This week is packed with significant events across the cryptocurrency sector, ranging from major token unlocks and protocol updates to new token launches and regulatory developments. For investors and enthusiasts, staying informed is crucial to navigating the dynamic crypto landscape.
Below is a structured overview of the most important happenings, organized by date and category.
January 13th: Exchange Deadlines and Protocol Updates
Coinbase Issues CGLD Withdrawal Deadline
Coinbase has announced it will not support the migration of the Celo blockchain from its Layer 1 (L1) to a Layer 2 (L2) solution. Users holding CGLD must withdraw their funds from the exchange by January 13th. After the hard fork is executed on January 16th, the Celo L1 network will cease producing blocks, and any assets remaining on Coinbase will become inaccessible.
Usual Protocol Activates Revenue Switch
Following the depegging of its USD0++ stablecoin, Usual Protocol has announced measures to stabilize its ecosystem. Central to this effort is the activation of a "Revenue Switch" feature on January 13th. This function is designed to distribute a share of the protocol's earnings from real-world assets (RWA) and operations back to the community.
Major Token Unlocks
A significant volume of tokens is scheduled for release on January 13th, which could impact their market prices:
- Cheelee (CHEEL): 20.81 million tokens ($169 million)
- Polyhedra Network (ZK): 17.22 million tokens ($33.2 million)
- World Mobile Token (WMTX): 16.04 million tokens ($6.4 million)
- CYBER (CYBER): 886,000 tokens ($2.7 million)
- Covalent (CXT): 26.9 million tokens ($2.5 million)
- Moonwell (WELL): 38.54 million tokens ($1.8 million)
👉 View real-time token unlock data
January 14th: New Launches and Regulatory Hearings
Shiba Inu’s TREAT Token Launches
The Shiba Inu ecosystem is expanding with the launch of its new TREAT token on January 14th. TREAT will serve as the utility and governance token for Shiba Inu’s upcoming privacy-focused Layer 3 blockchain, which is being built on top of Shibarium.
Renzo Introduces bzSOL for Solana Restaking
Liquid restaking protocol Renzo is launching bzSOL, a new liquid restaking token for the Solana network. Users will be able to mint bzSOL by staking either SOL or BNSOL. The 24-hour minting event begins on January 14th at 9:00 PM Beijing Time.
Other Key Events
- Nodepay Airdrop: The decentralized AI platform will conduct its first airdrop of Nodecoin (NC) tokens.
- BNB Chain MVB Program: Applications for the ninth season of the BNB Chain Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program, which focuses on AI innovation, close on January 14th.
- Biconomy (BICO) Unlock: 7.5 million BICO tokens (worth ~$2.1 million) will be released.
January 15th: Airdrops, Launches, and a Legal Deadline
Ethena Launches Derive (DRV) Token
Synthetic dollar protocol Ethena will launch its new Derive (DRV) token on January 15th. The protocol has allocated 5% of the total DRV supply to be distributed among sENA stakers.
Degen Liquidity Mining Airdrop
The Degen community is set to receive an airdrop through a liquidity mining initiative on January 15th (UTC). The snapshot for eligibility will be taken until the end of January 14th.
Ripple vs. SEC Legal Briefing Deadline
In the ongoing lawsuit between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered the SEC to submit its litigation brief by January 15th, 2025. This marks a critical step in this closely watched case.
Significant Token Unlocks
- Connex (CONX): 4.33 million tokens ($85.8 million)
- Starknet (STRK): 64 million tokens ($27.6 million)
- Sei (SEI): 55.56 million tokens ($21.5 million)
- Ethena (ENA): 12.86 million tokens ($11.8 million)
- Eigenlayer (EIGEN): 1.29 million tokens ($4.1 million)
January 16th: Exchange Listings and Migrations
Major Listings: DUCK on OKX and Gate.io
DuckChain (DUCK), the first EVM consumer layer blockchain on The Open Network (TON), will have its native token listed for spot trading on both OKX and Gate.io on January 16th. Trading for DUCK/USDT on OKX begins at 6:00 PM UTC+8.
