Crypto Breaking

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) a crescut temporar spre nivelul de 70.000 de dolari în timpul unei zile libere bancare din SUA înainte de a se retrage, subliniind cum lichiditatea subțire poate amplifica mișcările de preț pe piețele cu participanți limitați. Sesiunea a prezentat inversări rapide, deoarece venue-urile majore au avut cărți de ordine superficiale, permițând jucătorilor mari să împingă prețul în salturi bruste și de scurtă durată și apoi să se retragă la fel de repede. Traderii au descris o zi de atât compresii dramatice, cât și pauze măsurate, cu goluri de lichiditate creând un fundal în care acțiunea prețului putea oscila fără o tendință direcțională clară. Deși mișcarea a reîncins discuțiile despre semnalele potențiale de fundare, observatorii au avertizat că un singur vârf generat de o zi liberă nu este un punct de dovadă pentru o tendință durabilă, în special având în vedere contextul mai larg al unei piețe obișnuite cu curenți volatili.

Key insights

MiCA + PSD2 licensing lets OKX legally offer EU-wide stablecoin payments and merchant settlement services.

Mastercard partnership enables self-custody spending, auto conversion at checkout, and fiat payouts to merchants.

Investment in tokenized RWA stablecoins signals shift from trading platform to full financial infrastructure provider.

Can Stablecoins Finally Be Used Like Everyday Money

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has received a Payment Institution (PI) license in Malta, clearing the way to offer regulated stablecoin payment services across the European Economic Area (EEA). The approval aligns the company with both the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2), which take full effect in March 2026.

OKX EXPANDS CRYPTO PAYMENTS IN EUROPE

OKX just secured a European payments license to expand stablecoin payments and its crypto card business. pic.twitter.com/yZnQSkKWyh

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 16, 2026

Payment systems handling payments in stablecoins (treated as electronic money tokens) under PSD2 require either a payment institution or electronic money authorization. With the new license, OKX can legally process stablecoin payments while operating under a recognized European regulatory framework.

The exchange says the authorization strengthens its compliance structure and allows its payment products to function across multiple EU countries through passporting rights.

How Does the OKX Card Actually Work at Checkout?

The license supports the rollout of OKX Pay and the OKX Card, launched in partnership with Mastercard. The card enables users to use the stablecoins at merchants all over the world that accept Mastercard.

Funds remain in self-custody until the moment of purchase. At checkout, the stablecoins automatically convert to euros with a 0.4% market spread. Merchants get paid with fiat, whereas users will pay off their crypto account balances without manual conversion.

The card also supports Apple Pay and Google Pay and has up to 20% promotional rewards in crypto on eligible purchases. Transactions operate through a licensed European payments partner and follow strict AML and KYC requirements.

OKX Building More Than a Payment Card

The licensing move coincides with OKX’s broader investment in stablecoin infrastructure. Its venture arm recently backed STBL, a project developing a real-world-asset-backed stablecoin on the company’s X Layer blockchain. The initiative involves Hamilton Lane and Securitize and will provide tokenized exposure to a private credit fund.

By combining its earlier MiCA CASP authorization with the new PI license, OKX now operates a fully regulated crypto payments framework in Europe. The plan is to bridge traditional finance and blockchain settlement systems-enabling crypto to be not only tradable, but spendable in life.

With this move, OKX positions itself as a compliant, payment-ready crypto platform built for Europe’s next regulatory era.

This article was originally published as OKX Secures Malta License to Launch Regulated Stablecoin Payments Across Europe on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Coreea de Sud își accelerează supravegherea pieței de criptomonede, trecând de la investigații manuale la supravegherea asistată de inteligența artificială. Serviciul de Supraveghere Financiară (FSS) își îmbunătățește Sistemul de Inteligență a Activelor Virtuale pentru Analiza Tranzacțiilor (VISTA) pentru a automatiza detectarea inițială a activităților suspecte, o mișcare menită să facă față vitezei și amploarei tranzacționării activelor digitale moderne. Upgrade-ul, susținut prin finanțare până în 2026, permite analiza pe feronți glisante în cadrul intervalelor de timp suprapuse pentru a semnala modele anormale, cum ar fi vârfurile bruște de volum sau mișcările atipice ale prețurilor. În paralel, autoritățile de reglementare plănuiesc să extindă capacitățile AI pentru a identifica rețelele de conturi de tranzacționare coordonate și a urmări sursele fondurilor utilizate în manipulare. Funcționarii explorează de asemenea intervenții proactive, inclusiv suspendări temporare potențiale ale tranzacțiilor sau plăților, pentru a limita câștigurile ilicite înainte de a putea fi retrase.

Nota editorului: Colaborarea dintre Binance și Franklin Templeton subliniază un pas esențial către eficiența la nivel instituțional în piețele digitale. Prin activarea activelor din lumea reală tokenizate pentru a funcționa ca garanții off-exchange, parteneriatul își propune să combine custodia reglementată cu oportunități de randament flexibil, reducând riscul de contrapartidă pentru comercianți și manageri de active. Pe măsură ce instituțiile caută modele mai sigure și mai scalabile pentru activitatea pe blockchain, acest program demonstrează cum instrumentele financiare tradiționale pot funcționa în cadrul sistemului crypto, păstrând în același timp măsurile de protecție. Crypto Breaking News va monitoriza lansarea și implicațiile acesteia pentru lichiditate, gestionarea riscurilor și standardele de custodie.

Să fim sinceri: dacă proiectul tău Web3 nu este pe social media, chiar exiști? Zilele comunităților doar pe Discord și a cultivării airdrop-urilor ca strategie de marketing sunt numărate. În 2026, social media este locul unde se află adevărata alfa și platformele evoluează mai repede decât taxele de gaz Layer 2 după un pompare de memecoin.

După analizarea tendințelor din zeci de mii de mărci globale, iată șase predicții care vor modela strategia de social media în 2026, cu o lentilă crypto-nativă asupra a ceea ce înseamnă pentru industria noastră.

Nexo is set to relaunch its digital asset services and crypto exchange platform in the United States on Monday, reviving a business footprint it abandoned more than three years ago amid a regulatory climate that proved inhospitable for crypto firms. The reboot is framed around clearer rules for digital assets in the U.S. and relies on a partnership-driven model designed to meet licensing and compliance benchmarks while offering a mix of yield programs, a spot trading venue, crypto-backed credit facilities, and a loyalty program for U.S. customers, according to Eleonor Genova, Nexo’s head of communications.

Key takeaways

Nexo plans a U.S. relaunch anchored in Florida, with a management team to be announced, and a trading backbone provided by Bakkt to serve institutional-grade trading needs.

The new structure includes services delivered through licensed U.S. partners, with certain activities supported by a third-party SEC-registered investment adviser to ensure compliance under U.S. securities laws.

The move marks a notable reversal after Nexo exited the U.S. market in December 2022 due to what it described as a hostile regulatory posture toward blockchain firms during the Gary Gensler era.

