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Free Bitcoin cloud mining gains traction as users seek low-cost entry into crypto mining.
As Bitcoin mining difficulty continues to fluctuate and hardware costs remain high, more users are searching for free Bitcoin cloud mining without investment as a practical way to enter the crypto economy.
Traditional mining requires ASIC machines, stable electricity, and technical expertise. In contrast, modern cloud mining platforms allow users to access remote mining infrastructure through free bonuses, trial contracts, or no-deposit mining plans, making it possible to earn daily Bitcoin passive income without owning any equipment.
In 2026, increased competition among providers has introduced more accessible entry models, including free mining credits, limited-time contracts, and zero-cost hashpower allocations.
This guide reviews the top 10 free Bitcoin cloud mining platforms, focusing on contract transparency, earning potential, and real mining infrastructure.
1. AngelBTC – Free cloud mining with real contracts and $100 bonus
AngelBTC stands out as one of the most relevant platforms for users searching:
- free Bitcoin cloud mining without investment
- earn Bitcoin daily passive income
- legit cloud mining sites 2026
Unlike simulation-based platforms, AngelBTC connects users to real mining farms powered by renewable energy across Canada, Texas, Norway, and Iceland.
Key Features
- $100 free mining bonus (no deposit required)
- Fixed-term mining contracts with transparent returns
- Daily automated BTC payouts
- Beginner-friendly dashboard with real-time tracking
Example mining contracts
This fixed-return + defined duration model aligns with users seeking predictable crypto passive income.
View Full Contract & Claim $100 Free Hash Power!
2. BitFuFu – Institutional-grade cloud mining access
BitFuFu provides access to large-scale mining infrastructure backed by industrial operations.
Highlights
- Short-term contracts (1–30 days)
- Hashrate-based pricing model
- Daily Bitcoin payouts
Best for users searching:
legit bitcoin cloud mining platform with real contracts
3. ECOS – Regulated cloud mining platform
ECOS operates within a regulated economic zone and offers structured mining solutions.
Features
- Free demo mining contract
- Long-term plans (12–36 months)
- Built-in wallet and mobile app
Ideal for users focused on compliance and long-term stability.
4. StormGain – Free Bitcoin mining simulator
StormGain offers a free mining feature, but it functions more like a simulation.
Limitations
- No real mining contract ownership
- Earnings tied to trading activity
- Limited withdrawal potential
Suitable for beginners testing mining workflows, not for serious income generation.
5. NiceHash – Open hashpower marketplace
NiceHash enables users to buy and sell computing power in a flexible marketplace.
Key Points
- Real-time hashrate pricing
- No fixed returns
- High flexibility
Best for:
- Bitcoin mining without hardware
- Flexible setup
6. Binance Pool – Mining + exchange ecosystem
Binance Pool integrates mining services with trading infrastructure.
Advantages
- Occasional mining bonuses
- Strong global infrastructure
- Competitive fees
Best suited for users already active in crypto trading.
7. BeMine – Shared ASIC mining ownership
BeMine allows users to own fractional shares of ASIC miners.
Features
- Real ASIC hardware participation
- Transparent allocation system
- Daily BTC payouts
Matches keyword intent:
Cloud mining with real ASIC hardware
8. IQMining – Multi-crypto cloud mining contracts
IQMining supports multiple cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin.
Highlights
- BTC, LTC, and other assets
- Flexible contract durations
- Built-in profitability calculator
Suitable for diversified crypto mining strategies.
9. Kryptex – Software-based mining entry
Kryptex uses local computing power rather than cloud infrastructure.
Characteristics
- No upfront investment
- Easy setup
- Lower profitability
More suitable as an entry-level mining experience.
10. Hashing24 – Long-term bitcoin mining contracts
Hashing24 focuses on industrial-grade mining infrastructure.
Features
- Fixed long-term contracts
- Transparent pricing
- Consistent payouts
Ideal for long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategies.
How free Bitcoin cloud mining works
Most platforms offering free bitcoin cloud mining without investment use one of the following models:
- Sign-up bonuses (e.g., $100 mining credit)
- Trial mining contracts
- Free hashpower allocation
These models allow users to test mining performance before upgrading to paid plans.
Is free Bitcoin cloud mining legit in 2026?
Yes — but only when certain conditions are met.
Legitimate platforms typically:
- Provide clear contract terms
- Show transparent payout records
- Explain mining profit calculations
Red flags to avoid:
- Unrealistic guaranteed profits
- No contract transparency
- Lack of verifiable mining infrastructure
Final thoughts
The rise of free Bitcoin cloud mining platforms reflects a broader shift toward accessible crypto income solutions.
