The fund will allocate 30% to crypto tokens and 70% to financial services stocks, taking both long and short positions to capitalize on market shifts.
The cryptocurrency market will welcome a wave of tokens worth more than $1.054 billion in the third week of January 2026. Major projects, including Bitget Token (BGB), LayerZero (ZRO), and River (RIVER), will release previously locked supplies over the next seven days.
These unlocks could increase short-term volatility and influence price movements. So, here’s a breakdown of what to watch in each project.
Sponsored
Sponsored
1. Bitget Token (BGB)
- Unlock Date: January 26
- Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 140 million BGB
- Released Supply: 1.33 billion BGB
- Total Supply: 2 billion BGB
BGB is a unified ecosystem token for both the centralized exchange Bitget and Bitget Wallet. As a utility token, it provides functional benefits within the Bitget ecosystem, such as trading fee discounts, participation in platform activities, and access to additional perks.
On January 26, the team will release 140 million BGB, worth $518 million. The tokens account for 10.5% of the released supply.
The team will split the unlocked supply two ways. Bitget will allocate 80 million tokens for team incentives. Furthermore, it will direct 60 million altcoins for branding and promotion.
2. LayerZero (ZRO)
- Unlock Date: January 20
- Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 25.71 million ZRO
- Released Supply: 404.25 million ZRO
- Total Supply: 1 billion ZRO
Sponsored
Sponsored
LayerZero is an interoperability protocol that connects different blockchains. Its primary goal is to facilitate seamless cross-chain communication. Thus, it enables decentralized applications (dApps) to interact across multiple blockchains without relying on traditional bridging models.
The team will unlock 25.71 million tokens on January 20, representing 6.36% of the released supply. Moreover, the supply is worth approximately $43.96 million.
LayerZero will award 13.42 million altcoins to strategic partners. Core contributors will get 10.63 million ZRO. Lastly, 1.67 million ZRO are for tokens repurchased by the team.
3. River (RIVER)
- Unlock Date: January 22
- Number of Tokens to be Unlocked: 1.5 million RIVER
- Released Supply: 34.16 million RIVER
- Total Supply: 100 million RIVER
River is a protocol focused on creating a chain-abstraction stablecoin system. It allows users to collateralize assets on one chain and mint on another, enabling native earning, leverage, and scalability across multiple networks.
The team will unlock 1.5 million RIVER, worth approximately $39.83 million, on January 22. The tokens represent 4.32% of the released supply. Furthermore, investors will receive the entire unlocked supply.
In addition to these, other prominent unlocks investors can look out for in the third week of December include Plume (PLUME), Humanity (H), Undeads Games (UDS), and more, which will contribute to the total market-wide releases.
Institutional crypto platform Anchorage Digital is looking to raise hundreds of millions of dollars of fresh capital as it eyes a potential Initial Public Offering.
The raise would be in the $200 million to $400 million range, while a possible IPO is slated for sometime next year, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter who asked to remain anonymous.
Anchorage’s affiliate, Anchorage Digital Bank National Association, became the first federally chartered crypto bank in 2021 and is now well-positioned to lead stablecoin issuance and related services following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July.
Anchorage CEO Nathan McCauley said in September that he planned to double the company’s stablecoin team over the next year to accommodate the expected boom in digital dollars.
“2025 was our year of scale. We made a series of acquisitions, inked major partnerships, and launched new business lines like stablecoin issuance to solidify our lead in institutional crypto,” an Anchorage spokesperson told Bloomberg.
One of those partnerships included Tether, the issuer behind the largest stablecoin, USDT, with the two companies announcing plans in September to launch a USAT token in the US.
Anchorage is expanding its crypto offerings
Anchorage also provides custody, trading, and staking services for banks, hedge funds, and venture capital firms, acting as a regulated bridge for TradFi players to access crypto.
In December, Anchorage also expanded its wealth management arm through the acquisition of Securitize For Advisors and token lifecycle management by integrating Hedgey.
Related: Goldman Sachs CEO says CLARITY Act ‘has a long way to go‘
Anchorage secured $350 million in funding late 2021, led by KKR & Co, with participation from Goldman Sachs, GIC, and Apollo credit funds.
Anchorage’s valuation was marked at over $3 billion at the time.
