Standard Chartered, Coinbase deepen alliance to build institutional crypto infrastructure

Nasdaq is exploring the possibility of extending its trading hours to 23 hours a day in response to increasing investor demand, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector where trading occurs around the clock. This move acknowledges that many clients are already active during overnight hours, reflecting a shift in trading behavior influenced by the crypto market.

Coinbase is set to unveil significant updates, including tokenized assets and onchain AI agents, as part of its strategic pivot to redefine its business model in the cryptocurrency sector. This milestone reflects the company's commitment to innovation and adapting to evolving market demands.

Barclays has issued a cautious outlook for the cryptocurrency sector in 2026, predicting a challenging year characterized by declining retail spot trading volumes and a lack of significant growth catalysts. This projection aligns with a broader trend of diminishing investor enthusiasm in the market.

The UAE is emerging as a significant hub for cryptocurrency as Coinbase and Ripple align their strategies to capitalize on the region's growing market. This collaboration signals a shift in market gravity towards the Gulf, highlighting the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in digital finance.

Standard Chartered and Coinbase announced an expanded collaboration on December 12, 2025, aimed at developing a suite of services for institutional investors, focusing on trading, prime services, custody, staking, and lending. This partnership is expected to enhance the infrastructure for cryptocurrency transactions and services tailored to institutional needs.

Coinbase is preparing to launch new prediction markets and tokenized equities on December 17, which could reshape the landscape of on-chain finance and trading. This initiative follows a series of developments aimed at diversifying its offerings in the cryptocurrency space. Additionally, a solo Bitcoin miner has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully mining a block against odds of 30,000-to-1.

Bitcoin's price has been fluctuating between $89,000 and $93,000, indicating a struggle between bullish and bearish market forces. Recent on-chain data suggests that this sideways movement is linked to the uneven distribution of Bitcoin's total supply, with analysts like Darkfost highlighting the potential for a decline below $80,000.

Coinbase is set to launch its own prediction market in collaboration with Kalshi, a federally regulated financial exchange, with a formal unveiling scheduled for December 17. This development follows a period of anticipation, highlighted by a recent social media post revealing a screenshot of Coinbase's prediction markets dashboard.