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XRP has surpassed Ethereum in terms of the crypto assets that are most discussed among institutional investors. This comes as its ETFs continue to record notable inflows despite net outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.  

XRP Ranks Above Ethereum In Institutional Interest Grayscale drew attention to its Head of Research, Rayhaneh Sharif-Askary’s statement during the XRP Community Day, in which she revealed that the altcoin is the second most talked about asset behind Bitcoin in some cases. This puts the token ahead of other altcoins, including Ethereum, in terms of crypto assets that are generating interest among institutional investors. 

Sharif-Askary noted that advisors are constantly asked by their clients about the altcoin, a development that provides a positive outlook for the altcoin. Grayscale is notably among the crypto ETF issuers that offer an XRP ETF. These funds have seen significant inflows since they launched in November last year. 

Wall Street giants such as Goldman Sachs and Jane Street have already disclosed significant exposure to the token through these ETFs. According to Goldman Sachs’ Q4 filing, it currently holds shares in Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and 21Shares’ XRP funds. 

SoSoValue data shows that these ETFs currently have net assets of just over $1 billion, which represents 1.17% of the altcoin’s market cap. These funds have also continued to see considerable inflows despite the current crypto market downtrend. This month, they have recorded net inflows of $46.69 million. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs continue to see outflows and are expected to see another month of net outflows. 

Crypto pundit X Finance Bull highlighted this demand for the token among institutional investors, noting that they were likely positioning ahead of regulatory clarity. The pundit expects that the altcoin will be one of the major beneficiaries once the CLARITY Act is passed. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has predicted that the crypto bill could be 80% close to signing by April. 

The Altcoin Leading In YTD Flows A CoinShares research report shows that the XRP funds are currently leading Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets in year-to-date (YTD) inflows. These funds have seen $148 million in YTD flows while the BTC and ETH funds are in the red at the moment, with YTD outflows of $1 billion and $458 million, respectively.

Furthermore, the Solana funds are behind XRP, with YTD inflows of $99 million. It is worth noting that XRP funds again saw inflows last week, as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs bled. CoinShares shows that these funds recorded net inflows of $33.4 million. On the other hand, the BTC and ETH ETFs saw outflows of $133 million and $85 million, respectively.

At the time of writing, the altcoin price is trading at around $1.47, up in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

XRP trading at $1.48 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Freepik, chart from Tradingview.com

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Scott Matherson is a leading crypto writer at Bitcoinist, who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of the digital currency landscape. Scott has earned a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and well-researched articles that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. Outside of his writing, Scott is passionate about promoting crypto literacy and often works to educate the public on the potential of blockchain.

BlackRock has sharpened the staking posture for its iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB), outlining a plan to keep most of the fund’s ETH staked and earning rewards rather than held in custody.

In its latest amended filing, the sponsor said that under normal market circumstances, it would seek to keep 70% to 95% of the fund’s ETH staked.

The remainder would sit in what it calls a Liquidity Sleeve, an unstaked buffer designed to handle day-to-day creations, redemptions, and expenses.

The change clarifies the product’s intent. ETHB packages spot ETH exposure into an exchange-traded fund while also incorporating Ethereum staking within the same ETF structure.

By embedding staking, the product moves closer to a carry-oriented strategy in which yield forms a core component of expected returns.

Staking ambition meets ETF liquidity mathETHB is structured to issue and redeem shares in 40,000 share baskets.

The trust primarily holds ETH in custody and uses a prime execution agent, Coinbase, to facilitate staking through approved validator arrangements.

The goal is to keep the majority of ether working while preserving the basic ETF promise, shares that can be created and redeemed in a predictable way.

That promise becomes more difficult when most of the portfolio is staked. Staked EtherEUM is still an on-chain asset, but the process of putting it to work and pulling it back out runs on Ethereum’s rules, not Wall Street’s settlement expectations.

The filing addresses that tension by formalizing a liquidity plan alongside the 95% staking target.

The sponsor said it intends to maintain a Liquidity Sleeve of 5%-30% of unstaked ETH, sizing it dynamically based on expected flows and network conditions.

If the buffer is depleted during heavy redemptions, BlackRock contemplates using cash in lieu of redemptions, and it also describes the possibility of delayed settlement for in-kind redemptions in stressed scenarios.

That is a technical point with a practical meaning for arbitrage. Staking introduces a liquidity clock into the mechanism intended to keep an ETF’s market price aligned with the value of its holdings.

For investors used to thinking of ETFs as clean plumbing, the filing is a reminder that this product is trying to do two jobs at once. It must behave like an ETF, even as it operates a staking book that keeps most of its ETH deployed.

The queue turns staking into time to yieldEthereum staking is not instant. Validators enter and exit through rate-limited queues that are designed to protect consensus stability.

ETHB’s filing makes that protocol design a headline risk factor because it directly affects when the fund can begin earning rewards on newly deposited ether.

The prospectus notes that staking activation requires joining an activation queue and then waiting an additional four epochs (about 25 minutes) before rewards begin accruing. It also lists a maximum activation throughput of roughly 57,600 ETH per day.

As of Feb. 5, 2026, the filing cited an activation queue of roughly four million ETH, which would take approximately 70 days.

If ETHB experiences a surge of inflows and attempts to stake the bulk of newly deposited tokens, a meaningful portion of the assets could remain in line for weeks before producing staking rewards.

That delay is a material structural feature for a product designed to keep 70% to 95% of its assets staked. It introduces a ramp-up period in which the fund is allocated for staking but has yet to generate staking rewards.

The document also spells out the mechanics on the way out.

It outlines exit and withdrawal steps that include an exit delay, a withdrawability delay of approximately 27 hours, and a withdrawal sweep that can take approximately 7 to 10 days. It adds that the process can take weeks to months during periods of congestion.

Those constraints matter most in the scenarios ETFs are built to withstand: fast price moves and shifting flows.

Investors can buy and sell shares throughout the day, but the fund’s ability to adjust its stake position or restore its liquidity sleeve after large flows is constrained by the network’s queues and timing.

The cost of turning protocol yield into a regulated wrapperETHB’s filing also makes the economics of staking inside an ETF explicit.

The trust will pay a Staking Fee, which includes remuneration for the sponsor and a share for the prime execution agent, including amounts payable to staking providers.

As of the prospectus date, the filing stated that those components constitute 18% of the gross Staking Consideration, with the trust retaining the remainder.

Alongside that staking fee, ETHB charges a traditional sponsor fee of 0.25% annually on net asset value, with a 12-month waiver to 0.12% for the first $2.5 billion of trust assets.

For crypto native investors, that fee stack is a central question.

Staking returns on Ethereum are not fixed and can vary with network participation, fees, and the broader staking mix.

A regulated wrapper can make staking accessible through familiar brokerage rails, but it can also reduce the portion of rewards that ultimately reaches shareholders, even before considering any delay caused by the activation queue.

ETHB would pull in millions in revenue for BlackRockThe filing’s 95% staking ambition invites an investor question that is common in traditional finance, what does this mean for fee revenue if the product scales.

BlackRock’s spot ETH ETF, ETHA, provides a reference point. This is the largest spot Ethereum fund.

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As of Feb. 13, 2026, BlackRock’s iShares product page listed ETHA with $6.58 billion in net assets and 425.4 million shares outstanding.

It also listed a Basket ETH Amount of 302.14 ETH per 40,000 share basket. Those figures imply ETHA holds about 3.21 million ETH.

If ETHB were half as successful as ETHA by size, that would translate to roughly $3.29 billion in assets under management and about 1.61 million ETH held.

Using the mechanics described in the ETHB filing, and keeping the assumptions explicit, the potential staking economics can be sketched as a range rather than a single point.

Assume the fund maintains an aggressive posture, with 95% of its ETH staked.

For staking yield, use two public reference points that bracket recent conditions, Coinbase’s estimated ETH staking reward rate of about 1.89% APY and ValidatorQueue’s network APR snapshot of about 2.84%.

We will use the prospectus’s ETH price reference of $1,918 as the conversion baseline.

