CryptoTale News
Verified Creator
Crypto News outlet | Sharing market trends, regulatory updates, and all significant events.
#Unbiased opinions.
#Up-to-date information.
#Reliable source.
0 Following
25.8K+ Followers
3.4K+ Liked
477 Shared
Posts
Russian Central Bank Plans to Explore Ruble-Backed Stablecoin by 2026
Russia sets a 2026 review for a state-backed stablecoin amid shifting policy views.
New crypto rules may pass this spring, giving markets clearer operating ground.
Sanctions pressure and foreign frameworks push Moscow to explore digital options.
The Russian Central Bank is preparing to revisit an idea it has resisted for years: whether the country should issue a ruble-backed stablecoin. The shift surfaced during remarks by First Deputy Chairperson Vladimir Chistyukhin at the Alfa Talk conference in Moscow, where he confirmed that a full study is scheduled for 2026.
His comments, relayed by TASS, mark one of the clearest signs that the regulator is opening the door, if only slightly, to a tool it once dismissed outright. Chistyukhin said the review will reassess earlier objections, noting that developments abroad now warrant a closer look.
Once the research is complete, the findings will be put out for public discussion, giving lawmakers and markets their first formal window into the bank’s evolving position.
A Policy Reassessment After Years of Resistance
The Russian Central Bank spent years warning against the circulation of private digital assets, insisting that the digital ruble would be the only acceptable state-aligned alternative. Yet that line began to blur in 2025.
The regulator authorized an experimental regime for crypto transactions, then loosened restrictions on crypto derivatives soon after. By December of that year, the bank had outlined a broader regulatory blueprint.
The paper proposed recognizing decentralized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and various stablecoins, as “monetary assets.” It also called for a licensing regime to bring digital asset exchanges into a cleaner legal framework.
Even with those changes, officials kept pointing back to a single principle: the Russian ruble would remain the only legal tender. The upcoming review, however, does not signal a policy reversal; rather, it reflects a regulator trying to keep pace with a fast-moving landscape that no longer fits its older prohibitions.
Legislative Backing Expected in Spring Session
Chistyukhin also told reporters that the Russian Central Bank and the government expect the long-pending crypto regulation bill to clear the State Duma during the spring session. The legislation is designed to standardize how digital asset businesses operate inside the country.
If passed, it would give courts, regulators, and licensed platforms a clearer rulebook. Moreover, the study on a potential stablecoin will run alongside that legislative process, suggesting that the regulator does not want to move on one issue without clarity on the other.
Global Developments Influence Domestic Strategy
On the broader scale, global regulatory momentum is playing an unusually direct role in Moscow’s considerations. In the United States, the GENIUS Act has imposed structure on dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Across Europe, MiCA rules and the digital euro program have pushed the region toward formal oversight of euro-denominated tokens. These developments have not gone unnoticed in Moscow, where policymakers now see room to examine how similar instruments might fit into Russia’s monetary system.
Essentially, a ruble-backed stablecoin would differ from the digital ruble, which is issued directly by the state. Instead, it would function more like a tokenized instrument operating in markets that increasingly rely on regulated reserves and transparent backing.
Related: Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth
Sanctions and Market Demand Shape Debate
Russia’s financial isolation has accelerated interest in digital settlement tools. As a result, entities affected by sanctions have turned to digital assets to manage cross-border payments where traditional banking channels stumble or shut.
One example gaining traction is A7A5, a ruble-referenced stablecoin operating through infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan. Its rising transaction activity highlights a demand that the Russian Central Bank can no longer ignore.
By committing to a structured study, the Russian Central Bank appears intent on understanding whether a domestic stablecoin could reinforce monetary sovereignty without undermining financial stability. How far that review will go remains unclear, but for the first time, the question is officially on the table and no longer theoretical.
The post Russian Central Bank Plans to Explore Ruble-Backed Stablecoin by 2026 appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Russian Central Bank Plans to Explore Ruble-Backed Stablecoin by 2026 appeared first on Cryptotale.
New crypto rules may pass this spring, giving markets clearer operating ground.
Sanctions pressure and foreign frameworks push Moscow to explore digital options.
The Russian Central Bank is preparing to revisit an idea it has resisted for years: whether the country should issue a ruble-backed stablecoin. The shift surfaced during remarks by First Deputy Chairperson Vladimir Chistyukhin at the Alfa Talk conference in Moscow, where he confirmed that a full study is scheduled for 2026.
His comments, relayed by TASS, mark one of the clearest signs that the regulator is opening the door, if only slightly, to a tool it once dismissed outright. Chistyukhin said the review will reassess earlier objections, noting that developments abroad now warrant a closer look.
Once the research is complete, the findings will be put out for public discussion, giving lawmakers and markets their first formal window into the bank’s evolving position.
A Policy Reassessment After Years of Resistance
The Russian Central Bank spent years warning against the circulation of private digital assets, insisting that the digital ruble would be the only acceptable state-aligned alternative. Yet that line began to blur in 2025.
The regulator authorized an experimental regime for crypto transactions, then loosened restrictions on crypto derivatives soon after. By December of that year, the bank had outlined a broader regulatory blueprint.
The paper proposed recognizing decentralized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and various stablecoins, as “monetary assets.” It also called for a licensing regime to bring digital asset exchanges into a cleaner legal framework.
Even with those changes, officials kept pointing back to a single principle: the Russian ruble would remain the only legal tender. The upcoming review, however, does not signal a policy reversal; rather, it reflects a regulator trying to keep pace with a fast-moving landscape that no longer fits its older prohibitions.
Legislative Backing Expected in Spring Session
Chistyukhin also told reporters that the Russian Central Bank and the government expect the long-pending crypto regulation bill to clear the State Duma during the spring session. The legislation is designed to standardize how digital asset businesses operate inside the country.
If passed, it would give courts, regulators, and licensed platforms a clearer rulebook. Moreover, the study on a potential stablecoin will run alongside that legislative process, suggesting that the regulator does not want to move on one issue without clarity on the other.
Global Developments Influence Domestic Strategy
On the broader scale, global regulatory momentum is playing an unusually direct role in Moscow’s considerations. In the United States, the GENIUS Act has imposed structure on dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Across Europe, MiCA rules and the digital euro program have pushed the region toward formal oversight of euro-denominated tokens. These developments have not gone unnoticed in Moscow, where policymakers now see room to examine how similar instruments might fit into Russia’s monetary system.
Essentially, a ruble-backed stablecoin would differ from the digital ruble, which is issued directly by the state. Instead, it would function more like a tokenized instrument operating in markets that increasingly rely on regulated reserves and transparent backing.
Related: Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth
Sanctions and Market Demand Shape Debate
Russia’s financial isolation has accelerated interest in digital settlement tools. As a result, entities affected by sanctions have turned to digital assets to manage cross-border payments where traditional banking channels stumble or shut.
One example gaining traction is A7A5, a ruble-referenced stablecoin operating through infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan. Its rising transaction activity highlights a demand that the Russian Central Bank can no longer ignore.
By committing to a structured study, the Russian Central Bank appears intent on understanding whether a domestic stablecoin could reinforce monetary sovereignty without undermining financial stability. How far that review will go remains unclear, but for the first time, the question is officially on the table and no longer theoretical.
The post Russian Central Bank Plans to Explore Ruble-Backed Stablecoin by 2026 appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Russian Central Bank Plans to Explore Ruble-Backed Stablecoin by 2026 appeared first on Cryptotale.
Crypto Trafficking Networks Expand Worldwide in 2025: Chainalysis Reports
Cryptocurrency flows linked to trafficking networks rose sharply worldwide in 2025.
Stablecoins currently anchor escort and prostitution payment structures globally.
Subscriptions and cryptocurrency laundering are two ways that CSAM markets grow.
Cryptocurrency transactions tied to suspected human trafficking services surged 85% year over year in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new report from Chainalysis. The firm said the figures reflect only financial activity, while the real harm lies in the lives affected. Investigators linked the spike to Southeast Asia–based scam compounds, online gambling platforms, and Chinese-language money laundering networks operating through Telegram.
Although blockchain records expose financial trails, these networks continue to expand across borders. Chainalysis identified four main categories of suspected cryptocurrency-facilitated trafficking. These include Telegram-based “international escort” services, labor placement agents tied to scam compounds, prostitution networks, and child sexual abuse material vendors.
Each category shows distinct payment and transaction patterns that allow analysts to track operational structures.
Stablecoins Dominate Escort and Prostitution Networks
“International escort” services and prostitution networks rely almost entirely on stablecoins. Chainalysis found that nearly half of transactions on Telegram-based escort services exceed $10,000. Specifically, 48.8% of transfers surpassed that threshold, indicating organized operations with structured pricing.
By contrast, prostitution networks show mid-range payments. About 62% of transactions fall between $1,000 and $10,000, suggesting agency-level coordination rather than isolated actors. These payment tiers create predictable blockchain footprints.
Chainalysis also documented structured business models. One operation is advertised across major East Asian cities with prices from 3,000 RMB for hourly services to 8,000 RMB for extended arrangements, including international transport. Such standardized pricing produces identifiable transaction clusters for compliance teams.
Moreover, these escort services connect closely with Chinese-language money laundering networks and guarantee platforms such as Tudou and Xinbi. These services convert USD stablecoins into local currencies quickly. This rapid conversion may reduce concerns about asset freezes by centralized issuers.
Labor placement agents show similar financial patterns. Recruitment payments usually range from $1,000 to $10,000. These figures align with advertised pricing tiers shared in Telegram channels. Administrators even discuss methods to move detained workers across borders, including during Thailand–Cambodia tensions.
Related: North Korean Crypto Thefts Hit Record $2B in 2025: Chainalysis
Chainalysis linked one recruitment channel administrator to the “Fully Light Group,” a Kokang-based organization previously flagged by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for illegal gambling and money laundering.
CSAM Networks Shift Financial Tactics
Child sexual abuse material vendors show a different pattern. About half of related transactions fall under $100, reflecting low subscription fees. Many services now operate on monthly subscription models rather than pay-per-content systems.
While Bitcoin once dominated these payments, Chainalysis found that users increasingly adopted alternative Layer 1 networks. Operators increasingly turn to Monero for laundering proceeds from their illegal activities. The users depend on instant exchangers, which perform cryptocurrency swaps without requiring know-your-customer verification.
Geographic data revealed heavy use of U.S.-based infrastructure for clear web CSAM sites. IP addresses in South Korea, Spain, and Russia also appeared, though with smaller flows. Analysts said operators may leverage U.S. hosting for scale and reliability.
Chris Hughes, Internet Watch Foundation Hotline Director, said the organization identified 312,030 reports containing child sexual abuse images and videos in 2025, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. He stated, “Any payment information that we identify on commercial websites is captured and shared with global law enforcement and organizations like Chainalysis to disrupt further distribution.”
Global Reach and Monitoring Indicators
Geographic analysis shows that Chinese-language escort services operate across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Transaction flows also originated from Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia. These cross-border transfers reveal global reach.
Chainalysis outlined several monitoring indicators. The indicators derived from their study include two main components: large recurring payments to labor agents and high-volume activity through guarantee platforms and wallet clusters that connect to multiple illegal operations, stablecoin conversion cycles, and links to Telegram recruitment channels.
The investigators from this study investigate one main question that emerges from the growing use of cryptocurrency. The question they investigate asks whether blockchain technology can provide transparency that outmatches the fast development of trafficking networks.
The post Crypto Trafficking Networks Expand Worldwide in 2025: Chainalysis Reports appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Crypto Trafficking Networks Expand Worldwide in 2025: Chainalysis Reports appeared first on Cryptotale.
Stablecoins currently anchor escort and prostitution payment structures globally.
Subscriptions and cryptocurrency laundering are two ways that CSAM markets grow.
Cryptocurrency transactions tied to suspected human trafficking services surged 85% year over year in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new report from Chainalysis. The firm said the figures reflect only financial activity, while the real harm lies in the lives affected. Investigators linked the spike to Southeast Asia–based scam compounds, online gambling platforms, and Chinese-language money laundering networks operating through Telegram.
Although blockchain records expose financial trails, these networks continue to expand across borders. Chainalysis identified four main categories of suspected cryptocurrency-facilitated trafficking. These include Telegram-based “international escort” services, labor placement agents tied to scam compounds, prostitution networks, and child sexual abuse material vendors.
Each category shows distinct payment and transaction patterns that allow analysts to track operational structures.
Stablecoins Dominate Escort and Prostitution Networks
“International escort” services and prostitution networks rely almost entirely on stablecoins. Chainalysis found that nearly half of transactions on Telegram-based escort services exceed $10,000. Specifically, 48.8% of transfers surpassed that threshold, indicating organized operations with structured pricing.
By contrast, prostitution networks show mid-range payments. About 62% of transactions fall between $1,000 and $10,000, suggesting agency-level coordination rather than isolated actors. These payment tiers create predictable blockchain footprints.
Chainalysis also documented structured business models. One operation is advertised across major East Asian cities with prices from 3,000 RMB for hourly services to 8,000 RMB for extended arrangements, including international transport. Such standardized pricing produces identifiable transaction clusters for compliance teams.
Moreover, these escort services connect closely with Chinese-language money laundering networks and guarantee platforms such as Tudou and Xinbi. These services convert USD stablecoins into local currencies quickly. This rapid conversion may reduce concerns about asset freezes by centralized issuers.
Labor placement agents show similar financial patterns. Recruitment payments usually range from $1,000 to $10,000. These figures align with advertised pricing tiers shared in Telegram channels. Administrators even discuss methods to move detained workers across borders, including during Thailand–Cambodia tensions.
Related: North Korean Crypto Thefts Hit Record $2B in 2025: Chainalysis
Chainalysis linked one recruitment channel administrator to the “Fully Light Group,” a Kokang-based organization previously flagged by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for illegal gambling and money laundering.
CSAM Networks Shift Financial Tactics
Child sexual abuse material vendors show a different pattern. About half of related transactions fall under $100, reflecting low subscription fees. Many services now operate on monthly subscription models rather than pay-per-content systems.
While Bitcoin once dominated these payments, Chainalysis found that users increasingly adopted alternative Layer 1 networks. Operators increasingly turn to Monero for laundering proceeds from their illegal activities. The users depend on instant exchangers, which perform cryptocurrency swaps without requiring know-your-customer verification.
Geographic data revealed heavy use of U.S.-based infrastructure for clear web CSAM sites. IP addresses in South Korea, Spain, and Russia also appeared, though with smaller flows. Analysts said operators may leverage U.S. hosting for scale and reliability.
Chris Hughes, Internet Watch Foundation Hotline Director, said the organization identified 312,030 reports containing child sexual abuse images and videos in 2025, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. He stated, “Any payment information that we identify on commercial websites is captured and shared with global law enforcement and organizations like Chainalysis to disrupt further distribution.”
Global Reach and Monitoring Indicators
Geographic analysis shows that Chinese-language escort services operate across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Transaction flows also originated from Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia. These cross-border transfers reveal global reach.
Chainalysis outlined several monitoring indicators. The indicators derived from their study include two main components: large recurring payments to labor agents and high-volume activity through guarantee platforms and wallet clusters that connect to multiple illegal operations, stablecoin conversion cycles, and links to Telegram recruitment channels.
The investigators from this study investigate one main question that emerges from the growing use of cryptocurrency. The question they investigate asks whether blockchain technology can provide transparency that outmatches the fast development of trafficking networks.
The post Crypto Trafficking Networks Expand Worldwide in 2025: Chainalysis Reports appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Crypto Trafficking Networks Expand Worldwide in 2025: Chainalysis Reports appeared first on Cryptotale.
US Inflation Cools to 2.4% as Bitcoin Holds Near $69,000
Overall inflation remains within projections, and the headline CPI cools to 2.4%.
Monthly gains are driven by housing costs, while energy and gas prices decline.
Bitcoin improves by 3.88% as liquidity and Treasury returns influence the market.
Markets reacted to January U.S. inflation data showing headline CPI at 2.4% year over year, below the 2.5% estimate. Core inflation prints 2.5%, in line with forecasts, while Bitcoin trades near $68,894 and Treasury yields hover around 3.52%. Headline CPI rises 0.2% in January on a monthly basis, while core increases 0.3%, seasonally adjusted.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies shelter as the largest contributor to the monthly gain. Shelter climbs 0.2% during the month and stands 3.0% higher over the year.
Energy declines 1.5% in January, and gasoline drops 3.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis. Airline fares surge 6.5% during the month, while used cars and trucks fall 1.8%. Motor vehicle insurance slips 0.4%. Over 12 months, food prices rise 2.9% and energy edges down 0.1%.
Data Gaps and Market Reaction
The BLS notes missing CPI data for October and November 2025 due to a lapse in appropriations. The Cleveland Fed’s nowcasting page also flags the delayed October 2025 release tied to last year’s government shutdown.
Those gaps leave holes in the official record. As a result, models and proxy estimates take on greater weight in forecasting. Market participants factor that uncertainty into pricing decisions.
Once the data posts, short-term interest rates adjust quickly. The 2-year Treasury yield stands near 3.52% on Feb. 11, up from 3.45% the prior day, according to FRED. That yield sets a baseline return and competes directly with risk assets.
Bitcoin and Liquidity Conditions
Bitcoin trades at $68,894.65, gaining 3.88% over 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. The intraday chart from 12:00 PM through 9:00 AM on Feb. 14 shows a rebound from $66.16K toward the $68.89K range.
Market capitalization reaches $1.37 trillion, up 3.89%. Meanwhile, 24-hour trading volume falls 16.54% to $36.65 billion, placing the volume-to-market-cap ratio at 2.66%. Fully diluted valuation stands at $1.44 trillion.
The total supply of Bitcoin amounts to 19.98 million BTC, while the maximum supply reaches 21 million. The circulating supply stands at 19.98 million BTC, while the treasury holdings contain 1.17 million BTC. Bitcoin has a perfect profile score of 100, which attracts more than 6 million viewers to its content.
Inflation in Daily Life
The all-items index shows a 12-month increase of 2.4%, representing a 2.7% decrease from the rate observed in December. The core inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.5% when measured on an annual basis. The different expense categories, which include shelter, food, insurance, and travel expenses, determine how families spend their money.
Related: US Inflation Cools Down To 2.8%, But Tariffs Pose Risks
People most frequently encounter inflation through their housing expenses, food purchases, and insurance costs. The prices of airline tickets experience great fluctuations, while energy costs change every month. These price changes cause people to alter their spending habits and their emotional state.
The 2.4% CPI report indicates that inflation is decreasing. The housing market experiences a 3.0% yearly increase, while food costs experience a 2.9% yearly increase. What will be the next market reaction to the Treasury yields, which are currently at 3.52%, and the DefiLlama report, which showed stablecoin liquidity of $307 billion?
The post US Inflation Cools to 2.4% as Bitcoin Holds Near $69,000 appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post US Inflation Cools to 2.4% as Bitcoin Holds Near $69,000 appeared first on Cryptotale.
