• DASH climbed above $70 after a sharp 4-hour breakout, with the price reaching around $73.80
• The RSI moved above 87, showing strong buying momentum but also placing DASH firmly in overbought territory.

Today, one of the leading privacy-coin, Dash (DASH) has made a sharp move higher, with the token gaining more than 47% in the past 24 hours as buying activity picked up across the market. 

According to CoinMarketCap data, DASH is currently trading near $70, after moving between an intraday low of $49.46 and a high of $72.95 during the latest 24-hour session. The altcoin’s market cap has climbed to about $913.8 million, while daily trading volume reached $561 million, up more than 193%.

The jump has pushed DASH to levels not seen since January and placed the token among the stronger performers in the current privacy-coin rally. Dash also recently held DashCon 2026 in Amsterdam, while the wider privacy sector has attracted renewed attention following strong gains in other privacy-focused assets.

DASH Technical Picture Turns Strong but Overheated

The technical setup shows strong short-term momentum, but it also points to a market that has moved quickly. On the 4-hour chart, the DASH price climbed from the low-$40s to above $70 in a series of strong buying moves. The latest candle on the Binance DASH/USDT chart shows the token trading around $69.37, after reaching an intraday high of $73.80. DASH is now holding well above the $64 level, which has become an important area after the latest breakout. 

Zooming in, the chart shows a clear bullish structure. The 9-day moving average is near $56.39, while the 21-day average sits around $48.90. Both are below the current price and are rising, showing that buyers have taken control of the short-term trend.

DASH first pushed through the $45 area before accelerating above $52 and then breaking through $60. Each move higher came with large green candles, showing strong buying pressure rather than a slow recovery.

Still, the momentum has now become stretched. The 14-day RSI on the 4-hour chart is around 87.55, far above the 70 level normally associated with overbought conditions. This does not automatically mean the rally must reverse. But it shows that the price has moved very quickly and could face profit-taking. 

Meanwhile, the MACD remains positive, while the five-day moving average is around $69.67, suggesting that short-term momentum is still favoring buyers.

If the DASH coin keeps the trend, the immediate resistance stands around $73.80, the latest chart high and a multiple-rejection zone. A clean break above this level would keep the current breakout structure intact. If the breakout fails, $64 is the first important support, followed by the $56–$57 moving-average area.

For now, the 4-hour trend remains firmly bullish. But the extreme RSI makes a period of consolidation or a pullback possible before another attempt higher.

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• South Korea targets a February 2027 tokenized securities market launch.
• Initial assets include funds, bonds, unlisted stocks and fractional securities.

South Korea is moving to expand tokenized securities beyond fractional investment products, with plans to build infrastructure that can eventually support stocks, bonds, funds and other traditional securities.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced the policy direction on September 4 following a meeting of its public-private tokenized securities consultative body. 

According to the announcement, the government is preparing to launch its tokenized securities market in February 2027, with regulators laying out a phased plan to bring traditional financial assets onto blockchain networks.

The first phase is expected to begin when the new Tokenized Securities Act takes effect in February 2027. Under this phase, privately placed money market funds and corporate bonds will be eligible for tokenization for institutional investors. Unlisted stocks will also be tokenized through trust structures, while publicly offered fractional investment securities will be included in the initial rollout.

Three-Phase Tokenization Plan

South Korea plans to connect the new infrastructure with the Korea Securities Depository’s tokenized securities system. The aim is to create a framework for issuing and trading securities through distributed ledger technology while maintaining links with the existing financial market system.

The second phase could expand tokenization to publicly offered securities as the technology and infrastructure develop. Regulators said the timing will depend on the stability and efficiency of the first phase.

The third phase would introduce on-chain settlement by connecting tokenized securities with payment instruments, including stablecoins. However, the timing of this stage will also depend on future stablecoin legislation and technological progress.

The FSC also said companies that already hold the required financial investment licenses will not need a separate license solely for handling tokenized securities. South Korea plans to publish proposed changes to related regulations for public comment later this month.

The measures mark a broader push by South Korean regulators to bring blockchain-based securities into the country’s existing capital-market framework.

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IMF Clears $140M for El Salvador as BTC Buys No Longer Use Public Funds

• Coinbase filed Form 1-N and Form BD-N notices with the SEC as it prepares for a potential U.S. stock-perpetual offering.
• The exchange already offers leveraged stock perpetual futures to eligible non-U.S. customers, covering major U.S. stocks and ETFs.

Coinbase, America’s leading regulated centralized crypto exchange, has taken a regulatory step toward bringing single-stock perpetual contracts to the U.S. market by filing notice registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its derivatives exchange and brokerage business.

The crypto exchange confirmed the move in a post on X on September 3, saying it is working to bring single-stock perpetuals, also known as “stock perps,” to the United States. The company said it filed SEC-notice registrations for its derivatives exchange and broker and plans to work with the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The filings, dated September 1, cover two Coinbase entities. Coinbase Derivatives, LLC submitted a Form 1-N, while Coinbase Financial Markets, Inc. filed a Form BD-N, according to copies of the notices.

Coinbase Expands Its Perpetual Products

Single-stock perpetual contracts are derivatives that track the price of individual shares without requiring traders to own the underlying stocks. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts do not have a fixed expiration date.

Meanwhile, Coinbase already offers stock perpetual futures to eligible customers outside the U.S. The company launched the products in March 2026, giving traders access to 24/7 leveraged exposure to U.S. stocks through its regulated derivatives platform.

The non-U.S. contracts include exposure to major companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Tesla. The contracts are cash-settled in USDC, with leverage of up to 10 times for individual stock contracts and up to 20 times for ETF products.

For U.S. customers, however, the process is still underway. Coinbase’s filings are regulatory notices and do not mean that American traders can begin using the products immediately. The company still needs to complete the applicable regulatory process before launching the contracts in the country.

The move is part of Coinbase’s wider push to expand its derivatives business and bring more financial products into the U.S. market. The company said it will continue working with the SEC and CFTC as it seeks to move the products onshore.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Bitcoin, Ether Spot Trading in UAE

• Ledger faces a proposed $500M class action over an alleged $1.95M crypto loss.
• The complaint links the case to Ledger’s 2023 Connect Kit security incident.

The leading hardware wallet company, Ledger SAS, is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York over an alleged $1.9 million cryptocurrency loss.

Douglas Kim filed the complaint on August 27, 2026, seeking at least $500 million in damages. According to the complaint, Kim purchased a Ledger hardware wallet in 2017 and later upgraded to a Ledger Nano X in 2021. The filing says he was contacted in February 2025 by people claiming to represent Coincover and Ledger.

Kim alleges that the callers told him there had been an attempt to enroll him in Ledger Recover. He was then directed to a website and instructed to provide information that allegedly allowed the attackers to access his crypto holdings.

The complaint states that Kim discovered on February 20, 2025, that approximately $1.95 million in cryptocurrency had been transferred from his wallets. It says he has not recovered the assets.

Complaint Links Loss to 2023 Security Incident

The lawsuit connects the incident to a December 2023 compromise involving Ledger’s Connect Kit, a software library used to connect Ledger wallets with decentralized applications.

The complaint alleges that attackers obtained access through a former Ledger employee and used the compromised software to carry out fraudulent transactions. It further alleges, on information and belief, that customer information from the 2023 incident was later used to target Kim.

Looking further, Kim is seeking to represent a nationwide class of Ledger users. The complaint estimates the proposed class could include up to 210,000 people and says total damages could reach at least $500 million.

The lawsuit brings claims including negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract-related duties, promissory estoppel and violations of New York consumer protection laws.

The complaint also requests a jury trial. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the proposed class has not been certified. The case remains pending in the Southern District of New York.

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• Standard Chartered launches institutional BTC and ETH spot trading in the UAE.
• The bank becomes the first G-SIB to offer this service in the UAE.
• Eligible institutions can trade deliverable BTC/USD and ETH/USD through Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels.

Standard Chartered has launched Bitcoin and Ether spot trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates, expanding its regulated digital asset services through its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) entity.

The British multinational bank announced the move on September 3, 2026, saying it has become the first global systemically important bank (G-SIB) to offer institutional digital asset spot trading in the UAE. Standard Chartered also said it is currently the only global bank offering institutional digital asset spot trading in the region.

Trading Available Through Existing Platforms

Eligible institutional clients can access deliverable Bitcoin (BTC/USD) and Ether (ETH/USD) spot trading through Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels. The service is integrated with the bank’s existing platforms, allowing clients to trade digital assets through the same type of foreign exchange interfaces they already use.