Regulatory dynamics in Washington—framing a potential pathway for crypto clarity—have evolved, with debates over framework bills like the CLARITY Act and ongoing White House-brokered discussions on stablecoins and market structure.

The U.S. relaunch follows high-profile political events and promises to reintroduce crypto offerings into a market where policy signals have gradually tilted toward clearer, if still evolving, compliance standards. An April 2025 event featuring Donald Trump Jr. highlighted the strategic attention around crypto in U.S. political discourse.

Tickers mentioned: N/A

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The re-entry arrives as Washington weighs a regulatory framework for crypto markets, with the CLARITY Act gaining traction but facing political hurdles. A White House-facilitated meeting between crypto and banking representatives aimed at aligning stablecoin provisions underscores a broader push for market clarity that could shape how platforms operate going forward.

Why it matters

The renewal of Nexo’s U.S. footprint underscores a broader industry trend: companies that paused or scaled back operations a few years ago are testing the waters again as policymakers signal a willingness to formalize crypto rules. Florida’s selection as the operational base aligns with state-friendly licensing environments and a growing focus on local compliance infrastructure, a shift that could influence other platforms evaluating U.S. re-entry.

Crucially, Nexo’s architecture emphasizes regulated partnerships rather than a single, fully in-house regime. The company has articulated that certain services will be conducted through licensed U.S. providers and that advisory services will be furnished by an SEC-registered adviser in accordance with applicable securities laws. This approach signals a deliberate effort to align crypto offerings with traditional financial-market standards while preserving access to yield programs and crypto-backed credit tools that drew users to its platform in the first place. The move also reflects a broader industry trend toward asset custody, insurance considerations, and compliance-led product design as firms seek to reassure investors and regulators alike.

The regulatory backdrop remains nuanced. While Washington has advanced discussions around crypto market structure and clarity, the Senate has yet to assemble what it regards as sufficient bipartisan support to move ahead with major legislation. In the meantime, industry participants point to ongoing regulatory dialogues and evolving enforcement expectations as critical signals for strategic planning. The White House has described the need for compromise on crypto policy and has supported efforts to pass a comprehensive framework before midterm elections, arguing that stable and well-defined rules are essential for investor protection and market integrity. In parallel, a productive but unresolved dialogue between crypto and banking stakeholders on stablecoins highlights the complexity of reconciling innovation with consumer safeguards.

Nexo’s earlier exit in 2022 was framed by the firm as a response to an environment where “the U.S. refuses to provide a path forward for enabling blockchain businesses,” despite assurances from industry participants that constructs could be built to satisfy regulatory expectations. The company subsequently faced legal and regulatory actions tied to its Crypto Earn product, including a $45 million settlement with the SEC over unregistered interest-bearing crypto rewards and an additional $22.5 million multi-state securities settlement related to the earn program. These actions culminated in the shuttering of Crypto Earn for U.S. users shortly after the settlements were announced, illustrating the kind of enforcement risk that the new U.S. launch seeks to mitigate through governance, licensing, and robust advisory relationships.

The newly announced U.S. relaunch, with its emphasis on compliant, licensed pathways and a curated ecosystem of services, reflects both a reputational recalibration and a pragmatic strategy to re-enter a market that remains vital for global retail and institutional participants alike. The narrative around Nexo’s return is also part of a broader conversation about how crypto firms can navigate federal and state regimes in a way that balances innovation with accountability, a topic that has shaped many of the industry’s recent regulatory dialogues and enforcement actions.

“Nexo’s US offering is structured through partnerships with appropriately licensed US service providers. Certain services are made available via a third-party Securities and Exchange Commission-registered (SEC) investment adviser, which provides advisory services under applicable US securities laws.”

The Florida-based relaunch underscores a strategic intent to localize operations while leveraging external compliance rails. Bakkt’s involvement as the trading infrastructure provider will bring institutional-grade liquidity and risk controls to a platform that seeks to appeal to both retail enthusiasts and professional traders. The arrangement with a registered adviser is designed to ensure that advisory services align with U.S. securities rules, potentially expanding the scope of products that can be offered without triggering unregistered security concerns. These elements collectively indicate a cautious but purpose-driven path back into a market that remains critical to the broader crypto ecosystem’s growth curve.

What to watch next

The timing and terms of the Florida-based management team’s appointment and whether any licenses or registrations are filed or announced publicly.

The go-live timeline for the Bakkt-powered trading interface and the rollout of yield, lending, and loyalty products in a compliant framework.

Formalization of the SEC-registered adviser relationship and the exact product mix that will be offered to U.S. customers.

Regulatory milestones tied to U.S. crypto policy, including any movement on the CLARITY Act or related market-structure discussions.

Sources & verification

Nexo’s official communications on its gradual departure from the United States and the rationale cited for exiting in 2022.

Information on the 2023 SEC settlement and related multi-state securities settlements tied to the Crypto Earn program.

California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) fine related to the firm’s lending activities.

Ongoing policy discussions in Washington around crypto market structure, including the CLARITY Act and White House–brokered talks on stablecoins.

The April 2025 exclusive event featuring Donald Trump Jr. announcing or signaling the U.S. re-entry, as reported in accompanying coverage of Nexo’s re-entry plan.

Nexo’s U.S. relaunch signals a new phase for compliant crypto services

The relaunch marks a deliberate pivot toward a compliance-first model designed to align with U.S. securities laws and state licensing requirements while preserving access to services that attracted users in previous years. By anchoring operations in Florida and building a framework around licensed partners and a registered adviser, Nexo aims to reduce the kind of regulatory friction that curtailed its U.S. ambitions in the past. The arrangement with Bakkt signals a preference for institutional-grade infrastructure, which may help the platform weather a market characterized by heightened scrutiny and cautious capital deployment.

In the broader context, the resumption of U.S. activities by Nexo sits at the intersection of regulatory caution and market demand. The sector continues to push for clarity on what constitutes a security versus a commodity, how custody should be structured, and which products can be offered to everyday investors without triggering sweeping enforcement actions. As policymakers weigh policy options, the crypto industry remains compelled to demonstrate that it can operate within a well-defined regulatory perimeter while continuing to innovate—whether through yield-based programs, lending products, or a diversified trading environment.

This article was originally published as Nexo Relaunches in the U.S. as a Crypto Services Platform on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Metaplanet, a publicly listed Japanese company, has unveiled a sharp strategic pivot that centers Bitcoin income as the primary growth engine. In its fiscal year 2025 earnings release, the group disclosed revenue of 8.9 billion yen ($58 million), up 738% from 1.06 billion yen a year earlier, a surge driven by the launch of Bitcoin income operations in Q4 2024. The report also shows a dramatic shift in the business mix, with roughly 95% of total income now generated from BTC-related activities, largely through premium income from BTC options. By year-end 2025, the company reported holding 35,102 BTC, cementing its position as Japan’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. The transition, however, has introduced volatility into profits due to BTC price movements.