Binance Completes Fantom (FTM) to Sonic (S) Migration
Binance will complete its support for the Fantom network’s rebranding to Sonic and the token migration from FTM to S (Sonic). After delisting all FTM spot trading pairs on January 13th, the new S trading pairs (S/BTC, S/USDT, etc.) will go live on January 16th at 4:00 PM Beijing Time.
New Perpetual Contracts on Coinbase
Coinbase International Exchange will add support for perpetual futures contracts for Aerodrome Finance (AERO), Beam (BEAM), and Drift (DRIFT). These new markets are scheduled to open on or after January 16th at 5:30 PM Beijing Time.
Arbitrum (ARB) Unlock
92.65 million ARB tokens, valued at approximately $67.8 million, will be unlocked on January 16th.
January 17th: Community Events and Unlocks
Solv Protocol (SOLV) Listing on Binance
Following its MegaDrop event, Solv Protocol's SOLV token will be listed on Binance on January 17th at 6:00 PM Beijing Time. The initial trading pairs will include SOLV/USDT, SOLV/BNB, SOLV/FDUSD, and SOLV/TRY.
Crypto Industry Inaugural Ball
BTC Inc. and Stand With Crypto will host an inaugural ball in Washington, D.C., on January 17th to celebrate the swearing-in of former President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The event highlights the growing political engagement of the crypto industry.
Token Unlocks
- ApeCoin (APE): 15.6 million tokens ($17.3 million)
- Echelon Prime (PRIME): 750,000 tokens ($9.6 million)
- Fusionist (ACE): 1.8 million tokens ($3.3 million)
- OmniFlix Network (FLIX): 15.31 million tokens ($1.5 million)
January 18th: The Week’s Largest Unlock
Ondo Finance (ONDO) Massive Token Release
The most substantial token unlock of the week will occur on January 18th. Ondo Finance will release 1.94 billion ONDO tokens into circulation. This release is enormous, equivalent to 134.21% of the current circulating supply, with a value of approximately $2.41 billion. Such a large influx can significantly affect the token's price due to increased selling pressure.
Other Unlocks on January 18th
- UXLINK (UXLINK): 26.56 million tokens ($33.2 million)
- QuantixAI (QAI): 232,000 tokens ($1.96 million)
- Cloud (CLOUD): 48.92 million tokens ($8.5 million)
- Hatom (HTM): 2.55 million tokens ($2.5 million)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a token unlock?
A token unlock is when previously locked or vested cryptocurrency tokens are released into the circulating supply. These tokens are often allocated to team members, investors, or for ecosystem rewards and become tradable upon unlock.
Why do token unlocks affect the price?
Large unlocks can lead to increased selling pressure if recipients decide to sell their newly acquired tokens. This potential increase in supply, if not met with equal demand, can cause the token's price to decrease.
What should I do before a major token unlock?
It's essential to research the unlock's size relative to the current circulating supply. Monitor trading volume and market sentiment leading up to the date. Consider your risk tolerance, as high volatility is common around these events.
What is the "Revenue Switch" for Usual Protocol?
The Revenue Switch is a feature designed to share a portion of the Usual Protocol's revenue generated from its real-world asset operations with its community. It is a mechanism intended to add utility and value to its ecosystem tokens.
How does Binance's FTM to Sonic migration affect me?
If you hold FTM on Binance, the exchange will automatically handle the technical process of converting your FTM tokens to the new S (Sonic) tokens. You must ensure your assets are on Binance before the snapshot and follow any official instructions from the exchange.
Where can I track upcoming crypto events?
Numerise platforms and calendars are dedicated to tracking key crypto events, token unlocks, exchange listings, and project milestones. Using a reliable tracker helps investors stay ahead of market-moving events. 👉 Explore more strategies for tracking market data