Unlike derivatives, spot trading involves the purchase or sale of the underlying asset for delivery. Clients can settle their trades through a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered’s digital asset custody service in the UAE.

Builds on UAE Digital Asset Services

The new trading service adds execution capabilities to the bank’s existing digital asset custody offering, which was launched in the UAE in September 2024.

Standard Chartered initially introduced institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading via its UK branch in July 2025. At the time, the bank became the first G-SIB to offer deliverable spot crypto-asset trading to institutional clients. The UAE launch now extends that service into the Middle East.

The UAE service is provided through Standard Chartered DIFC and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

The bank said the latest expansion forms part of its broader digital asset strategy covering custody, trading and tokenisation services. It also operates digital asset ventures including Zodia Markets and Libeara.

Standard Chartered’s UAE launch comes as financial institutions expand their involvement in regulated cryptocurrency markets, particularly through services designed for professional and institutional investors.

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Ethereum (ETH) Is Standing Its Ground: The Chart Is Starting to Point Toward $3K

• Payward, Kraken’s parent company, reportedly delays its U.S. IPO to Q2 2027 at the earliest.
• Payward reports $508 million in Q2 2026 adjusted revenue, up 17% year over year.
• LSEG partners with Payward to explore tokenized UK-listed shares.

Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, again pushed back its planned initial public offering (IPO) to the second quarter of 2027 at the earliest, according to the CoinDesk report.

The latest timeline extends the delay that began earlier this year, when Payward put its IPO plans on hold amid difficult market conditions. Kraken has not publicly confirmed the new listing date.

Payward IPO Plans Remain on Hold

Payward confidentially submitted a draft S-1 registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2025 as it prepared for a potential U.S. stock market listing. The filing came shortly after the company raised $800 million in funding at a $20 billion valuation.

The company later paused the IPO process in March 2026 as conditions in the cryptocurrency market weakened. The latest report indicates that Payward is now not expected to proceed with the offering before the second quarter of 2027.

The delay comes as crypto companies continue to face changes in trading activity and market valuations. Still, Payward’s financial results have continued to show growth despite the postponed listing.

For the second quarter of 2026, the company reported $508 million in adjusted revenue, an increase of 17% from the same period a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA was $23 million for the quarter, according to the company’s financial disclosure.

Payward also reported a record 6.6 million funded accounts, while assets on its platform reached about $40 billion.

The figures come as Kraken expands beyond its traditional cryptocurrency exchange business. Payward has completed acquisitions including derivatives platform Bitnomial and stablecoin payments company Reap in 2026.

Kraken Expands Into Tokenized Assets

Payward is also developing products outside conventional crypto trading. On September 1, London Stock Exchange Group announced a partnership with Payward to explore tokenized UK-listed shares. The products are expected to be offered through LSE 24, a new trading venue planned for the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

For now, Payward’s IPO remains on hold. If the latest reported schedule holds, the company could pursue a public listing from the second quarter of 2027, depending on market conditions and the progress of its regulatory process.

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• Filecoin (FIL) surged over 16% as trading volume jumped 338%, pushing the token above key technical resistance levels.
• FIL faces resistance around $0.80-$0.81, while rising open interest and positive funding point to increased trader activity.

While the global crypto market attempts to recover from one of its worst phases of the year, with Bitcoin trading above $76K, altcoins are also trying to keep pace with the giant crypto. Among them, Filecoin (FIL) is one of the top performers, posting gains of more than 16% over the past 24 hours and topping the gainers list.

After hitting an all time low of $0.614 on August 18, Filecoin extended its recent recovery as strong trading volume and a technical breakout pushed the cryptocurrency back above key resistance levels.

According to CoinMarketCap data, FIL is currently trading at around $0.7749 with an intraday high of $0.8073, up 16.51% over 24 hours. The move came alongside a sharp increase in trading activity, with CoinMarketCap reporting a 338% rise in volume.

Filecoin (FIL) Technical Analysis

The latest rally follows a strong move from the $0.68 area at the end of August. CoinGecko’s historical data shows FIL closed at $0.682 on August 31 before rising to $0.80 on September 2, marking a sharp two-day recovery.

While checking the FIL/USDT 4-hour chart, Filecoin trading in a bull flag/consolidation pattern with price breaking above the $0.70-$0.72 range. The token climbed from a recent low of $0.6929 to a high of $0.8073, marking a gain of around 16.51%. 

FIL is currently trading above both the 9 and 21-day moving averages, at around $0.7493 and $0.7082 respectively, supporting the short-term bullish trend. The RSI is at 65.21, showing strong momentum while remaining below the overbought zone. 

Zooming in, FIL moved above its 200-day simple moving average near $0.704 and the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level around $0.720. The breakout was accompanied by increased volume, suggesting stronger market participation behind the price move.

Open interest in Filecoin derivatives also increased significantly. CoinMarketCap’s analysis reported open interest rising to about $88.53 million from a previous range of $60 million to $70 million. The funding rate was also positive at 0.0117%, indicating that traders holding long positions were paying funding at the time of the analysis.

Despite the sharp gain, there is no confirmed major Filecoin protocol announcement or new listing that clearly explains the move. Current market analysis instead points to technical momentum, increased speculative activity and interest in Filecoin’s decentralized-storage and artificial-intelligence infrastructure narrative.

Still, FIL is facing resistance around $0.80-$0.81, where the recent rally has started to see some profit-taking. A breakout above this zone could push the price toward $0.82, while $0.75 and $0.71-$0.72 remain important support levels. 

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Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Citi Among 21 Firms Planning U.S. Dollar Stablecoin Launch in 2027

• Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citi and 18 other firms plan a U.S. dollar stablecoin launch in the first half of 2027.
• The 21 financial institutions aim to use the bank-backed stablecoin for blockchain payments, settlement and cross-border transactions.

A group of 21 major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citi and Deutsche Bank, plans to establish a new company to issue a U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin in the first half of 2027.

According to the announcement from the institutions on September 1, they intend to form a new stablecoin company during the second half of 2026, subject to closing conditions. The planned stablecoin will initially be denominated in U.S. dollars, with the group also looking to develop stablecoins linked to other Group of Seven, or G7, currencies. The euro is expected to be a priority for a future expansion.

21 Financial Institutions Join Stablecoin Initiative

The initiative was first announced in October 2025, when the group consisted of 10 banks. It has since expanded to 21 financial institutions as traditional financial firms increase their focus on blockchain-based payment and settlement systems.

Other institutions involved include UBS, Wells Fargo, Fidelity Investments, Santander, BBVA, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, TD, Scotiabank, PNC, Capital One and other major financial firms.

The proposed stablecoin is intended to support payments and settlement using blockchain technology. The group is considering applications across commercial, institutional and, depending on the market, retail use. Cross-border payments and digital-asset transactions are among the potential uses being discussed.

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value against an underlying asset, most commonly the U.S. dollar. The market is currently dominated by non-bank issuers, including Tether and Circle, whose USDT and USDC tokens account for most of the dollar stablecoin market.

At the time of writing, the total stablecoin market cap stands at $313 billion, with USDT accounting for $183.27 billion, while USDC stands at $73.75 billion.

Banks Enter a Growing Stablecoin Market 

The banking consortium will also face competition from other financial-industry initiatives. A separate group of 37 financial institutions has established Qivalis, which is preparing to launch a regulated 1:1 euro-pegged stablecoin later in 2026. BBVA is involved in both initiatives.

The planned bank-backed stablecoin comes as financial institutions continue to explore blockchain technology for moving and settling money. Banks have also been examining tokenized deposits, which represent traditional bank deposits on blockchain networks.

The 21-firm group has not yet announced the name of the new company, the stablecoin’s ticker, its blockchain network or detailed reserve structure. The launch target is therefore a planned timetable rather than a currently available product.

If completed as planned, the initiative would mark a significant coordinated move by major global financial institutions into the stablecoin market, putting established banks in more direct competition with existing crypto-native issuers.

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• GoMining launches Instant Funds for eligible digital Bitcoin miner holders in supported markets.
• Users can use eligible NFT miners as collateral to access USDT or USDC while receiving Bitcoin mining rewards.

GoMining, a platform for tokenized Bitcoin mining, has launched Instant Funds, a new feature that lets eligible holders use digital miners as collateral to access stablecoin liquidity such as USDT or USDC without selling their miners. The feature is now available to eligible users in supported markets after previously being offered in closed mode.