Key takeaways

Revenue for FY2025 reached 8.9 billion yen (~$58 million), up 738% year over year from 1.06 billion yen.

Bitcoin-related income accounted for about 95% of total revenue, with the BTC options premium driving a large portion of earnings.

End-2025 Bitcoin holdings stood at 35,102 BTC, making Metaplanet the largest corporate Bitcoin holder in Japan.

Operating profit was about $40 million, but the company posted a net loss of roughly $619 million due to impairment tied to Bitcoin valuation swings.

The company plans to continue its Bitcoin treasury strategy, with a forecast for 2026 revenue around $104 million and operating profit near $74 million; overseas financing of up to $137 million was approved to grow holdings and reduce debt.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The report highlights a broader shift in corporate crypto strategies, where firms increasingly bundle treasury management with revenue from BTC-related activities. In a volatile BTC market, cash flow and profit reporting can hinge on mark-to-market valuations, prompting caution about earnings quality even as long-term holders pursue balance-sheet diversification.

Why it matters

Metaplanet’s pivot illustrates how traditional corporate structures can adapt to a changing crypto landscape. By treating Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) as both a cash-flow engine and a treasury reserve, the company aims to hedge against fiat currency dilution while pursuing upside from long-term price appreciation. The 35,102 BTC position signals a deliberate shift toward crypto-native income streams and positions Metaplanet among Japan’s most visible crypto adopters in the corporate sector.

Investors should note the contrast between revenue growth and regulatory or accounting headwinds. While the BTC revenue line expanded dramatically, the year ended with a substantial impairment charge that wiped out operating income on a mark-to-market basis. That dynamic underscores how crypto volatility can impact reported profitability, even for firms pursuing a clear, long-term treasury thesis.

Leadership commentary reinforces the strategic orientation. In a post on X, CEO Simon Gerovich reaffirmed the commitment to a Bitcoin-focused approach, signaling that recent market volatility would not derail the plan. The capital-raising move, approved to raise as much as $137 million overseas, is aimed at expanding BTC holdings and reducing debt, reinforcing the scalability of Metaplanet’s treasury strategy across cycles.

What to watch next

How the overseas capital raise of up to $137 million is deployed to expand BTC holdings and reduce leverage.

Whether 2026 revenue and operating profit targets—roughly $104 million and $74 million—hold under shifting BTC prices and impairment dynamics.

Any updates on impairment management or valuation adjustments tied to Bitcoin holdings in quarterly filings.

Potential changes in the income mix or expansion of BTC-based income streams beyond options-related revenue.

Sources & verification

Metaplanet FY2025 earnings report (PDF): https://contents.xj-storage.jp/xcontents/33500/950d7031/221a/4a55/a35b/03d8d22182fb/140120260216563315.pdf

Bitcoin income strategy and treasury approach (earnings release notes).

End-2025 BTC holdings figure (35,102 BTC) and related disclosures in the earnings report.

Overseas capital raise approval (up to $137 million) to expand holdings and reduce debt (coverage referenced).

2026 revenue outlook and impairment context (coverage of the forecast and impairment). See: Metaplanet lifts 2026 revenue outlook despite $680M Bitcoin impairment.

Metaplanet’s market-facing narrative

Metaplanet’s 2025 results underscore a broader narrative about corporate experimentation with cryptocurrency as a core business driver rather than a mere balance-sheet asset. The company’s decision to anchor growth in Bitcoin-related income, especially via BTC options premium, signals a willingness to embrace sophisticated crypto-financial instruments as a standout revenue source. Yet the same assets that power growth also expose the company to the volatility that has redefined crypto markets in recent years. The impairment charge that accompanied the year’s performance is a concrete reminder that accounting marks tied to BTC valuations can overshadow operational success, particularly for firms with sizable holdings.

From a strategic perspective, Metaplanet’s ascent as Japan’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder is noteworthy. The 35,102 BTC tally reflects a deliberate long-horizon stance, described by management as a consolidation of a Bitcoin treasury strategy intended to hedge against fiat dilution and capture potential long-term appreciation. This is not merely a speculative play; it is a treasury management approach that seeks to align a company’s asset mix with a secular crypto thesis. The leadership’s insistence on maintaining and expanding this strategy, even as BTC prices have seen meaningful cycles, suggests confidence in the resilience of the underlying business model and a belief that the revenue stream will normalize as Bitcoin markets stabilize.

Looking ahead, the company’s forecast for 2026 signals ambition: a revenue run-rate of around $104 million with an operating profit near $74 million. If realized, this would mark a significant step up from the 2025 baseline, but it will require careful navigation of price volatility and the ongoing accounting implications of a large Bitcoin reserve. The overseas capital raise, approved to bolster the balance sheet and push the diversification of holdings, adds a layer of strategic financing that could help mitigate downside scenarios while supporting expansion in the BTC income category. In public statements, CEO Gerovich reiterated the commitment to a Bitcoin-centric path, arguing that short-term volatility should not override a long-run thesis that envisions BTC as a sustainable revenue and hedging instrument.

What to watch next

Progress and deployment of the overseas capital raise (up to $137 million) and the impact on balance sheet strength and BTC acquisition capacity.

Actual 2026 results versus forecast, with attention to how BTC price movements influence impairment and reported earnings.

Any divergence in the BTC income mix, including potential expansion beyond BTC options into other Bitcoin-related revenue channels.

Regulatory developments affecting corporate crypto treasury strategies and reporting standards in Japan and globally.

This article was originally published as Metaplanet Revenue Surges 738% as Bitcoin Drives 95% of Sales on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) enters a new week at a critical crossroads as traders weigh the possibility of a fresh short squeeze. The weekly close edged above a key long-term trend line, reinforcing arguments for a potential upside breakout, with the price hovering near the $68,800 mark on Bitstamp. Liquidity conditions remained unsettled, as liquidations stayed elevated and long positions anchored around the current spot, raising the stakes for any sustained move. On the macro front, a slate of U.S. data—most notably the Personal Consumption Expenditures index and fourth-quarter gross domestic product—could inject volatility later in the week. On-chain metrics, meanwhile, painted a cautious picture: the net unrealized profit and loss ratio surged toward multi-year highs, and a chorus of loss-making UTXOs suggested risk of a renewed downside regime if sellers re-enter the market.

At roughly $68,343, the 200-week exponential moving average (EMA) remains a pivotal line in the sand for market participants, closely tied to the prior all-time highs at just over $69,000. The pairing of the 200-week EMA and the old peak forms a duo that traders watch as the market negotiates whether to break free from a multi-month range. In recent days, observers noted that Bitcoin had re-entered an area it previously spent seven months defending, fueling conversations about whether the range would persist or give way to a decisive move higher. The sense of an impending decision was reinforced by analyst commentary that highlighted the previous extended range around $69,000 and the tendency for Bitcoin to react to sentiment contrarian to broader market moves.

