Crypto Breaking

WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta, is at the center of a high-stakes regulatory clash as Moscow pushes a domestic alternative and tightens control over digital communication. In recent days, the company publicly accused the Russian government of attempting to block access for millions of users to steer them toward a state-owned substitute. The dispute unfolds as Russia advances a homegrown platform, Max, developed by VK, and seeks to entrench it as the official backbone for private messaging inside the country. The government’s aim is amplified by directives to pre-install Max on all smartphones sold in Russia, a move scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1, and by a broader push to curb reliance on Western platforms amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Key takeaways

WhatsApp alleges Russia is attempting to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication, describing the move as a setback to digital safety.

Max, announced by VK and described as a state-backed alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, began rolling out in March 2025 and is being mandated for pre-installation on new devices starting Sept. 1.

Backlinko estimates Russia hosts about 72 million active monthly WhatsApp users, placing the country among the top markets for the app outside the usual leaders.

Russian authorities have signaled that unblocking WhatsApp would require compliance with local laws and a willingness to negotiate, signaling a potential but uncertain path to access restoration.

Beyond Russia, authorities in other countries have intermittently restricted messaging services during periods of conflict or political upheaval, highlighting a broader trend in digital sovereignty and governance.

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The episode sits at the intersection of tech policy and geopolitical risk, illustrating how regulatory actions aimed at domestic control of communications can ripple through the broader digital ecosystem, including networks that crypto services rely on for open, cross-border activity. It underscores a growing attention to data localization, interoperability, and platform sovereignty that could influence global tech and financial ecosystems.

Why it matters

The confrontation between WhatsApp and Russia’s state-backed messaging initiative underscores a fundamental tension between user safety, privacy, and state interests. By introducing Max as a domestically controlled alternative, Moscow is signaling that access to private communication platforms is not simply a consumer choice but a matter of national policy. The move could reshape how Russians communicate, store sensitive information, and interact with businesses, while also raising questions about data localization, resilience, and security in a landscape where private messaging has become a critical utility for personal and professional life.

For international platforms, the Russian example highlights the costs and friction of compliance in a regulated environment that prizes sovereign control over digital infrastructure. The push to pre-install Max on all devices introduces a form of interoperability risk and raises concerns about interoperability with foreign networks, encryption standards, and user consent. Companies that operate across borders must navigate a patchwork of rules, sometimes in real time, which can affect everything from customer support to data flows and incident response protocols. The situation also hints at potential regulatory spillovers to adjacent technologies, including decentralized and cross-border services that crypto projects rely on to maintain open access and censorship resistance.

From a safety and governance perspective, the Russian case illustrates why policymakers abroad are investing in formal mechanisms to manage online communications. The tension between allowing free, secure messaging and enforcing content or data requests from law enforcement creates a persistent policy dilemma. In markets where crypto and blockchain technologies are gaining traction, observers will be watching to see how such regulatory dynamics influence the development of compliant, privacy-preserving communication tools and infrastructure that can withstand political pressure while preserving user trust.

The broader pattern is not limited to Russia. Reports from other countries describe a spectrum of actions—from partial restrictions to complete takedown attempts—that governments have employed during moments of political contention. The dialogue around messaging sovereignty compounds existing concerns about censorship, access to information, and digital rights. For users, this can mean unpredictability in service availability, the need for alternative channels, or the adoption of independent or decentralized messaging solutions as a hedge against outages or coercive controls.

On the technical front, the unfolding dynamic may accelerate innovation in how platforms approach data localization, compliance tooling, and cross-border interoperability. It also raises practical questions for developers, such as how to design communication apps that can operate seamlessly across multiple legal regimes without compromising user safety or security. While the immediate focus is regional, the implications reverberate through any ecosystem that depends on reliable, private messaging as a backbone for collaboration, financial transactions, or sensitive communications—an area where crypto communities have long stressed the importance of resilient, permissionless networks even as regulators seek to impose order and accountability.

What to watch next

Sept. 1, 2025 — Russia’s mandatory pre-installation of Max on all smartphones takes effect, elevating the platform’s installed base and potentially altering user behavior during the ongoing policy debate.

End of 2026 — Official signals from Moscow suggest a possible complete blocking of WhatsApp if compliance with national laws does not align with the state’s terms.

February 2026 — Public commentary and further reporting on whether WhatsApp remains accessible or experiences domain-level restrictions within Russia, including official statements from the presidential administration or regulatory bodies.

Regulatory actions and negotiations — Any new statements from Russia’s negotiation channels or law-enforcement agencies that clarify the conditions under which foreign messaging services could regain access or be forced to alter operational practices.

Comparative developments — Monitoring similar moves in other jurisdictions to assess how messaging sovereignty affects global platforms, user experience, and cross-border data flows.

Sources & verification

Gazeta.ru: Russia reports that WhatsApp’s domain had been blocked and would require VPN or similar workaround to access. https://www.gazeta.ru/tech/news/2026/02/11/27830761.shtml

TASS: Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented that unblocking WhatsApp would require the app to follow Russian laws and engage in negotiations. https://www.gazeta.ru/tech/news/2026/02/12/27832279.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com&utm_auth=false

Backlinko: Estimates of Russia’s active WhatsApp user base, highlighting a sizable market. https://backlinko.com/whatsapp-users

WhatsApp on X: Official status update from the messaging platform regarding Russia’s access measures. https://x.com/WhatsApp/status/2021749165835829485?s=20

Related coverage and context: Afghanistan internet outage and blockchain decentralization discussion. https://cointelegraph.com/news/afghanistan-internet-outage-blockchain-centralized-web

Digital friction in Russia’s messaging ecosystem: implications for users and global platforms

The dispute over WhatsApp and the push for a state-backed alternative in Russia crystallizes how policy choices can redefine the digital landscape that users rely on every day. The government’s insistence on pre-installation and on maintaining control over messaging channels is rooted in a broader imperative to keep communications within national boundaries, a stance that has long resonated with policymakers across different regions and sectors, including finance and crypto. While the immediate stakes involve access to a popular app and the safety of private conversations, the longer arc concerns how digital infrastructure is governed, who bears responsibility for safeguarding data, and how open networks can survive attempts at centralization.

For users in Russia, the outcome may hinge on a balance between safety assurances and the practicality of maintaining private, secure conversations in a domestic environment. The presence of a government-backed platform could improve certain regulatory alignments but might also introduce new layers of surveillance or compliance expectations. In contrast, WhatsApp’s contention that the move would “isolate over 100 million users” emphasizes concerns about user autonomy and the resilience of cross-border communication in the face of coercive policy changes. The debate has implications that extend beyond messaging to how crypto ecosystems—built on permissionless networks that assume open access—are perceived when governments seek to exert tighter control over digital channels and data flows.

From a business and innovation standpoint, the Max initiative raises questions about interoperability and the economics of protocol choices in a regulatory environment. Domestic platforms can attract usage through convenience and policy compliance, but they may also risk fragmentation, reduced interoperability with global services, and increased costs for developers who must adapt to multiple rule sets. For the broader tech community, the gambit signals a need to design systems and user experiences that maintain robust privacy protections while meeting diverse regulatory requirements. The lessons learned from Russia’s approach could influence the development of new messaging tools, privacy-preserving features, and strategies to ensure user safety without sacrificing openness—an objective that remains central to many crypto advocates who champion secure, censorship-resistant networks.

Ultimately, the case highlights how control over digital communications remains a strategic frontier for governments and tech firms alike. It also serves as a reminder for users and investors to monitor regulatory trajectories and policy signals, as these can have spillover effects on adjacent sectors that depend on stable, accessible online infrastructure. Whether by design or accident, policy choices in one major market can catalyze shifts in how people communicate, how services are delivered, and how new technologies—such as decentralized tools or crypto-enabled platforms—are perceived and adopted in the years ahead.

What to watch next

Sept. 1, 2025 — Max becomes the default pre-installed option on new smartphones in Russia, solidifying its installed base.

End-2026 — Official statements or regulatory actions that could signal a complete blocking of WhatsApp if compliance terms are not met.

February 2026 — Ongoing reporting on access to WhatsApp in Russia, including potential official clarifications or statements from Moscow.

Regulatory updates — Any new measures that define how foreign messaging platforms must operate within Russia’s legal framework.

This article was originally published as Russia Blocks WhatsApp to Push Surveillance App, Company Claims on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

In a high‑profile enforcement action, Paxful, the peer‑to‑peer crypto exchange, was ordered to pay $4 million after admitting it knowingly profited from criminals who used its platform due to lax anti‑money laundering controls. The Department of Justice outlined that Paxful pleaded guilty in December to conspiring to promote illegal prostitution and knowingly transmitting funds derived from crime, in violation of federal AML requirements. The government also detailed that, between January 2017 and September 2019, Paxful facilitated more than 26 million trades valued at nearly $3 billion, earning about $29.7 million in revenue while turning a blind eye to illicit activity. The case centers on how a platform marketed itself as a lenient, low‑information exchange while neglecting core safeguards. The DOJ’s filing underscores that Paxful’s business model depended on attracting criminal users by downplaying compliance obligations.

The Justice Department highlighted that Paxful had agreed the appropriate criminal penalty would be $112.5 million, but prosecutors determined the company could not pay more than $4 million. The settlement reflects a broader push by federal authorities to curb crypto platforms that fail to implement or enforce anti‑money laundering measures, particularly when they facilitate illegal activities such as fraud, extortion, prostitution, and trafficking. The department said Paxful profited from moving money for criminals it attracted with the promise of minimal compliance, a dynamic prosecutors described as corrosive to legitimate finance and to users seeking lawful services.

The case traces to Paxful’s ambitious growth period from 2017 through 2019, when the platform reportedly handled tens of millions of trades and generated substantial revenue despite warnings from investigators about AML gaps. Prosecutors maintained that Paxful’s marketing messaging, which emphasized a lack of required customer information, paired with policies it knew were not implemented or enforced, created a permissive environment for illicit actors. The backers of the case say this approach allowed criminal actors to route funds through Paxful more readily than through regulated channels.

The Justice Department’s description of Paxful’s operational ethos is complemented by a notable cross‑industry connection: the crypto platform had ties to Backpage and a similar site during a period spanning 2015 to 2022, a relationship the government says contributed to Paxful’s profits, estimated at about $2.7 million. While Backpage’s platform was shut down due to illegal activities, the Paxful alliance is cited as a concrete example of how illicit networks exploited crypto rails to monetize wrongdoing. The department noted that Paxful’s founders publicly boasted about the “Backpage Effect,” portraying the collaboration as a catalyst for growth, a claim the government used to illustrate a deliberate strategy of enabling criminal transactions.

The case also sheds light on Paxful’s eventual exit from the market. The exchange halted operations in November, and its October closure‑announcement post—later archived—depicted the decision as a response to “the lasting impact of historic misconduct by former co‑founders Ray Youssef and Artur Schaback prior to 2023, combined with unsustainable operational costs from extensive compliance remediation efforts.” Youssef publicly countered the timing of the closure, suggesting the firm should have closed when he left the company. Meanwhile, Schaback, Paxful’s former chief technology officer, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to conspiring to fail to maintain an effective AML program and awaits sentencing, with a California judge moving his hearing from January to May to accommodate ongoing cooperation with authorities. The DOJ’s account makes clear that a broader reckoning—beyond Paxful’s leadership—extends into the company’s users, employees, and the broader crypto ecosystem.

As authorities pursued the case, officials emphasized that the Paxful matter is not an isolated incident but part of a wider effort to tighten regulatory expectations on crypto marketplaces. The department pointed to the need for robust know‑your‑customer checks, comprehensive AML compliance programs, and proactive monitoring of suspicious activity to deter illicit uses of digital assets. The implications extend to other platforms that operate in the same space, signaling that permissive, low‑oversight models will attract intensified scrutiny from federal law enforcement and regulators.

Key takeaways

Paxful received a $4 million criminal penalty after pleading guilty to conspiracy related to illegal activities and AML violations, with prosecutors noting a potential maximum penalty of $112.5 million.

From 2017 through 2019, Paxful facilitated more than 26 million trades valued at nearly $3 billion and amassed around $29.7 million in revenue, according to DOJ filings.

The DOJ characterizes Paxful as profiting from enabling criminals by downplaying AML controls and failing to comply with applicable money‑laundering laws.

Prosecutors linked Paxful to illicit revenue streams via partnerships with Backpage and similar platforms, describing profits of about $2.7 million tied to those connections.

The company shut down operations in November, citing historic misconduct by former co‑founders and the costs of compliance remediation, with ongoing legal actions surrounding Schaback’s case and the broader investigation.

The case illustrates how enforcement agencies are escalating scrutiny of crypto marketplaces that permit lax due‑diligence and high‑risk activity, reinforcing expectations for AML programs across the sector.

Sentiment: Bearish

Market context: The Paxful action aligns with a broader tightening of crypto‑AML standards as regulators seek to normalize compliance expectations across peer‑to‑peer platforms, exchanges, and other digital asset services, influencing liquidity, risk sentiment, and enforcement tempo across the industry.

Why it matters

The DOJ’s settlement with Paxful underscores a pivotal moment for the crypto‑platform landscape. For users, it signals that providers must demonstrate verifiable diligence in their AML programs or face tangible penalties and reputational damage. For operators, the case reinforces the need to align platform design, user onboarding, and transaction monitoring with established legal requirements rather than relying on marketing narratives about anonymity or minimal information. The development also matters for builders and policymakers. It highlights the costs of lax controls and the potential for illicit activity to undermine trust in decentralized finance ecosystems, prompting crypto firms to invest more heavily in compliance technology, real‑time surveillance, and robust governance frameworks.

From an investor perspective, enforcement actions like this can influence risk pricing and funding cycles for crypto platforms, particularly those with international user bases or complex payment rails. The Paxful narrative—centered on public statements by founders, internal policy gaps, and late‑stage remediation—serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of business models that rely on permissive compliance postures. In a market where users increasingly demand transparency and regulatory alignment, the case emphasizes why credible AML programs are not merely a legal checkbox but a core driver of platform reliability and long‑term viability.

What to watch next

Schaback’s sentencing timing remains fluid, with a May hearing continuing to unfold as prosecutors incorporate ongoing cooperation into the government’s recommendation.

Any additional actions or disclosures related to Paxful’s former leadership could emerge as part of related investigations and settlements.

Regulators may intensify scrutiny of other P2P exchanges and non‑custodial marketplaces to assess AML controls, monitoring capabilities, and enforcement readiness.

Broader market reactions might reflect shifting risk sentiment as platforms adjust compliance investments and governance standards in response to high‑profile enforcement cases.

Sources & verification

U.S. Department of Justice press release: Virtual Asset Trading Platform sentenced for violating Travel Act and other federal crimes (link provided in the DOJ filing).

DOJ Criminal Division official X/Twitter post confirming the case details and sentencing status.

Paxful closure announcement (archived): Paxful closure announcement, noting misconduct and remediation costs.

Statements and coverage surrounding Ray Youssef’s response to Paxful’s closure and Artur Schaback’s guilty plea.

Related reporting on Paxful’s alleged “Backpage Effect” and the platform’s historical collaborations cited by prosecutors.

What the story changes

The Paxful case illustrates how enforcement actions tied to AML controls can reshape the operations and viability of crypto platforms that rely on rapid growth and minimal compliance. By tying significant penalties to proven misconduct and highlighting explicit links to illicit activities, authorities are sending a clear signal: robust, transparent AML programs are foundational, not optional. As the industry evolves, platforms may need to reassess their onboarding, transaction screening, and governance practices to withstand heightened regulatory scrutiny and to restore or preserve user trust in a landscape that continues to balance innovation with accountability.

