The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has rolled out its first comprehensive set of digital asset regulations, targeting banks and payment service providers. These rules clarify how institutions can interact with tokenized assets and stablecoins while maintaining a cautious stance toward cryptocurrencies. The move has sparked speculation about whether Cambodia is easing its crypto restrictions. Breaking Down the Rules The NBC’s guidelines distinguish between two types of activities: These distinctions hint at a more nuanced stance than the outright ban on cryptocurrencies reported by local media. The rules suggest that approved institutions can act as Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) under strict regulatory oversight. Categorizing Assets The NBC classifies digital assets into two groups: What’s Off the Table? While the rules open certain doors, the NBC imposes clear limitations: Additionally, there’s ambiguity surrounding stablecoin payments. CASPs are restricted from enabling crypto assets to be used for goods and services, but it’s unclear whether this applies solely to domestic payments. The Role of Bakong Cambodia’s blockchain-based payment system, Bakong, has been central to the country’s financial ecosystem since its launch in 2020. Widely described as a tokenized deposit system rather than a central bank digital currency (CBDC), Bakong has gained significant traction domestically and regionally. Allowing stablecoins for payments could detract from Bakong’s success, although plans to integrate stablecoins into the platform for international payments are reportedly still in motion. A Step Toward Global Standards The NBC’s regulations align with international frameworks like those from the Basel Committee, signaling Cambodia’s intent to align with global norms while balancing innovation and risk. The Bigger Picture Cambodia’s new rules represent a cautious yet progressive step toward integrating digital assets into its financial system. While the outright ban on cryptocurrencies for banks remains, the possibility of offering crypto-related client services marks a subtle shift. For now, the focus seems to be on fostering innovation within a controlled environment, ensuring that the country’s financial stability remains intact. As Cambodia finds its footing in the digital asset space, these regulations could pave the way for broader adoption while preserving the success of its pioneering Bakong system. Whether this marks the beginning of a more crypto-friendly era for Cambodia remains to be seen.

Tether’s USDT, the largest stablecoin by market cap, has seen a notable drop in its valuation and trading volumes over the past few weeks. However, experts suggest this decline is linked to the seasonal holiday slowdown rather than a sign of a bearish shift in the crypto market. Recent Developments Despite these numbers, financial services platform Matrixport highlights that this trend is typical during the holiday season and shouldn’t be interpreted as a negative market shift. Historically, such slowdowns often precede a period of consolidation, setting the stage for bullish momentum. Expert Insights Matrixport emphasizes that rising stablecoin trading volumes are a bullish indicator, signaling increased fiat inflow into the crypto ecosystem. The recent drop, therefore, aligns with a natural market cooldown rather than a long-term downtrend. Analysts also expect trading activity to pick up as the holiday lull subsides. FUD Around MiCA and Tether Amid the seasonal dip, rumors circulated about Tether’s delisting on European exchanges due to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). However, local regulators have not issued such directives, and major exchanges, including Binance, continue to support USDT. Many community members have dismissed these rumors as unfounded fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD). Looking Ahead As the market recovers from the holiday slowdown, analysts predict that stablecoin activity will rebound, potentially fueling a broader crypto market recovery. While USDT’s recent numbers might appear concerning at first glance, the data suggests this is a temporary phase rather than a long-term shift. The crypto world will be watching closely as 2025 kicks off, with expectations for renewed activity and growth in the coming weeks.