Under those assumptions, a half-ETHA-scale ETHB could generate gross staking rewards, in steady state, of about 28,800 ETH per year at 1.89%, or about 43,300 ETH per year at 2.84%.

Apply the filing’s 18% skim pool, and the aggregate amount carved out for the sponsor, the prime execution agent, and staking providers would be about 5,200 ETH per year at 1.89%, or about 7,800 ETH per year at 2.84%.

Using the $1,918 reference, those figures correspond to about $10.0 million and about $15.0 million.

Meanwhile, calculating the sponsor fee is simpler.

On about $3.29 billion of assets, a 0.25% annualized sponsor fee implies about $8.2 million per year after the waiver period. In year one, if the product fully qualifies for the 0.12% waiver on the first $2.5 billion, the sponsor fee would be approximately $5 million.

Taken together, a steady-state revenue target at half the ETHA scale can be framed as roughly $11 million to $20 million per year, combining the sponsor fee with an assumed share of the staking skim pool.

A new feedback loop between ETF flows and the networkBlackRock's ETHB filing points to a second-order effect that could matter if staking ETFs grow.

If multiple US-listed funds begin staking at scale, Ethereum’s activation queue becomes a market variable alongside ether’s price and ETF flow data.

ValidatorQueue’s snapshot showed about 3.9 million ETH in the queue, with an estimated 67-day entry wait and an APR of about 2.84%.

In that environment, the relationship between demand and yield becomes more mechanical. Bigger ETF inflows that chase staking rewards can lengthen the queue, delaying yield realization.

Over time, larger staking participation can also put pressure on yields, because the same reward flow is distributed across a larger staked base.

The reverse can happen in risk-off periods. If exits rise, entry queues can shorten, but the same conditions can stress ETF liquidity.

The filing’s discussion of cash-in-lieu redemptions and delayed settlement underscores that when investors prioritize redemption mechanics, network congestion and withdrawal timing can become more consequential.

BlackRock’s plan to stake up to 95% of ETHB’s assets is therefore less a simple yield add-on and more a shift in how investors may need to evaluate ETH exposure in an ETF wrapper.

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Shiba Inu unveils an AI relationship platform as the team warns users about fake SOU NFT portals and rising phishing scams.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

18 February 2026, 05:38 PM

Shiba Inu’s lead ambassador has unveiled a new AI-powered relationship platform, while the project is also moving to protect users following a past security breach. The update links innovation with risk awareness across the SHIB ecosystem. Team members say the tool may expand into Web3 use cases over time. At the same time, developers warn users about rising phishing threats tied to a newly launched NFT initiative.

AI Relationship Platform Eyes Web3 IntegrationDuring a Feb. 18 livestream, Shytoshi Kusama revealed plans for an AI-powered relationship platform focused on translation and compatibility. He described it as a personal initiative separate from his Shiba Inu leadership role. The platform aims to help couples detect patterns, friction points, and long-term compatibility risks before conflicts escalate.

However, the Shiba Inu team sees broader Web3 potential. Lucie, a Shiba Inu team member, outlined five possible use cases connected to the SHIB ecosystem. She said the first could function as a DAO compatibility tool. The AI system could match co-founders, multisig partners, validators, or DAO teams to reduce internal conflict early.

Lucie also explained that the platform may introduce a token-gated premium layer. This layer would unlock deeper AI insights using ecosystem tokens. She noted that this model could drive utility-based engagement across the community.

In addition, she described a reputation and social signal system. The feature would link compatibility and communication insights to optional on-chain identity. According to Lucie, this could strengthen coordination within decentralized teams.

She further suggested the tool could operate as an NFT or badge layer on Solana. The low-fee infrastructure could host collaboration or relationship milestone badges as social proof. Finally, she said the AI translator layer could serve as a mediator in governance discussions or advanced user support systems within ecosystem apps.

Shiba Inu Issues Scam Warning Over SOU NFTMeanwhile, Shiba Inu has launched the SOU NFT as part of recovery efforts tied to the Shibarium hack last September. SOU, short for “Shib owes you,” exists as an on-chain NFT. The team describes it as a good-faith initiative to support impacted Shibarium users through payouts, donations, and occasional rewards.

As the Shiba Inu SOU rollout continues, Lucie has issued a crucial scam warning. She stated on social media that scammers already operate fake SOU portals. She warned that phishing links now mirror official websites to drain user wallets.

Lucie urged users to verify contract addresses and use hardware wallets. She advised the community to bookmark the official portal. She added that users should trust their instincts if something appears suspicious.

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Newton Gitonga covers cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and digital finance. He specializes in breaking down complex trends with clear, data-driven reporting. His work focuses on market analysis, technical insights, and the evolving role of altcoins in shaping global markets.

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Latest Shiba Inu News Today (SHIB)

World Liberty Financial (CRYPTO: WLFI) surged 17% as Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) CEO David Solomon and NYSE President Lynn Martin spoke at the inaugural World Liberty Forum at Mar-a-Lago, signaling Wall Street's embrace of tokenization. The Goldman Revelation Solomon revealed he owns “very little, but some” Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), describing himself as an observer still trying to understand how it moves.

TL;DR

XRP Ledger activated the XLS-81 “Permissioned DEX” amendment, enabling the creation of controlled versions of its native DEX with restricted access. The network also implemented XLS-85 Token Escrow, extending the escrow system beyond XRP to trustline-based tokens, Multi-Purpose Tokens, stablecoins, and RWAs. The infrastructure is aimed at banks and brokers that require onchain settlement with counterparty control. XRP Ledger activated the XLS-81 amendment, known as “Permissioned DEX,” an upgrade that allows the creation of decentralized exchanges with restricted access directly on the network. The new feature enables controlled versions of the protocol’s native DEX while keeping the trading mechanics within the ledger itself.

Unlike the existing open order book, the new model allows designated administrators to determine who can place offers and who can accept them. This creates a “members-only” marketplace tied to compliance requirements such as KYC and AML processes. Access is therefore limited to previously approved users.

The design proposed by XRP targets regulated institutions such as banks and brokers that require onchain settlement and blockchain-based liquidity, but with control over counterparty eligibility. The structure allows participants to operate within the public ledger infrastructure without opening markets to all users.

Debate Over Native XRP Staking and Design Changes In addition, the network recently implemented XLS-85 Token Escrow. This upgrade extended the native escrow system beyond XRP, incorporating trustline-based tokens and Multi-Purpose Tokens, including stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. With this expansion, the network enables conditional settlement agreements for a broad range of assets issued on the platform.

The combination of an expanded escrow system and a permissioned DEX creates a toolkit geared toward regulated tokenized markets. The framework covers issuance, conditional custody, and secondary trading within a controlled environment.

The Ledger was designed for payments, token issuance, and decentralized exchange functionality built into the base layer. In recent months, a RippleX engineer explored the possibility of introducing native staking, while David Schwartz took part in discussions about potential design changes.

In brief Jake Chervinsky will lead the Hyperliquid Policy Center as CEO. The organization was funded with $29 million worth of HYPE tokens. The HPC plans to serve as a resource for policymakers. There’s a new heavyweight fighting for the future of decentralized finance on Capitol Hill.

The Hyperliquid Policy Center, or HPC, announced its debut on Wednesday, positioning itself as a resource for U.S. policymakers on DeFi and derivatives like perpetual futures.

In a press release, founder and CEO Jake Chervinsky said that blockchains are poised to become the bedrock of the financial system, and the U.S. must choose between adopting new rules to support the technology or to “wait and watch as other nations seize the opportunity.”

1/ I am proud to announce the launch of Hyperliquid Policy Center, where I will serve as CEO.

HPC is an independent research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that DeFi can flourish in the United States.

The future of finance will be decentralized. https://t.co/ObDFGsjlwj

— Jake Chervinsky (@jchervinsky) February 18, 2026

Chervinsky previously served as chief legal officer at venture capital firm Variant, which has invested in DeFi staples like Uniswap and Morpho. Prior to that, Chervinsky worked at the Blockchain Association, a nonprofit trade association based in Washington, D.C.

