Overview:

• LINK exchange outflows and ETF inflows point to long-term accumulation even as prices remain under short-term pressure.

• Regulatory scrutiny intensifies amid Brazil’s large-scale crackdown on crypto fraud and governance debates at Curve Finance.

• XRP and SEI approach key technical inflection points, with resistance at $2 for XRP and a $7 million token unlock weighing on SEI.

The crypto market continues to show mixed signals, with long-term accumulation clashing against short-term price weakness. While institutional inflows and on-chain data point to quiet positioning beneath the surface, several major tokens remain under pressure as traders navigate macro uncertainty, regulatory actions, and upcoming supply events.

Chainlink Whales Accumulate as Price Tests Key Support

According to on-chain data from CryptoQuant, exchanges saw a net outflow of LINK tokens of over 44.9 million in the last year, reducing exchange reserves to their lowest level in a year.

Generally, sustained outflows like this indicate accumulation, as investors are transferring it into long-term storage rather than keeping it available for sale.

Simultaneously, LINK pricing fell from $29 to $13.60, indicating a divergence trend between accumulation and market performance. 

Institutional interest has also emerged through US spot Chainlink ETFs, whose inflows have totaled nearly $50 million since their debut on December 2, according to SOSOValue.

At press time, LINK is $13.65, down about 2.25% on the day, with spot trading volume falling by more than 48% to roughly $295 million. 

Brazil Launches Major Crackdown on Crypto Pyramid Scheme

Brazilian authorities have launched Operation Kryptolaundry, targeting a large crypto-based pyramid scheme allegedly tied to Glaidson Acacio dos Santos, known as the ‘Bitcoin Pharaoh.’ 

The network is accused of laundering hundreds of millions of dollars through cryptocurrency transactions and shell companies.

Federal police executed 24 search warrants and issued nine preventive arrest orders, resulting in eight arrests across Brazil and Spain. 

Investigators estimate the scheme may have affected 62,000 victims, generating R$404 million in illegal profits, while laundering substantially larger sums over time.

Curve Community Reacts to $6.6 Million Grant Proposal

Curve Finance is facing renewed governance debate after founder Michael Egorov proposed a 17.45 million CRV token grant, valued at approximately $6.6 million, to fund development through Swiss Stake AG in 2026.

Swiss Stake AG, which employs 25 team members, plans to allocate funds toward research, infrastructure, security, and major upgrades. 

Egorov pointed out that the grant-funded developments would be open source, aligning with Curve's philosophy.

While some community members support the long-term roadmap, others have voiced concerns about treasury management and governance transparency, which has made the upcoming DAO vote very contentious.

Bitcoin Spot ETFs See Strong Weekly Inflows

According to SOSOValue, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded net inflows of $287 million last week.

• BlackRock’s IBIT led with $214 million in inflows, pushing its total historical inflow to $62.73 billion.

• The FBTC of Fidelity led with an inflow of $84.47 million, pushing its total inflow to $12.18 billion.

• The GBTC of Grayscale experienced weekly outflows of $38.76 million, bringing the total historical outflows to $12.18 billion.

According to these flows, institutions are accumulating despite the expected market volatility in the short term.

Also Read: Bitcoin Price Holds $88,000 Support While Eyeing $91,000 Resistance

XRP Struggles Below $2.00 Resistance

XRP faced selling pressure near the $2.00 to $2.01 resistance zone, unable to break it for the third time already.

High trading volume during rejection indicates active distribution rather than accumulation.

XRP’s price remains detached from improving spot ETF inflows and ecosystem expansion, despite developments in its favor, such as the Federal Reserve's recent 25-basis-point rate cut.

The short-term technical indicators signal a neutral-to-bearish stance, with strong demand in the $1.97-$1.98 zone and constant supply above that level.

Also Read: XRP News Today: XRP ETFs Extend Inflow Streak as Market Price Holds Steady Near $2

Sei Faces Pressure Ahead of $7 Million Token Unlock

Sei (SEI) is consolidating around the $0.12 support level, while market players prepare for the unlocking of 55.56 million tokens, worth around $6.94 million, on December 15. 

The release will account for almost 1.08% of the circulating supply and will consequently increase the risk of short-term selling.

At press time, SEI is trading at $0.1239, down 2.26% and 7.50% for the week. While spot and derivatives volumes have increased, open interest has declined, indicating that the market is primarily engaged in short-term trading rather than taking long-term positions based on conviction.

Unless SEI moves above its 20-day moving average, bearish pressure may continue.

FAQs:

1. Why are LINK whales accumulating despite falling prices?
Large investors appear to be moving LINK into long-term storage, betting on future value even as macro pressure keeps prices subdued in the short term.

2. What is Operation Kryptolaundry in Brazil?
It is a major law enforcement operation targeting a crypto pyramid scheme tied to the “Bitcoin Pharaoh,” allegedly laundering over $500 million and impacting thousands of victims.

3. Are Bitcoin ETFs still seeing institutional demand?
Yes, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $287 million in net inflows last week, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, signaling continued institutional accumulation.

4. Why is XRP struggling near $2.00?
Strong selling pressure and high trading volumes near the $2.00-$2.01 zone indicate active distribution, keeping XRP capped despite positive institutional developments.

5. How could the SEI token unlock affect price?
The upcoming $7 million token unlock may increase short-term selling pressure, especially if SEI fails to reclaim key moving averages and market sentiment remains weak.