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  • Pakistan’s FIA Launches Crypto Investigation Unit to Combat Financial Crime

    Pakistan’s FIA Launches Crypto Investigation Unit to Combat Financial Crime

    Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a specialized cryptocurrency investigation unit within its National Command and Control Centre (NC3). This move signifies a crucial step in the country’s strategy to formalize its digital asset sector while simultaneously building an enforcement arm to combat illicit activities like money laundering and terrorism financing.

    The unit’s primary mandate is to investigate crimes involving virtual currencies. Its creation aligns with Pakistan’s broader push to embrace digital assets, which includes lifting an eight-year crypto banking ban and establishing the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). The FIA unit is designed to complement PVARA’s regulatory functions by providing dedicated enforcement capabilities.

    According to the agency’s counter-terrorism chief, Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed, the unit will focus on the criminal use of crypto. He has also urged other agencies, such as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force, to develop similar units to counter crypto’s role in cybercrime and the drug trade. New rules are reportedly being drafted to ensure inquiries are concluded within fixed timeframes.

    The NC3 center consolidates the FIA’s financial crime-fighting tools onto a single platform. This includes desks for anti-money laundering and virtual currency investigations, an Interpol coordination point, and units dedicated to open-source intelligence, cyber patrolling, and dark web investigation.

    Pakistan has been actively pursuing the formalization of its digital asset sector, ranking third in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. Recent steps include lifting a long-standing crypto banking ban and advancing licenses for crypto exchanges. The government has also explored tokenizing state assets and engaged with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to the Trump family, to explore using its stablecoin for cross-border payments.

    However, Pakistan’s engagement with cryptocurrency faces challenges. In June, the influential Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi seminary issued a ruling, or fatwa, stating that cryptocurrency is not considered “wealth” under Islamic law and therefore not a valid means of payment. This religious interpretation casts doubt on the government’s plans for widespread crypto adoption.

    In response to the fatwa, PVARA chairman Bilal bin Saqib has reportedly asked the seminary to differentiate between purely speculative tokens and asset-backed instruments like fully reserved stablecoins and blockchain-recorded sukuk. He told Reuters that Pakistan could potentially “lead the world in Shariah-compliant digital finance.”

    The FIA’s new cryptocurrency investigation unit provides Islamabad with an enforcement mechanism to support its regulatory ambitions. Nevertheless, the question of whether cryptocurrency is permissible at all, in the eyes of the country’s religious scholars, remains unresolved, highlighting a key uncertainty in Pakistan’s digital asset landscape.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: The FIA has created a specialized unit within its National Command and Control Centre (NC3) to investigate crimes involving virtual currencies, focusing on money laundering and terrorism financing. Whether crypto is permissible at all in the eyes of the country’s religious scholars.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: Pakistan’s top federal investigators have set up a dedicated unit to police crypto-linked crime, building out the enforcement side of a national drive to embrace digital assets.

  • UK Lawmakers Launch Inquiry into Crypto Banking Access, Potentially Impacting Digital Asset Ambitions

    UK Lawmakers Launch Inquiry into Crypto Banking Access, Potentially Impacting Digital Asset Ambitions

    A cross-party group of UK lawmakers has launched a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the significant challenges cryptocurrency firms face in accessing banking services. The investigation, led by the Crypto and Digital Assets All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), aims to understand why banks restrict crypto-related payments and why firms struggle to open and maintain accounts. This move comes as the UK finalizes its new regulatory framework for digital assets, raising questions about whether existing banking barriers could impede the nation’s ambition to become a global leader in the sector.

    The inquiry, initiated on July 21, 2026, will collect written evidence until August 31. A report is expected before October 2027, coinciding with the mandatory implementation of the UK’s new crypto regime. Co-chaired by Lord Vaizey of Didcot and Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan, the APPG seeks to assess if these banking hurdles are proportionate and how they affect consumers, competition, and innovation.

    Industry Faces Persistent Banking Hurdles

    UK crypto businesses have reported persistent difficulties with banking for years. Research from January indicated that banks were blocking or delaying approximately 40% of attempted transfers to crypto exchanges. Furthermore, a survey found that 70% of crypto exchanges reported that these restrictions were negatively impacting their investment, expansion, or hiring efforts within the UK. Several major UK banks, including HSBC, Nationwide, NatWest, Santander, and Starling Bank, have reportedly restricted crypto-related payments.

