Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong dismissed “paper Bitcoin” claims, insisting spot Bitcoin ETFs are fully backed, while defending Coinbase’s dominant custody role and calling U.S. regulatory clarity the next key step for the industry.
Abu Dhabi investment vehicles together held over 20 million shares of BlackRock’s Bitcoin IBIT at the close of last year, with a combined value exceeding $1.1 billion.
Thailand is moving to position itself as a leading crypto hub in Asia by rolling out a comprehensive 2026 regulatory framework covering bitcoin ETFs and crypto futures trading.
South Korea is moving to approve spot bitcoin ETFs this year as part of a broader crypto policy shift that pairs regulated market access with stricter stablecoin rules and expanded use of blockchain in public finance.
The bitcoin price started 2026 with a sharp rally, climbing above $94,000 as ETF inflows, bullish options positioning and renewed geopolitical hedge demand lifted market sentiment.