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Johnny Ng, a pro-technology lawmaker in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, is pitching the city as crypto’s global connector — not a battleground. As regulators in Washington, Beijing and across Asia carve out different plays for digital assets, Ng is focused on building the “glue” between markets, technologies and legal systems that rarely move in lockstep. Ng, who is scheduled to speak at CoinDesk’s Consensus Hong Kong conference next month, has become one of the city’s most visible Web3 advocates. In the past two years he’s driven stablecoin legislation, supported licensing for crypto exchanges and helped position Hong Kong as an early mover in regulated crypto finance. But his ambition goes beyond policy wins: he wants structural connectivity — linking traditional finance, crypto-native innovation and jurisdictions across East and West. “Crypto and Web3 are really highly linked with the traditional financial system,” Ng told CoinDesk. He argues Hong Kong’s existing strengths — a common-law system and English-language courts, open capital flows and a dense cluster of global banks, asset managers, lawyers and auditors — make it uniquely equipped to be a safe, credible crypto hub. That role becomes even more potent within the Greater Bay Area plan, which aims to deepen trade between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau. Ng says Hong Kong doesn’t need to replicate Shenzhen’s manufacturing and engineering culture; it should connect to it. Shenzhen brings youthful technical talent and scale — “the average age of the people is really young, under 30,” he observed — while Hong Kong supplies capital, legal structures and global market access that can turn ideas into products. Ng points to the region’s crypto pedigree: Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin spent significant time in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong during Ethereum’s early years, underscoring that southern China has long been a fertile ground for protocol-level experimentation. What Hong Kong adds today, Ng says, is regulatory clarity and financial credibility. His outreach has been global. In 2023, amid aggressive U.S. enforcement actions, Ng publicly invited Coinbase and other exchanges to consider applying for official trading platforms in Hong Kong — a move that some read as competitive signaling. Ng reframes it as collaborative: “I’m not going to see the competition with any countries,” he said. “Crypto cannot be easily divided by country or economy. It is one world.” Instead of rivalry, he argues the industry needs regulatory coordination and predictability so crypto can link more directly with real-world economic activity. Back in Hong Kong’s legislature, Ng is pushing the next phase of infrastructure. This year’s agenda includes custody and OTC rules, and potential changes to enable higher-volume trading for professional investors — plumbing that could make regulated crypto markets more functional and institution-friendly. Ng also sees convergence with artificial intelligence as another vector for Hong Kong’s connective role. Because the city can interface with both Western and Chinese datasets and partners, he believes it’s well placed to host cross-border AI collaboration alongside crypto development. In short, Hong Kong’s bet isn’t on outbuilding Shenzhen or Silicon Valley. It’s on staying open, regulated and connected — positioning itself as the center of a system still under construction and offering the legal and financial scaffolding that can bridge innovation from mainland factories to global markets. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Bitcoin’s weekend nosedive — below $78,000, its weakest close since April — has many traders warning that bullish “hopium” may be running out. The sell-off, driven by profit-taking against a backdrop of thin liquidity and a shortage of fresh buyers, looks like more than a one-off dip: it could be the start of a broader corrective phase. Why markets slipped - Corporate demand that helped fuel the rally — most notably MicroStrategy’s (MSTR) aggressive bitcoin purchases — has cooled, leaving fewer natural buyers to absorb selling pressure. - With liquidity thin, profit-taking has amplified forced selling and derivative liquidations, creating cascades that push prices lower. What traders and markets are saying - Eric Crown, a former NYSE Arca options trader who now covers crypto market moves for a large audience, has argued since late October that bitcoin is in a sideways-to-downside phase. He calls renewed optimism about fresh all-time highs or a rotation back from metals into crypto misplaced “hopium.” - Options positioning supports the more bearish take: traders are increasingly betting on a drop below $75,000 and abandoning $100,000 calls. On Deribit, the dollar notional of active $75,000 put contracts sits at roughly $1.159 billion — nearly matching the $1.168 billion in notional open interest locked in $100,000 calls. Technical signals point lower - Several indicators Crown highlights have historically preceded extended pullbacks: - Monthly MACD crossed down in November — a rare move that in past cycles has signaled longer downturns. - The weekly 21 vs. 55 EMA recently crossed into bearish territory, an arrangement that often precedes multi-month losses. - The 2025 yearly chart closed as a “shooting star,” a candlestick pattern frequently associated with medium-term reversals. Macro context and range targets - Bitcoin’s behavior has diverged from equities and other risk assets since October, declining while those markets held up — a characteristic late-cycle risk-off pattern where speculative assets are sold first. - The October crash also flushed many leveraged altcoin positions, reducing appetite among traders to re-enter at elevated levels. - Crown suggests bitcoin could fall further — potentially into the mid-$50,000s to low-$60,000s — before finding a stable base. He views that zone as a possible accumulation opportunity for long-term exposure rather than the end of crypto’s broader cycle. Bottom line Short-term momentum has clearly shifted toward the bears: options flows, technicals and thinning liquidity all point to a higher risk of further downside. For traders and investors, that means tempering expectations for an immediate return to new highs and watching lower support levels — some strategists are already marking the mid-$50k to low-$60k range as the next key battleground. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Headline: U.S. budget standoff stalls crypto rulemaking — SEC on minimal operations, approvals paused As of January 31, 2026, a failure to pass a federal budget has effectively frozen much of U.S. financial rulemaking — and crypto is one of the biggest casualties. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is operating under its shutdown plan: systems like EDGAR remain online, but most staff are furloughed and routine regulatory work has been paused. Only a small emergency team is active, able to act solely on immediate issues tied to “market integrity and investor protection.” What’s paused and why it matters - Approvals and reviews that require staff sign-off — including crypto ETF approvals, registration-statement reviews, and official guidance on new rules — are largely on hold. - This is the same mechanism the SEC uses in any government shutdown: if there’s no immediate emergency, normal regulatory processes stop. For the crypto industry, that means decisions and clarity that businesses and investors were expecting are delayed until the government reopens. Leadership and legislative fallout - SEC Chair Paul Atkins has already postponed several key updates the crypto sector was awaiting. - Hopes that 2026 would bring clearer crypto legislation from Congress are now dimmed: the shutdown makes bipartisan lawmaking and negotiation far more difficult. Market impact so far - The pause comes amid weakening prices: the total crypto market cap dropped more than 6% to roughly $2.64 trillion. - Bitcoin (BTC) slid to about $78,000, and Ethereum (ETH) fell to near $2,400. - The ETF space — a major focus for both issuers and investors — is also feeling pressure as approvals and guidance are stalled. Regulatory coordination on hold - Senior officials from the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) had recently agreed to closer collaboration to reduce overlap, resolve jurisdictional disputes, and provide clearer rules for crypto firms. Those plans are effectively sidelined while the shutdown persists. What to watch - Whether and when Congress passes a budget or a stopgap funding bill: normal SEC operations would resume immediately once funding is restored. - Any emergency actions from the small team still active at the SEC — these will be narrowly targeted. - Market volatility around delayed ETF decisions and legislative milestones. Disclaimer: This content is informational and not investment advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk; readers should conduct their own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Zcash (ZEC) is slipping into a critical “make-or-break” zone as sellers keep pressure on the market, raising the odds of further downside in the coming days. Key takeaways - Price action: At press time ZEC trades around $322, down 3.25% in 24 hours and marking the fourth straight day of losses. The token is down roughly 13% for the week. - Volume and sentiment: Trading volume has fallen about 12% to $450 million, signaling reduced market participation and rising trader caution. - Weekly/daily outlook: ZEC was printing its fifth consecutive red weekly candle and on the daily chart is forming lower highs and lower lows. The immediate support sits at $310 — a level that previously triggered a 70% rebound the last time it was tested, but current macro and sentiment headwinds make a repeat less certain. - Technicals: The Average Directional Index (ADX) is 22.32 (below the 25 threshold), indicating weak directional momentum. The Money Flow Index (MFI) is near 43, reflecting neutral buying/selling pressure. - Risk of a deeper drop: If $310 fails, analysts note the next major support could be roughly 35% lower — near $200. - Derivatives positioning: CoinGlass data shows concentrated leverage around $317.8 (lower) and $328.9 (upper). About $4.04 million in long-leveraged positions and $8.99 million in short-leveraged positions sit at those levels. A break below $317.8 could liquidate those long positions and amplify downside. - Analyst view: A popular crypto commentator warned that failure to hold a bounce in the $290–$300 range could expose ZEC to $270, with a drop toward $200 not ruled out. Bottom line ZEC’s price structure and trader positioning currently favor continued weakness unless the $310–$318 area holds and buys return. Traders should watch volume and leverage clusters closely — a washout beneath key supports could trigger outsized downside. Sources: TradingView, CoinGlass. Disclaimer: This rephrased report is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk; readers should perform their own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

India’s Union Budget 2026 tightens the screws on crypto reporting, adding real teeth to disclosure rules as regulators move to curb offshore trading. What changed - The Finance Bill has added a penalty framework to enforce reporting requirements under Section 509 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. These rules require “prescribed reporting entities” — crypto exchanges, marketplaces and intermediaries — to submit detailed statements of crypto-asset transactions to the tax department. - The rules take effect from April 1, 2026. - Penalties: - Rs. 200 per day for failure to furnish the required statement, continuing until the filing is completed. - A flat Rs. 50,000 penalty if information submitted is inaccurate or misleading, or if errors flagged by the tax authority are not corrected. Why it matters - Until now, disclosure obligations lacked strong enforcement. The new penalties shift the regime from mild compliance requests to one backed by enforceable fines, increasing accountability for platforms. - Exchanges are expected to respond by tightening data collection, improving transaction tagging and strengthening reconciliation workflows to avoid fines — moves that will indirectly affect traders through stricter onboarding and reporting processes. Industry reaction - Raj Karkara, COO of ZebPay: “By introducing well-defined measures to address non-compliance, the Budget strengthens accountability while bringing digital asset reporting closer in line with established financial standards.” - Nischal Shetty, Founder of WazirX: “These measures continue to impact liquidity, participation and India’s competitiveness in the global digital asset landscape. We remain hopeful that future policy discussions will address these concerns in a manner that balances innovation, compliance, growth and ease of doing business.” Crypto tax stance unchanged - The Budget did not alter India’s existing crypto tax regime: a 30% tax on gains from virtual digital assets (VDAs), a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on transactions, and continued restrictions on setting off losses. Offshore migration — the backdrop to the clampdown - Regulators are acting amid significant migration of Indian crypto trading to offshore venues: - KoinX reports that 72.7% of India’s crypto trading volume in FY25 — roughly Rs. 51,252 crore — moved to offshore exchanges. - TDS collected on Indian exchanges accounted for just 0.60% of overall turnover, highlighting how transaction-level frictions have altered trader behaviour. - AMBCrypto separately estimated Indian users generated nearly $5 trillion in crypto trading volume on offshore platforms between late 2024 and 2025. - Tax authorities have also intensified enforcement: the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) identified undisclosed VDAs worth Rs. 888.82 crore and issued over 44,000 communications to taxpayers flagged for potential non-disclosure. Bottom line The Budget’s penalties aim to close loopholes that encouraged offshore trading and weak reporting. While the tax rates remain untouched, the new compliance regime will likely push exchanges to beef up reporting and could further influence where and how Indian traders transact. Sources: Union Budget 2026–27 / Finance Bill; KoinX; AMBCrypto; CBDT. Note: AMBCrypto’s reporting is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk; do your own research. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Headline: Ethereum bears dominate the latest rout — $1.16B of $2.59B liquidated as whales both buy and capitulate The crypto market plunged into what analytics firm Alphractal calls its most bearish phase since 2023, producing $2.59 billion in total liquidations — and Ethereum took the lion’s share. ETH alone accounted for roughly $1.16 billion of those losses as risk-off sentiment pushed the token toward lows near $2,300, a level not seen since July 2025, according to TradingView. The sell-off was sharp and indiscriminate, but reactions among large holders diverged. Some traders and institutions exited at heavy losses, while several whales treated the dip as a buying opportunity, deploying tens of millions into ETH amid widespread fear. Whale accumulation vs. capitulation - Buying: Two wallets stood out for large purchases. The “7 Siblings” wallet — known for buying during steep pullbacks — led the accumulation wave, spending about $31.08 million on ETH in the latest dip. That wallet’s total ETH holdings are now roughly $599.53 million. Wallet “0xB7” bought 10,000 ETH (about $26.36 million at the time), lifting its holdings to about $294.79 million. On-chain data also show unfilled buy orders, suggesting more accumulation intent. - Selling/losses: Not all big-name positions survived. BitMine’s Ethereum Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) is sitting on an estimated unrealized loss of around $6 billion after steady accumulation. To generate yield and partially offset markdowns, BitMine had staked roughly $3.33 billion in ETH as of January 12. Another notable liquidation involved the wallet “HyperUnit,” linked to Garrett Jin — which reportedly fully exited its ETH holdings after the crash, crystallizing an estimated $250 million loss. Prior to the exit, HyperUnit held about $299.46 million in ETH; the wallet now holds just $53. What the on-chain and flow indicators say Market structure metrics remain tilted toward sellers. The Money Flow Index (MFI), which tracks capital inflows versus outflows, sits below neutral and was around 41 at the time of reporting, signaling persistent selling pressure. Volume-driven Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) has been negative since re-entering bearish territory after a brief July 2025 recovery, reinforcing the downside bias. Taken together, these indicators leave the path open for ETH to revisit the $2,000 region unless buying sentiment gains clear momentum. Takeaway The episode underscores two realities: volatility spares neither retail nor institutions, and large-scale accumulation during panic can reflect long-term positioning but does not guarantee a market bottom. While whale buys and unfilled bids hint at potential support, substantial unrealized losses and recent capitulations show downside risk remains real. Note: This article is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading is high-risk; always do your own research before making financial decisions. Sources cited include Alphractal and TradingView, plus on-chain analytics. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

A newly active whale on the XRP ledger moved a large chunk of tokens in rapid succession, sparking debate among traders about whether this was a buy-the-dip play or routine housekeeping. What happened (on-chain snapshot) - On-chain records show a newly activated address received two equal transfers totaling 120 million XRP — reported as two batches of 60 million XRP each. - Those incoming batches passed through an intermediary wallet that shuffled the coins across several quick hops. - Each 60 million XRP batch was forwarded to a single holding address within about an hour. - That receiving account is now showing a balance of 185 million XRP after adding a reported 35 million XRP it previously held. - No exchange tags or known custodial labels are attached to the addresses, making the trail harder to interpret. Why traders are divided - Routine explanations: Large holders and service providers routinely move funds for non-market reasons — custodians consolidating wallets, exchanges reorganizing reserves, or firms rotating assets between cold and hot storage. Routing through a central address for accounting or security checks is common. - Buy-the-dip thesis: The moves occurred while XRP slid into the low $1.70s, breaking the $1.80 support and falling roughly 10% since Jan. 29. If this were accumulation, traders would often expect follow-through signs such as price stabilization or a bounce, rising spot volume, and net outflows from exchange wallets. Why the on-chain signal is ambiguous - No immediate market confirmation appeared: the transferred funds sat in the receiving wallet rather than being deployed into the market, and typical indicators of fresh buying (price uptick, volume surge, exchange outflows) were absent. - Without evidence that the coins originated off-exchange or were purchased on the open market, the move could equally be internal reshuffling as it could be coordinated buying. - Similar patterns have previously flipped between being routine housekeeping and strategic accumulation — context and follow-up flows usually clarify intent. What to watch next - Net flows from exchange wallets (large outflows could signal accumulation). - Any rapid redistribution of the holding address’s balance into multiple addresses or to exchanges. - Price reaction and spot-volume changes following the transfer. Bottom line: The on-chain activity is eye-catching but not decisive. Treat it as ambiguous until additional on-chain signals or market behavior point clearly to either accumulation or internal wallet management. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Headline: MicroStrategy hikes STRC dividend to 11.25% as preferred share trades just under par MicroStrategy’s executive chairman Michael Saylor announced a 25‑basis‑point bump to the dividend on the company’s perpetual preferred share STRC, raising the February rate to 11.25%. The move marks the sixth increase since STRC began trading in July 2025. STRC, which MicroStrategy markets as a “short‑duration, high‑yield savings account,” pays monthly cash distributions. The company sets the monthly dividend to encourage trading near STRC’s $100 par value and to help limit price swings. Despite the raise, STRC closed Friday at $98.99 — slightly below par. MicroStrategy has also built a $2.25 billion reserve to back dividend payments on its perpetual preferreds, which the company’s dashboard shows amount to roughly $887 million per year in obligations. The announcement came on X after bitcoin briefly slid below $76,000 on Saturday, which momentarily pushed MicroStrategy’s average bitcoin cost basis above market prices. Bitcoin has since recovered and was trading near $78,000. