Market
Gensler’s Exit, Bitfinex Hack, Bitcoin in the US

The crypto market recorded several important developments this week, from regulatory advancements to significant legal rulings. Taken together, the highlights display how the global cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to advance.
The following is a roundup of crucial developments that happened this week but will continue shaping the sector.
Gary Gensler’s to Resign as SEC Chair
Gary Gensler, Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), announced his resignation effective January 2025. The crypto industry had long anticipated his departure, which marks the end of a controversial tenure characterized by a strict approach to digital asset regulation.
“On January 20, 2025, I will be stepping down as SEC Chair,” he shared.
Gensler’s tenure saw multiple enforcement actions against crypto companies, leading to heightened scrutiny of projects like XRP, Solana, Cardano, and others. Against this backdrop, news of his imminent resignation had a notable impact on the cryptocurrency market. XRP, a token at the center of the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, and Solana (SOL) experienced significant rallies.
The rallies came as the crypto industry now anticipates a leadership change that could introduce clearer frameworks for digital assets. Gensler’s departure coincides with ongoing calls for balanced regulation, offering hope for less adversarial interactions between regulators and the crypto community.
US Eyes Crypto-Czar Role
The Trump administration is reportedly considering appointing a “crypto-czar” to shape and lead the nation’s approach to digital assets. Chris Giancarlo, the former chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is among those under discussion for the role.
Other considerations include Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who drew significant support from Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson. Similarly, Brian Brooks, former BinanceUS and Coinbase executive, is also on the list of considerations.
Beyond the crypto-czar role, Trump’s social media and technology company is also in talks to purchase crypto exchange Bakkt. The general sentiment is that purchasing Bakkt could bring Trump fresh skin in the game.
Russia’s Crypto Policy Shake-Up
As BeInCrypto reported, Russia has revised its crypto taxation bill, introducing measures to regulate and tax crypto transactions more effectively. The country has also banned crypto mining in occupied Ukrainian territories, citing security concerns.
“Starting Dec 2024, Russia’s Energy Ministry is clamping down on mining rigs in energy-stressed zones like Irkutsk, Chechnya, and DPR. The takeaway’s clear: energy ≠ infinite, and miners might need to get stealthy or pivot,” Mario Nawfal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
These developments reflect Russia’s dual approach of harnessing crypto’s economic potential while maintaining stringent control over its use. Analysts warn that these policies could stifle innovation while ensuring compliance with state interests.
Bitfinex Hack Case: Couple Sentenced
BeInCrypto also reported on the US legal system’s sentencing of Heather Morgan, the wife of Ilya Lichtenstein, to prison for the infamous 2016 Bitfinex hack. This sentencing came shortly after Lichtenstein’s sentencing to five years in prison.
Morgan and her husband attempted to launder the loot through various means, including buying gold and NFTs. Of note, Lichtenstein’s sentence was far below his potential 20-year maximum, as he also cooperated significantly with the authorities.
These sentences reflect the ongoing efforts to bring crypto-related crimes to justice. It also highlights the importance of strong security and regulatory oversight in the industry. Notwithstanding, the 2016 Bitfinex attack remains one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history.
OCC Approves Bitcoin ETF Options Trading
This week, the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) also approved Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded funds) options trading. This decision marked a significant regulatory milestone in the US financial markets. This approval enhances market liquidity, providing institutional and retail investors with greater flexibility to hedge risks.
The move is expected to catalyze broader acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs, potentially driving increased trading volumes and market participation. Analysts believe this approval could pave the way for further advancements in Bitcoin-related financial products.
Author of “Softwar” Enters Presidential Race
To add to this list of interesting things that happened in the crypto market this week, Jason Lowery, the author of Softwar, is eyeing a position in the White House. His bid centered on Bitcoin adoption and national security. Lowery advocates for Bitcoin as a strategic asset, reflecting its potential to fortify the US against global economic uncertainties.
His interest reflects the growing intersection of politics and crypto as policymakers recognize Bitcoin’s strategic implications beyond its financial utility.
“I recommend Maj Jason Lowery for presidential advisor on the Advancement of Bitcoin as a National Strategic Asset,” one user on X pushed.
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Covered Call ETF
Further, Grayscale updated its Bitcoin Covered Call ETF, enhancing its utility for investors seeking income generation strategies. The ETF employs options strategies to provide returns, offering a unique way for investors to capitalize on Bitcoin’s volatility.
This product demonstrates the continued innovation in crypto financial instruments, catering to diverse investor needs amidst a fast-paced market.
“Grayscale wasting no time after BTC ETF options approval. They’ve filed an updated prospectus for their Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (no ticker yet). The fund will offer exposure to GBTC and BTC while writing and/or buying options contracts on Bitcoin ETPs for income,” James Seyffart remarked.
China Recognizes Crypto as Property
A landmark legal ruling also passed among top crypto news this week. As it happened, a Chinese court recognized cryptocurrency as legal property. The determination granted protections to crypto holders, with the decision coming amid China’s stringent crypto regulations. It offers a glimmer of hope for crypto enthusiasts in the region.
This ruling could influence future regulatory approaches, balancing state control with individual rights in the digital economy.
Paul Tudor Jones Doubles Down on Bitcoin
Additionally, hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones reaffirmed his commitment to Bitcoin this week. Jones revealed a continued stake in Bitcoin, citing the asset’s resilience amid economic uncertainty. The endorsement highlights Bitcoin’s enduring appeal among institutional investors, reinforcing its status as “digital gold” in turbulent financial landscapes.
“Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones: All roads lead to inflation … I’m long gold, I’m long Bitcoin, I’m long commodities,” Michael Burry said, citing Jones.
His firm, Tudor Investment Corporation, also significantly increased its Bitcoin reserves, emphasizing its role as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks.
Poland’s Bitcoin Reserve Proposal
Beyond Paul Tudor Jones, another show of support for Bitcoin this week came from Polish lawmaker Sławomir Mentzen. The Presidential aspirant vowed to establish a Bitcoin reserve if elected, signaling a potential crypto-friendly policy shift in Poland.
“Poland should create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If I become the President of Poland, our country will become a cryptocurrency haven, with very friendly regulations, low taxes, and a supportive approach from banks and regulators,” Mentzen shared.
His vision includes embracing Bitcoin as a hedge against economic instability and fostering blockchain innovation to strengthen the national economy. His proposal resonates with growing trends among nations exploring Bitcoin adoption to safeguard financial sovereignty.
Mentzen’s promise reflects a rising sentiment across Europe toward leveraging crypto for economic resilience. If realized, this policy could position Poland among a handful of nations integrating Bitcoin into their fiscal strategies. It would also signal a pivotal shift in European crypto policy frameworks.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Hill Rejects Interest-Bearing Stablecoins Despite Armstrong’s Wish

