Home Blog Page 291

Dogecoin Analysis for Jan 29: Here’s The Level DOGE Bulls Need to Breach

0

Dogecoin is testing key support and resistance levels, and bulls would need to breach Supertrend resistance for a potential breakout.

Dogecoin (DOGE) has experienced a 1.9% decline in the past 24 hours, currently trading at $0.1219. Over the last 24 hours, the price has hit a low of $0.1214 and a high of $0.1271, showing a general downtrend within the period. During this press, the price is trading at the lowest end of its 1-day range.

This decline maintains the trend seen over the past week, where Dogecoin has lost approximately 3.8% of its value. Over the last 30 days, DOGE has also shown a modest 1.2% decline.

The chart highlights a sharp decline in price over the past few days, with the token losing momentum after an earlier-week surge. Despite this, DOGE has managed to stabilize above the $0.121 support level, which traders will be closely watching to see if it can hold. 

Can DOGE Support Hold?

In the daily Dogecoin chart, the Supertrend indicator plays a pivotal role in identifying key levels for potential price movement. Currently, the price has broken below the lower boundary of the Supertrend at $0.12658, which has been acting as a barrier to bearish momentum. 

Dogecoin 1-Day Analysis
Dogecoin 1-Day Analysis

DOGE bulls will be aiming to breach this level for a bullish move toward the upper boundary of the Supertrend indicator at $0.14, now acting as the major resistance. If successful, this could lead to a further rally to levels like $0.156, but failure to break the resistance could result in a rejection, causing a potential pullback.

The Standard Deviation indicator below the chart shows declining volatility, which suggests that DOGE’s price movement may continue within this narrow range until a breakout or breakdown occurs. Traders should keep an eye on the Supertrend levels, as breaking either the resistance or support will likely dictate the next significant price move.

Dogecoin Breaks Key Trendline Resistance

Analyst Trader Tardigrade recently shared on X that Dogecoin on the 4-hour chart appears to be forming a Diamond Continuation Pattern. This comes after breaking a key resistance trendline just below the $0.1230 level. 

DOGE Prediction
DOGE Prediction

The breakout from this resistance suggests that Dogecoin is now aiming for the continuation pattern, and hence the next target at around $0.1290. To reach $0.129, Dogecoin must surge by over 5.8% from the current price of $0.1219.

“We Buy Real Bitcoin,” Michael Saylor Declares as Strategy Hits 712,647 BTC

0

Michael Saylor has once again outlined how Strategy approaches Bitcoin ownership, tying the company’s underlying philosophy directly to its actions.

In a recent post on X, Strategy’s co-founder and executive chairman said the firm buys what he described as “real Bitcoin,” audits its custodians, and avoids rehypothecation. The remarks followed the disclosure of a new Bitcoin purchase, reinforcing what Saylor framed as a disciplined and transparent treasury strategy.

By emphasizing direct ownership and custodial oversight, Saylor sought to distinguish Strategy’s approach from structures that allow Bitcoin to be reused, pledged, or otherwise encumbered by intermediaries.

His message focused on control and verification, positioning custody practices as a core element of the firm’s long-term strategy rather than a reaction to short-term market conditions.

Key Points

  • Strategy emphasizes direct ownership of Bitcoin, audits its custodians, and avoids rehypothecation.
  • The company purchased 2,932 Bitcoin from January 20–25 for roughly $264.1 million.
  • Total Bitcoin holdings now stand at 712,647 coins, valued at about $62.5 billion.
  • Strategy’s average cost per Bitcoin is $76,037, with roughly $8.3 billion in unrealized gains at current prices.
  • The purchase aligns with the Strategy’s long-term, unleveraged treasury strategy rather than short-term market timing.
  • Strategy holds more Bitcoin than any other publicly traded company, surpassing the next-largest holder by over 600,000 coins.

Recent Purchase Reinforces Custody Message

Saylor’s comments came just days after Strategy revealed its latest Bitcoin acquisition. In a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company disclosed that it purchased 2,932 Bitcoin between January 20 and January 25. The total cost was approximately $264.1 million, with an average purchase price of about $90,061 per coin.