Platforms that combine:
- Free entry incentives
- Transparent mining contracts
- Daily payout systems
The best strategy in 2026:
Start with free mining, verify the contract model, then scale gradually.
FAQ – Free Bitcoin Cloud Mining
1. Can someone really earn Bitcoin without investment?
Yes, but typically through free bonuses or trial contracts. Earnings are small unless they upgrade to paid plans.
2. What is the safest cloud mining model?
Fixed contracts with transparent daily returns are generally the most predictable.
3. How do I choose a legit cloud mining platform?
Look for:
- Real mining infrastructure
- Public contract details
- Consistent payout history
4. What are the trending keywords in 2026?
- Fee bitcoin cloud mining without investment
- Earn bitcoin daily passive income
- Legit cloud mining sites 2026
5. Do I need hardware for cloud mining?
No. All mining operations are handled by remote data centers.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.
Bitcoin Depot has named the former CEO of payments giant MoneyGram as its new boss amid mounting regulatory pressure from US states over crypto ATM’s use in scams and money laundering.
The company said on Tuesday that Scott Buchanan had immediately stepped down as CEO, a role he served in for less than three months after starting on Jan. 1. It added in a regulatory filing that his resignation “was not due [to] a disagreement.”
Bitcoin Depot appointed Alex Holmes, who was already a board member, as CEO and chair. He has held various executive roles, including finance chief and CEO, over a 16-year period at MoneyGram, where he focused on regulatory compliance.
“As I step into the role, my priorities are operational stability, regulatory progress, and accelerating the Company’s evolution into a more diversified fintech platform,” Holmes said in a statement.
The leadership shake-up comes as Bitcoin Depot has faced legal and regulatory challenges in multiple US states, as crypto ATM operators come under increased scrutiny over the kiosks’ use in scams and money laundering.
Bitcoin Depot said its founder and former CEO, Brandon Mintz, would also transition from executive chair to a non-executive member of the board and would work as an adviser to Holmes.
Multiple US states take action against Bitcoin Depot
Bitcoin Depot most recently faced state action in Connecticut, whose banking regulator suspended its state money transmission license and issued a temporary cease-and-desist order earlier this month.
The order alleged multiple violations of the state money transmission laws, including excessive fees and incomplete refunds to scam victims.
Bitcoin Depot has also faced action from at least four additional states since early 2025, with Massachusetts’ attorney general suing Bitcoin Depot in early February for allegedly overcharging consumers, knowingly facilitating scams and refusing to issue refunds.
The company paid $1.9 million to Maine’s Consumer Credit Protection Bureau in January to compensate consumers for fraudulent transactions, and Missouri’s attorney general opened an investigation into Bitcoin Depot and four other crypto ATM operators in December over concerns of deceptive fees and use by bad actors.
Related: Crypto ATM losses surge 33% in 2025 as AI superpowers scams: CertiK
Iowa also sued Bitcoin Depot and CoinFlip in February 2025 over alleged failures that allowed scammers to transfer millions of dollars through their kiosks.
Bitcoin Depot had lowered its 2026 outlook in its 2025 results released earlier this month, estimating its revenues would be down 30% to 40% due to a “dynamic regulatory environment.”
Shares in Bitcoin Depot (BTM) ended trading on Wednesday down 6.6% to $2.62, but saw a 4.7% bump after the bell to $2.74.
The stock is down 71% so far this year and has fallen more than 94% from its closing all-time high of $45.36 in mid-June.
Magazine: Bitcoin may take 7 years to upgrade to post-quantum — BIP-360 co-author
BNB price surged back towards $650 as futures traders increasingly bet on further upside for the token.
Summary
- BNB rebounded from $627 to near $650 as improving risk sentiment followed easing U.S.-Iran tensions and a drop in crude oil prices.
- Futures activity strengthened, with open interest rising 6.5% to $923 million and a long-short ratio above 2.21, signaling bullish positioning.
- Technical setup remains positive, with price holding above an ascending trendline and a bullish SMA crossover pointing toward resistance near $685 and potentially $750.
After touching an intraday low of $627 on Sunday, BNB (BNB) price rebounded back to $646 at the last check on Monday morning, March 25.
BNB price rebounded in tandem with the broader crypto market as investor appetite for risk assets improved on hopes of peace between the U.S. and Iran. Notably, crude oil prices fell sharply back below $100 to trade around $87 per barrel as geopolitical tensions eased. Bitcoin (BTC) has climbed back above $71,000 while Ethereum (ETH) approached the $2,200 level.
