Big Bets, Big Hacks, and Big Plans: Latest Crypto Updates

The crypto world has had a busy few days. After an interesting bet paid off big on Polymarket, regulators are paying closer attention to prediction markets, major hacks hit wallets and protocols, and large players like Coinbase and El Salvador outlined bold future plans. Here’s a clear look at the most important crypto and tech stories making headlines.

Polymarket Trader Turns $32,000 Bet Into Over $400,000

An anonymous trader placed a $32,000 bet on Polymarket, predicting that the US would take action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the end of January. When events appeared to move in that direction, the bet paid out more than $400,000 by the next morning.

The timing raised eyebrows. Critics say the trader may have acted on inside information, while supporters argue that prediction markets simply reflect informed opinions. Either way, the trade has drawn major attention to how these platforms work and how risky they can be.

US Lawmakers Look at Tighter Rules for Prediction Markets

After the Polymarket incident, US lawmakers began discussing stricter rules for prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi. Their concern is that these platforms could be used for unregulated gambling or to profit from non-public information, especially when politics or global events are involved. As prediction markets grow beyond sports and entertainment, they are increasingly landing on regulators’ radar.

Bithumb Finds Over $200 Million in Dormant Crypto Accounts

South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb revealed it found around 2.6 million inactive accounts holding roughly $201.8 million in unused funds. These accounts have been inactive for a long time, often because users lost access or forgot about them.

Bithumb says it plans to help users recover their assets, highlighting a common issue in crypto: lost accounts and forgotten funds.

Solana DEX Trading Volume Reaches $1.6 Trillion

Decentralized exchanges on the Solana network recorded $1.6 trillion in spot trading volume in 2025. This means Solana-based DEXs processed more trading activity than every centralized exchange except Binance. The numbers show how fast decentralized trading is growing, especially on networks like Solana that offer low fees and fast transactions.

Hack Drains Hundreds of Wallets Across EVM Networks

A large cyberattack affected hundreds of crypto wallets across EVM-compatible blockchains. More than $107,000 was stolen in total. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT linked the attack to advanced wallet-draining methods. The incident is another reminder that wallet security remains a major challenge, especially for everyday users.

Unleash Protocol Loses $3.9 Million in Hack

Crypto project Unleash Protocol confirmed it was hacked, losing around $3.9 million. The attack adds to a long list of DeFi exploits that continue to hit projects despite audits and security tools. These repeated hacks continue to hurt user trust and slow wider adoption of DeFi.

Trust Wallet Confirms Impacted Users and Promises Compensation

Trust Wallet confirmed that 2,520 wallet addresses were affected by a recent issue linked to its browser extension. The company said it will compensate impacted users and has already taken steps to prevent similar problems in the future. Users increasingly expect wallet providers to take responsibility when things go wrong, not just offer security tools.

Coinbase Wants to Become a “Universal Financial App”

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the company plans to expand far beyond crypto trading. The goal is to turn Coinbase into a universal financial app, offering more products, entering new markets, and improving existing services. This move shows how major crypto companies are trying to position themselves as full fintech platforms rather than just exchanges.

El Salvador Will Keep Investing in Bitcoin and AI

El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office announced it will continue investing in Bitcoin and artificial intelligence through 2026. The country remains committed to its Bitcoin strategy, despite criticism from global financial institutions. Officials believe BTC and AI can play a key role in long-term economic growth and innovation.

Neuralink Plans Mass Production of Brain-Control Devices

Elon Musk said Neuralink plans to start mass-producing its brain-computer interface devices in 2026. These devices aim to let users control technology using their thoughts. While not directly tied to crypto, the technology could shape the future of digital interaction, identity, and finance.

About Paybis

Paybis is a global cryptocurrency exchange platform that provides fast, secure, and user-friendly digital asset transactions. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat conversions, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

With a strong focus on security and compliance, Paybis is registered with regulatory authorities and implements industry-leading AML/KYC procedures. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, 24/7 customer support, and competitive exchange rates, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced traders.

Wrapping Up

These stories show a crypto industry moving fast, but facing real challenges. Big wins on prediction markets are drawing regulatory attention, security problems keep surfacing, and major players are pushing into new territory. As innovation continues, pressure is growing for better rules, stronger security, and more responsibility across the crypto ecosystem.

Written by

Rem Vasilenko

Rem Vasilenko is a Growth Operations Manager at Paybis. With a keen interest in FinTech, Rem brings a unique perspective to the evolving digital finance landscape. He combines his passion for FinTech with his marketing and business skills to drive innovative strategies. Find him on LinkedIn.