Spain Tests New Model for Bitcoin-Powered Consumer Loyalty

📊 As Europe continues exploring ways to integrate digital assets into mainstream financial services, Spain has become an early testing ground for a new consumer-loyalty model driven by Bitcoin rewards. The commerce-tech firm seQura has launched a Smart Shopping app that allows users to earn 2%–10% in BTC rewards when purchasing from more than 500 partnered retailers, positioning Bitcoin as a loyalty asset rather than a speculative instrument.

🔍 The system operates through Qoins, seQura’s internal balance, which users can redeem for discounts or convert into Bitcoin. All BTC transfers are executed by a regulated service provider, and the rewards are delivered directly to the user’s personal wallet, keeping custody entirely outside seQura’s infrastructure.

💼 Beyond the Bitcoin component, the app includes flexible payment options, buyer protection for purchases up to €500 soon, and a unified interface to manage payment plans. The company frames this as part of its transition toward broader commerce technology, with Spain serving as the first phase of a multi-market European rollout planned for 2026.

🌐 With many fintechs exploring blockchain-enabled incentives, seQura’s model adds to a growing movement treating Bitcoin as a tool for consumer retention. Upcoming features such as Lightning Network integration aim to further streamline small-value BTC rewards and align with the sector’s push toward instant settlement and low-fee digital payments.

SeQura does not provide custody or transfer services, nor does it offer cryptoasset services on behalf of customers. SeQura is not licensed to provide cryptoasset services. Cryptoassets involve risks and may not be suitable for everyone. SeQura does not provide financial or investment advice.

Join and learn more: https://www.sequra.com/en/cashback-bitcoin?utm_source=Cointelegraph&utm_medium=CryptoMountains&utm_campaign=seQura-app

🌟 South Korean Bitcoin Premium vs. U.S. Institutional Interest

📉 Since September 16, South Korean crypto traders have experienced a bitcoin premium, while the Coinbase Premium Index has been negative since October 26. This indicates a geographic divide in traders' perceptions of bitcoin rather than a unified global stance.

💰 As of November 25, the global weighted average for bitcoin is $86,900, but South Korean traders are paying significantly more—$89,114 on Upbit and $89,199 on Bithumb. Data from Cryptoquant shows that South Korea's bitcoin premium has remained steady since September 16, fluctuating between 4% and 1.3% this week. In contrast, the Coinbase Premium Index, which measures the price difference between bitcoin on Coinbase and Binance, is declining.

📊 On November 25, the Coinbase Price Index is 0.0382% lower. This divergence—high retail enthusiasm in South Korea paired with low institutional interest in the U.S.—indicates a regional split in market sentiment. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has been in "extreme fear" for the past two weeks, reflecting a jittery mood in the market. Despite bitcoin trading at $86,900, it dipped as low as $80,500 last week.

🔍 The contrast between South Korea's steady premium and the declining Coinbase Price Index suggests that South Korean traders are still willing to pay a premium for bitcoin, which is a positive sign. However, U.S. institutional desks appear far less energized, indicating a negative outlook.

⏳ Overall, the situation presents a tale of two markets: South Korean demand for bitcoin remains strong, while U.S. institutional interest wanes. Traders will need to wait for time to reveal the outcome of this divided sentiment.

🌐 Global Crackdown on IPTV Piracy Using Blockchain Intelligence

🚨 A significant multinational crackdown has targeted Illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) piracy networks, leveraging blockchain intelligence to disrupt their financial operations. On November 26, crypto exchange Binance announced its collaboration with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and the European Union Intellectual Property Office in an operation called Cyber Patrol. This coordinated effort involved over 15 national law enforcement bodies.

🔍 Binance highlighted the shift in piracy combat strategies, stating,

This operation marks a turning point in how we combat piracy by cutting off the payment mechanisms that fuel illicit services and striking at the very heart of their business model.