    The APPG’s inquiry will examine various aspects of banking access, including account services, payment blocks, transfer limits, and insurance availability. This investigation follows a similar inquiry by the APPG in 2023, which also highlighted friction in the crypto sector and called for urgent action.

    Government Acknowledges Issues

    HM Treasury has acknowledged the problem. Economic Secretary Lucy Rigby stated in March that FCA-licensed crypto firms should not face banking restrictions solely due to their sector. The government’s position, as outlined in the upcoming regulatory framework, is that regulated firms should not be shut out of banking services simply for operating in the crypto space.

    International Context

    Internationally, similar banking access issues have been reported. In the United States, crypto firms have attributed banking difficulties to a pressure campaign they refer to as ‘Operation Chokepoint 2.0.’ Kraken, for instance, recently won $22 million from an auditor it claimed abandoned it during this period. In Australia, Coinbase has accused banks of imposing what it describes as an ‘unlawful’ regulatory ban on crypto.

    The APPG will consider these international approaches from jurisdictions such as the United States, Hong Kong, Australia, and the European Union as part of its investigation. The outcome of this inquiry remains uncertain, but it is expected to shed light on the challenges facing the UK’s burgeoning digital asset industry and its potential impact on the country’s regulatory goals.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: A cross-party group of UK lawmakers has initiated a parliamentary inquiry to examine why cryptocurrency firms face difficulties in opening bank accounts and why banks restrict crypto-related payments. Whether banking barriers could undermine the Government’s goal of making the UK a global leader in digital assets.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: The APPG is Westminster’s leading cross-party group on crypto and digital assets.

  • Schwartz Regrets Selling XRP at 10 Cents as Price Surges Past $1.10

    Schwartz Regrets Selling XRP at 10 Cents as Price Surges Past $1.10

    Ripple CTO Emeritus Reflects on Early Sales as XRP Reclaims Key Level

    David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer Emeritus, has offered a stark reminder to the market about the difficulty of maintaining conviction, as XRP’s price hovers around $1.12. The cryptocurrency saw a modest 1% gain over the past 24 hours, reclaiming the $1.10 mark, a move that has shifted momentum back towards bullish sentiment and made Schwartz’s recent admissions particularly poignant.

    A Personal Decision, Not a Loss of Faith

    In a post on X yesterday, Schwartz confirmed he had sold XRP at $0.10 and offloaded 40,000 Ethereum at approximately $1.05 each. He clarified that these decisions stemmed from a risk-reduction agreement with his wife, rather than any waning belief in the assets themselves. As many traders learn, personal financial decisions often take precedence over portfolio performance.

    “Obviously, I wish I hadn’t done those things,” Schwartz wrote. He elaborated that he has a strong aversion to financial risk and adhered to a personal rule of selling whenever an asset reached a new all-time high. He later admitted that even assigning a mere 1% probability to Ethereum reaching $2,368 would have prevented him from selling at $1.05. This lesson, he acknowledged, is equally applicable to XRP, which has long surpassed its $0.10 exit point.

    The irony of the situation has not been lost on observers. XRP’s climb following its reclamation of a significant technical level coincides with Schwartz’s reflection on selling prematurely. It serves as a familiar reminder that timing the market, while seemingly straightforward, becomes a complex challenge when the market begins to defy expectations. Often, the most difficult trade is simply to do nothing.

    Technical Indicators and Market Sentiment

    The current $1.12 level has emerged as a critical support zone. Buyers propelled XRP from approximately $1.08 to its current position, securing a modest daily gain. The immediate challenge for the bulls will be to maintain this level as support, a task that is never guaranteed after periods of significant selling pressure. While momentum has improved, the market still requires further validation.

    Technical indicators suggest a potential shift. The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains near oversold territory, and a TD Sequential buy signal on the three-day chart hints at a possible fading of bearish momentum. This could indicate trend exhaustion rather than a confirmed breakout, suggesting that while the initial bounce may have captured attention, a second surge would be needed to garner significant respect.

