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France has seen a series of kidnappings with extreme violence targeting crypto investors throughout 2025, a trend that has continued into the year. Four attempted kidnappings alone occurred within four days in early January 2026. Recently, a crypto investment executive and his family were assaulted and restrained by three armed intruders at their home in Verneuil-sur-Seine in what has become the latest “wrench attack” to hit France’s crypto community. The case adds to a growing list of attacks aimed at investors believed to hold or control crypto assets, underscoring persistent security concerns for crypto investors in the country. Victims hesitate to report crimes due to EU tax compliance According to a French news outlet, three gunmen forced their way into the residence around nighttime, beat both parents, and restrained the couple and their two children with cable ties. However, the family managed to break free and sought refuge with neighbors while the attackers fled toward a nearby train station. A day before the incident in Verneuil-sur-Seine, kidnappers took a 43-year-old man from his home in Saint-Léger-sous-Cholet. The victim was tied up, beaten, and then left at Basse-Goulaine, which is around 50 kilometers from his home. Investigators from the Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction of Rennes say the attackers were after the victim’s crypto. Before that, the family had already faced multiple attempted break-ins over the Christmas holidays. Also, 3 masked men came into a Manosque home, held a woman at gunpoint, and stole a USB drive that had her partner’s crypto credentials. Victims typically don’t report crypto crimes since doing so entails revealing wallet sizes, transaction histories, and trading habits. Traders prefer not to handle tax or compliance issues. They weigh the low chance of recovering funds against the high perceived risk of tax trouble, wealth exposure, reputational damage, or even physical danger. For many, staying quiet feels safer than having to deal with the strict EU rules. Crypto ownership became mainstream, while European citizens doubled their exposure between 2022 and 2024. At the same time, tax authorities required more reporting and tying on-chain addresses to identities with full KYC data. Proposals for new laws on taxing wealth will include reporting on crypto holdings above 5,000 EUR. France also plans to tax crypto holdings above € 2 million at 1% annually, including those held in self-custodial or offshore wallets. Crypto ownership is still reported voluntarily; however, any attempt to use a centralized platform may require connecting wallets to an identity. Tax authorities may also demand payments based on unrealized capital gains, causing long-term holders to sell and cover their costs. Traditional payment channels used in a data leak case So far in the effort to arrest the criminals, investigators have revealed that tax agents may have deliberately exposed the data of crypto owners. Cryptopolitan reported that the former French tax agent Ghalia C. recently appealed her sentence for aiding organized crime. She was investigated for exposing the details of a prison guard, and may have shared data on crypto ownership. 2025 set records for crypto’s role in broader illicit flows, which blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis says reached $154 billion in transactions to illicit addresses. However, Ghalia took payments through traditional means via bank cash deposits and Western Union transfers. Meanwhile, NFT Paris and RWA Paris 2026 were canceled by their organizers. They cited the pressures of the late 2025 market crash. The meetup was held for four years in a row, even during the 2022-2023 bear market. Although organizers don’t state it directly, the attacks have become a real ‘cost’ for industry participants, difficult to budget for, but very tangible. However, the calendar still includes events like Paris Blockchain Week, which focus on institutions, regulations, and RWA tokenization. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars, widely known as “VW,” estimates that electric vehicle sales will improve in 2026. To deliver this great success, the top German producer has committed to a lineup of low-cost plug-in vehicles. The brand stated on Tuesday, January 13, that it managed to maintain an average 2025 sales performance, with 382,000 units of EV deliveries, primarily driven by a solid sales performance in Europe that offset sluggish demand in China . Volkswagen aims to position itself for future growth and profitability in 2026 Regarding VW’s anticipated sales growth , sources close to the situation, who wished to remain anonymous as the talks were private, hinted that the car manufacturer expects the release of new vehicle models, such as the compact ID. A Polo worth around €25,000, or approximately $29,155, to enhance its 2026 sales. Martin Sander, a member of the Executive Board for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, commented on the situation. To achieve these sales, the company publicly announced that it is teaming up with leading Chinese smart electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Inc. to enhance its offerings in the world’s largest vehicle market. It is also worth noting that Volkswagen’s 2025 average sales performance was hindered by other significant obstacles, apart from the decline in car demand in China. Some of these challenges included US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies on imports. In the meantime, with VW planning to boost its sales, credible sources have confirmed that Chinese brands are beginning to market themselves in Europe at transparent, market-average pricing for vehicles such as BYD Co.’s Dolphin Surf hatchback, priced