Monthly gains are driven by housing costs, while energy and gas prices decline.
Bitcoin improves by 3.88% as liquidity and Treasury returns influence the market.
Markets reacted to January U.S. inflation data showing headline CPI at 2.4% year over year, below the 2.5% estimate. Core inflation prints 2.5%, in line with forecasts, while Bitcoin trades near $68,894 and Treasury yields hover around 3.52%. Headline CPI rises 0.2% in January on a monthly basis, while core increases 0.3%, seasonally adjusted.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies shelter as the largest contributor to the monthly gain. Shelter climbs 0.2% during the month and stands 3.0% higher over the year.
Energy declines 1.5% in January, and gasoline drops 3.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis. Airline fares surge 6.5% during the month, while used cars and trucks fall 1.8%. Motor vehicle insurance slips 0.4%. Over 12 months, food prices rise 2.9% and energy edges down 0.1%.
Data Gaps and Market Reaction
The BLS notes missing CPI data for October and November 2025 due to a lapse in appropriations. The Cleveland Fed’s nowcasting page also flags the delayed October 2025 release tied to last year’s government shutdown.
Those gaps leave holes in the official record. As a result, models and proxy estimates take on greater weight in forecasting. Market participants factor that uncertainty into pricing decisions.
Once the data posts, short-term interest rates adjust quickly. The 2-year Treasury yield stands near 3.52% on Feb. 11, up from 3.45% the prior day, according to FRED. That yield sets a baseline return and competes directly with risk assets.
Bitcoin and Liquidity Conditions
Bitcoin trades at $68,894.65, gaining 3.88% over 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. The intraday chart from 12:00 PM through 9:00 AM on Feb. 14 shows a rebound from $66.16K toward the $68.89K range.
Market capitalization reaches $1.37 trillion, up 3.89%. Meanwhile, 24-hour trading volume falls 16.54% to $36.65 billion, placing the volume-to-market-cap ratio at 2.66%. Fully diluted valuation stands at $1.44 trillion.
The total supply of Bitcoin amounts to 19.98 million BTC, while the maximum supply reaches 21 million. The circulating supply stands at 19.98 million BTC, while the treasury holdings contain 1.17 million BTC. Bitcoin has a perfect profile score of 100, which attracts more than 6 million viewers to its content.
Inflation in Daily Life
The all-items index shows a 12-month increase of 2.4%, representing a 2.7% decrease from the rate observed in December. The core inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.5% when measured on an annual basis. The different expense categories, which include shelter, food, insurance, and travel expenses, determine how families spend their money.
Related: US Inflation Cools Down To 2.8%, But Tariffs Pose Risks
People most frequently encounter inflation through their housing expenses, food purchases, and insurance costs. The prices of airline tickets experience great fluctuations, while energy costs change every month. These price changes cause people to alter their spending habits and their emotional state.
The 2.4% CPI report indicates that inflation is decreasing. The housing market experiences a 3.0% yearly increase, while food costs experience a 2.9% yearly increase. What will be the next market reaction to the Treasury yields, which are currently at 3.52%, and the DefiLlama report, which showed stablecoin liquidity of $307 billion?
The post US Inflation Cools to 2.4% as Bitcoin Holds Near $69,000 appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post US Inflation Cools to 2.4% as Bitcoin Holds Near $69,000 appeared first on Cryptotale.
Trump’s Truth Social Files Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cronos ETFs
Truth Social files Bitcoin, Ether, and CRO ETFs amid $410M Bitcoin ETF outflows.
BlackRock IBIT leads withdrawals with $157.56M in major single-day redemptions.
Proposed ETFs include staking rewards exposure and carry a 0.95% management fee.
Trump Media’s Truth Social has moved to expand its digital asset ambitions, filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for two new crypto exchange-traded funds as institutional money flows turn negative across major products. The applications arrive during a week marked by sharp outflows from spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
TRUTH SOCIAL FILES FOR TWO CRYPTO ETFs
Trump Media’s Truth Social Funds filed with the SEC for two cryptocurrency ETFs. One, the Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF, targets CRO plus staking rewards; the other, the Bitcoin and Ether ETF, tracks BTC and ETH plus Ether staking.
Crypto…
— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) February 13, 2026
Yet, the filings, submitted by Truth Social Funds, seek approval for the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF and the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF. Per the report, the proposed products would provide exposure to Cronos (CRO), Bitcoin, and Ether, while also incorporating staking rewards where applicable. The registration statements remain under SEC review and are not yet effective.
Dual ETF Strategy Targets Yield and Price Exposure
According to the filing, the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF aims to track the performance of CRO, the native token of the Cronos ecosystem, plus staking rewards associated with the asset.
The second product, the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF, is designed to reflect the combined performance of Bitcoin and Ether, alongside Ether staking rewards. Besides, both funds will be advised by Yorkville America Equities, LLC, with an expected management fee of 0.95%.
On the other hand, Truth Social Funds is joining hands with Crypto.com for operational support. Subject to regulatory approval, Crypto.com is expected to provide digital asset custody, liquidity, and staking services. The ETFs would be available for purchase through Crypto.com’s affiliated broker-dealer, Foris Capital US LLC.
Steve Neamtz, president of Yorkville America Equities, said the firm intends to offer investors exposure to both capital appreciation and income opportunities through digital asset products. Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com, confirmed the company’s role in custody, liquidity, and staking support.
Related: Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens
Filings Land Amid Sharp ETF Outflows
The announcement comes as U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a combined net outflow of $410.37 million on February 12. Notably, no Bitcoin ETF reported daily inflows on that date. Data from SoSoValue showed BlackRock’s IBIT registered the largest daily withdrawal at $157.56 million.
Source: SoSoValue
Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $104.13 million in outflows, while other Bitcoin ETFs also posted withdrawals. WisdomTree’s BTCW and Hashdex’s DEFI were the only funds reporting no inflows or outflows. Ethereum-linked products, on the other hand, also recorded net outflows totaling approximately $113.10 million on the same day.
Source: SoSoValue
Despite negative institutional flows, Bitcoin posted a 24-hour gain of roughly 5%. However, it remained below the $70,000 level, a price point it has yet to break decisively in recent sessions.
Related: South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets
Broader Cronos Strategy Underpins Expansion
On a broader scale, Friday’s ETF filing builds on a previously disclosed strategic partnership between Trump Media and Crypto.com. Under that agreement, Trump Media was set to acquire 684.4 million CRO tokens at an approximate price of $0.153 per token.
Moreover, the transaction structure included a 50% stock and 50% cash exchange. It also outlined the creation of a Trump Media Group CRO Strategy aimed at integrating Cronos into the company’s broader digital asset initiatives.
Market reaction to the ETF filing appeared measured. Shares of Trump Media (DJT) rose about 2.5% during Friday’s session, trading near $11.18. The registration statements specify that the securities described in the prospectus may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, until the SEC review process is completed and the filings become effective.
The timing of the ETF applications places Truth Social’s crypto expansion against a backdrop of declining institutional inflows. While spot demand for Bitcoin showed resilience in price terms, ETF data reflected reduced appetite among large investors.
The post Trump’s Truth Social Files Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Trump’s Truth Social Files Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptotale.
BlackRock IBIT leads withdrawals with $157.56M in major single-day redemptions.
Proposed ETFs include staking rewards exposure and carry a 0.95% management fee.
Trump Media’s Truth Social has moved to expand its digital asset ambitions, filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for two new crypto exchange-traded funds as institutional money flows turn negative across major products. The applications arrive during a week marked by sharp outflows from spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
TRUTH SOCIAL FILES FOR TWO CRYPTO ETFs
Trump Media’s Truth Social Funds filed with the SEC for two cryptocurrency ETFs. One, the Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF, targets CRO plus staking rewards; the other, the Bitcoin and Ether ETF, tracks BTC and ETH plus Ether staking.
Crypto…
— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) February 13, 2026
Yet, the filings, submitted by Truth Social Funds, seek approval for the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF and the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF. Per the report, the proposed products would provide exposure to Cronos (CRO), Bitcoin, and Ether, while also incorporating staking rewards where applicable. The registration statements remain under SEC review and are not yet effective.
Dual ETF Strategy Targets Yield and Price Exposure
According to the filing, the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF aims to track the performance of CRO, the native token of the Cronos ecosystem, plus staking rewards associated with the asset.
The second product, the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF, is designed to reflect the combined performance of Bitcoin and Ether, alongside Ether staking rewards. Besides, both funds will be advised by Yorkville America Equities, LLC, with an expected management fee of 0.95%.
On the other hand, Truth Social Funds is joining hands with Crypto.com for operational support. Subject to regulatory approval, Crypto.com is expected to provide digital asset custody, liquidity, and staking services. The ETFs would be available for purchase through Crypto.com’s affiliated broker-dealer, Foris Capital US LLC.
Steve Neamtz, president of Yorkville America Equities, said the firm intends to offer investors exposure to both capital appreciation and income opportunities through digital asset products. Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com, confirmed the company’s role in custody, liquidity, and staking support.
Related: Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens
Filings Land Amid Sharp ETF Outflows
The announcement comes as U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a combined net outflow of $410.37 million on February 12. Notably, no Bitcoin ETF reported daily inflows on that date. Data from SoSoValue showed BlackRock’s IBIT registered the largest daily withdrawal at $157.56 million.
Source: SoSoValue
Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $104.13 million in outflows, while other Bitcoin ETFs also posted withdrawals. WisdomTree’s BTCW and Hashdex’s DEFI were the only funds reporting no inflows or outflows. Ethereum-linked products, on the other hand, also recorded net outflows totaling approximately $113.10 million on the same day.
Source: SoSoValue
Despite negative institutional flows, Bitcoin posted a 24-hour gain of roughly 5%. However, it remained below the $70,000 level, a price point it has yet to break decisively in recent sessions.
Related: South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets
Broader Cronos Strategy Underpins Expansion
On a broader scale, Friday’s ETF filing builds on a previously disclosed strategic partnership between Trump Media and Crypto.com. Under that agreement, Trump Media was set to acquire 684.4 million CRO tokens at an approximate price of $0.153 per token.
Moreover, the transaction structure included a 50% stock and 50% cash exchange. It also outlined the creation of a Trump Media Group CRO Strategy aimed at integrating Cronos into the company’s broader digital asset initiatives.
Market reaction to the ETF filing appeared measured. Shares of Trump Media (DJT) rose about 2.5% during Friday’s session, trading near $11.18. The registration statements specify that the securities described in the prospectus may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, until the SEC review process is completed and the filings become effective.
The timing of the ETF applications places Truth Social’s crypto expansion against a backdrop of declining institutional inflows. While spot demand for Bitcoin showed resilience in price terms, ETF data reflected reduced appetite among large investors.
The post Trump’s Truth Social Files Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Trump’s Truth Social Files Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptotale.
Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens
Bitcoin is trading far below its October 2025 record summit amid policy deadlock.
Clarity Act negotiations expose extensive industry division and partisan strain.
The treasury argues regulatory certainty can temper volatility and restore confidence.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that stalled crypto legislation, including the Clarity Act, could help steady volatile markets and restore investor confidence. Bitcoin has fallen about half from its October 2025 record high as Washington remains divided over digital asset regulation. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent linked part of the market’s turbulence to political and industry gridlock over the proposed market structure bill.
“Bitcoin has a history of volatile movement,” Bessent said. He added that part of the current volatility is “self-induced” because some crypto firms have blocked progress on the Clarity bill. He said a group of Democrats wants to work with Republicans on the measure, yet resistance from certain industry players has slowed negotiations.
Crypto executives have met with U.S. banking representatives and regulators at the White House over the past month to discuss the legislation. Lawyers from Ripple and Coinbase described meetings this week as “productive” and said “progress was made.” Even so, the bill remains stalled after Coinbase withdrew its support in January.
Political Divide and Industry Pushback
The Clarity Act aims to set clear rules for digital asset oversight in the United States. Coinbase pulled support over a section that would limit companies from offering yield on stablecoins to consumers. At the time, CEO Brian Armstrong said, “We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill.”
Since then, discussions have continued among crypto leaders, banking officials, and regulators. Bessent said blocking the bill “doesn’t seem to have been good for the overall crypto community.” He warned that legislative uncertainty contributes to instability in the broader market.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Squawk Box today that Congress should fast-track the bipartisan Clarity Act to establish clear federal rules for digital assets amid ongoing market volatility.
Clear regulation could be a key catalyst for the next phase of crypto… pic.twitter.com/KSvIWcLbP7
— CoinRank (@CoinRank_io) February 14, 2026
His recent remarks were more restrained than his prior comments. Last week, he called opponents of the bill “nihilists” and said market participants who reject it “should move to El Salvador.” He later described them as “recalcitrant actors” during a television appearance.
Bessent also pointed to political risk. He said that if Democrats gain a majority in the House during the midterm elections, “the prospects of getting a deal done will just fall apart.” He referenced the Biden administration’s regulatory approach and said it nearly caused an “extinction event” for crypto.
Senate Hearing and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
During a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s annual report, lawmakers questioned Bessent about global competition. Members asked whether China is using blockchain or digital assets to challenge U.S. financial leadership.
Bessent said Treasury has not observed rumored gold-backed Chinese instruments. Still, he noted China’s activity through Hong Kong. The discussion then shifted to domestic oversight.
Bessent voiced strong support for embedding digital asset innovation within the U.S. economy under “safe, sound, and smart” supervision. He also warned that deposit volatility tied to crypto-related legislation could harm small banks by limiting their ability to lend locally.
Related: GENIUS Act Expected to Pass by Mid-July, Says Scott Bessent
Separately, Senator Cynthia Lummis raised the idea of a de minimis Bitcoin tax exemption for small transactions. She also sought clearer guidance on calculating capital gains across mixed-cost portfolios. Bessent said Treasury’s tax policy office would engage with her team.
The hearing followed earlier testimony in which Bessent said the government cannot bail out Bitcoin or direct banks to hold crypto. He added that seized Bitcoin will remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve instead of being sold.
As lawmakers debate the Clarity Act and industry leaders continue negotiations, markets face ongoing uncertainty. Will Congress break the deadlock before volatility deepens further?
The post Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens appeared first on Cryptotale.
Clarity Act negotiations expose extensive industry division and partisan strain.
The treasury argues regulatory certainty can temper volatility and restore confidence.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that stalled crypto legislation, including the Clarity Act, could help steady volatile markets and restore investor confidence. Bitcoin has fallen about half from its October 2025 record high as Washington remains divided over digital asset regulation. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent linked part of the market’s turbulence to political and industry gridlock over the proposed market structure bill.
“Bitcoin has a history of volatile movement,” Bessent said. He added that part of the current volatility is “self-induced” because some crypto firms have blocked progress on the Clarity bill. He said a group of Democrats wants to work with Republicans on the measure, yet resistance from certain industry players has slowed negotiations.
Crypto executives have met with U.S. banking representatives and regulators at the White House over the past month to discuss the legislation. Lawyers from Ripple and Coinbase described meetings this week as “productive” and said “progress was made.” Even so, the bill remains stalled after Coinbase withdrew its support in January.
Political Divide and Industry Pushback
The Clarity Act aims to set clear rules for digital asset oversight in the United States. Coinbase pulled support over a section that would limit companies from offering yield on stablecoins to consumers. At the time, CEO Brian Armstrong said, “We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill.”
Since then, discussions have continued among crypto leaders, banking officials, and regulators. Bessent said blocking the bill “doesn’t seem to have been good for the overall crypto community.” He warned that legislative uncertainty contributes to instability in the broader market.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Squawk Box today that Congress should fast-track the bipartisan Clarity Act to establish clear federal rules for digital assets amid ongoing market volatility.
Clear regulation could be a key catalyst for the next phase of crypto… pic.twitter.com/KSvIWcLbP7
— CoinRank (@CoinRank_io) February 14, 2026
His recent remarks were more restrained than his prior comments. Last week, he called opponents of the bill “nihilists” and said market participants who reject it “should move to El Salvador.” He later described them as “recalcitrant actors” during a television appearance.
Bessent also pointed to political risk. He said that if Democrats gain a majority in the House during the midterm elections, “the prospects of getting a deal done will just fall apart.” He referenced the Biden administration’s regulatory approach and said it nearly caused an “extinction event” for crypto.
Senate Hearing and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
During a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s annual report, lawmakers questioned Bessent about global competition. Members asked whether China is using blockchain or digital assets to challenge U.S. financial leadership.
Bessent said Treasury has not observed rumored gold-backed Chinese instruments. Still, he noted China’s activity through Hong Kong. The discussion then shifted to domestic oversight.
Bessent voiced strong support for embedding digital asset innovation within the U.S. economy under “safe, sound, and smart” supervision. He also warned that deposit volatility tied to crypto-related legislation could harm small banks by limiting their ability to lend locally.
Related: GENIUS Act Expected to Pass by Mid-July, Says Scott Bessent
Separately, Senator Cynthia Lummis raised the idea of a de minimis Bitcoin tax exemption for small transactions. She also sought clearer guidance on calculating capital gains across mixed-cost portfolios. Bessent said Treasury’s tax policy office would engage with her team.
The hearing followed earlier testimony in which Bessent said the government cannot bail out Bitcoin or direct banks to hold crypto. He added that seized Bitcoin will remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve instead of being sold.
As lawmakers debate the Clarity Act and industry leaders continue negotiations, markets face ongoing uncertainty. Will Congress break the deadlock before volatility deepens further?
The post Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Scott Bessent Calls for Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slide Deepens appeared first on Cryptotale.
Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth
XRP directs Ripple expansion across payments, lending, and treasury framework services.
Ripple advances XRPL tokenization with institutional-scale ambitions through 2026 plans.
Garlinghouse envisions a trillion-dollar valuation through the ecosystem utility model.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reaffirmed XRP’s central role in the company’s long-term strategy, describing the digital asset as the “North Star” guiding Ripple’s expanding financial infrastructure ambitions. He called XRP the foundation of Ripple’s purpose and platform direction. Speaking during the recent XRP Community Day virtual event, Garlinghouse told participants that every major product initiative aligns with strengthening the XRP ecosystem.
He addressed the “XRP family” directly and said XRP is not one product among many. Instead, he positioned it as the base layer supporting Ripple’s broader financial services framework. His remarks came as Ripple continues expanding its enterprise product suite.
Garlinghouse stated, “It’s our purpose,” when describing XRP’s role inside the company’s roadmap. He clarified that Ripple builds tools to enhance utility, liquidity, trust, and transaction velocity across the XRP Ledger.
LATEST: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse called XRP the "North Star for Ripple," saying the company's decisions are all made in service of the XRP ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/n7Rm8C3jKq
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) February 12, 2026
Ripple Expands Platform Around XRP
Ripple Payments continues to extend XRP’s use in cross-border transactions. The service supports real-world settlement flows and aims to increase liquidity on demand. Through these integrations, institutions can move value quickly using XRP as a bridge asset.