The initiative was directed by the Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition and supported by authorities from various countries including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

📊 Industry players such as the Premier League and Chainalysis provided crucial intelligence to trace subscription funnels and laundering layers associated with IPTV platforms. Binance's EMEA Head of Investigations, Lilija Mazeikiene, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in tackling digital crime, stating,

This joint effort underscores the importance and power of public and private collaboration in tackling digital crime.

💰 The Cyber Patrol operation identified 69 pirate domains, referred 25 IPTV services for disruption, and traced approximately $55 million in cryptocurrency linked to piracy activities. This outcome demonstrates how blockchain transparency can counter criminal ecosystems and supports the argument that cryptocurrency can enhance financial integrity.

📉 Bitcoin Miners Face Challenges in November 2025

💰 November proved to be a tough month for Bitcoin miners, marking it as the fourth least profitable month of 2025. They processed approximately 453 blocks and generated a total revenue of $1.262 billion, which includes both subsidies and fees. However, this figure represents a significant decline of about 20.9% from October's earnings of $1.595 billion.

📊 The earnings in November were the lowest since April and ranked just above the toughest months of the year, which were April ($1.18 billion), March ($1.22 billion), and February ($1.23 billion). Out of the total revenue for November, only about $9 million came from on-chain fees, contributing roughly 0.71% to the total block rewards.

🏆 The leading mining pools during this period were Foundry, Antpool, and F2Pool, which earned approximately $368.3 million, $239.9 million, and $139.5 million respectively. Foundry accounted for about 29.14% of the total hashrate, followed by Antpool with 18.98% and F2Pool with 11.04%. ViaBTC also contributed 10.38% to the overall hashrate.

📉 However, the situation worsened towards the end of the month as BTC prices dropped significantly on November 30, continuing into December 1. The estimated value of 1 petahash per second (PH/s) of hashing power fell to just $36.39 with Bitcoin priced at $85,879 at 9 a.m. EST on Monday. This decline in Bitcoin's USD value was a major factor in the revenue drop compared to October.

🔄 Despite these challenges, miners are continuing to push forward. They are adapting to tighter margins and a sluggish hashprice while awaiting a more favorable market. With revenue squeezed, fees low, and Bitcoin trading softly into early December, the sector is relying heavily on efficiency, scale, and patience to navigate this tough period.

📈 Record-Breaking Donation to Reform UK from Christopher Harborne

💰 Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has received a historic $12 million donation from Christopher Harborne, an aviation and cryptocurrency investor. This contribution marks the largest ever from a living individual in UK politics and was made on August 1.

📊 The Electoral Commission revealed that this substantial donation temporarily positioned Reform UK ahead of the Labour and Conservative parties in quarterly donations, highlighting the party's growing financial strength as it approaches the local elections in May. Harborne's gift surpasses the previous record of $10.7 million set by Lord David Sainsbury in 2019.

🌐 Harborne, a British citizen residing in Thailand, is known for his significant investments in cryptocurrencies and his ownership of private aircraft companies. Nigel Farage has positioned Reform UK as a pro-innovation alternative to traditional politics, openly supporting cryptocurrency and stating that the party would be the first in the UK to accept bitcoin donations.

We’ve not made the most of Brexit, that we’re not getting into the 21st Century technologies

Farage emphasized, asserting that Harborne's support aligns with the party's vision.

📈 Despite the record donation not being made in cryptocurrency, it reflects Harborne's alignment with Farage's embrace of new technologies. Harborne has previously donated to the Conservatives and Reform's predecessor, the Brexit Party.

💰 JPMorgan Predicts Bitcoin's Potential Surge Amid Market Dynamics

📈 JPMorgan, the global investment bank, has expressed a bullish outlook on Bitcoin, suggesting it could rise towards $170,000 in the coming months. This optimism is linked to Bitcoin's similar trading patterns to gold and recent shifts in market dynamics. The bank acknowledged that risk aversion and uncertainty surrounding Strategy's Bitcoin stance have impacted market sentiment.

