Ethereum Options Traders Exhibit Reduced Bearishness
Analysis of cryptocurrency options data reveals a notable shift in sentiment, with Ethereum (ETH) traders showing less bearishness compared to Bitcoin (BTC) counterparts. This suggests reduced immediate downside risk for ETH.
Sean Dawson, head of research at Derive, noted that Ethereum's 90-day skew is -1.7%, "noticeably more bullish" than Bitcoin's -4%. While both indicate demand for protective puts, traders are "more eager to buy insurance for Bitcoin than for Ethereum."
Thahbib Rahman, research analyst at Block Scholes, observed reduced bearishness for Ethereum, with short-dated ETH contract skew recently turning positive. Potential catalysts include Fed rate cut expectations, Ethereum's Fusaka upgrade, and significant ETH purchases. Sustained inflows into spot Ethereum ETFs could drive a more definitive upward trajectory.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7441/ethereum-options-traders-show-less-bearishness-signalling-reduced-downside-risk
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CEA Industries Reaffirms BNB Treasury Commitment Amidst Board Challenge
CEA Industries has publicly reaffirmed its steadfast BNB treasury strategy, directly addressing claims made by YZi Labs. The company clarified that it has not explored alternative tokens for its digital asset reserves nor initiated any competing projects since its PIPE financing in July, emphasizing its long-term commitment to the Binance Coin ecosystem.
CEA Industries holds 515,554 BNB tokens (valued at $464.6 million as of December 4, 2025), underscoring its conviction in BNB's stability and growth potential. The company also maintains its board is majority independent and compliant with NASDAQ requirements.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7440/cea-industries-reaffirms-bnb-treasury-commitment-amidst-yzi-labs-board-challenge
Paribu Acquires CoinMENA for $240M, Expanding MENA Crypto Reach
Turkish exchange Paribu has acquired a majority stake in CoinMENA, a Sharia-compliant digital asset platform licensed in Dubai and Bahrain, in a deal valued up to $240 million. This marks Türkiye's largest fintech acquisition and first cross-border digital asset platform purchase.
Paribu aims to scale operations and expand its regulatory footprint into the MENA region, a hub for digital asset growth. The deal follows recent regulatory advancements in the region, including stablecoin clearance in Abu Dhabi and new UAE regulations for DeFi and Web3.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7439/paribu-acquires-coinmena-in-240m-deal-bolstering-mena-crypto-presence
Bitcoin ETFs See $194M Outflow Amidst Institutional Activity
Spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced a two-week high outflow of $194.6 million on December 5, driven largely by institutional investors. BlackRock's IBIT fund saw redemptions of $113 million.
Analysts attribute these outflows to institutions unwinding leveraged positions and engaging in "basis trades." The potential Bank of Japan rate hike on December 19 is also cited as a macroeconomic factor influencing market dynamics.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7438/bitcoin-etfs-experience-two-week-high-outflow-of-194-million-amidst-institutional-unwinding
Bitlock Wallet Integrates Native Bitcoin Support
Bitlock Wallet has announced the integration of native Bitcoin (BTC) support, expanding its capabilities beyond EVM chains, Solana, and other networks. This update allows users to convert supported tokens from any integrated chain directly into Bitcoin through a streamlined process.
The move addresses growing user demand for unified environments where Bitcoin can be managed alongside other digital assets, reflecting a maturing crypto infrastructure focused on interoperability and enhanced user convenience.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7437/bitlock-wallet-unlocks-native-bitcoin-support-streamlining-multi-chain-swaps
LayerBank Secures $2.3M Pre-Seed Funding for $ULAB Token Launch on Movement Network
LayerBank, a universal liquidity and on-chain money market, has successfully raised $2.3 million in its pre-seed funding round. This capital will accelerate the development and launch of its native token, $ULAB, on the Movement Network.
The funding round saw participation from notable investors including Torab Torabi (CEO of Move Industries), Coin Bureau Chinese, DVchain, Taiko, and Rootstock.
The $ULAB token is designed as the economic engine of LayerBank, featuring ve-boosted rewards, fee distribution, and buyback mechanisms. Its Token Generation Event (TGE) will be hosted on the Movement Network.
This strategic collaboration with Movement Network aims to deliver stable borrowing and lending for users within its ecosystem, enhancing DeFi innovation.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7436/layerbank-secures-2-3m-pre-seed-funding-unveiling-ulab-on-movement-network
Cantor Fitzgerald Lowers MicroStrategy Price Target, Remains Bullish on Bitcoin
Cantor Fitzgerald has revised its 12-month price target for MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock to $229, a 60% reduction from its previous $560 estimate. Despite this adjustment, the firm maintains a "buy" rating and expresses a long-term bullish outlook on Bitcoin.