While the filing focused solely on the transaction, Saylor’s post added context. His remarks suggested continuity rather than change, underscoring that the purchase aligned with existing policies centered on unleveraged ownership and audited custody.

Together, the filing and the post presented a consistent narrative around how Strategy expands its Bitcoin reserves.

Scale of Holdings and Capital Structure

Following the latest purchase, Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings rose to 712,647 coins. At current market prices, the position is valued at roughly $62.5 billion. Across all acquisitions, the company’s average cost per Bitcoin is $76,037. Total spending, including fees and related expenses, is approximately $54.2 billion, according to figures cited by Saylor.

The holdings represent approximately 3.4% of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply and imply about $8.3 billion in unrealized gains at prevailing prices. The scale of the reserve places Strategy far ahead of other public companies holding Bitcoin, reinforcing its status as the most prominent corporate participant in the market.

Industry Landscape and Market Pressures

Data from Bitcoin Treasuries shows that 194 public companies now hold the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Even so, the gap between Strategy and its peers remains substantial. MARA holds 53,250 Bitcoin, while Twenty One holds 43,514. Metaplanet follows with 35,102 Bitcoin.

Other notable holders include Adam Back, with 30,021 Bitcoin, and the Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company, with 24,300. Riot Platforms, Bullish, Hut 8, Strive, and Coinbase round out the top ten, each holding between roughly 13,000 and 18,000 Bitcoin.

Despite growing adoption, market performance across Bitcoin treasury companies has been uneven. Many have seen sharp declines from summer 2025 highs as market cap-to-net asset value ratios compressed.

Strategy itself is down about 64% from its peak and currently trades at an mNAV of roughly 0.83, meaning its shares are valued below the net worth of its Bitcoin holdings.

Saylor has previously addressed this risk. He said last year that Strategy’s capital structure could withstand a 90% decline in Bitcoin’s price over four to five years, citing the mix of convertible debt, equity, and preferred instruments. However, he also cautioned that shareholders could face significant losses if such a scenario occurred.

Recent Market Movement

In recent trading, Strategy’s stock fell 3.52% over five days, closing Wednesday at $158.45. Bitcoin also declined during the same period, slipping about 2%. As of this writing, the cryptocurrency was trading near $88,103.

Taken together, Saylor’s comments and Strategy’s latest filing present a unified message. The company continues to expand its Bitcoin holdings while publicly reinforcing a custody model built on direct ownership, verification, and long-term conviction.

Is Cardano Moment Finally Coming? Analyst Flags Key Catalysts Ahead

0

A prominent crypto analyst says Cardano (ADA) could be gearing up for a major move as early as February 2026.

So far in 2026, Cardano has mirrored the broader market’s downturn. Despite a brief early rally, ADA is down about 0.6% year-to-date, trading near $0.35. However, analysts now expect a potential rebound, citing several emerging catalysts, particularly a recent hint from Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson. 

Key Points 

  • Despite the weak price action, analysts believe February could mark a turning point for ADA. 
  • Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson teased that February will be a “crazy” month.  
  • While crypto’s institutional adoption centers on Ethereum, analysts believe Cardano will soon have its own institutional moment. 
  • Growing U.S. regulatory clarity strengthens the broader bullish case for crypto. 

Cardano Is Preparing for a Major Breakout 

According to Altcoin Daily’s Aaron Arnold, Cardano may be on the verge of a major breakout as February approaches. He bases this view on recent hints from founder Charles Hoskinson and a shifting institutional crypto landscape. 

Specifically, Hoskinson recently teased that February will be a “crazy” month, pointing to multiple undisclosed developments. Arnold interprets this as a signal of a significant announcement tied to adoption, partnerships, or regulation. 

Institutional Adoption for Cardano Imminent? 

Meanwhile, Arnold noted that Wall Street is consolidating around Ethereum, driven by Fidelity’s stablecoin launch, roughly $400 billion in on-chain assets, and Ethereum hosting about 65% of global stablecoins. 

