‍Bybit Launches $1 Million Trading Championship Amidst Market Surge Bybit, the second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, has initiated the "Boost Battle x Trade Master Champs 2026 Series 1." This month-long competition features a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool. The event aims to attract traders amidst renewed volatility and increased activity in global digital asset markets, offering incentives for both Spot and Derivatives participants. The championship runs from February 17 to March 15, 2026. The competition utilizes a points system based on trading volume and designates "boosted tokens" weekly to accelerate point accumulation. Bybit's initiative, with its 80 million users, highlights the exchange's focus on robust infrastructure and its Unified Trading Account (UTA) system for efficient trading. This move underscores a trend where major exchanges use significant prize pools to sustain liquidity and user engagement during periods of fluctuating market sentiment.

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Bybit Debuts $1 Million Boost Battle as Crypto Trading Volumes Surge

Bybit, currently the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has officially launched the Boost Battle x Trade Master Ch...

‍Congress Probes Remote AV Assistance Amid National Security Concerns Lawmakers have initiated a Department of Transportation (DOT) probe into autonomous vehicle (AV) companies' reliance on foreign-based Remote Assistance Operators (RAOs). Concerns center on national security, data privacy, and public safety, particularly as companies like Waymo employ operators in the Philippines. Key issues include jurisdiction challenges, potential language barriers, and risks to situational awareness, especially near federal facilities. Congressman Buddy Carter emphasized the urgency, stating, "We cannot wait for a confirmed threat to the U.S. or fatal accident involving a remote foreign driver to act." The investigation aims to ensure accountability and address vulnerabilities in AI-driven transport systems.

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Congress Demands DOT Probe into Foreign-Led Remote AV Assistance

A formal inquiry has been launched into the operations of autonomous vehicle (AV) companies following revelations regarding their reliance on overs...

‍BTCC Exchange Integrates Traditional Finance Assets The world's longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, BTCC, has launched BTCC TradFi, a new feature enabling users to trade forex, commodities, indices, and stocks using USDT as margin. This move expands BTCC's ecosystem to bridge digital assets with traditional finance, offering over 25 instruments including major currency pairs, commodities like gold and oil, stock indices, and US equities. The integration aims to streamline trading by eliminating fiat conversion needs and providing a unified collateral pool for diverse asset classes. This expansion follows significant growth in BTCC's Real-World Asset initiatives, with tokenized gold alone generating $5.72 billion in trading volume in 2025.

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BTCC Exchange Debuts TradFi Feature for Global Multi-Asset Trading

The world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, BTCC, has officially announced the launch of BTCC TradFi, a cross-market feature designed to...

‍Iran Signals Nuclear Flexibility Amid Military Drills: Market Impact Iran has indicated a willingness to compromise on nuclear issues as new negotiations begin, while simultaneously conducting military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. This dual approach creates a complex market scenario for crypto and commodities. Officials proposed suspending uranium enrichment in exchange for commercial agreements with the U.S., potentially reviving the JCPOA. This could increase liquidity and impact Bitcoin. However, military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy route, suggest ongoing regional friction. Disruptions typically drive a flight to safe-haven assets, including gold and cryptocurrencies. This balancing act highlights Iran's strategy to secure economic interests while maintaining regional standing.

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Iran Signals Nuclear Flexibility Amid Military Drills: Market Impact

The Iranian government has signaled a potential shift in its diplomatic strategy, indicating a willingness to compromise on peripheral nuclear issu...

‍Decentralization's Future: Economic Utility Over Ideology Industry experts emphasize that the long-term viability of decentralized systems hinges not on philosophical purity, but on their ability to provide concrete economic advantages. As institutional adoption grows, projects must offer lower costs, permissionless access, and composability to compete with traditional finance. Protocols like Uniswap gained dominance by offering cheaper and more neutral alternatives. The influx of institutional capital further refines decentralized infrastructure, fragmenting power and fostering a more competitive ecosystem. Future success will depend on real usage, transaction volume, and capital flow, making utility and cost-efficiency the default path for global finance.