This article was originally published as US Fines Paxful $4M for Funds Linked to Trafficking and Fraud on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Coinbase has unveiled a wallet infrastructure designed to let AI agents spend, earn, and trade crypto autonomously. The feature, dubbed Agentic Wallets, builds on the AgentKit framework introduced in November 2024 and aims to push agents from answering questions to taking concrete actions in the market. The system enables developers to embed wallets into agents, enabling tasks such as monitoring DeFi positions, rebalancing portfolios, paying for compute and API access, and participating in creator economies. Core to this rollout is x402, Coinbase’s payments protocol built for autonomous AI use cases, which has reportedly processed 50 million transactions to date.

Agentic Wallets are designed to operate across networks, including the Ethereum layer-2 network Base, where agents can manage positions and execute strategies wherever opportunities exist. The approach envisions a future where agents autonomously optimize yields, rebalance liquidity, and deploy capital without requiring explicit, real-time approvals, provided permissions and controls are preconfigured by users. This marks a shift from AI assistants that merely advise to agents that act, according to Coinbase engineers Erik Reppel and Josh Nickerson in a Wednesday post announcing the development.

“The next generation of agents won’t just advise — they’ll act,” Reppel and Nickerson wrote, detailing plans for agents to perform a range of functions from monitoring yields across protocols to executing trades on Base and managing liquidity positions around the clock. They described a scenario in which an agent detects a more favorable opportunity at 3 a.m., rebalances automatically, and does so without explicit approval because user permissions and safety controls are already in place.

AI agents now operable on the Bitcoin Lightning Network

Beyond Ethereum’s Base, Lightning Labs—the team behind Bitcoin’s Layer-2 Lightning Network—rolled out a new toolset enabling AI agents to transact on Lightning through the L402 protocol standard. The update also allows AI agents to run a Lightning node and manage a Lightning wallet containing native Bitcoin (BTC) without accessing private keys. This development broadens the scope for autonomous financial activity on Bitcoin’s network, providing a parallel pathway for agents to engage with programmable money at the base layer’s second tier.

The push toward agent-enabled wallets comes alongside broader industry activity. Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek announced ai.com, a platform intended to let users create personal AI agents to perform everyday tasks on their behalf. The capability ranges from managing emails and scheduling meetings to canceling subscriptions, shopping tasks, and even trip planning. Marszalek described a spectrum of tasks that AI agents could handle, illustrating how these tools might eventually operate as your digital proxy across daily routines.

Why crypto leaders are embracing agentic AI

Industry executives have long warned that AI could redefine how value is exchanged online. In late January, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire suggested billions of AI agents could transact with crypto and stablecoins for everyday payments within three to five years. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has echoed a similar sentiment, arguing that a native currency for AI agents is likely to be crypto, capable of supporting tasks from purchasing event tickets to paying restaurant bills. These public statements reflect a shared belief that programmable money and autonomous agents will converge to enable more fluid, real-time financial interactions.

At a higher level, the convergence of AI with decentralized finance and payments ecosystems is driving experimentation around agent autonomy. Google’s recent Universal Commerce Protocol, announced in January, is designed to power agentic commerce by enabling agents to initiate transfers on a user’s behalf, with Google Pay acting as the default payment handler for USD-denominated transactions. The protocol signals a broader push in the tech sector to enable AI-driven commerce that can operate across apps, devices, and payment rails without constant human oversight.

“Build agents that monitor yields across protocols, execute trades on Base and manage liquidity positions 24/7. Your agent detects a better yield opportunity at 3am? It rebalances automatically, no approval needed because you’ve already set permissions and controls.”

As these capabilities mature, momentum in the space is likely to hinge on two dimensions: the robustness of autonomous decision-making and the security of permissioning and governance models. Agentic Wallets must balance the convenience of automated actions with safeguards to prevent unintended risk exposure. The ongoing conversations around risk controls and regulatory alignment will shape how broadly such wallets are adopted by retail and institutional users alike.

Market context

The emergence of autonomous wallets sits within a broader cycle of increased on-chain programmability and the maturation of smart contract-enabled finance. As liquidity provision, yield optimization, and creator economy participation become more automation-friendly, the appetite for self-operating agents grows among developers and institutions alike. The convergence of AI tooling with established networks like Base and the Lightning Network underscores a dual-track approach: one path leverages scalable, smart-contract-enabled ecosystems, while the other emphasizes fast, low-friction payments on Bitcoin’s secondary layer. Regulatory clarity and ETF-related flows in traditional markets are likely to influence how aggressively capital participates in these early-stage, automation-centric use cases.

Why it matters

Agentic Wallets represent a tangible step toward programmable money that can autonomously allocate capital, monitor risk, and adjust exposure across multiple protocols. If successful, the approach could reduce the overhead of manual trading and portfolio management, enabling more people to experiment with sophisticated strategies without in-depth technical know-how. The ability to manage DeFi positions and pay for compute or data access autonomously also has implications for developers building AI-powered financial tools, potentially accelerating product development cycles and new business models in the crypto space.

The integration with Bitcoin’s Lightning Network adds a separate layer of significance. By enabling AI agents to transact via L402 on Lightning and hold a Lightning-compatible wallet, the ecosystem expands the set of on-chain and off-chain rails that can be orchestrated by autonomous programs. This broadens practical use cases for AI agents—from micro-payments to cross-network arbitrage—while testing the limits of permissioned automation and the user controls that balance safety with convenience. Taken together, these developments suggest a future in which agents operate across multiple rails with varying latency, fees, and settlement characteristics.

For users and builders, the key takeaway is a shift in how wallets are used and who controls them. Agentic Wallets place agency in the hands of AI-enabled programs, but with computerized governance that requires explicit permissions ahead of time. The risk-management framework around such permissions will be critical to its sustainable adoption, particularly as public enthusiasm for automation intersects with concerns about security and misuse. The coming months are likely to reveal the first generation of real-world deployments and decision-making heuristics that will define the role of agents in everyday crypto activity.

What to watch next

Expansion of Agentic Wallets beyond Base to other Ethereum layer-2s and compatible networks, including any developer updates from Coinbase.

Tracking adoption and volume on the x402 payments protocol, including any reported milestones beyond the 50 million transactions already noted.

Broader deployment of AI agents on Bitcoin via the Lightning Network using L402, and the integration of wallets with Lightning node operations.

Progress and practical traction for ai.com by Crypto.com, including user adoption metrics and featured autonomous tasks.

Further details on Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol and collaboration milestones that enable agent-initiated transfers and payments in real-world settings.

Sources & verification

Coinbase: Introducing AgentKit — developer-facing overview and the roadmap for embedding wallets into autonomous agents.

Coinbase Developer Platform status updates on AgentKit and Agentic Wallets deployment.

Lightning Labs: L402 protocol standard enabling AI agents to transact on Lightning and manage Lightning-enabled wallets.

Crypto.com: ai.com platform launch and its scope for personal AI agents performing daily tasks.

Google: Universal Commerce Protocol and Agent Payment Protocol 2 for agent-enabled transfers in commerce.

Key figures and next steps

Coinbase’s public framing of Agentic Wallets as a step toward “agents that act” follows a broader wave of AI-powered automation across crypto layers. The combination of AgentKit, x402, and multi-network reach—spanning Base and the Lightning Network—provides a multi-faceted testbed for autonomous financial activity. Investors and builders will be watching for evidence of sustainable user authorization models, transparent risk controls, and clear metrics around automated yield optimization and liquidity management. As the ecosystem experiments with agent-based transactions, market participants will assess whether these autonomous wallets can reliably operate without compromising security or user intent.

This article was originally published as Coinbase Launches Crypto Wallets for AI Agents on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

In a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, lawmakers grilled Securities and Exchange Commission chair Paul Atkins over the agency’s crypto enforcement record and the fate of several cases that have been dismissed since leadership changes. The session highlighted a growing debate about the SEC’s approach to a fast-evolving sector as enforcement activity appears to have cooled under the current regime. Representative Stephen Lynch, a Democrat from Massachusetts, cited a roughly 60% drop in enforcement actions since Atkins took the helm, pointing to the dismissal of several high-profile lawsuits, including the Binance case in May 2025, as indicators of shifting dynamics in the agency’s crypto strategy.

The hearing also touched on connections between the Trump family and various crypto ventures, with Lynch flagging foreign investments and memecoins tied to the family as areas of concern. A notable development cited during the discussion involved Aryam Investment 1, an Abu Dhabi-based vehicle backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which reportedly acquired 49% of the startup behind World Liberty Financial (WLFI) — a decentralized finance platform linked to the Trump family. Lynch argued that such ties could undermine trust in the sector and complicate consumer protection, while Atkins maintained that the SEC remains committed to pursuing enforcement where warranted. World Liberty Financial (WLFI) was referenced in the discussions as a focal point of these concerns, a project that has drawn scrutiny amid international investment links and crypto-market activity.

“This is hurting the crypto industry, all these scams. Look at crypto today. I think it’s down 25% in the last month. People are losing trust, and it’s not good for crypto. It’s certainly not good for consumers, and it’s awful the reputational damage that the SEC is suffering.”

The SEC chair responded by reiterating the agency’s stance that enforcement actions continue where they are warranted and that the agency’s program remains robust. Atkins stressed ongoing cases and emphasized the normalization of enforcement efforts in the crypto space, even as some lawmakers pressed for a clearer accounting of stalled or dismissed actions. The exchange underscores a broader, bipartisan challenge: how to balance consumer protection with a market that is still evolving in terms of products, custody, and governance structures.

The discussion unfolded as the U.S. political calendar—set against a midterm election backdrop—adds complexity to crypto policy dynamics. Lawmakers suggested that a shift in congressional control could affect the pace and nature of market-structure legislation and other regulatory initiatives that touch the crypto industry. The hearing also touched on bilateral concerns about the influence of foreign actors in U.S. crypto projects, and how such links might shape lawmakers’ willingness to push ahead with comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the near term.

California Democrat Maxine Waters, who has been a persistent critic of both the Trump orbit and parts of the crypto ecosystem, pressed Atkins on the implications of pardons and dropped lawsuits for the credibility of the SEC’s enforcement program. “These cases were dismissed, despite the fact that the SEC was winning in court, proving that the SEC’s crypto enforcement program was well-grounded in the law,” Waters contended, underscoring concerns about the political contours surrounding enforcement decisions. The discussion touched on associations between pardoned executives and crypto ventures that have contributed to political fundraising, a point Waters framed as a broader issue of transparency and accountability in the sector.

The deliberations also highlighted broader questions about how foreign investment and purported national-security considerations intersect with crypto innovation. The conversation around WLFI and related projects was framed as part of a wider debate about whether foreign influence could shape policy at a moment when the sector is seeking mainstream adoption. The hearing did not resolve these questions, but it did illuminate the ongoing rift between calls for stronger enforcement and concerns about how aggressively regulators should pursue actions when cases appear to be in flux or subject to political considerations.

Why it matters

For investors and builders in the crypto space, the hearing underscores the evolving risk landscape around regulatory expectations. The fact that enforcement actions have declined by a substantial margin since Atkins took office raises questions about the SEC’s current priorities and the factors that drive case selection in a sector that is both technologically complex and rapidly changing. The dismissal of prominent cases—such as the Binance lawsuit—suggests that the regulatory environment can shift in meaningful ways, with potential implications for how market participants assess risk, pursue compliance, and engage with U.S. authorities.

At the same time, the linkage of crypto ventures to political figures and foreign investment underlines a broader narrative about governance, transparency, and consumer protection in the industry. The WLFI situation, in particular, places a spotlight on how geopolitical dynamics and high-profile associations might influence perceptions of legitimacy and safety in decentralized finance platforms. While lawmakers are calling for vigilance against scams and opaque schemes, others warn against overreach that could chill innovation or raise the hurdle for legitimate crypto projects seeking to operate within the U.S. regulatory framework.

As the midterm year unfolds, the conversation around crypto enforcement is likely to remain tightly connected to broader regulatory ambitions and the political calculus surrounding the Democratic and Republican coalitions in Congress. The balance between rigorous scrutability and enabling responsible innovation will continue to shape the direction of policy, enforcement priorities, and the market’s readiness to adopt new technologies and products in a compliant, transparent manner.

Beyond the immediate hearing, observers are watching for how the SEC will calibrate its approach to crypto assets, custody, exchanges, and complex DeFi structures in forthcoming rulemakings and guidance. The tension between enforcement actions and industry confidence is a key barometer for overall market sentiment—a factor that could influence liquidity, participation, and the pace of institutional involvement as the sector seeks clearer guardrails and consistent regulatory expectations.

Related coverage has tracked ongoing discussions about WLFI and related topics, including how foreign involvement in crypto ventures may intersect with national security considerations and regulatory oversight. As the ecosystem matures, stakeholders will be looking for signals on whether enforcement focus will intensify in certain sub-sectors or remain steady as policymakers evaluate the efficacy and proportionality of regulatory actions in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What to watch next

Follow-up statements or actions from the SEC after the hearing, including any new policy guidance or adjustments to enforcement priorities.

Updates on WLFI-related developments and any regulatory or legal steps involving Aryam Investment 1’s stake and its connections.

Potential movements on market-structure legislation or other crypto regulatory bills during the current congressional cycle.

Next round of congressional scrutiny or inquiries into crypto governance and cross-border links to high-profile projects.

Sources & verification

YouTube video: US House Committee on Financial Services—Lynch questions SEC Chair Paul Atkins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAq7zM2sTuE

Court documents: Motion to dismiss the Binance case. https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.256060/gov.uscourts.dcd.256060.301.0.pdf

Cointelegraph: SEC dismisses lawsuit against Binance (filings show). https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-dismisses-lawsuit-against-binance-filings-show

Cointelegraph: UAE-backed firm buys 49% Trump-linked World Liberty (WLFI). https://cointelegraph.com/news/uae-backed-firm-buys-49-percent-trump-linked-world-liberty-wsj

Cointelegraph: Trump-linked WLFI probe and UAE investment. https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-wlfi-probe-500-million-investment-from-uae-official

Congressional hearing highlights a shift in crypto enforcement and governance

The hearing laid bare a tension that will likely continue to define the crypto policy conversation: regulators assert that they will aggressively pursue violations where the law supports it, while lawmakers—and a portion of the industry—argue that the enforcement regime should be predictable, proportionate, and cognizant of the sector’s growth potential. Atkins reiterated the SEC’s commitment to due process and to enforcing rules designed to protect investors, even as several high-profile cases have fallen away or stalled. Lynch’s remarks framed these outcomes within a broader concern about the impact on public trust and the long-term legitimacy of crypto markets. The exchange also underscored how the regulatory narrative around foreign involvement, national security, and consumer protection intersects with ongoing debates about the appropriate pace of rulemaking and the extent of enforcement discretion.

As the discussion moves forward, observers will be watching for concrete signals about how the SEC plans to align its enforcement posture with the evolving technological landscape—including DeFi, stablecoins, and non-custodial products—and how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle intend to shape the regulatory architecture that will govern these innovations in the years to come.

This article was originally published as Democrats Blast SEC Chair Atkins Over Crypto Enforcement on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ripple has announced a new partnership with Aviva Investors, marking a significant step toward the tokenization of traditional financial assets on the XRP Ledger. This partnership will bring the benefits of tokenized fund structures to the UK investment sector. Ripple’s collaboration with Aviva Investors highlights the growing momentum behind the tokenization of markets and the expanding use of blockchain technology in traditional finance.

