BitcoinMarkets Top-Rated Investing Products
BitcoinMarkets selects the best investing products in a variety of categories, including exchanges, wallets, and trading platforms.
BitcoinMarkets's editorial team reviews dozens of investing products, including hands-on testing of brokerage accounts, trading platforms and tools. We use a detailed methodology.
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The future of secure messaging: Why decentralization matters more than ever
Encrypted messaging platforms are experiencing a resurgence, with apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Signal now commonly offering end-to-end encryption (E2EE). However, many still rely on centralized servers, phone numbers, and metadata, such as contact details, timing, and device information. Vitalik Buterin recently highlighted the need for secure messaging to evolve towards permissionless account setups without phone numbers or Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and better metadata privacy. He praised Session and SimpleX for their efforts and donated 128 Ether (ETH) to each to support their work. Session exemplifies this approach by combining E2E encryption with decentralization, bypassing the need for a central server. Messages are routed through onion paths, and user IDs are based on keys rather than phone numbers. Notably, 43% of public WiFi users have reported data breaches, often due to man-in-the-middle attacks and packet sniffing on unencrypted data. Session uses public key identities, generating a keypair locally upon sign-up, with no phone number or email needed. Messages travel through a service node network using onion routing, obscuring sender and recipient details. For offline message delivery, messages are stored in encrypted "swarms" until the recipient fetches them. These messages have a default two-week lifespan on the network, leaving only device-stored copies afterward. The app maintains a local database of chats and attachments, increasing in size with media and chat history, although users can manage this by deleting chats or using disappearing messages. The app's notification system offers two modes: Slow Mode, which uses background polling for privacy but may delay notifications, and Fast Mode, which uses push notifications for timely alerts. Fast Mode exposes the device's IP address and push token to Apple-operated servers and shares the Session Account ID and push token with a Session-run server, although message contents remain encrypted. Session's governance shifted from the Australian nonprofit Oxen Privacy Tech Foundation (OPTF) to the Swiss Session Technology Foundation (STF) in late 2024. STF handles transparency reports, which detail law enforcement requests and responses. Session's decentralized E2EE setup means they can't access user messages or keys, although they might provide logs from infrastructure they manage, in compliance with Swiss and international laws. However, they cannot supply decrypted messages or user chat keys. As quantum computing poses potential future risks, Session is redesigning its protocol to incorporate post-quantum key exchanges and perfect forward secrecy. Currently, the platform relies on classical cryptography, but a post-quantum upgrade is on the horizon. Voice and video calls are available but are still in beta, requiring user opt-in. These calls use WebRTC, revealing IP addresses, but future updates aim to enhance privacy through onion routing. Decentralized messaging platforms like Session offer advantages, such as account creation without personal identifiers and reduced metadata exposure through onion routing. The project's move to Switzerland and commitment to transparency and open-source development might bolster public confidence. However, decentralization doesn't eliminate all privacy concerns. Local device storage remains vulnerable, and Fast Mode notifications and WebRTC calls leak some metadata. Until Protocol v2 is fully implemented, post-quantum security is not guaranteed. For users considering Session, prioritizing Slow Mode can enhance metadata privacy, despite notification delays. Regularly pruning old messages and media is advisable to minimize local data risks. While decentralization, metadata reduction, and post-quantum advancements are integral to future secure messaging, Session's approach highlights ongoing challenges and the necessary trade-offs in achieving comprehensive privacy.
Ethereum’s first ZK-rollup, ZKsync Lite, to be retired in 2026
ZKsync Lite, recognized as the pioneering zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup network on Ethereum, is set to be phased out in 2026. The team behind it has announced this decision, noting that the network has successfully completed its intended purpose. In a recent update on X, ZKsync stated, "In 2026, we plan to deprecate ZKsync Lite (aka ZKsync 1.0), the original ZK-rollup we launched on Ethereum. This is a planned, orderly sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not affect any other ZKsync systems." They further explained that ZKsync Lite was a revolutionary proof-of-concept that validated key ideas for building operational ZK systems. "It did its job: prove what’s possible and pave the way for the next generation," the team elaborated. Created by Matter Labs in 2020, ZKsync Lite was designed to facilitate quick transfers and the minting of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), although it lacked support for smart contracts, which restricted its broader application. The network was notable for being the first to utilize validity proofs, which immediately confirmed the validity of transactions before they were aggregated and sent to the Ethereum mainnet for final validation. Development on ZKsync Lite ceased in early 2023, following the launch of the zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) called ZKsync Era, which includes smart contract support. The ZKsync team has assured users that no immediate actions are necessary, and that the network continues to function normally. They emphasized that "Funds remain safe, and withdrawals to L1 will keep working through the process." Additionally, they promised to provide "concrete details, dates, and migration guidance soon" regarding ZKsync Lite. While just under $50 million is currently bridged to ZKsync Lite, data from L2BEAT indicates that the network has only processed slightly over 330 user operations in the last 24 hours. In contrast, ZKsync Era boasts a total value locked of $36.4 million and has recorded over 22,000 user operations within the same period. This transition comes amidst potential shifts within the blockchain landscape. Last month, Alex Gluchowski, co-creator of ZKsync, proposed significant changes to the ZKsync governance token. The proposal aims to enhance the token's "economic utility," linking it more closely to the network's fee structure.