Prominent traders pointed to a possible path to $75,000 as a potential trigger for a “surprise recovery.” CrypNuevo, a well-known voice in on-chain and chart analysis, referenced the extended range around $69,000 that has dominated price action in 2024. He observed that the price has retraced much of its wick from February’s dip to 15-month lows, suggesting the market could test the range lows before any sustained breakout. The analyst warned that a test of the 50% wick-fill level—interpreted as a signal for further wick fills—could imperil the bull case if acceptance fails near the range’s midpoint. Yet he also underscored a contrary sentiment: Bitcoin often moves counter to prevailing market mood, implying a potential for a bullish reversal should risk appetite improve.

On the liquidity front, the picture remained delicate. CoinGlass data showed total crypto-wide liquidations exceeding $250 million in the 24 hours through the reading, even as BTC/USD traded within a relatively tight window of less than $3,000. Longs remained concentrated just below $68,000, according to the same data source, a setup that some traders view as a potential target for whales seeking to seize liquidity. A trader known on X as CW noted that, despite liquidations, longs still held the upper hand overall, maintaining a bullish tilt in the current structure. The market also saw spikes in short liquidations when BTC briefly pressed above $70,000 around the Wall Street open, with futures liquidations hitting levels not seen since late 2024. Bitfinex’s social reaction highlighted a perception that a demand-following rally could throttle the trend’s downside momentum if spot buying intensifies.

Macro calendars added another dimension of potential volatility. The U.S. market holiday on Monday—the Presidents’ Day observance—could suppress liquidity at the outset of the week, with volatility expected to pick up as the data calendar fills in. The release of the PCE Index, widely regarded as the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, is scheduled alongside Q4 GDP data on the same Friday. CME Group’s FedWatch Tool showed odds of the Fed keeping policy rates unchanged at its next meeting hovering above 90%, reinforcing a fragile macro backdrop where even small surprises could reverberate through risk assets. The Kobeissi Letter underscored the likelihood of heightened volatility as macro signals accumulate and geopolitical tensions persist.

Market researchers and on-chain analysts also weighed in on the longer-term trajectory. CryptoQuant’s mid-February Quicktakes signaled that the next leg of BTC’s price action would depend on investor resilience as the market navigates sub-$60,000 support zones. The analysis highlighted the confluence of the 200-week moving average and the realized price, around $55,800, as a potential accumulation area should the regime shift toward weakness persist. In contrast, other metrics suggested a more precarious picture: the net unrealized profit/loss (NUPL) indicator hovered near values that imply widespread realized losses, a sign that holders could be capitulating or preparing for a regime shift rather than a routine pullback. CryptoQuant’s aSOPR metric also registered readings near breakeven, a signal historically associated with stress in the market’s cycle and potential reset conditions rather than a simple correction.

The evolving on-chain picture has left some analysts cautious about declaring a definitive bottom. While the current price range has produced a visible bounce from February’s lows, the same signals that previously warned of a potential bear market—constant losses realized by long-term holders and elevated spend activity at lower price levels—have not yet abated. One veteran aggregator noted that a sustained reclaim of the 1.0 level on aSOPR would be a meaningful sign of renewed strength; in its absence, the risk of a more extended consolidation or a deeper correction remains on the table. The broader consensus remains split, emphasizing that macro catalysts, on-chain dynamics, and liquidity conditions will be the primary drivers of the near-term trajectory.

Why it matters

The significance of the current juncture lies in how Bitcoin navigates the intersection of on-chain signals and macro liquidity. A weekly close above the 200-week EMA has historically been a meaningful indicator of durability, potentially inviting fresh risk-taking and a revaluation of risk assets across the market. Yet the same data that points to a potential upside also reveals fragility: NUPL’s elevated readings imply a concentration of unrealized losses, while aSOPR’s proximity to the breakeven line suggests that coins changing hands are not decisively profitable, a factor that could curb momentum if sellers re-emerge. These dynamics matter for both long-term holders considering accumulation and traders seeking tactical entries in a range-bound market.

For market participants, the looming PCE data and GDP figures, coupled with Fed policy expectations, will shape risk sentiment. If the data disappoints, risk assets could experience renewed volatility as traders reassess the trajectory of monetary policy. Conversely, a resilient inflation print or softer GDP print could reinforce the sense that the environment remains conducive to risk assets’ re-pricing, potentially fueling a renewed flush of liquidity into Bitcoin and the broader crypto sector. In this context, the market’s behavior around $69,000 becomes more than a technical milestone – it functions as a psychological fulcrum for bulls and bears alike.

From an investment perspective, the evolving on-chain health metrics emphasize the importance of risk management and scenario planning. The narrative around a potential regime shift—where a bear-market-like phase could assert itself even without a classic downturn—highlights the value of diversified exposure and adaptive strategies that respond to changes in liquidity, macro surprises, and the cadence of market momentum. While the short-term impulse may hinge on a volatile data calendar and liquidity dynamics, the longer arc remains contingent on whether on-chain fundamentals align with price action, reinforcing the idea that traders should stay nimble as the week unfolds.

What to watch next

Watch BTC’s reaction around the 200-week EMA near $68,343 and the prior ATH just above $69,000 for any sustained breakout or rejection.

Monitor the upcoming PCE index and Q4 GDP releases for volatility spikes and potential shifts in Fed rate expectations.

Track on-chain metrics like NUPL and aSOPR for signs of capitulation pressure or renewed accumulation.

Observe liquidation dynamics on CoinGlass, especially around the $70,000 level and the above-$68,000 zone where longs have concentrated.

Assess market sentiment around long-term holders and whether a move toward the $75,000 target could materialize if a short squeeze gains momentum.

Sources & verification

BTC price and level around $68,800 on Bitstamp, with reference to TradingView data

BTC/USD proximity to the 200-week EMA (~$68,343) and the $69,000 ATH reference

Liquidation data from CoinGlass showing totals over $250 million in the examined 24-hour period

Fed rate expectations from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool

On-chain indicators from CryptoQuant (NUPL and aSOPR) and associated Quicktakes

Bitcoin at a crossroads as market signals converge

The ongoing convergence of price behavior, liquidity dynamics, and macro catalysts underscores a Bitcoin narrative defined by range-aware uncertainty rather than a clear, directional breakout. As traders calibrate their positions ahead of key inflation and growth indicators, the market remains sensitive to even modest shifts in risk appetite. Whether the week culminates in a renewed squeeze toward higher ground or a renewed test of support depends on a complex mix of on-chain health, price action within the established range, and the trajectory of macro policy signals that continue to influence sentiment across crypto markets.

This article was originally published as $75K or Bearish Regime Shift? 5 Bitcoin Insights This Week on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Nota editorului: Pe măsură ce Jocurile Olimpice de Iarnă din 2026 atrag milioane de fani din întreaga lume, infractorii cibernetici caută să profite de hype și distragere. Acest editorial evidențiază îndrumări practice și acțiuni de la Kaspersky pentru a recunoaște și evita încercările de înșelăciune în jurul biletelor, produselor și streamingului. Scopul este de a împuternici cititorii să verifice sursele, să păstreze datele personale în siguranță și să se bazeze pe canale oficiale în timpul evenimentelor. Conținutul de mai jos completează comunicatul de presă prin rezumarea principalelor concluzii și celor mai bune practici de securitate pentru a participa, a viziona sau a interacționa cu Jocurile online.

