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White House Confirms DOJ Retained Forfeited Bitcoin from Samourai Case
A White House cryptocurrency advisor has confirmed that Bitcoin seized from the Samourai case remains unsold, addressing circulating rumors. According to Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has assured that the forfeited digital assets retain their position in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). This information was disclosed by Witt on the social media platform X, where he stated, “We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated.” This revelation puts to rest concerns that the U.S. Marshals Service violated Executive Order 14233, signed by President Donald Trump, which prohibits the sale of Bitcoin obtained through criminal or civil forfeiture. The issue initially surfaced when blockchain analysts detected a transfer of 57.5 Bitcoin (BTC) from a U.S. government-controlled address to a Coinbase Prime deposit address. However, recent confirmations have clarified that these assets were not sold. Currently, the U.S. government holds a substantial Bitcoin reserve, totaling 328,372 BTC, with a market value exceeding $31.3 billion. This figure includes 127,271 Bitcoin seized in a separate case involving a Cambodia-based company accused of operating a deceptive crypto investment scheme. The Trump administration continues to prioritize expanding the SBR. In a recent interview, Witt emphasized that enhancing this reserve remains a key objective, contingent upon aligning with the Treasury and Commerce departments on legal considerations. A legislative proposal backed by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis aims to streamline the accumulation of Bitcoin for the reserve, targeting the acquisition of 1 million BTC over five years. The government plans to pursue this strategy in a budget-neutral manner, ensuring no additional cost to taxpayers.
DeFi Industry Raises Alarms Over Delayed Market Structure Legislation
The future of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY) remains uncertain, as the US Senate Banking Committee has indefinitely postponed its markup. This delay has prompted leaders in decentralized finance (DeFi) to express their concerns and urge lawmakers to address issues within the bill. Initially scheduled for discussion, the markup was halted by Republican leaders on the committee. This postponement follows apprehensions from crypto industry groups about the bill's implications for tokenized equities, stablecoin rewards, and their effects on DeFi platforms. The DeFi Education Fund highlighted on Wednesday that certain proposed amendments might significantly harm DeFi technology, potentially worsening market structure legislation for software developers. Crypto venture capitalists have echoed these sentiments, advocating for amendments to the bill to better protect DeFi and developers. Alexander Grieve, vice president of government affairs at crypto investment firm Paradigm, emphasized the need for substantial revisions to safeguard developers and DeFi. Meanwhile, Jake Chervinsky, chief legal officer at Variant, pointed out that the bill fails to meet necessary standards, with particular ambiguity around requirements for developers and infrastructure providers related to Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and SEC registration. The CLARITY Act has faced multiple delays due to ongoing debates among lawmakers regarding DeFi, potential conflicts of interest, and stablecoin regulations. Most recently, Tim Scott, chair of the Senate Banking Committee, announced a temporary pause after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong voiced opposition to the bill in its current form. The core issue regarding DeFi in the legislation revolves around potential restrictions that could drive companies to relocate outside the US. Unlike banks lobbying for a ban on interest-bearing stablecoins, many industry advocates, including Armstrong, argue that the bill could curtail DeFi activities. Cody Carbone, CEO of the crypto advocacy group The Digital Chamber, expressed optimism that the DeFi-related concerns could be addressed in upcoming discussions. Todd Phillips, an assistant professor at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, noted that DeFi and crypto developers prioritize a robust market structure over concerns about yield. Their main interest lies in fostering a thriving crypto market, not in where customers store their funds. Despite some Senate Democrats expressing worries about DeFi platforms potentially facilitating illicit transactions, no new date for the markup has been set. The ongoing discussions highlight the need for careful consideration of DeFi's future within the legislative framework.