    Institutional interest also continues to play a role. XRP Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) recently saw nearly $40 million in fresh inflows, bringing their total assets under management to approximately $2.6 billion. Concurrently, spot trading volume experienced a sharp increase as XRP moved above $1.10, indicating that larger market participants were actively engaged.

    Potential Market Scenarios

    Three primary scenarios are currently in play for XRP. The bullish outlook anticipates $1.12 holding as support, paving the way for XRP to challenge resistance around $1.18. Should buying pressure persist, a sustained move above $1.20 could then target the $1.30 to $1.35 region. While a single positive trading day is encouraging, a series of such days is typically required to establish a lasting uptrend.

    The base case suggests a period of consolidation between $1.10 and $1.18, allowing the market to confirm a reduction in selling pressure. However, a daily close below $1.10 would likely shift focus back to the support zone between $1.04 and $1.08. The surge in volume during the late trading session indicated buyer conviction, but a single strong session does not inherently guarantee a sustained trend.

    While XRP trading at $1.13 represents a more favorable position than Schwartz’s $0.10 exit, the market capitalization exceeding $70 billion means the asymmetry available in the genuine early stages of an asset’s lifecycle is no longer present. This is a structural trade-off that traders employing rotational strategies must consider when an asset reclaims resistance rather than enters uncharted price discovery. The fundamental question is not whether XRP can appreciate further, but whether the risk-reward profile at current prices aligns with what early participants were able to capture.

    A Different Risk Spectrum: Bitcoin Hyper

    In a distinct segment of the risk spectrum, Bitcoin Hyper is developing the first Bitcoin Layer 2 solution with full Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) integration. This aims to provide Solana Virtual Machine-grade smart contract execution, anchored to Bitcoin’s security model, targeting performance comparable to Solana’s throughput while preserving Bitcoin’s trust layer. The project’s presale has raised $32.9 million, with tokens currently priced at $0.0136834. A staking program is also active for participants. This combination of infrastructure utility and early-stage pricing represents the kind of opportunity Schwartz described missing, but available now rather than in hindsight. Investors are advised to research Bitcoin Hyper before committing capital.

  • Worldcoin Surges 8% After Grayscale ETF Filing

    Worldcoin Surges 8% After Grayscale ETF Filing

    Grayscale Files for Worldcoin ETF, Signaling Wall Street Interest

    New York, NY – The price of Worldcoin’s WLD token saw a significant surge following asset manager Grayscale’s announcement of its intention to launch the first U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) linked to the controversial biometric cryptocurrency project. This move brings Sam Altman’s eye-scanning venture a notable step closer to mainstream Wall Street adoption.

    The WLD token climbed approximately 8% over a 24-hour period after the filing, reaching an intraday high of $0.387. Despite this uptick, the token remains down around 5.5% over the past seven days, according to data from CoinGecko.

    On Monday, Grayscale submitted an S-1 registration statement for the Grayscale Worldcoin ETF. This “passive” investment vehicle is designed to hold WLD, the native token of the World Network, and track its price using the CoinDesk Worldcoin Benchmark Rate, as detailed in the filing.

    Should the ETF receive approval, it is slated to list on Nasdaq under the ticker GWLD. The fund would utilize the exchange’s standard listing requirements for commodity-based trusts, potentially allowing it to launch without requiring a specific rule change from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), provided WLD meets Nasdaq’s eligibility criteria. The filing indicates that BitGo Bank & Trust would serve as the custodian for the tokens, with the Bank of New York Mellon acting as the transfer agent and administrator. Currently, WLD ranks as the 55th-largest cryptocurrency, boasting a market capitalization of approximately $1.4 billion, according to CoinGecko.

    Worldcoin, which rebranded to simply “World” in 2024, was co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with the aim of establishing a global “proof of personhood” system. The project employs a spherical device known as the Orb to scan individuals’ irises, generating a unique “World ID” intended to verify a person’s identity and distinguish them from AI bots. Verified users are then rewarded with WLD tokens. The initiative has faced considerable regulatory scrutiny concerning its collection of biometric data, particularly in the European Union and countries such as Brazil and Kenya.

    The ETF filing represents the latest indication of institutional interest in the WLD token. Last year, Nasdaq-listed Eightco established the first corporate treasury backed by WLD, accumulating one of the largest publicly disclosed holdings in the cryptocurrency.

