Ilya Lichtenstein, who hacked crypto exchange Bitfinex and stole nearly 120,000 Bitcoin, said he has been freed from prison early. Lichtenstein said he was being released thanks to the First Step Act, the bipartisan prison-reform law signed by President Donald Trump.Lichtenstein’s wife, Heather Morgan, who also pleaded guilty as part of the bitcoin laundering scheme, celebrated her husband’s apparent release.Thanks to President Trump's First Step Act, I have been released from prison early. I remain committed to making a positive impact in cybersecurity as soon as I can.To the supporters, thank you for everything.To the haters, I look forward to proving you wrong.— Ilya Lichtenstein (@cipherstein) January 2, 2026The Russian-U.S. national who hacked crypto exchange Bitfinex and stole nearly 120,000 bitcoin said he has been freed from prison early thanks to the bipartisan prison-reform law signed by President Donald Trump.Early Exit After 2024 SentencingLichtenstein, 38, had been sentenced in November 2024 to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge and admitting to the hack of crypto assets now valued in the billions of dollars.But late Thursday night, a post on Lichtenstein’s official X account declared, “Thanks to President Trump’s First Step Act, I have been released from prison early.”“I remain committed to making a positive impact in cybersecurity as soon as I can,” Lichtenstein’s post said. “To the supporters, thank you for everything. To the haters, I look forward to proving you wrong.”Keep reading: Hackers Drain Hundreds of Crypto Wallets, Targeting Accounts Under $2,000: ReportAccording to CNBC, a Trump administration official told the publication that Lichtenstein “has served significant time on his sentence and is currently on home confinement consistent with statute and Bureau of Prisons policies.”Trump Law at the CenterLichtenstein’s wife, Heather Morgan — who also pleaded guilty to helping launder the stolen funds — shared Lichtenstein’s message on her own X account, saying, “The best New Years present I could get was finally having my husband home after 4 years of being apart.”Morgan’s tweet, posted two minutes after Lichtenstein’s, included a photo of the couple smiling for a selfie. Lichtenstein’s sentence included credit for time he already served in custody following his arrest in 2022, more than five years after Bitfinex was hacked.Lichtenstein was sentenced to five years in prison last year. In addition to the massive crypto heist, Lichtenstein was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and will face three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.The sentencing comes after Lichtenstein and his wife, Heather Morgan, who also played a central role in the scheme, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Morgan’s sentencing is set for November 18. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Interactive Brokers Group said its clients outperformed the S&P 500 Index in 2025, according to figures released by the company. The automated electronic broker reported that individual clients achieved an average return of 19.20% during the year. The S&P 500 Index returned 17.9% over the same period.Retail Clients Drive Growth at IBKRRetail clients remained active in December, generating 3.384 million daily average revenue trades, up 4% from last year. Client accounts reached 4.399 million, a 32% increase year-on-year, with ending equity of $779.9 billion and margin loans of $90.2 billion.[#highlighted-links#] In November, the broker reported 4.27 million DARTs, up 29% from a year earlier. During the month, it added the Taipei Exchange, expanding access to Taiwan equities, ETFs, and depositary receipts across more than 160 venues.IBKR Hedge Fund Clients Post Higher ReturnsIn 2025, Hedge fund clients posted stronger results. Their average return reached 28.91%, outperforming the benchmark by about 11 percentage points.The company linked client performance to lower trading costs, execution quality, and access to global markets. It said these factors supported returns over time.Thomas Peterffy, Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers, said returns depend on more than trade selection. He said they are influenced by “the costs you pay, the prices you get, and how efficiently your capital is put to work.” He added that when investors “pay less in fees and trade with efficient execution,” the benefits “add up and compound over time.”Clients Earn Interest, Margin Rates LowDuring the year, clients earned interest on uninvested cash balances. The broker said rates reached up to 3.14% on eligible cash.Interactive Brokers also pointed to its margin and financing terms. It said margin rates were as low as 4.14%, which it said were below industry averages.The firm offers trading in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds through a single platform. It said it serves more than four million clients worldwide and holds over $750 billion in client assets. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Hackers have drained hundreds of cryptocurrency wallets across multiple Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) blockchains in a suspected ongoing exploit that investigators say remains unresolved. On-chain analyst ZachXBT reported that the coordinated attack has already led to more than $107,000 in stolen user funds, with losses continuing to mount.. @zachxbt : It appears hundreds of wallets are currently being drained on various EVM chains for small amounts (<$2k total per victim) with a root cause not yet unidentified. So far ~$107K has been drained from them with the theft total still increasing.Suspicious address… pic.twitter.com/d3TPDurQOt— Vladimir S. | Officer's Notes (@officer_secret) January 1, 2026According to the investigator, the attackers have focused primarily on wallets holding relatively small balances, often with less than $2,000 worth of crypto assets. While individual losses remain limited, the cumulative impact continues to grow.$107K Taken, Breach Still Under InvestigationThe exact cause of the attack has yet to be identified. However, ZachXBT cautioned that the situation could escalate into a more serious threat if left unresolved. At the time of reporting, attackers had already made away with more than $107,000 in user funds.Data shows that most of the stolen funds were distributed across three major networks, with Ethereum accounting for 51% of the losses, followed by BNB Chain at 24% and Base at 8%. The remaining funds were spread across other EVM-compatible chains.In a separate incident, Trust Wallet, a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, recently suffered a security breach that led to the confirmed theft of at least $7 million in cryptocurrencies. Zhao assured users that the platform will fully cover the losses of everyone affected by the incident.So far, $7m affected by this hack. @TrustWallet will cover. User funds are SAFU. Appreciate your understanding for any inconveniences caused. ?The team is still investigating how hackers were able to submit a new version. https://t.co/xdPGwwDU8b— CZ ? BNB (@cz_binance) December 26, 2025Following Trust Wallet HackInvestigations suggested the vulnerability stemmed from deliberate actions tied to an internal compromise affecting Chrome extension version 2.68. Although the issue was later fixed, reports indicate that some users may still be affected.Read more: Binance Affiliate Trust Wallet Hacked, but CZ Assures $7M Loss CompensationZachXBT reported that hundreds of Trust Wallet users were impacted by the vulnerability, highlighting the widespread nature of the breach and the potential risks facing users of self-custodial wallets.The breach originated from a flaw in a version of the Trust Wallet Google Chrome browser extension. Developers urged users to immediately disable the compromised version and update to the latest release to secure their accounts. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

