Even a modest model portfolio allocation to crypto in Asia could drive massive inflows into the market, according to Nicholas Peach, head of APAC iShares at BlackRock.

Speaking on a panel at Consensus Hong Kong, Peach said rising institutional acceptance of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — particularly in Asia — is reshaping expectations for the sector.

“Some model advisors are now recommending a 1% allocation to cryptocurrencies in your standard investment portfolio,” Peach said. “If you do some fun math… there’s about $108 trillion of household wealth in all of Asia. So you take 1% of that… and that’d be just south of $2 trillion of inflows into the market, which is what, 60% of what the market is now?”

Peach emphasized the point as a way to frame the scale of capital sitting on the sidelines, especially in traditional finance. A small shift in asset allocation models, he argued, could have an outsized impact on the future of digital assets — even if adoption remains conservative.

BlackRock’s iShares unit is the world’s largest ETF provider, and it’s played a central role in bringing regulated crypto access to traditional investors. The firm launched its U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETF in January 2024. That fund, known as IBIT, became the fastest-growing ETF in history, now with nearly $53 billion in assets under management.

But according to Peach, the boom isn’t just a U.S. story. Asian investors have made up a significant share of flows into U.S.-listed crypto ETFs. “There’s actually been a boom in ETF adoption more broadly in the region,” he said, noting that more investors are turning to ETFs to express views across asset classes — not just crypto, but also equities, fixed income, and commodities.

Several markets in Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, are moving toward launching or expanding crypto ETF offerings. Industry observers expect those regional platforms to deepen as regulatory clarity improves.

For BlackRock and other asset managers, the next challenge is to match product access with investor education and portfolio strategy.

“The pools of capital that are available in traditional finance are unbelievably large,” Peach said. “It doesn’t take much in terms of adoption to lead to really significant financial results.”

Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH) is testing the frontier of asset tokenization with three regulatory sandbox programs designed to study stablecoins and tokenized bank deposits. The central bank’s initiative focuses on ringgit-denominated stablecoins for cross-border settlement and the tokenization of real-world assets, a move that could reshape how institutions settle and finance in a digital era. The pilots also examine tokenized bank deposits, aiming to generate research that could feed into a broader wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) framework. Shariah considerations will be assessed as part of the evaluation, underscoring Malaysia’s effort to balance innovation with its financial framework. The announcements indicate a structured, policy-oriented approach to asset tokenization within a jurisdiction known for both pragmatic regulation and a robust Islamic-finance ecosystem.

Key takeaways

• Three regulatory sandbox programs under BNM’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub are dedicated to researching stablecoins, tokenized RWAs, and tokenized bank deposits, with a view toward practical policy guidance.
• The initiative centers on ringgit-stablecoins for cross-border settlement and explores tokenized real-world assets, potentially feeding into a wholesale CBDC strategy.
• Partnerships include Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Group, Maybank, and Capital A, signaling strong institutional engagement in asset tokenization experiments.
• Shariah-related considerations will be evaluated, reflecting Malaysia’s aim to harmonize innovation with Islamic-finance norms.
• A three-year roadmap to test asset tokenization across multiple real-world sectors was published in November 2025, outlining concrete use cases and timelines.

Tickers mentioned: $RMJDT

Market context: The effort sits within a broader global push to tokenize assets and explore digital currencies, highlighting a trend among nations to use regulated sandboxes to assess how tokenized fiat and RWAs could operate in a digital economy.

Why it matters

Malaysia’s move is notable for its deliberate layering of regulatory testing with a clear emphasis on practical applications. By pairing ringgit-denominated stablecoins with cross-border settlement use cases, BNM signals that wholesale digital assets could serve as a bridge between traditional financial rails and a digitized settlement layer. The inclusion of tokenized real-world assets points to a broader ambition: to unlock liquidity and efficiency in sectors ranging from trade finance to supply chain finance. If successful, these pilots could reduce settlement times, mitigate counterparty risk, and provide a blueprint for other central banks contemplating asset tokenization as part of a digital economy strategy.