The Hyper Foundation, which supports Hyperliquid, has contributed 1,000,000 HYPE to fund the center’s initial operations. That sum was worth around $29 million on Wednesday, with the exchange’s native token rising 22% over the past month, according to CoinGecko. 

The development underscores how Hyperliquid has evolved since the decentralized exchange specializing in perpetual futures debuted three years ago. Although the project was once viewed as a scrappy contender in the DeFi space built around a tight-knit community, some members are setting their sights on policy discussions among the country’s political elite.

That includes Hyperliquid co-founder and CEO Jeff Yan, who said on X that the decentralized nature of exchange’s decentralized development “meant that Hyperliquid lacked a unified voice in important policy discussions until now.”

Yan acknowledged that the organization’s debut comes at a critical time, with a market structure bill stalled in the Senate that has the potential to establish new rules for DeFi.

In October, Chervinsky pushed back against a proposal from Senate Democrats that would require the websites that people use to access DeFi protocols, also known as front ends, to register with regulators and perform Know Your Customer checks. Chervinsky claimed that the Treasury Department could ban DeFi projects under the rules.

I’m excited to support the @HyperliquidPC launch. The Hyperliquid ecosystem needs a policy voice that represents our core values in DC. I’ve gotten to know @jchervinsky and seen his principled and unwavering support of defi over the years. There is no better person to advocate… https://t.co/hSOlEjEci6

— jeff.hl (@chameleon_jeff) February 18, 2026

“This proposal is less a regulatory framework and more an unprecedented, unconstitutional government takeover of an entire industry,” he said on X. “All U.S. DeFi devs [would] go offshore or have their projects die at home.”

The HPC doesn’t bill itself as just another crypto lobby like the Blockchain Association, Coin Center, or the Chamber of Digital Commerce, which was established in 2014

HPC’s mandate is specifically focused on advancing “decentralized market infrastructure,” with an emphasis on perps—where the Hyperliquid blockchain has built its dominant market share.

Unlike traditional futures, perps don’t have an expiration date, allowing a trader to hold positions indefinitely. They use periodic payments between long and short traders to keep the derivative’s price pegged to an asset’s spot price, also known as a funding rate.

Hyperliquid was once known as a go-to platform for trading digital assets, including meme coins, on leverage. However, the exchange has expanded into real-world assets in recent months, including precious metals like gold and silver.

Under former Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, the regulator greenlit Bitnomial, allowing the exchange’s customers to access spot crypto trading alongside perps and options. And there’s a chance that perps could continue to proliferate under her successor, Michael Selig.

On a recent episode of Bloomberg’s “Odd Lots” podcast, Selig was asked by co-host Joe Weisenthal whether perpetual futures could become more commonplace in traditional finance moving forward. As an example, Weisenthal floated perps for oil.

“If there’s demand for these products, it's definitely something that we'll consider,” Selig said. “It’s been too long that this stuff is only developed offshore, and we really want to bring it back with clear rules of the road.”

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Intesa Sanpaolo Bitcoin ETF holdings: ~$96M disclosed in 13F filingItaly’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, reported exposure to approximately $96 million of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in its fourth-quarter 2025 portfolio disclosure. Based on data from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Form 13F), the positions were held as of December 31, 2025.

The filing lists exposure via ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), indicating use of regulated, exchange-traded vehicles rather than direct token custody. Because Form 13F reports quarter-end positions and is filed weeks later, the holdings may have changed after the reporting date.

For a bank of Intesa Sanpaolo’s scale, the dollar amount is modest in balance-sheet terms, but it is notable as a formal, regulated footprint in spot Bitcoin exposure. The disclosure places a large European institution within the same ETF ecosystem used by U.S. asset managers and advisers.

Why this disclosure matters for European banks and clientsFor European banks, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs offer a supervised access point that can fit within existing control frameworks and product-governance rules. Using ETFs also helps separate market exposure from on-chain custody risks and operational complexities.

Coverage of the filing underscored the move’s significance for an Italian incumbent. “Italian banking giant Intesa Sanpaolo has revealed nearly $100 million in Bitcoin ETF holdings,” said Crypto.news, referencing the bank’s latest 13F disclosure.

For clients, ETF-based exposure can simplify suitability assessments, reporting, and safekeeping relative to direct crypto holdings. The filing signals a pathway for institutions to meet demand through regulated wrappers without implying a broader endorsement of the asset.

BingX: a trusted exchange delivering real advantages for traders at every level.

Splitting exposure across ARKB and IBIT suggests diversification across leading, liquid spot vehicles. Concentration risks can be reduced when allocations span multiple issuers and operational setups within the same asset class.

Risk posture appears calibrated rather than directional. The bank’s use of ETF wrappers, combined with hedging tactics discussed below, indicates an emphasis on managed exposure over high-conviction speculation.

At the time of this writing, Intesa Sanpaolo shares (ISP.MI) traded around €5.97 on a delayed Milan quote, based on data from Yahoo Finance. This provides a neutral backdrop for interpreting the disclosure within the issuer’s broader market context.

Filing details: ARKB vs IBIT split, hedges, and 13F timingForm 13F captures U.S.-listed equity securities and certain options as of the quarter’s end, typically published several weeks later. It is a position snapshot, not a real-time view, and does not include all risk exposures or cash balances.

Alongside the ETF positions, the disclosure cycle has been discussed in parallel reporting with a sizable put-option position on MicroStrategy, a Bitcoin-treasury proxy. Coindoo attributed that hedge to Intesa Sanpaolo in coverage of the filing period, describing it as a risk-management complement to long ETF exposure.

Holdings split between ARK 21Shares (ARKB) and iShares (IBIT)As of December 31, 2025, about $72.6 million was in ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and roughly $23.4 million in iShares Bitcoin Trust, as reported by Archyde. The figures indicate a majority weighting to ARKB with a meaningful allocation to IBIT.

Why pair ETF exposure with MicroStrategy put optionsMicroStrategy’s equity is highly sensitive to Bitcoin moves and corporate leverage, making puts on the stock a potential tail-risk hedge. As covered by Coindoo, pairing long ETF exposure with such options can help cushion drawdowns or dislocations.

FAQ about Intesa Sanpaolo Bitcoin ETF holdingsHow much of Intesa’s position is in ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) versus iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)?Approximately $72.6 million in ARKB and $23.4 million in IBIT as of December 31, 2025, as reported by Archyde.

Are these Bitcoin ETF holdings proprietary trading or client-directed, and what does any DFND/shared designation imply?Filings don’t state this. Some coverage interprets DFND/shared as shared investment discretion aligned with client-directed flows, according to AInvest.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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Solana’s price is showing renewed downside risk after bearish engulfing candles rejected key resistance, with weakening market structure increasing the likelihood of testing sub-$80 support levels.

Summary

Bearish engulfing candles confirm rejection at the key $90 resistance Loss of the point of control signals weakness, favoring further downside $78–$80 support is the critical zone, with Fibonacci and liquidity confluence Solana (SOL) price action has shifted back into a vulnerable technical position after a failed attempt to reclaim higher resistance. What initially looked like a potential stabilization has now turned into renewed weakness, as sellers regain control after a rejection at a key resistance zone. The broader structure remains corrective, and recent candlestick behavior suggests that downside continuation is becoming increasingly likely.

As price trades back below important value levels, attention is now turning to high-timeframe support zones that could come into play in the near term. Whether these levels hold or fail will determine if Solana can stage a meaningful bounce or if the correction deepens further.

Solana price key technical points Bearish engulfing candles rejected $90 resistance, reinforcing seller control Loss of the point of control signals weakness, favoring rotation lower $78–$80 support zone aligns with Fibonacci confluence, acting as a key downside target SOLUSDT (4H) Chart, Source: TradingView Solana recently attempted to push above the $90 resistance level, but the move failed to gain traction. Price quickly closed back below resistance, forming bearish engulfing candles that invalidated the breakout attempt. These engulfing structures are significant because they often reflect aggressive selling pressure entering the market when buyers lose control.

