Bitcoin (BTC) held steady during Friday's Asian hours after Bank of Japan (BOJ) lifted the benchmark borrowing cost to the highest in 17 years while raising inflation forecasts. "If the outlook presented in the January Outlook Report will be realized, the Bank will accordingly continue to raise the policy interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary accommodation," the policy statement said, citing positive outlook on wages and maintaining guidance to keep raising rates, according to ForexLive . The anti-risk Japanese yen rose over 0.6% to 155.12 against the U.S. dollar following the rate decision. Still, risk assets remained resilient. Bitcoin showed no signs of stress, trading little changed on the day above $104,000. The futures tied to the S&P 500 also traded flat. This resilience in risk assets suggests that market attention is increasingly centered on potential policy developments under Donald Trump's presidency. In comparison, the Bank of Japan's rate hike in late July had previously shaken risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to ban digital dollar and promote crypto and AI innovation in the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. data released recently showed "all tenant rent" index, which leads shelter inflation in the CPI, rose at a slower pace last quarter. That has raised hopes that the Fed will walk back on its hawkish December rate forecasts.
White House Crypto Czar David Sacks called NFTs and meme coins “collectibles” on Thursday, reframing them as cultural assets.
The launch of Etherealize, backed by the Ethereum Foundation, aims to bridge the knowledge gap for institutions about blockchain technology. As blockchain adoption grows, Etherealize is poised to influence Wall
State-level initiatives and community-driven support are showcasing the growing integration of cryptocurrency into traditional financial systems. From Kansas lawmakers proposing a bold move to allow Bitcoin-backed ETFs in public employee retirement funds to supporters rallying behind Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht's reintegration with significant crypto donations, these developments show the expanding role of digital assets in shaping public policy and individual financial transitions. Ross Ulbricht’s Post-Prison Transition Fund Receives Over $270K in Crypto Donations Supporters of Ross Ulbricht , the founder of the infamous Silk Road darknet marketplace, have rallied to help him reintegrate into society after more than 11 years behind bars. Following his pardon by former US President Donald Trump on Jan. 21, blockchain data shows that the Free Ross campaign has raised over $270,000 in cryptocurrency donations to support Ulbricht’s transition to his new life. The Free Ross campaign, a long-standing initiative advocating for Ulbricht’s freedom and criminal justice reform, has seen a significant influx of donations in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. A wallet operated by the campaign has received more than $270,000 worth of Bitcoin (BTC) since Ulbricht’s release. Major contributions include a $111,111 donation from cryptocurrency exchange Kraken. Additionally, an Ethereum (ETH) wallet associated with the campaign has accumulated roughly $2,400 in ETH, alongside smaller donations in Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Binance Coin (BNB), and Dogecoin (DOGE). While the campaign previously focused on raising funds to secure Ulbricht’s release and advocate for criminal justice reform, the current purpose of the donations appears to be supporting his reintegration into society. However, details about how these funds will be allocated remain unclear. The Free Ross campaign has not publicly disclosed how much money was raised prior to Jan. 21 or provided specifics on its plans for future use. Ross Ulbricht, originally from Austin, Texas, created and operated the Silk Road marketplace from 2011 until his arrest in San Francisco in 2013. The platform, accessible only via the Tor network, allowed users to conduct anonymous transactions using Bitcoin. While many of the transactions were legitimate, the marketplace became notorious for enabling the sale of illicit goods and services, including drugs. In 2015, Ulbricht was convicted on multiple charges, including money laundering, conspiracy to traffic narcotics, and computer hacking. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. His case became a focal point in debates about online privacy, the role of cryptocurrency in illicit activities, and the ethics of harsh sentencing in the digital age. Ulbricht’s family, particularly his mother, Lyn Ulbricht, became vocal advocates for his release, arguing that the sentence was disproportionate and that he was unfairly punished as a scapegoat for broader issues in the darknet and cryptocurrency worlds. Their advocacy eventually reached the White House, culminating in a presidential pardon by Donald Trump. Life After Prison: Unanswered Questions Since his release, Ulbricht has maintained a low public profile. He has not made any statements to the media or posted on social media platforms. However, filmmakers Blake J. Harris and Jonah Tulis have revealed plans to release a documentary based on interviews with Ulbricht, scheduled for release in 2025. The film is expected to delve into his life, the rise and fall of Silk Road, and his journey through the criminal justice system. Ulbricht’s financial status also remains a topic of speculation. According to Conor Grogan, a director at Coinbase, Ulbricht may have access to as much as $47 million in Bitcoin, potentially linked to wallets associated with the Silk Road platform. Much of the cryptocurrency tied to Silk Road has already been seized by US authorities, with some assets auctioned off by the government. Ulbricht’s future remains uncertain. His release marks a significant turning point, but reintegrating into society after more than a decade in prison presents its own set of challenges. Support from the cryptocurrency community demonstrates that he still has a dedicated base of advocates willing to assist him during this transition. The funds raised for Ulbricht show the growing use of cryptocurrency as a means of supporting causes and individuals. For Ulbricht, these donations may offer a financial safety net as he navigates life outside prison walls. However, with many unanswered questions about his plans, financial resources, and public role moving forward, his story continues to captivate and divide opinions within the crypto and broader communities. Kansas Senator Proposes Bitcoin ETF Investment for Public Employee Retirement Funds In other crypto news, Kansas State Senator Craig Bowser has introduced a bill to allow the state’s public employee retirement funds to invest in spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Senate Bill 34, presented on Jan. 16, proposes allocating up to 10% of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) funds into Bitcoin-backed ETFs, potentially marking a significant shift in state investment policy. Senate Bill 34 seeks to grant the KPERS board of trustees the authority to invest and reinvest up to 10% of the fund’s money in Bitcoin-backed ETFs. According to the bill, these ETFs must be issued by an investment company registered in Kansas. The proposal explicitly aims to provide exposure to Bitcoin within a regulated framework while maintaining safeguards for beneficiaries. The bill includes several notable provisions: Investment Cap: The KPERS board may invest up to 10% of the retirement fund in Bitcoin ETFs. However, if the value of the ETFs exceeds the 10% threshold, the board is not required to sell unless doing so would serve the best interests of the fund's beneficiaries. Performance Oversight: The board is mandated to conduct an annual examination of the investment program, ensuring that the performance and risk management of the Bitcoin ETF investments are closely monitored. Regulated Framework: The bill stipulates that only Bitcoin ETFs issued by Kansas-registered investment companies would qualify, providing an added layer of regulatory oversight. While the proposal represents a significant step for Bitcoin advocates in Kansas, it must undergo the legislative process before becoming law. After being introduced on Jan. 16, Senate Bill 34 was referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance on Jan. 17. From there, it must pass several additional legislative stages before being sent to the Kansas House of Representatives for consideration. If approved by both chambers, the bill would then require the governor’s signature to become law. The legislative process in Kansas is rigorous, and the bill will likely face scrutiny from lawmakers weighing the risks and benefits of cryptocurrency investments in state-managed retirement funds. Supporters argue that Bitcoin’s historical performance and its growing adoption as a store of value make it a compelling addition to investment portfolios. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the volatility and regulatory uncertainties surrounding cryptocurrencies. The introduction of Senate Bill 34 marks a potential turning point in Kansas lawmakers’ attitude toward cryptocurrency investments. Historically, the state has been cautious about digital assets. In 2023, lawmakers in the Kansas House of Representatives introduced a bill to cap political donations made in cryptocurrency at $100. The proposed cap was based on the “fair market value” of the digital assets at the time of receipt and would have required the immediate conversion of crypto donations into US dollars. The bill, however, failed to advance due to procedural issues and missed deadlines. Senator Bowser’s proposal stands in stark contrast to the restrictive approach of the 2023 bill, signaling a growing recognition of cryptocurrency’s potential role in mainstream finance. By focusing on Bitcoin ETFs—a regulated and widely accepted investment product—the new bill aims to balance innovation with fiduciary responsibility. Bitcoin ETF Exposure for Retirement Funds: A National Trend? Kansas’ consideration of Bitcoin-backed ETFs for public retirement funds mirrors a broader trend of increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency investments. Bitcoin ETFs have gained traction as a gateway for traditional investors to access cryptocurrency markets without directly holding or managing digital assets. These products are regulated by financial authorities, providing a layer of security and oversight that appeals to institutional and retail investors alike. If Senate Bill 34 becomes law, Kansas would join a growing list of jurisdictions exploring cryptocurrency as an investment option for public funds. The move could pave the way for other states to consider similar measures, particularly as Bitcoin’s role in global finance continues to expand. While the potential benefits of Bitcoin ETF investments include diversification and exposure to an emerging asset class, the proposal is not without risks. Bitcoin’s price volatility and regulatory uncertainties could impact the performance of the ETFs, potentially affecting the stability of the retirement fund. The annual examination mandated by the bill is a critical measure to mitigate these risks and ensure that investments align with the fund’s fiduciary responsibilities. Supporters of the bill argue that Bitcoin’s limited supply and increasing adoption make it an attractive long-term investment, particularly in the face of inflation and economic uncertainty. Opponents, however, may question whether it is appropriate to expose retirement funds to an asset class known for its price swings. As Senate Bill 34 progresses through the legislative process, it will undoubtedly spark debate about the role of cryptocurrency in public finance. The proposal reflects a growing recognition of Bitcoin’s legitimacy as an investment asset while highlighting the need for careful oversight and regulation.
After being pardoned by President Trump, Ross Ulbricht tweeted for the first time in over 11 years, expressing gratitude for second chances and support, while his associated cryptocurrency token experienced a price drop following a three-month surge. On Jan. 24, Ross Ulbricht made his appearance on X for the first time after 11 years in prison. Ross Ulbricht took to X to thank President Donald Trump, who fully pardoned his sentencing of life without parole and called the sentencing ‘Ridiculous.’ In the X post, Ulbricht emphasized the importance of ‘second chances’ and thanked all his supporters, saying “it is a victory, and it is your victory too.” pic.twitter.com/pbqRh9spnk — Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) January 24, 2025 Ulbricht was the founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace. Silk Road operated as a secret service on the Tor network and facilitated the anonymous buying and selling of illegal drugs as well as other goods using Bitcoin ( BTC ). He was sentenced to life in 2015 after being convicted in a federal trial on multiple counts, including conspiracy to engage in a racketeering enterprise, money laundering, and hacking of computers. Ulbricht, whose X account was run by his wife until now, previously tweeted that he was not associated with any meme coin bearing his name. However, a cryptocurrency of a similar name was launched in Jun. 2024, which soared as high as $0.04243 on Jan. 22, 2025, the day Ulbricht was fully pardoned by the President. The ROSS token has now seen a dip in its price after almost three months of being bullish, as per CoinMarketCap. The Ross Ulbricht token’s price chart shows a bearish phase until late 2024, followed by a significant surge and a steep drop in early 2025. Sourced from CoinMarketCap by crypto.news Does Ross Ulbricht have any crypto holdings to his name? As reported by Fortune Crypto , Ross Ulbricht had over 144,000 BTCs when he got arrested. After his arrest, nearly $184 million was forfeited by the court, resulting in government auctions of the BTCs. The U.S. Marshals Service disposed of its BTCs in 2014 when the asset’s price crashed to $300. The auctions raised $48 million, a small percentage of the $14 billion they would be worth today. The FBI wallet that sold Ulbricht’s crypto now has a balance of nearly $129,000 . You might also like: SEC repeals SAB 121, easing crypto custody rules As of now, it looks like even as he is pardoned, Ulbricht is unlikely to recover his forfeited assets, as the law does not retroactively return property once the proceeds have been spent. Dear Ross, All of us at Kraken want to make sure that after what you've been through, you're able to land on your feet with the support of the community that loves you most, the ₿itcoin community. That's why we've donated $111,111 in $BTC to YOU -Kraken pic.twitter.com/SCnZety71W — Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) January 22, 2025 However, on Jan. 23, Kraken donated about $111,111 in BTC to Ulbricht to help him get off his feet now that he is a free man. Read more: Why does crypto X count days until the Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht is released from jail?