at around €23,000 in Germany. This development comes as competition in the car industry continues to intensify. To stay competitive in the market, sources noted that Volkswagen’s European rivals are expanding their product lines with the introduction of more budget-friendly electric vehicles. To support this claim, reports indicate that Stellantis NV’s Citroën ë-C3 city car, which initially had a starting price of approximately €23,300 in several European markets, now has a starting price of approximately €14,990 in France, particularly for clients who qualify for a government-subsidized leasing program. Another key player in the European car market that initiated the same move was Renault SA in November last year. At this time, the French multinational automobile manufacturer launched the new Twingo, a retro-styled city car designed to make EVs more affordable. It will be available on the market for less than €20,000 and will be ready for purchase this summer. The car market encounters stiff competition Renault adopts the decision to launch more budget-friendly car models at a time when automobile manufacturers in the European market are implementing effective strategies to counter the market share gains of Chinese competitors such as BYD Co . However, sources with knowledge of the situation have uncovered that the transition to electric vehicles has presented several challenges, partly due to a lack of desirable options for average consumers. On the other hand, Renault revealed that it depends on China to maintain the Twingo’s price affordable to clients. Notably, China produces about 40% of the car’s parts, especially by value. With this finding, analysts predicted that the competition in the car market will become more intense this year. For instance, they noted the introduction of massive multinational automotive corporations, Stellantis NV and Volkswagen AG, which are set to compete with the Twingo, as their starting prices are also affordable and aimed at the general public. Nonetheless, even with this assertion, Fabrice Cambolive, Renault Group’s Chief Growth Officer and CEO of the Renault brand, still insists that there is a high demand displayed for smaller urban cars; therefore, holding onto the belief that the new Twingo will satisfy that need. During a press conference, Cambolive admitted that, “It’s challenging to include all necessary safety features in a compact car,” further adding that, “all manufacturers have moved away from this small-car segment, but this segment is crucial for making EVs accessible to everyone.” The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

For a long time, sports betting felt binary. You either placed a bet before the match and waited for the final whistle — or you jumped into live betting, reacting on the fly. Today, that separation feels outdated. Modern bettors don’t think in categories anymore. They think in flows. A match starts long before kickoff and keeps evolving long after the opening minutes. Treating pre-match and live bets as isolated tools often leads to missed opportunities — or worse, emotional decisions. The real edge comes from understanding how both phases connect. Not choosing one over the other, but learning how to combine them into a single strategy. Pre-Match Bets: Where Planning Still Wins Pre-match betting is where structure lives. This is the phase where you have time — time to compare odds, read lineups, analyze form, and think clearly without pressure. Most disciplined strategies start here because: the market is stable, emotions are low, decisions are made with context, not adrenaline. A pre-match bet sets the foundation. It defines your initial exposure to the game and outlines the scenario you believe is most likely. In many ways, it’s your thesis on how the match should unfold. But once the game starts, reality often diverges from expectations. That’s where pre-match betting alone begins to show its limits. Live Betting: Reading the Game in Real Time Live betting isn’t chaos — at least, it shouldn’t be. At its best, in-play betting is about adjustment. Watching momentum shifts, tactical changes, tempo swings. A red card. An unexpected goal. A dominant start from the underdog. These moments rewrite probabilities in real time. What makes live betting powerful is its flexibility: Odds react instantly to events. You can hedge, reinforce, or exit positions. Decisions are based on what’s actually happening — not assumptions. Of course, live betting also carries risk. Fast decisions can turn impulsive if there’s no structure behind them. That’s why it works best when it’s connected to a pre-match plan, not replacing it. The Real Edge: Turning Pre-Match Bets into Live Opportunities Here’s where strategy actually begins. A smart bettor doesn’t place a pre-match bet and forget about it. Instead, that first wager becomes a reference point. A scenario. A baseline you can react to once the game starts. For example, you expect a strong favorite to dominate possession early. That belief shapes your pre-match pick. But ten minutes in, you notice something else: the underdog presses high, controls tempo, and creates chances. At this moment, you’re not “wrong” — you’re informed. This is where combining both bet types pays off: You can reinforce your original position if the game confirms it. You can hedge if momentum shifts. Or you can pivot, turning a pre-match read into a live opportunity with better value. The key isn’t speed. It’s context. Managing Risk Across Two Betting Phases One of the biggest mistakes bettors make is treating live bets as “extra” action.In reality, live betting should often be about risk management, not chasing returns. A balanced crypto betting strategy usually follows a simple logic: Pre-match bet defines your exposure. Live betting adjusts