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.

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.