The cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments shaping the market. This update provides a comprehensive overview of the latest events influencing the crypto sphere.
Do Kwon Sentenced for TerraUSD Collapse
Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the $40 billion collapse of TerraUSD and Luna in 2022. Kwon admitted to misleading investors by falsely claiming that a computer algorithm restored TerraUSD’s value after it lost its $1 peg, when in reality, a trading firm was secretly used to inflate the price. This sentencing marks one of the most severe penalties in a crypto-related fraud case, highlighting the increasing regulatory scrutiny in the cryptocurrency sector.
Robinhood Expands into Indonesia
Robinhood Markets has announced its entry into the Indonesian market through the acquisition of local brokerage firm Buana Capital Sekuritas and licensed digital asset trader Pedagang Aset Kripto. This strategic move positions Robinhood to tap into Indonesia’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market, which boasts over 17 million crypto traders. The acquisition is expected to facilitate Robinhood’s navigation of regulatory requirements and accelerate its market penetration in Southeast Asia.
Bitcoin’s Volatile Year
Bitcoin has experienced a tumultuous year, with its price reaching an all-time high above $126,000 in October, driven by the election of crypto-friendly U.S. President Donald Trump. However, subsequent market shocks, including new tariffs and growing skepticism toward AI-related stocks, led to significant sell-offs. As of December, Bitcoin’s price has declined to around $89,000, potentially marking its first annual loss since 2022. This volatility underscores Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with mainstream equities and sensitivity to global economic policies.
Ethereum Gas Fees Plummet Post-Fusaka Upgrade
The recent Fusaka upgrade has significantly reduced Ethereum’s gas fees to their lowest levels since 2017. This development addresses longstanding concerns about transaction costs on the network and enhances its scalability. Additionally, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed the creation of a trustless on-chain gas futures market, aiming to provide users and developers with tools to hedge against future fee fluctuations.
DTCC’s Asset Tokenization Pilot Approved
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has received a No-Action Letter from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), allowing it to initiate a three-year asset tokenization pilot program. Set to commence in the second half of 2026, this program will enable the tokenization of traditional assets on approved blockchain networks, with digital versions retaining the same rights and protections as their original forms. This initiative represents a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream financial infrastructure.
Coinbase to Launch Tokenized U.S. Stocks
Coinbase is reportedly preparing to unveil tokenized U.S. equities during its upcoming event on December 17. Leaked screenshots of the new app features have generated excitement within the crypto community. While specific details remain unconfirmed, the introduction of tokenized stocks could bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem, offering users novel investment opportunities.
U.S. Establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, aiming to position the United States as the “crypto capital of the world.” The reserve is capitalized with Bitcoin already owned by the federal government, estimated at approximately 198,000 BTC as of August 2025. This initiative reflects a significant governmental shift toward integrating cryptocurrencies into national financial strategies and has sparked discussions on the future role of digital assets in the global economy.
Market Overview
As of December 12, 2025, the cryptocurrency market exhibits the following key metrics:
- Bitcoin (BTC): Trading at $92,438, with an intraday high of $93,499 and a low of $89,378.
- Ethereum (ETH): Priced at $3,247.44, experiencing an intraday high of $3,270.60 and a low of $3,152.41.
- BNB (BNB): Valued at $889.43, reaching an intraday high of $895.63 and a low of $860.67.
- XRP (XRP): Standing at $2.04, with an intraday high of $2.05 and a low of $1.99.
- Cardano (ADA): At $0.42637, with an intraday high of $0.428627 and a low of $0.411069.
- Dogecoin (DOGE): Trading at $0.140664, with an intraday high of $0.142324 and a low of $0.136551.
- Polkadot (DOT): Priced at $2.06, experiencing an intraday high of $2.09 and a low of $2.01.
- Uniswap (UNI): Valued at $5.58, reaching an intraday high of $5.60 and a low of $5.32.
- Litecoin (LTC): Standing at $83.43, with an intraday high of $83.57 and a low of $80.57.
- Chainlink (LINK): At $14.07, with an intraday high of $14.19 and a low of $13.44.
These figures reflect the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market, influenced by regulatory developments, technological advancements, and macroeconomic factors.
Conclusion
The cryptocurrency sector continues to navigate a complex landscape marked by regulatory actions, technological innovations, and market volatility. Stakeholders are advised to stay informed and exercise due diligence when engaging with digital assets, as the market remains susceptible to rapid changes and emerging trends.
