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.

U.S. Marijuana Stocks Jump on Federal Reclassification News

RegulationJan 16

U.S. marijuana stocks surged dramatically after reports suggested that former President Donald Trump may sign an executive order to reclassify cannabis at the federal level. The news sparked excitement among investors, driving significant trading activity across the sector. The US Cannabis ETF ($MSOS) led the rally, jumping 55% in one day. Trading volume reached around $500 million, almost ten times its typical daily average. Analysts say this surge reflects investor optimism over potential regulatory changes that could reshape the industry. MSOS ETF Leads the Charge The MSOS ETF, which tracks a basket of major U.S. cannabis companies, saw unprecedented trading…

Interactive Brokers Clients Can Begin Trading Within "Minutes" By Depositing Stablecoins

ExchangesJan 16

Interactive Brokers announced that eligible clients of its US subsidiary can now fund their brokerage accounts using stablecoins. The firm said the feature allows near-instant processing and operates 24/7, including weekends and holidays. The capability enables clients to deposit funds and start trading across 170 global markets within minutes of initiating a transfer. The announcement follows an update last year in which Interactive Brokers said it was exploring stablecoin support for instant, round-the-clock client funding and potential support for third-party stablecoins, subject to issuer credibility. Milan Galik, Chief Executive Officer of Interactive Brokers “Stablecoin funding provides international investors with the…

NiceHash clarifies untagged BTC blocks

MiningJan 16

Social media buzzed this week after Bitcoin blocks 932129 and 932167 were mined without an immediately visible pool tag, prompting speculation that a solo miner had struck it rich, a familiar “Bitcoin lottery” narrative that briefly captured the market’s attention. The excitement, however, had less to do with the blocks themselves than with what their apparent mislabeling revealed about how Bitcoin mining attribution works. It also revealed how quickly assumptions can take hold. Amid the speculation, NiceHash emerged as the miner behind both blocks. NiceHash operates a hashrate marketplace that connects miners with buyers of computing power, rather than running…

Pudgy Penguins Forges Groundbreaking Partnership with Manchester City for Exclusive Merchandise Line

NFTJan 16

In a landmark move bridging Web3 and global sports, the Pudgy Penguins NFT project has announced a strategic partnership with English Premier League champions Manchester City. The collaboration, confirmed via the project’s official X account on January 15, 2025, will yield a premium merchandise line available exclusively to adults. This alliance represents one of the most significant integrations of a non-fungible token (NFT) brand with a top-tier football institution, with full product details scheduled for unveiling on January 17. Pudgy Penguins and Manchester City: A Strategic Alliance The partnership between Pudgy Penguins and Manchester City signals a deliberate expansion for…

Ethereum Bounces — But Is a 20% Trap Forming Beneath One Critical Level?

EthereumJan 16

Ethereum price is rising again, up over 2% in the past 24 hours, and is still positive for the month. The rebound looks encouraging, but the structure underneath remains fragile. A bearish pattern is still active, and unless key levels are defended, this bounce risks turning into a deeper pullback. Ethereum Price Rises Inside a Fragile Bearish Structure Despite the bounce, Ethereum is still trading inside a head and shoulders pattern on the daily chart. The January 6 peak formed the right shoulder, and the price is now attempting to stabilize without invalidating the structure. This is important because head-and-shoulders…

BlackRock Clients Add $52M in Bitcoin and $23M in Ethereum

RegulationJan 16

BlackRock clients added fresh capital to crypto markets this week. On-chain data shows $52.37 million flowed into Bitcoin. At the same time, another $23.21 million moved into Ethereum. The buys appeared in wallets linked to BlackRock’s digital asset operations. Whale tracking data flagged the activity as a new accumulation, not internal transfers. The timing matters. Crypto prices have stayed volatile, yet institutional demand has not slowed. These purchases signal steady confidence. Large allocators are still building exposure, even without price euphoria. Instead of chasing spikes, they appear to be adding during calmer sessions. Bitcoin and Ethereum Remain the Core Bet…

Alchemy Pay Lists StraitsX Stablecoins to Expand Global Fiat-to-Crypto Access

ExchangesJan 15

Alchemy Pay has given users around the world a simpler way to move cash onto blockchains by adding StraitsX’s $XSGD and $XUSD stablecoins to its fiat on-ramp. The payment gateway, already known for connecting traditional payment rails to crypto networks, now lets people in 173 countries buy these fiat-backed tokens with familiar methods like Visa and Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay, local bank transfers and mobile wallets across more than 50 fiat currencies. That might sound technical, but the practical effect is straightforward: people and businesses who want stable, regulator-friendly crypto exposure can now convert local currency into $XSGD…

80,000 ETH Moves to Binance Beacon Deposit in $249 Million Strategic Shift

EthereumJan 15

A colossal Ethereum transaction valued at approximately $249 million has captured the cryptocurrency community’s attention, signaling potential strategic shifts within the digital asset ecosystem. Whale Alert, the prominent blockchain tracking service, reported this substantial movement of 80,000 ETH from a major Binance exchange wallet to the Binance Beacon Deposit address on February 21, 2025. This transfer represents one of the most significant single Ethereum movements recorded this year, prompting immediate analysis from market observers and blockchain analysts worldwide. The scale of this transaction underscores the evolving dynamics of Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network and institutional participation. Ethereum Transfer Analysis: Decoding the $249…

Hong Kong Unveils 10-Year Plan for RWA Tokenization and Digital Markets

RegulationJan 15

Hong Kong’s financial authorities have outlined a decade-long strategy aimed at expanding real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and solidifying the city’s digital financial infrastructure, signaling a structured shift in how capital markets may operate in the years ahead. The Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) detailed the strategy in a concept paper titled Hong Kong Capital Market Leadership Strategy, which frames tokenized finance as a core component of the market’s future architecture. According to the report, RWA-related products could begin emerging within the next two to five years, while broader system upgrades for tokenized issuance, trading, and settlement are envisioned over a…

FTX estate says Justin Sun still owes it millions

ExchangesJan 15

The FTX estate has filed a motion for leave to amend its complaint against HTX, Poloniex, and Justin Sun. The amended complaint claims that the FTX-Alameda Research estate had approximately $27 million in funds on both HTX (then Huobi) and Poloniex when it declared bankruptcy. The original version of its complaint was filed in November 2024. What’s in the lawsuit? The proposed amended complaint, filed by the FTX Recovery Trust, has as its defendants: Huobi, Poloniex, Sun, and a variety of entities that the suit alleges are “alter-egos” of Sun. It claims that Alameda Research had funds on both Poloniex…