Stonex Group leads EDG’s Series A round and forms a strategic partnership to expand digital‑asset offerings. Stonex Group Inc. announced in New York that its Stonex Digital division has entered a strategic partnership with Enhanced Digital Group (EDG) and led EDG’s Series A funding, acquiring a minority stake. The collaboration will combine Stonex’s extensive derivatives platform with EDG’s […]
U.S. jobs data, tariffs ruling suggest volatile Friday: Crypto Daybook Americas
Your day-ahead look for Jan. 9, 2026
Maalexi to Launch World’s First Agricultural Asset Token Exchange on Avalanche
Maalexi, an agri-trade fintech startup based in Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem, is set to launch the World’s First Agricultural Asset Token Exchange (MAATEX). The platform will be built on the Avalanche blockchain and aims to transform cross-border food trade by leveraging Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization.
The initiative seeks to introduce a new standard for trust and transparency in the agricultural sector. MAATEX will allow global buyers and suppliers to trade Maalexi Agri Tokens (MATs)—secure, tradeable digital assets that represent insured, audited, and legally owned agricultural commodities.
Tokenizing the food supply chain
The exchange is designed to solve long-standing inefficiencies in global food supply chains, which often suffer from slow settlement times and lack of transparency. By combining Maalexi’s risk management technology with Avalanche’s high-performance blockchain infrastructure, MAATEX aims to enable instant ownership transfer and immediate cross-border settlements.
The platform will be powered by a suite of ten proprietary technologies, including IoT monitoring and AI-driven risk analysis. This “embedded intelligence” ensures that every token carries continuous validation of the underlying asset’s condition and location, whether it is stored in a warehouse or in transit.
Dr. Azam Pasha, co-founder and CEO of Maalexi, commented on the launch: “Global food supply chains will require greater speed, trust, and full transparency as cross-border trade becomes more complex. On Avalanche we will build a tokenized exchange where every agri asset will carry built-in assurance and will move instantly across global markets.”
Proven performance
Maalexi’s move to launch a dedicated exchange builds on a track record of operational success. The startup reports having already delivered millions of kilograms of produce and executed thousands of blockchain smart contracts. Notably, the company claims a supply failure rate of less than 1 percent—significantly lower than the industry average of 50 percent—and has boosted buyer capital efficiency by 72 percent.
Khalid Dannish, MENA head at Ava Labs, added: “By launching MAATEX on Avalanche, Maalexi is creating a new digital market infrastructure where tokenized agricultural assets can move with full transparency and embedded assurance.”
As a member of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Maalexi continues to benefit from the region’s focus on digital assets and fintech innovation. The creation of MAATEX represents a significant step in the evolution of RWA tokenization, moving beyond financial instruments to tangible commodities that are essential for global food security.
FCA Opens UK Crypto Licensing Gateway Under New Regime
Financial authorities in the United Kingdom set a timeline for a new crypto licensing regime, requiring aspiring companies to seek full authorization before the framework comes into force.
Crypto asset service providers (CASPs) will be able to apply to enter the UK under the crypto licensing regime starting this fall, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said Thursday.
“We expect the application period will open in September 2026,” the FCA noted, adding that the timeline will be confirmed in due course.
The FCA’s gateway will offer a limited window for applications to be processed before the regime goes live, expected on Oct. 25, 2027.
Existing registrations won’t convert automatically under FCA gateway
Under the plan, all companies providing regulated crypto asset services in the UK will need to be authorized under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA).
The authorization requirement includes crypto entities currently registered under existing Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) and payment-related frameworks, the FCA noted, adding:
“In particular, firms that are registered with us under the MLRs should note that there will be no automatic conversion and that they will need to secure authorisation by us under FSMA prior to the commencement of the new regime.”
Companies that are already FCA-authorized under FSMA for providing other regulated activities will need to “have varied their existing permissions before the commencement of the new regime.”
Related: Barclays makes first stablecoin investment with stake in Ubyx
The regulator also said crypto firms that currently rely on another authorized company to approve their financial promotions will need to obtain direct FCA authorization to market products in the UK.
Companies missing the application window may face restrictions
The FCA requires crypto companies to apply within a set window, at least 28 days long, and closing no later than 28 days before the new regime starts.
Applications submitted during this period are expected to be decided before the regime comes into force. Draft legislation includes a “saving provision,” allowing businesses to continue operating while their applications are assessed.