Analysts dismissed concerns about forced liquidations of MSTR's Bitcoin holdings, stating the company has sufficient cash reserves. They view current market pullbacks as healthy corrections and remain optimistic about Bitcoin's potential to surpass gold's market capitalization.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7435/cantor-fitzgerald-adjusts-strategy-price-target-confident-in-bitcoin-s-future
AlphaTON Aims for $420.69M Capital Raise for TON and AI Expansion
AlphaTON Capital is pursuing a $420.69 million shelf registration following its exit from SEC "baby-shelf" limitations. The funds are earmarked for scaling GPU infrastructure for the Cocoom AI network, acquiring revenue-generating Telegram ecosystem applications, and increasing its Toncoin (TON) holdings.
AlphaTON currently holds over 12.8 million TON tokens. The company's stock (ATON) saw a 14.7% increase following the announcement.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7434/alphaton-eyes-420-69m-capital-boost-for-ton-and-ai-expansion
Russia Targets 2026 for Comprehensive Crypto and Stablecoin Regulation
Russia is prioritizing the establishment of a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, with 2026 designated for comprehensive legislative implementation. This initiative signals a significant move towards formally integrating digital assets into the nation's financial system.
Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the Financial Market Committee of the State Duma, stated that developing a legal framework for digital finance remains a top priority. The Central Bank of Russia also intends to introduce full crypto regulations by 2026, potentially marking a departure from previous reservations on widespread cryptocurrency transactions.
Currently, Russia permits cryptocurrency acquisition and trading within a limited "experimental legal regime." The upcoming regulations suggest a potential expansion and liberalization of the crypto market, aiming for greater integration and broader participation in the digital asset space.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7433/russia-targets-2026-for-comprehensive-crypto-and-stablecoin-regulation
Pundi AI Launches Data Pump on Binance Wallet to Advance Decentralized AI Economy
Pundi AI has unveiled its Data Pump functionality on Binance Wallet, enabling millions of users to create, tokenize, and trade AI datasets on the blockchain. This no-code tool allows owners of Access NFT-backed datasets to convert their data into tradeable Dataset Tokens (DTOK), fostering a liquid market for AI data.
The Binance Wallet integration offers a streamlined gateway for users to participate in data projects, access seed rounds, and earn rewards, expanding Pundi AI's reach and utility in the burgeoning decentralized AI space.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7432/pundi-ai-s-data-pump-launches-on-binance-wallet-advancing-decentralized-ai-economy
Bybit PWM Achieves Nearly 30% APR Amidst Market Volatility
Bybit Private Wealth Management (PWM) has announced a remarkable performance for November 2025. Despite market downturns, their top-performing fund delivered a 29.72% Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
PWM caters to high-net-worth investors with customized services, leveraging Bybit's infrastructure for secure custody and advanced tools. For a limited time, the minimum subscription has been halved to 250,000 USDT for eligible VIP clients.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7431/bybit-private-wealth-management-shines-with-near-30-apr-amidst-november-market-volatility
DeepNode Secures $5M for Decentralized AI Network
Startup DeepNode has raised $5 million to accelerate the development and mainnet launch of its decentralized AI platform. The funding includes a $2 million community-driven seed round and a $3 million strategic round from Web3 and AI investors.
DeepNode's "open intelligence" network utilizes a multi-tool approach for diverse AI tasks and a novel Proof-of-Work Relevance (PoWR) consensus mechanism on the Ethereum Layer-2 network Base. The mainnet is planned for launch by the end of Q1 2026.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7429/deepnode-secures-5m-to-advance-decentralized-ai-open-intelligence-network
Italy Strengthens Crypto Risk Scrutiny Amid Global Regulatory Gaps
Italy has launched a "deep review" into retail investor exposure to digital assets. This initiative by Italian regulators highlights a broader European effort to enhance oversight in the crypto market, aiming to protect investors and ensure financial stability.
The Bank of Italy previously warned that increasing digital asset integration could pose systemic financial risks due to interconnections and international regulatory fragmentation. This review seeks to assess existing safeguards for crypto investments made by retail investors.
Ruchir Gupta of Gyld Finance noted that diverging crypto regulations create risks, pushing high-risk activities into weakly supervised areas. He anticipates "meaningful convergence by 2026."
Europe is entering a phase of more aggressive supervision over fintech and crypto, with Italy's review marking a "key escalation" alongside the EU's MiCA regulation. This includes tighter licensing, capital rules, and AML guidance, aiming to provide regulatory certainty and a competitive edge for compliant firms.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7428/italy-intensifies-crypto-risk-scrutiny-amid-fragmented-global-regulation
Anthropic Unveils AI Interviewer for Talent Acquisition
AI firm Anthropic has launched a public pilot for its new tool, "Anthropic Interviewer," designed to streamline the hiring process. The AI can generate interview questions based on defined objectives, facilitate collaborative interviewing, and analyze data.