The cryptocurrency market is starting 2025 with optimism as Bitcoin (BTC) showcases impressive performance. Over the past week, the world’s largest cryptocurrency has come tantalizingly close to the $100,000 mark, hitting a high of $99,611.09. This surge has reignited hopes of a bullish trend in the sector. A Market on the Rise Bitcoin’s recent rally has been supported by significant corporate interest, with companies like MicroStrategy doubling down on their BTC investments. The broader crypto market also reflected this momentum, with its total capitalization growing from $3.27 trillion to $3.53 trillion over the past week. Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, saw its price fluctuate between $3,306.41 and $3,691.88 during the same period. Market Sentiment and Volume Investor sentiment appears optimistic, with the Fear and Greed Index standing at “Greed” with 60 points. Bitcoin’s dominance in the market remains strong at 55.78%, suggesting a potential rally across altcoins in the coming days. DeFi’s total volume reached $8.17 billion, while stablecoins accounted for $80.97 billion, emphasizing their ongoing importance in the market. Industry Experts Weigh In Experts in the crypto space are divided on Bitcoin’s immediate future but remain hopeful for long-term growth. Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex, highlighted Bitcoin’s ability to regain its 50-day moving average, signaling the possibility of continued bullish momentum. Patel also pointed to institutional activities like MicroStrategy’s plans to expand its Bitcoin holdings as a driving force behind the rally. Thangapandi Durai, CEO of Koinpark, emphasized Bitcoin’s resilience and its ability to maintain support around $97,000 while testing resistance near $99,000. A breakout above this level could pave the way for significant upward movement, he noted. What Lies Ahead? The crypto market is poised for potential growth, with many traders watching for Bitcoin to decisively cross the $100,000 threshold. Meanwhile, stability around current levels indicates healthy consolidation, which could lay the groundwork for further gains. As always, crypto investors are advised to stay informed and exercise caution. The volatile nature of the market means that even promising trends can quickly reverse. Conduct thorough research and remain vigilant to navigate this dynamic sector successfully.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be transformative for the cryptocurrency landscape, as technological advancements and regulatory changes pave the way for new opportunities. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley recently outlined his vision for the year, emphasizing the potential of tokenization, artificial intelligence (AI), and corporate Bitcoin adoption to reshape industries and markets. Tokenization: Unlocking Capital for Small Businesses Horsley highlighted tokenization’s untapped potential to revolutionize capital markets. While much of the focus has been on democratizing investment opportunities, the real game-changer lies in enabling smaller businesses to access previously unattainable funding. “Tokenization can unlock vast capital markets for niche and underrepresented businesses, allowing them to flourish,” Horsley stated. This aligns with industry trends as real-world asset (RWA) tokenization gains traction, allowing assets like real estate, debt, and equity to be digitized and traded on blockchain networks. AI and the Rise of Niche Businesses Artificial intelligence is another key driver of change in 2025. Horsley predicts that AI will foster an explosion of niche businesses, which traditionally would be too small to go public. By leveraging tokenization, these companies could access capital markets, creating a “long-tail capital market.” This AI-driven shift could lead to more tokenized companies and a broader range of investment opportunities, ultimately enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of global financial markets. Bitcoin Standard Corporations on the Rise Corporate Bitcoin adoption is another trend Horsley expects to gain momentum in 2025. Following in the footsteps of MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, more companies are likely to integrate BTC into their balance sheets. Horsley calls these companies “Bitcoin Standard Corporations,” reflecting a growing trend of businesses using Bitcoin as a treasury asset. In late 2024, several smaller firms already signaled their intention to adopt Bitcoin as part of their financial strategies, underscoring the growing acceptance of digital assets in corporate finance. Mergers, Acquisitions, and a Boost for Crypto The anticipated deregulatory stance of the Trump administration could “unfreeze” mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for large corporations, creating ripple effects across industries, including crypto. Horsley suggests that giants like Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft may finally leverage their market dominance, potentially accelerating the adoption and integration of cryptocurrency technologies. “The big getting bigger may highlight the importance of decentralized systems, reinforcing crypto’s premise of financial autonomy and trustless systems,” Horsley noted. A New Era of Innovation The interplay of AI, tokenization, and cryptocurrency adoption promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities in 2025. With regulatory and technological landscapes evolving rapidly, Horsley’s predictions underscore the transformative potential of blockchain and related innovations to redefine traditional markets. As the year progresses, these developments could mark a turning point, offering significant opportunities for investors and businesses ready to embrace the future of finance.