Bitcoin bulls must defend key level to avoid $76K, say analysts
Bitcoin is currently at a crucial technical level that needs protection to avoid significant losses, as highlighted by crypto analyst “Daan Crypto Trades.” He pointed to the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement level, which is a vital support and resistance point in market cycles. “This is a critical area for the bulls to maintain,” he mentioned, warning that a drop below this level could pull Bitcoin (BTC) down to its April lows around $76,000. “It essentially forms the last major support before revisiting the April lows, which would disrupt the long-term market structure.” Late Sunday, Bitcoin experienced a sharp leveraged position wipeout, with liquidations occurring across both long and short positions. The cryptocurrency briefly dipped below $88,000 but swiftly rebounded to over $91,500. “This is yet another instance of market manipulation during low-liquidity weekends, aimed at eliminating leveraged positions on both sides,” noted “Bull Theory.” BTC is currently trading within a crucial support/resistance zone, according to Daan Crypto Trades. All eyes are on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting this week. The Federal Open Market Committee will wrap up its monetary policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a 0.25% rate cut widely anticipated. Since the October rate cut, crypto markets have seen diminished momentum, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated a data-dependent, non-linear easing approach rather than a straightforward rate-cutting cycle, explained Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, in a note shared with Cointelegraph. He further noted that the market is anticipating a 25-basis-point cut on December 10, followed by a cautious stance, “mirroring October’s somewhat hawkish approach and maintaining moderate pressure towards the year-end.” “With trading volumes already low and ETF flows negative, the potential for upward movement is limited while Bitcoin remains within the $70,000–$100,000 range, and implied volatility continues to decrease, making downside risk more significant than upside potential.” The Fed’s outlook statement will be crucial. Henrik Andersson of Apollo Capital echoed this view, stating to Cointelegraph that while a Fed rate cut this week is already expected, the market's direction will depend on the outlook statement. He remains cautiously optimistic for the next year. “With the Fed chairman set to be replaced in May next year, we might see more interest rate cuts in 2026, which would likely benefit risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.” Nick Ruck, director of LVRG Research, concurred, telling Cointelegraph that beyond the Fed meeting, upcoming jobs and inflation data releases “could trigger renewed liquidity inflows and drive a broader market recovery if they align with expectations for continued monetary easing.”
Philippines’ fastest growing digital bank rolls out crypto services
GoTyme, a leading digital bank in the Philippines with a customer base of 6.5 million, has introduced cryptocurrency services through a collaboration with the US-based fintech company Alpaca. The new service allows users to purchase and store 11 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT), via an automatic conversion from the Philippine peso to USD within its banking app. While it remains uncertain if GoTyme will expand its offerings to include more complex trading options, the current emphasis is on providing a straightforward and accessible user experience. According to GoTyme CEO Nate Clarke, the platform is tailored for users who prefer a hassle-free approach to buying cryptocurrencies, without the need for intricate technical knowledge or managing multiple applications. Since its inception in October 2022, GoTyme has rapidly grown, as reported by Nikkei Asia in September, amassing over 6.5 million customers in the Philippines. The bank emerged from a partnership between the Singapore-based Tyme Group and the Filipino Gokongwei Group. The GoTyme app is designed to streamline the process of setting up a bank account and debit card, which can be completed in as little as five minutes, thus facilitating easy access to cryptocurrency services. Looking ahead, GoTyme aims to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, with plans to enter the markets of Vietnam and Indonesia. This strategy aligns with the bank's ambition to capitalize on the burgeoning digital banking scene in the region. In a statement to the Digital Banker, Clarke emphasized the bank's focus on rapid expansion over immediate profitability, targeting a sustainable customer base. The Philippines has a strong track record in cryptocurrency adoption, ranking ninth in Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. The government is also considering a legislative proposal to establish a strategic reserve comprising 10,000 BTC.
