‍Zircuit Finance Launches Institutional Yield Platform for USDC and USDT Zircuit Finance, backed by Pantera and Dragonfly, has launched an on-chain platform targeting an 8-11% APR for USDC and USDT holders. The platform aims to lower entry barriers for high-level asset management by offering diversified yield strategies through a simplified interface. Assets are allocated across regulated and decentralized venues, including Fidelity's tokenized money market fund, Aave, and Morpho. The platform leverages expertise from Monarq Asset Management, Forteus, and FalconX for strategy execution, risk management, and brokerage services. Incubated by Quantstamp, Zircuit Finance emphasizes robust security infrastructure, building on a heritage of securing over $200 billion in digital assets. The platform is now open for deposits, reminding participants that yields are variable and subject to market risks.

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Zircuit Finance Debuts Institutional Yield Platform for USDC and USDT

On February 17, 2026, Zircuit, a security-focused digital asset firm, officially announced the launch of Zircuit Finance....

‍Dragonfly Capital Raises $650M for Fourth Venture Fund Amidst Industry Shakeout Prominent venture capital firm Dragonfly Capital has secured $650 million for its fourth crypto fund. Despite a challenging market, this capital injection signals a strategic shift towards institutional-grade infrastructure, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and onchain finance. General Partner Tom Schmidt described the current trend as the biggest "meta shift" in the industry, moving away from speculative assets toward functional financial utility. This successful fundraising occurs amidst significant consolidation in the venture capital space, with General Partner Rob Hadick characterizing the recent market period as a “mass extinction event” for many firms.

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Dragonfly Capital Secures $650M for Fourth Crypto Venture Fund

The prominent venture capital firm Dragonfly Capital has successfully finalized its fourth investment vehicle, raising $650 million to support the ...

‍Bitcoin Faces Resistance Below $70K Amid Shifting Market Sentiment Bitcoin (BTC) is struggling to break above the $70,000 mark. Negative BTC futures funding rates suggest cautious sentiment among traders, who are avoiding leveraged long positions. This comes as investors pivot to safe-haven assets like gold and US Treasuries, partly due to growing uncertainty surrounding AI technology's profitability. The derivatives market reflects this bearish sentiment. A brief dip in annualized funding rates below typical levels indicates short-sellers are currently favored. This trend coincides with a downturn in equity markets, including S&P 500 futures, as analysts question AI sector valuations. Major tech stocks like Nvidia, Apple, and Google have seen price pressure. Capital is rotating into precious metals and fixed-income securities, with gold and silver outperforming digital assets recently. Yields on the 10-year US Treasury have also declined. Industry leaders, like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, have cautioned that AI investments may not yield quick returns and could be "ruinous" if massive spending continues without immediate profitability. Despite bearish futures signals, the BTC options market shows reduced fear. The put-to-call ratio has stabilized, indicating a balance between bullish and bearish bets, down from previous levels signaling heavy hedging. Institutional traders appear to be taking profits rather than aggressively shorting. While negative funding rates are a warning, a deep correction is not guaranteed. Bitcoin's upward trajectory may depend on reduced macroeconomic volatility and a stabilized tech sector. The crypto market remains in a "wait-and-see" mode.

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Bitcoin Struggles Below $70K as Negative Funding Rates Signal Caution

Bitcoin (BTC) continues to face resistance below the $70,000 psychological threshold as shifting macroeconomic conditions and a cooling tech sector...

‍DerivaDEX Launches Licensed DAO Exchange for Derivatives Trading DerivaDEX, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) governed exchange, has officially launched operations after acquiring a T license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). This marks a significant regulatory milestone as the first DAO-governed decentralized exchange to receive a license from a major financial regulator. The platform offers high-performance infrastructure with sub-5 millisecond order acknowledgment latency, rivaling traditional centralized exchanges. It focuses initially on crypto perpetual swaps, with future plans to support a wider range of digital assets and traditional securities. This development aims to bridge institutional compliance with non-custodial trading, potentially unlocking large-scale institutional participation in DeFi.

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DerivaDEX Debuts Licensed DAO Exchange for Derivatives Trading

The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has reached a significant regulatory milestone with the official launch of DerivaDEX, a decentralized au...

