CME Group Plans to Launch Futures Contracts for Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar Lumens

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January 16, 2026

CME Group announced on January 15, 2026, that it plans to launch futures contracts for Cardano (ADA) and Chainlink (LINK), along with Stellar (XLM/Lumens), expanding its regulated cryptocurrency derivatives offerings.

The launches are scheduled for February 9, 2026, pending regulatory review and approval.This builds on CME’s existing crypto suite, which already includes futures and options for Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana.

The addition of these altcoins reflects growing institutional demand for regulated tools to manage risk in cryptocurrencies beyond the majors. Cardano (ADA) futures: Standard contract size of 100,000 ADA; Micro contract size of 10,000 ADA. Chainlink (LINK) futures: Standard contract size of 5,000 LINK; Micro contract size of 250 LINK. Stellar (Lumens) futures: Standard contract size of 250,000 Lumens; Micro contract size of 12,500 Lumens.

These micro-sized contracts aim to provide more flexibility, accessibility, and capital efficiency for a broader range of market participants, including retail traders alongside institutions.

The news highlights it as a step toward greater mainstream adoption and legitimacy for these projects in traditional finance. Stablecoin yield restrictions refer to proposed or existing regulatory limits in the U.S. on whether crypto platforms like exchanges or wallets can pay interest, yield, or rewards to users who hold stablecoins (dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies such as USDC or USDT).

This has become a major flashpoint in ongoing U.S. crypto legislation, particularly in the context of the recent Senate Banking Committee delay of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act often called the Clarity Act or market structure bill around January 15-16, 2026.

The GENIUS Act

Congress passed the GENIUS Act in mid-2025, creating a federal framework for payment stablecoins. It prohibits stablecoin issuers from directly paying interest or yield to holders. The goal was to prevent stablecoins from functioning like bank deposits, which could draw money out of traditional banks and affect lending/credit in the economy.

However, a perceived loophole emerged: While issuers can’t pay yield, intermediaries like Coinbase or other platforms could still share revenue or offer rewards to users holding stablecoins on their platforms. For example, Coinbase has offered around 4-5% APY on USDC holdings in the past, funded by interest earned on the underlying reserves.

The Senate Banking Committee’s draft aimed to close or tighten this loophole as part of broader rules dividing oversight between the SEC (securities) and CFTC (commodities/spot markets). Prohibits crypto companies (exchanges, platforms) from paying interest to consumers solely for holding a stablecoin.

Allows some rewards or incentives for specific activities, such as: Sending payments/transactions. Participating in loyalty programs. Other active uses (not just passive holding). This is seen as a win for banks, which argue that unrestricted stablecoin yields could siphon trillions in deposits reducing funds available for loans, mortgages, and community lending.

Banks via groups like the American Bankers Association lobbied heavily, claiming these “rewards” are effectively interest by another name and create unfair competition outside banking regulations.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly withdrew support on January 14, 2026, calling the provisions one of the “biggest” issues. He argued it would “kill rewards on stablecoins,” erode competition, and let banks “ban their competition.”

Platforms like Coinbase earn significant revenue from stablecoin-related activities, partly from these rewards programs that attract and retain users. Crypto advocates view yield/rewards as a key innovation: It lets users earn on digital dollars similar to high-yield savings but on-chain, promotes adoption, and keeps U.S. stablecoins competitive globally.

Armstrong and others say treating crypto differently harms innovation and economic freedom, especially since banks already pay interest on deposits. Stablecoins with yields threaten the banking system by pulling deposits away, potentially raising borrowing costs and hurting local economies.

This is protectionism; stablecoins offer better, faster, global payments, and users should benefit from yields without artificial restrictions. The markup delay stemmed directly from this tension, plus other issues e.g., tokenized equities, DeFi rules, CFTC vs. SEC authority. Negotiations continue, with potential compromises like narrower activity-based rewards.