Other crypto leaders are looking at IPOs in 2026
Meanwhile, one of Anchorage’s crypto custody competitors, BitGo, filed S‑1 IPO paperwork to list on the New York Stock Exchange in September, while crypto trading platform Kraken filed an S-1 in November and is eyeing a public listing in early 2026.
Magazine: One metric shows crypto is now in a bear market: Carl ‘The Moo
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Newrez plans to treat eligible cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a move that could broaden access to home loans for crypto holders.
The change is expected to take effect in February across the lender’s non-agency products, covering home purchases, refinancings and investment properties. While borrowers can already use assets such as stocks and bonds in underwriting, crypto holders have typically been required to sell their positions.
At launch, Newrez said it will recognize Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) backed by those assets, and US dollar-backed stablecoins. The crypto assets must be held with US-regulated crypto exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages or nationally chartered banks, the company said.
Under the policy, cryptocurrency holdings considered in underwriting may have valuations adjusted to reflect market volatility, while borrowers would still be required to cover closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars.
Newrez chief commercial officer Leslie Gillin said about 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors own cryptocurrency, adding that the policy is aimed at broadening access to homeownership among younger buyers.
US regulators weigh crypto’s role in mortgage underwriting
The move by Newrez follows policy discussions in the US over whether digital assets should be considered in mortgage risk assessments.
In June 2025, the US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop proposals examining how to consider cryptocurrencies as assets in single-family mortgage risk assessments without conversion to US dollars.
Less than two months later, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would codify the FHFA directive.
Lummis said the bill addresses housing affordability challenges for younger Americans, adding that “the American dream of homeownership is not a reality for many young people” and that the legislation reflects the growing number who hold digital assets.
The bill was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where it has not advanced further.
Although limited in scope, a market already exists for crypto-backed home financing, allowing borrowers to use BTC or ETH as collateral.
Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder of Ledn, told Cointelegraph in June that some Bitcoin holders have used their assets to finance real estate purchases without liquidating them.
Magazine: Here’s why crypto is moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
U.S. Senate Democrats are reportedly set to reopen talks with representatives from the cryptocurrency industry on Friday, according to people familiar with the plan speaking to CoinDesk.
All this comes less than two days after a last-minute postponement of a key Senate Banking Committee hearing on sweeping digital asset legislation.
The call follows Wednesday night’s abrupt cancellation of the committee’s planned markup of the long-negotiated crypto market structure bill, which had been expected to divide regulatory oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The delay came after Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, withdrew its support for the draft legislation, citing concerns over stablecoin rewards programs and what it viewed as excessive authority granted to the SEC.
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, said that banks are trying to “kill their competition” with the crypto market structure legislation. “Crypto companies should be allowed to compete and offer loans just like banks,” Armstrong said.
Thursday marked a pause in public activity after the cancellation, but lawmakers and industry participants say negotiations are far from over.
Democrats from both the Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee — which oversees the CFTC — are expected to join Friday’s call, along with representatives from crypto policy advocacy groups in Washington, according to reports.
The Banking Committee had been scheduled to hold an all-day session Thursday to debate amendments and vote on whether to advance the bill.
That plan unraveled late Wednesday after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the company could not support the current version of the legislation. Shortly thereafter, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., postponed the hearing.
Lummis: Senate is closer than ever
Despite the setback, several lawmakers involved in the negotiations said discussions will continue. In a post on X, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., a leading crypto advocate in the Senate, said lawmakers were “closer than ever” to reaching agreement.
“Everyone is still at the negotiating table, and I look forward to partnering with [Chairman Scott] to deliver a bipartisan bill the industry — and America — can be proud of,” Lummis wrote Thursday.
Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., echoed that optimism, saying he remained “confident” that lawmakers could reach a consensus “in short order.”
“I am fully committed to continuing this important work with my colleagues on market structure and look forward to passing legislation that ensures this innovative technology flourishes in the United States for decades to come,” Hagerty said.
Industry reaction to Coinbase’s withdrawal has been mixed. While Armstrong’s comments intensified scrutiny of the bill, other crypto executives and advocacy groups urged lawmakers to keep pushing forward.
Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi said abandoning negotiations now would worsen regulatory uncertainty for U.S. crypto firms. “Walking away now would not preserve the status quo in practice,” Sethi said in a post on X. “It would lock in uncertainty while the rest of the world moves forward.”