    This filing underscores Grayscale’s ongoing strategy to expand its cryptocurrency ETF offerings. The firm successfully converted its prominent Bitcoin trust into an ETF following a landmark legal victory against the SEC. Subsequently, Grayscale launched an Ethereum fund and has filed for or introduced products tied to other cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Solana, XRP, Litecoin, and Chainlink.

    For the time being, the filing marks only an initial step. The ETF cannot commence trading until the registration statement becomes effective and WLD satisfies Nasdaq’s listing requirements. However, if these conditions are met, it would provide retail investors with their first opportunity to invest in Worldcoin through a U.S. brokerage account.

  • Spot Trading Pairs Delisted July 28, 2026

    Spot Trading Pairs Delisted July 28, 2026

    Bybit to Delist Several Spot Trading Pairs

    Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit announced it will delist eleven Spot trading pairs on July 28, 2026, at 08:00:00 UTC. The decision, made in accordance with Bybit’s Token Management Rules and aimed at ensuring user interests and a secure trading environment, follows a review of market performance, liquidity, and trading volume.

    Affected Trading Pairs

    The following Spot trading pairs will be removed from the platform:

    • ETHMNT
    • SOLMNT
    • MNTUSDE
    • BBSOLMNT
    • DOGEMNT
    • XRPMNT
    • ADAMNT
    • SUIMNT
    • LTCMNT
    • VIRTUALMNT
    • BRETTUSDC

    Important Considerations for Users

    Bybit has outlined several key points for users holding positions in these pairs:

    Order Cancellation: Users are advised to cancel any outstanding orders for the delisted pairs before the trading cessation time. Any open orders remaining after the deadline will be automatically removed by the system.

    Trading Bots: Active Spot Grid Bots and DCA Bots that involve these tokens will be automatically terminated. Users are encouraged to close their bots in advance to effectively manage their assets.

    Token Availability: The delisting of a specific Spot trading pair does not impact the availability or trading of the underlying tokens on Bybit. These tokens can still be traded through other available pairs.

    Deposits and Withdrawals: Deposits and withdrawals for the underlying tokens will continue to be supported unless otherwise announced.

  • XRP Surges 5% as Analysts Declare Ripple’s Moment Arrived

    XRP Surges 5% as Analysts Declare Ripple’s Moment Arrived

    Bitcoin Surges Past $66,000, Altcoins Follow as XRP Shows Signs of Life

    The cryptocurrency market experienced a notable uptick on Tuesday morning, with Bitcoin reaching a multi-week high above $66,000. A wave of altcoins followed suit, including the widely watched cross-border payment token.

    Analysts, who have frequently commented on the token’s performance, were quick to point to a resurgence of optimism, with some offering exceptionally bullish price predictions.

    Crypto analytics platform CW was among the first to signal positive momentum for XRP, indicating it was “breaking through the sell walls.” According to their analysis, significant resistance levels were identified at $1.13-$1.14, which the token was testing, followed by another hurdle at approximately $1.16, and a final major barrier at $1.20.

    Ali Martinez also emphasized the importance of the $1.13 resistance, noting it had previously capped the token’s breakout attempts over the past month. The analyst predicted that a decisive move above this level “could confirm the bullish breakout and open the door for further upside.” Martinez’s chart suggested potential short-term targets reaching up to $1.30.

    EGRAG CRYPTO presented the most optimistic outlook, focusing on the asset’s long-term potential. Based on a “triple-bottom roadmap,” EGRAG projected ambitious targets of $9, $15, and $31. While these figures appear distant given the token’s recent movement from below $1.10 to $1.13, EGRAG highlighted a “three-bottom sequence of rising cyclical lows, supported by XRP’s long-term exponential moving averages.” He added that the current bottom is forming with “strong confluence around $0.90-$1.00.”

    In contrast, ChartNerd cautioned that XRP has yet to break free from a downtrend that commenced over a year ago, shortly after it achieved its all-time high of $3.65. “We remain inside the wedge structure and below the current descending resistance,” ChartNerd stated. According to ChartNerd’s analysis, XRP would need to surpass $1.20 to demonstrate significant strength and a potential to reverse the trend.