Users can lock an eligible NFT miner as collateral and receive funds directly in their GoMining balance while continuing to receive Bitcoin mining rewards during an active position.

Each Instant Funds position has a 30-day term with 0% APR and automatically renews. An origination fee of 1.5% to 2.5%, depending on the user’s VIP level, is charged when the position is opened and at each 30-day renewal.

How Instant Funds Works

Users can access up to 30% of their miner’s collateral value, with the minimum amount set at $5 and the total available per user capped at $10,000. Multiple positions are allowed as long as they remain within the overall limit.

The miner continues earning Bitcoin while the position remains active and below the liquidation threshold. If the loan-to-value ratio reaches 60%, the position enters a seven-day buyback period. Mining rewards generated after the buyback begins, including rewards earned during any subsequent auction period, are forfeited.

At launch, the feature is limited to miners with energy efficiency of 12 watts per terahash (W/TH) or better. The miner must be held in the user’s platform wallet and cannot be listed on GoMining’s secondary marketplace. Miners linked to an active Mine Now, Pay Later plan or an overdue auto-upgrade subscription are also excluded.

GoMining said it plans to raise the eligibility threshold over time, allowing more miners to qualify for Instant Funds. KYC Level 1 verification is required, while eligible users in the European Economic Area who meet the verification requirements can access funds in USDC.

The feature is now available through the GoMining app in supported markets.

• Nimiq launches its second Mini Apps Competition cycle for developers, AI builders and indie hackers.
• Participants can build open-source apps for Nimiq Pay using the Mini Apps Framework.

Nimiq, an open-source blockchain project focused on digital payments, has opened the second cycle of its Mini Apps Competition. The four-week competition began on Aug. 24, giving developers, AI builders and indie hackers the opportunity to create open-source applications for Nimiq Pay. It offers $17,000 in prizes as part of a three-cycle competition with more than $50,000 in total prizes.

The new round follows the first competition, which attracted 62 Mini App submissions. The competition is built around the Nimiq Pay Mini Apps Framework, which lets developers create and host lightweight web applications that users can access through Nimiq Pay.

Developers Can Build Apps for Nimiq Pay

Nimiq Pay provides the wallet and payment functionality used by Mini Apps, while developers keep control of their applications, infrastructure and intellectual property. The framework also allows developers to distribute their applications without submission fees, platform commissions or revenue sharing.

Nimiq Executive Director Max Burger described the model as an “App Store moment” for crypto payments, saying developers can bring extensions to the Nimiq payment experience directly to users instead of keeping them in separate applications.

The framework is intended to reduce some of the work involved in launching conventional applications through mobile app stores. Developers do not need to build separate payment infrastructure for their Mini Apps, allowing them to focus on building their applications.

The competition is open to developers, AI builders, vibe coders and indie hackers. Participants can use AI development tools during the building process, while eligible projects include games, productivity tools, marketplaces, social experiences and other web applications.

Cycle II runs through Sept. 18. Participants can use the Mini Apps Framework along with competition rules and starter resources to build and launch their applications for Nimiq Pay users.

The competition is part of Nimiq’s broader move to turn its payment app into an open platform where developers can create Mini Apps and distribute them directly to the Nimiq community. The approach gives the payment app additional functionality while allowing developers to build products without operating within a separate distribution platform.

• CertiK found an out-of-bounds write flaw in BitBox02’s USB HID communication.
• BitBox fixed the issue in its July Oeschinen security update after CertiK reported the vulnerability.

Web3 security firm CertiK has identified an out-of-bounds (OOB) write vulnerability in the BitBox02 hardware wallet. BitBox disclosed and fixed the issue in its July Oeschinen security update, crediting CertiK researcher Guanxing Wen for reporting the vulnerability.

The issue highlights that hardware wallet security extends beyond keeping private keys isolated from connected devices. Wallets also need to securely process external commands, firmware updates and transaction data before approving a signature.

Vulnerability Found in Host-Device Communication

According to the disclosure, the vulnerability affected how the BitBox02 firmware handled a specific USB HID control request. The firmware accepted a length value controlled by the connected host without checking it against the size of the destination buffer.

A specially crafted request could therefore cause data to be written outside the intended memory area, potentially leading to a control-flow hijack. The finding shows how an attacker could target the communication path between a hardware wallet and a connected computer or smartphone, even though the private key itself remains on the device.

The issue is not the first hardware wallet security finding involving the researcher. Ledger also disclosed a vulnerability in January 2026 that Guanxing Wen identified through its bug bounty program. The issue affected the MCU firmware update process and involved insufficient validation of a host-provided reset_handler address. Ledger fixed the vulnerability and said user funds were not at risk.

The two vulnerabilities affected different components, but both demonstrate the importance of securing the wider environment around a hardware wallet, including communication protocols, firmware and boot processes.

CertiK’s Hack3D H1 2026 report recorded 344 Web3 security incidents and more than $1.31 billion in losses during the first half of 2026. Wallet compromises accounted for more than $444 million across 33 incidents, making them the most financially damaging attack category during the period.

For users, keeping wallet firmware updated and downloading companion applications only from official sources remain important security measures. Checking transaction details directly on the device also helps ensure that the transaction being signed matches what the user intended to approve.

• THORChain launches version 3.20 with major protocol updates.
• The upgrade introduces native support for Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) swaps.
• It also introduces Protocol-Owned Liquidity, a Stable Reserve and support for Solana, Base and BNB.

THORChain has launched version 3.20 of its decentralized exchange protocol, adding native support for Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) swaps. The upgrade allows users to exchange the two privacy-focused assets directly with cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and stablecoins.

Previously, users looking to move XMR or ZEC into other parts of the crypto market often relied on centralized exchanges, custodial services or additional intermediaries. THORChain’s latest upgrade removes some of those steps by allowing the swaps to take place through its native cross-chain infrastructure.

Native Swaps Without Wrapped Assets

The integration does not require wrapped versions of XMR or ZEC. Users also do not need to create an account or transfer custody of their assets to a centralized exchange, keeping the process within a self-custodial setup.

The addition of Monero is particularly relevant as access to XMR through centralized exchanges has become more limited in several markets. THORChain’s support gives XMR holders another route to trade the asset against other major cryptocurrencies without depositing it with a centralized platform.

Version 3.20 also introduces several other protocol changes. These include Protocol-Owned Liquidity (POL), a new Stable Reserve and renewed support for Solana, Base and BNB.

The Stable Reserve enables stablecoin-to-stablecoin swaps without liquidity fees, while Protocol-Owned Liquidity gives THORChain additional tools to deploy protocol-owned capital across the network.

THORChain already supports native swaps across multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The addition of Monero and Zcash expands that functionality to privacy-focused assets that have traditionally had fewer options for decentralized cross-chain trading.

The upgrade further develops THORChain’s self-custodial model, allowing users to move between native assets across different networks without relying on wrapped tokens or centralized custodians.

• Payouts.com has partnered with the Casper Association to enable AI agent payments through the x402 protocol.
• Casper’s csprUSD will serve as the settlement asset for AI agent transactions across Payouts.com’s platforms.

Payouts.com, a financial operations platform for businesses and AI agents, and the Casper Association, the Swiss non-profit stewarding the Casper Network blockchain, have partnered to bring AI agent payments to production using the x402 payment protocol and csprUSD stablecoin.

Under the partnership, Payouts.com will use Casper Network as a settlement rail for its AgentWallet and Digital Employees platforms. Casper is the first WebAssembly-native Layer 1 running x402 on mainnet, while Payouts.com already supports x402 natively, so the integration does not require changes to the protocol on either side.

Bringing Payments to Autonomous AI Agents

The x402 protocol uses the HTTP “402 Payment Required” status code to enable payments between software applications. This allows AI agents to pay for services such as API calls, data and other digital resources without requiring a person to manually approve every transaction.

Meanwhile, csprUSD will serve as the settlement asset for transactions conducted by AI agents through Casper’s x402 infrastructure. The stablecoin is designed to provide dollar-denominated payments, while transactions are recorded and enforced on the Casper blockchain.

Payouts.com will provide the controls governing an agent’s spending activity, including what it can purchase and when payments can be made. Casper will provide the blockchain-based settlement infrastructure for those transactions. The companies said implementation is already underway, with the integration expected to roll out in phases over the coming months.

Leor Ceder, CEO and co-founder of Payouts.com, said the partnership gives customers a settlement network for AI agent payments that is already operational rather than still under development.

Michael Steuer, President and CTO of the Casper Association, said AI agents will increasingly need payment infrastructure to transact independently online. He described the partnership as combining Payouts.com’s payment controls with Casper’s settlement infrastructure and csprUSD.