The rejection from resistance is further reinforced by Solana’s inability to hold above the point of control (POC). Multiple counter-trend closes below this level indicate that the market has shifted away from balance and back into bearish momentum. When price loses the POC after a failed breakout, it often signals the start of a deeper corrective rotation.

Loss of value opens path toward $78 support With price now trading below the point of control, the next logical downside magnet is the value area low. This level defines the lower boundary of fair value within the current range and frequently acts as a target during corrective phases.

Below the value area low sits high-timeframe support around $78, which also marks the lower edge of the broader trading structure. A move into this region would place Solana below the $80 psychological level, increasing volatility as traders reassess risk.

From a technical perspective, the $78 area carries additional significance due to its alignment with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement. Fibonacci confluence often attracts price during corrective moves, particularly when paired with visible resting liquidity.

Liquidity sweep or deeper breakdown? The swing low near $78 indicates an area with likely resting liquidity. Markets often dip into such zones to trigger stop-loss orders before deciding on the next directional move. If Solana quickly trades into this region and then reclaims it with strong buying interest, the move could resemble a liquidity sweep, setting the stage for a reactive bounce.

However, timing and structure will be critical. A slow grind lower, or prolonged acceptance below $78, would weaken the bounce thesis and suggest that a deeper corrective phase is unfolding. In that scenario, the market would be signaling that buyers are not yet ready to defend key support.

Broader market structure remains corrective From a market structure standpoint, Solana has not yet invalidated its bearish bias. Lower highs remain intact, and recent attempts to reclaim resistance have failed. Without a decisive reclaim of value and strong bullish volume, rallies should continue to be treated as corrective rather than trend-changing.

The presence of bearish engulfing candles at resistance adds further weight to this view, as such patterns often precede continuation lower rather than immediate reversal.

What to expect in the coming price action From a technical, price-action, and market-structure perspective, Solana is likely to continue rotating lower in the short term. As long as the price remains below the resistance and the point of control, the probability favors a move toward the value area, low and high-timeframe support near $78.

Traders should closely monitor price behavior around this zone. A sharp reaction and reclaim could trigger a short-term relief bounce, while sustained trading below $80 would increase the risk of a deeper correction.

Until bullish acceptance returns above key value levels, downside risks remain elevated, and Solana’s next meaningful move is likely to be defined by how the price reacts at sub-$80 support.

2 mins mins

 Key Insights:

Hyperliquid commits 1 million HYPE tokens to fund Washington policy operations. Jake Chervinsky appointed CEO to lead decentralized finance engagement efforts. Policy center targets U.S. regulatory framework for crypto perpetual futures markets. Hyperliquid Launches DC Policy Arm With $28M War Chest Hyperliquid has opened the Hyperliquid Policy Center in Washington, D.C., backed by a $28 million token commitment. The funding comes from a 1 million HYPE token donation by the Hyper Foundation. The launch places Hyperliquid in direct contact with U.S. lawmakers on digital asset policy.

Jake Chervinsky will serve as the center’s first chief executive officer. The group will focus on decentralized finance and related legislation. It will operate from Washington and engage with regulators and members of Congress.

$28M in HYPE Tokens Unstaked The Hyper Foundation confirmed it will provide 1 million HYPE tokens to fund the new policy arm. Based on recent prices, the tokens are worth about $28 million. The foundation said the tokens will be unstaked to finance the center’s work.

In a post, Hyperliquid said, “The Hyper Foundation will contribute 1M HYPE tokens to support the creation of the Hyperliquid Policy Center.” It added, “The tokens will be unstaked later today.” The funds will cover operations, staffing, and outreach.

Push for Perpetuals Framework The Hyperliquid Policy Center will promote rules for perpetual futures, also known as perps. The group states that perps are simpler than options and standard futures contracts. It also says they provide direct exposure to the underlying asset.

Most perpetual trading now takes place on offshore platforms. The center plans to work with U.S. officials on a domestic framework for these products. The focus will remain on how decentralized derivatives fit within existing laws.

Representation in Washington Hyperliquid said the community will gain representation in Washington, D.C. The firm expressed confidence in Chervinsky’s leadership of the policy effort.

The company stated that the center “will have a meaningful impact in favor of clear regulations for decentralized finance.” The launch marks Hyperliquid’s entry into formal policy engagement in the United States.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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The Dogecoin (DOGE) price is buckling under the weight of falling crypto market sentiment. In a unique twist, the leading meme coin is currently changing hands for $0.1011, down 2.25% in the past 24 hours, per CoinMarketCap data. With a new wave of sell-off on the altcoin market, the chances that the Dogecoin price will test the weekly low remain high.

Dogecoin price at risk of more sell-off?Sentiment on the altcoin market is highly negative at the moment, as total altcoin volume has fallen by over 50%. Dogecoin is particularly susceptible to a sell-off, as key metrics like daily trading volume have fallen by 7%, a sign of a waning short-term outlook.

Dogecoin has a very rich history of adapting to market trends, exhibiting more volatility in relation to Bitcoin. According to open interest data over the past few months, there is hardly any stability on the DOGE market.

Futures market traders are always switching sides, in line with spot market trends. In early February, Dogecoin open interest jumped by 12% in 24 hours, a move that sent a positive projection to the meme coin’s traders.

Current open interest trend is negative, aligning with the grand bearish outlook of the broader market.

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Dogecoin ETF not adding momentumWhile the broader crypto market is pushing for a rebound, the potential growth catalysts for Dogecoin are significantly limited. Dogecoin ETF products have not lived up to their potential since their launch, raking in just $6,670,000.

This figure pales in comparison to the XRP ETF that has now bagged a total inflow of $1.23 billion. Notably, with ETF not providing the required liquidity to trigger scarcity, the rebound potential of Dogecoin remains quite limited.

The digital currency might be at risk of short-term price slippage, but support from personalities like Elon Musk remains a major attraction for the coin.

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TLDRBMNR Stock: A Bullish Pattern EmergesEthereum’s Recovery Can Drive BitMine Stock HigherGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks BitMine’s stock has fallen from a high of $160 to $20, but a bullish pattern suggests a potential rebound. The falling wedge pattern on the daily chart indicates a strong upward breakout as the stock nears key resistance levels. Ethereum’s recovery, with impressive growth in transactions and active addresses, is a major catalyst for BitMine’s potential price rise. BitMine has benefited from staking and government bond investments, positioning itself as a cash flow machine with no debt. The company’s Ethereum accumulation strategy and venture investments further strengthen its outlook for future growth. BitMine’s (BMNR) stock price has come under pressure in recent months, primarily due to reduced demand for Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) companies and the decline in Ethereum’s price. Ethereum has dropped from its record high of nearly $5,000 to its current value of $1,800. Despite this, there are strong indicators suggesting that BitMine’s stock, currently trading at $20, could experience a rebound in the near future.

BMNR Stock: A Bullish Pattern Emerges BMNR’s stock has shown a strong bearish trend recently, dropping from its record high of $160 in July to the current $20. However, technical analysis of the daily chart reveals a falling wedge pattern, typically signaling a bullish breakout. This pattern consists of two descending trendlines that are converging, and the closer they get, the more likely it is that the stock will make a strong upward move.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc., BMNR

The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) has also shown a bullish crossover, which typically indicates potential upward momentum. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which was once in the oversold territory at 25, has moved up to 40 and is nearing the key 50 level. This suggests that BitMine’s stock is in a good position for a rebound, with resistance levels at $35 and $50 offering potential targets.

Ethereum’s Recovery Can Drive BitMine Stock Higher Another catalyst for BitMine’s stock price is the strong fundamentals behind Ethereum. Despite the broader market downturn, Ethereum’s blockchain has seen impressive growth. According to recent data, Ethereum processed over 70 million transactions in the past 30 days, representing an 18% increase. Active Ethereum addresses have also jumped to over 14.6 million, and the network’s transaction fees soared by 100% to $20 million.

Ethereum’s decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has also reached new highs, with the total value locked (TVL) in Ethereum-based DeFi protocols increasing in Ethereum terms. Moreover, Ethereum’s dominance in the stablecoin market has grown, handling over $1 trillion per month. These developments underscore the strength of Ethereum, which could provide a favorable environment for BitMine’s stock recovery.

