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Major Cardano Whales and Sharks Add 819,400,000 ADA in 6 Months Despite Price Crash

Elendu Benedict
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Major Cardano Whales and Sharks Add 819,400,000 ADA in 6 Months Despite Price Crash

Cardano whales and sharks are buying while others panic, leveraging the discounted prices amid the dip to dig in more ADA tokens.

This accumulation event has persisted for months now, according to on-chain data. Despite severe ADA price corrections, these smart money whales have loaded up more tokens, reflecting their strengthening conviction in the cryptocurrency’s long-term price action.

Key Points

  • Cardano whales and sharks are buying while others panic, leveraging the discounted prices amid the dip to dig in more ADA tokens.
  • Wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA have been on a quiet accumulation spree for the past six months.
  • During this period, they have added 819.14 million tokens to their stash, representing 1.6% of ADA’s supply.
  • These purchases have come despite a 71% price correction from $0.90 to $0.26, reflecting their conviction that the Cardano dip might be temporary.

Cardano Whales Load Up ADA

Market sentiment reached extreme levels of fear as prices crashed. Liquidity trimmed, user activities slowed, but Cardano whales remained unwavering. According to Santiment data, they were busy buying the dip.

In a recent X post, the market intelligence platform highlighted that wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA have been on a quiet accumulation spree for the past six months. During this period, they have added 819.14 million tokens to their stash, representing 1.6% of ADA’s supply.

Cardano Whales Add 819.14M ADA
Cardano Whales Add 819.14M ADA

The $213.9 million in fresh accumulation moved their total holdings from 24.54 billion in August 2025 to 25.35 billion today. This indicates that these whales and sharks now hold 68.44% of the coin’s supply, up from 66.84% six months ago.

Accumulation Despite Dip—What Does It Mean for Cardano?

Interestingly, these purchases have come despite a staggering price correction. Cardano has dropped over 71% in the past 6 months, falling from $0.90 to $0.26. Still, this did not alter the bullish disposition among these whales, who appear to see the drop as an even better opportunity to buy.

These drives reflect their conviction that the Cardano dip might be temporary. Again, it highlights the typical move by smart money market users, who buy assets cheaply when weak hands exit and sell higher when enthusiasm is high.

Notably, such accumulation is a positive sign for ADA, as it suggests that these whales are increasingly confident that it will rebound significantly when broader market conditions improve. 

Several prominent market figures have shared this narrative that while not all altcoins will recover from this steep decline, Cardano will be among the few to do so. One such comment came from The Moon Show’s co-host, the Crypto Kid.

ADA Price Update

In the meantime, Cardano sits at a crossroads, with two possible price outcomes. The asset has given back its earlier gains and is trading around the $0.27 support, an area it surged 500% from in 2023.

If it holds this level and the broader crypto market improves, ADA could repeat the same price action seen around the support in the previous cycle. However, falling below the demand zone brings greater selling pressure and could drive further declines.

Shiba Inu Whale Transfers Over 370,000,000,000 SHIB to Exchange

Lele Jima
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Shiba Inu Whale Transfers Over 370,000,000,000 SHIB to Exchange

A major Shiba Inu whale has transferred more than 370 billion SHIB tokens to the Bitget cryptocurrency exchange in a single day. 

Notably, this sudden activity on February 24 has sparked speculation about potential selling pressure and near-term price volatility. 

Key Points 

  • An unknown whale transferred over 370 billion SHIB to the Bitget exchange across five transactions. 
  • The largest single transaction contained 203 billion SHIB tokens. 
  • Besides SHIB, the whale also moved other tokens, such as ETH and PEPE, to exchanges. 
  • Despite the massive outflow, the whale still holds 371 billion Shiba Inu. 

Whale Shifts 370B SHIB to Bitget 

On February 24, the long-term SHIB holder reignited market attention after moving 370.77 billion SHIB to Bitget across five separate transactions. This wave of deposits has heightened speculation that the whale may be preparing to sell, potentially causing short-term price volatility.

According to Arkham data, the whale initiated the transfers with two separate transactions of 37 billion SHIB each, followed by deposits of 71.27 billion SHIB and 203.53 billion SHIB, before concluding with a final transfer of 21.29 billion tokens.

