Must-Watch Events Next Week｜CLARITY Act to Clear Senate Hurdle; December CPI Data to Be Released (1.12-1.18)

marsbitPublished on 2026-01-11Last updated on 2026-01-11

Abstract

Key Events for Jan 12-18: U.S. December CPI data release on Jan 13; Senate Banking Committee to review the CLARITY Act (crypto market structure bill) on Jan 15; multiple Fed speeches scheduled throughout the week. Other notable events: Binance updates cross-margin collateral ratios and lists CharacterX (CAI) on Jan 12; Aster Phase 4 airdrop claims open Jan 14; BSC mainnet Fermi hard fork activates Jan 14; Coinbase supports MKR to SKY migration from Jan 12-14; Semler Scientific and Strive merger vote on Jan 13; BitMine annual shareholder meeting on Jan 15; UK stablecoin regulatory sandbox applications close Jan 18.

Key Events to Watch Next Week

January 13

US December CPI will be released at 21:30 on January 13;

January 14

Aster will open Phase 4 airdrop queries on January 14;

January 15

The US Senate Banking Committee has scheduled the review of the crypto market structure bill for January 15;

BitMine plans to hold its annual shareholders meeting on January 15, 2026, to elect 8 directors and amend the company's articles of association;

Federal Reserve Dynamics

  • January 13 (Tuesday) 01:30, 2027 FOMC voter, Atlanta Fed President Bostic to speak;
  • January 13 (Tuesday) 01:45, 2027 FOMC voter, Richmond Fed President Barkin to speak;
  • January 13 (Tuesday) 07:00, Permanent FOMC voter, New York Fed President Williams to speak;
  • January 13 (Tuesday) 23:00, 2028 FOMC voter, St. Louis Fed President Musalem to speak;
  • January 14 (Wednesday) 05:00, 2027 FOMC voter, Richmond Fed President Barkin to speak;
  • January 14 (Wednesday) 22:50, 2026 FOMC voter, Philadelphia Fed President Paulson to speak on economic outlook;
  • January 14 (Wednesday) 23:00, Fed Governor Milan to speak in Athens;
  • January 15 (Thursday) 01:00, 2026 FOMC voter, Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari to speak; 2027 FOMC voter, Atlanta Fed President Bostic to speak;
  • January 15 (Thursday) 03:00, Fed to release the Beige Book on economic conditions;
  • January 15 (Thursday) 03:10, Permanent FOMC voter, New York Fed President Williams to deliver opening remarks at an event;
  • January 15 (Thursday) 21:35, 2027 FOMC voter, Atlanta Fed President Bostic to speak;
  • January 16 (Friday) 01:40, 2027 FOMC voter, Richmond Fed President Barkin to speak on Virginia's economic outlook;

From January 12 to January 18, more industry events worth watching are detailed below.

January 12

Binance to update cross-margin collateral asset ratios on January 12, 2026

Odaily Planet Daily News Binance Cross-Margin will update the collateral ratios for assets including ARB, ADA, CFX, TRX, ASTER, XPL, ZEC, etc., at 06:00 (UTC) on January 12, 2026. The update is expected to take about 30 minutes. Users should note that adjustments to collateral ratios will affect the margin level in Cross-Margin Pro mode; please monitor closely to avoid potential liquidation risks.

Binance Alpha to list CharacterX (CAI) on January 12

Odaily Planet Daily News Binance Alpha will list CharacterX (CAI) on January 12. Eligible users can claim the CAI airdrop on the Alpha event page using Binance Alpha points after trading begins. Specific rules and more details will be announced separately. Users can follow Binance's official channels for further updates.

Coinbase to support MKR migration to SKY, suspends related services from January 12

Odaily Planet Daily News Coinbase Markets announced that it will support the migration of Maker tokens from MKR to SKY from January 12 to 14, 2026, with a conversion ratio of 1 MKR : 23,520 SKY. MKR trading and transfers will be suspended during this period. Users who do not wish to convert automatically must withdraw MKR to a self-custody wallet before January 12.

