While US exchanges and brokers race to introduce 24-hour trading, Japan Exchange Group (JPX) has quietly built the world's most successful extended trading program, with night sessions now capturing more than 40% of total derivatives volume.Japan's After-Hours Trading Captures 40% of Derivatives VolumeThe ratio climbed from 39% in 2024, with night session volume reaching 168.5 million contracts for the year. In November alone, the night session hit 44.5% of total volume, suggesting the trend continues to accelerate.Japan's achievement stands in sharp contrast to Interactive Brokers. as Chairman Thomas Peterffy noted overnight trading made up just 2.2% of volume in May 2025.However, this figure is now much closer to that of the fintech company eToro, which recently reported that one-third of trades take place during extended trading hours.“Our mission has always been to open the global markets and make trading accessible to everyone, everywhere,” Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro, commented during the November’s launch. “We will continue to add more assets and to expand our 24/5 offering to meet the evolving needs of our global community.”Equity Trading Hits Record Despite Derivatives PullbackJapan Exchange Group's cash equity market posted strong gains in 2025, with Prime Market trading value reaching 1,419.6 trillion yen, surpassing the previous all-time high of 1,254.2 trillion yen set in 2024 and records from 2023. The 13.2% increase reflects continued strength in Japan's main stock market segment.Domestic ETFs generated 75.3 trillion yen in trading value, ranking second historically but falling short of 2024's record of 77.2 trillion yen. The REIT market produced 12.6 trillion yen in trading value, placing eighth on record compared to fifth place the previous year.Total derivatives volume declined to 418.8 million contracts in 2025, down 9.8% from 2024's record 464.2 million contracts. Trading value also slipped to 3,742 trillion yen from 4,156 trillion yen. Securities options bucked the trend with 3.4 million contracts, claiming the highest volume on record.Extended Hours Drive Global CompetitivenessJapan's night session runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 AM Japan Standard Time, effectively keeping the market open through European and US trading hours. The extended window allows traders to respond to market moves, economic data and news from Europe and America while Japan's cash markets remain closed.Foreign investors dominate night session activity, though participation by Japanese retail investors has grown with the rise of online brokers. The diverse mix of investor types provides liquidity even during Asian nighttime hours, when most regional markets go dark.The achievement comes as US exchanges grapple with infrastructure challenges in extending trading hours. Nasdaq's recent filing to add overnight sessions requires industry-wide coordination for clearing and settlement services. The World Federation of Exchanges has urged caution, recommending 22-hour or 23-hour trading weeks rather than jumping to full continuous trading.December 2025 saw 31.4 million derivatives contracts change hands, with trading value reaching 418 trillion yen, the second-highest December on record. Night session activity totaled 11.3 million contracts, capturing 36.0% of December volume compared to 34.3% in December 2024. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Société Générale’s quantitative model is signalling "bubble conditions" in the silver market, but the bank’s analysts are less certain the rally is driven only by speculation.Silver fell sharply yesterday (Monday) after margin requirements were raised. The move marked its largest single-day percentage drop since early February 2021. Prices recovered today and remain up about 153% this year.Silver Rebounds Amid Mixed Global MarketsSociété Générale’s commodities research team, led by Mike Haigh, said the rally looks less extreme when viewed on a logarithmic scale rather than a standard linear chart. From that perspective, the move reflects “the same compounding story” seen in silver over the past 25 years.Market conditions were mixed on Tuesday. European equities opened slightly higher. US futures traded lower. Silver rebounded and recovered part of the previous session’s losses.Rebound Continues Despite Bubble Framework WarningKathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said silver was “up more than 2.5%” on the day. She said that “supply concerns limit the downside for the precious metal.” Brooks added that the price had “clawed back some of Monday’s losses” as tight physical supply supported the market.Despite the rebound, Société Générale said this year still stands out. Using a log-periodic power law framework that flagged earlier bubbles in 2010 and 2020, the bank said the current move also fits its definition of a bubble. In that model, prices accelerate rapidly toward a critical point. However, Haigh warned against relying only on quantitative signals, saying structural changes linked to de-dollarization and geopolitical risks are factors “a model cannot capture.”SocGen’s model says ‘yes, silver’s in a bubble’ but its analysts say ‘no’ it isn’t. https://t.co/RLOrM1MU6V— MarketWatch (@MarketWatch) December 30, 2025China Export Curbs Threaten Silver SupplyThe bank also pointed to rising supply-side pressures. China plans to impose export restrictions from January 1. The country accounts for 60% to 70% of global refined silver supply. Société Générale estimates exports could fall by 30%. This could deepen an existing global deficit of about 200 to 230 million ounces.Possible regulatory action in the United States could add further strain. If silver is classified as a national security concern, market tightness could increase. Physical silver is already trading at premiums of 10% to 15% in several major markets. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

An on-chain investigation has detailed how a single threat actor allegedly stole more than $2 million from Coinbase users over the past year by impersonating customer support and manipulating victims into granting access to their accounts. The case, published by an independent researcher, highlights a broader security challenge facing brokers, exchanges, and fintech platforms: while infrastructure security has improved, fraud increasingly targets the human layer. The threat actor, operating under the alias “Haby,” reportedly relied on low-tech but highly effective social engineering tactics to gain trust before draining user funds.1/ Meet Haby (Havard), a Canadian threat actor who has stolen $2M+ via Coinbase support impersonation social engineering scams in the past year blowing the funds on rare social media usernames, bottle service, & gambling. pic.twitter.com/bBqrV7GmPi— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) December 29, 2025The Attack Vector: Social Engineering, Not Code According to the investigation, the primary attack vector was not a software exploit but classic impersonation. Posing as a Coinbase support representative, the actor allegedly convinced users to authorize transactions or share account access under the guise of resolving urgent security issues. Once funds were obtained, they were quickly laundered through a familiar on-chain playbook. Assets from multiple victims were consolidated, swapped across chains — including conversions from XRP to BTC via instant exchanges — and moved into personal wallets to obscure the transaction trail.A Familiar Pattern Across the Industry While the case centers on Coinbase, the underlying mechanics are increasingly familiar across the brokerage industry. Brand impersonation, phishing, and lookalike infrastructure have become some of the most common entry points for fraud. Earlier this year, Tamas Szabo, CEO of Pepperstone, warned that taking down typosquatted domains has become a near-daily task. Even after securing hundreds of domain variations, new lookalikes continue to appear fast enough to occupy entire fraud teams. Typosquatting itself is not a scam, but it enables phishing and impersonation at scale. Brokers across the market report a sharp rise in brand abuse driven by AI-assisted cloning tools and the near-zero cost of registering new domains — turning what was once an occasional nuisance into a continuous operational threat. For brokers, exchanges, and fintech platforms, the case reinforces a shifting reality: as technical defences harden, attackers are increasingly targeting psychology, authority, and brand trust. Security strategies that focus solely on infrastructure, without addressing impersonation and social engineering, risk leaving the most exposed surface unprotected. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Two American companies that marketed themselves as online trading schools just got slapped with multimillion-dollar penalties in Poland. Regulators found that iGenius and International Markets Live weren't really selling education. They were paying people to recruit new members, which is textbook pyramid scheme territory.Poland Just Busted Two “Trading Education” Companies for Running Pyramid SchemesThe Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) found that iGenius and International Markets Live structured their business models around recruitment rather than actual education sales. This crosses the line from legitimate multi-level marketing into pyramid scheme territory, which is banned under Polish and EU law.Both companies marketed themselves as online trading schools, but investigators found the real money came from signing up new members. The compensation structures rewarded building recruitment networks more than teaching people to trade.