Chainalysis maps $75b illicit crypto hidden in plain sight

Bitcoin is currently experiencing a period of increased volatility and uncertainty, trading just below its all-time high of around $126,000. In the past month, long-term holders have sold 295,000 Bitcoin, indicating a shift in market dynamics. This situation is crucial as it reflects the ongoing battle between bullish and bearish sentiments, which will ultimately influence Bitcoin's next major price movement. Understanding these trends is essential for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Coinbase has successfully activated its staking services in New York, marking a significant milestone as regulatory barriers begin to ease. This development is crucial for both Coinbase and the broader cryptocurrency market, as it allows New Yorkers to participate in staking, potentially increasing their earnings while supporting network security. The move reflects a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance and could pave the way for further innovations in the sector.

A new exchange-traded fund proposal for XRP has emerged, submitted to the SEC by GraniteShares. This 3× leveraged ETF aims to enhance the daily performance of XRP, sparking excitement in the cryptocurrency community. This development is significant as it could provide investors with new opportunities to engage with XRP, potentially increasing its market presence and attracting more interest in the altcoin.

Arthur Hayes recently shared his insights on the factors influencing Bitcoin in today's climate of monetary expansion. He emphasized how the ongoing changes in financial policies are reshaping the cryptocurrency landscape, making it crucial for investors to understand these dynamics. This discussion is particularly relevant as more people turn to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, highlighting its growing importance in modern finance.

In today's Asia Morning Briefing, we explore how Polymarket's POLY token could potentially enhance Oracle's capabilities in the blockchain space. This development is significant as it highlights the growing intersection of decentralized finance and traditional data services, paving the way for innovative solutions in the cryptocurrency market.

North Korean hackers have made headlines by breaking records for cryptocurrency theft in 2025, with billions of dollars in digital assets stolen. This alarming trend highlights a significant escalation in the regime's cyber operations, raising concerns about the security of digital currencies globally. As these hacking groups continue to evolve and target financial systems, the implications for investors and the broader economy are profound, making it crucial for stakeholders to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Bitcoin futures open interest has seen a significant increase, even as the price stabilizes above $120,000. This trend is noteworthy because it indicates growing investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market, suggesting that traders are optimistic about future price movements. The rise in open interest could lead to increased trading activity and potentially higher prices, making it an important development for both investors and the broader financial landscape.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a deferred-prosecution agreement with Roger Ver, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world. This agreement allows Ver to avoid prosecution while complying with certain conditions, which could positively impact his business operations and the broader cryptocurrency market. It highlights a more lenient approach by authorities towards crypto entrepreneurs, potentially fostering innovation and growth in the sector.

XRP is currently facing significant challenges as its market cap of $167 billion comes under pressure from declining prices. This situation is crucial for investors and the broader cryptocurrency market, as it reflects the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in digital assets. The performance of XRP could influence market sentiment and investment strategies, making it a key point of focus for traders and analysts alike.

Chainalysis has identified $75 billion in cryptocurrency linked to illicit activities that could potentially be seized, a significant figure that may impact countries considering the establishment of official crypto reserves. This development highlights the ongoing conversation around the regulation of cryptocurrencies and the potential for governments to reclaim funds associated with illegal activities, which could bolster the legitimacy of digital currencies in the financial system.

XRP's price has recently dipped below $2.80, prompting analysts to speculate on its potential for recovery. One analyst predicts that the price could rise to between $8 and $13 in the near future. This fluctuation is significant for investors and traders in the cryptocurrency market, as it highlights the volatility and potential for profit in digital assets like XRP.

BNB, the native coin of Binance, has recently surged above the $1,300 mark, marking a significant milestone in its performance during the current bull market. This impressive rise can be attributed to several key factors that have contributed to its status as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies this year. As investors look for promising assets, BNB's strong showing not only highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies but also reflects the overall health of the market, making it an exciting time for both seasoned and new investors.

Solana's network activity has plummeted by 50%, raising concerns about the sustainability of its recent price rally amid a volatile crypto market. While some analysts are optimistic about potential market movements, others caution that Bitcoin's struggles to gain momentum could hinder overall growth. This divergence between Solana's price and its network activity signals uncertainty, making it crucial for investors to assess the underlying fundamentals before making decisions.

XRP is facing significant challenges as its price struggles to stay above $2.80, failing to break the crucial $3.00 mark. This decline comes amid a drop in futures interest, which has fallen to approximately $8.85 billion from over $9 billion. The situation is further complicated by large holders, or 'whales,' offloading 440 million tokens, indicating a lack of confidence in the asset's short-term prospects. This matters because it reflects broader market trends and investor sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, particularly as regulatory discussions intensify.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has raised alarms about the increasing push for digital control measures like the EU's Chat Control and digital ID systems in the UK and Australia. He describes these initiatives as 'dystopian' and warns that we are running out of time to protect the free internet. This is significant because it highlights the ongoing battle between privacy advocates and governments seeking to regulate online communication, which could have far-reaching implications for digital rights and freedoms.

Momentum Finance, a prominent decentralized exchange on the Sui blockchain, is set to launch its MMT Community Offering on Buidlpad. This token sale is significant as it prioritizes real users over venture capital firms, allowing everyday investors to gain early access to the MMT token. This move not only democratizes investment opportunities but also strengthens community engagement in the growing decentralized finance space.

Square has launched its first fully integrated Bitcoin payments and wallet solution under the Block brand, marking a significant step in the cryptocurrency space. This development is important as it simplifies the process for users to transact with Bitcoin, potentially increasing its adoption and usability in everyday transactions.

HashKey is considering an IPO in Hong Kong, a move that could significantly boost the integration of cryptocurrency with traditional finance. This is important because it may set a precedent for how global regulatory frameworks evolve, potentially influencing other markets and investors.