If restrictions tighten, it could limit stablecoin growth in the U.S.; if loosened, it might boost adoption but face banking pushback. In short, these restrictions aim to prevent stablecoins from becoming “deposit-like” products that compete directly with banks, while crypto firms fight to preserve user incentives and innovation.

The fight highlights the clash between traditional finance and crypto in shaping America’s digital asset rules.

Equity Fear and Greed Index Hits Highest Level since September

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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January 16, 2026

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The CNN Fear & Greed Index often referred to as the Equity or Stock Market Fear and Greed Index measures investor sentiment in the US stock market on a scale of 0 (Extreme Fear) to 100 (Extreme Greed).

It aggregates seven indicators, including market momentum, stock price strength/breadth, volatility (VIX), put/call options, safe haven demand, and junk bond demand.

As of the latest update, the index stands at 63, firmly in the Greed zone typically 55+ indicates Greed, with 75+ being Extreme Greed. This reflects improving or bullish investor sentiment amid recent market performance. This level represents the highest reading since at least September 2025, based on available data and reports:In late 2025, the index plunged into Extreme Fear territory during periods of market pullbacks and volatility.

By December 2025, it began recovering into the Greed zone for the first time since September in some reports. Recent readings climbed steadily into January 2026, with values in the low-to-mid 60s marking a notable high point compared to the fear-dominated sentiment in the fall of 2025.

Historical lows in late 2025 hit as low as single digits during corrections. This greed reading suggests investors are optimistic, potentially driven by strong equity performance e.g., S&P 500 near or at elevated levels, but contrarian investors sometimes view high greed as a caution signal for possible overextension or future pullbacks.

The CNN Fear & Greed Index reaching 63 in the Greed zone. its highest level since at least September 2025 — signals a notable shift in investor sentiment from the fear-dominated periods of late 2025 when readings dipped into single digits or low teens during market pullbacks, trade concerns, and volatility.

This reading reflects improving bullish confidence, driven by strong underlying indicators: Positive market momentum (S&P 500 well above its 125-day moving average). Strong stock price strength and breadth more new 52-week highs, favorable volume in advancing stocks.

VIX subdued compared to its moving average. Reduced safe haven demand. Increased junk bond appetite— tighter credit spreads, showing willingness to take risk. Favorable put/call options dynamics not signaling heavy hedging.

Key Implications for the Stock Market

The move into Greed territory often aligns with ongoing rallies, as seen in recent months. The S&P 500 has been pushing toward or hovering near all-time highs recently around 6,944–6,960 levels, supported by positive economic data, corporate earnings resilience, and optimism for 2026 growth.

This sentiment recovery follows the sharp fear plunge in fall 2025 around November lows around 9–11 during corrections. Historically, elevated greed readings especially 60+ can act as a warning for over-optimism. Excessive greed sometimes precedes short-term pullbacks, profit-taking, or corrections, as investors become complacent and valuations stretch.

It’s not an immediate sell signal — markets can stay “greedy” for extended periods during bull runs — but it suggests reduced margin of safety and higher vulnerability to negative surprises. With Wall Street forecasts for 2026 generally positive e.g., S&P targets ranging from modest gains to 8,000+ by year-end, sustained greed could fuel additional advances if earnings and economic conditions remain supportive.

Readings in the 60s not yet Extreme Greed at 75+ indicate building enthusiasm but not euphoria. A reversal could occur if momentum slows or external pressures emerge. Contrarians often view high greed as a time to trim positions or prepare for volatility.

This marks a clear rebound from late-2025 fear extremes tied to factors like tariff talks and economic uncertainty, suggesting the market has shaken off much of that anxiety. The upward trend from ~53 a month ago to 63 now reinforces a “risk-on” environment, but watch for any quick drops back toward Neutral/Fear as potential buying opportunities.

The index implies optimistic but potentially frothy sentiment right now — bullish for near-term stability or gains, yet a reminder to stay vigilant against complacency.