January 13

US Bureau of Labor Statistics: US December CPI to be released on January 13

Odaily Planet Daily News The US Bureau of Labor Statistics officially announced that the US December Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be released at 21:30 Beijing time on January 13, including the US December unadjusted CPI year-on-year, seasonally adjusted CPI month-on-month, seasonally adjusted core CPI month-on-month, unadjusted core CPI year-on-year, and other data.

Semler Scientific's shareholder meeting for merger with Strive to be held on January 13; merged entity to hold nearly 13,000 BTC

Odaily Planet Daily News Semler Scientific founder Eric Semler posted on X platform that Semler Scientific has proposed its shareholders vote in favor of the merger with Strive. The special shareholder meeting will be held on January 13. Upon approval, SMLR shareholders will receive ASST shares at an exchange ratio of 21.05 times. The merged entity will hold nearly 13,000 BTC, placing it among the top five publicly listed companies with BTC as a primary strategic reserve. This move aims to enhance Strive's financing capabilities in the digital credit field and maximize long-term shareholder value. Eric Semler will join Strive's board.

January 14

BSC mainnet Fermi hard fork upgrade expected to activate on January 14

The BSC mainnet Fermi hard fork upgrade is expected to activate at 10:30 on January 14, 2026. This upgrade will shorten the block interval from 750 milliseconds to 450 milliseconds to improve network throughput and transaction processing efficiency.

Aster to open Phase 4 airdrop queries on January 14

Odaily Planet Daily News The query opening date for Aster Phase 4 airdrop is January 14, 2026, and the claim window opening date is January 28, 2026.

January 15

US Senate Banking Committee schedules review of crypto market structure bill for January 15

Odaily Planet Daily News The legislative landscape for the US cryptocurrency industry has reached a critical turning point. The Senate Banking Committee has officially scheduled the review of the "Digital Asset Market Transparency Act" (referred to as the CLARITY Act, also known as the crypto market structure bill) for January 15, 2026 (Thursday). Committee Chairman Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, announced this decision after a series of intense closed-door meetings in early January. Senator Scott emphasized that the committee will proceed with a formal vote regardless of difficulties. Republican leadership views this deadline as a strategic necessity, racing against time to complete legislative work before the January 30 federal government critical spending deadline, which could otherwise trigger another government shutdown. The committee hopes that through next Thursday's vote, the bill can be submitted to the full Senate for consideration while the current administration maintains a pro-crypto momentum. (financefeeds)

BitMine plans to hold annual shareholders meeting on January 15, 2026, to elect 8 directors and amend articles of association

Odaily Planet Daily News NYSE American-listed Ethereum treasury company Bitmine Immersion Technologies announced that it will hold its annual shareholders meeting in Las Vegas on January 15, 2026. The meeting will elect 8 directors for a one-year term. Additionally, a proposed amendment to the articles of association to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, the 2025 Comprehensive Incentive Plan, and a special performance compensation arrangement for the Executive Chairman are expected to be approved at the annual shareholders meeting. (PRNewswire)

Aster Phase 3 airdrop claim to conclude on January 15

Odaily Planet Daily News Aster posted on X platform that the Phase 3 airdrop is now open for claiming. The claiming period is from 20:00 (UTC+8) on December 15, 2025, to 20:00 (UTC+8) on January 15, 2026.

January 16

None

January 17

None

January 18

UK opens regulatory sandbox for local stablecoin issuers; application deadline January 18

Odaily Planet Daily News The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently opened a regulatory sandbox for local stablecoin issuers wishing to test their stablecoin solutions. The application deadline for this sandbox is January 18.

Related Questions

QWhat is the key date for the US Senate Banking Committee to review the CLARITY Act?

AThe US Senate Banking Committee has scheduled the review of the CLARITY Act (Crypto Market Structure Bill) for January 15, 2026.

