🇪🇺 Blockrise: A Regulated Bitcoin-Only Platform in the EU

🌍 Blockrise, a Rotterdam-based Dutch startup, has secured a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). This license allows Blockrise to offer Bitcoin financial services across Europe, marking a significant step towards the institutionalization of Bitcoin.

💼 CEO Jos Lazet emphasized the company's commitment to being a Bitcoin-only platform aimed at institutional investors, corporate clients, and high-net-worth individuals. Alongside the licensing, Blockrise is launching Bitcoin-backed business loans starting at €20,000 and is preparing for a €15 million Series A funding round.

🔑 What sets Blockrise apart is its assurance that clients retain full ownership of their Bitcoin collateral while adhering to a strict Bitcoin-only approach. Lazet stated,

Our clients want transparency, risk management, and security,

underscoring the company's dedication to providing regulated Bitcoin financial services.

🚨 Upbit's Cybersecurity Breach: Immediate Actions and Implications

🔒 South Korean crypto exchange Upbit recently faced a cyberattack that led to the suspension of digital asset deposits and withdrawals. CEO Oh Kyung-seok publicly acknowledged the breach, stating it was a result of inadequate security management on Upbit's part. He emphasized the company's commitment to protecting member assets and assured customers that no damage would occur to their holdings.

“This breach is a direct result of Upbit’s inadequate security management, and there is no room for excuses,”

Oh stated. He also mentioned that the incident had been reported to relevant authorities for investigation.

🔍 The breach was triggered by unusual activity involving a Solana-linked wallet on November 27. In response, Upbit conducted an internal review, froze questionable transfers, and implemented containment measures. The CEO detailed that approximately 44.5 billion won (around $30 million) in assets were affected, but reassured that members’ damaged assets have been fully compensated with Upbit-held reserves.

💼 South Korean authorities have launched a formal investigation into the breach, with early indications pointing to potential involvement by the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking organization. In light of the incident, Upbit activated emergency protocols, strengthened its custody systems, and began a comprehensive review of its security measures.

“Upbit has identified approximately 44.5 billion won [$30,311,090] in damaged assets. Members’ assets amounted to approximately 38.6 billion won, of which approximately 2.3 billion won has been frozen. Our own assets amounted to approximately 5.9 billion won,”

the CEO explained.

⚠️ This incident underscores the risks associated with centralized crypto platforms. However, proponents of blockchain technology argue that its transparency allows for effective post-incident analysis and that diversified custody structures can mitigate risks associated with concentrated exposure.

🌍 Coinbase's November Expansion: A Strategic Leap in Global Crypto Markets

🚀 In November, Coinbase significantly enhanced its global presence by introducing new lending tools, onchain features, and expanding international access. This move reflects the company's growing momentum across retail, institutional, and developer markets.

📅 On December 2, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced on social media that November was a pivotal month for the company, with December expected to be even more impactful. Key developments included ETH-backed loans for U.S. users (excluding New York) and the acquisition of Vector, an onchain trading platform on Solana. This acquisition aims to boost activity in a vital crypto ecosystem. Additionally, Coinbase reincorporated in Texas to align with a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment.

💼 Other notable advancements included Base facilitating institutional transfers of J.P. Morgan’s USD deposit token, expanded decentralized exchange (DEX) access in Brazil, and the introduction of daily-interest GBP savings in the UK through Clear Bank. Coinbase also collaborated with R[3]sidency to support early web3 founders and launched token sales starting with Monad, which attracted approximately 86,000 participants and $269 million in commitments.

🌐 The post highlighted a Dec. 17 system update event while acknowledging concerns from critics about potential regulatory scrutiny due to rapid product expansion. However, supporters argue that Coinbase's diversified global reach and enhanced onchain tools position it for sustained adoption in the crypto markets.

💡 Key Takeaways for Investors:
1. Coinbase's November progress indicates stronger revenue pipelines and broader global market capture.
2. New institutional products like cbBTC and J.P. Morgan deposit-token transfers enhance long-term value by strengthening enterprise activity and liquidity.
3. International expansion into Brazil, the UK, Singapore, and Texas reflects a strategic push to operate in growth markets with clearer regulations.
4. Acquisitions like Vector and accelerated Base development improve Coinbase's onchain footprint and user engagement.

🚀 XRP Ledger: Infrastructure for Tokenized Finance

🌍 The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is increasingly recognized as a specialized infrastructure for high-volume financial settlements, particularly in the context of tokenized activities and real-world value transfers within institutional settings. Reece Merrick, Ripple's Senior Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized on December 5 that the XRPL is designed for scaled financial operations and is capable of supporting tokenized instruments.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is designed for high-volume, real-world utility settlement, with proven scalability for tokenized assets and payments. It’s not just a ledger; it’s infrastructure for moving value and tokenized financial products,

said Merrick. His statement highlights XRPL's role as a foundational infrastructure rather than merely a record-keeping system, which is crucial for firms considering factors like execution speed, cost efficiency, and settlement reliability.

