| Open‑Source Intelligence for Crypto | | | Crypto Signals Daily | | | | |
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Crypto Market Braces for US Institutional Shifts Amid Regulatory and Security Moves |
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January 12, 2026 |
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Today’s Setup
Regulatory actions and institutional flows shape near-term crypto market dynamics
US Bitcoin seizure: Authorities seize $15 billion in BTC linked to Chinese scam kingpin Chen Zhi, the largest crypto forfeiture to date. South Korea crypto policy: South Korea proposes lifting a 9-year ban on corporate crypto investments with a 5% exposure cap for listed firms. US market structure bill: Coinbase may withdraw support over stablecoin reward restrictions, while Nasdaq and CME launch a regulated crypto index.
Watch: Ethereum staking queues tighten supply while BTC and XRP show mixed signals amid ETF outflows.
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Top Stories
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US Seizes $15B Bitcoin Linked to Chinese Scam King Chen Zhi
US prosecutors confiscated 127,271 BTC (~$15 billion) from Chen Zhi, founder of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group accused of a vast scam network. The US and UK also sanctioned 146 associated individuals and entities, marking a record crypto forfeiture.
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South Korea Proposes 5% Limit for Listed Firms’ Crypto Exposure, Ending 9-Year Ban
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission announced new guidelines allowing listed companies to invest up to 5% of equity capital in the top 20 cryptocurrencies, officially ending a near-decade ban on corporate crypto investments.
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Coinbase Weighs Pulling Support From US Crypto Market Structure Bill Over Stablecoin Rewards Ban
Coinbase is threatening to withdraw its backing of the US crypto market structure bill if it curtails stablecoin rewards beyond disclosure, increasing lobbying efforts. Meanwhile, Nasdaq and CME Group launched a new regulated crypto index, signaling strong institutional engagement.
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Ethereum Near $3,110 as $5.5B Staking Queue Builds Breakout Case
Ethereum trades near $3,110 with higher lows since late December as Beacon Chain staking queues surged to 1.759 million ETH (~$5.5 billion), pushing wait times beyond 30 days. This supply tightening supports a potential price breakout.
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Ethereum Whale Nets $274M Profit in Strategic Exit Amid Market Jitters
A prominent Ethereum investor sold 154,076 ETH to a centralized exchange, realizing an estimated profit of $274 million amid growing institutional selling pressure on ETH.
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| Also on the Wire |
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• Two UK crypto exchanges processed about $1 billion in illicit flows linked to Iran’s IRGC to evade sanctions, per TRM Labs report.
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CryptoNews
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• Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao predicts an incoming crypto super cycle driven by easing SEC regulatory pressure.
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Bitcoin News
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• UK lawmakers push to ban cryptocurrency political donations amid concerns of foreign influence and AI obscuring fund sources.
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CryptoNews
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• JPMorgan downplays stablecoin risks despite warnings of a possible $6.6 trillion liability, contrasting local banker concerns.
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CoinDesk
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• India tightens crypto regulations with enhanced KYC to combat money laundering and terror financing.
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Cointelegraph
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• Bitcoin ETFs continue shaping institutional liquidity channels following $4.6 billion traded on day one two years ago.
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CryptoSlate
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• Bitcoin holds above $92,000 as AI and DePIN sector tokens extend rallies amid sector rotation.
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CryptoNews
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• France faces security risks as tax official sold access to a government crypto database used in violent home invasions.
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CryptoSlate
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