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Crypto Crime Surge and Institutional Moves Shape Market Ahead of Key Policy Votes |
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January 9, 2026 |
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Today’s Setup
Stablecoin crime dominance, institutional buildup, and major policy developments set tone
Crypto Crime: Illicit crypto activity hit $154B in 2025 led by stablecoins, surpassing Bitcoin amid state-backed actors driving much of the growth. Institutional Investment: BlackRock added $149M ETH and $900M BTC while ICE invests $2B in prediction markets, highlighting growing institutional crypto participation. Policy Focus: US Senate faces critical votes on crypto market structure amid stablecoin regulatory challenges and advocacy campaigns ahead of 2026 elections.
Watch: Bitcoin and XRP price volatility amid ETF outflows and macroeconomic uncertainties including tariff rulings and options expiry.
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Top Stories
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Stablecoins Lead Illicit Crypto Activity with $154 Billion Volume in 2025
Stablecoins accounted for 84% of the $154 billion in illicit crypto transactions last year, overtaking Bitcoin as the primary currency of crypto crime, fueled by laundering and nation-state evasion tactics.
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BlackRock Buys $149M ETH and Adds $900M BTC Amid Market Resistance
BlackRock added $149 million in Ethereum and close to $900 million in Bitcoin in early January, signaling institutional accumulation despite price resistance and low long-term selling.
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US Senate Crypto Market Structure Bill Nears Key Votes Amid Stablecoin Debates
The US Senate moves toward critical votes on crypto market structure legislation as private talks address stablecoin safe harbor and other regulatory points with advocacy groups pushing for passage before elections.
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Prediction Markets Gain $2 Billion Investment and Regulatory Green Light
Dow Jones and ICE invest up to $2 billion in prediction markets, with Bitnomial receiving CFTC no-action relief, validating these platforms despite controversies over insider risks.
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Truebit Exploit Drains $26.6M ETH, TRU Token Collapses Nearly 100%
Truebit protocol suffered a $26.6 million Ethereum smart contract exploit causing its native TRU token to crash by 99.9%, with the project collaborating with law enforcement and cautioning users.
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| Also on the Wire |
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• World Liberty Financial applies for US national banking charter to support USD1 stablecoin issuance and custody across 10 blockchains.
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CryptoSlate
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• XRP wrapped token FXRP launches on Hyperliquid enabling spot trading; XRP price shows volatility amid ETF outflows and futures liquidations.
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CryptoNews
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• Polygon nears acquisition of Bitcoin ATM provider Coinme for $100M-$125M, while unveiling payment infrastructure for borderless stablecoin transactions.
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CoinDesk
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• Bank of America upgrades Coinbase to 'buy' rating citing product expansion beyond crypto and easing tax-loss selling.
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CoinDesk
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• Florida lawmakers renew push for a state-run Bitcoin reserve fund with new 2026 bill including oversight guardrails.
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Bitcoin Magazine
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• JPMorgan sees crypto selloff nearing bottom as ETF outflows stabilize; plans to build interoperable digital money in blockchain expansion.
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The Block
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• Europe’s MiCA regulatory framework begins implementation, reshaping crypto rules for issuers, exchanges, and startups.
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BeInCrypto
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• Trump rules out pardon for jailed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, ending speculation on clemency.
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Decrypt
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• Ripple highlights stablecoins’ overlooked yield generating opportunities, reframing them as productive assets beyond payments.
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Bitcoin News
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