The program’s attention to Shariah compliance is meaningful in two respects. First, it acknowledges the financial institution’s need to align new instruments with Islamic finance principles. Second, it could broaden the appeal of tokenized assets to a segment of investors and institutions that require explicit compliance frameworks. This dual focus—technological feasibility paired with principled governance—helps set a prudent tone for any future rollout beyond research, should policy directions evolve in a favorable direction.

Involving major domestic financial players—Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Group, Maybank, and Capital A—adds credible, real-world testing ground for the sandbox. Their participation underscores the likelihood that, if the pilots deliver compelling results, private sector interest could accelerate the path from lab to pilot payments, and eventually to live deployments in wholesale markets. The collaboration also mirrors a broader industry trend in which banks explore tokenization and on-chain equivalents of fiat and assets to reduce settlement risk and expand access to liquidity for businesses and sovereign clients alike.

Additionally, the roadmap published in November 2025 maps out a concrete plan for asset tokenization that spans several real-world use cases. The document highlights supply chain management, Shariah-compliant financial products, access to credit, programmable finance, and 24/7 cross-border settlement as target areas. This breadth signals that the central bank is thinking beyond a single instrument, evaluating how tokenization can support multiple facets of the financial system while scaling through a staged, policy-informed approach. The emphasis on cross-border settlement also aligns with ongoing global discussions about how digital assets could streamline international trade in a compliant, regulated manner.

One of the notable practical elements is the December-era activity surrounding a ringgit-stablecoin tied to RMJDT. Reportedly issued by Bullish Aim, a telecom arm controlled by Ismail Ibrahim (the eldest son of Malaysia’s current king), the instrument entered regulatory sandbox testing and has not yet been opened to public trading. The broader context includes Standard Chartered Bank and Capital A’s plans to explore a ringgit-stablecoin for wholesale settlement, reinforcing that institutions view tokenized fiat as a potential tool for large-scale, non-retail settlements. While RMJDT’s public market status remains uncertain, its progression within the sandbox illustrates how government-backed experiments can intersect with private-sector innovation and family-linked enterprise within Malaysia’s unique economic tapestry.

Taken together, the initiatives reflect a global momentum toward asset tokenization—with central banks, private banks, and financial-services firms exploring how digital representations of fiat, debt, and RWAs could operate at scale. The emphasis on wholesale mechanisms rather than retail access suggests a measured, policy-driven approach intended to test liquidity, settlement efficiency, and regulatory safeguards before broader public adoption.

What to watch next

• Progress updates from the DAIH sandbox pilots on stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and RWAs, including any policy direction issued by BNM.
• Details and milestones from the November 2025 asset-tokenization roadmap, including sector-by-sector pilots and timelines.
• Any regulatory guidance or framework adjustments that emerge as a result of the pilots, particularly around cross-border settlement and Shariah-compliance considerations.
• Further announcements from banks and Capitol A about wholesale ringgit-stablecoins and potential live pilots beyond sandbox testing.

Sources & verification

• Bank Negara Malaysia announcement on the Digital Asset Innovation Hub and DAIH sandbox pilots — daiH-upd page
• BNM Discussion Paper on Asset Tokenisation (BNM documents and citations)
• Malaysia central bank roadmap for asset tokenization — Cointelegraph coverage of the three-year roadmap
• Ismail Ibrahim’s ringgit-stablecoin RMJDT (cited in coverage of the crown prince’s project)
• Standard Chartered Bank and Capital A ringgit-stablecoin exploration — Cointelegraph reporting on wholesale settlement plans

Malaysia’s asset-tokenization push: what it means for the market

BNM’s DAIH sandbox approach illustrates a careful, policy-savvy pathway to asset tokenization. By prioritizing cross-border settlement, RWAs, and on-chain fiat mechanisms within a regulated environment, the central bank aims to balance innovation with financial stability and regulatory clarity. The involvement of major financial institutions signals credible testing grounds that could inform future policy and potentially accelerate the deployment of wholesale digital assets. While retail access remains outside the scope of these pilots, the lessons learned could influence how central banks, banks, and regulators collaborate on tokenized markets and CBDC models in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Why it matters for investors and builders