Ripple Partners with Aviva Investors for Tokenized Fund Structures

Ripple has teamed up with Aviva Investors, a key asset manager in the UK, to bring traditional financial assets onto the XRP Ledger. This collaboration represents a strategic move to expand Ripple’s efforts in the tokenization space. Both parties aim to bring technological efficiencies to the investment sector by developing tokenized fund structures.

Ripple has been at the forefront of blockchain and digital asset innovation, with the XRP Ledger having processed over four billion transactions since 2012. It currently operates with more than seven million active wallets and 120 individual validators. This marks Ripple’s first partnership with an asset manager in the UK, as it seeks to integrate regulated financial assets into its blockchain ecosystem.

We’re thrilled to announce that @Ripple is partnering with Aviva Investors to bring traditional fund structures to the XRP Ledger. This marks our first collaboration with a European investment management firm to tokenize real-world assets (RWAs) at scale.

By leveraging the…

— Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) February 11, 2026

The partnership is set to enable Aviva Investors to debut tokenized financial products using Ripple’s blockchain technology. The collaboration promises to enhance both time and cost efficiency in the investment process. Ripple’s involvement in tokenization is part of a broader strategy to institutionalize blockchain-based financial solutions, adding to its existing portfolio of global partnerships with firms like BNY Mellon and American Express.

Ripple’s Continued Focus on Institutional Tokenization

Ripple has been building on its vision to offer institutional-grade tokenization solutions on the XRP Ledger. The firm’s recent roadmap emphasized its commitment to expanding the adoption of tokenized assets, aiming to enhance liquidity and operational efficiency across financial markets. This partnership with Aviva Investors is part of Ripple’s ongoing efforts to integrate traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Aviva Investors shares Ripple’s enthusiasm for the potential of tokenization in transforming financial markets. According to Nigel Khakoo, Vice President of Trading and Markets, the development of tokenized fund structures can bring substantial technological advancements to the investment sector. Tokenization, he explained, could lead to greater scalability for regulated financial assets.

Ripple’s tokenization efforts have already made waves in other industries. The company has recently provided custody services for Billiton Diamond and Ctrl Alt’s initiative to tokenize over $280 million in polished diamonds. Ripple’s expanding focus on tokenization is poised to reshape how financial assets are managed and traded on blockchain platforms.

Ripple’s Commitment to XRP as the Core Asset

Despite its expanding ventures into tokenization and other blockchain technologies, Ripple remains committed to XRP as its core asset. CEO Brad Garlinghouse reaffirmed that XRP continues to be the company’s top priority. This statement follows speculation that Ripple might be shifting its focus toward its stablecoin, RLUSD, particularly in light of its recent partnership with Zand Bank in the UAE.

Ripple’s dedication to XRP is evident in its significant investment in the digital asset’s future. The company has established a $1 billion treasury project for XRP, signaling its long-term vision for the coin. While Ripple continues to innovate in the blockchain space, it remains focused on the continued growth and utility of XRP within its ecosystem.

As Ripple forges ahead with its strategic initiatives, its commitment to XRP serves as the foundation for its broader ambitions. The firm’s ongoing efforts to integrate traditional financial assets onto blockchain platforms further highlight XRP’s potential in the future of global finance.

This article was originally published as Ripple Partners with Aviva Investors to Tokenize Traditional Assets on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin, the trailblazer of the crypto markets, extended a three-day retreat after failing to sustain a breakthrough above $70,000, briefly slipping under $66,000 during the New York session. The move comes as liquidity in spot markets appears thinner, with on-chain signals pointing to the possibility that selling pressure on dominant venue Binance is guiding the short-term trajectory. While the setup has drawn comparisons to prior pullbacks, the current dynamics show subdued US participation and a reluctance among traders to redeploy capital at current levels. Investors are watching whether the price can establish a more durable bottom or if the weakness spills into the broader risk-on spectrum, given the sensitivity of Bitcoin to macro risk sentiment, ETF flows, and spot demand signals.

Key takeaways

The Coinbase premium index has dipped below zero, signaling muted US spot demand at current price levels.

Cumulative volume delta (CVD) on Binance has remained negative, underscoring persistent net selling pressure rather than accumulation.

The 30-day new money flow has flipped to negative territory, around –$2.8 billion, suggesting weaker fresh capital entering the market.

Open interest has declined to about $17.6 billion, indicating a unwind of leverage rather than new long exposure.

The “young supply” metric (coins moved in the last 0–1 month) has cooled to roughly 13%, pointing to thinner speculative participation compared with prior rallies.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. The failure to sustain above $70,000 and the renewed downside move below $66,000 reflect renewed selling pressure and a cautious posture among traders.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The lack of robust spot demand and waning open interest suggest patience until on-chain signals and price action align for a nearer-term reversal.

Market context: The current pullback follows a period of net selling pressure on Binance with a subdued US participation backdrop, as the Coinbase premium remains negative and on-chain metrics trend softer than in prior upswings.

Why it matters

The latest data paints a picture of a market that is trading with caution rather than enthusiasm. Bitcoin’s price action near the $66,000 level coincides with several on-chain indicators that have historically presaged slower bullish inflows rather than renewed buying interest. The negative CVD on Binance, coupled with a muted Coinbase premium, suggests that spot-led demand—the fuel for a sustained upmove—has cooled at these price levels. In practical terms, the market is testing whether investors will step in at lower levels or if the liquidity tap remains largely off, complicating any attempt to stage a durable rally in the near term.

From a leverage perspective, the steady decline in open interest implies that traders are closing positions rather than initiating new long bets. This is important because it signals a risk-tolerant environment is not currently driving new exposures; instead, participants are digesting the recent price action and awaiting clearer catalysts. The combined effect of shrinking leverage and muted new money flow reduces the odds of a rapid, self-sustaining rebound in Bitcoin prices without a shift in the broader liquidity backdrop or a fresh wave of buying momentum from major players.

Looking at the supply-side signals, the “young supply” share has cooled toward the lower end of its range, suggesting a lull in speculative participation from newer entrants. When the youth supply shrinks, it often accompanies a lack of capitulation-driven liquidity rather than the exuberance seen in stronger uptrends. In the current context, the market atmosphere resembles a phase of consolidation with a cautious tilt, rather than a momentum-driven breakout. The data also underlines the interplay between spot demand and the efficiency of price discovery in a market where futures and ETFs can influence the pace and direction of moves, even as spot liquidity remains fragile.

For readers tracking cross-corridors of influence, the ongoing discussion around spot Bitcoin ETFs and their inflows remains relevant. Related reporting has highlighted that spot Bitcoin ETFs added significant inflows recently, underscoring how new vehicles can alter risk appetite and liquidity dynamics even as spot markets grapple with a cooler demand cycle. This backdrop reinforces the notion that any sustained upside will likely hinge on a combination of improved on-chain demand, favorable macro conditions, and constructive ETF or futures flows that re-energize liquidity in the ecosystem.

Additional on-chain context comes from CryptoQuant data, which continues to emphasize the absence of robust spot demand below the $70,000 threshold. The 30-day money flow is negative, hovering near –$2.8 billion, with daily readings around the mid-to-high single-digit hundreds of millions of dollars in the red. In this environment, weaker inflows reduce the likelihood of a fast-paced re-acceleration, even as the market eyes any sign of a structural shift or a change in the ratio of bids to asks that could spark renewed buying interest.

All told, the market appears to be navigating a transitional phase: price discovery is proceeding in a backdrop of thinning liquidity, a cautious stance among buyers, and on-chain signals that favor restraint over aggression. While some traders will remain hopeful for a fast revival, others may choose to observe the next few sessions for clearer confirmation that demand is returning with conviction, not merely oscillating around a key price threshold.

Related: Spot Bitcoin ETFs add $167M, nearly erase last week’s outflows

CryptoQuant data further reinforces the lack of spot demand below $70,000. The 30-day cumulative new money flow has turned negative, near -$2.8 billion, while recent daily readings remain subdued around -$239 million. Unlike prior uptrends where price pullbacks drew meaningful inflows, the current price slide has not sparked a corresponding surge of capital into the market.

The “young supply” share (0–1 month), which tracks coins moved recently, has also cooled toward the lower end of its recent range, hovering near 13%. This pattern points to reduced speculative participation from newer traders, a characteristic frequently observed before the formation of a new base rather than during a fresh leg higher. Strong rallies in the past have been accompanied by rising young supply, expanding capital inflows, and increasing open interest—none of which are evident in the current phase, adding to the cautioned tone around near-term price prospects.

Related: Rare Bitcoin signal flashes: Will a 220percent BTC price rally follow?

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Rebound Fades as Range Highs Crumble: Why BTC Is Volatile on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH) is testing the frontier of asset tokenization with three regulatory sandbox programs designed to study stablecoins and tokenized bank deposits. The central bank’s initiative focuses on ringgit-denominated stablecoins for cross-border settlement and the tokenization of real-world assets, a move that could reshape how institutions settle and finance in a digital era. The pilots also examine tokenized bank deposits, aiming to generate research that could feed into a broader wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) framework. Shariah considerations will be assessed as part of the evaluation, underscoring Malaysia’s effort to balance innovation with its financial framework. The announcements indicate a structured, policy-oriented approach to asset tokenization within a jurisdiction known for both pragmatic regulation and a robust Islamic-finance ecosystem.

Key takeaways

Three regulatory sandbox programs under BNM’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub are dedicated to researching stablecoins, tokenized RWAs, and tokenized bank deposits, with a view toward practical policy guidance.

The initiative centers on ringgit-stablecoins for cross-border settlement and explores tokenized real-world assets, potentially feeding into a wholesale CBDC strategy.

Partnerships include Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Group, Maybank, and Capital A, signaling strong institutional engagement in asset tokenization experiments.

Shariah-related considerations will be evaluated, reflecting Malaysia’s aim to harmonize innovation with Islamic-finance norms.

A three-year roadmap to test asset tokenization across multiple real-world sectors was published in November 2025, outlining concrete use cases and timelines.

Tickers mentioned: $RMJDT

Market context: The effort sits within a broader global push to tokenize assets and explore digital currencies, highlighting a trend among nations to use regulated sandboxes to assess how tokenized fiat and RWAs could operate in a digital economy.

Why it matters

Malaysia’s move is notable for its deliberate layering of regulatory testing with a clear emphasis on practical applications. By pairing ringgit-denominated stablecoins with cross-border settlement use cases, BNM signals that wholesale digital assets could serve as a bridge between traditional financial rails and a digitized settlement layer. The inclusion of tokenized real-world assets points to a broader ambition: to unlock liquidity and efficiency in sectors ranging from trade finance to supply chain finance. If successful, these pilots could reduce settlement times, mitigate counterparty risk, and provide a blueprint for other central banks contemplating asset tokenization as part of a digital economy strategy.

The program’s attention to Shariah compliance is meaningful in two respects. First, it acknowledges the financial institution’s need to align new instruments with Islamic finance principles. Second, it could broaden the appeal of tokenized assets to a segment of investors and institutions that require explicit compliance frameworks. This dual focus—technological feasibility paired with principled governance—helps set a prudent tone for any future rollout beyond research, should policy directions evolve in a favorable direction.

Involving major domestic financial players—Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Group, Maybank, and Capital A—adds credible, real-world testing ground for the sandbox. Their participation underscores the likelihood that, if the pilots deliver compelling results, private sector interest could accelerate the path from lab to pilot payments, and eventually to live deployments in wholesale markets. The collaboration also mirrors a broader industry trend in which banks explore tokenization and on-chain equivalents of fiat and assets to reduce settlement risk and expand access to liquidity for businesses and sovereign clients alike.

Additionally, the roadmap published in November 2025 maps out a concrete plan for asset tokenization that spans several real-world use cases. The document highlights supply chain management, Shariah-compliant financial products, access to credit, programmable finance, and 24/7 cross-border settlement as target areas. This breadth signals that the central bank is thinking beyond a single instrument, evaluating how tokenization can support multiple facets of the financial system while scaling through a staged, policy-informed approach. The emphasis on cross-border settlement also aligns with ongoing global discussions about how digital assets could streamline international trade in a compliant, regulated manner.

One of the notable practical elements is the December-era activity surrounding a ringgit-stablecoin tied to RMJDT. Reportedly issued by Bullish Aim, a telecom arm controlled by Ismail Ibrahim (the eldest son of Malaysia’s current king), the instrument entered regulatory sandbox testing and has not yet been opened to public trading. The broader context includes Standard Chartered Bank and Capital A’s plans to explore a ringgit-stablecoin for wholesale settlement, reinforcing that institutions view tokenized fiat as a potential tool for large-scale, non-retail settlements. While RMJDT’s public market status remains uncertain, its progression within the sandbox illustrates how government-backed experiments can intersect with private-sector innovation and family-linked enterprise within Malaysia’s unique economic tapestry.

Taken together, the initiatives reflect a global momentum toward asset tokenization—with central banks, private banks, and financial-services firms exploring how digital representations of fiat, debt, and RWAs could operate at scale. The emphasis on wholesale mechanisms rather than retail access suggests a measured, policy-driven approach intended to test liquidity, settlement efficiency, and regulatory safeguards before broader public adoption.

What to watch next

Progress updates from the DAIH sandbox pilots on stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and RWAs, including any policy direction issued by BNM.

Details and milestones from the November 2025 asset-tokenization roadmap, including sector-by-sector pilots and timelines.

Any regulatory guidance or framework adjustments that emerge as a result of the pilots, particularly around cross-border settlement and Shariah-compliance considerations.

Further announcements from banks and Capitol A about wholesale ringgit-stablecoins and potential live pilots beyond sandbox testing.

Sources & verification

Bank Negara Malaysia announcement on the Digital Asset Innovation Hub and DAIH sandbox pilots — daiH-upd page

BNM Discussion Paper on Asset Tokenisation (BNM documents and citations)

Malaysia central bank roadmap for asset tokenization — Cointelegraph coverage of the three-year roadmap

Ismail Ibrahim’s ringgit-stablecoin RMJDT (cited in coverage of the crown prince’s project)

Standard Chartered Bank and Capital A ringgit-stablecoin exploration — Cointelegraph reporting on wholesale settlement plans

Malaysia’s asset-tokenization push: what it means for the market

BNM’s DAIH sandbox approach illustrates a careful, policy-savvy pathway to asset tokenization. By prioritizing cross-border settlement, RWAs, and on-chain fiat mechanisms within a regulated environment, the central bank aims to balance innovation with financial stability and regulatory clarity. The involvement of major financial institutions signals credible testing grounds that could inform future policy and potentially accelerate the deployment of wholesale digital assets. While retail access remains outside the scope of these pilots, the lessons learned could influence how central banks, banks, and regulators collaborate on tokenized markets and CBDC models in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Why it matters for investors and builders

For investors and builders, the Malaysia program offers a case study in how a national regulator anchors experimental activity in real-world use cases, rather than speculative hype. The focus on Shariah compliance is particularly relevant for fintechs seeking to serve diverse markets with tailored financial products. If the sandbox proves viable, it could unlock new liquidity channels and spur collaboration between traditional financial infrastructure and blockchain-enabled settlement layers. For regional players, Malaysia’s approach could serve as a blueprint for coordinated policy development around asset tokenization, wholesale stablecoins, and potential CBDC ecosystems that prioritize both innovation and risk controls.

