North Korean hackers stole record $2 billion in crypto in 2025, including single heist worth $1.5 billion, report claims — rogue state accounts for 60% of all reported crypto thefts this year, $6.75 billion total since records began

Source | By Jowi Morales on December 19, 2025

Chainalysis estimates DPRK-linked actors stole a record $2.02 billion in 2025—nearly 60% of all reported crypto theft—and $6.75 billion cumulatively. The $1.5 billion Bybit hack drove most of the haul, as North Korean operators lean on social engineering and insider infiltration (fake jobs, executive buyout ploys) to breach exchanges and custodians. While DeFi losses have eased relative to assets at risk, the DPRK is executing fewer but larger attacks, keeping big institutions squarely in the crosshairs.

Senate confirms Trump crypto-friendly nominees to take over CFTC, FDIC

Source | By Jesse Hamilton on December 19, 2025

Mike Selig will lead the CFTC and Travis Hill the FDIC after a 53–43 Senate vote, giving the administration crypto-friendly leadership at two key agencies. Selig inherits a near-empty commission and an ambitious crypto agenda as Congress weighs expanding CFTC spot authority; Hill has reversed prior debanking stances and will shape stablecoin oversight. The appointments could accelerate rulemaking on tokenized collateral, stablecoins, and leveraged spot products.

Bitcoin, ether pop higher as Japan rate hike lifts Asian risk appetite

Source | By Shaurya Malwa | Edited by Sam Reynolds on December 19, 2025

Bitcoin pushed above $87,000 and ether climbed as Asia stocks rallied after the BOJ raised rates to multi-decade highs and U.S. inflation cooled. The yen weakened even as Japan’s 10-year yield touched 2%, and leverage remained elevated after $576 million in liquidations. On-chain data suggests long-term holder selling is abating, but thin year-end liquidity leaves markets vulnerable to sharp moves.

Bitcoin gains as yen surprisingly tumbles after BOJ rate hike: Crypto Daybook Americas

Source | By Francisco Rodrigues, Saksham Diwan on December 19, 2025

BTC topped $88,000 as the yen fell post-BOJ, with softer U.S. inflation bolstering risk appetite. Analysts flagged risks from an AI-infrastructure unwind even as policy momentum builds, from the GENIUS Act’s 2026 framework to retirement plans testing small crypto allocations. Watch macro prints and DAO votes as catalysts into year-end.

Crypto Markets Today: Bitcoin rallies on Japan rate hike as futures traders pile in

Source | By Oliver Knight on December 19, 2025

Bitcoin jumped from $85,200 to $88,000, with open interest and funding turning decisively positive—signaling fresh leveraged longs behind the move. Altcoin derivatives lagged (SOL, XRP OI down) even as ETH modestly outperformed BTC, and “altseason” gauges hit new cycle lows. Sustained rotation likely requires BTC to clear resistance and consolidate.

Bybit returns to UK with 100 crypto trading pairs after 2-year break

Source | By Ian Allison on December 19, 2025

Bybit is back in the U.K. with 100 spot pairs, operating under FCA financial promotion approvals via Archax after exiting in 2023. The move leverages a compliance framework short of direct authorization as the government outlines a national crypto rulebook by 2027. Expect UK-tailored products framed around transparency and promotion standards.

Coinbase files lawsuits in 3 states over attempts to regulate prediction markets

Source | By Jamie Crawley on December 19, 2025

Coinbase sued regulators in Connecticut, Illinois, and Michigan, arguing prediction markets fall under exclusive CFTC jurisdiction—not state gambling laws. The push follows Coinbase’s plan to integrate Kalshi and frames event contracts as derivatives subject to uniform federal oversight. A win would set important precedent for U.S. retail access to prediction markets.

Latest bitcoin bull turns bear, Fidelity director warns of year-long crypto winter

Source | By James Van Straten on December 19, 2025

Fidelity’s Jurien Timmer says bitcoin’s October peak near $125,000 fits prior four-year cycles and expects a potential “year off” in 2026, with support at $65,000–$75,000. He contrasts BTC’s softness with gold’s powerful 2025 bull run, noting the metal has held gains through recent turbulence. He remains a secular BTC bull but tactically cautious.

Metaplanet to start sponsored ADR program to woo over-the-counter U.S. investors

Source | By James Van Straten, AI Boost | Edited by Sheldon Reback on December 19, 2025

Japan’s bitcoin-treasury firm Metaplanet launches sponsored Level I ADRs (MPJPY) to replace unsponsored OTC trading, improving access and settlement for U.S. investors. Deutsche Bank is depositary and MUFG custodian; the program isn’t for capital raising and remains OTC-only. The move lowers frictions for institutions that require formal ADR structures.

Jump Trading sued for $4 billion in connection to Do Kwon’s Terra Labs collapse: WSJ

Source | By Olivier Acuna on December 19, 2025

Terraform’s bankruptcy administrator sued Jump Trading and executives for $4 billion, alleging secret deals to prop up UST and profit during the ecosystem’s collapse. The filing claims Jump made about $1 billion from Luna sales, exacerbating the $40 billion implosion that rippled across crypto. The case adds to the legal fallout after Terraform’s SEC settlement and Do Kwon’s conviction.

Conclusion

From macro tailwinds and market structure shifts to regulatory power moves and security showdowns, this week’s stories capture a maturing crypto market that’s still battling real risks. Policy clarity and institutional access are expanding even as legal reckonings and sophisticated hacks remind us why resilience and risk management matter. Stay nimble, stay informed, and we’ll see you on the next episode.