On 9 January 2026, Morgan Stanley outlined plans to merge digital assets, private company exposure, and traditional investments into a single operating model aimed at long-term wealth clients. The bank intends to enable E*Trade users to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana and launch its own digital wallet in 2026, while also expanding access to private-company shares through partnerships with Carta and the planned acquisition of EquityZen. In parallel, it has filed an S-1 with the U.S. SEC for a spot Ethereum Trust, following earlier registrations linked to Bitcoin and Solana as part of a broader institutional crypto strategy.

Coinbase will add copper and platinum futures trading on its app starting January 26. The contracts will be offered via Coinbase Derivatives and accessible to retail and institutions through approved FCM partners, alongside existing gold, silver, and oil markets. The expansion aligns with the company's push toward an "everything exchange" strategy.

JPMorgan analysts said crypto ETF flows are showing signs of stabilizing in January after bitcoin and ether products saw outflows in December. They attributed the recent correction mainly to investor de-risking triggered by MSCI’s October 10 announcement concerning MicroStrategy, rather than worsening liquidity. Equity ETFs drew a record $235 billion globally in December, the analysts noted.

On 9 January 2026, Nexo launched Zero-interest Credit (ZiC), a fixed-term borrowing product at 0% interest for users pledging Bitcoin or Ethereum. The framework sets predefined price thresholds, removes liquidation risk during the loan term, and lets borrowers settle at maturity in stablecoins or via collateral, with an option to renew under updated terms.

Nexo introduced "Zero-interest Credit", a fixed-term borrowing product for Bitcoin and Ether holders with no interest. Borrowers set size and duration upfront, face no liquidation before maturity, and can settle in stablecoins or with collateral; the structured model previously facilitated over $140 million in 2025 via private and OTC channels.

Bank of America has upgraded Coinbase shares to a buy rating and set a $340 price target after the stock dropped about 40% from its July peak near $420. The bank cited cheaper valuation, higher short interest, and growing revenues from infrastructure, derivatives and Base as potential cushions against volatile retail trading volumes. Analysts also argued that Coinbase could be a long-term winner as crypto adoption is still in its early stages and the exchange expands into new products and markets.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued a no-action letter to crypto derivatives venue Bitnomial, allowing it to list event contracts and operate prediction-style markets. Under the letter, Bitnomial is exempt from standard asset swap reporting rules but must keep all positions fully collateralized and publish detailed market data, while supplying information to the regulator on request. The move comes after a surge of interest in US prediction markets, including major funding for Polymarket and strategic moves by Kalshi, ICE and Coinbase.

According to the United Nations' latest forecast released Thursday, global growth is set to ease to 2.7% in 2026 from an estimated 2.8% in 2025, with trade growth falling to 2.2% from 3.8%. The report anticipates a modest rebound to 2.9% in 2027 and notes U.S. growth at 2% alongside softer inflation.