The partnership comes as AI agents move beyond generating recommendations and begin carrying out tasks that involve spending money. By combining payment controls with blockchain-based settlement, the two companies are building infrastructure for automated transactions between AI agents and digital services.

• KuMining has launched KAS Cloud Mining, giving eligible users access to Kaspa mining without operating physical ASIC hardware.
• The service offers KAS mining contracts ranging from seven to 360 days, with daily output based on purchased hashrate.

KuMining, the cloud mining platform developed by cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin, has launched KAS Cloud Mining, giving eligible users access to Kaspa mining without having to purchase or operate physical mining equipment.

Kaspa (KAS) uses a Proof-of-Work blockDAG network, where new KAS is issued through mining. With KAS mining increasingly dependent on specialized ASIC hardware, participating directly requires significant investment in equipment, electricity, hosting and maintenance.

KuMining’s new offering provides access to mining hashrate through cloud-based contracts. Eligible users can choose contracts lasting between seven and 360 days and receive variable daily KAS mining output based on their purchased hashrate and the applicable product terms.

Making KAS Mining More Accessible

The cloud mining model removes the need for users to purchase, transport and maintain mining hardware themselves. Instead, KuMining handles the operational side while users receive mining output based on their contracted hashrate.

The service uses a pool-based mining model rather than solo mining, providing users with a more consistent way to participate in KAS mining. However, mining returns can vary, and the service does not guarantee a specific level of output.

KAS Cloud Mining also uses KuMining’s “mine first, pay electricity later” model. Users pay the applicable hashrate fee upfront, while electricity charges are paid over time. KuMining said this structure can reduce the initial cash requirement, although it does not mean the overall cost of mining is lower.

Jolie Du, Chief Operating Officer of KuMining, said the launch is intended to make professional Proof-of-Work mining more accessible to users who may not have the resources to operate specialized equipment.

The service is integrated with KuCoin, allowing users to manage their mining output within the broader exchange ecosystem rather than using separate mining pools, wallets and exchanges.

The KAS launch expands KuMining’s existing multi-asset mining offering and adds another option for users looking to participate in Proof-of-Work mining through cloud-based infrastructure.

• OpenPayd has integrated Circle Payments Network to enable near-instant cross-border fiat payments for businesses.
• The integration uses stablecoins such as USDC and EURC for settlement without requiring businesses to manage blockchain infrastructure.

OpenPayd, a financial infrastructure provider, has integrated with Circle Payments Network (CPN) to enable near-instant cross-border fiat payments for businesses. The integration uses stablecoin infrastructure for settlement, without requiring businesses to manage blockchain technology directly. 

This allows businesses using OpenPayd to send and receive fiat currencies, while stablecoins such as USDC and EURC are used to support settlement. It connects blockchain-based settlement with existing banking and local payment networks. 

Connecting Fiat Payments With Stablecoin Infrastructure

Circle Payments Network acts as a coordination layer between financial institutions involved in cross-border payments. It helps participating institutions coordinate payment and settlement flows using regulated stablecoins while connecting with existing financial infrastructure.

For businesses, this means they can continue working with traditional fiat currencies while accessing the faster settlement capabilities provided by stablecoin infrastructure. OpenPayd said the integration is available through its existing platform, reducing the need for businesses to build separate blockchain payment systems.

The service is already supporting international payment corridors. These include transactions moving from euros to Brazilian real and from British pounds to Mexican pesos, allowing businesses to move money between different fiat currencies with settlements taking place in near real time.

Irfan Ganchi, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Payments at Circle, said the integration gives businesses access to CPN through a single API connection and allows stablecoin infrastructure to operate behind their existing payment experience.

Michael Treacy, Director of Business Development at OpenPayd, said the integration is intended to make stablecoin-based payments more practical for businesses. He noted that customers can use the infrastructure while continuing to make payments in the fiat currencies they already work with.

The partnership adds stablecoin settlement to OpenPayd’s existing financial infrastructure, which includes domestic and international payment rails. For businesses operating across multiple markets, the integration could simplify cross-border money movement by bringing different payment technologies together through a single platform.

• World ID is now integrated with peaqOS, allowing robots to verify human users without accessing their identity.
• The integration uses zero-knowledge proofs and supports applications such as autonomous deliveries and one-per-human verification.

World ID, a digital proof-of-human system developed by World, has been integrated with peaqOS, allowing autonomous robots and machines to verify that they are interacting with a real human without receiving the person’s name, face or other identifying information. 

Launched via robotic.sh, the integration uses World ID’s zero-knowledge proof technology, allowing people to prove their humanity through World App while keeping their underlying identity private. Machines running peaqOS can perform the verification natively without requiring an API key or a per-verification fee.

The development comes as autonomous machines increasingly interact directly with people. Delivery robots, shared machines, and other systems may need to confirm that a user is a real person or has authorization to complete an interaction without collecting or storing personal information.

Traditional verification can rely on PINs, pickup codes, accounts or identity documents. Instead, the autonomous machine receives a proof that the required verification has taken place. This reduces the need to share unnecessary information.

How the Integration Works for Autonomous Machines

peaqOS acts as the coordination layer between the machine and World ID. Machines can use peaq decentralized identifiers for their own identity, discover the verification service through the Machine Market and coordinate the process from the initial request through the verification result.

The integration can also provide a verifiable record that a verification occurred while keeping proof metadata redacted. This allows operators to confirm that a check took place without requiring the machine to collect the user’s identity.

One example is autonomous medication delivery. A patient can verify through World App before an order is accepted, while the delivery robot receives a zero-knowledge proof instead of the patient’s personal information. A pharmacist can verify before loading the medication, and the patient can verify again when the robot arrives, allowing the system to confirm that the recipient matches the human associated with the order before opening the compartment.

Beyond deliveries, the system can also support one-per-human use cases, such as promotional giveaways, as well as shared machines where operators want to confirm that users are unique humans without requiring them to create accounts or provide personal details.

• Everything Protocol’s new whitepaper proposes using one liquidity reserve for swaps, lending, leverage and limit orders.
• The unified model aims to reduce DeFi liquidity fragmentation by allowing the same capital to serve multiple financial functions.

Decentralized finance protocol Everything Protocol has published a new whitepaper outlining a DeFi architecture that combines trading, lending, leverage and limit orders around a single liquidity reserve.

The project says the design aims to address liquidity fragmentation, where different DeFi services often rely on separate pools of capital. Instead, Everything Protocol proposes using the same reserve to support multiple financial functions, allowing liquidity to move between trading, lending and order activity.

Under the model, liquidity providers can earn trading fees while their capital also supports the protocol’s credit market. Capital placed in limit orders can additionally be used for lending until the orders are executed, giving deposited funds another potential source of yield.

Borrowing and Liquidations Rely on Shared Liquidity 

The whitepaper sets out the mathematical and accounting rules behind the system, including measures intended to maintain solvency during periods of market stress. The protocol uses an internal price band rather than relying on an external price oracle for credit decisions. The band is based on the pool’s trading state and time and changes according to predefined rules.

Borrowing and liquidation are also tied to the liquidity available within the same market. This means the system bases lending capacity on the capital that would ultimately absorb liquidations rather than assuming collateral can be sold through another market.

Limit orders and loans share the same tick-based structure, while lending can be enabled for capital waiting in resting orders. The protocol also groups loans at the same liquidation price to process liquidations more efficiently.

The whitepaper outlines a claim hierarchy for stressed conditions, with user escrow separated from the pricing reserve and certain losses first assigned to the junior liquidity provider tranche. The protocol is designed to settle withdrawals in actual tokens rather than protocol IOUs, although voluntary exits involving lent capital may be temporarily limited when sufficient liquidity is unavailable.

Everything Protocol acknowledges that the model still carries risks, including delayed withdrawals for some lent funds, potential losses for junior liquidity providers, governance and upgrade risks, and delays caused by its internal pricing mechanism.

The whitepaper presents the unified reserve as an alternative to using separate liquidity pools across different DeFi applications.

• Besu disclosed five security vulnerabilities identified by CertiK and fixed in version 26.7.1.
• The update added limits for JSON-RPC filters and WebSocket subscriptions.

Ethereum client Besu has disclosed details of five security vulnerabilities identified by blockchain security firm CertiK, all of which were fixed in version 26.7.1 released on July 27. Besu is an open-source Ethereum execution client used on public and private networks.