SGT Markets, an offshore online trading platform dealing with foreign exchange, equity index CFDs, and crypto CFDs, named Peter Kristensen as the Chief Executive Officer. Kristensen has been with the company as the Chief Financial Officer since 2022.Experience in the Fintech SpaceHe also founded trademakers, a fintech firm that provides private investors with access to professional investments in alternative assets through fractionalized regulated trading strategies.The platform reportedly allows participation in trading programs traditionally restricted to institutions and high-net-worth individuals, with minimum investments as low as $5,000.Read more: Mohammed Younis Becomes Noor Capital’s Brokerage CEO after Nine Months in the Role TemporarilySGT Markets, operating as a brand of Sterling Gent Trading Ltd., holds authorization and regulation from the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands. The platform offers trading in crypto CFDs, energy CFDs, equity index CFDs, foreign exchange, and spot metals.More Executive Moves in the New YearAnother CEO transition in the new year saw Noor Capital, the Dubai-headquartered forex and CFDs broker, appoint Mohammed Younis as permanent Chief Executive of its brokerage division, following nine months in the acting role. Younis stepped in as Acting CEO in May last year, succeeding Mohammed Ghosheh, per his LinkedIn profile. A veteran of the firm with nearly 11 years of service, he brings deep institutional knowledge to the permanent position.Elsewhere, Sportradar Group recently appointed Breon Corcoran, the Chief Executive Officer of IG Group, to its Board of Directors. The company is pursuing expansion into iGaming and prediction markets while preserving its core sports-focused product portfolio.Sportradar has reportedly initiated testing of its iGaming product in Brazil, leveraging AI-driven tools for client acquisition and retention within a comprehensive strategy. The firm intends to replicate and scale this approach in bigger markets like the US. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Sotiris Karagiorgis has started a new role as Head of Risk at Axi, according to his LinkedIn post.The move comes as Axi expanded its crypto perpetuals offerings, adding over 150 contracts across major and emerging digital assets. The expansion positions the broker among a limited number of multi-asset firms offering crypto derivatives within a single regulated platform. Perpetual futures now dominate crypto trading, accounting for nearly 70% of Bitcoin volume and 76% of global derivatives activity.Axi Hires Former eToro Risk LeadBefore joining Axi, Karagiorgis spent nearly two years at eToro in Limassol, Cyprus. Most recently, he was Enterprise Risk Manager for nine months, overseeing risk for Smart Portfolios and Popular Investors copy trading services, managing third-party vendor risks, supporting regulatory engagements, and monitoring personal account dealings. Prior to that, he served as Financial and Operational Risk Manager for just over a year, conducting risk assessments, developing policies, investigating incidents, and maintaining business continuity plans.Karagiorgis Brings Audit, IFRS ExpertiseAt Deloitte in Nicosia, Karagiorgis held Senior Manager, Manager, and Assistant Manager positions, leading teams preparing IFRS financial statements and serving as the firm’s technical specialist for CaseWare and ESEF reporting.Earlier, he spent over six years at Crowe Cyprus as Assistant Manager and Manager, delivering audit and assurance services, preparing financial statements under IFRS and local GAAP, and managing audit teams.Axi Maintains Football Sponsorship Partnerships GloballySeparately, the firm continues its global sports sponsorship activities. John Stones, Manchester City and England defender, remains Axi’s Global Brand Ambassador and will continue appearing in marketing campaigns. The broker also partners with several football clubs, including Man City, Man City Women, Brazilian club Esporte Clube Bahia, and LaLiga side Girona FC, where it serves as Official LATAM Online Trading Partner. These agreements are part of Axi’s broader sponsorship strategy. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

IC Markets has entered a sponsorship partnership with Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin ahead of the 2026 season.Earlier this month, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team named IC Markets as its official forex trading partner. The agreement was announced ahead of the Formula 1 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit. The multi-year deal places IC Markets branding on several parts of the car, including the nose, front wing, halo, and cockpit headrests.Popyrin Targets Return After InjuriesPopyrin is 26 years old. He has won three ATP singles titles and one doubles title. His career includes a win at the Montreal Masters 1000 during the 2024 Canada Open. He was the first Australian to claim an ATP Masters 1000 title since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003.The partnership comes as Popyrin prepares for the start of his 2026 season. He is scheduled to open his campaign at the Brisbane International and the Adelaide International. He will then compete at the Australian Open.Popyrin said he was “looking forward to starting the season strong with IC Markets.” He referred to injuries last year and said he had “put in the work to come back better.” He added that the partnership reflected a “focus on performance and continuous improvement.”Entered ATP Top 20 in 2025In August 2025, Popyrin entered the ATP Top 20. The ranking followed quarterfinal finishes at the Monte Carlo and Toronto Masters events and a fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros in May. Injuries later affected his season and his position in the rankings.Peter Tardent, General Manager of IC Markets Australia, said Popyrin’s “speed and precision” reflected the company’s approach. He said IC Markets was “proud to support him” during the 2026 season.IC Markets Expands Presence Across SportsEarlier, IC Markets partnered with World Table Tennis as the official CFD trading partner for the 2024–2025 season. The agreement was part of the broker’s broader involvement in sports sponsorship and gave it access to WTT’s 1.7 billion unique TV viewers in 2023. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The top executives of London-listed Plus500 (LON: PLUS) have received more than £20.5 million in Restricted Share Units (RSUs), LTIP awards and ordinary shares under the company’s 2026 deferred bonus scheme.David Zruia, the broker’s Chief Executive, and Elad Even-Chen, its Chief Financial Officer, received 231,328 shares each. Based on Wednesday’s market closing price, each holding was worth almost £8.5 million, paid in Israeli shekels.FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported that Zruia and Even-Chen each earned a total of $4.97 million in the last financial year. This included $1.09 million in fixed salary and $3.9 million in variable pay.Top Executives Received BonusesOther recipients of the latest bonus include Plus500’s Chief Marketing Officer, Nir Zatz; Chief Technology Officer, Al Yaros; Chief Regulation Officer, Yevgeni Shtuckmeyster; CEO of Plus500’s Israel unit, Erez Levy; Chief People Officer, Eden Dahan; and VP of R&D, Or Rotem.Unlike Zruia and Even-Chen, the share awards received by other executives were much smaller.Zatz received 32,906 shares worth about £120,000. The shares received by Yaros and Shtuckmeyster were worth about £830,000 and £450,000, respectively. Levy received shares worth £270,000, while Dahan and Rotem received Plus500 shares valued at about £325,000 and £556,000, respectively.The bonus came as Plus500 shares gained more than 41 per cent in 2025, reaching a new peak. The broker’s shares also rose in December, hitting a new all-time high.The company’s executives have also shown confidence in its stock market performance. Alon Cohen Naznin, the broker’s COO, purchased 32,000 shares last month.Plus500 Appears to Be a Good InvestmentThe London-listed company is also attracting institutional investors. FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported that Artemis Investment Management acquired more than 5 per cent of Plus500 shares, while US asset manager Capital Group bought a 5.44 per cent stake.According to regulatory filings, BlackRock is the largest shareholder in Plus500, holding about a 6 per cent stake, while JPMorgan owns 5.1 per cent.The company is expanding outside the over-the-counter business and is targeting the US futures market. It generated $182.7 million in revenue in the third quarter of 2025, with EBITDA of $82.7 million. Around 15 per cent of total group revenue came from its non-OTC business, along with 18 per cent of new customers.Last year, the London-listed broker also acquired an Indonesian broker and opened its first representative office in Colombia. It is also seeking a local licence in Chile and acquired an Indian derivatives broker for $20 million. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

