Crypto

U.S. Sanctions Iranian Bitcoin Exchange Over Hormuz Strait Payments
Treasury designated Tehran-based BitBank for routing hundreds of millions in bitcoin to the Revolutionary Guards and processing fees collected from tankers seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Solana cuts block slot time to 250ms, speeding network by 17%
The upgrade reduces per-slot computation so overall throughput stays flat, while shorter epochs and fresher data could cut failed trades.

Consensys to Split Into MetaMask and Institutional Blockchain Unit by Late 2026
The Ethereum software company behind MetaMask announced a two-company split separating its consumer wallet business from institutional blockchain infrastructure operations.

Germany leads crypto growth ahead of UK’s regulatory push
Regulatory delays and slower adoption lag the UK behind Germany’s expanding crypto ecosystem, as banks and institutions expand institutional custody services.

A Fed rate increase would be a mistake, some observers say as bitcoin, gold, stocks fall
Finance Review Daily is tracking this developing story; additional confirmed specifics had not been verified at the time of publication.

State-backed hackers exploit onchain malware surges 420% in 2024
Chainalysis highlights rising use of public blockchain-based malware by North Korea and Iran-linked actors, leveraging AI-assisted techniques to evade takedowns.

Senate Vote Defeats Crypto Market Structure Clarity Act Amid Ethics Dispute
The Senate rejected the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act with 49 votes in favor, short of the 60 needed to advance, after bipartisan talks collapsed over ethics provisions and stablecoin rewards. Lawmakers signal possible revival in a lame-duck session while the House pledges to work with regulators.

BIS Study Finds Bitcoin Onchain Transfer Estimates Vary Up to Sixfold
Bank for International Settlements researchers say differences in measurement methodology create vast gaps in reported crypto activity, with similar challenges across Ethereum and stablecoins.

U.S. Bank Validates Proprietary Stablecoin for Cross-Border Payments
U.S. Bank successfully executed a live cross-border transaction using its USBDC stablecoin on the Stellar blockchain, marking a step toward integrating digital assets into traditional banking systems.

Circle's Arc blockchain dominated by memecoins on launch day
Arc processed 7.83 million transactions in its first 24 hours, but only about 624,000 USDC transfers, with memecoins driving most activity.

Bitcoin Rallies After Fed Hike, but History Suggests Caution
Cryptos surged on the Federal Reserve's first rate increase since 2023, defying the usual headwind from higher yields. But a 2022 pattern and weak ETF flows temper optimism.

Bitcoin stalls near $80K amid yen strength and US-Iran tensions
Bitcoin’s price failed to break $80,000 as yen gains and geopolitical risks weighed on risk assets.

Crypto Stocks Slide After Senate CLARITY Act Stalls
The CLARITY Act failed a Senate cloture vote short of 60 votes, sending Coinbase down nearly 10% and Bitcoin below $75,000 before a partial recovery.

U.S. Treasury Sanctions Cyber-Scam Hub Xinbi Guarantee
The Treasury has sanctioned the Chinese-language platform Xinbi, which is accused of operating on crypto transactions for other criminal networks.

Robinhood’s CEO Vlad Tenev fires back at AMC CEO in escalating fight over stock tokens
Finance Review Daily is tracking this developing story; no further verified information could be confirmed at this time.

Trade Groups Seek to Block Illinois 0.2% Crypto Tax Before January
CCI and Blockchain Association file motion for preliminary injunction challenging the constitutionality of Illinois' digital asset transaction tax.

Tether pushes into private credit with $400 million fund alongside Fasanara
The move sees Tether partnering with Fasanara to create a $400 million private credit fund that will source lending opportunities and provide stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Crypto Stocks Sink After Senate Blocks Clarity Act
The Senate's 49-50 vote denies the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, dealing a setback to U.S. crypto regulation. Coinbase, Circle, and Galaxy each fall more than 8%.

Bitcoin and Ethereum race quantum clock as US backs $300 million hardware push
Bitcoin and Ethereum are accelerating quantum‑readiness efforts while the U.S. supports a $300 million hardware initiative.

Crypto rallies on Fed’s rate-hike forecast, but ETF outflows persist
Bitcoin and altcoins advanced as the Federal Reserve signaled only one more hike in 2026–27, though spot ETF outflows and funding pressures remain concerns.

Zcash Surges 17% as $345 Million in Crypto Liquidations Hit Traders
Zcash led crypto gains Thursday morning, climbing 17% to near $1,358, while shorts absorbed most of $345 million in forced closures across major exchanges.

Consensys to Spin Out MetaMask Into Separate Firm; IPO Plans Undisclosed
Consensys Software Inc. will rebrand as MetaMask with Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin leading the new entity, while details about an initial public offering remain unannounced.

Zcash Rises 20% After Paradigm Discloses ZEC Purchase
Paradigm co-founder Matt Huang revealed the firm holds a stake in ZEC, pushing the privacy token to around $1,338 and extending its monthly gain to roughly 160%.

Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries Add Only 5,900 BTC After Slumping Acquisitions
Listed companies bought a fraction of their prior pace as unrealized losses mount; fresh capital inflows stall alongside ETF outflows and a hawkish Fed pivot.

