‍Xinbi Processes $17.9 Billion Amidst Global Regulatory Pressure The Chinese-language crypto guarantee service Xinbi has processed nearly $17.9 billion in transactions, demonstrating resilience despite regulatory actions and platform bans. TRM Labs reports that Xinbi has adapted by migrating operations and launching its own wallet system, XinbiPay, to facilitate money laundering and exchange of illicit goods. This highlights the ongoing challenge for regulators in combating decentralized financial crime infrastructure. Ari Redbord of TRM Labs noted, "Guarantee services like Xinbi are learning to survive enforcement by fragmenting across platforms and building their own infrastructure." The service, which previously received $8.4 billion in stablecoins linked to scam activities, continues to utilize Tether and other stablecoins for its operations. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8957/xinbi-crypto-guarantee-service-processes-17-9b-despite-global-bans

‍TON Foundation Launches TON Pay to Fuel Telegram Crypto Commerce The Open Network (TON) Foundation has introduced TON Pay, a payments SDK aimed at transforming Telegram into a digital commerce hub. This initiative allows merchants and developers within Telegram Mini Apps to accept cryptocurrency payments natively, leveraging Telegram's 1.1 billion users for wider on-chain transaction adoption. TON Pay functions as a wallet-agnostic layer, simplifying settlements by removing friction from gas fees and checkout processes. Nikola Plecas, VP of Payments at TON Foundation, highlighted the system's optimization for speed and cost-efficiency, targeting sub-second confirmations and fees below one cent. Initial asset support includes Toncoin (TON) and Tether (USDT). The foundation plans future expansions to broader web environments, introducing features like recurring subscriptions and gasless transactions. This positions TON in competition with similar initiatives from X (formerly Twitter) and Coinbase, seeking to capitalize on Telegram's integration for social commerce. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8956/ton-foundation-launches-ton-pay-to-fuel-telegram-crypto-commerce

‍Crypto ETP Outflows Slow to $187M as Trading Volumes Hit Record Last week saw crypto ETPs record $187 million in net outflows, a significant slowdown from the $3.43 billion withdrawn over the prior two weeks. This moderation occurred during a period of price consolidation, with Bitcoin testing the $60,000 level. While Bitcoin investment products saw outflows of $264.4 million, altcoin funds showed resilience. XRP funds attracted $63 million, Solana ETPs gained $8.2 million, and Ethereum products increased by $5.3 million. Despite net negative flows, weekly ETP trading volumes reached a record $63.1 billion. This high market engagement suggests robust institutional and retail participation. Total Assets Under Management (AUM) for global crypto ETPs settled at approximately $129 billion. CoinShares head of research James Butterfill noted that the slowing pace of outflows might signal a local bottom in the market. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8955/crypto-etp-outflows-slow-to-187m-as-trading-volumes-hit-record

‍Huobi HTX Integrates USDe Minting and Rewards Huobi HTX has expanded its offerings by integrating minting and redemption functionalities for USDe, a synthetic dollar protocol from Ethena. This allows users to interact with the Ethena ecosystem directly on the exchange. The new feature supports unlimited transaction amounts with consistent fee structures and direct integration with HTX spot accounts. To encourage adoption, Huobi HTX has launched a daily reward program for USDe holders, distributing weekly incentives. "Introducing USDe minting and redemption functions directly on the Huobi HTX platform provides more users with convenient access to advanced on-chain financial tools," stated Justin Sun, Global Advisor for Huobi HTX. This integration, operational as of February 9, 2026, aims to bridge DeFi yield strategies with traditional trading environments. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8954/huobi-htx-adds-usde-minting-and-rewards-to-enhance-ecosystem

