Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (December 12) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin and Ether price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$90,250.03, down by 2.6 percent over 24 hours. It has extended its bullish tone this week as markets absorbed the US Federal Reserve’s interest latest rate cut and reassessed risk sentiment across assets.
Bitcoin price performance, December 12, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
The Fed has now cut rates three times in three months, bringing the target range down to 3.5 to 3.75 percent.
Bitcoin dipped to US$89,000 to US$90,000 lows at the US market open, echoing post-Fed pullback patterns noted by Santiment across all three cuts since September.
Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,084.18, down by 5 percent over the last 24 hours.
Altcoin price update
XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2, down by 2.1 percent over 24 hours.
Solana (SOL) was trading at US$131.52, down by 4.2 percent over 24 hours.
Fear and Greed Index snapshot
Open interest eased, while US$3.1 million Bitcoin and US$3.92 million Ether long liquidations signaled deleveraging. A neutral relative strength index and low funding rates kept positioning balanced post-expiry.
CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index continues to hold firm in fear territory, remaining firmly risk-averse on Friday and staying at 29 for a second consecutive day. Despite Bitcoin’s recent upward trend and stabilization at the US$92,000 mark, investors continue to exercise caution after a volatile fourth quarter, reinforcing the view that traders remain reluctant to take on aggressive positions despite improved liquidity conditions elsewhere.
CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.
Chart via CoinMarketCap.
Today’s crypto news to know
Bessent prepares policy shift on crypto regulation
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent is preparing a major policy letter that would direct the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) away from its post-2008 focus on tightening rules and toward re-evaluating whether existing regulations hinder growth. The draft letter, obtained by CNBC, says the FSOC will begin assessing whether certain oversight measures “impose undue burdens” that may undermine stability by limiting innovation.
The FSOC, originally created to prevent another financial collapse, coordinates oversight between the Fed, the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and other agencies.
If finalized, the policy would empower agencies to roll back or revise rules deemed outdated or overly restrictive.
OCC approves US trust bank approvals
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has conditionally approved national trust bank charters for Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) First National Digital Currency Bank and the Ripple National Trust Bank. The OCC also endorsed transitions for existing state charters held by Paxos Trust Company, BitGo Bank & Trust and Fidelity Digital Assets.
With these approvals, the firms can now operate nationwide under federal oversight, enhancing stablecoin issuance and digital asset services like custody.
Pakistan clears Binance and HTX to begin licensing process
Pakistan has granted initial clearance for Binance and HTX to set up local subsidiaries and begin preparing applications for full digital asset exchange licences.
The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority issued “no objection certificates” after reviewing each platform’s governance, compliance structures and risk controls, though the approvals stop short of permitting trading activity.
The certificates also allow both companies to register on Pakistan’s anti-money-laundering system and begin establishing regulated local entities ahead of a forthcoming licensing regime.
Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Chair Bilal bin Saqib said the phased model will admit only platforms that meet strict global standards on anti-money-laundering and counter-terror financing.
Pakistan, one of the world’s largest crypto markets by retail activity, is simultaneously developing a Virtual Assets Act, while coordinating with US-based World Liberty Financial on digital infrastructure proposals.
Phantom integrates Kalshi prediction market
Phantom has integrated Kalshi’s regulated prediction markets, allowing in-app trading on events like elections, sports, crypto trends and macroeconomics using Solana or its CASH stablecoin.
Users can access live odds, notifications, tokenized positions and community chat without external accounts, leveraging Kalshi’s CFTC oversight and recent high volumes.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.