1. Forbes Predicts Seven Transformative Trends in the Crypto Industry by 2025 link

a. G7 nations or BRICS countries may establish strategic Bitcoin reserves.

b. The market capitalization of stablecoins is projected to double, reaching $400 billion.

c. Bitcoin’s DeFi ecosystem, leveraging L2 networks such as Stacks, BOB, and Babylon, is expected to experience rapid growth, with TVL surpassing the current $24 billion locked in cross-chain wrapped Bitcoin.

d. Crypto ETF products will expand to include Ethereum staking and Solana-focused strategies.

e. Tech giants like Apple and Microsoft might follow Tesla’s lead in increasing their Bitcoin holdings.

f. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies is anticipated to exceed $8 trillion.

g. Improvements in the U.S. regulatory landscape will likely usher in a revival of crypto entrepreneurship.

2. Bloomberg: Global Top 500 Billionaires’ Wealth Surpasses $10 Trillion; CZ’s Net Worth Soars 60% to $55 Billion link

In 2024, the combined wealth of the world’s 500 richest individuals surpassed $10 trillion, with technology billionaires experiencing the most remarkable gains. Tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jensen Huang led the list, collectively adding $903 billion to their fortunes.

Donald Trump’s election victory triggered a historic surge in digital assets, propelling Bitcoin to surpass the $100,000 mark for the first time. This rally significantly boosted the wealth of billionaires in the cryptocurrency sector: Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) saw his fortune grow by 60% to reach $55 billion, while Coinbase co-founder Brian Armstrong’s wealth increased by over 50%, reaching $11.1 billion.

3. Binance Labs to Rebrand, with CZ Personally Engaging in Projects link

Binance Labs has announced an impending rebrand while reaffirming its commitment to foundational principles and long-term impact. This year, it invested in 46 projects, including 14 originating from the BNB Chain-focused MVB program or chain-agnostic incubation initiatives, and 32 through direct investments.

With CZ returning and dedicating significant time to industry investments, he aims to establish closer connections with both existing and emerging founders, engaging in projects at a personal level. In 2025, Binance Labs will prioritize sectors such as crypto/blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Furthermore, the investment arm is broadening its scope beyond primary market deals to encompass a wider range of transactions, including secondary market liquidity and over-the-counter (OTC) trading.

4. Former German Finance Minister Urges ECB and Bundesbank to Integrate Bitcoin into Reserves link

Former German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has suggested that the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bundesbank should consider incorporating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into their reserves. He cited similar considerations in the United States as the basis for his proposal. Lindner underscored the independence of the ECB and Bundesbank in their decision-making processes but emphasized that Germany and Europe must not lag behind in this domain.

Frankfurt, he argued, should seriously evaluate the feasibility of including crypto assets in central bank reserves. Lindner noted that such a move could potentially enhance the resilience of reserves, given that crypto assets have become a significant component of global wealth growth.

5. U.S. IRS Introduces Temporary Tax Relief for Crypto Asset Accounting link

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently introduced a temporary exemption policy, allowing cryptocurrency holders using centralized exchanges (CeFi) in 2025 to choose a flexible asset accounting method, thus avoiding the high tax burdens imposed by the strict first-in, first-out (FIFO) rule. This exemption applies to asset transactions by CeFi brokers within 2025, permitting taxpayers to use their own records or tax software to determine which assets are being sold. Tax experts caution users to clearly choose an accounting method for CeFi exchanges before 2026, as failing to do so may result in the default application of FIFO, potentially leading to higher capital gains taxes.

6. Syrian Transitional Government to Legalize Bitcoin for Economic Recovery link

The Syrian Transitional Government plans to legalize Bitcoin to stimulate economic recovery. The Syrian Economic Research Center has proposed that Bitcoin be used to combat inflation, attract international investment, and create a stable financial framework by digitizing the Syrian pound through blockchain technology. The proposal also includes opening energy resources for Bitcoin mining and allowing banks and businesses to integrate cryptocurrency payment functions. However, challenges remain, including international sanctions, weak infrastructure, and ongoing debt issues.