In 2025, ATFX Group took bold strides, reaffirming its strategic vision, “Illuminate the Future Spectrum,” turning it into growth across five continents and 24 locations. With retail brokerage ATFX and institutional liquidity provider ATFX Connect operating under unified governance and risk management, the Group expanded rapidly across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Navigating shifting markets with agility, ATFX is setting the pace for global trading."Our progress in 2025 reflects not only strategic foresight but also the dedication of our teams worldwide," said Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX Group. "We are committed to empowering traders everywhere with innovation, trust, and unmatched service."Retail Growth and Innovation Led by ATFXATFX strengthened its trust infrastructure through regulatory and geographic expansion, including securing Cambodia’s SERC license and opening new offices in key growth markets across Africa and Southeast Asia. Product innovation included ATFX’s entry into proprietary trading with the launch of ATFunded, the year-round publication of Trader Magazine, and the rollout of the enhanced AT GO mobile app to improve accessibility, engagement, and trader progression.Trading remained strong across FX, indices, commodities, and other instruments, with quarterly volumes exceeding USD 2.34 trillion in the first three quarters, reflecting execution quality and infrastructure strength. Alongside commercial growth, ATFX invested in regional engagement and corporate responsibility, with Africa and Latin America as strategic growth pillars and initiatives such as the eighth consecutive year supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, participation in a Windsor Castle dinner with Prince Edward, and the “Invest in Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness campaign reinforcing its community commitment.Institutional Momentum Strengthens Through ATFX ConnectATFX Connect enhanced its role as a service-led institutional provider by launching the ConnectX trading ecosystem and Institutional Edge solution in Q4 2025. The business deepened prime brokerage relationships, expanded liquidity access across regions and asset classes, and formed key partnerships with Fortress Core and Standard Chartered FX Prime Brokerage.Security and operational resilience remained central to institutional growth, with ATFX Connect achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification in 2025. The institutional arm increased its presence through events such as iFX Expo, TradeTech FX USA, and APPMC Singapore, while hosting exclusive roundtables and earning recognition for B2B liquidity leadership.Group Achievements and Industry RecognitionThroughout 2025, ATFX Group earned 17 major industry awards across Asia, Africa, and global markets, underscoring its excellence in both retail and institutional services. The Group maintained a prominent presence at key industry events, including the Finance Magnates Africa Summit, iFX Expo, and Money Expo, reinforcing its position as a leading player in global trading.As ATFX Group reflects on a successful 2025, these achievements have laid a strong foundation for deeper integration across its businesses, smarter and more scalable infrastructure, and continued global expansion. With a continued focus on client trust and innovation at scale, the Group remains confident in its long-term vision and leadership within the global trading landscape.About ATFXATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Mohammed Younis has taken over as the permanent Chief Executive of Noor Capital, a Dubai-headquartered forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) broker's brokerage division, after holding the role on a temporary basis for the past nine months.A Long-Time Employee at the HelmHe was appointed Acting CEO of the broker in May last year, according to his LinkedIn profile. He appears to have succeeded Mohammed Ghosheh in the top role at Noor Capital.Younis is a long-time executive at Noor Capital, having spent almost eleven years with the broker. He joined the company in mid-2016 as Head of Sales and Marketing for FX and later moved into the top role.Alongside his role at the retail broker, he also became Head of Institutional Sales at Noor Clearing, the institutional arm of the group, in March 2020. He stepped down from that position early last year.Before joining Noor Capital, Younis spent over five years at Fx & GOLD UAE in sales roles.Growing Presence of UAE BrokersEstablished in 2005, Noor Capital offers retail trading services in forex, commodities, indices, metals and share CFDs. The broker is registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and holds a licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE.In 2023, the UAE-based broker expanded into the United Kingdom by acquiring House of Borse, which was rebranded as Noor Capital UK. FinanceMagnates.com previously reported that the UK unit recorded £232,230 in net profit on revenue of £1.51 million in the fiscal year ending March 2025. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Jan 2, 2026, PU Prime has announced the launch of “Champion in You,” a three-phase global brand campaign that places human experience at the center of trading, highlighting the personal journeys and mindsets that lead individuals to begin.A global, multi-licensed online brokerage dedicated to empowering traders worldwide, PU Prime developed the campaign around the belief that trading, like high-performance sport, is shaped not only by skill, but by discipline, resilience, and consistency over time.Phase 1: The DreamThe first phase of the campaign, The Dream, is introduced through an interview-led video featuring real traders from diverse backgrounds, each sharing the motivations and moments that led them to take their first step into trading. Rather than focusing on results or performance, the interviews explore the realities that come before, uncertainty, self-doubt, and life circumstances that shaped their decision to start.Among those featured are individuals who rebuilt their lives after periods of instability, navigated major personal loss at a young age, and balanced full-time work, parenthood, and migration while pursuing personal growth. These stories reflect a shared starting point: the courage to begin without certainty.For many participants, trading was not the original dream. Stability, independence, and the ability to create opportunity were. Trading became a path they chose, one that required patience, consistency, and the willingness to learn through experience. As one interviewee shared, “All you have to do is start, and everything will follow.”A Shared Champion Mindset“This campaign is intended to offer audiences a more grounded perspective on trading, while reconnecting traders with the motivations that first inspired them to begin,” said Mr. Daniel Bruce, Managing Director at PU Prime.The launch of The Dream marks the first chapter of Champion in You. Following this, the campaign will progress into The Grind, which focuses on the discipline, setbacks, and consistency required to continue when early motivation fades and challenges emerge.Champion in You forms part of PU Prime’s broader brand platform developed in alignment with its partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), drawing parallels between professional sport and trading through shared values of preparation, emotional control, and discipline over time. Through this three-phase campaign, PU Prime reinforces its focus on presenting trading through a more human, grounded lens.About PU PrimeFounded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company and trusted CFD broker. Today, it offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime provides innovative trading platforms and an integrated copy trading feature, empowering traders worldwide to achieve financial success with confidence.For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Global broker STARTRADER is unveiling a refreshed look and feel as part of its brand repositioning. Since its establishment, the company has been focused on strengthening the trust it has built with clients, partners, and institutional businesses.The repositioning will be reflected in the brand's visual identity. To align with the newly introduced tagline, “Built on Trust. Driven by Growth,” the update introduces a more minimal and refined design direction. With calmer colour palettes and cleaner compositions, the identity now reflects the broker’s commitment to