that exposure. The goal is not maximum profit — but controlled outcomes. This approach is especially effective in volatile matches: derbies, playoffs, high-pressure tournaments, or games with unpredictable lineups. Instead of doubling down emotionally, you spread decisions across time. And this is where crypto-native platforms matter. Fast execution, instant updates, and transparent odds movement are not “nice to have” — they are essential when decisions happen mid-game. Why Dexsport Fits This Strategy Naturally Not every betting platform is built for this kind of flow.Many sportsbooks technically offer both pre-match and live betting — but friction kills strategy. Dexsport stands out because it removes that friction almost entirely. On a practical level: You can move between pre-match and live markets without delays. Odds updates are smooth and readable, not jumpy. The Cash Out feature allows partial exits or early profit locking during live play. More importantly, the platform’s crypto-first design matters here. When you’re betting with cryptocurrency, settlement speed and balance availability directly affect decision-making. On Dexsport, funds move fast enough to let strategy breathe — not stall. This makes it easier to think in sequences, not isolated bets. One match, one plan, multiple moments. A Simple Example Strategy You Can Apply Let’s make this practical. Imagine a football match where you expect goals in the second half. Before kickoff: place a modest pre-match bet aligned with that expectation. First half: observe tempo, chances created, defensive errors. Live phase: if pressure builds but goals don’t come, odds often improve — that’s your window. You’re no longer guessing. You’re responding to evidence. This kind of structure works across sports — football, basketball, esports — wherever momentum shifts matter. And it works best on platforms that don’t interrupt the process. Final Thoughts Combining pre-match and live bets is one of the most practical ways to improve decision-making in crypto betting. Pre-match bets help you set direction and manage expectations, while live betting allows you to react to what’s actually happening on the field. Together, they create a more flexible and controlled approach instead of relying on a single outcome. Platforms like Dexsport make this strategy easier to execute thanks to fast crypto transactions, smooth live odds updates, and tools like Cash Out that support real-time adjustments. When betting with crypto , speed and flow matter — and using both betting phases as part of one plan can make your overall strategy more stable and thoughtful.

The recent news that Bitcoin is struggling to break above the $94k mark is leaving a lot of investors worried. After waiting for a long time for consistency from the crypto token, on-chain patterns now show that the current bullish trend may be over. This is because traders are now choosing to close their positions around the $94k price level after Bitcoin failed to push through. According to analysts, when Bitcoin stalls near major resistance, attention often shifts elsewhere to altcoins. Right now, volume trackers show that whale capital is quietly flowing into smaller utility-driven altcoins that offer clearer growth narratives, like Remittix . Bitcoin Whales Step Back as Price Stalls Below Resistance Bitcoin’s latest attempt to reclaim bullish momentum slowed sharply after rejection at $94,000. Since then, Bitcoin has been ranging between $90,000 and $93,000. According to analysts, this is a sign that the market is currently caught between profit-taking and longer-term conviction. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $90,627. Data from the futures market shows that there are currently more 2x long positions than shorts on Bitcoin. This points to a generally positive sentiment. However, this optimism is not being matched by whale behavior. Large holders, particularly on Bitfinex, have begun reducing long exposure, closing positions at a faster pace than seen over the past year. Historically, when consolidations like this happen, it is often the signal that investors are ready to leave Bitcoin and invest in promising altcoins instead. That backdrop helps explain why attention is now shifting toward a rising payment-focused altcoin, Remittix . Remittix Gains Traction as Capital Rotates Beyond Bitcoin As Bitcoin whales step back, Remittix is emerging as a clear beneficiary of this rotation. The Ethereum-native PayFi solution is solving the $19 trillion problem of cross-border payment with blockchain-powered solutions. According to experts, this real-world value is beyond mere speculation, and it’s why investors are excited about Remittix. As such, it is not surprising that the PayFi solution has already secured over $28.8 million in private funding. More importantly, Remittix has moved beyond theory into execution. Its wallet is now live on the App Store, functioning as a full crypto wallet, and according to the team, Google Play support is coming next. Remittix has also announced that its full crypto-to-fiat PayFi platform will launch on February 9, 2026 . Why investors are paying attention to Remittix: Strong global adoption with Remittix already live in 30 countries Full and successful CertiK audit and verification Confirmed listings on top exchanges like BitMart and LBANK Bitcoin remains a popular asset in the crypto market, but the recent actions of whales near $94,000 suggest that it may be time to diversify investments. This is why more and more investors are starting to increase their exposure to Remittix. Remittix offers a unique combination of global adoption, strong momentum, and real-world use cases that make it a valuable investment option right now. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here: Website: https://remittix.