Our volatility-adjusted bitcoin comparison to gold metric continues to imply a theoretical bitcoin price of close to $170K, suggesting significant upside for bitcoin over the next 6-12 months,

the strategists led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou stated.

📉 They also addressed concerns about Strategy's potential reduction of its BTC holdings due to its narrowing stock premium. However, JPMorgan noted that Strategy's recent $1.4 billion cash buildup decreases the likelihood of forced sales. Additionally, they highlighted the upcoming January 15 MSCI review that could impact companies with significant digital-asset exposure.

🔄 As of now, Bitcoin is trading at $89,712. JPMorgan pointed out that its gold-like behavior often emerges during market stress. Previous instances of macro volatility have driven investors towards crypto as an alternative. While a negative MSCI decision or significant selling by Strategy could lower prices, a favorable ruling might help Bitcoin recover its previous highs.

💪 Pro-crypto advocates argue against prevailing bearish sentiments by emphasizing increasing institutional adoption, a maturing market structure, and Bitcoin's limited supply as long-term resilience factors.

🚨 Crypto ETF Issuer Bitwise Defends Michael Saylor’s Strategy, Urges MSCI Neutrality on DATs’ Inclusion

👉 Read more

🪙 XRP's Market Struggles: A Tightrope Walk on December 11, 2025

📉 On December 11, 2025, XRP is teetering on the edge with a price range between $1.98 and $2.00. Despite a market cap of $120 billion and $4.17 billion traded in the last 24 hours, the mood is cautious.

don’t get too comfortable

seems to be the prevailing sentiment as XRP has dropped 3.5% against the dollar in the past day.

📊 Resistance levels between $2.05 and $2.10 remain unbroken, with the latest 1-hour chart showing a bearish trend. The $1.98 support zone is holding but barely, following a failed breakout attempt on December 9. If XRP cannot regain the $2.00 mark, it risks a gradual decline.

📉 The daily chart indicates a distribution phase since falling from a high of $3.10. With resistance at $2.25 to $2.30 and support around $1.80, XRP needs a significant boost to avoid losing short-term investors.

🚫 Oscillator readings show a lack of conviction: the relative strength index (RSI) is at 39.7, the Stochastic at 22.8, and the commodity channel index (CCI) is in negative territory. Moving averages also indicate resistance, with the 10-period EMA and SMA above the current price.

⚠️ The outlook for December is muted unless a catalyst like ETF speculation emerges. Analysts are divided; some predict a range near $2.08 to $2.09, while others suggest targets near $2.85. A decisive move past $2.07 could lead to a 16% increase, but falling below $1.95 could result in further declines into the $1.80 zone.

‼️ Looking ahead to 2026, forecasts vary widely from a low of $1.02 to a high of $4.78, with some social media projections reaching as high as $15 or even $1,000. However, seasoned traders will be cautious, watching for regulatory changes and real-world utility before getting swept up in the hype.

💥 Send and receive crypto using a simple name, not a 40-60 character wallet string!

Why this matters:

▪️No more copy-paste mistakes
▪️No more clipboard hijacks
▪️No more balance leaks
▪️Radically reduces phishing
▪️Unique addresses for each new user pair tied to human-readable name
▪️Works across chains
▪️Backed by U.S. Patent No. 12,412,162 B2

Why claim yours now:

- Premium names go first
- Secondary market coming
👉🏼 One name = your identity across every AF-supported wallet
- Future-proof for the AI economy
- Get a piece of privacy meta

Claim your name (pre-sale) ⬇️ https://americanfortress.io/fortressname

💳 Visa Introduces Stablecoin Settlement for U.S. Partners

🚀 Visa has announced the launch of stablecoin settlement capabilities in the United States, enabling select issuer and acquirer partners to settle obligations using Circle’s USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin. This marks the first instance where U.S.-based financial institutions can directly settle with Visa using a stablecoin instead of traditional fiat methods.