The issues ranged from Minor to Major severity and were addressed before their technical details were made public on August 14. Besu urged node operators to upgrade to the patched version, giving them time to update their systems before the vulnerabilities were disclosed.

Besu published four security advisories covering the five findings. The vulnerabilities involved block-announcement processing, future-height consensus proposal buffering, WebSocket subscriptions and JSON-RPC filter creation. Under certain configurations, the issues could exhaust node memory or thread capacity, potentially affecting node availability or consensus processing.

Besu Adds New Controls in Version 26.7.1

The vulnerabilities were identified through CertiK’s independent research using its Chain Scan adversarial-testing methodology. Researchers tested Besu on a private, multi-node network and introduced controlled faults across peer-to-peer, HTTP RPC, WebSocket RPC and consensus-facing interfaces while assessing availability and resource-exhaustion risks.

The 26.7.1 release introduced new controls related to two of the affected areas. Besu added a configurable maximum for active JSON-RPC filters and a configurable filter timeout, along with a limit on active WebSocket subscriptions. The release notes also credited CertiK and EF Security for responsible disclosures.

Besu’s advisories now provide operators and developers with public details of the five findings and their remediation. Version 26.7.1 remains the patched release for the vulnerabilities identified by CertiK.

• Flowra launches its Open Orderflow Auction to introduce competitive bidding for Solana transaction inclusion.
• The new Programmable Block Policy gives validators more control over transaction inclusion and compliance requirements.

Solana’s ecosystem is undergoing a major infrastructure shakeup. Flowra, a blockchain infrastructure company has launched a new block-building system for Solana called the Open Orderflow Auction (OOA), which is designed to create more competition around transaction ordering and give validators a larger share of the value generated by MEV.

Right now, a huge portion of Solana’s transaction ordering and MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) market remains tightly concentrated. Traditionally, many validators rely on closed orderflow channels.

Flowra’s new open auction system changes that by allowing registered searchers to compete for transaction inclusion through an open auction instead of relying on private orderflow channels. Flowra says this approach could improve price discovery while giving validators more opportunities to earn from the demand for Solana blockspace.

Early testing showed promising results. On one validator, a Flowra-enabled setup increased compute units per block by 20.6%, taking the validator from 84% to 101% of the network average. The company also reported higher block fees than comparable validator software, along with full block production and 99.999% block engine uptime during the test.

Flowra Adds Validator Controls and Compliance Screening

Alongside the auction, Flowra has introduced Programmable Block Policy, giving validators more control over which transactions are included in their blocks. This could be useful for validators that need to follow specific regulatory or institutional requirements without making changes to the Solana protocol itself.

Flowra has also announced a collaboration with compliance infrastructure provider Honeypot to bring sanctions and risk screening to this block-building layer.

The company said its approach draws from Ethereum’s competitive block-building market, where open bidding has helped increase proposer revenue. Flowra believes Solana’s high transaction throughput and low latency could support a similar model.

Flowra is currently onboarding institutional-grade validators to the Open Orderflow Auction, with a wider rollout expected as participation grows. The system is now available to validators and searchers operating within the Solana ecosystem.

• Binance launches Agent OS to connect AI applications with trading, market data, wallet and payment tools.
• Agent OS uses MCP to let AI assistants interact with external tools and Binance services.
• Users can set permissions and assign agents to dedicated subaccounts for trading activity. 

Binance, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, has rolled out a new developer platform called Agent OS, designed to let AI applications connect directly to Binance’s trading, market data, wallet, payment, and on-chain capabilities across both crypto and traditional markets.

Announced on Thursday as part of its broader Binance Intelligence initiative for AI-driven products, the system aims to fix a major headache for developers: the complex process of linking AI models to live financial markets.

By bringing together the core infrastructure—including Binance APIs, the Wallet Agentic Hub, x402 programmable payments, and the Skill Hub—into a single standardized layer, the platform allows AI builders and traders to set up automated strategies much faster.

MCP Connects AI Assistants to Binance Tools

A standout feature is the integration of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that lets popular AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude securely interact with external tools. Through this setup, users can authorize an AI to pull market data, view portfolio balances, and execute trades without needing custom code for every single action. 

To address security concerns, Binance built strict user controls into the system. Rather than giving an AI access to a main portfolio, the platform requires users to assign agents to dedicated subaccounts with pre-set permissions. The AI can view trading balances and place orders, but it has no access to sensitive personal details like email addresses or identity verification data.

While Binance monitors all resulting trades for safety, the AI’s actual decision-making and reasoning stay entirely within the user’s chosen application. The platform is available now for developers and traders looking to build and test AI-driven financial strategies.

• Bybit’s AI Future City campaign features NVIDIA, Oracle, Adobe and three other companies, with rewards tied to landmark collections and referrals.
• The campaign highlights Bybit’s TradFi Perpetuals, now covering 200+ trading pairs across equities, ETFs, commodities and other assets.

Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, has launched a new campaign built around the growing interest in artificial intelligence and its expansion into traditional financial markets.

Called “Build Your AI Future City,” the campaign runs from August 20 to September 20 and features six companies linked to the AI supply chain: SanDisk, NVIDIA, Marvell, Dell, Oracle and Adobe. Bybit has represented each company through a digital landmark that users can collect during the campaign.

How the Campaign Works and TradFi Perpetuals

The campaign includes a total prize pool of up to $300,000, with individual rewards capped at $2,500. Users can collect landmark fragments by completing campaign activities, including registration, social media tasks and referrals.

Participants who collect all six landmarks can qualify for a $1,000 reward, with the offer limited to the first 500 eligible users. Bybit is also running a leaderboard based on qualified referrals, with the top 200 participants eligible for a separate pool of up to $20,000.

The campaign connects its rewards to Bybit’s TradFi Perpetual Contracts, which allow users to trade perpetual contracts linked to traditional market assets. Rewards from the landmark collection and leaderboard are distributed as position airdrops on perpetual contracts linked to the six featured companies.

The launch comes as Bybit continues expanding its traditional-market trading products, following the introduction of TradFi Perpetual Contracts in April. Bybit said its TradFi Perpetuals now cover more than 200 trading pairs across equities, ETFs, precious metals and crude oil markets in the US and Asia, including pre-IPO asset perpetuals.

The campaign is available to eligible Bybit users globally, although availability may vary by region and account. Bybit has also stated that trading involves risk and that its campaign terms and eligibility requirements apply.

• KuCoin has secured ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System.
• The certification adds AI governance to KuCoin’s existing security, reliability and business continuity standards.

KuCoin has secured ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), marking a new step in the cryptocurrency exchange’s efforts to strengthen how artificial intelligence is managed across its global platform.

As AI becomes more common in financial services, exchanges are increasingly using the technology for areas such as fraud detection, anti-money laundering, risk management, market monitoring, customer support and operational processes. With these applications becoming more important, having clear rules around how AI is developed and used is also becoming essential.

KuCoin Strengthens Its AI Governance Framework

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard specifically designed for managing artificial intelligence systems. The certification provides a structured framework for organizations to oversee AI responsibly, with a focus on accountability, transparency, risk management and ongoing improvement.

For KuCoin, the certification covers its AI management system and the organizational functions supporting it. The company said the framework is intended to help ensure that AI is deployed and monitored in a consistent and responsible way across its operations.

“AI is becoming a foundational capability of digital financial infrastructure, but greater capability must be matched by greater responsibility,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin.

He added that the company believes the future of AI in the industry will depend not only on technological progress but also on building greater trust around its use.

The new certification also adds another layer to KuCoin’s existing security and operational standards. The exchange already holds ISO/IEC 27001 certification for information security, SOC 2 Type II attestation and ISO 22301 certification for business continuity.

With AI playing a growing role in digital finance, KuCoin’s latest certification reflects the broader push toward making these technologies more transparent, accountable and reliable.

• Nexo launches regulated crypto-backed Credit Lines in Australia, allowing eligible clients to access liquidity without selling their digital assets.
• Nexo’s Credit Lines operate under Australia’s National Consumer Credit Protection Act.

Nexo is expanding its presence in Australia with the launch of new crypto-backed Credit Lines, following its appointment as a Credit Representative under Australia’s consumer credit framework.

The new service allows eligible Australian clients to borrow money using their digital assets as collateral, meaning they can access liquidity without having to sell their crypto holdings. The launch gives Nexo a broader offering in the Australian market, bringing borrowing, asset growth, trading and wealth management services together on one platform.