Ripple develops payment systems for its decentralized exchange, which operates on the XRP Ledger. The DEX now includes permissioned domains designed to support regulated financial activity. The system enables institutions to conduct on-chain operations while maintaining their compliance obligations.
Garlinghouse described how Ripple Prime has expanded its operations. He explained that Ripple positions XRP for collateralization and lending within institutional frameworks. Ripple Treasury is also exploring treasury management payments using both XRP and the RLUSD stablecoin. Together, these units reflect Ripple’s shift toward operating as a financial infrastructure platform company.
Institutional Adoption and Tokenization Push
Ripple is expanding its product offerings while it increases its efforts to capture institutional clients. Garlinghouse identified Aviva Investors as a partner that tokenizes assets through their partnership with the global asset management company on the XRP Ledger. The collaboration shows that institutions want to use XRPL for the purpose of real-world asset tokenization.
During the same event, Ripple President Monica Long described 2026 as a turning point. She called it a year of “institutional adoption at scale,” with measurable results expected before year-end. Institutions already use XRP for settlements, treasury management, lending, and foreign exchange bridging.
Ripple Prime uses XRP as collateral and liquidity services while supporting the XLS-66 lending framework. The developments aim to expand institutional use cases throughout the entire ecosystem. Ripple develops its product roadmap according to XRP’s growing adoption.
Long-Term Ambitions and Strategic Integration
Garlinghouse also addressed Ripple’s broader ambitions. He said Ripple could become one of the first crypto companies to reach a $1 trillion valuation. He argued that a company built around ecosystem utility could reach that scale.
His comments came amid recent market volatility affecting XRP and other major crypto assets. Still, he urged participants to look beyond short-term price movements. He directed attention toward long-term financial infrastructure transformation.
Related: Ripple Custody Powers $280M Diamond Tokenization on XRP Ledger
Ripple has also pursued acquisitions and investments across prime brokerage, treasury management, stablecoins, and custody services. The company now focuses on integrating those capabilities into a cohesive platform. Garlinghouse reiterated that XRP remains central throughout that integration.
If XRP serves as Ripple’s North Star, can the ecosystem deliver institutional scale as projected?
Garlinghouse’s remarks positioned Ripple as a financial infrastructure builder operating with XRP at its core. The company continues aligning payments, lending, treasury, and tokenization initiatives around the XRP Ledger.
The post Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth appeared first on Cryptotale.
Ripple advances XRPL tokenization with institutional-scale ambitions through 2026 plans.
Garlinghouse envisions a trillion-dollar valuation through the ecosystem utility model.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reaffirmed XRP’s central role in the company’s long-term strategy, describing the digital asset as the “North Star” guiding Ripple’s expanding financial infrastructure ambitions. He called XRP the foundation of Ripple’s purpose and platform direction. Speaking during the recent XRP Community Day virtual event, Garlinghouse told participants that every major product initiative aligns with strengthening the XRP ecosystem.
He addressed the “XRP family” directly and said XRP is not one product among many. Instead, he positioned it as the base layer supporting Ripple’s broader financial services framework. His remarks came as Ripple continues expanding its enterprise product suite.
Garlinghouse stated, “It’s our purpose,” when describing XRP’s role inside the company’s roadmap. He clarified that Ripple builds tools to enhance utility, liquidity, trust, and transaction velocity across the XRP Ledger.
LATEST: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse called XRP the "North Star for Ripple," saying the company's decisions are all made in service of the XRP ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/n7Rm8C3jKq
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) February 12, 2026
Ripple Expands Platform Around XRP
Ripple Payments continues to extend XRP’s use in cross-border transactions. The service supports real-world settlement flows and aims to increase liquidity on demand. Through these integrations, institutions can move value quickly using XRP as a bridge asset.
Ripple develops payment systems for its decentralized exchange, which operates on the XRP Ledger. The DEX now includes permissioned domains designed to support regulated financial activity. The system enables institutions to conduct on-chain operations while maintaining their compliance obligations.
Garlinghouse described how Ripple Prime has expanded its operations. He explained that Ripple positions XRP for collateralization and lending within institutional frameworks. Ripple Treasury is also exploring treasury management payments using both XRP and the RLUSD stablecoin. Together, these units reflect Ripple’s shift toward operating as a financial infrastructure platform company.
Institutional Adoption and Tokenization Push
Ripple is expanding its product offerings while it increases its efforts to capture institutional clients. Garlinghouse identified Aviva Investors as a partner that tokenizes assets through their partnership with the global asset management company on the XRP Ledger. The collaboration shows that institutions want to use XRPL for the purpose of real-world asset tokenization.
During the same event, Ripple President Monica Long described 2026 as a turning point. She called it a year of “institutional adoption at scale,” with measurable results expected before year-end. Institutions already use XRP for settlements, treasury management, lending, and foreign exchange bridging.
Ripple Prime uses XRP as collateral and liquidity services while supporting the XLS-66 lending framework. The developments aim to expand institutional use cases throughout the entire ecosystem. Ripple develops its product roadmap according to XRP’s growing adoption.
Long-Term Ambitions and Strategic Integration
Garlinghouse also addressed Ripple’s broader ambitions. He said Ripple could become one of the first crypto companies to reach a $1 trillion valuation. He argued that a company built around ecosystem utility could reach that scale.
His comments came amid recent market volatility affecting XRP and other major crypto assets. Still, he urged participants to look beyond short-term price movements. He directed attention toward long-term financial infrastructure transformation.
Related: Ripple Custody Powers $280M Diamond Tokenization on XRP Ledger
Ripple has also pursued acquisitions and investments across prime brokerage, treasury management, stablecoins, and custody services. The company now focuses on integrating those capabilities into a cohesive platform. Garlinghouse reiterated that XRP remains central throughout that integration.
If XRP serves as Ripple’s North Star, can the ecosystem deliver institutional scale as projected?
Garlinghouse’s remarks positioned Ripple as a financial infrastructure builder operating with XRP at its core. The company continues aligning payments, lending, treasury, and tokenization initiatives around the XRP Ledger.
The post Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Ripple CEO Calls XRP North Star for Long-Term Plan Growth appeared first on Cryptotale.
South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets
KDIC gains clear legal power to request full crypto transaction histories from exchanges.
FSC interpretation closes gaps that once limited access to transfer and balance records.
Oversight expands as Korea accelerates broader investigations of digital asset flows.
South Korea’s financial regulators have tightened their grip on digital asset oversight, resolving a long-standing ambiguity in the nation’s depositor protection framework. According to reports, the latest decision grants the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation authority to obtain detailed transaction histories from licensed virtual asset service providers.
Regulators say the clarification closes enforcement gaps that persisted despite last year’s amendments to the Depositor Protection Act. Officials further argue that the expanded access is essential to ensure digital assets cannot slip outside investigative reach during financial disputes or insolvency cases.
FSC Clarifies Data-Access Powers
A legal interpretation released by the Financial Services Commission confirms the KDIC can request transaction and transfer histories held by domestic exchanges. The ruling may sound procedural, but for regulators it resolves a question that had slowed some investigations: whether the law’s definition of “required data” covered only account-level information or extended to transactional logs held by crypto platforms.
The FSC’s view is now explicit. The amended law, which took effect in September 2024, brought digital asset operators under the KDIC’s data-submission rules. Officials say excluding transaction records would defeat the point of the reforms, which aim to trace assets in bankruptcy cases and financial disputes where individuals might attempt to hide wealth in digital markets.
According to the interpretation, KDIC requests may encompass any property or business data “necessary for demanding compensation for damages, exercising subrogation rights, or participating in litigation.” Regulators added that this includes digital asset balances and histories tied to insolvent individuals or connected parties.
Closing a Loophole in Enforcement
The original 2024 amendment was driven by unease inside the government that crypto platforms could become blind spots in investigations. Insolvency cases in particular had highlighted how digital assets might be shifted or concealed beyond the reach of traditional banking inquiries.
Until now, however, regulators were unsure whether the KDIC could compel the same depth of information from exchanges as it could from banks. The FSC’s interpretation removes that uncertainty. Officials say the earlier ambiguity had allowed some actors to exploit a grey zone between custody data and transaction logs, leaving investigators without a clear view of asset flows during financial distress.
Implications for Market Oversight
The move aligns with South Korea’s broader regulatory posture, which has hardened in stages over the past three years. The Virtual Asset User Protection Act, enacted in 2023 and fully enforced as of July 2024, already gives authorities the right to inspect platforms, sanction unfair trading activity, and require exchanges to hold customer assets in segregated accounts.
It also mandates reporting of suspicious activity, part of a wider effort to curb manipulation and safeguard retail funds. With the KDIC’s new reach, the agency’s traditional mandate widens. Founded in 1996 to protect depositors and maintain system stability, the corporation now finds itself increasingly involved in digital asset tracing when insolvency or litigation surfaces.
Industry Reaction and Regional Context
Upbit, Bithumb, and other licensed exchanges operating in Korea are expected to comply with KDIC inquiries, though some industry voices have quietly raised concerns about balancing regulatory demands with user privacy obligations.
Analysts say the development fits a regional trend: East Asian financial authorities have accelerated oversight of digital markets as AML scrutiny and cross-border enforcement intensify.
Related: RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals
A Broader Regulatory Push
The clarification arrives as Korean regulators prepare additional measures targeting suspicious trading patterns. Officials have signaled that advanced monitoring tools, including AI-driven surveillance under the Financial Supervisory Service, will play a larger role in market oversight.
Ultimately, the FSC’s stance closes a structural gap in the Depositor Protection Act by placing digital asset transaction histories on the same footing as traditional financial data. It marks another step in Seoul’s ongoing effort to build a cohesive framework around an industry that has often moved faster than regulation itself.
The post South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets appeared first on Cryptotale.
FSC interpretation closes gaps that once limited access to transfer and balance records.
Oversight expands as Korea accelerates broader investigations of digital asset flows.
South Korea’s financial regulators have tightened their grip on digital asset oversight, resolving a long-standing ambiguity in the nation’s depositor protection framework. According to reports, the latest decision grants the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation authority to obtain detailed transaction histories from licensed virtual asset service providers.
Regulators say the clarification closes enforcement gaps that persisted despite last year’s amendments to the Depositor Protection Act. Officials further argue that the expanded access is essential to ensure digital assets cannot slip outside investigative reach during financial disputes or insolvency cases.
FSC Clarifies Data-Access Powers
A legal interpretation released by the Financial Services Commission confirms the KDIC can request transaction and transfer histories held by domestic exchanges. The ruling may sound procedural, but for regulators it resolves a question that had slowed some investigations: whether the law’s definition of “required data” covered only account-level information or extended to transactional logs held by crypto platforms.
The FSC’s view is now explicit. The amended law, which took effect in September 2024, brought digital asset operators under the KDIC’s data-submission rules. Officials say excluding transaction records would defeat the point of the reforms, which aim to trace assets in bankruptcy cases and financial disputes where individuals might attempt to hide wealth in digital markets.
According to the interpretation, KDIC requests may encompass any property or business data “necessary for demanding compensation for damages, exercising subrogation rights, or participating in litigation.” Regulators added that this includes digital asset balances and histories tied to insolvent individuals or connected parties.
Closing a Loophole in Enforcement
The original 2024 amendment was driven by unease inside the government that crypto platforms could become blind spots in investigations. Insolvency cases in particular had highlighted how digital assets might be shifted or concealed beyond the reach of traditional banking inquiries.
Until now, however, regulators were unsure whether the KDIC could compel the same depth of information from exchanges as it could from banks. The FSC’s interpretation removes that uncertainty. Officials say the earlier ambiguity had allowed some actors to exploit a grey zone between custody data and transaction logs, leaving investigators without a clear view of asset flows during financial distress.
Implications for Market Oversight
The move aligns with South Korea’s broader regulatory posture, which has hardened in stages over the past three years. The Virtual Asset User Protection Act, enacted in 2023 and fully enforced as of July 2024, already gives authorities the right to inspect platforms, sanction unfair trading activity, and require exchanges to hold customer assets in segregated accounts.
It also mandates reporting of suspicious activity, part of a wider effort to curb manipulation and safeguard retail funds. With the KDIC’s new reach, the agency’s traditional mandate widens. Founded in 1996 to protect depositors and maintain system stability, the corporation now finds itself increasingly involved in digital asset tracing when insolvency or litigation surfaces.
Industry Reaction and Regional Context
Upbit, Bithumb, and other licensed exchanges operating in Korea are expected to comply with KDIC inquiries, though some industry voices have quietly raised concerns about balancing regulatory demands with user privacy obligations.
Analysts say the development fits a regional trend: East Asian financial authorities have accelerated oversight of digital markets as AML scrutiny and cross-border enforcement intensify.
Related: RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals
A Broader Regulatory Push
The clarification arrives as Korean regulators prepare additional measures targeting suspicious trading patterns. Officials have signaled that advanced monitoring tools, including AI-driven surveillance under the Financial Supervisory Service, will play a larger role in market oversight.
Ultimately, the FSC’s stance closes a structural gap in the Depositor Protection Act by placing digital asset transaction histories on the same footing as traditional financial data. It marks another step in Seoul’s ongoing effort to build a cohesive framework around an industry that has often moved faster than regulation itself.
The post South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post South Korea Tightens Crypto Oversight to Track Hidden Assets appeared first on Cryptotale.
Peter Schiff Signals $10,000 Bitcoin Support Level Test: Here’s Why
According to Peter Schiff, $10,000 could be a structural level of support for Bitcoin.
During a recession, Michael Saylor’s debt refinance strategy attracts market attention.
While gold’s price remains relatively stable, Bitcoin is trading close to $66,000.
Peter Schiff reignited his long-standing criticism of Bitcoin on Wednesday as the asset traded approximately near $66k level, according to CoinMarketCap. He said long-term charts suggest initial support near $10,000. Schiff also mocked MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor’s plan to refinance debt to keep buying Bitcoin if prices fall to $8,000. His remarks come as Bitcoin remains sharply below its $126,000 record high from October and as volatility continues to pressure crypto-linked equities.
According to @Saylor, if Bitcoin is down to $8K in four years, $MSTR will refinance its debt and keep buying Bitcoin. If Bitcoin is $8K in 2030, down 94% from its 2025 high, and 60% below its 2017 high thirteen years earlier, will anyone still take Saylor or Bitcoin seriously?
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 12, 2026
Schiff Questions Saylor’s Debt Strategy
Schiff posted on X that Bitcoin appears to show support around $10,000 when viewed on a long-term chart. He paired that view with criticism of Saylor’s public commitment to refinance corporate debt in order to continue accumulating Bitcoin during downturns.
Looking at a long-term Bitcoin chart, it looks like it will have some initial support around $10K.
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 12, 2026
He asked whether anyone would still take Saylor or Bitcoin seriously if the cryptocurrency traded at $8,000 in 2030. That level would mark a 94% decline from Bitcoin’s record high above $126,000 and about 60% below its 2017 peak.
His comments revived the long-running “Gold vs. Bitcoin” debate. On February 11, Schiff noted that Bitcoin had fallen below $66,000 and was worth less than 13 ounces of gold. He added that Bitcoin trades roughly 64% below its November 2021 peak when measured against gold.
Market Data and Retail Reaction
During writing, Bitcoin traded at $66,214.78 on CoinMarketCap, reflecting a 1.2% drop over 24 hours. During the session, it climbed above $68,000 before reversing and sliding toward $65,000 in the evening. The chart showed a sharp sell-off around 6:00 PM, followed by a gradual recovery into early February 13.
Market capitalization stood at $1.32 trillion, also down 1.2%. Meanwhile, 24-hour trading volume reached $44.27 billion, a 10.93% decline. The volume-to-market-cap ratio measured 3.36%, while the fully diluted valuation registered at $1.39 trillion.
Year to date, Bitcoin has fallen nearly 23%. Strategy’s stock has declined about 18% over the same period. Still, shares rose 1.21% in pre-market trading, while Stocktwits data showed retail sentiment shifting to “bullish” from “neutral,” even as chatter eased from “extremely high” to “high.”
Related: CZ Takes Down Peter Schiff’s Bitcoin Claims in Fiery Debate
Gold Comparison and Broader Debate
Schiff argued that gold’s relative stability strengthens its case against digital assets. Gold remained above $5,000 per ounce, while Bitcoin struggled to regain firm momentum near $67,000.
He stated, “People who sold gold to buy Bitcoin made a huge mistake. The longer they wait to correct it, the more costly it becomes.” His remarks sparked strong reactions online.
Bitcoin is back below $66,000. More significantly, it is back below 13 ounces of gold—64% below its November 2021 high. People who sold gold to buy Bitcoin made a huge mistake. The longer they wait to correct it, the more costly it becomes. https://t.co/2yvGy6bSMf
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 11, 2026
Some crypto supporters rejected the comparison. One X user wrote, “Bitcoin and gold serve different roles in portfolios; it is not always a zero-sum choice.” The exchange kept the debate active across social platforms.
The discussion extends beyond social media. It touches corporate balance sheets and debt markets. Proponents of Saylor’s approach argue that long-term strategies can endure downturns. Critics warn that heavy leverage without hedging can amplify downside risk when sentiment shifts. The dispute now plays out in stock prices, refinancing plans, and short interest tied to Strategy’s Bitcoin exposure.
The post Peter Schiff Signals $10,000 Bitcoin Support Level Test: Here’s Why appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Peter Schiff Signals $10,000 Bitcoin Support Level Test: Here’s Why appeared first on Cryptotale.
During a recession, Michael Saylor’s debt refinance strategy attracts market attention.
While gold’s price remains relatively stable, Bitcoin is trading close to $66,000.
Peter Schiff reignited his long-standing criticism of Bitcoin on Wednesday as the asset traded approximately near $66k level, according to CoinMarketCap. He said long-term charts suggest initial support near $10,000. Schiff also mocked MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor’s plan to refinance debt to keep buying Bitcoin if prices fall to $8,000. His remarks come as Bitcoin remains sharply below its $126,000 record high from October and as volatility continues to pressure crypto-linked equities.
According to @Saylor, if Bitcoin is down to $8K in four years, $MSTR will refinance its debt and keep buying Bitcoin. If Bitcoin is $8K in 2030, down 94% from its 2025 high, and 60% below its 2017 high thirteen years earlier, will anyone still take Saylor or Bitcoin seriously?
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 12, 2026
Schiff Questions Saylor’s Debt Strategy
Schiff posted on X that Bitcoin appears to show support around $10,000 when viewed on a long-term chart. He paired that view with criticism of Saylor’s public commitment to refinance corporate debt in order to continue accumulating Bitcoin during downturns.
Looking at a long-term Bitcoin chart, it looks like it will have some initial support around $10K.
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 12, 2026
He asked whether anyone would still take Saylor or Bitcoin seriously if the cryptocurrency traded at $8,000 in 2030. That level would mark a 94% decline from Bitcoin’s record high above $126,000 and about 60% below its 2017 peak.
