Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast — December 19, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
North Korea just had its biggest year ever stealing cryptocurrency
Source: Original article
Reports indicate North Korea-linked hackers have marked 2025 as their most lucrative year in crypto theft. The surge highlights intensifying pressure on centralized services to bolster security and compliance as attackers shift toward fewer, larger heists.
North Korea-Linked Hackers Steal $2.02 Billion in 2025, Leading Global Crypto Theft
Source: Original article
Chainalysis data shows DPRK actors stole at least $2.02 billion in 2025, with the Bybit breach alone accounting for $1.5 billion and a record 76% of service-level compromises tied to North Korea. The report details IT worker infiltration (“Wagemole”) and a disciplined, three-wave laundering process over ~45 days, underscoring a sophisticated pipeline that leans on Chinese-language money services and cross-chain tools. A related DOJ case highlights the human enablers behind these operations, reinforcing the need for tighter hiring and access controls across crypto firms.
North Korean hackers stole a record $2 billion of crypto in 2025, Chainalysis says
Source: Original article
The report highlights a shift to fewer, dramatically larger service-level attacks, with DPRK-linked actors responsible for 76% of such compromises in 2025. Laundering is increasingly segmented into sub-$500,000 tranches and may be augmented by AI-driven workflows, while a consistent ~45-day laundering window offers a narrow opportunity for interdiction. Notably, personal wallet thefts rose in count but fell in total value, pointing to a polarized threat landscape.
SoFi unveils the first bank-issued stablecoin for enterprise payments
Source: Original article
SoFi launched SoFiUSD, a public-chain stablecoin issued by its FDIC-insured national bank and backed 1:1 by cash held at the Federal Reserve. Initially for internal use, the coin is positioned for instant, low-cost settlement and could be white-labeled by partners, offering a regulated alternative to crypto-native stablecoins. It signals a push by banks to bring mainstream-grade assurances to onchain payments.
JPMorgan’s tokenized dollars are quietly rewiring how Wall Street moves money
Source: Original article
JPMorgan’s tokenized deposits (JPMD) have moved onto Base, bringing whitelisted, bank-backed dollars to a public chain for use cases like collateral and margin. Unlike traditional stablecoins, these tokens represent deposit claims and can be interest-bearing, with the bank emphasizing strong controls over smart contracts and token movement. The move underscores major banks’ intent to meet client demand and stake out onchain territory, even within permissioned frameworks.
Bitcoin ETF rebound needs to be sustained for BTC to benefit: Crypto Daybook Americas
Source: Original article
Spot bitcoin ETFs saw a $457.3 million single-day inflow, but analysts say sustained, repeated inflows are needed to keep BTC moving higher. Bitcoin remains range-bound between $86,000 and $90,000 as traders await key U.S. inflation data and global central bank decisions, which could reset risk appetite. Altcoin performance was mixed, with signs of weakness in majors and strength in select privacy tokens.
U.S. bitcoin ETFs see strongest inflows for over a month as BTC dominance hits 60%
Source: Original article
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs logged $457.3 million in net inflows, led by Fidelity’s FBTC and supported by BlackRock’s IBIT, pushing BTC dominance to 60%. Despite sharp intraday swings, implied volatility remains historically subdued, while upcoming rate and inflation prints in the U.S., U.K., EU, and Japan could catalyze fresh moves. The flows underscore ongoing institutional interest even as macro uncertainty persists.
Understanding Bitcoin’s downward slide, after achieving record high in October
Source: Original article
This explainer examines Bitcoin’s pullback since its October all-time high through the lenses of trading volumes, investor sentiment, and market structure. It synthesizes real-time data points to clarify whether the decline reflects cooling momentum, risk-off macro shifts, or structural market fragilities. A useful primer for listeners tracking catalysts behind recent price action.
Bitcoin could drop to $10,000, one analyst says, spelling doom for ETH, ADA, XRP
Source: Original article
Options markets show defensive positioning into year-end, with puts concentrated around $85,000 and skew favoring downside protection. Some analysts warn the cycle could reprice far lower into 2026, citing reduced long-term holder supply and fragile leverage conditions, though BTC has remained relatively resilient year-to-date. Expect elevated volatility as macro and positioning forces collide.
FBI dismantles alleged $70M crypto laundering operation
Source: Original article
Authorities seized infrastructure tied to E-Note, an unlicensed exchange accused of washing more than $70 million for ransomware crews and other cybercriminals, and charged a Russian national alleged to have operated the service. The takedown reflects a broader strategy of targeting the financial plumbing that enables cybercrime, not just the hackers themselves. Cutting off laundering pathways raises costs and friction across illicit networks.