With this milestone, Nexo becomes one of the only digital asset platforms in Australia that offers a regulated credit backed by cryptocurrencies. Nexo Australia is locally incorporated, registered with AUSTRAC as a Virtual Asset Service Provider and is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Borrow Against Crypto Without Selling

Nexo’s Credit Lines are designed for clients who want access to cash while continuing to hold their digital assets.

Eligible users can borrow against a range of supported cryptocurrencies, with funds typically becoming available within 24 hours. The Credit Lines do not have a fixed repayment term and come without origination fees, while clients can make flexible repayments.

Interest rates range from 0.9% to 21.9% per year, depending on the client’s Wealth Club loyalty tier and the version of Credit Line they use.

Borrowers can choose to receive funds in Australian dollars or stablecoins. Nexo is also providing Australian clients with a dedicated AUD account number, which is intended to make local deposits easier and reduce potential delays when moving money between bank accounts and crypto platforms.

Another feature is Collateral Exchange. This allows clients to switch between eligible assets used as collateral without having to close their existing Credit Line. This could be useful for investors who want to adjust their portfolios as market conditions change.

Nexo Adds Booster and Growth Products

The Credit Lines are being introduced alongside other products as Nexo brings its Australian offering under a single platform.

One of the new additions is Nexo Booster, which allows eligible clients to increase their exposure to digital assets by up to three times, with the new positions being used as collateral.

Nexo is also bringing back its Growth product in Australia under the name Nexo Growth.

The product allows clients to earn returns of up to 10% per year on supported assets. Rates depend on the asset and the selected term, and returns are not guaranteed.

Clients can choose between Flexible Growth, where returns accrue daily and funds can be withdrawn on request, and Fixed-term Growth, which provides a higher return rate for assets committed for a specified period.

Wealth Club Links Rewards to Platform Activity

Nexo’s Wealth Club loyalty programme is also part of the Australian offering. The programme has four tiers, with higher levels of activity providing access to benefits such as lower Credit Line rates, cashback and lifestyle rewards. These can include merchandise, event tickets and hospitality experiences.

Nexo said the programme was recognised as Best Wealth Client Loyalty Programme for Digital CX at The Digital Banker’s 2025 Digital CX Awards. The company is positioning the combination of Credit Lines, Growth, Booster, Exchange and Wealth Club as a broader digital wealth platform rather than simply a place to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Ownership and Credit Demand Create Opportunity

Nexo’s Australian expansion comes as cryptocurrency ownership continues to grow in the country.

According to figures cited by the company, nearly one in three Australians now owns cryptocurrency. At the same time, Australia recorded A$9.8 billion in new personal fixed-term loan commitments during the March quarter of 2026, representing a 14.5% increase from the same period a year earlier.

Nexo believes the combination of growing crypto ownership and demand for personal credit could create an opportunity for products that allow people to use their digital assets as part of a wider financial strategy.

“ The Australian market is ready for a better, more integrated model. We built these products to give Australian clients highly cost-competitive credit and the ability to put their digital assets to work, whilst assessing each product against the applicable Australian framework, and building regulatory requirements and consumer protections into the design from the outset,” said Peter Stanhope, General Manager for Australia at Nexo.

The company’s latest move builds on its existing presence in the country. Nexo was previously named the first Official Crypto Partner of the Australian Open. Globally, Nexo says it manages more than US$7 billion in assets and serves clients across more than 200 jurisdictions.

With the new Credit Lines and its wider product range, Nexo is now looking to position itself as a single platform for Australian users who want to borrow against, grow and manage their digital assets.

• SBI Holdings and the Solana Foundation have launched SBI Solana Global to build Japan’s first regulated, on-chain financial market.
• The venture will deploy the Solana blockchain to manage yen stablecoins, tokenized assets, cross-border payments, and AI transaction rails.

SBI Holdings, Inc. and the Solana Foundation have announced a strategic alliance to develop a regulated, on-chain financial market based in Japan. Under the agreement, the Solana Foundation will acquire an equity stake in SBI R3 Japan, which will subsequently be renamed SBI Solana Global Co., Ltd.

The new entity will operate alongside existing major shareholders, including SBI Holdings and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG). According to the joint announcement, the initiative aims to link Japan’s established legal framework and deep financial asset pools directly with the high-speed liquidity of the Solana blockchain network, positioning the country as a core hub for digital asset innovation in Asia.

SBI Solana Global will focus operations on five specific sectors. The venture plans to support the deployment and distribution of the yen-pegged stablecoin JPYSC, alongside tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) like corporate bonds, real estate, and investment funds. 

Additionally, the partnership intends to build infrastructure for cross-border settlements, specialized on-chain services for institutional investors, and next-generation transaction rails optimized for autonomous AI agents. Initial deployment will focus on the Japanese domestic market before expanding services to broader Asian and global financial networks.

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• Mastercard is acquiring BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure firm, for up to $1.8 billion.
• The acquisition aims to integrate stablecoin and blockchain payment capabilities into Mastercard’s global network.

Mastercard Inc. has reached a definitive agreement to acquire BVNK, a London‑based stablecoin infrastructure and payments platform, in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, expanding its digital assets footprint and on‑chain payment capabilities. The agreement, announced on March 17, 2026, includes $300 million in contingent consideration and is expected to close before the end of the year, subject to regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions. 

Under the agreement, Mastercard will integrate BVNK’s technology with its global payments network to enable interoperability between traditional fiat rails and stablecoin‑based digital asset systems. 

BVNK’s platform, founded in 2021, provides infrastructure that bridges fiat currencies with stablecoins and supports payment settlement on all major blockchain networks across more than 130 countries. Mastercard’s investor release cited a rapidly scaling digital currency payments market, with stablecoin volumes estimated at roughly $350 billion in 2025. 

Acquisition Enhances Mastercard’s Digital Payment Services

The acquisition is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to expand beyond conventional card‑based networks and strengthen its involvement in digital assets, including stablecoins and tokenized deposits. The company recently launched its Crypto Partner Program to improve interoperability between traditional financial rails and blockchain networks.

Mastercard expects the combined capabilities to support a wider array of payment use cases for financial institutions, fintech firms, and businesses, including cross‑border remittances, business‑to‑business settlements, and programmable transactions.

Mastercard’s Chief Product Officer Jorn Lambert said “This acquisition reinforces what we have always done, using innovation and technology to power economies and empower people. Adding on-chain rails to our network will support speed and programmability for virtually every type of transaction.”

Before the deal, BVNK had attracted investment from major backers including Citi Ventures and Visa Ventures and had been the subject of previous acquisition discussions—reportedly with both Coinbase and Mastercard at valuations in the $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion range.

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Metaplanet Moves 4,986 BTC to New Wallets; Stock Drops 12%

• Metaplanet transferred 4,986 BTC ($368M) from dormant wallets, marking its first major activity in three months.
• The company aims to acquire 210,000 BTC, currently holding 35,102 BTC, while raising up to $531M through shares and warrants.

Japan-based Tokyo-listed Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet Inc. transferred 4,986 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at about $368 million, from its cold storage to new wallets on Tuesday, as per Arkham Intel, a blockchain analytics platform. 

This marks the first huge activity from Metaplanet’s long‑dormant wallet in almost three months. On‑chain analysts note that the transfer involved multiple test transactions before larger amounts were relocated, suggesting internal restructuring rather than a sale on public markets. 

The move follows Metaplanet’s ongoing strategy to fund Bitcoin accumulation through capital markets. On March 16, the Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm raised $255 million from global institutional investors via a new share placement. The transaction also included warrants that could potentially unlock an additional $276 million, bringing the total potential capital to $531 million.

Metaplanet has set a long-term target of acquiring 210,000 BTC, which would represent roughly 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply. Currently, the company holds 35,102 BTC, reflecting its strategy of steady accumulation over time. Often referred to as “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” the firm uses these capital-raising structures to expand its Bitcoin holdings while continuing to treat the cryptocurrency as a core treasury asset.

At the same time, over the last 30 days, public Bitcoin treasury companies have increased their Bitcoin holdings by about 3.6%. Together, they now hold around 1.178 million BTC, worth over $87 billion.

This growth is mainly due to companies like Strategy buying more Bitcoin when prices dropped. These firms are becoming important buyers in the Bitcoin market, adding to their holdings for the long term rather than for quick trades.

Metaplanet Stock Falls Amid Bitcoin Transfer

However, following the Bitcoin movement and broader market dynamics, Metaplanet’s stock (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 3350) experienced a notable decline. Shares fell by over 12%, closing at 344 yen on Tuesday, after trading between approximately 342 yen and 390 yen during the session. Trading volume for the stock reached around 63 million shares, more than double its recent average.