The Ethereum Foundation-backed marketing firm Etherealize is looking to address the lack of institutional education on the blockchain.
On January 24th, COINOTAG News reported a significant development in the crypto landscape as Binance Pool announced a promotional event aimed at crypto miners. This limited-time initiative offers all eligible
Dogecoin started a downside correction from the $0.400 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now consolidating and might attempt a fresh increase if it stays above $0.3350. DOGE price started a fresh decline below $0.3880 and $0.3650. The price is trading below the $0.3550 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. There is a major bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.3520 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The price could start another increase if it clears the $0.3520 and $0.3550 resistance levels. Dogecoin Price Dips To Support Dogecoin price started a fresh decline from the $0.400 resistance zone, unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum . DOGE dipped below the $0.3800 and $0.3650 support levels. It even spiked below $0.350. A low was formed at $0.3416 and the price is now consolidating losses below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.4014 swing high to the $0.3416 low. There is also a major bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.3520 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair. Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.3550 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. Immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.3520 level and the trend line. The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.3550 level. The next major resistance is near the $0.3720 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.4014 swing high to the $0.3416 low. A close above the $0.3720 resistance might send the price toward the $0.3860 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.40 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.420. Another Decline In DOGE? If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.3550 level, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.3420 level. The next major support is near the $0.3380 level. The main support sits at $0.3250. If there is a downside break below the $0.3250 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might decline toward the $0.3020 level or even $0.300 in the near term. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now gaining momentum in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $0.3400 and $0.3380. Major Resistance Levels – $0.3550 and $0.3720.
Rollblock (RBLK) is poised for phenomenal growth this year as legions of frustrated Shiba Inu and Pepe holders have begun to ditch their meme bags and rotate into this GambleFi gem. Here’s why experts predict astonishing 50x returns this year, based on Rollblock’s recent surge in adoption. Rollblock (RBLK) Holders Will See Community Rewards And Huge Growth Rollblock ( RBLK ) brings a completely new casino experience to the Web3 generation. Rollblock’s platform offers a massive selection of 7,000 table games, slot machines, and a sports betting mode that enables live betting across thousands of international sporting events. Recently, the platform has been witnessing extraordinary growth, as in December alone, Rollblock took in more than $1.75 million in wagered bets. This looks set to double in January as momentum remains high. Rollblock brings incredible levels of transparency to its user base by recording all transactions onto the Ethereum blockchain, allowing its gamers to verify that all transactions have been faithfully recorded. This alone is a massive game changer for this $500 billion industry and will help Rollblock to scale to enormous heights this year. Being fully Web3-based, all payouts are made in the native RBLK token. This offers huge benefits to its holders, including free spins, VIP access, and the potential to stake holdings for up to 30% in staking yield. This is thanks to the profit-sharing scheme that takes up to 30% of its operating profits to buy up RBLK on the open market. 