📈 The XRPL is witnessing significant growth beyond its initial use case of cross-border payments. There is a surge in institutional adoption, particularly with the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWAs) such as U.S. Treasuries. Recent developments include the introduction of the XRPL EVM Sidechain for smart contract compatibility, which is attracting a wider array of developers and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. The user base is also expanding, as evidenced by millions of active wallets.

🔧 With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the growth of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, the XRPL is solidifying its position as a versatile, high-speed, and low-cost platform for global finance and various Web3 applications. Advocates argue that its speed, transparency, and interoperability can significantly enhance liquidity and streamline institutional workflows.

📉 Bitcoin's Volatile Price Movement Amid Saylor's Purchase Announcement

💰 On December 8, Bitcoin briefly surged to $92,000 before retreating to around $90,000. This price movement coincided with the announcement from Michael Saylor's firm, Strategy, regarding their acquisition of 10,624 bitcoins, increasing their total holdings to 660,624 BTC. However, the market reaction was mixed, with some analysts suggesting market manipulation while others indicated a potential bear phase for the crypto economy.

📉 Despite the initial jump, Bitcoin ended the day lower, highlighting its volatile nature. Historically, Saylor's announcements have often correlated with positive market momentum, especially during periods of aggressive debt-funded accumulation. However, as Strategy reduced its leveraged purchases, the impact of Saylor's statements diminished, failing to counter Bitcoin's downward trend.

📉 The bearish sentiment in the market can be traced back to an October 10 crash that wiped out over $19 billion in leveraged positions. This event led to a significant drop in Bitcoin's value, falling to $80,500 from an October peak of over $126,000. Since hitting a low on November 21, Bitcoin has shown some signs of appreciation but struggles to maintain upward momentum.

📉 Strategy's recent purchase of nearly $1 billion in Bitcoin was anticipated to provide a boost to the cryptocurrency's price. However, it coincided with a downward trend, raising questions among analysts and influencers. Andrew Tate expressed his confusion on social media, stating,

I'm huge on BTC, but micro strat buy 10k btc in a single day, and the price doesn't move. Explain that to me.

📉 Some analysts attributed Bitcoin's lackluster performance to potential market manipulation by a large trader. In contrast, Jacob King, a financial analyst, argued that the crypto economy might be entering a bear market. He suggested that Saylor's recent purchase could be a "staged pump" aimed at offloading assets at a higher price. King warned investors, saying,

His latest buy was a staged pump, hoping the market blips enough so he can offload at a higher price.

💵 Youtube Enables Stablecoin Payouts for U.S. Creators through Paypal

🌐 Youtube has started allowing U.S. creators to receive payouts in Paypal's stablecoin, Paypal USD (PYUSD), marking a significant shift towards the use of regulated digital currencies in mainstream payment systems. This move highlights the growing acceptance of stablecoins as practical payment methods rather than mere speculative assets.

🗣 May Zabaneh, Paypal's head of crypto, stated that this feature builds on Paypal's established partnership with Youtube for payout services.

It enables Youtube to offer a stablecoin option without the need to directly manage crypto assets,

she explained. This approach minimizes operational and compliance challenges for the platform.

📈 The report indicates that Paypal introduced the option for payment recipients to receive funds in PYUSD earlier in the third quarter. This prompted Youtube to extend this option to its creators. The decision comes amid increasing interest from technology firms in stablecoins following recent regulatory changes in the U.S.

🔗 The integration of PYUSD payouts represents a significant milestone for regulated stablecoins, reinforcing their role as essential payment infrastructure in the digital economy. It allows Google to meet creators' demands for quicker settlements while relying on Paypal as a licensed intermediary to limit custodial risks.

🌍 For Paypal, this partnership enhances PYUSD's position in everyday commerce, distinguishing it from stablecoins primarily used in decentralized finance. It positions PYUSD as a compliant and cost-effective remittance option with potential for expansion to international creators in the future.

🖥 Phantom Launches Desktop Trading Terminal

🚀 Phantom has introduced a new desktop trading terminal that consolidates spot tokens, perpetuals, and charting tools into a single browser-based interface. This move marks a significant shift from its mobile-first approach. Announced on December 13, the terminal allows users to trade, track portfolios, and manage positions on a larger screen while staying synchronized with Phantom’s mobile and web experiences.