💡 The new capability is part of Visa’s broader initiative to modernize its settlement infrastructure while keeping the consumer-facing card experience unchanged. U.S. partners can now utilize USDC for settling Visanet obligations, with the process occurring over supported blockchains. This offers an alternative to the conventional five-day banking window.

🌐 Initial participants in this program include Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, which have started settling with Visa using USDC on the Solana blockchain. Visa plans to gradually expand access to more U.S. partners through 2026.

⏳ The introduction of stablecoin settlement allows for seven-day availability, including weekends and holidays, potentially enhancing liquidity timing and treasury operations for participating institutions. This means that funds no longer have to wait for the traditional Monday morning processing.

🔗 Visa is also collaborating with Circle on Arc, a new layer one blockchain currently in public testnet. The company intends to use Arc for future USDC settlements and will operate a validator node once the network is operational.

🌍 This U.S. launch builds on Visa’s previous stablecoin settlement pilots in regions like Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. As of November 30, Visa reported an annualized run rate exceeding $3.5 billion for its stablecoin settlement activity.

📉 Bitcoin's Volatile Response to Inflation Data

📊 Bitcoin experienced a brief surge on Thursday morning, reaching $89K before quickly dropping back to $85K later in the day. This fluctuation occurred after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed cooler-than-expected inflation data. While stocks rose in response to the news, Bitcoin's reaction was more unpredictable.

We need to know what happened on October 10,

crypto trader Elliot Wainman wrote.

It’s VERY apparent that the market broke that day and nothing has been the same since.

The November headline inflation rate was 2.7%, lower than the 3.1% predicted by economists. Core inflation also rose 2.6%, but was still below expectations.

🚫 The U.S. Federal Reserve may adopt a more dovish stance in 2026 if inflation continues to cool. However, the odds of a rate cut in January remain low, with most experts predicting a reduction in March. While major stock indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw gains, Bitcoin dipped by 0.37%.

We haven’t seen Bitcoin or Alts trade like this since 2018,

Wainman said.

We need answers.

📉 At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading at $85,472.12, down 0.37% for the day and 6.02% for the week. Daily trading volume increased by 14.61% to $48.62 billion, while market capitalization remained steady at $1.71 trillion. Bitcoin dominance rose slightly to 59.80% despite several high-profile altcoins shedding more than 8%.

🌟 Emerging Markets: A Bright Investment Alternative Before 2026

📈 Analysts are increasingly optimistic about emerging markets due to their impressive performance and resilience amidst geopolitical and economic challenges this year. After achieving double-digit returns, these markets are positioning themselves as attractive investment options for 2026.

🌍 Despite most investment capital being concentrated in major financial hubs, emerging markets have outperformed them this year. JPMorgan reports that local currency debt rose by 18.1% in 2025, with stock indexes showing gains of over 26%, surpassing even U.S. indexes like the SPX.

💪 This newfound prosperity and stability come after years of tough decisions and strict monetary policies that have made these markets resistant to external shocks. Charles de Quinsonas, head of emerging market debt at M&G, emphasized the importance of credibility in monetary policy:

When it comes to monetary policy, credibility is probably as high as it has ever been in emerging markets.

⚠️ However, the biggest risk for these markets is the U.S. economy; they could be adversely affected by a recession. Yet, Quinsonas noted that

Fundamentally, (emerging markets) are much less sensitive economically to the U.S. than they ever were.

💼 Emerging markets offer different investment options from traditional hubs, serving as a diversification tool for investors. This year, their rise as credible alternatives is attracting attention. David Hauner from BofA Global Research observed that

no customer contacted had a negative sentiment regarding capital allocation in emerging markets.