‍Bitcoin Traders Brace for $50K Floor Amid Macroeconomic Pressures Bitcoin (BTC) is facing significant macroeconomic headwinds that could push its price towards a $50,000 floor, despite recent stabilization above $70,000. Key U.S. inflation data and shifting Federal Reserve expectations are creating uncertainty. Analysts warn that current price action may be manipulative, designed to liquidate short positions before a deeper correction. Miner activity shows significant BTC deposits to exchanges, potentially increasing selling pressure. A retest of lower support levels, possibly near $50,000, is anticipated as the market navigates these challenges. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8953/bitcoin-traders-brace-for-50k-floor-amid-macroeconomic-pressures

‍Story Protocol Delays Token Unlock to Focus on IP Licensing Story Protocol's co-founder, S.Y. Lee, has announced a six-month delay for the project's initial token unlock, now scheduled for August 2026. This strategic decision aims to align tokenomics with a revised business model prioritizing intellectual property licensing within the blockchain ecosystem. The protocol is shifting its focus from on-chain transaction fees to offline licensing of AI training data, particularly "uncrawlable" human-contributed data for enterprise agreements. Lee clarified that current low on-chain revenue is a misleading metric, as the core business model centers on licensing data to AI companies. This approach, akin to Worldcoin's earlier lock-up extension, is presented as a sign of long-term commitment to developing robust token use cases and ensuring ecosystem stability before wider circulation. The move reflects a trend among Layer 1 and Layer 2 protocols to bridge blockchain technology with traditional IP markets by securing high-value licensing partnerships. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8952/story-protocol-defends-token-unlock-delay-to-focus-on-ip-licensing

‍Tether’s Gold Reserves Reach 148 Tons, Surpassing Major Central Banks Tether has accumulated approximately 148 tons of physical gold by the end of January 2026, valued at roughly $23 billion. This strategy has positioned the private entity among the top 30 global gold owners. The company acquired 26 tons of gold in Q4 2025 and an additional 6 tons in January 2026, exceeding the quarterly gold purchase activity of most national central banks. Tether's gold reserves now surpass those of Australia, the UAE, and Qatar. These holdings provide stability for the USDT stablecoin and back the Tether Gold (XAUT) token. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8951/tether-s-gold-reserves-hit-148-tons-surpassing-major-central-banks

‍KuCoin to Showcase Web3 Trust Initiatives at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 KuCoin will participate in Consensus Hong Kong 2026, focusing on how AI-driven infrastructure can enhance market integrity. Edwin Wong, VP and Head of Risk Control at KuCoin, will join a panel on integrating AI and on-chain analytics into governance frameworks for user protection and market resilience. This participation follows KuCoin’s recent regulatory achievements, including a MiCAR license in Austria and DCE registration in Australia, underscoring a commitment to compliance and user protection in the evolving Web3 ecosystem. The exchange also recently co-hosted the 2026 World Laureates Summit, exploring blockchain's role in public governance and scientific collaboration. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8950/kucoin-to-join-consensus-hong-kong-2026-to-advance-web3-trust

‍HTX Ventures to Debut at Consensus 2026 Hong Kong; Justin Sun to Keynote HTX Ventures will make its official debut at Consensus 2026 Hong Kong from February 10-12, 2026. Justin Sun, TRON founder and Huobi HTX Global Advisor, will deliver a keynote address on "Building Resilient Blockchain Infrastructure for a Rapidly Changing World." HTX will also participate in the Alpha Night event on February 9, focusing on decentralized governance and ecosystem partnerships within the HTX DAO framework. The conference highlights the growing importance of Hong Kong in the digital asset space. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8949/htx-ventures-joins-consensus-2026-hong-kong-as-justin-sun-set-to-keynote

‍Coinbase Revives Super Bowl Presence with 90s Nostalgia Coinbase has returned to the Super Bowl stage with a minimalist, karaoke-style ad featuring the Backstreet Boys, four years after its viral QR code campaign. Marketing chief Catherine Ferdon stated the campaign aims to highlight crypto community growth using a recognizable cultural touchstone. The ad's simple lyric-based format generated mixed reactions, with some appreciating the approach and others expressing disappointment. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong defended the choice, noting that "something unique" is needed to capture audience attention during commercials. This strategy aims to maintain brand visibility amidst market fluctuations and the evolving Web3 landscape. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8948/coinbase-returns-to-super-bowl-with-backstreet-boys-inspired-ad