    However, analyst Bird expressed a more immediate positive sentiment, believing XRP has already taken a crucial step to exit its year-long period of consolidation. Bird suggested that “it’s time” for an “explosive candle” that could emerge imminently and propel the asset towards new local highs.

  • XRP Price Action Ambiguous: Analyst Warns of Potential Resistance

    XRP Price Action Ambiguous: Analyst Warns of Potential Resistance

    The recent price recovery of XRP presents an ambiguous market signal, with technical analysts offering contrasting interpretations and highlighting the limitations of current indicators in predicting a definitive market direction. While some traders anticipate a sustained uptrend, a prominent chart analyst, ChartNerd, has cautioned that the recent gains may represent a temporary price surge, suggesting a potential for XRP to face resistance and possibly fall below the $1 mark.

    Analyst Perspectives and Technical Limitations

    According to ChartNerd, the current market conditions do not definitively signal a sustained uptrend. He points to technical indicators such as a 20-week and 50-week exponential moving average (EMA) death cross that formed in January 2026 as evidence of a long-term bearish trend. ChartNerd also cited a price stall in May at the 20-week EMA, which he interprets as confirmation that this level continues to act as resistance. He further argues that XRP remains within a wedge pattern and below descending resistance, which could contradict claims of a significant notable move.

    ChartNerd’s analysis suggests that even if XRP experiences rallies toward $1.29 or as high as $1.60, these levels should be treated as significant resistance unless the price can decisively move above them. He indicated that if XRP fails to reach the 20-week EMA around $1.29 or is rejected there, a drop below $1 could occur sooner than anticipated. This perspective contrasts with other market participants, including those associated with EGRAG CRYPTO, who have suggested that historical patterns could eventually lead XRP to a $1 trillion market cap, though this would require substantially stronger market conditions.

    ChartNerd pushed back against claims of an impending notable move, noting that many analysts predicting such a move had made similar predictions when XRP was trading around $2.40 in January, before its subsequent decline to $1.00. He emphasized that until XRP convincingly breaks above resistance levels that have contained its price for months, any rally should be viewed with caution rather than as confirmation that the downtrend has ended.

    Verified Price Data and Context

    Data from CoinGecko indicates that XRP was trading at approximately $1.13 at the time of reporting. Over the last 24 hours, XRP saw a gain of nearly 4%, and over the past week, it increased by almost 6%. However, over the past month, XRP is down about 2%. Its recent trading range has been between $1.08 and $1.14.

    Navigating Uncertainty

    The current situation presents clear uncertainty for investors. Whether XRP can establish a stronger base or slip below $1 in the coming weeks remains to be seen. The ability of XRP to break through key resistance levels will be crucial in determining its short-term trajectory. Until such a decisive move occurs, market participants are advised to approach signals with caution, recognizing the inherent limitations of technical analysis in predicting future price movements.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: A chart analyst, ChartNerd, is warning that XRP’s recent price recovery is not a sign of a sustained uptrend and could be a ‘bull trap’, predicting a potential fall below $1. Whether XRP can build a stronger base or slip below $1 in the next few weeks.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the market analysis in this context: The article discusses the price movement of XRP, a cryptocurrency.

  • Bybit to Support Celo Network Upgrade

    Bybit to Support Celo Network Upgrade

    Bybit to Support Celo Network Upgrade

    Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has announced its support for the upcoming Celo (CELO) network upgrade, scheduled for July 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC.

    Service Suspensions

    To facilitate a seamless transition during the upgrade, Bybit will temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals for Celo (CELO) starting at 3:30 PM UTC on July 21, 2026.

    Trading activities on the platform will remain unaffected by this upgrade.

    Resumption Notifications

    Bybit will not issue separate announcements regarding the resumption of Celo (CELO) deposit and withdrawal services. Users seeking to be notified when these services are back online are advised to visit the Deposit or Withdrawal page and activate the “Set Alert” function.

    Further details about the Celo network upgrade can be found in the official release notes.