This article was originally published as Malaysia’s Central Bank Unveils Stablecoin & Tokenization Sandbox on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) faced a volatile session as U.S. payrolls data surprised to the upside, complicating the path for the Federal Reserve and market risk appetite. After an early intraday spike toward the high $60,000s, the largest cryptocurrency retraced, leaving traders weighing whether a deeper pullback is coming or a temporary pause in risk-off sentiment is enough to support a rebound. The reaction came as the broader equity complex wobbled, with major indices trading in divergent fashion in response to the jobs release and the Fed’s likely response to it. The day’s price action underscores how macro news can quickly reframe crypto downside risk and the near-term technical setup.

Key takeaways

Bitcoin briefly spiked toward the $69,000 mark intraday before reversing, with the move followed by a pullback that extended losses through the session.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose by 130,000 in January, well above the 55,000 consensus, while the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3% from 4.4%.

Despite the strong jobs data, the signal for the Federal Reserve to hold rates at the March meeting persisted, supported by futures markets showing a high probability of a pause.

The S&P 500 inched higher early but then gave back the gains, while the Nasdaq Composite slid, illustrating mixed risk-asset responses to the same macro print.

Analysts and traders flagged a potential “slow bleed” scenario for BTC toward the sub-$60,000s or mid-$50,000s if buyers fail to reclaim key levels, with attention fixed on Friday’s CPI release for further clarity.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. A sharp intraday spike gave way to a renewed downward slope, signaling renewed anxiety about near-term downside risk.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The market is testing whether downside pressure can be contained above key support levels, with forthcoming inflation data likely to drive the next leg.

Market context: The broader crypto environment remains sensitive to macro narratives—especially inflation trajectories and the likelihood of further monetary tightening or pauses—which shape liquidity and risk sentiment across digital assets.

Why it matters

The January employment report cemented a narrative in which a robust labor market reduces the near-term impulse for the Fed to cut rates, complicating the outlook for risk assets, including bitcoin. While stronger payrolls can intensify fears of higher-for-longer policy, the sheer resilience of the job market also mitigates the chance of a sharp recession, which can paradoxically support risk appetite in certain regimes. The market’s response in equities—modest gains in the S&P 500 that faded while tech-heavy indices retreated—reflects a nuanced equilibrium: traders are parsing whether macro strength translates into higher yields and tighter financial conditions, or whether cooling inflation signals will eventually embolden a broader risk-on posture.

Bitcoin’s price action over the session underscored those crosscurrents. The initial move higher suggested a renewal of demand, perhaps driven by the prospect of a Fed pause and the possibility of liquidity support from markets still navigating 2026’s macro landscape. Yet as the day evolved, the lack of follow-through on the upside and the re-emergence of selling pressure highlighted how quickly technical conditions can pivot on a single data release. For market participants, the takeaway is clear: macro prints will continue to define crypto volatility in the near term, even when the fundamental picture for blockchain technologies remains intact and the long-run adoption thesis remains intact.

Looking ahead, traders will be watching not only next week’s inflation data but also ongoing risk signals from both traditional markets and on-chain metrics. The interplay between macro cues and crypto-specific dynamics—such as exchange inflows, funding rates, and retail participation—will determine whether BTC stabilizes near current levels or tests critical supports in the low to mid-$60,000 range. The Fed’s eventual policy stance, as reflected in the FedWatch indicator and related market pricing, will remain a major driver, shaping whether risk assets get a sustained push or retreat into a risk-off regime.

What to watch next

Friday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release to gauge inflation momentum and its impact on the Fed’s course.

The March FOMC decision and the probability of a rate pause, as reflected in futures markets.

BTC price action around key support levels near $64,000, $62,000, and the rumored $50,000 downside scenario.

Market breadth signals in equities and whether risk-on appetite improves or deteriorates in the wake of inflation data.

Any new official guidance from major market participants and notable traders regarding the balance of risk and potential upside catalysts for BTC.

Sources & verification

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics January nonfarm payrolls report showing 130,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate at 4.3%.

CME Group FedWatch Tool indicating high odds of a rate pause in March.

TradingView BTCUSD price charts capturing intraday spikes and retracements on the session.

Kobeissi Letter’s analysis on unemployment trends and the Fed’s expected stance.

Price context and reference points discussed in market commentary noting BTC’s potential low-$60k to mid-$50k scenarios and prior coverage of $69,000 significance.

Bitcoin volatility and the jobs data backdrop

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) traded with pronounced sensitivity to the day’s macro data, underscoring how quickly crypto markets respond to shifts in macro policy expectations. The price momentum was highly event-driven: a brisk move up toward the $69,000 area was followed by a swift reversal, dragging the session into negative territory as the day wore on. The early move appeared to reflect a tempered optimism around a potential pause in rate hikes, but the subsequent pullback suggested that investors are not yet prepared to embrace a renewed up-leg without more convincing evidence of durable demand.

The January nonfarm payrolls report delivered numbers well above expectations—130,000 jobs added against a forecast of 55,000—while the unemployment rate declined to 4.3%. Such a strong labor market reduces the immediate pressure on the Fed to cut rates, implying a higher probability that policy normalization will proceed at a measured pace. In the near term, that translates to a cautious stance for crypto and other risk assets, even as the longer-term inflation trajectory remains a central question for market participants. The data fed into a narrative that a Fed pause would persist, a conclusion reflected by the CME FedWatch Tool’s readings that traders viewed the odds of a March pause as elevated, a signal that liquidity conditions may not tighten rapidly enough to derail risk appetite completely, but also that upside momentum in BTC would require a solid commitment from buyers at key price junctures.

Asset markets showed a mixed response. The S&P 500 edged higher in early trading before retracing, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped, highlighting a bifurcated risk environment where value and growth cohorts moved in different directions in response to the same macro release. Gold, often a proxy for macro uncertainty, also exhibited choppy behavior, briefly touching fresh February highs before trimming gains as traders weighed the likelihood of further volatility in the real economy. The nuance here is important: even with a robust January jobs report, the macro landscape remains unsettled, leaving markets to calibrate inflation expectations against the probability of a slower but still uncertain path for monetary policy.

Among traders, sentiment leaned toward caution. The Kobeissi Letter’s commentary framed the data as supportive of the view that the Fed would pause, a narrative that aligns with a broader market expectation of a softer near-term policy stance. Yet the absence of a decisive bounce in BTC underscored a critical point: macro strength does not automatically translate into immediate crypto upside, particularly when the price must contend with meaningful resistance around prior highs and the looming risk of a renewed downturn if buyers fail to reclaim and sustain momentum above critical levels. In this context, BTC’s journey from the intraday peak back toward sub-$70,000 territory epitomized the current tension between macro resilience and crypto-specific risk management.

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This article was originally published as Bitcoin Surges After US Jobs Beat as Fed Pause Odds Near 95% on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Editor’s note: Kaspersky has rolled out a significant update to its Threat Intelligence Portal, adding a new Hunt Hub alongside expanded MITRE ATT&CK coverage and a much larger vulnerabilities database. The update is aimed at giving security teams clearer visibility into how threats are detected, why alerts are triggered, and which risks matter most in real-world environments. As cyberattacks grow in volume and complexity, the focus shifts from raw alerts to context and prioritization. This release positions threat intelligence as a practical decision-making tool for analysts, CISOs, and organizations managing increasingly complex digital infrastructures.

Key points

Hunt Hub centralizes Kaspersky’s threat hunting rules and detection logic, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK techniques.

Detection logic is presented in a structured, SIGMA-like format for deeper analyst understanding.

The MITRE ATT&CK coverage map now unifies SIEM, EDR, NDR, and Sandbox visibility in one view.

The vulnerabilities database has expanded to nearly 300,000 CVEs, with emphasis on exploited threats.

Why this matters

For organizations facing a rising volume of sophisticated cyber threats, transparency and prioritization are critical. By exposing detection logic and linking it directly to attacker behavior and real-world vulnerabilities, the updated portal helps security teams move beyond reactive alert handling. This approach supports more efficient threat hunting, better risk assessment, and smarter allocation of defensive resources, which is especially relevant as digital infrastructure, cloud services, and enterprise networks continue to expand.

What to watch next

Adoption of Hunt Hub by security operations teams and threat hunters.

How organizations use the unified MITRE ATT&CK view to assess security gaps.

Updates to hunt libraries and vulnerability intelligence over time.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Kaspersky has announced a major update to its Threat Intelligence Portal (TIP), introducing a new Hunt Hub section alongside an enhanced MITRE ATT&CK coverage map and a significantly expanded vulnerabilities database. The update strengthens organizations’ ability to investigate threats, understand adversary behavior, and proactively monitor the most relevant risks across their environments.

According to the Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2025 report, Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered an average of 500,000 malicious files per day in 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, security teams need more than alerts – they need clarity.

The newly launched Hunt Hub is designed to address growing market demand for greater transparency and deeper insight into how modern detection technologies work. Integrated into the Threat Landscape section of the Threat Intelligence Portal, Hunt Hub provides centralized access to Kaspersky’s threat hunting expertise and detection knowledge.

Hunt Hub includes Kaspersky Next EDR Expert hunts, also known as indicators of attack (IoA) or detection rules. All portal users can explore the catalogue of hunts and their descriptions, while Kaspersky Next EDR Expert customers gain extended access to detailed recommendations and detection logic presented in a convenient, SIGMA-like format. Each hunt is mapped to relevant MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques and linked to known threat actors, giving analysts clear context behind every detection.

By making detection logic visible and structured, Hunt Hub effectively removes the “black box” from threat detection. It allows security teams not only to respond to alerts, but also to understand why a detection was triggered and which threat it is designed to uncover – improving trust in security technologies and increasing the efficiency of threat investigation processes.

As part of the update, the MITRE ATT&CK coverage map within the Threat Landscape has been significantly enhanced. The portal now brings together product coverage across SIEM, EDR, NDR and Sandbox solutions, MITRE ATT&CK techniques with scoring, coverage percentages, and related Kaspersky Next EDR Expert hunts in a single, unified view. This enables organizations to assess how well their security stack covers relevant attack techniques and identify potential gaps in protection.

The Vulnerabilities section has also been expanded, with the CVE database now covering nearly 300,000 vulnerabilities. In addition, the portal provides more detailed information on vulnerabilities that have been exploited in real-world attacks, helping organizations prioritize remediation efforts based on actual threat activity.

“With the launch of Hunt Hub in the Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal, we are opening up our detection expertise and giving analysts clear visibility into how and why threats are detected. This transparency helps organizations move from reactive alert handling to informed threat hunting and proactive risk management,” comments Nikita Nazarov, Head of Threat Exploration at Kaspersky.

To learn more about Kaspersky Threat Intelligent Services, please follow the link.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com

This article was originally published as Kaspersky Unveils Hunt Hub to Boost Transparency in Threat Detection on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Editor’s note: Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria have launched a series of structured knowledge-sharing exchanges and technical workshops focused on payments, regulation, and financial infrastructure. The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025 and aims to strengthen institutional capacity within Syria’s financial sector. Through tailored sessions led by Mastercard experts, the program targets regulatory frameworks, compliance practices, and global trends in digital payments. The collaboration reflects broader efforts by the Central Bank to modernize financial systems, align with international standards, and support a more resilient and future-ready payments ecosystem.

Key points

Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria are running technical workshops under a 2025 cooperation framework.

The program focuses on regulatory capacity, compliance, and modern payments infrastructure.

Knowledge transfer is delivered by Mastercard’s global subject matter experts.

The initiative supports financial sector modernization and institutional resilience.

Why this matters

Strengthening regulatory and institutional capabilities is a foundational step in rebuilding trust and functionality within a national financial system. For Syria, exposure to international best practices in payments and compliance can support safer, more efficient financial services and help lay the groundwork for broader digital finance adoption. For the market, this type of capacity-building initiative signals a focus on long-term infrastructure, governance, and alignment with global standards, all of which are essential for sustainable financial development.

What to watch next

Additional workshops or technical sessions delivered under the cooperation framework.

Policy or regulatory updates informed by the knowledge exchanges.

Further collaboration between the Central Bank and international technology providers.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Damascus, Syria; 11 February 2026: Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria have launched a series of structured knowledge sharing exchanges and technical workshops aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities and advancing best practices in payments and financial services.

The initiative builds on the strategic cooperation framework established through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in September 2025, and reflects the Central Bank’s broader efforts to modernize the financial sector and create an enabling regulatory framework that is aligned with international standards.

Under the program, Mastercard’s global subject matter experts will deliver tailored technical sessions and knowledge transfer aligned with the Central Bank of Syria’s policy priorities. The exchanges focus on regulatory capacity, compliance frameworks, and emerging global trends in payments and financial infrastructure, supporting a more resilient and future-ready financial ecosystem.

“These workshops represent a pivotal step in strengthening institutional capacity and aligning our regulatory and market practices with international standards. By drawing on Mastercard’s global expertise, we are equipping policymakers, regulators, and market participants with the tools needed to modernize Syria’s financial infrastructure. This next phase of collaboration reflects our shared commitment to rebuilding trust, enhancing resilience, and advancing Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system.” said His Excellency Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh, governor, Central Bank of Syria.

“At Mastercard, we are dedicated to working with the Central Bank of Syria and local financial sector players to strengthen the country’s digital payments infrastructure and expand access to financial services for consumers and businesses. In line with our belief that capacity building is a foundational element of sustainable and inclusive financial development, we are keen to share our knowledge to support institutional learning and raise awareness about global best practices in financial systems,” said Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

Building on its extensive experience, gained from operating payment networks in more than 200 countries and territories, Mastercard serves as a trusted partner, technology provider and policy advisor to governments worldwide. The company’s collaboration with the Central Bank of Syria stands to benefit millions of potential financial services users across the country.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

This article was originally published as Mastercard, Central Bank of Syria Launch Payments Knowledge Exchange Program on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Editor’s note: Juspay has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the launch of its regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre. The move is aimed at supporting enterprise merchants, banks, and financial institutions as digital commerce accelerates across the GCC. By establishing a local presence, the company plans to deepen partnerships and address growing payment complexity linked to multiple currencies, regulations, and local payment methods. The DIFC base signals a long-term commitment to building regulated, enterprise-grade payment infrastructure in the region, at a time when cross-border commerce and scalable financial rails are becoming critical for large businesses operating across global markets.

Key points

Juspay opens its Middle East regional headquarters in DIFC to support enterprise payment demand.

The expansion targets merchants and banks facing complex, multi-currency and multi-regulatory environments.

The company will offer its payments orchestration and infrastructure solutions locally.

Juspay plans to work closely with regional banks, acquirers, and ecosystem partners.

Why this matters

The Middle East is seeing rapid growth in digital commerce, putting pressure on payment systems to scale reliably across borders and regulatory frameworks. Juspay’s entry into DIFC reflects rising demand for enterprise-grade payment infrastructure that can handle volume, compliance, and localization at once. For large merchants and financial institutions, access to proven orchestration and real-time payments technology can improve authorization rates, reduce operational friction, and support expansion across GCC and global markets. For the region, it reinforces Dubai’s role as a hub for fintech infrastructure.

What to watch next

Growth of Juspay’s regional team in business development, engineering, and partnerships.

New collaborations with Middle East banks, acquirers, and payment networks.

Adoption of Juspay’s platform by regional enterprise merchants.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Dubai, February 10th, 2026 – Juspay a global leader in payment infrastructure solutions for enterprises and banks, today announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of its regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This move marks an important step in Juspay’s international expansion, deepening its focus on serving enterprise merchants, banks, and financial institutions in the Middle East. The DIFC headquarters will support closer engagement with existing partners as enterprise payment demand continues to scale.

With digital commerce accelerating in the GCC region, rapidly scaling enterprises in sectors such as airlines, hospitality, e-commerce, and financial services face increasing complexity driven by multiple regional currencies, evolving regulations, and diverse local payment methods.