Europe’s New Crypto Rules Are Changing in Practice

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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January 16, 2026

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The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation represents the bloc’s comprehensive framework for crypto-assets, aimed at enhancing consumer protection, market integrity, financial stability, and innovation while eliminating legal gray zones.

MiCA entered into force in June 2023, with phased application: rules for stablecoins (asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens) from mid-2024, and broader requirements for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) from December 30, 2024.

As of January 2026, MiCA is in full effect, though a transitional “grandfathering” period allows many existing providers to operate under national rules until July 1, 2026 or earlier in some member states, depending on local implementation.

In practice, here’s what Europe’s new crypto rules are changing for key stakeholders: Unified licensing across the EU: Providers must obtain authorization from a national regulator e.g., Central Bank of Ireland for Kraken in 2025, but a single MiCA license allows operations throughout all 27 EU member states and EEA countries, reducing the need for multiple national approvals.

As of late 2025/early 2026, around 102 CASPs are fully authorized per ESMA’s register, including some banks (12 credit institutions involved). Many more operate under transitional rules until mid-2026.

Stricter operational requirements include capital reserves, governance standards, conduct-of-business rules, robust AML/KYC, complaint handling, and safeguards against market abuse. Platforms must provide clear risk disclosures, protect client assets like segregation, and maintain transparency in trading.

This creates a more professional, bank-like environment but increases compliance costs—non-compliance can lead to fines up to €5 million or more.

For Stablecoins and Issuers

Algorithmic stablecoins are effectively banned or non-compliant, as MiCA requires full backing by liquid reserves at a 1:1 ratio with fiat or other assets. Compliant stablecoins like fiat-backed must allow redemption at par value, hold high-quality reserves, and face limits on transaction volumes and use as a means of exchange to protect monetary sovereignty.

Only about 30 active issuers are noted in recent data, reflecting slower adoption and restrictions on non-compliant ones., major ones like certain USDT variants face delisting or restrictions for EU users. Exchanges and wallets have rotated toward MiCA-compliant stablecoins, fragmenting liquidity for non-compliant tokens.

For Users and Investors

Greater protection and transparency: Platforms must disclose risks, costs, and charges clearly. Users benefit from better asset safeguarding, redemption rights for stablecoins, and reduced fraud risk through supervision.

Enhanced consumer safeguards include marketing restrictions, fair treatment rules, and easier complaint resolution. However, some services, certain non-compliant tokens or high-risk products may become unavailable or restricted in the EU.

Related rules like DAC8 (tax reporting) kicked in January 2026, requiring CASPs to report user/transaction data to tax authorities (first reports due in 2027), increasing transparency but potentially more scrutiny on holdings/transactions.

The transitional phase is ending, with full enforcement ramping up—national authorities shifting to active supervision, and ESMA/EBA guidance operational. This standardizes the market but may lead to consolidation (fewer but more compliant players) and some services migrating outside the EU if they can’t meet requirements.

MiCA has moved crypto from a fragmented, uncertain space to a regulated one similar to traditional finance—benefiting long-term stability and institutional entry while requiring adaptation from providers and users.

1,000,000x Once Captured Market Attention, Is Zero Knowledge Proof’s $5M Auction the Next Viral Story?

By

TI Partners

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January 16, 2026

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Crypto history compresses years of development into defining moments. Ethereum’s early phase illustrates this. A project starting with limited attention and skepticism eventually delivered one of the largest value expansions ever recorded. Rare as it is, analysts still study these conditions closely.

In 2026, similar conversations arise around Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP). Analysts and early observers watch it not for guaranteed outcomes but because the structure is familiar.

With a live presale auction active daily and a $5M reward program running alongside, Zero Knowledge Proof is evaluated as the best crypto to buy. It also appears in discussions of a top crypto presale that progresses in real time, based on mechanics rather than staged hype.