For investors and builders, the Malaysia program offers a case study in how a national regulator anchors experimental activity in real-world use cases, rather than speculative hype. The focus on Shariah compliance is particularly relevant for fintechs seeking to serve diverse markets with tailored financial products. If the sandbox proves viable, it could unlock new liquidity channels and spur collaboration between traditional financial infrastructure and blockchain-enabled settlement layers. For regional players, Malaysia’s approach could serve as a blueprint for coordinated policy development around asset tokenization, wholesale stablecoins, and potential CBDC ecosystems that prioritize both innovation and risk controls.

Paxful Holdings, which pleaded guilty last year to accusations from U.S. authorities that it had fostered illegal prostitution, violated money-laundering laws and knowingly handled criminal proceeds, was sentenced to pay a $4 million penalty, much reduced because of the business’ current ability to pay.

The peer-to-peer bitcoin BTC$66,944.44 marketplace that had been popular in Africa shut down in 2023, but Paxful had processed as much as $3 billion in crypto trades from 2017 to 2019, according to U.S. authorities, including transactions for customer Backpage, an advertising platform for illicit sex work.

“This sentence sends a clear message: companies that turn a blind eye to criminal activity on their platforms will face serious consequences under U.S. law,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California, in a statement.

On the Paxful platform, customers negotiated trades of digital assets for other items, such as cash, prepaid cards and gift cards. The founders were said to have marketed the site as a way around the Bank Secrecy Act’s anti-money-laundering constraints.

Prosecutors originally contemplated a penalty of more than $112 million, but the firm was determined to be able to pay no more than $4 million.

Read More: Paxful’s Fall: Questions in the Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Exchange’s Demise

The current Cardano price is revisiting a critical multi-year support zone amid extreme oversold conditions, placing it at a key inflection point for a potential macro reversal.

Cardano (ADA) price action has returned to one of the most important technical levels on its chart, revisiting a historical support zone that has remained intact for more than four years.

As broader market weakness persists, ADA has rotated back toward a long-term range low that has consistently acted as a floor during previous market cycles.

This retest comes at a time when momentum indicators are flashing extreme oversold conditions, increasing the probability that a meaningful reaction could develop from this region.

While short-term sentiment remains cautious, the larger technical picture suggests Cardano may be approaching a make-or-break level that could define its next major directional move.

Cardano key technical points

• Four-year macro support is being retested, dating back to 2022
• Value area low aligns with current price, reinforcing structural support
• Weekly RSI is deeply oversold, signaling potential momentum reversal

Cardano’s current position on the chart holds significant historical significance. In 2022, price rejected sharply from the range high and rotated lower toward the $0.25 region, establishing a major range low. Since that initial retest, ADA has consistently held above this support on every subsequent pullback, confirming its relevance as a long-term demand zone.

The fact that price has once again returned to this level suggests the market is testing whether buyers remain willing to defend value at historically attractive prices. As long as this support holds on a closing basis, the broader range structure remains intact.

Value area low adds technical confluence

Adding to the importance of the current zone is the value area low, which is located in the same region as the multi-year support. The value area low often represents the lower boundary of fair value within a trading range, and frequently acts as a magnet during corrective moves.

When price revisits this area after extended downside pressure, it often signals that the market is searching for equilibrium. The convergence of long-term support and value-area lows significantly increases the likelihood of a reaction, especially if selling momentum begins to slow.

Extreme oversold RSI signals momentum exhaustion

One of the strongest technical signals currently supporting a potential reversal thesis is the relative strength index (RSI) on the weekly timeframe. The RSI has dropped into extreme oversold territory, a condition that has historically preceded strong counter-trend moves in Cardano.

Oversold readings on higher timeframes do not guarantee immediate reversals, but they often indicate that downside momentum is becoming exhausted. When combined with major structural support, these conditions increase the likelihood of a sharp, impulsive reaction when buyers step back in.