The traditional market also seemed to catch a bid with Asian stocks, such as Japan’s Nikkei 225, the Hang Seng, and the Shanghai Composite, all posting gains.
On the derivatives market, traders have scaled up their bets on BNB, adding more liquidity to the ecosystem.
CoinGlass data show that open interest for BNB futures has increased by 6.5% to $923 million over the past 24 hours, with a long/short ratio of over 2.21 on the crypto exchange Binance. This indicates that market participants are overwhelmingly positioned for a breakout as bullish conviction reaches its highest point this month.
BNB’s price action on the daily chart presents a bullish outlook for the token over the coming sessions.
BNB price has rebounded above an ascending trendline that has been acting as a dynamic support for the token over multiple weeks. As long as BNB price remains above the support trendline, the overall structure remains firmly in the hands of the buyers.
The trendline forms the lower boundary of an ascending parallel channel pattern, another popular bullish pattern in technical analysis.
Additionally, a look at technical indicators shows that bulls are regaining their momentum and control over the market. Notably, the 20-day SMA has formed a bullish crossover with the 50-day SMA, while the relative strength index is close to breaking above neutral levels to signal that the path of least resistance is now to the upside.
While this still means that volatility could persist, especially if the broader market sentiment improves as further details emerge over the potential peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the outlook is promising.
For now, traders should keep an eye on $685 as the next key resistance level where BNB faced stiff rejection several times during its rally earlier this month.
A breach above the neckline could catapult the price towards the 100-day SMA above $750. On the contrary, if BNB price slips below the $600 support, it could invalidate the current bullish thesis and lead to a retest of lower demand zones.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Enlivex has raised $21 million through a debt financing deal as it expands its treasury tied to the prediction market token Rain.
Summary
- Enlivex used debt funding to buy 3 billion more RAIN tokens at a 62% discount.
- The company also extended rights to buy 272.1 billion more RAIN tokens through December 2027.
- RAIN stayed mostly flat, while Enlivex shares dipped in regular trading and rose after hours.
The immunotherapy company said the new funding will support its operating plan and help it buy more RAIN tokens while extending its purchase option through December 2027.
Enlivex said it exercised an option on Sunday to buy another 3 billion RAIN tokens for $10 million. The company said the purchase price reflected a 62% discount. It also extended its option to buy another 272.1 billion RAIN tokens at the same price through December 2027.
The financing came from The Lind Partners, a New York-based asset manager. Enlivex executive chair Shai Novik said,
“We are continuing to execute our prediction markets treasury strategy, and we are pleased that Lind provided us with substantial capital, allowing us to continue the execution of our operating plan, as well as to acquire approximately three billion additional RAIN tokens.”
Debt deal comes with share buyback plan
Enlivex said it also approved a $20 million share buyback program. The company said the move is aimed at supporting shareholder value while it continues to build its treasury strategy around prediction markets.
The company is known for developing cell therapy products for knee osteoarthritis. At the same time, it has joined a growing group of non-crypto firms that are adding digital assets to their balance sheets. These companies are using token holdings as part of broader capital and treasury plans.
In addition, the value of Enlivex’s RAIN treasury depends on activity on Rain’s decentralized prediction market platform. Rain has a built-in 2.5% fee, and the protocol uses that fee to buy back and burn RAIN tokens. The model is designed to reduce supply while linking token demand to platform usage.
Rain runs on Arbitrum, an Ethereum layer-2 network. DeFiLlama data places Rain among the top 10 prediction market platforms by total value locked and fees over the past seven days. Prediction markets have grown fast over the past year, with trading volume rising more than 1,200% to $23.3 billion between February 2025 and February 2026.
RAIN and ENVL traded near flat after the news
RAIN rose 7% after the announcement and reached $0.009 before easing to $0.0088. CoinGecko data showed the token was up 0.3% over the past 24 hours by the time of reporting.
Enlivex shares also moved only slightly during regular trading. The stock closed Tuesday down 0.9% at $1.10, then rose 4.5% in after-hours trading to $1.15. Kalshi and Polymarket still lead the prediction market sector and account for more than 80% of total trading volume.
Bitcoin (BTC) rose back to around $71,000 on March 25 after falling below $69,000 a day earlier, as traders reacted to fresh uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.
Summary
- Bitcoin rebounded to $71,000 after renewed conflict reports pushed prices below $69,000, unsettling broader markets.