Early Patterns Turn Skepticism Into Conviction

Ethereum’s first supporters lacked certainty. In 2015, programmable blockchains were widely misunderstood, and Bitcoin held attention. What separated Ethereum was readiness: the network worked, developers built immediately, and access was public.

These traits allowed value to accumulate quietly before recognition arrived. Investors today searching for the best crypto to buy often revisit that pattern. They do not attempt to repeat history, but they recognize when preparation precedes popularity.

Early-cycle analysts closely monitor any top crypto presale, emphasizing execution over narrative. Ready infrastructure and clear participation rules are key markers that signal opportunity long before hype peaks, and that same principle now applies to Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) in 2026.

Zero Knowledge Proof’s Live Presale Auction Shapes Access

Unlike typical presales with fixed pricing or short rounds, Zero Knowledge Proof distributes tokens through a live daily presale auction. Each 24-hour window functions independently: supply releases, participation records, and pricing finalizes before the next window begins.

This design creates forward-only progression:

Each day’s conditions close permanently
Early conditions cannot be recreated
Entry tightens as awareness grows

For investors evaluating the best crypto to buy early, this cadence matters. It replaces discretionary allocation with structured participation. That clarity is why Zero Knowledge Proof increasingly appears as a top crypto presale based on transparent mechanics instead of short-term promotional bursts.

The $5M Reward Program Increases Participation Without Distortion

Alongside the auction, Zero Knowledge Proof runs a $5M reward program. Ten participants each receive $500,000 in tokens while the auction itself remains unaffected.

Key rules stay constant:

Daily token supply does not change
Allocation remains proportional
Pricing settles on-chain at the end of each window

This separation preserves credibility. Incentives attract attention but do not alter price discovery. Investors looking for the best crypto to buy note this discipline. It also reinforces why Zero Knowledge Proof is considered a top crypto presale, balancing visibility with structural integrity.

The Initial Coin Auction Provides Transparent Price Discovery

Zero Knowledge Proof’s distribution model uses an Initial Coin Auction rather than fixed pricing. Each window clears at a single effective price for all participants, without private allocations or preferential tiers later.

This removes historical friction points in early distributions. Analysts assessing the best crypto to buy based on fairness and transparency recognize the ICA as a rare verifiable record of demand evolution over time. It is also why Zero Knowledge Proof frequently appears among top crypto presales, as disciplined price discovery often precedes lasting adoption.

Infrastructure Exists Before Public Participation

Another factor in early breakout comparisons is sequencing. Zero Knowledge Proof committed over $100M internally before opening its presale. Funding built network architecture, cryptographic layers, and a compute layer for verifiable workloads.

Public participants are not financing construction. They enter an already operational environment, which changes the risk profile significantly. For investors determining the best crypto to buy in 2026, this distinction matters. It keeps Zero Knowledge Proof on the radar as a top crypto presale that prioritizes execution over speculative promise.

Final Assessment for Early 2026 Participation

Crypto’s million-percent stories exist not because they repeat on demand but because value forms quietly. Ethereum grew following limited attention, functional infrastructure, and open access before market consensus appeared.

Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) now receives similar analysis. A live presale auction, a $5M reward program enhancing visibility, and infrastructure built before token distribution make it a focal point for early 2026. Investors tracking the best crypto to buy and evaluating top crypto presales see this as a rare stage: not guaranteeing outcomes but highlighting a familiar setup forming in real time.

Explore Zero Knowledge Proof:

Website: https://zkp.com/

Auction: https://auction.zkp.com/

X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial

Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial

Crypto Scams Hit Record Highs in 2025 as AI And Impersonation Fuel A New Wave of Fraud

By

Ojukwu Emmanuel

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January 16, 2026

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Cryptocurrency scams reached unprecedented levels in 2025, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, sophisticated impersonation tactics, and evolving laundering methods.

According to a Chainalysis report, an estimate of $17B was stolen in crypto scams and fraud in 2025, as impersonation scams recorded a massive 1400% year-over-year (YoY) growth. AI-enabled scams were 4.5 times more profitable than traditional scams.