Robinhood Eyes Indonesia Market as Local Crypto Adoption Soars
Robinhood is set to make a significant move into Indonesia by acquiring a licensed brokerage and a cryptocurrency trading platform in the country, with the completion of these deals anticipated in early 2026. The company is venturing into Indonesia, a market experiencing considerable growth in digital asset adoption, as the nation enhances its regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Robinhood Markets Inc. announced its plans to purchase PT Buana Capital Sekuritas, a brokerage firm, and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, a licensed crypto trading platform. This expansion into Indonesia, one of Asia's rapidly growing retail markets, underscores Robinhood's commitment to democratizing finance globally. Although the company has not yet shared specific integration plans, it has confirmed the transactions are expected to conclude in the first half of 2026. The appeal of the Indonesian market, described by Patrick Chan, Robinhood's head of Asia, as a vibrant environment for trading, aligns with the company's mission to broaden access to financial services. Decrypt has sought comments from key Indonesian financial institutions, including Bursa Efek Indonesia, the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, and Bappebti, to gain further insights into the regulatory landscape Robinhood will navigate. Indonesia's digital economy is flourishing, driven by a surge in mobile payments and investment activities. According to Google's e-Conomy SEA 2025 report, the digital economy in Indonesia is expected to reach approximately $99 billion by 2025, with digital payments projected to grow from $340 billion in 2023 to $538 billion in 2025. The country is witnessing a broad adoption of digital financial services, with the World Bank's Global Findex 2025 report highlighting a significant rise in financial account ownership. From 2011 to 2024, account ownership among adults in Indonesia increased from about 20% to nearly 60%. However, a substantial portion of the population remains without financial accounts, a situation Robinhood's entry could potentially improve by offering accessible trading and investment opportunities. The impact of Robinhood's expansion will hinge on how quickly Indonesians embrace its services and the regulatory environment's adaptability. In July, Indonesia implemented new regulations increasing taxes on cryptocurrency transactions and placing digital assets under financial oversight. Offshore crypto trades now incur a 1% tax, while domestic trades are subject to a 0.21% levy. Additionally, regulators have eliminated the value-added tax on crypto sales and reclassified digital assets as financial instruments under the supervision of the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. Indonesia continues to rank among the leading markets globally for cryptocurrency adoption, as noted in Chainalysis's 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. The Asia-Pacific region remains at the forefront of crypto adoption worldwide, highlighting the strategic significance of Robinhood's move into the Indonesian market.
Coinbase Reopens India Access, Sets 2026 Target for Cash-to-Crypto Purchases
Coinbase has resumed user registrations in India after a two-year break, allowing users to engage in crypto-to-crypto trading once again. This move signifies a significant effort by the company to re-establish its presence in one of the largest digital asset markets globally. According to John O’Loghlen, Coinbase's Asia-Pacific director, the platform aims to introduce a fiat on-ramp by 2026, enabling users to deposit rupees into the app to directly purchase cryptocurrencies. This feature was withdrawn shortly after its 2022 launch when India's Unified Payments Interface pulled away from Coinbase, leading to the company's exit and the offboarding of millions of users by 2023. Coinbase's return to India involved starting afresh with domestic regulators, including engagement with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit, which supervises compliance and anti-fraud measures. After securing registration earlier this year, Coinbase discreetly began a limited onboarding process in October as part of an early-access program, eventually expanding access more broadly this month. The company’s re-entry coincides with the challenges posed by India’s strict tax policies on digital assets, which include a 30% income tax without loss offsets and a 1% tax deducted at source on every trade. These regulations have significantly impacted local trading volumes and complicated exchange operations. Since the tax's introduction in 2022–23, the Indian government has collected approximately $818 million (₹700 crore), with $323 million (₹269.09 crore) in the initial year and $525 million (₹437.43 crore) in 2023–24. Despite these hurdles, Coinbase is advancing its strategy in India. In mid-October, the company announced an increased investment in CoinDCX, India's largest crypto exchange, valuing the firm at $2.45 billion. This partnership is seen as a more effective way for Coinbase to penetrate the market than attempting to rebuild its own payment systems. Additionally, Coinbase plans to expand its workforce in India, which already numbers over 500 employees, viewing the region as a strategic gateway to South Asia and the Middle East.