- XLM and HYPE outperformed major tokens, while Ethereum, BNB, XRP, and Solana recorded smaller gains.
- SIREN rebounded above $2 after a sharp plunge, extending volatility and drawing fresh community scrutiny.
The recovery added to a mixed market session in which most large-cap altcoins posted limited daily moves. The broader crypto market also moved higher. Total market capitalization added about $20 billion in one day and approached $2.53 trillion, while Bitcoin’s market share held near 56.5%.
Bitcoin faced pressure over the past week after it failed to hold the $76,000 level. The pullback pushed the asset down to $69,000 last Thursday, with market sentiment turning cautious after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and geopolitical tension increased.
The asset later bounced to $71,000 over the weekend, but another wave of selling followed after Donald Trump made statements about Iran. Bitcoin then fell back to $69,000 on Tuesday before recovering again to around $71,000 at press time.
The latest price swings came as traders responded to reports tied to the Middle East conflict. Trump said he would “pause all military actions against Iran’s power plants” and claimed both sides had reached a “deal.”
Iranian officials rejected those claims, which added more uncertainty to the market. Bitcoin briefly moved higher after Trump’s remarks, then lost momentum after the denial and the release of more disputed reports from the war front.
Altcoins Post Mixed Daily Performance
Most major altcoins traded in a narrow range during the session. Ethereum moved close to $2,200 after a small daily gain, while BNB neared $650. XRP held the $1.40 support level, and Solana climbed back above $90.
Among the larger-cap assets, Stellar posted one of the strongest gains. XLM rose about 8% to $0.18, while HYPE advanced more than 6% and traded above $40.
SIREN remained one of the most active tokens in the market. The AI-linked asset had surged to a record high of $3.65 after several triple-digit moves, then dropped by more than 70% before rebounding again.
At press time, SIREN traded near $2.20 after gaining more than 100% in one day. The move came as community members continued to question the token’s purpose and wallet concentration.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Aave Labs plans to use idle liquidity in its lending system to generate extra yield as it moves closer to its V4 upgrade.
Summary
- Aave V4 will redeploy idle liquidity into approved strategies while keeping depositor access unchanged throughout.
- Roughly $6 billion in stablecoin deposits sits unused and may now generate extra yield onchain.
- The Aave DAO moved V4 closer to launch as governance tensions and contributor exits continued.
According to a blog post, the firm said the new Reinvestment Module will deploy unused funds into low-risk strategies while keeping assets available for withdrawals and borrowing. The update comes as Aave also moves through governance changes tied to the V4 rollout.
Aave Labs said a large share of capital on the protocol sits unused at any given time. Out of about $20 billion in stablecoin deposits, roughly $6 billion remains idle to support instant withdrawals and loan demand.
The firm said V4 will address that gap through a new Reinvestment Module. The module will monitor unused liquidity and direct part of it into approved strategies that can generate added returns without locking user funds.
Under the V4 design, a central liquidity hub will collect supplied assets and route them across lending markets, also called spokes. Each spoke will operate with its own rules, use cases, and risk settings.
When excess liquidity builds up, the Reinvestment Module will allocate capital into strategies approved through governance. These may include short-term Treasuries, money markets, and delta-neutral trades. When borrowing demand rises again, the module will pull capital back and rebalance automatically.
Furthermore, Aave Labs said the system will be configured for each asset separately. Stablecoins, ether, and other supported assets may follow different strategies, limits, and activation settings based on the asset profile.
For users, the change is meant to stay in the background. Depositors will still be able to access funds without lockups, while idle reserves may earn added yield. Aave said,
“The module also makes Aave more useful to institutions and protocol integrators by increasing yields and adding strategy flexibility.”
V4 advances as governance changes continue
The firm said historical data suggest the approach could improve returns. Based on Aave’s estimates, reinvesting excess stablecoin liquidity at rates close to SOFR would have raised average yields from about 4% to 4.9%.
At the same time, the Aave DAO has advanced a request-for-comment proposal tied to V4 deployment. The upgrade now moves closer to launch as several long-time contributors, including BGD Labs and the Aave Chan Initiative, prepare to step back.
These exits came during a governance dispute and broader changes pushed by founder Stani Kulechov to speed up the V4 path and tighten DAO control over resources.
Opinion by: Xin Yan, co-founder and CEO of Sign.
Financial exclusion remains one of the most persistent challenges for national governments. World Bank data highlights how more than 1.3 billion adults remain unbanked, without access to a financial account. These people rely on cash, creating a ‘cash-digital divide’, which excludes them from the formal economy.