To address this complexity, Juspay’s payments orchestration platform provides a unified & reliable payments stack, helping organizations optimize authorisation rates and costs, simplify compliance and scale seamlessly across GCC and global markets with institutional-grade reliability.

Establishing operations in DIFC highlights Juspay’s long-term commitment to the Middle East, with a focus on building , regulated, and enterprise-grade payments infrastructure in the region. As a leading global financial hub, DIFC provides a strong regulatory environment, robust infrastructure, and access to high quality talent. Juspay plans to leverage this and work closely with regional banks, acquirers, networks, and ecosystem partners to deliver scalable and reliable payment solutions tailored for enterprises operating across global markets.

Commenting on the expansion, Sheetal Lalwani, Co-founder & COO of Juspay, said: “Juspay has been building foundational payments infrastructure for large-scale, mission-critical commerce globally for over a decade. We are excited to bring these learnings to the Middle East and partner with merchants, banks, networks, and the broader ecosystem to build secure, scalable payments infrastructure that supports the region’s rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority said: “We are pleased to welcome Juspay to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s most significant fintech and financial services ecosystem. As a global leader in payment infrastructure, Juspay’s presence strengthens our growing digital economy, reinforces DIFC’s role as a catalyst for financial innovation and cements Dubai’s position as a top four global FinTech hub.”

With more than a decade of experience in scaling payment infrastructure, Juspay powers 500+ enterprise merchants and banks globally including Agoda, Amazon, Flipkart, Google, HSBC, IndiGo, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto & more. It offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions that spans full-stack payment orchestration, authentication, tokenisation, reconciliation, fraud solutions and more. The company also provides end-to-end, white-label payment gateway and real-time payments infrastructure tailored for banks. Together these capabilities enable merchants and banks to deliver seamless, reliable and scalable payment experiences to the end-consumers.

Speaking about Juspay’s regional focus, Nakul Kothari, head of Middle East & APAC said, “By establishing our presence in the Middle East with DIFC, we continue our mission of building innovative payment solutions rooted in deep local market understanding. The region holds tremendous potential, and we are investing in long-term partnerships with merchants and banks to help them build future-ready payment stacks that can scale across markets.”

This expansion reflects Juspay’s long-term vision of enabling open, interoperable, and accessible payments worldwide. With a team of over 1,500 payment experts solving payment complexities across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, UK, and North America, Juspay is strategically positioned to reshape the Middle Eastern payments landscape. The company plans to grow its regional team, specifically targeting growth in business development, solution engineering, and partnerships.

About Juspay

Juspay is a leading multinational payments technology company, redefining payments for 500+ top global enterprises and banks. Founded in 2012, the company processes over 300 million daily transactions, exceeding an annualized total payment volume (TPV) of $1 trillion with 99.999% reliability. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Juspay is powered by a global network of 1500+ payment experts operating across San Francisco, Dublin, São Paulo, Dubai, and Singapore.
Juspay offers a comprehensive product suite for merchants that includes open-source payment orchestration, global payouts, seamless authentication, payment tokenization, fraud & risk management, end-to-end reconciliation, unified payment analytics & more. The company’s offerings also include end-to-end white label payment gateway solutions & real-time payments infrastructure for banks.These products help businesses achieve superior conversion rates, reduce fraud, optimize costs, and deliver seamless customer experiences at scale.
To learn more about Juspay, visit: www.juspay.io

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae

This article was originally published as Juspay Expands in the Middle East with New DIFC Headquarters on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) has retraced nearly 63% from its multi-year high of $3.66 to around $1.36 as of Wednesday, a move that market analysts say could carry bearish implications unless buyers reassert themselves. The slide comes amid a confluence of technical signals and growing on-chain activity that could either reinforce a near-term downshift or set the stage for a stubborn reversal. Traders are weighing a technical setup that points toward further pressure against a backdrop of sustained demand from spot XRP ETFs and persistent whale accumulation, painting a nuanced picture for the digital asset’s near-term trajectory. The Gaussian Channel, a charting method used to identify trends and potential support or resistance levels, places XRP at a crossroads where previous patterning has often dictated the tempo of subsequent moves.

Key takeaways

The price action has broken below a critical zone near $1.40, aligning with a bearish setup that could extend losses toward the $0.70–$1 range if support fails.

The Gaussian Channel shows the upper regression band near $1.16 and the middle band around $0.70, suggesting that a test of important structural levels could unfold over the coming weeks or months.

A drop below the local low of $1.12 would validate the bearish scenario described by market technicians, potentially accelerating the downside case.

Spot XRP ETF inflows have continued, with cumulative net inflows reaching about $1.01 billion and inflows of roughly $3.26 million on a single day, underscoring ongoing institutional interest.

On-chain activity has picked up, with whale transactions exceeding $100,000 and active addresses surging to a six-month high, signaling that buyers remain engaged despite the price decline.

Nevertheless, persistent ETF demand and on-chain signals could counterbalance the technical headwinds if liquidity conditions remain favorable and market sentiment improves.

Tickers mentioned: $XRP, $BTC, $ETH

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. A break below key supports could push XRP toward the mid-band around $0.70, extending the downside unless buyers step in.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. Near-term risk remains elevated if $1.12 fails, but renewals in ETF inflows and on-chain activity keep the scene cautiously balanced.

Market context: The XRP market remains closely tethered to liquidity flows from spot XRP ETFs and evolving on-chain activity. Spot XRP ETF inflows have continued, contributing to roughly $1.01 billion in cumulative net inflows and sustaining roughly $1.01 billion in assets under management, with daily inflows of millions that underscore ongoing institutional interest. At the same time, on-chain dynamics have shown resilience, with whale activity and active addresses rising even as price action remains under pressure. These factors collectively reflect a broader environment where ETF-driven demand can offset, at least temporarily, technical headwinds.

Why it matters

For investors watching XRP, the current setup matters because it juxtaposes a stubborn price decline with stubborn liquidity support. The Gaussian Channel’s readings imply that XRP could oscillate within a defined corridor before a decisive breakout or breakdown occurs. If the upper band near $1.16 acts as a temporary ceiling and the price fails to hold above the lower levels, the drawdown could extend toward the $0.70–$1 region, a zone that previously lacked robust testing for sustained support. Such a breach would be meaningful not just for XRP bulls and bears but for funds and institutions tracking the asset as part of broader crypto exposure. The dynamics of ETF flows, as observed in late-2025 through 2026, emphasize that institutional demand can create a buffer against rapid declines, but they are not a guarantee against further losses if macro conditions or sentiment deteriorate.

“The middle regression band currently ties up around $0.70, which is also a previous year-long resistance level seen back in 2023/2024, and hasn’t been backtested for support.”

On the liquidity side, the market has benefitted from a steady stream of ETF inflows. The Canary XRP ETF launch, which began late in 2025, has contributed to a trajectory of inflows that has pushed the cumulative total higher, with the latest daily inflows evidencing continued demand from institutional players. This flow is not a panacea for price declines, but it argues for a more nuanced outlook than a pure technical read would suggest. Meanwhile, on-chain metrics paint an equally important portrait. Analysts have highlighted a surge in XRP activity: whale transactions of over $100,000 and a spike in active addresses have suggested that sector participants remain engaged and are deploying capital despite adverse price movements. These signals can be precursors to a bottom or a renewed uptrend, depending on whether they align with broader market liquidity and risk appetite.

Analysts have also cited the importance of the price level around $1.12. A move below that local low could be a technical confirmation of the bearish scenario, triggering a cascade of downside protections and prompting a reevaluation of risk parity in XRP portfolios. Conversely, if ETF inflows persist and on-chain activity maintains its strength, XRP could find a foundation and attempt a staged recovery as liquidity conditions improve and risk sentiment stabilizes. The tension between price-driven momentum and liquidity-driven demand is a defining feature of XRP’s current phase, and market participants are closely watching both channels for signals of the next major move.

As the market weighs these factors, the broader crypto environment remains cautious. The behavior of BTC and ETH—often a barometer for risk sentiment—has a bearing on how XRP will respond to developing macro cues and regulatory dynamics. Although XRP has decoupled at times from the broader market, the path of least resistance in the near term could be influenced by the balance between selling pressure at technical resistance and fresh inflows that sustain institutions’ appetite for XRP exposure.

What to watch next

Monitoring XRP’s level relative to the $1.12 local low to gauge whether the bearish scenario gains traction.

Tracking the Gaussian Channel bands around $1.16 (upper) and $0.70 (middle) for potential testing or breakout signals.

Observing ongoing spot XRP ETF inflows and AUM, which could widen the collision between technical resistance and liquidity-driven strength.

Watching on-chain metrics, especially the trajectory of whale transactions and daily active addresses, for signs of renewed accumulation or distribution.

Sources & verification

Chart Nerd’s analysis on Gaussian Channel fractals and XRP price projections referenced in a social post.

Discussion on XRP price movement below the 1.60 level and potential downside scenarios.

Canary XRP ETF launch and the resulting inflow data, including cumulative inflows and daily inflows feeding assets under management.

Santiment’s reports on whale activity, large XRP transactions, and address activity as a measure of on-chain demand.

Market reaction and key details

The current XRP setup binds a bear-case price scenario to a backdrop of ongoing ETF inflows and active on-chain participation. While the price remains under pressure, the inflows into spot XRP ETFs and sustained whale engagement provide a counterbalancing force that could underpin a bottom if liquidity remains ample and risk appetite stabilizes. The path forward will likely hinge on whether XRP can stabilize above critical support levels and whether on-chain signals translate into durable buying interest.

What to watch next

Whether XRP can hold above $1.12 on a closing basis, which would delay a deeper pullback.

How ETF inflows trend over the next several sessions and whether AUM surpasses the $1.05–$1.10 billion range.

Any new regulatory or product developments affecting XRP ETFs or custodial structures that could influence liquidity and investor confidence.

This article was originally published as Why XRP Could Still Dip Below $1, Analysts Explain on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Editor’s note: The Bitcoin Conference has announced the return of Code & Country 2026, its flagship policy forum designed to bring U.S. policymakers and Bitcoin industry participants into direct, on-the-record discussions. Scheduled for April 27 during a U.S. election year, the forum aims to address how active legislation and regulatory priorities intersect with Bitcoin, digital infrastructure, and adjacent sectors such as energy and stablecoins. By removing intermediaries, the event positions itself as a venue where builders operating at scale can engage directly with lawmakers shaping the regulatory environment that will influence the next phase of technological and financial development.

Key points

Code & Country 2026 will take place on April 27 and is open to Pro Pass and Whale Pass holders.

The forum focuses on direct engagement between Bitcoin industry leaders and U.S. policymakers.

Discussions will center on active legislation, regulatory priorities, and real-world policy impacts.

Programming spans Bitcoin, energy infrastructure, stablecoin regulation, and digital civil liberties.

Why this matters

As regulatory frameworks for Bitcoin and related technologies continue to evolve, direct dialogue between policymakers and industry participants is becoming increasingly consequential. Events like Code & Country provide insight into how legislative decisions are formed and how they may affect builders, investors, and infrastructure providers operating at scale. Held during an election year, the forum reflects growing institutional engagement with Bitcoin and highlights the role policy will play in shaping the sector’s trajectory in the U.S. and beyond.

What to watch next

Announcements of confirmed speakers and detailed programming ahead of the event.

Key policy themes emphasized by lawmakers and regulatory representatives.

Signals on how Bitcoin-related regulation may evolve following the forum.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Nashville, TN — February 10, 2026 — The Bitcoin Conference announced today Code & Country 2026, the flagship policy forum returning for its second year to convene industry leaders, builders and U.S. policymakers for direct discussions on the issues shaping technology, regulation, and legislative priorities.

Code & Country 2026 will take place on April 27 at 12:00 PM and will be open to Pro Pass and Whale Pass holders. The forum is scheduled during the 2026 U.S. election year, when congressional agendas, committee priorities, and policy frameworks are actively taking shape.

The event is designed to facilitate direct engagement between those building critical infrastructure and those shaping policy – no intermediaries. Discussions will focus on active legislation, administrative priorities, and the real-world implications of regulatory decisions on the industries defining America’s technological future.

“Policy decisions affecting Bitcoin are made regardless of industry participation. We finally have an administration and bipartisan Congress seeking guidance from our industry on how to regulate. We can either jump in the game and help craft the next century of the regulatory landscape, or watch from the sidelines as someone else does it for us,” said Brandon Green, CEO of BTC Inc.

This year’s programming addresses the convergence of Bitcoin with broader policy areas – from energy infrastructure and stablecoin regulation to civil liberties in a digital age. Policymakers and congressional staff will hear directly from industry participants operating at scale, while attendees will gain insight into how policy development functions in Washington.

The Code & Country program builds on policy-focused programming introduced at the Bitcoin Conference in 2024 with President Donald Trump’s speech and formally launched as a branded track in 2025. Featured past participation from senior U.S. political leaders, regulators, and policymakers includes Vice President J.D. Vance, White House AI & Crypto Czar David Sacks, Bo Hines, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, and Senator Cynthia Lummis, reflecting increased engagement between the Bitcoin industry and U.S. policymakers on regulatory and technology issues.

Code & Country 2026 is intended for:

Industry leaders and builders seeking direct engagement with policymakers on regulatory frameworks

Leaders in AI, energy, and adjacent sectors navigating the policy landscape

Participants newer to policy discussions looking to understand how legislative decisions affect Bitcoin

Policymakers and staff seeking technical and operational perspectives from those building at scale

Further details regarding speakers and programming will be announced ahead of the event. For more information visit: https://2026.b.tc/code-country.

About The Bitcoin Conference

The Bitcoin Conference, organised by BTC Media, the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine, is a global event series, featuring notable industry speakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. Bitcoin 2026 is being held in Las Vegas in April 2026. Its international events include Bitcoin Hong Kong (August 27-28, 2026), Bitcoin Amsterdam (November 5-6, 2026) and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, December 2026).

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Conference Brings Back Code & Country 2026 Ahead of US Election on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

The European Parliament backed the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative, casting it as a strategic tool in an era of rising geopolitical and financial tensions. In a plenary vote, MEPs approved the annual ECB report by 443 votes in favor, 71 against and 117 abstentions, endorsing amendments that frame the digital euro as essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty, reducing fragmentation in retail payments, and bolstering the integrity of the single market. The resolution underscores a policy stance that public money in digital form can curb Europe’s reliance on non-EU payment providers and private instruments, a concern voiced by policymakers amid broader global pressures.

Lawmakers also pressed for central bank autonomy, arguing that ECB independence must be safeguarded from political interference to preserve price stability and market confidence. In the debate, Johan Van Overtveldt, a former Belgian finance minister and MEP, warned that independence is not merely a technical characteristic; history shows that political meddling with central banks can trigger inflation, financial instability, and domestic strain. The emphasis on autonomy reflects a long-standing belief among European lawmakers that monetary policy should be shielded from short-term political cycles, a sentiment echoed as Europe maps out a retail payments framework that could influence the region’s financial architecture for years to come.

The discussion also touched on the broader narrative of digital finance as a public good and a geopolitical hedge. The European Parliament’s stance aligns with a growing consensus among central bankers and economists that a digitally native euro could serve as a sovereign tool—built on European infrastructure and standards—that reduces exposure to external payment rails and foreign governance. In remarks that circulated last month, ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone described the digital euro as “public money in digital form” and tied it to concerns about the “weaponisation of every conceivable tool,” a reflection of the risk environment surrounding global finance. Cipollone argued for a payments system that Europeans fully control, emphasizing resilience and strategic autonomy as key design principles.

