[LIVE] Crypto News – Jan. 16, 2026: Markets Slide for Second Day; DePIN Tokens Lead Losses
The crypto market extended its downward trend for a second consecutive day, with DePIN tokens taking the biggest hit. According to SoSoValue data, the sector fell 4.22% over the past 24 hours, dragged down by Filecoin (FIL), down 8.55%, and Golem (GLM), which slid 10.07%.
Bitcoin dipped 1.1%, slipping to $95,000, while Ethereum held relatively steady, edging down 0.7% to around $3,300. Most sectors traded lower, though a few tokens bucked the trend, including TRON (TRX), Dash (DASH), River (RIVER), and MemeCore (M). Sector indices reflected the weakness, with ssiGameFi, ssiDePIN, and ssiSocialFi down 4.53%, 4.26%, and 3.20%, respectively.
Berachain Proposes Lower Token Inflation to Boost Sustainability
The Berachain community is proposing a reduction in the annual inflation rate of its BGT token from 8% to around 5% to improve the network’s long-term economic sustainability, according to Mars Finance. The change would reduce new token issuance but leave reward mechanisms for liquidity providers, treasury allocations, and validator incentives unchanged.
While holders may see slightly lower yields, the proposal aims to increase BGT scarcity, aligning its inflation closer to Ethereum’s levels by 2026–2027.
Bitcoin Downside Risks Easing, Says Matrixport
Bitcoin’s risk profile appears to be stabilizing, according to Matrixport. Key on-chain indicators show signs of recovery following late-2025 pressure, giving the firm a cautiously bullish outlook as long as BTC stays above key support levels.
Matrixport cautions, however, that the rebound remains fragile. Weak new capital inflows and limited accumulation by long-term holders mean any near-term breakout may struggle to develop into a sustained uptrend without stronger confirmation from fund flows and on-chain profitability metrics.
South Korea Tightens Rules for Overseas Crypto Exchanges
Google Play in South Korea will enforce stricter compliance rules for foreign crypto exchanges starting January 28. Platforms must complete FIU VASP registration and provide proof of approval to remain listed or update their apps.
Since approval requires establishing a Korean entity, obtaining ISMS certification, and passing regulatory reviews, major offshore exchanges like Binance and OKX are expected to face blocks for downloads and updates in South Korea.
California Fines Nexo $500K for Unlicensed Lending
California regulators have fined Nexo $500,000 for offering crypto-backed loans without a state license. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) said Nexo issued loans to at least 5,456 California residents between 2018 and 2022 without assessing repayment ability or credit risk.
Nexo has been ordered to transfer all California user funds to a licensed U.S. affiliate within 150 days, as the company looks to re-enter the U.S. market after exiting in 2022 due to regulatory pressure.
US Bitcoin ETFs See $100M Inflow, Fourth Day of Gains
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $100.2 million in net inflows on January 16, marking four straight days of gains, according to Farside data. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $315.8 million, while Grayscale’s BTC added $6.7 million. Outflows came from Fidelity’s FBTC (-$188.9M) and Grayscale’s GBTC (-$36.4M).
Ethereum spot ETFs also saw inflows totaling $164.4 million, led by ETHA ($149.2M) and ETH ($15.2M). Other ETFs saw smaller movements, including Solana ($8.94M inflow) and XRP ($17.06M inflow).
