12/01/2025. Weekly CryptoNews Digest (January, 6 – January, 12)

Hello and welcome again to the MNO blog! With over 17 years experience in the cryptocurrency world, I’m here to be your dedicated guide. Since 2007, I’ve been offering practical advice, breaking down the latest news, and helping you navigate the complex landscape of digital assets.

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Without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s edition of the MNO Weekly CryptoNews Digest. Covering the period from January 6th to January 12th, we’ll explore the most important topics and emerging trends shaping the cryptocurrency market. Staying informed is crucial in this fast-paced space, so get ready for an enlightening journey into the future of finance.

BERNSTEIN’S PREDICTIONS FOR 2025: A LANDMARK YEAR FOR CRYPTO

Bernstein analysts have outlined ten bold predictions for the crypto market in 2025, signaling a transformative year ahead. Among these predictions, they foresee spot Bitcoin ETF net inflows surpassing $70 billion and the stablecoin market exceeding $500 billion. These projections reflect a growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into the global financial system, marking what Bernstein terms the “Infinity Age” of crypto.

The analysts anticipate a significant rise in corporate treasury adoption of Bitcoin, with inflows expected to exceed $50 billion, up from $24 billion in 2024. This trend is driven by the increasing interest from institutions, hedge funds, and wealth advisors. Additionally, they predict that U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs will attract substantial investments, doubling the inflows recorded in 2024. This surge in institutional adoption is expected to solidify Bitcoin’s position as a mainstream asset.

Regulatory changes are also on the horizon, with expectations of a more crypto-friendly administration that may prioritize legislation around stablecoins and digital asset market structures. Bernstein predicts that the global stablecoin market will exceed $500 billion by the end of 2025, driven by increased adoption in cross-border payments and business-to-business transactions. This regulatory clarity is anticipated to unlock new growth opportunities and foster innovation within the crypto space.

Overall, Bernstein’s predictions highlight a transformative period for cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin and stablecoins playing pivotal roles in reshaping the financial landscape. As the crypto market continues to evolve, these projections underscore the potential for widespread acceptance and integration of digital assets into traditional financial systems.

GRAYSCALE RESEARCH’S TOP 20 CRYPTO FOR Q1 2025: HIGHLIGHTING HIGH-POTENTIAL ASSETS

Grayscale Research has released its eagerly awaited list of the top 20 cryptocurrencies for Q1 2025, showcasing assets with significant growth potential based on upcoming catalysts and market themes. This quarter’s list includes notable newcomers such as Hyperliquid (HYPE), Ethena (ENA), Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL), Jupiter (JUP), Jito (JTO), and Grass (GRASS), reflecting the dynamic nature of the crypto market. These additions underscore the increasing diversity and innovation within the digital asset space.

The research team at Grayscale has identified key trends and catalysts that are expected to drive the performance of these cryptocurrencies. Among the highlighted themes are the implications of the U.S. elections on crypto regulations, advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking, breakthroughs in AI technology, and the continued growth of the Solana ecosystem. These factors are seen as pivotal in shaping the market landscape and influencing investor sentiment.

The inclusion of Solana and Chainlink in the top 20 list highlights their critical roles in the evolution of decentralized finance and blockchain technologies. Solana’s scalability and low transaction fees have made it a popular choice for developers creating decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi solutions. Chainlink, known for its decentralized network that connects smart contracts to real-world data, continues to be a key player in the crypto space, especially as AI technologies advance.

Overall, Grayscale’s top 20 list for Q1 2025 emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of market trends and identifying high-potential assets that align with key themes and catalysts. By focusing on these factors, investors can make more informed decisions and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the evolving crypto market. The report serves as a valuable resource for those looking to navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape and identify promising investment opportunities.

FIDELITY DIGITAL ASSETS RELEASES BULLISH 2025 CRYPTO MARKET FORECAST

Fidelity Digital Assets has released a bullish forecast for the crypto market in 2025, highlighting several key trends that are expected to shape the industry. Among these trends, the report emphasizes the growing adoption of Bitcoin by nation-states, the mainstreaming of cryptocurrencies through structured digital asset products, and the emergence of tokenization as a “killer application.” These developments indicate a significant shift towards broader acceptance and integration of digital assets into the global financial system.

