🪙 Texas Becomes First U.S. State to Invest Public Funds in Bitcoin

🌟 On November 20, 2025, Texas made history by becoming the first U.S. state to invest public funds in bitcoin, allocating $10 million from its surplus budget to acquire bitcoin exposure through Blackrock’s IBIT exchange-traded fund (ETF). This move was made possible by Senate Bill 21, signed in June 2025, which established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as a long-term hedge against inflation and federal debt concerns.

📊 The allocation represents approximately 0.0004% of Texas’ biennial budget and signifies a shift away from traditional asset management practices. Lawmakers framed this initiative as a strategic response to ongoing national discussions about digital-asset reserves.

🔄 Texas plans to transition its bitcoin exposure from ETF shares to self-custody once its custody framework is finalized. The Comptroller’s office is currently evaluating various options, including cold storage and multi-institutional setups. There is also the possibility of expanding the reserve beyond the initial $10 million allocation, depending on future legislative reviews and market developments.

💪 Supporters of this move argue that it reinforces Texas’ pro-bitcoin stance and could encourage other states to consider similar reserves. Early reactions from crypto industry leaders highlight Texas’ ambition to establish itself as a national hub for digital-asset innovation. By taking this step, Texas positions itself ahead of nearly a dozen other jurisdictions that are contemplating comparable plans, thereby gaining a first-mover advantage in adopting bitcoin as a treasury-level instrument.

🆕 Libra Trust: A New Initiative for Argentine Companies

🌍 A new organization, Libra Trust, has emerged, claiming it will use funds from the Libra token sale to provide grants to Argentine companies. This initiative may have been backed by Hayden Davis, CEO of Kelsier Ventures, to align with the token's original intent.

💰 The Libra Trust reportedly received a portion of the proceeds from the Libra token launch, amounting to nearly $100 million in cryptocurrency. It plans to offer grants through its website. However, the trust's site states it operates “independently of Hayden Davis and Javier Milei,” without providing details about its management.

⚖️ The launch of the Libra Trust has faced criticism from Nicholas Rechanik, an attorney representing those affected by Libra in Argentina. He stated,

“This is just another example of these people taking advantage of the situation, believing they are above Argentine law, US law, and the rights of those affected,”

highlighting concerns over legal compliance.

🛡 Approved by U.S. Federal Judge Jennifer Rochon, the Libra Trust could provide a legal shield for Davis and others linked to Libra by demonstrating adherence to the token's original purpose. This may allow them to argue that no wrongdoing occurred since they do not control the funds.

🔍 The management and transparency of the Libra Trust will be critical in determining the future of the Libra case in both Argentina and the U.S., as well as the accountability of those involved.

📉 Bitcoin's Recent Plunge: Market Manipulation or Natural Fluctuation?

🧐 Bitcoin experienced a significant drop of 7% within 24 hours, sparking speculation about potential manipulation behind the scenes. This decline coincided with reports from crypto trader DefiWimar, who noted that six major exchanges saw outflows of nearly 40,000 BTC, totaling over $3.6 billion. During this period, Bitcoin's price fell from $91K to a low of $83,862.25.

These are major OTC and trading venues who operate on behalf of clients, said Matt Law, partner at Web3 accelerator Outlier Ventures. Their clients are selling the coins and you are shooting the messenger.

🔄 While some users suggested that these outflows could be part of a month-end rebalancing process, others pointed to panic selling by inexperienced traders or liquidations of leveraged positions as possible reasons.

📉 Arthur Hayes, co-founder of Bitmex, attributed the price drop to anticipated interest rate hikes by Japan's central bank. He stated,
$ BTC dumped cause BOJ put Dec rate hike in play [sic]. This highlights the impact of macroeconomic factors on cryptocurrency prices.

🤔 Despite these explanations, concerns about potential price manipulation by large holders, or "whales," are growing. Caitlin Long, CEO of Custodia Bank, expressed her skepticism, stating, So. Much. Manipulation in response to Bitcoin's sharp decline that triggered approximately $400 million in liquidations.

📊 As of the report, Bitcoin was trading at $84,916.12 after a 7.12% drop over the last 24 hours and a 3.85% decrease over the past week. Daily trading volume surged by 120.48% to $83.48 billion due to the recent sell-off, while market capitalization fell to $1.69 trillion. Total Bitcoin futures open interest decreased by 3.94% with liquidations quadrupling from the previous Friday.