A major point of contention in recent negotiations has been whether stablecoin issuers should be permitted to offer rewards or yield programs — an issue that has drawn pushback from bank lobbyists and some Democrats concerned about consumer protection and competition with traditional deposits.
While the Banking Committee’s markup has been postponed, the Senate Agriculture Committee is still expected to hold a hearing on the legislation on January 27, after previously pushing back its own earlier session. Ultimately, both committees’ work would need to be merged before the bill could advance to the full Senate.
Some analysts see the delay as a strategic pause, with Benchmark’s Mark Palmer saying it could help lawmakers build broader bipartisan support and ultimately strengthen what he called a potentially historic overhaul of U.S. financial regulation.
Others are more doubtful: TD Cowen warned that bridging Democratic demands and Coinbase’s objections may be difficult, especially since some disputed provisions were already concessions to Democrats, while election-year timing and the Senate’s 60-vote threshold add further hurdles.
Year-end analysis of over 20,000 transactions shows institutional influence and stablecoin dominance reshaping instant exchange patterns.
Instant cryptocurrency exchange platform ChangeHero has released its 2025 year-end transaction analysis, revealing significant shifts in user behavior that mirror broader institutional adoption and the continued dominance of cost-efficient blockchain networks.
Out of all processed transactions in 2025, 10 most reoccurring pairs accounted for 21,530 completed instant swaps throughout 2025, with an average transaction value in the sample equal to 0.023 BTC, reflecting activity patterns that align with the year’s major market developments including Bitcoin’s volatile journey to new all-time highs above $126,000 in October before correcting to the $85,000-$90,000 range by year-end.
Users’ Choice of Leading Asset and What It Means
Tether USD (USDT) on the Tron network emerged as the dominant, most frequently chosen asset in either direction, accounting for 13 percent of all trading pairs by value, followed closely by Bitcoin at 12 percent and Solana at 10 percent. This distribution reflects the broader cryptocurrency market’s evolution in 2025, where Tron-based USDT transfers became the preferred method for cost-conscious traders seeking to minimize transaction fees.
The prominence of TRC20 USDT in ChangeHero’s data mirrors industry-wide trends documented throughout 2025. By mid-year, Tron carried over $80 billion in USDT circulation, representing more than half of Tether’s global supply. The network’s low transaction fees and three-second settlement times made it the default choice for instant exchanges, particularly among users in emerging markets and those conducting frequent transfers; both demographics confirmed to be prominent sets of users by the year-end analysis.
The dominance of stablecoin pairs in ChangeHero’s leading volume generators aligns with the transformative role stablecoins played across the cryptocurrency market in 2025. Industry-wide, stablecoins processed $46 trillion in total transaction volume throughout the year, with adjusted volumes reaching $1.25 trillion monthly by September, approaching the scale of traditional payment networks. This institutional-grade settlement activity occurred largely on cost-efficient networks like Tron, exactly as reflected in ChangeHero’s user preferences.
Retail Amidst Institutional Adoption
Bitcoin-related pairs dominated transaction counts, occurring against a backdrop of unprecedented institutional adoption, as spot Bitcoin ETFs accumulated $57.7 billion in net inflows throughout 2025, with BlackRock’s IBIT alone managing approximately $70 billion in assets by November.
The platform’s statistics still reveal a market increasingly shaped by institutional infrastructure despite operating primarily in the retail instant exchange segment. The average transaction size further confirms the retail-focused nature of instant exchanges while suggesting a market increasingly comfortable with meaningful value transfers through non-custodial platforms. This figure remained relatively stable despite Bitcoin’s price volatility throughout the year, indicating users maintained consistent dollar-value exchange patterns regardless of underlying asset price fluctuations. The platform’s ability to buy crypto with credit card on ChangeHero further streamlined access for users seeking immediate exposure to digital assets without navigating traditional exchange onboarding procedures.
The data reveals a market in transition from speculation-driven trading to utility-focused usage patterns. While Bitcoin maintained its position as the primary value-storage cryptocurrency, the prevalence of stablecoin pairs suggests users increasingly prioritized predictable value transfers and cross-chain liquidity over directional trading. This shift mirrors the broader market maturation observed throughout 2025, as regulatory clarity through frameworks like the GENIUS Act established institutional legitimacy for stablecoin infrastructure.