a more confident, composed, and client-centric experience.The mission and vision now also place greater emphasis on people and long-term relationships. Accessibility, transparency, and empowerment are the words that reinforce the trust the brand is rooted in. Of course, the brand image and the product offerings are closely aligned, as it reflects the continuous improvement of STARTRADER’s offerings, an ongoing effort already in motion and one that will continue, ensuring that growth remains grounded in client needs, confidence, and consistency.Internally, the repositioning now empowers teams to deliver consistent and more thoughtful experiences in every interaction. STARTRADER’s people play a central role in bringing the new brand to life through their shared efforts across different departments.As the year unfolds, the evolution of the brand will be witnessed across STARTRADER’s touchpoints, from digital platforms and communications to client and partner engagement and sponsorships with other brands. The positioning highlights the broker’s focus on reinforcing reliability while continuing to expand its global footprint, product offering, and institutional capabilities.About STARTRADERSTARTRADER https://www.startrader.com/ is a global CFD brokerage that provides its clients with opportunities to trade financial instruments online. STARTRADER services both Partners and Retail Clients, who can trade using the MetaTrader Platform, the STAR-APP, and using STAR-COPY. As a global broker, STARTRADER holds a client-first approach as our core principle. Regulated in 5 jurisdictions (ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and SCA), STARTRADER upholds strong governance alongside sustainable growth. STARTRADER's team comprises dedicated professionals working collaboratively to deliver quality service to its Partners and Clients. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitcoin ended 2025 with a negative return. However, industry insiders are now bullish on the cryptocurrency’s performance in 2026. Bill Barhydt, CEO of crypto exchange and wallet company Abra, believes that easing monetary policy would inject “massive” liquidity into markets, pushing Bitcoin prices higher.Coinbase’s head of investment research, David Duong, also expects stronger momentum from crypto exchange-traded funds, stablecoins, tokenisation, and clearer regulations.Barhydt made the remarks while speaking to Schwab Network, while Duong shared his views in a year-end wrap-up post on X.Bullish Crypto Executives“We are seeing quantitative easing light right now,” the Abra CEO said. “The Fed is starting to buy its own bonds. I think demand for government debt is going to fall next year, along with lower rates. All of this bodes well for all assets, including Bitcoin.”He expects a continued interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve this year, which would inject a “ton” of liquidity into the markets.Like Duong, Barhydt also believes there will be further regulatory clarity around cryptocurrencies in the United States.The Coinbase executive noted that last year, spot crypto ETFs provided regulated access to cryptocurrencies, and several corporations started digital asset treasuries. There was also growing interest in tokenisation and stablecoins.“We expect these forces to compound in 2026,” Duong wrote, “as ETF approval timelines shorten, stablecoins take a larger role in delivery-versus-payment (DvP) structures, and tokenised collateral is recognised more broadly across traditional transactions.”The crypto industry in the US received a strong regulatory push in 2025 following Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also has a crypto-friendly chair, who is taking a more relaxed regulatory approach towards the industry.“The practical outcome is real operational readiness: clearer policy guardrails that support product development, market growth, and the wider use of crypto systems in payments and settlements,” Duong added. “This forms the base on which the next stage of institutional adoption is being built.”A Tough Year, but Optimism AheadBitcoin had a difficult year in 2025, despite reaching a record high of around $126,000 in August.The first day of 2026 failed to impress crypto supporters, as the Bitcoin price dropped by more than one per cent over the past 24 hours. It remains to be seen how the crypto markets perform in the coming weeks and months. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Any decisions related to inflation rates enacted by central banks will always have an effect on currencies. Recent events clearly reinforce this point, and a handful of currency pairs are being closely monitored by industry experts. Before delving into the top pairs to watch in the coming months, it is a good idea to briefly explain why interest rate announcements impact currency values. It will then be easier to appreciate why the best index trading strategies always account for central bank policies. Interest Rates and Currencies: Two Peas in a PodWhile there are many reasons why a central bank may choose to raise or lower interest rates, these are not necessarily concerns in relation to this article. We instead need to emphasise the notion of investment flows, and their influence on supply and demand. Let's look at a generic example to better appreciate this point.We will imagine that a bank chooses to raise its domestic interest rates. This often attracts foreign traders seeking a higher return on investment (ROI). In turn, the value of the currency in question tends to appreciate thanks to this increased demand. Of course, the opposite is also true. Falling rates will not generate a great deal of foreign capital. This may cause the value of the currency in question to fall. While this is only a very brief summary, it still serves to illustrate how decisions made by central banks often cause fiscal "ripples" that extend far beyond its domestic borders. We can now move on to analyse five pairs that have already generated a significant amount of attention. The Euro and the United States DollarTo be fair, these currencies are always monitored by Forex traders (and index traders in general). The one difference that we have recently witnessed involves diverging monetary policies between the European Central Bank (ECB) and the United States Federal Reserve (Fed). Thanks in no small part to the influence that Trump-based tariffs continue to exert, many feel that the euro will strengthen in relation to the dollar. Assuming that the economy of the Eurozone continues to recover, this scenario should be even more likely to occur. The United States Dollar and the Japanese YenAlthough the Japanese yen has always been considered a safe-haven currency, things have begun to chance. Indeed, the yen is currently the worst-performing G10 currency, and analysts feel that its value could continue to slide due to a rather loose monetary policy enacted by Japan's central bank. Even if their approaches become more stringent, a significant amount of volatility is likely to remain. The second piece of this puzzle involves a wide interest rate gap between Japan and the United States. Assuming that the yen temporarily descends into more bearish territory, this could present an interesting opportunity for dollar-based investments. Although Japan may choose to implement further (modest) rate hikes, it is not certain whether these will provide the yen with the buoyancy to rebound from its current doldrums. The Great British Pound and the Japanese YenThis next example should not come as a great surprise to seasoned Forex traders. The GBP/JPY relationship has always been defined by a considerable amount of volatility; one of the reasons why it is often referred to as "the dragon". One underlying factor involves daily pip spreads that often exceed 100 points. Although technical indicators certainly play a role, there are other factors to consider. Three key metrics include:The interest rate disparities between these two currencies.Opportunities for short-term profits during wide price swings.Traders who still consider the yen to represent a safe haven in relation to other currencies.In other words, this currency pair could be suited for investors who are not averse to risk (such as scalpers and swing traders). The United States Dollar and the Australian DollarCommodity traders are predicted to keep a close eye on these next two currencies. The USD/AUD relationship is heavily influenced by the prices of specific commodities (iron ore and gold are the two most prevalent