📊 The terminal aggregates thousands of crypto markets, including spot tokens and perpetual contracts, into one interface. It features real-time charts with drawing tools and technical indicators, as well as common order types like limit, stop-loss, and take-profit for perpetuals. Phantom emphasizes low-latency execution and real-time data, positioning the terminal as a faster option for users who prefer browser-based trading.

📈 In addition to execution, the terminal offers portfolio monitoring features such as profit-and-loss tracking, wallet visibility, and customizable watchlists. Users can explore trending tokens, newly launched meme coins, and a variety of perpetual markets without leaving the terminal.

🔗 Accessing the platform requires connecting a Phantom wallet or another supported wallet through trade.phantom. Once connected, balances and positions sync automatically, allowing users to switch between desktop, mobile, and web seamlessly.

⚖️ The launch reflects a broader industry trend of wallets evolving into full-service trading desks. As competition among crypto platforms intensifies, the distinction between wallet providers and trading terminals continues to blur. Phantom has indicated that additional features are in development, including support for more blockchains and expanded order types, suggesting that the desktop terminal is just the beginning of its evolution.

🌐 The debut of Phantom’s desktop terminal aligns with a wider shift in the crypto landscape, where wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms are converging. As more players enter this space, the competitive edge may depend less on the number of tools offered and more on the ability to deliver them without overwhelming users in an increasingly complex market.

🏆 Nexo Partners with Tennis Australia: A Milestone for Crypto in Sports

🤝 Nexo has entered a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with Tennis Australia, becoming the Official Crypto Partner of the Australian Open and the Summer of Tennis. This agreement marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a digital asset platform has partnered with a Grand Slam event, highlighting the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream sports.

📅 The partnership includes major tournaments such as the United Cup, Adelaide International, Brisbane International, and Hobart International. Antoni Trenchev, co-founder of Nexo, expressed pride in this collaboration:

We are honored to join Tennis Australia in elevating the sport while showcasing the value of intelligent digital tools to a global audience.

📢 As part of the deal, Nexo will have significant on-site visibility during the Australian Open. A key feature of this partnership is the Nexo Coaches Pod, which will display branding in on-court coaching areas. This placement emphasizes the strategic aspects of professional tennis, aligning with Nexo's focus on insight-driven decision-making.

🏅 This agreement adds to Nexo's growing portfolio of sports partnerships, which includes recent deals with the Acapulco Tennis Open and the Mifel Tennis Open. These collaborations reflect Nexo's strategy to enhance brand recognition beyond the crypto community by associating with prestigious sporting events.

🌍 By partnering with the Australian Open, Nexo strengthens its position at the intersection of elite sports, technology, and digital finance. This move signals Nexo's long-term ambition as the crypto industry continues to integrate with global institutions.

🛠 Swissborg's Vision: Radical Simplicity and Community Ownership in Fintech

🌍 In a landscape plagued by "fintech fatigue," Swissborg CEO Cyrus Fazel advocates for a model centered on simplicity and community involvement. His approach revolves around the Meta-Exchange, a liquidity aggregator that seamlessly connects centralized finance (CeFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), facilitating cross-chain trading.

📱 Fazel emphasizes the need for one intuitive app over multiple complex platforms. He states,

Most people do not want 10 apps, five wallets, multiple exchanges, and complex bridges. They want one app that just works. One tap. Best price. No headaches.

The Meta-Exchange links major CeFi exchanges and various decentralized networks like Solana and BNB Chain, offering what Fazel claims is the most powerful cross-chain liquidity layer available.

💰 Unlike traditional fintechs that focus on shareholder returns, Swissborg operates on a community-driven model centered around its native BORG token. This model encourages active participation through a rewards program that offers BORG cashback on trades. Token holders can influence the platform's direction by voting on listings and initiatives, and they can access benefits like zero fees by locking their BORG assets.

🤝 Fazel explains,

Community gives us values. Technology gives us power. Ease of use gives us the scale. This trifecta is what will allow Swissborg to outpace heavily capitalized competitors who lack the same level of user alignment.

🚫 In contrast to the typical venture capital route in fintech, Fazel champions a community-backed approach. He argues that

when you are raised by your community, you work for the people who actually use your product every single day.

This philosophy aligns with the rise of decentralized ecosystems where users are stakeholders, prioritizing long-term value over short-term gains.

⚖️ Regarding European regulations like MiCA, Fazel views them as a positive development that promotes transparency and trust in the industry. He asserts,

In the long run, trust always beats shortcuts. Offshore platforms may win the race for a few years. But regulated, transparent, community-powered platforms win the marathon.