“Pyramid schemes rarely call themselves investment systems anymore,” said Tomasz Chróstny, president of UOKiK. “Their creators learned from past mistakes and act smarter. They promise fast paths to financial freedom through internet livestreams and training sessions.”Experts have noted that trading education often involves conflicts of interest that need better regulatory oversight, particularly when compensation structures incentivize recruitment over education quality.How the Schemes Actually WorkediGenius operated through igeniusglobal.com, charging between $100 and $1,500 for monthly access to investment training materials. The company pushed users toward its affiliate program, which required ongoing subscription payments to earn commissions.The catch? Your income depended mainly on how many other people you could convince to sign up, not on the quality of education you provided or courses you sold.Promoters flooded social media with luxury lifestyle posts and promises of millionaire status. UOKiK says this reflects typical pyramid scheme tactics that emphasize recruitment rewards over actual product value.International Markets Live ran a similar operation through im.academy, recently rebranded as iyovia.com. The company sold courses on forex, crypto and e-commerce. Members paid upfront fees plus monthly subscriptions to become “Independent Business Owners” who earned commissions mainly by building recruitment networks.UOKiK's investigation found both platforms structured compensation to reward bringing in new members rather than selling education services. This violates Polish consumer protection law, which bans promotional systems where material benefits depend primarily on recruiting participants instead of moving products.Modern Pyramid Schemes Hide Behind EducationInstead of obvious investment pitches, today's schemes offer access to trading tools, AI algorithms, secret strategies or guru mentorship. They host professional-looking events that create an illusion of legitimacy.But participants often discover the courses are low-quality materials available online for a fraction of the price. The real emphasis falls on recruitment and maintaining distribution structures. The biggest earnings come from building your downline, not from any trading knowledge you gain.Poland has taken consumer protection seriously across fintech platforms. The country previously fined PayPal $27.3 million for ambiguous user agreements that made it hard for customers to understand prohibited activities and penalties.Part of a Larger PatternThese cases fit into a troubling trend in the trading education space. OmegaPro defrauded victims of over $650 million by promising 300% returns through “elite forex traders” while executives simply pocketed cryptocurrency payments. The operation used lavish promotional events and even projected their logo onto Dubai's Burj Khalifa.Belgium's financial regulator previously warned about International Markets Live, noting it specifically targeted younger people poorly educated about trading risks. The regulatory action in Poland represents an escalation from warnings to enforcement.Crypto MLM schemes have cost victims hundreds of millions, with the US Federal Trade Commission settling charges against promoters for $500,000. Even fake YouTube trading gurus have run Ponzi schemes worth $18 million by using their channels to lure investors.Going After Promoters TooUOKiK isn't just targeting the companies. The agency currently has six cases running against people who promoted iGenius and three against International Markets Live advocates.Under Polish law, promoting a pyramid scheme is just as illegal as running one. This approach makes sense because these schemes only function when regular people become recruitment agents.The regulator is also investigating other suspected pyramid operations including BE Poland, GrowUp Session, Eaconomy and Jifu. UOKiK has issued public warnings about multiple platforms and notified law enforcement agencies about its findings.“We regularly track, expose and eliminate this type of activity,” Chróstny said. “But nothing replaces consumer vigilance and common sense.”The decision against iGenius remains subject to appeal. International Markets Live's ruling became final after the company stopped its prohibited practices in May 2025. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

XRP price prediction 2026 presents conflicting signals as the digital asset trades at $1.85 on December 30, 2025, caught between bullish institutional forecasts and bearish technical patterns. Standard Chartered projects XRP could surge 330% to $8 by end-2026, driven by sustained ETF inflows exceeding $1.15 billion and regulatory clarity following the SEC settlement. However, my technical analysis reveals a death cross formation targeting declines toward $1.25 before a potential Q2 2026 reversal, creating uncertainty about whether XRP can escape its current consolidation near 2025 lows.The token remains down 11.84% from one year ago and approximately 47% below its 2025 peak near $3.50, despite 30 consecutive days of XRP ETF inflows signaling strong institutional interest. This divergence between price action and investor sentiment makes 2026 a pivotal year for XRP holders evaluating long-term price targets and whether XRP can participate in the next crypto bull run.In this article, I answer the question of what XRP price predictions look like for 2026 and how high the XRP price could rise.Current XRP Market Status and Technical SetupXRP is trading at $1.85 per token with a market capitalization of $111.79 billion and 24-hour trading volume of $2.22 billion. The cryptocurrency has experienced significant volatility throughout December, declining from $2.20 highs in late November to test support in the $1.80-$1.90 range. Recent price action shows XRP down 0.91% from yesterday's $1.865 level, continuing a pattern of lower highs that defines the current bearish structure and underperformance versus Bitcoin and Ethereum.Technical Indicators and Support LevelsTechnical indicators paint a concerning picture for short-term XRP sentiment. The token has formed a death cross pattern where the 50-day exponential moving average crossed below the 200-day EMA, historically a bearish signal indicating extended downside momentum. XRP price is moving within a descending channel with clear resistance at $1.93, which the token failed to break during recent rallies, reinforcing selling pressure and bearish momentum.Key short-term technical points for XRP price analysis include:Bearish momentum: MACD turning lower and RSI below 50, signaling renewed selling pressure.Immediate support level: $1.82 area, with failure here opening the path toward $1.60 and then $1.25.Resistance levels: $1.93 and $2.00 psychological zone where XRP recorded repeated rejections.Trend structure: XRP price may remain in a downward-sloping channel until buying volume returns.Based on my technical analysis of the XRP/USDT chart, the next logical target sits at $1.25, representing October 2025 flash crash lows where stronger accumulation may emerge. Only after realizing this final bottom does the technical setup suggest cleansing of weak hands and foundation for stronger institutional support that could push XRP price back toward $3.50+ levels seen in 2025.How XRP Compares to Bitcoin and Ethereum?The broader crypto market context shows Bitcoin trading near $87,000 and Ethereum around $2,900, with both major cryptocurrencies experiencing similar Q4 volatility. XRP's price action reflects macro conditions affecting the crypto market, but the token's underperformance relative to bitcoin and Ethereum highlights specific concerns about XRP sentiment and long-term holders' conviction.Bitcoin price remains closer to its all-time high, supported by ETF inflows and large market cap.Ethereum trades in a consolidating range but benefits from tokenization and ETF narratives.XRP is a cryptocurrency with strong branding and cross-border use case, yet its price trajectory shows lagging performance versus Bitcoin and Ethereum in late 2025.This comparison matters for institutional investors considering whether to buy XRP versus other digital assets as part of a diversified crypto portfolio.Institutional XRP Price Targets for 2026Standard Chartered has emerged as the most bullish institutional voice on XRP price prediction 2026, with Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank's global head of digital assets research, projecting the token will reach $8.00 by end-2026. This target represents a potential 330% increase from current levels around $1.86 and reflects structural changes in XRP's regulatory environment and institutional adoption rather than short-term speculative hype.How Standard Chartered Models the XRP Rally?Kendrick's methodology centers on quantitative modeling of ETF flows and supply dynamics. The analyst calculates that if XRP ETFs maintain their current pace and attract $10 billion in total inflows by late 2026, this capital would need to purchase approximately 4-5 billion tokens at average prices around $2.20. Removing this quantity from circulation, combined with the existing 45% decline in exchange balances from 3.95 billion to 2.6 billion tokens during the initial ETF launch period, would create substantial supply-side pressure supporting higher price levels.Standard Chartered's multi-year trajectory for xrp price may be summarized as follows:This long-term price outlook assumes sustained institutional investors' interest in XRP as a digital asset and continued progress in Ripple Labs' cross-border payment partnerships.The Motley Fool offers a more cautious institutional view, suggesting $3.00 as a realistic 2026 target, implying approximately 58% upside from current levels. Analysts there acknowledge the positive tailwinds from regulatory clarity and ETF approvals but underline that XRP's price has declined year-to-date despite the Trump administration's supportive stance towards the crypto industry.Consensus Forecasts and Market-Implied ProbabilitiesConsensus analyst forecasts across multiple platforms show a range of $2.71 to $8.60 for XRP price in 2026, with an average prediction around $3.90. Several Wall Street analysts cited by crypto market outlets project XRP could trade between $3.40 and $5.00, marking a 40-70% gain from mid-2025 levels. These mid-range forecasts rely heavily on:Continued ETF inflows supporting xrp price.Improved XRP sentiment among institutional investors.XRP's market cap closing the gap with larger cryptocurrencies.Options-based analysis from Jeff Anderson, Head of Asia at STS Digital, provides market-implied probabilities instead of directional forecasts. “Based on current market conditions, including observed volatility and skew, we can estimate the probability that each asset will trade above specific price targets by 31 December 2026,” he commented for FinanceMagnates.com“XRP, trading near $1.85, shows a 25pct probability of finishing above $2.40 and a 10pct probability of exceeding $3.90 and finally,” he forecasted.These probabilities help investors calibrate expectations around price levels without assuming the crypto market will necessarily enter a new bull run.Changelly's algorithmic model forecasts an average XRP price of $5.12 in 2026 with a maximum around $5.79, while CoinCodex projects $2.75 by mid-2026, reflecting more moderate expectations for XRP's price trajectory. Together, these estimates reinforce a wide but data-backed range for long-term price scenarios.Crypto Analyst and Influencer XRP Price PredictionsThe crypto analyst community offers more aggressive long-term price forecasts, leaning on technical indicators, Elliott Wave structures, and historical volatility to project XRP's potential performance in 2026 and even 2030.EGRAG Crypto: Bull Run Structure and Fibonacci TargetsEGRAG Crypto maintains a bullish long-term XRP price prediction based on Elliott Wave theory. According to this analysis, XRP is completing a Wave 4 correction and preparing for an explosive Wave 5 move that could redefine its price level in the crypto market. Using Fibonacci extensions, EGRAG identifies resistance targets at:$4.78 $5.515 $6.755 $18.25 Up to $27 in an extreme bull marketThe analyst compares the current consolidation to XRP's 2017 setup, when xrp price traded sideways for six months before surging to its all-time high of $3.84 in January 2018. EGRAG's base case assumes that a break above $3.40-4.00 would confirm a new bullish structure and open