‍Serenity Launches Multi-Billion Dollar Gold Tokenization Framework Serenity Labs Holdings Inc. has unveiled a dual-tokenization framework for precious metal Real-World Assets (RWAs), developed with Chainlink Labs, Zoniqx, and C-Gold Technologies. The initiative utilizes a patent-pending architecture to bridge physical precious metals with blockchain, initially focusing on tokenizing 100,000 ounces of physical gold (~$500 million), with plans to expand into silver and other metals. The framework integrates Chainlink's Proof of Reserve, Price Feeds, and CCIP for verification and interoperability. It features Asset-Backed Tokens representing direct gold ownership and the $RWS Utility Token for ecosystem services. This launch aligns with growing global interest in commodity-backed digital assets, particularly from BRICS nations exploring gold-backed digital currencies.

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Serenity Launches Multi-Billion Dollar Gold Tokenization Framework

Serenity Labs Holdings Inc. has officially unveiled a multi-billion-dollar dual-tokenization framework for precious metal Real-World Assets (RWAs),...

‍Nakamoto Acquires BTC Inc. and UTXO Management for $107.3 Million Nakamoto, formerly KindlyMD, has finalized a $107.3 million all-stock acquisition of BTC Inc. (parent of Bitcoin Magazine and The Bitcoin Conference) and UTXO Management GP (advisor to 210k Capital). This move consolidates Bitcoin media, event management, and capital allocation services under a single Bitcoin-native entity. The company, holding 5,398 BTC, aims to leverage recurring cash flow from these acquisitions to fund future BTC purchases. Despite a recent drop in Nakamoto's share price due to new equity issuance, the firm is committed to its Bitcoin-centric strategy.

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Nakamoto Expands Bitcoin Ecosystem via $107M Acquisition Deal

Nakamoto, the Bitcoin treasury entity formerly operating as KindlyMD, has finalized definitive agreements to acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management GP...

‍Gemini Announces Major C-Suite Shakeup Following Public Debut Gemini Space Station, the parent company of the Gemini crypto exchange, has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team. Three high-ranking executives have departed the firm: COO Marshall Beard, CFO Dan Chen, and Chief Legal Officer Tyler Meade. This transition occurs five months after the company’s IPO. Co-founder Cameron Winklevoss will assume expanded responsibilities over revenue generation. Danijela Stojanovic has been appointed interim CFO. The company's stock has seen volatility post-IPO, trading down over 13%. Gemini is also strategically retreating from international markets (UK, EU, Australia) to focus on U.S. operations, resulting in a 25% staff reduction. Despite executive turnover, Gemini projects increased net revenue for 2025, driven by its credit card sector. The company recently saw a civil case regarding unregistered securities dismissed by the SEC. This consolidation signals a new phase for Gemini as a public entity, aiming to stabilize valuation and capitalize on U.S. market opportunities.

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Gemini Announces Major C-Suite Shakeup Following Public Debut

The parent company of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, Gemini Space Station, has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team....

‍South Korea Lifts 9-Year Corporate Crypto Ban South Korea has officially ended its nine-year ban on corporate cryptocurrency trading, establishing a new regulated framework. Under the Financial Services Commission (FSC), listed entities and professional investment firms can reenter the market. This aligns with the government’s “2026 Economic Growth Strategy” to foster a global digital hub. New guidelines limit corporate investments to 5% of annual equity capital, focusing on the top 20 cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH. Trading will be restricted to five primary regulated domestic exchanges, with safeguards like staggered trade execution. This strategic shift aims to improve market liquidity and reduce retail-driven price swings.

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South Korea Lifts 9-Year Corporate Crypto Ban to Fuel Growth

South Korea has officially announced the end of its nine-year prohibition on corporate cryptocurrency trading, marking a pivotal shift in the natio...

‍Netherlands Approves Crypto Tax Reform Targeting Unrealized Gains The Dutch House of Representatives has approved the "Actual Return on Box 3 Act," a significant tax reform impacting digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Effective from 2028, the new legislation shifts taxation from "fictitious" returns to actual realized and unrealized gains. This reform aims for fairer taxation by assessing a portfolio's growth within a calendar year. However, critics warn of potential liquidity risks, as taxing unrealized profits could compel investors to sell assets prematurely, especially in a volatile market. Losses can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future gains above a €500 threshold. The crypto community is closely watching the potential impact on the Netherlands' status as an innovation-friendly jurisdiction.

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Netherlands Approves Major Crypto Tax Reform for Unrealized Gains

The Dutch House of Representatives has officially approved a significant overhaul of the nation’s tax system, signaling a shift in how digital as...