If a reversal does occur from this zone, the RSI is likely to shift aggressively higher, reflecting a change in momentum rather than a slow grind upward.

Upside rotation toward range highs

From a market-structure perspective, maintaining this four-year support keeps Cardano within its broader trading range. A successful defense at this level would increase the likelihood of a rotational move back toward higher targets, including a revisit to the range high over time.

Such rotations often begin with powerful relief rallies, especially when initiated from deeply oversold conditions. However, confirmation will be required through sustained bullish closes and expanding volume before a broader trend shift can be validated.

What to expect in the coming price action

From a technical, price-action, and market-structure perspective, Cardano is positioned at a critical historical inflection point. Continued acceptance above the four-year support zone would favor a bullish rotation scenario, supported by oversold momentum conditions.

Conversely, a decisive breakdown below this level would invalidate the long-term range thesis and expose ADA to deeper downside risk. For now, the technical evidence suggests that Cardano is at a level where meaningful buyers may begin to re-enter the market.

Ethereum’s price is consolidating at a critical high-volume support near $1,800, but fading bullish participation raises the risk of a deeper corrective move and potential capitulation to the downside.

Ethereum (ETH) price action is approaching a pivotal moment as it continues to trade around a major support zone defined by the point of control (POC) near $1,800. This level represents the area of highest traded volume in the current range and has acted as temporary support following the recent sell-off. However, despite holding this zone for several sessions, Ethereum has failed to produce a convincing bullish continuation on the daily timeframe.

As consolidation drags on and volume weakens, concerns are growing that this pause may not represent accumulation, but rather distribution before another leg lower. If Ethereum fails to defend this high-volume support on a closing basis, the probability of a capitulation-style move increases.

Ethereum price key technical points

• Point of control near $1,800 is under pressure, acting as the last major high-volume support
• Daily consolidation shows weak follow-through, signaling fragile demand
• Loss of support opens downside toward the value area low, aligned with Fibonacci extension targets

Ethereum’s current behavior around $1,800 is technically significant. While price has not yet broken down, the lack of upward follow-through following the initial bounce is a warning sign. In strong reversals, consolidation at support is typically accompanied by expanding bullish volume and higher daily closes. Instead, Ethereum has spent multiple sessions moving sideways, suggesting that buyers are struggling to regain control.

This type of price action often precedes continuation moves rather than reversals. When markets consolidate at high-volume nodes without renewed demand, the likelihood increases that support will eventually give way as sellers absorb remaining bids.

Volume profile highlights lack of bullish commitment

From a volume profile perspective, Ethereum’s current bounce lacks conviction. Bullish volume has steadily declined since price first reacted from the $1,800 region, indicating that buying interest is not strong enough to sustain a meaningful recovery. This imbalance between price stabilization and falling volume often points to exhaustion rather than strength.

As a result, the current structure resembles a pause within a broader corrective trend rather than a base for reversal. Without a clear volume expansion, Ethereum remains vulnerable to renewed selling pressure.

Capitulation risk grows below the point of control

The point of control often acts as a stabilizing force during consolidation phases. However, once the price loses the POC on a daily closing basis, it typically signals a shift from balance into imbalance. In Ethereum’s case, such a move would likely trigger an acceleration lower as price seeks the next major area of acceptance.

Below the current range, the next key target sits at the value area low, which aligns with the 1.618 Fibonacci extension of the current downside move. This zone represents a classic capitulation target, where emotional selling and liquidity sweeps often occur before markets attempt to form durable bottoms.

A move into this region would not necessarily imply long-term bearish continuation. Instead, it could represent the final stage of the current corrective cycle, flushing weak positioning and resetting market structure.

What to expect in the coming price action

From a technical, price-action, and market-structure perspective, Ethereum is at a make-or-break level. Continued consolidation without bullish expansion increases the probability that the $1,800 support will eventually fail. A confirmed daily close below the point of control would significantly raise the risk of a capitulation move toward the value area low.

