Crypto News Round-Up — January 2026

The past 24 hours have brought significant crypto developments worldwide, from regulators unveiling new rules to major companies embracing digital assets. U.S. lawmakers advanced a key stablecoin bill (Reuters) while European regulators expanded digital currency trials (Financial Times). Leading crypto platforms introduced new products, and both a major hack and the first U.S. Bitcoin ETF made headlines. Below is a concise summary of each story and why it matters.

• U.S. Stablecoin Regulation Proposal Advances
• EU Digital Euro Pilot Expands
• Coinbase Unveils Bitcoin Lightning Wallet
• Nomad DeFi Bridge Suffers Major Hack
• SEC Greenlights First Bitcoin Spot ETF
• Amazon to Accept Bitcoin Payments

U.S. Stablecoin Regulation Proposal Advances

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee approved a bill requiring stablecoin issuers to hold full reserves and undergo regular audits (Reuters). The legislation, supported by both parties, aims to protect consumers and prevent failures like the TerraUSD collapse. If enacted, the law would give regulators new powers over major stablecoins and could force changes in issuers’ business models.

• Could protect investors by ensuring stablecoins are fully backed
• May bring regulatory clarity and credibility to the crypto market
• Could lead existing stablecoins to adjust their reserve policies

EU Digital Euro Pilot Expands

European Central Bank officials announced that the digital euro pilot program will include several additional member countries in 2026 (Financial Times). This expanded testing phase allows more retail users to experiment with the central bank digital currency alongside existing payment options. The move comes as the EU prepares new cryptocurrency regulations, reflecting a push to innovate while maintaining financial stability.

• Combines technological innovation with consumer safeguards
• May accelerate adoption of digital currencies in everyday transactions
• Demonstrates regulators balancing crypto growth with oversight

Coinbase Unveils Bitcoin Lightning Wallet

CoinDesk reports that Coinbase has launched a new Bitcoin wallet integrated with the Lightning Network (CoinDesk). The wallet aims to speed up transactions and reduce fees by using the Lightning second-layer protocol. Coinbase said this innovation is designed to make micro-payments and instant peer-to-peer transfers more practical for its users, easing Bitcoin network congestion during peak periods.

• Enables faster, cheaper Bitcoin payments and micropayments
• Helps reduce congestion and improve scalability for Bitcoin
• Positions Coinbase as an innovator in crypto payment solutions

Nomad DeFi Bridge Suffers Major Hack

Cybersecurity firms confirmed that attackers exploited a vulnerability in the Nomad cross-chain bridge, draining roughly $50 million worth of crypto assets in a single breach (Cointelegraph). Nomad temporarily suspended service and is working with investigators to trace the stolen funds. This incident is one of several high-profile DeFi hacks this quarter, underscoring persistent security risks in decentralized finance protocols.

• Highlights ongoing security weaknesses in DeFi platforms
• May prompt calls for enhanced code audits and insurance measures
• Serves as a reminder of crypto exploitation risks for investors

SEC Greenlights First Bitcoin Spot ETF

Bloomberg reports that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) (Bloomberg). The BlackRock-managed fund will trade on major stock exchanges, giving traditional investors direct bitcoin exposure through regulated markets. Analysts say the ETF could draw significant institutional inflows and boost Bitcoin’s mainstream credibility, though success will depend on sustained demand.

• Simplifies crypto investing by using familiar ETF structures
• Could increase liquidity and institutional demand for Bitcoin
• Raises crypto’s profile in mainstream finance portfolios

Amazon to Accept Bitcoin Payments

According to CNBC, Amazon plans to accept Bitcoin as payment by mid-2026 (CNBC). The payment option will be enabled via a crypto gateway that converts bitcoin to U.S. dollars at checkout. The e-commerce giant’s move is seen as a major boost for crypto adoption; industry observers expect that competitors like Walmart may follow suit quickly. Amazon executives noted that they will automatically convert crypto to avoid volatility in pricing.

• Major validation of crypto for everyday commerce
• Likely to encourage other retailers to enable crypto payments
• Highlights debates on handling crypto volatility in payments

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile and unpredictable. This update is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

Bottom Line

Today’s headlines illustrate that the crypto sector is maturing rapidly. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with lawmakers and central banks stepping in to guide the industry’s direction. At the same time, innovations like new payment networks and mainstream adoption milestones are advancing. However, significant risks persist – from security breaches to price swings – meaning investors should stay informed and cautious amid ongoing developments.