QWhen will the US December CPI data be released and what time?

AThe US December Consumer Price Index (CPI) data will be released on January 13, 2026, at 21:30 Beijing Time (UTC+8).

QWhat significant upgrade is expected for the BSC mainnet on January 14?

AThe BSC mainnet Fermi hard fork upgrade is expected to activate on January 14, 2026, at 10:30, which will reduce the block interval from 750 milliseconds to 450 milliseconds to improve network throughput and transaction processing efficiency.

QWhich company's merger, if approved, will result in a new entity holding nearly 13,000 BTC?

AIf the merger between Semler Scientific and Strive is approved at the special shareholders meeting on January 13, 2026, the new entity will hold nearly 13,000 BTC, making it one of the top five public companies holding BTC as a primary treasury reserve.

QWhat is the deadline for applications to the UK FCA's regulatory sandbox for local stablecoin issuers?

AThe application deadline for the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)'s regulatory sandbox for local stablecoin issuers is January 18, 2026.

Related Reads

Fu Peng's First Public Speech in 2026: What Exactly Are Crypto Assets? Why Did I Join the Crypto Asset Industry?

Fu Peng, a renowned macroeconomist and now Chief Economist at New火 Group, delivered his first public speech of 2026 at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival. He explained his perspective on crypto assets and why he joined the industry, framing it within the context of macroeconomic trends and financial evolution. Fu emphasized that crypto assets are transitioning from an early, belief-driven phase to a mature, institutionally integrated asset class. He drew parallels to the 1970s-80s, when technological advances (like computing) revolutionized traditional finance, leading to the rise of FICC (Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities). Similarly, current advancements in AI, data, and blockchain are reshaping finance, with crypto assets becoming part of a new "FICC + C" (C for Crypto) framework. He noted that institutional capital, including traditional hedge funds, avoided early crypto due to its speculative nature but are now engaging as regulatory clarity emerges (e.g., stablecoin laws, CFTC classifying crypto as a commodity). Fu predicted that 2025-2026 marks a turning point where crypto becomes a standardized, financially viable asset for diversified portfolios, akin to commodities or derivatives in traditional finance. Fu defined Bitcoin not as "digital gold" in a simplistic sense but as a value-preserving, financially tradable asset. He highlighted that crypto's future lies in regulated, institutional adoption, moving away from retail-dominated trading. His entry into crypto signals this maturation, where traditional finance integrates crypto into mainstream asset management.

marsbit33m ago

Fu Peng's First Public Speech in 2026: What Exactly Are Crypto Assets? Why Did I Join the Crypto Asset Industry?

marsbit33m ago

Cardano Gets Filecoin-Backed Storage Upgrade

Cardano's ecosystem has integrated a significant storage upgrade through a collaboration between Blockfrost and Filecoin. This new premium storage tier offers Cardano builders a decentralized, verifiable backup solution without requiring any changes to their existing workflows. The integration, which was initially announced in late 2024, has now been productized, providing enhanced data resilience for applications on Cardano. Charles Hoskinson endorsed the move, welcoming Filecoin as "one of the OGs" to the ecosystem. The service leverages Filecoin's decentralized storage network to strengthen app reliability and underscores a commitment to decentralization by coordinating two major layer-1 blockchain ecosystems.

