Privacy Blockchains Make Major Push for Institutional Adoption: Zcash and Canton Lead the Way

A recent survey by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) reveals that cryptocurrency ownership in Canada has surged to 25% in 2026, a significant increase from the 10% recorded in 2023. The study, which polled 2,360 Canadians aged 18 and over between December 2025 and January 2026, also found that 59% of respondents are aware of digital assets, indicating growing adoption and awareness of the cryptocurrency market in the country.

This growth in cryptocurrency ownership in Canada reflects a global trend of digital acceptance and a shift in risk perception within the sector. The OSC uses this data to anticipate emerging opportunities and risks, ensuring its regulatory approach protects investors while fostering fair and efficient markets. The research highlights the crucial role of financial institutions in educating investors and creating a safer, more transparent cryptocurrency ecosystem for Canadians.

The Court of Justice of Alagoas (TJAL) has made a landmark ruling, ordering the Bitcoin wallet Bitfy to return a customer's balance under penalty of fine. The decision, issued by Judge Gilvan de Santana Oliveira in the 9th Civil Court, marks a significant development for investor protection within Brazil's crypto ecosystem. This ruling could set precedents for other cases involving cryptocurrency wallets in Brazil, strengthening user rights and establishing greater accountability for companies in the sector. The case, obtained exclusively by Livecoins, demonstrates that Brazilian courts are increasingly equipped to handle disputes related to digital assets, which could bring more confidence and security to the country's cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin displayed resilience by holding steady around $64,500 as the Fed's preferred PCE inflation metric recorded its first monthly drop in six years, triggering a relief rally in both stock and cryptocurrency markets. The Bitcoin price stability came as tensions in South Korea's semiconductor sector eased, combining with inflation data that met annual expectations, suggesting a potential moment of calm for investors following recent periods of volatility.

The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Iran on Tuesday, targeting the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority, a company that collected Bitcoin tolls from oil tankers seeking passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This action marks a new front in the financial war against Iran, focusing on activities involving cryptocurrencies and maritime infrastructure. The sanctions also targeted Persian Gulf Marine Insurance, completing a coordinated attack on Iranian financial and transportation networks. The initiative demonstrates how regulators are adapting their strategies to handle the growing use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions, particularly in regions of geopolitical tension.