the path to $10 and beyond, although such targets are more relevant for longer horizons like 2030 rather than a single year.Dark Defender: Wave 5 Target at $5.85Dark Defender provides a complementary Elliott Wave view, suggesting that XRP completed Wave 4 at $1.88 in late 2025 and is now poised to move toward $5.85 dollar in Wave 5. The analyst highlights:XRP's 3-day RSI has entered oversold territory historically associated with strong rebounds.Corrective phases in XRP's price action are considered normal within a larger bullish cycle.Ignoring short-term fear and focusing on long-term price structure may benefit xrp holders.Dark Defender links this uptrend potential to sustained ETF inflows and improving XRP sentiment as regulatory risks fade, but acknowledges that timing remains uncertain and dependent on broader crypto market conditions.AI Models on XRP Price OutlookAI-based forecasts add another layer to the long-term price debate. When asked to model XRP price under a scenario of 10 billion dollar in ETF inflows by late 2026:ChatGPT projects a range of $6-8, treating profit-taking and volatility as natural brakes on a parabolic move.Claude AI forecasts a more ambitious $8-14 range, viewing ETF demand as a "catalytic force" that could trigger self-reinforcing bull markets amid rising trading volume and improving XRP sentiment.Key Catalysts Driving XRP Price Outlook for 2026Several critical catalysts will determine whether XRP price prediction scenarios skew toward the conservative or bullish end of the spectrum. These include ETF flows, the SEC case outcome, cross-border utility, and macro conditions affecting the crypto market.Filip Dzięciołowski, Editor-in-Chief at Cryps.pl, notes that XRP currently trades at the lowest levels of 2025 in a narrow consolidation zone and that nothing suggests a rapid trend change in the coming weeks or months.“For now, there are no clear signs that this situation will change in the coming weeks or even months,” he says. “Over the longer term, however, and looking ahead to the whole of 2026, a return toward this year’s high, above $3.50, is assumed.”ETF Inflows, Sec Case, and Institutional SupportXRP ETFs are at the center of the current narrative around whether XRP could outperform in 2026. Since their launch in November 2025, these products have:Attracted over $1.15 billion in combined inflows.Recorded 30 consecutive trading sessions of net inflows with no outflows.Contributed to a 45% reduction in exchange balances, from 3.95 to 2.6 billion XRP.This pattern signals strong institutional support and interest in XRP as a regulated investment product, changing the way many investors approach xrp profit calculator tools and long-term price planning."XRP, so far, remains mostly an ETP- and ETF-flow story,” Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget, commented for FinanceMagnates.com. “Much depends on the persistence of these inflows and on whether institutional interest in Ripple's payments ecosystem translates into something more meaningful. There's a kind of tension between short-term fear and long-term positioning in crypto, with ETF inflows staying steady and exchange balances continuing to fall, exactly what I associate with mid-cycle consolidation." The SEC case resolution represents another foundational catalyst. The Securities and Exchange Commission dropped its appeal against Ripple, and the company agreed to a $50 million settlement without admitting wrongdoing. Judge Analisa Torres clarified that XRP is not considered financial security when sold on exchanges to retail investors, reducing legal uncertainty that had weighed on xrp price for years.This regulatory clarity has encouraged institutional investors previously cautious about the lawsuit against Ripple, improving market sentiment and creating room for ETFs and other products to gain traction in the U.S crypto market.Cross-Border Payments, SWIFT Ambitions, and Real-World UtilityXRP's long-term price outlook and predictions for XRP in 2030 depend heavily on real-world utility as a cross-border settlement token. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has stated that XRP could capture 14% of SWIFT's global transaction volume within five years, which would represent more than 2.8 trillion dollar in annual flows routed through the XRP Ledger.While this goal remains ambitious, even partial realization would significantly increase demand for XRP as a bridge currency. However, skeptics highlight several challenges:Many banks use RippleNet's messaging stack without adopting XRP for liquidity.Traditional financial institutions move slowly in replacing established infrastructure.Stablecoins and CBDCs compete with XRP for cross-border transaction roles.For XRP to justify the upper end of price forecasts, Ripple Labs must convert more messaging-only clients into full On-Demand Liquidity users, directly linking network adoption to demand for the token itself.Macro, Crypto Market Sentiment, and Four-Year CyclesMacroeconomic conditions will influence whether 2026 feels like consolidation or a new bull phase for crypto. Expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts toward the 3.00-3.25% range could support risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, by lowering the opportunity cost of holding volatile digital assets like XRP. However, unexpected inflation spikes or recession risks could shift institutional positioning away from crypto, impacting XRP price and trading volume across exchanges.The traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle is also being questioned as institutional ETFs change market structure. If the cycle moderates, crypto market participants might see fewer extreme sell-offs, allowing long-term holders of XRP to benefit from more stable bull markets. If the cycle persists, however, 2026 could become a consolidation year where XRP trades sideways or corrects, delaying more substantial rallies until the next cycle leg.Risk Factors and Technical Challenges for XRPWhile the bullish narrative around XRP price prediction 2026 is compelling, several key risk factors may prevent XRP from reaching high-end targets like $8 or even $10.Structural Weaknesses: Volume, Utility, and CompetitionThe most important structural risks include:Declining transaction volume: Several analyses highlight that XRP's on-chain activity and transaction volume have decreased over the last two years, raising questions about organic growth.Utility gap: Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin and XRP’s price action do not yet reflect broad adoption as a primary cross-border settlement layer.Competitive landscape: Other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and newer blockchain networks, continue to compete for institutional support and cross-border use cases.If XRP's real-world utility stagnates while the broader crypto space innovates, the price trajectory may lag even in a broader bull run.Short-Term Bearish Momentum and UnderperformanceFrom my technical analysis perspective, XRP faces several immediate challenges that weigh on XRP sentiment:Death cross pattern and descending channel define a bearish structure.Key support at $1.82 is under pressure, with sellers controlling near-term price action.The target around $1.25 implies additional downside from current levels before long-term support emerges.These conditions suggest that, even if long-term price forecasts remain bullish, XRP price may see further underperformance against Bitcoin and Ethereum in early 2026.Market Positioning and Investment Considerations for XRP HoldersDespite numerous risks, XRP continues to attract attention from long-term holders, institutional investors, and traders using XRP profit calculator tools to model various scenarios for 2025, 2026, and 2030.What Long-Term Holders Should WatchKey metrics to monitor as part of a data-driven XRP investment thesis include:Weekly ETF inflows and outflows: Sustained net inflows are crucial for maintaining bullish structure.Ripple quarterly reports: On-Demand Liquidity volumes, cross-border corridors, and new RippleNet partnerships.On-chain indicators: XRP recorded transaction counts, volatility, and trends in long-term holders versus short-term traders.Regulatory headlines: Any changes in U.S or international policy affecting classification of digital assets.Contrarian investors may be attracted by the current Fear & Greed Index levels around 24-25 (Extreme Fear), which historically have preceded rebounds in the broader crypto market. However, aligning entries with technical support levels such as $1.25-1.50 could improve risk-reward profiles compared with buying at current prices purely based on optimistic forecasts.XRP Price Scenarios: 3, 6, and 8 DollarSummarizing the main 2026 price scenarios for XRP:Conservative case ($3): Assumes modest ETF success and limited utility gains; supported by The Motley Fool.Base case ($3.90-5.12): Reflects consensus forecasts and Changelly's model, assuming steady ETF inflows and moderate adoption growth.Bullish case ($8): Based on Standard Chartered's projection that XRP could hit 8 dollar by end-2026 if ETF inflows reach 10 billion dollar and institutional support continues.Each scenario implies different risk profiles and requires close monitoring of trading volume, institutional positioning, and macro conditions in the crypto market.Before you leave, take a look at my earlier cryptocurrency analyses, and if you find my work useful, consider following me on X. I have also included a helpful FAQ section below. [#highlighted-links#]FAQ: XRP Price Predictions and Investment QuestionsWhat is the XRP Price Prediction for 2026?XRP price prediction for 2026 ranges from conservative institutional forecasts of 3 dollar to bullish targets of 8 dollar, with consensus averaging around 3.90 dollar. Standard Chartered's Geoffrey Kendrick expects 8 dollar driven by ETF flows and regulatory clarity, while technical analysis suggests a possible drop toward 1.25 dollar before a recovery in Q2 2026.How Much Will XRP Be in 2026?XRP could trade between 2.40 and 8 dollar by the end of 2026, with options data from Jeff Anderson indicating a 25% probability of finishing above 2.40 dollar and a 10% probability of exceeding 3.90 dollar [provided quotes]. Consensus forecasts around 3.90 dollar balance bullish long-term price expectations with caution about the token's current bearish momentum and regulatory history.Should I Buy XRP in 2026?Whether to buy XRP depends on individual risk tolerance, time horizon, and conviction in Ripple's ability to convert regulatory clarity into real-world adoption. ETF inflows, supportive court rulings in the SEC case, and institutional support provide solid arguments for long-term investors, but the current technical downtrend and potential move toward 1.25 dollar suggest waiting for clearer bullish confirmation or more attractive price levels may be prudent for some market participants. This article does not constitute financial advice.What Are XRP's Key Catalysts for 2026?Key catalysts that could shape XRP's price outlook include:Sustained ETF inflows reaching 5-10 billion