sharp volatility" in bitcoin prices on the platform as some recipients sold the tokens, adding that it brought the situation under control within five minutes. Its charts showed the token's prices briefly went down 17 per cent to 81.1 million won on the platform late Friday. In a separate statement released later on Saturday, Bithumb said some trades were executed at unfavourable prices for users due to a price drop during the incident, including "panic selling". The platform said it would compensate affected customers, covering the full price difference as well as a 10 per cent bonus. It estimated losses at about 1 billion won ($976,579). The platform earlier stressed that the incident was "unrelated to external hacking or security breaches". Bitcoin, the world's biggest cryptocurrency, sank this week, wiping out gains sparked by US President Donald Trump's election victory in November 2024. $BNB $USDC
Prediction: This Cryptocurrency Could Soar 80% in 2026
Hyperliquid is up 30% to start the year, buoyed by the imminent launch of new products for crypto traders. Of the top 20 cryptocurrencies in the world, only a handful are in positive territory for the year. Market bellwethers Bitcoin (BTC+4.50%) and Ethereum (ETH+6.17%) are down more than 15% each, and more speculative altcoins are down as much as 25%. But amid this market mayhem, there's one cryptocurrency that has managed to soar in value by 30% to start the year: Hyperliquid (HYPE2.59%). If the hype about HYPE is right, this cryptocurrency could soar 80% or higher in 2026. The hype about HYPE Last year, Hyperliquid exploded in popularity, amid all the hoopla about crypto perpetual futures ("perps"). Hyperliquid has quickly become one of the top decentralized exchanges for trading crypto perpetual futures, and trading volume has thus far been through the roof. This is a product with immense appeal for risk-seeking crypto investors: It enables them to bet on the future price of a cryptocurrency, with no fixed expiration date and maximal leverage. After launching at a price of $3 in November 2024, Hyperliquid eventually hit a high of $59 in September 2025. But since then, it has collapsed in price, and is currently trading for just $33 as I write this.
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Prediction: This Cryptocurrency Could Soar 80% in 2026 By Dominic Basulto – Feb 7, 2026 at 1:38AM EST Summarize with AI
Share Follow Key Points Hyperliquid is one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies of 2026, up more than 30% in just one month. Trading in crypto perpetual futures propelled Hyperliquid to a new all-time high in 2025, and new "outcome contracts" could do the same in 2026. The introduction of ever-riskier ways to play the crypto market makes Hyperliquid a highly speculative investment. We’re bullish on these 10 stocks. Is Hyperliquid one of them? › Hyperliquid is up 30% to start the year, buoyed by the imminent launch of new products for crypto traders.
Of the top 20 cryptocurrencies in the world, only a handful are in positive territory for the year. Market bellwethers Bitcoin ( BTC +4.50% ) and Ethereum ( ETH +6.17% ) are down more than 15% each, and more speculative altcoins are down as much as 25%.
But amid this market mayhem, there's one cryptocurrency that has managed to soar in value by 30% to start the year: Hyperliquid ( HYPE 2.59% ). If the hype about HYPE is right, this cryptocurrency could soar 80% or higher in 2026.
The hype about HYPE Last year, Hyperliquid exploded in popularity, amid all the hoopla about crypto perpetual futures ("perps"). Hyperliquid has quickly become one of the top decentralized exchanges for trading crypto perpetual futures, and trading volume has thus far been through the roof. This is a product with immense appeal for risk-seeking crypto investors: It enables them to bet on the future price of a cryptocurrency, with no fixed expiration date and maximal leverage.
