KEY TAKEAWAYS Using a separate email for crypto activities provides an essential barrier against phishing and spam. Dedicated emails allow for better filtering and organization of crypto-related alerts, enabling users to quickly identify legitimate notifications and respond to potential threats. A separate Linux laptop boosts crypto security through its open-source design, offering strong encryption and a hardened kernel that resists common malware. By reserving a laptop solely for crypto, users prevent cross-contamination from other activities, such as browsing or downloading, which could introduce viruses or keyloggers that target wallet information and recovery phrases. Combining separate emails and laptops creates a compartmentalized security framework that limits the impact of any single breach, aligning with defense-in-depth principles to protect digital assets in an environment rife with hackers and scammers.   Research shows that using separate emails and specialised machines for crypto-related tasks can greatly lower risks. This method fixes problems that come with shared systems, like phishing attacks and malware infections that affect general-purpose devices and accounts.  This article looks at the reasons for utilising distinct emails for crypto exchanges and specialised laptops, like those that run Linux, to improve overall security. It does this by using information from the industry and security experts. By looking at these practices, we show how they make security stronger in the face of growing dangers in the crypto ecosystem. The Risks of Using Shared Emails and Devices for Crypto  People who use cryptocurrencies frequently don't realise how dangerous it is to use regular emails and personal PCs to manage their digital assets. Over time, shared emails, especially long-standing personal accounts, get spam and phishing efforts, which makes it more likely that you will accidentally see bad content. For example, emails from Hotmail, which started in the late 1990s, are likely to get phony messages that seem like real crypto platforms, such as bogus Coinbase alerts. These might lead to clicks that weren't meant to happen and security holes. Malware that steals wallet keys or watches keystrokes often targets mainstream operating systems like Windows or macOS on personal laptops. These systems are easy to use for everyday tasks, but they don't have the extra security needed for high-risk operations like trading cryptocurrencies. Hackers and scammers are well-known for trying to take advantage of any flaw in the crypto realm. This is why it's important to keep these operations separate so that a single breach doesn't cause a lot of damage. Advantages of Having a Separate Email for Crypto Activities One of the easiest and most efficient ways to improve crypto security is to make separate email addresses just for cryptocurrency accounts. This separation helps keep possible breaches from spreading to adjacent areas. For instance, using a different email for each crypto exchange makes it harder for hackers to get in. If one account is hacked, the others are safe since their credentials are not linked. Additionally, having distinct email accounts makes users less likely to fall for phishing scams since it keeps their inbox clean and focused only on real crypto conversations. Personal emails often get a lot of spam, including smart phishing emails that look like official messages from exchanges. Users can more readily spot and disregard strange messages if they set up a separate email account for crypto. This lowers the chance of falling for fraud. This method also protects your privacy because it stops you from accidentally sharing crucial financial information with others who don't use crypto when you reply to or forward an email. Dedicated emails also help you better organise and filter emails that have to do with cryptocurrencies. Users can set up particular rules to make sure that warnings from exchanges or wallets are prioritised. This way, they can respond to security concerns quickly without having to deal with a lot of unrelated emails. This organisational benefit indirectly improves security by making it easier to find unusual events, including attempts to log in without permission. Overall, platforms like BYDFi stress that this separation adds an extra layer of safety against hackers and scammers, which is why it is a good idea to do so to preserve digital assets. Benefits of Having A Separate Laptop for Crypto Security For crypto users who want to strengthen their defences, switching to a separate laptop, especially one with a secure operating system like Linux, has a lot of benefits. Windows and macOS are popular targets for malware, but Linux is a strong, open-source platform with built-in security measures that make it perfect for handling sensitive crypto operations. Because Linux is open source, the community can look at it and make it stronger, which leads to stronger encryption techniques and a smaller attack surface. A dedicated Linux laptop is like a secure "safe" for crypto assets. It reduces the hazards that come with normal computer use, which could make them less secure. For example, many custom-made Linux computers come with pre-configured secure versions like Linux Mint. These distributions come with capabilities for encrypted storage and safe browsing built in. This configuration keeps crypto wallets, recovery seeds, and transaction data safe against risks that could happen on shared devices, such as keyloggers or malware that could get into a family computer. Also, utilising a separate laptop lets you use extra security measures, like only using hardened browsers like LibreWolf or Brave for crypto tasks. You may set up these browsers with profiles that protect your privacy by blocking trackers and harmful scripts. This makes them even safer against phishing and man-in-the-middle assaults, which are widespread in the crypto realm. Linux technologies like LUKS make it easy to create encrypted USB backups, which provide another layer of security by keeping crucial information safe away from the main machine. Users can prevent the risk of cross-contamination that comes from surfing insecure sites or downloading files on devices that can perform more than one thing by only using their laptops for crypto. How These Practices Make Overall Crypto Risk Management Better Adding separate emails and laptops to a crypto security plan significantly changes how risk is managed by encouraging compartmentalisation. This idea, which is sometimes called "defence in depth," makes it much tougher for attackers to get through by putting up many obstacles. For instance, even if a phishing email gets through a dedicated inbox, the laptop's isolated environment can stop malware from running because its OS is more secure and its rights are more limited. Research from security-focused sources shows that this kind of separation greatly lessens the effects of intrusions. If a personal email is hacked, the fact that it isn't connected to crypto accounts means that wallets or exchanges can't be accessed right away. Also, a Linux laptop is less likely to get infected with typical viruses, thus crypto operations are safe even if other devices in the house get infected. This method also promotes better behaviours, such as regular upgrades and two-factor authentication that is specific to the system, which makes security even better. Also, these steps are in line with what the rest of the business says to do to defend against the particular threats in cryptocurrencies, such as targeted scams and hacking of exchanges. Users can focus on watching specific signs of compromise, like strange login attempts in isolated emails or system logs on the dedicated laptop, by limiting shared resources. In the end, this proactive approach not only protects assets but also gives users more confidence in how to navigate the unstable crypto landscape. Possible Problems and the Best Ways to Implement It's evident that there are benefits, but setting up separate laptops and emails requires careful preparation to prevent typical mistakes. Managing various passwords and keeping the dedicated laptop up to date without putting it at danger are two of the problems. To fix this, users should only use password managers on their protected devices and choose email providers like ProtonMail that focus on privacy for their crypto accounts. The best way to do this is to start with one email address for each major exchange and add more over time. Choosing pre-hardened Linux setups from well-known providers for laptops is the best way to ensure security without needing a lot of technical knowledge. Backing up your data often with encrypted tools and not installing software you don't need can make your protection even better. Users can get the most security benefits with the least amount of operational complexity by following these rules. FAQs Why should I use a separate email for my crypto accounts? A separate email isolates crypto communications, reducing phishing risks and preventing breaches from spreading to other accounts. How does a dedicated laptop improve crypto security? It provides a secure environment free from everyday threats, especially with Linux's encryption and low malware susceptibility. Is Linux better than Windows for crypto activities? Yes, Linux's open-source nature and hardened features make it more resistant to attacks targeting crypto users. What are the privacy benefits of these practices? They prevent accidental sharing of sensitive data and allow focused monitoring of crypto-specific threats. Can I use free email services for crypto? Yes, but choose secure providers; the key is dedication and isolation from personal use. References Should You Use A Separate Email Address When Investing in Crypto?: Medium  Why You Need a Linux Laptop for Crypto Security: Freedom Technology & Services  What are the benefits of having a separate email address for managing my cryptocurrency investments?: BYDFi 