Whale Deposits SHIB Into Bitget Exchange
Whale Deposits SHIB Into Bitget Exchange

Two Months of Inactivity 

Meanwhile, the timing of the transfers proved notable. Before these deposits, the wallet had been mostly inactive for nearly two months. Its last outbound SHIB movement involved just 241.98 million tokens, which the whale sent to Binance.

This abrupt transition from dormancy to massive outflows suggests a potential shift in market strategy. Historical on-chain data shows that the whale accumulated most of its SHIB holdings more than a year ago through multiple large inflows from Binance. 

Consequently, this extended accumulation phase indicates that the latest transfers may reflect profit-taking or risk reduction amid heightened market volatility. Notably, Shiba Inu’s price has repeatedly fallen below $0.000006, highlighting the challenging market environment and increasing pressure on speculative assets. 

Other Large Non-SHIB Transactions

Beyond SHIB, the whale has also offloaded substantial amounts of Ethereum, PancakeSwap, and Pepe within the past 24 hours. Despite these significant outflows, the wallet continues to hold 371 billion SHIB worth $2.2 million, making SHIB the second-largest asset by dollar value in the portfolio.

Meanwhile, PEPE remains the dominant holding, with a valuation of $5.24 million. This composition underscores the whale’s continued appetite for select high-risk, high-reward investments. 

Whale Crypto Balance
Whale Crypto Balance

At the moment, it remains unclear whether the whale will liquidate the transferred tokens on Bitget. However, large exchange inflows often precede selling activity, suggesting the potential for increased volatility.

Should the whale proceed with liquidation, SHIB could face temporary downside pressure. Conversely, if the tokens remain idle on the exchange, the market impact may remain muted. At press time, SHIB trades at $0.000005960, hovering below the critical $0.000006 threshold. 

$2,000 In XRP: Can it Be A Life-Changing Decision

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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$2,000 In XRP: Can it Be A Life-Changing Decision

Market participants are weighing what a modest investment in XRP could become as regulatory and banking narratives strengthen.

XRP is trading at $1.40 today. At that price, a $2,000 investment buys roughly 1,428 XRP. While that may not sound extraordinary, projections tied to the proposed Clarity Act and deeper U.S. banking integration suggest those tokens could be worth significantly more if regulatory clarity arrives.

Key Points

  • A $2,000 investment in XRP at $1.40 secures roughly 1,428 tokens with significant upside potential.

  • Regulatory clarity under the proposed Clarity Act could drive XRP toward the $5 to $10 range.

  • Deeper U.S. banking integration could push XRP into a $15 to $30 utility-driven tier.

  • In a highly bullish case, XRP at $100 would turn $2,000 into nearly $143,000.

The XRP Classification Rally: $5 to $10

The first major upside scenario centers on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. If passed, the legislation would formally classify XRP as a digital commodity in the United States.

Brad Garlinghouse recently projected an 80% chance that U.S. President Donald Trump could sign the Clarity Act into law by April 2026. The bill is currently nearing the Senate Banking Committee markup process, despite earlier delays tied to disagreements over issues like stablecoin yields.

Garlinghouse has stressed that while no legislation is perfect, clarity is better than prolonged uncertainty. His comments echo those of Ripple’s CLO Stuart Alderoty, who said progress is ongoing behind the scenes.

If XRP is placed on a similar regulatory footing as Bitcoin and Ethereum, institutional investors and conservative banks that previously avoided the asset could gain confidence to allocate capital.

Under this “classification rally” scenario, XRP could move into the $5 to $10 range. For someone holding 1,428 XRP, at $5, the investment grows to about $7,140. At $10, it rises to approximately $14,280. That represents a potential return of 3.5x to 7x from today’s price.

The Operational Utility Tier: $15 to $30

The second scenario assumes more than just legal clarity. It envisions XRP becoming integrated into U.S. domestic payment rails, potentially used by Tier-1 banks for internal liquidity management.

The logic here is tied to liquidity depth. At $1.40, a $1 billion transaction would consume a large portion of available exchange liquidity, potentially causing severe slippage. At $20 or more, XRP becomes “thick” enough to facilitate multi-billion-dollar settlements with less volatility.

If banks begin using XRP for real-time liquidity movement, the price would likely need to scale higher to support that utility. For 1,428 XRP:

  • At $15, the holding would be worth about $21,420.
  • At $20, it climbs to $28,560.
  • Meanwhile, at $30, it reaches roughly $42,840.

