UAE-regulated, AI and Blockchain-powered digital bank Zand becomes the first Bank in the Middle East to achieve ISO certification for Information Security Management Systems (ISO 27001) and for Privacy Information Management Systems (ISO 27701). In terms of significance, Zand Bank is now the first bank in the MENA region to meet these internationally recognized standards […] source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/zand-achieve-iso-security-certifications/

Old Ribbon Finance, Yearn Finance and Rari Capital contracts were hacked. source: https://protos.com/is-an-ai-hacker-targeting-old-defi-projects-in-5m-spree/

New York Stock Exchange owner Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is going to invest an undisclosed amount of money in crypto’s MoonPay, according to claims made by Bloomberg. MoonPay is close to wrapping up the fundraising and is pushing for a $5 billion valuation. One person familiar with the round allegedly said the talks are private, which […] source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/nyse-parent-ice-to-invest-in-moonpay/

$LFNTY token holders vote in favor of sunsetting protocol source: https://solanafloor.com/news/lifinity-distribute-43m-token-holders-solana-original-prop-amm-winds-down

According to Cointelegraph, the Bitcoin market is experiencing significant shifts beneath its seemingly familiar price levels, as highlighted by onchain analyst James Check. In a recent interview, Check revisited the question of whether the market is currently in a bull or bear phase. Despite Bitcoin trading at similar price points, Check emphasizes that factors such as leverage, investor cost base, and sell-side behavior have undergone substantial changes, impacting market sentiment. Check notes that a considerable portion of capital invested in Bitcoin was acquired at higher prices, resulting in many holders being underwater. This situation has fostered a cautious sentiment among investors. Contrary to the common belief that long-term holders refrain from selling, onchain data reveals that coins of varying ages are returning to the market at an accelerated pace. This influx of supply has significantly influenced recent price movements, even if the narrative surrounding it emerged later. The analyst also addresses claims regarding the influence of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Michael Saylor, and corporate treasuries on Bitcoin. While these entities play a role, they constitute only a fraction of the overall market activity. Check underscores the importance of recognizing Bitcoin's growth in size and liquidity, which enables it to absorb substantial flows without experiencing the volatility characteristic of earlier cycles. Looking forward, Check outlines his framework for 2026, urging caution against both blind optimism and extreme bearishness. The discussion also explores topics such as sovereign adoption, portfolio construction, and long-term risks that investors often overlook. For a comprehensive analysis and detailed data, viewers can watch the full interview with James Check on Cointelegraph's YouTube channel.

According to ChainCatcher, Arkham data reveals that at 02:17, a total of 20,000,240.35 POL was transferred from one anonymous address (beginning with 0x171c) to another anonymous address (beginning with 0x8e54).

ARK Invest stepped up its exposure to cryptocurrency-linked equities as prices slid, adding $25. 4 million worth of shares across three major companies on December 18, 2025. The purchases were executed through several of the firm’s exchange-traded funds and targeted different layers of the digital asset ecosystem, from exchanges to mining infrastructure source: https://www.ethnews.com/ark-invest-buys-more-crypto-stocks-during-market-pullback/

The newly appointed CEO of ALT5 Sigma Corporation, a fintech company operating institutional-grade global payments, trading, and settlement infrastructure, Tony Isaac, has addressed investor worries regarding the valuation disconnect of its crypto reserve and its business’s market cap. The letter issued to stockholders by the recently appointed CEO, Tony Isaac, began with Isaac highlighting his return […] source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/alt5-vows-to-close-valuation-disconnect/

null source: https://x.com/reutersbiz/status/2001721726959272436

null source: https://x.com/cointelegraph/status/2001721673251225624

Vaults are one of the concepts in the cryptocurrency world that everyone thinks they understand, mainly because they seem simple and easy to understand.

Jinse Finance launches the "Jinse Web3.0 Daily," providing you with the latest and fastest news on MEME, DeFi, DAO, NFT, and the metaverse industry.

"The future of finance is on Coinbase. All in one app," Coinbase states in just two short sentences, outlining its vision for 2026 and beyond.

Recommended reading tonight: 1. Looking Back at 2025: 18 Milestones in the Crypto Industry; 2. Ethereum Foundation: Ethereum State Evolution Path and Future Challenges; 3. Post-Election Prediction Markets: How to Re-accelerate in 2025;

Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research and ex-girlfriend of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, has been quietly transferred out of federal prison after serving approximately 11 months of her two-year sentence, according to Business Insider.

OpenAI is in early talks to raise up to $100 billion at a valuation of $750 billion. The company is also preparing for a public listing that could value it at around $1 trillion.

Ethereum has grown from a small, experimental network into a key component of the global infrastructure.

Despite strong momentum in 2025, prediction market trading volume still represents only a small fraction of the overall sports betting industry.

Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, and Standard Chartered Malaysia signed a letter of intent to develop a ringgit-backed stablecoin. The project will be piloted under Bank Negara Malaysia’s oversight, with Standard Chartered as issuer and Capital A testing wholesale use cases.

A Singapore-based entrepreneur has fallen victim to a sophisticated crypto malware scam, losing over $14,000 in digital assets after downloading a seemingly legitimate online game launcher.