For the bearish scenario to be invalidated, Ethereum would need to reclaim higher value levels with strong volume and demonstrate sustained acceptance above current resistance. Until that occurs, downside risk remains elevated.

The crypto world in early 2026 is feeling the heat! While veteran networks like Tron and Solana keep the global economy moving, the search for the best crypto to buy today is leading many to fresh protocols with huge rewards. With the market currently stuck in “Extreme Fear” (the index just hit a low of 14), investors are trading risky bets for projects that offer real value.

Right now, everyone is comparing the rock-solid Tron (TRX) price and the high-speed Solana price prediction models against the exciting ZKP crypto. What’s really turning heads? Zero Knowledge proof’s massive $5 million USD giveaway. It’s a huge draw for people looking to beat market gloom with some serious community prizes.

The Tron (TRX) Price: A Steady Workhorse in a Wild Market

TRON has found its sweet spot as the “reliable engine” of the digital world. It doesn’t care about hype; it cares about moving money fast and cheap. Because it’s the go-to layer for stablecoin transfers and retail payments, people actually use it every day. This is why the Tron (TRX) price is looking so tough right now, holding steady around $0.28 even while other “riskier” coins are taking a hit.

Looking forward to late 2026, things are looking bright for TRX. If TRON keeps its crown as the stablecoin king, experts think it could climb to between $0.40 and $0.60. Of course, it’ll need to keep its transaction numbers high and stay on the right side of new rules. Even with the market’s “Extreme Fear” (the index actually bottomed out at 17 recently), TRX stands out as a safe harbor in a very stormy sea.

Solana Price Prediction: Can High Performance Beat Market Fear?

Solana (SOL) is currently in a tug-of-war. On one hand, the network is on fire—hitting a record 150 million transactions a day! On the other, big investors have cooled off, making the coin extra sensitive to the market’s current “Extreme Fear” (Index: 14). This has cast a bit of a shadow over the short-term Solana price prediction. If the $100 psychological floor breaks, technical signals suggest we could see a slide down to the $85 support level.

But don’t count SOL out! Big banks like Standard Chartered are still dreaming big, setting an end-of-2026 target of $250. They see this current dip as a healthy move away from “meme coins” toward becoming the backbone of global micropayments. While the road might be bumpy right now due to sell-offs, Solana’s sheer speed continues to win over real users, setting the stage for a massive comeback by late 2026.

$5 Million USD Giveaway: ZKP’s Massive Reward is Live!

If you’re hunting for the best crypto to buy today, you’re probably looking for a project that gives back. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is doing just that with a giant $5 million USD giveaway. This isn’t just a small token airdrop; they are picking 10 lucky winners to take home $500,000 in ZKP coins each!

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Meanwhile, the ZKP Presale is moving fast! We are currently in Stage 2, Round 3, with the daily supply capped at 190M tokens. Over $1.83M has already been raised, so the clock is ticking.

Yesterday’s price was just 0.00006 USD, and here’s the kicker: any tokens not sold are burned forever. With the supply dropping to 180M in the next stage, ZKP is proving to be a serious, utility-first alternative to the usual market noise.

Final Thoughts

Early 2026 is a test of nerves for every trader. Whether you’re leaning on the Tron (TRX) price for its stability or studying the Solana price prediction for a long-term win, one thing is obvious: real infrastructure wins.

At the same time, projects like ZKP show that the right incentives can reward those who move early, even when the rest of the market is scared. When looking for the best crypto to buy today, the smartest move is a mix—respecting the reliable old guard while making room for the high-potential new players.

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Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

Coinbase stock price retreated by over 5% on Wednesday as traders and investors remained pessimistic about its business ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report.

Wall Street pros are turning bearish on Coinbase

Coinbase, the biggest crypto exchange in the U.S., dropped to $154, down sharply from its 2025 high of $445. This crash has erased billions of dollars in value, with the valuation dropping from close to $100 billion to $41 billion.

