Author: Benjamin Lee

A crypto analytics firm says large investors are boosting their stakes in Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP, hinting that the prolonged market downturn could soon be over. CryptoQuant’s new report, “Buying the Bear: A Signal of the Bear Market’s Final Stage” examines the recent accumulation by the largest wallets. The firm says whales have stepped up positions across the key crypto assets, displaying buying activity that often marks the final phase of a bear market. “Smart money is positioning across the majors. Bitcoin whales are accumulating. Bitcoin whale holdings (excluding exchanges and mining pools) have risen through 2026 to roughly 3.06M…

A leading stablecoin issuer has secured federal approval to launch a dedicated trust bank for digital asset custody services. Circle Internet Group says it has received final approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish First National Digital Currency Bank, N.A., operating as Circle National Trust. The new institution will provide institutional custody for USDC and other digital assets under full federal oversight. Circle Chairman and CEO Jeremy Allaire says the milestone strengthens Circle’s regulated infrastructure and places the bank under direct OCC supervision. “OCC approval to establish Circle National Trust marks a defining step…