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix FAQs 1. Why are Bitcoin whales reducing exposure near $94,000? Whales often reduce exposure near major resistance levels to manage risk. This suggests that whales are expecting a pullback on Bitcoin, and so they are trying to manage risk and preserve their capital. 2. Should I choose Remittix or Bitcoin right now? Bitcoin remains a valuable asset and store of value. However, according to analysts, Remittix may be the better buy option. This is because it offers a better upside potential. This, combined with its momentum and focus on real-world payments, makes it the better investment option right now. 3. What makes Remittix different from Bitcoin? Remittix is focused on direct crypto to fiat payments with live products and a confirmed launch timeline, rather than relying on legacy positioning or sentiment cycles. In addition to this, it also offers a more explosive upside potential compared to Bitcoin

BitcoinWorld US CPI December 2025: Crucial Inflation Data Holds Steady at 2.7%, Matching Forecasts WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 15, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Labor released pivotal inflation data today, showing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December rose 2.7% year-over-year. This crucial figure matched consensus market expectations precisely, signaling a period of sustained price stability as the economy navigates a complex global landscape. The report provides essential insights for policymakers, investors, and consumers alike, offering a clear snapshot of inflationary pressures at the close of 2024. US CPI December 2025: A Detailed Breakdown of the Report The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirmed the 2.7% annual increase in its monthly CPI report. This key inflation gauge measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Furthermore, the core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, also showed a moderated increase. Analysts immediately scrutinized the data components. Shelter costs, a significant weight in the index, continued their gradual deceleration. Conversely, services inflation remained somewhat sticky, while goods prices showed minimal monthly movement. This detailed composition matters greatly for the Federal Reserve’s ongoing assessment. Market reaction to the release was notably muted, reflecting the anticipated nature of the headline number. Treasury yields held steady, and major equity indices experienced only minor fluctuations. This calm response underscores how financial markets had already priced in the expected outcome. Economists point to several contributing factors for this stability. Supply chain normalization, moderating wage growth, and base effects from the previous year all played a role. The data solidifies a trend observed throughout the latter half of 2024, where inflation gradually retreated from its earlier peaks. Historical Context and the Inflation Timeline Understanding the December 2025 figure requires examining the recent inflationary journey. The U.S. economy experienced a significant surge in consumer prices following the pandemic recovery, with CPI peaking above 9% in mid-2022. Subsequently, a series of aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, combined with easing supply constraints, began to cool the economy. The path downward was not linear, however, encountering several pauses and minor upticks along the way. The 2.7% reading for December 2025 represents the culmination of nearly three years of concerted monetary policy effort. The following table illustrates the recent trajectory of headline CPI, providing essential context for the latest data point: Period Headline CPI (Year-over-Year %) Notable Context June 2022 9.1% Post-pandemic peak December 2023 3.4% Initial signs of sustained cooling June 2024 3.0% Sticky services inflation persists December 2024 (Reported Jan 2025) 2.7% Met expectations; trend confirms stability This timeline clearly shows the disinflationary progress. The latest data point brings inflation closer to the Federal Reserve’s longstanding 2% target, a goal explicitly defined by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s preferred gauge. The CPI and PCE often move in tandem but can diverge due to methodological differences. Expert Analysis and Policy Implications Leading financial institutions and economic research firms have weighed in on the report’s implications. “The data confirms the disinflationary process remains intact, but the last mile to 2% may be the most challenging,” noted a senior economist from a major Wall Street bank, referencing the potential for services inflation to plateau. This view is widely shared among policy analysts. The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will scrutinize this report closely during its next policy meeting. The central bank must balance its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment. Market participants now largely anticipate a patient approach from the Fed. The steady 2.7% reading reduces urgency for further rate hikes but does not immediately compel aggressive easing. Most analysts project a period of holding the federal funds rate at its current level, followed by cautious, data-dependent cuts later in 2025 if the trend holds. Key indicators they will monitor include: Employment Cost Index (ECI): For signs of wage pressure moderation. Shelter Inflation Lag: BLS methodology means housing data reflects older leases. Global Commodity Prices: Oil and food supply shocks remain a risk. Consumer Spending Data: To gauge demand-pull inflation potential. Furthermore, the report has direct consequences for American households. Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), tax brackets, and many commercial contracts are tied to CPI movements. A stable inflation rate aids in long-term financial planning and reduces the erosion of purchasing power, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Broader Economic Impact and Sectoral Effects The inflation data reverberates across different sectors of the economy. For the housing market, moderating inflation supports the potential for lower mortgage rates over time, though the lag in shelter CPI remains a factor. The automotive industry watches closely, as vehicle prices and financing costs are sensitive to interest rate expectations shaped by inflation. Retailers and consumer goods companies use CPI trends to forecast input costs and consumer demand elasticity. A stable price environment generally supports business investment by reducing uncertainty. Internationally, U.S. inflation trends influence global capital flows and currency valuations. A steady disinflationary path in the world’s largest economy can provide stability for emerging markets and trading partners. It also affects the policy decisions of other major central banks, such as the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, which often operate in a correlated global monetary policy landscape. The December report, therefore, carries significance far beyond U.S. borders. Conclusion The December 2025 US CPI report, showing a 2.7% year-over-year increase, delivered exactly what economists forecasted. This alignment underscores a maturing phase in the post-pandemic economic cycle, characterized by receding inflationary shocks and a return to data-dependent policy. While the figure remains above the Federal Reserve’s target, the consistent downward trend and absence of surprises provide a foundation for cautious optimism. The path forward will depend on continued moderation in core services and shelter costs. For now, the US CPI data for December 2025 offers a clear signal of economic stabilization, a crucial datapoint for navigating the financial landscape of the coming year. FAQs Q1: What does the CPI rising 2.7% year-over-year actually mean? A1: It means that the average price level for a basket of common consumer goods and services was 2.7% higher in December 2025 than it was in December 2024. This indicates ongoing inflation, but at a much more moderate pace than was seen in 2022 and 2023. Q2: Why is the core CPI important if the headline number was 2.7%? A2: Core CPI excludes food and energy prices, which are highly volatile due to weather and geopolitical events. Policymakers like the Federal Reserve focus on core inflation to understand the underlying, persistent trend in consumer prices, which better informs long-term monetary policy decisions. Q3: How does this CPI report affect interest rates and my mortgage? A3: The report suggests inflation is cooling as expected, reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates further. This stability can lead to a gradual decline in long-term borrowing costs, like mortgage rates, over time, though other factors also influence these markets. Q4: Does this mean inflation is “fixed”? A4: Not necessarily. While the trend is positive, inflation at 2.7% is still above the Fed’s 2% target. The last phase of reducing inflation can be slow, and risks from global events or a resurgence in consumer demand could alter the path. The data shows progress, not a final resolution. Q5: How does the CPI relate to the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Social Security? A5: Social Security benefits receive an annual COLA based on the CPI-W, a variant of the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The 2.7% headline CPI increase is a strong indicator that the following year’s COLA will be in a similar range, helping benefits keep pace with inflation. This post US CPI December 2025: Crucial Inflation Data Holds Steady at 2.7%, Matching Forecasts first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Salad.com, a GPU cloud platform built on globally distributed infrastructure, and Golem Network, a decentralized computing protocol, have entered a partnership to test the use of Golem’s permissionless compute network for Salad’s existing cloud computing operations. According to the announcement that was shared with Finbold on January 13, as part of the test, Salad plans to mirror and map part of its commercial activity across Golem’s decentralized network, covering a range of its cloud computing products and services. Testing decentralized infrastructure for existing cloud workloads The initiative is intended to examine whether decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) can support the variety of customer profiles and workload types currently running on Salad’s centralized platform. Salad currently relies on a stack of centralized services to manage customer payments and distribute rewards to its global network of infrastructure providers. The company said that its use of traditional payment processors, usage-based billing platforms, and reward suppliers introduces operational complexity, given its international footprint. The test will explore whether crypto payments and decentralized compute execution could offer efficiency improvements. “By pairing Salad’s globally distributed infrastructure with Golem’s decentralized compute layer, we’re exploring how customer workloads, revenue, and our extensive rewards program can flow through DePIN. I first read the Golem whitepaper in 2017, and this collaboration reflects a shared vision of making advanced computational power more accessible by enabling millions of individuals to contribute underutilized devices,” said Bob Miles, CEO of Salad.com. “This initial test phase aims to demonstrate whether Web3 can enhance centralized cloud platforms with greater efficiency and openness, while helping us