At this stage, a $2,000 allocation begins to resemble the kind of capital that can materially change financial circumstances.

The Full Potential Peak: $100 and Beyond

The most bullish scenario assumes XRP becomes a primary liquidity layer for a significant portion of the U.S. banking network. In that case, the price would need to scale with the value of the money flowing through it.

This scenario projects $100 per XRP, with 1,428 tokens worth approximately $142,800. That kind of appreciation would represent a 70x return from today’s $1.40 price level.

Calculated Bet on Clarity

Essentially, a $2,000 investment in XRP at $1.40 secures 1,428 tokens, but whether that becomes $7,000, $40,000, or over $140,000 remains to be seen.

The Clarity Act is not yet law, and integration with major banks remains a developing narrative. But if both align, the math shows how a relatively modest allocation today could evolve into something far more significant.

Be Ready for What XRP Will Do in the Second Leg as BTC Dominance Falls Like Never Before: Analyst

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Be Ready for What XRP Will Do in the Second Leg as BTC Dominance Falls Like Never Before: Analyst

Analyst Dark Defender believes the next major move for XRP could coincide with a historic collapse in Bitcoin dominance.

He reached this conclusion after drawing parallels to XRP’s explosive 2017 rally. In a recent post, Dark Defender pointed to historical cycles where XRP surged as Bitcoin’s share of total crypto market capitalization declined.

He believes Bitcoin’s dominance “will fall like never before,” urging investors to be ready for what XRP could do in the second leg.

Key Points

  • Analyst says XRP’s next leg could align with a historic drop in Bitcoin dominance.

  • He points to 2017, when falling BTC dominance fueled XRP’s 70,000% surge.

  • XRP is down nearly 70% from $3.66, with $908M in realized losses.

  • Some see 1200% upside potential, while critics call the 2017 comparison flawed.

The 2017 Comparison

According to the analyst’s chart, XRP’s massive 2017 run occurred during a sharp decline in Bitcoin dominance, from around 95% in February 2017 to as low as 37% by January 2018.

As capital rotated out of Bitcoin and into altcoins, XRP experienced a parabolic surge that ultimately pushed it to its all-time high. During this period, XRP’s price surged more than 70,000%, from $0.0055 to $3.84.

Dark Defender now suggests a similar setup may be forming. His projection outlines a potential multi-wave decline in BTC dominance into 2026. He sees XRP positioned to benefit from this shift, ushering in its second phase of price expansion.

Image

Notably, XRP has already recorded a more than 600% price surge this cycle, moving from $0.49 to $3.66. However, during that period, Bitcoin’s dominance did not fall dramatically.

Now, market watchers like Dark Defender believe the next phase could coincide with a meaningful drop in Bitcoin dominance.

The idea is simple: when Bitcoin dominance falls, liquidity often flows into altcoins. Historically, XRP has been one of the primary beneficiaries during such rotations.

Google Trends Data Adds Fuel

Several XRP proponents have expanded on this thesis by highlighting search data trends. Community member Diana noted that Google searches for “Bitcoin is dead” have reached their highest level since the collapse of FTX.

She used this observation to suggest that interest in Bitcoin has weakened and that XRP could gain ground.

Another commenter, Investorie, echoed the sentiment, arguing that whenever global interest in Bitcoin fades, XRP has historically gained relative strength.

Even prominent Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor recently reaffirmed his ultra-bullish stance on Bitcoin, stating it is “not going to zero; it’s going to a million”. Some XRP supporters interpret such strong defenses as a response to weakening retail interest in BTC.

XRP at Emotional Extremes

The bullish outlook comes as XRP trades nearly 70% below its 2025 peak of $3.66, around $1.30. Recent on-chain data from Santiment shows XRP recorded approximately $908 million in realized losses, marking its largest weekly spike since 2022.

The previous comparable event saw roughly $1.93 billion in realized losses and was followed by a 114% rally over the next eight months.

Large realized losses represent a phase in which fearful investors exit positions at a loss. Historically, such emotional extremes have marked market bottoms, though they do not guarantee immediate reversals.

Could a 1200% Rally Be Possible?

Interestingly, Diana floated the possibility of a 1200% rally if capital rotates from Bitcoin into XRP, as it did in previous cycles. However, such projections are speculative and would require massive inflows.

Meanwhile, not all comments are supportive. Sam, CEO of MyWayCarpet.com, argues that times have changed and that using a 2017 chart to predict future outcomes is “nonsense.”

He added that he liquidated his XRP holdings at $3, while Dark Defender continues calling for higher prices even as they dip further.

Bitcoin Down 66% When Priced in Gold Since November 2021: Peter Schiff

Elendu Benedict
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Bitcoin Down 66% When Priced in Gold Since November 2021: Peter Schiff

Bitcoin is once again facing renewed criticism for its recent price underperformance, particularly against gold, the largest precious metal.

As Bitcoin continues to suffer intense volatility, longtime critic Peter Schiff has launched a fresh attack on the asset. In a Tuesday tweet, he capitalized on the recent dip to highlight the stark contrast in performance between BTC and gold.

Key Points

  • Bitcoin is once again facing renewed criticism for its recent price underperformance, particularly against precious metal gold.
  • As Bitcoin continues to suffer intense volatility, longtime critic Peter Schiff has launched a fresh attack on the asset.
  • Schiff argues that, measured against gold, Bitcoin has quietly lost significant ground over the past four years.
  • A $10,000 allocation to Bitcoin in November 2021 would now sit at roughly $9,100, while the same $10,000 invested in gold over that period would have climbed to more than $27,000.
  • Proponents argue that expecting Bitcoin to outperform a centuries-old metal during turbulent conditions could be a tall order for Bitcoin at this point. 

Peter Schiff Criticizes Bitcoin

Schiff pointed out that, measured against gold, Bitcoin has quietly lost significant ground over the past four years. Since its November 2021 peak, Bitcoin has fallen more than 66% when priced in gold. His comparison reframes the usual dollar-based charts, instead comparing Bitcoin’s purchasing power relative to the traditional store of value.

Schiff highlighted that a $10,000 allocation to Bitcoin at the November 2021 high would now sit at roughly $9,100. Recall that BTC topped at $69,000 during that bull run, a price it now sits below following its drop from $126,200 in October 2025 to $63,000 today.

In contrast, the same $10,000 invested in gold over that period would have climbed to more than $27,000. Notably, gold closed at $1,773 in November 2021, a 189% increase from its current market price of $5,133. Within this period, BTC has dropped from 34.5 ounces of gold to 12.3 ounces, an over 64% decline.

Viewed through that lens, the numbers look very different from the long-term bullish narratives often associated with Bitcoin. For context, Bitcoin once traded under $1 but has since increased explosively to its current valuation through its 17-year history. 

The asset is also up a staggering 320% from its previous cycle’s lows of $15,000 in November 2023, compared with gold’s 152% rise over the same period.

Rather than acting as a hedge, Bitcoin has trailed badly in relative terms.

Bitcoin’s Store-of-Value Narrative Faces Pressure

For years, Bitcoin’s identity has gradually shifted from a peer-to-peer cash system to “digital gold.” Proponents argued that scarcity and a fixed supply would allow it to protect wealth during periods of uncertainty. 

Yet the recent run has complicated that thesis. When markets turned defensive, capital often rotated into traditional safe havens, such as gold, rather than Bitcoin.

This divergence has become more visible during periods of macro stress. Inflation fears, rate uncertainty, and geopolitical risks have pushed investors toward assets with longer track records. Gold has benefited from that flight to safety, while Bitcoin has tended to mirror the performance of risk assets.

Schiff has reiterated this narrative several times. CNBC crypto trader Ran Neuner also stressed this point, noting that the store-of-value narrative for Bitcoin is now under strong scrutiny.

However, proponents argue that expecting an asset seen as a modern store of value to outperform a centuries-old metal during turbulent conditions could be a tall order for Bitcoin at this point. 

A Mere Cyclical Reset

Additionally, Bitcoin advocates also argue that the asset has always moved in cycles rather than steady trends. As such, strong rebounds have repeatedly followed periods of deep drawdowns, driven by supply halvings, liquidity shifts, and sentiment extremes.

From this perspective, the underperformance against gold during its correctional phase does not automatically paint the whole picture. Bitcoin completed a cycle last year and is historically in a period of price pullback.

Still, the criticisms highlight how expectations have evolved. Many now believe that with institutional presence, Bitcoin would mirror gold during crises.