Despite this, Arnold suggests Cardano could soon have its moment, especially if Hoskinson’s teased developments translate into real-world adoption.

Additionally, improving U.S. regulatory clarity adds to the bullish case. With the GENIUS Act already signed into law, attention has shifted to the Market Clarity Act.

Citing a Reuters report, Arnold said the White House plans to host banking and crypto executives on Monday, February 2, to discuss a path forward for the stalled Clarity Act bill. 

Although the bill passed the House last year, it hit a major setback in the Senate this month after Coinbase and other crypto projects withdrew support over its stablecoin provisions. 

However, if the White House meeting proves productive, industry players could re-endorse the legislation and help advance it through the Senate. If enacted, Hoskinson argues the bill could draw more institutional investors into crypto, potentially lifting the crypto market cap to $10 trillion. 

Hoskinson Sees 2026 as a Strong Year 

Although Hoskinson has not detailed what to expect next month, he has remained bullish on 2026 since last year. For Cardano, he said the network will roll out the Leios scalability solution this year, while the Midnight project is expected to attract new partners as it approaches its mainnet launch. Notably, the Midnight Foundation recently secured a deal to power privacy-focused AI agents on Telegram.

In addition, Hoskinson plans to ramp up development around Bitcoin and XRP DeFi, which he believes could benefit Cardano’s ecosystem.

However, there is no guarantee that ADA will respond positively to these outcomes. As critics often note, bullish projections do not always translate into price gains. At press time, ADA trades near $0.35, down 1.51% in the past 24 hours and 4.33% over the past week.

Solana Price Outlook for Jan 28: SOL Holds Key Support But Can it Break the Resistance at $128?

0

Solana has held key support and is testing crucial resistance levels, with traders closely monitoring for a potential breakout to higher levels.

For perspective, Solana (SOL) has experienced a positive 2.8% increase in the past 24 hours, now attempting to recover some of last week’s losses. The price ranged between a low of $123.05 and a high of $127.51 during this period, showing a clear upward movement. 

In the past 7 days, however, Solana has seen a 0.2% decline, reflecting a slight loss in momentum over the past week. In the last 30 days, SOL has shown a modest increase of 1.2%, indicating some positive momentum, while the token is down 46.6% year-on-year.

Despite these longer-term challenges, the recent 24-hour surge has lifted Solana’s market capitalization to $71.98 billion. The price action, though showing recovery in the short term, is still below its recent highs, leaving traders to monitor for any potential breakouts.

Can Solana Break Further Resistance?

On the daily chart, Solana is currently approaching a crucial resistance level around the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement at $128.92. This level is key for the potential continuation of its uptrend, as a sustained breakout here could lead to a move toward higher Fibonacci levels, with $132.63 (0.5 level) and $136.33 (0.382 level) acting as resistance.

Solana 1-Day Price Chart
Solana 1-Day Price Chart

However, if Solana fails to hold its support at $123.65, it could retrace further towards the 1.618 Fibonacci extension at $97.55. The Awesome Oscillator indicator shows a negative reading of 7.73, signaling that bearish momentum is still present.

If the AO starts turning positive with green bars, it could indicate a shift in momentum towards the bullish side. For now, Solana’s ability to hold above $123 and break through resistance at $128 will be crucial in determining whether it can continue its upward movement.

Solana Has Held Key Support

Adding to those levels, expert analyst Ali Martinez recently shared on X that an important support level has been held.

Solana Prediction
Solana Prediction

Martinez mentions that if Solana can break through the $131.45 and $144.62 resistance levels, it could signal a continuation of the upward movement. Notably, to reach $144, SOL’s price would need to change by approximately 13.3% from the current price of $127.

S&P 500 Reaches All-Time High: Will Bitcoin Catch Up?

0

The S&P 500 reached a record 7,000 points for the first time, while Bitcoin is lagging behind.

U.S. stocks are buoyed by AI, strong Big Tech earnings, and hopes for easier monetary policy. Bitcoin is rising too, but more slowly, unlike stocks and gold, which are hitting new highs. This gap raises the question: is Bitcoin lagging for a reason, or gearing up for a delayed surge?