‍ENS Cancels Namechain L2; Focuses on Ethereum L1 Scaling Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has abandoned plans for its dedicated Layer 2 network, Namechain. This decision stems from significant efficiency gains on Ethereum's mainnet, particularly following the Fusaka upgrade which doubled the gas limit and drastically reduced gas costs for ENS registrations. The ENS team will now concentrate on deploying the ENSv2 upgrade directly on Ethereum L1. This upgrade aims to enhance the protocol's architecture with a new registry, improved ownership models, optimized expiration handling, and L2 interoperability, demonstrating a bet on the continued scaling success of the Ethereum mainnet. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8947/ens-scraps-namechain-l2-plans-as-ethereum-l1-scaling-accelerates

‍FDIC Settles Coinbase Lawsuit Over Crypto "Pause Letters" for $188K The FDIC has agreed to pay $188,440 in legal fees and revise its transparency protocols following a lawsuit initiated by Coinbase. The litigation concerned the FDIC's refusal to disclose "pause letters" sent to financial institutions regarding their involvement with digital assets, which Coinbase alleged was part of a coordinated effort known as "Operation Choke Point 2.0" to disconnect the crypto industry from traditional banking. A federal court found the agency violated FOIA by applying blanket exemptions instead of document-by-document reviews. The settlement includes updated training for FDIC staff on handling FOIA requests and a commitment to individual exemption determinations. Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, stated the uncovered letters provided "indisputable proof" of a coordinated effort to sideline the crypto industry. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8946/fdic-settles-coinbase-lawsuit-over-crypto-pause-letters-for-188k

‍Bitcoin Sharpe Ratio Reaches Historic Lows, Signaling Potential Market Turning Point The Bitcoin Sharpe ratio, a key measure of risk-adjusted returns, has plunged to -10, its lowest since March 2023. This deep negative territory, observed by CryptoQuant, historically aligns with bear market bottoms. While a negative ratio suggests a risk-free asset would perform better, analysts like Darkfost note it's not an immediate reversal signal but indicates a high-risk zone. The market may continue correcting for months before a sustainable bullish trend emerges. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8945/bitcoin-sharpe-ratio-hits-historic-lows-potential-market-turning-point

‍French Police Apprehend Six in Crypto Ransom Kidnapping Case French authorities have arrested six individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with a cryptocurrency ransom kidnapping. A 35-year-old magistrate and her mother were abducted and injured in the Drôme region, with perpetrators demanding digital currency and threatening mutilation. The incident highlights a growing trend of "wrench attacks," where physical force is used to extort digital assets. In 2025, 60 such assaults were reported globally, resulting in $41 million in losses, a 75% year-on-year increase. Law enforcement's swift action prevented any ransom payment and underscores the evolving challenges at the intersection of physical security and blockchain technology. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8944/french-police-arrest-six-after-crypto-ransom-kidnapping-case

‍Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek Launches AI.com with Super Bowl Ad Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, has officially launched ai.com, a new venture offering personalized AI agents for autonomous task execution. The platform debuted during a Super Bowl 60 commercial, targeting millions of users and aiming to integrate artificial general intelligence (AGI) with decentralized technology. The launch strategy mirrors Crypto.com's previous success, utilizing a high-value domain acquisition and mass marketing to achieve rapid global recognition. Ai.com aims to empower users with agents capable of managing correspondence, subscriptions, purchases, and travel, while contributing to a decentralized network of self-improving entities. This initiative positions ai.com as a competitor to major AI players like OpenAI and Anthropic, amid a strong AI presence at the Super Bowl. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8943/crypto-com-ceo-launches-ai-com-with-super-bowl-debut-for-agents