Animoca Brands has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), enabling a broader, regulated footprint for crypto activities within the emirate. The license authorizes broker-dealer services and investment management related to virtual assets in Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre, and targets institutional and qualified investors. The public record shows the license was issued on Feb. 5, reinforcing Dubai’s ongoing push to formalize digital-asset operations under a clear governance framework. Animoca says the license strengthens its ability to engage with Web3 foundations and global institutions within a well-defined regulatory environment. The move comes as Dubai continues to position itself as a regional hub for regulated crypto activity.

Key takeaways

Animoca Brands obtains a VARA VASP license to offer broker-dealer services and asset-management activities related to virtual assets in Dubai, focused on institutional and qualified investors.

The license excludes the Dubai International Financial Centre, signaling a mainland-and-free-zone approach to oversight under VARA.

The development aligns with Animoca’s broader strategy in Web3, including support for projects such as The Sandbox, Open Campus, and Moca Network, while expanding its investor access in the region.

Dubai has a growing roster of licensed crypto operators, underscoring a deliberate shift toward a regulated, institution-friendly crypto ecosystem in the emirate.

Animoca’s recent activity includes the January acquisition of Somo, integrating playable and tradable digital collectibles into its portfolio.

Market context: Dubai’s VARA framework is part of a broader regional trend toward regulated digital-asset markets within the UAE, with enforcement actions signaling a clear stance against unlicensed activity and marketing breaches. The emirate’s approach contrasts with looser regimes elsewhere, drawing institutional participants seeking compliant environments and predictable governance.

Why it matters

The VARA license marks a meaningful expansion point for Animoca Brands in a market that has openly courted Web3 and blockchain-driven enterprise. By enabling broker-dealer functions and asset-management capabilities under VARA’s oversight, Animoca gains a regulated on-ramp for institutional and qualified investors, potentially accelerating large-scale partnerships and liquidity channels for its portfolio companies. This is particularly relevant as the company maintains a diversified portfolio—encompassing The Sandbox, Open Campus, and Moca Network—while continuing to back early-stage projects that align with its long-term strategy in decentralized ecosystems.

For Dubai, the approval reinforces a deliberate effort to attract structured capital and sophisticated investment strategies into digital-asset ventures. The license depiction in VARA’s public register confirms a formal recognition of Animoca’s operations within the emirate and suggests a framework under which the company can collaborate with Web3 foundations and other international players—an important signal for both developers and financiers looking for regulated access to Dubai’s growing crypto infrastructure.

On the corporate side, the move dovetails with Animoca’s ongoing efforts to broaden its influence in the blockchain space. The company has been expanding its reach through portfolio expansion, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships that blend gaming, digital collectibles, and interoperable ecosystems. The Somo acquisition in January, which added playable and tradable digital collectibles to Animoca’s repertoire, underscores a strategy to combine asset-backed experiences with a regulated, institution-facing platform. This combination could help the firm monetize digital assets through more formalized channels while maintaining its emphasis on creator economies and user-owned ecosystems.

Altogether, the Dubai license positions Animoca at the intersection of regulated finance and Web3 innovation—a space that investors and builders have increasingly prioritized as crypto markets mature. The licensing choice also aligns with a broader UAE narrative of modernization and regulatory clarity, where oversight is paired with a deliberate openness to institutional participation in digital-asset markets.

What to watch next

VARA’s ongoing oversight of licensed entities: continued monitoring of market conduct and compliance expectations for broker-dealer activities in the emirate.

Expansion of Animoca’s regional activities: potential collaborations with Dubai-based institutions and Web3 foundations, and integration of Somo and other assets into regulated product offerings.

Further licensing activity in Dubai: follow-on approvals for additional asset classes or service models, signaling the pace of institutional crypto adoption in the region.

Regulatory alignment within the UAE: broader moves to harmonize crypto frameworks across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and among allied Gulf markets.

Sources & verification

VARA public register entry for Animoca Brands Middle East Advisory FZCO (license issued Feb. 5)

Animoca Brands announcement: Animoca Brands secures VASP licence from Dubai’s VARA

Animoca Brands expands portfolio with Somo acquisition

BitGo awarded VARA broker-dealer license for its Middle East and North Africa unit

Dubai license expands Animoca’s Web3 footprint

Dubai’s VARA granted Animoca Brands a virtual-asset service provider license that unlocks broker-dealer and investment-management capabilities for virtual assets within the emirate, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. The license, officially issued on Feb. 5 and logged in VARA’s public register, opens the door for Animoca to serve institutional and qualified investors under VARA’s supervision. The registry entry confirms the formal scope of permitted activities and marks a notable milestone for a company whose portfolio spans The Sandbox, Open Campus, and Moca Network, along with a broad set of early-stage projects in the blockchain and gaming landscape. In comments accompanying the license, Omar Elassar, Animoca’s managing director for the Middle East and head of global strategic partnerships, described the move as a way to deepen partnerships with Web3 foundations and global institutions within a well-regulated framework.

The Dubai license is part of a broader pattern in which the emirate has actively cultivated regulated pathways for digital assets to foster institutional participation while maintaining oversight. VARA, established in 2022 to regulate asset issuance, trading, and related services across Dubai’s mainland and its free zones, has signaled a firm stance against unregistered activity. The regulator has also been active in enforcement, including financial penalties assessed against entities for unlicensed operations and marketing violations, underscoring the balance Dubai seeks between encouraging innovation and ensuring consumer protection and market integrity.

Animoca Brands’ footprint in the region extends beyond licenses. The company has built a diversified Web3 platform ecosystem that includes The Sandbox, a leading virtual world, along with Open Campus and the Moca Network. These projects are designed to integrate user-generated content, creator economies, and interoperable assets across multiple experiences. The company has also been expanding its investment thesis in digital collectibles and blockchain-based entertainment, backing a wide array of initiatives across the ecosystem.

In January, Animoca expanded its strategic capabilities by acquiring Somo, a gaming and digital-collectibles company, which brought playable and tradable collectibles into Animoca’s asset mix. The acquisition aligns with Animoca’s broader strategy of combining interactive experiences with a regulated, institution-facing platform, potentially enabling new revenue models and liquidity channels for Web3 projects within Dubai’s regulatory framework. While Somo’s integration is ongoing, the deal illustrates how Animoca intends to leverage regulatory access in Dubai to accelerate growth and broaden its reach in the Middle East’s burgeoning crypto market.

As Dubai continues to refine its regulatory approach and attract more institutional players, Animoca’s VARA license stands as a tangible signal of the emirate’s commitment to structured, compliant innovation in digital assets. For industry observers, the development highlights how major Web3 builders are moving toward regulated environments that can support scalable, investor-grade activity while preserving the decentralized and creator-centric ethos at the core of the sector.

