Author: NBTC

NBTC

NBTC is the editorial account for NBTC News, covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, exchanges, mining, regulation and digital asset markets. The editorial team focuses on clear sourcing, timely updates and practical context for crypto readers.

Velo Protocol Expands Web3 Payments and RWA Infrastructure Across Asia

Velo Protocol, a blockchain-based financial infrastructure focused on PayFi (Payment Finance), is excited to announce its strategic expansion of Web3 payments and real-world asset (RWA) infrastructure across Asia and beyond. The primary purpose of this step is to make real-world asset liquidity and make Web3 payments borderless. Velo continues to build unstoppable momentum in Web3 finance, stacking high impact partnerships, RWA tokenization, and borderless liquidity across Asia and beyond. From tokenized RWA to institutional grade listings and super app rollouts, every new milestone reinforces Velo’s… pic.twitter.com/VbfHehY17X — Velo Official (@veloprotocol) January 16, 2026 Velo Protocol is actively working and facilitating…

BlockchainJan 19

Kevin Hassett, Expected to Become Fed Chair, Makes Strong Statements and Calls Ahead of Interest Rate Decision

Ahead of the Federal Reserve's expected 25 basis point interest rate cut, which is anticipated to be announced in minutes, Kevin Hassett, a figure closely watched by the markets and expected to become the new Fed Chairman, made some very significant and noteworthy statements regarding monetary policy. Hassett, the White House Director of the National Economic Council, said that futures markets were pricing in a 25 basis point cut, which he called “a small step in the right direction.” However, according to Hassett, the Fed's work is not finished there. In his statements, he indicated that the central bank may…

RegulationJan 19

US lawmakers face mounting pressure on stablecoin regulation as banks warn of $6 trillion deposit flight

As Washington races to finalize new rules on stablecoin regulation, Wall Street and the crypto industry are clashing over who should control digital dollars and the yield they generate. Bank of America flags trillions at risk of leaving deposits Yield-bearing designs put bank funding models under pressure Legislative push on stablecoins reaches critical phase Stablecoin regulation debate exposes deeper policy divides Concerns over expanded Treasury oversight Industry support fractures as exchanges push back Outlook for banks, stablecoin issuers and lawmakers Bank of America flags trillions at risk of leaving deposits Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has warned that stablecoins…

LegalJan 19

TheoriqAI Partners with OpenLedger to Build Accountable, Production-Ready DeFi AI Agents

OpenLedger, an AI-focused blockchain network that enables training and deployment of intelligence models, today announced a strategic partnership with TheoriqAI, a decentralized protocol that allows AI agents to collaborate, optimize, and execute on-chain data and financial tasks. Using this collaboration, TheoriqAI utilizes OpenLedger’s AI infrastructure to introduce innovative intelligence capabilities into its AI-driven Web3 platform. Powered by its native THQ token, TheoriqAI runs an on-chain platform designed for building AI agents that operate and collaborate across decentralized platforms. Using tools like Infinity Hub and Infinite Studio, TheoriqAI allows the development of AI-powered DeFi systems that resolve and manage> The OpenLedger…

BlockchainJan 19

FED Releases Much Anticipated Interest Rate Decision – Here’s Bitcoin’s Initial Reaction

The Fed, as expected, cut interest rates by 25 basis points. Now all eyes will be on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's press conference, which begins at 22:30 (UTC+3). Here's Bitcoin's initial reaction after the decision: In addition: The Fed will begin purchasing Treasury bonds on December 12th. The Fed stated that it will evaluate the magnitude and timing of additional interest rate adjustments. The Fed announced it will purchase $40 billion worth of Treasury bonds within the next 30 days. Among Fed members, there is a significant divide between those who support rate cuts to protect the weakening labor…

RegulationJan 19

UK mulls under‑16 social media ban amid rising online ID push

The United Kingdom is considering new restrictions that could bar children under 16 from using mainstream social media platforms. The discussion builds on the Online Safety Act, which already requires services with minimum age limits to explain how they enforce them and to use “highly effective” age assurance measures where children are at risk of harmful content. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is monitoring how Australia’s under‑16 ban works in practice and is “open” to an Australian‑style approach, despite previously expressing personal reservations about a blanket ban for teenagers. Conservative Party Member of Parliament David Davis said in a…

LegalJan 19

THORSwap Strengthens Liquidity with $BCH Cross-Chain Support

THORSwap, a renowned decentralized exchange (DEX), has unveiled a new cross-chain integration through the L1 blockchain NEAR Protocol. Specifically, THORSwap is extending the cross-chain trading network by integrating Bitcoin Cash ($BCH) via NEAR Intents, the abstraction layer of NEAR Protocol. As per THORSwap’s official social media announcement, the upgrade provides complete Bitcoin Cash ($BCH) swap support. Hence, this reaffirms the platform’s status as a prominent decentralized alternative to legacy centralized exchanges. 📢@THORSwap now supports Bitcoin Cash cross-chain trading via @NEAR_Intents! 🔥 Swap Native $BCH to/from: Bitcoin, Solana, BNB Chain, XRP, Zcash, NEAR Protocol, TRON, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Avalanche Ethereum, Base, Polygon,…

BlockchainJan 19

After the Interest Rate Cut, Experts Assessed the Implications of the Decision

Following the Federal Reserve's announcement of a 25 basis point interest rate cut, in line with expectations, a striking assessment emerged indicating a deepening of disagreements within the institution. Nick Timiraos, known as one of the best readers of the Fed's internal communications, noted that despite the third consecutive interest rate cut, there was an unusual division among decision-makers. According to Timiraos, Fed officials are seriously divided on the priority order between inflation and the labor market. Therefore, strong signals have been given that the committee's willingness to continue with interest rate cuts is quite low. As recent statements have…

RegulationJan 19

Crypto for Advisors: Blockchain’s Impact on Government

In today’s newsletter, Michael Carbonara, candidate for the United States House of Representatives, explains how blockchain can provide transparency in government operations. Then, Alec Beckman answers questions on government use cases in Ask an Expert. – Sarah Morton Real-time Government Transparency Requires Blockchain and Clear Rules: Opinion on the CLARITY Act, & Its Direct Impact on the US When people talk about transparency in government finance, they usually mean better reporting standards in integrity, speed, and security. But the deeper problem in the United States is more fundamental: we still lack clear rules about which federal agencies regulate digital assets.…

LegalJan 19

AutoStaking and Conflux Network Collaborate – Layer-1 Payments on DeFi with AI

Conflux Network and AutoStaking have formed a strategic alliance that combines AutoStaking’s intelligent yield optimization technology with Conflux’s powerful Layer-1 infrastructure. They aim to develop creative solutions that will expand the relationship between traditional commerce and decentralized finance. Combining AI Intelligence and Blockchain Scalability AutoStaking makes DeFi simplified with an AI-based wealth manager that can design positions like no other investor’s strategy that would be tailored towards your risk tolerance and deposit choices. Unlike the traditional aggregators, its AI agents simplify the choice of protocols, rebalance a portfolio on a constant basis, and make transactions, which is more efficient and…

BlockchainJan 19