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Indonesia, now a BRICS member, has taken a notable diplomatic stance—declining to include US surveillance drones in a high-stakes trade package during talks with Washington, according to the Times of India. What happened - During negotiations over tariff reductions and expanded US market access, Indonesia rejected a proposal to buy American surveillance drones. Jakarta said constitutional limits and national sovereignty constrained any security-linked equipment purchases. - At the same time, Indonesia remains engaged with the US on commercial topics such as fuel imports, tariff cuts, and broader market access, so the drone rejection appears targeted rather than a total rupture. Why it matters - Reports suggest the decision was partly motivated by tensions in the South China Sea—Indonesia appears to be resisting trade measures tied to security cooperation, seeking to avoid steps that could escalate regional friction. - The move fits a larger pattern among emerging economies: BRICS countries and other developing states are increasingly asserting independence in trade policy and pushing back on deals they view as politically conditioned or one-sided. Regional and global context - The Philippines and other ASEAN members have been convening high-level meetings amid rising South China Sea tensions, highlighting broader regional alarm. - Indonesia joined BRICS in 2025; its stance is being read as illustrative of how BRICS members may leverage collective weight to resist perceived US pressure during the Trump administration. Bigger picture: trade alignments and reactions - The trend extends beyond Indonesia. India, which will chair the upcoming BRICS summit, recently sealed a major trade agreement with the European Union that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the “mother of all deals.” - The original report quoted a US official, Scott Bessent, expressing disappointment over Europe’s deal with India and noting US tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases. (Note: the exact official title used in some reports should be independently verified.) Implications for markets and crypto - Geopolitical shifts like these—BRICS consolidation, trade realignments, and growing reluctance to accept security-tied commercial terms—can reshape currency and capital flows. For crypto markets, increased geopolitical friction and moves toward trade diversification may accelerate interest in digital assets as alternative stores of value or settlement mechanisms, particularly among countries seeking independence from traditional dollar-dominated systems. Bottom line Indonesia’s refusal to accept a drone purchase as part of a US trade package highlights a sharper, sovereignty-first approach among BRICS and other emerging economies. The episode underscores an evolving global trade landscape that could have ripple effects across conventional markets—and in time, on crypto adoption and cross-border finance. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

The US dollar’s slide looks set to continue as emerging non-Western payment systems and reserve shifts accelerate, raising new questions about the greenback’s future as the world’s dominant reserve currency. What’s happening to the dollar - The dollar fell to a four-year low this week, sliding roughly 3% in about a week against major currencies. - ING analysts now see the dollar weakening another 4–5% through 2026, citing policy uncertainty and changing global investment patterns. - Currency strategists broadly agree on the direction—many argue the only open questions are timing and magnitude. BRICS: building a parallel financial system BRICS members are actively constructing what analysts call a parallel financial architecture designed to reduce dependence on Western-cleared systems. Key developments: - Late 2025 pilot: BRICS launched the “Unit,” a digital trade currency composed of 40% physical gold and 60% BRICS national currencies, explicitly designed for cross-border settlement outside Western intermediaries. - 2026 rollout: BRICS Pay, the alliance’s CBDC payment system, is slated for broader deployment throughout 2026. India, which chairs BRICS this year, is pushing to link BRICS+ central bank digital currencies to ease cross-border trade and tourism payments. Gold accumulation and reserve reshuffling Central bank behavior shows a concrete rotation away from Treasuries toward gold: - BRICS countries have amassed over 6,000 tonnes of gold—about 21% of global central bank reserves. Russia holds 2,336 tonnes, China 2,304 tonnes. - Gold hit $5,500 per ounce in January 2026. In 2025, foreign central banks’ gold holdings exceeded their US Treasury holdings in value terms for the first time in nearly 30 years. - Analysts take this as a structural move, not just speculative trading, and a major reason many expect further dollar weakness. Digital currencies at scale already Alternative payment rails are no longer theoretical: - The mBridge platform (China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE) has processed RMB 387.2 billion (~$55 billion) in payments so far, with 95% of flows using the digital yuan. - These numbers demonstrate that non-dollar digital settlement systems can operate at scale today, increasing perceived US dollar reserve risk. Market sentiment, policy risk and capital flows Political and policy uncertainty in the US has amplified market concerns: - Critics point to erratic policy moves as a driver of investor unease; Robin Brooks (Brookings) says markets are reacting to a “haphazard” policy environment. - Thierry Wizman (Macquarie) says tensions—such as those over Greenland in January 2026—have unnerved investors and pushed up volatility bets on the dollar. - Institutional flows show signs of de-dollarization: some pension funds in Amsterdam and Denmark have trimmed US Treasury holdings, and 11 of 19 emerging-market currencies tracked by Oxford Economics gained more than 1% against the dollar in the latest month. Voices from the markets - Chris Turner, ING: “Most people would think the dollar should, could, and would weaken further this year. The jury’s out on the timing but less so on the direction.” - Economist Peter Schiff warned more dramatically that the dollar could be replaced by gold, calling for a major economic crisis—an outlier but illustrative of growing fears. Why this matters for crypto readers A BRICS-backed digital payment stack, growing gold reserves, and large-scale CBDC pilots have direct implications for digital-asset markets and cross-border payments: - CBDC networks and gold-backed trade units could create new payment rails that compete with dollar-denominated systems and affect stablecoin utility. - Faster adoption of alternative digital settlements may change FX demand dynamics and the role crypto plays as a cross-border liquidity layer or store of value. Bottom line Central banks and major emerging economies are actively diversifying away from dollar-dominated instruments—into gold and digital, non-dollar settlement systems. Analysts generally agree the dollar has further to fall; the debate is now over how quickly and by how much. For crypto and payments ecosystems, the shift is worth watching closely: it may reshape cross-border finance and the competitive landscape for digital currencies. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Hong Kong has moved from talk to action on stablecoins, activating a licensing regime for fiat‑denominated issuers as part of a broader push to build clear crypto rules and position the city as a leading international finance hub. At a Legislative Council Finance Committee briefing, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui confirmed that the Stablecoin Ordinance — which took effect last August and established a licensing system for fiat-backed stablecoin issuers — is now in operation and that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is processing license applications. Hui described crypto as a “new growth area” that can strengthen Hong Kong’s role in global finance. Regulators are also working through the details of rules for other parts of the crypto ecosystem. Hui said authorities are developing the regulatory framework for virtual asset trading and custody service providers, and that the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FST) together with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) are consulting the public on rules for firms that provide advice on virtual assets and for virtual asset management service providers. The government is simultaneously gathering feedback to tighten anti‑money‑laundering controls and curb tax evasion in the sector. Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo‑po added timing context: the first list of approved licensed stablecoin issuers is expected in Q1 2026. Speaking at Davos, Chan framed digital assets as “financial innovation that we should embrace proactively,” saying they should “serve the real economy” — while underscoring the need for robust guardrails to limit market risks, protect investors, and preserve broader financial stability. The Stablecoin Ordinance itself imposes strict requirements around reserves, redemption rights and risk management, and Hong Kong has tightened rules for custodians and dealers — laying the groundwork for a wider crypto regulatory regime. That approach tracks a broader global trend toward clearer rules: the U.S. passed a stablecoin bill last year (even as a wider market‑structure package, the CLARITY Act, remains uncertain amid disputes over topics like yield products and tokenized stocks). In the U.K., Parliament has opened a stablecoin inquiry as it prepares to finalize its regulatory framework by the end of 2026. Bottom line: Hong Kong is signaling a deliberate, regulatory‑first path to attract crypto innovation — activating licensing now, consulting on further rules, and setting a timetable for initial approvals that keeps the city on the global regulatory map. Disclaimer: This article is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading is high risk; readers should do their own research before making investment decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Zcash (ZEC) looks increasingly vulnerable as selling pressure mounts and trader positioning tilts bearish, signaling a higher risk of further downside in the near term. Quick snapshot - Price: $322 at press time, down 3.25% over 24 hours. - Weekly: fourth straight daily loss and about a 13% drop on the week; the weekly chart was tracking a fifth consecutive red candle. - Volume: trading activity has fallen roughly 12% to $450 million, pointing to waning market participation and rising caution. Technical picture - Key support: ZEC is hovering around the $310 support level. Historically, the asset staged a strong rebound from the $310 area—about a 70% rally last time it tested that zone—but current market conditions make a repeat uncertain. - Bearish structure: On the daily chart ZEC is printing lower highs and lower lows, consistent with a downtrend. - If $310 breaks, analysts say the next major support sits near $200 — roughly a 35% drop from current prices. - Indicators: ADX is at 22.32 (below the 25 threshold), suggesting the trend lacks strong momentum, while the MFI is about 43, indicating neutral buying/selling pressure. Derivatives and trader risk - CoinGlass data shows concentrated leverage around $317.8 on the downside and $328.9 on the upside. - Approximately $4.04 million of long-leveraged positions are stacked near $317.8, while about $8.99 million of shorts lie near $328.9. - A breach below $317.8 could trigger liquidations of these long positions, potentially accelerating downward moves. Market context and scenarios - Broader market sentiment, geopolitical tensions, and subdued volume all weigh against an easy rebound this time. - A popular crypto analyst on X warned that failure to hold a bounce in the $290–$300 band could see ZEC slide toward $270, with a move down to $200 not out of the question. Bottom line ZEC is in a precarious spot: trader positioning and price action favor more downside unless the $310–$318 area holds and buying activity resumes. Watch volume, liquidation clusters, and the $310 support for clues on whether this leg down will continue or reverse. Disclaimer: This summary is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk—do your own research before making decisions. Sources: TradingView, CoinGlass, market commentary. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

U.S. shutdown stalls SEC work — and crypto feels it As of January 31, 2026, the U.S. federal government’s failure to pass a budget has effectively frozen much of financial regulation — and the crypto industry is directly in the crosshairs. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has switched to its shutdown contingency plan and is operating at a bare minimum. While systems like EDGAR remain online for filings, most SEC staff are furloughed, so filings go largely unreviewed and approvals are stalled. What’s paused - Routine regulatory work — including approvals for crypto ETFs, reviews of registration statements, and public guidance on rules — is largely on hold unless an immediate “market integrity and investor protection” emergency arises. - Only a small emergency team remains active; outside of urgent situations, normal SEC review and rulemaking are suspended. This is the same approach the SEC takes in any government shutdown. Why it matters for crypto - Recent momentum toward regulatory clarity and approvals has been interrupted. Decisions and guidance the market was expecting are now delayed until the government reopens. - SEC Chair Paul Atkins has already postponed several updates that the industry was awaiting. Expectations that 2026 would bring clearer crypto legislation from Congress are also undermined, since the shutdown makes bipartisan work much harder. Market impact - The pause comes amid a weakness in prices: the total crypto market slipped more than 6% to roughly $2.64 trillion. Bitcoin fell to about $78,000 and Ethereum to roughly $2,400. - The ETF space is especially sensitive to regulatory timing, and approvals or clarifications on product rules that could have supported the market are now deferred. Broader regulatory cooperation on hold - Just before the shutdown, senior officials from the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission had agreed to step up coordination to resolve jurisdictional conflicts, reduce duplicate filings, and deliver clearer guidance to the market. Those cooperation efforts are effectively paused while the government is closed. What to watch next - When Congress resolves the budget impasse and regular SEC operations resume, expect a backlog of filings and decisions to be processed — timing will drive near-term market reaction. - Watch for any emergency actions the SEC deems necessary, progress on SEC–CFTC coordination once staff return, and any resumption of public guidance from SEC leadership. Disclaimer: This article is informational and not investment advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies is high risk; readers should do their own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

