Wintermute on crypto recovery, BTC allocation cut on quantum risk: Hodler’s Digest, Jan. 11 – 17

CoinTelegraph

by Editorial Staff

January 18, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The crypto world saw significant developments in the week of January 11–17, 2026, with key figures weighing in on critical issues impacting the industry. Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin advocate and CEO of MicroStrategy, defended the practice of companies holding Bitcoin as part of their treasuries during an appearance on the *What Bitcoin Did* podcast. Saylor argued that allocating excess cash to Bitcoin is a rational choice for businesses, regardless of size or performance, and compared it to individual investing strategies. He also pushed back against criticism of unprofitable companies holding Bitcoin, stating that such holdings can offset weak operating results. Meanwhile, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, shared his thoughts on the CLARITY Act during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call. The legislation, designed to clarify digital asset regulations in the U.S., had its markup postponed after Coinbase withdrew support for the bill as written. Solomon emphasized that many at Goldman Sachs are closely monitoring the bill due to its potential impact on tokenization and stablecoins. However, he acknowledged that the path forward for the CLARITY Act is uncertain. In another major development, three Democratic representatives—Maxine Waters, Brad Sherman, and Sean Casten—pressed the SEC for transparency regarding its crypto enforcement actions. The lawmakers expressed concerns over the agency’s decision to close or pause cases involving prominent figures like Justin Sun, founder of Tron, as well as exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. This comes after the Zcash Foundation reported that the SEC had concluded its investigation into a matter related to crypto asset offerings without pursuing enforcement action. Lastly, crypto market maker Wintermute offered insights into the broader market’s outlook for 2026. The firm noted that last year’s lackluster performance in altcoins reflects a structural shift rather than a temporary downturn, suggesting that Bitcoin’s four-year cycle may no longer dictate the same patterns as before. This analysis highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing crypto investors as they navigate an evolving landscape. These developments underscore the importance of understanding regulatory frameworks, corporate strategies, and market trends for anyone invested in or following the cryptocurrency space. Whether it’s Saylor’s defense of Bitcoin treasuries, Solomon’s cautious optimism on digital asset regulations, or Wintermute’s insights into market dynamics, these topics highlight the complex interplay between innovation and traditional financial systems in the crypto world.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 1/18/2026