🌍 Moneygram Partners with Fireblocks to Transform Cross-Border Payments

📌 On December 4, 2025, Moneygram announced a strategic partnership with Fireblocks to enhance its global payment network using advanced stablecoin technology. This collaboration aims to revolutionize cross-border transactions by enabling real-time, multi-blockchain value transfers across Moneygram’s extensive network in over 200 countries.

We are leading the next era of money movement by enabling money to move instantly across any channel,

said Anthony Soohoo, Moneygram’s Chairman and CEO. The partnership will provide Moneygram with a programmable settlement layer that reduces capital requirements, improves liquidity access, and streamlines financial reporting.

🔒 Fireblocks will serve as the secure infrastructure for this initiative, supporting Moneygram’s ability to receive stablecoin payments at scale and introduce innovative digital payment features.

MoneyGram is rebuilding the rails of cross-border settlement in real time,

noted Michael Shaulov, Fireblocks’ Co-Founder and CEO, emphasizing the transformative potential of this collaboration.

📈 Central Bank of Argentina Considers Allowing Banks to Offer Cryptocurrency Services

📌 The Central Bank of Argentina is contemplating a significant shift in its approach to cryptocurrencies. It is drafting a proposal that would enable private banks to provide cryptocurrency trading and custody services. This move could potentially transform the national crypto landscape by making it easier for citizens to access and use cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and stablecoins.

💬 Julian Colombo, the South America manager for Bitso, emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that it

would encourage many more people to invest in crypto, by providing the ease and confidence of doing so through their bank.

This sentiment is echoed by members of the Argentine cryptocurrency industry, who believe that allowing banks to engage in crypto would greatly benefit the national crypto ecosystem.

📈 Argentina is already one of the leading countries in crypto adoption, largely due to the use of stablecoins as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. In 2022, Banco Galicia became the first local bank to offer cryptocurrency trading services, allowing customers to trade BTC, ETH, USDC, and XRP. However, this was short-lived as the central bank swiftly imposed a ban on such services under a previous administration.

🌍 If the Central Bank of Argentina proceeds with this proposal, it could position the country as a crypto pioneer in Latin America. While countries like Bolivia and Venezuela have considered similar measures, they have yet to implement them. Experts suggest that allowing banks to offer crypto services would provide a new impetus for the crypto system as a viable alternative to traditional banking methods.

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📌 China Prioritizes Domestic AI Chips Amid U.S. Export Easing

🔍 China has officially included domestic artificial intelligence (AI) chips in its government procurement list for the first time. This strategic decision comes just days before the U.S. announced plans to relax restrictions on Nvidia exports to China. Processors from Huawei and Cambricon have been added to the approved supplier list by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

🛡 This move underscores Beijing's commitment to enhance its semiconductor capabilities before the U.S. policy shift allows Nvidia's advanced H200 chips to reach "approved customers in China." The U.S. has previously implemented strict export controls to limit China's access to cutting-edge semiconductors and manufacturing tools, particularly in areas with military applications like advanced AI.

🚀 Critics argue that these U.S. restrictions have prompted Beijing to accelerate its efforts towards technological self-sufficiency. China views dependence on foreign technology as a national security risk and has responded by providing substantial subsidies and investments through initiatives like the National IC Industry Investment Fund. The recent inclusion of domestic AI chips in the procurement list marks a significant step in prioritizing local alternatives to U.S. products.

‼️ This decision reflects China's confidence in its local processors and its determination to reduce reliance on U.S. technology. Subsidies for data centers have further facilitated the adoption of domestic chips by major firms such as Alibaba and Tencent. However, challenges remain as some institutions struggle to adapt systems built on Nvidia hardware to Chinese alternatives.

❗️ While the MIIT has not publicly commented on the procurement list, the timing of this announcement highlights Beijing's resolve to stay competitive in the escalating AI race with the United States.

🪙 The AI Bubble's Impact on Bitcoin and Stock Markets

📉 Recent fears of a potential bubble bursting have affected various markets, including cryptocurrencies and stocks. The price movements of Bitcoin (BTC) over the past eight weeks illustrate this connection; despite significant institutional investment and favorable legislation, Bitcoin did not experience a year-end rally. Instead, it appears that AI hype may be contributing to a bearish trend in both Bitcoin and stock markets.

🔄 There are two main theories linking the AI bubble to Bitcoin's price decline. The first suggests that investors are shifting their capital from Bitcoin to popular tech stocks like Nvidia. Alex Thorn from Galaxy noted,

Bitcoin started the year as the hottest investment narrative... But AI, hyperscalers, gold, and the Magnificent 7 have absorbed capital and attention that might otherwise flow into BTC.