The stock retreated as Wall Street analysts scaled down their target amid the ongoing crypto market crash. JPMorgan reduced its target from $399 to $290, while maintaining the overweight rating. Cantor Fitzgerald also reduced the stock target to $221 from $277, while Citigroup cut from $500 to $400. 

The most bearish analyst is Ed Engel of Compass Point, who lowered the target from $230 to $190, while maintaining a sell rating.

Coinbase stock also retreated after Robinhood’s stock price plunged by over 10% after releasing its results on Tuesday. A key reason for its weak financial results was that its closely-watched crypto revenue dropped by over 38% in the fourth quarter. It has grown by triple digits in the previous quarters.

Therefore, there is a likelihood that Coinbase will also publish weak financial results after the market closes on Wednesday. Third-party data shows that Coinbase’s retail transaction volume dropped by 15% as Bitcoin (BTC) and other altcoins dropped. This is notable as the transaction revenue is the biggest part of its business.

Wall Street analysts expect Coinbase’s revenue to come in at $1.84 billion, down 78% from the same period in 2024. This decline will occur despite revenue from Deribit, a company it acquired last year. If this estimate is accurate, then its annual revenue will drop by 19.1% to $7.24 billion.

Worse, Coinbase will likely experience another weak first quarter because of the ongoing crypto market crash, with Bitcoin moving to $67,000 today and crypto ETF outflows continue. These factors likely explain why Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest has dumped the stock.

Coinbase stock price technical 

The weekly timeframe chart shows that the COIN stock price has crashed in the past few months, dropping from the all-time high of $445 in July 2025 to the current $153.

It has dropped below the 61.8% Fibonacci Retracement level at $190. Most importantly, the stock has dropped to key support, where it has failed to move below twice since 2024.

Coinbase share price has also dropped below the 50-week and 100-week Exponential Moving Averages and the weak, stop & reverse level of the Murrey Math Lines tool.

A drop below the key support level at $143 will confirm the bearish outlook and point to more downside, potentially to the 78.6% retracement level at $120.

Hong Kong, one of the world’s major financial hubs, has long been committed to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology — but it faces a competitive challenge from the crypto-friendly UAE.

This was a fact acknowledged by panelists Joseph Chan, under secretary for financial services and the treasury in Hong Kong, and Johnny Ng, founder of web3 investment firm Goldford Group, who spoke at Consensus Hong Kong.

“The UAE is really aggressive,” said NG, who served as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) since 2018.

He said places such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established a solid regulatory framework for virtual assets, and each region has also brought this under the auspices of a single, dedicated regulatory authority. Korea, which boasts many millions of crypto users and investors, also has a particular government body responsible for crypto issues, Ng added.

“I think Hong Kong’s legislative council can recommend that the government do more, particularly by creating one position to oversee all those things,” Ng said. “As a lawmaker, I will actually help the government to connect with congressmen from other countries, for example, Korea.”

Chan of the Hong Kong Treasury said an enduring attraction of Hong Kong is that there are “no surprises” from regulators, who have shown a consistent commitment to digital assets.

“Our regulation is transparent, certain and predictable, and we have stuck to that all along,” Chan said. “This compares with some other jurisdictions, without naming any names. Be it during a crypto winter or not, Hong Kong has stood by the development of the digital asset industry. If you look at other jurisdictions, as things change and there are ups and downs, they might flip-flop.”

Under Hong Kong’s mandatory licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs), 11 licensees have been granted under the framework, which came into effect two and a half years ago.

Regarding the stablecoin regulatory regime that kicked off last August, Chan said the first batch of licenses is targeted for the first quarter of this year.

The license regime for digital asset dealers and custodians is next, and expected to be tabled by Hong Kong’s financial secretary later this year, Chan added, pointing to multiple consultations and bill reading that must first take place.

“It sounds like a long process, but it’s very important,” Chan said. “Because it means everyone from the industry knows what’s coming, there is enough time to raise your concerns, so there will be no surprises and everybody knows what’s going to happen next.”