Market observers attributed the stock’s drop partly to profit‑taking pressures as Bitcoin itself traded lower amid cautious sentiment ahead of macroeconomic events. Some analysts also noted that large treasury movements can prompt investor uncertainty, even if the transfers are for internal management.

At this stage the company has not publicly indicated that the BTC transfer represents a sale or upcoming sale on exchanges, and reports describe the relocation as part of internal balance sheet adjustments. 

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Bitcoin Hits 6-Week High Amid $330M Short Liquidations

• Pi Network Coin price jumped 30% as Kraken trading goes live today at 15:00 UTC.
• Pi Coin approaching $0.30, a level of historical resistance.

Pi Network’s PI token surged sharply on Friday, rising about 30% during Asia’s morning trading hours. According to CMC data, the token climbed from an intraday low of $0.2356 to an intraday high of $0.2969, levels not seen since October 27, 2025, when it faced multiple rejections near $0.30. The strong rally lifted PI’s weekly gain to nearly 45%, with the current price staying around $0.2920.

The Pi Coin price jumped after major U.S. crypto exchange Kraken confirmed on Twitter (now X) that it plans to list the Pi token on March 13, 2026, with trading set to begin at 15:00 UTC. The news rekindled investor interest and speculative buying. The timing coincides with the upcoming Pi Day on March 14, a date historically associated with increased attention to the Pi Network ecosystem. Market analysts suggest that the combination of exchange-driven demand and Pi Day anticipation fueled the sharp upward momentum.

Following the confirmation, PI Coin surged to the $0.29 area, up more than 125% from its all-time low of $0.1312, recorded on February 11, 2026.

Technical View: Bullish Signs for Pi Coin

According to the Pi Network/USDT one-day chart, the Pi Coin is currently testing a breakout from a bullish ascending triangle pattern with price action coiling against a horizontal resistance ceiling between $0.298 and $0.300. 

From a technical perspective, Pi Coin price action shows continued bullish strength. The daily chart indicates a 9-day moving average (MA) of 0.2319 crossing above the 21-day MA at 0.1960, confirming a bullish MA cross pattern. 

Zooming in, the RSI has climbed to 79.95, indicating that the token is in overbought territory, although strong buying pressure remains. If Pi Coin continues its rally and the Kraken listing adds momentum, the token could face immediate resistance near the session high of $0.30. If it breaks and sustains above this level, the next potential target could approach $0.32, based on historical price action and psychological thresholds.

Still, since Pi has faced multi-month resistance near the $0.30 range, any extended rejection could push the token back toward key support levels at $0.2319 and $0.1960. Historically, new exchange listings have triggered short-term price spikes, so the Kraken listing may lift the price again, though such gains could be temporary.

Overall, the recent surge in PI reflects a mix of market anticipation and technical momentum. Whether the rally can extend past $0.30 and consolidate in the $0.27–$0.30 range ahead of Pi Day remains to be seen.

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• Ayush Varshney, co-founder of Darwin Labs, has been arrested by India’s CBI in the GainBitcoin multi-crore scam.
• Darwin Labs developed the MCAP crypto token, smart contracts, and platforms used in the fraudulent GainBitcoin operation.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ayush Varshney, co‑founder and Chief Technology Officer of Darwin Labs Private Limited, in connection with the alleged GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud, officials said on Wednesday. The alleged scam is now estimated to be worth at least ₹20,000 crore and is believed to involve around 29,000 mined bitcoins. Investors were reportedly enticed with promises of high returns from Bitcoin‑linked investments.

The CBI issued a Look Out Circular for Varshney after he went into hiding. On March 9, immigration officials at Mumbai’s airport stopped him when he was allegedly attempting to leave India, and he was formally arrested the next day.

Darwin Labs Built MCAP Token; CBI Probe Ongoing

According to the agency, Darwin Labs played a key role in creating the technological infrastructure for the GainBitcoin operation, including developing a cryptocurrency token called MCAP along with ERC-20 smart contracts and platforms used by the scheme. The operation, which was launched in 2015 under the façade of Variabletech Pte Ltd, also included a Bitcoin mining pool, payment gateway and investor portal, authorities said.

The CBI is investigating the case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The probe aims to trace misappropriated funds and identify other individuals involved, with further developments expected as the investigation continues.

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• Pump.fun (PUMP) rose 6.29% in 24 hours to $0.002076, trading between $0.001936 and $0.002086 during the session.
• The platform has requested dismissal of a class-action lawsuit in a New York federal court.

While the global crypto market seems to take breath as BTC climbs back to $70K zone, the token linked to Pump.fun recorded a modest rise in the latest trading session, with the price currently trading around $0.002076. 

Over the past 24 hours, the token has gained about 6.29%, moving within a relatively narrow intraday range. During this period, the crypto asset recorded a low of $0.001936 and a high of $0.002086, showing moderate volatility as buyers attempted to push the price above the $0.00208 level.

The token’s current rally comes while the platform continues to attract attention due to ongoing legal developments. Pump.fun and several of its officers have filed a motion in a New York federal court seeking dismissal of a class-action complaint filed by memecoin buyers.

The lawsuit, filed earlier in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that tokens created through the platform may qualify as unregistered securities under U.S. law. The company argues that the claims are insufficient and has requested the court to dismiss the case at an early stage.

PUMP Trades in Short-Term Sideways Range

From a technical perspective, the daily chart shows PUMP trading in a short-term consolidation phase after a decline earlier in February. The price is currently positioned slightly above the 9-day and 21-day moving averages, both located near $0.00196, indicating limited short-term upward momentum. A sustained hold above these averages suggests that buyers are attempting to stabilize the price after recent weakness.

Meanwhile, the momentum indicators remain neutral. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is around 52, which indicates balanced market conditions without strong overbought or oversold pressure.

If the current positive momentum continues, Pump.fun could test the immediate resistance near $0.00220, followed by a broader resistance area around $0.00240 if buying pressure increases.

If the price fails to hold above the recent crossover of the 9-day and 21-day moving averages, located around $0.00196 and $0.00194, the next key support level is visible near $0.001914, which coincides with the moving average region and recent consolidation zones.

Overall, the market structure suggests that PUMP is currently trading within a sideways range, with whether the price can maintain support above $0.00196 or move toward the next resistance levels in the near term.

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• Nasdaq and Kraken are partnering to let companies issue tokenized shares that carry full legal rights like traditional stocks.
• The platform is expected to launch in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Nasdaq has announced a partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Kraken and its parent company Payward to develop infrastructure for tokenized stocks and related equity products. The collaboration aims to enable publicly traded companies to issue and trade blockchain‑based versions of their shares while preserving legal rights and regulatory oversight.

Under the plan, Nasdaq will build an “equity token design” that allows tokenized versions of stocks and exchange‑traded products (ETPs) to be integrated with its regulated market systems. Each tokenized share will remain legally equivalent to the underlying security, with holders entitled to the same voting rights and dividend benefits as traditional shareholders. The approach is designed to maintain issuer control, investor protections, and market integrity.

How Nasdaq and Kraken Plan to Trade Tokenized Shares Securely

Kraken’s role will focus on distribution and settlement infrastructure through its xStocks tokenized equities framework. The companies said they plan to build an “equities transformation gateway” to move tokenized shares between Nasdaq systems and blockchain networks. This allows investors to trade digital shares securely within a regulated environment.

xStocks has already processed significant transaction volume and has tens of thousands of holders, reflecting growing adoption of tokenized equity products. 

The initiative builds on a Nasdaq proposal filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2025 to support trading and settlement of tokenized securities alongside traditional shares. Nasdaq expects the equity token design and related services to become operational in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

Nasdaq President Tal Cohen said tokenization could enhance how investors access markets and how issuers engage with shareholders. The collaboration reflects broader industry interest in bridging traditional finance infrastructure with blockchain‑based systems. 

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• Memecore is trading around $1.42 after facing resistance near $1.60 and support near $1.30.
• Technical signals like moving averages, RSI, and MACD suggest early signs of potential recovery, but the coin remains in consolidation.

Memecore (M) has been navigating a prolonged consolidation phase after experiencing a sharp correction from its previous highs. While the global crypto market sentiment remains mixed, technical indicators suggest that a potential trend reversal could be forming on the daily timeframe.

At the time of writing, Memecore is trading around $1.42, showing modest intraday volatility. The memecoin has been moving within a tight range over the past several weeks, hinting at indecision between buyers and sellers.