Initial trials with 1,250 professionals showed varying views: many prefer delegating routine tasks to AI, while some creatives worry about job security. Scientists, however, see AI as a valuable research partner.
This innovation holds significant implications for the Web3 sector, potentially improving talent acquisition for DAOs, DeFi, and NFT platforms with globally distributed workforces.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7427/anthropic-launches-ai-interviewer-pilot-reshaping-future-of-talent-acquisition
USPD Stablecoin Protocol Suffers $1 Million Loss from 'CPIMP' Attack
The USPD stablecoin protocol experienced a significant security breach, resulting in the illicit minting of approximately 98 million USPD tokens and the draining of roughly 232 stETH, leading to total losses estimated at $1 million. The attack, identified as "CPIMP" (Canonical Proxy Initialization Manipulation Prevention), exploited a vulnerability during protocol deployment, granting attackers illegitimate administrator privileges.
USPD officials confirmed the exploit was due to manipulation of proxy configuration, not a direct flaw in the core smart contract. The protocol strongly advises users to immediately revoke all token approvals associated with USPD contracts.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7426/uspd-stablecoin-protocol-hit-by-sophisticated-cpimp-attack-1-million-lost
21Shares Co-founder: Bitcoin unlikely to replicate January 2025 surge
Ophelia Snyder of 21Shares expressed skepticism that Bitcoin can repeat its early 2025 price surge in January 2026. Current market volatility and low positive sentiment are key concerns.
While Bitcoin hit $109,000 in January 2025 and an all-time high of $125,100 in October, a $19 billion crypto liquidation event led to a cautious outlook. Bitcoin is currently trading around $92,150.
Potential catalysts include ETF expansion, government adoption, and demand for value stores. However, a sustained "risk-off" sentiment could hinder performance. Despite this, some analysts remain optimistic for new all-time highs by January 2026.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7425/21shares-co-founder-skeptical-bitcoin-can-replicate-january-s-price-surge
EU Launches Antitrust Probe into Meta's WhatsApp AI Policy
The European Commission has initiated a formal antitrust investigation into Meta's updated AI policy for WhatsApp. The probe focuses on whether Meta is abusing its dominant position by restricting third-party AI providers from integrating chatbot services on the platform, potentially favoring its own AI offerings.
The investigation stems from Meta's updated WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, which prohibit AI companies from using the business API if AI is their primary service. This policy could prevent third-party AI providers from operating in the European Economic Area.
If Meta's actions are found to have exclusionary effects, they could violate EU antitrust laws prohibiting abuse of dominant market positions. The probe excludes Italy, where a separate investigation is underway. This signals the EU's commitment to ensuring fair competition in the digital AI landscape.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7424/eu-intensifies-scrutiny-meta-s-whatsapp-ai-policy-faces-formal-antitrust-probe
US Contractors Delete 96 Government Databases, Seek AI Cover-Up Advice
Two former US contractors allegedly deleted 96 government databases and then consulted an AI chatbot for advice on concealing their actions. The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in data integrity and the challenges of securing sensitive information in an AI-integrated world.
The brothers are accused of altering system permissions and initiating the deletion of databases containing investigation and FOIA records. This marks a concerning misuse of AI, following a previous hacking conviction for the pair. The breach underscores the importance of immutable systems, a core principle of blockchain technology.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7423/us-contractors-delete-96-government-databases-seek-ai-cover-up-advice
Precious Metals Outshine Bitcoin Amidst Fed Policy Error Fears
Gold and silver are significantly outperforming Bitcoin, with year-to-date returns of 60% and 86% respectively. This "flight to safety" is driven by concerns over potential U.S. Federal Reserve policy missteps, particularly sustained inflation above the 2% target.
Bitcoin, currently in a "mid-cycle repair" phase after an October liquidation shock, has seen a -1.2% YTD performance. On-chain data suggests short-term holder capitulation.
Analysts anticipate this disconnect will be temporary, with Bitcoin expected to realign with global liquidity and equity markets once its order books fully recover.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7422/precious-metals-soar-bitcoin-lags-amidst-fed-policy-error-concerns
Former Signature Bank Executives Launch N3XT, Pioneering 24/7 Blockchain Payments
A group of former Signature Bank executives has launched N3XT, a new blockchain-powered, state-chartered bank. Operating under a Wyoming SPDI charter, N3XT aims to provide instant, 24/7 payment settlements via a private blockchain, leveraging smart contracts for programmable payments.
The institution will not offer lending services, with reserves backed one-to-one by cash or U.S. Treasurys, and daily disclosure of holdings. Key investors include Winklevoss Capital, Paradigm, and HACK VC.
https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7421/former-signature-bank-executives-launch-n3xt-pioneering-247-blockchain-payments