‍Strategy Acquires 2,500 BTC Amid Market Volatility Strategy has announced its fourth-largest Bitcoin acquisition of the year, purchasing 2,500 BTC for $168 million. This move brings the company's total holdings to approximately 717,100 BTC, valued at nearly $48 billion. The acquisition was funded through common stock issuance and preferred shares, with an 11.25% annualized dividend rate on its STRC preferred stock. Despite an estimated unrealized loss of $3.6 billion on its total investment, Strategy plans to "equitize" its $8.2 billion in convertible debt over the next three to six years, rather than liquidate holdings. Strategy accounts for 93% of all Bitcoin added to corporate treasuries in January, demonstrating a continued commitment to its digital asset strategy.

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Strategy Acquires 2,500 BTC Amid Market Volatility and Paper Losses

The enterprise software and digital asset pioneer Strategy has announced its fourth-largest Bitcoin acquisition of the year, signaling a commitment...

‍Bitcoin Dips Below $67,000 Amid Geopolitical Tensions and ETF Outflows Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a significant downturn, falling below $67,000. This decline, occurring despite institutional purchases by MicroStrategy, is attributed to escalating Middle East tensions and concerns about spot Bitcoin ETF capital flows. Geopolitical instability, including Iran's naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, triggered a risk-off sentiment affecting traditional markets and BTC. While buy liquidity remains around $60,000, analysts note the price drop has cleared nearby bids. Institutional activity, such as MicroStrategy's latest BTC acquisition, has not deterred the sell-off. Furthermore, large BTC transfers to exchanges, like BlackRock's deposit to Coinbase Prime, suggest potential ETF liquidity shifts. Concerns over quantum computing's long-term security, raised by Kevin O'Leary, may also be limiting institutional exposure. Bitcoin's price remains sensitive to global security developments and ETF market liquidity.

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Bitcoin Drops Below $67,000 Amid Middle East Tensions and ETFs Outflows

The Bitcoin (BTC) market faced significant downward pressure at the start of the U. S. trading week, with the price slipping below the $67,000 mark...

‍Centrifuge and Pharos Partner to Enhance Institutional Asset Distribution Centrifuge and Pharos have formed a strategic partnership to improve the onchain distribution of institutional-grade assets. The collaboration aims to simplify the movement of tokenized financial products, such as U.S. Treasuries and AAA-rated structured credit, within the blockchain ecosystem. By combining Centrifuge’s tokenization standards with Pharos’ high-performance Layer 1 network, the entities seek to address challenges in institutional liquidity and asset accessibility, focusing on building the distribution and infrastructure layer for operational onchain finance.

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Centrifuge and Pharos Partner to Scale Institutional Asset Distribution

Centrifuge and Pharos have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the onchain distribution infrastructure for institutional-grade assets....

‍CFTC Chair Defends Federal Jurisdiction Over Prediction Markets CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has asserted federal authority over prediction markets, warning state authorities against challenging the agency's jurisdiction. Selig argues these markets are commodity derivatives, exclusive to CFTC oversight, and vows legal action against state interventions that he calls "legal attacks." The CFTC has filed an amicus brief supporting Crypto.com in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to protect its regulatory perimeter. This stance contrasts with potential SEC involvement and has garnered support from industry figures like Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal. Experts warn a fragmented regulatory landscape could harm innovation.

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CFTC Chair Asserts Control Over Prediction Markets Amid State Feuds

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has intensified its stance on the regulation of prediction markets, with Chairman Michael Selig iss...

‍Starknet and EY Nightfall Enhance Institutional Privacy on Ethereum StarkWare has integrated EY's Nightfall privacy protocol into Starknet, aiming to facilitate confidential institutional payments and DeFi activities. This synergy leverages zero-knowledge technology to provide banks and corporations with the necessary confidentiality for high-value transactions, while upholding regulatory auditability standards. The integration allows for B2B payments, cross-border transfers, and confidential treasury management on Starknet's L2 infrastructure, offering access to Ethereum's liquidity without exposing sensitive data. Transactions will utilize ZK-proofs for verification, with built-in support for KYC and regulatory audits, adding a layer of "regulatory fluency" through EY's involvement. This move signals a strategic shift towards high-compliance use cases for Starknet's growth.

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Starknet Integrates EY Nightfall to Bolster Institutional Privacy

Starknet developer StarkWare has announced the integration of EY’s Nightfall privacy protocol, a move designed to facilitate private institutiona...

‍Bitmine Boosts ETH Holdings to 4.37M, Total Assets at $9.6B Digital asset manager Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) has expanded its Ethereum reserves to 4.371 million ETH, with total assets now valued at $9.6 billion as of February 17, 2026. This makes Bitmine the largest corporate holder of Ethereum, controlling 3.62% of its circulating supply. The company’s "Alchemy of 5%" initiative aims to acquire 5% of all existing Ethereum. Currently, 3.04 million ETH ($6.1 billion) are staked, generating $176 million in annualized revenue. Bitmine’s staking yield of 2.89% surpassed the CESR of 2.84% last week. The firm plans to launch the Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN) in Q1 2026.