bitcoinist41m ago

Cardano Gets Filecoin-Backed Storage Upgrade

bitcoinist41m ago

Justin Sun Sues Trump Family: What $75 Million Bought Was Only a Blacklist

Justin Sun, founder of Tron, has filed a lawsuit in federal court against World Liberty Financial (WLF), alleging he was made the "primary target of a fraudulent scheme" after investing $75 million. Sun claims the investment secured him an advisor title and WLFI tokens, which were later frozen by WLF, causing "hundreds of millions in losses." The dispute began in late 2024 when Sun's investment helped revive WLF's struggling token sale, which ultimately raised $550 million. Shortly after, the SEC dropped its lawsuit against Sun following Donald Trump's inauguration. However, relations soured when Sun refused WLF's demands for additional funding. In August 2025, WLF added a "blacklist" function to its smart contract, allowing it to unilaterally freeze tokens. Sun's holdings, worth approximately $107 million, were frozen, and he was threatened with token destruction. The lawsuit highlights WLF's structure, which directs 75% of token sale profits to the Trump family, who had earned $1 billion by December 2025. WLF's CEO is Zach Witkoff, son of U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The project faces scrutiny for opaque operations, including a controversial loan arrangement on the Dolomite platform, co-founded by a WLF advisor. Despite Sun's history with the SEC, the case underscores centralization risks within DeFi, as WLF controls governance and holds powers to freeze assets arbitrarily. Sun's tokens remain frozen as legal proceedings begin.

marsbit41m ago

Justin Sun Sues Trump Family: What $75 Million Bought Was Only a Blacklist

marsbit41m ago

$500 to Buy OpenAI Stock: Silicon Valley's Most Respectable Liquidity Invitation

Silicon Valley's largest venture capital platform, AngelList, has launched a new fund called USVC, allowing U.S. retail investors to buy into high-profile AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI with a minimum investment of $500—no accredited investor status required. Promoted by AngelList co-founder Naval Ravikant, the fund is framed as an opportunity for ordinary people to access high-growth private tech investments traditionally reserved for VCs. However, critics argue it functions more like an exit vehicle for early insiders. USVC acquires shares not through primary rounds but largely via secondary transactions—purchasing stakes from early investors, VC funds, and employees looking to cash out at peak valuations. With companies like xAI heavily weighted in the portfolio, the fund effectively channels retail money into providing liquidity for insiders who entered at much lower valuations. The fund’s structure raises concerns: shares are illiquid, with no secondary market, and buybacks are limited and discretionary. The actual annual fee reaches 3.61%, far above the advertised 1% management fee. This model parallels the "low float, high fully diluted valuation" strategy seen in crypto, where early investors profit by selling to latecomers at inflated prices. The timing—alongside similar moves by platforms like Robinhood—suggests that Silicon Valley’s sudden interest in retail inclusion may be less about democratizing access and more about securing exits for insiders.

marsbit1h ago

$500 to Buy OpenAI Stock: Silicon Valley's Most Respectable Liquidity Invitation

marsbit1h ago

Bitcoin Approaches $80,000 Mark, ETF Funds Continue Inflow, Is the Crypto Market Shifting?

Bitcoin is approaching the $80,000 mark, reaching a new high since February, while Ethereum remains around $2,400 with some altcoins surging significantly. Over the past 24 hours, $462 million in futures contracts were liquidated, with shorts accounting for $353 million. The market fear and greed index has risen to 60, indicating neutral sentiment. Global risk assets continue to rebound, with U.S. stock markets hitting record highs. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones all saw gains. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index remains stable around 98.61. Geopolitical developments, including a temporary extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, have influenced market dynamics, though tensions persist. Bitcoin spot ETFs have seen six consecutive days of net inflows, with a peak single-day inflow of $663.91 million. Ethereum spot ETFs also recorded nine straight days of net inflows. Stablecoin market capitalization has risen to $320.6 billion, with a weekly net inflow of $635 million. Market analysts note that Bitcoin's recovery is supported by renewed spot demand and ETF inflows. However, high realized profits and low volatility suggest caution, with resistance expected near $80,000. Institutional and ETF-driven demand is strengthening market support, indicating a potential shift toward a new trading range with increased upward momentum.

marsbit1h ago

Bitcoin Approaches $80,000 Mark, ETF Funds Continue Inflow, Is the Crypto Market Shifting?

marsbit1h ago

Trading

Spot
Futures
活动图片

Hot Categoriesright-arrow

Hot Tagsright-arrow