Based on historical patterns, where annual estimates typically grow by an average of 24% between reporting periods, analysts now project that the 2025 total could surpass $17 billion as more illicit wallet addresses are identified in the coming months.

This surge reflects a rapidly evolving scam landscape. The average scam payment rose dramatically from $782 in 2024 to $2,764 in 2025, representing a 253% year-over-year (YoY) increase. Overall scam inflows have also skyrocketed, driven largely by impersonation-based schemes, which recorded a staggering 1,400% YoY growth.

While high-yield investment programs (HYIPs) and so-called “pig butchering” scams continue to dominate by volume, clear convergence is emerging across scam types. Fraudsters are increasingly blending impersonation, social engineering, and technical manipulation, while leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), phishing-as-a-service tools, and complex money laundering networks to improve their effectiveness.

The Rise of Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams have become one of the most concerning developments of 2025. In this scheme, fraudsters pose as trusted institutions, public figures, or authority figures to scam victims, which grew more than 1,400% compared to the previous year. The average size of payments made to these scam clusters also increased by over 600%, underscoring both their scale and severity.

Unlike many other scam categories that rely heavily on centralized exchanges to launder stolen funds, impersonation scams have demonstrated a strong preference for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Their laundering behavior has also evolved in waves. In 2024, activity spiked around smart contracts and token-based schemes. In 2025, those patterns shifted toward bridge usage in the first half of the year and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in the latter half. This constant adaptation highlights how scammers routinely modify their laundering strategies in response to detection efforts and enforcement actions.

AI Intensifying Fraud

A defining feature of 2025 has been the growing role of AI in scam operations. While many scammers acquire AI tools through traditional payment channels, some purchase them directly on-chain, leaving traceable transaction footprints. This visibility has allowed analysts to compare AI-enabled scams with traditional ones, and the differences are stark.

Approximately 76% of scams with verifiable on-chain links to AI vendors fall into the high-value, high-volume category. These scams not only scale faster, with higher transaction rates, but also extract significantly more value. On average, AI-linked scam operations generate $3.2 million each, compared to $719,000 for those without such links—more than 4.5 times as much. AI is enabling scammers to manage more victims simultaneously and make their schemes more persuasive, signaling the industrialization of digital fraud.

According to Will Lyne, Head of Economic & Cybercrime at the Metropolitan Police, he noted that fraud linked to cryptocurrency continues to grow in both scale and sophistication. Organized criminal networks increasingly rely on impersonation tactics, AI-enabled tools, and advanced digital infrastructure. However, he also notes a turning point: international cooperation, specialized capabilities, and improved use of financial intelligence are strengthening law enforcement’s ability to disrupt these networks, seize illicit assets, and reduce harm.

With the surging crypto scams, certain demographics remain disproportionately affected. Older adults in particular face devastating financial consequences. In the United States alone, individuals aged 60 and above lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024, according to AARP and FBI data. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) further reported $2.8 billion in crypto-related losses among this age group.

Crypto ATMs have emerged as a key vulnerability. Many elderly victims are instructed to convert cash into cryptocurrency through these kiosks, after which funds are rapidly transferred. On-chain analysis shows that money originating from U.S.-based crypto ATMs often flows into wallets associated with Southeast Asian cybercrime-linked money laundering networks (CMLNs) and guarantee services.

Outlook

The data from 2025 reveal a scam ecosystem that is becoming more professional, efficient, and interconnected. Accessible AI tools, phishing services, and the blending of multiple scam techniques have lowered barriers to entry while increasing the scale of operations. Although enforcement successes provide some optimism, the networks driving these scams remain highly adaptive and persistent.

As digital assets become further embedded in the global economy, the challenge of combating crypto-enabled fraud will demand continuous innovation, stronger consumer protections, and deeper international collaboration. Without these measures, the economic and human toll of scams is likely to keep rising.