BTCUSD Today, January 24: Watchdog Seeks Probe of DOJ Crypto Shift
DOJ crypto policy is back in focus after a watchdog asked the inspector general to probe Deputy AG Todd Blanche over an April crypto enforcement memo. For US investors, policy clarity drives liquidity, listings, and custody. BTCUSD holds near $89,265.90, while majors weigh regulatory signals. We outline what the complaint alleges, why it matters for market structure, and how price levels and volatility could react if the DOJ crypto policy is affirmed or reversed.
What the Watchdog’s Complaint Means for Crypto
A government ethics group filed a complaint urging the DOJ inspector general to investigate Deputy AG Todd Blanche, citing a potential conflict while he reportedly held digital assets when an April memo ended probes and dissolved a DOJ crypto unit. The filing and reporting are detailed by ProPublica. The dispute centers on whether the crypto enforcement memo was influenced by personal holdings, which could impact trust in enforcement choices.
An inspector general review could assess conflict-of-interest rules, memo timing, and internal approvals. The watchdog’s submission outlines requested actions and rationale in the CLC complaint. Depending on findings, DOJ crypto policy could be upheld, revised, or reversed. Any shift would shape federal coordination with exchanges, fraud cases, and future scarcity of US-based crypto investigations.
Market Snapshot: Prices, Levels, and Volatility
Bitcoin trades at $89,265.90, down 0.22%, with a $89,007.01–$89,832.72 range. RSI sits at 48.91 and ADX at 25.89, showing a firm trend. Bollinger bands frame $84,208.69–$93,209.41. ETHUSD is $2,960.00, up 0.36% with a $2,939.80–$2,966.14 band. SOLUSD is $127.09, off 0.94%, with a $126.46–$127.92 range.
BTC MACD histogram is +721.64 while the line remains below signal, hinting at an improving but cautious backdrop. ATR at 3,252.65 flags wide intraday swings. ETH’s ATR is 149.39 with RSI 49.07, near neutral. SOL shows RSI 52.08 and ROC 7.60%, suggesting steadier momentum. Policy headlines can push quick band breaks across majors.
Coinbase Exposure to DOJ Headlines
COIN is $223.14, with YTD down 8.28%. TTM P/E is 18.75 and net margin 41.95%. Coinbase regulatory risk rises if DOJ crypto policy tightens, since US enforcement can affect trading volumes, listings, and compliance costs. An easier posture may support retail activity, staking economics, and custody wins, while a reversal could compress take rates and volumes.
With earnings due February 12, 2026, focus on US trading volumes, institutional custody revenue, and any commentary on legal reserves. Also watch stablecoin spread capture and international mix. Analyst stances show 23 Buys, 7 Holds, 3 Sells. If policy remains favorable, guidance may firm. A tougher line could raise cost and disclosure risks.
Scenarios and Portfolio Moves
If the April framework stands, majors could benefit from steadier US participation and lower headline risk. BTC may test the mid-band near $88,709.05 and then the upper band at $93,209.41. ETH could stabilize toward $3,008.50, while SOL momentum may extend. Liquidity and custody demand at US venues would likely improve.
If the memo is revised or rescinded, renewed scrutiny could lift headline risk, widen spreads, and slow listings. BTC could revisit support near $84,208.69. ETH and SOL may see higher beta drawdowns. Exchange equities may face valuation pressure if enforcement raises costs or curbs product breadth, with volumes and retail mix most exposed.
Final Thoughts
Policy direction drives liquidity and compliance costs, so DOJ crypto policy outcomes matter for both tokens and exchange equities. Near term, watch for any inspector general acknowledgment, DOJ statements, and follow-up reporting. For price action, note BTC’s bands at $84,208.69 and $93,209.41 and ATR-driven swings. For equities, track COIN’s earnings on February 12, 2026, and management’s regulatory commentary. Keep position sizes modest into news, use stops outside recent ATR, and reassess on any official update. Until clarity arrives, expect fast moves around headlines and fading momentum at technical boundaries.
FAQs
What is the DOJ crypto policy and why does it matter now?
It refers to the Department of Justice’s enforcement approach to digital assets. A watchdog wants an inspector general probe into an April crypto enforcement memo, saying Deputy AG Todd Blanche had a conflict. The review could affirm or change the policy, affecting liquidity, listings, and US-based investigations.
Who is Todd Blanche and what is the alleged conflict?
Todd Blanche is the Deputy Attorney General. A complaint alleges he still held digital assets when an April memo ended certain probes and disbanded a crypto unit, creating a potential conflict. If verified, it could force changes to the memo or procedures around DOJ decisions affecting crypto markets.
How could this probe request impact BTC, ETH, and SOL?
Headline risk can drive quick volatility. A status quo decision may support stability and gradual retests of upper bands. A reversal could widen spreads and push risk assets lower, with SOL often showing higher beta. Traders should watch BTC’s Bollinger levels, RSI, and ATR to gauge follow-through.
What does this mean for Coinbase stock?
Coinbase regulatory risk rises if enforcement tightens. That could hurt volumes, take rates, and listings. If the DOJ crypto policy stands, US activity and custody wins may improve. Into February 12 earnings, watch volume trends, legal reserves, and commentary on compliance costs and product breadth.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