KEY TAKEAWAYS Signature Bank's pivot to crypto deposits accelerated its growth but exposed it to unprecedented volatility and contagion risks, leading to its seizure by regulators in March 2023. Poor governance and inadequate liquidity management were the root causes, as the bank failed to align risk practices with its expanded complexity. The failure revealed flaws in liquidity risk models, showing that traditional assumptions underestimate the speed of digital-era deposit runs. Regulators now emphasize updated frameworks to incorporate technology, customer behaviour, and sectoral concentrations like crypto. For the crypto industry, the loss of banking partners could slow U.S. growth, forcing firms to seek alternatives or relocate offshore.   In March 2023, Signature Bank, a well-known commercial bank based in New York, failed in a big way. This shocked both the traditional banking industry and the cryptocurrency business. The bank was founded in 2001 and at first specialized in loans for commercial real estate and industry. However, during the pandemic-era boom, it shifted its focus to higher-risk projects, including a big push into crypto-related services.  This change not only sped up its expansion, but it also showed serious problems with how it managed risk. This essay looks at how Signature Bank's exposure to cryptocurrencies led to its downfall and changed the way banks think about risk. It stresses the necessity for stronger liquidity assumptions and governance in the age of digital finance. Signature Bank's Change in Strategy to Crypto Signature Bank started to diversify its portfolio in 2018 because it was too dependent on commercial real estate loans, which were over the risk levels that U.S. regulators said were safe. At a financial industry conference in 2018, John Tamberlane, the bank's vice chairman, said, "We don't want the commercial real estate concentration that we currently have." To help with this, the bank started lending to cab drivers, heavy-equipment companies, private-equity investors for short periods of time, and, most importantly, a digital assets banking organization. The bank's acceptance of cryptocurrencies began with the development of Signet, a blockchain-based payment network in 2019. This platform lets commercial clients, including crypto businesses, make payments in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By January 2021, Signature had almost $10 billion in crypto deposits, making it a major participant in the space. Eric Howell, a bank official, said it was "the best player in that space." By the end of 2022, deposits tied to digital assets made up around 20% of the bank's total deposits. This helped the bank's assets expand from $47 billion in 2018 to $110.4 billion. But this diversity made things more dangerous in new ways. The bank's plan depended on uninsured deposits from crypto customers, which were very concentrated and affected by changes in the market. As the crypto industry went through a rough patch, with platforms like FTX going down in November 2022 (they were a client of Signature), regulatory attention grew. To protect themselves, the bank sold off $8 billion in crypto-related deposits in December 2022, but confidence was already starting to fall. The Cascade that Led to Failure In March 2023, a wider banking crisis caused a liquidity issue that led to the failure of Signature Bank. On March 8, Silvergate Bank closed its doors, and on March 10, Silicon Valley Bank failed. This caused panic and a huge amount of money to leave Signature Bank. On March 12, the New York State Department of Financial Services took over the bank because it couldn't give accurate information, which led to a loss of trust in its leadership. Regulatory reviews found that bad management and weak risk controls were the main problems. The FDIC's assessment said that the bank was trying to grow "quickly and without limits" without putting in place and keeping up with risk management techniques and controls that were suitable for the size, complexity, and risk profile of the organization. In particular, Signature didn't realize how risky it was to be involved with crypto, since many of its digital asset clients pulled out their money during a time of industry instability.  The run got worse because the bank relied too much on uninsured deposits, which made up more than 80% of all deposits. These funds turned out to be much less "sticky" than expected. Investigations also found possible problems with following anti-money laundering (AML) rules when it came to bitcoin clients. Before the collapse, the FDIC was getting ready to issue a consent order for what looked like violations of sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) rules. This shows how crypto exposure made regulatory and reputational risks worse. Rethinking Banking Risk Models Post-Signature The collapse of Signature Bank showed that typical banking risk models have big holes in them, especially when it comes to managing liquidity and making assumptions about how people will deposit money. Before the collapse, models typically didn't take into account how quickly and how much money would be withdrawn, especially in digital contexts where clients could move money immediately through platforms like Signet. The New York Department of Financial Services' internal study said that "the rapid collapse of Signature shows how important it is to rethink the assumptions used to model and manage liquidity risk." Depositors took out money at rates that were much higher than normal stress conditions. This led to requests for new frameworks that take into consideration technology-driven behaviours and the unique volatility of cryptocurrencies. Since then, banks and regulators have pushed for better evaluations of liquidity risk. The FDIC's Material Loss Review said that Signature's wrong assumptions about deposit loyalty, especially from crypto clients, showed that uninsured, concentrated deposits need to be modelled more carefully. This has caused bigger changes in the industry, such as stricter stress testing for mid-sized banks and more attention on sectoral concentrations like digital assets.  For example, the joint statement from U.S. regulators in January 2023 cautioned against the systemic dangers of crypto, which kept banks from getting into similar situations and made sure these risks were taken into account when calculating risk-weighted assets. The European Central Bank reiterated these worries in Europe, saying that banks like Signature were at risk from crypto since they were growing so quickly. It also called on regulators to do a better job of finding links between traditional banking and riskier industries. Overall, Signature's case has led to a trend towards risk models that are more flexible and cognisant of technology and that put a lot of emphasis on planning for the unexpected and keeping an eye on things in real time. Effects on the Crypto Industry Signature's failure hurt the U.S. crypto economy in more ways than just banking. As one of the few big banks that would work with crypto businesses, its failure caused a gap in important services like dollar deposits and fast transfers. Taylor Johnson, who helped start PsyFi, said, "If there is no U.S. bank that will take deposits from a crypto client, the effects would be huge." It would hurt a lot and make people and businesses in the U.S. do less with crypto. John Lo, managing partner at Recharge Capital, said that smaller crypto businesses would be hit the hardest because major companies are switching to bigger banks and new initiatives are having trouble finding partners. Ryan Selkis, one of the founders of Messari, tweeted that "crypto's banking rails have been effectively shuttered in less than a week." He saw this as an indication that crypto is not accepted in the U.S. This has caused several companies to move their operations overseas, which could hurt innovation in the US. FAQs What was Signature Bank's role in the crypto industry? Signature Bank provided essential services like the Signet platform for real-time transfers and held billions in crypto deposits, making it a key ally for exchanges and startups. Why did Signature Bank fail? A combination of rapid deposit outflows triggered by banking contagion, overreliance on uninsured crypto-linked deposits, and weak risk management led to its collapse. How has this changed banking risk models? It prompted a reevaluation of liquidity assumptions, with regulators advocating for models that account for faster withdrawals and crypto-specific risks. What are the implications for crypto firms? Without major U.S. banking partners, crypto businesses face challenges in handling dollar deposits, potentially reducing activity and driving operations abroad. Were there warning signs before the failure? Yes, regulatory concerns about AML compliance and crypto exposure were mounting, alongside the bank's efforts to reduce digital asset ties post-FTX collapse. References Why Signature Bank's Failure Is Worrying the Crypto Industry: Time Magazine  Signature Bank's Move Into Higher-Risk Businesses, Such As Crypto, Major Reason For Failure: WSJ: Yahoo Finance  Material Loss Review of Signature Bank of New York: FDIC OIG

The FIX Trading Community has launched a new industry working group focused on the evolution of 24-hour trading in U.S. equities, as momentum builds toward extended and continuous market access. The initiative comes amid growing activity from alternative trading systems offering overnight access to U.S. stocks, and as major market infrastructure providers signal readiness to expand beyond traditional trading hours. While overnight trading currently represents a small fraction of overall U.S. equity volumes, FIX believes the market is approaching an inflection point that requires coordinated industry engagement. Overnight Equity Trading Moves Closer to the Mainstream Several alternative trading systems have already launched services enabling overnight trading in U.S. equities. Although volumes remain modest at roughly 0.1% of total U.S. market activity, interest from both retail and institutional participants is accelerating. Industry projections suggest overnight trading could grow to between 1% and 10% of total U.S. equity volume by 2028, driven by global investor demand, increased retail participation, and advances in market infrastructure. FIX Executive Director Jim Kaye said these developments indicate the market is nearing a tipping point. With extended-hours trading no longer theoretical, the industry must begin addressing operational, regulatory, and structural implications. Major Market Infrastructures Signal Extended Hours The timing of the FIX working group coincides with recent announcements from key U.S. market institutions. Exchanges including NYSE, Cboe, and Nasdaq, alongside Securities Information Processors and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, have outlined plans to support 24/5 trading models. According to Kaye, these initiatives mark a critical shift in market structure. “This is the right time to rally the industry to ensure we’re ready for the next stage of overnight trading,” he said, pointing to the need for alignment across trading venues, clearing, and data infrastructure. The working group will examine how broker-dealers and alternative trading systems may operate in extended sessions, and what broader access means for global investors seeking exposure to U.S. equities outside traditional market hours. Addressing Liquidity, Regulation, and Workflow Challenges Despite growing interest, 24-hour equity trading presents several challenges. Lower liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads during overnight sessions remain key concerns, particularly for institutional participants accustomed to deep daytime markets. The working group will also explore how existing regulatory frameworks apply outside U.S. trading hours, including market surveillance, investor protection, and reporting obligations across jurisdictions. Another focus will be how to integrate 24-hour trading into established institutional workflows, from order management and risk controls to post-trade processing and settlement. FIX has invited firms across the market ecosystem to participate in shaping practical, interoperable solutions. Takeaway: FIX’s new 24-hour trading working group signals that overnight U.S. equity trading is moving from niche experimentation toward mainstream market structure, forcing the industry to confront liquidity, regulatory, and operational readiness sooner rather than later.