dollar in assets under management.Ripple converting more banking partners to On-Demand Liquidity users that require XRP.Additional regulatory clarity and crypto-friendly legislation in the U.S.Macro conditions supporting risk assets, especially if bitcoin and ethereum enter a new bull market.Why Is XRP Price Declining in December 2025?XRP price is declining in December 2025 due to a combination of broad crypto market weakness, bearish technical indicators such as the death cross, and profit-taking after the 2024-2025 rally. Despite strong institutional support via ETFs, short-term selling pressure and underperformance relative to bitcoin and ethereum have weighed on xrp sentiment and market-wide evaluations of its near-term potential.Will XRP Reach 10 Dollar in 2026?Reaching 10 dollar in 2026 remains a low-probability scenario in institutional models, although EGRAG Crypto's Elliott Wave analysis allows for such levels in a full-blown bull run. Achieving 10 dollar would imply a market cap approaching 600 billion dollar, requiring XRP to capture a much larger share of the crypto market and cross-border payment flows than currently observed. Most forecasts see 10 dollar as a potential longer-term target beyond 2026 rather than a central scenario for the next 12 months.What Is XRP's All-Time High Price?XRP's all-time high is 3.84 dollar, reached in January 2018 at the peak of a previous crypto bull run. In early 2025, XRP approached this level again when it surged to around 3.50 dollar following Donald Trump's election victory and subsequent favorable regulatory developments, but it has since retreated to 1.85 dollar.How Do XRP ETFs Affect Token Price?XRP ETFs affect token price by removing significant supply from exchanges as providers accumulate XRP to back shares, contributing to a 45% drop in exchange balances. With over 1.15 billion dollar in ETF inflows and 30 consecutive days without outflows, these structures have become central to any serious XRP price prediction for 2026 and beyond. If inflows continue and reach 10 billion dollar as Standard Chartered models, xrp price may see structural upward pressure regardless of short-term volatility.How Has the Price of XRP Changed Since 2024 and What Is Its Current Value?The price of xrp has experienced dramatic swings since 2024, driven largely by the legal battle with the SEC and broader crypto industry volatility. At the time of writing, XRP trades at 1.87 dollar with a current value reflecting 49% decline from its 2025 peak of 3.66 dollar. Throughout 2024, XRP tested multiple key price points between 0.50 and 0.70 dollar as the legal battle outcome remained uncertain, keeping institutional investors cautious. The token surged 580% between November 2024 and January 2025 following regulatory clarity, reaching critical price points near 3.50 dollar before the recent sell-off brought it back toward 1.80-1.90 dollar support levels. This volatility pattern demonstrates how regulatory developments continue to drive major price of xrp movements across the crypto industry, with the SEC case resolution in 2025 marking an inflection point that allowed institutional support through ETFs to emerge despite subsequent bearish technical pressure. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

EC Markets closed 2025 with record trading activity, global expansion across key financial hubs, and a series of high-profile partnerships, reinforcing its position among the leading brokers in the global trading industry.During the year, the company recorded an average monthly trading volume of $1.027 trillion, ranking among the top three brokers globally by trading volume, according to the Finance Magnates Quarterly Intelligence Report. Its client base grew to more than 118,000 active traders worldwide, supported by 10 offices, seven regulatory licenses, and a workforce of over 1,500 employees.Throughout 2025, the broker expanded its international presence across Dubai, Limassol, London, Sydney, Malaysia, Port Louis, Mexico City, and Auckland, while maintaining visibility at major industry events including The Forex Expo, iFX, and the Finance Magnates London and South African Summits (fmls:25 & fmas:25).A key milestone during the year was becoming an Official Partner of Liverpool Football Club, alongside the renewal of its partnership with world snooker champion Judd Trump. The company also hosted a Dubai Celebrity Golf Day in early December, bringing together senior leadership and sporting figures, with proceeds supporting the LFC Foundation and the UK Teenage Cancer Trust, reflecting the broker’s ongoing commitment to giving back.Commenting on the year, Matthew Smith, Group Chairman and CEO of EC Markets, said:“2025 was a year where execution and alignment mattered more than ever. What we achieved reflects a collective effort across the business, strengthening our global presence, maintaining regulatory discipline, and delivering consistently for clients. As we move into 2026, our focus remains on building sustainably and earning long-term trust.”The broker’s performance was further recognised with more than 17 international awards in 2025, including Broker of the Year, Best Trading Conditions, Best Regulated FX Broker, and Best Retail CFDs Broker.Further information, including the 2025 Year-in-Review video, is available here. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Blockchain analyst defioasis.eth released data showing that roughly 70% of Polymarket's 1.7 million trading addresses have recorded realized losses, mirroring the loss rates long documented among retail CFD traders in traditional markets.The analysis examined realized profit and loss across Polymarket's entire trading history through December 28, covering 1,733,785 unique addresses. Only 30% of participants have managed to lock in profits, while the remaining 70% sit in negative territory.Extreme Profit Concentration Echoes Traditional MarketsThe data reveals a winner-takes-all dynamic virtually identical to CFD trading platforms. Fewer than 0.04% of all Polymarket addresses captured over 70% of total realized profits, accumulating roughly 3.7 billion dollars in gains. This concentration ratio closely parallels what regulators observe in leveraged retail trading, where European brokers report 62% to 82% of accounts losing money.Most profitable Polymarket users earned modest amounts. Addresses with realized profits between zero and 1,000 dollars represent 24.56% of all participants but captured just 0.86% of total gains. Earning more than 1,000 dollars requires breaking into the top 4.9% of all addresses.The model appears to be proving itself. Polymarket is currently eyeing a valuation of about $15 billion, and together with Kalshi, its largest competitor, the two platforms generated nearly $7.5 billion in combined trading volume in October alone, driven mainly by sports-related contracts (or, to put it plainly, betting).These figures are likely to keep rising. Polymarket has received the green light to return to the U.S. after its platform was blocked in 2022 and has just launched an application dedicated specifically to the U.S. market.Small Losses Common, But Catastrophic Failures ExistOver 1.1 million addresses, representing 63.5% of all participants, recorded realized losses between zero and 1,000 dollars. However, 149 addresses each lost more than 1 million dollars, demonstrating that while most users lose small amounts, the platform can deliver severe losses to unlucky or unsophisticated participants.The methodology tracks total sale proceeds plus redemption amounts minus purchase costs, excluding unrealized gains or losses on open positions. Defioasis.eth acknowledged limitations in the approach, noting that "the actual data can only be used as reference, pure on-chain data calculations have certain limitations, and may not have filtered out some official unlabeled contracts."When questioned about the 3.7 billion dollar profit figure by other analysts, defioasis.eth defended the calculation by comparing it to similar platforms: "Actually it's not exaggerated at all, Pump Fun's Net PnL at that historical retrospective point was 3.8 billion."Markets Change, Retail Losses Don'tThe similarity between Polymarket's 70% loss rate and the 70-80% failure rates mandated for disclosure by ESMA-regulated CFD brokers highlights a persistent reality: regardless of asset class or market structure, retail participants consistently subsidize more sophisticated players.Whether trading currency pairs, stocks via CFDs, or political outcomes on blockchain prediction markets, roughly seven in ten retail accounts end up losing money. We can see that also in the booming retail prop trading industry."Whether it's prediction markets or Meme, there seems to be no difference for us retail investors,” added the analys.He also highlighted that Polymarket has become another venue where information asymmetry and automated market makers dominate, with one commenter describing it as "a new meat grinder" where "cognitive gaps, information gaps, insider manipulation make it normal for newcomers to find it difficult to profit."The analyst agreed with this assessment, noting that automated trading bots and sophisticated market makers turn casual participation into an expensive education. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Demand for tokenized equities has accelerated since their mainstream debut earlier this year. The trend points to a new asset class gaining traction beyond Bitcoin and stablecoins. Data from Token Terminal shows the combined market capitalization of tokenized stocks has reached a record $1.2 billion, with growth strongest in September and December.Amid this growth, Regulators have flagged risks tied to the expanding market. The European Securities and Markets Authority warned that tokenized stocks may create investor confusion, as they often track share prices without granting shareholder rights. ESMA executive director Natasha Cazenave said there is a “risk of misunderstanding” around ownership. The watchdog added most tokenized equity projects remain small and illiquid, despite interest in 24/7 trading and fractional ownership.Tokenized Stocks Mirror 2020 Stablecoins Growth“Tokenized stocks today are like stablecoins in 2020,” Token Terminal said. The comparison reflects how early the market remains. Stablecoins were still limited in scale in 2020. They have since grown into a sector valued at about $300 billion, Cointelegraph reported.Industry participants have also compared tokenized equities to the early decentralized finance boom of 2020. They cite faster settlement, continuous trading, and fractional ownership as key features. These characteristics are seen as factors that could support the movement of more global equities onchain.? BIG: Tokenized stocks market cap hits all-time high of $1.2 billion, per Token Terminal. pic.twitter.com/crHvph9A3T— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) December 30, 2025Securitize Plans Compliant Onchain Equity TradingMarket activity spiked in September following Backed Finance’s launch of its xStocks suite on Ethereum, which introduced around 60 tokenized equities through partnerships with Kraken and Bybit. Momentum continued into December, with Securitize announcing plans for compliant onchain trading that would enable direct share ownership.Ondo, Coinbase Expand Tokenized Stock OfferingsOther firms are preparing similar offerings. Ondo Finance plans to roll out tokenized US stocks and exchange-traded funds on Solana in early 2026.Coinbase is moving in the same direction. This month, it announced plans to offer stock trading as part of its effort to become an “everything exchange.”Institutional interest has also emerged. Nasdaq disclosed that it has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to offer tokenized stocks on its platform. The exchange said tokenization is a top strategic priority. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