The resolution also reiterates that cash remains a cornerstone of the euro area’s monetary system. Even as the ECB advances a digital complement, both physical and digital euros are designated as legal tender, ensuring that the public retains access to a universally accepted form of money. This stance is consistent with a broader push to position the digital euro not as a replacement for cash but as a parallel instrument designed to streamline cross-border transactions, improve settlement efficiency, and reduce reliance on external providers in times of stress. The emphasis on maintaining cash aligns with concerns about inclusivity and financial access, particularly for segments of the population that rely on traditional cash channels or may be unevenly served by new digital rails.

Digital euro as public good and geopolitical hedge

Beyond its domestic implications, the vote signals how Europe contends with a shifting global payments landscape. The digital euro is framed as a public good meant to strengthen policy sovereignty, reassuring citizens that EU institutions will steward a secure, interoperable, and accessible payments infrastructure. The debate also reflects unease about the potential dominance of non-EU payment schemes and the geopolitical leverage that private digital-payment networks could wield in a crisis. By advancing a centralized, EU-controlled alternative, policymakers aim to preserve policy levers and maintain financial stability even when external networks face disruptions or strategic realignments.

The debate has continued to unfold in parallel with calls from economists and policy experts who argue for a robust public option. In January, a coalition of economists urged MEPs to prioritize the public interest in the digital euro project, warning that neglecting a strong EU option could leave the bloc more exposed to the influence of private and foreign players in its financial system. The push reflects a nuanced balance: leveraging digital innovation to improve efficiency and security while safeguarding public accountability and democratic oversight. The outcome of these discussions will shape not only how the euro area processes payments but also how Europe positions itself in global debates over digital sovereignty and financial regulation.

The broader policy environment around the digital euro is evolving as institutions contemplate both technical and governance dimensions. While the central bank’s autonomy remains a central pillar, the political process will continue to shape the instrument’s scope, privacy protections, and interoperability with existing payment rails. As Europe progresses, observers will watch for concrete milestones such as governance models, technical standards, and timelines for testing and deployment. The interplay between public and private sector interests, along with the union’s approach to data privacy and consumer protection, will be critical in determining the digital euro’s adoption trajectory and its reception among citizens and businesses alike.

Why it matters

The European Parliament’s endorsement of the digital euro underscores a shift in how Europe conceptualizes money in a digital era. For consumers, the availability of a euro-denominated digital instrument promises faster and cheaper retail payments across member states, with the added security of a centralized, Europe-wide framework. For businesses, a unified, EU-controlled platform could simplify cross-border settlements and reduce exposure to the fragility of foreign payment rails, particularly in times of geopolitical stress. For policymakers, the project represents an opportunity to align monetary policy with digital infrastructure, ensuring that policy tools remain effective in a rapidly evolving payments landscape.

For fintechs and developers, the digital euro offers a defined public utility that could serve as a foundation for innovative payment experiences while adhering to European standards for privacy, security, and market integrity. The emphasis on independence and robust governance signals a carefully calibrated path to deployment—one that seeks to incentivize responsible innovation while maintaining a strict line against political meddling that could destabilize markets. In this sense, the digital euro is less about a single currency-proof-of-concept and more about how a highly developed regional economy can harmonize monetary integrity with digital modernization in a way that strengthens resilience and confidence across the bloc.

For the broader crypto and digital assets discourse, the EP’s position reinforces a divide between public, centrally issued digital money and the private, often cross-border nature of crypto and stablecoins. While not a cryptocurrency itself, the digital euro’s design and governance could influence how lawmakers approach non-sovereign digital assets, including questions about payments settlement, privacy standards, and cross-border interoperability. The outcome will likely feed into ongoing debates about regulatory clarity, consumer protection, and the degree to which public and private digital money can coexist without compromising financial stability.

What to watch next

Progress updates from the ECB on digital euro development, including governance and technical architecture.

Further parliamentary discussions and amendments clarifying the balance between independence, oversight, and integration with existing payment systems.

Policy guidance on the role of cash in a digital euro era and how legal tender considerations will be maintained.

Potential pilots or phased rollouts that test interoperability with national infrastructures and private payment providers.

Sources & verification

European Parliament press release: MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of tension (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/da/press-room/20260205IPR33621/meps-stress-importance-of-independent-central-banks-in-times-of-tension)

Transcript and remarks from Johan Van Overtveldt on ECB independence (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/vod.html?mode=chapter&vodLanguage=EN&internalEPId=2017060832131&providerMeetingId=20260209-0900-PLENARY#)

ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone’s comments on digital euro as public money (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ecb-s-cipollone-says-digital-euro-key-to-payments-sovereignty-in-weaponised-world)

Analysis and commentary from economists urging a strong public option for the digital euro (https://cointelegraph.com/news/70-economists-eu-lawmakers-digital-euro)

Monetary sovereignty in the digital age: Europe’s digital euro push

In summary, the European Parliament’s latest vote signals a consensus that the digital euro should be developed with an eye toward sovereignty, resilience, and public value. It recognizes the need to preserve monetary policy autonomy in the face of evolving digital finance dynamics while acknowledging the practical benefits of faster, more inclusive payments across the union. By insisting that cash remains legal tender and by prioritizing independence, lawmakers aim to construct a framework that can withstand geopolitical disruptions and shifting power dynamics in the payments landscape. The path forward will require careful calibration of governance, technology, and regulatory oversight—an undertaking that will shape Europe’s financial infrastructure for the foreseeable future.

This article was originally published as EU Parliament Backs Digital Euro, Signaling a New Era for Money on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Key Insights

Ripple and Zand link RLUSD and AEDZ to support regulated stablecoin payments and custody in the UAE.

The partnership focuses on XRPL-based issuance, liquidity, and compliance-led banking integration.

The move supports the UAE digital economy strategy and institutional blockchain adoption.

Ripple and Zand Bank Strengthen Blockchain Banking Ties

Ripple has also increased its collaboration with Zand Bank in the UAE to enable a regulated infrastructure of stablecoins. According to reports shared on X, the collaboration connects Ripple’s US dollar stablecoin, RLUSD, with Zand’s dirham-backed AEDZ token. Both assets will operate within a compliant banking framework.

BREAKING: RIPPLE EXPANDS ENTERPRISE BLOCKCHAIN PUSH WITH ZAND DEAL@Ripple and @Official_Zand have announced a partnership focused on advancing the digital economy.

The collaboration will use Zand’s AEDZ stablecoin and Ripple’s $RLUSD stablecoin.

The goal is to bring… pic.twitter.com/9Ygz7tnMvW

— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 10, 2026

The partnership builds on a payment agreement signed in 2024 as it now shifts focus to custody, issuance, and liquidity. Ripple and Zand aim to bring blockchain-based settlement into institutional finance rather than trading activity.

How Will Stablecoins Integrate Into Regulated Banking

The companies plan to integrate RLUSD into Zand Bank’s regulated digital asset custody platform. This measure will enable institutions to hold and operate the stablecoins within the jurisdiction of the UAE. The partners will also evaluate the direct liquidity channels between RLUSD and AEDZ.

Zand Bank has confirmed plans to issue AEDZ on the XRP Ledger. XRPL offers fast settlement, low fees, and a consensus-based design. These features support payment efficiency while meeting regulatory expectations. Zand states that AEDZ remains fully backed by dirham reserves with regular attestations.

Why Does the XRP Ledger Matter for This Initiative

The project relies on the Ripple blockchain as its technical basis. XRPL allows settling in almost no time and issuing tokens without incurring excessive costs of operations. These facilities are applicable to bank level payment and depository services.

Ripple continues to position XRPL as a settlement layer for institutions and Zand partnership aligns with this strategy. It supports real-world use cases such as:

Cross-border payments

Treasury management

Asset tokenization within a controlled environment

What Does This Mean for the UAE Digital Economy

Zand Bank is one of the UAE’s first fully digitized licensed banks. Ripple opened more branches in the region by forming custody and security dealings. Collectively, they endeavor to offer infrastructure that can help enable banks and corporations to adopt a compliant blockchain.

This growth marks the shift where regulated institutions are now leveraging stablecoins as financial instruments and not speculative assets. It is also an indication of even greater adoption of blockchain systems in conventional banking systems.

This article was originally published as Zand Bank and Ripple Collaboration: Stablecoins Expansion into UAE Banking System on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

A New York federal court has dismissed a patent infringement suit brought by Bancor-affiliated entities against Uniswap, finding that the asserted claims describe abstract ideas that are not eligible for patent protection under US law. Judge John G. Koeltl of the Southern District of New York granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint filed by Bprotocol Foundation and LocalCoin Ltd. The ruling, issued on February 10, leaves room for the plaintiffs to amend within 21 days; absent a timely amendment, the dismissal would become with prejudice. While the decision represents a procedural win for Uniswap, it does not resolve the merits of the underlying dispute, which centers on whether the decentralized exchange’s technology infringes patented methods for pricing and liquidity.

Key takeaways

The court applied the Supreme Court’s two-step framework for patent eligibility and determined the challenged claims relate to an abstract concept—the calculation of currency exchange rates for transactions—rather than a patentable invention.

Even though the patents touch on blockchain-based automation, the judge found no inventive concept sufficient to transform the abstract idea into a patent-eligible application.

The complaint was dismissed without prejudice, giving Bprotocol Foundation and LocalCoin Ltd. a 21-day window to file an amended complaint addressing the court’s concerns.

Direct infringement, induced infringement, and willful infringement claims were all dismissed, with the court indicating the plaintiffs failed to plausibly plead that Uniswap’s code contains the patented reserve-ratio features.

Despite the procedural success for Uniswap, the door remains open for reassertion if the plaintiffs can reframe the allegations to meet the patent-eligibility standard or otherwise articulate a viable infringement theory.

Market context: The ruling sits within ongoing debates over software and business-method patents in crypto, where courts have repeatedly scrutinized whether blockchain-enabled pricing and liquidity mechanisms constitute protectable inventions or abstract financial practices.

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The decision comes amid a broader climate in which courts assess blockchain-related claims under established tests for patent-eligibility, potentially influencing how crypto developers approach IP risk and claims enforcement.

Sources & verification: The memorandum opinion and order from Judge Koeltl (Feb. 10); the CourtListener docket for Bprotocol Foundation v. Universal Navigation Inc.; Hayden Adams’ X post reacting to the decision; the original Bancor-Uniswap patent dispute coverage and filings cited in the referenced materials.

Why it matters

The court’s analysis reinforces the notion that merely applying a conventional pricing algorithm within a blockchain framework may not suffice to render a claim patentable. By characterizing the disputed concepts as abstract ideas tied to currency exchange calculations, the ruling underscores the enduring legal distinction between mathematical formulas and patent-eligible tech implementations, even when those implementations run on decentralized networks. For Uniswap (CRYPTO: UNI), the decision protects the platform from an immediate patent-ownership challenge rooted in fundamental pricing logic that was already broadly implemented across digital asset exchanges.

From Bancor’s perspective, the dismissal—without prejudice—creates a strategic opening. The plaintiffs can attempt to adjust the pleading to address the court’s concerns, potentially reframing the claims to emphasize an “inventive concept” or to articulate a more concrete, non-abstract application tied to a particular technology environment. The outcome may influence later filings against other DeFi protocols if claim language can be refined to meet the legal standard, especially in cases where developers claim that specific programmable constraints or reserve mechanisms are patentable because they are uniquely tied to a given protocol.

Beyond the parties involved, the decision signals how the U.S. patent system balances the protection of crypto innovations against broad, abstract financial techniques. While it does not close the door on all IP actions in DeFi, it does remind developers and litigants that the mere use of blockchain infrastructure or smart contracts does not automatically render a broad abstract idea patent-eligible. The landscape remains nuanced, with the potential for future rulings to alter how similar claims are framed and prosecuted.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The immediate post-decision commentary from Uniswap founder Hayden Adams, who publicly celebrated the outcome, reflects the high-stakes nature of these disputes for open-source, community-driven projects. Adams’ brief social post—“A lawyer just told me we won”—highlights how patent battles intersect with developer culture and the public perception of DeFi innovation.

What to watch next

Whether Bprotocol Foundation and LocalCoin Ltd. file an amended complaint within 21 days, and how the revised claims address the court’s abstract-idea reasoning.

Any subsequent court rulings that interpret or apply the “inventive concept” standard to parallel DeFi patent cases, potentially shaping future strategy for both plaintiffs and defendants.

Whether additional documents—such as claim charts or technical specifications—emerge to support allegations of infringement tied to Uniswap’s protocol code.

Possible settlements or alternative dispute-resolution steps if parties seek to narrow the dispute without protracted litigation.

Sources & verification

Memorandum opinion and order by Judge Koeltl, February 10, Southern District of New York.

CourtListener docket: Bprotocol Foundation v. Universal Navigation Inc. (docket page cited in filing history).

Hayden Adams’ X post reacting to the ruling.

Bancor’s patent infringement allegations against Uniswap as documented in prior coverage.

What the ruling changes for DeFi and IP strategy

Uniswap’s procedural win reinforces the importance of framing crypto innovations in terms of concrete technical improvements rather than broad economic practices. For developers, it underscores the need to articulate how a protocol’s specific architecture—beyond generic pricing formulas—contributes a novel, non-obvious technical solution. For plaintiffs, the decision emphasizes the necessity of tying claims to verifiable technical embodiments, such as particular code features or protocol configurations, that clearly differ from ordinary market operations.

What to watch next

Going forward, observers will closely track whether a revised complaint could survive the patent-eligibility hurdle and, if so, how the court will evaluate whether a claimed feature meaningfully transforms an abstract idea into patent-eligible subject matter. The interplay between public blockchain code and patented concepts is likely to remain a focal point as more DeFi projects navigate IP risk in a rapidly evolving regulatory and judicial environment.

Rewritten Article Body

Judicial decision reframes patent-eligibility in a DeFi dispute between Bancor-affiliated plaintiffs and Uniswap

In a decision that foregrounds the ongoing jurisprudence around crypto patents, a New York federal court ruled that Bancor-affiliated plaintiffs’ claims against the Uniswap ecosystem are directed to abstract ideas rather than concrete, patentable inventions. The Southern District of New York, applying the Supreme Court’s two-step framework for patent eligibility, concluded that the core concept—calculating currency exchange rates to facilitate transactions—lacks the inventive concept required to qualify for patent protection. The ruling focuses on US patent law’s limits, not on the operational legitimacy of Uniswap’s decentralized exchange (Uniswap), which remains a foundational player in the DeFi space.

The plaintiffs—Bprotocol Foundation and LocalCoin Ltd.—had alleged that Uniswap’s protocol infringed patents tied to a “constant product automated market maker” mechanism that underpins many liquidity pools on decentralized exchanges. The court’s analysis rejected the argument that merely implementing a pricing formula on blockchain infrastructure could overcome the abstract-idea hurdle. In its view, the use of existing blockchain and smart contract technologies to address an economic problem does not constitute a patentable invention. The court emphasized that limiting an abstract idea to a particular technological environment does not convert it into patent-eligible subject matter, and it found no further inventive concept that would transform the abstract idea into patentable territory.

Crucially, the memorandum explained that the asserted claims cover the abstract idea of determining exchange rates for transactions rather than a specific, novel technical improvement. The court highlighted that “currency exchange is a fundamental economic practice,” and that the claimed method amounted to nothing more than a mathematical transformation performed in a blockchain-enabled setting. The decision expressly notes that merely asserting a mathematical formula within a decentralized framework does not, by itself, generate eligibility. The ruling also rejected arguments that a particular linkage to reserve ratios in Uniswap’s code or ecosystem would rescue the claims from the abstract-idea category.

Beyond the abstract-idea assessment, the court dismissed the infringement theories levelled by the plaintiffs. It found that the amended complaint failed to plausibly plead direct infringement—specifically, that Uniswap’s publicly available code embodies the claimed reserve ratio constants. Claims of induced and willful infringement were likewise dismissed, with the court stating that the plaintiffs did not credibly show that Uniswap’s team had knowledge of the patents before the lawsuit was filed. The dismissal was without prejudice, preserving the option for the plaintiffs to file an amended pleading that could address these shortcomings.

The decision came with a notable public response: Hayden Adams, the founder of Uniswap, took to X to acknowledge the outcome, signaling a morale boost for developers and teams operating in the open-source DeFi space. The public posting underscored the practical impact of court rulings on the culture and momentum of decentralized finance development.

The procedural posture of the case remains in flux. While Uniswap’s legal team secured a favorable procedural ruling, the case is not over. The plaintiffs have 21 days to amend their complaint; failure to do so would convert the dismissal into one with prejudice, effectively ending the action barring any new claims. If Bancor and LocalCoin elect to proceed with an amended filing, the court will scrutinize whether the revised claims meet the patent-eligibility standard and sufficiently articulate any alleged infringement in a way that satisfies the pleading requirements set forth by the court.

In the broader context, the decision contributes to a growing body of decisions that caution against overbroad or abstract patent claims in the crypto and DeFi space. It reinforces the premise that software-driven financial concepts—however novel in a blockchain setting—must advance a concrete technical improvement to clear the patent bar. The outcome also signals that, for now, DeFi projects focusing on open, interoperable codebases may enjoy a degree of protection from aggressive patent assertions based on abstract pricing ideas, at least until a more precise standard for crypto-specific technology claims emerges in the courts.

This article was originally published as Uniswap Grabs Early Win as US Judge Dismisses Bancor Patent Lawsuit on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

S&P Global Ratings has assigned preliminary credit ratings to Ledn Issuer Trust 2026-1, marking the first rated securitization backed by a portfolio of Bitcoin-collateralized loans. The $200 million transaction bundles 5,441 short-term, fixed-rate loans extended to 2,914 U.S. retail borrowers, all secured by Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) held with a regulated U.S. custodian. As of Dec. 31, 2025, the loans were backed by 4,078.87 BTC valued at roughly $356.9 million. The structure includes overcollateralization, liquidation triggers and a liquidity reserve to mitigate market volatility and repayment risk.

Key takeaways

S&P assigned preliminary ratings of BBB- (sf) to the $160 million Class A notes and B- (sf) to the $28 million Class B notes.

The securitization is backed by 5,441 fixed-rate, short-term balloon loans secured by 4,078.87 BTC.

Aggregate outstanding principal stood at $199.1 million against collateral valued at approximately $356.9 million as of Dec. 31, 2025.

Each loan has a tenor of 12 months or less and requires a single bullet repayment at maturity or upon default.

A liquidity reserve equal to 5% of the outstanding note balance at closing supports payment stability during the early life of the deal.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The development concerns structured credit markets rather than immediate spot demand for Bitcoin.

Market context: Institutional engagement with crypto markets has expanded beyond spot ETFs and custody into structured credit, as traditional capital markets test securitization frameworks for digital asset-backed lending.

Why it matters

This transaction represents a structural milestone for crypto-backed lending. By applying traditional asset-backed securities frameworks to Bitcoin-collateralized loans, the deal introduces standardized credit analysis and transparency into a segment previously dominated by private or offshore platforms.

For institutional investors, rated tranches provide clearer risk segmentation. Senior notes benefit from structural protections and overcollateralization, while junior tranches absorb higher volatility risk. This layered approach may broaden participation among investors that require formal credit ratings.

For borrowers and crypto-native lenders, the transaction signals that regulated securitization channels are becoming accessible. However, it also places greater emphasis on operational rigor, collateral management and liquidity controls.

What to watch next

Whether final ratings differ from the preliminary BBB- and B- assessments after closing.

Performance of the collateral during the 12-month loan cycle, particularly under Bitcoin price volatility.

Potential replication of similar securitizations by other crypto lenders.

Evolution of eligibility criteria and concentration limits during the revolving period.

Sources & verification

Preliminary ratings announcement dated Feb. 9, 2026.

Presale documentation for Ledn Issuer Trust 2026-1.

Transaction data reflecting 4,078.87 BTC collateral and $199.1 million outstanding principal as of Dec. 31, 2025.

Published structured finance criteria referenced in the ratings analysis.

Bitcoin-Backed Loans Enter Rated Structured Credit Markets

The assignment of preliminary ratings to Ledn Issuer Trust 2026-1 marks a notable step in the convergence of digital assets and traditional structured finance. The transaction packages a portfolio of short-term Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)-secured consumer loans into asset-backed securities, applying established credit methodologies typically reserved for credit cards, auto loans or mortgage-backed products.

The securitization comprises 5,441 fixed-rate balloon loans extended to 2,914 unique borrowers. Each loan carries a maturity of no more than 12 months and is structured with a single lump-sum repayment of principal and accrued interest at maturity, or earlier if triggered by default. There are no interim amortization payments during the life of the loan, increasing the importance of collateral management and liquidation protocols.

As of the Dec. 31, 2025 statistical cutoff date, the outstanding principal across the initial loan pool totaled $199.1 million. Those obligations were secured by 4,078.87 BTC with an estimated fair market value of approximately $356.9 million. This substantial overcollateralization provides a buffer against adverse price movements in Bitcoin, though it does not eliminate volatility risk.

The deal includes a revolving period during which additional eligible fixed-rate loans may be purchased by the issuer. An initial $0.9 million cash deposit in a funding account supports these acquisitions. Eligibility standards and concentration limits are embedded in the transaction documents to prevent material deterioration in portfolio quality during this period.

Two tranches of notes have received preliminary ratings. The $160 million Class A notes were assigned a BBB- (sf) rating, reflecting investment-grade credit characteristics under structured finance criteria. The $28 million Class B notes were assigned a B- (sf) rating, indicating higher relative risk and subordinated exposure within the capital structure.

The ratings assessment incorporates multiple stress scenarios. Analysts evaluated the issuer’s capacity to meet interest and principal payments by the legal final maturity date under severe market conditions. Particular emphasis was placed on the servicer’s operational ability to liquidate Bitcoin collateral promptly in the event of borrower default. In crypto-backed lending, collateral execution speed can materially influence recovery outcomes.

The transaction also benefits from a liquidity reserve funded at closing with cash equal to 5% of the outstanding note balance, or $9.4 million at issuance. This reserve is designed to cover temporary payment disruptions and remains at a 5% target level for the first 11 months. It then steps down to 4% in month 12, 3% in month 13 and stabilizes at 2% from month 14 onward until full repayment.

Early amortization triggers further protect noteholders. If specified performance thresholds are breached, the revolving period ends and principal collections accelerate to repay investors. These structural safeguards mirror those found in conventional consumer ABS transactions.

Operational considerations also weighed heavily in the ratings analysis. The evaluation referenced counterparty risk frameworks, asset isolation criteria and legal protections typical of U.S. structured finance. The collateral is held with a regulated U.S. custodian, and the transaction is governed by U.S. law, reinforcing enforceability standards familiar to institutional capital markets participants.

While the ratings are preliminary and subject to change upon final documentation and closing conditions, the transaction signals a shift in how crypto-native lending can integrate with regulated capital markets. Rather than relying solely on balance-sheet funding or private capital, lenders are exploring securitization as a channel to distribute risk and expand liquidity.

This development does not necessarily translate into immediate directional pressure on Bitcoin prices. Instead, it represents infrastructure evolution. By transforming crypto-backed loans into rated securities, the transaction introduces standardized credit segmentation and third-party risk evaluation into a sector that historically operated outside traditional ratings frameworks.

For senior noteholders, the combination of overcollateralization, liquidity reserves and structural protections aims to mitigate downside exposure. Junior tranche investors accept greater sensitivity to price swings and default performance in exchange for potentially higher returns.

As crypto-collateralized lending matures, similar transactions could emerge, provided performance data supports the model. The sustainability of such structures will depend on collateral volatility management, operational efficiency in liquidation processes and adherence to eligibility standards during revolving periods.

The assignment of preliminary ratings underscores a broader trend: digital asset markets are increasingly interfacing with established credit systems. Whether this bridge expands will hinge on how these first transactions perform under real-world stress and whether institutional investors find the risk-return profile consistent with their mandates.

This article was originally published as S&P Rates First Bitcoin-Backed Loan Securitization on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Defend American Jobs, an affiliate of the crypto-focused Fairshake PAC, is planning a $5 million push to back Alabama Senate candidate Barry Moore, according to Bloomberg. The five-week campaign, set to roll out on broadcast television and the Fox News Channel, includes a Trump endorsement as part of its messaging. The reporting cites a Fairshake statement, underscoring how crypto-aligned political committees are leaning into federal races to shape policy considerations around digital assets. The move arrives amid a broader pattern of crypto-adjacent fundraising that has become a defining feature of contemporary U.S. politics, with parties and PACs leveraging media buys to influence voters on regulatory and market issues.

Key takeaways

Crypto-linked PACs are deploying large ad buys (millions) across major TV outlets to influence voters in Senate races where crypto policy is a live issue.

Fairshake is backed by notable crypto industry players, signaling the depth of corporate interest behind crypto-friendly political campaigns.

Barry Moore has a documented history of crypto-friendly positions, including past committee work and public statements endorsing a pro-crypto stance.

Past fundraising cycles show substantial crypto-related spending, with tens of millions directed toward pro-crypto candidates and policies.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $COIN

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The article centers on political fundraising rather than immediate market responses.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. Monitor policy developments and campaign activity for potential long-term crypto-market implications.

Market context: The episode illustrates how regulatory debates and macro-fund flows intersect with political campaigns, as crypto-friendly narratives gain traction in a climate of heightened attention to digital assets and related policy clarity.

Why it matters

The funding activity highlights a strategic approach by crypto interests to influence policy at a national level. Fairshake’s $5 million expenditure, backed by high-profile crypto affiliates, shows how political spending can be concentrated around candidates perceived as sympathetic to favorable regulatory treatment. The push also underscores how partisan environments can amplify crypto policy debates, potentially shaping how lawmakers address innovation, market structure, and consumer protections in the years ahead.

Barry Moore’s profile in this narrative is notable. Elected to the U.S. House in 2020, Moore served on the Agriculture Committee and has been associated with discussions around responsible crypto regulation, including the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. His public statements have aligned with a view of digital assets as integral to the state’s and the nation’s economic future. A December post on X appeared to reflect support for Trump’s crypto position and executive actions, reinforcing the broader pattern of crypto-leaning rhetoric among certain Republican lawmakers.

Observers point to independent assessments that rate Moore as strongly supportive of crypto, based on a track record of statements and policy positions. This kind of labeling—when aggregated by advocacy groups—helps investors and voters gauge which candidates might push for clearer rules, more predictable tax treatment, and policies that foster blockchain innovation. However, the policy landscape remains unsettled, with regulators and lawmakers weighing a range of approaches to digital assets and market infrastructure. The Alabama polling data cited in local coverage suggests a demographic segment receptive to pro-crypto messaging, even as battles over specifics persist.

What to watch next

Watch the five-week ad schedule for Moore’s campaign, including potential follow-ups on Fox News and other broadcast outlets.

Monitor any new statements from Fairshake or its affiliates about policy positions, as the fundraising narrative evolves ahead of the primary and general election.

Track regulatory developments in Washington related to digital assets that could influence campaign messaging and voter concerns.

Observe polling updates in Alabama and other states where crypto-leaning politicians are contesting elections, as shifts could alter fundraising dynamics.

Sources & verification

Bloomberg Government reporting on Fairshake’s $5 million Alabama Senate primary ad buy and Trump endorsement.

The Fairshake statement cited by Bloomberg outlining support for Barry Moore and the five-week media push.

References to Fairshake’s backing by Coinbase and Ripple Labs and the broader crypto-aligned PAC ecosystem.

Historical spending by crypto-related PACs, including a figure around $130 million in the 2024 elections.

Alabama Daily News poll data showing initial voter preferences for Moore and Marshall in a February snapshot.

Crypto influence in Alabama politics and the midterms

Defend American Jobs’ $5 million commitment to back Barry Moore illustrates how crypto-aligned fundraising seeks to shape policy conversations ahead of the midterms. The campaign’s five-week plan, anchored in television and cable advertising, reflects a broader strategy: deploy high-impact media in key markets to foreground a crypto-friendly economic narrative. The Bloomberg report underscores that Fairshake’s approach includes support from a constellation of industry players, and it notes that the PAC’s actions are part of a wider effort to elevate crypto policy in electoral debates. The involvement of a presidential figure in the messaging—Donald Trump—also signals the high-level salience of digital-asset policy among partisans and donors as they map out policy priorities for the coming years.

Beyond the Alabama race, the story speaks to the persistence of crypto-asset policy as a political issue. Fairshake’s public positioning, supported by industry backers, demonstrates how corporate resources are deployed to influence voters’ perceptions of digital assets, market structure, and regulatory clarity. The fact that Fairshake is described as one of the most prominent crypto-related PACs—backed by major players—highlights the scale of financial flows that can accompany policy debates. As crypto advocates argue for clearer rules and more predictable frameworks, lawmakers who express supportive positions could become central figures in shaping the regulatory environment that will govern innovation, exchanges, and the broader ecosystem.

Barry Moore’s record and public statements contribute to a broader pattern in which certain members of Congress articulate a forward-looking view of crypto as economic infrastructure rather than a niche technology. From his early congressional tenure to his more recent statements, Moore has tied his messaging to the idea that crypto is part of Alabama’s—and America’s—future. The X post from December, implying alignment with Trump’s stance on crypto, reinforces this posture in a political climate where party alignment and donor influence can translate into policy signals with real-world implications for the industry’s growth and regulatory trajectory. In parallel, local polling indicates a receptivity to pro-crypto messaging among Republican voters, suggesting that fundraising narratives could gain traction as campaigns scale their outreach ahead of primary and general elections.

What to watch next

Track the continuation of Moore’s ad campaigns as the five-week window unfolds, including potential interviews and discussions on crypto policy among campaign surrogates.

Watch for further disclosures from Fairshake and its industry partners regarding policy positions and voting records that align with crypto-friendly approaches.

Follow regulatory developments at the federal level that could influence campaign messaging, such as discussions around tax treatment, market structure, and consumer protections for digital assets.

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This article was originally published as Crypto Super PAC to Pour $5M Into Barry Moore’s Senate Bid: Report on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

The tokenized commodities market has posted a striking resurgence, climbing 53% in under six weeks to exceed $6.1 billion in total value. The surge positions this segment as the fastest-growing corner of real-world asset tokenization, driven by expanding on-chain access to gold and other physical assets. Investors are increasingly seeking regulated, blockchain-enabled exposure to tangible assets, and the data indicate a material shift in demand toward tokenized commodities as a mainstream route to diversification.

Key takeaways

The tokenized commodities market rose 53% in less than six weeks to top $6.1 billion, marking rapid expansion within real-world asset tokenization.

Gold-backed tokens dominate the segment, led by Tether’s XAUt and Paxos-listed PAX Gold, with market capitalizations of about $3.6 billion and $2.3 billion respectively in the recent period.

Year-over-year growth for tokenized commodities reached about 360%, outpacing tokenized stocks and tokenized funds by wide margins.

Tether expanded its tokenized-commodities footprint by acquiring a $150 million stake in Gold.com, signaling deeper integration of XAUt into mainstream gold platforms and potential USDt purchase options for physical gold.

Gold’s price momentum complemented the on-chain story, with gold hitting all-time levels in late January before consolidating in the $5,000s—while Bitcoin faced a separate price trajectory, remaining volatile after a broader market downturn.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $PAXG

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The article detailing asset issuance and price movements centers on on-chain tokenized assets rather than immediate price shifts in major cryptos.

Market context: The expansion of tokenized commodities underscores a broader push to transform physical assets into liquid, tradable on-chain instruments, even as traditional cryptocurrencies navigate their own volatility and macro-driven flows.

Why it matters

The growth of tokenized commodities—especially gold-backed tokens—reflects a notable pivot in how stakeholders access and leverage real-world assets. By converting physical metals into blockchain-tradable instruments, issuers aim to deliver improved liquidity, auditable on-chain provenance, and potentially broader reach to investors who prefer digital-native channels. The leading force in this sector is gold, which remains a cornerstone of the tokenized market and is increasingly integrated with mainstream platforms via strategic partnerships and cross-chain tooling.

Tether’s strategic expansion into tokenized gold signals both confidence in the asset class and a practical bridge between stablecoins and precious metals. The company’s $150 million stake in Gold.com represents not just capital but a potential pathway for the on-ramping of USDt into physical gold purchases. By aligning XAUt with Gold.com’s user base, the ecosystem could see more users transact in gold-backed tokens and, in turn, push higher liquidity across tokenized gold markets. The move also aligns with broader efforts to broaden access to real assets through on-chain rails, potentially lowering barriers for investors who want exposure without the logistical complexities of holding physical metal.

On the price side, gold has rallied meaningfully, reflecting a period of elevated demand for tangible assets amid macro uncertainty. In late January, gold touched striking levels around a then-new high, underscoring why tokenized gold remains attractive to market participants seeking a combination of liquidity and hedging characteristics. While the on-chain narrative emphasizes growth and access, the traditional price dynamics of gold provide important context for the overall momentum in tokenized commodities. Bitcoin, by contrast, has faced its own pressures, trading below record highs for extended stretches and prompting debates about whether it should be viewed as a digital safe-haven or a high-growth asset with its own risk profile.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has moved through a volatile period since October, when a broader crypto market downturn triggered substantial liquidations. After a roughly 52% drop from an early-October peak to around $60,000, the asset has bounced back toward the high $60,000s to near $69,000 in recent readings, according to market data. Investors continue to debate whether Bitcoin remains a store of value or behaves more like a software-growth asset in the current macro regime. The discussion is not purely academic; it shapes how capital allocators perceive risk, correlation with traditional markets, and the appetite for real-world assets that promise on-chain transparency and settlement efficiency.

Beyond price action, commentary from major industry players has emphasized a shift in narrative. Grayscale and others have argued that Bitcoin’s long-standing moniker as “digital gold” faces renewed scrutiny as the asset’s price dynamics resemble those of risk-on growth equities at times. Yet the tokenized-commodities space continues to distinguish itself with a separate value proposition: the ability to tokenize and trade assets with a real-world physical counterpart, governed by on-chain protocols and regulated custodians. The convergence of on-chain finance with traditional asset classes—exemplified by gold—highlights a broader trend toward real-world asset tokenization that could redefine liquidity, settlement speed, and investor access in coming quarters.

What to watch next

Follow the pace of growth in the tokenized commodities market, including quarterly or monthly updates on total market capitalization and the share of gold-backed tokens.

Monitor Tether’s integration of XAUt on Gold.com and any announced USDt-enabled pathways for acquiring physical gold, including potential new merchant partners or custodial arrangements.

Track gold price dynamics in relation to on-chain demand for tokenized gold products, noting any correlations with currency moves or macro risk sentiment.

Look for regulatory developments or disclosures that could affect on-chain commodity tokens, custody standards, or reporting requirements for tokenized assets.

Sources & verification

Token Terminal data on the growth and composition of the tokenized commodities market, including the six-week rise to $6.1B and relative YoY growth.

Tether’s stake in Gold.com and statements about integrating XAUt and exploring USDt-based purchases of physical gold.

Gold price commentary and all-time high levels around January, with the subsequent pullback and rebound figures.

Bitcoin price dynamics and market context, including the October crash and latest price movements tracked by primary market data aggregators.

On-chain tokenized gold tokens such as XAUt and PAXG, including market caps and year-over-year growth figures cited in official data releases and market dashboards.

Momentum in tokenized commodities reshapes on-chain gold access

The tokenized commodities space is gaining traction as a fast-moving segment within real-world asset tokenization. Data indicate a 53% surge in value over a period of fewer than six weeks, taking the total to north of $6.1 billion. This lift positions tokenized commodities as a leading growth vocation in the on-chain economy, with gold-backed tokens at the epicenter of the expansion. Token Terminal’s data illustrate the broader arc: starting the year just above $4 billion, the market has added roughly $2 billion in value since January, signaling not only robust demand but a structural shift toward digitized collateral and settlement layers for tangible assets.

Within the space, gold is the dominant force. Tether’s gold-backed token, XAUt, has been the primary driver of the ascent, contributing to a market capitalization of about $3.6 billion in the period under review. In second place sits Paxos-listed PAX Gold (CRYPTO: PAXG), which rose to approximately $2.3 billion. The prominence of gold tokens underscores the perceived safety and liquidity that on-chain representations of physical metal can provide in a market where traditional assets have faced friction and opacity. The top five largest tokenized commodities, according to Token Terminal’s dashboard, collectively show how gold’s on-chain footprint is outpacing other real-world assets in tokenized formats, reinforcing the sector’s potential to unlock new liquidity pools for long-only and hedged investors alike.

Year-over-year, the momentum is even more pronounced: the tokenized commodities market has surged roughly 360% compared with the previous year, a pace that outstrips the growth of tokenized stocks (about 42% over the same period) and tokenized funds (roughly 3.6%). The sector’s relative scale—now just over one-third of the $17.2 billion tokenized funds market and clearly larger than tokenized stocks at $538 million—emphasizes a broad reallocation toward tangible assets via blockchain rails. The ongoing evolution is not only about tokenizing gold but about building a broader ecosystem where gold, silver, and other real assets can be accessed with improved liquidity, transparency, and settlement efficiency.

Tether’s strategic foray into Gold.com illustrates how the ecosystem is layering on additional infrastructure to serve the growing demand for tokenized gold. By integrating XAUt into Gold.com’s platform, Tether is positioning USDt as a potential on-ramp to physical gold ownership, with discussions publicly framed around enabling customers to purchase physical gold using the stablecoin. The strategic fit is clear: a more seamless bridge from on-chain assets to physical metals could expand the user base for tokenized gold while also offering a practical use case for stablecoins beyond payments and liquidity provisioning. This development aligns with a broader trend of on-chain-native assets increasingly intersecting with traditional commodities markets, a synthesis that could reshape how institutions and individuals access and leverage gold as a hedge or strategic asset.

At the same time, gold itself has captured attention with a renewed leg higher. The spot price of gold climbed aggressively in the preceding year, surpassing earlier records and reaching fresh highs before a brief retreat. The price action reinforces gold’s bid as a traditional safe-haven asset, supplying a favorable backdrop for tokenized gold tokens to demonstrate both exposure and resilience in volatile market environments. Bitcoin, meanwhile, navigates its own course. After a pronounced fall from October’s peak, the benchmark cryptocurrency has rebounded in fits and starts, trading near the upper $60,000s to around $69,000 in recent readings. Market participants continue to wrestle with whether BTC represents a digital store of value or a high-growth instrument that may correlate with broader risk sentiment at times. This ongoing dialogue—between the on-chain commoditized world and the broader crypto universe—highlights the breadth of investor interest in assets that offer both liquidity and recognizable risk profiles.

As the sector matures, the central question becomes how tokenized commodities can sustain growth, attract institutional capital, and integrate with traditional financial ecosystems. The data show that the market’s expansion is not a peripheral trend but a substantive development in the crypto economy’s asset mix. If the pace persists, tokenized gold and other commodities could become a meaningful corridor for hedging, diversification, and strategic exposure within both crypto-native portfolios and more conventional investment strategies. The interplay between on-chain access to gold, stablecoin ecosystems, and physical-asset settlement could define a new phase of crypto-enabled real-world asset investing.

This article was originally published as Tokenized Commodities Market Crosses $6B as Gold Hits Historic Rally on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Robinhood’s latest earnings narrative paints a bifurcated picture: the platform’s overall revenue grew, but the crypto segment continued to grapple with a broader market downturn. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the trading platform reported net revenues of $1.28 billion, up 27% year over year yet beneath Wall Street consensus of about $1.34 billion. Crypto revenues declined sharply, falling 38% year over year to $221 million as digital asset markets cooled after the October downturn. On the bottom line, the company posted net income of $605 million and earnings per share of $0.66, modestly topping expectations of $0.63. For the full year, Robinhood tallied a record $4.5 billion in net revenues and $1.9 billion in net income, marking increases of 52% and 35%, respectively.

Key takeaways

Q4 net revenues came in at $1.28 billion, missing the approximately $1.34 billion expected by analysts, even as the company delivered a 27% YoY increase.

Crypto revenues dropped to $221 million in Q4, a 38% year-over-year decline amid a bearish tilt in crypto markets that accelerated in October.

Notional crypto volumes across Robinhood’s app and its wholly owned exchange Bitstamp rose 3% QoQ to a record $82.4 billion, underscoring ongoing user engagement in crypto activity despite revenue softness.

Equity trading volumes grew more robustly in the quarter, up 10% QoQ to $710 billion, with options trading up 8% to 659 million contracts, highlighting diversification away from crypto into traditional assets.

Robinhood’s “other” transaction-based revenues — including its prediction markets and futures — surged to a quarterly record of $147 million, rising 375% year over year and surpassing equity trading revenues for the first time.

Shares in Robinhood (HOOD) fell in after-hours trading, down 7.66% to $79.04 after closing the regular session at $85.60, continuing a drawdown that has left the stock well below its October 2023 peak.

Tickers mentioned: $HOOD

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Negative. The stock moved lower in after-hours trading following the earnings release, reflecting investor disappointment with crypto revenues and the quarterly miss on consensus estimates.

Market context: The results come as a broader retail and crypto market backdrop remains fragile, with liquidity and risk appetite shifting as investors reassess the potential for mainstream adoption of crypto products within a unified “Financial SuperApp” strategy.

Why it matters

The quarterly numbers illustrate how Robinhood is trying to diversify beyond its origins as a stock-trading app. While the core platform posted a respectable top-line increase, the crypto business—once a high-growth driver—hit a wobble as the crypto cycle cooled. This divergence underscores a broader industry trend: even as retail interest in crypto persists, revenue generation from digital assets remains highly sensitive to price action and market sentiment. For a company positioning itself as a one-stop financial interface, crypto volatility adds a layer of risk to the pace and scale of user monetization.

At the same time, Robinhood’s willingness to lean into non-traditional revenue sources is evident. The quarterly ascent of “other” transaction-based revenues to $147 million, a 375% year-over-year climb, marked a watershed moment where prediction markets and futures began to outpace traditional equity trading revenues. The platform’s bet on event contracts, launched in partnership with Kalshi in March last year, appears to be paying off as traders seek derivatives tied to real-world outcomes. This diversification aligns with the company’s stated ambition to become a holistic Financial SuperApp, a longer-term thesis that hinges on expanding monetization across asset classes and product types.

From an investor perspective, the earnings mix highlights both opportunity and risk. The after-hours stock swing reflects heightened sensitivity to crypto headlines and quarterly revenue gaps. Yet, management’s ability to deliver record annual revenues and grow net income suggests a resilient operating model, buoyed by a mix of crypto exposure, growing volumes in traditional markets, and the rapid acceleration of ancillary products like prediction markets. The “Financial SuperApp” narrative remains intact, but the path to scale will likely depend on continuing to attract and retain a broad user base while extracting incremental margin from new product lines.

CEO Vlad Tenev reiterated a strategic thread that has persisted through earnings cycles: the company is relentlessly building out its suite of financial services to deepen user engagement and lifetime value. In the statement, he emphasized that “our vision hasn’t changed: we are building the Financial SuperApp.” That framing, if realized, could help Robinhood weather episodic crypto downturns by yielding a more stable and diversified revenue stream across products and geographies.

What to watch next

Next-quarter commentary on crypto revenue resilience: whether price action and user activity stabilize enough to revive crypto-related monetization.

Progress updates on the “Financial SuperApp” initiative, including product rollouts, cross-product usage metrics, and international expansion signals.

Regulatory developments affecting crypto trading and prediction markets, especially around consumer protections and platform liability.

Quarterly trends in notional crypto volumes versus other product categories to gauge ongoing demand shifts from crypto to traditional assets and derivative markets.

Follow-up on Kalshi partnership outcomes and the elasticity of revenue from event-based contracts as mainstream retail adoption evolves.

Sources & verification

Robinhood Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results — official press release

Zacks coverage comparing results to Wall Street estimates

Bitstamp and Robinhood crypto trading volume context and quarterly notional volumes

Robinhood launches betting markets hub with Kalshi — coverage of the prediction markets initiative

Robinhood earnings reveal crypto headwinds amid broader revenue growth

Robinhood (EXCHANGE: HOOD) reported mixed fourth-quarter results as the platform continues to diversify beyond its core trading app into crypto services and other revenue streams. In Q4 2025, the company tallied net revenues of $1.28 billion, a 27% year-over-year increase but below Wall Street consensus of roughly $1.34 billion. Crypto revenues declined sharply, falling 38% year over year to $221 million as digital asset markets cooled after the October downturn. On the bottom line, the company posted net income of $605 million and earnings per share of $0.66, modestly topping expectations of $0.63. For the full year, Robinhood tallied a record $4.5 billion in net revenues and $1.9 billion in net income, marking increases of 52% and 35%, respectively.

Notional crypto volumes across the app and its exchange Bitstamp rose 3% quarter-on-quarter to a record $82.4 billion in Q4, underscoring continued user engagement in digital assets despite soft revenue figures. By comparison, traditional equities activity remained stronger, with equity trade volumes up 10% QoQ to $710 billion and options trading rising 8% to 659 million contracts. The company’s foray into event-based contracts also bore fruit in the quarter, as Kalshi-backed prediction markets helped lift overall revenue from “other” transaction-based streams to a quarterly record of $147 million, up 375% year over year and surpassing the revenue generated from equity trades for the first time.

The quarterly narrative sits within a broader strategy to expand Robinhood’s product suite beyond stock and crypto trading. The company emphasized that the growth of prediction markets and futures was not a one-off spike but part of a deliberate pivot toward higher-margin, diversified revenue streams. While the crypto segment faced headwinds, the strength of non-traditional product lines suggests a path to resilience if demand for these instruments remains robust and regulators maintain a stable environment for retail access to alternatives.

Chairman and CEO Vlad Tenev framed the results within the larger ambition of building a comprehensive financial platform. “Our vision hasn’t changed: we are building the Financial SuperApp,” he said, highlighting that the business model is designed to leverage cross-product engagement and monetization across multiple asset classes. The market reaction to the earnings release reflects a cautious stance: investors weighed the crypto softness against the strength of other lines and the long-term potential of a broader platform ecosystem.

This article was originally published as Robinhood Q4 Earnings Miss as Crypto Revenues Decline on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.