Companies that miss the window or are not authorised when the regime begins will fall under transitional rules, permitting existing products but restricting new offerings. Late applicants can still apply, but the FCA warned they may face longer assessment timelines.
Magazine: How crypto laws changed in 2025 — and how they’ll change in 2026
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Ripple And Amazon Happening Soon? Rumors Swell With No Confirmation
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There is ongoing speculation in the crypto community that Ripple, the crypto payments company, and Amazon, the global tech giant, may soon enter into a partnership. While some claims indicate that an alliance has already been formed, others suggest it may be in the works. Whatever the case, no confirmation has yet been issued to verify the rumor’s validity.
Rumors Swirl About A Potential Ripple And Amazon Deal
Rumors about a possible connection between Ripple and Amazon are quickly gaining attention in the crypto community. Prominent analysts and influential XRP supporters are speculating that the crypto payments company and the tech giant may be heading into a possible partnership.
While there has been no concrete evidence to support such claims, advocates like Stellar Rippler, who has over 24,000 followers on X, alleged that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had hinted years ago that Amazon might use XRP for payments and settlement. The supporter argued that previous nondisclosure agreements were not just speculation, but part of a broader plan. Moreover, he believes that recent developments are increasingly aligning with those earlier hints as new details surface.
Abdullah Nassif, host of the Good Evening Crypto show, also weighed in on the widespread speculation. He said Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Ripple are looking at using Amazon Bedrock AI with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to speed up system log analysis from days to just minutes. Crypto expert John Squire added that AWS had previously shown interest in XRP for payments. He claimed the company even assigned a team member to explore XRP’s use cases, which has now grown into talks about combining Amazon Bedrock with XRPL.
Despite the growing rumors about the company, Amazon, and XRP, neither the crypto company nor the tech giant has officially confirmed any partnership or future collaboration.
Amazon Web Services Adds The Firm To Partner Profile Page
It could be argued that one of the major reasons rumors of a potential Ripple and Amazon partnership are growing is the crypto payments company’s recent appearance on the AWS Partner Profile page. On its official site, Amazon Web Services highlights the firm’s evolving role in the financial sector, positioning it as a key infrastructure provider for global payments.
It showcased the company’s core features and products, including real-time payments, On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), and the ability to send international payments through a single integration. AWS also described RippleNet as a decentralized network of banks and payment providers that enables real-time messaging, clearing, and settlement of financial transactions. According to the cloud computing platform, the payment firm connects banks, digital asset exchanges, and corporations through RippleNet to facilitate global money transfers.
AWS also disclosed several RippleNet use cases, including e-invoicing, real-time cash pooling, global currency accounts, international P2P payments, real-time remittances, and more. The cloud computing network has revealed that Ripple has collaborated with more than 100 financial institutions. Many of these organizations are based in different regions outside the US.
Featured image from YouTube, chart from Tradingview.com
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Ripple wins UK regulatory approval from Financial Conduct Authority
Ripple has gained FCA registration through its U.K. subsidiary, marking a key regulatory milestone as Britain moves to bring crypto into its financial framework.
Optimism Foundation Proposes Using 50% of Revenue for Buybacks
The vote will begin on Jan 22, and OP buybacks will begin in February if the measure passes.
Ethereum Layer 2 network Optimism is set to hold a governance vote on implementing token buybacks using 50% of its revenue beginning in February for the next 12 months.
The Optimism Foundation, which supports the chain’s growth and development, announced the move in a blog post today, aiming to “align the OP token with the Superchain’s success” through token buybacks.
The governance proposal will move to a vote on January 22, and if passed, will allocate 50% of Superchain revenue to “buy OP tokens on a monthly basis for the next year.”
Optimism’s Superchain revenue is generated by the network of Layer 2s using the OP Stack, such as Base, Unichain, Ink, World Chain, and OP mainnet, and amounted to roughly 5,900 ETH ($18 million) over the last year, according to the post.
The move could provide a much-needed boost to the OP token, which trades at just $0.31, or a $612 million market capitalization, after trading as high as $4.69 in March 2024.
OP is down 93% from its all-time high, and 82% over the last year.
It should be noted that this proposal authorizes only a 12-month program, indicating it is not permanent.
Ether Sentiment Is ‘Way Down’ Near Levels Before ‘Major Run’
Ethereum’s declining social media sentiment is mirroring levels similar to those seen before its 2025 price rally, which eventually pushed the asset back to its 2021 all-time highs, according to a crypto sentiment analyst.
“Ethereum is actually way down, this would argue against us falling too much further,” Santiment analyst Brian Quinlivan said in a video published to YouTube on Saturday.
