| Open‑Source Intelligence for Crypto | | | Crypto Signals Daily | | | | |
|
Crypto Markets Eye XRP Rally, Bitcoin ETF Outflows, and Regulatory Shifts |
|
January 3, 2026 |
|
|
|
▶ Play Audio Brief
|
Today’s Setup
XRP whale accumulation and ETF volume surge signal potential rally; Bitcoin ETFs see record outflows amid price consolidation
XRP Accumulation: Whales added $3.6B XRP in 24 hours; Coinbase USD-XRP volume up 365%, with price jumping 8% amid hopes for friendlier SEC stance. Bitcoin ETFs: Bitcoin ETFs recorded a historic $4.57B outflow over two months, while Bitcoin price consolidates near $90K with mixed signals from whale selling and institutional buying. Regulatory Landscape: South Korea’s strict rules drove $110B crypto outflows in 2025; local exchange readies for crypto ETFs despite regulatory delays; global crypto regulations evolve with enhanced transparency and policy shifts.
Watch: Monitor XRP price momentum and ETF flows alongside evolving US and South Korean crypto regulation for directional cues.
|
|
Top Stories
|
|
XRP Whales Accumulate $3.6B as ETF Volume Surges and Price Jumps Amid Regulatory Optimism
XRP experienced massive whale accumulation of over $3.6 billion in a day with Coinbase USD to XRP volume surging 365%. This activity coincides with an 8% price rise above $2 as traders anticipate a more favorable SEC stance, suggesting a potential bullish breakout in early 2026.
|
|
Bitcoin ETFs Suffer Record $4.57 Billion Outflow While Price Consolidates Near $90,000
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw an unprecedented $4.57 billion in outflows over two months. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price remains near $90,000 as whale selling of over 50,000 BTC contrasts with institutional accumulation, indicating market uncertainty and potential for a breakout.
|
|
South Korea’s Crypto Market Sees $110 Billion Outflow Amid Strict Trading Rules as Exchange Prepares for ETFs
In 2025, $110 billion-worth of crypto left South Korea due to tight regulations. The Korea Exchange plans to launch crypto ETFs and 24/7 trading in 2026, but regulatory divisions on stablecoin rules delay approvals, maintaining local market discounts.
|
|
BitMine Plans Ethereum Sell and Share Increase Amid Strategic Treasury Shift
Tom Lee's BitMine seeks shareholder approval to expand authorized shares dramatically, enabling dilution and capital flexibility. The firm pivoted its treasury to Ethereum and aims to execute its first ETH sell by Q1 2026, potentially impacting asset prices as other Trusts might follow.
|
|
Bitfinex Hacker Ilya Lichtenstein Released Early Under Trump’s First Step Act
Ilya Lichtenstein, convicted for orchestrating the 2016 Bitfinex hack involving nearly 120,000 BTC, was released early from US federal prison on January 2, 2026, after serving about one year of a five-year sentence thanks to sentence reductions under the First Step Act.
|
| Also on the Wire |
|
• Tether purchased 8,888 BTC in Q4 2025, expanding its holdings above 96,000 BTC by converting stablecoin profits into recurring spot demand.
·
CryptoSlate
|
|
• Global crypto transparency improves as 48 countries endorse new reporting standards, increasing regulatory tax oversight and institutional integration.
·
Bitcoin News
|
|
• Iran begins accepting cryptocurrency payments for advanced weaponry procurement, including drones and ballistic missiles, marking new military use of digital assets.
·
CoinDesk
|
|
• Turkmenistan legalizes cryptocurrency mining and exchange operations under state control and licensing regimes while not recognizing crypto as legal tender.
·
CoinDesk
|
|
• The EU's MiCA regulation will fully take effect between late 2025 and mid-2026, imposing authorization requirements on exchanges and stablecoin issuers amid Polish political resistance.
·
CryptoSlate
|
|
• SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw’s departure leaves the regulator entirely Republican, amid broader shifts in digital asset oversight.
·
Cointelegraph
|
|
• Dogecoin rallies 12% fueled by rising liquidity, exchange supply, and leverage, raising debate over sustainability of the breakout.
·
AMBCrypto
|
|
• Global crypto regulatory developments highlight increased oversight and legal risks, as summarized in a weekly roundup covering SEC pressures and tax implications.
·
CryptoNews
|