PU Prime, a global multi-licensed online brokerage, is proud to announce its achievement at the ProFX Awards Dubai 2025. Hosted by ProFX Media, PU Prime was recognised as the Best Copy Trading Platform. By 2025, PU Prime has been recognised with multiple “Best Copy Trading Platform” awards across various regions and countries by leading FX expos and media organisations, including Best Copy Trading Platform Canada 2025, Best Copy Trading Platform India 2025, and Best Copy Trading Platform UAE 2025.Held on 19 December at Le Meridien, Dubai, the recognition from the ProFX Awards Dubai 2025 marks an exciting milestone and a strong close to the year for PU Prime. Initially, the copy trading initiative was designed to bridge the gap for beginner traders who found market analysis daunting. By allowing them to mirror seasoned professionals (signal providers), PU Prime lowered the barrier to entry while enabling experienced traders to earn commissions from their followers.PU Prime noted that earning the Best Copy Trading Platform title at the ProFX Awards Dubai 2025 is a proud milestone that underscores its global momentum. As it heads into the new year, the team remains dedicated to evolving its social trading ecosystem, ensuring that both beginners and professionals have access to the cutting-edge tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing market.Looking ahead, PU Prime remains focused on expanding high-quality trading services and enriching trader education, staying true to the brand’s “More Than Trading” vision by empowering every user to succeed in the evolving financial landscape.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. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

In 2025, perpetual futures shifted from a specialist tool for aggressive traders into a central mechanism for how risk, leverage, and even traditional assets move across decentralized finance. According to Coinbase, the lines between traditional markets and decentralized finance are blurring fast. As crypto derivatives mature, perpetual futures – once the playground of speculative traders – are emerging as a core infrastructure layer within decentralized finance. Decentralized Volumes Surge Amid Slow Spot TrendsDecentralized exchanges (DEXs) processed more than US$1.2 trillion in perpetual futures each month by the end of 2025, with Hyperliquid maintaining a commanding presence among traders.Analysts point to a shift in trader behavior: in a year with no traditional altcoin rally, investors turned to perps to extract higher returns from flat spot markets.The ability to control large positions with minimal capital renewed interest in leveraged trading, pushing speculative exposure to nearly 10% of crypto’s overall leverage ratio before a sharp correction in October brought it back down to 4%.Beyond high-stakes speculation, perpetual futures are increasingly being integrated into the foundation of decentralized finance. By linking with lending protocols, liquidity pools, and on-chain risk systems, these derivatives are becoming composable – designed to work as functional layers within complex digital financial structures.You may also like: Russia’s First Crypto-Backed Loan Brings Bitcoin Into Formal BankingSuch integration allows traders and protocols alike to manage risk more dynamically. For example, a decentralized lending protocol might use perps to hedge exposure to asset volatility or even generate yield through structured strategies. Equity Perps: The Next Step for Retail TradersAnother trend gaining traction is the rise of equity-based perpetual futures. As tokenized versions of major stocks like those in the S&P 500 or Nasdaq appear on decentralized platforms, they offer retail investors a way to trade global equities using crypto-like leverage and around-the-clock access.The move toward perpetual contracts on tokenized equities may bridge traditional and digital markets, enabling fractional, 24/7 trading that bypasses standard market hours.This expanded accessibility could attract millions of global retail traders who seek exposure to traditional stocks but value the efficiency and freedom of crypto markets. In doing so, equity perps might redefine how and when markets operate.The evolution of perpetual futures reflects a broader reconfiguration of the crypto financial landscape. They’re no longer confined to speculative corners of exchanges but are forming new connective tissue between decentralized and traditional trading systems. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Sberbank has extended Russia’s first crypto-backed loan to Intelion Data, one of the country’s largest Bitcoin miners. The pilot deal uses Bitcoin mined by Intelion as collateral, positioning digital assets as working capital rather than passive holdings on a balance sheet.Using Rutoken to Secure Digital CollateralSberbank reportedly used its in-house digital custody product, Rutoken, to safeguard the Bitcoin collateral through the loan period. According to the bank, the pilot transaction demonstrates how crypto-backed lending could operate within regulated frameworks without compromising asset security.“Digital currency market regulation is only emerging in Russia, and we are ready to collaborate with the Central Bank to develop relevant regulatory measures and create infrastructure for launching crypto services,” Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of the Executive Board at Sberbank, said in a statement translated to English.However, the bank did not disclose the size of the loan but indicated that the structure is designed to be used well beyond the mining sector. It positioned the product as suitable for any company holding cryptocurrencies and framed the arrangement as a practical way to connect blockchain-based assets with traditional finance.Sberbank’s Expanding Crypto StrategyIntelion Data described the loan a significant milestone for Russia’s crypto and mining ecosystem. Sberbank has recently deepened its involvement in digital assets beyond custody solutions. The lender is experimenting with decentralized finance instruments and supports the gradual legalization of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Sberbank confirmed in 2022 that it would withdraw from European markets after mounting pressure from Western sanctions made its operations untenable. The bank had built a substantial presence in Europe through subsidiaries and branches in countries including Germany, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, but those units began to face exceptional cash outflows as sanctions took hold.At the same time, a directive from the Central Bank of Russia prevented the parent from supplying liquidity support to its European subsidiaries, further undermining their position. Despite the strain, Sberbank stressed at the time that it held sufficient capital to meet all obligations to depositors, even as it moved to wind down its European exposure. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Trust Wallet has entered a verification phase following a security breach involving its browser extension on Christmas Day. The incident affected desktop users and led to losses of about $7 million. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said the losses will be fully covered.Jamie Elkaleh, chief marketing officer at Bitget Wallet, said the incident highlights a “structural tension” in self-custodial wallet security. He said that while users control their private keys, “critical dependencies, such as centralized app store distribution and software updates, remain potential points of failure.” Elkaleh added that a “compromised update mechanism can still expose large user bases to risk,” even without direct access to private keys.Verification Begins as Claims Outpace WalletsToday (Monday), Trust Wallet CEO Eowyn Chen said the company had identified 2,596 wallet addresses connected to the compromised extension. At the same time, it received close to 5,000 reimbursement claims, suggesting that a portion may be false or duplicated. Chen wrote that “accurate verification of wallet ownership is critical to ensure funds are returned to the right people.” She added that the team is “working diligently to verify claims,” using multiple data points to separate legitimate victims from malicious actors.The update marks a shift in the response. The focus has moved from estimating losses to managing the operational challenge of compensation while limiting abuse. Chen said the company is prioritizing accuracy over speed and plans to share further details as the investigation continues.Trust Wallet(@TrustWallet) has been exploited, with hundreds of users affected and over $6.77M stolen so far.The hacker has already sent ~$4.25M to ChangeNOW, FixedFloat, KuCoin, and HTX.CZ(@cz_binance) has stated that Trust Wallet will fully cover the losses.Check hacker… pic.twitter.com/6xjyOaxUEK— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 26, 2025Industry Calls for Verifiable Wallet SoftwareAccording to Elkaleh, addressing this gap will likely require “more verifiable and resilient software delivery models,” including reproducible builds and stronger integrity checks. He also pointed to the need for “reduced reliance on centralized distribution channels,” alongside techniques that can limit the impact of interface-level compromises. Over time, he said improving alignment between off-chain software delivery and on-chain security principles will be key to building trust in self-custodial systems.Attack Shows “Source Code Familiarity”Cybersecurity firm SlowMist reported that the malicious extension also exported users’ personal information. Its co-founder Yu Xiam said the attacker “appeared to have prepared the exploit weeks in advance and showed deep familiarity with the source code.” Onchain investigator ZachXBT earlier estimated that hundreds of users were affected. Some industry observers said the ability to submit a malicious extension update suggested access beyond a typical external attack, according to Cointelegraph.Trust Wallet has confirmed the breach but has not confirmed any insider involvement. Chen said a broader forensic investigation is underway. She wrote that “this process is ongoing today,” and that while some data is still being finalized, the team already has “strong working hypotheses for a portion of the cases.” This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