Bitcoin-Gold 6-Month Correlation Drops to 4-Year Low of -0.7: What’s Next for BTC?

Elendu Benedict
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Bitcoin-Gold 6-Month Correlation Drops to 4-Year Low of -0.7: What’s Next for BTC?

The price correlation between Bitcoin and gold over the past six months has dropped to -0.7, as BTC continues to underperform gold.

Since September 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) has collapsed by more than 41% amid a consistent months-long downtrend that gained momentum in October 2025.

However, within this period, gold (XAU) has increased 48% to new heights. This divergence in performance has pushed the Bitcoin-Gold correlation ratio over the past six months to a 4-year low of -0.7, as Bitcoin’s “digital gold” narrative faces pressure.

Key Points

  • Bitcoin, often touted as digital gold, has not fared well amid macroeconomic uncertainties, down 41% since September 2025.
  • Within the same period, gold has maintained its reputation as a hedge against unfavorable macro conditions, having increased 48% to new heights.
  • Due to this divergence in performance, the Bitcoin-Gold correlation over the past six months has dropped to -0.7, a new 4-year low.
  • Chart data shows that Bitcoin has collapsed 61% against gold within the period under consideration, with the BTC/XAU pair hitting a low of 12.31, last seen in April 2023.
  • The BTC/XAU pair has now seen 14 months of declines, with the RSI dropping to its lowest levels in history across multiple timeframes.

Bitcoin Slips into Its “Not Digital Gold” Phase

Notably, CryptoQuant founder Ki Young Ju recently called attention to the divergence in performance between gold, the world’s largest asset by market cap, and Bitcoin, the largest crypto asset by market cap. 

Ki called attention to the fact that the divergence in Bitcoin’s and gold’s performances over the past six months has led to the Bitcoin-Gold 180-day correlation dropping to a low of -0.7. For context, the last time the correlation ratio dropped to such lows was December 2021, over four years ago.

Bitcoin Gold 180d Correlation CryptoQuant
Bitcoin Gold 180d Correlation | CryptoQuant

The Bitcoin-Gold 180-day correlation metric assesses Bitcoin’s performance in relation to gold over the past six months. While 0 means Bitcoin and gold have performed similarly within the 180 days, readings above 0 mean BTC has outperformed gold, and those below 0 indicate that gold has outperformed BTC.

Commenting on this, Ki stressed that Bitcoin had slipped into its “not digital gold” period, alluding to the fact that with its underperformance in the face of unfavorable macroeconomic situations such as President Donald Trump’s tariff wars, tensions in the Middle East, and other geopolitical factors, Bitcoin currently cannot boast of the “digital gold” tag.

Interestingly, despite the current turbulent position, Emirates NBD, the second-largest bank in the UAE, has insisted that Bitcoin is “digital gold.” Notably, Emirates NBD’s Chief Investment Officer, Maurice Gravier, recently suggested that the bank was considering adding BTC to its portfolio. This comes as prices continue to slip.

Bitcoin Slips 41% While Gold Gains

For context, Bitcoin began October 2025 on a bullish note, initially soaring to a new all-time high of above $126,000 by Oct. 6, 2025.

However, its fortunes quickly turned sour days later, with the Oct. 10 market-wide crash contributing to the steep declines. Since then, BTC has been on a downward slope, having collapsed 50% from the October 2025 all-time high and 41% over the past six months.

Meanwhile, gold has been on an uninterrupted upward trend within the same period. Specifically, over the past six months, gold has gained 48%, currently trading for $5,135 per ounce. As a result of the divergence in performance, the BTC/Gold ratio has dropped 60.82% from 31.6 to 12.38, marking a new 3-year low.

BTC Oversold Against Gold

Interestingly, market veteran Michaël van de Poppe took to X today to point out a silver lining with the current situation. He called the BTC/XAU pair the most valuable chart in the world at present, stressing that while the pair’s full-blown bear markets typically last 14 months, BTC has been in a downtrend against gold for 14 months now. 

Bitcoin Downtrend Against Gold Michael van de Poppe
Bitcoin Downtrend Against Gold | Michael van de Poppe

He further stressed that the relative strength index (RSI) for the BTC/XAU pair has dropped to its most oversold levels across multiple timeframes, including 3-day, weekly, two-week, and monthly. Van de Poppe’s analysis suggests that BTC may be in a position where it could stage a breakout against gold. However, when this breakout will occur remains uncertain.

