📌 TOPINDIATOURS Hot crypto: Coinbase Exits Argentina: Peso-to-USDC Trading Ends Ja

Coinbase informed Argentine users on January 3, 2026, that it will discontinue peso-to-USDC trading on its platform effective January 31, marking a strategic retreat from local currency operations barely a year after launching with regulatory approval.

The exchange emphasized that crypto-to-crypto trading remains fully operational while giving customers a 30-day window to convert and withdraw their pesos.

“At Coinbase we are continuously reevaluating the products we offer to ensure the most efficient experience possible for our community,” the company stated in an email to users.

The announcement stated that after January 31, purchasing or selling USDC with Argentine pesos will no longer be possible.

However, the ability to buy, sell, send, and receive cryptocurrencies across different digital assets will remain uninterrupted.

Rapid Expansion Followed by Swift Contraction

Coinbase launched operations in Argentina on January 28, 2025, after receiving approval from the National Securities Commission (CNV) to operate as a Virtual Asset Service Provider.

The exchange appointed Matías Alberti, an experienced fintech professional from companies such as Buenbit and Clara, to lead regional operations, with regulatory compliance and security as core priorities.

Argentina was seen as a compelling market opportunity at the time, with economic challenges such as high inflation and currency volatility driving widespread crypto adoption.

A Coinbase study particularly revealed that 87% of Argentinians viewed cryptocurrency as a path to financial independence, while 79% expressed openness to receiving salaries in digital assets.

This, the study shows, makes the country six times more likely to use crypto daily than the average Latin American nation.

The exchange’s optimistic market entry coincided with Argentina expanding crypto investment opportunities through CNV approval of U.S. exchange-traded funds, including Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs under the CEDEAR program, ending a six-year prohibition under Law No. 27440.

Political Scandal Reshapes Argentina’s Crypto Landscape

Coinbase’s withdrawal follows devastating political fallout from the Libra meme coin scandal that erupted in February 2025 when President Javier Milei endorsed the Solana-based token on social media.

The coin surged from fractions of a cent to over $4.50 within hours before collapsing by more than 96%, with losses estimated at between $100 million and $251 million, after what investigators described as a classic pump-and-dump scheme.

Argentina’s federal court froze over $507,000 in assets belonging to U.S. businessman Hayden Davis and two crypto operators as part of an expanding fraud investigation that drew links to Milei’s inner circle.

Prosecutors traced transactions and alleged that intermediaries converted crypto into fiat for Davis and Argentine lobbyists Mauricio Novelli and Manuel Terrones Godoy, with one key transfer of $507,500 occurring just 42 minutes after Milei posted a selfie with Davis.

Argentina’s lower house voted 128-93 in April 2025 to launch a congressional investigation summoning Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona, and National Securities Commission head Roberto Silva to examine potential misconduct surrounding the token’s promotion and collapse.

Despite political turbulence that dropped Milei’s approval rating from 47.3% to 41.6%, his pro-crypto party, La Libertad Avanza, scored a surprise victory in Argentina’s midterm elections, winning 40.68% of the national vote.

Broader Strategic Shift Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

The discontinuation of peso trading comes as Argentina’s central bank reportedly weighs regulations that would allow traditional banks to offer crypto trading and custody services, potentially approved around April 2026, according to local exchanges.

While Coinbase is drawing back from the country, it is growing in other countries and verticals.

Earlier this month, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced an “everything exchange” strategy for 2026, combining crypto, equities, prediction markets, and commodities globally while partnering with federally regulated platform Kalshi for event-based markets.

Coinbase’s decision to maintain crypto trading while exiting peso operations suggests the exchange might be repositioning for regulatory changes rather than abandoning the Argentine market entirely.

However, some users and the community have criticized the action, with the lead DevRel at Talent Protocol calling the move “wild.”

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🔗 Sumber: cryptonews.com

📌 TOPINDIATOURS Eksklusif crypto: XRP Price Prediction: Transactions Hit 1M as Pri

XRP (XRP/USD) surged past $2.10, marking its strongest 24-hour rally in weeks as on-chain activity on the XRP Ledger climbed back toward 1 million daily transactions, signaling fresh momentum across both technical and network fundamentals. With prices breaking out of a long-term downtrend, traders are now eyeing $2.20 and $2.28 as the next key targets.

Ledger Transactions Hit 5-Month Peak

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has recorded a sharp rebound in network usage since mid-December, with daily transactions rising to roughly 1 million, according to Ripple’s public metrics dashboard.

This jump reflects stronger on-chain utility, driven by growing remittance volumes and increased integration with financial platforms adopting XRP for settlement.

Historically, transaction spikes have preceded notable price expansions, and the current uptick aligns with XRP’s latest technical breakout, suggesting synchronized network and market growth.

XRP/USD Technical Analysis: Chart Points to $2.28–$2.40

From a charting perspective, XRP price prediction has turned bullish as XRP has broken cleanly above its descending trendline, a level that had capped gains since November. The 50-EMA crossing above the 100-EMA on the 4-hour chart reinforces bullish momentum, while RSI levels near 72 suggest controlled overbought strength rather than exhaustion.

Candlestick formations add credibility to this move: a three white soldiers pattern accompanied the breakout, signaling sustained buying interest. Short-term consolidation near $2.05–$2.10 could offer a springboard toward the $2.21 and $2.28 resistance levels, while holding above $1.97 remains vital for trend continuation.

Institutional Flows and 2026 Outlook

Improved sentiment around crypto ETFs and renewed focus on Ripple’s institutional payment partnerships have added a macro tailwind to XRP’s rally. If bullish momentum persists above $2.20, analysts see room for XRP to challenge the $2.40–$2.50 zone in early 2026.

Beyond price, the growing alignment between XRPL’s transaction volume and XRP’s technical strength suggests that the token is regaining its role as a high-efficiency settlement asset.

If this synergy holds, XRP could be entering a new growth phase — one supported by real usage rather than speculation.

Maxi Doge: A Meme Coin Built Around Community and Competition

Maxi Doge is gaining traction as one of the more active meme coin presales this year, combining bold branding with community-driven incentives. The project has already raised more than $4.4 million, placing it among the stronger early performers in the meme token category.

Unlike typical dog-themed tokens that rely purely on social buzz, Maxi Doge leans into engagement. The project runs regular ROI competitions, community challenges, and events designed to keep participation high throughout the presale phase. Its leverage-inspired mascot and fitness-themed branding have helped it stand out in a crowded meme market.

The $MAXI token also includes a staking mechanism that allows holders to earn daily smart-contract rewards. Stakers gain access to exclusive competitions and partner events, adding a passive earning component while encouraging long-term participation rather than short-term speculation.

Currently priced at $0.0002765, $MAXI is approaching its next scheduled presale increase. With momentum building and community activity remaining strong, Maxi Doge is positioning itself as a meme coin focused on sustained engagement rather than one-off hype.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

The post XRP Price Prediction: Transactions Hit 1M as Price Breakout Targets $2.40 in 2026 Rally appeared first on Cryptonews.

🔗 Sumber: cryptonews.com