understand how Salad’s margin profile could fit into a sustainable tokenomics model as we scale mirrored traffic through Golem Network.” Evaluating marketplaces, settlement, and interoperability The collaboration will also evaluate Golem’s decentralized marketplace and settlement infrastructure to determine whether it can provide a more transparent and cost-efficient platform for value exchange. Paweł Burgchardt, CPO of Golem Network, added: “Our collaboration with Salad allows us to explore how Golem’s protocol can integrate with complementary marketplaces for computational resources. The insights gained from this experiment will help us refine Golem’s SDK and strengthen support for future integrations.” Salad said it began evaluating multiple DePIN protocols in the third quarter of 2025, with Golem emerging as the closest match to its existing platform architecture. Initial tests have already provided technical insights for Salad’s engineering team. Kyle Dodson, Salad’s CTO, commented: “The architecture provided by Golem, connecting compute requestors and compute providers via a decentralized protocol, has significant overlap with how Salad’s platform operates today. As Salad works towards supporting a frequently requested feature, crypto payments, I am excited to collaborate with the Golem team to further enhance the efficiency of both cost and the compute-orchestration of our platform.” Both companies said the partnership is focused on demonstrating how Web2 and Web3 -based marketplaces can interoperate, particularly for workloads such as AI inference, drug discovery simulations, and 3D rendering. Further technical and product updates are expected as the engineering test progresses. Featured image via Shutterstock. The post Salad.com partners with Golem Network to integrate Web2 workloads with decentralized compute appeared first on Finbold .

By integrating WalletConnect Pay, Ingenico is testing whether stablecoins can function as a practical alternative to card networks in everyday commerce.

Polygon Labs has signed definitive agreements to acquire U.S.-regulated payments firm Coinme and wallet infrastructure provider Sequence for more than $250 million, as it accelerates its expansion into licensed stablecoin payments in the United States. In a press release shared with CryptoNews the firm said the transactions are designed to deliver three core components of Polygon’s forthcoming Open Money Stack: regulated fiat on- and off-ramps, enterprise wallet infrastructure and cross-chain orchestration through intents. Building Regulated Scale for Stablecoin Payments Together with Polygon , Coinme and Sequence have already processed more than $1 billion in offchain sales and over $2 trillion in onchain value transfers. As payments activity grows, Polygon Chain is positioned to capture increased onchain throughput and network fees, directly benefiting validators and stakers. The acquisitions come as stablecoins continue to gain traction as a settlement layer for global payments, particularly following recent progress on U.S. federal stablecoin regulation. Polygon’s strategy is to combine compliant fiat access with onchain settlement at scale, creating a vertically integrated payments stack. Coinme Brings U.S. Licensing and Physical Distribution Founded in 2014, Coinme is one of the earliest licensed digital currency exchanges in the United States. The company holds money-transmitter licenses covering 48 U.S. states and operates a physical fiat-to-crypto network across more than 50,000 retail locations. Coinme also provides regulated crypto-as-a-service offerings for fintechs and enterprises, alongside licensed wallet infrastructure, enterprise APIs and SDKs. Backed by investors including Pantera, Digital Currency Group, Coinstar, Circle and MoneyGram, Coinme serves enterprise customers such as Exodus, Coinstar, Mercuryo and Baanx, in addition to more than one million retail users. Following regulatory approvals, Coinme will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Polygon Labs. Sequence Adds Wallets and Cross-Chain Intents Sequence contributes smart wallet technology and a one-click cross-chain orchestration and intents engine that abstracts away complexity for users. Its infrastructure enables payments across multiple blockchains without requiring users to manage bridges, swaps or gas. Backed by investors including Brevan Howard Digital, Initialized Capital, Coinbase, Polychain and Consensys, Sequence supports major ecosystems such as Polygon, Arbitrum and Immutable while also partnering with Google Cloud as a distribution channel. Its Trails platform provides universal rails for cross-chain transactions and interoperable stablecoin payments, including support for Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol. The Open Money Stack Vision By combining Coinme’s regulated fiat access with Sequence’s wallet and cross-chain capabilities, Polygon aims to deliver an open, integrated payments platform for banks, fintechs, enterprises, remittance providers and merchants. The goal is to allow real-time, 24/7 stablecoin settlements with lower fees, reduced reliance on correspondent banking and predictable pricing. “Stablecoins are increasingly being used as a settlement layer for global payments, but the infrastructure around them remains fragmented,” said Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs. Polygon founder Sandeep Nailwal added that the Open Money Stack provides a clear path to support trillions of dollars moving onchain, while keeping the network open and interoperable. Polygon’s onchain stablecoin supply reached approximately $3.3 billion at the end of 2025, according to data compiled on Dune. The post Polygon Labs to Acquire Coinme and Sequence in $250M Stablecoin Payments Push appeared first on Cryptonews .