The second theory posits that concerns about a potential AI bubble have led investors to retreat from riskier assets like Bitcoin in favor of safer options such as gold and silver, which are currently trading at near all-time highs.

📊 As traders grew cautious about Bitcoin, they also began to lose confidence in AI stocks. For instance, despite Broadcom's impressive fourth-quarter results—which exceeded analysts' expectations with over $18 billion in revenue—its shares fell nearly 12% the following day. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon remarked,

It seems that AI stock angst is continuing with Broadcom’s shares trading down.

📉 At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading at $90,308.12, down 2.33% over 24 hours but up 0.93% for the week. Daily trading volume had increased by 34.61% to $82.08 billion, although market capitalization fell to $1.8 trillion. Bitcoin dominance remained steady at 59.43% while total futures open interest dipped slightly.

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Get Ready for the EMCD Advent Calendar!

🎄 This December, a magical surprise is set to enhance your holiday spirit with the EMCD Advent Calendar! From December 15-28, a new piece of crypto magic will be revealed each day. Unlock daily challenges and mini-missions to explore Web3, improve your skills, and delve deeper into the EMCD ecosystem.

🔥 Expect quick and enjoyable tasks that take you into new Web3 experiences without any tedious reading. This is the perfect vibe as we count down to the New Year.

Are you ready to discover the surprise? It's already waiting for you — just click the link!

🪙 FDIC Proposes Framework for Bank Issuance of Payment Stablecoins

🔔 The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has introduced its first official proposal detailing how banks can secure approval to issue payment stablecoins. This move transitions the regulatory framework established by the GENIUS Act from legislation to practical application.

📝 Approved by the FDIC board on December 16, the proposal outlines a formal application process for FDIC-supervised banks wishing to issue payment stablecoins through subsidiaries. It implements Section 5 of the GENIUS Act, providing a regulatory roadmap for insured banks entering the stablecoin market.

⚠️ Central to the proposal is a new rule, 12 CFR § 303.252, which mandates that FDIC-supervised state nonmember banks and state savings associations must apply for approval before launching a payment stablecoin subsidiary. Once approved, these subsidiaries become permitted payment stablecoin issuers (PPSIs) and are subject to FDIC supervision for safety and soundness.

🔍 The FDIC emphasizes that approval depends on one key question:

whether the proposed stablecoin activity would be safe and sound.

Applications can only be denied on this basis, and issuance on open or public blockchains cannot be used as a reason for rejection, acknowledging the importance of crypto-native infrastructure.

💼 Applicants must prove their ability to maintain one-to-one reserves backing outstanding stablecoins, disclose reserve compositions monthly, and submit certified reports reviewed by a public accounting firm. The reserves must consist of liquid assets such as U.S. dollars or short-term Treasuries, with broad prohibitions on reuse or rehypothecation of those assets.

🛡 Governance is also scrutinized; applications must disclose ownership structures, directors, officers, and major shareholders, along with confirmations that leadership has not been convicted of financial crimes. Competence, compliance history, and managerial integrity are all considered.

🔔 EU Agrees to €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine, Excludes Russian Assets

💰 The European Union has committed to providing a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia over the next two years. This decision was made during a lengthy 16-hour session and will be financed through joint borrowing by most EU member states, excluding Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

They committed and delivered,

said European Council President António Costa on X, highlighting the urgency of the decision due to dwindling funding from Washington after the Trump Administration shifted its focus.

🚫 However, the EU decided against leveraging frozen Russian assets, valued at over €210 billion, for this loan. Belgium strongly opposed this idea due to concerns about potential legal repercussions from the Russian government.

It would leave us vulnerable to legal actions,

a Belgian official stated, leading to their refusal to support such a deal.

🗣 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the loan agreement, arguing that

it looks like a loan, but the Ukrainians will never be able to pay it back. It is basically losing money.

This sentiment reflects the skepticism among some EU leaders regarding the viability of repaying the loan.

❗️ Looking ahead, while the immediate risks of taking control of Russian assets have been avoided, these assets remain frozen and could still play a role in future negotiations. Experts warn that the ongoing freeze could potentially destabilize the financial system in upcoming discussions.

OpenLedger's Global Moment

1/ The project is getting major validation, moving from Korean roots to worldwide attention.