Market volatility throughout Q4 2025, which saw Bitcoin decline from October’s all-time high above $126,000 to below $86,000 by late November, did not significantly alter the fundamental exchange patterns visible in ChangeHero’s annual data. Users continued prioritizing cost-efficient networks and maintained consistent transaction sizes, suggesting the instant exchange market developed resilience to price volatility that characterized earlier cryptocurrency cycles.
2025 in Cross-Chain Adoption
Aside from Bitcoin and stablecoins, trading pairs involving other established assets like Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin demonstrated consistent activity, while the data showed clear preference for low-cost settlement networks. Ethereum-Bitcoin pairs, fourth by frequency, indicate sustained demand for major asset swaps despite Ethereum’s higher transaction costs compared to alternatives.
Cross-chain activity patterns observed in ChangeHero’s data reflect the year’s broader narrative of multi-chain adoption. The presence of BNB Smart Chain USDT and various Bitcoin-denominated stablecoin pairs demonstrates how users navigated between ecosystems to optimize for speed and cost efficiency. This behavior accelerated following the September 2025 SEC decision to implement generic listing standards for crypto ETFs, which reduced approval timelines by 72 percent and signaled increasing regulatory acceptance of diverse blockchain networks.
Third Pillar of 2025 Trends
Solana’s appearance as a top-three asset by percentage reflects the blockchain’s growing role in 2025’s cryptocurrency landscape. Despite Layer-1 tokens broadly underperforming relative to Bitcoin, Solana maintained user engagement through its high-throughput architecture and expanding DeFi ecosystem. The blockchain’s presence in instant exchange data demonstrates its establishment as infrastructure for users seeking alternatives to Ethereum’s cost structure.
The year-end statistics demonstrate how instant exchange platforms serve as real-time indicators of cryptocurrency market infrastructure preferences. As institutional capital reshaped market structure through ETF vehicles managing over $122 billion in Bitcoin alone, retail users simultaneously optimized for transaction efficiency through low-cost networks. This parallel development suggests the cryptocurrency market’s maturation involved both institutional legitimization and grassroots infrastructure refinement.
ChangeHero’s 2025 data ultimately reflects a cryptocurrency market increasingly defined by practical considerations rather than speculative narrative. The dominance of USDT (TRC20), the consistent transaction sizing, and the preference for established assets over emerging tokens all indicate a user base prioritizing functionality, cost efficiency, and reliability over potential outsized returns from newer projects.
About ChangeHero
Launched in 2018, ChangeHero is an instant cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers account-free swaps between over 600 crypto assets on 40 blockchain networks. The platform focuses on user-friendliness, streamlining the exchange process, and security, maintaining a strictly non-custodial approach. This principle is extended to crypto-to-crypto swaps and transactions involving fiat alike, through ChangeHero’s integrated licensed partner providers that deliver cryptocurrencies directly into users’ wallets.
Contact Info:
Website: https://changehero.io/
For media inquiries: [email protected]
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Changehero_io
Telegram: https://t.me/CHCryptoNews
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) made a major update to its Crypto Token Regulatory Framework, shifting responsibility for crypto token suitability assessments from the regulator to licensed companies operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai’s financial free economic zone.
Under the revised rules, which took effect on Monday, companies providing financial services involving crypto tokens must determine whether tokens they engage with meet the DFSA’s suitability criteria. As part of the change, the DFSA will no longer maintain or publish a list of recognized crypto tokens.
The update follows a consultation process launched in October 2025, and reflects a shift in the regulator’s approach since introducing its crypto token regime in 2022. Since then, the DFSA said it has closely monitored developments and engaged with stakeholders to ensure the framework remains aligned with global standards.
Charlotte Robins, managing director of policy and legal at the DFSA, said the changes reflect a deliberate move toward a more flexible and principles-based model. “The DFSA’s enhancements to the Crypto Token regime reflect our progressive stance on innovation and proactive response to market developments and feedback,” Robins said.
A tougher framework for privacy tokens
The DFSA’s updated framework does not introduce an explicit ban on any specific category of digital assets by name.
Still, the changes reallocate responsibility for assessing the suitability of tokens from the regulator to licensed companies operating within the DIFC.
Even without an explicit ban, privacy-focused tokens like Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) may face greater scrutiny under the DFSA’s updated framework. Some privacy tokens may be deemed higher risk by internal compliance teams, leading companies to apply stricter due diligence standards or avoid supporting them altogether.