Expand HYPE CRYPTO: HYPE Hyperliquid Today's Change (-2.59%) $-0.87 Current Price $32.74 $H After launching at a price of $3 in November 2024, Hyperliquid eventually hit a high of $59 in September 2025. But since then, it has collapsed in price, and is currently trading for just $33 as I write this. Our team of credit card pros don’t just recommend this card—they actually use it. Motley Fool Money calls it a top pick for a reason. $BTC That's why I think Hyperliquid could see a rally of 80% or higher in 2026. The market is just now waking up to the fact that HYPE is badly undervalued. A rally of 80% would bring it back to its price of $59 from just a few months ago. The big catalyst for Hyperliquid in 2026 There's one big new potential catalyst for HYPE in 2026, and that's the immi nent arrival of new "outcome contracts" for the Hyperliquid trading platform, as well as new products for options traders. Some have suggested that the Hyperliquid platform might even begin to woo away traders who might have otherwise used a platform such as Kalshi or Polymarket to make a prediction about the future price of a cryptocurrency. If that's the case, Hyperliquid might go on to set another all-time high in 2026. Lessons from the 2022 crypto collapse Of course, any march higher by Hyperliquid is going to be complicated if cryptocurrency behemoths Bitcoin and Ethereum can't get things rolling again. But it's not impossible. As a point of reference, I looked at returns from 2022, when the entire crypto market cratered in value. Bitcoin fell by 64% and Ethereum fell by 68%. Some altcoins lost as much as 95% of their value.$ETH #DPWatch
Investing.com - XRP was trading at $1.4404 by 01:02 (06:02 GMT) on the Investing.com Index on Thursday, up 10.02% on the day. It was the largest one-day percentage gain since Friday, October 10, 2025. The move upwards pushed XRP’s market cap up to $87.7660B, or 3.64% of the total cryptocurrency market cap. At its highest, XRP’s market cap was $210.6006B. XRP had traded in a range of $1.4312 to $1.5136 in the previous twenty-four hours. Over the past seven days, XRP has seen a drop in value, as it lost 23.22%. The volume of XRP traded in the twenty-four hours to time of writing was $5.1528B or 2.76% of the total volume of all cryptocurrencies. It has traded in a range of $1.4312 to $1.8119 in the past 7 days. At its current price, XRP is still down 60.60% from its all-time high of $3.66 set on Friday, July 18, 2025. Elsewhere in cryptocurrency trading Bitcoin was last at $70,787.2 on the Investing.com Index, down 7.58% on the day. Ethereum was trading at $2,104.31 on the Investing.com Index, a loss of 7.61%. Bitcoin’s market cap was last at $1,410.1485B or 58.46% of the total cryptocurrency market cap, while Ethereum’s market cap totaled $253.1644B or 10.49% of the total cryptocurrency market value.$USDC $XRP
Crypto markets reel as Bitcoin dips to $70k; analysts signal caution
Crypto markets remained under sustained pressure this week, with Bitcoin slipping to the $70,000 level, its lowest since November 2024, amid a largely sentiment-driven pullback across volatile global markets. The flagship cryptocurrency is now down more than 18 per cent so far this year, while the broader crypto market has shed over $460 billion in value over the past week. Bitcoin slides to key support amid risk-off mood Analysts said the decline was aggravated by forced liquidations after prices slipped below key technical support zones. Despite easing geopolitical tensions and recent US–China commentary, risk appetite remained muted, offering little relief to digital assets. At last check, Bitcoin trading at $70,063, down nearly 8 per cent, with a 24-hour trading volume of $75.57 billion, according to CoinMarketCap data. The digital asset is now about 45 per cent lower than its peak of $126,198 recorded in October 2025. ETF outflows and macro data weigh on sentiment Flows into US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds continued to act as a drag on sentiment. Data from Farside Investors showed net outflows of $272 million on February 3. While February 4 data was incomplete at the time of reporting, notable redemptions were recorded in Fidelity’s FBTC at $86.4 million and ARK 21Shares’ ARKB at $31.7 million.