XRP opened 2026 with strength, but growing signs of capital rotation are starting to raise new questions. After years of dominance in the payments narrative, XRP now faces pressure from emerging utility-driven projects attracting fresh liquidity. As price momentum cools and investors reassess positioning, attention is shifting toward alternatives like Remittix. The key debate is no longer how high XRP can go, but whether its leadership is beginning to fade. XRP Price Today Cools After A Powerful Start To 2026 XRP started 2026 with a surge that caught the market off guard. XRP price today pushed as high as $2.40 after a 25% weekly rally. That move fueled headlines and strong XRP news. This even led to CNBC calling XRP the hottest crypto trade of the year. Yet after the early spike, momentum cooled. XRP has since pulled back toward key support zones, raising a new question for investors. Is this the start of XRP’s first annual decline since 2022 as capital looks elsewhere? ETF data remains a major pillar of the bullish case. Spot XRP ETFs attracted nearly $100 million in early January, pushing cumulative inflows to $1.37 billion with no recorded outflow days. This divergence stands out in Ripple news, especially as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw heavy redemptions. Investors appear to view XRP as a less crowded trade, buying weakness rather than chasing price strength. Still, the technical picture looks mixed. XRP price has struggled to stay above $2.40 and slipped below the 200-day EMA. This has now put $2.24 under pressure. Further pullback would reopen downside targets at $1.91, $1.80, and even $1.25. On the positive side, resistance is close to $3.00, then $3.20, and $3.60. Fundamentals remain strong. Exchange balances hit multi-year lows, network transactions jumped over 50%, and Ripple secured major partnerships in Japan while gaining conditional approval for a U.S. trust bank. Long-term XRP price prediction models still point as high as $8.00 by 2026 under aggressive ETF scenarios. But with newer narratives like Remittix attracting fresh capital, the near-term Ripple price prediction depends on whether XRP can reclaim momentum or continue consolidating. Remittix Emerges As The Best Crypto To Buy Now In Payments As XRP faces questions about whether it could post its first annual decline since 2022, smart money is already moving. The rotation is not random. Investors are shifting toward projects that are delivering infrastructure, not narratives. Remittix sits right at the center of that flow. While XRP remains a major name, its growth now depends heavily on ETFs and macro sentiment. Remittix is growing because users are actively using the product. This is why many traders now describe Remittix as the best crypto to buy now in the payments category. It is building a full PayFi ecosystem that connects crypto directly to bank accounts, cutting through delays, hidden fees, and outdated rails. Solana whales watching uncertainty around legacy chains are increasingly reallocating toward RTX because the adoption curve is already visible. Why Remittix Is Gaining Traction End-to-end PayFi app enabling crypto-to-fiat payments, transfers, and settlements Fully audited and team-verified by CertiK and ranked #1 for pre-launch tokens BitMart confirmed as first CEX listing with LBank announced after crossing $22M Live iOS wallet with crypto-to-fiat platform launching February 9, 2026 Momentum keeps accelerating. Remittix has crossed $20M and $22M in funding, launched its wallet on the App Store, and is rolling out Android next. A very limited 200% bonus is currently live with only 5 million tokens allocated. On top of that, users earn 15% USDT instantly for every referral, paid directly to their wallet. This is no longer about future potential. It is an execution happening in real time. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here: Website: https://remittix.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix FAQs How Do I Find New Crypto Projects Early? Finding new crypto projects early usually involves tracking funding milestones, audits, exchange announcements, and community growth. Investors often follow on-chain data, verified teams, and platforms launching products before wider market exposure. Are Crypto Presales A Good Investment? Crypto presales can offer early access and higher upside. However, they carry more risk than established coins. Presales backed by audits, transparent teams, real products, and clear roadmaps tend to be safer options for long-term investors.