His comments revived the long-running “Gold vs. Bitcoin” debate. On February 11, Schiff noted that Bitcoin had fallen below $66,000 and was worth less than 13 ounces of gold. He added that Bitcoin trades roughly 64% below its November 2021 peak when measured against gold.
Market Data and Retail Reaction
During writing, Bitcoin traded at $66,214.78 on CoinMarketCap, reflecting a 1.2% drop over 24 hours. During the session, it climbed above $68,000 before reversing and sliding toward $65,000 in the evening. The chart showed a sharp sell-off around 6:00 PM, followed by a gradual recovery into early February 13.
Market capitalization stood at $1.32 trillion, also down 1.2%. Meanwhile, 24-hour trading volume reached $44.27 billion, a 10.93% decline. The volume-to-market-cap ratio measured 3.36%, while the fully diluted valuation registered at $1.39 trillion.
Year to date, Bitcoin has fallen nearly 23%. Strategy’s stock has declined about 18% over the same period. Still, shares rose 1.21% in pre-market trading, while Stocktwits data showed retail sentiment shifting to “bullish” from “neutral,” even as chatter eased from “extremely high” to “high.”
Related: CZ Takes Down Peter Schiff’s Bitcoin Claims in Fiery Debate
Gold Comparison and Broader Debate
Schiff argued that gold’s relative stability strengthens its case against digital assets. Gold remained above $5,000 per ounce, while Bitcoin struggled to regain firm momentum near $67,000.
He stated, “People who sold gold to buy Bitcoin made a huge mistake. The longer they wait to correct it, the more costly it becomes.” His remarks sparked strong reactions online.
Bitcoin is back below $66,000. More significantly, it is back below 13 ounces of gold—64% below its November 2021 high. People who sold gold to buy Bitcoin made a huge mistake. The longer they wait to correct it, the more costly it becomes. https://t.co/2yvGy6bSMf
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 11, 2026
Some crypto supporters rejected the comparison. One X user wrote, “Bitcoin and gold serve different roles in portfolios; it is not always a zero-sum choice.” The exchange kept the debate active across social platforms.
The discussion extends beyond social media. It touches corporate balance sheets and debt markets. Proponents of Saylor’s approach argue that long-term strategies can endure downturns. Critics warn that heavy leverage without hedging can amplify downside risk when sentiment shifts. The dispute now plays out in stock prices, refinancing plans, and short interest tied to Strategy’s Bitcoin exposure.
The post Peter Schiff Signals $10,000 Bitcoin Support Level Test: Here’s Why appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Peter Schiff Signals $10,000 Bitcoin Support Level Test: Here’s Why appeared first on Cryptotale.
BlackRock Brings BUIDL to Uniswap DeFi Exchange Trading Hubs
BlackRock enables BUIDL trading on UniswapX for selected institutional investors.
Securitize manages compliance and whitelist accessibility for institutional investors.
Integration links tokenized Treasury yield funds with stablecoin liquidity rails.
BlackRock will list its Treasury-backed digital token BUIDL on Uniswap, marking a major step into decentralized finance. The world’s largest asset manager will enable institutional trading of the $1.8 billion token through UniswapX. The move, carried out with Securitize, links traditional finance with blockchain-based markets. The arrangement also includes BlackRock purchasing an undisclosed amount of Uniswap’s UNI token.
According to a Fortune report, the partnership represents a milestone for the DeFi sector. Today, roughly $100 billion in capital sits across DeFi platforms. BlackRock launched BUIDL in 2024. The token represents a Treasury-backed yield product and holds a total market value of about $1.8 billion.
BlackRock extends its digital asset strategy through BUIDL trading on Uniswap because of its decentralized exchange capabilities. The BUIDL Integration operates through its integration system, which enables users to use BUIDL.
How the BUIDL Integration Works
To execute the integration, BlackRock partnered with Uniswap Labs and tokenization firm Securitize. Securitize manages regulatory and compliance requirements for tokenized real-world assets. The firm will also whitelist qualified institutions allowed to trade BUIDL.
BUIDL shares will trade through UniswapX. The system sources quotes from approved market makers and settles trades directly on the blockchain. All participants must complete pre-qualification through Securitize before accessing the token.
LATEST: BlackRock is partnering with Uniswap Labs and Securitize to bring its $2.4 billion BUIDL fund to UniswapX, marking its first direct DeFi move. pic.twitter.com/Ql27pA9zlT
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) February 11, 2026
Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s global head of digital assets, addressed the collaboration in a statement. “This collaboration with Uniswap Labs alongside Securitize is a notable step in the convergence of tokenized assets with decentralized finance,” he said. He added that integrating BUIDL into UniswapX advances interoperability between tokenized USD yield funds and stablecoins.
Uniswap founder and CEO Hayden Adams told Fortune the deal followed eighteen months of meetings. Discussions took place at BlackRock’s Hudson Yards office and at Uniswap’s SoHo headquarters. Adams also noted that former Uniswap COO Mary-Catherine Lader, a former BlackRock executive, helped broker the agreement.
DeFi Infrastructure Meets Institutional Controls
Uniswap operates as the largest decentralized exchange on Ethereum. The platform allows users to swap tokens directly from digital wallets within seconds. Instead of centralized intermediaries, it relies on smart contracts, liquidity pools, and automated market makers.
With BUIDL trading on Uniswap, the exchange expands into tokenized government bond products. Qualified investors will swap BUIDL around the clock using stablecoins. Approved market makers, including Wintermute, will provide liquidity for the trades.
Access remains limited to qualified purchasers. These investors must hold at least $5 million in assets to meet legal requirements. Securitize will oversee the whitelist process for institutions and selected market makers.
The current trading system will demonstrate its effectiveness through operational testing, as the existing setup will start with limited trading volumes. The study tests whether conventional financial instruments can be exchanged through decentralized platforms that operate under regulatory frameworks. The controlled rollout of the system will determine whether it enables wider adoption of tokenized stock trading through blockchain technology.
Related: BlackRock Targets Bitcoin Income Play With Covered-Call ETF Filing
A Gradual Approach to Tokenized Markets
Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo described the rollout as a measured strategy. “Large asset managers want to walk before they run and start with qualified purchasers,” he said. He added that the announced infrastructure can also support retail products in the future.
The integration connects BlackRock’s tokenized Treasury product with DeFi liquidity pools. It also links stablecoin markets with institutional-grade yield instruments. As a result, tokenized assets gain access to continuous trading and blockchain settlement.
Adams told Fortune that the partnership validates his long-standing view that asset trading will migrate to blockchain systems. He cited instant settlement and improved collateral efficiency as key advantages of tokenization. According to Adams, these efficiencies may deliver savings to the broader investing ecosystem. For now, BlackRock’s BUIDL listing on Uniswap stands as one of the clearest examples of traditional finance entering decentralized markets under structured controls.
The post BlackRock Brings BUIDL to Uniswap DeFi Exchange Trading Hubs appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post BlackRock Brings BUIDL to Uniswap DeFi Exchange Trading Hubs appeared first on Cryptotale.
Securitize manages compliance and whitelist accessibility for institutional investors.
Integration links tokenized Treasury yield funds with stablecoin liquidity rails.
BlackRock will list its Treasury-backed digital token BUIDL on Uniswap, marking a major step into decentralized finance. The world’s largest asset manager will enable institutional trading of the $1.8 billion token through UniswapX. The move, carried out with Securitize, links traditional finance with blockchain-based markets. The arrangement also includes BlackRock purchasing an undisclosed amount of Uniswap’s UNI token.
According to a Fortune report, the partnership represents a milestone for the DeFi sector. Today, roughly $100 billion in capital sits across DeFi platforms. BlackRock launched BUIDL in 2024. The token represents a Treasury-backed yield product and holds a total market value of about $1.8 billion.
BlackRock extends its digital asset strategy through BUIDL trading on Uniswap because of its decentralized exchange capabilities. The BUIDL Integration operates through its integration system, which enables users to use BUIDL.
How the BUIDL Integration Works
To execute the integration, BlackRock partnered with Uniswap Labs and tokenization firm Securitize. Securitize manages regulatory and compliance requirements for tokenized real-world assets. The firm will also whitelist qualified institutions allowed to trade BUIDL.
BUIDL shares will trade through UniswapX. The system sources quotes from approved market makers and settles trades directly on the blockchain. All participants must complete pre-qualification through Securitize before accessing the token.
LATEST: BlackRock is partnering with Uniswap Labs and Securitize to bring its $2.4 billion BUIDL fund to UniswapX, marking its first direct DeFi move. pic.twitter.com/Ql27pA9zlT
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) February 11, 2026
Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s global head of digital assets, addressed the collaboration in a statement. “This collaboration with Uniswap Labs alongside Securitize is a notable step in the convergence of tokenized assets with decentralized finance,” he said. He added that integrating BUIDL into UniswapX advances interoperability between tokenized USD yield funds and stablecoins.
Uniswap founder and CEO Hayden Adams told Fortune the deal followed eighteen months of meetings. Discussions took place at BlackRock’s Hudson Yards office and at Uniswap’s SoHo headquarters. Adams also noted that former Uniswap COO Mary-Catherine Lader, a former BlackRock executive, helped broker the agreement.
DeFi Infrastructure Meets Institutional Controls
Uniswap operates as the largest decentralized exchange on Ethereum. The platform allows users to swap tokens directly from digital wallets within seconds. Instead of centralized intermediaries, it relies on smart contracts, liquidity pools, and automated market makers.
With BUIDL trading on Uniswap, the exchange expands into tokenized government bond products. Qualified investors will swap BUIDL around the clock using stablecoins. Approved market makers, including Wintermute, will provide liquidity for the trades.
Access remains limited to qualified purchasers. These investors must hold at least $5 million in assets to meet legal requirements. Securitize will oversee the whitelist process for institutions and selected market makers.
The current trading system will demonstrate its effectiveness through operational testing, as the existing setup will start with limited trading volumes. The study tests whether conventional financial instruments can be exchanged through decentralized platforms that operate under regulatory frameworks. The controlled rollout of the system will determine whether it enables wider adoption of tokenized stock trading through blockchain technology.
Related: BlackRock Targets Bitcoin Income Play With Covered-Call ETF Filing
A Gradual Approach to Tokenized Markets
Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo described the rollout as a measured strategy. “Large asset managers want to walk before they run and start with qualified purchasers,” he said. He added that the announced infrastructure can also support retail products in the future.
The integration connects BlackRock’s tokenized Treasury product with DeFi liquidity pools. It also links stablecoin markets with institutional-grade yield instruments. As a result, tokenized assets gain access to continuous trading and blockchain settlement.
Adams told Fortune that the partnership validates his long-standing view that asset trading will migrate to blockchain systems. He cited instant settlement and improved collateral efficiency as key advantages of tokenization. According to Adams, these efficiencies may deliver savings to the broader investing ecosystem. For now, BlackRock’s BUIDL listing on Uniswap stands as one of the clearest examples of traditional finance entering decentralized markets under structured controls.
The post BlackRock Brings BUIDL to Uniswap DeFi Exchange Trading Hubs appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post BlackRock Brings BUIDL to Uniswap DeFi Exchange Trading Hubs appeared first on Cryptotale.
RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals
RLUSD doubles to $1.5B as supply climbs across exchanges and settlement channels.
Ripple expands UAE ties as Zand links RLUSD to its dirham stablecoin on XRPL.
Tokenization push grows with Ripple and Aviva bringing fund structures on-chain.
Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, has crossed a new threshold as it now sits at roughly $1.52 billion in market value, a jump that has unfolded in less than six months and pushed the token into a higher tier of the stablecoin market. CoinMarketCap figures put that milestone into clearer focus: RLUSD was hovering near $750 million in September 2025, and its supply has grown steadily ever since.
JUST IN: RIPPLE'S $RLUSD STABLECOIN BREAKS $1.5 BILLION MARKET CAP@Ripple's own stablecoin, RLUSD, has grown to a market cap of $1.52 billion, according to data from CMC.
This is a 100% increase in less than half a year, the asset having crossed the $750 million milestone… https://t.co/kZkDRYzmLe pic.twitter.com/ETbevkbcp5
— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 12, 2026
The climb has landed at a moment when competition among dollar-backed tokens is intensifying, and regulatory conversations in Washington continue to drag. Yet RLUSD’s trajectory appears to be moving on its clock, shaped by demand from exchanges, institutions, and cross-border settlement corridors where Ripple has spent the last year widening its footprint.
Rapid Supply Growth Since September
Per reports, market supply began picking up pace in the fourth quarter of 2025. RLUSD, which operates across the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, found its way onto more exchanges and into more payment flows.
Traders tend to interpret this kind of expansion as a sign of rising settlement demand, though Ripple has framed the growth more narrowly around institutional uptake. The company has emphasized that RLUSD is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries, an approach that fits neatly with the current regulatory climate.
That structure, combined with the dual-chain design, has helped the token land in both DeFi markets and enterprise-facing payment rails. Consequently, liquidity has deepened as circulation widened, and by early 2026, the token had effectively doubled its market cap.
UAE Partnership Broadens Regional Reach
A sizeable part of RLUSD’s momentum has come from Ripple’s push into the Gulf. Earlier this month, the firm announced a broader tie-up with Zand Bank, a digital institution in the United Arab Emirates. Under the alliance, RLUSD will be linked with AEDZ, Zand’s dirham-pegged stablecoin, on the XRP Ledger.
Zand and @Ripple, the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance, are partnering to help advance and support the digital economy, with innovative solutions powered by the Zand AED (AEDZ) stablecoin and Ripple’s USD (RLUSD)… pic.twitter.com/8JXqjJgmTw
— Zand (@Official_Zand) February 10, 2026
Ripple says the pairing is meant to strengthen settlement corridors between the U.S. dollar and the UAE dirham in tokenized form. The UAE has shown steady interest in on-chain finance, and Zand has positioned itself as a bank built for that shift.
Reece Merrick, who oversees Ripple’s Middle East and Africa operations, said the teamwork reflects the region’s push for secure and transparent digital payment tools. Similarly, Zand CEO Michael Chan pointed to stablecoins and tokenization as forces reshaping financial infrastructure at a faster pace than many expected.
“Leveraging stablecoins, blockchain technology, and tokenization can unlock powerful new use cases as traditional finance moves on-chain,” he stated.
Tokenization Efforts Move in Parallel
Ripple has also leaned deeper into tokenization. A new partnership with Aviva Investors, announced this week, will bring traditional investment funds onto the XRP Ledger. The initiative adds another layer to the company’s pitch to institutions, which has increasingly shifted toward on-chain settlements and programmable finance.
We’re partnering with Aviva Investors to tokenize traditional funds on the XRP Ledger.
Tune into XRP Community Day to learn more about the partnership and onchain finance on the XRPL with @markusinfanger and Aviva’s Alastair Sewell.
Up Next: https://t.co/8fMPYOBcSM pic.twitter.com/1zQIhmuj21
— Ripple (@Ripple) February 11, 2026
The timing overlaps with a drawn-out policy debate in Washington. The CLARITY Act, meant to outline federal oversight for digital assets, remains stalled amid disagreements over how far stablecoin rules should reach. Per reports, lawmakers remain divided on yield programs, reserve requirements, and the division of authority between regulators.
Consequently, industry participants argue the uncertainty has slowed institutional onboarding in some segments, though others contend that issuers with transparent disclosures and conservative reserve structures are already preparing for whatever rules emerge.
Related: Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push
Regulatory Tension Shapes Market Positioning
That backdrop has added weight to RLUSD’s recent expansion. Yet, the stablecoin’s rise suggests that demand for regulated dollar-backed assets remains intact despite the policy gridlock.
With its market value now above $1.5 billion, RLUSD has edged further into a competitive field where compliance, transparency, and regional partnerships increasingly dictate momentum rather than sheer market hype.
The post RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals appeared first on Cryptotale.
Ripple expands UAE ties as Zand links RLUSD to its dirham stablecoin on XRPL.
Tokenization push grows with Ripple and Aviva bringing fund structures on-chain.
Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, has crossed a new threshold as it now sits at roughly $1.52 billion in market value, a jump that has unfolded in less than six months and pushed the token into a higher tier of the stablecoin market. CoinMarketCap figures put that milestone into clearer focus: RLUSD was hovering near $750 million in September 2025, and its supply has grown steadily ever since.
JUST IN: RIPPLE'S $RLUSD STABLECOIN BREAKS $1.5 BILLION MARKET CAP@Ripple's own stablecoin, RLUSD, has grown to a market cap of $1.52 billion, according to data from CMC.
This is a 100% increase in less than half a year, the asset having crossed the $750 million milestone… https://t.co/kZkDRYzmLe pic.twitter.com/ETbevkbcp5
— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 12, 2026
The climb has landed at a moment when competition among dollar-backed tokens is intensifying, and regulatory conversations in Washington continue to drag. Yet RLUSD’s trajectory appears to be moving on its clock, shaped by demand from exchanges, institutions, and cross-border settlement corridors where Ripple has spent the last year widening its footprint.
Rapid Supply Growth Since September
Per reports, market supply began picking up pace in the fourth quarter of 2025. RLUSD, which operates across the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, found its way onto more exchanges and into more payment flows.
Traders tend to interpret this kind of expansion as a sign of rising settlement demand, though Ripple has framed the growth more narrowly around institutional uptake. The company has emphasized that RLUSD is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries, an approach that fits neatly with the current regulatory climate.
That structure, combined with the dual-chain design, has helped the token land in both DeFi markets and enterprise-facing payment rails. Consequently, liquidity has deepened as circulation widened, and by early 2026, the token had effectively doubled its market cap.
UAE Partnership Broadens Regional Reach
A sizeable part of RLUSD’s momentum has come from Ripple’s push into the Gulf. Earlier this month, the firm announced a broader tie-up with Zand Bank, a digital institution in the United Arab Emirates. Under the alliance, RLUSD will be linked with AEDZ, Zand’s dirham-pegged stablecoin, on the XRP Ledger.
Zand and @Ripple, the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance, are partnering to help advance and support the digital economy, with innovative solutions powered by the Zand AED (AEDZ) stablecoin and Ripple’s USD (RLUSD)… pic.twitter.com/8JXqjJgmTw
— Zand (@Official_Zand) February 10, 2026
Ripple says the pairing is meant to strengthen settlement corridors between the U.S. dollar and the UAE dirham in tokenized form. The UAE has shown steady interest in on-chain finance, and Zand has positioned itself as a bank built for that shift.
Reece Merrick, who oversees Ripple’s Middle East and Africa operations, said the teamwork reflects the region’s push for secure and transparent digital payment tools. Similarly, Zand CEO Michael Chan pointed to stablecoins and tokenization as forces reshaping financial infrastructure at a faster pace than many expected.
“Leveraging stablecoins, blockchain technology, and tokenization can unlock powerful new use cases as traditional finance moves on-chain,” he stated.
Tokenization Efforts Move in Parallel
Ripple has also leaned deeper into tokenization. A new partnership with Aviva Investors, announced this week, will bring traditional investment funds onto the XRP Ledger. The initiative adds another layer to the company’s pitch to institutions, which has increasingly shifted toward on-chain settlements and programmable finance.
We’re partnering with Aviva Investors to tokenize traditional funds on the XRP Ledger.
Tune into XRP Community Day to learn more about the partnership and onchain finance on the XRPL with @markusinfanger and Aviva’s Alastair Sewell.
Up Next: https://t.co/8fMPYOBcSM pic.twitter.com/1zQIhmuj21
— Ripple (@Ripple) February 11, 2026
The timing overlaps with a drawn-out policy debate in Washington. The CLARITY Act, meant to outline federal oversight for digital assets, remains stalled amid disagreements over how far stablecoin rules should reach. Per reports, lawmakers remain divided on yield programs, reserve requirements, and the division of authority between regulators.
Consequently, industry participants argue the uncertainty has slowed institutional onboarding in some segments, though others contend that issuers with transparent disclosures and conservative reserve structures are already preparing for whatever rules emerge.
Related: Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push
Regulatory Tension Shapes Market Positioning
That backdrop has added weight to RLUSD’s recent expansion. Yet, the stablecoin’s rise suggests that demand for regulated dollar-backed assets remains intact despite the policy gridlock.
With its market value now above $1.5 billion, RLUSD has edged further into a competitive field where compliance, transparency, and regional partnerships increasingly dictate momentum rather than sheer market hype.
The post RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post RLUSD Doubles to $1.5B in Under Six Months as Ripple Expands Global Deals appeared first on Cryptotale.
The UAE Authorizes the Launch of Dirham Stablecoin DDSC
The UAE Central Bank approves DDSC for regulated dirham digital payments nationwide.
DDSC integrates more programmable blockchain settlement rails with dirham reserves.
Institutional clients can access compliant blockchain infrastructure thanks to FAB.
International Holding Company, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Sirius International Holding have secured approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to launch a dirham-backed stablecoin known as DDSC. The authorization moves the initiative into live operation and places it within the country’s regulated financial framework. The project aligns with the UAE’s strategy to integrate digital assets into mainstream banking infrastructure while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
IHC, FAB, Sirius get Central Bank nod to launch dirham-backed stablecoin https://t.co/Jxb54l5Kbt
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) February 12, 2026
According to the Khaleej Times, IHC and FAB first announced the initiative in April 2025. Since then, the partners have advanced the framework toward operational readiness. Currently, Sirius International Holding joins the rollout to support deployment, integration, and institutional adoption across the market.
FAB customers can access the stablecoin through various platforms that have received official approval. The framework enables organizations to implement enterprise and institutional solutions while maintaining all requirements for compliance and transparency and operational security that the Central Bank requires.
Regulatory Framework and Institutional Scope
DDSC will operate within an established regulatory structure. In 2024, the Central Bank introduced its Payment Token Services Regulations, which established the regulatory framework for the issuance of stablecoins by United Arab Emirates-licensed entities. The framework enables regulated organizations to develop blockchain-based financial services while complying with specific compliance requirements.
DDSC will focus on high-value institutional functions. These include payments and collections, treasury operations, and large-scale settlement flows. In addition, the framework covers trade finance and supply-chain transactions that require secure digital infrastructure.
Furthermore, the stablecoin supports programmable financial services for regulated entities. The design allows automation within defined legal and financial boundaries. As a result, institutions can execute structured transactions with predictable value anchored to the UAE dirham.
Leadership Statements and Strategic Direction
“With the Central Bank’s approval and our transition into live operation, we are delivering trusted, institutional-grade infrastructure that strengthens resilience, accelerates innovation, and expands what is possible in regulated digital payments,” said Syed Basar Shueb, Chief Executive Officer of International Holding Company.
He added that DDSC functions as a programmable stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham. He stated that the initiative modernizes payments, settlement systems, and treasury workflows. He also noted that it enables secure automated transfers, including future machine-to-machine transactions and trade between AI agents as digital systems evolve.
Futoon Hamdan AlMazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth, and Privileged Client Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank, addressed integration standards. She said stablecoins can integrate responsibly into the financial system when institutions design them to meet rigorous regulatory and risk requirements. She stated that FAB enables DDSC to combine regulatory oversight with blockchain infrastructure while delivering scalable solutions for institutional and government clients.
Related: UAE Central Bank Approves First US Dollar Stablecoin
Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Group CEO of Sirius International Holding, described the live launch as a new phase for regulated digital finance. He said Sirius will accelerate adoption and expand real-world institutional applications through ADI’s sovereign blockchain infrastructure under the UAE’s regulatory leadership.
Dirham Peg and Digital Payment Design
DDSC maintains a one-to-one peg with the UAE dirham. This structure anchors the token’s value to a reserve asset while enabling blockchain-based transfers. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, the stablecoin provides predictable value for regulated financial flows.
The initiative targets institutional markets rather than retail speculation. Therefore, it supports structured settlement systems, cross-border trade flows, and treasury automation. It also prepares the infrastructure for advanced digital transactions between autonomous systems.
As the UAE advances its regulated digital asset framework, DDSC enters the financial system under Central Bank approval. The project reflects coordination between corporate institutions and national regulators.
The post The UAE Authorizes the Launch of Dirham Stablecoin DDSC appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post The UAE Authorizes the Launch of Dirham Stablecoin DDSC appeared first on Cryptotale.
DDSC integrates more programmable blockchain settlement rails with dirham reserves.
Institutional clients can access compliant blockchain infrastructure thanks to FAB.
International Holding Company, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Sirius International Holding have secured approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to launch a dirham-backed stablecoin known as DDSC. The authorization moves the initiative into live operation and places it within the country’s regulated financial framework. The project aligns with the UAE’s strategy to integrate digital assets into mainstream banking infrastructure while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
IHC, FAB, Sirius get Central Bank nod to launch dirham-backed stablecoin https://t.co/Jxb54l5Kbt
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) February 12, 2026
According to the Khaleej Times, IHC and FAB first announced the initiative in April 2025. Since then, the partners have advanced the framework toward operational readiness. Currently, Sirius International Holding joins the rollout to support deployment, integration, and institutional adoption across the market.
FAB customers can access the stablecoin through various platforms that have received official approval. The framework enables organizations to implement enterprise and institutional solutions while maintaining all requirements for compliance and transparency and operational security that the Central Bank requires.
Regulatory Framework and Institutional Scope
DDSC will operate within an established regulatory structure. In 2024, the Central Bank introduced its Payment Token Services Regulations, which established the regulatory framework for the issuance of stablecoins by United Arab Emirates-licensed entities. The framework enables regulated organizations to develop blockchain-based financial services while complying with specific compliance requirements.
DDSC will focus on high-value institutional functions. These include payments and collections, treasury operations, and large-scale settlement flows. In addition, the framework covers trade finance and supply-chain transactions that require secure digital infrastructure.
Furthermore, the stablecoin supports programmable financial services for regulated entities. The design allows automation within defined legal and financial boundaries. As a result, institutions can execute structured transactions with predictable value anchored to the UAE dirham.
Leadership Statements and Strategic Direction
“With the Central Bank’s approval and our transition into live operation, we are delivering trusted, institutional-grade infrastructure that strengthens resilience, accelerates innovation, and expands what is possible in regulated digital payments,” said Syed Basar Shueb, Chief Executive Officer of International Holding Company.
He added that DDSC functions as a programmable stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham. He stated that the initiative modernizes payments, settlement systems, and treasury workflows. He also noted that it enables secure automated transfers, including future machine-to-machine transactions and trade between AI agents as digital systems evolve.
Futoon Hamdan AlMazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth, and Privileged Client Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank, addressed integration standards. She said stablecoins can integrate responsibly into the financial system when institutions design them to meet rigorous regulatory and risk requirements. She stated that FAB enables DDSC to combine regulatory oversight with blockchain infrastructure while delivering scalable solutions for institutional and government clients.
Related: UAE Central Bank Approves First US Dollar Stablecoin
Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Group CEO of Sirius International Holding, described the live launch as a new phase for regulated digital finance. He said Sirius will accelerate adoption and expand real-world institutional applications through ADI’s sovereign blockchain infrastructure under the UAE’s regulatory leadership.
Dirham Peg and Digital Payment Design
DDSC maintains a one-to-one peg with the UAE dirham. This structure anchors the token’s value to a reserve asset while enabling blockchain-based transfers. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, the stablecoin provides predictable value for regulated financial flows.
The initiative targets institutional markets rather than retail speculation. Therefore, it supports structured settlement systems, cross-border trade flows, and treasury automation. It also prepares the infrastructure for advanced digital transactions between autonomous systems.
As the UAE advances its regulated digital asset framework, DDSC enters the financial system under Central Bank approval. The project reflects coordination between corporate institutions and national regulators.
The post The UAE Authorizes the Launch of Dirham Stablecoin DDSC appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post The UAE Authorizes the Launch of Dirham Stablecoin DDSC appeared first on Cryptotale.
Malaysia Central Bank Sets 2026 Roadmap for Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits
BNM tests ringgit stablecoins and digital deposits for wholesale settlement use.
Three pilots assess cross-border payments and tokenized asset settlement flows.
Malaysia aligns with Asia’s rapid shift toward regulated tokenized financial systems.
Malaysia’s central bank has outlined a clear 2026 pathway for testing and clarifying the role of Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits within the country’s financial system. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) confirmed that three initiatives have been onboarded into its Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH) to examine wholesale payment use cases involving tokenized deposits and ringgit-pegged stable instruments.
Bank Negara's Digital Asset Innovation Hub has onboarded 3 initiatives this year to test ringgit stablecoins and tokenised deposits, including B2B stablecoins by Standard Chartered and Capital A, and payment-focused tokenised deposits by Maybank and CIMB.
The DAIH aims to foster… https://t.co/OeYTS8h1Qa pic.twitter.com/DYqn2Nzrgs
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) February 11, 2026
The move places Malaysia among a growing list of Asian economies actively evaluating tokenized finance in controlled environments. BNM said the selected initiatives will run in 2026 under structured sandbox conditions, allowing regulators to measure the impact on monetary and financial stability before determining formal policy direction.
Testing Begins With Three Targeted Use Cases
According to an official report, the onboarding focuses on wholesale applications: cross-border payments, domestic settlements, and the mechanics behind settling tokenized assets. All activity stays within a controlled sandbox, limiting risk while giving BNM visibility into operational bottlenecks and stability implications.
The initiatives are being conducted in a joint effort with ecosystem partners, including corporate clients of financial institutions and other regulatory bodies. Besides, some trials will incorporate Shariah considerations, reflecting the structure of Malaysia’s mixed financial system.
For BNM, the sandbox is a diagnostic tool. It allows the bank to examine Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits under stress without committing to a public rollout or introducing unfamiliar instruments into the open market.
The work may eventually intersect with the central bank’s separate research on wholesale central bank digital currencies (wCBDC), though that connection remains exploratory. Since the DAIH opened in mid-2025, BNM has spoken with more than 30 industry players.
Those conversations shaped the first batch of high-impact use cases, projects the bank believes carry tangible benefits for the country’s digitalization agenda. The new cohort is the first formal result of that outreach.
Roadmap Extends Earlier Tokenization Push
The Sandbox expansion builds on a tokenization roadmap published in late 2025. That blueprint pointed regulators toward a wide set of real-world applications: supply chains, Shariah-compliant finance, access to credit, programmable settlement tools, and around-the-clock cross-border transfers.
A few experiments began to surface even before the latest announcement. In December 2025, for instance, a ringgit-pegged stablecoin called RMJDT entered sandbox testing. It was launched by Bullish Aim, a telecom firm owned by Ismail Ibrahim, the eldest son of Malaysia’s current king.
Still, RMJDT has not been opened to public trading and remains under review. Around the same time, Standard Chartered and Capital A disclosed plans to explore another ringgit-pegged instrument intended for wholesale settlement.
These efforts underscore a consistent point: Ringgit stablecoins and digital deposits are being explored strictly for institutional use, not for everyday retail payments.
Related: Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push
Regional Momentum Adds Pressure and Context
Across Asia, the landscape is shifting quickly. Hong Kong’s licensing regime for stablecoins is already in place, and its Project Ensemble trials are pushing tokenized deposits forward. Singapore, on the other hand, continues to shape its own framework under Project Guardian.
Not to leave out, Japan added a yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC, in late 2025, and its largest banks began joint pilots for corporate settlement tools soon after. Malaysia is also heading in the same direction but more cautiously, using the sandbox to isolate risks and decode the legal and technical layers that come with tokenized finance.
The outcome of these 2026 trials will determine how Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits evolve inside Malaysia’s regulatory architecture and how far the central bank is willing to go as tokenized markets continue to mature.
The post Malaysia Central Bank Sets 2026 Roadmap for Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Malaysia Central Bank Sets 2026 Roadmap for Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits appeared first on Cryptotale.
Three pilots assess cross-border payments and tokenized asset settlement flows.
Malaysia aligns with Asia’s rapid shift toward regulated tokenized financial systems.
Malaysia’s central bank has outlined a clear 2026 pathway for testing and clarifying the role of Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits within the country’s financial system. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) confirmed that three initiatives have been onboarded into its Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH) to examine wholesale payment use cases involving tokenized deposits and ringgit-pegged stable instruments.
Bank Negara's Digital Asset Innovation Hub has onboarded 3 initiatives this year to test ringgit stablecoins and tokenised deposits, including B2B stablecoins by Standard Chartered and Capital A, and payment-focused tokenised deposits by Maybank and CIMB.
The DAIH aims to foster… https://t.co/OeYTS8h1Qa pic.twitter.com/DYqn2Nzrgs
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) February 11, 2026
The move places Malaysia among a growing list of Asian economies actively evaluating tokenized finance in controlled environments. BNM said the selected initiatives will run in 2026 under structured sandbox conditions, allowing regulators to measure the impact on monetary and financial stability before determining formal policy direction.
Testing Begins With Three Targeted Use Cases
According to an official report, the onboarding focuses on wholesale applications: cross-border payments, domestic settlements, and the mechanics behind settling tokenized assets. All activity stays within a controlled sandbox, limiting risk while giving BNM visibility into operational bottlenecks and stability implications.
The initiatives are being conducted in a joint effort with ecosystem partners, including corporate clients of financial institutions and other regulatory bodies. Besides, some trials will incorporate Shariah considerations, reflecting the structure of Malaysia’s mixed financial system.
For BNM, the sandbox is a diagnostic tool. It allows the bank to examine Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits under stress without committing to a public rollout or introducing unfamiliar instruments into the open market.
The work may eventually intersect with the central bank’s separate research on wholesale central bank digital currencies (wCBDC), though that connection remains exploratory. Since the DAIH opened in mid-2025, BNM has spoken with more than 30 industry players.
Those conversations shaped the first batch of high-impact use cases, projects the bank believes carry tangible benefits for the country’s digitalization agenda. The new cohort is the first formal result of that outreach.
Roadmap Extends Earlier Tokenization Push
The Sandbox expansion builds on a tokenization roadmap published in late 2025. That blueprint pointed regulators toward a wide set of real-world applications: supply chains, Shariah-compliant finance, access to credit, programmable settlement tools, and around-the-clock cross-border transfers.
A few experiments began to surface even before the latest announcement. In December 2025, for instance, a ringgit-pegged stablecoin called RMJDT entered sandbox testing. It was launched by Bullish Aim, a telecom firm owned by Ismail Ibrahim, the eldest son of Malaysia’s current king.
Still, RMJDT has not been opened to public trading and remains under review. Around the same time, Standard Chartered and Capital A disclosed plans to explore another ringgit-pegged instrument intended for wholesale settlement.
These efforts underscore a consistent point: Ringgit stablecoins and digital deposits are being explored strictly for institutional use, not for everyday retail payments.
Related: Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push
Regional Momentum Adds Pressure and Context
Across Asia, the landscape is shifting quickly. Hong Kong’s licensing regime for stablecoins is already in place, and its Project Ensemble trials are pushing tokenized deposits forward. Singapore, on the other hand, continues to shape its own framework under Project Guardian.
Not to leave out, Japan added a yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC, in late 2025, and its largest banks began joint pilots for corporate settlement tools soon after. Malaysia is also heading in the same direction but more cautiously, using the sandbox to isolate risks and decode the legal and technical layers that come with tokenized finance.
The outcome of these 2026 trials will determine how Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits evolve inside Malaysia’s regulatory architecture and how far the central bank is willing to go as tokenized markets continue to mature.
The post Malaysia Central Bank Sets 2026 Roadmap for Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Malaysia Central Bank Sets 2026 Roadmap for Ringgit Stablecoins and Digital Deposits appeared first on Cryptotale.
Tether Moves Toward Top 10 Position in US Treasury Bill Market
Tether currently holds more than $122 billion in US Treasury bills as core reserves.
USDT supply approaches 185 billion dollars with broad global circulation growth.
Tether adds close to 30 million additional users each quarter amid rapid expansion.
Tether expects to rank among the top 10 purchasers of U.S. Treasury bills this year as demand for USDT and its new USAT stablecoin accelerates. Bo Hines, who leads Tether’s U.S. subsidiary, made the projection during remarks at the Bitcoin Investor Week conference in New York City. He said expanding circulation of Tether’s dollar-pegged tokens will require a significant increase in short-term government debt holdings.
At the conference, Hines stated, “This year, I think we’ll end up being a top 10 purchaser of T-bills.” He linked that expectation directly to growth in USDT and the recently launched USAT. According to Tether’s latest attestation, 83.11% of its reserves sit in U.S. Treasury bills, totaling more than $122 billion in short-term government securities.
TETHER TARGETS TOP 10 SPOT IN U.S. T-BILL BUYERS
Bo Hines, now leading Tether’s U.S. arm, said the company expects to become one of the top 10 purchasers of U.S. Treasury bills this year.
He claims that the rising demand for USDT and its new USAT stablecoin will drive a major… pic.twitter.com/5WKUVXZpE1
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 11, 2026
USDT remains the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, with about $185 billion in circulation. As a result, Tether must maintain substantial reserves to support each token. Treasury bills, widely viewed as safe and liquid instruments, form the core of that backing strategy.
Expanding Reserves and Global Standing
Hines said Tether already ranks among the top 20 holders of Treasury bills worldwide. He noted that this position includes comparisons with sovereign states. In the U.S. Treasury’s ranking of foreign holders, Tether would sit between Germany and Saudi Arabia.
The company’s reserve strength extends beyond government debt. According to accounting firm BDO, Tether holds roughly $6.3 billion in excess reserves. Those additional funds provide an added buffer above the assets required to back tokens in circulation.
In addition to Treasurys and excess reserves, Tether maintains a large gold position. Hines said the company owns about 140 tons of gold. He described Tether as the thirteenth-largest gold holder in the world. Gold serves as a long-term store of value and adds another layer of asset support.
User Growth Drives Treasury Demand
Hines traced the surge in Treasury purchases to user growth. USDT, launched in 2014, now counts about 530 million customers worldwide. “We’re growing at about 30 million a quarter, which is pretty remarkable,” he said during the conference.