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Bitmine ETH Holdings Hit 4.37M Tokens as Total Assets Reach $9.6B

The digital asset management firm Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) has announced a significant expansion of its Ethereum reserves, with total ...

‍Pred Secures $2.5 Million for High-Speed Sports Trading on Base Pred, a decentralized prediction market platform, has announced a $2.5 million funding round led by Accel, with participation from BEF by Coinbase Ventures and Reverie. The funds will support the development of infrastructure optimized for sports forecasting. Operating on Coinbase's Base Layer-2 blockchain, Pred offers peer-to-peer transactions with 200-millisecond execution speeds and a transparent order book model. The platform aims to disrupt the $500 billion global sports betting industry by rewarding skilled traders rather than penalizing winners, utilizing on-chain settlement for transparency.

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Pred Secures $2.5M to Launch High-Speed Sports Trading on Base

The decentralized prediction market landscape has reached a new milestone as Pred announced a $2. 5 million funding round on February 17, 2026....

‍Monad Foundation Strengthens Leadership for Institutional Expansion Following its mainnet launch, the Monad Foundation has appointed three senior executives from Optimism, FalconX, and BVNK. This strategic hiring aims to drive institutional adoption, targeting capital markets and financial hubs in Asia-Pacific. The new hires, with backgrounds in TradFi and digital asset infrastructure, will focus on bridging decentralized protocols with institutional capital. The appointments include Urvit Goel (VP Go-to-Market), Joanita Titan (Head of Institutional Growth), and Sagar Sarbhai (Head of Institutions for Asia-Pacific). These moves follow a substantial US$225 million funding round in 2024. Monad highlights its EVM-compatible architecture, promising 10,000 TPS and sub-second finality for high-frequency trading and payment systems. The Monad ecosystem reports approximately US$450 million in stablecoin market cap and over US$200 million in TVL. This expansion occurs amidst market volatility for new Layer-1 networks, with Monad emphasizing its institutional focus for long-term viability. The foundation is prioritizing capital markets strategy and robust infrastructure to attract professional participants.

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Monad Foundation Hires Top Executives to Drive Institutional Growth

Following the successful November mainnet launch of the Monad network, the Monad Foundation has announced the strategic hiring of three senior exec...

‍Binance Dominates CEX Stablecoin Reserves Amid Stabilizing Outflows Market data from CryptoQuant reveals that stablecoin outflows from centralized exchanges (CEXs) have significantly slowed, with only $2 billion redeemed in the last 30 days. Investor capital appears to be consolidating within the ecosystem rather than exiting. Binance has emerged as the primary liquidity hub, holding $47.5 billion in USDT and USDC, representing 65% of the total supply across major CEXs. This marks a 31% increase from one year ago. "Capital isn’t rushing out of crypto right now; it’s consolidating, particularly on Binance," stated Nick Pitto, CryptoQuant’s head of marketing. Despite this consolidation, analysts caution that Bitcoin may face further downward pressure, with support near $55,000.

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Binance Dominates 65% of CEX Stablecoin Reserves as Outflows Stabilize

Market data from CryptoQuant indicates a significant shift in the movement of digital assets, as stablecoin outflows from centralized exchanges (CE...

‍Africrypt Founders Return to South Africa Amid Legal Battles The founders of the collapsed Africrypt platform, Raees and Ameer Cajee, have reportedly returned to South Africa years after its downfall. The brothers, known locally as the "Bitcoin Brothers," disappeared in 2021 following claims of a security breach, leaving thousands of investors without access to their assets. Investigative reports indicate the Cajees are now residing in high-security estates, though legal representatives for creditors note that formal legal papers have yet to be served. Africrypt, launched in 2019, promised monthly returns of up to 13% generated by an AI trading system. The platform's collapse in April 2021, citing a hack, led to the brothers' departure from the country. Initial loss estimates of $3.6 billion have since been revised to approximately $40-50 million. The return of the Cajee brothers coincides with increased scrutiny of digital assets by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which has flagged them as emerging risks to the national financial infrastructure.

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Africrypt Founders Return to South Africa Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes

The founders of the collapsed cryptocurrency investment platform Africrypt, Raees and Ameer Cajee, have reportedly returned to South Africa years a...

‍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...