Crypto's Future in 2026: Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish Trajectories Explored
In a recent discussion, Aaron Arnold from Altcoin Daily shared his insights on the potential directions the cryptocurrency market could take by 2026. Drawing comparisons to historical trends, he highlighted three scenarios: bullish, neutral, and bearish. As investors begin to focus on Bitcoin's price potential for 2026, factors like tightening supply and overarching economic challenges are being considered as key influencers in the market's next steps. During his conversation with Cointelegraph, Arnold elaborated on the different forces that could propel Bitcoin's value or hinder its growth by 2026. Notably, he suggested that Bitcoin's future performance might become less dependent on retail investors, marking a departure from past market cycles. Additionally, Aaron examined Ethereum's shifting significance in the crypto sector. As stablecoins and tokenized assets gain traction and institutional interest rises, Ethereum's value is increasingly assessed through the lens of traditional finance. The dialogue also tackled the prospects for altcoins, suggesting that the era of broad "altcoin seasons" might be over, with a greater emphasis on selecting specific projects. Beyond mere price predictions, the discussion delved into broader themes that could influence the next phase of cryptocurrency evolution. These include regulatory developments in the United States, changes in the Federal Reserve's policies, and global geopolitical dynamics. Aaron posited that the crypto industry might be entering its "1996 internet moment," a time of regulatory openness that could spur widespread acceptance. For those eager to grasp potential developments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto landscape by 2026, the complete interview is available on Cointelegraph's YouTube channel. This conversation provides valuable perspectives on the possible paths the market could take and the underlying factors that will shape its journey.
Michael Saylor Defends Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset for Companies
During a recent episode of the "What Bitcoin Did" podcast, Michael Saylor, the chairman of Strategy, defended the practice of companies using equity or debt to purchase Bitcoin. Addressing criticisms aimed at smaller firms adopting this approach, Saylor argued that the choice boils down to effective capital allocation, suggesting that companies with surplus cash should consider investing in Bitcoin rather than traditional Treasurys or distributing it to shareholders. Saylor likened corporate treasury strategies to personal investing, highlighting that while the levels of ownership might differ, the fundamental reasoning for holding Bitcoin remains sound, regardless of the company’s size or model. He countered the notion that unprofitable companies should be criticized for their Bitcoin investments, stating that gains in Bitcoin value could offset operational losses. He illustrated this by saying, "If a company loses $10 million annually but gains $30 million from Bitcoin, isn’t that saving the company?" In his discussion with podcast host Danny Knowles, Saylor contrasted Bitcoin investments with other uses of excess cash like stock buybacks and low-yield Treasurys, which could exacerbate financial struggles for companies. He argued that Bitcoin provides a distinct risk-reward profile for corporate balance sheets, stating that share buybacks in loss-making businesses "only accelerate losses." Saylor also noted a perceived double standard in how companies that invest in Bitcoin are judged compared to those that do not engage with the asset. "The Bitcoin community tends to be harsh on its own," he remarked, questioning why it seems acceptable for numerous companies to avoid Bitcoin while criticizing those that embrace it. Since 2020, Strategy has been a major player in corporate Bitcoin acquisition, holding 687,410 BTC, as reported by BitcoinTreasuries.NET. The trend of public companies adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset has gained momentum, with many adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets despite challenging market conditions. Publicly listed firms collectively hold about 1.1 million BTC, equating to roughly 5.5% of the 19.97 million Bitcoins currently in circulation. Despite market challenges, the adoption of Bitcoin treasury strategies continues, albeit at a slower pace. In 2025, 117 companies adopted Bitcoin reserves, though the market has seen a concentration of ownership among top firms like MARA Holdings and Twenty One Capital, which hold significant amounts of Bitcoin. The discussion around Bitcoin as a strategic asset for companies continues to evolve, with opinions varying widely on its benefits and risks. As more companies explore this avenue, the debate on its viability and impact on financial health remains active.