The change also highlights a key jurisdictional distinction. The DFSA regulates financial services within DIFC, which operates under a common-law framework separate from Dubai’s onshore regulatory regime.
Other jurisdictions of Dubai and the UAE fall under different crypto regulators with their own rulebooks.
Related: UAE’s dirham stablecoin race widens as RAKBank nets in-principle approval
Privacy tokens and the UAE’s fragmented approach
The DFSA’s principles-based approach contrasts sharply with the stance taken elsewhere in Dubai.
As reported by Cointelegraph in February 2023, Dubai’s crypto regulator, the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), introduced an explicit ban on privacy coins under its Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023.
VARA’s rules prohibit the issuance of “anonymity-enhanced cryptocurrencies” and all related virtual asset activities within its jurisdiction, which covers most of Dubai outside DIFC.
Across the wider UAE, crypto regulation remains fragmented. Abu Dhabi’s regulator, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), adopts a conservative, risk-based approach without an outright ban, while federal regulators emphasize AML and counter-terrorism financing compliance.
As a result, privacy-focused crypto assets are not uniformly illegal across the UAE, but their treatment varies significantly by jurisdiction.
Magazine: Davinci Jeremie bought Bitcoin at $1… but $100K BTC doesn’t excite him
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
The venture capital giant highlights prediction markets, zk-SNARKS, and ‘staked media’ as themes to watch.
Andreessen Horowitz, a technology venture capital firm with more than $90 billion in assets under management (AUM), unveiled its “3 Ways Crypto Goes Beyond Crypto in 2026” on X today, as it prepares for another year of growth.
The article was published by A16z Crypto and highlights new and existing trends it expects to continue to materialize over the next year, specifically new primitives powered by zero-knowledge SNARKs, prediction markets, and what it calls “this rise of staked media.”
The firm specifically calls for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the prediction market landscape, where large language models (LLMs) can serve as oracles for disputes and power AI-agent-led trading on prediction platforms.
As for zk-SNARKs, short for zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive argument of knowledge, A16z says that zk virtual machine (zkVM) provers are set to deliver 10,000x productivity, be fast enough to run on phones, and be cheap enough to deploy and “run everywhere.”
Staked Media is the wild card out in the set of predictions.
A16z claims that traditional media is flawed and that its problems are becoming more prevalent as AI-generated content becomes more widely available and affordable.
Robert Hackett, a member of the A16z editorial team, says in the article that “Tokenized assets, programmable lockups, prediction markets, and onchain histories offer stronger foundations for trust.”
“A commentator can publish an argument and also prove they’re putting their money where their mouth is. A podcaster can lock tokens to show they’re not opportunistically flipping or “pumping and dumping.” An analyst can tie forecasts to markets that settle publicly, creating an auditable track record.” Hackett continues.
This tokenization-backed media is what the firm is calling staked media, which enables proof of “skin in the game” for media publications, and functions similarly to prediction markets in the sense that having an opinion is one thing, but actively placing financial value on that opinion, or in this case, content, lends more credibility to the media itself.
A16z Crypto’s portfolio spans dozens of crypto and crypto-adjacent projects, including Anchorage Digital, Kalshi, Coinbase, Morpho, and Yuga Labs.
Australian cryptocurrency exchange DAEX has stopped trading and entered voluntary liquidation, with the liquidator urging creditors to come forward. This development has left investors uncertain about the recovery of their funds, causing concern within the Australian crypto investment community.
DAEX, a cryptocurrency exchange based in Australia, has decided to cease its trading activities and proceed with voluntary liquidation. The decision was announced recently, prompting the appointed liquidator to call on creditors to register their claims. This move has sparked apprehension among investors as they await clarity on the fate of their investments.
The liquidator has emphasized the importance of creditors stepping forward as soon as possible. This step is deemed crucial for the liquidation process, as it will clarify the obligations and assets of DAEX. The process aims to distribute any recoverable assets to creditors, but the extent of recovery remains unclear.
Cryptocurrency exchanges, like DAEX, facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of digital currencies. In recent years, these platforms have garnered significant attention as digital currencies such as Bitcoin have grown in popularity. However, the volatile nature of the crypto market, coupled with regulatory challenges, has posed significant risks to these businesses.