  • Rising 30-Year US Treasury Yields Above 5% Introduce Uncertainty for Risk Assets

    Rising 30-Year US Treasury Yields Above 5% Introduce Uncertainty for Risk Assets

    The 30-year US Treasury yield has climbed back above 5%, with a recent auction clearing at 5.06% – a level not seen since 2007. This increase in long-term borrowing costs for the US government introduces a significant macroeconomic variable, yet its direct impact on risk assets like Bitcoin remains a subject of uncertainty and ongoing observation.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: A recent auction of 30-year Treasury bonds cleared at a yield of 5.06%, the highest since 2007. The 30-year Treasury yield has also climbed back above 5%. This increase in long-term US borrowing costs is raising concerns among market observers about its potential impact on Bitcoin and other risk assets. Whether rising debt costs will eventually push the Fed toward a dovish pivot remains uncertain.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: The 5.06% print is the highest 30-year auction yield since 2007, and it reflects how expensive it has become for the US government to finance its growing debt. The AI investment boom is also noted as a source of pressure, as tech companies issuing record debt for AI infrastructure compete with the government for capital.

    Historical Context and Current Pressures

    Historically, 30-year Treasury auctions cleared at approximately 2% in early 2022. The current yield of over 5% reflects a more expensive borrowing environment for the US. According to market observers, this is attributed to factors such as heavier Treasury supply, rising inflation risk, and increased government borrowing needs. Analysts suggest that this rise in yields could compress valuations across the risk curve, making speculative investments harder to justify.

    Commentators have also noted the AI investment boom as a contributing pressure, as tech companies issuing substantial debt for AI infrastructure compete with the government for capital. This competition for funds, coupled with rising debt costs, presents a complex fiscal picture. While some suggest that increasing debt costs could eventually push the Federal Reserve toward a more dovish monetary policy, the immediate signal from the bond market is one of caution, as markets price in deteriorating sovereign credit.

    Analyst Perspectives and Valuation Dynamics

    Market observers are watching the 5.20% peak yield reached in May, as a sustained break above this level could signal a new period of persistently high long-term rates. However, it is also acknowledged that Treasury yields will not solely dictate Bitcoin’s direction. The recent bond market movements have occurred during a period of relatively light scheduled US economic data.

    Bitcoin’s Performance Amidst Macro Factors

    In terms of performance, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading above $64,000. Over the past 24 hours, it saw a decrease of 1.3%, but it remains up 1.7% over the past week and 1.2% in two weeks, with a 30-day change of 0.4%. Bitcoin’s market capitalization is approximately $1.284 trillion. It is currently trading about 49% below its all-time high of over $126,000, which was reached on October 6, 2025.

    Federal Reserve Outlook and Market Expectations

    The Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting is scheduled for July 29. Current data from CME FedWatch indicates an 86% probability that policymakers will keep interest rates unchanged. However, analysts suggest that any unexpected shift in the Fed’s stance or a significant move in bond yields could potentially trigger selling pressure across cryptocurrencies and equities, as markets have largely anticipated no change in rates.

    Conclusion: Navigating Uncertainty

    The return of 5% long-term borrowing costs is a macro factor that investors are closely monitoring. The interplay between these rising yields, Federal Reserve policy, and the performance of risk assets like Bitcoin highlights a period of significant uncertainty in the financial markets. The precise impact of these higher yields on risk assets remains difficult to interpret and is subject to various market dynamics and future policy decisions.

  • Binance Boosts VIP Program: Lower Threshold, OTC Volume Now Counts

    Binance Boosts VIP Program: Lower Threshold, OTC Volume Now Counts

    Binance Adjusts VIP Program to Enhance Accessibility and Reward Trading Activity

    Binance is implementing further enhancements to its VIP Program, aiming to better recognize and reward its most valued users. Following adjustments to the VIP program criteria in March 2026, two new updates are being introduced to make VIP status more attainable and to ensure all forms of trading activity are fairly considered for VIP qualification.

    VIP 3 Asset Holding Threshold Lowered

    The asset holding threshold for VIP 3 has been reduced from $3,000,000 to $1,000,000. This change is designed to make the VIP fee rate for VIP 3 holders more competitive and to facilitate a smoother progression for users advancing through the VIP tiers.