‍Bitcoin Surpasses $70,000 Amidst Renewed US Buying Interest Bitcoin has surged past the $70,000 mark, driven by increased demand from US investors as indicated by the Coinbase Premium Index. The cryptocurrency saw a 12% jump from its recent low, recovering from a period of volatility. Market analysts suggest the current rally may be primarily fueled by short covering and liquidations rather than sustained long-term demand. Derivative markets show deleveraging, and the "Fear & Greed Index" had previously indicated an oversold market. Positive macroeconomic factors, including a rise in the Nikkei 225 and the conclusion of tech earnings reports, have also contributed to a more favorable risk asset environment. However, sustained growth will likely depend on institutional adoption, regulatory clarity for RWAs, and US economic data such as CPI and unemployment figures. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8942/bitcoin-reclaims-70-000-as-coinbase-premium-signals-us-buying-interest

‍Bessent Urges Senate to Advance Warsh for Fed Chairmanship US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has formally requested the Senate Banking Committee to begin confirmation hearings for Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve Chair. This comes amidst a legislative standoff initiated by Senator Thom Tillis, who seeks to delay proceedings until a DOJ investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell concludes. The probe into Powell concerns alleged expenses related to Federal Reserve office renovations. Powell dismisses the investigation as politically motivated. The outcome of this leadership transition is expected to significantly impact global financial markets, including the cryptocurrency ecosystem, due to its sensitivity to interest rate volatility and central bank liquidity. Warsh's potential shift in fiscal-monetary coordination could influence Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8941/bessent-urges-senate-to-advance-kevin-warsh-for-fed-chairmanship

‍Fed's "Skinny Master Account" Proposal Ignites Debate Between Crypto Firms and Banks The Federal Reserve is facing a regulatory standoff over its "payment accounts" proposal, dubbed "skinny master accounts." Fintech and crypto firms see it as a vital modernization step, while traditional banks express significant concerns about financial system risks. The crypto industry, including Circle and the Blockchain Payments Consortium, advocates for increased competition and reduced risk concentration. Anchorage Digital Bank suggests adjustments to balance limits and seeks access to Fed's ACH for settlements. However, the American Bankers Association and others warn that fintech applicants lack proven supervisory track records and stringent safety standards. Advocacy group Better Markets calls for rescinding the proposal, citing immense risks. The Fed aims to balance innovation with a secure payment system, with a decision expected in months. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8940/fed-s-skinny-master-account-proposal-sparks-crypto-bank-debate

‍Address Poisoning Scams Lead to $62 Million Loss Sophisticated "address poisoning" attacks have resulted in over $62 million in losses from high-value crypto wallets recently. Attackers use dust transactions to infiltrate transaction histories with vanity addresses that mimic legitimate contacts. These scams exploit user reliance on truncated addresses, leading to unintentional transfers to malicious wallets. Recent Ethereum upgrades have lowered transaction costs, making these attacks more economical. Signature phishing is also on the rise, with millions stolen from users signing malicious off-chain messages. Users are advised to employ address books and avoid copying addresses directly from transaction histories to enhance security. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8938/address-poisoning-scams-drain-62m-from-high-value-crypto-wallets

‍Vitalik Buterin: Algorithmic Stablecoins are True DeFi Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has defined algorithmic stablecoins as the genuine essence of decentralized finance (DeFi). He distinguishes them from practices like depositing centralized assets (e.g., USDC) into lending platforms (e.g., Aave), emphasizing that true DeFi requires inherent risk structures and the absence of centralized dependencies. Buterin highlighted that algorithmic stablecoins, particularly those collateralized by ETH through mechanisms like Collateralized Debt Positions (CDPs), effectively shift risks to market makers. This approach offers superior transparency and programmatic execution compared to traditional fiat-backed models. He also noted the potential of integrating Real-World Assets (RWAs) through decentralized frameworks to enhance stability. Buterin advocates for moving away from the U.S. dollar as the sole unit of account towards diversified, index-based pricing systems. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/8937/vitalik-buterin-defines-algorithmic-stablecoins-as-genuine-defi