In general, a voluntary liquidation occurs when a company decides, often due to financial difficulties, to cease operations and liquidate its assets to pay off debts. In the case of crypto exchanges, the complexities are amplified due to the digital and sometimes opaque nature of assets involved.
Regulatory bodies often scrutinize cryptocurrency exchanges for their compliance with financial regulations, including measures for custody and market integrity. Effective surveillance-sharing agreements and comprehensive disclosures are typically required to protect investors and ensure market transparency. These regulatory frameworks aim to mitigate risks such as fraud and market manipulation.
In recent years, large financial institutions have begun exploring cryptocurrency-related products, driven by increasing client demand and the potential for new revenue streams. These products offer a way for traditional investors to gain exposure to digital assets while navigating the intricate regulatory environment.
Bitcoin, as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, remains a key focus for such products. Solana, known for its smart-contract capabilities, is another emerging digital asset, providing a platform for decentralized applications.
The risks associated with cryptocurrency products are multifaceted. Volatility remains a significant concern, with prices subject to rapid and unpredictable changes. Liquidity conditions can also vary, impacting the ease of buying and selling assets. Operational risks include technological failures or security breaches, while tracking errors and fees can affect the performance of investment products.
The competitive landscape in the cryptocurrency exchange market is marked by numerous participants and frequent product filings. Approval processes can be lengthy, with amendments and negotiations often required. As such, timelines for new product launches or regulatory approvals remain uncertain.
Looking ahead, the liquidation of DAEX will undergo a standard process involving a thorough review of assets and liabilities. Creditors will be closely monitoring announcements from the liquidator, who may issue requests for comments or updates on the proceedings. The outcome will likely depend on the liquidator’s ability to efficiently manage and resolve DAEX’s obligations.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be focused on potential recovery outcomes and the broader implications for the Australian cryptocurrency exchange sector. The response from regulatory bodies and the impact on investor confidence will be closely watched in the coming months.
Post Views: 1
Internet access in Iran was cut on Thursday by the government as protests spread across the Middle Eastern country, raising the question: Can its citizens still use crypto?
Around seven million people, out of the country’s 92 million population, are estimated to be crypto users, according to Statista. TRM Labs tracked roughly $3.7 billion in total crypto flows in Iran between January and July 2025.
But internet access has been cut off in the country as protests began over worsening economic conditions, and after the Iranian rial hit record lows against the US dollar.
Some outside observers, such as Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley, have suggested buying Bitcoin (BTC) could be a solution as a store of wealth.
Options for crypto without Internet
Without access to the internet, Iranians will find it far more difficult to transact using cryptocurrency. However, several technologies available today could make a difference.
Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet equipment, for one, can provide high-speed internet in areas that previously lacked service.
There have been calls for Musk to deploy Starlink to restore internet in the country as he did during a previous blackout in June 2025. Unconfirmed reports claim Musk has quietly granted the request.
Bitcoin infrastructure company Blockstream could provide another option for crypto users. Its satellite network can broadcast Bitcoin data anywhere in the world without using the internet.
Starlink provides two-way high-speed internet by connecting user dishes to satellites that relay data globally via laser and ground stations.
Some clever users have also found that Jack Dorsey’s decentralized peer-to-peer messaging service, Bitchat, which uses a Bluetooth mesh network to send messages, can also allow Bitcoin transaction data to be sent between phones.
However, eventually a device with internet is required before it can be confirmed on-chain.
Chromestats show Bitchat has been downloaded more than 1.4 million times since its launch, with over 19,828 coming in the last day and more than 460,724 in the last week.
Other tools in development for offline crypto use
Meanwhile, there are also several tools in the works to allow crypto use offline.
Darkwire, a tool that uses long-range radio to create a decentralized mesh network to send data, such as Bitcoin transactions, without the internet, was unveiled by its pseudonymous creator Cyb3r17 in May 2025.
Related: Afghanistan internet blackout ’a wake-up call’ for blockchain decentralization
Similar to Blockstreams satellites and Bitchat, eventually, a device in the network requires the internet for the transaction to be verified and added to the blockchain. Darkwire is listed on GitHub as undergoing a major rewrite.
In 2022, a South African software developer, Kgothatso Ngako, reportedly created a different solution known as Machankura. The tool lets users send and receive Bitcoin using phones without an internet connection by leveraging the mobile telecom network, according to a March 2023 Forbes report and the project’s website.
Magazine: Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?