Key Points

  • S&P 500 hits record 7,000, led by AI-driven tech stocks and strong earnings.

  • Gold surges past $5,200 as investors hedge amid an equity rally.

  • Bitcoin rises slowly, up 1.67%, showing stabilization rather than a breakout.

  • Market leadership favors stocks and gold; Bitcoin may see delayed inflows.

Relentless U.S. Stock Rally Fueled by AI and Earnings

The S&P 500’s climb to 7,000 reflects how quickly confidence has returned to U.S. markets. Gains have accelerated in recent years: it took three years to move from 4,000 to 5,000, under a year to reach 6,000, and just months to hit 7,000.

Tech stocks are leading the charge. AI-related companies now make up nearly half of the index, with Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, and chip makers benefiting from rising demand for data centers and AI infrastructure.

Earnings expectations add to the optimism. Analysts forecast S&P 500 profits growing by more than 15% in 2026, with tech profits rising almost three times as fast as the overall market.

Gold Breaks Out as Bitcoin Lags Behind

While stocks hit records, gold has surged past $5,200 per ounce, a rare move alongside rising equities. Gold’s rise reflects continued defensive demand, with central banks buying and investors hedging long-term risks even as they remain in growth assets.

Bitcoin is following a different path. BTC bounced toward the $90,000 range earlier today but has settled slightly lower at press time, remaining up 1.67% on the day.

In previous cycles, Bitcoin’s price often led during periods of renewed risk appetite. This time, leadership belongs to traditional assets.

Why Bitcoin Is Falling Behind for Now

Several factors explain why Bitcoin is playing catch-up rather than charging ahead.

First, liquidity remains tighter than in prior bull cycles. While rate cuts are expected in the coming years, the Federal Reserve remains cautious, and risk capital is not flowing indiscriminately.

Second, Bitcoin’s role as a high-beta asset works against it when investors favor earnings visibility and balance sheet strength.

Third, gold is absorbing much of the “monetary hedge” demand that Bitcoin typically attracts. With geopolitical risks, currency weakness, and central bank buying in focus, gold currently looks like the safer hedge.

Historically, Bitcoin tends to lag at the start of risk cycles and accelerates later when liquidity improves. If rate-cut expectations grow and capital moves out of crowded stocks, Bitcoin could see delayed inflows.

For now, its underperformance is not necessarily a sign of weakness. It reflects where investors feel safest taking risks today.

Could Ethereum Pull Off a 4x Rally in Six Months?

0

Ethereum is forming a price structure against Bitcoin similar to what it saw eight years ago, and a full mirror could significantly impact its price.

Notably, this pattern has four phases, of which the ETH/BTC pair is in the third phase. Historically, what comes after the current phase is a parabolic expansion to unprecedented prices.

Key Points

  • Ethereum is forming a price structure against Bitcoin similar to that seen eight years ago, and a full mirror could significantly impact its price.
  • This pattern has four phases, of which the ETH/BTC pair is in the third phase.
  • If history repeats, the structure could spark a three- to fourfold rally in Ethereum over the next six months.
  • This does not mean Bitcoin will correct; it simply means it could consolidate or grow slightly while ETH pumps

Ethereum Following Clear Pattern

Market enthusiast “Leshka.eth” shared an analysis on the development pattern that Ethereum is following against Bitcoin. This has persisted since 2018, with ETH entering different phases in a setup that could have bullish consequences when fully formed.

The pattern starts with the consolidation phase, in which the ETH/BTC pair consolidated after a dump from its June 2017 all-time high of 0.156. This lasted until early 2021, when it broke out to reach a high of 0.088 in December 2021.

After this, the accumulation phase kicked in. Ethereum consolidated within a descending channel for over four years, breaking out from the wedge following its August 2025 rally. Currently, the ETH/BTC pair is in the retest phase. Historically, this is the penultimate stage and precedes the “rally” phase.