examples). Having said this, we also need to remember that China is Australia's most significant partner. Analysts feel that the Chinese economy will continue to perform well. Although this may be a concern for western nations, the Australian dollar is likely to benefit as a direct result. However, any decisions made by the Reserve Bank of Australia in relation to the United States Federal Reserve will also impact the USD/AUD relationship. Most wealth managers nonetheless feel that the AUD will continue to perform well (especially if the dollar begins to weaken further due to the fiscal policies enacted by the Trump administration). The British Pound and the United States DollarThis final pair is likewise extremely popular throughout the Forex sector, and it continues to feature prominently across platforms such as Eurotrader. While the USD/GBP gap was considerable at one time, this disparity has noticeably narrowed. Most attribute the relative decline in performance of the pound to post-Brexit economic jitters. Furthermore, the decisions made by the Bank of England (BoE) have sightly diverged from those taken by the Fed; resulting in even more room for volatility. This difference could significantly impact future USD/GBP price action. A Global EcosystemOne of the reasons why Forex investments have become so popular involves the ability to access this marketplace on a 24/7 basis. However, the fact that major currencies are inextricably linked to one another results in a decidedly complicated environment when it comes to predictions. This is why partnering with a well-rounded investment platform has become critical. Keeping abreast of the latest currency-related news, monitoring data released by central banks, and gauging public sentiment are all powerful ways to remain ahead of the curve, and to execute sound trading strategies when the time is right. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Silver price collapsed 11% in its steepest single-day plunge since September 2020, hours after touching a record $84.01 per ounce, as traders rushed to book profits following an extraordinary year-end rally that pushed both gold and silver into overbought territory.The white metal settled around $72.58 per ounce after the dramatic reversal, while gold dropped 5% to $4,343.38, marking the yellow metal's sharpest intraday decline since October 21. By today (Wednesday), 31 December, 2025, silver extended losses to trade below $72, down nearly 6% from Tuesday's close as the correction deepened.​ Why are silver and gold prices falling?Why Silver Is Falling? Margin Hikes Trigger Cascade of LiquidationsThe immediate catalyst for the selloff came from CME Group's decision to raise margin requirements on silver futures contracts, effective December 29. Initial margin for March 2026 silver contracts jumped to $25,000 per contract, a move that forced smaller traders without sufficient capital to close positions or face automatic liquidation.When exchanges increase margin requirements, traders must deposit additional cash to maintain open positions. Those unable to meet the higher threshold get squeezed out, creating downward price pressure as positions unwind. CME officially justified the hike as necessary to "align margins with volatility" after silver surged more than 90% in 2025, but critics view it as an attempt to cool an overheating market.Michael Haigh, head of FIC and Commodity Research at Societe Generale, downplayed the panic. "Don't read into massive moves," he said, noting that year-end trading is "so illiquid" that normal-sized orders create outsized price swings.China Demand Creates Historic Shanghai PremiumThe correction arrived just as Chinese investment demand hit fever pitch. Spot silver premiums in Shanghai climbed above $8 per ounce over London prices on December 24 – the widest spread on record – as buyers scrambled for physical metal amid supply constraints. The Shanghai Gold Exchange closed at $78.49 per ounce that day, nearly $7 higher than COMEX futures."The speculative atmosphere is very strong," said Wang Yanqing, an analyst with China Futures Ltd. "There's hype around tight spot supply, and it's a bit extreme now".China consumes over half of global industrial silver, primarily for solar panel manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and electronics. Each EV requires significantly more silver than traditional vehicles, particularly in power electronics and charging infrastructure. This structural demand, combined with Chinese vault drawdowns, created backwardation in some contracts – a rare signal of acute immediate supply stress.Silver Technical Analysis: Indicators Flash Overbought WarningsFrom a technical perspective, the correction was overdue. Silver's 14-day relative strength index (RSI) had remained well above 70 for weeks – a clear overbought signal indicating too many investors bought too quickly. Gold's RSI similarly lingered in overbought territory for two weeks before Monday's plunge.The white metal gained more than 25% from mid-December alone, racing from the low $60s to briefly touch $84. Such rapid appreciation without consolidation typically precedes sharp pullbacks as early buyers take profits.Looking at the current chart structure, silver is now consolidating between $71 and $80 per ounce after touching the $83-84 zone. The metal achieved my 100% Fibonacci extension target near $72, and came within striking distance of the ultra-bullish 161.8% extension at $88 before reversing.If the local support around $71-72 holds, another bounce higher seems likely after brief consolidation. However, a breakdown could push silver toward $60, where the 50-day exponential moving average provides substantial support. Even such a move wouldn't break the uptrend that's been intact since August.Gold Technical AnalysisGold, meanwhile, is testing two-week lows below $4,300 as of Wednesday's session, returning to the consolidation range established between October's $4,360 highs and $3,900 lows. According to my technical analysis, the yellow metal still benefits from support at the rising trendline drawn from August, plus the 50-day exponential moving average that could block steeper declines.Silver Price Prediction 2026Robert Kiyosaki Doubles Down Despite VolatilityAs silver rocketed toward $80, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" author Robert Kiyosaki took to social media with characteristically bold predictions. "SILVER BREAKS $80.00. $200 NEXT?" he posted on December 29, just before the crash.SILVER BREAKS $ 80.00$200 NEXt ?— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) December 28, 2025Two days earlier, he warned followers about "FOMO Fear of Missing Out MANIA" and advised patience. "If you are planning on investing in silver be patient. Wait for a crash then GO or NO," Kiyosaki wrote on December 28. The correction vindicated that caution, though he'd previously predicted silver would reach $500 from $100 within a year.SILVER BUBBLE ABOUT to BURST?I love silver..I bought my first silver in 1965.But is silver bubble about to burst?FOMO Fear of Missing Out MANIAcrash is coming.If you are planning on investing in silver be patient. Wait for a crash then GO or NO. I believe silver…— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) December 28, 2025On December 27, before the selloff, Kiyosaki had celebrated: "SILVER To Break $80. Happy New Year….smart silver stackers. Your patience has paid off. Now we get richer. Silver is hotter than gold".Broader Precious Metals RoutThe precious metals complex suffered across the board. Platinum plunged 14% while palladium sank nearly 16%, posting its largest intraday decline since 2020. Gold mining equities followed bullion lower, with Newmont Corp., Barrick Gold Corp., and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. all dropping more than 6%.The iShares Silver Trust, the world's largest physically backed silver ETF, tumbled 10% in its steepest drop since 2020.Palladium exhibited particularly dramatic volatility, reaching $2,023 on December 26 – an 82% gain – before crashing 21% to $1,600 by December 30. Many traders perceived this as a market collapse, though economists noted it reflected an excessive run-up in thin holiday trading.Holiday Liquidity Amplifies MovesMarket analysts emphasized that reduced trading volumes during the holiday period magnified price swings in both directions. Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com, acknowledged "the significant price movements in precious metals are partly due to limited trading during the holiday season".Diana Mousina, AMP's deputy chief economist, characterized the pullback as "essentially due to an excessive run-up in prices" rather than a fundamental shift. Devika Shivadekar from RSM Australia warned that "further profit-taking could occur if conditions worsen for precious metal investors".Historically, precious metals post powerful year-end rallies. Over the past decade, gold typically gains around 4% from late December into the New Year, while silver advances nearly 7% on average during that period. This year's rally exceeded those norms by substantial margins, setting the stage for profit-taking.What's Next for Silver Prices?Brendan Fagan, macro strategist at Markets Live, summarized the situation: "Silver's dizzying rally and equally violent pullback are keeping focus on a physical market that remains under acute strain, and China has emerged as a central pressure point heading into the new year".Kyle Rodda added that "the fundamental narrative for precious metals remains strong, particularly for silver, which benefits from a deepening supply deficit along with loose monetary policies ahead, exacerbated by China's planned export restrictions".Much of the world's available silver remains in New York as traders await the outcome of a US probe that could lead to tariffs or other trade restrictions. London vaults have seen significant inflows following a full-blown squeeze in October when exchange-traded fund flows and exports to India eroded already-critically-low inventories.The correction, while dramatic, appears to represent a healthy technical pullback rather than a reversal of the multi-year uptrend. Both silver and gold remain in upward trends, with the pullback respecting technical support levels established during their respective rallies.For traders asking "why is silver going down today," the answer combines profit-taking after overbought conditions, forced liquidations from margin hikes, and thin holiday liquidity amplifying moves in both directions. The longer-term picture – driven by supply deficits, industrial demand growth, and monetary policy expectations – suggests the bull market has further to run once short-term excess is wrung out.Silver Price Analysis, FAQWhy is silver dropping today?Silver is dropping due to profit-taking after hitting a record $84 per ounce, combined with CME Group raising margin requirements on futures contracts. The 14-day RSI stayed above 70 for weeks, signaling overbought conditions that typically precede corrections. Thin holiday trading volumes amplified the price swings in both directions.Is silver a good investment right now?Silver remains attractive for long-term investors despite short-term volatility, according to analysts at Saxo Bank and MoneyWeek. The metal has gained 182% in 2025 driven by supply constraints and industrial demand. However, traders should wait for the correction to complete before entering, as technical indicators suggest further consolidation between $60-80.What caused the silver crash?The crash resulted from CME increasing margin requirements to $25,000 per contract, forcing smaller traders to liquidate positions. Combined with overbought technical signals and record Shanghai premiums above $8 per ounce indicating speculative excess, profit-taking accelerated. Easing geopolitical tensions also reduced safe-haven demand temporarily.Why is silver more volatile than gold?Silver moves approximately 1.7 times faster than gold in either direction due to its smaller market size and dual role as both industrial commodity and precious metal. Industrial demand accounts for over 50% of silver consumption compared to gold's 10%, making it more sensitive to economic conditions. The silver market's lower liquidity amplifies price swings during periods of thin trading.What is Robert Kiyosaki's silver prediction?Kiyosaki posted "$200 NEXT?" on December 29 after silver broke $80, though he previously warned about "FOMO MANIA" and advised waiting for a crash before buying. He has predicted silver could reach $500 from $100 within a year, calling it "hotter than gold". His December 27 post celebrated "smart silver stackers" as the metal approached record highs.Can silver reach $100 per ounce?First Majestic Silver's CEO and several analysts believe silver could exceed $100 per ounce, driven by structural supply deficits and surging industrial demand. The Silver Institute projects cumulative shortfalls could exceed 1.5 billion ounces by 2030 as renewable energy demand alone reaches 510 million ounces annually. However, this target depends on sustained industrial growth and investment demand. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The turn of the calendar tends to offer a moment to gather intentions, sort priorities, and realign how resources serve a life in progress. Goldstone Financial Group, a client-focused Advisory firm dedicated to retirement and lifetime income planning, frames that moment as an opportunity to move from fragmentary decisions to a cohesive plan. For the firm, the first step is to create a financial plan that draws together investment thinking, income design, tax posture, healthcare readiness, and legacy considerations into an interconnected outlook. The firm notes that those five complementary pillars, when considered together, may highlight gaps or pressures that a standalone portfolio could overlook. “A durable plan begins with a clear map, not just an account balance,” says Anthony Pellegrino, founder and CEO. He suggests that such a map may help translate intentions into practical steps that can be revisited throughout the year.Goldstone frames risk as the first lens through which to read the investment landscape. The firm points out that market advances may alter how a portfolio behaves, shifting comfort levels as positions evolve. Pellegrino notes, “Gains from a prior period can quietly reshape your risk exposure if not revisited.” Goldstone’s approach relies on diagnostic stress testing and risk scoring to suggest how holdings might interact under varied market conditions. In the firm’s experience, those tools often indicate that exposure to swings can extend beyond what clients initially express. Pellegrino characterizes the adjustment as practical: recalibrating allocations so growth assets, income-oriented holdings, cash reserves, and specialized strategies reflect both stated goals and tolerance. He adds that setting or refining a risk profile at the year’s outset provides a reference point for decisions in the months ahead.With risk parameters clarified, Goldstone turns to another dimension that can significantly influence long-term outcomes: taxes. Rather than viewing taxes as a once-a-year compliance exercise after the fact, the firm encourages clients to consider timing and strategy throughout the year. “Integrating tax awareness into the broader plan early may reveal efficiencies and reduce surprises,” Pellegrino states. Goldstone highlights how distributions, retirement income layers, and withdrawals may interact over time, shaping results beyond the immediate tax bill. Moreover, Goldstone regards ongoing discipline as a way to sustain progress through the year. The firm portrays a mid-year review as a chance to see whether stated goals still align with changing circumstances and whether portfolio structure continues to reflect the agreed plan. According to Goldstone, that review can open space for practical steps such as modest rebalancing to restore a preferred allocation, selective loss harvesting to offset gains, or adjustments to income sequencing when conditions shift. The company characterizes these measures as routine upkeep rather than sweeping changes, intended to keep the plan workable across different stages of life.Goldstone presents advanced tax and distribution strategies as potential tools for households with layered needs. The firm suggests that market volatility may create openings for tax‑loss harvesting, while potential incremental Roth conversion opportunities and other paced conversions of tax‑advantaged accounts can help manage exposure to higher brackets. For households with more nuanced tax or distribution considerations, these strategies may be especially useful when applied with deliberation. Tax‑loss harvesting, for example, can help soften the impact of gains realized elsewhere in the portfolio when markets fluctuate. Roth conversions also fall into this category, and Pellegrino notes that they need not be treated as an all‑or‑nothing decision. “An all‑at‑once conversion can push someone into