To bridge the divide, governments need to promote CBDCs actively. As a trusted, risk-free alternative to physical cash, CBDCs are ideal instruments for the financially excluded demographic. With a seamless entry point to the financial ecosystem, mass adoption of CBDCs is a vital catalyst and a foundational pillar for achieving universal financial inclusion.
Wider access to financial institutions is key to stimulating a country’s growth. As more people invest and participate in the formal economy, the total capital base will expand, leading to greater financial stability. Further, bringing people within the formal economy ensures the benefits of policy rate changes reach the masses, bolsters regulatory oversight and prevents fraud.
Most people within the low-income demographic depend on cash payments because cash is easy to use, accepted everywhere, does not incur transaction charges and functions as a trusted medium of exchange.
The infrastructure needed to handle cash creates a gap between the unbanked population and the formal economy.
Financial inclusion as government policy
Establishing physical touchpoints to manage, store and handle cash at remote locations is resource-intensive. That’s why most service providers back out of offering cash-dependent financial services due to the high operational expenses.
Cash transactions also don’t leave a digital record, leading to an information vacuum for financial service providers. Consequently, institutions club the entire unbanked population as a high-risk group, denying access to insurance and credit markets.
Related: US lawmakers warn temporary CBDC ban isn’t enough, demand ‘permanent’ block
The lack of access to affordable digital payments and the absence of transaction history erode financial well-being and hinder a country’s economic growth. In this scenario, widespread access to formal financial services becomes an important government agenda.
Some central banks consider financial inclusion to be a key component of their mandate and adopt policies to ensure universal access to the formal economy. To this end, some central banks have considered issuing CBDCs to fast-track the process of developing an inclusive financial ecosystem.
CBDCs can accelerate financial inclusion
According to a 2023 study by Kosse and Mattei referenced by the IMF, about 60% of emerging and low-income countries consider financial inclusion to be one of the top three motivations for issuing a CBDC. The high confidence in CBDC stems from its properties to become the ideal bridge to the formal economy for the unbanked demographic.
CBDCs can operate via a two-tier distribution model. This model allows both commercial banks and non-banking entities to reach the financially excluded demographic. Besides expanding the financial ecosystem’s reach, non-banking intermediaries lower the high overhead costs of legacy branch-based banking.
As a significant portion of the unbanked population doesn’t have stable internet or mobile connectivity, offline transaction support is necessary. Experts have noted how CBDCs are being designed to support robust offline capabilities. Exploring high-potential technologies for short-range communication ensures resilient CBDC payments in remote areas where there is limited connectivity.
As a public-sector digital infrastructure, CBDCs are designed to prioritize public welfare over commercial profit. Stripping away the bloated overhead of legacy intermediary layers, CBDCs enable a highly optimized cost structure.
Instead of burdensome charges, users benefit from marginalized transaction costs that are de minimis, ensuring the network remains both accessible to the unbanked and economically resilient for the sovereign issuer.
Moreover, the underbanked population is more likely to trust CBDCs as a digital alternative to cash because they are aided by a credible institution. Unlike the liquidity constraints of private financial entities, CBDCs will always remain a direct liability of the central bank, making them somewhat safe.
Most importantly, CBDCs provide a portal for the financially excluded population to participate in the formal economy. It happens through the smooth exchange of transaction data between CBDCs and the broader financial services industry.
CBDCs can support privacy-preserving data sharing, allowing users to voluntarily share their transaction history to build credit scores to access savings, credit, and insurance services.
In the absence of formal credit history, lenders can use CBDC transaction data as a legitimate source to evaluate financial behavior and creditworthiness. Service providers would therefore be able to measure a customer’s risk profile and verify identity to offer credit and other financial products.
Toward CBDC mass adoption
CBDC usage is subject to digital literacy, electricity infrastructure, and access to hardware. Data shows that nations have already made enormous progress on all these fronts.
The 2025 Global Findex Database from the World Bank Group has reported that 86% of adults now own a mobile phone. Also, 79% of adults now have a bank account, and 61% are making digital payments across low and middle-income economies.
The report interestingly states that “despite high mobile phone ownership and growth in account ownership, 1.3 billion people still lack financial accounts.” This group of people have phones, personal ID, and SIM cards, which are necessary for a digitally enabled account.
Yet, they remain financially excluded from the formal economy.
In this situation, CBDCs remain one of the primary products that can offer safe, affordable, and convenient financial services to consumers.