📉 Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Face Outflows as XRP and Solana Attract Inflows

📉 Bitcoin ETFs experienced their fourth consecutive day of outflows, while ether ETFs slipped back into negative territory. XRP and Solana ETFs continued to see modest but steady inflows, indicating selective investor demand.

📉 As the holiday-shortened week approached, risk appetite in crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) further cooled. Investors withdrew more capital from bitcoin and ether while maintaining a cautious interest in XRP and Solana products.

📉 Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded a net outflow of $188.64 million, extending their losing streak. The pressure was primarily on four funds, led by Blackrock’s IBIT, which alone shed $157.34 million. Fidelity’s FBTC followed with a $15.30 million outflow, while Grayscale’s GBTC saw $10.28 million exit. Despite these withdrawals, trading activity remained active at $3.16 billion, and total net assets were largely unchanged at $114.29 billion.

📉 Ether ETFs also reversed course, posting a net exit of $95.53 million. This was driven mainly by Grayscale’s ETHE, which lost $50.89 million. Blackrock’s ETHA added to the pressure with a $25.04 million outflow. Total value traded dipped to just under $1 billion, while net assets held steady at $18.02 billion.

📉 XRP ETFs continued their steady run, adding $8.19 million on the day, entirely driven by Franklin’s XRPZ. Trading volume came in at $12.41 million, with total net assets holding firm at $1.25 billion.

📉 Solana ETFs also stayed in positive territory, bringing in $4.20 million. Bitwise’s BSOL led with a $1.64 million inflow, followed by Grayscale’s GSOL at $1.46 million and Fidelity’s FSOL at $1.10 million. Trading activity reached $28.57 million, pushing total net assets up to $940.96 million.

📉 As markets prepare to close for the Christmas holiday, the year-end outlook for bitcoin and ether ETFs looks bleak with continued capital departure. In contrast, XRP and Solana appear to finish strong after their impressive debuts in 2025.

📉 Jurrien Timmer's Cautious Outlook on Bitcoin for 2026

🔮 Jurrien Timmer, the Director of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments, has expressed concerns about Bitcoin's performance in 2026. He suggests that Bitcoin may take a "year off" as part of its traditional 4-year cycle, despite the current positive trends in the crypto market. This perspective contrasts with the more optimistic views of crypto advocates like Tom Lee from Fundstrat and Michael Saylor from Strategy.

📊 Timmer acknowledges his enthusiasm for Bitcoin but emphasizes that 2026 could be a challenging year for the cryptocurrency. He believes that commodities might take center stage during that year, serving as a diversifier against stocks and bonds. He stated,

Bitcoin winters have lasted about a year, so my sense is that 2026 could be a "year off" (or "off year") for Bitcoin.

💰 The average cost to mine one Bitcoin is approximately $100,108. If Timmer's predictions hold true, the financial situation for Bitcoin miners could deteriorate further in 2026 due to a potential price decline. This could lead to Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT) selling their crypto holdings, creating additional selling pressure in the market.

📉 In summary, Jurrien Timmer's predictions suggest a cautious approach to Bitcoin in 2026. While he remains a supporter of the cryptocurrency, he foresees a possible setback before it regains momentum, with commodities potentially taking precedence in the investment landscape.

💰 Protests Erupt in Iran Amid Currency Collapse and Rising Inflation

🚨 Nationwide protests have erupted in Iran as the country's currency, the rial, plummets to a record low against the US dollar, leading to critical levels of inflation and the resignation of the Central Bank governor. Demonstrations took place in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, with traders and shopkeepers voicing their grievances.

📉 The rial has dramatically depreciated, now standing at 1.38 million to the dollar, a sharp decline from 32,000 rials per dollar in 2015. This economic crisis is characterized by severe inflation, with December's rate reaching 42.2% and significant increases in food prices (up 72%) and health items (up 50%) compared to the previous year. The situation has been exacerbated by international sanctions and regional tensions.

These are the largest protests in Iran since the 2022 demonstrations following Mahsa Jina Amini’s death.

📅 The current unrest marks the largest protests since those in 2022, highlighting the public's frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions. Factors contributing to the unrest include currency depreciation, high inflation rates, potential tax increases, and uncertainty from regional conflicts.

🪙 Iran's Revolutionary Step: Accepting Cryptocurrency for Military Equipment

💰 The Ministry of Defense Export Center of Iran, known as Mindex, has made a groundbreaking move by accepting cryptocurrency payments for advanced military equipment, including drones and ballistic missiles. This marks the first instance of a country publicly accepting crypto for such transactions.

📄 According to a report by the Financial Times, Mindex will allow payments in digital currencies and barter arrangements for its products. This decision is significant as it facilitates payments to Iran's military industry, which is currently under U.S. unilateral sanctions that complicate traditional payment methods.