Crypto markets were hit by another wave of panic selling this week as Bitcoin slid more than 4%, triggering over $1.8 billion in liquidations on January 20. This has also affected other altcoins like Cardano, forcing traders to reassess their near term Cardano price prediction as bearish pressure continues. While the Cardano ADA forecast remains uncertain in the short term, capital is increasingly flowing into high conviction presales like DeepSnitch AI, where a tightening launch countdown and aggressive bonus structure are fueling speculation around a potential 200x breakout. Bitcoin crash sparks $1.8B liquidation wave as 2025 gains erased On Tuesday, Bitcoin continued its sell-off, falling an additional 4% as risk sentiment in the cryptocurrency market sharply declined. US President Donald Trump's renewed tariff rhetoric and the volatility of Japanese government bonds have contributed to the most recent decline, rekindling macro uncertainty and putting pressure on speculative assets. On CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin briefly fell from the $89,000 range to almost $87,700, its lowest point since the end of December. Over $1.8 billion in leveraged positions were destroyed in the last 48 hours as a result of the action, which set off a chain reaction of forced closures.  About 93% of those liquidations, according to Coinglass data, came from traders who were positioned for upside, demonstrating how aggressively the market was leaning prior to the reversal. The pullback has now erased all of Bitcoin’s gains for the year, leaving the asset roughly 10% below its 2025 peak, just under $98,000.  DeepSnitch AI draws investors with a potential 200x boost and utility  As traders reassess their Cardano price prediction after weeks of violent swings, a growing number are looking into projects like DeepSnitch AI with momentum and immense potential.  DeepSnitch AI features five AI agents inside a single dashboard, four of which are live, SnitchFeed, SnitchGPT, SnitchScan, and AuditSnitch. Everything funnels into one interface, which is already usable today.  One of these agents, SnitchScan, helps traders cut through noise within issues like the Cardano price prediction, tracking real on-chain and social signals, then translating them into simple scores and alerts inside the dashboard.  Recent upgrades now allow direct contract address analysis, breaking down why a token looks strong or risky rather than hiding behind vague labels.  Its reward system is also a major attraction. Investors can earn bonus rewards like a 30% bonus on purchases of $2,000 or more using DSNTVIP30, a 50% bonus on $5,000+ with DSNTVIP50, and a 150% bonus for purchases up to $10,000 with DSNTVIP150.  The highest tier, DSNTVIP300, offers a 300% allocation boost on contributions of $30,000 and above. These incentives and more are designed to reward early investors, making now the best time to join as the countdown accelerates. Cardano price prediction: ADA records 15% decline as altcoin markets turn bearish  The Cardano price prediction has declined over the past week, with the ADA token trading at $0.424 on January 15 before sinking to $0.359 by January 21, marking a 15% drop amid renewed weakness in altcoin markets. This decline shows wider pressure across digital assets, with Bitcoin and other major tokens also struggling under bearish sentiment and recent liquidation waves.   While this movement feeds into the ADA long-term prediction, it also shows how sensitive altcoins remain subject to bearish conditions before recovering after the change in sentiment.  BTC drops below $90k amid crypto liquidations  Bitcoin’s price has slipped noticeably over the past week, moving from $94,880 on January 15 to $89,194 by January 21, a roughly 6% decline as the bearish sentiment grips the crypto market. The move under the key $90,000 mark has coincided with a fresh wave of forced selling, with capital shifting away from speculative BTC bets into safer assets.   Some analysts point to the breakdown below $90k as a technical trigger that increased selling pressure. While long-term supporters still note Bitcoin’s resilience and structural demand, the recent decline shows that even the largest crypto is subject to volatility  Conclusion While the latest Cardano price prediction shows bearish pressure after $1.8B in liquidations shook the market, smart investors are seeking opportunities in presales that provide both utility and upside.  As the Cardano price prediction continues to face short term uncertainty, DeepSnitch AI gives traders immediate tools to navigate volatility and position for potential 200x gains. With limited time bonus codes like DSNTVIP30, DSNTVIP50, DSNTVIP150, and DSNTVIP300, traders can join now and enjoy massive rewards before the launch date.  Visit the official website for priority access and check out X and Telegram for their latest community updates. FAQs What is the Cardano price outlook for 2026? The Cardano price outlook for 2026 remains volatile but could recover over the medium term. Meanwhile, DeepSnitch AI offers live trading intelligence, actionable insights, and presale bonuses, making it a more compelling choice for traders looking to recover losses. According to the Cardano price prediction, will ADA reach $1? ADA may reach $1 in a strong bullish cycle, which is why the Cardano price prediction continues to attract attention. However, many investors see DeepSnitch AI’s 200x potential as a far more rewarding opportunity during the current market phase. Is it too late to invest in DeepSnitch AI? It is not too late to invest in DeepSnitch AI. With the presale in its final stage, launch approaching, and bonus allocations still active, early investors can still gain maximum advantage while positioning for the platform’s live utility and potential 200x upside.

In response to the short report previously released by the short-selling firm Capitalwatch, AppLovin responded by firmly refuting all allegations in the report. The report is filled with false, misleading, and illogical allegations. In its public disclosure filings, AppLovin has provided full and transparent disclosures regarding the company's material investments, global business operations, and information related to major shareholders. As a publicly traded company, AppLovin's common stock is traded freely on the open market; the company cannot, and is not able to, control any individual's or institution's buying, selling, or holding of its shares. AppLovin operates a highly compliant and highly transparent advertising platform and consistently adheres to strict financial compliance standards. In terms of platform governance, we conduct rigorous audits of advertisers and developers through multi-layered and cross-validated audit and risk control mechanisms, including KYC (Know Your Customer) and tax compliance verification, while combining automated and manual review systems to ensure the integrity of the platform ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of platform governance, we explicitly prohibit any illegal or sensitive content (including gambling products) and will take measures such as removal for participants who violate platform rules. Claims regarding "AppLovin assisting in money laundering" or "its products being used for unauthorized downloads" are entirely untrue. AppLovin exists within a mature ecosystem composed of mainstream app stores, operating systems, and payment service providers. Apps that monetize through our platform must be publicly listed on mainstream app stores and undergo their independent audit and supervision. From the perspective of economic logic, the so-called "money laundering" allegations are completely untenable: ad display parties can only receive a portion of the revenue from the amount spent by advertisers. This means that any attempt to "launder money" through this method would require giving up a significant proportion of funds while leaving behind highly clear and auditable transaction records between multiple independent corporate entities. Therefore, if the premises of the report were accepted, it would be equivalent to alleging a systemic failure of the entire mobile advertising and app store ecosystem, and the report has not provided any credible evidence to support this conclusion. AppLovin officials stated: We firmly refute all allegations in this report. The report is filled with false, misleading, and illogical allegations. AppLovin has provided full and transparent disclosures in its public disclosure filings regarding its material investments, global business operations, and information related to major shareholders. As a publicly traded company, AppLovin's common stock is traded freely on the open market; the company cannot, and is not able to, control the buying, selling, or holding of shares by any individual or institution. AppLovin operates a highly compliant and transparent advertising platform and consistently adheres to strict financial compliance standards. In terms of platform governance, we conduct rigorous audits of advertisers and developers through multi-layered, cross-validated audit and risk control mechanisms, including KYC and tax compliance verification, while combining automated and manual review systems to ensure the integrity of the platform ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of platform governance, we explicitly prohibit any illegal or sensitive content (including gambling products) and will take measures such as removal for participants who violate platform rules.  For information regarding AppLovin's platform governance rules, please refer to: https://www.applovin.com/en/platform-enforcement. Claims regarding "AppLovin assisting in money laundering" or "its products being used for unauthorized downloads" are entirely untrue. AppLovin exists within a mature ecosystem composed of mainstream app stores, operating systems, and payment service providers. Apps that monetize through our platform must be publicly listed on major app stores and undergo their independent audit and supervision.  From the perspective of economic logic, the so-called "money laundering" allegations are fundamentally untenable: ad display parties only receive a portion of the funds spent by advertisers. This means any attempt to "launder money" through this method would require forfeiting a significant proportion of capital while leaving clear, auditable transaction records between multiple independent corporate entities. Therefore, accepting the report's assumptions would be equivalent to alleging a systemic failure of the entire mobile advertising and app store ecosystem, for which the report provides no credible evidence.

ThetaRay has appointed financial markets technology veteran Brad Levy as Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition as the company accelerates global expansion of its Cognitive AI platform for financial crime compliance. Levy, formerly CEO of financial markets infrastructure platform Symphony, takes the helm as ThetaRay scales its transaction monitoring and due diligence technology across banks and fintechs worldwide. The company positions its Cognitive AI approach as a category-defining alternative to traditional rule-based compliance systems. The appointment comes at a pivotal stage for ThetaRay, following a period of rapid enterprise adoption and product expansion that has established the firm as a leading provider of AI-native compliance solutions. Seasoned Infrastructure Executive Steps In Levy brings decades of experience building and operating mission-critical financial infrastructure at global scale. Most recently, he served as CEO of Symphony, the secure communications and collaboration platform founded by a consortium of major global banks, including Goldman Sachs, and used by hundreds of thousands of financial professionals. Prior to Symphony, Levy was a senior executive and partner at IHS Markit, where he served as CEO of MarkitSERV and led the firm’s global loan settlement and software services business. Earlier in his career, he spent 18 years at Goldman Sachs, ultimately becoming Managing Director and Global Head of the firm’s Principal Strategic Investments Group. “ThetaRay has built the leading AI platform for financial crime compliance, with proven impact across the world’s most complex financial environments,” Levy said. “The industry is reaching a tipping point, where AI is no longer optional but foundational. My focus is on scaling this platform globally, deepening our partnerships with financial institutions, and embedding compliance as a strategic capability that drives sustainable growth.” Leadership Transition as Company Scales Levy succeeds Peter Reynolds, who has served as CEO since June 2023 and will step down due to family reasons. Reynolds will transition into an advisory role and remain actively involved during a defined handover period. Under Reynolds’ leadership, ThetaRay accelerated global growth, expanded its enterprise customer base, and strengthened its end-to-end product suite, helping to position the company as a clear category leader in Cognitive AI financial crime compliance. “ThetaRay is the clear category leader in Cognitive AI for financial crime compliance, and we have reached a moment where scale, execution, and global impact matter more than ever,” said Erel Margalit, Chairman of ThetaRay and Founder and Chair of JVP. “Brad is a proven leader in building and operating core financial infrastructure at global scale, and he is the right CEO to lead ThetaRay into its next phase as a defining platform for the industry.” Backed for Global Expansion in Vertical AI ThetaRay is backed by leading global investors including JVP and Portage, providing capital and strategic support as the company targets expansion across international banking and payments markets. Margalit highlighted that Vertical and Cognitive AI are emerging as the preferred approach for securing monetary transactions, noting that ThetaRay’s technology not only combats increasingly sophisticated financial crime but also enables legitimate global trade by allowing institutions to operate more efficiently and securely. Deployed at major financial institutions including Santander, Clear Bank, Mashreq Bank, Payoneer, Onafriq, and Travelex, ThetaRay’s SaaS platform is designed to shorten implementation cycles, improve risk precision, and transform compliance from a regulatory burden into a driver of sustainable growth. Takeaway: Brad Levy’s appointment signals ThetaRay’s shift from high-growth scale-up to global infrastructure player, as Cognitive and Vertical AI become foundational technologies in transaction monitoring and financial crime compliance.