“This is kind of reminiscent of what we saw before Ethereum went on its major run last year,” Quinlivan said.
On Aug. 23, Ether (ETH) surged to a new all-time high of around $4,900, surpassing its previous 2021 peak after rebounding sharply from a yearly low near $1,470 in April, according to CoinGecko data. The rally marked a strong multi-month recovery following a period of widespread pessimism toward Ethereum.
Quinlivan said that Ether’s price “took off just as people were really starting to write-off Ethereum.”
Ethereum has cemented position as “number two market cap”
Ether has since dropped 36% from its all-time high, trading at $3,089 at the time of publication, following a $19 billion crypto market liquidation event on Oct. 10, which led to a broader market downtrend.
However, Quinlivan doesn’t see the market as doubtful about Ethereum’s upside the way it was in early 2025. “I wouldn’t say that is happening now. Ethereum is kind of back to being an expected number two market cap for a lot of people,” he said.
“It’s appropriately ranked once again,” he said. Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili expressed a similar view to Cointelegraph in November 2025. “There’s a very, very clear view in the investor community in terms of the right first portfolio is Bitcoin. The next is Bitcoin, Ethereum,” he said.
Crypto market sentiment stays in “Fear” territory
Quinlivan said he is bullish on Ethereum’s network growth, describing it as “absolutely going bonkers.” He said it’s likely due to growing interest in staking, which has been a hot topic on social media in recent times.
It comes as sentiment in the broader crypto market continues to hover at low levels, moving between “Fear” and “Extreme Fear” since early November. On Sunday, the Index posted a “Fear” score of 29.
Related: Ethereum co-founder reiterates support for Roman Storm, citing privacy
Market participants are still in risk-off mode away from assets outside Bitcoin (BTC), according to the Altcoin Season Index, which currently shows a “Bitcoin Season” score of 34 out of 100.
The index flicks between “Bitcoin Season” and “Altcoin Season” scores based on the performance of the top 100 altcoins relative to Bitcoin over the past 90 days.
Magazine: How crypto laws changed in 2025 — and how they’ll change in 2026
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
How Technology is Shaping the Future of Regulatory Practices
Technology is transforming regulatory compliance, changing how organizations follow laws and standards. As the digital world evolves, using technological advancements becomes essential for effective compliance management. This change not only simplifies processes but also improves accuracy and efficiency in monitoring compliance risks.
Technology has become a major influence on regulatory practices, leading organizations to adopt new solutions for compliance strategies. Automation, artificial intelligence and blockchain are key technologies changing how businesses handle regulatory compliance. Staying informed about these advancements is crucial for effective compliance management in today’s dynamic environment. Using technology helps you identify potential risks more efficiently, allowing timely adjustments and ensuring adherence to complex regulations.
In this technologically advanced environment, engaging with cybersecurity compliance measures, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), can be vital for some businesses. In order to prove readiness for the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), undertaking a CMMC assessment positions a business or company as being eligible for certain contracts that require careful handling of CUI.
Cybersecurity Standards Are Vital For Compliance
Maintaining strong cybersecurity standards is essential for effective regulatory compliance. As cyber threats become more advanced, integrating advanced technologies is vital to protect sensitive data and uphold industry regulations. Ensuring that your organization follows cybersecurity best practices minimizes vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches or non-compliance issues.
The integration of technologies such as AI and blockchain plays a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity measures within your compliance framework. These tools provide enhanced protection against unauthorized access while enabling real-time monitoring of network activities. Understanding the importance of adhering to CMMC certification levels not only safeguards your organization but also ensures alignment with industry requirements.
Automation Simplifies Compliance Processes
Automation is crucial in simplifying compliance processes by reducing manual tasks and minimizing human error. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on strategic decision-making while ensuring accuracy and consistency in compliance efforts. Industries like finance and healthcare have greatly benefited from automated compliance solutions, enhancing their ability to meet strict regulatory requirements effectively.
Integrating automation into your compliance framework allows for real-time monitoring and reporting, enabling you to quickly identify any deviations from set standards. This proactive approach not only ensures regulatory adherence but also reduces potential risks associated with non-compliance. As automation technologies advance, they enable seamless integration with existing systems, making it easier to adopt and customize solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
The scalability of automated compliance systems represents another significant advantage for growing organizations. As your business expands into new markets or jurisdictions, automated solutions can quickly adapt to accommodate additional regulatory requirements without requiring proportional increases in compliance staff. Cloud-based automation platforms offer particular flexibility, allowing compliance teams to manage multiple regulatory frameworks from a centralized dashboard. This centralization not only improves oversight but also facilitates more effective audit trails, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during regulatory examinations. Furthermore, automated alerts and notifications ensure that compliance deadlines are never missed, while built-in version control tracks all changes to policies and procedures over time.