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Why Economic Utility is the Only Path to Scale Decentralization

The cryptocurrency industry is currently navigating a pivotal transition as institutional adoption and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) bring digital a...

‍Public Masterpiece Unveils PMT Chain for Real-World Asset Economy Cyprus-based Public Masterpiece has announced PMT Chain, a Layer 1 blockchain for RWA tokenization. The company, now Public Masterpiece Technology, aims to become a foundational infrastructure provider. PMT Chain, developed over seven years, emphasizes institutional-grade security and transparency. A Certification Hub in the UAE will authenticate physical assets, focusing on preventing forgery and illegal trafficking, and offering white-label tools for global brands. While the Layer 1 launch is pending, the PMT token has seen a 75% price increase in 12 months, outperforming BTC and ETH. The chain is designed for scalability, with plans to expand into real estate tokenization. COO Garen Mehrabian stated, "Our goal is to preserve human history and value through the most advanced technology available." Discussions are underway with government agencies for public record and asset management integration.

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Public Masterpiece Unveils PMT Chain for Real-World Asset Economy

Cyprus-based fintech firm Public Masterpiece has officially announced the development of PMT Chain, a dedicated Layer 1 blockchain engineered speci...

‍Ireland’s DPC Probes X Over Grok AI Deepfake Risks Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a formal inquiry into X (formerly Twitter) concerning its Grok AI chatbot. The investigation focuses on allegations that Grok facilitated the creation and spread of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes, including imagery involving minors. The DPC is assessing X’s compliance with GDPR, specifically its privacy-by-design protocols and the necessity of data protection impact assessments. This action follows data from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) which reported significant generation of child sexual imagery by the tool and gaps in its safety filters. The probe is part of a broader global regulatory crackdown on AI risks.

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Ireland’s DPC Launches Formal Probe Into X Over Grok AI Image Risks

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has initiated a formal inquiry into X (formerly Twitter) regarding the potential misuse of its Grok AI...

‍Monero (XMR) Activity Surges Amidst Exchange Delistings Despite delistings from major exchanges like Binance and Kraken, Monero's network activity in 2024-2025 has surpassed pre-2022 levels, according to TRM Labs. This indicates sustained demand for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin remains dominant in ransomware, darknet markets are increasingly adopting Monero, with 48% of new markets in 2025 supporting XMR exclusively. However, concerns about network layer vulnerabilities, such as potential "spy nodes," have led to the release of the Fluorine Fermi update (v0.18.4.3) to enhance peer selection and mitigate de-anonymization risks.

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Monero Activity Sustains Growth Despite Global Exchange Delistings

The privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero (XMR) continues to demonstrate resilient network activity despite a wave of removals from major centraliz...

‍UK Crypto Legislation Delayed: Full Implementation by 2027 The United Kingdom's comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation is now expected to be fully enacted by 2027, according to industry experts. While initial frameworks for stablecoins and digital asset activities are anticipated in late 2026, a multi-year rollout is projected to ensure market stability and investor protection. This cautious approach, led by the FCA and Bank of England, prioritizes fiat-backed stablecoins initially, followed by rules for unbacked assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The extended timeline offers businesses a window to align with emerging global standards, reflecting a deliberate strategy for robust regulation.

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UK Crypto Framework Delayed: Full Legislation Expected by 2027

The United Kingdom’s ambition to become a global hub for digital assets faces a revised timeline as industry experts project that comprehensive...

‍US Dollar Strengthens Amid Fading Fed Rate Cut Expectations The U.S. dollar is showing resilience, defying market projections of aggressive Federal Reserve easing. Money markets currently forecast approximately 64 basis points of rate reductions by year-end, a figure some analysts believe is detached from economic realities. This market misalignment may lead to increased volatility for assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Elias Haddad of Brown Brothers Harriman notes, "The Fed rate cut expectations appear to be somewhat excessive, which provides room for a short-term dollar adjustment." Robust economic growth and persistent inflation above the Fed's target suggest the central bank may maintain higher rates longer, potentially impacting digital asset valuations.

