A report dated January 14, 2026 says Elon Musk’s Starlink is providing free internet access inside Iran after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The move follows nationwide shutdowns amid anti‑regime protests, with over 1,800 deaths reported and rights groups warning the toll may be higher. Authorities have allegedly begun jamming Starlink and seizing equipment.

On January 14, 2026, BVNK said it will power stablecoin functionality for Visa Direct, enabling businesses to pre-fund payouts in stablecoins and send funds to recipients in digital dollars. Visa Direct handles around $1.7 trillion in annual volume, while BVNK reports processing more than $30 billion in stablecoin payments each year, with services starting in approved markets.

On January 14, Binance Wallet introduced on-chain perpetual futures trading via Aster, allowing Binance Wallet (Web) users on BNB Smart Chain to trade derivatives while retaining self-custody. The integration routes orders to Aster's decentralized perpetuals platform, supports multiple collateral tokens, and initially focuses on web access with more networks and mobile support planned. Eligible trades earn rewards through Aster's airdrop and competitions, alongside a Binance Wallet campaign offering up to 200,000 USDT.

During JPMorgan Chase’s fourth‑quarter earnings call this week, CFO Jeremy Barnum cautioned that interest‑paying stablecoins replicate deposit‑like features without prudential oversight. An amended draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act released this week would bar interest paid solely for holding a stablecoin while allowing incentives tied to liquidity, governance or staking.

Betterment said attackers used a social engineering scheme on January 9 to access its systems and obtain customer names, emails, addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates. The firm said accounts and passwords were not compromised, is working with a cybersecurity provider, and warned users about fraudulent messages urging $10,000 crypto transfers.

CFTC Chair Mike Selig has rebuilt the Innovation Advisory Committee with a crypto- and fintech-heavy lineup. Announced Monday, the membership spans Gemini, Kraken, Polymarket, Kalshi and major market operators such as Nasdaq, CME Group, ICE and Cboe, with the group set to advise on AI, blockchain, DeFi and market structure.

On Monday, US District Judge Aleta Trauger granted Kalshi a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, blocking Tennessee regulators from enforcing a cease-and-desist while the case proceeds. The SWC's Friday letters ordered Kalshi, Polymarket and Crypto.com to halt sports event contracts, void positions, and refund Tennessee users by Jan. 31, with penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

On January 13, the US Democratic Party launched BlueVault, a crypto fundraising platform for campaign donations that accepts Bitcoin and USDC. According to Coincu, the initiative is framed by regulatory clarity linked to the GENIUS Act and aims to reengage voters and donors after the 2024 presidential election. Coincu also notes Republican platforms have drawn over $21 million in crypto contributions.