On January 14, Binance Wallet introduced on-chain perpetual futures trading via Aster, allowing Binance Wallet (Web) users on BNB Smart Chain to trade derivatives while retaining self-custody. The integration routes orders to Aster's decentralized perpetuals platform, supports multiple collateral tokens, and initially focuses on web access with more networks and mobile support planned. Eligible trades earn rewards through Aster's airdrop and competitions, alongside a Binance Wallet campaign offering up to 200,000 USDT.

During JPMorgan Chase’s fourth‑quarter earnings call this week, CFO Jeremy Barnum cautioned that interest‑paying stablecoins replicate deposit‑like features without prudential oversight. An amended draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act released this week would bar interest paid solely for holding a stablecoin while allowing incentives tied to liquidity, governance or staking.

Betterment said attackers used a social engineering scheme on January 9 to access its systems and obtain customer names, emails, addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates. The firm said accounts and passwords were not compromised, is working with a cybersecurity provider, and warned users about fraudulent messages urging $10,000 crypto transfers.

CFTC Chair Mike Selig has rebuilt the Innovation Advisory Committee with a crypto- and fintech-heavy lineup. Announced Monday, the membership spans Gemini, Kraken, Polymarket, Kalshi and major market operators such as Nasdaq, CME Group, ICE and Cboe, with the group set to advise on AI, blockchain, DeFi and market structure.

On Monday, US District Judge Aleta Trauger granted Kalshi a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, blocking Tennessee regulators from enforcing a cease-and-desist while the case proceeds. The SWC's Friday letters ordered Kalshi, Polymarket and Crypto.com to halt sports event contracts, void positions, and refund Tennessee users by Jan. 31, with penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

On January 13, the US Democratic Party launched BlueVault, a crypto fundraising platform for campaign donations that accepts Bitcoin and USDC. According to Coincu, the initiative is framed by regulatory clarity linked to the GENIUS Act and aims to reengage voters and donors after the 2024 presidential election. Coincu also notes Republican platforms have drawn over $21 million in crypto contributions.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a crackdown on "grey money" after a Finance Ministry meeting on Friday, directing tighter controls on gold trading and digital assets. Measures include lowering the 2M baht reporting threshold for gold bar purchases and stricter Travel Rule enforcement for crypto providers. A data bureau will link agency datasets to detect suspicious flows.

South Korea's Financial Services Commission has proposed capping major shareholders' ownership in cryptocurrency exchanges at 20%. On Tuesday, DAXA, representing the five largest platforms, opposed the measure, warning of market disruption and possible forced stake reductions for figures such as Song Chi-hyung and Cha Myung-hun. The plan could also affect Naver's 20 trillion KRW agreement with Dunamu.