BGC Group remains confident as 2025 draws to a close, holding to its previous earnings guidance despite a volatile market environment. In an update released on Monday, BGC Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGC) reaffirmed its outlook for the quarter ending December 31, 2025. The firm expects revenue to come in between $720 million and $770 million, matching the range it initially projected earlier in the year.Earnings Forecast UnchangedThe company also maintained its pre-tax adjusted earnings forecast, guiding for $152.5 million to $167.5 million for the final quarter of 2025. The reaffirmation suggests confidence in consistent trading activity and cost discipline across its operations. For comparison, BGC generated $572.3 million in revenue and $129.5 million in pre-tax adjusted earnings during the same period in 2024. BGC Group delivered strong results for third quarter this year. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, BGC reported total revenues of $736.8 million, up 31.3 percent from the prior year’s $561 million.The company’s electronic trading business, Fenics, brought in $160 million, a 12.7 percent increase from last year. Regional revenue performance was robust, rising 37.4 percent in EMEA, 28.1 percent in the Americas, and 17.4 percent in APAC.“We delivered another outstanding quarter, with record third quarter revenues of $737 million, up 31 percent from $561 million a year ago,” the company shared. “Revenues of $628 million, excluding OTC, was also a record, driven by growth across every asset class and geography. Our ability to deliver strong growth in a mixed macro environment demonstrates the strength and scale of our global platform.”Double-Digit Earnings GrowthBGC achieved pre-tax Adjusted Earnings of $155.1 million, a 22.4 percent jump, while post-tax Adjusted Earnings climbed 11.5 percent to $141.1 million. This translated to post-tax Adjusted Earnings per share of $0.29, reinforcing steady progress in profitability. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $167.6 million, an increase of 10.7 percent year over year.Meanwhile, BGC launched an electronic platform for U.S. dollar swaps this year, aiming to boost speed and transparency for institutional investors. Dubbed Opti Match, the venue is offered via BGC Derivatives Markets, L.P. and is designed to streamline access to key interest rate products.Institutional clients can use the platform directly as Swap Execution Facility participants or access it indirectly through BGC or GFI brokers. At launch, Opti Match will support several interest rate instruments, including SOFR‑linked trades and CME/LCH basis switches.The group also acquired global macro analytics provider Macro Hive in a move that strengthens its rates and FX franchise by integrating AI technologies into its brokerage platform. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Cyprus is set to introduce a new, dedicated tax regime for digital assets, offering brokers a competitive 8% flat tax on crypto-related profits. However, this favorable rate comes as part of a much larger overhaul that may result in dramatically higher regulatory burdens and operational costs. The proposed tax reform, expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, is a strategic trade-off. Cyprus is positioning itself as a low-tax crypto hub within the EU, but the price of entry is full transparency and a significant increase in compliance overhead. The New "Cyprus Deal" for Brokers The reform creates a mixed picture for crypto brokers operating on the island. For a 100% crypto brokerage, the new 8% rate represents a significant tax reduction compared to the previous 12.5% corporate tax. On one hand, this advantage is designed to attract crypto-native firms and allow brokers to offer more competitive pricing. On the other hand, the tax benefit comes with potentially higher costs and limited loss offsetting. The tax break is offset by two major factors. First, the general corporate tax rate is rising from 12.5% to 15%, impacting any non-crypto income. Second, and more critically, crypto trading losses are ring-fenced and can only be offset against crypto gains, rather than the firm’s broader taxable income or carried forward to future years. It means that a single unprofitable year cannot be used to offset taxes in a profitable one—a significant drawback in a volatile market. The Real Cost: A Surge in Regulatory Burden The true cost for brokers comes from the simultaneous implementation of two major EU directives: MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) and DAC8 (Directive on Administrative Cooperation). MiCA requires all crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) to obtain a full license, a process involving capital requirements of up to €150,000 and a complex governance structure. Existing firms must be fully compliant by July 2026. Meanwhile, DAC8 mandates that all brokers automatically report detailed client transaction data, balances, and residency information to EU tax authorities. It takes effect from January 2025 and reduces client anonymity on regulated platforms. The operational impact of DAC8 could be substantial. Brokers will need to upgrade their reporting infrastructure, expand KYC and AML processes, and adapt internal systems to meet detailed, ongoing disclosure requirements. Industry estimates suggest this could lift administrative and compliance costs by 30–50%. Why Licensed Brokers Are Staying Silent Notably, major crypto platforms already licensed in Cyprus, including Revolut, Tickmill, Kraken, and Bybit, have so far refrained from publicly commenting on the proposed tax regime. Finance Magnates reached out to several licensed brokers for comment, but had not received responses by the time of publication. Market participants point to the fact that the legislation has not yet been fully enacted and that the final text, including secondary regulations, has not been published. As a result, many firms prefer to assess the framework privately with tax advisors rather than make forward-looking public statements. In the absence of official commentary, online discussions around the proposal suggest a broadly mixed but pragmatic reaction. Some market participants view the 8% flat rate as a meaningful improvement over both Cyprus’s current framework and typical EU tax levels, particularly after years of regulatory ambiguity. Others, however, caution that the higher 15% corporate tax on non-crypto income could undermine Cyprus’ overall appeal and potentially push some firms to consider alternative jurisdictions within the region. A Strategic Choice Despite the heavy new compliance load, Cyprus's 8% rate remains highly competitive within the EU, where countries like France (30%) and Italy (26%) have much higher capital gains taxes on crypto. By embedding MiCA definitions directly into domestic tax law, Cyprus also reduces legal ambiguity around what constitutes a crypto-asset — an issue that has complicated tax treatment in several other EU jurisdictions. However, the shift is clear: Cyprus is no longer a "light-touch" jurisdiction. It is making a deliberate play for serious, well-capitalized crypto businesses that are willing to trade regulatory scrutiny for a favorable tax rate and passported access to the entire EU market. For brokers, the Cyprus deal is now a strategic choice between a low tax bill and a very high compliance bill. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Gold pulled back from record highs today (Monday), with silver also retreating after recent gains, as investors booked profits and easing geopolitical tensions reduced safe-haven demand.Spot gold fell 1.7% to $4,455.34 per ounce, after reaching a record high of $4,550 on Friday. U.S. gold futures for February delivery lost 1.2%, settling at $4,500.30 per ounce. Spot silver slipped 4.6% to $75.47 per ounce, after briefly trading at $83.62.Silver Volatility Rises Amid Margin HikesSilver markets are entering a critical week following the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s second margin increase in two weeks. The initial margin for March 2026 silver futures rose to about $25,000 from $20,000, adding pressure on leveraged traders. Analysts said this could reduce leverage and trigger volatility, while low inventories and strong industrial demand continue to support prices.Tokenized Silver Trading Sees Rapid GrowthInterest in silver is also moving into tokenized markets. Data from RWA.xyz shows monthly transfer volumes for its tokenized version of the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) increased more than twelvefold, alongside a 300% rise in holders and a 40% gain in net asset value. CME Group announced an increase in margin requirements for silver futures. Starting December 29, 2025, the initial margin for March 2026 silver contracts will rise to $25,000. This move comes amid rising silver prices and growing concern about market manipulation. CME has… pic.twitter.com/ij4MkVKw4v— Santa Surfing (@SantaSurfing) December 28, 2025Tokenized silver allows investors, including non-U.S. participants, to trade digital tokens representing SLV around the clock, reflecting growing demand for blockchain-based exposure.Silver has gained 181% year-to-date, outpacing gold, which has risen 72% in 2025. Traders are anticipating further U.S. rate cuts next year, while analysts said gold and silver remain sensitive to economic and policy developments.Just sold all my real estate & BTC and and my businesses - I’m all in on gold & silver. pic.twitter.com/dEXiDg9Ma4— Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) December 28, 2025Gold Hits Records Amid Fed ExpectationsJust before Christmas, gold prices rose sharply, reaching a new record. Spot gold traded around $4,420 per ounce, up more than 1.7% on the day. Analysts attributed the gains to expectations of further U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weaker U.S. dollar, and ongoing geopolitical risks.Kathleen Brooks, Research Director at XTB, said, “The gold price hit a fresh record high, as geopolitical concerns heat up and hopes grow that the Fed can continue to cut rates next year.” Some analysts noted that thin liquidity during the holiday period could increase short-term volatility, but longer-term forecasts remain broadly positive, supported by central bank demand and macroeconomic factors. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading 212 will reverse its controversial portfolio redesign next month after users flooded the company's forums and social media with complaints about the new interface, marking a rare retreat for the UK-based broker.Trading 212 Scraps Portfolio Redesign After User RevoltThe company rolled out the redesign around mid-December, introducing a bubble-style layout that sparked immediate backlash from retail investors who said the changes buried critical information and made the app harder to navigate. Within 10 days, Trading 212 announced it would restore the previous version."We appreciate your feedback on the portfolio redesign and understand the concerns it raised," KrisG, a Trading 212 representative, wrote in the company's community forum on December 24. "Based on what we've heard, we'll be rolling out an update in January that brings back the previous layout."Reddit user Vendor_BBMC posted a screenshot from the mobile app showing what the “Portfolio” tab looks like after the changes. Unfortunately, FinanceMagnates.com did not find a screenshot of the earlier version for comparison.In the meantime, the company’s former COO launched a fractional shares and commission-free trading app for retail traders, combining Investing.one and MyInsider.app.Bubble Design Drew Fire Over Screen SpaceThe new design replaced a straightforward list view with rounded cards and pull-up menus that users said wasted screen space and required extra taps to access basic information. Portfolio holdings were hidden behind a search bar instead of appearing immediately when users opened the app."Why is information split into multiple bubble-style windows?" wrote user Minmax77 on December 14 in a post that received 65 likes. "The borders, padding, and background gaps take up more room than the actual content. Instead of a clean, compact layout, everything is spread out into small 'islands' of information surrounded by empty space."Users singled out specific functionality losses. The portfolio value graph removed axis numbers, pending orders no longer showed cash allocation amounts, and the interface stopped respecting user color theme preferences. One user created an account solely to complain, choosing the username "IHateTheNewLayout.""The app feels completely unserious. Who creates charts without a Y-axis?" wrote user NakamuraRTS on December 16. "People are using your app to deploy their life savings. Do better in 2026."Traders Threaten Platform SwitchMultiple users said the changes prompted them to explore rival brokers, a threat that appears to have caught Trading 212's attention. The complaints spread beyond the company's official forum to Reddit and app store reviews, where users posted negative feedback threads."This new designe is terrible. It is really dealbreaker for me and Iam thinking about switching to another broker," user Anibohovi wrote on December 15.User Vladel captured the frustration on December 17, writing: "Honestly I can't imagine anyone thinking this was a good idea. Why are 212 intentionally making it harder to find information? Now going from home to portfolio I can't now instantly see all the information I could before, why would you do that?? It's like you're intentionally trying to anger your users."Another user who goes by mbaat said Trading 212 support initially dismissed the concerns. "I have contacted support yesterday and they said that this was a business decision and that there are no plans of reverting the changes," mbaat wrote on December 18. Days later, the company announced the reversal.Company Acknowledges Design MisstepsTrading 212 team members began responding to complaints on December 16, acknowledging the problems. "We're actively reviewing all the feedback we've received and have already identified a few areas that need improvement based on your comments," wrote Bogi.H, another company representative.By December 19, the company pushed minor fixes, including restoring the ability to tap pending orders to open instrument pages. But the changes didn't satisfy users demanding a complete rollback.The reversal announcement on December 24 drew relief from most users, though some defended the modern aesthetic. User saifali argued Trading 212 should offer both layouts. calling them "Modern" and "Legacy" versions - to allow continued innovation while preserving user choice."There will always be a group of people who will not like the new design, that's just how it is, but design evolves and so does the taste of people," saifali wrote on December 25.Pattern Of Interface ComplaintsThe December redesign wasn't Trading 212's first brush with user interface backlash. Earlier in 2025, the company made changes to its home screen that moved watchlists into pull-up tabs, drawing similar complaints about reduced functionality.Several users called for Trading 212 to establish a beta testing program with community members before rolling out major interface changes. "Push out changes first to a beta branch with limited participation and collect feedback, make the necessary improvements before rolling this out to everyone," user cosmic90 suggested on December 17.Trading 212 hasn't specified exactly when in January the rollback will occur or whether it will implement user testing for future updates. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

XTB has signed a partnership with OKTAGON, a European mixed martial arts organization, making the Polish online broker (WSE: XTB) the largest MMA sponsor in the region. The deal builds on XTB's existing title sponsorship of Poland's KSW promotion.XTB Becomes Largest MMA Sponsor in Europe with OKTAGON PartnershipThe partnership gives XTB its most extensive presence yet in European MMA. For the first time in OKTAGON's history, a sponsor's logo will appear on all fighter jerseys. XTB also gets premium placement during live events, broadcasts, and digital content across OKTAGON's footprint in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany."We naturally support organizations that, like us, have no complexes and constantly raise the bar," said Omar Arnaout, XTB's CEO. "OKTAGON has proven it has enormous potential and could soon become one of the leading players on the global MMA scene."XTB is not the only broker investing in promotion through MMA and boxing. In 2024, Pepperstone became a sponsor of UFC Asia, while a year earlier FXPro added Aleksandr Chizov to its roster of brand ambassadors. More recently, boxing legend Mike Tyson became the face of NAGA Group.OKTAGON says it has dominated its home markets in recent years and has broken European attendance records with events in Germany. The promotion is planning its most ambitious year yet in 2026, with 18 events scheduled across multiple countries."This partnership is more than a logo in the cage," said Pavol Neruda, OKTAGON's co-founder. "It's a connection between two worlds that share the same way of thinking."Building on Combat Sports StrategyXTB has been methodically building its presence in combat sports since partnering with UFC star Conor McGregor in September 2022. The broker later added former UFC champions Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jiří Procházka as brand ambassadors.The company's sponsorship portfolio has also included football legend Iker Casillas as a brand ambassador since February 2023, along with past deals featuring José Mourinho and current global ambassador Zlatan Ibrahimović. XTB has also had visibility in boxing, tennis, and Formula 1.The strategy is clearly paying off. According to the latest data from the Polish market, four out of five newly registered brokerage accounts in Poland were opened with XTB.With both the OKTAGON partnership and its title sponsorship of KSW, Poland's largest MMA federation, XTB now holds the biggest combined MMA sponsorship footprint in Europe. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Mirae Asset Financial Group is in discussions to acquire a majority stake in Korbit, South Korea's fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal could value the combined stake at between 100-140 billion won ($70-98 million).Mirae Asset Eyes Crypto Exchange Korbit in $70-140M DealThe Seoul-based financial conglomerate is negotiating to purchase a 60.5 percent stake from NXC, Korbit's largest shareholder, and a 31.5 percent stake from SK Planet. The combined 92 percent ownership would give Mirae Asset control of an exchange that has struggled to compete in a market where Upbit and Bithumb command over 95 percent of trading volume.Mirae Asset has built its business around traditional financial services since the late 1990s and has not previously entered the cryptocurrency sector.[#highlighted-links#] The potential acquisition would be led by Mirae Asset Consulting, the group's real estate and consulting arm that sits atop a corporate structure spanning securities, asset management, venture capital, life insurance and pension operations."A potential bid for Korbit is in line with Park's vision for digital asset-based financial innovation," an industry source told The Korea Times. "Korbit has historically had a limited presence, but Mirae Asset Financial Group's decades of expertise could allow it to pursue a differentiated strategy.”Traditional Finance Moves Into CryptoThe move follows a pattern of traditional financial firms acquiring crypto platforms throughout 2025. IG Group purchased Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve for £87 million in September, paying 5x the platform's last fiscal year revenue to enter the Asia-Pacific crypto market. The deal gave the London-based CFD broker access to Independent Reserve's 129,400 funded accounts holding A$1.7 billion in assets.Robinhood completed its acquisition of Bitstamp in June, gaining over 50 licenses and customers across the EU, UK, US, and Asia. That transaction marked Robinhood's entry into institutional crypto services.The trend has also moved in reverse. Crypto.com acquired CySEC-regulated broker Allnew Investments in May to obtain a MiFID license, planning to offer CFDs on FX and other assets across Europe by the third quarter.Industry observers note that global firms including BlackRock, Coinbase, Visa and Mastercard are competing for position in the digital asset ecosystem, making acquisitions like Korbit potentially valuable despite its limited market share.The South Korean crypto market remains highly concentrated, with Upbit and Bithumb dominating while Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX split the remaining single-digit market share. Whether Mirae Asset's traditional finance expertise can change that dynamic remains to be seen. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitcoin (BTC) price broke above $90,000 early Monday, 29 December 2025, picking up momentum as traders positioned for a potential new year rally after the cryptocurrency sat out Wall Street's recent record-setting run.The largest digital asset by market value rose as much as 3.1% to $90,200 in Singapore trading before pulling back slightly to $89,615, according to Bloomberg data. Other major cryptocurrencies followed suit, with Ethereum climbing 4% past $3,000, while XRP and Solana each gained 3% or more.Bitcoin largely ignored the S&P 500's push to record highs in the days before Christmas, still nursing wounds from a brutal October selloff that wiped out $19 billion in leveraged positions. That liquidation event left traders gun-shy, with few willing to rebuild significant positions. Until now.In this article, I examine why Bitcoin and XRP are rising and provide a technical analysis of the XRP/USDT and BTC/USDT charts, drawing on my more than a decade of experience as an analyst and investor.Why Bitcoin Is Going Up Today?Funding Rates Signal Shifting SentimentMonday's move "appears somewhat driven by short term retail traders taking on growing positions in futures," said Sebastian Bea, Chief Investment Officer at ReserveOne Inc., a crypto treasury firm.The Bitcoin funding rate – which measures the cost of holding long positions in perpetual futures – reached its highest point since October 18, according to CryptoQuant data. That signals growing appetite for bullish bets, though open interest in futures remains "well below recent peaks that coincided with bitcoin's recent highs in October," Bea noted. The token hit an all-time high of $126,251 on October 6.Joel Kruger, crypto strategist at LMAX, suggested the quiet conditions may be deceptive. "Bitcoin, in particular, has already repriced meaningfully higher this year and may now be absorbing supply as longer-term holders remain patient," he said. "The market's ability to hold elevated levels despite quiet conditions arguably reinforces the view that the marginal buyer remains intact, even if currently inactive."Please also check my previous cryptocurrency analyses:Geopolitical Tensions Support Risk AssetsThe crypto rally coincided with rising oil prices as hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal dimmed. West Texas Intermediate crude jumped 1% to $57.24 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 0.80% to $60.81.Russia attacked Ukraine's Kherson Combined Heat and Power Plant on Sunday, causing significant damage to infrastructure that provides heating for tens of thousands of residents. Ukraine responded by striking the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, damaging the facility's only primary processing unit.The attacks complicated diplomatic progress, even as President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated headway on a 20-point peace plan. The nearly four-year conflict has contributed to persistent global inflation pressures.Bitcoin And XRP Price Technical AnalysisBitcoin Under PressureAccording to my technical analysis, Bitcoin is consolidating within a range last seen in April. The upper boundary sits between $90,000 and $92,000, reinforced by the 50-day exponential moving average and a 110% Fibonacci extension. The lower limit rests at the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement and a $86,000-$84,000 zone that's been actively tested since late November.The medium and long-term setup remains bearish, with the moving average configuration suggesting a downtrend. I continue to target a decline toward $74,000 – this year's April lows – where I expect stronger institutional accumulation. Until Bitcoin breaks decisively from this consolidation, extended sideways movement likely persists through the turn of the year.Until Bitcoin breaks decisively from this consolidation, extended sideways movement likely persists through the turn of the year. The current range represents the same level of volatility compression last observed in April, suggesting a significant move may be building.XRP In Bearish TrendFor XRP, the picture looks similarly challenging. While the token tested $1.92 on Monday before settling around $1.90, it faces resistance at a local level marked by June lows and retested in November. The bearish moving average setup – particularly the 50-200 EMA death cross that formed in early November – suggests further downside. Initial support sits at $1.80, then $1.70-$1.61, with an ultimate target around $1.25.The chart shows a network of significant resistance levels ahead, including the current local zone being tested. I expect further depreciation, potentially before year-end. Initial support sits at $1.80, representing this month's lows, followed by the $1.70-$1.61 zone marked by April's lows. My ultimate target sits around $1.25 – the flash crash lows from October 10 – which would represent a decline of several dozen percentage points from current levels.The price currently trades below both key moving averages, which reinforces the bearish outlook in the medium term.Waiting for January Catalysts?Despite growing institutional adoption and policy wins under the pro-crypto Trump administration, Bitcoin has slipped roughly 4% in 2025. Many traders now look to January for fresh catalysts as liquidity returns to markets."Looking ahead, crypto's calm may prove temporary once liquidity returns and macro narratives reassert themselves in the new year," Kruger said. "Should easing expectations firm or risk appetite broaden further, Bitcoin and Ethereum could re-engage from a position of relative balance rather than excess. In that sense, the more subdued tone may be laying the groundwork for a more durable [move] into the new year."Asian equity markets traded quietly on Monday, with thin year-end volumes keeping activity muted. South Korea's KOSPI index provided an exception, rallying 1.7% on gains in chipmaker stocks.Crypto Price Analysis FAQWhy did Bitcoin go up today?Bitcoin rose over 2% on Monday as funding rates reached their highest level since October 18, signaling renewed demand for bullish positions in perpetual futures markets. The move appears driven by short-term retail traders rebuilding leveraged positions after October's $19 billion liquidation event. Rising geopolitical tensions from renewed Russia-Ukraine attacks also pushed investors toward alternative assets.Will Bitcoin go up in 2025?Bitcoin has declined roughly 4% in 2025 despite hitting an all-time high of $126,251 in October. Analysts surveyed by CNBC predict prices could reach $150,000 to $200,000 by year-end, driven by institutional adoption, favorable regulations under the Trump administration, and growing corporate treasury strategies. However, technical analysis suggests near-term consolidation with potential downside to $74,000 before a sustained rally materializes.Is Bitcoin a good investment now?Bitcoin faces mixed signals in late 2025. While institutional inflows continue and 61 major US firms have adopted Bitcoin treasury strategies, the cryptocurrency trades in a bearish technical pattern with resistance at $90,000-$92,000. Volatility remains high, with historical corrections of 70-80% from peaks. Long-term investors betting on continued institutional adoption may find current levels attractive, but near-term traders should expect extended sideways movement through early 2026.What factors affect Bitcoin's price?Bitcoin's price responds primarily to three forces: global liquidity measured by money supply (M2), which explains over half of price variance; leverage in the futures and derivatives markets; and on-chain fundamentals like mining difficulty and holder behavior. Additional factors include institutional ETF inflows, regulatory developments, geopolitical tensions affecting risk appetite, and supply constraints from the halving cycle. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The global mergers and acquisitions market roared back to life in 2025, with total deal value reaching $4.5 trillion according to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data. The surge marks the second-highest annual total on record, trailing only the pandemic-era frenzy of 2021.Global M&A Surges to $4.5 Trillion in 2025What really defined this year was the sheer size of individual transactions. Companies announced 68 deals valued at $10 billion or more, an all-time high that reshaped everything from media to railroads. These megadeals accounted for a disproportionate share of total activity, even as the overall number of transactions fell 7% to the lowest level since 2016."I haven't seen large-scale M&A like this in a decade," Tony Kim, co-president of investment bank Centerview Partners, told the Financial Times. "These are deals which are really transforming industries. Scaled M&A requires a lot of important ingredients in the mix to succeed, and we seem to have all of those elements today."LSEG plans to link its financial data and analytics services with OpenAI’s chatbot, allowing licensed users to access pricing information, news, and analytical tools directly within the ChatGPT interface.American companies drove much of the year's activity, with deals involving US targets totaling $2.3 trillion - the highest proportion since 1998. Those transactions generated more than half of the estimated $135 billion in investment banking fees, up 9% from last year.The two biggest deals exemplify the year's bold dealmaking: Netflix and Paramount are battling for control of Warner Bros Discovery, while Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are pursuing a $250 billion railroad merger that would create a transcontinental giant.Both scenarios echo 2021's megadeal landscape, when WarnerMedia merged with Discovery and Canadian Pacific Railway acquired Kansas City Southern for $31 billion.Trump Administration Shifts Regulatory LandscapeDealmakers pointed to loosened regulatory oversight under the Trump administration as a catalyst for bolder transactions. Companies that might have hesitated to pursue transformative deals in previous years felt more comfortable taking on regulatory risk."What we see with corporate clients is a willingness to take on regulatory risk for transactions that are strategic," Andrew Nussbaum, co-chair of the executive committee at law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, told FT. "They see a willingness of the regulators to engage in constructive dialogue."The path wasn't entirely smooth. Trump's sweeping "liberation day" tariffs announced in early April temporarily froze activity as companies reassessed their plans. But momentum returned quickly, with dealmaking posting back-to-back quarters above $1 trillion in the second half - the first time that's happened in four years.Private Equity Activity Lags Broader MarketBuyout firms struggled to match the broader market's pace, with private equity dealmaking up just 25% to $889 billion. These firms continue to face challenges exiting existing investments, though some flagship transactions did materialize.The largest was a $55 billion take-private of video game maker Electronic Arts led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with backing from Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's investment firm."The general narrative is that sponsors are not active, but there were some large take-private transactions," Anu Aiyengar, global head of advisory and M&A at JPMorgan Chase, said to FT. "Despite the equity markets hitting record highs, mispriced opportunities continue to exist and the scale of these opportunities are made possible with financing coming from a myriad of sources."A pickup in large initial public offerings - including medical supply group Medline and security services company Verisure - gave private equity firms more options to exit positions beyond traditional M&A sales.Goldman Sachs expects the momentum to continue. "Over the next couple of years there's room for more activity, and we certainly feel the sponsor wave in particular is only just gaining momentum," Andre Kelleners, co-head of European investment banking at the firm, concluded. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.