the highest bracket, but by converting portions over time, tax brackets can be managed more effectively. No two strategies are alike, and this incremental approach may provide significant long‑term benefits,” he adds.Goldstone’s team evaluates these possibilities within the larger plan, helping clients understand when a paced sequence of conversions may align more naturally with their income patterns, tax thresholds, and long-term objectives. Advisors within the firm look for practical omissions, such as a missing income buffer, an unaddressed healthcare assumption, or a legacy intention that could use clearer articulation. Then, it proposes ways to fill those gaps. The firm’s model leans on collaborative expertise so that investment design is married to tax insight and income engineering, all aligned with the client’s priorities. In this sense, the five pillars are a framework for dialogue that may help convert technical analysis into decisions that feel sensible and sustainable.Wrapping these threads together is about creating a coherent process. The beginning of the year provides a natural starting line for that process: set a refreshed risk profile, weave tax planning into the design, schedule mid-year reviews, and consider paced advanced strategies where appropriate. “You might have your investments squared away, you might have your taxes squared away,” Pellegrino remarks. “But the real measure of readiness is whether you’ve built a complete plan that incorporates all five core pillars: investment, income, tax, healthcare, and legacy planning.”Goldstone Financial Group, LLC (“GFG”) is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or qualification. This material is provided for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of GFG. None of the information presented in this material is intended to offer personalized investment advice and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or any insurance product and is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Robinhood's retail customers have pulled back from the frenzied trading activity that peaked in late October, according to the platform's Chief Investment Officer (CIO), signaling a potential shift in retail sentiment heading into 2026.Robinhood Sees Retail Trading Cool After October Peak as 2026 Growth SlowsStephanie Guild told CNBC that while customer participation remains elevated, "net buying has trailed off a bit from our customer base from that sort of peak October 29th period."The comments came as Guild outlined the company's market outlook for 2026, projecting S&P 500 returns of roughly 8.7 percent compared to the double-digit gains retail traders enjoyed throughout 2025.The cooling activity follows a record-breaking third quarter when Robinhood processed 26.8 million funded accounts and posted transaction revenue of $730 million, up 129 percent year-over-year. Cryptocurrency trading revenue alone surged over 300 percent to $268 million during the period, while options revenue climbed 50 percent to $304 million.Tech Valuations Draw ScrutinyGuild expressed skepticism about the sustainability of technology sector gains, noting that Wall Street expects tech earnings to grow 27 percent in 2026 compared to a historical average of 12 percent since 2011. She suggested the artificial intelligence boom is becoming commoditized, with new large language models "named after fruits and vegetables" failing to demonstrate clear revenue impact."I really think that's going to start to be a commodity," Guild said of AI models from OpenAI, Meta, and Google. "It will start to be like, where is the rubber meets the road and where is it actually improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating actual revenue."The comments reflect growing concern that froth has built up in AI-related stocks, even as Robinhood's prediction markets are scaling fast, turning sports-linked contracts into a material revenue stream. The platform traded over 9 billion prediction market contracts since launching the product in March, attracting more than 1 million users.Geographic Bets Favor China TechWhile tempering expectations for U.S. tech stocks, Guild highlighted China as an attractive opportunity for 2026. She pointed to "pretty inexpensive" valuations in Chinese technology companies and noted that open-source AI models developed in China "will probably start to be attractive for companies who can't necessarily afford some of the other ones that are out there."The bullish China call contrasts with Guild's more cautious stance on European markets, where she noted that roughly half of 2025 returns came from euro appreciation against the dollar rather than underlying business performance. She suggested that currency tailwind has largely played out.Platform Expansion Offsets Trading SlowdownRobinhood has moved aggressively to diversify revenue beyond traditional equity and options trading. The company acquired MIAXdx to gain independence from Kalshi in prediction markets, with a CFTC-licensed launch targeted for 2026. The platform also extended prediction market access to 24/7 trading, following Kalshi's lead.CEO Vlad Tenev has called tokenization "the biggest innovation in capital markets" in over a decade, as the company pursues plans to let users pledge Apple shares as crypto loan collateral through a three-phase roadmap toward fully permissionless equity trading.Robinhood shares surged over 200 percent in 2025, making it one of the top-performing S&P 500 stocks. Morgan Stanley raised its Q4 2025 earnings estimates for the company by 5 percent in late December, citing strong transaction activity across brokers and exchanges during the quarter.Platform assets reached $333 billion in Q3 2025, up 119 percent year-over-year, driven by net deposits of $20.4 billion during the quarter. Robinhood Gold subscriptions nearly doubled to 3.9 million, contributing to record cash sweep balances of $35.4 billion and margin lending of $13.9 billion. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Warren Buffett is stepping down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway after decades in the role. He will leave the position today (Wednesday). Greg Abel, his long-time deputy, is scheduled to take over on Thursday.Buffett is 95. Over his career, he became one of the world’s most recognised investors. He also became a reference point for business leaders who followed his decisions, language, and conduct. Many viewed him not only as an investor, but also as a teacher.Buffett’s Plain Words Shaped Business ThinkingHis influence extended beyond investment results. Through annual shareholder letters, public meetings, and testimony before Congress, Buffett explained business and financial ideas in simple terms. Several executives have said this approach influenced how they run their companies.Buffett’s shareholder letters attracted a wide readership beyond Berkshire investors. They were often cited for short and direct statements. Among the most quoted lines were: “It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked,” and “Predicting rain doesn’t count; building arks does.”Patience Over Short-Term Investment GainsPatience was a recurring feature of his investment approach. Berkshire often held large amounts of cash while waiting for suitable opportunities. When the company invested, it typically held positions for long periods. In a 1989 letter, Buffett wrote that “our favorite holding period is forever.”Buffett also drew clear ethical boundaries. While he pursued aggressive and profitable deals, including during the global financial crisis, he consistently stressed the importance of reputation over short-term gains, CNN reported.Warren Buffet’s last day was December 30, 2025. Interesting timing! 