Bhutan Introduces Crypto Visa With Gold-Backed Token Deposit

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Bhutan Introduces Crypto Visa With Gold-Backed Token Deposit

Bhutan has introduced a new digital nomad visa powered by blockchain technology.

The program was launched by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMC) in partnership with NomadClub. It allows remote workers to live and work in Bhutan under a simplified residency system. The move aligns with the country’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

What makes it different is its use of crypto infrastructure. The visa system runs on the Solana network, chosen for its fast speed and low transaction fees. This makes Bhutan one of the first countries to integrate blockchain directly into a national visa process.

Key Points

  • Bhutan launches blockchain-powered digital nomad visa, letting remote workers live and work nationwide.

  • Visa runs on Solana, integrating crypto directly into government residency systems for the first time.

  • Gold-backed TER token underpins the program, redeemable for physical gold via DK Bank.

  • The program shifts Bhutan from strict tourism rules, aligning with broader blockchain and crypto strategies.

Gold-Backed TER Token at the Core

At the heart of the residency program is TER, a gold-backed digital token issued by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority. Built on the Solana network, each TER token represents 0.01 grams of 99.99% pure gold stored in secure vaults around the world.

The token is distributed through DK Bank and can be redeemed for physical gold. Officials describe TER as a stable digital asset that combines the speed of blockchain with the reliability of gold.

Launched in late 2025, TER has more than 7.8 million tokens in circulation. Authorities say it is the first sovereign gold-backed token on the Solana blockchain.

Visa Requirements and Structure

The visa is valid for 12 months, and holders can extend it up to 24–36 months. Applicants must pay a non-refundable annual visa fee of $2,800. They must also deposit $10,000 in TER tokens via DK Bank (fully refundable upon departure).

There is no fixed minimum income requirement. However, the program targets professionals working in key sectors such as technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, in line with GMC’s goals.

Bhutan Crypto Visa Pricing
Bhutan Crypto Visa Pricing

Shift From Strict Tourism Rules

For decades, Bhutan enforced some of the world’s strictest tourism policies. Visitors were charged between $100 and $250 per day and had to follow guided travel plans. The new digital nomad visa marks a major shift from that approach.

According to Timour Kosters, co-founder of Edge City, the visa now applies nationwide. Visa holders can travel freely without mandatory stay requirements, a significant change from Bhutan’s past entry rules.

How Bhutan Compares Globally

Several countries, including Estonia, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates, offer digital nomad visas. However, none require blockchain-based deposits or tokenized assets as part of the process.

El Salvador has adopted cryptocurrency nationally, including Bitcoin-linked residency pathways. But it does not require a gold-backed stablecoin deposit tied directly to visa approvals.

Bhutan’s model goes beyond crypto trading or DeFi. Instead, TER is used as a functional requirement within a real government system.

Notably, the visa program is part of Bhutan’s wider digital asset strategy. The country has mined Bitcoin for years using surplus hydropower and reportedly holds reserves worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Officials have also pledged up to 10,000 BTC to support GMC’s long-term plans.

In addition, parts of Bhutan’s national digital identity system are built on Ethereum, showing its growing interest in blockchain-based governance.

UAE’s Second-Largest Bank Calls Bitcoin Digital Gold, Considers Adding BTC to Its Investment Portfolio

Lele Jima
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0
UAE’s Second-Largest Bank Calls Bitcoin Digital Gold, Considers Adding BTC to Its Investment Portfolio

Emirates NBD is taking decisive steps toward integrating Bitcoin into its institutional investment strategy. 

In a commentary today, Maurice Gravier, Group Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the bank, confirmed that Emirates NBD is considering including Bitcoin in its portfolios, describing the asset as a store of value and digital gold.

Although the bank has not yet executed a direct Bitcoin investment, Gravier’s remarks clearly reflect rising institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term role as a strategic financial asset. 

Key Points 

  • Emirates NBD is planning to add Bitcoin to its investment portfolio.
  • CIO Maurice Gravier views Bitcoin as digital gold and a long-term store of value.
  • Although the bank has not yet purchased Bitcoin, it is refining valuation models ahead of a potential allocation.
  • Gravier suggested a 0.5% portfolio allocation as a prudent starting point that balances exposure with risk management.