The report predicts that more nation-states, central banks, and sovereign wealth funds will establish strategic positions in Bitcoin by 2025. This trend is driven by the need to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, as well as to diversify national reserves. The forecast suggests that countries that fail to adopt Bitcoin may face economic challenges, highlighting the importance of digital assets in maintaining economic stability and competitiveness.

In addition to Bitcoin adoption, Fidelity Digital Assets anticipates that structured digital asset products will play a crucial role in bringing cryptocurrencies into the mainstream. These products, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investment vehicles, will provide investors with more accessible and regulated ways to participate in the crypto market. This mainstreaming is expected to attract a broader range of investors, including institutional players, further legitimizing the asset class.

Tokenization is identified as a “killer application” that could revolutionize various industries by enabling the digitization of real-world assets. This process involves converting physical assets, such as real estate or art, into digital tokens on a blockchain, allowing for more efficient and transparent transactions. The report suggests that tokenization will unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, driving significant growth in the crypto market.

Overall, Fidelity Digital Assets’ forecast paints a promising picture for the future of cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin adoption, structured digital asset products, and tokenization leading the way. These trends are expected to drive the industry’s evolution and contribute to its widespread acceptance and integration into traditional financial systems.

DO KWON’S LEGAL TROUBLES: OVER ONE MILLION VICTIMS WORLDWIDE

U.S. prosecutors have estimated that Do Kwon, the former co-founder of Terraform Labs, may have more than one million victims worldwide following the crash of the South Korean blockchain company. The collapse of TerraUSD and its sister token, Luna, in May 2022 resulted in losses totalling around $40 billion. This catastrophic event has drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies, leading to multiple charges against Kwon, including fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.

Do Kwon was recently extradited from Montenegro to the United States to face these charges. The superseding indictment against him alleges that he engaged in multiple schemes to deceive investors and fraudulently inflate the value of Terraform’s cryptocurrencies. The scale of the impact is so vast that U.S. prosecutors have acknowledged the difficulty in reaching every affected individual, proposing a public website to provide case updates and notify victims about public proceedings.

Kwon’s legal troubles are far from over. He faces nine felony charges and could potentially spend decades behind bars if convicted. The case highlights the risks and complexities of the cryptocurrency market, as regulators and law enforcement continue to crack down on fraudulent activities within the industry. The fallout from the TerraUSD collapse has had a significant ripple effect, impacting investors and the broader crypto market.

Overall, Do Kwon’s legal troubles underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the cryptocurrency space. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by investors, regulators, and the public, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of deceptive practices in the digital asset world.

AUTHORITIES ON SOUTH KOREA’S JEJU ISLAND LAUNCH NFT MAPS FOR TOURISTS

Authorities on South Korea’s Jeju Island have introduced a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the tourism experience by launching NFT (Non-Fungible Token) maps for tourists. These digital maps are part of a broader effort to attract visitors by offering unique benefits, such as travel subsidies and exclusive access to local experiences. The NFT maps are integrated into a “digital tourism resident card,” which tourists can use to explore the island while enjoying various perks.

The NFT tourist cards are designed to provide a seamless and interactive travel experience. By using blockchain technology, these cards ensure the authenticity and rarity of the digital assets, making them a valuable addition to any traveller’s itinerary. The cards offer discounts on attractions, membership perks at popular sites, and even digital souvenirs that visitors can keep as mementos of their trip. This innovative approach aims to create a more engaging and rewarding experience for tourists, encouraging them to explore more of what Jeju Island has to offer.

This initiative is part of Jeju Island’s broader strategy to revitalize its tourism sector and attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic. By embracing NFT technology, Jeju Island is positioning itself as a leader in the integration of digital solutions within the tourism industry. The move is expected to stimulate the local economy by drawing in visitors interested in both the island’s natural beauty and its technological advancements. Local businesses, such as restaurants and shops, are also set to benefit from the increased foot traffic and interest in the region’s culture and gastronomy.

