Daily Crypto Briefing – January 12, 2026

The crypto markets showed mixed signals today as political tensions between Trump and Fed Chair Powell escalated, while institutional adoption continues to accelerate across multiple sectors.

Top Stories

BitGo Files for $2 Billion IPO

Crypto custodian BitGo announced IPO pricing targeting a nearly $2 billion valuation. The company aims to raise up to $201 million and expects shares to go public on January 22, marking a significant milestone for crypto infrastructure companies.

Bitcoin Whales Sell $286M Despite $100K Outlook

Bitcoin 'OG whales' sold $286 million in January, but analysts suggest the distribution is slowing. Accelerating bullish momentum could still push BTC to $100,000 before month-end despite the whale activity.

Ethereum Staking Goes Mainstream

Staking is evolving from secondary consideration to foundational pillar of Ethereum's market structure. From fully staked ETFs to customizable institutional vaults, 2026 could be transformative for ether investors.

CFTC Chair Unveils Innovation Committee

New CFTC Chair Michael Selig debuted an innovation committee as the agency seeks to define its approach to prediction markets and crypto. Tyler Winklevoss and other crypto CEOs will serve as first members.

Regulation

• Fed-DOJ Conflict Escalates: Powell called DOJ actions political pressure to influence monetary policy, potentially undermining Fed independence
• Dubai Bans Privacy Tokens: DFSA banned privacy tokens in DIFC to align with global AML standards
• South Korea Lifts Corporate Crypto Ban: New guidelines allow listed companies to invest up to 5% of equity capital in crypto
• India Tightens KYC Rules: New requirements include live ID and location checks for crypto platforms
• UK Lawmakers Push Crypto Donation Ban: Citing foreign interference fears over democratic integrity

Markets

• Strategy Buys $1.2B Bitcoin: Largest purchase since July adds 13,627 BTC to treasury holdings
• Privacy Coins Rally: Bitcoin and privacy tokens gained as Trump-Powell conflict escalated
• ETF Outflows Continue: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs shed nearly all 2026 gains as rate cut hopes fade
• Monero Hits New ATH: XMR reached record high of $596 amid renewed privacy trade interest
• Gold Outperforms Bitcoin: Precious metals rally while BTC struggles as safe haven demand shifts

DeFi

• World Liberty Launches Lending Platform: Trump-backed project debuts WLFI Markets built on Dolomite protocol
• VelaFi Raises $20M: Series B funding to expand stablecoin payments infrastructure across LatAm, US, and Asia
• Tether Freezes $182M: Five Tron wallets blacklisted in coordinated enforcement action
• Bakkt Acquires DTR: Stablecoin payments infrastructure deal sends stock up 17%

Ethereum

• BitMine Adds 24K ETH: Tom Lee's company approaches 4.2M ETH holdings worth $13 billion
• Vitalik's 'Walkaway Test': Buterin outlines conditions for quantum-safe Ethereum that can function independently
• Standard Chartered Bullish: Bank predicts ETH will outperform Bitcoin, targeting $40,000 by 2030

Quick Hits

• A16z raises $15B targeting AI and crypto investments
• Tennessee bans sports prediction markets for Polymarket, Kalshi, Crypto.com
• Apple taps Google's Gemini to power upgraded Siri after Apple Intelligence struggles
• 70 economists urge EU to launch public digital euro over private stablecoins
• Trove Markets chaos triggers $73K Polymarket loss amid manipulation claims
• Quantum computing threat addressed by BTQ's Bitcoin Quantum testnet launch
• Coinbase threatens to pull support for Senate crypto bill over stablecoin rewards dispute
• Two UK companies moved $1B in stablecoins for Iran according to new report

What to Watch

• BitGo IPO launch on January 22 could set precedent for crypto infrastructure valuations
• Senate crypto legislation progress this week may end years of regulatory uncertainty
• Fed policy decisions amid escalating political pressure from Trump administration
• Ethereum staking developments as institutional adoption accelerates
• Privacy coin regulations following Dubai's ban and renewed enforcement actions