Viewpoint: Bitcoin-to-Gold Exchange Rate Hits 15, BTC to Enter Ultimate Value Range

On January 29, Bybit CEO Ben Zhou said the crypto exchange plans to launch IBAN-based fiat accounts as early as February, supporting 18 fiat currencies. The move marks Bybit’s accelerated transition from a crypto exchange to a full-service financial provider with neobank capabilities. According to reports, the accounts will launch under the “MyBank” brand and be issued via partner institutions like Pave Bank (a licensed bank in Georgia, U.S.). Users will receive a personal IBAN for cross-border payments, transfers, and free fiat-crypto conversions—with U.S. dollars (USD) as the initial priority before expanding to other currencies. Related services require KYC compliance checks from Bybit and its partner banks, and the launch timeline hinges on regulatory approval progress. Zhou also noted that Bybit is developing real-world asset (RWA) tokenization custody products for banks and large institutions. The firm is evaluating U.S. market expansion and the potential for future U.S. li

Cointelegraph reported on January 29 that data shows the number of validator nodes on the Solana network has dropped sharply—from a March 2023 high of 2,560 to the current 795, a 68% decline—sparking market concerns about the network’s decentralization. Industry insiders note that beyond purging “zombie nodes,” the core driver is the ongoing rise in operating costs plus zero-fee competition from large nodes, which is systematically squeezing out small and medium-sized validators. One independent validator operator said many small nodes aren’t bearish on Solana, but the economic model is no longer sustainable: “Without economic viability, decentralization becomes a charitable act.” Meanwhile, Solana’s Nakamoto Coefficient has fallen from 31 to 20 over the same period, a roughly 35% drop—indicating staked SOL control is shifting toward concentration in a handful of large nodes, reducing the network’s decentralization. Cost details include: - A minimum of $49,000 worth of SOL i

January 29th: Per Coinglass data, if Ethereum (ETH) breaks above $3,100, the total short liquidation intensity across major centralized exchanges (CEXs) will hit $1.333 billion. Conversely, if ETH falls below $2,800, the total long liquidation intensity across major CEXs will reach $576 million. BlockBeats Note: Liquidation charts do not display the exact number or value of contracts set to be liquidated. Instead, the bars on these charts represent the relative importance of each liquidation cluster compared to its neighboring clusters—i.e., "intensity." As such, liquidation charts indicate how strongly a target price will be impacted when it hits a given level. A taller "liquidation bar" signals that the price, upon reaching that level, will trigger a more intense reaction due to a liquidity cascade.

Jan. 29 — Cryptocurrency payment firm BCB Group has announced a management reshuffle, with former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tim Renew officially stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the company’s next phase of growth. Co-founder Oliver Tonkin will transition to the newly created position of President, continuing to drive BCB’s strategy, culture, and long-term development. Renew joined BCB Group in 2024 as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) before advancing to COO. During his tenure, the firm expanded internationally, grew transaction volume and revenue, and boosted the share of recurring revenue. BCB Group noted the personnel adjustment comes as it advances regulatory compliance and global expansion. The company recently secured a Canadian license, holds permits in multiple top-tier jurisdictions, and is gearing up for further global growth and a Series B funding round. Positioned as a provider of payment and banking infrastructure bridging traditional

Jan. 29 – Per HyperInsight monitoring, the "Strategy Whale" has opened a $5.2 million long position in silver. The entry price is $117.3474 per ounce, with a liquidation level at $107.3327 per ounce; the position currently holds an unrealized loss of ~$10,000. Additionally, the whale maintains a $7.8 million short position in Dash. Entered at ~$71, Dash’s current price is $57, yielding an unrealized gain of ~$2.1 million.