Central banks and national governments must adopt a holistic approach and use CBDCs to help the financially inexperienced demographic integrate with the formal economy.
Opinion by: Xin Yan, co-founder and CEO of Sign.
This opinion article presents the author’s expert view, and it may not reflect the views of Cointelegraph.com. This content has undergone editorial review to ensure clarity and relevance. Cointelegraph remains committed to transparent reporting and upholding the highest standards of journalism. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the company.
TLDR:
- XRP’s combined spot and perpetual CVD on Binance recovered by $315M between March 23 and March 25.
- Binance open interest held between $185M and $192M, showing buying returned without added leverage pressure.
- XRP’s Estimated Leverage Ratio dropped to 0.134 on Binance, marking the lowest reading recorded since 2024.
- Multi-exchange OI delta averaged -$14M daily from March 18–22, preceding the two-day CVD rebound on Binance.
XRP is showing renewed buying activity on Binance, with key derivatives and spot metrics improving over a two-day window.
Between March 23 and March 25, combined spot and perpetual cumulative volume delta recovered by $315 million.
At the same time, the estimated leverage ratio dropped to its lowest point since 2024. These developments suggest a shift in market structure that traders are closely watching.
Binance CVD Recovers Across Spot and Perpetual Markets
XRP’s perpetual CVD on Binance moved from -$2.12 billion to -$1.88 billion between March 23 and March 25. That represents a net improvement of roughly $240 million within just two days. Alongside this, spot CVD climbed from -$202 million to -$127 million over the same period.
The spot CVD improvement added another $75 million to the overall recovery. Together, these two figures account for the $315 million combined rebound seen across both markets. This kind of recovery across both segments tends to reflect broader participation from buyers.
What adds weight to this move is how open interest behaved during the same window. Binance open interest stayed within a narrow band of $185 million to $192 million throughout this period. That range shows buying pressure picked up without a notable rise in leverage.
As analyst Amr Taha noted, the broader derivatives market had already gone through a cooling phase before this rebound appeared.
On the Multi Exchange Open Interest Delta chart, negative readings dominated from March 18 to March 22, averaging around -$14 million daily. The CVD recovery therefore followed a multi-day period of reduced activity.
XRP Leverage Ratio Drops to Levels Not Seen Since 2024
The Estimated Leverage Ratio for XRP on Binance recently fell to approximately 0.134, coinciding with XRP trading near $1.41.
According to analyst Arab Chain, this marks the lowest reading since 2024. It reflects a clear change in how traders are positioning themselves in the derivatives market.
Source: Cryptoquant
During 2025, the ELR climbed above 0.50 at several points, which aligned with periods of heightened price swings.
Starting in early 2026, the ratio began a steady decline before reaching its current level. The drop points to an ongoing deleveraging phase across the market.
Lower leverage generally reduces the risk of large-scale liquidations. Liquidation events often cause sudden price swings and short-term volatility. A reduction in open leverage therefore tends to stabilize price action over time.
The decline in leverage also appears to coincide with a price drop from higher levels seen in recent months. This pattern often reflects a rebalancing phase, where over-leveraged positions are unwound. Historically, such phases have preceded stronger and more sustained price movements.
TLDR:
- Startale Group raised $63M in Series A funding, with SBI Group contributing $50M to the round.
- Sony Innovation Fund led the $13M first close in January 2026, linking entertainment to blockchain growth.
- Startale and SBI co-developed JPYSC, the first trust bank-backed Japanese yen stablecoin, in 2025.
- The Startale SuperApp will offer tokenized assets, stablecoins, and onchain tools in one platform.
Startale Group has completed a $63 million Series A funding round, drawing major backing from two of Japan’s most recognized corporate names.
The round includes a $50 million investment from SBI Group and a $13 million first close from Sony Innovation Fund in January 2026.
The capital will go toward building onchain infrastructure covering Ethereum Layer 2 networks, stablecoin issuance, and tokenized securities across Asia and beyond.
SBI Group Deepens Its Commitment to Onchain Finance
SBI Group’s $50 million contribution marks a major step in its ongoing partnership with Startale. The two companies had already collaborated on Strium, a Layer 1 blockchain built for tokenized securities and RWA trading.
They also co-developed JPYSC, the first trust bank-backed Japanese yen stablecoin, through a joint venture announced in August 2025.