This article was originally published as Animoca Brands Wins Dubai Crypto License Expands Middle East Services on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) started 2026 with a steep slide and is on track for a challenging first quarter, echoing patterns seen in prior bear markets. The largest cryptocurrency by market cap has fallen about 22% since January, slipping from roughly $87,700 to the mid-$60k range, with recent prints near $68,000. If that pace holds, Q1 could mark the worst start to a year since the 2018 bear market, when BTC tumbled almost 50%, according to data tracked by CoinGlass. Ether (CRYPTO: ETH), the second-largest asset, has also pushed lower in the year’s early weeks, though its losses have been comparatively milder, aligning with a broader risk-off mood across crypto markets.

Key takeaways

Bitcoin is down roughly 22% year-to-date, trading around $68.6k after opening near $87.7k, signaling entrenched near-term softness.

The first quarter could become the worst since 2018 for BTC, with 2018 data showing a 49.7% quarterly decline according to CoinGlass.

Ether has fared similarly in its own context, with about 34.3% losses in the current Q1—the third-worst start among nine observed first quarters historically.

BTC has posted five straight weeks of losses, including a January drop of around 10.2% and a February trend that remains negative, needing a reversal above $80k to avert further red printing in February.

Analysts describe the move as a routine correction within a longer-term backdrop of rising institutional interest and halving-cycle dynamics, rather than a structural breakdown.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. The price has declined to about $68,670, indicating ongoing downside pressure in the near term.

Market context: The sector remains sensitive to macro headwinds and liquidity conditions, with a focus on how institutional adoption and supply-side cycles could shape a potential rebound later in the year.

Why it matters

From a market structure perspective, the current pullback highlights how crypto assets are trading in a risk-off environment even as macro narratives evolve. Bitcoin’s retreat from the high-70s and into the 60k territory reflects a mix of profit-taking, cautious positioning by retail participants, and a broader test of support levels after a period of elevated volatility. The context matters because BTC’s price level often informs broader risk appetite in the sector, influencing altcoins and the trajectory of liquidity in the ecosystem.

Historically, the first quarter has displayed pronounced volatility for crypto. In 2018, during a brutal bear market, BTC shed almost half of its value within three months, a benchmark often cited by traders and analysts when assessing risk. In 2025 and 2020, Q1 saw notable declines as well, though the magnitude varied. The current quarter’s descent—paired with ETH’s sharp, yet comparatively less severe, slide—appears to align with a broader pattern: macro uncertainties tend to weigh on risk assets early in the year, even as final-year catalysts or structural developments remain in view.

One factor driving the current mood is the perpetual tug-of-war between risk-off sentiment and the long-run thesis for crypto assets. On one hand, institutions have continued to explore exposure and on-chain activity has shown resilience in certain metrics. On the other hand, macro headwinds—rising rates expectations, liquidity considerations, and geopolitical dynamics—can confine upside moves in the near term. In this context, market participants are watching crucial levels to gauge whether the pullback is a temporary correction or the onset of a more protracted downturn.

Within the price action, BTC’s five-week losing streak underscores a persistent near-term weakness. A slide of around 2.3% in the preceding 24 hours, with prices hovering around $68,670 at press time, suggests a market that remains sensitive to any fresh negative catalysts. CoinGecko tracks Bitcoin’s price and confirms the current trading range, reinforcing the view that a meaningful rebound would require catalysts beyond mere technical bounce—potentially including improved macro clarity or a renewed wave of institutional buying interest.

What to watch next

Price level to watch: Whether BTC can reclaim the $80,000 threshold to halt or reverse the February red trend.

Near-term performance: The next weekly closes to determine if the five-week streak of losses ends or extends.

ETH trajectory: Whether Ether’s decline moderates alongside BTC or diverges due to sector-specific catalysts.

Macro and on-chain signals: Monitoring shifts in liquidity conditions, risk sentiment, and any halving-cycle-related dynamics that could bolster a longer-term recovery.

Institutional flow indicators: Any uptick in demand from well-funded participants that could support a sustained move higher once macro conditions stabilize.

Sources & verification

CoinGlass data on Bitcoin’s quarterly performance and historical comparisons to 2018 (bear market) data.

CoinGecko price data confirming BTC around $68k–$69k and daily movement metrics.

LVRG Research commentary from Nick Ruck on BTC’s correctional phase and long-term resilience.

Twitter/X reference to DaanCrypto’s assessment of Q1 volatility and its historical context.

Bitcoin’s Q1 trajectory amid macro headwinds and halving dynamics

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is navigating a challenging start to 2026, with a renewed sense of caution across markets. After opening the year near $87,700, the benchmark asset has ceded roughly a quarter of its value, slipping into the mid-60k zone as headlines about liquidity and policy remain in focus. The decline mirrors patterns seen at the outset of prior downturns, where quarterly losses in the double-digit range have not always translated into a permanent downturn but instead have persisted until a new phase of accumulation takes hold. CoinGlass data help frame the severity: the first quarter of 2018, for example, remains the gold standard for a severe quarterly drawdown in the BTC bear era. The current slide has revived debates about whether the market is entering a longer-term correction or simply testing support before a potential resumption of upside.

Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) is not immune to the broader risk-off tone, though its drawdown has followed a somewhat different cadence. The leading altcoin has faced substantial selling pressure in Q1, with losses that stand at roughly 34% so far this quarter. Historically, ETH has shown red in a minority of its first quarters, but the current figure places it among its harsher starts. The divergence between BTC and ETH’s path underscores the nuanced dynamics within the crypto market, where Bitcoin often drives overall market psychology while the altcoin complex trails in response to sector-specific catalysts and cross-asset risk metrics.

Market observers have pointed to a recurring theme: the first quarter has a reputation for volatility in crypto markets, a fact that traders reference when calibrating risk and exposure. Daan Trades Crypto, an analyst cited in recent commentary, notes that quarterly fluctuations tend to be self-contained at the outset of a given year, and that early-year losses do not always predict how the rest of the year will unfold. Such commentary is supported by a broader body of historical data indicating that while Q1 performance can be harsh, it does not invariably preface a structural market decline, particularly when halving cycles and institutional adoption offer longer-term catalysts.

Current price action places BTC at a crossroads. When prices last crossed into the $70k range, buyers often argued for a swift rebound on improved macro sentiment or renewed liquidity. That level has since yielded to selling pressure, and a sustained breach of price levels around $68k–$69k raises the question of whether the market is undergoing a deeper retracement or simply pausing before the next leg up. For traders and investors, the key remains whether macro signals align with on-chain activity and whether the next set of data points—be it inflation prints, rate expectations, or regulatory developments—could tilt the balance in favor of buyers or sellers over the coming weeks.