That steady expansion increases the need for liquid backing assets. Stablecoins aim to maintain a fixed value, usually equal to one U.S. dollar. To honor that promise, issuers must hold reliable and easily tradable reserves.
With $185 billion worth of USDT in circulation, Tether must match that supply with strong collateral. Therefore, rising token issuance translates into greater demand for Treasury bills. If quarterly growth continues at the current pace, Tether’s share of government debt could climb further.
Could a stablecoin issuer soon stand among the largest buyers of U.S. government debt?
Related: Tether Goes Global As Profits Power Hiring And Tech Push
USAT and GENIUS Act Compliance
Tether’s Treasury demand may also rise due to USAT, which launched late last month. Anchorage Bank issues the token, and it complies with the U.S. federal stablecoin framework known as the GENIUS Act. That law requires regulated stablecoins to maintain 1:1 backing with high-quality assets such as short-term Treasury bills.
Hines previously served as Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council under President Donald Trump. He stepped down in August after lawmakers signed the GENIUS Act into law. He said Tether continues aligning reserves with that compliance standard.
“We’re obviously increasing the amount of T-bills we have in our reserves as we move towards this GENIUS compliance standard,” Hines said. He added that USDT and USAT will remain interoperable, stating, “It’s just Tether at the end of the day.”
As user numbers grow and regulatory standards tighten, Tether continues expanding its Treasury holdings. The company’s reserve composition now links digital dollar issuance directly with the U.S. government debt market.
The post Tether Moves Toward Top 10 Position in US Treasury Bill Market appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Tether Moves Toward Top 10 Position in US Treasury Bill Market appeared first on Cryptotale.
USDT supply approaches 185 billion dollars with broad global circulation growth.
Tether adds close to 30 million additional users each quarter amid rapid expansion.
Tether expects to rank among the top 10 purchasers of U.S. Treasury bills this year as demand for USDT and its new USAT stablecoin accelerates. Bo Hines, who leads Tether’s U.S. subsidiary, made the projection during remarks at the Bitcoin Investor Week conference in New York City. He said expanding circulation of Tether’s dollar-pegged tokens will require a significant increase in short-term government debt holdings.
At the conference, Hines stated, “This year, I think we’ll end up being a top 10 purchaser of T-bills.” He linked that expectation directly to growth in USDT and the recently launched USAT. According to Tether’s latest attestation, 83.11% of its reserves sit in U.S. Treasury bills, totaling more than $122 billion in short-term government securities.
TETHER TARGETS TOP 10 SPOT IN U.S. T-BILL BUYERS
Bo Hines, now leading Tether’s U.S. arm, said the company expects to become one of the top 10 purchasers of U.S. Treasury bills this year.
He claims that the rising demand for USDT and its new USAT stablecoin will drive a major… pic.twitter.com/5WKUVXZpE1
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 11, 2026
USDT remains the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, with about $185 billion in circulation. As a result, Tether must maintain substantial reserves to support each token. Treasury bills, widely viewed as safe and liquid instruments, form the core of that backing strategy.
Expanding Reserves and Global Standing
Hines said Tether already ranks among the top 20 holders of Treasury bills worldwide. He noted that this position includes comparisons with sovereign states. In the U.S. Treasury’s ranking of foreign holders, Tether would sit between Germany and Saudi Arabia.
The company’s reserve strength extends beyond government debt. According to accounting firm BDO, Tether holds roughly $6.3 billion in excess reserves. Those additional funds provide an added buffer above the assets required to back tokens in circulation.
In addition to Treasurys and excess reserves, Tether maintains a large gold position. Hines said the company owns about 140 tons of gold. He described Tether as the thirteenth-largest gold holder in the world. Gold serves as a long-term store of value and adds another layer of asset support.
User Growth Drives Treasury Demand
Hines traced the surge in Treasury purchases to user growth. USDT, launched in 2014, now counts about 530 million customers worldwide. “We’re growing at about 30 million a quarter, which is pretty remarkable,” he said during the conference.
That steady expansion increases the need for liquid backing assets. Stablecoins aim to maintain a fixed value, usually equal to one U.S. dollar. To honor that promise, issuers must hold reliable and easily tradable reserves.
With $185 billion worth of USDT in circulation, Tether must match that supply with strong collateral. Therefore, rising token issuance translates into greater demand for Treasury bills. If quarterly growth continues at the current pace, Tether’s share of government debt could climb further.
Could a stablecoin issuer soon stand among the largest buyers of U.S. government debt?
Related: Tether Goes Global As Profits Power Hiring And Tech Push
USAT and GENIUS Act Compliance
Tether’s Treasury demand may also rise due to USAT, which launched late last month. Anchorage Bank issues the token, and it complies with the U.S. federal stablecoin framework known as the GENIUS Act. That law requires regulated stablecoins to maintain 1:1 backing with high-quality assets such as short-term Treasury bills.
Hines previously served as Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council under President Donald Trump. He stepped down in August after lawmakers signed the GENIUS Act into law. He said Tether continues aligning reserves with that compliance standard.
“We’re obviously increasing the amount of T-bills we have in our reserves as we move towards this GENIUS compliance standard,” Hines said. He added that USDT and USAT will remain interoperable, stating, “It’s just Tether at the end of the day.”
As user numbers grow and regulatory standards tighten, Tether continues expanding its Treasury holdings. The company’s reserve composition now links digital dollar issuance directly with the U.S. government debt market.
The post Tether Moves Toward Top 10 Position in US Treasury Bill Market appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Tether Moves Toward Top 10 Position in US Treasury Bill Market appeared first on Cryptotale.
Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide
Bitcoin drops to 16 monthly lows as ETF selling and cycle pressure weigh on the price.
Analysts point to 4-year cycle patterns as derivatives reshape Bitcoin price discovery.
Miners face rising stress as costs exceed prices and gold continues to outperform BTC.
Bitcoin fell below $61,000 last week, marking its lowest level in roughly 16 months as market leaders pointed to the four-year cycle, ETF redemptions, and investor rotation into gold and artificial intelligence stocks. The decline erased all gains since the November 2024 election and ranks among the largest drawdowns since 2022.
Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said investors should not blame a single trigger for the retracement. He told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” that the four-year cycle stands as the primary downward catalyst.
“People are looking for one thing to blame for the current retracement in bitcoin,” Hougan said. “But there is no one thing to blame.” He added that investors have favored other assets during the downturn. “There is some quantum risk. There is fear of [Fed nominee] Kevin Warsh,” Hougan said. “In bear markets, all these things are amplified.”
Bitcoin reached a record $126,279 in October before falling below $90,000 in November. Since then, momentum has shifted.
ETF Redemptions and Shifting Focus
Wintermute analysts linked the downtrend to exchange-traded fund redemptions and a pivot toward AI stocks. They reported that bearish momentum remains intact, although the pace of selling has eased.
https://t.co/kzr5QYb0L1
— Wintermute (@wintermute_t) February 10, 2026
At the same time, Hougan said the current market reflects a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” He argued that structural demand still supports Bitcoin’s long-term framework despite short-term turbulence.
“There is good news underneath the surface. It’s just slow to materialize,” Hougan said. He maintained that financialization does not weaken Bitcoin’s scarcity. He noted that only 21 million coins exist and that derivative demand must eventually reach the spot market.
Bitwise manages more than $15 billion in assets and remains active in crypto ETFs. The firm launched the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF on Oct. 28 to track Solana. The fund has declined about 57% since launch, while Solana has fallen more than 30% this year.
Related: Bitcoin Crash Tied to IBIT Dealer Hedging, Says Arthur Hayes
Derivatives, Miners, and Structural Strain
Some analysts raised concerns about derivative exposure. Market commentator 0xNobler pointed to the synthetic float ratio, arguing that derivatives and ETFs create claims on Bitcoin without matching physical supply. The price discovery process is disrupted through the system disruption, establishing additional stability risks for Bitcoin markets.
Bitcoin miners currently experience financial difficulties because market prices remain under their typical operational costs. Operators experience decreasing profit margins, together with an increased burden on their business activities. Some miners have shut down high-cost operations, which has reduced the network hashrate. In turn, distressed miners have sold assets to maintain liquidity. That selling has added short-term volatility.
Bitcoin’s recent decline forms part of a broader crypto winter that began in January 2025. Hougan estimated that crypto winters typically last around 13 months, suggesting a possible recovery in early 2026. Yet other analysts question whether the bear phase will end on that timeline.
Inflation Hedge Debate and Market Test
The economic downturn has sparked renewed discussions about Bitcoin’s capacity to function as an inflation hedge and digital gold. Larry Swedroe argued that Bitcoin does not behave as a safe-haven asset during market stress. He observed that gold has surpassed Bitcoin’s value in recent times.
The value of Bitcoin is being tested because gold is becoming more popular, and AI stocks are attracting investment. The market now weighs institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and broader economic conditions.
The central question remains: can Bitcoin sustain its scarcity-driven thesis amid derivative expansion and ETF-driven price swings?
The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.
Analysts point to 4-year cycle patterns as derivatives reshape Bitcoin price discovery.
Miners face rising stress as costs exceed prices and gold continues to outperform BTC.
Bitcoin fell below $61,000 last week, marking its lowest level in roughly 16 months as market leaders pointed to the four-year cycle, ETF redemptions, and investor rotation into gold and artificial intelligence stocks. The decline erased all gains since the November 2024 election and ranks among the largest drawdowns since 2022.
Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said investors should not blame a single trigger for the retracement. He told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” that the four-year cycle stands as the primary downward catalyst.
“People are looking for one thing to blame for the current retracement in bitcoin,” Hougan said. “But there is no one thing to blame.” He added that investors have favored other assets during the downturn. “There is some quantum risk. There is fear of [Fed nominee] Kevin Warsh,” Hougan said. “In bear markets, all these things are amplified.”
Bitcoin reached a record $126,279 in October before falling below $90,000 in November. Since then, momentum has shifted.
ETF Redemptions and Shifting Focus
Wintermute analysts linked the downtrend to exchange-traded fund redemptions and a pivot toward AI stocks. They reported that bearish momentum remains intact, although the pace of selling has eased.
https://t.co/kzr5QYb0L1
— Wintermute (@wintermute_t) February 10, 2026
At the same time, Hougan said the current market reflects a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” He argued that structural demand still supports Bitcoin’s long-term framework despite short-term turbulence.
“There is good news underneath the surface. It’s just slow to materialize,” Hougan said. He maintained that financialization does not weaken Bitcoin’s scarcity. He noted that only 21 million coins exist and that derivative demand must eventually reach the spot market.
Bitwise manages more than $15 billion in assets and remains active in crypto ETFs. The firm launched the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF on Oct. 28 to track Solana. The fund has declined about 57% since launch, while Solana has fallen more than 30% this year.
Related: Bitcoin Crash Tied to IBIT Dealer Hedging, Says Arthur Hayes
Derivatives, Miners, and Structural Strain
Some analysts raised concerns about derivative exposure. Market commentator 0xNobler pointed to the synthetic float ratio, arguing that derivatives and ETFs create claims on Bitcoin without matching physical supply. The price discovery process is disrupted through the system disruption, establishing additional stability risks for Bitcoin markets.
Bitcoin miners currently experience financial difficulties because market prices remain under their typical operational costs. Operators experience decreasing profit margins, together with an increased burden on their business activities. Some miners have shut down high-cost operations, which has reduced the network hashrate. In turn, distressed miners have sold assets to maintain liquidity. That selling has added short-term volatility.
Bitcoin’s recent decline forms part of a broader crypto winter that began in January 2025. Hougan estimated that crypto winters typically last around 13 months, suggesting a possible recovery in early 2026. Yet other analysts question whether the bear phase will end on that timeline.
Inflation Hedge Debate and Market Test
The economic downturn has sparked renewed discussions about Bitcoin’s capacity to function as an inflation hedge and digital gold. Larry Swedroe argued that Bitcoin does not behave as a safe-haven asset during market stress. He observed that gold has surpassed Bitcoin’s value in recent times.
The value of Bitcoin is being tested because gold is becoming more popular, and AI stocks are attracting investment. The market now weighs institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and broader economic conditions.
The central question remains: can Bitcoin sustain its scarcity-driven thesis amid derivative expansion and ETF-driven price swings?
The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.
Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push
Bessent says Coinbase blocks the bill, as stablecoin reward limits threaten its revenue base.
Banks warn stablecoin rewards could speed deposit outflows and weaken core lending funds.
White House talks stall since both sides refuse to shift on stablecoin yield restrictions.
Washington’s long-running effort to pin down a workable crypto market structure bill hit another snag this week after Scott Bessent singled out a major industry player for slowing the process. His remarks, delivered with little cushioning, sketched a blunt storyline: the CLARITY Act is ready to move, but one company is pushing back hard enough to keep it stuck.
According to reports, he did not name Coinbase outright, though his meaning was unmistakable to anyone following the negotiations. The tension centers on a rule that might look narrow on paper but carries wide implications.
BREAKING: SCOTT BESSENT JUST BLAMED THIS CRYPTO FIRM FOR BLOCKING CLARITY ACT.
He said some crypto firms would rather have no bill than a bill they don’t like, and the clear target here is Coinbase CEO who has pushback on stablecoin yield rules.
So what’s the actual fight?… pic.twitter.com/XlbATuLGin
— Sjuul | AltCryptoGems (@AltCryptoGems) February 10, 2026
The bill’s current draft takes aim at stablecoin rewards, a revenue stream that has grown into a core piece of Coinbase’s business model. Essentially, USDC’s reserve income generates steady returns, and the exchange shares a slice of that with customers.
Lawmakers have struggled to decide whether those payouts count as simple rewards or prohibited yield. However, the debate has drifted from technical to political, and it now defines the entire bill’s fate.
The Core Dispute: Stablecoin Rewards
Based on reports, Coinbase has argued that it is not resisting oversight or new rules, but resisting this version of them. The company says the bill’s wording would force it to shut down all stablecoin reward programs, even those structured as platform incentives rather than interest-bearing products. That distinction matters.
Passive rewards paid simply for holding a token fall into one category, while incentives tied to activity or platform use fall into another. Regardless, the bill collapses both into the same label, and that is where negotiations have frozen. Banks, meanwhile, see the issue from a different vantage point. Their concern is not blockchain mechanics or token design, but deposits.
To them, reward-bearing stablecoins that reliably offer returns at a time when many savings accounts barely move could accelerate the outflow of deposits. Basically, banks depend on that funding to deliver credit cheaply. As a result, they warned lawmakers that even small shifts in customer behavior could reshape balance sheets across the sector.
Bessent’s Pressure Play
By placing Coinbase at the center of the impasse, Bessent changed the tone of the debate. Instead of a diffuse policy disagreement, the story became a showdown between a single company and a bipartisan effort to close regulatory gaps.
This marks a strategic move, where blame concentrates pressure, and pressure forces movement. If one party appears responsible for slowing a bill that Congress claims it wants to finish, the political cost increases.
The standoff already halted a Senate Banking Committee markup earlier this year after Coinbase withdrew support. Without compromise on stablecoin rewards, committee leaders say they do not have the votes for a clean advance to the Senate floor.
Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms
White House Attempts to Break the Deadlock
On the other hand, administration officials have held repeated meetings with crypto firms, banking groups, and regulators to carve out a workable middle ground. Some participants pushed for clearer disclosures rather than outright bans.
Yet, bank groups floated a tougher line, urging Congress to prohibit any reward that resembles interest. Crypto executives signaled a willingness to negotiate but not at the expense of eliminating a business model that drives user engagement.
Consequently, those meetings have produced little movement so far. Both sides remain anchored to their red lines, and lawmakers say the bill cannot progress without agreement on this single issue. Everything else, including exchange permissions, market oversight, and stablecoin rules, waits on the outcome.For now, the CLARITY Act stays frozen. Until negotiators decide what counts as a reward, a yield, or something in between, the U.S. regulatory landscape continues to drift without the clarity its authors promised.
The post Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
Banks warn stablecoin rewards could speed deposit outflows and weaken core lending funds.
White House talks stall since both sides refuse to shift on stablecoin yield restrictions.
Washington’s long-running effort to pin down a workable crypto market structure bill hit another snag this week after Scott Bessent singled out a major industry player for slowing the process. His remarks, delivered with little cushioning, sketched a blunt storyline: the CLARITY Act is ready to move, but one company is pushing back hard enough to keep it stuck.
According to reports, he did not name Coinbase outright, though his meaning was unmistakable to anyone following the negotiations. The tension centers on a rule that might look narrow on paper but carries wide implications.
BREAKING: SCOTT BESSENT JUST BLAMED THIS CRYPTO FIRM FOR BLOCKING CLARITY ACT.
He said some crypto firms would rather have no bill than a bill they don’t like, and the clear target here is Coinbase CEO who has pushback on stablecoin yield rules.
So what’s the actual fight?… pic.twitter.com/XlbATuLGin
— Sjuul | AltCryptoGems (@AltCryptoGems) February 10, 2026
The bill’s current draft takes aim at stablecoin rewards, a revenue stream that has grown into a core piece of Coinbase’s business model. Essentially, USDC’s reserve income generates steady returns, and the exchange shares a slice of that with customers.
Lawmakers have struggled to decide whether those payouts count as simple rewards or prohibited yield. However, the debate has drifted from technical to political, and it now defines the entire bill’s fate.
The Core Dispute: Stablecoin Rewards
Based on reports, Coinbase has argued that it is not resisting oversight or new rules, but resisting this version of them. The company says the bill’s wording would force it to shut down all stablecoin reward programs, even those structured as platform incentives rather than interest-bearing products. That distinction matters.
Passive rewards paid simply for holding a token fall into one category, while incentives tied to activity or platform use fall into another. Regardless, the bill collapses both into the same label, and that is where negotiations have frozen. Banks, meanwhile, see the issue from a different vantage point. Their concern is not blockchain mechanics or token design, but deposits.
To them, reward-bearing stablecoins that reliably offer returns at a time when many savings accounts barely move could accelerate the outflow of deposits. Basically, banks depend on that funding to deliver credit cheaply. As a result, they warned lawmakers that even small shifts in customer behavior could reshape balance sheets across the sector.
Bessent’s Pressure Play
By placing Coinbase at the center of the impasse, Bessent changed the tone of the debate. Instead of a diffuse policy disagreement, the story became a showdown between a single company and a bipartisan effort to close regulatory gaps.
This marks a strategic move, where blame concentrates pressure, and pressure forces movement. If one party appears responsible for slowing a bill that Congress claims it wants to finish, the political cost increases.
The standoff already halted a Senate Banking Committee markup earlier this year after Coinbase withdrew support. Without compromise on stablecoin rewards, committee leaders say they do not have the votes for a clean advance to the Senate floor.
Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms
White House Attempts to Break the Deadlock
On the other hand, administration officials have held repeated meetings with crypto firms, banking groups, and regulators to carve out a workable middle ground. Some participants pushed for clearer disclosures rather than outright bans.