Representative French Hill, who Chairs the House Committee on Financial Services, rejected requests to approve interest-bearing stablecoins. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong made a public appeal in support of this yesterday.
Hill has been a vocal supporter of new stablecoin regulations, and the crypto industry counted his Committee appointment as a victory.
French Hill Rejects Interest-Bearing Stablecoins
If there’s one topic that’s a top priority for US crypto policy, it’d be stablecoin regulations. Significant momentum is building behind pro-industry regulations, and President Trump claimed that stablecoins will play a role in dollar dominance. However, Representative French Hill pushed back on one request, saying he opposes interest-bearing stablecoins:
“I hear the point of view, but I don’t think that there’s consensus among the parties or the Houses [of Congress] on having a dollar-backed payment stablecoin pay interest to the holder of that stablecoin,” Hill told reporters earlier today.
Although Hill portrayed this position on stablecoins as a common-sense viewpoint, it represents a limit to the crypto industry’s political influence. When Hill was chosen to head the House Committee on Financial Services, crypto took it as a big win. Further, he’s been a visible presence in the fight for stablecoin regulation. So, what’s the problem?
Essentially, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong made an appeal to Hill and other legislators regarding interest-bearing stablecoins. Just yesterday, Armstrong called this policy a “win-win” and a huge opportunity to help consumers and the economy.
“US stablecoin legislation should allow consumers to earn interest on stablecoins. The government shouldn’t put it’s thumb on the scale to benefit one industry over another. Banks and crypto companies alike should both be allowed to, and incentivized to, share interest with consumers. This is consistent with a free market approach,” Armstrong claimed.
Since Armstrong made this public appeal yesterday, it’s remarkable that Hill rejected his vision of stablecoins so quickly. Ostensibly, Armstrong’s political influence has been on the rise, as he played a prominent role in Trump’s Crypto Summit, and the SEC dropped its suit against Coinbase.
It’s an important fact for the US crypto industry to learn: no matter how quickly its influence is growing, it’s still very new to most people. Earlier this year, a string of state-level Bitcoin Reserve proposals failed in Republican-controlled states. President Trump may support crypto, but his supporters have limits.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
How Did UPCX Lose $70 Million in a UPC Hack?