🌐 The ministry's website confirms this policy, stating that payments can be made "in the form of payment in the cryptocurrency agreed upon in the contract," including barter options. It features a marketplace for various military products, from ammunition to armored tanks.

📝 However, Mindex stipulates that buyers must make specific commitments regarding the use of the purchased products during warfare at the time of signing the supply contract. The institution emphasizes that due to Iran's history of circumventing sanctions, the delivery of these products is likely to occur swiftly after contract processing.

🚨Bitget’s 2025 Recap: Bitcoin and Gold Lead as ‘Safe Haven’ Assets as Dollar Posts Worst Yearly Loss

👉 Read more

🚫 New Legislation Aims to Prevent Insider Trading in Prediction Markets

📜 The Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026 is set to be introduced with the support of Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY). This bill seeks to prohibit federal officials, including elected representatives and Executive Branch employees, from engaging in prediction-market contracts when they possess or could access material nonpublic information through their official duties.

⚖️ The legislation specifically targets trades related to government policies and actions on platforms involved in interstate commerce. It aims to address concerns over insider trading allegations, particularly in light of a recent incident where a trader reportedly made a $400,000 profit in under 24 hours from a Polymarket bet regarding a leadership change in Venezuela.

What does the bill prohibit? It bans federal officials from transacting in prediction-market contracts when they have or could obtain insider information.

📍 The bill's introduction was prompted by a specific event: a newly created Polymarket account invested $30,000 in a contract predicting Maduro's exit. Following the U.S. detention of Maduro, the trader profited significantly within a short timeframe.

Where will the restrictions apply? To any prediction-market platform engaged in interstate commerce within the United States.

🔍 The proposed restrictions will apply to all prediction-market platforms operating within the United States that engage in interstate commerce. The legislation is deemed necessary to uphold market fairness and maintain public confidence by preventing abuses related to insider trading.

📉 Bitcoin ETFs Face Outflows as Ether, XRP, and Solana Show Resilience

🔄 On Tuesday, the crypto ETF landscape experienced a significant shift as bitcoin saw heavy outflows while ether continued its upward trend. XRP and Solana also gained momentum amidst a mixed trading session.

📉 Bitcoin ETFs reported a net outflow of $243.34 million, primarily due to Fidelity’s FBTC which alone lost $312.24 million. Grayscale’s GBTC followed with an exit of $83.07 million and other funds like Ark & 21Shares’ ARKB and Vaneck’s HODL also faced outflows. Blackrock’s IBIT was the exception, gaining $228.66 million.

📈 In contrast, ether ETFs saw a third consecutive session of recovery with an inflow of $114.74 million. Blackrock’s ETHA led this charge with a significant entry of $198.80 million. However, some funds like Grayscale’s ETHE and Fidelity’s FETH experienced exits.

📊 XRP ETFs recorded $19.12 million in inflows with Franklin’s XRPZ leading the way. Solana ETFs also remained positive, attracting $9.22 million primarily driven by Fidelity’s FSOL.

🔍 Overall, Tuesday's trading highlighted a clear divide in investor behavior. While bitcoin faced profit-taking after a recent surge, ether maintained its rebound and XRP and Solana continued to attract steady demand.

📈 American Banks Boost Coinbase's Stock Outlook

💬 Two major American banks have recently improved their outlook on Coinbase, the leading crypto exchange in the United States. Bank of America raised its price target for Coinbase's stock (COIN) to $340, a 41% increase from current levels. This decision was influenced by several key factors that could enhance COIN's value in the near future.

📊 The bank highlighted Coinbase's strategic move towards becoming an "everything exchange" by incorporating stock trading and prediction markets.

COIN detailed its expansion into stock/ETG trading and prediction markets for the first time. This supports its objective of becoming the everything exchange

said the bank. Bank of America also suggested that the anticipated launch of a native token for Base, Coinbase's Ethereum layer two chain, could serve as a bullish catalyst. Analysts noted that

a native token launch would incentivize builders, creators and early adopters

and could raise billions in cash for the company.

🔍 Goldman Sachs also upgraded COIN from neutral to "Buy," expressing increased optimism about the crypto market. The bank echoed Bank of America's views on Coinbase's expansion into new services beyond crypto trading. It emphasized the exchange's shift towards growing products like tokenization and prediction markets.

📉 Despite these upgrades, COIN was trading just above $240, down over 46% from its all-time high. However, both banks see Coinbase as a long-term leader in the crypto space and a trusted platform with the #1 market share in the U.S. as the world continues to adopt crypto technologies.