BitMine continues to accumulate Ethereum and generate substantial income through staking and investments in government bonds. Unlike its competitors, BitMine remains debt-free, which positions it well for long-term growth. With Ethereum showing signs of recovery and BitMine continuing its strategic investments, the stock looks poised for a potential upward movement.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has issued a measured warning about the Bitcoin-Nasdaq divergence suggesting imminent stress in dollar liquidity.  Hayes argues this divergence, exacerbated by declining institutional flows since the asset’s October 2025 highs, serves as a leading indicator for a broader credit crunch driven by AI-related economic shifts.

The chart above shows the ratio of Bitcoin’s price to the Nasdaq 100 index value. A rising ratio indicates Bitcoin is outperforming the Nasdaq 100 while a falling ratio suggests the opposite.

He describes Bitcoin as the “global fiat liquidity fire alarm,” meaning it tends to react more quickly and sensitively to shifts in fiat credit conditions than traditional equities do.

The current split, he argues, points to tightening dollar liquidity and an impending deflationary credit event.

EXPLORE: What is the Next Crypto to Explode in 2026?

Bitcoin-Nasdaq Divergence: The Correlation Breakdown For much of the post-2020 era, Bitcoin has traded in lockstep with technology equities, serving as a proxy for risk propensity. However, the current separation, where the Nasdaq remains buoyant while Bitcoin trends downward, signals a potential fracture in underlying market mechanics. Hayes posited in his latest essay ironically titled “This Is Fine” that crypto often reacts first to changes in fiat credit conditions.

"This Is Fine" is an essay on why $BTC is predicting an AI-adoption driven financial crisis which will be "solved" with printed monay!https://t.co/sp2NBHWorM pic.twitter.com/RTtEbogYAR

— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) February 17, 2026

While equities effectively price in forward earnings, crypto is more sensitive to net dollar liquidity, referring to the availability of cash in the banking system versus assets drained by facilities like the Federal Reserve’s reverse repo program. This divergence suggests that while the stock market has not yet priced in credit tightening, the crypto market is already reacting to the removal of monetary cushions.

strong>DISCOVER: Best Solana Meme Coins By Market Cap 2026

What Arthur Hayes’ Liquidity Warning Signals for Bitcoin Institutional Flows The Bitcoin and Nasdaq divergence is stark: Bitcoin has struggled to regain momentum, while big tech remains resilient. Hayes attributes this to early tremors of an AI-driven credit contraction affecting job stability and loan defaults.

Recent flow data appears to substantiate the liquidity thesis. While tech stocks hold value, Bitcoin price drops have tracked with weakening institutional interest, reflecting a risk-off shift among traders. Furthermore, crypto products recorded a net outflow of $1.7 billion recently, validating the narrative that capital is exiting the sector as liquidity tightens.

Despite the short-term negative price action, not all cohorts are capitulating. Analysis indicates that Bitcoin ETF holders have suffered a 44% crash yet maintained “diamond hands”, refusing to sell into the dip. This bifurcation between short-term liquidity flows and long-term holder conviction complicates the bearish signal.

EXPLORE: 10 New Upcoming Binance Listings to Watch in February 2026

Bitcoin Price Outlook: Key Levels to Watch Traders are now eyeing critical technical zones to gauge the validity of Hayes’ bearish liquidity outlook. If the disconnect persists, Bitcoin could face further downside pressure testing the $60,000 support level. A breach below this psychological floor could open the path toward summer lows around $50,000.

Conversely, supply dynamics offer a mixed picture. While Bitcoin exchange reserves have surged in certain venues indicating potential sell-side pressure, the persistent calmness of long-term holders suggests a floor may be near. The outcome likely depends on whether the “AI-driven” credit stress Hayes anticipates materializes in broader banking metrics.

Until correlation allows for a clearer directional bias, a break below current consolidation levels would act as confirmation of the liquidity stress scenario.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

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Daniel Frances is a technical writer and Web3 educator specializing in macroeconomics and DeFi mechanics. A crypto native since 2017, Daniel leverages his background in on-chain analytics to author evidence-based reports and deep-dive guides. He holds certifications from The Blockchain Council, and is dedicated to providing "information gain" that cuts through market hype to find real-world blockchain utility.

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Whale Alert founder claim is unverified at this timeNo primary source confirms that the Whale Alert founder said “BTC potential profit level drops to late 2023, nearing the turning point of a three-year profit cycle.” The wording remains unverified and should be treated as an interpretation rather than an on‑record statement.

According to Whale Alert analytics, the platform publishes portfolio-wide profitability gauges such as “Potential Profit” and “Realized Profit.” These are descriptive, backward-looking measures of on‑chain cost basis versus current market price, not market‑timing signals.

What Whale Alert potential profit means and why it matters“Potential profit” estimates unrealized gains embedded across tracked Bitcoin wallets if coins were sold at current prices. It differs from “realized profit,” which reflects profits actually captured on-chain at the time of spending.

When potential profit declines, it can imply thinner cushions for profit‑taking and, at the margin, less mechanical sell pressure. However, it is one input among many, and its readings should be contextualized with liquidity, flows, and macro conditions.

BingX: a trusted exchange delivering real advantages for traders at every level.

Price action remains compressed below the $70,000 threshold, with narrowing ranges suggesting indecision around near‑term direction, according to news/cointelegraph:8bd29e788094b:0-macro-headwinds-test-bitcoin-price-as-70k-crumbles-amid-us-market-volatility/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>Cointelegraph via TradingView News. In compression phases, liquidity tends to pool near obvious levels, increasing the importance of how price behaves around them.

The report frames the near‑term risk if buyers fail to reclaim momentum: “data suggests that the risk of new year-to-date lows remains if bulls fail to turn,” said Cointelegraph via TradingView News. This risk language is conditional and highlights setup dynamics rather than a forecast.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin traded below $70,000, consistent with a compressed range that can reset positioning before a directional move. In such states, order flow and liquidity pockets often drive outsized intraday swings.

Analysts say Metaplanet’s bitcoin-linked income business is becoming critical to funding expansion while avoiding forced BTC sales, as reported by The Block. The linkage between operating income and treasury management is central when asset sales could be value‑destructive during volatility.

How Metaplanet funds expansion while avoiding forced BTC salesBitcoin‑linked income can provide fiat liquidity to cover operating costs, interest, or growth investments, reducing the need to liquidate treasury BTC during drawdowns. This approach can smooth cash cycles and preserve strategic BTC holdings.

What this could signal for corporate BTC treasury strategiesCorporates exploring BTC treasuries may prioritize revenue models that generate BTC‑linked or BTC‑sensitive cash flows to mitigate drawdown risk. Such alignment can reduce forced‑sale scenarios but depends on business model resilience and volatility tolerance.

FAQ about Whale Alert potential profitWhat is Whale Alert’s ‘potential profit’ metric and how is it calculated?An estimate of aggregate unrealized gains across tracked wallets versus current price. It compares on‑chain cost bases to spot levels and is descriptive, not predictive.

Are we nearing a three-year Bitcoin cycle turning point, and what on-chain or macro data supports that?There is no verified “three-year cycle” call here. Current context shows sub‑$70,000 compression and conditional risks; broader confirmation would need multiple, independent datasets.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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SOL $82.21 24h volatility: 2.8% Market cap: $46.98 B Vol. 24h: $3.45 B successfully claimed the critical $80 support level on Tuesday, trading now around $82 as network fundamentals surged to unprecedented levels. The SOL USD price recovery coincides with a historic spike in on-chain engagement, where daily non-vote transactions recently peaked at a record 148 million. A non-vote transaction involves transferring Solana to the network and collecting it into blocks.

The parallel rise suggests that genuine network utility, rather than just speculative trading, may be establishing a solid floor for the asset.

Transactions on the Solana Network (Daily, 7DMA) Source: The Block

EXPLORE: What is the Next Crypto to Explode in 2026?

