Weekly Article Recap: 1/20-1/24

Recapping the Week in DeFi

As the DeFi and crypto space continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's essential to stay informed 

about the latest developments and trends. Our weekly recap provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the most significant news and trends in the DeFi and crypto space, helping you stay informed and up-to-date with the latest happenings.

US President Donald Trump Signs Landmark Crypto Executive Order: Key Takeaways

On January 23, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to strengthen U.S. leadership in blockchain and digital assets. The directive emphasizes regulatory clarity, financial independence, and privacy. Notably, it bans federal efforts to develop or promote Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the United States.

Find details in the article. 

SEC Rescinds ‘Anti-Crypto’ SAB 121, Brings SAB 122

The U.S. SEC has withdrawn its controversial Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB 121) and introduced SAB 122, offering a more flexible approach for financial institutions managing digital assets. SAB 121, implemented in 2022, required cryptocurrency assets held for users to be recorded as liabilities, causing concerns in the financial and crypto sectors. SAB 122 allows institutions to custody digital assets without labeling them as liabilities but mandates disclosure of related risks and obligations. 

Read the full story. 

Bitwise Files for Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF Amid Growing Meme Coin Interest

Bitwise Asset Management filed for a Dogecoin (DOGE) exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the U.S. SEC on January 23, signaling its intent to launch a DOGE-focused investment product. The filing, confirmed by Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan, is a preliminary step towards a full SEC proposal and includes a Delaware statutory trust to ensure clear governance and tax benefits.

Learn more here. 

US President Donald Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht, Creator of Silk Road

President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, on January 20, 2025. Ulbricht had been serving a life sentence since 2015. The decision follows years of advocacy from libertarian groups who criticized the case as an overreach. Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, calling it a favor for Ulbricht's mother and the Libertarian movement, while also condemning those involved in his conviction.

Details here.

Ethereum Foundation Allocates 50,000 ETH to Strengthen Its DeFi Ecosystem Participation

The Ethereum Foundation has allocated 50,000 ether (ETH), valued at $162.1 million, to expand its involvement in decentralized finance (DeFi). This move is part of its strategy to optimize its Ethereum holdings amid concerns over treasury management. To manage these assets, the Foundation has set up a 3-of-5 multisig wallet with Safe (formerly Safe Gnosis) for secure and transparent interactions with DeFi protocols.

Find more information in the article.