Altcoins followed a similar risk-off trajectory. Ethereum, BNB and Solana reflected weaker bid depth during the pullback. Among major tokens, BNB was trading lower by 8.85 per cent, XRP fell 9.92 per cent, USDC slipped 0.01 per cent, Solana declined 8.01 per cent, TRON was down 2.17 per cent, Dogecoin lost 5.93 per cent, Bitcoin Cash fell 2.05 per cent, Cardano declined 5.49 per cent, and Hyperliquid eased 0.37 per cent. Market participants believe macroeconomic factors are playing an increasingly dominant role in shaping crypto price action. Upcoming US data releases, including the January jobs report and consumer price inflation numbers, analysts believe, could quickly reset interest rate expectations, influence the dollar, and determine risk appetite across asset classes. "Bitcoin trade under pressure as buyers remain cautious despite the US government ending its partial shutdown, a move that should gradually ease liquidity conditions. The current volatility reflects broader macro sensitivity rather than any crypto-specific weakness. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran are also keeping risk appetite in check, though ongoing dialogue offers scope for sentiment to improve," said Akshat Siddhant, lead quant analyst, Mudrex.
Echoing similar views, Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, said, "Macro, meanwhile, is lining up fresh catalysts. After a brief US government shutdown disrupted the calendar, the January US jobs report is rescheduled to February 11. The January CPI will be out on February 13. These two prints can quickly reset rate expectations and the dollar, and by extension, crypto risk appetite. Beyond that, the next major Fed waypoint on the calendar is the March 17 to 18 FOMC meeting." Technical charts signal further downside risk From a technical perspective, Piyush Walke, derivatives research analyst at Delta Exchange, expects further downside pressure. He said Bitcoin could slide towards $68,000, with $64,000 emerging as the next major support level.
On-chain indicators suggest early accumulation is beginning to emerge in the $70,000 to $75,000 range. However, analysts noted that conviction remains uneven amid persistent ETF outflows and a cautious macro backdrop. "With major US data due shortly, investors should prioritise risk management, stagger entries, and avoid leverage until price reclaims stronger support above the mid-$70,000s. That said, it is prudent to keep accumulating at this price point. Investors should use instruments like SIPs to gradually add to their portfolio," Subburaj added. The sell-off was equally evident in Ethereum. At last check, ETH was trading 8.248 per cent lower at $2,087, with a 24-hour trading volume of $49 billion, according to CoinMarketCap data. Prices fluctuated between $2,075 and $2,287 over the past 24 hours. Ethereum remains more than 58 per cent below its peak of $4,953 recorded on August 5 last year.
"Ethereum’s chart shows a bearish inverse cup-and-handle formation which is again an alarming bearish signal. ETH has now entered the breakdown phase of this pattern, signaling a potential decline of approximately 25 per cent from current levels," said Walke. $BTC $ETH $BNB #UNIUSDT #Earn10USDT #Write2Earn
India set to share cross-border crypto transaction data from April 2027
India is moving closer to tighter oversight of cryptocurrency transactions, especially those involving overseas platforms. As part of this push, the government will begin exchanging cross-border crypto transaction data with other countries from April 1, 2027, under a global information-sharing system being developed by international tax bodies, The Economic Times reported.
Officials said preparatory work is already underway, even as the Union Budget proposes strict penalties to ensure crypto platforms and intermediaries comply with reporting rules as India joins the global exchange mechanism, the report said.
What global system will India join?
The data exchange will take place under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), a global standard led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The framework requires countries to automatically share information on crypto transactions between tax authorities, similar to existing systems used for banking and financial data.
India has signed on to CARF and will start sharing and receiving information from April 2027. The report quoted an official as saying that the technical format for exchanging this data is currently being finalised and is expected to be released within the next few months.
Paypal Study Highlights Growth of Cryptocurrency Payments in the US
A new study by Paypal and the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) shows that cryptocurrency payments have grown to be more than a footnote in the U.S. According to this study, 4 in every 10 merchants accept crypto, with these alternatives becoming everyday solutions for digital natives. Paypal Study: Crypto Payments Going Mainstream in the U.S. A new study shows cryptocurrency, which has been unable to make a dent in the payments industry, is now more than a footnote in the sector.
