Daily Crypto Briefing – December 30, 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, crypto markets show mixed signals with regulatory developments and platform launches dominating headlines. Here's your comprehensive roundup of the past 24 hours.

Top Stories

Lighter DEX Token Launch Sparks User Issues

The Defiant reports that users are experiencing withdrawal problems following the surprise launch of Lighter's LIT token. The perpetual DEX's native token went live during late Eastern hours, catching many traders unprepared and leading to technical difficulties on the platform.

Crypto ATMs Face Mounting Scrutiny

Decrypt's comprehensive review reveals that Bitcoin and crypto ATMs encountered heightened regulatory pressure throughout 2025. Authorities and lawmakers intensified efforts to combat a growing number of scams associated with these machines, marking a challenging year for the sector.

Privacy Coins Outperform in Dismal Q4

Cointelegraph analysis shows privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Zcash demonstrated relative strength during an otherwise weak fourth quarter. This outperformance suggests defensive positioning as markets absorbed broader structural stress and losses.

Robinhood vs. Coinbase Competition Heats Up

Bankless explores the intensifying rivalry between consumer trading platforms as both companies race to become comprehensive cross-asset super apps. The competition is driving feature development and expansion strategies heading into 2026.

Regulation

• Grayscale Files Bittensor ETF Application: CryptoBriefing reports that Grayscale submitted an initial S-1 filing for a Bittensor ETF, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of decentralized AI technologies.
• Russia Proposes Mining Penalties: CryptoBriefing notes that Russia's Ministry of Justice has proposed prison sentences for unauthorized crypto miners, potentially impacting global mining operations.
• South Korea Delays Digital Asset Law: CoinJournal explains that South Korea postponed its Digital Asset Basic Law to 2026 amid regulatory disputes over stablecoin oversight authority.
• SEC Official Retires: The Block reports that Cicely LaMothe, deputy director of Corporation Finance who helped shape crypto guidance, is retiring after 24 years.

Markets

• Bitcoin Struggles Near $89K: CoinDesk notes Bitcoin showed rare gains in U.S. trading, rising above $89,000, though open interest data suggests short-covering rather than fresh buying.
• Whale Increases Short Positions: CryptoBriefing reports a major whale expanded leveraged short positions to $169 million across BTC, ETH, and SOL, potentially signaling declining market confidence.
• TRX Eyes Gains: CoinJournal highlights TRON's price traded above $0.28 amid an $18 million backing from Justin Sun, showing resilience as other top coins struggled.
• Long-term BTC Holders Pause Selling: CoinDesk analysis shows long-term Bitcoin holders have eased selling pressure after months of steady reductions, while Ethereum whales increased buying.

DeFi

• VOOI Adopts Chainlink Standard: CryptoBriefing reports that YZi Labs-backed DEX VOOI integrated Chainlink's cross-chain token standard to enhance secure transfers and interoperability.
• Unleash Protocol Exploited: CoinDesk details a $3.9 million governance exploit on the intellectual property platform, with stolen funds later routed through Tornado Cash.
• Ethereum Contract Deployments Hit Record: Cointelegraph notes that Ethereum saw 8.7 million smart contracts deployed in Q4, driven by tokenized assets, stablecoins, and infrastructure development.

Corporate Moves

• Metaplanet Buys More Bitcoin: CoinDesk reports the company purchased 4,279 Bitcoin, bringing total holdings to 35,102 BTC while generating $55 million in annual revenue from its Bitcoin income business.
• Cypherpunk Accumulates Zcash: Cointelegraph details the Winklevoss-backed treasury company's $29 million Zcash purchase, seeking to capture 5% of the privacy coin's total supply.
• Prenetics Abandons Bitcoin Strategy: CoinDesk notes the David Beckham-backed health sciences company ended its Bitcoin purchasing program as crypto market cap continues declining.

Quick Hits

• BlackRock's BUIDL fund passes $2 billion in assets and hits $100 million in dividends
• XRP supply on exchanges hits 8-year lows, potentially setting up supply-shock rally
• Stablecoins [reach $314