Miami International Holdings (MIAX) has completed the sale of a 90% stake in MIAX Derivatives Exchange (MIAXdx) to a joint venture formed by Robinhood Markets and Susquehanna International Group, while retaining a 10% equity interest in the exchange and clearinghouse. The transaction marks a significant shift in ownership for MIAXdx, a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market and Derivatives Clearing Organization authorised to list and clear fully collateralised futures, options on futures, and swaps. MIAX said the deal aligns with its broader strategy of partnering with major industry players while concentrating capital and resources on organic growth across its core exchange businesses. Strategic Focus on Prediction Markets and Core Growth By divesting a majority stake while maintaining minority ownership, MIAX gains continued exposure to the rapidly evolving prediction markets segment without bearing full operational responsibility. MIAX Chairman and CEO Thomas P. Gallagher said the sale unlocks shareholder value while reinforcing the group’s long-term growth strategy. He noted that the retained equity position allows MIAX to participate in MIAXdx’s future development as the market expands. MIAX emphasised that proceeds and strategic focus will be redirected toward strengthening and scaling its existing exchange platforms across multiple asset classes. Robinhood Deepens Push Into Futures and Prediction Markets For Robinhood, the acquisition accelerates its expansion into derivatives and prediction markets, an area of growing interest among both retail and institutional participants. JB Mackenzie, VP and GM of Futures and International at Robinhood, said the deal enhances the firm’s ability to deliver improved customer experiences in this emerging asset class while strengthening its regulated market infrastructure. The partnership with Susquehanna International Group brings additional market-making, liquidity, and derivatives expertise to the venture, positioning MIAXdx for broader adoption and product expansion. MIAXdx Positioned for Next Phase of Development MIAXdx operates as both an exchange and clearinghouse under CFTC oversight, enabling it to support a range of fully collateralised derivative products with integrated clearing. Under its new ownership structure, the platform is expected to benefit from Robinhood’s retail reach, Susquehanna’s trading expertise, and MIAX’s continued strategic involvement as a minority shareholder. Both parties signalled openness to future collaboration, suggesting the transaction could be the foundation for deeper technology and market structure partnerships over time. Takeaway: The sale of 90% of MIAXdx to a Robinhood–Susquehanna joint venture underscores rising momentum in prediction markets, while allowing MIAX to crystallise value, retain strategic exposure, and sharpen its focus on core exchange growth.

Binance Wallet is leaning into a problem most traders already feel: the market moves faster than anyone can read. On January 22, Binance Wallet announced three new AI-powered features for Binance Wallet (Web) designed to help users filter noise, spot early narratives, and track social momentum across multiple chains. The features—Topic Rush, Social Hype, and an AI Assistant widget—are essentially an attempt to turn Web3 information overload into something tradable. Not by adding more feeds, but by compressing signals into dashboards traders can actually act on. What did Binance Wallet actually launch? The update introduces three separate tools inside Binance Wallet (Web), all powered by Binance’s in-house AI systems and focused on trend discovery and token monitoring across major Web3 ecosystems, including BNB Smart Chain, Solana, and Base. Topic Rush is built for narrative tracking. It analyses meme activity and influential posts—particularly on X—to identify emerging themes around tokens on BSC and Solana. Binance says its system can generate new “topic cards” and slot tokens into them within seconds, effectively creating a live map of what narratives are forming and which assets are being pulled into them. Each topic card includes short summaries, token associations, and total inflows. Topics are also grouped by lifecycle stage—Early, Rising, or Viral—based on their all-time high inflow, giving traders a shortcut for gauging how crowded a trade may already be. Binance is also blending discovery with execution. Topic cards support quick buys, and users can drag-and-drop saved trading strategies onto a topic, applying them instantly. It’s designed to remove the friction between “I spotted a narrative” and “I placed a trade.” Why Binance thinks “social data” is now a core market signal The second feature, Social Hype, turns social attention into a structured leaderboard. It ranks tokens based on real-time hype metrics across supported chains, including BSC, Solana, and Base, using signals such as view counts and sentiment analysis. This is basically Binance acknowledging what the market has already learned: social distribution is a liquidity driver. Tokens don’t pump because they’re good. They pump because attention concentrates and spreads. Social Hype includes a “Mindshare” visual that shows how attention is spread across tokens, plus a “Hype Rising” view that highlights sudden spikes. The aim is to give traders earlier reads on momentum moves without bouncing between X, Telegram, and multiple analytics dashboards. Takeaway AI tools won’t make memes safer, but they can make them more legible. If Binance can compress attention data into usable signals, it becomes a real edge for fast-moving narrative markets. What the AI Assistant widget does differently The third tool, AI Assistant, is essentially a token analysis widget that generates instant summaries for any token across BSC, Solana, and Base. Instead of making users manually piece together narrative context, it compresses the basics into one modular panel that can be pinned to a dashboard. Binance says the widget combines: AI-generated token summaries and narrative insights Social sentiment signals from platforms like X Scoring indicators designed to give a quick read on momentum Key event timelines to highlight recent changes or catalysts The value proposition is speed. Traders don’t want a 1,000-word briefing while markets move. They want a fast, structured read they can scan in seconds, especially when tracking multiple small-cap tokens across chains. Winson Liu, Global Lead of Binance Wallet, said information overload is one of the biggest barriers in crypto markets and framed the AI rollout as a way to help users “cut through the noise” and make their own informed decisions. What this signals about Binance Wallet’s direction Binance Wallet’s AI push is part product improvement, part competitive positioning. Wallets are no longer just storage. They’re discovery hubs, execution terminals, and increasingly the first place traders interact with new tokens. By building narrative mapping and hype tracking directly into the wallet, Binance is trying to keep users inside its own ecosystem longer—discovering, analysing, and trading without jumping to external tools. The bigger bet is that “AI discovery” becomes standard in crypto trading workflows. Not because traders want automation, but because the market produces too much data for manual parsing. The platforms that win will be the ones that turn chaos into a clean interface without slowing traders down. Takeaway Watch adoption metrics. If traders start treating wallets as their research layer—not just their execution layer—it shifts power from analytics platforms to embedded ecosystem tools like Binance Wallet. Binance Wallet’s Social Hype, Topic Rush and AI Assistant are now live on Binance Wallet (Web). The features aim to simplify discovery across BSC, Solana and Base, giving traders faster ways to spot trends, track attention, and monitor tokens without drowning in the usual Web3 noise.