1M pages of Epstein files to be released!He’s buddies with some people already referenced in Epstein files and a lawsuit! Bill Gates is in the files and JPM (as Defendant) paid a $290M settlement to Epstein… pic.twitter.com/NdD97O7N2q— Santa Surfing (@SantaSurfing) December 31, 2025Wealth, Criticism of Excess, and GivingDespite his wealth, Buffett often criticised excess. His net worth has been estimated at about $150 billion. He lives comfortably and travels by private jet. At the same time, he has committed most of his fortune to charitable causes.In 2010, Buffett helped launch the Giving Pledge with Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. The initiative encourages the world’s wealthiest individuals to donate most of their wealth to charity during their lifetime or through their wills.In a letter outlining his approach to giving, Buffett wrote: “Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner.”He later framed generosity in broader terms. In a 2025 message, he wrote: “When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world.” He added: “Kindness is costless but also priceless.” This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has ordered American Portfolios Financial Services (APFS) to pay $4.6 million in restitution to customers and a $550,000 fine after finding that the firm miscalculated fees and retained undisclosed interest from client funds in its bank deposit program.The firm will pay $4.6 million in restitution to customers and a $550,000 fine, closing a five-year chapter of compliance lapses.Between April 2018 and September 2022, APFS inaccurately told customers how it determined fees under its bank deposit program—a system that automatically moves unused cash from brokerage accounts into insured, interest-bearing bank accounts. Misstated Fees and Hidden EarningsInstead of using the disclosed formula based on the Federal Funds Target rate, APFS adjusted yields using competitive benchmarks and kept the remaining interest paid by partner banks. This resulted in over $3 million in fees beyond what clients were led to expect.FINRA said the firm also retained an additional $1.25 million in surplus interest when rate changes created excess proceeds—money it failed to disclose. Those amounts were incorrectly reported as revenue in APFS’s net capital calculations, causing inaccurate regulatory filings.You may also like: Unregistered Crypto Mining in Russia May Soon Come With Up to 2 Years of Forced LaborThe regulator found that APFS lacked systems to properly oversee the bank deposit program or to ensure fee accuracy and transparency. From 2018 through May 2023, the firm operated without sufficient written procedures to verify that customer disclosures reflected the real fee structure.Ownership Changes and Restitution EffortsAmerican Portfolios was acquired by Osaic Holdings in late 2022 and merged into Osaic Wealth in 2024. According to FINRA, Osaic cooperated during the investigation, helped calculate restitution, and began compensating affected customers before the settlement was finalized. APFS disclosed its underpayments to FINRA in October 2022 and switched to the proper fee calculation method soon after.Though APFS settled the matter without admitting or denying the findings, the case underscores ongoing regulatory pressure on firms to maintain transparency in cash management programs and to ensure customers receive accurate information about returns on idle funds. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Russia’s crypto mining industry has grown into a major consumer of cheap domestic energy, but the state now wants far tighter control over who mines, where, and on what terms. After legalizing mining in late 2024, the government has quickly moved to criminal penalties because most miners still avoid registration and formal taxation. The Ministry of Justice published draft amendments to the Criminal Code that would treat many forms of unregistered mining as a criminal offence rather than just an administrative violation. What the Draft Penalties SayUnder the proposal, individuals who mine cryptocurrency without proper registration could face fines of up to 1.5 million rubles, roughly the equivalent of high four‑figure dollar sums, or up to two years of forced labor.Courts would also have the option to impose up to 480 hours of compulsory labor in less severe cases, tightening the consequences even for smaller operations that ignore the rules.​Lawmakers reserve the harshest sanctions for mining that generates “significant” or “especially large” income, or that involves organized groups. In those cases, offenders could receive up to five years in prison, face forced labor of similar length, and pay fines of up to 2.5 million rubles, with additional financial penalties still possible.Related: Russia Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining in New Law Signed by PutinDespite the new framework that took effect on November 1, 2024, only a minority of miners have entered the official register maintained by the Federal Tax Service. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov said in June that only about 30% of miners had registered, leaving roughly two‑thirds of the sector operating in a “gray zone.”From Legalization to Tight ControlRussia classifies miners with monthly electricity use below 6,000 kWh as private individuals, who may mine without entering the special register but must pay personal income tax on their coins.Larger commercial miners and infrastructure operators must register and file a dedicated monthly tax form declaring the amount of digital currency they produce, or risk falling under the scope of the new criminal provisions.You may also like: Binance Users in Ukraine Pushed to Swift and P2P as Bifinity Quits Fiat ServicesPresident Putin signed the core laws that legalized and structured crypto mining last year, with the main provisions coming into force on November 1 that year.The legislation created registration and reporting requirements for mining firms and pool operators, and gave regulators scope to restrict activity in regions where power systems face stress. The same framework bars foreign entities from engaging in crypto mining in Russia and bans public advertising or open offers of mining‑related services. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Ukrainian crypto users who relied on Binance to move funds straight from exchange to bank cards now face a sudden gap in their withdrawal toolkit. The platform has reportedly paused direct fiat payouts to Visa and Mastercard for affected customers, turning a technical change in payment partners into a new test of how resilient crypto off‑ramps really are under tightening regulation, local media outlet Minfin reported.Binance notified Ukrainian users that it suspended withdrawals to Visa and Mastercard bank cards, with the pause tied to changes at its fiat provider Bifinity UAB. The exchange said the update applies only to users in Ukraine who previously used Bifinity, rather than to its wider global customer base.Binance уточнює, що нещодавнє оголошення про зміни у способах оплати стосується виключно тих користувачів з України, які раніше користувалися послугами Bifinity.Сервіс ZEN для українських користувачів тимчасово недоступний і відновить роботу з 6 січня. Зміни в роботі сервісу… pic.twitter.com/4bPRftCBnH— Binance Ukraine (@BinanceUkraine) December 30, 2025What Exactly Has ChangedThe pause affects several automated features around fiat flows. Local reports say recurring crypto purchases and existing fiat‑based limit buy orders will not execute during the suspension.The disruption follows Binance’s December communication that Bifinity UAB would stop providing fiat services by the end of 2025 because of regulatory changes. In that earlier notice, Binance said it would transition to other regulated providers and maintained that users would still be able to deposit, withdraw, buy, and sell crypto without interruption.The Zen.com payment platform, often used for euro and Polish zloty transfers, has seen its full deposit and withdrawal functionality for these customers pushed back to an expected restart date of January 6, 2026. Until then, users who want to move funds off the exchange must route transactions through Swift or rely on peer‑to‑peer trades where local rules allow.What Still Works for UkrainiansDespite the pause on card withdrawals, Binance continues to support several key on‑ramp options in Ukraine. Users can still top up accounts and buy crypto with Visa and Mastercard for incoming payments, even though they cannot send funds back out to those same cards.Digital wallets remain part of the toolkit. Apple Pay and Google Pay stay available for account funding, and Swift transfers still handle both deposits and withdrawals, preserving a bank‑linked channel for fiat. A recent Financial Times investigation, based on leaked internal data, reported that 13 linked accounts processed about 1.7 billion dollars in transactions from 2021, including roughly 144 million dollars after Binance’s 4.3 billion dollar criminal settlement with United States authorities in November 2023.Those accounts reportedly showed red flags, including alleged ties to networks later accused of moving money for sanctioned actors, and unusual login patterns. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.