Japan plans major shift as crypto moves from payments to securities law

Bitcoin is projected to reach a price bottom in 2026 as exchange trading volumes continue to decline, indicating a prolonged period of reduced market activity. Analysts suggest that this trend reflects a broader bearish sentiment within the cryptocurrency market.

XRP has seen a significant drop in transaction fees, plummeting by 89%, which has raised concerns about the token's price potentially falling below $1.75. This decline is attributed to a decrease in speculative interest and a weakening technical structure, suggesting a bearish outlook for the cryptocurrency.

A statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, has been installed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking a significant moment in the recognition of cryptocurrency's impact on traditional finance. This statue is part of a series created by artist Valentina Picozzi, with other installations located in Switzerland, El Salvador, Japan, Vietnam, and Miami.

A16z Crypto, the cryptocurrency venture capital arm of Andreessen Horowitz, is set to open a new office in Seoul, appointing Sungmo Park to spearhead its efforts in Asia. This move comes in response to the high levels of cryptocurrency ownership in South Korea and Singapore, alongside increasing on-chain activity in Japan.

Galaxy, a digital assets company, is expanding its operations to the UAE as part of its strategic push into the Middle East, seeking regulatory approval from local authorities to enhance its service offerings in a rapidly evolving market.

Dormant Bitcoin wallets have recently reactivated, indicating a shift in supply dynamics within the cryptocurrency market. This awakening of aging wallets suggests that previously inactive holders are now engaging with their assets, potentially influencing market behavior.

Ethereum's price has surged to $3,300, marking a significant recovery and indicating that the market may have reached its bottom. This increase follows a trend where Ethereum gained between 97% and 147% after flipping the 50-week moving average into support, suggesting a bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market.

Animoca and Solv have announced a partnership aimed at assisting Japanese Bitcoin companies in generating yield through various financial mechanisms, including lending markets and liquidity provisioning. This initiative is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of these companies in a competitive cryptocurrency landscape.