Weekly Recap｜Inflation Data Released, South Korea Lifts Corporate Crypto Ban, Echobit Launches Knowl
2026.01.19
Weekly Review (Jan 12 – Jan 18)
Following the release of U.S. inflation data last week, markets recalibrated expectations for future rate cuts. Overall sentiment remained cautious, with risk assets showing muted performance and no clear rebound. In the near term, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to stay on hold while waiting for additional economic indicators.
Total crypto market capitalization stood at approximately $3.22 trillion. Bitcoin briefly tested key levels but failed to achieve a sustained breakout, leaving prices in a range-bound and slightly weaker structure. The crypto market remains below major resistance levels, maintaining a defensive posture in the short term.
This recap highlights the key developments from the past week and outlines the main themes to watch in the week ahead.
Market Pulse
Crypto M&A activity in 2025 reached $37 billion, marking a record high
Grayscale updated its potential future investment asset list, covering 36 tokens
South Korea’s DAXA alliance opposed proposed exchange ownership caps
Multiple central banks are drafting a joint statement supporting Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Bank of England suggested stablecoin deposits may require protections similar to bank deposits
Belgium’s second-largest bank KBC became the first to offer crypto trading to retail users
Funding & M&A
Fifteen funding rounds were announced last week, totaling over $410 million, primarily in DeFi and AI
Konnex raised $15 million in strategic funding to bring real-world economic activity on-chain
Project Eleven secured $20 million in funding at a post-money valuation of around $120 million
Stablecoin payments firm PhotonPay completed a Series B round worth tens of millions, led by IDG Capital
Ripple invested $150 million in LMAX to support institutional settlement using RLUSD
Alpaca closed a $150 million Series D round led by Drive Capital
Latin American stablecoin payments firm VelaFi raised $20 million in Series B funding
Singapore-based crypto startup Veera raised $10 million to expand on-chain financial services
Stablecoin infrastructure provider Meld raised $7 million
Policy & Compliance
South Korea lifted a nine-year ban on corporate crypto investment, allowing listed companies to participate
India tightened crypto regulations to strengthen AML and counter-terrorism financing efforts
Dubai banned privacy coins and introduced stricter stablecoin regulations
U.S. senators submitted over 130 amendments ahead of the crypto market structure bill hearing
South Korea passed legislative amendments to formalize security token regulations
Belarus signed a decree allowing the establishment of crypto banks
Echobit Highlights
Echobit and TradeTalentAI launched their first joint campaign exploring AI-driven trading interaction
Echobit World Tour reached Paris with an Eiffel Tower–themed interactive giveaway
The “Prove You’re Human” challenge went live to encourage authentic participation
The Welcome 2026 Lucky Draw offers a share of $200,000 and a chance to win an iPhone 17 Pro Max
Echobit partnered with GoldFingerRWA on a Taskon campaign featuring mission-based rewards
The “2026 Top 5” checklist activity invited users to share their goals for the year ahead
Echobit’s knowledge quiz challenge launched, testing users’ crypto understanding
Hot topic discussions opened to encourage community engagement
The Leaning Tower of Pisa–themed World Tour interaction continued
Week Ahead (Jan 19 – Jan 25)
Layer1 blockchain MANTRA will undergo a token upgrade
Former Alameda Research co-CEO Caroline Ellison is expected to be released
The U.S. will publish December CPI data (non-seasonally adjusted)
U.S. initial jobless claims data for the week ending Jan 10 will be released
The Bank of Japan will announce its policy rate on Jan 23
Large one-time token unlocks are expected for ZRO, RIVER, and PLUME, totaling over $100 million
Echobit will continue tracking global crypto developments, focusing on market trends, regulatory shifts, and funding opportunities to help you stay ahead through every market cycle.