Crypto
Bitcoin continues to go strong after breaching $45,000 mark: Check latest rates on January 3
For the first time since April 2022, cryptocurrency Bitcoin crossed the $45,000 mark on Tuesday, touching its 21 month high. Bitcoin, which is the world’s largest cryptocurrency, recorded a hike of 6 percent on Tuesday, January 6.
Bitcoin was up by a total of 6.43% on Tuesday, touching its all time high since 2022 at $45,317.67. A day after breaching the historic mark, Bitcoin continues to go strong, up by a little less than one percent on Wednesday.
On January 3, the Bitcoin rates were recorded at $45,257.70, not close to dipping below its 21-month high. The rates were 0.70 percent higher than the closing price of the cryptocurrency. This also led to an overall surge in the cryptocurrency market in the first few days of January.
With the Bitcoin prices surging above $45,000 for the first time in months, the rates of the cryptocurrency in India were recorded at ₹37,66,766.47 on Wednesday, up by ₹22,454 after the sudden price surge.
Other tokens in the crypto market traded higher on January 2-3 due to Bitcoin, with Ethereum surging by 3.8%, Solana (SOL) gaining over 7% while Cardano up over 5%. It is expected that the surge in cryptocurrency will continue during the week.
Reason behind Bitcoin price surge
The prime reason behind the hike in the prices of Bitcoin is the expectation that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve the launch of a spot bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).
The decision of the SEC will be finalised by January 10, when it will either approve or reject the Ark/21Shares ETF, reported Reuters. However, the decision regarding the same can come this week, by Wednesday or Thursday.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has rejected multiple applications to launch spot bitcoin ETFs in recent years, arguing that the cryptocurrency market is vulnerable to manipulation.
As per past trends, Bitcoin often rallied forward during the US Election season, which means that the crypto markets will continue to buzz for the next few months. However, the rise and fall of crypto in the United States will primarily be determined by the decision of the SEC.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Kraken Valued at $13 Billion After Deutsche Börse Stake
Deutsche Börse has taken a minority stake in crypto exchange Kraken, marking one of the clearest signs yet of Europe’s largest market operator deepening its exposure to digital assets.
The German exchange group said it invested $200 million in Payward, Kraken’s parent company, securing roughly a 1.5% fully diluted ownership. The transaction values Kraken at about $13.3 billion, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
The move builds on an existing relationship between the two firms and signals a broader push to integrate traditional financial infrastructure with crypto markets. The partnership is expected to focus on regulated offerings, including tokenized assets and derivatives, while improving liquidity for institutional clients.
As part of the collaboration, Kraken will integrate with 360T, Deutsche Börse’s foreign exchange trading platform. The connection is designed to provide Kraken users with access to bank-grade foreign exchange liquidity, potentially streamlining the conversion between fiat currencies and digital assets.
The companies also plan to expand the use of Kraken Embed, a service that allows institutions to offer crypto trading and custody under their own brands. The initiative targets banks, fintech firms, and asset managers seeking to enter the digital asset space without building infrastructure from scratch.
Further developments are expected, subject to regulatory approval. These include enabling trading of derivatives listed on Eurex, Deutsche Börse’s derivatives exchange, through Kraken’s platform.
The investment underscores a growing convergence between established financial institutions and the crypto sector. For Kraken, the backing from Deutsche Börse provides capital and strategic alignment with one of Europe’s most influential financial market operators. For Deutsche Börse, the stake offers a direct foothold in a global crypto platform at a time when competition for digital asset infrastructure is intensifying.
The deal also reflects a broader trend of legacy financial firms moving beyond exploratory partnerships toward equity investments in crypto companies. By combining trading, custody, and tokenization capabilities, both firms are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of institutional flows into digital assets.
Key Takeaways:
- Alameda moved $16 million worth of SOL to a wallet linked with repayment efforts, signaling ongoing FTX creditor payouts.
- Alameda still holds 3.5 million SOL ($294 million), meaning supply overhang may impact solana markets.
- FTX-era asset releases since 2022 suggest continued distributions could shape liquidity next.
Alameda Unstakes SOL, Signals Ongoing Creditor Distributions
Alameda Research has transferred roughly $16 million worth of solana ( SOL) tokens after unstaking the assets, in a move that points to continued creditor repayments tied to the collapse of FTX.
Blockchain data tracked by Arkham Intelligence shows the tokens were sent to an address previously associated with distribution efforts. The transaction follows a similar pattern observed in recent months, where unstaked assets were routed to wallets linked to reimbursing creditors.
While there has been no official confirmation that the latest transfer will be distributed immediately, the repetition of this process suggests it forms part of a structured repayment strategy rather than a one-off movement.
Unstaking allows previously locked tokens in proof-of- stake networks to be withdrawn and made liquid. In this case, it enables Alameda to free up assets that can be redirected toward obligations stemming from FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings.
The latest transfer comes about a month after a comparable transaction, when Alameda moved a similar tranche of SOL to the same destination address. That earlier move reinforced expectations that such transfers are tied to ongoing creditor payouts.
Despite the asset sales, Alameda retains a substantial position in solana. The firm still holds approximately 3.5 million SOL, valued at around $294 million, according to Arkham data.
Solana remains one of the largest digital assets by market value, with a capitalization of about $47 billion. The token has traded near $82 in recent sessions, significantly below its peak of $293 reached early last year.
Alameda, founded in 2017 by Sam Bankman-Fried, was once a dominant trading firm in the crypto market. It played a central role in providing liquidity across exchanges and operated extensively in spot and derivatives markets.
Its fortunes shifted dramatically following the collapse of FTX in late 2022, which triggered a wave of insolvencies and legal proceedings. Since then, asset recovery and creditor repayment have been central to the restructuring process.
The steady movement of funds such as SOL highlights the scale and complexity of unwinding Alameda’s positions. Each transfer offers a signal, albeit indirect, of progress in returning value to creditors.
Commercial Ships Transit Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Blockades Iran’s Ports
Two Detroit Pistons Facing Uncertain Roles in NBA Playoff Rotation
Meet the District 2 candidates: How should SFUSD students be assigned to schools?
Stephen Jones’ Comments Add Fuel To Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Trade Rumors
Forward Brant Byers leaving Miami RedHawks for Penn State | Report
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Commercial Ships Transit Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Blockades Iran’s Ports
Video: How Stephen Miller Is Adjusting Trump’s Immigration Agenda
Biden DOJ weaponized FACE Act against pro-life Americans, 882-report alleges
Mass drone warfare is Europe’s rising security threat
Man accused in Molotov cocktail attack of OpenAI CEO’s home charged with attempted murder
-
Atlanta, GA1 week ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Georgia1 week agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Arkansas4 days agoArkansas TV meteorologist Melinda Mayo retires after nearly four decades on air
-
Pennsylvania1 week agoParents charged after toddler injured by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo
-
Milwaukee, WI1 week agoPotawatomi Casino Hotel evacuated after fire breaks out in rooftop HVAC system
-
Austin, TX7 days agoABC Kite Fest Returns to Austin for Annual Celebration – Austin Today
-
World1 week agoZelenskyy warns US-Iran war could divert critical aid from Ukraine
-
Ohio7 hours ago‘Little Rascals’ star Bug Hall arrested in Ohio