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US Dollar Gains Strength as Fed Rate Cut Expectations Wane

The U.S. dollar has demonstrated resilience for a second consecutive trading session, defying market projections of aggressive monetary easing by t...

‍SBI Holdings Acquires Majority Stake in Singapore’s Coinhako Japanese financial group SBI Holdings, through its subsidiary SBI Ventures Asset, has signed a letter of intent to acquire a controlling interest in Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinhako. This strategic move aims to integrate Coinhako as a consolidated subsidiary, pending regulatory approvals. The acquisition strengthens SBI's presence in the Asia-Pacific region and provides a regulated foothold in Singapore, a key digital finance hub. Coinhako operates under a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The deal includes acquiring a majority stake from existing shareholders and injecting capital for operational scaling and institutional-grade systems. SBI Holdings plans to leverage this partnership to enhance its infrastructure for digital assets, focusing on tokenization and stablecoins, aligning with its recent ventures in regulated digital currencies.

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SBI Holdings to Acquire Majority Stake in Singapore’s Coinhako

Japanese financial powerhouse SBI Holdings has announced its intention to secure a controlling interest in Coinhako, a prominent cryptocurrency exc...

‍Stablecoins: The New Standard for Global Payroll and Payments A recent study reveals a significant trend: 39% of crypto users now receive part of their income in stablecoins, utilizing them for salary disbursements and daily transactions. This adoption is fueled by substantial fee savings on international transfers (around 40% less than traditional methods) and increasing merchant acceptance. Corporate adoption is also on the rise, with platforms like Deel and Paystand integrating stablecoin payouts. The total stablecoin market cap has surged to $307.8 billion, highlighting a growing reliance on these assets for stability and efficient cross-border commerce.

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Stablecoins Emerge as Primary Tool for Global Payroll and Payments

A recent global study conducted by BVNK and YouGov reveals a significant shift in digital asset utility, with stablecoins increasingly used for sal...

‍Steak 'n Shake Reports Sales Surge After Bitcoin Integration The fast-food chain Steak 'n Shake has seen a significant increase in sales nine months after integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into its payment system and corporate treasury. The company now holds approximately 161 BTC, valued at $11 million, acquired at an average price of $92,851 per coin. Steak 'n Shake also offers employee bonuses in BTC, subject to a two-year vesting period. Analysts suggest this model, treating Bitcoin as a reserve asset, could be a blueprint for other retail businesses. Vineet Budki, CEO of Sigma Capital, commented, "This is what a real digital asset treasury model looks like."

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Steak 'n Shake Reports Surge in Sales Following Bitcoin Integration

The American fast-food chain Steak ’n Shake has reported a significant increase in financial performance following its decision to integrate Bitc...

‍Polygon Daily Fees Surpass Ethereum Amid Polymarket Surge For the first time, Polygon (POL) network recorded higher daily transaction fees than Ethereum (ETH) over three days in mid-February 2026. This shift highlights the growing dominance of decentralized prediction markets like Polymarket and increased retail activity on scalable L2 solutions. Polymarket's explosive growth is the primary driver, generating over $1 million in weekly fees. Polygon's infrastructure supports high-frequency trading and micro-transactions, making it cost-effective for retail users. This trend underscores the demand for efficient blockchains as prediction markets evolve.

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Polygon Daily Fees Surpass Ethereum Amid Polymarket Trading Surge

For the first time in its history, the Polygon (POL) network has recorded higher daily transaction fees than Ethereum (ETH), marking a significant ...

‍ZeroLend Protocol Announces Complete Shutdown Due to Liquidity and Security Risks ZeroLend, a prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocol, has announced its complete shutdown, effective February 16, 2026. After three years of operation, leadership cited declining network activity, infrastructure challenges, and persistent security threats as reasons for the platform's unsustainability. The founder, "Ryker," highlighted issues with supported Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) networks, experiencing a lack of active users and thinning liquidity. Operational difficulties were exacerbated by third-party oracle providers ceasing support on certain networks. The protocol's Total Value Locked (TVL) has fallen from a peak of $359 million in November 2024 to $6.6 million. Users are urged to withdraw assets immediately. ZeroLend plans to update smart contracts for trapped funds and allocate a portion of an airdrop to compensate victims of a February 2025 exploit. The native ZERO token has dropped over 34% following the announcement.