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly influences financial decision-making, its role in shaping investment strategies has become undeniable. A recent analysis by popular AI models—ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot—has shed light on the factors driving potential growth for key cryptocurrencies in 2025. Bitcoin (BTC): The Market Titan Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of the crypto market. According to the AI models, its price trajectory in 2025 will be influenced by: Ethereum (ETH): The DeFi Powerhouse Ethereum’s continued dominance in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts is underpinned by: Solana (SOL): Speed Meets Scalability Solana’s technological edge positions it for growth in 2025. The AI models highlighted: Ripple (XRP): Bridging Global Transactions Ripple’s role in cross-border payments remains its defining strength. AI insights include: Cardano (ADA): The Research-Driven Blockchain Cardano’s methodical approach has solidified its reputation for scalability and innovation: Avalanche (AVAX): Scalable and Developer-Friendly Avalanche’s technical capabilities make it a strong contender: Kaspa (KAS): The Speed Leader Kaspa’s unique architecture has caught the attention of the AI models: Conclusion: AI’s Role in Shaping Crypto Predictions With AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, its insights into the crypto market offer a fresh perspective on potential investment opportunities. Whether it’s Bitcoin’s institutional momentum, Ethereum’s DeFi dominance, or Solana’s technical breakthroughs, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for cryptocurrency.

Phantom, a leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has officially dismissed speculation about launching its own token. The rumors emerged after the company announced a new social discovery feature, prompting some users to speculate about an airdrop tied to the initiative. In a statement shared on January 3 via X, Phantom clarified, “We’ve seen some speculation about an airdrop tied to this feature. To clarify: we do not have any plans to launch a token.” New Social Discovery Feature The social discovery feature, first revealed on December 19, aims to enhance user interaction within the Phantom ecosystem. It will allow users to create customizable profiles, add friends, and select from three privacy settings: public, private, and invisible. Despite the lack of a token or rewards announcement, rumors were fueled by social media users like X account “Slim,” who suggested that followers and following activity might lead to token earnings. Phantom’s clarification has put these assumptions to rest. Expansion and Recent Updates Phantom continues to expand its offerings. On December 6, the company announced plans to integrate Sui, a layer 1 blockchain, marking the fourth blockchain supported by Phantom alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Sui integration is expected to roll out in early 2025. With over 7 million monthly active users as of April 2024, Phantom has solidified itself as one of the most popular non-custodial wallets during this crypto bull cycle. It even surged to the second-most popular app in Apple’s utility section shortly after Donald Trump’s election win in November 2024. Recent Challenges Despite its growth, Phantom has faced some setbacks. A glitch in its iPhone application last year forced developers to issue an emergency update. The issue temporarily locked users out of their wallets unless they had their recovery phrases. One affected user reported losing $600,000 due to the incident. Conclusion Founded in 2021 by CEO Brandon Millman, Chief Product Officer Chris Kalani, and CTO Francesco Agost, Phantom continues to innovate in the non-custodial crypto wallet space. The company’s emphasis on transparency—especially regarding its token plans—aligns with its mission to provide secure and user-friendly tools for managing digital assets and NFTs. As Phantom prepares for new integrations and feature rollouts, it remains a cornerstone of the decentralized finance ecosystem. For now, users can focus on exploring its social features without expecting a token launch.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has announced a significant shift in the company’s hiring strategy, revealing that 75% of Ripple Labs’ current job openings are now based in the United States. This move marks a sharp turnaround from previous years when regulatory uncertainty hindered Ripple’s domestic growth. In a Jan. 5 post on X (formerly Twitter), Garlinghouse attributed the shift to the pro-crypto rhetoric of the incoming Trump administration. He also noted that Ripple has closed more U.S.