Yet, bank groups floated a tougher line, urging Congress to prohibit any reward that resembles interest. Crypto executives signaled a willingness to negotiate but not at the expense of eliminating a business model that drives user engagement.
Consequently, those meetings have produced little movement so far. Both sides remain anchored to their red lines, and lawmakers say the bill cannot progress without agreement on this single issue. Everything else, including exchange permissions, market oversight, and stablecoin rules, waits on the outcome.For now, the CLARITY Act stays frozen. Until negotiators decide what counts as a reward, a yield, or something in between, the U.S. regulatory landscape continues to drift without the clarity its authors promised.
The post Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid
Fried seeks a retrial based on asserted evidence regarding FTX solvency and repayment.
He contested findings that customer funds were misused through Alameda Research.
Judges will evaluate whether his motion satisfies the legal threshold for the conviction.
Convicted former cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman-Fried on Tuesday asked a Manhattan federal court to grant him a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency and its ability to repay customers. The 32-year-old, who serves a 25-year prison sentence after his 2023 fraud conviction, argues that fresh information challenges prosecutors’ claim that he looted $8 billion in customer funds.
His mother, Stanford Law School professor Barbara Fried, filed the motion on his behalf in the Southern District of New York. The request adds another legal step to Bankman-Fried’s ongoing fight against his conviction.
HAPPENING NOW: SAM BANKMAN-FRIED FILES FOR RETRIAL IN FTX FRAUD CASE
Sam Bankman-Fried has filed for a new trial, citing new facts in sworn testimony from FTX's former Head of Data Science, Chapsky.
Things are about to get heated. https://t.co/p6cHeYrQtu pic.twitter.com/YMA3tCCB2Q
— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 10, 2026
New Trial Bid Centers on Solvency Claims
In the filing, Bankman-Fried contends that new evidence regarding FTX’s financial condition could justify reopening the case. He maintains that prosecutors framed the exchange’s collapse as outright theft rather than a failure tied to liquidity pressures. He argues that evidence about the company’s later solvency deserves examination before a new jury.
At his 2023 trial, prosecutors said Bankman-Fried directed Alameda Research to commingle billions of dollars in FTX customer deposits. They told jurors he used those funds as loans to support risky cryptocurrency futures trading on the exchange he co-founded and controlled. The jury convicted him on fraud charges tied to that conduct.
Now, Bankman-Fried claims testimony absent from the original trial could change the outcome. The filing notes that figures such as former FTX executive Ryan Salame did not testify during the proceedings. Salame fought a separate legal battle. The motion asserts that such testimony could support a reassessment of the government’s theory.
Appeals, Judicial Skepticism, and Political Claims
Since his conviction, Bankman-Fried has pursued multiple legal challenges. He appealed his conviction before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In November, appellate judges expressed skepticism toward his argument that he did not receive a fair trial.
His appeal also focused on FTX’s solvency after its collapse. He has repeated that claim on social media platform X. Yet during November arguments, judges questioned whether solvency addressed the core fraud charges. Circuit Judge Maria Araújo Kahn stated, “Part of the government’s theory of the case is that the defendant misrepresented to investors that their money was safe.” She added that the jury found the funds were used as prosecutors described.
Separately, President Donald Trump recently said he would not consider clemency for Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried has posted on X, through a proxy, alleging he was a victim of what he calls the Biden administration’s “lawfare machine.” He has attempted to align himself with Trump following Trump’s re-election, claiming both faced “bogus charges.” During the 2023 trial, prosecutors disclosed a document in which Bankman-Fried considered “come out as a Republican” to avoid culpability.
Related: From Vision to Void: The Story of Sam Bankman-Fried
Legal Uncertainty and Next Steps
The new trial motion, first reported by Inner City Press, marks his latest effort to challenge his conviction. The filing argues that the trial court excluded defense evidence that he intended to repay customers and believed he could ultimately return their funds. He continues to press that claim in a separate appeal pending before the Second Circuit.
Still, it remains unclear what specific new evidence he discovered or how it could persuade a judge to grant a retrial. Federal judges in Manhattan will now decide whether the motion meets the legal threshold required for reopening the case. Can newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency alter a conviction rooted in findings of misappropriation?
For now, the motion sits before the court, while Bankman-Fried continues to pursue relief through both appeals and public statements.
The post Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid appeared first on Cryptotale.
He contested findings that customer funds were misused through Alameda Research.
Judges will evaluate whether his motion satisfies the legal threshold for the conviction.
Convicted former cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman-Fried on Tuesday asked a Manhattan federal court to grant him a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency and its ability to repay customers. The 32-year-old, who serves a 25-year prison sentence after his 2023 fraud conviction, argues that fresh information challenges prosecutors’ claim that he looted $8 billion in customer funds.
His mother, Stanford Law School professor Barbara Fried, filed the motion on his behalf in the Southern District of New York. The request adds another legal step to Bankman-Fried’s ongoing fight against his conviction.
HAPPENING NOW: SAM BANKMAN-FRIED FILES FOR RETRIAL IN FTX FRAUD CASE
Sam Bankman-Fried has filed for a new trial, citing new facts in sworn testimony from FTX's former Head of Data Science, Chapsky.
Things are about to get heated. https://t.co/p6cHeYrQtu pic.twitter.com/YMA3tCCB2Q
— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 10, 2026
New Trial Bid Centers on Solvency Claims
In the filing, Bankman-Fried contends that new evidence regarding FTX’s financial condition could justify reopening the case. He maintains that prosecutors framed the exchange’s collapse as outright theft rather than a failure tied to liquidity pressures. He argues that evidence about the company’s later solvency deserves examination before a new jury.
At his 2023 trial, prosecutors said Bankman-Fried directed Alameda Research to commingle billions of dollars in FTX customer deposits. They told jurors he used those funds as loans to support risky cryptocurrency futures trading on the exchange he co-founded and controlled. The jury convicted him on fraud charges tied to that conduct.
Now, Bankman-Fried claims testimony absent from the original trial could change the outcome. The filing notes that figures such as former FTX executive Ryan Salame did not testify during the proceedings. Salame fought a separate legal battle. The motion asserts that such testimony could support a reassessment of the government’s theory.
Appeals, Judicial Skepticism, and Political Claims
Since his conviction, Bankman-Fried has pursued multiple legal challenges. He appealed his conviction before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In November, appellate judges expressed skepticism toward his argument that he did not receive a fair trial.
His appeal also focused on FTX’s solvency after its collapse. He has repeated that claim on social media platform X. Yet during November arguments, judges questioned whether solvency addressed the core fraud charges. Circuit Judge Maria Araújo Kahn stated, “Part of the government’s theory of the case is that the defendant misrepresented to investors that their money was safe.” She added that the jury found the funds were used as prosecutors described.
Separately, President Donald Trump recently said he would not consider clemency for Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried has posted on X, through a proxy, alleging he was a victim of what he calls the Biden administration’s “lawfare machine.” He has attempted to align himself with Trump following Trump’s re-election, claiming both faced “bogus charges.” During the 2023 trial, prosecutors disclosed a document in which Bankman-Fried considered “come out as a Republican” to avoid culpability.
Related: From Vision to Void: The Story of Sam Bankman-Fried
Legal Uncertainty and Next Steps
The new trial motion, first reported by Inner City Press, marks his latest effort to challenge his conviction. The filing argues that the trial court excluded defense evidence that he intended to repay customers and believed he could ultimately return their funds. He continues to press that claim in a separate appeal pending before the Second Circuit.
Still, it remains unclear what specific new evidence he discovered or how it could persuade a judge to grant a retrial. Federal judges in Manhattan will now decide whether the motion meets the legal threshold required for reopening the case. Can newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency alter a conviction rooted in findings of misappropriation?
For now, the motion sits before the court, while Bankman-Fried continues to pursue relief through both appeals and public statements.
The post Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid appeared first on Cryptotale.
Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push
Citadel and ARK acquire ZRO as LayerZero advances the Zero blockchain for institutions.
Zero targets 2 million TPS and uses a new design that cuts network strain across nodes.
DTCC and ICE join tests as firms explore on-chain tools for faster market cycles.
LayerZero has moved from cross-chain messaging into full-scale infrastructure with the unveiling of Zero blockchain, a network built for institutional markets and backed by Citadel Securities and ARK Invest. The announcement places the company in direct competition with established Layer-1 platforms that have long targeted financial institutions as their next growth frontier.
Revealed on February 10, 2026, the initiative combines aggressive performance targets with support from major financial operators. According to the firm’s press release, Citadel Securities and ARK Invest acquired ZRO tokens as part of strategic backing tied to the launch.
LayerZero also outlined alliances with The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Google Cloud, linking the project to core components of global market infrastructure. The reveal also puts a spotlight on the firm’s $4.6 billion valuation.
With Zero, LayerZero is no longer only plumbing for cross-chain messaging. It is pitching itself as a foundation for tokenized settlement and 24-hour trading cycles, a leap that brings new expectations and scrutiny.
Technical Blueprint and Performance Claims
At the center of the announcement is a bold claim: Zero blockchain is engineered to reach 2,000,000 transactions per second, a figure far beyond any current public chain. Ethereum, for instance, even after the Dencun upgrade, clears roughly 140 TPS at the base layer.
Solana, on the other hand, can spike toward 65,000 under ideal conditions, while Aptos has cited a theoretical ceiling near 160,000. However, none of those approaches come close to the scale LayerZero is promising. The company attributes the increase to a heterogeneous design that breaks from the standard replication model used across most blockchains.
https://t.co/vVPUwJ2BSl
— LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) February 10, 2026
Instead of having every node re-execute the same workload, Zero separates execution and verification through zero-knowledge proofs and a system called Jolt. The aim is to remove the bottleneck that has kept high-throughput experimentation capped at laboratory-style test networks.
LayerZero further acknowledges that the Zero blockchain will be EVM-compatible and will ship with integrated messaging features from its existing protocol. A testnet is planned for the second quarter of 2026, with the mainnet following one quarter later. Moreover, compliance controls, including KYC and AML at the protocol layer, are built in from the start, an uncommon architectural choice for a public chain.
Institutional Validators and Governance Shift
Notably, the validator model may be the most defining break from crypto norms. Per reports, Zero relies on permissioned, institution-run validators rather than open participation. Citadel Securities and Google Cloud were named among the early operators, a signal that LayerZero intends to guarantee uptime and satisfy regulatory expectations that govern traditional market infrastructure.
An advisory board has also been assembled. The board includes ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, ICE executive Michael Blaugrund, and Caroline Butler, formerly head of digital assets at BNY Mellon. Their roles tie the network’s early decision-making to institutions already familiar with clearing, custody, and post-trade oversight.
Nevertheless, critics argue that such a structure weakens decentralization. Supporters counter that institutional users will not deploy assets at scale without predictable governance and formal accountability.
Financial Backing and Market Integration Plans
Citadel Securities and ARK Invest both acquired ZRO tokens as part of the launch. LayerZero, regardless, did not disclose the size or terms of those purchases. The company also detailed teamwork with DTCC and ICE.
Per reports, DTCC’s involvement focuses on market plumbing, while ICE is exploring whether Zero could help support 24/7 trading cycles, an ongoing aspiration across exchanges seeking faster settlement.
Meanwhile, Google Cloud was listed as an infrastructure partner, anchoring the network to cloud resources already familiar to regulated financial firms. Early use cases include tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and institutional DeFi, areas where technical reliability often outweighs ideological purity.
Related: Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight
What Comes Next for Zero
Zero enters a field where enthusiasm for tokenization is climbing, yet production deployments remain slow. Governance, scale, and operational risk continue to hold back most pilots.
As a result, LayerZero now faces a direct test: whether it can produce the performance it has advertised and whether institutions will trust a new chain over the systems they already use. Citadel Securities’ involvement adds a layer of interest around token incentives, vesting schedules, and alignment between investors and developers.
Still, the next phase, starting with the Q2 testnet, will show whether the network’s engineering claims translate beyond launch-day announcements. For now, Zero places LayerZero squarely in the global race to build the digital rails for financial markets. Whether that bet pays off will depend less on vision and more on delivery.
The post Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
Zero targets 2 million TPS and uses a new design that cuts network strain across nodes.
DTCC and ICE join tests as firms explore on-chain tools for faster market cycles.
LayerZero has moved from cross-chain messaging into full-scale infrastructure with the unveiling of Zero blockchain, a network built for institutional markets and backed by Citadel Securities and ARK Invest. The announcement places the company in direct competition with established Layer-1 platforms that have long targeted financial institutions as their next growth frontier.
Revealed on February 10, 2026, the initiative combines aggressive performance targets with support from major financial operators. According to the firm’s press release, Citadel Securities and ARK Invest acquired ZRO tokens as part of strategic backing tied to the launch.
LayerZero also outlined alliances with The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Google Cloud, linking the project to core components of global market infrastructure. The reveal also puts a spotlight on the firm’s $4.6 billion valuation.
With Zero, LayerZero is no longer only plumbing for cross-chain messaging. It is pitching itself as a foundation for tokenized settlement and 24-hour trading cycles, a leap that brings new expectations and scrutiny.
Technical Blueprint and Performance Claims
At the center of the announcement is a bold claim: Zero blockchain is engineered to reach 2,000,000 transactions per second, a figure far beyond any current public chain. Ethereum, for instance, even after the Dencun upgrade, clears roughly 140 TPS at the base layer.
Solana, on the other hand, can spike toward 65,000 under ideal conditions, while Aptos has cited a theoretical ceiling near 160,000. However, none of those approaches come close to the scale LayerZero is promising. The company attributes the increase to a heterogeneous design that breaks from the standard replication model used across most blockchains.
https://t.co/vVPUwJ2BSl
— LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) February 10, 2026
Instead of having every node re-execute the same workload, Zero separates execution and verification through zero-knowledge proofs and a system called Jolt. The aim is to remove the bottleneck that has kept high-throughput experimentation capped at laboratory-style test networks.
LayerZero further acknowledges that the Zero blockchain will be EVM-compatible and will ship with integrated messaging features from its existing protocol. A testnet is planned for the second quarter of 2026, with the mainnet following one quarter later. Moreover, compliance controls, including KYC and AML at the protocol layer, are built in from the start, an uncommon architectural choice for a public chain.
Institutional Validators and Governance Shift
Notably, the validator model may be the most defining break from crypto norms. Per reports, Zero relies on permissioned, institution-run validators rather than open participation. Citadel Securities and Google Cloud were named among the early operators, a signal that LayerZero intends to guarantee uptime and satisfy regulatory expectations that govern traditional market infrastructure.
An advisory board has also been assembled. The board includes ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, ICE executive Michael Blaugrund, and Caroline Butler, formerly head of digital assets at BNY Mellon. Their roles tie the network’s early decision-making to institutions already familiar with clearing, custody, and post-trade oversight.
Nevertheless, critics argue that such a structure weakens decentralization. Supporters counter that institutional users will not deploy assets at scale without predictable governance and formal accountability.
Financial Backing and Market Integration Plans
Citadel Securities and ARK Invest both acquired ZRO tokens as part of the launch. LayerZero, regardless, did not disclose the size or terms of those purchases. The company also detailed teamwork with DTCC and ICE.
Per reports, DTCC’s involvement focuses on market plumbing, while ICE is exploring whether Zero could help support 24/7 trading cycles, an ongoing aspiration across exchanges seeking faster settlement.
Meanwhile, Google Cloud was listed as an infrastructure partner, anchoring the network to cloud resources already familiar to regulated financial firms. Early use cases include tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and institutional DeFi, areas where technical reliability often outweighs ideological purity.
Related: Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight
What Comes Next for Zero
Zero enters a field where enthusiasm for tokenization is climbing, yet production deployments remain slow. Governance, scale, and operational risk continue to hold back most pilots.
As a result, LayerZero now faces a direct test: whether it can produce the performance it has advertised and whether institutions will trust a new chain over the systems they already use. Citadel Securities’ involvement adds a layer of interest around token incentives, vesting schedules, and alignment between investors and developers.
Still, the next phase, starting with the Q2 testnet, will show whether the network’s engineering claims translate beyond launch-day announcements. For now, Zero places LayerZero squarely in the global race to build the digital rails for financial markets. Whether that bet pays off will depend less on vision and more on delivery.
The post Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push appeared first on Cryptotale.
Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet
Goldman reports a 2.36 billion dollar exposure to crypto ETFs in a Q4 filing update.
Bitcoin and ether slid as ETF investors withdrew billions during the quarter decline.
The bank accelerates tokenization and stablecoin strategy within institutional trading units.
Goldman Sachs disclosed $2.36 billion in cryptocurrency exposure in its Q4 2025 Form 13F filing, including major positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum through spot ETFs. The filing shows $1.1 billion in bitcoin, $1.0 billion in ether, $153 million in XRP, and $108 million in Solana. The update surfaced as Bitcoin and Ether prices declined sharply in the fourth quarter and ETF investors withdrew billions from crypto funds.
Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett first pointed to the figures on social media, noting that the exposure comes through regulated spot crypto exchange-traded funds rather than direct token custody. The disclosure provides one of the clearest snapshots yet of how a major Wall Street bank allocates capital to digital assets.
NEW: Wall Street investment bank @GoldmanSachs just revealed it holds $1.1B $BTC, $1B $ETH, $153M $XRP and $108M $SOL.
Goldman has representation at the White House meeting on stablecoin yield today. Its CEO David Solomon is scheduled to speak at @worldlibertyfi Forum in Palm…
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 10, 2026
ETF Exposure and Portfolio Breakdown
According to the filing dated Dec. 31, 2025, Goldman Sachs held about 21.2 million shares across several spot bitcoin ETFs. Those shares carried a combined value of $1.06 billion. Compared with the third quarter, the bank reduced its bitcoin ETF share count by 39.4%.
The broader crypto allocation totaled roughly $2.36 billion. That figure represents about 0.33% of Goldman Sachs’ total reported assets under management in the filing. Although the dollar value appears large, the allocation remains modest within the bank’s overall portfolio.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin fell from about $114,000 at the end of September 2025 to around $88,400 by year-end. Ether dropped from $4,140 to $2,970 over the same period. At the same time, spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.15 billion in quarterly outflows, while ether ETFs saw $1.46 billion in net withdrawals, according to SoSoValue data.
Strategic Focus on Tokenization and Stablecoins
Alongside its ETF positions, Goldman Sachs continues to direct resources toward digital asset infrastructure. CEO David Solomon has repeatedly stated that the bank channels investment into tokenization, stablecoins, and blockchain-based market structures. These efforts span research initiatives and institutional trading activities.
In parallel, the bank has drawn attention for its policy engagement. Representatives have participated in government-level discussions focused on stablecoin matters. Solomon has also appeared at industry events addressing the future of digital financial markets.
These developments show how large financial institutions engage with digital assets beyond portfolio exposure. The banks’ involvement in digital assets creates a fundamental question for market observers on how banks will transform their traditional financial operations through blockchain technology.