Repeating Pattern on the ETH/BTC Chart
Repeating Pattern on the ETH/BTC Chart

History Could Repeat

Notably, this clearly follows a pattern that played out between 2015 and 2018. Ethereum followed the same pattern of consolidation, accumulation, retest, and expansion, and the analyst highlighted that it took the coin from $56 to $1,151.

Leshka.eth argued that this could spark a three- to fourfold rally in Ethereum over the next six months. He emphasized that it is difficult to believe even for himself, but the developing pattern “screams about it.”

However, he spotted a few differences between the last time the pattern formed and now. First, he noted that the accumulation phase lasted longer than the previous one.

He also mentioned that institutions have now entered the game, staking billions worth of Ethereum. Additionally, there is a massive shortage of Ether on centralized exchanges, proving a more bullish case for Ethereum.

Caveat to Note

According to him, he is generally bearish on Ethereum but sees the possibility of this playing out. Notably, if it does, Ethereum could rally extensively against Bitcoin. This does not mean Bitcoin will correct; it simply means it could consolidate or grow slightly while ETH pumps.

However, there is still no guarantee of this. While the ETH/BTC pair has shown signs of life this week, it would need to sustain this trend beyond a short-term move to make this feasible.

Ex-PayPal Executive Says Bitcoin Is Superior to Gold, Sees $1.5M BTC at Market-Cap Parity

0

Former PayPal President David Marcus argues that Bitcoin is a superior store of value, while gold offers greater practical utility.

In a recent commentary, Marcus reinforced the “digital gold” narrative, suggesting that Bitcoin brings added functionality compared to gold. His comparison has reignited debate among financial enthusiasts over which asset ultimately holds the upper hand. 

Key Points 

  • Former PayPal President David Marcus says Bitcoin is superior to gold as a store of value. 
  • A key advantage cited is Bitcoin’s 12-word seed phrase, which can secure and provide access to vast wealth. 
  • If Bitcoin reaches gold’s market cap, Marcus estimates BTC could trade between $1.1 million and $1.5 million. 
  • Critics disagree wth the bold price forecast. 

Bitcoin Maintains an Edge Over Gold

David Marcus argues that Bitcoin’s design gives it a clear advantage over gold in today’s financial system. While gold remains a traditional store of value, he notes that its physical form limits portability and efficiency. In contrast, Bitcoin enables fast, seamless transactions in a digital economy.

Moreover, he highlights Bitcoin’s ability to secure and transfer vast wealth using a simple 12-word seed phrase, calling it a remarkable breakthrough. This structure allows users to store and move value without physical assets or intermediaries.

Bitcoin’s Price Potential 

Building on this view, he outlines Bitcoin’s upside potential by referencing gold’s market cap. He estimates that if Bitcoin reaches parity with gold, its price could range between $1.1 million and $1.5 million per BTC. Although he offered no timeline, he stressed that such a valuation is ultimately inevitable. 

Meanwhile, Marcus’s bold projection has sparked widespread debate, with market participants questioning whether Bitcoin can realistically reach the $1.5 million mark in its lifetime. Supporters argue that long-term scarcity math alone supports the valuation, citing Bitcoin’s fixed supply as a powerful structural driver.

Additionally, some say Marcus’s background lends weight to the thesis, suggesting that when builders of legacy payment systems speak with conviction, Bitcoin’s repricing moves beyond speculation.

However, critics pushed back on the lack of detail behind the forecast. They argue that price targets are easy to declare, but the real challenge lies in outlining a credible adoption curve, supportive macro conditions, and a clear timeframe. Without those factors, they warn, such projections risk sounding more like hallucination than disciplined risk analysis.

Gold Outperforms Bitcoin YTD

In the meantime, gold continues its strong bullish run. The rally, which began last year, has pushed gold to repeated all-time highs in recent days. Now trading around $5,266, gold is up 21.7% year-to-date and 92.18% over the past year.

Conversely, Bitcoin has delivered a modest 1.73% gain year-to-date. As a result, despite Marcus’s long-term optimism, some large crypto investors are positioning for gold’s momentum by buying tokenized gold on crypto platforms such as Hyperliquid.

As previously reported, one investor deployed roughly $1.5 million in USDC to acquire tokenized gold (XAUT).

$6T Fidelity to Launch New Stablecoin on Ethereum 

0

Fidelity Investments is entering the stablecoin space with the upcoming launch of the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD) on Ethereum.

The company plans to release the token in early February, representing a major move by one of the world’s largest asset managers into blockchain financial services. The stablecoin market has already grown beyond $308 billion, and Fidelity now plans to secure its place in the growing sector.

The decision follows new regulatory clarity under the GENIUS Act, which sets reserve standards for stablecoins, and positions Fidelity in direct competition with dominant issuers like Circle and Tether in a market now worth over $308 billion. 

Key Points

  • Fidelity will issue FIDD in early February on Ethereum, with one-to-one dollar redemption across its crypto platforms and major exchanges.
  • FIDD targets 24/7 institutional settlement and everyday onchain payments for retail users across DeFi ecosystems.
  • The stablecoin market has surpassed $308 billion, dominated by USDC and USDT, with Tether also launching a new U.S.-focused token called USAT.
  • Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo, have launched or piloted stablecoin projects since 2025.
  • Global banks such as Société Générale, Standard Chartered, ANZ Bank, and a European consortium plan or operate stablecoins.

Designed for Fast Payments and Continuous Settlement

Notably, Fidelity Digital Assets, Fidelity’s federally chartered national bank subsidiary, will issue FIDD on the Ethereum blockchain. 

Users will be able to exchange the token one-to-one for U.S. dollars through Fidelity Digital Assets, the Fidelity Crypto app, and Fidelity Crypto for Wealth Managers. Fidelity also intends to list the stablecoin on major crypto exchanges to broaden access. Fidelity built FIDD to support everyday payments and high-volume institutional settlement. 

Mike O’Reilly, president of Fidelity Digital Assets, explained that the stablecoin naturally expands the company’s digital asset offerings. He noted that clients increasingly want faster, cheaper, and more efficient blockchain-based payment tools, making a dollar-backed token a logical plan.

Regulatory Clarity

The recently passed GENIUS Act created the legal foundation for Fidelity’s launch by setting clear rules for stablecoin reserves. The law requires issuers to back tokens with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term U.S. Treasury securities, and Fidelity structured FIDD to meet those standards.

Fidelity will post daily reserve figures and token supply updates on its website and publish regular third-party audits to confirm full backing. 

Fidelity Management & Research will manage the reserves internally. While Ethereum will become the starting point, the company has already said it may expand FIDD to other blockchains or layer-two networks in the future.

Challenging an Industry Dominated by Crypto Firms

Fidelity now competes directly with long-established stablecoin issuers such as Circle, which runs USDC, and Tether, which issues USDT. Together, these two companies control most of the $308 billion stablecoin market. Tether recently announced its own push into the U.S. market through a new dollar-backed token called USAT.

O’Reilly added that launching a proprietary stablecoin allows Fidelity to develop a broader range of blockchain financial services. He stressed that FIDD represents core infrastructure that will support future onchain products built by Fidelity and external partners.

U.S. Banks Ramp Up Stablecoin Efforts

Notably, Fidelity joins a wave of traditional U.S. financial institutions that have launched or explored stablecoins since 2025. 

For instance, JPMorgan Chase introduced JPMD in June 2025 on Coinbase’s Base network to enable continuous institutional settlement and interest-bearing tokenized deposits, building on its earlier JPM Coin. Last February, Bank of America hinted at plans to launch a stablecoin.

Also, Citibank revealed in July 2025 that it is developing its own stablecoin project. At the same time, JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo have discussed a joint stablecoin project since May 2025.

Global Banks Follow the Same Path

Across Europe, major banks have also embraced stablecoin development. Société Générale launched USD CoinVertible in June 2025 on Ethereum and Solana. Meanwhile, a European joint venture called Qivalis, formed by ten banks including ING, UniCredit, BNP Paribas, plans to introduce a euro-backed stablecoin in H2 2026.