According to a joint research conducted by payments giant PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), cryptocurrency payments have become commonplace in the U.S. The study, which polled 619 payment strategy decision makers in several industries, found that 4 in every 10 merchants already accept crypto for payments.
The industries leading adoption include hospitality and travel, followed by digital goods and gaming companies, and retail and e-commerce sites. Adoption is also rising, as merchants recognize that crypto payments comprise 26% of their total sales, a testament to the increasing relevance of these alternatives as everyday solutions used by Americans.
Customer interest is also high, as 9 of 10 merchants reported receiving inquiries about receiving crypto payments, and 4 of 5 merchants believe that crypto payments will become common in the next five years.
Potential reasons behind adopting crypto payments vary, but transaction speed and attracting new customers come first and second, respectively, followed by enhanced security and privacy for customers.
Interestingly, millennials are the generation most interested in paying with crypto (77%), followed closely by centennials (73%).
May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at Paypal, stated that the company recognizes that crypto payments are moving from experimentation into everyday commerce. Paypal has made inroads in this sector, allowing merchants to accept crypto using its platform and even launching its own stablecoin, PYUSD, which reached a market capitalization of over $3.5 billion.
Crypto-Focused Treasury Companies Tumble as Bear Market Deepens
Crypto-Focused Treasury Companies Tumble as Bear Market Deepens $BTC This Thursday, shares of crypto-focused treasury companies, such as BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) and Strategy (MSTR), suffered declines of nearly 10%. Nasdaq and Yahoo Finance reported that BitMine retreated to $26.70, while Michael Saylor’s firm touched lows not seen since 2024, coinciding with the crash in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices. The current landscape shows high macroeconomic tension due to the U.S. Senate blocking a resolution to avoid a government shutdown, the context in which this pullback is occurring. Furthermore, the plunge in Microsoft shares has reignited fears of a possible bubble in the artificial intelligence sector, dragging down digital assets and the companies that institutionally back them. Bitcoin’s $83,000 support level and the evolution of the budget in Washington before Saturday will be the key focus in the coming days. Meanwhile, on prediction platforms like Myriad, the odds of Ethereum falling to $2,500 have increased to 75%, reflecting a markedly bearish market sentiment. Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared from official and public sources verified by our editorial team. Its purpose is to provide quick reports on relevant facts within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendations. We recommend always verifying the official channels of each project before making related decisions. $ETH $BNB #MarketCorrection #USIranStandoff
Will Budget 2026 provide clarity on cryptocurrency taxation, simplify compliance?
Tempted by glittering returns of Bitcoin and Ethereum, lack of clarity is holding you back? Will Union Budget 2026 lend some clarity to the crypto framework in India? The Halwa ceremony is now over, final preparations are in place and all eyes are on what Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s red bahikhata is holding for various sectors. Taxpayers, investors and businesses are watching closely, eager to see what the upcoming Union Budget 2026-2027 brings for them. One of the keen audiences to the Budget will be the Cryptocurrency sector, which has been standing at a critical juncture after the Budget 2025.
India has emerged as the world’s largest cryptocurrency market, thanks to widespread grassroots adoption and a strong digital payments ecosystem. A large diaspora relying on remittances, young adults using crypto trading as an additional source of income, and seamless fintech infrastructure such as UPI and eRupi have all contributed to the sector’s rapid expansion, according to Chainanalysis. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the on-chain value received in India rose by 99% compared to the previous year. The country now leads the region in on-chain transaction volume and secured the top position across all sub-indices in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
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Will Budget 2026 provide clarity on cryptocurrency taxation, simplify compliance? Business | Shivanghi Payal | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 28, 2026, 17:03 IST
Will Budget 2026 provide clarity on cryptocurrency taxation, simplify compliance? Comments Share Preferred On Tempted by glittering returns of Bitcoin and Ethereum, lack of clarity is holding you back? Will Union Budget 2026 lend some clarity to the crypto framework in India?
