Bitcoin (BTC) is steady near $95,000, with traders weighing fresh catalysts shaping its outlook. Belgium’s KBC Bank has opened regulated crypto trading, Iran’s ecosystem surged past $7.8 billion amid unrest, and a Jefferies strategist warns of quantum computing risks. Together, these developments highlight Bitcoin’s dual role as a growth asset and hedge, while technical charts point toward a possible breakout. Belgium Bank Opens Crypto Trading Belgium’s KBC Bank will allow customers to trade Bitcoin and Ether starting February 16 through its Bolero platform. The move coincides with the full rollout of the Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework, which went live in January 2026. KBC says it’s the first Belgian bank to offer crypto trading directly under its own custodial system, giving retail investors a regulated and secure entry point. LATEST: KBC Bank will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on Feb. 16 via its Bolero platform, becoming Belgium's first bank to offer crypto within a regulated framework. pic.twitter.com/EgmCiR9cWF — CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026 Although no Belgian MiCA licenses are yet listed on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, KBC insists it has complied with MiCA rules and notified the National Bank of Belgium. The launch underscores growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin in Europe, even as regulatory details remain in flux. Iran’s $7.8B Crypto Surge Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded to $7.78 billion in 2025, with activity peaking during nationwide protests and economic unrest. As the rial collapsed and internet blackouts spread, citizens turned to Bitcoin as a store of value and financial lifeline. Daily withdrawals from exchanges surged, highlighting crypto’s role in bypassing traditional banking restrictions. ICYMI: Iran sees a $7.8B surge in crypto activity amid unrest, inflation, and internet shutdowns. Sanctions pressure is pushing both users and state-linked actors toward crypto. pic.twitter.com/yocdxQTM4j — The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) January 16, 2026 Chainalysis data shows more than half of late‑2025 inflows were linked to addresses associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), underscoring crypto’s dual use by both citizens and state‑affiliated entities. Despite volatility, Bitcoin’s demand in Iran illustrates its appeal as a hedge during instability. Quantum Risk Debate Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently cut Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing concerns that advances in quantum computing could eventually compromise cryptographic security. He replaced a 10% Bitcoin allocation with physical gold and mining equities. Jefferies' Greed & Fear removes Bitcoin allocation over quantum computing concerns, allocates to gold and silver Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/buN5cB6jvP #Bitcoin #Jefferies #Gold #Silver pic.twitter.com/qC8eY4uXxd — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 16, 2026 Bitcoin developers disagree, arguing that quantum threats are decades away. Blockstream CEO Adam Back estimates 20–40 years before such machines pose real risks, leaving ample time to adopt quantum‑resistant cryptography. While Wood’s remarks may weigh on sentiment short‑term, ongoing research could strengthen Bitcoin’s resilience in the long run. Will Bitcoin Break $100K? BTC Chart Shows Bullish Flag and EMA Support Near $95K Bitcoin price prediction remains neutral as BTC is trading near $95,188, holding firm above the $95,150 support zone. The 4‑hour chart shows a clear ascending structure with higher lows and a potential bullish flag formation just below $97,700 resistance. A breakout above this level could open the path toward $99,000 and the psychological $100,500 barrier. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview BTC remains above short‑, medium‑, and long‑term EMAs, all sloping upward, signaling sustained momentum. RSI readings at 57.94 and 53.56 are neutral but lean bullish, leaving room for continuation. Candlestick action adds weight to this view, with a recent bullish engulfing pattern near $93,000 and small‑bodied candles suggesting consolidation before another push higher. Candlestick behavior supports this view. Recent formations include a bullish engulfing pattern near the $93,000 level and a series of small-bodied candles, potentially signaling a pause before continuation. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks above $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may consider long setups targeting $99,000 and $100,500, with stop-losses below $93,000. If price holds above $95,150 and breaks $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may eye long setups targeting $99,000–$100,500, with stops below $93,000. With sentiment stabilizing and adoption expanding, Bitcoin looks poised for a fresh bullish leg. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Holds $95K as Belgium Bank Enters Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Boom, Quantum Risk Debate appeared first on Cryptonews .