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

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Drops 22%: Could Q1 Be the Worst Since 2018? on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Strategy founder Michael Saylor unveiled a plan to convert roughly $6 billion of convertible debt into equity, a move designed to ease balance‑sheet pressure while preserving the firm’s Bitcoin holdings. The company maintains a Bitcoin treasury of about 714,644 BTC, valued at roughly $49 billion at current prices, a substantial cushion for its leverage profile. Equitizing the debt—converting bonds into equity rather than repaying cash—would turn bondholders into shareholders and reduce near‑term debt obligations. The announcement, prompted by a Sunday post on X, followed a public assertion that the plan could withstand a dramatic BTC price drop and still fully cover the debt, a claim the firm made in a message linked to a Saylor post. The news comes as the market contends with sharp volatility and a price environment that has kept BTC trading in a wide range around the high 60,000s.

Key takeaways

Strategy plans to convert about $6 billion of convertible debt into equity, reducing debt exposure without a cash repayment.

The firm’s Bitcoin treasury stands at approximately 714,644 BTC, underpinning the balance sheet with a sizeable asset base worth tens of billions of dollars at current prices.

Bond-to-equity conversion hinges on BTC price sensitivity; the firm argues that BTC would need to fall about 88% for the debt and equity to be equivalent on a value basis.

Equitization could dilute existing shareholders by issuing new stock, though it also eases pressure on cash flow and debt servicing.

The company has continued accumulating BTC, signaling a persistent long‑term thesis even as market prices dip.

Strategy’s stock has fallen roughly 70% from its all‑time high, reflecting broader declines in crypto markets and investor sentiment as BTC fluctuates near $68,000–$70,000.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $MSTR

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The described debt conversion is a balance‑sheet adjustment rather than a direct price move.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The company is pursuing structural relief through equity issuance while continuing to accumulate BTC, which could support downside protection if BTC stabilizes or recovers.

Market context: The strategy reflects a broader approach among BTC‑heavy firms to balance debt with control over equity issuance, as crypto markets experience episodic volatility and shifting investor risk appetite.

Why it matters

The move to convert debt into equity spotlights a pragmatic path for crypto‑native companies seeking to de‑risk their balance sheets without selling large BTC holdings into a volatile market. If successful, the conversion could limit cash obligations and preserve a strategic BTC reserve that could support future liquidity needs. For investors, the key question is how the equity dilution will affect existing shareholders and whether the new capital structure will provide a clearer path to profitability as BTC remains a cornerstone of Strategy’s balance sheet.

From a market perspective, Strategy’s strategy tests how far a BTC‑backed business can lean on its crypto reserves while weathering price swings and volatility in both digital assets and traditional equity markets. The company contends its BTC hoard provides a robust cushion, even if the price of BTC experiences extended drawdowns. The dynamic between debt relief and equity dilution will be watched closely by investors and analysts, particularly as BTC prices hover in a historically elevated but highly cyclical band and as the broader market evaluates the durability of corporate treasury strategies tied to crypto assets.

What to watch next

Details on the final terms of the debt‑to‑equity conversion, including any changes to voting rights, dilution thresholds, and timing of the issuance.

Any updates to the BTC accumulation program, including changes to the size of the reserve and the cadence of purchases.

Regulatory developments around convertible notes and crypto treasuries that could influence balance‑sheet choices for BTC‑heavy companies.

Further commentary from Michael Saylor or Strategy on future buy signals or treasury strategy, including additional posts on X.

Sources & verification

Strategy’s official posts and remarks on X detailing the debt conversion and BTC holdings.

Historical data on Strategy’s stock price (MSTR) and Bitcoin price data from referenced sources (Google Finance, CoinGecko).

Previously published articles referenced in the original piece about Saylor’s buy signals and prior accumulation episodes.

Strategy’s balance sheet reshaped by a debt-to-equity plan

Strategy’s planned move to convert about $6 billion of convertible debt into equity reflects a deliberate effort to pare back leverage while preserving governance and the strategic advantage of its bitcoin reserves. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is central to this approach, and the company publicly states that its 714,644 BTC stack creates a substantial cushion that could sustain debt obligations even as market prices swing. The conversion turns creditors into shareholders, realigning incentives with long‑horizon investors who expect the BTC treasury to underpin future growth and liquidity.

From a structural standpoint, the strategy has a double effect. On the one hand, it reduces the near‑term debt load on the balance sheet and eliminates cash interest obligations tied to the convertible notes. On the other hand, it introduces equity dilution, which can dilute existing owners’ ownership and shareholder earnings per share if the new stock issuance expands the float. The firm emphasizes that the conversion would be fully backed by BTC reserves; in other words, the risk on debt coverage remains anchored by the crypto asset base, even if BTC experiences a meaningful price correction.

The financial calculus is anchored to a striking data point: the conversion would effectively require an 88% drop in BTC price for the debt and the resulting equity to be value‑balanced. The math underscores how much the reserve acts as a backstop and also highlights the sensitivity of the plan to BTC’s price trajectory. The firm’s public statements to date suggest that even under severe stress scenarios, the strategy could sustain debt coverage while giving bondholders an ownership stake rather than a cash repayment at maturity, thereby avoiding forced sales in a downturn.

Meanwhile, Strategy has continued to accumulate BTC, a pattern that has persisted through recent market turbulence. The company’s average entry price for Bitcoin sits around $76,000, implying that even with current prices near $68,400, the overall position remains underwater on a cost basis. The ongoing accumulation is part of a broader narrative wherein the company uses its treasury not simply as a reserve but as a cornerstone of its equity‑backed financial stance. The public posts and related coverage indicate a steady cadence of purchases, including mentions of multiple weeks of continued accumulation as BTC price action fluctuates.

Beyond the internal balance‑sheet mechanics, the market response to Strategy’s leadership has been a mix of caution and curiosity. Strategy’s stock (MSTR) has endured a significant drawdown from its all‑time high, illustrating how crypto equities can decouple from the performance of BTC during periods of broad risk aversion. The latest trading, with shares near a fraction of the peak, showcases the tension between a potentially stabilizing balance‑sheet strategy and the market’s perception of dilution risk and growth prospects. As BTC attempted to reattain key levels in late trading and again faced pressure, investors weighed whether the new equity issuance would unlock a clearer path to profitability or simply reset the capital structure without delivering immediate earnings momentum.

The ongoing narrative also intersects with broader market sentiment about crypto treasuries and convertible debt, a topic covered in prior industry discussions. The company’s approach, while tailored to its own assets and obligations, mirrors a broader trend in which BTC‑centric businesses seek structural options to weather cycles of drawdown without sacrificing long‑term exposure to the asset that forms the core of their strategic thesis.

This article was originally published as Saylor’s 3-6 Year Strategy to Equitize Convertible Debt on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Grayscale a depus o cerere la Comisia pentru Valori Mobiliare și Burse din SUA pentru a transforma fondul său de încredere de urmărire Aave într-un fond tranzacționat pe bursă, semnalizând o continuare a eforturilor de a aduce expunerea la finanțele descentralizate investitorilor tradiționali. Cererea, dezvăluită printr-un Formular S-1 pe 13 februarie 2026, preconizează redenumirea vehiculului în Grayscale Aave Trust ETF și listarea pe NYSE Arca sub tickerul GAVE, cu Coinbase servind ca depozitar și broker principal. Dacă va fi aprobat, produsul ar deține direct tokenuri AAVE, mai degrabă decât să utilizeze un amestec de valori mobiliare și active.