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Halwa ceremony is now over, final preparations are in place and all eyes are on what Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s red bahikhata is holding for various sectors. Taxpayers, investors and businesses are watching closely, eager to see what the upcoming Union Budget 2026-2027 brings for them. One of the keen audiences to the Budget will be the Cryptocurrency sector, which has been standing at a critical juncture after the Budget 2025.
India has emerged as the world’s largest cryptocurrency market, thanks to widespread grassroots adoption and a strong digital payments ecosystem. A large diaspora relying on remittances, young adults using crypto trading as an additional source of income, and seamless fintech infrastructure such as UPI and eRupi have all contributed to the sector’s rapid expansion, according to Chainanalysis.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the on-chain value received in India rose by 99% compared to the previous year. The country now leads the region in on-chain transaction volume and secured the top position across all sub-indices in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
This rapid growth has also created an urgent need for a clear regulatory framework for crypto trading. The formal recognition of virtual digital assets in India’s tax system began with the Union Budget 2022–23, marking the first time these assets were explicitly acknowledged. The government highlighted a “phenomenal increase” in both the volume and frequency of crypto transactions, and introduced a dedicated tax regime that imposed a flat 30% tax on income earned from the transfer of virtual digital assets.
“No deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such income except cost of acquisition. Further, loss from transfer of virtual digital asset cannot be set off against any other income. Further, in order to capture the transaction details, I also propose to provide for TDS on payment made in relation to transfer of virtual digital asset at the rate of 1 per cent of such consideration above a monetary threshold. Gift of virtual digital asset is also proposed to be taxed in the hands of the recipient,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in her Union Budget 2022-23 speech. News Budget 2026 Live Videos World India City TOI Games Life & Style Entertainment Business Tech Cricket Sports TV Web Series Education Speaking Tree Voice Of Conscience TOI Newsletters Health Real Estate Legal Defence
Will Budget 2026 provide clarity on cryptocurrency taxation, simplify compliance? Business | Shivanghi Payal | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 28, 2026, 17:03 IST
Will Budget 2026 provide clarity on cryptocurrency taxation, simplify compliance? Comments Share Preferred On Tempted by glittering returns of Bitcoin and Ethereum, lack of clarity is holding you back? Will Union Budget 2026 lend some clarity to the crypto framework in India?
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Halwa ceremony is now over, final preparations are in place and all eyes are on what Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s red bahikhata is holding for various sectors. Taxpayers, investors and businesses are watching closely, eager to see what the upcoming Union Budget 2026-2027 brings for them. One of the keen audiences to the Budget will be the Cryptocurrency sector, which has been standing at a critical juncture after the Budget 2025.
India has emerged as the world’s largest cryptocurrency market, thanks to widespread grassroots adoption and a strong digital payments ecosystem. A large diaspora relying on remittances, young adults using crypto trading as an additional source of income, and seamless fintech infrastructure such as UPI and eRupi have all contributed to the sector’s rapid expansion, according to Chainanalysis.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the on-chain value received in India rose by 99% compared to the previous year. The country now leads the region in on-chain transaction volume and secured the top position across all sub-indices in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
This rapid growth has also created an urgent need for a clear regulatory framework for crypto trading. The formal recognition of virtual digital assets in India’s tax system began with the Union Budget 2022–23, marking the first time these assets were explicitly acknowledged. The government highlighted a “phenomenal increase” in both the volume and frequency of crypto transactions, and introduced a dedicated tax regime that imposed a flat 30% tax on income earned from the transfer of virtual digital assets.
“No deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such income except cost of acquisition. Further, loss from transfer of virtual digital asset cannot be set off against any other income. Further, in order to capture the transaction details, I also propose to provide for TDS on payment made in relation to transfer of virtual digital asset at the rate of 1 per cent of such consideration above a monetary threshold. Gift of virtual digital asset is also proposed to be taxed in the hands of the recipient,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in her Union Budget 2022-23 speech.