SBI Group Chairman Yoshitaka Kitao spoke directly about the investment’s direction. “Startale Group possesses extensive expertise in the field of on-chain integration and offers capabilities that complement those of the SBI Group,” Kitao said. He added that the partnership is expected to drive a vertical integration strategy across digital finance.
CEO Sota Watanabe also weighed in on what the round represents. “The close of our $63M Series A reflects the strong conviction our partners have in the vision we are building,” Watanabe said. He further noted that tokenized Japanese equities and JPY stablecoin adoption will be a core focus this year.
With this funding in place, Startale will now scale Strium further and expand JPYSC alongside USDSC. These stablecoins are designed to support fiat-to-crypto integration and enable onchain dividends and yield distribution for retail and institutional users alike.
Consumer and Institutional Layers Come Together Through the Startale App
Beyond institutional finance, Startale is also building out its consumer-facing product. The Startale App is being developed into a SuperApp that will run on Soneium, Sony’s blockchain ecosystem. It will offer users one-stop access to tokenized assets, stablecoins, and onchain experiences.
The app will combine asset management, Mini Apps, payments, and social features into a single interface. The goal is to remove complexity from blockchain interactions for everyday users. This positions Startale to serve both retail consumers and large financial institutions from the same platform.
Sony Innovation Fund’s involvement adds an entertainment and consumer dimension to Startale’s strategy. This pairing with SBI’s financial reach creates a broad foundation across two high-growth sectors. Together, the two partnerships cover both ends of the onchain adoption curve.
Startale plans to use the funding to grow its team, extend its infrastructure stack, and deepen adoption across Asia. The company sees vertical integration — from blockchain rails to consumer apps — as the key to long-term growth in the onchain economy.
Google has set a 2029 deadline for migrating its services to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), signaling a shift from warnings to concrete action as quantum threats edge closer to reality. The tech giant argued that rapid progress in quantum hardware and quantum error correction, along with revised estimates of when quantum machines could break today’s encryption, heightens the urgency to act sooner rather than later.
In a statement, Google underscored that PQC migration is essential for secure user authentication across its products. “Quantum computers will pose a significant threat to current cryptographic standards, and specifically to encryption and digital signatures,” the company said. This marks the first explicit timeline from Google to deploy PQC across its product stack, a move that could set a new industry tempo for post-quantum readiness.
“It’s our responsibility to lead by example and share an ambitious timeline. By doing this, we hope to provide the clarity and urgency needed to accelerate digital transitions not only for Google, but also across the industry.”
Google’s declared timeline comes as the company advances Willow, its quantum processor, which has a reported capacity of 105 qubits, placing it among the more capable publicly discussed quantum chips today.
Key takeaways
- Google sets a 2029 target to migrate its services to PQC, signaling a rare explicit industry timeline for post-quantum readiness.
- The move stresses the urgency of PQC ahead of theoretical “Q-Day” milestones, supported by newer estimates and faster hardware progress.
- Willow’s 105-qubit profile reinforces Google’s positioning in the quantum race and underscores the feasibility of scaling PQC deployment alongside hardware advances.
- Broader crypto networks are advancing their own post-quantum preparations, including Ethereum’s protocol-level PQC work and Solana’s quantum-resistant vault experiments.
Industry momentum: PQC upgrades beyond Google
The effort to harden crypto networks against quantum threats is gathering pace across layers and protocols. The Ethereum Foundation launched a dedicated Post-Quantum Ethereum resource hub this week, focusing on protecting the blockchain from future quantum-enabled attacks and safeguarding the billions of dollars stored on the network. The plan envisions implementing quantum-resistant solutions at the protocol layer by 2029, with execution-layer adjustments to follow as needed.
In parallel, Solana developers rolled out a quantum-resistant vault in January 2025 aimed at shielding user funds from quantum threats. The approach relies on a hash-based signature scheme that generates new keys with each transaction, adding a layer of forward security for vault-held assets. It’s important to note that this feature is not a network-wide security upgrade; users must opt into the Winternitz vault system to access the enhanced protection.
These efforts reflect a broader trend toward embedding quantum resilience into core cryptographic routines, even as practical deployment remains uneven across ecosystems. Some projects, particularly in the Bitcoin camp, emphasize a more cautious stance about the immediacy of quantum risk.
Bitcoin’s divided perspectives on post-quantum risk
Within the Bitcoin ecosystem, opinion remains split on how urgently to pursue post-quantum safeguards. Blockstream CEO Adam Back has argued that quantum risks are widely overstated and that no immediate action is required for decades. By contrast, researchers and developers have proposed concrete steps to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. For example, Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 360 (BIP-360) advocates a new Pay-to-Merkle-Root output type designed to shield addresses from short-exposure quantum attacks. However, implementing such changes could take years; one prominent advocate suggested a seven-year horizon for broad adoption.