Lipsa de confidențialitate pentru tranzacțiile on-chain este un obstacol de bază în calea plăților cripto mainstream. Cofondatorul Binance, Changpeng Zhao, susține că lacunele de confidențialitate descurajează afacerile să folosească cripto pentru a-și achita cheltuielile, inclusiv salariile. El a subliniat un scenariu în care o companie care plătește angajații în cripto on-chain ar putea avea detalii despre salarii expuse pur și simplu prin inspectarea adreselor de trimitere. Observația subliniază o dezbatere mai amplă despre faptul că registrele publice pot susține utilizarea la nivel de întreprindere fără a compromite informațiile sensibile. Într-un schimb separat cu Chamath Palihapitiya, gazda podcast-ului All-In, CZ a conectat aceste preocupări la securitatea fizică, sugerând că transparența ar putea amplifica riscurile corporative chiar și dincolo de datele financiare. Conversația survine într-un context în care narațiunile axate pe confidențialitate—înrădăcinate în originile cypherpunk ale cripto—își reafirmă prezența într-un peisaj în care AI și securitatea datelor adaugă straturi noi discuției.

Strategia, vehiculul de trezorerie Bitcoin co-fondat de Michael Saylor, și-a extins seria neîntreruptă de achiziții la săptămâna 12, în timp ce piața crypto mai largă s-a confruntat cu o volatilitate reînnoită. Compania a menținut un ritm de acumulare vizibil public, semnalizând o convingere pe termen lung în Bitcoin ca rezervă de trezorerie. Cele mai recente activități subliniază un tipar care a atras atenția pe piețele crypto, Saylor folosind graficul de acumulare al firmei pe X pentru a comunica viteza și amploarea. Cea mai recentă achiziție, executată la începutul lunii februarie, se adaugă la un bilanț care se află deja printre cele mai mari rezerve BTC dezvăluite public. Luate împreună, deținerile Strategiei au crescut la un nivel substanțial, firma menționând următoarea sa tranzacție BTC cu numărul 99 în mesajele publice, un moment de cotitură care a devenit un semn distinctiv al desfășurării capitalei strategiei.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) se apropie de ceea ce cercetătorii on-chain descriu ca fiind o zonă subevaluată pentru prima dată în mai mult de trei ani, conform celor mai recente date de la CryptoQuant. Raportul valoare de piață-la-valoare realizată (MVRV), un instrument clasic pentru a evalua dacă Bitcoin este evaluat corect în raport cu prețul la care oferta a fost ultima dată mutată, a avansat spre un punct de echilibru după o tendință descendentă de câteva luni care a urmat unui maxim istoric din octombrie 2025. Acțiunea de preț de săptămâna trecută a văzut BTC scăzând sub $60,000, un nivel care a conturat sentimentul pieței și testarea suportului în ciclurile recente. Cu metrica MVRV fluctuând în jurul valorii de 1.1, analiștii spun că activul se apropie de un teritoriu care, istoric, însoțește acumularea și o potențială inversare, deși ei avertizează că niciun indicator unic nu garantează un minim.

Adoptarea proiectului de lege CLARITY privind structura pieței cripto ar putea îmbunătăți sentimentul într-o perioadă de declin generalizat, conform secretarului Trezoreriei Statelor Unite, Scott Bessent. Într-un interviu pentru CNBC, el a descris stagnarea proiectului de lege ca fiind un impediment pentru moralul industriei, subliniind că claritatea asupra cadrului ar oferi un ancoraj de care investitorii și incumbentele au mare nevoie. El a subliniat că avansarea rapidă a legislației - ideal până în primăvară, în fereastra dintre sfârșitul lunii martie și sfârșitul lunii iunie - ar putea stabili tonul pentru un mediu de reglementare mai previzibil pe măsură ce peisajul politic se schimbă înaintea alegerilor de la mijlocul mandatului din 2026. Bessent a avertizat că dinamica congresului, în special reechilibrarea controlului în Cameră, va influența șansele ca un acord să devină lege.

O nouă analiză Amberdata sugerează că un token DeFi de nișă legat de familia Trump ar fi putut avertiza piețele despre stres cu mult înainte de o scădere mai amplă a criptomonedelor. Studiul examinează activitatea din jurul World Liberty Financial Token (WLFI) pe 10 octombrie 2025, o zi în care aproximativ 6.93 miliarde de dolari în poziții criptografice cu efect de levier au fost lichidate în decurs de o oră. În aceeași zi, Bitcoin și Ether s-au mișcat decisiv în jos, cu altcoins mai mici suportând pierderi mai mari. La acel moment, Bitcoin se afla în jurul valorii de 121.000 de dolari, arătând un stres imediat limitat, în timp ce WLFI a prezentat o scădere pronunțată cu câteva ore înainte de declanșarea vânzărilor pe piața mai largă.

Traderii de Bitcoin au primit cu entuziasm o imprimare a IPC-ului din SUA mai moale decât era de așteptat, pe măsură ce inflația s-a răcit, ajutând criptomoneda să depășească nivelul de 69.000 USD vineri. Această mișcare a reaprins speranțele pentru o recuperare pe termen scurt după o perioadă de consolidare în apropierea unor zone tehnice cheie. Participanții de pe piață urmăresc dacă taurile pot depăși o bandă de rezistență încăpățânată în jurul valorii de 68.000 USD până la 70.000 USD, cu mai mulți analiști conturând o cale potențială către ținte mai mari dacă prețul poate stabili o bază deasupra suportului critic în apropierea valorii de 65.000 USD. Cele mai recente acțiuni de preț vin pe fondul unei piețe mai largi caracterizate prin apetit de risc fluctuant, dinamica lichidității și discuții continue despre rolul produselor tranzacționate pe burse în expunerea la criptomonede.

Mirae Asset Consulting, o filială a grupului sud-coreean Mirae Asset, își propune să preia controlul asupra bursei locale de criptomonede Korbit. Într-un document de reglementare, compania a convenit să achiziționeze 26.9 milioane de acțiuni Korbit pentru 133.48 miliarde won, aproximativ 93 milioane dolari, asigurându-și o participație de 92.06% în bursă. Achiziția va fi plătită integral în numerar, iar afacerea a primit aprobarea consiliului începând cu 5 februarie. Finalizarea este așteptată în termen de șapte zile lucrătoare după ce toate condițiile contractuale de închidere sunt îndeplinite, subliniind o mișcare rapidă pentru consolidarea unei afaceri reglementate de active digitale în cadrul infrastructurii în evoluție a criptomonedelor din Coreea. Documentul menționează că Mirae Asset intenționează să asigure viitoare motoare de creștere prin afaceri de active digitale (active virtuale).