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Budget 2022 on crypto
What Budget 2025 unfolded for the crypto world?
In last year’s Budget, the Centre spoke of the “Obligation to furnish information in respect of crypto-asset.” While the 30% flat tax on crypto gains and the 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on transactions, were left untouched, the Finance Bill introduced mechanisms that significantly widened the state’s scope to monitor crypto activity. This reporting of crypto assets will be in effect from April 1, 2026.
For India’s large number of crypto investors, the message was unambiguous: disclosure is no longer optional.
One of the most important measures was the introduction of Section 285BAA, which brought crypto exchanges, wallet providers and intermediaries under a mandatory reporting framework similar to banks and financial institutions. These entities are now required to submit periodic statements of financial transactions to the Income Tax Department, detailing user activity and transaction values.
“Sub-section (1) of section 285BAA of the Act states any person, being a reporting entity, as may be prescribed, in respect of crypto asset, shall furnish information in respect of a transaction in such crypto asset in a statement, for such period, within such time, in such form and manner and to such income-tax authority, as may be prescribed,” the Budget document read.
A wider net for emerging digital assets
The government also expanded the definition of VDAs under Section 2(47A), ensuring that any asset based on cryptographically secured distributed ledger technology falls within the tax net. This change future-proofed the law against emerging technologies such as decentralised finance (DeFi) instruments, specialised NFTs and newer token formats that previously existed in regulatory grey zones.
Crypto as undisclosed income: A high-stakes shift Perhaps the sector’s highlight of Budget 2025 was the inclusion of cryptocurrencies within the ambit of search and seizure provisions. For the first time, undisclosed VDAs were explicitly placed on par with unexplained cash, bullion or jewellery.
Under the amended provisions, from February 1, 2025, if undisclosed crypto holdings were detected during a tax search, they are subjected to tax at an effective rate of 60%, including surcharge and penalty. This move effectively erased most of the asset’s value. The change dramatically raised the stakes for non-compliance, transforming crypto from a speculative risk into a serious tax liability if left unreported. #ZAMAPreTGESale #GoldOnTheRise #WhoIsNextFedChair $BTC $ETH $BNB
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$BTC SHOCKING: The FED May Be About to INTERVENE — And It Could IGNITE Crypto 🚨
A rare macro bomb is quietly ticking. Signals now suggest the U.S. Federal Reserve is preparing to sell dollars and buy Japanese yen — something that hasn’t happened this century. The New York Fed has already conducted rate checks, a classic precursor to direct currency intervention.
Why this matters: Japan is under extreme pressure. The yen has been crushed for years, bond yields are at multi-decade highs, and the Bank of Japan remains hawkish. Solo interventions by Japan failed in 2022 and 2024. History shows only one thing works — coordinated U.S.–Japan action.
We’ve seen this before: • 1985 Plaza Accord → Dollar down ~50%, commodities and non-U.S. assets exploded • 1998 Asian Financial Crisis → Yen stabilized only after U.S. joined
If the Fed steps in, here’s the chain reaction: • Dollars are created and sold → Dollar weakens • Global liquidity rises → Risk assets reprice higher
But there’s a twist for crypto.
A stronger yen can trigger yen carry trade unwinds, forcing short-term selling — just like August 2024, when BTC crashed from $64K to $49K in days. Short-term pain is possible.
Long term? Dollar weakness is rocket fuel.
Bitcoin has a strong inverse relationship with the dollar and a record-high positive correlation with the yen — yet BTC still hasn’t fully repriced for currency debasement.
If intervention happens, this could be one of the most important macro setups of 2026.
Are markets ready for what comes next? 👀 This may be the calm before a historic move.