2/ The investment from gaming titan Netmarble (via MarbleX) into $OPEN is strategic. It highlights a crucial shift toward trust in verifiable, on-chain AI and data systems.

3/ With strong partnerships, a transparent public roadmap, and a 15% price surge, all engines are firing. The $0.30 level is now in sight as the logical next target if this momentum holds.

Check it out:

👉 Announcement
👉 Telegram: English | China | Korea
👉 Twitter: Global | China

💰 Michael Saylor's Strategy Boosts USD Reserve by $748 Million

🔍 Michael Saylor recently made headlines with a cryptic message on social media, followed by a significant announcement from Strategy. The company revealed a $748 million increase in its U.S. dollar reserve, bringing the total to $2.19 billion. This move was documented in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

💵 The additional funds were acquired through at-the-market sales of Strategy’s Class A common stock. This approach highlights the company's commitment to maintaining balance-sheet flexibility while adhering to its long-term bitcoin strategy. Despite the increase in cash reserves, Strategy's bitcoin holdings remained steady at 671,268 BTC as of December 22. This stability follows a recent purchase of 10,645 bitcoin but reflects a temporary pause in acquisitions.

🚫 The filing indicated that no bitcoin purchases occurred between December 15 and December 21, even as the firm's total purchase price surpassed $50.3 billion. Saylor's approach is clear: prioritize liquidity while maintaining conviction in long-term strategies.

📈 Bitcoin's Christmas Performance: A Cautious Stance Amidst Holiday Cheer

📉 This Christmas, Bitcoin maintained a steady position at $87,489, showing more caution than celebration. The cryptocurrency has been flirting with the lower end of its intraday range, reflecting a sense of indecision rather than a festive rally.

📊 On the daily chart, Bitcoin is digesting its recent highs after a sharp retracement from the peak of $94,652. It has found support around the $86,000–$87,000 zone, but the small candle bodies indicate a lack of conviction in the market. The trend remains technically corrective following an uptrend, with momentum muted and bulls yet to make a decisive return.

🔍 The 4-hour chart shows a period of consolidation after a test at $86,363. Bitcoin has hovered near $88,000 but with decreasing volume. A breakout above $88,800 is still elusive, suggesting that traders are waiting for a volume-driven push to validate any directional bias.

📉 Zooming into the 1-hour chart, Bitcoin's microtrend is swaying between bearish and neutral. A recent bounce from $86,363 to a local top at $87,976 has settled into a narrow range. With thin volume, short-term participants appear exhausted, leaving Bitcoin in a holding pattern. A clear move above $88,000 could indicate upside potential, while a drop below $87,000 might unravel support quickly.

📌 Oscillators are also reflecting a neutral stance. The relative strength index (RSI) is at 43, the stochastic oscillator at 34, and the commodity channel index (CCI) at -62. The average directional index (ADX) is at 23, indicating a lack of trend strength. Although there are signs of bullish divergence in the moving average convergence divergence (MACD), overall momentum remains mildly positive.

🚀 Sberbank's Groundbreaking Crypto Loan in Russia

🌟 Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has made headlines by issuing a loan backed by cryptocurrency collateral for the first time in the country. This pilot transaction signifies a significant milestone in the institutional adoption of digital assets in Russia.

🔍 The details of the loan, including the amount and the specific cryptocurrency used, remain undisclosed. However, it was noted that the digital collateral was processed through Sberbank's own system and the Rutoken hardware solution. The recipient of the loan was Intelion, a prominent player in industrial crypto mining with over 1,500 customers and substantial data center operations.

💡 Sberbank emphasized that this type of transaction could be beneficial not only for mining companies but also for other businesses holding digital assets seeking to leverage them without liquidating. This suggests the potential for expanding the pilot program to a broader range of companies in the future.

📈 The implications of Sberbank's crypto loan are significant. It could accelerate the use of cryptocurrency as a reserve asset for companies, allowing them to use it as collateral for loans. Intelion's CEO, Tiomofey Semenov, described the deal as an

important practical case for the industry

highlighting its potential to elevate the crypto market to a new level. He noted that if the effectiveness of this arrangement is confirmed, it could be scaled up for use in the Russian mining industry.

🚫 Looking ahead, Russia is poised to further integrate crypto assets into its financial system. The Bank of Russia has recently proposed a new framework that would enable non-qualified investors to invest in crypto assets, thereby expanding their accessibility as investment tools.

🚨 Bitcoin Price Prediction Ahead of FOMC Minutes

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