Bitcoin started the week under pressure as spot ETF outflows stretched to 5 straight days, draining more than $1.7 billion and keeping BTC below $90,000. On-chain data now shows holders are realizing losses for the first time in over two years, raising concerns that a broader downtrend may be forming.
At the same time, regulators are shifting gears. Binance is racing toward MiCA approval in Europe, U.S. agencies are coordinating crypto oversight, and stablecoins are finding real-world use in humanitarian payments.
Markets are fragile, but the landscape is evolving fast.
Read the full recap to see where the real inflection points are forming.
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TOP CRYPTO NEWS RECAP (January 18 - January 24, 2026)
- Nifty Gateway to Shut Down NFT Marketplace in February 2026
- Binance Seeks MiCA License in Greece Ahead of EU Compliance Deadline
- SEC Drops Gemini Earn Case After Investors Made Whole
- Nasdaq Moves to Lift Limits on Bitcoin and Ether ETF Options
- SEC and CFTC to Coordinate Crypto Oversight in Joint Harmonization Event
- Circle Funds UN Effort to Use Stablecoins for Refugee Aid Payments
Nifty Gateway to Shut Down NFT Marketplace in February 2026
Nifty Gateway, one of the earliest major NFT marketplaces, will close on Feb. 23, 2026, entering withdrawal-only mode as the NFT sector’s downturn continues. The Gemini-owned platform has already begun winding down, giving users about a month to move NFTs and funds. Gemini says the closure allows it to focus on building a broader “super app,” while still supporting NFTs through Gemini Wallet.
Binance Seeks MiCA License in Greece Ahead of EU Compliance Deadline
Binance has applied for a MiCA license in Greece as European regulators tighten enforcement ahead of June 30 compliance deadlines. The move follows France flagging Binance as still unlicensed under MiCA. The exchange says it is working with Greece’s HCMC to secure authorization, as firms without approval may be forced to halt operations across parts of the EU starting in July.
SEC Drops Gemini Earn Case After Investors Made Whole
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has dismissed its lawsuit against Gemini and Genesis over the Gemini Earn program after customers recovered their crypto assets through the Genesis bankruptcy process. Gemini also agreed to contribute up to $40 million to support repayments. The move signals a softer enforcement stance toward crypto under the current U.S. administration.
Nasdaq Moves to Lift Limits on Bitcoin and Ether ETF Options
Nasdaq has filed with the SEC to remove position limits on options tied to spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, aiming to align crypto ETF options with other commodity-based funds. The change lifts the current 25,000-contract cap and takes effect immediately, pending possible SEC suspension. Nasdaq says the move will improve market fairness, liquidity, and hedging flexibility as demand for crypto derivatives grows.
SEC and CFTC to Coordinate Crypto Oversight in Joint Harmonization Event
The SEC and CFTC will hold a joint event led by SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Michael Selig to discuss aligning their approaches to crypto regulation. The move comes as lawmakers debate a market-structure bill to clarify the agency's roles. Officials say clearer, coordinated oversight is needed to reduce regulatory confusion and support crypto innovation in the U.S.
Circle Funds UN Effort to Use Stablecoins for Refugee Aid Payments
Circle has awarded a grant to the United Nations to help deploy digital financial infrastructure that streamlines cross-border humanitarian aid payments. The funding will support the UN’s Digital Hub for Treasury Solutions and expand the use of stablecoins such as USDC, building on earlier refugee payment pilots. The initiative aims to cut costs, speed up transfers, and make donor funds go further.
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