Artificial Intelligence Improves Compliance Decision-Making
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant tool in identifying compliance risks and enhancing decision-making processes. By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can detect patterns and anomalies that might indicate potential non-compliance issues. This ability empowers you to take preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of regulatory breaches and associated penalties.
AI applications in regulatory practices have been valuable across various sectors, providing insights that inform strategic planning and risk management. For example, AI-driven tools can assess financial transactions for signs of fraud or money laundering, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards. Embracing AI allows you to improve operational efficiency while maintaining a high level of accuracy in compliance-related activities.
Blockchain Technology Enhances Transparency in Regulatory Frameworks
Blockchain technology offers unmatched transparency and security in managing compliance data. Its decentralized nature ensures that information is tamper-proof and easily verifiable by all parties involved. This transparency builds trust among stakeholders, making it an ideal solution for industries where data integrity is crucial.
The potential applications of blockchain in regulatory frameworks are extensive, ranging from supply chain verification to secure identity management systems. By leveraging blockchain, you can enhance the reliability of compliance records, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date. As this technology continues to develop, its integration into regulatory practices promises to streamline operations and foster greater accountability.
Samson Mow Tips Elon Musk Will ‘Go Hard’ Into Bitcoin In 2026
Jan3 founder Samson Mow anticipates billionaire investor and Tesla CEO Elon Musk will aggressively move into Bitcoin in 2026.
It was one of five bold Bitcoin (BTC) predictions from Mow for 2026, coming off a year where several Bitcoin forecasts from prominent crypto executives missed the mark.
“@elonmusk goes hard into BTC,” Mow said in an X post on Saturday.
Musk has shown his support for cryptocurrency over the years, but has raised concerns around Bitcoin’s environmental risks. Tesla stopped taking Bitcoin payments in May 2021 due to environmental concerns. The following year, in July 2022, the electric vehicle manufacturer revealed that it had sold 75% of its Bitcoin holdings.
Bitcoin may reach seven-figure territory in 2026, says Mow
Mow, who is no stranger to optimistic Bitcoin price targets, also predicted that Bitcoin’s price will reach $1.33 million in 2026, which is around 1,367% from its current price of $90,596, according to CoinMarketCap.
Mow told Magazine in June 2025 that Bitcoin may reach $1 million during 2025, or if not, 2026. “[It] is a given at this point, maybe this year, maybe next year.”
Mow has previously pointed to nation-state adoption as a major catalyst that could trigger an exponential surge in Bitcoin’s price. In September 2025, Mow said that an increasing number of countries are preparing to ramp up Bitcoin adoption. “I think we’re on the tail end of gradually, and we’re at the beginning phases of suddenly.”
He isn’t too focused on reflecting on his 2025 predictions, however.
Mow responded to an X user on Saturday who asked, “How many of your 2025 predictions did you hit?” by saying, “Let’s not dwell on the past.”
“Never look back. Only forward,” he said.
Other executives are more conservative
Other crypto executives are not expecting such outsize returns for Bitcoin over the next 12 months.
On Dec. 28, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan said he anticipates an upward trend, but nothing extraordinary. “I think we’re in a 10-year grind upward of strong returns. It’s not spectacular returns, [but] strong returns, lower volatility, some up and down.”
It follows several high-profile crypto executives whose bold Bitcoin price predictions in the previous year failed to materialize.
Related: Bitcoiners celebrate 17th anniversary of Hal Finney’s Bitcoin post
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes and BitMine chair Tom Lee predicted Bitcoin would reach $250,000 by the end of 2025, even as recently as October, when the cryptocurrency was trading at around half that level, after reaching an all-time high of $125,100.
Mow also predicted that the stock price of Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) would reach $5,000, an approximate 3,084% increase from its current price of $157.
He predicts Bitcoin will “outperform metals,” coming just after gold and silver hit record highs of $4,549 and $83 in December. He also said that “at least one country” will launch a Bitcoin bond.
Magazine: Trump rules out SBF pardon, Bitcoin in ‘boring sideways’: Hodler’s Digest, Jan. 4 – 10
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy