Crypto News Round-Up — January 2026

This round-up covers major cryptocurrency news from the past 24 hours. Headlines include U.S. legislative action on crypto, Hong Kong’s stablecoin rules, a DeFi exploit, and big moves by companies in the crypto space. Market watchers are seeing a mix of regulatory advances and lingering security risks as 2026 begins.

• U.S. Senate advances crypto regulatory bill
• Hong Kong pushes for stablecoin licenses
• DeFi protocol suffers exploit
• Binance wins Swiss exchange license
• Visa to launch U.S. dollar stablecoin
• BlackRock files for Ethereum ETF

U.S. Senate advances crypto regulatory bill

The U.S. Senate’s Agriculture Committee approved the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act (DCIA) by a narrow 12-11 party-line vote on January 29, 2026. Sponsored by Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), the bill would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) primary authority over spot trading of major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and impose new registration, disclosure, and customer-protection rules on exchanges, brokers, and custodians. It also clearly defines “digital commodities,” provides safeguards for software developers, and allocates funding for expanded CFTC oversight. This is the first time crypto market-structure legislation has moved out of a Senate committee, building on last year’s House-passed CLARITY Act (CoinReporter).

Why it matters:

• Breaking new ground: First crypto market bill to clear a Senate committee, signaling that Congress is focusing on digital assets.
• Shifts oversight: Places crypto spot-market oversight under the CFTC, creating clearer rules for investors and firms.
• Partisan indicator: Passed strictly on party lines, highlighting political divisions on cryptocurrency policy.

Hong Kong pushes for stablecoin licenses

Hong Kong is fast-tracking its cryptocurrency framework as it aims to become a regional crypto hub. Under a new Stablecoins Ordinance, regulators plan to issue their first official stablecoin licenses in early 2026. City officials are also piloting tokenized real-world asset projects and exploring AI-driven fintech to spur innovation. With plans for regulated spot crypto ETFs and licensed trading platforms, Hong Kong’s approach contrasts sharply with mainland China’s crackdown and is meant to attract institutional investment under clear rules (CoinReporter).

Why it matters:

• Stablecoin oversight: Licensing stablecoins could boost confidence and transparency in digital currencies.
• Gateway to Asia: Hong Kong’s strategy positions it as an Asian crypto gateway.
• Institutional on-ramp: Plans for ETFs and exchanges may draw both institutional and retail investors into regulated markets.

DeFi protocol suffers exploit

A decentralized finance platform was hit by a high-profile security breach this week, underscoring ongoing risks. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in the AlphaSwap protocol (an Ethereum-based DEX), silently draining an estimated $45 million in ether and tokens from the system. The AlphaSwap team confirmed the attack and said it is working with blockchain security firms to investigate the breach (Cointelegraph).

Why it matters:

• Security risks: This exploit highlights how smart contract bugs can lead to massive losses in DeFi.
• User impact: Unlike banks, crypto users generally have no insurance for stolen funds, so hacks can devastate investor portfolios.
• Regulatory focus: Such high losses may prompt regulators to consider stricter security standards and oversight for DeFi services.

Binance wins Swiss exchange license

In market infrastructure news, global exchange Binance has won formal permission to operate in Switzerland. Swiss regulators granted Binance a crypto exchange license, allowing it to run trading and custody services under Swiss financial laws. This approval from Switzerland’s financial watchdog reflects the country’s willingness to accommodate cryptocurrency firms within its regulatory framework (Reuters).

Why it matters:

• Legitimacy boost: A Swiss license gives Binance a strong legal footing in a major financial center.
• Regulatory precedent: Signals that crypto firms can meet traditional finance standards when they follow the rules.
• Competitive environment: May encourage other countries to clarify crypto rules and attract blockchain investment.

Visa to launch U.S. dollar stablecoin

Payments giant Visa is moving deeper into crypto payments. According to Reuters, Visa plans to introduce its own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin on the blockchain, aimed at speeding up cross-border transactions. The initiative (still in development) would allow Visa’s network to settle international remittances instantly using the company’s new digital dollar (Reuters).

Why it matters:

• Faster cross-border payments: A Visa stablecoin could dramatically speed up international transfers for businesses and consumers.
• Bridging crypto and finance: Demonstrates how established payment networks are integrating blockchain technology.
• Stablecoin demand: By launching its own digital dollar, Visa could boost overall use of fiat-backed crypto assets.

BlackRock files for Ethereum ETF

Asset manager BlackRock has filed to launch a U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the price of Ethereum, Bloomberg reports. This spot Ethereum ETF would allow investors to gain Ether exposure through a regulated fund, much like existing Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock’s entry into the Ethereum ETF market—after its successful Bitcoin fund—signals strong institutional interest and confidence in cryptocurrency products (Bloomberg).

Why it matters:

• Institutional adoption: A BlackRock Ethereum ETF could open crypto investing to more traditional portfolio managers and funds.
• Market expansion: Approval would likely drive more capital into Ether, potentially affecting its liquidity.
• Legitimacy signal: High-profile involvement from BlackRock adds mainstream credibility to the crypto asset class.

Reminder: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile. This round-up is informational only and not investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any financial decisions.

Bottom Line

This week’s news highlights both growing mainstream engagement with crypto and persistent risks. U.S. lawmakers and regulators are moving to set firm rules, while global firms like Visa and BlackRock roll out crypto solutions. At the same time, the recent DeFi hack and ongoing volatility remind investors that caution is still warranted. In this evolving environment, participants should stay informed on policy changes and protect themselves against sudden market swings.