    OTC Spot Trading Volume Now Multiplied

    Over-the-Counter (OTC) Spot Trading Volume will now count at a 4x multiplier towards the Spot Trading Volume metric for VIP qualification. This means that $1 in OTC Spot Trading Volume will be recognized as $4 towards the Spot Trading Volume threshold. The previous cap on OTC VIP qualification at VIP 4 has been lifted to VIP 9, aligning it with the full range of Spot and Futures trading pathways. The legacy OTC-only trading path has been retired.

    These updates are effective from July 21, 2026, at 08:00 (UTC).

    Binance Affiliate Program Transition

    To ensure a seamless transition and protect the existing interests of affiliates, Binance will offer a three-month grace period following the VIP program adjustments. During this period, affiliate commissions will continue to be calculated based on the previous VIP 3 Holder threshold. Commission distributions under this arrangement will be made at the end of the three-month grace period.

    This transition arrangement applies only to existing referrals. New referrals invited after July 21, 2026, at 08:00 (UTC) will not be eligible for coverage under this arrangement.

    From October 21, 2026, at 08:00 (UTC) onward, commission distributions will be calculated in accordance with the standard VIP-level rules.

    Expanded Eligibility and VIP Tiers

    The adjustment to the OTC VIP cap means that more users actively participating in both Spot and OTC trading will be able to qualify for VIP status sooner. OTC traders can now upgrade beyond VIP 4, up to VIP 9.

    To qualify for any VIP tier, users must meet the BNB Balance requirement and satisfy at least one of the following criteria: Spot Trading Volume, Derivatives Trading Volume, Wallet Assets, or 30-Day Average Net Borrowing.

    The updated VIP tier requirements are as follows:

    | VIP Level | BNB Balance | 30-Day Spot Trade Volume (USD) (OTC 4x Multiplier) | 30-Day Futures Trade Volume (USD) | Asset Holdings (inc. Earn and BNB Holdings) | 30-Day Net Borrowing (USD) |
    |—|—|—|—|—|—|
    | VIP 1 | ≥ 5 | ≥ 1,000,000 | ≥ 5,000,000 | ≥ 100,000 | ≥ 100,000 |
    | VIP 2 | ≥ 25 | ≥ 5,000,000 | ≥ 10,000,000 | ≥ 200,000 | ≥ 500,000 |
    | VIP 3 | ≥ 100 | ≥ 20,000,000 | ≥ 50,000,000 | ≥ 1,000,000 | ≥ 2,000,000 |
    | VIP 4 | ≥ 500 | ≥ 75,000,000 | ≥ 600,000,000 | ≥ 6,000,000 | ≥ 10,000,000 |
    | VIP 5 | ≥ 1,000 | ≥ 150,000,000 | ≥ 1,000,000,000 | ≥ 50,000,000 | ≥ 20,000,000 |
    | VIP 6 | ≥ 1,750 | ≥ 400,000,000 | ≥ 2,500,000,000 | ≥ 100,000,000 | ≥ 40,000,000 |
    | VIP 7 | ≥ 3,000 | ≥ 800,000,000 | ≥ 5,000,000,000 | ≥ 200,000,000 | ≥ 65,000,000 |
    | VIP 8 | ≥ 4,500 | ≥ 2,000,000,000 | ≥ 12,000,000,000 | ≥ 500,000,000 | ≥ 120,000,000 |
    | VIP 9 | ≥ 5,500 | ≥ 4,000,000,000 | ≥ 25,000,000,000 | ≥ 1,000,000,000 | ≥ 160,000,000 |

    Notes:

    • There are no changes to VIP trading fees.
    • Spot Trading Volume encompasses Spot, Margin, Convert, Copy Trading, Trading Bots, Stocks, and bStocks trading volume.
    • Wallet Assets refer to the total USD value of assets held in a user’s Binance Wallet.
    • 30-Day Average Net Borrowing refers to the daily average net borrowing volume on Binance Loans over the trailing 30-day period.
    • Sub-account volume is combined with the master account for VIP qualification.

    These updates will take effect on July 21, 2026, at 08:00 (UTC). Users who qualify under the new criteria will be automatically upgraded daily at 08:00 (UTC) to the corresponding VIP tier. If a user qualifies under multiple criteria, their VIP level will reflect the highest level they meet. Users can view their latest VIP level in the My VIP Mobile Hub.