India’s Union Budget 2026 has tightened the noose on crypto reporting, moving from a largely voluntary disclosure regime to one backed by explicit penalties — a response, officials say, to large-scale migration of trading volume to offshore platforms. What’s new - The Finance Bill introduces penalties to enforce reporting obligations under Section 509 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. From April 1, 2026, “prescribed reporting entities” — including crypto exchanges, marketplaces and intermediaries — must submit detailed statements of crypto-asset transactions to the tax department. - Failure to file will attract a penalty of Rs. 200 per day until the statement is furnished. Separately, reporting inaccurate or misleading information (or failing to correct flagged errors) will draw a flat fine of Rs. 50,000. - These measures target intermediaries rather than individual traders, but platforms are expected to tighten data collection, transaction tagging and reconciliation to avoid fines and regulatory scrutiny. What stayed the same - The Budget left the crypto tax framework untouched: a 30% tax on gains from virtual digital assets (VDAs), a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on transactions, and restrictions on setting off losses remain in place. Industry reaction - Raj Karkara, COO of ZebPay, welcomed the move toward stronger enforcement: “By introducing well-defined measures to address non-compliance, the Budget strengthens accountability while bringing digital asset reporting closer in line with established financial standards.” - WazirX founder Nischal Shetty warned of continued headwinds for liquidity and participation: “These measures continue to impact liquidity, participation and India’s competitiveness in the global digital asset landscape. We remain hopeful that future policy discussions will address these concerns in a manner that balances innovation, compliance, growth and ease of doing business.” Why the change now - Regulators have flagged significant offshore migration of trading activity. A KoinX report found that nearly 72.7% of India’s crypto trading volume in FY25 — about Rs. 51,252 crore — shifted to offshore exchanges. On domestic platforms, TDS accounted for just 0.60% of overall turnover, highlighting how transaction-level frictions have altered trading behavior. - Independent coverage by AMBCrypto estimated Indian users generated roughly $5 trillion in trading volume on offshore exchanges between late 2024 and 2025. - Tax authorities have also stepped up enforcement: the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in December it identified undisclosed VDAs worth Rs. 888.82 crore and issued more than 44,000 communications to taxpayers flagged for potential non-disclosure. Bottom line The Budget signals a move from weak disclosure requirements to a regime with real teeth for intermediaries. Expect exchanges to bolster compliance tools and reporting processes — which could reduce offshore migration over time, but may also increase friction for traders in the short term. Sources: Indian Budget 2026–27; KoinX; AMBCrypto; CBDT. Disclaimer: AMBCrypto's content is meant to be informational in nature and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Trading, buying or selling cryptocurrencies should be considered a high-risk investment and every reader is advised to do their own research before making any decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Shiba Inu (SHIB) holders have had a rough ride through 2025 and into 2026. After a late-2024 peak — when SHIB briefly reached about $0.00003 in December 2024 — the token has trended downward, leaving many who remember the 2021 bull run wondering what’s next. Here’s a clearer, more practical look at where SHIB stands, why volatility is expected, and how to approach your holdings during this bear market. What’s going on with SHIB - SHIB’s price has declined since its December 2024 highs and remains well off the speculative peaks seen during earlier crypto euphoria. - As a memecoin, SHIB tends to move more violently than major blue-chip crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum. That means bigger upside in strong rallies — but also deeper drawdowns in corrections. Why SHIB behaves this way - Memecoin dynamics: Memecoins trade heavily on sentiment, social momentum, and speculative flows rather than fundamentals. That amplifies both gains and losses. Many early SHIB investors made outsized returns in 2021 with relatively small stakes; the same structural factors that enabled those spikes make SHIB vulnerable to sharp downturns. - Crypto market cycles: Crypto markets are cyclical. For perspective, Bitcoin climbed to roughly $69,000 in 2021 before a steep pullback to around $15,000 in November 2022. These cycles show how long recoveries can take and how painful corrections can be — but also that major recoveries do occur over time. Macro backdrop matters - The broader crypto market’s weakness stems partly from macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Improvements in global economic conditions, risk appetite, or a cooling of geopolitical tensions tend to help risk assets, including memecoins, recover. How to navigate the current downturn - Reassess your allocation: Make sure SHIB exposure aligns with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Memecoins should typically be a small portion of a diversified portfolio. - Have a plan: Decide in advance whether you’re holding for the long term, trimming positions, or using dips to dollar-cost-average (DCA) in. Avoid emotional, impulsive trades. - Use DCA or selective buys: If you believe in a longer-term recovery and want exposure, DCA reduces timing risk. - Diversify: Balance high-risk memecoin positions with more established assets or stable holdings. - Monitor project fundamentals: Track ecosystem developments (protocol upgrades, tokenomics changes, burn mechanisms, layer-2 initiatives, exchange listings) that could materially affect SHIB’s supply/demand dynamics. - Risk management: Consider stop-losses for shorter-term trades, and consult tax strategies like loss harvesting if applicable. What could trigger a rebound - Better macro conditions and renewed risk appetite. - Positive ecosystem news or adoption events that improve SHIB’s utility or scarcity. - Broader crypto market rallies led by Bitcoin and major altcoins. Bottom line SHIB’s current slump is painful but not unusual for a memecoin in a bearish market. Its high risk-reward profile means volatility is the norm — which can produce both spectacular gains and steep losses. Evaluate your exposure, stick to a clear plan, and prioritize risk management rather than reacting to short-term price noise. This isn’t financial advice, but a framework to help owners make clearer decisions during a volatile stretch for SHIB. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Headline: Shiba Inu Holders Rally Eyes on “Sunday” After Lead Dev Breaks Silence — Could a Reveal Spark a Revival? Shiba Inu’s price has been trapped in a sluggish downtrend for weeks, but the community may finally have something concrete to watch. Pseudonymous lead developer and co-founder Shytoshi Kusama resurfaced on X after a long absence and teased a revelation slated for Sunday, injecting fresh attention into the ecosystem at a time when investor confidence has been tested. Lead dev returns, drops a cryptic tease Kusama — who had been largely quiet since early December — returned this week with a thread explaining his period of inactivity and resumed regular posting and reposting. One post stood out: he hinted at an accidental discovery tied to what he called “an ancient marker older than time itself,” and said a fuller explanation would arrive on Sunday. The post’s cryptic nature quickly drew engagement from a SHIB community eager for direction. Transparency questions follow Shibarium exploit The timing of Kusama’s reappearance became especially significant after an exchange with a community member known as RuggRat on X. RuggRat criticized the lack of an official explanation from Kusama about the Shibarium Bridge exploit in September 2025, which led to roughly $4.1 million in stolen crypto. In response, Kusama acknowledged concerns and framed his Sunday update as a step-by-step effort to address outstanding issues: “This is what Sunday is for. One at a time.” Market context: price pressure and waning confidence Shiba Inu’s market performance has failed to regain traction so far in 2026, continuing a trend from late 2025. At the time of writing, SHIB trades near $0.0000071, down about 1.8% over 24 hours and roughly 10.5% over the past week. The chart has shown a pattern of lower lows and persistent selling pressure, and many holders have been trimming positions as expectations for tangible ecosystem utility remain unfulfilled. Why Sunday matters For a community looking for clarity and leadership, Kusama’s promised update could matter more than usual. If the message addresses transparency around Shibarium, outlines concrete remediation steps, or unveils new utility or roadmap elements, it might calm nerves and provide a concrete catalyst. Conversely, a non-specific or vague message could deepen skepticism. What to watch - The content and tone of Kusama’s Sunday announcement — concrete plans and timelines vs. cryptic messaging. - Any official statements or technical disclosures related to the September 2025 Shibarium Bridge exploit. - Market reaction in the hours and days after the reveal, particularly liquidity and volume changes. Bottom line: Kusama’s reappearance and his promise of a Sunday update have given SHIB holders something to focus on amid a difficult market stretch. Whether that will be enough to convert cautious sentiment into renewed buying remains to be seen. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Michael Saylor’s bitcoin hoard briefly dipped below his firm’s cost basis — but don’t expect a panic. What happened - Bitcoin slid to roughly $75,500 over the weekend, momentarily putting the market price just below MicroStrategy’s (MSTR) average purchase cost of about $76,037 per coin. - That technically makes MicroStrategy “underwater” on its bitcoin holdings, but it doesn’t spell immediate trouble for the company. Why this isn’t an emergency - MicroStrategy holds 712,647 BTC and all of it is unencumbered — none of those coins are pledged as loan collateral — so there is no risk of forced selling simply because the spot price has dipped below the company’s average cost. - The company carries about $8.2 billion in convertible debt, which sounds large but is flexible. MicroStrategy can roll maturities, convert debt to equity when due, or pursue other liability-management tools. The first put date on its convertible notes isn’t until Q3 2027. - There are precedent tactics in the space: other bitcoin treasury firms (for example, Strive, ticker ASST) have used instruments like perpetual preferred shares to address convertible debt, and MicroStrategy has similar options available. - MicroStrategy also holds roughly $2.25 billion in cash on its balance sheet, earmarked for dividend payments. Where the real friction shows up - The main constraint is fundraising. MicroStrategy has traditionally funded new BTC purchases by selling shares through at-the-market (ATM) offerings, where brokers drip stock into the market at current prices. That approach works best when MSTR trades at a premium to its net asset value (mNAV) — i.e., when the market capitalization exceeds the real-time value of its bitcoin stash. - When bitcoin was near $89–90k last week, MicroStrategy traded at about a 1.15x mNAV premium. With bitcoin plunging into the mid-$70k range, that premium flipped to a discount (below 1x), making new equity raises less attractive and more dilutive. - Trading below its cost basis doesn’t force a sale, but it does slow MicroStrategy’s ability to grow its BTC position without issuing more shares (which would dilute existing holders). For context: in 2022, when MSTR traded below its bitcoin-holding value for much of the year, the company added only about 10,000 BTC. What to expect next - The company’s balance sheet isn’t under immediate stress and it’s unlikely to be forced into emergency measures. However, if bitcoin remains at these levels or falls further, MicroStrategy’s stock will likely face downside pressure when markets reopen, and the pace of future bitcoin accumulation could slow materially. Disclosure: The analyst who wrote the original piece owns shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR). Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Hong Kong is moving quickly to turn crypto into a “new growth area,” activating licensing for fiat-backed stablecoin issuers as it builds out a wider regulatory framework for digital assets. At a policy briefing to the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui confirmed the Stablecoin Ordinance — “officially implemented last August” — has set up a licensing system for fiat-denominated stablecoin issuers, and that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is now processing applications. Hui framed the push as part of an effort to reinforce Hong Kong’s standing as an international financial centre while managing the risks that come with innovation. Regulators are also working on detailed rules for virtual-asset trading platforms and custody service providers, Hui said, and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau together with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) are consulting the public on a regulatory regime for firms that advise on virtual assets and for virtual-asset fund managers. Officials are simultaneously soliciting feedback on measures to combat tax evasion and bolster anti-money‑laundering controls in the sector. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has set a near-term marker: the first list of approved licensed stablecoin issuers is expected in Q1 2026. Speaking at Davos, Chan described digital assets as “financial innovation that we should embrace proactively,” while stressing the need for “strong guardrails” so crypto activity does not threaten financial stability, market integrity or investor protection. Hong Kong’s stablecoin law contains strict standards for reserve holdings, redemption mechanisms and risk management, and it tightens obligations on custodians and dealers — laying the regulatory groundwork for broader digital-asset activity in the city. The approach echoes moves in other major markets aimed at offering clearer rules for a fast-growing industry. In the U.S., lawmakers passed a stablecoin bill last year, although a larger market-structure package (the CLARITY Act) remains uncertain amid disputes over issues such as yield products and tokenized equities. Meanwhile, the U.K. has launched a parliamentary inquiry into stablecoin rules as it works toward a final regime expected by the end of 2026. What this means for market participants: Hong Kong is signaling that firms wanting to operate there should prepare for a compliance-first environment — with licensing, custody, reserve and AML expectations front and centre — but also that the city intends to welcome well-regulated digital‑asset activity as part of its growth strategy. Disclaimer: AMBCrypto's content is meant to be informational in nature and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Trading, buying or selling cryptocurrencies should be considered a high-risk investment and every reader is advised to do their own research before making any decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Headline: Macro pressure tests XRP’s resilience — can it buck Bitcoin’s dominance? As macro uncertainty builds into the first half close, crypto markets are still wrestling with short-term volatility even as investors position for the long game. Key catalysts that could reduce uncertainty include the fate of the CLARITY Act — which, if passed, would lend regulatory legitimacy to digital assets — and greater clarity around U.S. Fed policy, where markets are already pricing in cuts. Against that backdrop, Ripple and XRP are attracting attention, but price action is proving stubbornly tied to Bitcoin. Why Ripple is drawing interest - Institutional flows and strategic moves: Ripple has pushed several initiatives this year — from creating a Ripple Treasury to securing regulatory licenses across multiple jurisdictions — that are meant to deepen RLUSD’s utility across Europe and broaden institutional access. - Tokenization momentum: XRP’s RWA (real-world-asset) TVL rose 11% in the past 30 days to a record $235 million, signaling growing tokenization activity and institutional interest (source: SoSoValue). - Long-term bets despite FUD: Even after bouts of negative sentiment, investors appear to be backing the network’s fundamentals, treating Ripple more like an L1 that can capture ETF inflows. The disconnect: fundamentals vs. price Despite those on-chain gains and strategic wins, XRP’s price hasn’t kept pace. The token has pulled back about 9% in 2026 and slipped to $1.60 — the lowest level in nine months — effectively erasing post-election gains. That raises the question: is XRP undervalued, or simply hostage to a larger market tide? Bitcoin still calling the shots Altcoins are moving almost lock-step with BTC right now. The current correlation between Bitcoin and the altcoin market sits around 87%, meaning BTC largely dictates market direction. XRP is especially tied to Bitcoin: Alphractal data shows XRP’s BTC correlation reading at 0.998, making it among the most BTC-dependent altcoins. In practical terms, ETF flows and tokenization wins matter less when BTC volatility leads the market. Near-term risks and outlook - Macro and political FUD — including concerns over a potential government shutdown — have pressured BTC and, by extension, XRP. - XRP recently lost the $1.80 support level, denting short-term conviction and leaving the token vulnerable to deeper corrections while Bitcoin-driven volatility outpaces fundamentals. - That said, if regulatory clarity improves (CLARITY Act or clearer Fed signaling) and institutional adoption continues, XRP could resume its longer-term appreciation in H2. Bottom line Ripple’s network and institutional metrics look increasingly constructive, but price action is still overwhelmingly dominated by Bitcoin’s moves. For traders, near-term downside remains possible until macro clouds clear; for longer-term investors, ongoing tokenization and regulatory traction present reasons to watch XRP closely. Sources: SoSoValue, Alphractal Disclaimer: Content is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading is high-risk; do your own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

Enso (ENSO) has quietly bucked the broader crypto sell-off, delivering a dramatic rebound after a steep pullback — and catching traders’ attention in the process. Market context Over the past 48 hours the crypto market suffered heavy losses: Bitcoin bulls failed to hold the $87,000 local support, with BTC sliding about 6.95% from Thursday’s $89.3k high, while the broader altcoin market lost roughly 7.98% in the same window. Despite that backdrop, Enso — a $32.2 million L1 token — has shown surprising resilience. Price action and volume After plunging as much as 53% from last week’s high of $2.45, ENSO dropped to $1.15 late January. Instead of continuing lower, it staged a sharp reversal on January 30, jumping 51.74% in a single day. Since January 29 the token was up 12.57%, and over the most recent 24‑hour period ENSO gained 30.8%. CoinMarketCap data also flagged a massive 530% surge in Enso’s daily trading volume, underscoring renewed market interest. (Source: ENSO/USDT on TradingView) Technical read — daily chart - RSI: The one‑day RSI has cooled from overheated levels but remains in bullish territory after ENSO briefly dipped below the $1.298 local support. - Fibonacci: The 61.8% retracement level at $1.267 was temporarily breached but quickly recovered, suggesting sellers lacked the momentum to push prices much lower. - OBV: On‑balance volume has started to climb, supporting the view that buying pressure is returning. Volume profile and key levels A Fixed Range Volume Profile taken last Sunday placed the Point of Control (POC) at $1.45 — marking a meaningful local support level. Above the POC, the Value Area High sits near $1.62, with $1.60–$1.70 representing a recent supply zone. Key scenarios to watch: - If ENSO holds above $1.45, bullish continuation toward $1.60–$1.70, then $1.95–$2.00 and ultimately the $2.45 resistance becomes plausible. - A slide below $1.45 would likely invite a retest of $1.30. A break under $1.30 would signal short‑term bearish control. Trading takeaways The rapid rebound after the deep pullback can be read as a sign of buying conviction rather than a fleeting bounce. Short‑term traders may view retests of $1.45 or $1.30 as potential buying opportunities, while upside targets to monitor are $1.60–$1.70, $1.95–$2.00 and the recent high at $2.45. (Source: ENSO/USDT on TradingView) Disclaimer This article is informational and represents the writer’s opinion. It is not financial, investment, trading, or professional advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk; always do your own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news