🚫 Hong Kong's Regulatory Developments for Virtual-Asset Service Providers

‼️ On December 24, 2025, Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced the conclusion of consultations regarding legislative proposals for virtual-asset (VA) dealer and custodian regimes. They will proceed with the related licensing frameworks and have initiated a new consultation on proposed regimes for VA advisory and management service providers, emphasizing the principle of "same business, same risks, same rules."

🔗 The dealer regime will align with Type 1 securities-dealing rules, while the custodian regime will focus on protecting private keys and client assets. Regulators are encouraging interested parties to engage in pre-application discussions to prepare for the upcoming licensing requirements. This initiative aims to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a trusted hub for digital-asset innovation.

🪙 Bitcoin's Price Analysis: December 27, 2025

📉 As of December 27, 2025, Bitcoin's price stands at $87,382 with a market cap of $1.74 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $30.6 billion. The cryptocurrency has been trading within a narrow range of $86,673 to $88,965, indicating a potential upcoming breakout.

📊 On the daily chart, Bitcoin shows a descending structure characterized by lower highs and lower lows, suggesting bearish sentiment. After peaking near $94,652, the price has gradually declined to the current $87,000–$88,000 zone. However, the decreasing volume indicates reduced buying pressure, which often precedes significant price movements. Traders should watch for a reclaim of the $90,000 level with increased volume before confirming a bullish reversal.

🔍 The 4-hour chart reveals a more pessimistic outlook. A strong rejection at $90,536 was accompanied by a series of red candles, indicating that sellers are currently dominant. Support at $86,363 has held so far, but consolidation below resistance suggests that bearish pressure remains. Upswings are met with lighter volume, while sell-offs are more pronounced, indicating a sideways market masked by bearish sentiment.

🚫 On the 1-hour chart, recent price action has been indecisive following a sharp drop from around $89,400 to $86,500. The current tight range between $87,000 and $87,500 and the low volume could signify a textbook accumulation zone preparing for a breakout above $88,000 or a bear flag setup anticipating another leg down if $86,000 fails.

⚖️ Oscillator indicators show a neutral stance, with the relative strength index (RSI), Stochastic, and others indicating ambiguity. Only the momentum and moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicators show slight upward movement.

💰 Binance CEO Richard Teng: Bitcoin Outshines Silver and Gold as a Long-Term Store of Value

📈 Binance CEO Richard Teng recently emphasized bitcoin's growing purchasing power and its potential as the future financial infrastructure, positioning it ahead of traditional metals like silver and gold. In a post on social media platform X, he stated,

Silver’s having a moment – EVs, AI chips, solar panels driving demand. Classic hedge against uncertainty and losing purchasing power. But here’s the thing: Bitcoin is the infrastructure of tomorrow’s financial system.

📊 The post included a chart illustrating the amount of gold and silver one bitcoin could buy from 2010 to 2025. This visual highlighted periods where bitcoin's strength increased significantly, particularly during times of rising institutional interest and monetary easing. By comparing precious metals with bitcoin, Teng framed the digital asset as a benchmark for value rather than a speculative option.

⚡️ The comparison also acknowledged silver's renewed importance due to its industrial applications in electrification and renewable energy. However, it pointed out that silver demand has been influenced more by structural factors like electric vehicles and solar installations than by monetary considerations. In contrast, gold appeared more stable but slower to change, reinforcing its role as a conservative store of value.

🔄 Bitcoin, on the other hand, showed sharper cycles and dramatic changes in purchasing power over time. Teng positioned bitcoin as financial infrastructure rather than a mere commodity, aligning with industry narratives that highlight its programmability and fixed supply. While metals remain important for diversification, digital assets offer advantages like portability and transparency that appeal to a digitally native economy.

📈 Despite these differences, Teng suggested that both asset classes could coexist as complementary hedges rather than direct substitutes. He noted that while metals provide physical utility and long-standing trust, bitcoin adoption continues to grow through various channels, indicating a potential for both to play important roles in the financial landscape.

