‍Polymarket Predicts 86% Chance of LIT Token Airdrop by Year-End Speculation around Lighter's LIT token airdrop is intensifying, with traders on Polymarket assigning an 86% probability of a token generation event (TGE) before 2025. This surge follows Lighter's core contributors announcing the "final stretch" of their second incentive season and the implementation of anti-Sybil measures to ensure fair distribution. Hyperliquid's listing of the LIT token against USDC for pre-launch trading and Lighter's transfer of 250 million LIT tokens further fueled anticipation. Lighter recently secured $68 million in funding and has been added to Coinbase's listing roadmap, positioning it as a major player in the perp DEX sector.
‍Russia Considers Broadening Crypto Access for Retail Investors The Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR) is reportedly evaluating a policy shift that could grant retail investors formal access to cryptocurrency markets, a departure from previous restrictions. As of December 2025, regulatory bodies are working on a framework to integrate Bitcoin and other virtual assets into the domestic financial landscape. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov indicated that authorities are reconsidering restricting crypto assets solely to "qualified investors." Discussions now focus on expanding market participation to include non-qualified retail investors, establishing a unified regulatory framework, and developing legal safeguards against high volatility. First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Vladimir Chistyukhin, confirmed that easing rules is being discussed to support economic activities of individuals and legal entities, particularly in the context of cross-border payment restrictions. This move aims to leverage decentralized finance (DeFi) tools to maintain liquidity and facilitate global trade.
‍Vince Zampella, Co-Creator of Call of Duty, Dies at 55 The gaming industry mourns the loss of Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and founder of Respawn Entertainment, who passed away at 55. Zampella was a pivotal figure in the FPS genre, with titles like Modern Warfare and Apex Legends shaping competitive gaming and digital economies. His influence extends to Web3 and blockchain gaming, with his live-service models and cosmetic economies providing a blueprint for P2E ecosystems and NFT-integrated platforms. Zampella's innovative approach to gameplay and community engagement will continue to inspire developers.
‍Bybit to Exit Japanese Market Amidst Strict Regulations Bybit, the world's second-largest crypto exchange, will discontinue services for Japanese residents starting in 2026. This decision follows extensive discussions with the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA). The exchange will gradually restrict accounts, with users receiving further communication. Bybit previously suspended new registrations in Japan in October 2024.
‍HKGX Launches Asia's First Exchange-Backed Gold Token: $XGZ The Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX) has unveiled $XGZ, Asia's first gold-backed cryptocurrency, through its digital asset initiative, GoldZip. Each $XGZ token is backed 1:1 by one gram of 999.9 fine physical gold, secured in audited vaults and approved by the Hong Kong government. Transactions are recorded on-chain for transparency. Available on Uniswap and MEXC, $XGZ aims to integrate traditional bullion markets with DeFi. The project targets a $300 million physical gold reserve by mid-2026, positioning itself among leading gold-backed tokens. GoldZip operates under Singapore's Ministry of Law (MinLaw) regulations.
‍BlackRock Names Spot Bitcoin ETF a Top Investment Theme for 2025 BlackRock has identified its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) as a primary investment theme for 2025, placing it alongside U.S. Treasury bills and "Magnificent 7" tech stocks. Despite Bitcoin's price decline from its October peak, IBIT has seen over $25 billion in net inflows this year, ranking it sixth globally among ETFs. This strong performance highlights institutional conviction and signals growing integration of digital assets into mainstream portfolios.
‍Palmer Luckey’s Erebor Valued at $4.3B After $350M Funding Round Erebor, a digital banking venture co-founded by Palmer Luckey and backed by Peter Thiel, has achieved a $4.35 billion post-money valuation. This milestone follows a $350 million funding round led by Lux Capital. The company has secured preliminary conditional approval from the OCC and deposit insurance approval from the FDIC. Erebor aims to address the banking gaps exposed by the SVB collapse, offering stablecoin-friendly and AI-centric banking solutions for tech companies.
‍ETHZilla Liquidates $74.5M in ETH to Settle Debt Crypto treasury firm ETHZilla has sold 24,291 ETH for $74.5 million to redeem convertible notes. This move follows the company's rebranding from 180 Life Sciences Corp and shift to an Ether-focused strategy. ETHZilla retains approximately 69,800 ETH. The company also acquired stakes in AI startup Karus and digital lender Zippy, diversifying its interests amidst market volatility.
‍Arizona Senator Proposes Crypto Tax Exemptions Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers has introduced legislation to exempt virtual currencies from property taxes and prevent local governments from taxing blockchain nodes. SB 1044 and SCR 1003, which seek these property tax exemptions, would require a public vote in November 2026. SB 1045, prohibiting taxes on node operators, may be approved sooner. This initiative follows previous efforts to integrate Bitcoin into state reserves.
‍Complex Strategy Gaming May Slow Neural Aging by Seven Years New research suggests engaging in complex, real-time strategy activities, such as sophisticated video games or musical training, can significantly lower a person's biological "brain age." Studies indicate that demanding hobbies, particularly strategy games like StarCraft II, can make brains appear 4 to 7 years younger. This effect is linked to increased neural plasticity and cognitive load, mirroring the demands of learning new skills. For the Web3 and GameFi community, this highlights the potential long-term health value of immersive, strategy-focused digital environments beyond simple transaction-based mechanics.