Steak ’n Shake Pioneers Bitcoin Wage Integration: A Bold Step Toward Corporate Bitcoin Adoption

In a landmark move bridging traditional business with digital currency innovation, the 91-year-old burger chain Steak 'n Shake announced it will begin paying hourly workers a portion of their earnings in bitcoin starting March 1. This initiative represents one of the most significant mainstream corporate adoptions of cryptocurrency as a compensation tool, signaling a potential shift in how wages are structured in the service industry. Through a partnership with Bitcoin rewards app Fold, employees will earn $0.21 in Bitcoin for every hour worked, with funds becoming accessible after a two-year vesting period. This program, championed by CEO Will Reeves, aims to transform the iconic restaurant chain into what he calls "a real bitcoin company," positioning Bitcoin not just as an investment but as an integral part of employee compensation and corporate identity. The announcement comes at a time when cryptocurrency integration into traditional finance systems is accelerating, with this particular model offering both financial education for workers and a novel approach to employee retention through long-term incentive alignment. While the dollar amount per hour may seem modest, the symbolic importance is substantial—demonstrating how legacy businesses can evolve with technological advancements while providing employees with exposure to digital assets. This development may inspire similar programs across other industries, potentially creating new pathways for Bitcoin to enter the mainstream economy through everyday wage earners rather than just investors and technologists. The two-year vesting period also introduces an interesting dynamic, encouraging longer-term employment while allowing workers to benefit from potential Bitcoin appreciation over time. As we move further into 2026, such corporate experiments with cryptocurrency compensation could redefine traditional payroll systems and accelerate the convergence of conventional finance with decentralized digital currencies.

Steak ‘n Shake to Pay Hourly Workers in Bitcoin Starting March

Steak ‘n Shake will introduce a Bitcoin bonus program for hourly employees at company-operated restaurants beginning March 1. Workers will earn $0.21 in Bitcoin for every hour worked, with funds accessible after a two-year vesting period. The initiative, announced via a partnership with Bitcoin rewards app Fold, aligns with CEO Will Reeves' vision of transforming the 91-year-old burger chain into "a real bitcoin company."

Adam Simecka, founder of self-custody wallet Manna, projects that a full-time minimum wage employee could accumulate over $3 million in 30 years if Bitcoin maintains a 20% annual growth rate. The program requires no additional investment from workers beyond the hourly Bitcoin bonus.

The MOVE follows Steak ‘n Shake's $10 million Bitcoin treasury purchase on January 18, which added approximately 105 BTC to its holdings. The company credits its Bitcoin strategy with driving double-digit sales growth.

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Holdings Surpass 700,000 BTC with $2.13B Purchase

MicroStrategy, now rebranded as Strategy, has added 22,305 Bitcoin to its holdings in a week-long shopping spree from January 12 to 19, 2026. The $2.13 billion acquisition pushes its total stash to 709,715 BTC—3.38% of Bitcoin's eventual 21 million supply. Michael Saylor's firm now controls 13 times more BTC than the next largest corporate holder.

Funding came from aggressive equity sales: $1.83 billion in common stock and $297 million in preferred shares. This dilution strategy has expanded outstanding shares from 77 million to 267 million, sparking investor concerns despite the company's track record of profitable Bitcoin bets.

The move coincides with renewed debate about institutional 'buy the dip' strategies in volatile crypto markets. MicroStrategy's unwavering accumulation—now worth approximately $54 billion at purchase price—continues to shape narratives around Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset.

New Whales Dominate Bitcoin Supply as Market Dynamics Shift

Bitcoin's market dynamics are undergoing a significant transformation as new whale wallets take control of the supply. Recent data reveals that these fresh entrants, who entered the market during the 2025 bull run, now hold a dominant share of BTC's Realized Cap—surpassing legacy holders who weathered previous cycles.

The shift coincides with long-term whales divesting NEAR all-time highs above $120,000, redistributing influence to a cohort with no historical price memory. Wallets aged 6-12 months now control over 17% of marginal supply, injecting volatility as their profit-taking decisions lack the restraint of cyclical experience.

Analysts warn this changing of the guard could amplify price swings. 'When supply consolidates in inexperienced hands, markets become reactionary,' notes a CryptoQuant report. The metric's movement suggests new whales absorbed coins at elevated valuations—a bullish signal for demand, but a potential liability if panic selling ensues.

Illegal Crypto Mining Costs Russia Over $250 Million Annually

Russia faces annual losses exceeding 20 billion rubles ($250 million) due to unauthorized cryptocurrency mining operations, according to Nikolay Shulginov, Chairman of the Energy Committee at the State Duma. The Siberian oblast of Irkutsk remains a hotspot for underground mining despite regional restrictions.

Illegal mining strains electricity grids, disrupts power distribution, and impacts social infrastructure. The Stolypin Institute for the Economy of Growth estimates 10 billion rubles in energy sector losses and 9.6 billion in uncollected taxes annually.

While Russia legalized Bitcoin mining in late 2024, unregistered operations continue to undermine economic stability. The Federal Tax Service requires formal registration for lawful mining activities.

Galaxy Unveils Crypto Hedge Fund Strategy Amid Market Volatility

Galaxy Digital is launching a new crypto hedge fund designed to capitalize on both bullish and bearish market conditions. The fund, expected to go live in Q1, will allocate 30% of its assets to direct crypto token exposure, with the remaining 70% targeting equities of financial firms sensitive to digital asset regulation.

The firm has already secured $100 million from high-net-worth individuals and institutional backers, though insiders suggest final commitments may far exceed this figure. This move comes as Bitcoin trades 28% below its October 2021 all-time high, creating what Galaxy appears to view as a strategic entry point.

Market observers note the timing coincides with renewed institutional interest despite recent price declines. The fund's structure suggests Galaxy anticipates continued volatility in crypto markets while maintaining conviction in the sector's long-term growth.

Bitcoin Dips to $88,348 Amid Bearish Pressure, Then Rebounds Slightly

Bitcoin briefly fell to $88,000 on January 21, 2026, before recovering to $89,000, showing tentative support at current levels. The cryptocurrency has declined 2.1% over 24 hours and 13.2% since January 2025, though it retains a 0.6% monthly gain.

Market turbulence began in October 2025 after BTC hit a record $126,080, with subsequent drops linked to macroeconomic uncertainty. Federal Reserve rate cuts in October and December failed to revive bullish sentiment. A short-lived January rally to $97,000 collapsed following new political developments.