Bitcoin Bulls Face Setback as Bears Hold Firm at $98K
Bitcoin’s recent attempt to breach the $100,000 mark encountered significant resistance, as spot traders began to lose momentum and short-term investors opted to cash in their gains. The cryptocurrency hit a local peak near $98,000 on Wednesday but subsequently experienced a two-day decline, dropping below the $95,000 threshold by Friday’s New York trading session. Key Insights: The pullback in Bitcoin prices followed a noticeable decline in spot market demand, as indicated by a decreasing Coinbase premium. Although there was an initial surge driven by aggressive buyers, the lack of sustained interest prevented any further upward movement. Short-term investors took advantage of the rally, selling over 40,000 BTC as the price approached their cost basis. Spot Demand Falters at Peak: The downturn coincided with changes in the Coinbase Bitcoin premium index, which briefly turned positive near the recent highs, implying a late surge in spot buying. However, the inability to break higher suggested a lack of significant follow-through from major buyers. Bitcoin’s cumulative volume delta (CVD) showed higher highs while prices formed a higher low, a divergence indicating strong market buying absorbing sell pressure but insufficient to drive prices up. The bid–ask ratio remained negative throughout the rally, indicating that sell orders continued to surpass bids, with buyers lifting offers rather than providing passive support. After a brief wave of short liquidations, open interest decreased along with the price. This indicated a clearing of leverage and a hesitance from new long positions, resulting in diminished momentum. Market analysis firm Material Indicators observed that bears “fought back hard,” with trend signals changing on the daily chart. They cautioned that losing key trendlines could lead to further support testing, though a recovery above $97,000 would negate the bearish signals. Short-term Holder Profit-Taking: The decline was also marked by profit-taking from short-term holders (STHs). When BTC reached $94,000 on January 6, STHs transferred over 30,000 BTC in profit to exchanges. This pattern repeated as prices exceeded $97,000, with more than 40,000 BTC in profits realized in a single day. Despite the STH discount narrowing to -4% from -22% over the last two months, prices stalled just below the STH cost basis around $98,300. With realized prices near $102,000, STH behavior indicates a focus on capital preservation until a more definitive upward trend is confirmed.
JPMorgan Wary as Crypto Emulates Traditional Banking Systems
Cryptocurrency and traditional banking are increasingly overlapping, with developments such as yield-generating stablecoins and tokenized markets challenging regulatory frameworks. This convergence is causing significant tension, as exemplified by recent cautionary statements from JPMorgan regarding the risks posed by such innovations. JPMorgan recently raised concerns about the potential dangers of yield-bearing stablecoins. According to Jeremy Barnum, the bank’s CFO, these digital assets could replicate essential banking functions without adhering to the rigorous regulatory standards that have been established over many years. Speaking during the bank's earnings call, Barnum highlighted the risks of creating a parallel banking system that mimics traditional banking features, like interest-bearing deposits, without the regulatory safeguards. Meanwhile, Wall Street’s involvement in the crypto sector is deepening, with Morgan Stanley's new exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications marking a significant step toward institutional adoption of digital assets. Analysts suggest this move could prompt other financial institutions, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, to advance their cryptocurrency strategies to stay competitive. In a related development, World Liberty Financial is making strides into crypto lending. The company is expanding its USD1 stablecoin into a new lending and borrowing platform named World Liberty Markets, allowing users to use various cryptocurrencies, such as Ether and tokenized Bitcoin, as collateral. This platform aims to position USD1 as a primary settlement asset within its lending system. Additionally, Figure Technology Solutions is pioneering a new approach to stock lending using blockchain technology. Their platform, the On-Chain Public Equity Network (OPEN), enables direct share lending between investors without traditional middlemen. This development allows companies to issue real equity on the blockchain, providing genuine ownership rather than synthetic exposure. Figure’s CEO, Mike Cagney, noted that several companies are interested in this innovative approach, which bypasses the need for custodians. These movements reflect a broader trend of increasing institutional interest in digital assets, signaling a new phase in the evolution of crypto markets. As these dynamics unfold, the financial landscape is witnessing a transformation driven by blockchain and digital asset technologies.