Additionally, Standard Chartered partnered with Animoca Brands and Hong Kong Telecom in February 2025 to issue a Hong Kong dollar stablecoin under Hong Kong’s regulatory sandbox. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank continues exploring a euro-backed token under Europe’s regulatory framework.

Industry Leaders See Massive Growth Ahead

Crypto leaders increasingly expect the stablecoin market to grow exponentially in the future. For one, Raoul Pal of Real Vision called stablecoins a defining theme for 2026 during Binance Blockchain Week in December 2025.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire predicted in January 2026 that regulated stablecoins could grow about 40% annually and surpass $1 trillion in market value before the decade ends. Galaxy Research presented a similar outlook in December 2025, forecasting that stablecoin transactions could exceed the volume of the U.S. ACH payment system by the end of 2026.

Crypto Payment Adoption Hits 40% Among US Merchants, PayPal Survey Shows

0

Cryptocurrency is steadily becoming part of everyday commerce in the United States, with a growing number of merchants now accepting digital assets at checkout.

Key Points

  • About 40% of U.S. merchants accept cryptocurrency payments.
  • Nearly 90% of merchants say customers have asked to pay with crypto.
  • 32% of mid-sized businesses accept cryptocurrency payments.
  • 34% of small businesses accept cryptocurrency payments.
  • 84% of merchants expect crypto to become a mainstream payment method within five years.

Crypto Payments Gain Rapid Traction Across U.S. Merchants

A survey cited by PayPal, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association, found that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. merchants already accept cryptocurrency payments.

Even more striking, almost 90% of merchants reported that customers have asked about paying with crypto. Together, these findings suggest that consumer awareness and demand are central to shaping merchants’ payment strategies.

The survey, conducted in October, included responses from 619 professionals responsible for payment strategies across various industries. According to PayPal, the results indicate that cryptocurrency is no longer on the fringes of commerce. Instead, it is increasingly becoming a relevant and legitimate alternative to traditional payment methods.

May Zabaneh, PayPal’s vice president and general manager, said businesses are responding directly to shifting customer expectations. She noted that shoppers increasingly want faster, more flexible ways to pay, and that many merchants recognize the value of crypto once it is introduced as an option.

Business Size Influences the Pace of Adoption

While crypto adoption is expanding, it remains uneven across the market. Large enterprises continue to lead, supported by greater technical resources and operational capacity. Still, smaller companies are beginning to close the gap.

Survey data shows that 32% of mid-sized businesses and 34% of small firms now accept cryptocurrency payments, underscoring that digital assets are no longer confined to major corporations. Well-known brands such as Walmart, Starbucks, and Home Depot are among the large US companies that already support crypto transactions.

In addition, acceptance is translating into real-world usage. Among merchants that offer crypto payments, these transactions account for roughly 26% of total sales, indicating that customers are actively choosing digital currencies when given the opportunity.

Younger Shoppers and Select Industries Lead Usage

Demographics play a significant role in shaping adoption patterns. PayPal’s analysis shows that Millennials and Gen Z shoppers are the most comfortable using cryptocurrency for everyday purchases, as their familiarity with digital tools accelerates usage at checkout.

Younger Shoppers Lead Usage
Younger Shoppers Lead Usage

Furthermore, industry trends highlight where crypto is gaining the most traction. Hospitality and travel, digital goods, and gaming are emerging as leading sectors for crypto payments. These industries often benefit from faster settlement times and more flexible payment systems, making digital assets particularly attractive.

Emerging Sectors for Crypto Payments
Emerging Sectors for Crypto Payments

Complexity Remains the Main Barrier

Despite strong interest from both merchants and consumers, challenges remain. PayPal pointed to payment infrastructure as one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption, noting that many businesses still find crypto systems difficult to understand or integrate.

In fact, the survey reinforces this concern: nearly 90% of merchants said they would consider accepting cryptocurrency if it were as easy to use as traditional card payments. This suggests that the primary obstacle is implementation, not a lack of demand.

Stu Alderoty, president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, echoed this view, arguing that understanding—not enthusiasm—is the real challenge. He stated that simplifying payment tools could unlock wider merchant participation.

To address these concerns, PayPal introduced a crypto checkout feature in July 2025, enabling US merchants to accept payments in over 100 different cryptocurrencies. The company sees this move as a step toward reducing complexity and accelerating adoption.

Looking ahead, confidence in crypto payments remains strong. According to the survey cited by PayPal, 84% of merchants expect cryptocurrency to become a mainstream payment option within the next five years. If infrastructure continues to improve, digital assets may soon become a standard feature at checkout counters across the United States.

Ripple Launches Corporate Treasury Solution Integrating GTreasury Technology

0

Ripple has launched a new corporate treasury platform aimed at large institutions, signaling a deeper move into enterprise finance.

The product, called Ripple Treasury, combines blockchain-based payments with traditional cash management tools, the company said in a blog post published Tuesday.

Key Points

  • Ripple Treasury manages both traditional currencies and digital assets within a single platform.
  • The platform integrates core treasury functions, including cross-border payments, liquidity management, and asset reconciliation.
  • GTreasury, acquired by Ripple for $1 billion in October 2025, is integrated into the platform.
  • Cross-border transactions using Ripple Treasury can settle in three to five seconds via the RLUSD stablecoin.

Bringing Cash and Digital Assets Into One System

At its core, Ripple Treasury is designed to manage both traditional currencies and digital assets within a single platform. Ripple noted that many enterprises still rely on disconnected systems, which can increase risk and delay critical treasury operations.

To address this, the platform consolidates core functions, including cross-border payments, liquidity management, and asset reconciliation. Ripple said finance teams frequently depend on spreadsheets and manual workflows, especially when overseeing both fiat and crypto holdings.

Ripple Treasury replaces those processes with direct software integrations. According to the company, the platform offers a unified dashboard and uses application programming interfaces (APIs) to treat digital asset platforms much like traditional banks.

GTreasury Integration Signals Strategic Shift

The launch also represents Ripple’s first significant product integration since its acquisition of GTreasury. The Chicago-based treasury software firm was acquired for $1 billion in October 2025.

At the time, Renaat Ver Eecke, CEO of GTreasury, called the agreement a milestone in the evolution of corporate treasury management. Ripple now frames the combined platform as a response to long-standing inefficiencies faced by enterprise finance teams operating across multiple systems.

Faster Settlement and Improved Liquidity Access

A central feature of Ripple Treasury is faster international settlement. The company said cross-border transactions can be completed in three to five seconds using its RLUSD stablecoin. By comparison, traditional payment systems often require several business days.

Beyond faster payments, Ripple emphasized that the GTreasury integration is designed to expand access to short-term liquidity markets. That capability is expected to be supported through Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm Ripple acquired last year for $1.25 billion.

Ripple said the Hidden Road acquisition enables corporate clients to deploy idle cash more efficiently without disrupting existing treasury controls. Both Ripple and GTreasury added that customers will be able to maintain established governance, compliance, and reporting standards while improving liquidity management.

Regulatory Momentum Supports Global Rollout

The platform’s debut comes as Ripple continues to gain traction in regulated markets. Earlier this month, the firm gained authorization from the UK’s financial watchdog to operate as an Electronic Money Institution. Subsequently, it secured registration to conduct crypto asset activities.

In addition, Ripple has received in-principle approval for a comparable license in Luxembourg, a move that supports its plans to broaden payment offerings throughout Europe.

In July 2025, Ripple applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to obtain a national banking license in the United States. The move aligns with a broader trend among crypto firms toward deeper integration with traditional financial systems.

Long-Term Strategy Beyond Payments

Ripple’s expansion efforts extend beyond Europe and North America. The company has secured regulatory approvals in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In line with this development, it has partnered with regional players, including Zand Bank and Mamo, according to recent disclosures.

Looking ahead, Ripple is evaluating whether to introduce staking on the XRP Ledger, a move that could broaden the network’s role in decentralized finance.

Despite its growing global footprint, Ripple has said it does not plan to pursue an initial public offering. Instead, the company has pointed to a strong balance sheet and a continued focus on acquisitions and product development as it builds out its institutional offerings.