The Most Aggressive XRP Rally In Over 7 Years Is Coming. Here’s the Signal
$XRP has entered a significant phase in its market cycle. The cryptocurrency has spent 400 days within a rectangular reaccumulation pattern, which is now showing signs of consolidation above key support levels. According to crypto analyst ChartNerd (@ChartNerdTA), this extended period may precede one of XRP’s most aggressive rallies in nearly 8 years. Traders are closely monitoring the asset for a potential breakout, as it may target double-digit prices. 👉Rectangular Reaccumulation Structure The chart shared by ChartNerd highlights a rectangular bull flag pattern. XRP has oscillated between clearly defined reaccumulation support and resistance levels. The rectangular range demonstrates consolidation following a strong initial move, referred to as the flagpole on the chart. The asset’s current price action remains above the lower boundary, validating the reaccumulation pattern. ChartNerd emphasizes the importance of maintaining support at this level to sustain the next upward trajectory.
👉Breakout Target and Price Projection If XRP maintains its position above reaccumulation support, the rectangular bull flag structure suggests a double-digit breakout target. The chart marks a potential move toward $23.84. This level aligns with the technical measurement derived from the height of the flag pole projected from the upper boundary of the reaccumulation zone. Traders and investors may view a breach of the resistance line as confirmation of a significant upward expansion. 👉Trading Range and Market Behavior XRP’s price has remained within the 400-day trading range, displaying low volatility compared to the preceding flagpole movement. This extended consolidation has allowed the market to absorb prior gains and establish a solid base. The trading range also indicates disciplined accumulation. Within this range, the support and resistance levels act as reference points for potential entries and exits. ChartNerd notes that the validity of the rectangular bull flag is contingent on price holding above the reaccumulation support. 👉What to Expect from XRP Historically, XRP has experienced periods of prolonged consolidation before substantial upward movements. The current rectangular pattern mirrors previous bull flag setups in the market, where momentum accelerates once consolidation resolves. The digital asset has been relatively quiet over the past year within this range. However, the structure suggests readiness for a decisive move. Market participants are closely observing XRP, as this consolidation pattern may signal one of the most significant rallies the cryptocurrency has experienced in years.
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Bitcoin Extends Pullback as Total Market Cap Slides 27% From Peak; Check Cryptocurrency Prices, Jan
The allure of crypto seems to be dull as the market is declining sharply. Bitcoin and major altcoins are trading lower, as investors continue to reassess risk after last year's sharp rally. The total crypto market capitalisation at present is hovering around $3.12 trillion, with a 27% decline from late-2025 peaks. Market participants point to narrow leadership by large-cap tokens, while mid- and small-cap cryptocurrencies have witnessed steeper drawdowns, reflecting cautious positioning amid geopolitical uncertainty and reduced speculative leverage. Bitcoin Price Today: Down Nearly 30% From Record High Bitcoin (BTC), the world's largest cryptocurrency, was trading at around $88,214, down nearly 1% on the day. The decline leaves Bitcoin almost 30% below its all-time high of $126,296, which was recorded during the euphoric phase of the 2025 rally. At current levels, Bitcoin's market capitalization stands at approximately $1.76 trillion, with 24-hour trading volumes near $7.8 billion.Bitcoin had pushed the broader crypto market to a peak valuation of around $4.2 trillion in late 2025. "Bitcoin is trading near $89,700 as markets await a clear catalyst to set the next direction, with macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties keeping activity subdued.Despite this, the underlying sentiment remains constructive. Institutional conviction continues to show through, with Michael Saylor signalling further Bitcoin accumulation even at current levels.
Meanwhile, Ethereum is also drawing attention as exchange reserves have fallen to around 16.2 million ETH, the lowest since 2016, indicating reduced sell-side supply. For ETH, a sustained move above $3,100 could unlock momentum toward $3,400, while $2,850 remains a strong support zone." said Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst, Mudrex. Ethereum and Altcoins Mirror Broader Weakness $BTC Ethereum (ETH) slipped below the $3,000 mark, trading at around $2,930, as selling pressure extended across the altcoin space. Ethereum's market cap now stands near $353 billion, with weekly losses approaching double digits.