What’s Driving the Transaction Surge? Data indicates that Solana’s network is undergoing a massive stress test, validating its high-throughput design. The network exceeded 116 billion total transactions over the last year, with daily non-vote transactions hitting 148 million in late January. This volume represents a significant divergence from previous cycles.

What is fueling this intense volume? While memecoins continue to contribute to network traffic, there is a distinct shift toward sustainable finance. As Solana moves beyond its meme coin phase, decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes have rivaled Ethereum’s, driven by sub-cent fees and faster finality. Furthermore, the rise in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization hitting record values suggests that institutional adoption and stablecoin settlements are playing a larger role in these on-chain metrics than in previous years.

Solana Metrics Source: RWAs

EXPLORE: 10 New Upcoming Binance Listings to Watch in February 2026

SOL USD Price Analysis: Technical Levels to Watch Solana is currently changing hands at $87.16, marking a 1.65% increase over the last 24 hours. The primary focus for traders has been defending the $80 mark, a level that previously served as a strong demand zone. Market analysts note that holding this region is vital for preventing a slide toward lower liquidity zones. While the asset has formed a logical base here, it still faces resistance overhead.

Some price predictions suggest the dip below $100 may have been a final capitulation event, but bulls must reclaim the psychological three-digit barrier to confirm a definitive trend reversal. Conversely, a failure to hold $80 could expose the asset to deeper downside, as broader crypto market sentiment remains fragile.

DISCOVER: Best Solana Meme Coins By Market Cap 2026

Can Network Growth Sustain SOL’s Recovery? The divergence between high network usage and suppressed price action often precedes a valuation realignment. Institutional confidence appears to be returning alongside retail activity; for instance, key ecosystem player Jupiter recently announced a major investment deal to further settle in JupUSD, highlighting the capital flowing into Solana’s infrastructure despite price volatility.

However, risks remain. On-chain analytics from Nansen suggest that while user adoption is real, evidenced by active addresses doubling recently, maintaining this momentum requires the fee market to stabilize against potential congestion. Can the fundamentals finally force a decoupling from broader market corrections? The coming weeks will likely determine if record-breaking usage can translate into sustained price appreciation.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

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Daniel Frances is a technical writer and Web3 educator specializing in macroeconomics and DeFi mechanics. A crypto native since 2017, Daniel leverages his background in on-chain analytics to author evidence-based reports and deep-dive guides. He holds certifications from The Blockchain Council, and is dedicated to providing "information gain" that cuts through market hype to find real-world blockchain utility.

Bitcoin is very close to falling down again. The price is right at the edge of a triangle and could be about to fall back to $60,000. Will Bitcoin make the drop? How far could it fall?

$BTC about to drop out of triangle?

Source: TradingView

The 4-hour chart for $BTC reveals a fairly precarious situation. The price is falling underneath the bottom trendline of a triangle, and although there is still time for the bulls to push the price back up, it isn’t currently looking good. 

If the drop happens, the next support level is at $65,500, although the measured move out of the triangle could take the price below $60,000. There just does not seem to be any stamina where the bulls are concerned when it comes to pushing the price back up. 

Extremely negative setup

Source: TradingView

The daily chart reveals that not all is lost yet. However, if the chart were turned upside down, we would be looking at a very bullish bull pennant. There wouldn’t be many who would be calling for that particular setup to breakdown. Therefore, as a bear pennant, a breakdown does look extremely likely.

Factor in that the $BTC price has recently lost major horizontal support, and the Stochastic RSI in the daily time frame is turning down, you have what looks like a recipe for more downside.

Huge tail to the downside provides some hope

Source: TradingView

In the higher time frame of the weekly, the tail down to $60,000 can still give the bulls some hope. This was quite some bottoming tail and in normal conditions a bounce back to the upside could probably be expected more often than not. Nevertheless, in the current environment back-filling the long tail down looks like a reasonably valid option.

Given that $53,000 is the full measured move out of the bear flag (in purple), this could be a possible target. That said, who knows when this will turn. A candle close back above $69,000 at the end of this week could turn the whole bearish mood around, but is this likely to happen?

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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 Key Insights:

CryptoQuant CEO estimates 6.89 million BTC could face quantum exposure risk. Around 1 million BTC linked to Satoshi remain dormant and potentially vulnerable. Community consensus may determine Bitcoin’s response to future quantum computing threats. CryptoQuant CEO Says 6.89M BTC Could Face Quantum Risk CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said up to 6.89 million Bitcoin could face exposure if quantum computing breaks current encryption. He stated that the risk is not near term but large enough to warrant discussion. His remarks focused on older Bitcoin addresses where public keys remain visible on-chain.

Ju said the total includes about 1 million BTC linked to Satoshi Nakamoto. These coins have not moved for years. He noted that long-dormant holdings could draw attention if quantum systems reach a level that can break elliptic curve cryptography.

Legacy Addresses and Exposed Keys Ju said around 1.91 million BTC sit in legacy Pay-to-Public-Key addresses. In these addresses, public keys are permanently recorded on the blockchain. If a quantum computer derives the private key, it could authorize transactions without consent.

He added that as much as 4.98 million BTC may have exposed public keys due to past transactions. Once a public key appears on-chain, the exposure remains. He also noted that about 3.4 million BTC have been inactive for at least a decade.

Governance Challenges in a Quantum Scenario Ju described the Bitcoin quantum threat as a choice between upgrading the protocol or leaving exposed coins at risk. He said users with funds in older formats would face similar conditions.

He referred to past disputes such as the block size debate and SegWit2x. Those events showed that technical proposals require broad agreement. Ju wrote, “Technical fixes move fast. Social consensus does not.”

Community Consensus as the Main Factor Ju said developers can design solutions, but community approval determines adoption. He questioned whether users would support freezing inactive coins, including those linked to Satoshi, to protect the network.

Investor Kevin O’Leary has said some institutions may cap crypto exposure until quantum risks are addressed. Analyst VonMises wrote that the threat appears long term and could allow time for infrastructure updates.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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Ted Pillows, a crypto analyst, has noted a breaking zone for BTC upside. Bitcoin tokens are down by 0.1% over the last 24 hours. BTC is expected to surge. Ted Pillows, a notable crypto analyst, has pointed out a breaking zone for BTC upside. His statement comes almost at the same time when another crypto analyst called Bitcoin tokens attractive. Meanwhile, the flagship token is attempting a recovery amid the recent geopolitical and rate cut uncertainty.

Ted Pillows on BTC Upside Ted Pillows has published a post on X, highlighting that BTC is still consolidating around $68k with ETFs selling to possibly stop a potential rally in the ecosystem. The crypto analyst has then pointed out that the cryptocurrency needs to break above the zone of $70,000 or $71,000 for a strong upside.

He earlier pointed out the decent spot bids for BTC between $60,000 and $65,000 on Coinbase and Binance.

BTC is currently listed at $67,744.65, down by 0.1% over the last 24 hours. However, it has surged by 1.7% in the last 7 days. Bitcoin tokens are now testing $66,433 and $64,017 as support levels, along with $68,849 and $71,265 as resistance levels. This is amid a very high volatility of 11.97% when the article is being drafted.

Another Crypto Analyst on Bitcoin Tokens Lucky, another crypto analyst on X, has shared his opinion about BTC. Also known as LLuciano_BTC, he has called Bitcoin tokens attractive, basing this on the fact that there will only be 21 million coins forever. He has further strengthened his tag for the token by highlighting that approximately 67% of the supply is held by individuals, or regular people, and not big institutions.

As of December 31, 2025, and as highlighted by him, businesses hold roughly 6.9% of the supply, which comes to 1.45 million. Funds & ETFs hold a slightly higher number, which is 1.49 million. This translates to around 7.1% of the supply.

BTC Attempting Recovery The ongoing geopolitical and rate cut uncertainties have strained the global crypto market. BTC has felt the heat, considering it has shed 27.1% of its value in just 30 days. But the token is now attempting to recover and is projected to surge by 13.35% in the next 1 month. This could take its value to around $76,805.

BTC price prediction, however, expects recovery as the value could stand at approximately $71,018, still up by around 4.81% from the current value. The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates next in June 2026, while US-Iran talks and Russia-Ukraine discussions look to find a resting place.