7. a16z Crypto Supports Lawsuit Against U.S. Treasury, Citing Threats to DeFi Innovation link

Michele Korver, the Head of Regulatory Affairs at a16z Crypto, tweeted that the U.S. Treasury’s new broker reporting rules, released yesterday, directly threaten the vision of DeFi and undermine the future of DeFi innovation in the U.S. a16z Crypto is supporting the Blockchain Association, DeFi Education Fund, and Texas Blockchain Council in filing a lawsuit, arguing that the IRS and Treasury have overstepped their statutory authority, violating the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and being unconstitutional. DeFi builders should have confidence, as industry lawyers are actively working to protect this technology.

8. Strive Files for Listing of Bitcoin Bond Exchange-Traded Fund link

Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, tweeted that the asset management firm Strive has applied to the U.S. regulators on December 26 for the listing of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on investing in Bitcoin-linked convertible bonds issued by MicroStrategy and other companies. The fund will be actively managed, aiming to provide exposure to “Bitcoin bonds” through direct or derivative instruments. Bitwise also plans to launch a Bitcoin Standard Companies ETF, primarily investing in companies holding Bitcoin as corporate financial reserves. The goal is to replicate the performance of the Bitcoin Standard Companies Index. Companies included in the index must meet the following criteria: hold at least 1,000 Bitcoin, have a market capitalization of no less than $100 million, an average daily liquidity of at least $1 million, and a public float of no less than 10%.

9. Dragonfly Partner Haseeb: The Decline of AI Agents Is Inevitable link

Haseeb, partner at Dragonfly, stated that the AI Agents craze may continue until 2025, but it will eventually fade. He argues that these so-called agents are not truly agents but are merely chatbots with memecoins attached to them, with almost no real agency other than posting on Twitter. Chatbots will become ubiquitous, and people will grow tired of them. What will truly have an impact are software engineering agents — those that can use $10,000 worth of AI cloud computing to launch applications. Self-funded projects like Hyperliquid and Jupiter will transition from exceptions to the norm. AI-driven static analysis and monitoring will become ubiquitous, making it easier for everyone to ensure security.

On January 2, the total market capitalization of AI Meme tokens surpassed $10 billion, reaching $11 billion with a 24-hour increase of 26.4%. The 24-hour trading volume hit $2.46 billion. Among them, ai16z led with a market cap of $2.659 billion, followed by Fartcoin and Zerebro at $1.3 billion and $770 million, respectively. AI Meme tokens primarily include projects that leverage AI-driven smart agents, use AI tools for creation, or have concepts derived from AI technology.

10. MicroStrategy, CleanSpark, and Tether Expand Bitcoin Holdings

MicroStrategy: Acquires 2,138 BTC for $209 Million link

On December 30, MicroStrategy acquired 2,138 BTC for approximately $209 million, at an average price of $97,837. This resulted in a 47.8% BTC return for the quarter and a 74.1% return year-to-date. As of December 29, 2024, MicroStrategy holds a total of 446,400 BTC, with an average purchase price of $62,428 and a total cost of $27.9 billion.

CleanSpark: Purchases 3,158 BTC, Totaling Nearly 10,000 BTC link

On December 31, from 0:21 to 3:00 UTC+8, Bitcoin mining company CleanSpark Cold Wallet withdrew 3,158 BTC from Coinbase Prime Deposit, spending $293.39 million. The company currently holds a total of approximately 9,907 BTC.

Tether: Withdraws 7,628.9 BTC, Amassing 82,983 BTC in Total Holdings link

Tether, the issuer of USDT, withdrew 7,628.9 BTC (approximately $705 million) from Bitfinex. This is likely part of the BTC that Tether has purchased this quarter, following its announcement in May 2023 to regularly allocate 15% of its profits towards Bitcoin purchases to bolster its reserves. Tether currently holds a total of 82,983 BTC (worth $7.68 billion), making it the 6th largest BTC wallet. The average purchase price is approximately $36,222, with a current unrealized profit of $4.72 billion.

Fundraising

• Binance Labs announced its investment in THENA. link

• L1 blockchain ChainOpera announced the completion of a $17 million seed round financing. link

• xAI announced the completion of a $6 billion Series C round, with participation from BlackRock and others. link

• Usual completed a $10 million Series A financing, led by Binance Labs and Kraken Ventures. link

• Avalon Labs completed a $10 million Series A financing, led by Framework Ventures. link

• Accountable announced the completion of a $2.3 million seed round financing. link

• AI superchain Swan Chain announced the completion of a $2 million financing. link

• TON ecosystem L2 project DuckChain announced the completion of a $5 million financing. link

Learn more, check out crypto-fundraising.info.

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