Related: Goldman Sachs CEO Warns US Crypto Law Faces Delay Push Now
Institutional Signals Amid Market Volatility
The fourth-quarter decline in crypto prices established the conditions that led to Goldman Sachs’ announcement. The market experienced ETF outflows because investors showed increased caution, which happened during the digital asset price decline. The bank kept its multi-billion-dollar investment through regulated products despite its financial losses. Market players use institutional allocation data to determine how investors plan their investments over extended periods.
Despite the headline figure, billion-dollar crypto positions still account for a small fraction of total bank assets. Therefore, the development suggests measured expansion instead of sweeping change. At the same time, institutional activity continues to grow in areas such as tokenization, stablecoins, and regulated trading solutions.
Goldman Sachs’ Q4 2025 filing, combined with public remarks from management and documented ETF data, provides a detailed look at how a leading investment bank navigates digital asset markets during periods of volatility.
The post Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet appeared first on Cryptotale.
Bitcoin and ether slid as ETF investors withdrew billions during the quarter decline.
The bank accelerates tokenization and stablecoin strategy within institutional trading units.
Goldman Sachs disclosed $2.36 billion in cryptocurrency exposure in its Q4 2025 Form 13F filing, including major positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum through spot ETFs. The filing shows $1.1 billion in bitcoin, $1.0 billion in ether, $153 million in XRP, and $108 million in Solana. The update surfaced as Bitcoin and Ether prices declined sharply in the fourth quarter and ETF investors withdrew billions from crypto funds.
Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett first pointed to the figures on social media, noting that the exposure comes through regulated spot crypto exchange-traded funds rather than direct token custody. The disclosure provides one of the clearest snapshots yet of how a major Wall Street bank allocates capital to digital assets.
NEW: Wall Street investment bank @GoldmanSachs just revealed it holds $1.1B $BTC, $1B $ETH, $153M $XRP and $108M $SOL.
Goldman has representation at the White House meeting on stablecoin yield today. Its CEO David Solomon is scheduled to speak at @worldlibertyfi Forum in Palm…
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 10, 2026
ETF Exposure and Portfolio Breakdown
According to the filing dated Dec. 31, 2025, Goldman Sachs held about 21.2 million shares across several spot bitcoin ETFs. Those shares carried a combined value of $1.06 billion. Compared with the third quarter, the bank reduced its bitcoin ETF share count by 39.4%.
The broader crypto allocation totaled roughly $2.36 billion. That figure represents about 0.33% of Goldman Sachs’ total reported assets under management in the filing. Although the dollar value appears large, the allocation remains modest within the bank’s overall portfolio.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin fell from about $114,000 at the end of September 2025 to around $88,400 by year-end. Ether dropped from $4,140 to $2,970 over the same period. At the same time, spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.15 billion in quarterly outflows, while ether ETFs saw $1.46 billion in net withdrawals, according to SoSoValue data.
Strategic Focus on Tokenization and Stablecoins
Alongside its ETF positions, Goldman Sachs continues to direct resources toward digital asset infrastructure. CEO David Solomon has repeatedly stated that the bank channels investment into tokenization, stablecoins, and blockchain-based market structures. These efforts span research initiatives and institutional trading activities.
In parallel, the bank has drawn attention for its policy engagement. Representatives have participated in government-level discussions focused on stablecoin matters. Solomon has also appeared at industry events addressing the future of digital financial markets.
These developments show how large financial institutions engage with digital assets beyond portfolio exposure. The banks’ involvement in digital assets creates a fundamental question for market observers on how banks will transform their traditional financial operations through blockchain technology.
Related: Goldman Sachs CEO Warns US Crypto Law Faces Delay Push Now
Institutional Signals Amid Market Volatility
The fourth-quarter decline in crypto prices established the conditions that led to Goldman Sachs’ announcement. The market experienced ETF outflows because investors showed increased caution, which happened during the digital asset price decline. The bank kept its multi-billion-dollar investment through regulated products despite its financial losses. Market players use institutional allocation data to determine how investors plan their investments over extended periods.
Despite the headline figure, billion-dollar crypto positions still account for a small fraction of total bank assets. Therefore, the development suggests measured expansion instead of sweeping change. At the same time, institutional activity continues to grow in areas such as tokenization, stablecoins, and regulated trading solutions.
Goldman Sachs’ Q4 2025 filing, combined with public remarks from management and documented ETF data, provides a detailed look at how a leading investment bank navigates digital asset markets during periods of volatility.
The post Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet appeared first on Cryptotale.
Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight
Chadha says India taxes crypto as legal but regulates it as illegal, driving investors offshore.
Over ₹4.8 lakh crore in crypto trading and 73% of volumes have shifted outside India.
Clear VDA rules and AML frameworks could add ₹15,000–20,000 crore yearly in tax revenue.
A sharp intervention in India’s Upper House on February 10 has added fresh momentum to the country’s long-running crypto policy debate. Per reports, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha used the ongoing budget session to renew calls for the legalisation and structured regulation of virtual digital assets, warning that policy ambiguity is driving capital and talent out of India.
Legalise Virtual Digital Assets (like Crypto, Stablecoin) in India. Don’t drive them offshore.
India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal. But regulate it like they are illegal.
India taxes cryptocurrency at 30% Capital Gain Tax + 1% TDS; yet offers no legal… pic.twitter.com/Y1JXJLBW85
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) February 10, 2026
Chadha, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, argued that India has created a contradictory system in which digital assets are taxed aggressively while remaining undefined in law. That gap, he said, is no longer theoretical. It is already reshaping where Indian investors trade and where startups choose to build.
Taxed Like Legal Assets, Treated Like Prohibited Ones
Under amendments introduced through the Finance Act of 2022, profits from virtual digital assets attract a flat 30% tax, alongside a 1% tax deducted at source on every transaction. Those provisions remain unchanged in 2026.
Yet cryptocurrencies and stablecoins still lack formal legal recognition, licensing requirements, or a dedicated investor protection framework. There is no tailored regulatory structure for custody, disclosures, or market conduct. Chadha described this mismatch as a policy paradox.
<blockquote> “India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal,” he told lawmakers, “but regulate it like they are illegal.” blockquote>
According to Chadha, this has left both investors and firms operating in a grey zone, compliant on paper through taxation but exposed in practice due to the absence of clear rules.
Offshore Shift Accelerates
Chadha further pointed to what he described as mounting evidence of capital flight. He cited estimates suggesting that roughly ₹4.8 lakh crore in VDA trading volume has moved to offshore platforms. Around 73% of India-linked crypto trading, he added, now occurs outside the country.
He also claimed that nearly 12 crore Indian users continue to trade through overseas exchanges, while close to 180 crypto startups with Indian roots have relocated abroad, largely to jurisdictions offering regulatory clarity.
Industry participants have raised similar concerns in recent months. High transaction taxes, combined with regulatory uncertainty, have reduced onshore liquidity and discouraged market-making activity. As a result, several reports suggest that domestic exchanges have struggled to retain volume since the TDS regime took effect.
A Case for Structured Regulation
Chadha’s remarks went beyond criticism. He outlined what he described as a compliance-first approach aimed at reversing the offshore drift. His proposals included granting VDAs formal asset-class status, introducing a domestic regulatory sandbox, and building licensing and investor protection standards alongside strong anti-money laundering controls.
In his view, regulation would bring activity back under Indian oversight rather than push it into less transparent channels. “Prohibition is not protection,” Chadha said. “Regulation is protection.”
He argued that a clear framework could improve compliance while unlocking ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 crore in annual tax revenue, driven by higher onshore participation and reporting.
Government Caution Remains
The comments come as policymakers continue to weigh the risks and benefits of deeper crypto integration. Officials have repeatedly stressed concerns around financial stability, consumer risk, and illicit finance.
In a separate statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said authorities are closely monitoring crypto transactions for compliance, while maintaining a cautious stance on full-scale regulation. For now, however, oversight remains fragmented, spread across tax enforcement and reporting obligations.
Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms
A Policy Crossroads
With the Union Budget 2026–27 under debate and global crypto regulation advancing elsewhere, pressure is building on New Delhi to clarify its position. Jurisdictions such as Singapore and the UAE have already rolled out defined regulatory regimes, attracting firms and capital in the process.On the other hand, Chadha’s intervention does not settle the debate. But it sharpens the contrast between India’s tax-heavy approach and its unresolved regulatory posture. As lawmakers weigh their next steps, the question is no longer whether crypto activity exists in India, it’s whether it will continue to operate from outside its borders.
The post Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight appeared first on Cryptotale.
Over ₹4.8 lakh crore in crypto trading and 73% of volumes have shifted outside India.
Clear VDA rules and AML frameworks could add ₹15,000–20,000 crore yearly in tax revenue.
A sharp intervention in India’s Upper House on February 10 has added fresh momentum to the country’s long-running crypto policy debate. Per reports, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha used the ongoing budget session to renew calls for the legalisation and structured regulation of virtual digital assets, warning that policy ambiguity is driving capital and talent out of India.
Legalise Virtual Digital Assets (like Crypto, Stablecoin) in India. Don’t drive them offshore.
India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal. But regulate it like they are illegal.
India taxes cryptocurrency at 30% Capital Gain Tax + 1% TDS; yet offers no legal… pic.twitter.com/Y1JXJLBW85
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) February 10, 2026
Chadha, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, argued that India has created a contradictory system in which digital assets are taxed aggressively while remaining undefined in law. That gap, he said, is no longer theoretical. It is already reshaping where Indian investors trade and where startups choose to build.
Taxed Like Legal Assets, Treated Like Prohibited Ones
Under amendments introduced through the Finance Act of 2022, profits from virtual digital assets attract a flat 30% tax, alongside a 1% tax deducted at source on every transaction. Those provisions remain unchanged in 2026.
Yet cryptocurrencies and stablecoins still lack formal legal recognition, licensing requirements, or a dedicated investor protection framework. There is no tailored regulatory structure for custody, disclosures, or market conduct. Chadha described this mismatch as a policy paradox.
<blockquote> “India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal,” he told lawmakers, “but regulate it like they are illegal.” blockquote>
According to Chadha, this has left both investors and firms operating in a grey zone, compliant on paper through taxation but exposed in practice due to the absence of clear rules.
Offshore Shift Accelerates
Chadha further pointed to what he described as mounting evidence of capital flight. He cited estimates suggesting that roughly ₹4.8 lakh crore in VDA trading volume has moved to offshore platforms. Around 73% of India-linked crypto trading, he added, now occurs outside the country.
He also claimed that nearly 12 crore Indian users continue to trade through overseas exchanges, while close to 180 crypto startups with Indian roots have relocated abroad, largely to jurisdictions offering regulatory clarity.
Industry participants have raised similar concerns in recent months. High transaction taxes, combined with regulatory uncertainty, have reduced onshore liquidity and discouraged market-making activity. As a result, several reports suggest that domestic exchanges have struggled to retain volume since the TDS regime took effect.
A Case for Structured Regulation
Chadha’s remarks went beyond criticism. He outlined what he described as a compliance-first approach aimed at reversing the offshore drift. His proposals included granting VDAs formal asset-class status, introducing a domestic regulatory sandbox, and building licensing and investor protection standards alongside strong anti-money laundering controls.
In his view, regulation would bring activity back under Indian oversight rather than push it into less transparent channels. “Prohibition is not protection,” Chadha said. “Regulation is protection.”
He argued that a clear framework could improve compliance while unlocking ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 crore in annual tax revenue, driven by higher onshore participation and reporting.
Government Caution Remains
The comments come as policymakers continue to weigh the risks and benefits of deeper crypto integration. Officials have repeatedly stressed concerns around financial stability, consumer risk, and illicit finance.
In a separate statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said authorities are closely monitoring crypto transactions for compliance, while maintaining a cautious stance on full-scale regulation. For now, however, oversight remains fragmented, spread across tax enforcement and reporting obligations.
Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms
A Policy Crossroads
With the Union Budget 2026–27 under debate and global crypto regulation advancing elsewhere, pressure is building on New Delhi to clarify its position. Jurisdictions such as Singapore and the UAE have already rolled out defined regulatory regimes, attracting firms and capital in the process.On the other hand, Chadha’s intervention does not settle the debate. But it sharpens the contrast between India’s tax-heavy approach and its unresolved regulatory posture. As lawmakers weigh their next steps, the question is no longer whether crypto activity exists in India, it’s whether it will continue to operate from outside its borders.
The post Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight appeared first on Cryptotale.
MrBeast Buys Step App to Bring Banking Tools to Teens Online
Beast Industries acquires Step and gains access to over seven million young users.
Step offers savings, spending, credit-building cards, and cash advances for teens online.
MrBeast plans fintech growth after funding and trademark filings in the United States.
MrBeast has taken a major step into financial technology as his company, Beast Industries, agreed to acquire the consumer banking app Step. The deal brings a youth-focused fintech platform under one of the world’s largest digital brands. Both companies confirmed the acquisition in a joint announcement released Monday.
Step operates as a digital banking app designed to help teens and young adults manage money early. The platform offers savings accounts, a credit-building Visa card, and a cash-advance feature. Step does not operate as a bank and instead partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, an FDIC-member institution.
NEW: YOUTUBE STAR MRBEAST ACQUIRES TEEN BANKING APP STEP
MrBeast’s Beast Industries is acquiring Step, a teen-focused finance app last valued at $920M, as he prepares to launch a finance-focused YouTube channel aimed at improving fans’ financial literacy. pic.twitter.com/WRYHCwE5Wt
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 10, 2026
Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the transaction. Still, the acquisition places Beast Industries directly inside the competitive fintech space. It also marks MrBeast’s most concrete move yet, beyond media and consumer products.
A Youth Banking Platform With Millions of Users
Step launched in 2018 with a focus on financial access and literacy for young users. Founders CJ MacDonald and Alexey Kalinichenko built the platform for saving, spending, sending money, and investing. The app charges no monthly fees and targets first-time financial users.
In 2022, Step said it raised $500 million in combined equity and debt. Investors included General Catalyst, fintech firms such as Stripe, and individuals like TikTok creator Charli D’Amelio. The funding helped Step scale technology and user growth.
Today, Step reports more than seven million users. Beast Industries said the app’s technology platform and in-house fintech team will join its broader ecosystem. The company also linked the acquisition to its digital reach and philanthropic goals.
Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold addressed the strategy in a statement. “Financial health is fundamental to overall wellbeing,” he said. He added that many people still lack tools and knowledge to build financial security.
Funding, Expansion Plans, and Industry Attention
Beast Industries has raised significant capital over the past year. Most recently, it secured a $200 million investment from Bitmine Immersion Technologies. The firm ranks as the largest corporate holder of Ether and is chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee.
The acquisition follows months of preparation for a fintech entry. In October, the company filed a U.S. trademark for “MrBeast Financial.” An early 2025 investor deck later outlined possible services, including student loans and insurance.
That pitch deck described a strategy built on partnerships. It aimed to avoid regulatory burdens, credit exposure, and heavy capital requirements. Step already operates under a regulated banking partner structure.
Related: BitMine Immersion Puts $200M Into MrBeast’s Beast Industries
MrBeast addressed the move directly in a message to fans. “Nobody taught me about investing or building credit when I was growing up,” he said. He stated that the goal is to give young people a stronger financial foundation.
Industry observers note the potential impact on youth banking adoption. Traditional banks have struggled to reach Generation Z and Generation Alpha users. MrBeast’s audience includes hundreds of millions across digital platforms.
Still, financial services bring complex challenges. Regulatory compliance, trust, and long-term monetization remain central risks. Can a global entertainment brand successfully guide millions of young users through real financial decisions?
The post MrBeast Buys Step App to Bring Banking Tools to Teens Online appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post MrBeast Buys Step App to Bring Banking Tools to Teens Online appeared first on Cryptotale.
Step offers savings, spending, credit-building cards, and cash advances for teens online.
MrBeast plans fintech growth after funding and trademark filings in the United States.
MrBeast has taken a major step into financial technology as his company, Beast Industries, agreed to acquire the consumer banking app Step. The deal brings a youth-focused fintech platform under one of the world’s largest digital brands. Both companies confirmed the acquisition in a joint announcement released Monday.
Step operates as a digital banking app designed to help teens and young adults manage money early. The platform offers savings accounts, a credit-building Visa card, and a cash-advance feature. Step does not operate as a bank and instead partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, an FDIC-member institution.
NEW: YOUTUBE STAR MRBEAST ACQUIRES TEEN BANKING APP STEP
MrBeast’s Beast Industries is acquiring Step, a teen-focused finance app last valued at $920M, as he prepares to launch a finance-focused YouTube channel aimed at improving fans’ financial literacy. pic.twitter.com/WRYHCwE5Wt
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 10, 2026
Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the transaction. Still, the acquisition places Beast Industries directly inside the competitive fintech space. It also marks MrBeast’s most concrete move yet, beyond media and consumer products.
A Youth Banking Platform With Millions of Users
Step launched in 2018 with a focus on financial access and literacy for young users. Founders CJ MacDonald and Alexey Kalinichenko built the platform for saving, spending, sending money, and investing. The app charges no monthly fees and targets first-time financial users.
In 2022, Step said it raised $500 million in combined equity and debt. Investors included General Catalyst, fintech firms such as Stripe, and individuals like TikTok creator Charli D’Amelio. The funding helped Step scale technology and user growth.
Today, Step reports more than seven million users. Beast Industries said the app’s technology platform and in-house fintech team will join its broader ecosystem. The company also linked the acquisition to its digital reach and philanthropic goals.
Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold addressed the strategy in a statement. “Financial health is fundamental to overall wellbeing,” he said. He added that many people still lack tools and knowledge to build financial security.
Funding, Expansion Plans, and Industry Attention
Beast Industries has raised significant capital over the past year. Most recently, it secured a $200 million investment from Bitmine Immersion Technologies. The firm ranks as the largest corporate holder of Ether and is chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee.
The acquisition follows months of preparation for a fintech entry. In October, the company filed a U.S. trademark for “MrBeast Financial.” An early 2025 investor deck later outlined possible services, including student loans and insurance.
That pitch deck described a strategy built on partnerships. It aimed to avoid regulatory burdens, credit exposure, and heavy capital requirements. Step already operates under a regulated banking partner structure.
Related: BitMine Immersion Puts $200M Into MrBeast’s Beast Industries
MrBeast addressed the move directly in a message to fans. “Nobody taught me about investing or building credit when I was growing up,” he said. He stated that the goal is to give young people a stronger financial foundation.
Industry observers note the potential impact on youth banking adoption. Traditional banks have struggled to reach Generation Z and Generation Alpha users. MrBeast’s audience includes hundreds of millions across digital platforms.
Still, financial services bring complex challenges. Regulatory compliance, trust, and long-term monetization remain central risks. Can a global entertainment brand successfully guide millions of young users through real financial decisions?
The post MrBeast Buys Step App to Bring Banking Tools to Teens Online appeared first on Cryptotale.
The post MrBeast Buys Step App to Bring Banking Tools to Teens Online appeared first on Cryptotale.
Login to explore more contents