Highlighted Crypto News Today:

Thiel and Founders Fund Exit Ethereum Treasury Firm ETHZilla

Curious by nature, Ankur's core topic is Web3, but he's a versatile writer who can cover many more subjects. If you catch up with him in his free time, you'll find discussions often center around different movies and TV series. He's an easy person to talk to—you can literally chat with him about anything.

TLDR: Bitcoin’s share of Binance trading volume climbed to 36.8% on February 7, surpassing both altcoins and Ethereum.  Altcoin volumes fell from 59.2% in November to 33.6% by February 13, marking a near 50% contraction in activity.  Bitcoin is consolidating between $65,000 and $72,000, drawing interest from whales, institutions, and long-term holders.  This capital rotation pattern has repeated across prior corrections in April 2025, August 2024, and October 2022. Altcoin volumes on Binance have contracted by nearly 50% as capital shifts back toward Bitcoin. Bitcoin is currently consolidating between $65,000 and $72,000 following a sharp correction.

Whales, long-term holders, and institutional investors are notably active within this range. Binance, consistently among the highest-volume exchanges globally, serves as a reliable benchmark for tracking these capital rotation trends.

This pattern reflects a well-known behavioral shift among investors during market stress.

Bitcoin’s Share of Binance Volume Climbs Sharply As Bitcoin moved back above $60,000, a clear change in volume distribution emerged on Binance. On February 7, Bitcoin trading volumes accounted for 36.8% of total exchange activity.

That dominance has held steady through the following days. Meanwhile, altcoins represented 35.3% and Ethereum made up 27.8% of total volume.

Crypto analyst Darkfost noted this shift, posting on X that altcoin volumes had shrunk by 50% as capital rotated back to Bitcoin.

The data shows Bitcoin absorbing a growing share of trader attention during this correction phase. This rotation is not unusual during periods of market uncertainty. Historically, BTC tends to attract capital when confidence in smaller assets weakens.

📉 Altcoin volumes shrink by 50% as capital rotates back to Bitcoin.

After undergoing a sharp correction, Bitcoin is now consolidating within a range between $72 000 and $65 000, a zone where significant activity from whales, long term holders, and even institutional investors… pic.twitter.com/ifXzgpRx8a

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) February 18, 2026

The consolidation range between $65,000 and $72,000 has drawn notable participation from large investors. Long-term holders appear to be accumulating rather than selling within this zone.

Institutional interest also remains visible at these levels. Together, these groups are helping to stabilize price action during the corrective period.

Bitcoin’s growing volume share strengthens its role as the market’s primary benchmark asset. During uncertain conditions, traders tend to park capital in BTC rather than risk exposure to altcoins.

This behavior is consistent with what has been observed across multiple market cycles. It reinforces Bitcoin’s position as a capital preservation vehicle within the crypto ecosystem.

Altcoin Volumes Reflect a Familiar Corrective Pattern Altcoin volumes have taken the heaviest hit during this market correction phase. In November, altcoins accounted for 59.2% of total Binance trading volumes.

By February 13, that share had fallen to just 33.6%. That represents nearly a 50% contraction in altcoin trading activity over a matter of weeks.

This same pattern appeared during the correction in April 2025 and again in August 2024. It was also observed in October 2022, near the tail end of the previous bear market.

Each time, altcoin volumes declined sharply as Bitcoin absorbed a larger share of market activity. The consistency of this trend across cycles makes it a useful indicator for gauging market sentiment.

Ethereum’s share came in at 27.8%, placing it between Bitcoin and the broader altcoin category. ETH held relatively better than smaller altcoins during this rotation period.

However, it still lost ground compared to Bitcoin’s rising volume share. This further shows how capital tends to concentrate around the leading asset during corrections.

Tracking volume distribution on Binance provides a clearer picture of how traders reposition during downturns. Bitcoin’s rising share during stress periods points to its continued role as the anchor of the crypto market.

Altcoin volumes often serve as a sentiment gauge, falling when risk appetite weakens. Analysts continue to watch these metrics closely as the market seeks its next directional move.

XRP is once again at the center of market discussions after new commentary from analysts highlighted how the long-term expansion of Ripple’s global payment network could eventually translate into higher public ledger activity and stronger price momentum for the token.

According to Jesse from Apex Crypto Insights, a factor investors often misunderstand is that most current payment activity on Ripple’s network does not yet use XRP directly. Instead, many banks and financial institutions rely on fiat-based settlement rails within RippleNet because they provide faster processing, lower costs than traditional systems like SWIFT, and eliminate cryptocurrency volatility risks. As a result, a large portion of institutional payment flows remains invisible to the public XRP Ledger today.

Three-stage adoption model shaping XRP’s long-term outlookHe describes Ripple’s expansion strategy as a multi-stage adoption cycle designed to gradually integrate XRP into global payment infrastructure.

Stage one (2017–2023): Institutional onboarding: During the early phase, Ripple focused on convincing banks and payment providers to adopt its technology using fiat-only settlement systems. This approach allowed institutions to benefit from faster and cheaper cross-border payments without needing to hold crypto assets. While this helped grow RippleNet’s global footprint, it meant that most transaction volume did not yet contribute to demand on the public XRP ledger, keeping direct price impact limited.

Stage two (2023–2026): On-demand liquidity expansion: The second phase, now underway, involves introducing On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solutions that use XRP as a bridge asset between currencies. In an ODL transaction, funds are converted into XRP on one exchange, transferred across the ledger within seconds, and converted back into the destination currency. Each activation of a new payment corridor—such as U.S. dollar to peso or yen—turns previously private fiat-only volume into public XRP transaction activity.

Several corridors are already using this system at scale, including the Mexico corridor through Bitso since 2019 and expanding adoption across regions such as Asia-Pacific and parts of Latin America. Analysts note that as more corridors adopt ODL, daily XRP transaction flows could grow significantly, tightening spreads and increasing liquidity across exchanges.

Stage three: Network effects and liquidity flywheel: As more institutions shift to XRP-based settlement, liquidity is expected to deepen further, lowering transaction costs and encouraging additional corridors to adopt the technology. Over time, this “flywheel effect” could create sustained demand growth, particularly if major G20 currency corridors—such as U.S. dollar to euro or yen—move toward full ODL usage.

Why current private payment volume still matters for XRPAlthough most RippleNet transactions today do not directly use XRP, analysts argue that the existing private payment volume effectively acts as potential future demand. Once institutions become comfortable with Ripple’s infrastructure and regulatory clarity improves, the economic incentive to reduce settlement costs—often estimated at 60% to 90% savings—could drive a gradual shift toward XRP-based liquidity solutions.

The expansion of automated market makers (AMMs), decentralized exchange liquidity, and institutional participation in providing XRP liquidity pools could further amplify transaction activity. In such a scenario, rising payment flows, increased trading activity, and growing speculative interest could collectively contribute to stronger price discovery over time.

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TLDR Canary Capital launched the Canary Stake SUI ETF on Nasdaq, offering exposure to the SUI token and staking rewards. Grayscale converted its SUI trust into an ETF, providing investors with direct access to the SUI token through NYSE Arca. The new SUI ETFs allow both institutional and retail investors to participate in the growing SUI blockchain ecosystem. SUI is a Layer 1 blockchain developed by Mysten Labs, with its token used for transaction fees and smart contract execution. The SUI ETFs enable investors to earn rewards through SUI’s proof-of-stake mechanism while tracking the spot price of the token. Two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to SUI token launched on Wednesday, offering investors direct exposure to SUI’s price. Canary Capital debuted the Canary Stake SUI ETF on Nasdaq, while Grayscale converted its SUI trust into an ETF on NYSE Arca. Both funds will track SUI’s price, with the added benefit of enabling investors to earn staking rewards.

Canary Capital’s SUI ETF: Canary Stake SUI ETF (SUIS) Canary Capital launched its Canary Stake SUI ETF, trading under the ticker symbol SUIS on Nasdaq. This new fund tracks the spot price of SUI and allows investors to benefit from staking rewards. SUI operates on a proof-of-stake mechanism, which the ETF integrates into its structure, allowing investors to earn net staking rewards.

Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, emphasized the importance of this fund, saying, “The Canary Staked SUI spot ETF (SUIS) brings exposure to SUI in a registered, exchange-traded structure, while also enabling investors to benefit from net staking rewards generated through SUI’s proof-of-stake mechanism.” The ETF provides a regulated way for investors to engage with the SUI ecosystem and benefit from staking.

Grayscale Launches SUI Fund as an ETF Grayscale followed suit, launching its own SUI fund on the same day. The company converted its SUI trust into an ETF, trading under the ticker GSUI on NYSE Arca. This ETF will provide investors with exposure to the SUI token, offering another way to participate in the growing blockchain ecosystem.

Grayscale’s decision to turn its SUI trust into an ETF aims to provide easier access for institutional and retail investors. By offering direct exposure to the SUI token, the fund offers an alternative to buying the token directly on cryptocurrency exchanges.

SUI’s Growing Ecosystem SUI, developed by Mysten Labs, is a Layer 1 blockchain used to power decentralized applications and smart contracts. The SUI token plays a vital role in the blockchain, serving as a means to pay for transaction fees and support various other network functions. SUI is currently ranked 31st by market capitalization, valued at approximately $3.7 billion.

The launch of these SUI ETFs marks an important milestone for the blockchain’s adoption. It allows a broader range of investors to gain exposure to the SUI ecosystem in a regulated, traditional investment format. The ETFs make it easier for individuals to invest in the blockchain’s native token while also earning rewards through its proof-of-stake mechanism.

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California crypto licensing: DFAL state regime live; compliance due July 1, 2026California has launched a state-level crypto licensing framework under the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL). Businesses with in-scope digital asset activities must be compliant by July 1, 2026.

The regime elevates consumer-protection and supervisory standards for crypto firms operating in the state. Companies now face a defined authorization pathway and ongoing obligations calibrated to digital asset risks.

Why the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL) matters nowAccording to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, DFAL rests on AB 39, SB 401, and AB 1934, which extended the original compliance date from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026. The FAQs emphasize consumer safeguards, including stablecoin reserve requirements, disclosures of fees and risks, robust record maintenance, and telephone support for California residents for at least 10 hours each weekday.

The policy shift could influence national practices as firms rationalize compliance architectures across states. “California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, so its regulatory choices inevitably carry weight,” said Joe Ciccolo, Executive Director of the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, as reported by Decrypt. He added that clearer rules may attract institutional operators, while under-resourced firms could exit or shift activity if enforcement proves misaligned.

BingX: a trusted exchange delivering real advantages for traders at every level.

According to Mayer Brown, DFAL is expansive, imposing broad licensing, record-keeping, and capital and liquidity requirements, while carving out exemptions for already regulated entities such as banks and broker-dealers. The scope means firms should determine whether particular business lines, affiliates, or vendor arrangements fall within the law’s definitions.

Near-term planning includes mapping in-scope activities, documenting controls supporting disclosures and records, and organizing capacity for DFAL-standard customer support and reporting. Building these capabilities can be more intensive for firms not previously under extensive financial regulation.

DFAL rules for stablecoins and crypto kiosksStablecoin reserve and disclosure requirementsDFAL centers stablecoin protections on issuer reserves and transparent user disclosures. Firms facilitating stablecoin activity should expect heightened scrutiny around how reserves, fee schedules, and key risks are communicated.

Crypto kiosk fee caps and required disclosuresThe law sets fee caps for crypto kiosks and requires prominent point-of-transaction disclosures of exchange rates, fees, and material risks. Operators need consistent, clear presentation standards to align with the regime.

At the time of this writing, Coinbase (COIN) traded near $168.78, up about 2.71% intraday, based on data from Nasdaq. market context does not alter DFAL milestones or compliance expectations.

FAQ about Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL)What are the specific DFAL compliance obligations (capital/liquidity, record-keeping, disclosures, customer support hours)?DFAL includes licensing, capital and liquidity standards, robust record-keeping, clear fee and risk disclosures, stablecoin reserve rules, and phone support for Californians at least ten hours per weekday.

What is the DFAL application process and timeline to meet the July 1, 2026 deadline?Firms prepare and submit a DFAL license application to the state regulator. Plan backward from July 1, 2026, allowing sufficient preparation and review time to demonstrate compliance across required controls.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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Canary lists spot SUI ETF with staking rewardsThe Nasdaq-listed SUIS fund offers direct exposure to Sui’s native token while passing through proof-of-stake rewards in a regulated ETF wrapper. Feb 18, 2026, 2:56 p.m.

Stephen Mackintosh, chief investment officer of Sui Group Holdings, and Evan Cheng, CEO of Mysten Labs at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (CoinDesk)

What to know: Canary Capital debuted SUIS, the first spot sui ETF that includes staking rewards.The fund provides direct exposure to sui’s price while reflecting net staking income in its NAV.The move expands the roster of proof-of-stake tokens entering regulated ETF structures.Canary Capital unveiled a U.S.-listed spot SUI$0.9800 exchange-traded fund (ETF) with staking, deepening the crossover between proof-of-stake networks and traditional investment vehicles.

The Canary Staked SUI ETF (SUIS) is designed to track the spot price of sui, the native token of the Sui layer-1 blockchain, while also participating in the network’s proof-of-stake validation process. Net staking rewards are reflected in the fund’s net asset value (NAV), giving investors exposure to both price performance and on-chain yield within a registered ETF structure.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

The token underpins the Sui Network, a blockchain built by former Meta engineers behind the ill-fated Diem digital currency project. The network has positioned itself as a platform for consumer-facing applications, spanning decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming and digital marketplaces.

The listing adds to a growing lineup of crypto ETFs that go beyond bitcoin and ether, reflecting issuers’ efforts to package newer layer-1 networks for institutional and retail investors. By incorporating staking directly into the fund, SUIS also tests regulators’ tolerance for yield-bearing crypto products inside traditional wrappers.

The listing also coincides with Grayscale's Sui Staking ETF (GSUI) listing on NYSE Arca, having previously traded on the OTC Markets' OTCQB.

For investors who want exposure to sui without managing private keys or validator operations, ETFs offer a brokerage-based entry point with staking rewards embedded.

AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.

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The XRP Ledger has activated a new upgrade that enables regulated institutions to operate gated trading venues directly onchain, marking its latest move toward building infrastructure tailored to banks and brokers.

According to the protocol's amendment documentation, the update, known as XLS-81 or “Permissioned DEX,” creates controlled versions of XRPL’s built-in decentralized exchange.

Unlike the network’s existing open-order book, the new feature allows designated administrators to determine who can place and accept trades, effectively creating a members-only marketplace tied to compliance requirements such as know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering checks. Trading mechanics remain native to the ledger, but access can be restricted to approved participants under the new model.

The design targets financial institutions that want blockchain-based settlement and liquidity while maintaining control over counterparty eligibility.

The XRP Ledger is a public blockchain originally launched in 2012 and closely associated with Ripple, designed for payments, token issuance, and decentralized exchange functionality built into its base layer.

XRPL upgrades The rollout adds to a series of institutional-focused upgrades on XRPL.

Last week, the network activated XLS-85, extending its native escrow functionality beyond XRP to trustline-based tokens and multi-purpose tokens, including stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. Escrow and permissioned exchange functionality together aim to provide a more complete toolkit for regulated tokenized markets, from issuance to secondary trading.

Although retail traders may see little day-to-day impact, the shift underscores XRPL’s direction of travel. Rather than doubling down on fully open DeFi venues, the network is carving out infrastructure designed to meet the operational and compliance needs of traditional financial players.

The activation also follows broader ecosystem discussions about the ledger’s evolution.

In recent months, a RippleX engineer has explored the potential for native XRP staking, with Ripple CTO David Schwartz weighing in on possible future design changes. Separately, Ripple has partnered with Aviva Investors to tokenize funds on XRPL, signaling growing interest in regulated asset issuance on the network.

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