UPCX suffered a major hack today, with 18.4 million UPC tokens stolen from its management accounts. This amounts to about $70 million dollars, and the price of UPC fell drastically.
The hackers stole more UPC than is currently circulating in the markets and haven’t offloaded any assets yet. It is unclear who did this or how they will be able to secure their gains in other assets.
UPCX Suffers Major Hack
Cyvers, a crypto security firm that has tracked and uncovered several major crimes, identified a serious hack this morning. Multiple suspicious transactions took place involving UPCX’s management account, and the firm acknowledged suspicious activity. UPCX didn’t go into great detail, only describing a few security measures, but Cyvers showed the extent of the hack:
“It appears that someone gained access to the address 0x4C….3583E, upgraded the ‘ProxyAdmin’ contract, and executed the ‘withdrawByAdmin’ function, resulting in the transfer of 18.4 million UPC (approximately $70 million) from three different management accounts,” Cyvers claimed via social media.
UPCX is an open-source crypto payment system, and this hack may represent a serious blow to the company. According to CoinGecko data, the hackers stole significantly more UPC tokens than are currently available, which is around 4 million. Naturally, this caused the price to drop significantly, in an immediate drop of over 4%:

Although a $70 million hack will certainly damage UPCX individually, it’s unclear if it will actually impact the broader market much. The largest hack in crypto history took place a little over a month ago, and the community is still assessing the fallout. Meanwhile, UPCX is comparatively tiny; less than 10,000 X users viewed its post admitting to the security breach.
Since the UPCX hack took place, the recipient account hasn’t moved any of its UPC tokens. Indeed, it may be difficult for the perpetrator to convert these assets into usable fiat in the first place. If the hackers stole nearly 5x the amount of UPC tokens in circulation, any attempt to liquidate them will crash UPC’s token price even further.
Ultimately, the UPCX hack is strange for several reasons. Despite a large dollar amount, it hasn’t attracted a huge amount of buzz or impacted the market outside UPC. Hopefully, further analysis will identify the perpetrators, and possibly freeze the assets. Otherwise, the threat of a future sale could hamper UPC’s recover for the foreseeable future.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Ethereum Struggles to Break Out as Bear Trend Fades

Ethereum (ETH) enters the week with mixed signals as traders brace for tomorrow’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, a potential macro catalyst that could impact risk assets. While the BBTrend indicator remains deeply negative, it’s beginning to ease, hinting at a possible slowdown in bearish momentum.
On-chain data shows a slight uptick in whale accumulation, suggesting cautious optimism from large holders. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s EMA setup shows early signs of a trend reversal, but the price still needs to break key resistance levels to confirm a shift in direction.
ETH BBTrend Is Easing, But Still Very Negative
Ethereum’s BBTrend indicator is currently reading -11.66, slightly improved from -12.54 the day before, but still in negative territory for the second consecutive day.
The Bollinger Band Trend (BBTrend) measures the strength and direction of a trend based on how price interacts with the upper and lower Bollinger Bands.
A positive BBTrend suggests bullish momentum, with the price expanding toward the upper band, while a negative BBTrend indicates bearish momentum, with the price leaning toward the lower band. Typically, a value beyond 10 is considered a strong trend signal, making the current -11.66 reading a sign of continued downside pressure.

The persistent negative BBTrend suggests that Ethereum remains in a short-term bearish phase, with sellers still dominating the price action.
While yesterday’s slight uptick hints at a potential slowing of downward momentum, the indicator remains well below the neutral zone, meaning any reversal is still unconfirmed, despite Ethereum flipping Solana in DEX trading volume for the first time in 6 months.
Traders may interpret this as a warning to stay cautious, especially if ETH continues hugging the lower Bollinger Band. For now, price action remains fragile, and any bounce will need to be supported by a decisive shift in volume and sentiment to signal a meaningful reversal.
Ethereum Whales Are Accumulating Again
The number of Ethereum whales—wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH—has ticked up slightly, rising from 5,322 to 5,330 in the past 24 hours.
While this is a modest increase, whale activity remains one of the most closely watched on-chain metrics, as these large holders often influence market direction. Whales’ accumulation can signal growing confidence in Ethereum’s medium—to long-term prospects, especially during periods of price uncertainty or consolidation.
Conversely, a decline in whale addresses typically suggests weakening conviction or profit-taking.

Although the recent uptick is a positive sign, it’s important to note that the current number of Ethereum whales is still below the levels observed in prior weeks.
This means that while some large holders may be re-entering the market, the broader whale cohort has yet to fully commit to an accumulation phase.
If the upward trend in whale numbers continues, it could support a bullish shift in sentiment and price. However, for now, the data points to cautious optimism rather than a decisive reversal.
Will Ethereum Break Above $2,100 Soon?
Ethereum’s EMA lines are showing early signs of a potential trend reversal, with price action attempting to break above key short-term averages.
If Ethereum price can push through the resistance at $1,938, it may signal the start of a broader recovery, potentially targeting the next resistance levels at $2,104, and if momentum builds—especially with supportive macro catalysts—increasing toward $2,320 and even $2,546.

On the flip side, if Ethereum fails to maintain its upward push and bearish momentum resumes, the focus will shift back to downside levels.
The first key support sits at $1,823; a break below that could expose Ethereum to further losses toward $1,759.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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