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AI picks 2 altcoins to buy and add to your crypto portfolio in January

The cryptocurrency market’s continued volatility has once again taken center stage, with a sharp crash wiping out over $630 million in bullish long positions on January 7. Cryptocurrencies remain under pressure, struggling to regain momentum as uncertainty grips the market. Amid the growing uncertainty, investors are increasingly turning to altcoins to diversify their portfolios and unlock potential growth opportunities. Against this backdrop, Finbold analyzed market trends and consulted ChatGPT-4o , which identified two altcoins with significant growth potential. ChatGPT identifies 2 altcoins for January portfolio When queried, the AI model highlighted XRP and Cardano ( ADA ) as standout assets, highlighting their potential to drive diversification and growth in a well-rounded cryptocurrency portfolio amid an evolving market landscape. ChatGPT’s pick on altcoins. Source: ChatGPT /Finbold XRP XRP is gaining attention as a standout investment for January 2025, fueled by expectations of significant regulatory shifts under the incoming Donald Trump administration. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has labeled 2025 as the start of a ‘Trump bull market,’ pointing to pro-crypto policies and the anticipated departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler as key factors driving renewed optimism. Adding momentum to XRP’s bullish outlook is the timing of the SEC’s appeal, scheduled for January 15, 2025, just days before Trump’s inauguration. Market participants are increasingly hopeful that the incoming administration will bring an end to the long-standing legal uncertainties that have shadowed Ripple Labs since 2020. Such a resolution is widely expected to pave the way for a U.S. XRP spot ETF , which could drive institutional adoption, liquidity, and long-term growth prospects for the token. Market forecasts further support XRP’s case, with projections suggesting a market capitalization of $200 billion in Q1 2025, with legendary trader Peter Brandt predicting a potential surge to $500 billion as reported by Finbold. XRP one-week price chart. Source: Finbold Currently trading at $2.32, XRP remains well below its January 2018 all-time high of $3.84 but has shown notable momentum, gaining over 6% since the start of the month. Ripple’s strengthened U.S. operations, combined with improving macroeconomic factors and a more favorable regulatory environment, position XRP as a strong buy for investors looking to capitalize on its growth potential in 2025. Cardano (ADA) Cardano has outperformed major players like Bitcoin ( BTC ) and Ethereum ( ETH ) in the market’s recovery, driven by significant upgrades and growing investor interest. Central to its momentum is CIP-113 , a proposal introducing programmable assets, enhanced security, and smart accounts, potentially enabling the support for stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization. Investor engagement has also been on the rise, with data from IntoTheBlock showing a steady increase in funded wallets. This growth aligns with a renewed wave of market enthusiasm coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration. Moreover, large-scale investors, often referred to as ‘whales,’ have shown renewed interest, accumulating over 10 million ADA within just 24 hours—a clear signal of their confidence in the asset’s long-term potential. ADA one-week price chart. Source: Finbold Currently trading at $0.9884 with a double-digit weekly gain of 12%, ADA positions itself as a standout choice for investors aiming to capitalize on the ongoing market recovery. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, these assets offer a balanced mix of growth potential and utility, making them essential additions to a well-diversified portfolio for investors aiming to capitalize on the next wave of digital asset expansion. Featured image from Shutterstock The post AI picks 2 altcoins to buy and add to your crypto portfolio in January appeared first on Finbold . CoinOtag

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BiG Halts Crypto Transfers, Citing Compliance with EU Guidelines

In a significant move impacting Portugal’s crypto industry, Banco de Investimentos Globais (BiG) has announced a halt on fiat transfers to cryptocurrency platforms. The bank cited compliance with European Union (EU) guidelines and Bank of Portugal regulations addressing digital asset risks and anti-money laundering (AML) laws. While some Portuguese banks, such as Caixa Geral de Depósitos , still allow such transfers, BiG’s decision raises concerns about its potential impact on the broader crypto market. Why Did BiG Halt Crypto Transfers? 1. EU Guidelines on Crypto Risks The European Union has ramped up efforts to regulate cryptocurrency activities amid concerns over financial crime and investor protection . BiG’s decision aligns with these stricter regulatory requirements, particularly regarding AML compliance . 2. Bank of Portugal’s Role Portugal’s central bank has issued warnings about the risks associated with digital assets , urging financial institutions to adopt stringent compliance measures. BiG’s move may be a preemptive step to avoid potential regulatory scrutiny or penalties. The Broader Impact on Crypto Users 1. Frustration Among Crypto Enthusiasts Crypto users in Portugal have expressed frustration, arguing that BiG’s move may limit access to global cryptocurrency markets. Critics see this as a step backward for a country previously seen as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction . 2. A Push Toward Blockchain Solutions Some industry experts predict that such restrictions may drive users toward decentralized financial systems (DeFi) and peer-to-peer blockchain solutions , bypassing traditional banks altogether. Blockchain platforms offering direct on-ramp solutions could see increased adoption as a result. Comparing BiG with Other Portuguese Banks 1. Caixa Geral de Depósitos Portugal’s largest bank, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, continues to allow fiat transfers to cryptocurrency exchanges, maintaining a more balanced approach to regulatory compliance. This could provide a competitive advantage for Caixa in retaining crypto-savvy customers. 2. Diverse Banking Policies The disparity in policies among Portuguese banks underscores the lack of uniformity in how financial institutions interpret and implement crypto-related regulations. Criticism and Controversies 1. Stifling Innovation Critics argue that BiG’s move could stifle innovation and discourage crypto-related entrepreneurship in Portugal. The decision may deter foreign investment in the country’s growing blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. 2. Privacy and Decentralization Restricting access to cryptocurrency platforms may inadvertently strengthen the case for privacy-focused and decentralized financial systems . Many users view blockchain as a way to regain control over their financial activities without reliance on traditional banks. What’s Next for Crypto in Portugal? 1. Evolving Regulations The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, set to be implemented in 2025, could provide greater clarity for banks and crypto users alike. Until then, financial institutions may adopt varying degrees of caution when dealing with digital assets. 2. Opportunities for Blockchain Startups Restrictions from traditional banks could create opportunities for blockchain startups to innovate and fill the gap left by institutions like BiG. Companies offering crypto-friendly financial services might see an uptick in demand. FAQs Why did BiG halt crypto transfers? BiG cited compliance with EU guidelines and Bank of Portugal regulations addressing digital asset risks and AML laws. Are all Portuguese banks halting crypto transfers? No, banks like Caixa Geral de Depósitos continue to allow fiat transfers to cryptocurrency platforms. How might this affect crypto users in Portugal? BiG’s decision could push users toward decentralized financial systems and blockchain-based solutions. What are the risks associated with crypto transfers? Risks include potential involvement in money laundering, fraud, and regulatory non-compliance. What is MiCA, and how does it relate to this issue? MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is an EU regulation aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for digital assets, expected to bring more clarity in 2025. Conclusion BiG’s halt on crypto transfers highlights the growing tension between traditional banking systems and the cryptocurrency industry. While the decision aligns with regulatory concerns, it also raises questions about the future of financial innovation and user autonomy in Portugal. As the regulatory landscape evolves, banks and crypto platforms will need to strike a balance between compliance and accessibility to ensure sustainable growth in the digital asset space. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news , where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries. CoinOtag