📊 Bitcoin's Current Market Position: A Balancing Act

📉 Bitcoin is currently priced at $89,907 with a market cap of $1.79 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $45.09 billion. Despite an intraday range between $88,532 and $90,788, the market appears to be in a consolidation phase rather than a breakout.

📈 On the 1-hour chart, Bitcoin's price action shows a struggle between the $88,500 support and the $91,000 resistance. There are brief spikes in volume when the price approaches the upper range, but these are often met with rejection. The intraday strategy suggests entering near the $88,800 to $89,200 range as long as it stays above $88,300, with exits recommended near $90,300 to $90,800 unless buyers show stronger momentum.

📈 Looking at the 4-hour chart, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Since the beginning of the year, Bitcoin has been making higher highs and higher lows. However, attempts to break through the $90,900 to $91,000 level have been unsuccessful, indicating that buyers may be conserving their resources for a future push. A drop below $87,500 would undermine this upward trend.

❗️ The daily chart shows that Bitcoin is not in a hurry to move. It is trading comfortably within a range of $84,000 to $95,000, above December's low of $83,800 but still far from reclaiming the $94,500 to $95,000 peak. Without a convincing daily close outside the $86,000 to $92,000 zone, this range-bound market is likely to continue.

⚖️ Technical indicators are mixed. The relative strength index (RSI) is neutral at 54, while the Stochastic oscillator is at 74. The commodity channel index (CCI) and momentum indicator lean bearish, but not overwhelmingly so. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) suggests potential for upside recovery, although moving averages show a split opinion with shorter-term averages supporting current price action while longer-term averages indicate pessimism.

🔍 In summary, Bitcoin is currently in a range-bound phase. A decisive break above $92,000 or below $87,000 is needed for clearer trading signals.

🐂 Bullish Scenario: If Bitcoin can reclaim levels above $92,000 with increased volume, the path towards the $94,500–$95,000 zone may reopen.

🐻 Bearish Scenario: Conversely, if Bitcoin falls below $87,000 convincingly, the range structure could unravel, with attention shifting towards the $84,000 level.

🔔 XRP's Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions

📈 On January 6, 2026, XRP experienced a significant increase of 12.6%, reaching $2.41 before consolidating around $2.38. This rally marked a nearly 30% gain for the year-to-date and resulted in the liquidation of approximately $25 million in XRP short bets. The surge pushed XRP's market capitalization to $144 billion, solidifying its position as the fourth-largest digital asset, surpassing BNB.

🌍 The upward momentum was fueled by geopolitical events, particularly the January 3 military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. This created a climate of uncertainty that drove investors towards alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, especially as traditional financial markets were closed for the weekend.

📊 The volatility of XRP's price triggered a significant "short squeeze," with around $320 million in short positions liquidated across the broader crypto market within 24 hours. XRP's rise above $2.35 was technically important as it aligned with the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA), a level that had previously acted as a ceiling. By maintaining its position between $2.38 and $2.40, XRP aimed to convert this former resistance into a support level.

📌 Looking ahead, if XRP can close above $2.42 on a daily basis, analysts predict potential price targets in the $2.60–$2.70 range by February. There is speculation that a "Wyckoff Reaccumulation" model is in play, suggesting that if the final major resistance line, known as the "creek", is cleared, the psychological level of $3.00 could become attainable due to tightening institutional ETF inflows.

⚠️ However, if XRP fails to maintain the $2.35 zone and drops below $2.26, it could indicate a bearish retest of the moving averages, potentially reverting the asset to its previous consolidation range between $2.00 and $2.15. Despite the current bullish momentum, the relative strength index (RSI) is at 87, signaling overbought conditions. Historically, when the daily RSI exceeds 70, XRP tends to undergo a 5–10% "mean reversion" to allow for a reset of the indicator.

❗️ In summary, while XRP is experiencing a strong upward trend driven by geopolitical factors and market dynamics, traders should remain cautious of potential corrections due to overbought signals and the need for price stability above key support levels.