Crypto sentiment finally shifted this week. The Fear & Greed Index returned to “greed” for the first time since October’s $19 billion liquidation shock, as leverage continued to unwind across derivatives markets. Bitcoin open interest is down more than 30% since October, a reset analysts often associate with major market bottoms rather than fresh breakdowns.
At the same time, regulation took a softer tone. The SEC closed its Zcash investigation without action, CME moved to expand altcoin futures, and lawmakers resumed negotiations on crypto legislation. Confidence hasn’t fully returned, but panic is clearly fading.
TOP CRYPTO NEWS RECAP (January 11 - January 17, 2026)
- •Coinbase CEO Says White House Talks on Crypto Bill Are Still Active
- •Vitalik Buterin Calls for Ethereum to Recommit to Decentralization in 2026
- •Michael Saylor Defends Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
- •U.S. Lawmakers Urge SEC to Revisit Paused Justin Sun Case
- •CME to Add Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures
- •SEC Closes Zcash Investigation Without Enforcement Action
Coinbase CEO Says White House Talks on Crypto Bill Are Still Active
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong denied reports of a clash with the White House over the CLARITY Act, saying discussions remain constructive and negotiations with banks are ongoing. Coinbase withdrew support for the bill over concerns it would harm DeFi and ban stablecoin yield sharing. The Senate delayed the bill’s markup as lawmakers and industry groups work toward revised terms.
Vitalik Buterin Calls for Ethereum to Recommit to Decentralization in 2026
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warned that core values like decentralization, privacy, and self-sovereignty have been compromised for mainstream adoption. He said 2026 should mark a reset, calling for private payments, easier node operation, less reliance on centralized services, and stronger on-chain privacy. Upcoming upgrades aim to reverse years of centralization and make Ethereum self-sustaining in the long term.
Michael Saylor Defends Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
Michael Saylor pushed back against criticism of companies raising debt or equity to buy Bitcoin, arguing that it’s a rational capital-allocation decision. Speaking on the What Bitcoin Did podcast, he said Bitcoin can outperform Treasurys or buybacks, even for unprofitable firms. Saylor noted that corporate Bitcoin adoption is growing, with public companies now holding about 1.1 million BTC collectively.
U.S. Lawmakers Urge SEC to Revisit Paused Justin Sun Case
Three Democratic lawmakers have pressed the SEC to explain its decision to pause enforcement actions in multiple crypto cases, including one against Tron founder Justin Sun. They warned the prolonged stay could undermine investor confidence and questioned whether political influence played a role. Sun denied the allegations, saying the case remains pending and that he has not sought special treatment.
CME to Add Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures
CME Group plans to launch regulated futures contracts for Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar on Feb. 9, pending approval, expanding its crypto derivatives lineup beyond Bitcoin and Ether. The exchange will offer standard and micro contracts, targeting both institutional and retail demand. The move reflects growing U.S. interest in regulated exposure to altcoins and the broader adoption of crypto futures markets.
SEC Closes Zcash Investigation Without Enforcement Action
The Zcash Foundation said the U.S. SEC has closed a 2023 investigation into the privacy-focused cryptocurrency without pursuing enforcement. The probe began after an August 2023 subpoena related to certain crypto asset offerings. The SEC concluded its review and recommended no action, marking a regulatory win for Zcash as U.S. authorities show signs of easing their stance on crypto enforcement.
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