Charles Schwab closed 2025 with record quarterly and full-year results, underscoring the scale and resilience of its client-driven business model as asset gathering, trading activity, and revenues all reached new highs. The firm reported fourth-quarter net revenues of $6.3 billion, up 19% year over year, while full-year revenues climbed 22% to a record $23.9 billion. Net income for the quarter reached $2.5 billion, or $1.33 per share, rising to $1.39 on an adjusted basis. For the full year, Schwab generated $8.9 billion in GAAP net income and $9.2 billion on an adjusted basis, reflecting strong operating leverage amid higher client engagement. Total client assets increased 18% year over year to a record $11.90 trillion, supported by robust net inflows and favorable market conditions. Schwab gathered $163.9 billion of core net new assets in the fourth quarter alone, bringing full-year core net new assets to $519.4 billion, a 42% increase versus 2024 and equivalent to a 5.1% organic growth rate. Client Growth and Engagement Power Asset Gathering Schwab’s asset growth was driven by both new and existing clients deepening their relationships with the firm. Total client accounts rose 6% year over year to 46.5 million, while active brokerage accounts increased to 38.5 million. New brokerage account openings exceeded one million for the fifth consecutive quarter, highlighting sustained momentum in client acquisition. “Schwab delivered growth on all fronts in 2025,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wurster. “Total client accounts grew 6% year-over-year to 46.5 million. New and existing clients entrusted us with $519 billion in core net new assets – a 5.1% organic growth rate – bringing total client assets to a record $11.90 trillion.” Client activity also accelerated across wealth management, banking, and trading. Net inflows into managed investing solutions grew 36% for the year compared with 2024, while fourth-quarter managed investing inflows rose 50% year over year. Bank loan balances increased 28% year over year to $58.0 billion, and margin loan balances climbed 34% to $112.3 billion as trading engagement strengthened. Record Revenues Reflect Diversified Business Model Schwab’s revenue growth was broad-based, reflecting the benefits of its diversified platform. Net interest revenue rose 25% year over year in the fourth quarter to $3.2 billion, supported by balance growth and a 57-basis-point expansion in net interest margin to 2.90%. Asset management and administration fees increased 15% year over year in the quarter to $1.7 billion, driven by higher client assets and continued adoption of advisory solutions. Trading revenue grew 22% year over year in the fourth quarter as daily average trades reached 8.3 million, up 31% versus the prior-year period. Over the full year, trading revenue reached $3.9 billion, reflecting higher derivatives activity and sustained market participation by retail and advisory clients. Chief Financial Officer Mike Verdeschi highlighted the operating leverage inherent in the firm’s model. “Doing more for our growing client base bolsters Schwab’s diversified revenue model,” he said. “In 2025, the combination of our business momentum, strong engagement, and favorable equity markets resulted in record revenue of $23.9 billion – up 22% versus the prior year.” Despite the higher activity levels, expense growth remained controlled. Fourth-quarter GAAP expenses rose 4% year over year, while full-year GAAP expense growth was 5%. Adjusted expenses increased 6% for the year, reflecting higher volume-related costs and incremental employee compensation, while pre-tax profit margin expanded to 50.2% in the fourth quarter. Capital Strength and Strategic Positioning Schwab continued to return capital to shareholders while maintaining strong balance sheet flexibility. During the fourth quarter, the firm repurchased 29.2 million shares for $2.7 billion, bringing total capital return for 2025 to $11.8 billion across dividends and buybacks. Common stock repurchases totaled $7.3 billion for the year. Capital ratios remained well above regulatory requirements, with preliminary consolidated Tier 1 Leverage of 9.3% at year-end. Schwab also reduced its reliance on supplemental funding sources, with bank supplemental funding declining to $5.1 billion by the end of the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, Schwab continues to position itself for long-term growth. The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Forge Global, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026, expanding Schwab’s capabilities in private market investing. The firm was also recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Customer Service” providers for 2026, reflecting ongoing investment in client experience. “Clients are conducting more of their financial lives at Schwab, with record engagement across wealth management, trading, and banking,” Wurster said. “That trust and engagement give us confidence as we continue to invest in capabilities that support clients in different market environments.” Takeaway: Schwab’s record 2025 results highlight the strength of its client-driven, diversified model, with asset growth, trading activity, and revenues all reaching new highs while maintaining disciplined expense control and strong capital returns.

While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding Greenland. Media reports indicate that the US President ruled out the use of military force against NATO allies and stepped back from earlier threats to introduce tariffs on imports from several European countries. This shift helped to reduce geopolitical tensions, supporting a rebound in US equities and boosting demand for the US dollar. Price action in USD/JPY reflects this change in sentiment, with the dollar strengthening against the yen (highlighted by the orange arrow). The Japanese currency remains under pressure ahead of the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, due tomorrow. USD/JPY: Technical Outlook At the end of December, our analysis of dollar–yen movements identified a long-term upward channel, which remains intact, albeit with minor adjustments incorporating January price data. The lower boundary of this channel continues to provide support, although its resilience is being tested: → as shown by the red arrow, bearish pressure is evident along the lower internal trendlines of the channel; → today’s high (B) exceeded the 15 January peak (A) only slightly, a pattern that may indicate a bull trap, where a failed upside attempt could encourage sellers to re-enter the market. The next phase of price action will largely depend on a busy and fast-evolving fundamental backdrop. Beyond the developments already mentioned, traders will be watching US GDP figures and initial jobless claims, scheduled for release today at 16:30 GMT+3, which could play a decisive role in shaping USD/JPY direction. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Trading without a plan can be challenging. Markets move quickly and emotions can affect decision-making. Risk management is a key consideration for anyone trading CFDs or other leveraged products. Developing habits around loss control, position sizing, diversification, and review may help traders manage exposure. Always Define Your Risk Before Entering a Trade A stop-loss defines in advance the level at which a position will close if the market moves against it. Stop-loss orders are a tool that may assist traders in managing exposure, but they do not eliminate the risk of losses, especially in volatile markets. Using a Stop-loss may remove emotional decision-making once a position is open and helps prevent small losses from escalating. For traders involved in short-term or day trading, setting predefined exit levels can encourage a disciplined approach, but losses remain possible. Limit Exposure to 2% Per Trade Another widely accepted risk principle is never risking more than a small percentage of your account on a single trade. Many experienced traders limit this to around 1–2% of total capital. This approach ensures that a short series of losing trades does not significantly damage the account. Limiting exposure can help manage overall risk and reduce the impact of a series of losing trades. However, even when limiting exposure, losses can exceed the set percentage due to leverage or rapid market movements. Diversify Across Instruments Placing several trades does not automatically mean diversification. Combining different instruments may help reduce concentration risk when markets become volatile. However, it does not guarantee protection against losses. Keep a Trading Journal and Review Regularly A trading journal is one of the most effective tools for long-term improvement. Recording entry points, exits, reasoning, and emotional state allows traders to identify behavioural patterns over time. This self-review often reveals recurring mistakes and strengths that are not obvious in real time. Taking regular breaks and reviewing performance is equally important. Stepping away from the screen helps reduce overtrading and emotional fatigue. Use Built-In Tools That Support Risk Control Some trading platforms include features designed to support disciplined risk management. Brokers such as Fortrade offer built-in tools like advanced order types, including stop-loss and take-profit functions, which help traders manage exposure more effectively. These tools may support disciplined risk management, but they do not guarantee protection from losses. Fortrade is regulated by the FCA, which requires certain standards for transparency and client protection. Final Thoughts Risk management is an important aspect of trading. Developing habits around loss control, position sizing, diversification, and structured review may support a more disciplined approach. Many experienced traders emphasise that developing disciplined habits and risk management practices can help traders approach markets in a more systematic way.

Ethereum users are facing a surge in address poisoning attacks that inflate network activity numbers. This noise makes it difficult to find undervalued altcoins based on raw data alone. DeepSnitch AI offers a solution by filtering spam from organic growth.  The project has already raised over $1.278M in its Stage 4 presale. With the token priced at $0.03609, the window to enter before the launch is closing fast.  Here is why many think it could be the next crypto to 100x in 2026. Ethereum activity spike linked to address poisoning spam A researcher recently argued that record network activity on Ethereum might be misleading. These noise transactions distort surface-level dashboards used by many retail traders. Over 3.86M wallets have been identified as poisoned.  This data highlights why investors need sophisticated tools to find promising altcoins. DeepSnitch AI provides the intelligence layer needed to separate real demand from attack traffic. Detecting on-chain patterns, it gives you the radar needed to act before alpha decays. Best altcoins to buy comparisons DeepSnitch AI  DeepSnitch AI turns raw blockchain noise into clear signals for the 1B users on Telegram. Most people find information after the price has already moved, and this platform uses five specialized agents to monitor transactions and social sentiment 24/7. The current environment of high-level uncertainty makes automated intelligence more valuable than ever. DeepSnitch AI is the only project providing real-time tools to survive on-chain chaos. It uses five specialized agents to monitor the market. SnitchFeed acts as your radar for sentiment flips and dominance surges. SnitchScan filters tokens for safety to uncover high-upside crypto projects. SnitchGPT simplifies complex data by answering queries in plain English. SnitchCast delivers curated news and alpha directly to your Telegram or X account.  The latest update activated the AuditSnitch security layer. You can now paste any contract address for an instant forensic verdict of CLEAN, CAUTION, or SKETCHY. This tool detects ownership traps and liquidity locks that manual research misses. It effectively turns research into a high-speed habit. The team has teased a game-changing announcement dropping in the coming days. This reveal is expected to be a major catalyst before the official launch at the end of January. Secure your tokens at $0.03609 before the price jumps again. Dogecoin  On January 20th, Dogecoin was priced around $0.12. The coin failed to sustain a push toward $0.15 earlier in the month.  Bears have regained control after the coin drifted lower. Bounces are now framed as potential sell zones. Bulls want a reclaim of $0.15 to signal strength, but broader market softness is adding pressure to the meme sector.  Ethereum  Ethereum fell sharply to under $3K on January 20th. Analysts say the drop was driven by a mix of macro jitters and a specific fear inside the Ethereum ecosystem, like the unusually high on-chain activity around January 16 that may have been inflated by an address-poisoning style attack.  If growth metrics are being gamed, traders may discount the bullish “usage is up” narrative, but some bulls are still accumulating at these prices.  Bottom line The surge in Ethereum spam proves that retail traders need better data filters. DeepSnitch AI is the best altcoin to buy because it offers live utility. It gives you the surveillance tools used by whales.  With $1.278M raised and 2 weeks left, the window to secure your DSNT tokens at $0.03609, is closing fast. Now is the time to claim extra tokens using the new bonus. Use "DSNTVIP300" for a 300% bonus on $30K and above. Apply "DSNTVIP150" for a 150% bonus on $10K and above. The code "DSNTVIP50" offers a 50% bonus on $5K. Smaller participants can use "DSNTVIP30" for 30% on $2K. For more information, visit the official website, and follow X and Telegram. FAQ What are the best altcoins to buy for 2026? DeepSnitch AI provides live agents to find gems and avoid rugs, making it one of the best altcoins to buy for 100X gains.  Can DeepSnitch AI find undervalued altcoins? Yes, the SnitchScan agent filters raw data to spotlight safe and promising projects before they pump. Is DeepSnitch AI a high-upside crypto project? Many believe so because its low entry price and Telegram utility offer potential for 100x gains.

ThinkEquity has strengthened its New York Stock Exchange floor and trading operations with a series of senior appointments, underscoring its ambition to expand execution capabilities and deepen institutional market access. The investment bank and brokerage firm announced the addition of Leon Montana as Managing Director, Global Equity Sales & Trading, alongside the appointments of Mike Conlon, John Conlon and John Romolo as Senior Vice Presidents of NYSE Trading. The hires are aimed at scaling ThinkEquity’s NYSE Floor operation, direct market access and sales trading platform. The expansion builds on ThinkEquity’s long-standing focus on execution quality and client service, as the firm continues to invest in senior talent and infrastructure to support institutional trading strategies across multiple liquidity venues. Experienced Leadership Added to Global Trading Operations Leon Montana joins ThinkEquity with more than three decades of experience spanning market making, risk management and electronic trading. Over his career, he has played a central role in building and scaling trading platforms at firms including Pershing Trading Company, Jefferies Execution Services and QMS Direct. Montana’s background in both domestic and international trading operations is expected to strengthen ThinkEquity’s global equity sales and trading function, particularly as market structure and execution models continue to evolve. At ThinkEquity, Montana will work closely with the firm’s global trading and sales teams to enhance execution capabilities, broaden market access and support institutional clients across a wide range of trading strategies. Deep NYSE Floor Expertise Strengthens Market Access Alongside Montana’s appointment, ThinkEquity has added three seasoned NYSE trading professionals to its floor operations. John Conlon brings more than 27 years of Wall Street experience, having begun his career at Gruntal & Co. before working at Investec and most recently Quattro M. Mike Conlon adds more than 30 years of industry experience, with a career that includes roles at Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Jefferies. John Romolo also joins with over 25 years of experience, having held senior positions at firms including Merrill Lynch and Jefferies. The combined expertise of the new NYSE trading team is expected to strengthen ThinkEquity’s presence on the exchange floor, supporting high-touch execution and informed market interaction for institutional clients. Execution Quality and Client Service at the Core ThinkEquity’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the appointments as part of a broader effort to deliver best-in-class execution. Phil Quartuccio, Managing Director and Head of Global Trading at ThinkEquity, said: “Leon and the team’s depth of experience across market structure, electronic trading, and execution leadership makes him an outstanding addition to our platform. His background building scalable trading operations aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering best-in-class execution and client service.” Montana echoed that sentiment, pointing to ThinkEquity’s combination of technology and personal service. “ThinkEquity has built a strong reputation for high-touch service combined with sophisticated trading infrastructure,” he said. “I’m excited to join the firm and contribute to the continued expansion of its global equity sales and trading capabilities.” The firm said the hires reflect its ongoing commitment to thoughtful execution, transparent market insight and flexible liquidity solutions, as it continues to support institutional clients across equity markets. Takeaway: ThinkEquity’s senior trading appointments signal a clear push to strengthen its NYSE floor presence and global execution capabilities, reinforcing its strategy of combining experienced leadership with scalable trading infrastructure to serve institutional clients.

TSG Brokers has formally launched a refreshed operating model built around transparency, regulatory structure, and long-term trader development, positioning itself as a broker designed to support traders throughout every stage of their experience. Operating under a CySEC STP license, the brokerage enters the market with what it describes as a “Fair Play Trading” framework, combining regulatory oversight with a people-focused approach that emphasizes ethical execution, clarity of process, and guided progression rather than short-term trading volume. Founded by industry executives with experience building trader-centered ecosystems, TSG Brokers is seeking to differentiate itself at a time when scrutiny of execution quality, governance, and client outcomes is intensifying across the retail trading sector. A Regulated Launch Anchored in Fair Play Trading At the core of TSG Brokers’ launch is its CySEC regulation, which provides the legal and operational structure underpinning its model. The broker operates on a straight-through processing (STP) basis, positioning itself as an execution venue designed to align client activity with transparent market access rather than internalization. Chief Executive Officer Victoria Urbanovich said the firm was deliberately designed around the realities of how most traders actually develop. “For too long, brokers played to the ‘ready-made professional.’ We built TSG for the real trader, wherever they are on the journey,” she said. “Fair Play Trading isn’t a concept for us; it’s how we operate. Traders deserve clarity, ethical execution, and a partner that sees their growth as part of its mission.” Urbanovich was selected to lead the brokerage’s new chapter due to her long-standing regulatory experience and established working relationship with CySEC. TSG Brokers said her background reflects its commitment to maintaining rigorous compliance standards while building an operating model that balances governance with accessibility. Building a Trader-Centric Environment Beyond Execution TSG Brokers’ operating philosophy places significant emphasis on community and interaction as tools for skill development. Rather than positioning social features as trading signals or strategy replication, the firm describes its environment as one built around dialogue, education, and shared learning. The brokerage supports this approach through structured communication channels, including Discord-based interaction, education initiatives, live events, and opportunities for traders to engage with peers and mentors. According to TSG, the objective is not to promote copying or algorithmic mirroring, but to remove barriers that often isolate traders during the learning process. Management describes this as a relationship-driven framework rather than a product feature. By encouraging open conversation and exposure to real trading experiences, TSG Brokers aims to create conditions where traders can evolve through feedback, discussion, and guided support instead of relying solely on static tools or marketing claims. Technology, Liquidity, and Integrity as Operating Priorities From a technical perspective, TSG Brokers combines institutional-grade STP execution with low-latency infrastructure and deep liquidity access across multiple asset classes. The firm offers more than 300 instruments across five markets, positioning execution integrity as a foundational requirement rather than a premium feature. Urbanovich emphasized that operational integrity extends beyond infrastructure alone. “Our traders deserve to feel protected,” she said. “They deserve to know their capital is handled with care, their trade flow is managed with integrity, and that someone is genuinely invested in their progress.” The firm frames this commitment as a core element of its Fair Play Trading standards. Looking ahead, TSG Brokers is also in the process of obtaining a Securities Dealer license in Seychelles, which would support the expansion of its global footprint while maintaining its existing regulatory framework. The company said this step is intended to complement, rather than dilute, its focus on transparency, governance, and trader development. Takeaway: TSG Brokers’ launch under CySEC regulation reflects a deliberate shift toward transparency and long-term trader development, combining regulated STP execution with a community-driven model designed to support traders as they learn, progress, and scale.