-based deals and partnerships since the November 2024 election than in the previous six months combined. “This is even more personal after Gensler’s SEC effectively froze our business opportunities here at home for years,” Garlinghouse wrote, expressing optimism about a brighter future under the new administration. Industry Optimism Grows Under Trump’s Pro-Crypto Policies The broader cryptocurrency industry is also gearing up for a more favorable regulatory climate under President-elect Donald Trump. The second Trump administration, set to take office on Jan. 20, 2025, has already inspired several companies to make strategic moves. Hive Digital, a blockchain mining firm, announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Vancouver, Canada, to San Antonio, Texas. The company cited the incoming administration’s pro-Bitcoin stance as a significant factor in its decision. Financial giant Morgan Stanley is reportedly considering adding cryptocurrency trading to its E-Trade platform. Spokespeople for the company acknowledged the Trump administration’s pro-crypto approach as a driving force behind this potential expansion. Predictions for Growth and Innovation ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood has also weighed in, predicting that deregulation under the Trump administration could pave the way for an era of innovation and growth. Wood forecasted a potential $1 million price for Bitcoin by 2030, emphasizing its scarcity and increasing adoption as a store of value. She also expects a surge in corporate mergers and acquisitions as businesses adapt to a more business-friendly regulatory environment. A New Era for Crypto in the U.S. The optimism surrounding the incoming administration has fueled hopes of a reinvigorated crypto landscape in the U.S. With Ripple’s renewed focus on its domestic operations and other companies positioning themselves to take advantage of a friendlier environment, the stage is set for significant growth in the cryptocurrency sector. As Jan. 20 approaches, the industry eagerly anticipates how the new administration’s policies will shape the future of blockchain innovation and crypto adoption in the United States.

As the first trading week of 2025 wraps up, Bitcoin continues to showcase a striking shift in sentiment. Despite the optimism, market watchers remain cautiously optimistic about the road ahead. Bitcoin’s Rollercoaster Week Bitcoin began the year with a bang, rebounding strongly from New Year’s Eve lows and reclaiming the $97,000 mark. The cryptocurrency’s comeback extended to surpass its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), a key indicator many traders associate with the continuation of a bull market. Crypto analyst Skew highlighted the significance of this move, stating that Bitcoin is “sustaining momentum” and closing strong. However, not all are convinced of a sustained rally. Some traders, like Scient, caution that unless Bitcoin breaches and stabilizes above $99,000, a retreat to the $88,000–$90,000 zone remains possible. Others, like Crypto Tony, anticipate short-term fluctuations, describing the recent uptick as a potential “relief bounce” before another dip. Analysts agree that the first full week of trading in 2025 will provide more clarity on Bitcoin’s trajectory. Bitcoin ETFs Show Signs of Revival One of the standout developments of the week was a major recovery in Bitcoin ETF inflows. On January 3, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw net inflows of $908 million, a sharp turnaround after a period of record outflows. Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund led the charge, taking in $357 million, while BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust added $253 million. Analysts attribute the renewed interest to institutional investors who are regaining confidence following the year-end sell-off. Crypto trader Patric H noted that “big money is back to buying,” marking a significant shift in sentiment. Coinbase Premium and U.S. Influence Another positive signal comes from the Coinbase Premium Index, which tracks the pricing difference between Bitcoin on U.S.-based Coinbase and Binance. After hitting 12-month lows on December 31, the index has rebounded above its 14-day moving average. This suggests that U.S.-based buyers are beginning to exert a stronger influence on Bitcoin’s price. What’s Next for Bitcoin? While the short-term outlook for Bitcoin remains uncertain, many analysts are bullish for the first quarter of 2025. As institutional interest returns and macroeconomic conditions stabilize, Bitcoin’s journey past the $100,000 milestone could reignite the next leg of its bull run. For now, traders are keeping a close eye on critical levels like $99,000 and the $88,000–$90,000 support zone to navigate the market’s nearterm volatility.