Daily Crypto Briefing – January 2, 2026

Crypto markets kicked off 2026 with modest gains as memecoins led the charge, while security concerns emerged with a mysterious wallet drain affecting hundreds of users.

Top Stories

PEPE Leads Memecoin Rally in Post-Holiday Bounce

The Block reports that PEPE surged over 30% as memecoins including FLOKI, Dogwifhat, and fartcoin posted double-digit gains. The rally comes as traders return from holiday break, though analysts caution this doesn't signal a broader altcoin season.

Hundreds of EVM Wallets Mysteriously Drained

Cointelegraph reports that blockchain investigator ZachXBT identified an ongoing exploit affecting hundreds of wallets across EVM chains. Total losses have reached over $107,000, with the attack potentially linked to December's Trust Wallet hack that drained $7 million.

SEC Commissioner Crenshaw to Depart, Leaving All-Republican Commission

Cointelegraph reports that Democratic Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw's term is ending, leaving the SEC without Democratic representation. This shift comes as the agency faces leadership gaps across multiple financial regulatory bodies.

Bitfinex Hacker Released Early Under Trump's First Step Act

CoinDesk reports that Ilya Lichtenstein, who pleaded guilty to stealing and laundering nearly 120,000 bitcoin from Bitfinex in 2016, has been released early from prison. Lichtenstein credits Trump's First Step Act for his early release.

Markets

Bitcoin Reclaims $90K as Holiday Selling Pressure Eases

• CoinDesk reports Bitcoin pushed above $90,000 as traders eye potential pattern changes
• CryptoNews notes U.S. buying has returned as Q4 tax-loss harvesting pressure subsides
• NewsBTC reports CryptoQuant data suggests Bitcoin may already be two months into a bear market

Altcoins Show Mixed Performance

• CoinJournal reports Cardano jumped 10% to $0.38 as bulls reclaimed key levels
• CoinJournal notes HBAR climbed above $0.12 on ETF inflows and enterprise demand
• CoinDesk reports XRP bounced but faces resistance at $2 as exchange supply hits 8-year lows

Regulation

Congressional Push for Crypto Legislation

• CryptoBriefing reports Senator Lummis urges Congress to pass crypto market legislation to position the U.S. as a digital asset innovation leader
• Cointelegraph notes changing regulations worldwide as several jurisdictions adopt new crypto and stablecoin frameworks

International Developments

• The Block reports Turkmenistan legalized crypto mining and trading under a new framework
• CoinDesk notes Iran now accepts cryptocurrency payments for advanced weapons including missiles and drones
• CoinDesk reports $110 billion in crypto left South Korea in 2025 due to strict trading rules

Technology

Ethereum Network Activity Surges

• The Block reports Ethereum daily transactions hit all-time highs, surpassing the 2021 NFT boom
• Decrypt explores whether 2026 could finally bring Ethereum's long-awaited parabolic price surge

Security Concerns Mount

• The Block notes 2025 was a record year for "wrench attacks" as crypto security experts recommend splitting funds and maintaining low profiles

Corporate Moves

Major Company Updates

• CoinJournal reports Coinbase plans to build an "everything exchange" combining crypto, stocks, and commodities in 2026
• The Block reports Bitfarms exits Latin America with $30M Paraguay site sale to focus on North American AI/HPC operations
• CoinDesk reports Tether added nearly $800 million in Bitcoin, bringing holdings above 96,000 BTC

Quick Hits

• The Defiant reports memecoins led crypto rally with PEPE surging over 30%
• [CryptoSlate notes](https://cryptoslate.com/the-fed-just-leaked-a-bullish-liquidity-signal-that-suggests-bitcoin-can