The introduction of NFT maps and digital tourism cards is a significant step towards redefining the tourism landscape in South Korea. It highlights the growing importance of digital technologies in enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. As other tourist destinations explore similar solutions, we may witness a transformation in how destinations interact with travellers, making trips more personalized and memorable. Jeju Island’s pioneering approach could inspire other regions to adopt blockchain-based solutions, further revolutionizing the global tourism industry.

MAJOR TOKEN UNLOCKS IMPACT MARKET DYNAMICS

Several cryptocurrencies, including Sui, Ethena, Aptos, and Arbitrum, recently unlocked tokens worth millions of dollars, significantly impacting the circulating supply and market dynamics. These token unlocks introduce previously unavailable tokens into circulation, which can lead to increased selling pressure as investors and traders seek to liquidate their holdings. The influx of new tokens can also affect market prices, as the broader market needs to absorb the additional supply.

The token unlocks for these cryptocurrencies were part of scheduled release events, often referred to as “cliff unlocks,” where tokens are released periodically rather than daily. For example, Sui unlocked 64.19 million tokens worth approximately $51.6 million, accounting for 2.47% of its circulating supply. Similarly, Aptos unlocked 11.31 million tokens valued at $76.68 million, representing 2.33% of its total supply. These significant releases have the potential to influence market sentiment and investor behavior.

Market analysts closely monitor token unlock events, as they can present both opportunities and risks. While some investors view these events as a chance to buy tokens at potentially lower prices, others are cautious about the increased selling pressure that can drive prices down. The impact of these unlocks on market dynamics depends on various factors, including investor sentiment, market liquidity, and the overall demand for the tokens.

Overall, the recent token unlocks for Sui, Ethena, Aptos, and Arbitrum highlight the importance of understanding market events and their potential implications. Investors and traders need to stay informed about these releases to navigate the market effectively and make informed decisions. As the crypto market continues to evolve, token unlocks will remain a key factor in shaping market dynamics and influencing investor strategies.

UPCOMING FEDERAL RESERVE MEETING TO SHAPE CRYPTO PRICES

The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting on January 29, 2025, is highly anticipated as it will provide crucial guidance on interest rates, which could significantly impact cryptocurrency prices. Investors and analysts are closely watching this meeting, as the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates often influence market sentiment and asset valuations. Changes in interest rates can affect the cost of borrowing and the overall economic environment, leading to shifts in investor behavior and market dynamics.

Cryptocurrencies, known for their volatility, are particularly sensitive to changes in macroeconomic policies. A decision to raise interest rates could lead to a decrease in risk appetite, causing investors to move away from riskier assets like cryptocurrencies and towards more stable investments. Conversely, if the Federal Reserve signals a more dovish stance by keeping interest rates low or hinting at future cuts, it could boost investor confidence and drive up cryptocurrency prices.

Market participants are also considering the broader implications of the Federal Reserve’s policies on the global economy. A strong U.S. dollar resulting from higher interest rates could make alternative assets less attractive, while a weaker dollar could have the opposite effect. These factors, combined with the ongoing evolution of the crypto market, make the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting a critical event for anyone involved in digital assets.

Overall, the Federal Reserve’s guidance on interest rates will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cryptocurrencies. As the meeting approaches, investors are advised to stay informed and consider the potential impacts on their portfolios. The outcome of this meeting could set the tone for the crypto market in 2025, highlighting the interconnectedness of traditional financial systems and emerging digital assets.

And that wraps up another exciting week in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency! It’s January 12th, 2025, and it’s amazing to see how quickly things are progressing. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of the MNO community, your support and engagement mean the world to me.

As we finish the weekend, I hope you had a chance to unwind and recharge. Don’t forget to take part in our MNO TalkBack poll – your feedback is super important and helps me keep the content fresh and relevant.

I’m excited to catch up with you again next Sunday for the latest edition of the Weekly CryptoNews Digest, where I’ll bring you all the latest updates and insights. Keep stacking those coins, and remember, I’m here to support you on your financial journey. Thanks for being such a valuable part of MNO – For Money Lovers!