Turkmenistan will legalise cryptocurrency mining and trading platforms starting 1 January 2026 under a strict licensing regime overseen by the Central Bank. The reform, signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, aims to monetise excess gas-fired power capacity and diversify an economy heavily reliant on natural gas exports. While mining and exchanges gain legal status, using cryptocurrencies to pay for goods and services remains prohibited, and questions persist over how extensive internet censorship will align with large-scale blockchain operations.

On 1 January 2026, China's digital yuan began accruing interest at sight deposit rates, marking a break with the non‑interest CBDC model. The People's Bank of China's plan applies to verified wallets for individuals and firms, with payouts on the 20th day of the last month of each quarter. Anonymous category 4 wallets are excluded, signaling a shift from M0‑like "digital cash" toward M1‑style demand deposits.

According to an investigation by TRM Labs, a coordinated group of Russian cybercriminals allegedly laundered more than $35 million in cryptocurrency stolen from LastPass users after the 2022 breach. The funds were moved through instant exchanges, Bitcoin mixers and Russian platforms including Audi6 and the OFAC-sanctioned Cryptex, with investigators using behavioral continuity analysis to trace the flow. The report indicates that wallet activity tied to the mixers showed operational links to Russia before and after the laundering process.

A report published on 27 December alleges wallets linked to Andrew Tate received about $1.2 million from addresses named in a Texas lawsuit tied to a $5 million investment scam. Court documents filed in March 2025 describe laundering between January 2023 and February 2025, while related wallets reportedly moved up to $30M into the privacy protocol Railgun over the past two years.

On December 25, Chinese silver prices hit record levels, with Shanghai quoted at $80/oz and up over +150% YTD, while Bitcoin moved sideways on low holiday liquidity. The split highlights a macro shift as investors prioritize physical scarcity and industrial demand over digital scarcity during supply stress.

India's Enforcement Directorate conducted coordinated searches on 18 December across 21 locations in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi, targeting 4th Bloc Consultants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Investigators allege a long-running Ponzi-style crypto operation; assets and multiple wallets were identified, and a 23 December 2025 post on X noted the probe remains ongoing.

In August 2025, Ethereum (ETH) exceeded its 2021 peak, touching $4,945 and a $600 billion market capitalization. Institutional flows dominate this cycle: reserves on centralized exchanges fell to 10.5% by December 21, more than 35.6 million ETH are staked, and Exchange Traded Products attracted about $12.7 billion in 2025.

Hong Kong plans to introduce explicit rules allowing insurance companies to invest in cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and digital infrastructure, with the Insurance Authority proposing a 100 per cent risk charge on volatile tokens. A public consultation on the framework is scheduled from February to April 2026, and even limited allocations from the sector's HK$635 billion in 2024 gross premiums could significantly increase liquidity in digital asset markets.

On 18 December, a coalition of over 125 crypto firms and advocacy groups urged the US Senate Banking Committee to oppose expanding the GENIUS Act, challenging banking lobby efforts to limit stablecoin returns. Banks, in Capitol Hill briefings, warned of up to $6.6 trillion in deposits shifting to digital platforms. Companies named include Coinbase, Gemini and Kraken.