Beyond Bitcoin-specific proposals, the industry continues to weigh the practicality and timeline of universal PQC adoption. Some critics argue that even robust post-quantum schemes must contend with issues such as interoperability, standardization, and the long-term security of existing keys before a wholesale migration can be deemed safe. For now, multi-year upgrades and phased rollouts appear to be the path of least resistance as developers test and validate new cryptographic primitives.
For readers seeking deeper context, several related analyses look at the state of quantum-resistant cryptography, including examinations of the viability of quantum-secure signatures and the practical challenges of deploying them at scale. Notably, a number of articles raise questions about whether quantum-secure cryptography will perform as hoped in real-world conditions and what the timing of widespread deployment will truly look like.
Looking ahead, the pace of PQC adoption will likely hinge on a confluence of hardware progress, standardization milestones, and the willingness of large platforms to commit to comprehensive migrations. Google’s new timeline creates a powerful signal to the ecosystem: with major players articulating concrete deadlines, the pressure to move from theory to action could accelerate efforts across wallets, exchanges, and networks alike.
Related discussions emphasize the need for transparent roadmaps and verification as quantum-ready primitives are tested in practice. The crypto community will be watching closely how large platforms translate ambitious timelines into tangible, verifiable security upgrades that survive real-world operational pressures.
In sum, the industry appears to be moving from speculative risk assessments toward programmatic PQC work streams. The next 12–24 months may reveal how quickly cross-project alignment can emerge around standards, interoperability, and the practical deployment of quantum-resistant cryptography across web, cloud, and blockchain systems.
Readers should stay tuned to how major players translate these timelines into interoperable security upgrades, and whether regulatory and standard-setting bodies accelerate guidance that helps unify the path to post-quantum readiness.
Bitcoin traders agreed that BTC price action needed to retake $72,000 to open up the odds of further upside as gold and US stocks gained.
Bitcoin (BTC) returned to $72,000 on Wednesday as gold continued its rebound from four-month lows.
Key points:
-
Bitcoin price performs a support retest of its 50-day moving average before hitting $72,000.
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Seller interest makes the area above the day’s high of key importance going forward.
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Gold and US stocks combine with crypto to seek further relief.
Bitcoin traders: BTC price needs to clear $72,000
Data from TradingView showed BTC price gains of around 2% on the day, following a retest of its 50-day simple moving average (SMA).
This trend line, previously a key resistance obstacle, looked set to remain as new low-time frame support.
Commenting, Keith Alan, cofounder of trading resource Material Indicators, tied emerging BTC price strength to hopes of dialogue between Iran and the US amid the ongoing war.
The market, he wrote on X, “seems to like the idea” of negotiations, reflected in increasing Bitcoin whale buying activity.
“Would like to see a rally to $78k, but we’re starting to see ask liquidity stack just below $72k where there seems to be a bit of profit taking,” he added.
Data from CoinGlass showed a wall of ask liquidity appearing above $72,000 into the Wall Street open. Previously, news events sparked liquidity hunts both above and below spot price.
“Looks like bulls have found some juice again,” trader Jelle continued, anticipating “more sideways chop” for BTC price action.
Trader Daan Crypto Trades joined Alan in expressing confusion over the reliability of reports that US-Iran diplomacy was underway.
“The one thing I care about is price action, and Bitcoin has still remained pretty strong throughout all this mess. This $72K resistance area is one that has been pretty common for BTC to test but it still has not been able to sustain above that area for long,” he told X followers.
“Bulls need to get that level cleared and remain there if this wants to have legs and go test the $80Ks again.”
Gold rebound continues after $4,100 slump
US stocks and gold followed crypto higher in a relief bounce on the day, with the latter reclaiming the $4,500 mark after a trip to its lowest levels since late November 2025.
Related: Bitcoin value ‘off the chart’ as BTC price metric hits record lows in 2026
“Gold bounces upwards after taking the liquidity beneath the wick. Classic price action,” crypto trader Michaël Van de Poppe responded on X while analyzing the XAU/USD daily chart.
“I think that we’ll slowly see the volatility wind down in Gold as it has established a range. Upper side of the range is $5,000-5,100. The lower end of the range is $4,000-4,200.”
Last month, Van de Poppe eyed early signs of a transition from gold to Bitcoin products from institutional investors.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
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