World Liberty has launched World Liberty Markets, a peer-to-peer platform for crypto lending and borrowing that runs on USD1. USD1's market cap stands at $3.4 billion, and the venue supports WLFI, Ether, tokenized Bitcoin, USDT, and USDC. WLTC Holdings filed an OCC application five days ago to create a federal trust bank for stablecoins.

On January 11, 2026, user Captain Bunny said his OKX accounts holding about $40,000 in stablecoins were frozen after he bought four KYC-verified accounts in 2023. On January 12, 2026, CEO Star Xu replied that access depends on the registered identity, citing terms barring acting on behalf of others. The user shared on-chain records and emails to support his claim.

On January 12, 2026, cybersecurity researchers detailed how the GoBruteforcer botnet compromises Linux servers used by cryptocurrency and blockchain projects through weak credentials and exposed services. The malware targets FTP, MySQL, PostgreSQL and phpMyAdmin to build a distributed network for brute-force password cracking and data theft. Investigations also found crypto-specific campaigns and blockchain reconnaissance, including scans of TRON addresses to identify funded wallets.

According to the Dubai Financial Services Authority, revised crypto rules taking effect on January 12 ban privacy coins and anonymity tools, including mixers, in or from the DIFC. The framework narrows "fiat crypto token" status to fiat-pegged, reserve-backed assets and shifts token‑listing accountability from a regulator-maintained list to licensed firms.

On 12 January 2026, the Dubai Financial Services Authority enforced a ban on privacy tokens within the Dubai International Financial Centre, covering trading, promotion, funds, and derivatives. The regulator also narrowed stablecoin rules to fiat-backed tokens only, excluding algorithmic designs such as Ethena's USDe from the stablecoin category.

On 8 January, the Financial Intelligence Unit of India said ID-only verification is insufficient, and from 12 January crypto users will face live selfie liveness tests, biometric checks, precise location capture, and penny-drop bank verification. ICOs are labeled high risk, transfers must carry sender and recipient data, and exchanges must keep records for at least five years, following ₹28 crore in fines last fiscal year.

On January 12 2026, cybersecurity researchers detailed how Chinese-speaking criminal syndicates have spent nearly a decade building pig-butchering romance scams into a commoditized, service-based industry across Southeast Asia. The report describes large compounds of forced labor, plug-and-play PBaaS toolkits, fake trading platforms, phishing apps and crimeware services like Penguin that sell stolen identities and social media accounts. These infrastructures collectively support industrial-scale online fraud and global money laundering operations.

Ahead of a parliamentary hearing next week, 68 economists warned EU lawmakers that Europe could lose control of its money without a functioning digital euro, according to an open letter. The signatories cite reliance on US payment firms in thirteen euro-area countries and flag the ECB's proposed €3,000 wallet limit as insufficient for a credible store of value.