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ZeroLend Protocol to Shut Down Due to Liquidity and Security Risks

The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has witnessed the exit of a prominent player as the ZeroLend lending protocol announced its complete shu...

‍Crypto Market Hits Extreme Fear: Analysts Predict Impending Bottom Current market sentiment indicates "extreme fear," with key indicators like the Alternative.me Fear and Greed Index reaching historic lows not seen since June 2022. Matrixport analysts suggest this deep pessimism, coupled with Bitcoin trading significantly below its 20-day mean, historically signals an imminent market bottom and potential recovery. Industry experts, including Frank Holmes, view this selling pressure as a sign of market exhaustion, potentially leading to short-term bounces and favorable entry points for long-term investors. These conditions are being compared to previous downturns that preceded stabilization.

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Crypto Market Hits Extreme Fear: Analysts Predict Impending Bottom

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing a period of intense volatility and extreme pessimism, with sentiment metrics hitting multi-year...

‍Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Face Pressure as Key Support Levels Waver On-chain data reveals that Bitcoin's long-term holders are experiencing financial stress not seen since major capitulation events. The Long-Term Holder SOPR dipping below 1 indicates seasoned investors are realizing losses, a rare occurrence usually seen in bear markets. If Bitcoin fails to hold the $65,000 support, a drop to $54,000 is projected. Despite concerns, some experts believe the current price action is "orderly deleveraging" and $60,000 could act as a sustainable floor.

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Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Under Pressure as Key Supports Waver

The Bitcoin (BTC) market is currently experiencing a significant shift in investor sentiment as long-term holders (LTHs) show signs of weakening co...

‍Kraken Sponsors Wyoming Newborn Savings Accounts Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is sponsoring "Trump Accounts" for newborns in Wyoming, providing additional funding for the national savings initiative. This move, confirmed February 16, 2026, by Senator Cynthia Lummis, supports long-term financial security for children under 18. Kraken's co-CEO, Dave Ripley, stated, "We picked Wyoming as our global HQ because it leads with thoughtful, responsible crypto policy... innovation should make long-term financial opportunity more accessible." This initiative underscores the growing trend of blockchain firms engaging in community philanthropy.

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Kraken to Fund Trump Accounts for Newborns in Wyoming Pilot Program

The major cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has announced its official sponsorship of Trump Accounts in Wyoming, joining a growing list of financial...

‍Crypto.com Secures ISO Certification for AI Systems Management Digital asset exchange Crypto.com has achieved ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, the first international standard for AI management systems. This milestone underscores their commitment to responsible AI development and management, enhancing security and regulatory alignment for their AI-driven services. The certification reinforces Crypto.com's focus on security and privacy, particularly as AI integration grows in financial services. This follows the recent launch of ai.com, a hub for autonomous AI agents designed for complex workflows and trading within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

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Crypto.com Achieves ISO Certification for AI Systems Management

The digital asset exchange Crypto.com has announced its successful attainment of the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, marking a significant milest...

‍Former Bank of China Deputy Governor Critiques Bitcoin Pegs Wang Yongli, former deputy governor of the Bank of China, argues that pegging national fiat currencies to Bitcoin (BTC) or other digital assets misunderstands economic history. He asserts that the shift to fiat currency was a necessary progression, and that pegging to fixed assets like gold or BTC creates inflexibility, preventing central banks from adjusting money supply to match economic growth. Wang believes Bitcoin's capped supply, while a hedge against inflation, makes it unsuitable as a foundation for a sovereign currency, viewing such proposals as a regression in monetary logic.

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Bank of China’s Former Deputy Governor Critiques Bitcoin Pegs

The evolution of monetary systems remains a central point of contention between traditional finance and the emerging digital asset sector....