Ramp Network has flipped the switch on one of the most important regulatory upgrades in European crypto infrastructure. The company said its Irish entity, Ramp Swaps (Ireland) Limited, is now live as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) in the European Union, with EU customers fully serviced under its approved CASP licence. In practical terms, Ramp is now operating under a single regulatory framework across the EU, using MiCAR as a “passport” to provide on- and off-ramp services in all 27 member states. For a business that sits at the fiat-crypto conversion layer, this isn’t a branding exercise. It’s a distribution advantage. What does Ramp’s CASP approval actually unlock? The authorisation means Ramp can provide crypto on-ramp and off-ramp services across the entire European Union under harmonised supervision, rather than relying on fragmented national regimes. All EU customer activity is conducted under its CASP licence, with oversight tied to MiCAR requirements and the Central Bank of Ireland. For users and partners, the day-to-day experience shouldn’t change dramatically. Ramp’s core job remains the same: converting between fiat currencies and digital assets. What changes is the compliance structure behind that flow. Instead of different rules by country, Ramp can operate using one set of standards on governance, operational resilience, transparency, and consumer protection. CEO Przemek Kowalczyk framed the shift as a milestone for servicing EU customers under clearer rules and stronger protections, positioning the licence as validation that Ramp’s systems are built for a more mature regulatory environment. Why MiCAR passporting matters for adoption in Europe In crypto, licensing is often treated like paperwork. In Europe, it is increasingly a business model. MiCAR is designed to create a single market for crypto services, reducing the patchwork of local frameworks that made it harder for firms to scale across borders. For infrastructure players like Ramp, which power fiat entry and exit across wallets, exchanges, and DeFi front ends, that consistency is the difference between “available in some countries” and “available everywhere.” Passporting also helps platform partners. When Ramp integrates with an exchange or a wallet, those partners can serve European users with more predictable compliance coverage, which matters for conversion rates and onboarding flow. The fewer regulatory edge cases, the easier it is to scale product distribution. Investor Takeaway On/off-ramps are the plumbing of crypto adoption. A MiCAR licence is less about prestige and more about distribution — it lets Ramp scale across Europe without rebuilding compliance for each country. What this means for crypto investors and fintech operators Ramp sits in a spot that tends to be underpriced in market narratives. Traders focus on exchanges. Builders focus on chains. But most user growth depends on the on-ramp layer actually working: card payments, bank transfers, settlement reliability, fraud prevention, and compliance controls. Operating as a CASP under MiCAR gives Ramp a stronger footing to serve institutional partners and consumer fintechs that want crypto exposure without regulatory ambiguity. It also positions the company to compete more aggressively for enterprise integrations—especially as MiCAR pushes the market away from “grey zone” providers and toward fully regulated infrastructure. For EU users, the most meaningful impact is likely subtle but important: more consistent consumer protections and standardized service expectations, regardless of which member state they live in. The bigger signal: Europe is turning regulation into infrastructure Ramp’s announcement also reflects the wider shift happening across the EU crypto market. As MiCAR rolls out, the competitive landscape changes. Companies that can operate cleanly under the framework gain the ability to scale faster, build deeper partnerships, and offer more stable services. Ramp emphasized that it was founded and built in Europe and described the move as part of its long-term commitment to the region. That matters because MiCAR is not a short-term compliance sprint — it is a structural reset of how crypto services will be delivered in Europe. For the market, the signal is simple: the EU is aiming to make crypto boring in the best way—regulated, standardized, and infrastructure-grade. Ramp going live as a CASP is one example of how that transition is already moving from legislation into production. Investor Takeaway MiCAR rewards companies that sell reliability. Ramp’s licence should make it easier to win institutional partnerships and wallet/exchange integrations across the EU as compliance becomes non-negotiable. Ramp Network’s CASP status is now live across the EU, with customer activity serviced under its Irish authorization and supervised under MiCAR standards. For the industry, it’s a reminder that the next wave of growth in Europe will be driven less by narratives — and more by regulated rails that actually scale.

Global prime broker EXANTE has appointed Alex Kishchuk as Trade Desk Lead, reinforcing its focus on execution quality and operational resilience as the firm continues to scale across markets and asset classes. In his new role, Kishchuk will oversee global trade execution and day-to-day trade desk operations, with a mandate to ensure EXANTE’s proprietary trading infrastructure continues to deliver speed, transparency and control for professional and institutional clients. He will report directly to Zane Kotane, Chief Operations Officer at EXANTE, and will play a central role in shaping the firm’s trade desk strategy as EXANTE marks 15 years of growth and expansion. Expanding Leadership for a Growing Global Platform Kishchuk joins EXANTE with more than a decade of experience across financial markets, trade execution and operational leadership. His background includes senior roles at J.P. Morgan, Allfunds Bank and BNP Paribas Securities Services, where he managed high-performing teams and led complex cross-border initiatives across Europe. His appointment comes at a time when prime brokers are under increasing pressure to deliver institutional-grade execution while supporting a broader range of markets, asset classes and client workflows. EXANTE’s continued expansion has placed a growing emphasis on scalability and operational precision. With experience spanning global banking and post-trade environments, Kishchuk is expected to help further professionalise EXANTE’s trade desk operations while maintaining the firm’s focus on client control and transparency. Strengthening Execution, Transparency and Control EXANTE’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment as the broker enters its next phase of growth. Zane Kotane, Chief Operations Officer, said the firm’s ability to scale responsibly depends on continually strengthening its trading infrastructure. According to Kotane, Kishchuk’s international experience and operational leadership will be instrumental in building a future-ready trade desk that enhances execution quality while reinforcing transparency across markets. As trading volumes and client expectations continue to rise, the role of the trade desk is increasingly central to delivering consistent execution outcomes across EXANTE’s single multi-currency, multi-asset platform. Positioning the Trade Desk for the Next Phase of Growth Commenting on his appointment, Kishchuk described EXANTE as being at a pivotal stage of development, with growing demand for sophisticated execution and streamlined operational processes. He said his focus will be on strengthening trading infrastructure, optimising workflows and supporting the firm’s ability to deliver long-term value to its global client base as the platform continues to evolve. The appointment underscores EXANTE’s broader strategy of investing in experienced leadership to support its proprietary technology stack and maintain institutional standards as it expands access to more than 50 markets and eight asset classes worldwide. Takeaway: By appointing Alex Kishchuk as Trade Desk Lead, EXANTE is reinforcing its execution and operational capabilities, signalling a continued focus on scalability, transparency and institutional-grade performance as the broker expands globally.

XAUT price and tokenized gold market surged on January 21, 2026, as digital assets backed by the precious metal decoupled from a broader cryptocurrency sell-off. The cryptocurrency market faced intense structural instability on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as traditional safe havens failed and digital assets plummeted. While major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant declines, Tether Gold (XAUT) emerged as the definitive "Fortress of Value," surging nearly 10% since the start of the year and breaking through the $4,850 level. This rally comes as the global financial system enters a period of extreme volatility, driven by what analysts term a "triple threat"—the simultaneous collapse of equities, bonds, and fiat currencies. XAUT is currently trading around $4,859.79, demonstrating remarkable resilience as investors rotate capital toward defensive assets. Why Is XAUT Price Surging? Geopolitical "Triple Threat" Triggers Flight to Safety The primary catalyst for the current XAUT Price Prediction and momentum is the escalating "Triple Threat" crisis of 2026. Geopolitical friction over Greenland’s sovereignty has reached a breaking point, leading to a historic decision by Denmark to liquidate its U.S. Treasury holdings. This move, coupled with deep-seated fiscal concerns in Japan that have ignited a "wildfire" in global bond markets, has sent yields on U.S. and Japanese bonds soaring, fueling a massive risk-off atmosphere. BREAKING: Danish pension fund AkademikerPension will sell all US Treasuries by the end of January. The fund manages about $25B and holds around $100M in US Treasuries, which it now plans to fully exit. Its CIO says the US is "not a good credit" and that government finances are… pic.twitter.com/dXZAaQaC9w — Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 20, 2026 Gracy Chen, CEO at crypto exchange Bitget, highlighted the macro-economic context driving this shift: "With tariffs back in focus, capital is likely to rotate toward defensive assets, where gold dominates. As for the outlook, we see gold targeting the $5,000 level. If current conditions hold, it’s not far away". Did the ultimate “safe haven” just became the hottest trade of 2025 and 2026? As a crypto exchange CEO, one of my hardest jobs is saying NO to new assets. For years, we ignored tokenized gold ($XAU). Why? Old rules applied: Niche demand Regulatory maze “Just HODL” asset But… — Gracy Chen @Bitget (@GracyBitget) January 12, 2026 Volume and Market Cap: Tokenized Gold Beats Traditional ETFs The surge in XAUT is not just a price phenomenon but a structural shift in how investors access gold. In 2025, tokenized gold trading volume reached a staggering $178 billion, with $126 billion of that occurring in the final quarter alone. This volume surpassed all but one U.S.-listed ETF—the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), which manages $165 billion in assets. Key drivers of this growth include: Retail Demand: Unlike many tokenized assets restricted to accredited investors, XAUT offers fractional ownership with no minimum investment. Accessibility: Investors in emerging markets can access gold-linked products that were previously unavailable. Market Dominance: Tether's XAUT accounts for 75% of the fourth-quarter volume in the tokenized gold sector. Market Capitalization: The sector's market cap surged 177% last year to surpass $4.4 billion, though it remains a fraction of the total $32 trillion gold market. Technical Analysis Reveals XAUT Price Bullish Potential From a technical perspective, my XAUT Price Prediction remains highly bullish despite overbought conditions. XAUT is currently trading well above its key moving averages, including the 7-day SMA ($4,645) and the 30-day SMA ($4,502). The asset recently cleared the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $4,666, which has now turned into a solid support zone. Technical Summary/Forecast: Current Price: $4,859.79 Momentum: The RSI-14 is currently at 81.14, signalling that the asset is deep in overbought territory. While this confirms a powerful uptrend, it also warns of a potential near-term pullback as profit-taking emerges. Support Levels: Immediate support is found at $ 4555.00 A more significant support level is maintained above the 50-day moving average, where institutional "whales" are reportedly holding XAUT as collateral in DeFi. Resistance Levels: The next major hurdle is the round resistance level 5000.0. A daily close above this mark would open the path to the $5,083 level (161.8% extension). Market Sentiment: On-chain data suggests "sticky" liquidity, indicating the rally is driven by fundamental structural shifts rather than mere speculation. Institutional Adoption: Bybit and Mantle Integration A major institutional catalyst for the 24-hour volume surge—which jumped 131.91% to $336 million—was the announcement from Bybit. On January 20, 2026, Bybit, the world’s second-largest exchange by volume, enabled XAUT deposits and withdrawals on the Mantle Layer-2 network. ? Bybit will soon support @tethergold on @Mantle_Official. Bybit will open $XAUT deposit and withdrawal support via Mantle on Jan 20, 2026, at 10AM UTC. Enjoy 0 withdrawal fees on Mantle for a limited time! Learn more: https://t.co/WPYEgxDPJv pic.twitter.com/TDRAtBh5nN — Bybit Plus (@BybitPlus) January 19, 2026 This integration allows for zero withdrawal fees for a limited time and utilizes Mantle’s low-cost infrastructure for real-world assets (RWAs). This development enables XAUT to be used efficiently in DeFi protocols for lending, vault strategies, and yield generation, creating immediate buy-side pressure. Broader Crypto Market Performance: Bitcoin and Ethereum Sink While XAUT thrives, the broader crypto market is experiencing a severe sell-off. Over $1 billion in crypto positions were liquidated in just 24 hours as geopolitical tensions and rising bond yields triggered a "risk-off" environment. Bitcoin (BTC): Slipped over 3%, falling below the critical $88,000 support level. Analysts at Mudrex noted that $91,800 is now the immediate resistance. Ethereum (ETH): Faced even steeper declines, dropping nearly 7% to trade around $2,970, marking its lowest level in two weeks. Altcoins: Monero (XMR) led declines with a 19% drop, while Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and Aave (AAVE) saw declines between 4% and 9%. Conversely, physical gold jewelry prices have also adjusted upward. In Jakarta, The Palace National Jeweler updated prices on January 21, with 18K gold jewelry (75% purity) reaching a selling price of Rp1,945,000 per gram. XAUT Price FAQ Is XAUT backed by real gold? Yes. Tether Gold (XAUT) represents direct ownership of one fine troy ounce of gold on a London Good Delivery bar. The gold is stored in high-security Swiss vaults, and each token is directly linked to certified gold bullion. Will XAUT reach $5,000? Many analysts believe so. Based on the current XAUT Price Prediction, the metal is targeting the $5,000 psychological level. Technically, a break above the $4,914 resistance would signal continued strength toward the $5,000-$5,083 range. However, investors should monitor for a near-term correction due to the high RSI. Is XAUT a better hedge than Bitcoin? In the current "Triple Threat" crisis of 2026, XAUT has outperformed Bitcoin. While Bitcoin fell below $88,000 entering a "zone of extreme fear," XAUT maintained strong support and entered a "parabolic phase" due to its status as a defensive asset during geopolitical conflict. "When major nations begin dumping debt and the VIX stays elevated, the opportunity cost of not holding gold becomes too high to ignore," noted analysts in recent market reports. For traders on platforms like KuCoin and Bybit, XAUT provides the bridge to stability that traditional fiat and volatile digital assets currently lack.

ETHUSD breaches uptrend line to the downside Drops over 11% week-to-date to three-week low Momentum indicators reflect negative bias Ether (ETHUSD) is extending a threeday pullback from the range ceiling near 3,360 – intact since midNovember – slipping below all three key simple moving averages (SMAs) as well as the mediumterm ascending trendline drawn from the April 8 trough. The largest altcoin is currently down 11.2% weektodate, marking its steepest weekly decline since November. Despite the sell-off, Ether still trades within its broader consolidation range, though momentum continues to weaken as reflected in the indicators. The MACD is flatlining around its zero line, the RSI is easing above the 30 threshold, and the stochastics are dipping into oversold territory, suggesting the bearish momentum is gaining traction. Ether is now eyeing the range floor near the midDecember lows at the 2,800 level. A decisive break below that zone would open the door toward the November 21 swing low at 2,620, followed by deeper support at the fourmonth low around 2,400. Conversely, a rebound from the threeweek low of 2,900, where price action currently sits, and a move back above the broken uptrend line near the psychologically significant 3,000 level would bring the 50day SMA near 3,084 back into view. Above that, the 20day SMA – intersecting with the 23.6% Fibonacci extension of the August–November pullback at 3,171 – marks the next hurdle, ahead of a retest of the 3,360 range ceiling that has capped gains since midNovember. Overall, Ether is extending its weekly correction and is now testing the critical 3,000 level, which has acted as critical support since early in the year. A sustained break below this zone would likely mark an important inflection point, shifting the nearterm bias decisively toward bearish.

Bitpanda, the Vienna-based digital asset powerhouse, officially announced on January 21, 2026, that it will integrate over 10,000 stocks and exchange-traded funds into its regulated platform next week. This strategic expansion, scheduled to go live on January 29, represents the final step in the company’s decade-long transition from a crypto-native exchange into a "full-stack" investment provider. By combining its existing catalog of over 650 cryptocurrencies and precious metals with a massive selection of global equities, Bitpanda aims to create Europe’s most comprehensive regulated investment application. Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Eric Demuth, the firm is positioning itself as a direct competitor to both traditional European brokerages and emerging neobanks. The launch is designed to offer a seamless, one-stop-shop experience where users can manage a diversified portfolio across all major asset classes from a single mobile interface, effectively bridging the gap between decentralized finance and traditional capital markets. Fractional Investing and Transparent Pricing in the European Retail Market The core of Bitpanda’s new offering is built on a user-centric model that emphasizes accessibility and cost transparency. The platform will support fractional investing for all 10,000 new instruments, allowing retail users to purchase shares of high-priced equities like Berkshire Hathaway or specialized ETFs with as little as one euro. In a move to disrupt the high-fee structures of legacy European banks, Bitpanda has committed to a flat fee of one euro per trade for stocks and ETFs, with no hidden custody charges or payment for order flow. Furthermore, the firm has integrated an automated tax-withholding feature specifically for users in its primary markets of Austria and Germany, simplifying the often-complex reporting requirements for digital and traditional investments. This level of technical integration is intended to lower the barrier to entry for a new generation of European investors who demand the same speed and convenience for stock trading that they have experienced in the cryptocurrency market. A Strategic Foundation for the Upcoming 2026 Frankfurt Initial Public Offering The timing of the stock and ETF launch is intricately linked to Bitpanda’s broader corporate ambitions, specifically its planned initial public offering in the first half of 2026. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the firm has already tapped Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank to lead a Frankfurt-based listing that could value the company at between 4 billion and 5 billion euros. By shedding its "crypto-only" label and demonstrating a diversified revenue stream across multiple asset classes, Bitpanda is making a clear case to institutional investors that it is a mature, multifaceted financial institution rather than a speculative trading venue. The IPO is expected to be one of the largest in the European fintech sector this year, reflecting the successful maturation of the industry under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework. As Bitpanda prepares to move onto the public stage, its evolution into a unified financial app serves as a blueprint for how the next generation of "super-apps" will dismantle the silos between traditional and digital finance.

The landscape of American high finance shifted fundamentally on January 21, 2026, as the Senate Banking Committee moved into the final stages of reconciling the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act. This landmark legislation, which seeks to provide the first comprehensive federal framework for the digital asset industry, has triggered a "gold rush" mentality among major U.S. financial institutions. For years, the banking sector remained on the sidelines due to a lack of regulatory certainty and the looming threat of enforcement-led oversight from various agencies. However, with the new bill clearly delineating the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the "Big Four" banks—JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo—are reportedly finalizing plans to offer direct crypto custody, trading, and settlement services to their institutional and retail clients. This "all in" approach marks a definitive end to the era of crypto isolationism within the regulated banking system and signals a new age where digital assets are treated as a core component of the national financial infrastructure. The Role of Stablecoin Guardrails in Unlocking Trillions in Bank Deposits A critical component of the CLARITY Act that has energized the banking community is the establishment of strict federal standards for payment stablecoins. The bill introduces a tiered licensing system that allows federally insured depository institutions to issue their own dollar-pegged tokens, provided they meet rigorous capital and reserve requirements. This provision addresses a long-standing concern among community and regional banks, who feared that unregulated third-party stablecoins would drain deposits from the traditional system. By bringing stablecoin issuance under the umbrella of federal banking supervision, the legislation allows banks to leverage the speed and efficiency of blockchain-based settlement without sacrificing the safety of the traditional dollar. Treasury analysts estimate that as much as 6.6 trillion dollars in deposits could eventually interact with these new regulated digital rails, as banks move to replace legacy payment systems like ACH and SWIFT with high-velocity, 24/7 onchain alternatives. Institutional Custody and the Institutionalization of the Digital Asset Class As the legislative hurdles vanish, the focus of the U.S. banking industry is rapidly shifting toward providing the "institutional-grade" custody solutions necessary to support a trillion-dollar digital asset market. Under the new bill, banks are granted explicit permission to provide fiduciary custody services for digital assets, effectively placing Bitcoin and Ethereum on the same legal footing as traditional stocks and bonds. This change is expected to trigger a massive influx of capital from pension funds, insurance companies, and family offices that were previously barred from the sector by strict mandate requirements. Major custodians like BNY Mellon and State Street have already announced the launch of expanded digital asset units, which will offer integrated reporting and tax services for tokenized portfolios. By removing the "custody bottleneck," the CLARITY Act is not just legitimizing the asset class; it is fundamentally rewiring the plumbing of the American financial system to ensure that the next decade of capital market innovation remains firmly rooted within the United States.