On 1 February 2026, Bitcoin Everlight was outlined as a lightweight transaction layer intended to improve Bitcoin-based payments while preserving Bitcoin's role as a settlement chain. The project introduces BTCL-powered node routing, external audits, and a multi-stage presale with a fixed 21,000,000,000 token supply. Ethereum, by contrast, relies on rollups and Layer 2 networks that already handle high-volume, low-fee activity and support lower average transaction values than Bitcoin.

On 31 January 2026, the US Treasury announced sanctions against senior Iranian officials and financial networks said to be involved in violent protest crackdowns and domestic repression. The measures also target two UK-registered digital asset platforms, Zedcex Exchange and Zedxion Exchange, alleged to have processed funds tied to IRGC-linked wallets, with Zedcex handling more than $94 billion in transactions since 2022. These designations freeze assets under US jurisdiction, bar US persons from dealing with the listed parties, and warn foreign institutions of potential penalties for facilitating related transactions.

On 30 January 2026, a synchronized rout spanned gold, silver, equities, and cryptocurrencies, erasing more than $10 trillion within 24 hours, according to market estimates. Gold's drop cleared roughly $4 trillion, silver about $1.1 trillion, while crypto capitalization fell 4.78% to $2.83 trillion, with Bitcoin leading the decline. Analysts cited a gold breakdown and capital rotation as potential drivers.

On January 29, 2026, the publication outlines a final presale phase for BlockDAG at $0.0005 with 1.25 billion BDAG available and says over $450 million has been raised, with a stated launch target of $0.05. It also highlights Ethena's USDe exchange listings, Ondo's tokenized stocks and ETFs push, and MemeCore's new perpetuals platform, framing these as themes drawing investor attention.

On 28 January 2026, South Korean lawmakers were reported to be preparing the formal submission of the Digital Asset Framework Act before the Lunar New Year, aiming to create the country's first comprehensive cryptocurrency law. The bill would introduce a unified regulatory regime for digital assets and stablecoins, including a minimum capital requirement of 5 billion won for stablecoin issuers, and is being developed alongside ongoing debates over the powers of the Bank of Korea and major shareholder limits.

On 28 January 2026, the U.S. crypto market was steady as the Senate prepared to vote on the Crypto Market Structure Bill on Thursday at 3:00 PM ET. The bill seeks to clarify how digital assets are classified and which regulators oversee them, while Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins traded higher ahead of the decision.

On January 28, 2026, Mesh Connect reached a $1 billion valuation after closing a new funding round, signaling growing confidence in crypto payments infrastructure. The company is processing close to $10 billion in monthly transactions and plans to expand in Latin America, Asia, and Europe, focusing on deeper integrations rather than direct consumer outreach.

On 25 January 2026, the Ethereum Foundation made post‑quantum security a core long‑term priority. A dedicated PQ team led by cryptography engineer Thomas Coratger, with support from Emile of leanVM, is advancing developer work, funding two $1 million initiatives, and coordinating experimental consensus tests to harden the network against future quantum risks.

On 24 January 2026, Dutch lawmakers advanced a proposal to tax unrealized gains on financial assets, including cryptocurrencies, under a revised Box 3 regime. Officials cite fiscal risks if reform is delayed, while critics in the crypto sector warn that volatile, unsold holdings could face higher levies, prompting forced sales and potential capital flight.