60% of these tokens are immediately destroyed to bring down the circulating supply, while the remaining 40% fund the staking APY. With stage nine tokens already more than 70% sold, the current price of $0.047 will be heading upwards fast in the coming months, and many analysts predict a run to $1. Shiba Inu (SHIB) TREAT Launch Cannot Stem The Losses Shiba Inu developers recently launched the TREAT token, which aims to incentivize the use of the chain through on-chain rewards. It also aims to improve liquidity for the upcoming stablecoin SHI. TREAT launched on exchanges this week and has seen promising interest from Shiba Inu token holders. Despite this, Shiba Inu has fallen by 10% today to hit $0.00002. In the past month Shiba Inu holders are down by 12% as selling pressure has been especially fierce. Pepe (PEPE) In A Rut Following Musk Pump Pepe has fallen by 2.8% over the last day of trading to reach $0.0000152. Pepe rallied hard earlier this month when the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, adopted a Pepe meme as his X profile picture. Pepe was the talk of TradFi, and its token price surged by more than 30%. However, since then, the Pepe rally has stalled, and Pepe holders have watched in dismay as their portfolios have dropped by 16% in just a week. Pepe now needs buyers to step in with size in order to reclaim its former bullish momentum. Rollblock On Its Way To A Dollar In 2025 The volatility of meme coins such as Pepe and Shiba Inu has led many holders to jump ship into projects with more utility. Rollblock ($RBLK) is seen by many as a safe haven thanks to its massive potential to disrupt the gaming space. December’s growth is just the start—many analysts have set their sights on a $1 RBLK price this year, making the current price of $0.047 an opportunity not to be missed. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Rollblock (RBLK) Presale Today! Website: https://presale.rollblock.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/rollblockcasino
Former Ripple employee Austin King has provided detailed insights into Ripple’s regulatory strategy and potential implications for XRP. Highlighting Ripple’s support for President Donald Trump’s administration, King suggests that Ripple’s actions are part of a broader effort to secure regulatory clarity and position XRP as a key player in global finance. Trump's inauguration raised over $200,000,000 breaking all prior records. Ripple donated 500% more than crypto industry peers like Coinbase and Kraken. As a former Ripple employee, here is my take on their strategy and how it will affect $XRP : pic.twitter.com/Oh3EPFRpoQ — Austin King (@0xASK) January 21, 2025 Ripple’s Support for Trump King noted Ripple’s significant financial contributions to Trump’s record-breaking inauguration, surpassing industry peers like Coinbase and Kraken. This financial backing highlights Ripple’s strategic alignment with the Trump administration, with King emphasizing that Ripple’s primary goal is regulatory clarity, not favoritism. King shared a clip of an interview where Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse echoed this sentiment. Garlinghouse listed regulatory clarity as one of three things the crypto market needs to thrive. Ripple has repeatedly called for updated regulatory frameworks to replace outdated laws like the existing securities laws from the 1940s which former SEC Chair Gary Gensler tried to enforce on cryptocurrencies. As Garlinghouse noted in another interview, “One of the biggest problems the crypto industry has had isn’t the idea there’s too much regulation. It’s just the regulation is not even clear.” Ripple’s Vision for XRP King highlighted the ambitious vision of Ripple’s founders, particularly Chris Larsen , who has a history of pioneering large-scale financial innovations. Larsen’s earlier ventures, such as E-Loan and Prosper, illustrate his long-standing focus on transforming financial systems. According to King, Ripple’s current payment focus is just the beginning. The ultimate objective is for Ripple to become a global settlement network capable of facilitating trillions of dollars in transactions. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 King suggests that this vision is increasingly attainable under a regulatory framework supported by the Trump administration. This framework could position XRP as a core asset for banks and fintech, enabling them to manage assets and conduct transactions on the XRP Ledger. Additionally, King anticipates that competing blockchain networks, such as Ethereum and Solana, may need to adapt as XRP’s utility grows. Potential Growth for XRP King outlined several potential benefits for XRP if Ripple’s regulatory goals are achieved. First, he anticipates increased adoption of XRP by financial institutions to enhance asset management and transaction efficiency. Second, the XRP Ledger’s revenue model could expand significantly, shifting from a payments-centric focus to broader financial applications. King projects this could result in a 400x increase in revenue. Furthermore, King believes Ripple’s proactive regulatory efforts could cement the United States as a leader in the crypto industry. Garlinghouse previously noted that getting regulatory clarity will help the U.S. lead the crypto market, and this aligns with Trump’s goal to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ex-Ripple Employee Explains Ripple Strategy and How Supporting Trump Will Affect XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .