CoindooOfficial

Phantom uvedl nový server MCP navržený tak, aby umožnil agentům umělé inteligence přímo interagovat s blockchainovými sítěmi, což znamená krok směrem k hlubší integraci mezi AI systémy a infrastrukturou decentralizovaného financování.

Hlavní poznatky:
Phantom spustil server MCP, který umožňuje agentům AI provádět on-chain transakce.
Agenti mohou vyměňovat tokeny, podepisovat transakce a spravovat adresy.

Nástroj je kompatibilní s Claudem, OpenClaw a dalšími klienty MCP.
Pohyb signalizuje rostoucí konvergenci mezi AI agenty a decentralizovaným financováním.

Hlavní kapitál se agresivně vrací do Bitcoinu, zatímco obchodní aktivita altcoinů ostře klesá, což signalizuje obranný posun na celém trhu s kryptoměnami.

Hlavní poznatky
Objemy altcoinů na Binance klesly téměř o 50 % od listopadu.
Bitcoin si znovu získal dominantní objem a nyní drží kolem 58–60 % podílu na trhu.
Velryby akumulovaly přes 100 000 BTC v roce 2026, což posiluje podporu blízko 65K $.
Hlavní kapitál se otáčí směrem k Bitcoinu, protože investoři hledají likviditu a stabilitu.
Po strmém poklesu se Bitcoin konsoliduje mezi 72 000 $ a 65 000 $, což je rozmezí, které se stalo bojištěm pro velryby, dlouhodobé držitele a institucionální investory. Obchodní aktivita v této zóně naznačuje, že velcí hráči aktivně akumulují, zatímco širší tržní sentiment zůstává opatrný.

Bitcoin oficiálně vstoupil do medvědího cyklu k únoru 2026, podle Ki Young Ju, generálního ředitele CryptoQuant. Tento závěr vyplývá z on-chain dat a institucionálních toků, které ukazují na strukturální změnu v dynamice trhu spíše než na dočasnou korekci.

Hlavní poznatky
Generální ředitel CryptoQuant Ki Young Ju říká, že Bitcoin vstoupil do jasného medvědího cyklu v únoru 2026.
Americké spotové Bitcoin ETF přešly od intenzivního nakupování v roce 2025 k čistému prodeji na začátku roku 2026.
Realizovaný kapacita Bitcoinu stagnovala, což signalizuje slabé čerstvé kapitálové toky a omezenou vzestupnou dynamiku.

Russian authorities are moving closer to a sweeping overhaul of the country’s cryptocurrency market, with foreign exchange platforms potentially facing blocks as early as summer 2026.
Key Takeaways
Foreign crypto exchanges could face DNS-level blocking in Russia starting summer 2026.A new licensing framework must be finalized by July 1, 2026.Domestic exchanges are preparing regulated crypto trading launches.Retail investors will face strict annual purchase limits.
The shift comes ahead of a July 1, 2026 deadline for lawmakers to finalize a national digital asset framework through the State Duma.
According to local reports, once the legislative package is adopted, enforcement could begin almost immediately. The country’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, is expected to target platforms that fail to secure a domestic license under the new rules.
DNS Blocking and Licensing Pressure
Experts anticipate that authorities may use DNS-level blocking - a method previously applied to platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp inside Russia. This technique prevents domain names from resolving on local servers, effectively making websites inaccessible without directly shutting them down globally.
Major international crypto venues, including Bybit and OKX, are reportedly among those that could face restrictions if they do not comply with domestic licensing requirements.
The broader objective is economic. Analysts estimate that roughly $15 billion in annual transaction fees currently flows to foreign platforms. Authorities appear determined to redirect that capital toward local financial infrastructure.
Both the Moscow Exchange and the St. Petersburg Exchange have confirmed plans to introduce regulated cryptocurrency trading by mid-2026, signaling that domestic alternatives are already in development.
Two-Tier Investor System
Under the draft framework, Russia plans to introduce a dual-class market structure beginning July 2026.
Non-qualified investors would be limited to purchasing up to 300,000 rubles - approximately $4,000 - per year through a single licensed intermediary. Participation would require passing a mandatory risk assessment.Qualified investors, on the other hand, would face no volume limits but would be prohibited from trading privacy-focused tokens such as Monero and Zcash. Lawmakers argue that these restrictions are necessary to curb anonymous transactions and strengthen oversight.
Importantly, cryptocurrencies will remain banned as a domestic payment method, reinforcing the government’s position that digital assets are investment instruments rather than currency substitutes.
Penalties for operating without a license - classified as “illegal intermediary activities” - are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. Proposed sanctions are reportedly aligned with punishments currently applied to unauthorized banking operations.
Europe’s Largest Crypto Market Faces Tightened Control
Despite limited formal regulation to date, Russia is considered Europe’s largest cryptocurrency market by transaction volume, processing an estimated 50 billion rubles - around $647 million - in daily activity.
At the same time, authorities are tightening oversight in related sectors. The Ministry of Energy has proposed a permanent mining ban in energy-sensitive regions such as Buryatia starting in 2026, citing grid stability concerns.
If implemented as outlined, the upcoming framework would mark one of the most aggressive restructurings of a major crypto market in Europe - shifting activity away from global platforms and toward a state-controlled ecosystem built around licensed domestic exchanges.
#crypto #russia

Exchange-traded fund flows tied to major cryptocurrencies were mixed on Feb. 17, reflecting cautious positioning ahead of key U.S. macro catalysts and ongoing volatility across digital assets.

Key Takeaways:
Bitcoin ETFs recorded approximately $104.9 million in net outflows.Ethereum ETFs attracted about $48.6 million in net inflows.Solana ETFs posted modest inflows of roughly $2.2 million.XRP ETF flows were unchanged on the day.
While Bitcoin products recorded net outflows, Ethereum funds drew fresh inflows, and Solana vehicles posted modest gains. XRP-related ETFs were flat.
Bitcoin
Spot Bitcoin ETFs posted a combined net outflow of approximately $104.9 million on Feb. 17. The largest redemptions came from BlackRock’s IBIT, which saw about $119.7 million in outflows. Smaller outflows were recorded across several other issuers, while select products such as Fidelity’s FBTC and Grayscale’s BTC Trust saw limited inflows.
The pullback follows several volatile sessions and underscores a more defensive tone among institutional investors. Despite intermittent inflow days earlier in the month, aggregate flows have turned more uneven as Bitcoin struggles to regain upside momentum.
Bitcoin was trading at $68,180.84, hovering near the upper end of its recent consolidation range. While the asset has rebounded from last week’s dip toward $60,000, it remains well below its October peak. ETF outflows suggest some investors are trimming exposure into strength rather than aggressively adding at current levels.
Ethereum
In contrast, spot Ethereum ETFs recorded net inflows of about $48.6 million on Feb. 17. BlackRock’s ETHA led gains with roughly $22.9 million in new capital, followed by Fidelity’s FETH with $14.4 million. Other issuers posted largely neutral flows.
The inflows mark a relative bright spot for Ethereum-linked products, particularly after a string of choppy sessions earlier this month. Institutional appetite appears more resilient for Ethereum at current levels, possibly reflecting expectations around staking dynamics and broader ecosystem development.Ethereum was trading at $2,020.95, holding above the psychological $2,000 level. While still down significantly from prior highs, the token has shown signs of stabilizing, supported by selective ETF demand.
Solana
Solana ETFs saw modest net inflows totaling approximately $2.2 million. Bitwise’s BSOL and Fidelity’s FSOL were among the products registering incremental gains, while other issuers remained flat.
The relatively small size of the flows reflects the still-developing nature of the Solana ETF market compared with Bitcoin and Ethereum. Even so, consistent positive flows may signal growing institutional interest in alternative layer-1 networks.
Solana was trading at $85.58, posting solid gains over the past week despite broader market uncertainty. Price resilience alongside steady ETF demand could provide near-term support.
XRP
XRP-related ETFs recorded no net inflows or outflows on Feb. 17, indicating a pause in allocation activity. The absence of movement suggests investors are waiting for clearer directional signals before adjusting exposure.
XRP was trading at $1.48, maintaining recent gains but facing resistance after a strong multi-day rally.
Overall, the divergence in flows highlights a more selective institutional approach to crypto exposure. With macroeconomic data and Federal Reserve communications in focus, ETF allocations may remain sensitive to shifts in interest rate expectations and broader risk sentiment.
#BitcoinETFs

Narativ Bitcoinu jako „digitální zlato“ čelil vážné zkoušce v roce 2025. Zatímco Bitcoin vstoupil do roku s silným momentum po velkém rally v roce 2024, zlato dosáhlo jednoho z nejlepších ročních výkonů za desetiletí. Divergence přeformulovala debatu o uchovávání hodnoty před rokem 2026.

Hlavní poznatky
Zlato vzrostlo přibližně o 55–65 % v roce 2025, dosáhlo nových historických maxim blízko 4 000 $ za unci.
Bitcoin skončil rok 2025 stabilně až negativně poté, co na začátku roku překonal 120 000 $.
Výhled na rok 2026 zůstává smíšený: zlato si udržuje strukturální pozitivní vlivy, zatímco Bitcoin závisí na obnovené likviditě a institucionálních katalyzátorech.

Miliardářský investor Peter Thiel a jeho investiční firma Founders Fund se úplně vzdali ETHZilla, což znamená rozhodující konec toho, co byla kdysi vysoce profilovaná sázka na pokladní model zaměřený na Ethereum společnosti.

Klíčové poznatky
Peter Thiel úplně opustil ETHZilla, čímž snížil svůj podíl z 7,5 % na 0 %.
Akcie se propadly zhruba o 97 % z maxim v roce 2025 uprostřed strategických problémů.
ETHZilla přešla z modelu pokladny Ethereum na tokenizaci leteckých motorů a jiných reálných aktiv.
Firma nyní nabízí očekávané výnosy kolem 11 %, čímž soutěží s dalšími platformami RWA.

Bitcoin’s prolonged downturn is entering a more fragile phase as long-term holders begin to show visible signs of stress, adding new pressure to an already weakened market structure.
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin is still over 45% below its all-time high.Long-term holders are now selling at a loss (LTH SOPR below 1).Inflows from LTHs to Binance are rising, signaling potential selling pressure.Retail continues to distribute while institutions absorb supply.
The asset is still trading more than 45% below its previous all-time high, and what initially looked like a healthy correction is increasingly resembling a deeper adjustment cycle. While short-term traders have borne much of the volatility in recent months, fresh data suggests that even seasoned investors are no longer immune.
Long-Term Holders Start Realizing Losses
One of the clearest warning signals comes from the Long-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (LTH SOPR), a metric that tracks whether long-term holders are selling at a profit or a loss. Historically, this group has been the backbone of Bitcoin’s resilience, typically distributing coins only during strong bullish phases.
However, the indicator has now slipped below the critical level of 1, falling to 0.88. When SOPR drops under 1, it means coins are being sold at a loss on average. This marks the first such occurrence since the end of the 2023 bear market. Although the annual average remains elevated at 1.87, the recent breakdown signals a shift in behavior.
In practical terms, long-term holders are beginning to capitulate at the margins, locking in losses rather than waiting for a full recovery. That transition often reflects mounting financial pressure and declining confidence in near-term upside.
Binance Inflows Signal Active Repositioning
At the same time, on-chain data shows a notable increase in Bitcoin inflows from long-term holders to Binance. Recent sessions recorded daily inflows reaching roughly double the annual average, with several consecutive spikes highlighting unusually elevated activity.
Such movements are rarely random. Binance’s deep liquidity makes it a preferred venue for executing large transactions, meaning that heightened inflows from this cohort are typically associated with preparation to sell or actively rebalance positions.

The pattern has been visible since the last all-time high but has intensified in recent weeks. Sustained inflow spikes suggest this is not isolated profit-taking but part of a broader repositioning process among large, experienced holders.
Retail Distribution Accelerates
Ownership data further reinforces this shift. Over the past two years, individuals have sold more than 1.2 million BTC - over 6% of the circulating supply. Retail investors have steadily reduced their exposure while ETFs, funds, and public companies have absorbed a significant portion of the supply.

This structural redistribution highlights a changing market composition. As retail distributes and institutional vehicles accumulate, volatility dynamics and liquidity flows evolve accordingly.
However, the recent increase in exchange inflows suggests that selling pressure has not fully subsided.
Rising Selling Pressure in a Fragile Market
The combination of LTH SOPR slipping into loss territory and elevated Binance inflows creates a concerning backdrop. When historically resilient holders begin realizing losses and simultaneously move coins onto exchanges, it often precedes heightened volatility.
While this does not guarantee further downside, it signals that the correction is entering an adjustment phase. Even long-term participants are actively managing exposure rather than passively holding through the storm.
If this trend persists, Bitcoin could remain under pressure in the short to medium term, as supply coming from experienced holders adds to an already cautious market environment.
#bitcoin

Italský bankovní gigant Intesa Sanpaolo výrazně zvýšil svou expozici vůči digitálním aktivům podle svého podání Form 13F ze dne 17. února 2026 u Komise pro cenné papíry a burzy USA.

Klíčové poznatky
Intesa Sanpaolo zvýšila svou expozici vůči spot Bitcoin ETF na 96 milionů dolarů do konce roku 2025.
Banka drží pozice v ARKB a IBIT, spolu s velkým zajištěním prostřednictvím put opcí MicroStrategy.
Menší alokace zahrnují Solana staking ETF a akcie v Circle.
Tento krok odráží širší trend evropských bank, které integrují regulované kryptoměnové produkty do portfolií klientů.

Bitcoin se nyní obchoduje v historicky důležité cenové zóně - zóně, která často fungovala buď jako odrazový můstek pro zotavení, nebo začátek hlubší kapitulace.

Klíčové poznatky
Bitcoin se obchoduje blízko historicky důležité zóny podpory.
Dlouhodobí držitelé začali prodávat se ztrátou, přičemž SOPR klesl na 0.88.

Toto chování bylo naposledy viděno na konci medvědího trhu v roce 2023.
Širší trend stále ukazuje, že většina dlouhodobých držitelů je v zisku.
Podle analytické platformy Alphractal se Bitcoin vznáší kolem klíčové úrovně podpory na základě průměrné ceny zaplacené krátkodobými držiteli. V minulých cyklech, když cena klesla do této oblasti, obvykle došlo k jedné ze dvou věcí: buď se vytvoří lokální dno, nebo trh vstoupí do silnějšího výprodeje před začátkem dlouhodobé akumulace.

Litecoin (LTC) strávil většinu minulého cyklu oscilováním mezi relevancí a stagnací.

Hlavní závěry
Litecoin se pravděpodobně bude obchodovat v rozmezí 95–120 USD v roce 2026 za základních podmínek.
Silný kryptoměnový cyklus 2027–2028 by mohl posunout LTC směrem k 150–200 USD.
Dlouhodobý růst směrem k 250–300 USD do roku 2030 silně závisí na expanze vedené Bitcoinem.
Jako jedna z nejstarších aktivně obchodovaných kryptoměn, pokračuje v práci jako likviditní most a transakční aktivum, ale její cenový výkon zaostává za novějšími narativy na trhu.

Strategy added 2,486 BTC for about $168.4 million, paying roughly $67,710 per coin, extending an accumulation strategy championed by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor.

Key Takeaways:
Strategy acquired 2,486 Bitcoin for approximately $168.4 million.Total holdings increased to 717,131 Bitcoin.The latest purchase price was below the company’s average cost basis.On-chain transaction fees fell to about $0.44 during the holiday period.
The purchase was disclosed alongside commentary highlighting the Bitcoin network’s ability to process global payments for less than $1 during a bank holiday weekend.

The latest acquisition lifts Strategy’s total holdings to 717,131 Bitcoin as of Feb. 16, 2026. The company said it has spent approximately $54.52 billion building its position, implying an average purchase price of about $76,027 per coin. The most recent buy was executed below that average cost, reinforcing the firm’s pattern of accumulating during periods of price weakness.
Bitcoin Network Fees Hold at Minimal Levels
Michael Saylor usually hints his Monday-Bitcoin buys on Sunday, but instead of announcing purchase on Monday, he shared network data on X with transaction fees quoted at 1 satoshi per virtual byte, translating to about $0.44 for an on-chain transfer.
Fee estimates were identical across immediate, hourly, daily and weekly confirmation windows, suggesting limited congestion and subdued demand for block space. The implied transaction cost was roughly 0.0003% of value transferred.

Supporters argue that low-fee environments underscore Bitcoin’s utility as a global settlement layer that operates continuously, even when traditional banking systems are closed. Detractors counter that fees can spike during periods of heightened activity, making costs less predictable.
Strategy, widely regarded as the largest known corporate holder of Bitcoin, has framed the digital asset as its primary treasury reserve. The company’s shares and related securities tend to move in tandem with Bitcoin’s price, amplifying market reactions to both accumulation updates and shifts in network conditions.
#bitcoin

Paxos is urging banks to stop viewing stablecoins as niche crypto tools and instead recognize them as foundational components of the global financial system.

Key Takeaways
Stablecoins are evolving into core financial infrastructure, not just crypto tools.Banks must now decide how - not whether - to integrate them.Paxos outlines four models: issue, white-label, support existing coins, or join shared networks.Institutional adoption is accelerating as regulatory clarity improves.
In its latest Stablecoin Strategy Guide for Banks, the firm argues that the industry has moved past experimentation and into what it describes as a “systems phase.”
According to the report, the debate is no longer about whether banks should engage with stablecoins - but how they should structure a compliant and scalable strategy.
A Shift From Closed Tokens to Open Infrastructure
Paxos says the “old playbook,” where institutions experimented with proprietary, closed-loop digital tokens, no longer reflects market reality. Stablecoins are now embedded in global liquidity flows, and issuers collectively hold more U.S. Treasuries than several sovereign nations, making them systemically relevant players in debt markets.
The company outlines four strategic paths for banks:
Issuing their own branded stablecoin using regulated infrastructureWhite-labeling a partner-issued tokenSupporting established regulated coins such as PayPal USD (PYUSD) or USDPJoining shared settlement networks focused on cross-border payments
At the core of Paxos’ framework is what it calls the “regulated trust company” model. This structure, it argues, offers bankruptcy remoteness, strict 1:1 asset backing, and risk management standards aligned with bank-grade requirements.
Stablecoins Enter the “Systems Phase” in 2026
The guidance comes as the stablecoin sector evolves beyond a single dominant token model. New launches such as USAD - designed for confidential B2B transactions - reflect a growing trend toward segmented, use-case-specific digital dollars rather than one universal coin.
Institutional adoption is also accelerating. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp. is preparing stablecoin initiatives for cross-border settlements, while a consortium of nine European banks is reportedly developing joint deployments aimed at improving payment efficiency across jurisdictions.
Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla has described blockchain infrastructure as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, particularly for community banks seeking to compete with larger institutions. By leveraging stablecoins for faster settlement and global reach, smaller banks could narrow the competitive gap without building costly proprietary systems from scratch.
Regulatory Validation and Expansion
Paxos’ positioning is reinforced by a key regulatory milestone. In July 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission formally closed its investigation into BUSD without recommending enforcement action, marking a legal victory for the company’s regulated issuance model.
Since then, Paxos has expanded its infrastructure footprint. The firm continues to issue PYUSD for PayPal and recently acquired digital asset custody provider Fordefi to strengthen institutional services.
The broader message is clear: stablecoins are transitioning from crypto utility to financial plumbing. For banks weighing their next move, Paxos argues the competitive risk now lies not in participation - but in standing still.
#Paxos

Ostrý pokles Bitcoinu a širšího trhu s kryptoměnami může vysílat raný varovný signál pro tradiční finanční trhy, podle stratéga Bloombergu Mikea McGlonea.

Hlavní poznatky
Pokles Bitcoinu by mohl signalizovat širší slabost trhu.
Ocenění akcií v USA jsou na extrémních úrovních, zatímco volatilita zůstává neobvykle nízká.
Zlato a stříbro získávají na síle, zatímco riziková aktiva ztrácejí momentum.
Dlouhodobá strategie „kupování poklesů“ může být na pokraji konce.
Ve své nejnovější analýze tvrdí, že pokles digitálních aktiv by mohl předznamenat další recesi v USA a znamenat konec dlouhotrvající éry „kupování poklesů“, která definovala trhy od finanční krize v roce 2008.

Krátkodobé technické projekce naznačují, že by ADA mohl na konci měsíce stoupat, i když širší struktura grafu zůstává opatrná.

Klíčové závěry
ADA se obchoduje kolem 0,30 $ po měsíčním poklesu téměř o 25 %, což ukazuje známky krátkodobé stabilizace.
Únorové projekce umisťují ADA do rozmezí 0,298–0,324 $, s průměrným cílem blízko 0,311 $.
Technické signály jsou mírně býčí na krátkodobém horizontu, ale zůstávají medvědí na delších časových rámcích.
Cardano (ADA) se snaží stabilizovat po volatilním začátku roku 2026. Obchoduje se blízko 0,30 $ k 16.–18. únoru, token se v posledních seancích vzpamatoval přibližně o 4 % a za poslední týden je výše asi o 7 %. Tento pohyb následuje po ostřejším měsíčním poklesu téměř o 25 % z úrovní kolem 0,37 $, což činí únor potenciální fází konsolidace spíše než rozhodující obrat trendu.

Generální ředitel SBI Holdings Yoshitaka Kitao popřel zprávy, že japonská finanční skupina má přímou pozici v XRP v hodnotě 10 miliard dolarů, místo toho objasnil, že firma drží akciový podíl přibližně 9% ve společnosti Ripple Labs.

Hlavní body:
Generální ředitel SBI Yoshitaka Kitao popřel tvrzení o přímém držení XRP v hodnotě 10 miliard dolarů.
Firma potvrdila, že drží přibližně 9% podíl ve společnosti Ripple Labs.

Objasnění rozlišuje mezi expozicí tokenů a korporátním vlastnictvím.
Podíl Ripple se strukturálně liší od držení XRP v bilanci.

XRP čelí obnovené pozornosti po tom, co Standard Chartered ostře snížil svou cenovou prognózu na konci roku 2026 na 2,80 $. Upravený cíl představuje 65% snížení oproti předchozí projekci banky 8 $ a odráží to, co její tým výzkumu digitálních aktiv popisuje jako daleko nepřátelštější makroekonomické pozadí.
Snížení hodnocení přichází v době, kdy se globální likviditní podmínky zpřísňují a rizikové aktiva zůstávají pod tlakem. XRP, které nedávno dosáhlo 1,66 $ před poklesem o zhruba 16 %, se nyní obchoduje blíže k rozmezí 1,48 $ - 1,50 $. Tento krok zdůrazňuje, jak rychle se sentiment změnil v širším kryptomarketu.

Tensions are rising between Binance and parts of the U.S. media and regulatory ecosystem after allegations surfaced that the exchange failed to act on transactions linked to sanctioned Iranian entities.

Key Takeaways
Binance denies any sanctions violations and rejects claims of retaliatory firings.The disputed transactions involved USDT on Tron between 2024 and 2025.The allegations come during heightened U.S. enforcement targeting entire crypto exchanges tied to Iran.Stablecoins are under growing scrutiny as part of Washington’s broader sanctions strategy.
The controversy comes at a time when Washington is sharply escalating enforcement actions against crypto platforms tied to Tehran.
The dispute was triggered by an investigative report claiming that internal compliance staff had identified nearly $1 billion in transactions connected to Iranian actors between March 2024 and August 2025. According to the report, the activity involved Tether (USDT) operating on the Tron blockchain, and several investigators were allegedly dismissed after raising concerns.
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, publicly pushed back against the claims. He said an internal review - conducted with the support of external legal counsel - found no evidence of sanctions breaches tied to the flagged transactions. Teng also denied that any employees were terminated in retaliation, stating that staff departures were based on legitimate internal decisions and emphasizing that Binance maintains whistleblower protections.
https://twitter.com/_RichardTeng/status/2023236909263413424
The exchange has formally requested corrections to the reporting.
Allegations Surface During Ongoing U.S. Monitorship
The timing of the accusations adds another layer of sensitivity. Binance is currently operating under a government-imposed monitorship following its $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in 2023 over prior compliance failures. That agreement placed the company under heightened regulatory supervision.
The transactions in question reportedly occurred over a 17-month window and centered on USDT transfers via the Tron network. While Binance disputes wrongdoing, the broader regulatory environment has grown increasingly hostile toward platforms accused of facilitating Iran-related activity.
Washington Targets Entire Exchanges, Not Just Wallets
In early 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury - through its Office of Foreign Assets Control - shifted its strategy. Instead of focusing mainly on individual crypto wallets, authorities began blacklisting entire exchanges accused of enabling sanctioned entities.
January saw a landmark move against UK-registered exchanges Zedcex and Zedxion, which were sanctioned for allegedly processing transactions tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. One of the platforms reportedly handled more than $94 billion in transactions since 2022. The exchanges were linked to Babak Morteza Zanjani, an Iranian businessman previously convicted of major financial crimes.
Earlier enforcement waves targeted Garantex, which was accused of facilitating ransomware-related flows. When a successor platform, Grinex, emerged, U.S. authorities moved quickly to designate it as well, citing billions in processed transactions. In 2024, Cryptex and PM2BTC were also identified for allegedly servicing cybercriminal networks.
This widening crackdown signaled a strategic pivot: regulators are now going after the infrastructure layer of crypto markets rather than isolated addresses.
Stablecoins Under Intensifying Scrutiny
Stablecoins have become a central focus of enforcement. Reports that Iran’s central bank acquired more than $500 million in USDT to help stabilize the rial have amplified regulatory concerns. Exchanges that facilitate large-scale stablecoin liquidity - including Binance and others - now face closer examination.
Under the direction of President Donald Trump, the Treasury has intensified what it describes as a renewed “maximum economic pressure” campaign. A February 2026 executive order authorized tariffs of up to 25% on countries that continue trading with Iran, underscoring a broader geopolitical strategy that extends beyond digital assets.
A Defining Moment for Crypto Compliance
The clash between Binance and its critics reflects a broader transformation in global crypto oversight. As U.S. authorities escalate sanctions enforcement and target entire exchange ecosystems, major platforms are under pressure to demonstrate airtight compliance controls.
For Binance, already navigating post-settlement supervision, the current allegations arrive at a delicate moment. Whether the dispute results in formal regulatory action or fades after internal reviews and media corrections, it highlights a new reality: in 2026, crypto exchanges are operating squarely within the geopolitical crosshairs.
#Binance

Onchain analyst Willy Woo has raised concerns that markets are beginning to price in a long-term quantum computing risk to Bitcoin, eroding its multi-year outperformance relative to gold.

Key Takeaways
Willy Woo argues that growing awareness of quantum “Q-Day” risk is weakening Bitcoin’s long-term valuation advantage over gold.Approximately 4 million BTC are considered lost, yet remain theoretically vulnerable to future quantum decryption.Markets may be applying a structural discount to Bitcoin as investors reassess cryptographic risk and scarcity assumptions.
According to Woo’s analysis, the prospect of “Q-Day” - the moment sufficiently advanced quantum computers could break current cryptographic standards, has disrupted Bitcoin’s 12-year uptrend in purchasing power when measured in gold ounces. The shift challenges the durability of the “digital gold” thesis and introduces structural uncertainty that could influence institutional allocation decisions over the coming decade.
Broken Trend: Bitcoin’s Purchasing Power Versus Gold
For more than a decade, Bitcoin steadily appreciated relative to gold, reinforcing its narrative as a superior store of value in digital form. Woo points to a structural break in that long-term trend, with Bitcoin’s valuation versus gold slipping amid rising discussion of quantum vulnerability.
https://twitter.com/willywoo/status/2023258903853834730
The market reaction is visible in recent performance: Bitcoin trades significantly below its all-time highs, while gold has regained favor among certain institutional allocators. Some strategists have reportedly rotated portions of portfolios from Bitcoin into gold, particularly for conservative mandates such as pension allocations.
The 4 Million BTC Question
Central to Woo’s thesis is the estimated 4 million BTC roughly 25–30% of total supply believed to be permanently lost due to inaccessible private keys. Although presumed immobile, many of these coins have exposed public keys onchain. In a scenario where quantum computers can efficiently run algorithms capable of deriving private keys from public keys, these coins could theoretically be recovered and reintroduced into circulation.
Such an event would materially alter Bitcoin’s scarcity profile. Woo characterizes the potential reactivation of lost coins as equivalent to years of institutional accumulation entering the market unexpectedly. Even if unlikely in the near term, the theoretical overhang may weigh on long-term valuation models.
Market Pricing and Governance Uncertainty
Woo estimates a minority probability of a hard fork scenario aimed at freezing vulnerable coins to preserve immutability principles, with the majority likelihood that Bitcoin’s governance remains unchanged. The mere existence of such debates introduces additional complexity to the asset’s risk framework.
While no imminent collapse is implied, the structural discount if sustained, could persist for years as markets weigh cryptographic resilience against physical asset security.
The AI–Quantum Nexus
The quantum risk debate intersects with accelerating advances in artificial intelligence. AI systems are increasingly used to optimize quantum algorithms, improve error correction, and reduce the computational requirements for breaking elliptic curve cryptography, the foundation of Bitcoin’s digital signatures.
Industry disclosures have acknowledged this risk. Major asset managers have referenced quantum computing as a material long-term threat to digital asset security in regulatory filings. While experts debate precise timelines, projections for practical quantum breakthroughs have shortened in some models, narrowing the perceived window for mitigation.
At the same time, AI is reshaping the energy landscape that underpins Bitcoin’s security. Global Bitcoin mining consumes an estimated 150–200 terawatt-hours annually, comparable to gold mining’s energy footprint. As hyperscale AI data centers expand, particularly in the United States electricity demand is rising sharply. Some mining operators are pivoting toward AI and high-performance computing workloads, generating materially higher revenue per megawatt than traditional mining operations.
This dual dynamic positions AI as both an accelerator of cryptographic risk and a catalyst for infrastructure evolution within Bitcoin’s ecosystem.
Gold’s Relative Stability in a Technological Era
Unlike digital assets, gold faces no cryptographic vulnerabilities. Its scarcity is governed by geology rather than code, and technological progress does not threaten its core security assumptions. In periods of heightened technological uncertainty, gold’s physical nature can appear comparatively insulated.
While AI also enhances exploration and extraction efficiency in gold mining, these advances do not undermine the metal’s fundamental store-of-value properties. The contrast highlights why some investors may favor gold amid emerging digital security concerns.
Pathways to Mitigation
Bitcoin developers have long acknowledged the need for eventual migration to post-quantum cryptographic standards. Potential solutions include new address formats, upgraded signature schemes, and phased transitions designed to preserve backward compatibility and minimize governance fragmentation.
Such adaptations would likely unfold over multiple years, reducing immediate systemic risk. Analysts note that even if vulnerable coins became technically recoverable, market behavior particularly among large holders would determine real-world impact.
Structural Discount or Temporary Repricing?
Woo’s analysis frames quantum risk not as an imminent crisis but as a structural variable increasingly embedded in valuation models. The shift challenges Bitcoin’s positioning relative to gold and introduces a technological dimension absent in traditional stores of value.
Whether markets continue to apply a long-term discount will depend on the pace of quantum development, progress toward post-quantum upgrades, and institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s adaptability. For now, the evolving debate underscores how emerging technologies can reshape asset narratives, even for systems built on cryptographic permanence.
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