Bitcoin Is Digital Gold

Speaking in an interview on CNBC, Gravier confirmed that Emirates NBD has officially enabled internal mechanisms to facilitate Bitcoin exposure. He stressed that the bank views Bitcoin as a store of value and a modern form of digital gold, pointing to its fixed supply and robust proof-of-work security model. 

Moreover, he explained that these fundamental characteristics sharply distinguish Bitcoin from traditional currencies. While Bitcoin initially emerged as an alternative to the global financial system, its function has steadily evolved. 

Today, Gravier argues, Bitcoin has firmly established itself as a store of value, underscoring a role he believes no other cryptocurrency is likely to disrupt. 

Emirates NBD Remains Cautious

Despite these attributes, the bank continues to proceed carefully. He acknowledged that while Emirates NBD strongly believes in Bitcoin’s fundamentals, it remains cautious due to the asset’s high volatility and close correlation with broader market risk sentiment.

As a result, these factors complicate Bitcoin’s effectiveness as a pure diversification tool. Consequently, the bank is still refining its valuation models and macroeconomic frameworks to assess optimal entry conditions. 

Nonetheless, he suggested that a 0.5% allocation within a balanced portfolio could offer a prudent starting point. Such a measured approach would allow Emirates NBD to gain meaningful exposure while maintaining strict risk controls.  

As the second-largest bank in the UAE and one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East, Emirates NBD holds total assets exceeding AED 1 trillion (approximately $272 billion) as of December 31, 2025.

Additionally, its dedicated asset management arm oversees roughly $16 billion in assets, meaning that even a 0.5% allocation to Bitcoin could translate into tens of millions of dollars in direct market inflows. 

Focus Remains Solely on Bitcoin

Meanwhile, Emirates NBD currently remains focused exclusively on Bitcoin and is not rushing to include alternative cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum or Solana. Gravier acknowledged that while competing blockchain networks may deliver technological innovation, Bitcoin’s dominance as a store of value is already firmly entrenched.

To illustrate his point, he drew parallels with historical technology leaders like Yahoo and Nokia, whose market dominance eventually faded as superior platforms emerged. However, he argued that Bitcoin’s position as digital gold appears far more secure, with no clear competitor able to displace it. 

Can Shiba Inu Turn Small Money Into Life-Changing Gains Again?

Lele Jima
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0
Can Shiba Inu Turn Small Money Into Life-Changing Gains Again?

Amid the broader market downturn, the possibility of Shiba Inu turning a modest investment into life-changing gains remains a major topic of discussion. 

Shiba Inu gained prominence for turning small investments into massive fortunes during the 2020/2021 bull cycle. However, after a prolonged downturn and steep corrections, investors now question whether SHIB can realistically deliver returns as life-changing as those seen earlier.

Key Points

  • Shiba Inu has dropped by more than 93% from its peak, which once generated life-changing gains for early investors.
  • Investors are evaluating whether SHIB can stage another rally capable of turning small stakes into substantial returns.
  • Replicating its 2021 history appears far-fetched given current conditions.
  • Analysts believe SHIB could still post moderate gains during a strong bull cycle.

Shiba Inu Historic Rally

In 2021, Shiba Inu captured global attention by transforming modest investments into extraordinary profits. Early adopters who invested between $100 and $1,000 saw their holdings surge into the hundreds of thousands and, in some cases, millions of dollars. This happened as SHIB erased multiple zeros and climbed to an all-time high of $0.00008845.

Notably, one truck driver reportedly turned a $650 investment into $1.7 million. Meanwhile, Shiba Inu’s major success story involved an investor who turned $8,000 into over $5.7 billion.

However, today’s market environment looks markedly different. SHIB now holds a market cap of about $3.5 billion, meaning it would require substantially larger capital inflows to replicate such exponential gains.

Can Small Investments in SHIB Still Deliver Outsized Returns?

Replicating the 2021 rally appears highly unlikely under current conditions. SHIB trades at $0.000005936, down over 93% from its all-time high (ATH) and 9.12% over the past week.

For perspective, for a $650 investment today to grow to $1.7 million, SHIB would need to reach $0.015, reflecting a remarkable increase of 261,438%.

That projection implies a theoretical SHIB market cap of roughly $8.83 trillion, exceeding the entire current crypto market valuation of $2.19 trillion. This highlights how highly improbable it is for SHIB to turn a small investment into life-changing wealth at this stage.

Moderate Gains Remain Possible

Although SHIB is unlikely to replicate its 2021 surge, it could still generate strong returns under favorable market conditions. For instance, if SHIB rallies 900% to $0.00005936, a $10,000 investment could grow to $100,000.

While this falls short of the 2021 extremes, it could still prove transformative, especially in regions with lower living costs. Notably, some analysts consider a move toward the $0.00005 range achievable, and Whale Scan recently projected that SHIB could reach this level by year-end.

However, significant challenges persist. This includes its massive token supply, fading speculative hype, and intense competition from other meme coins and utility-driven projects. In addition, regulatory uncertainty and macroeconomic instability could further dampen investor appetite.

Ultimately, while SHIB may not repeat its historic breakout, it still offers upside potential. Nonetheless, investors should temper optimism with realistic expectations and disciplined risk management.

Inflation Hits the Poor Hardest, Bitcoin Offers Relief: Coinbase CEO

Zabi
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Inflation Hits the Poor Hardest, Bitcoin Offers Relief: Coinbase CEO

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has renewed his support for Bitcoin, casting it as both a hedge against inflation and a gateway to financial access.

Key Points

  • Brian Armstrong says inflation disproportionately harms those holding cash, widening economic inequality.
  • Wealthier individuals can shield themselves from inflation by investing in assets such as Bitcoin, stocks, and real estate.
  • Bitcoin and other digital assets can expand financial access, enabling anyone with internet access to participate.
  • Armstrong links crypto adoption to national economic growth in supportive regulatory environments.
  • The CLARITY Act aims to clarify U.S. digital asset regulations, with bipartisan talks targeting passage by April.
  • Armstrong warns the U.S. must compete with China’s digital currency initiatives to maintain global financial leadership.

Inflation, Access, and Bitcoin

In a recent post on X, Armstrong argued that inflation hits hardest those who hold most of their wealth in cash. As prices rise, purchasing power erodes—an effect that, in his view, gradually widens economic inequality.

Building on that point, Armstrong suggested that wealthier individuals can better shield themselves from inflation. They often move funds into assets such as stocks, real estate, and Bitcoin. By contrast, those without access to such investments remain more exposed to currency depreciation.

For Armstrong, this gap highlights crypto’s broader purpose. He said digital assets lower barriers to entry in financial markets, meaning anyone with an internet connection can participate. In his view, such accessibility forms the foundation of what he describes as economic freedom.

Extending the argument further, Armstrong linked crypto adoption to national growth. He stated that capital tends to flow toward supportive regulatory environments. Consequently, countries that welcome digital assets could see stronger economic expansion in the years ahead.

CLARITY Act and the Regulatory Push

These comments come as debate intensifies around the CLARITY Act. The proposed legislation seeks to clarify how digital assets are regulated in the United States. Specifically, it aims to define the responsibilities of key agencies overseeing securities and commodities.

Just last week, Armstrong and US Senator Bernie Moreno indicated that discussions are moving in a constructive direction. Moreno said lawmakers are working toward passing the bill, possibly by April.

For the cryptocurrency market, the stakes are high. Many investors view regulatory clarity as a potential boost for sentiment. With Bitcoin trading below $65,000 amid a prolonged period of weakness, any legislative breakthrough could carry symbolic, and possibly practical, weight.

Speaking at the World Liberty Forum, hosted by the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, Armstrong described the evolving regulatory framework as a potential “win” for multiple stakeholders. A balanced bill, he said, could foster innovation in the crypto sector while addressing concerns from the banking industry—ultimately benefiting American consumers.

Moreno struck a similarly cooperative tone, noting that regulators, banks, and crypto firms are working to draw clearer jurisdictional lines. In particular, discussions have focused on how to handle stablecoin yields without weakening US competitiveness.

Global Competition and the China Factor

The debate also carries international implications. Armstrong pointed to China’s efforts to advance a central bank digital currency that pays interest. In response, he argued that the United States must allow competitive stablecoin incentives to keep pace.

Moreno reinforced that message, emphasizing the importance of maintaining America’s leadership in financial innovation. He expressed optimism that lawmakers can finalize the CLARITY Act by April, positioning the U.S. to compete more effectively in the evolving global digital asset landscape.

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