Memecore recently faced rejection near the $1.60 resistance zone, which aligns with the upper boundary of its recent consolidation range. On the downside, immediate support is located near $1.28–$1.30, a level that has repeatedly attracted buying pressure.

A decisive breakout above $1.60 could open the door to $1.80 and potentially push toward the $2.00 psychological resistance level. However, if the meme coin fails to hold above $1.30, it may expose the token to further downside toward the $1.15 support region.

The narrowing price structure suggests that a volatility expansion may be approaching, as the market prepares for its next significant move.

Technical Indicators Signal Early Recovery Signs

On the daily chart, the 9-day moving average sits at $1.4179, while the 21-day moving average stands at $1.3802. Importantly, the 9 MA is positioned above the 21 MA, signaling a short-term bullish crossover structure. This indicates that near-term momentum is attempting to shift in favor of buyers after weeks of downside pressure.

The meme coin price is currently trading slightly above both moving averages, suggesting that bulls are trying to establish short-term control. Still, a sustained hold above this MA cluster is required to confirm continuation strength. If the price closes decisively above the recent swing highs, the bullish MA alignment could gain further confirmation.

Meanwhile, the RSI (14) reads 49.72, with its moving average at 46.83. RSI hovering near the 50 midpoint reflects neutral momentum. Notably, RSI has recovered from oversold territory seen earlier in the downtrend, suggesting selling pressure has weakened. A move above 55–60 would strengthen bullish momentum confirmation.

Also, the MACD indicator is showing early signs of convergence. The histogram is gradually shrinking, suggesting that bearish momentum is weakening. A confirmed expansion above the zero line would significantly strengthen the reversal case.

Zooming in, the Bollinger Bands are tightening, signaling reduced volatility. With price hovering near the mid-band ($1.3961), Memecore remains in consolidation. A sustained breakout above $1.5124 could trigger bullish expansion, while a breakdown below $1.2797 may invite renewed downside pressure.

If buying volume increases alongside a breakout, Memecore could shift from consolidation to recovery mode. Memecore’s current structure suggests accumulation rather than aggressive selling. While confirmation is still needed, momentum indicators are gradually improving.

For now, the $1.60 resistance and $1.30 support zones are important. A breakout or breakdown from this range will likely determine the token’s next directional move.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Elizabeth Warren Presses OCC Over UAE Stake in World Liberty Application

• Bitcoin fell back to $65.7K despite $761 million in spot ETF inflows over two days.
• Analyst Willy Woo said selling pressure may be nearing exhaustion while prices remain between $60,000 and $70,000.

Bitcoin (BTC) slipped on Friday as short-term gains from renewed institutional inflows gave way to lingering market uncertainty. According to CMC data, BTC fell back to the $65.7K zone before recovering to trade around $66.3K, down approximately 1.04% over the past 24 hours as of the evening session. The intraday high before the drop was $68,220.41, marking a decline of about 2.8% from the day’s peak to the session low.

Yesterday, Bitcoin saw a notable daily surge of about 5%, lifting prices near $68,843.35, driven mainly by strong inflows into Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which indicated some return of investor interest.

Inflows into spot BTC ETFs on 26 February 2026 totaled approximately $254.46 million, followed by a $506.51 million inflow on 25 February, marking the largest single-day positive net flow since February 2, according to data tracked by crypto data provider SoSoValue.

The net result of these flows was a short-term price reprieve after a multi-week period in which BTC had been range-bound roughly between $60,000 and $70,000.

However, the uptick proved temporary. After the brief rally, prices remained constrained within the upper $60,000s because broader institutional demand has been uneven.

Analyst Says Selling Pressure Near Exhaustion

On 27 February 2026, Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo posted on X that “this bearish sell-down by investors seems to have exhausted,” indicating that recent selling pressure may be waning as prices continue to trade between roughly $60,000 and $70,000.

In his post, Woo suggested that this exhaustion could give Bitcoin a period of sideways consolidation or stability over the next month, potentially opening a window for prices to trade relatively flat or test higher levels near the mid-$70,000s, although he noted that such a rebound “would likely be rejected” if underlying demand doesn’t strengthen.

Bitcoin’s trading range has been relatively stable in the past three weeks, including a brief dip below $67,000 during late trading before rebounding. Even as selling pressure shows signs of tempering, the broader market environment remains cautious due to constrained liquidity in both the spot and futures markets and the absence of sustained, strong institutional inflows.

• Chainlink (LINK) is consolidating below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, showing limited short-term momentum.
• Immediate support is near $8.80–$8.20, while resistance stands at $10 and the 50-day MA.

As the cryptocurrency market rose today, supported by a strong short squeeze and resumed institutional inflows, Chainlink (LINK) has shown modest upside, trading around $9.24, with a daily low of $9.08 and a high of $9.54. 

While short-term volatility continues to draw attention, LINK remains positioned above a key monthly low between $7 and $7.3. Strong accumulation and buying interest have historically been seen in this area on longer timeframes. It now represents an important structural level, separating broader downside risk from the potential for a sustained recovery if maintained. 

Major altcoins followed Bitcoin’s move, posting notable gains as overall market sentiment shifted away from extreme fear levels. At the time of writing, LINK is priced at $9.25 with a market cap of $6.5 billion. Still, the token’s price action continues to reflect consolidation below key moving averages.

Technical Overview: LINK Consolidates Below Key Moving Averages

On the daily timeframe, Chainlink remains below its 50-day MA near $10.63 and the 200-day MA around $16.21, with the bearish crossover structure still intact. Both moving averages are sloping downwards, a pattern typically associated with sustained downward pressure. The 50-day MA is currently acting as near-term resistance.

The RSI on the daily chart is near neutral at roughly 49, having rebounded from oversold territory earlier. This indicates that recent selling pressure has eased, but that bullish momentum has not yet strengthened meaningfully.

Zooming in, the MACD indicator remains close to the zero line, with no confirmed bullish crossover. This suggests limited directional momentum in either direction at present.

Meanwhile, Bollinger Bands are moderately wide, and the price is trading nearer to the lower band, reflecting recent consolidation and volatility contraction. Price hugging the lower band typically suggests the market is range-bound, rather than signaling a breakout.

If LINK continues the seesaw movement, the immediate support levels are found near the $8.80–$8.20 range, with additional support below these levels if selling pressure intensifies. If momentum picks up further, near-term resistance lies at $10.00, with the 50-day MA serving as a key technical barrier. Overall, Chainlink’s price action suggests continued consolidation in the short term.

• Bitcoin’s correlation with U.S. stocks has dropped to its lowest level since the FTX collapse in late 2022.
• Bitcoin remains below key moving averages, with support near $64,000 and resistance near $70,000.

Bitcoin’s price relationship with major equity indexes has weakened sharply, falling to its lowest level since the collapse of FTX in late 2022, according to on-chain data from analytics firm Santiment. Over the past six months, the statistical correlation between Bitcoin and U.S. stocks has declined by approximately 43%, a level not seen since the period following the FTX failure.

During this same period, traditional risk assets have performed differently. The S&P 500 index rose about 7%, while the price of gold climbed roughly 51%. By contrast, Bitcoin recorded a roughly 43% decline over the past six months, highlighting a notable divergence in returns across leading asset classes.

Santiment said the current dislocation represents the weakest observed correlation between Bitcoin and stocks since late August, indicating that Bitcoin is currently moving largely independently of traditional equity trends. The firm’s analysis noted that such pronounced breaks in historical correlation “have typically been followed by a reversion” in past cycles. 

Bitcoin Price Shows Weakness

This pronounced breakdown in correlation coincides with clear signs of technical weakness in Bitcoin’s price structure. Bitcoin’s price is showing a small recovery but remains weak overall. On the daily chart, BTC is trading around $65,420, after reaching an intraday high of about $66,284.59 and a low near $62,553.19 during the day, gaining about 5%.

But the technical picture is still bearish. The 50-day moving average, currently near 79,672 USDT, is below the 200-day moving average, which is around 98,159 USDT. This “death cross” indicates that the medium-term trend is downward. Bitcoin’s price is also well below both these averages, suggesting that the current rise is not a strong recovery.

The BTC price has been moving within a range between roughly $60,000 and $70,000 in recent weeks. This pattern shows the price is consolidating but still making lower highs, which means sellers are still in control.

Zooming in, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), a momentum indicator, is at 35.26. It has bounced back from oversold levels but remains below the neutral 50 mark, signaling that downward momentum continues.

If BTC maintains the pressure key, near-term support is visible around $63,900–$64,000, followed by the  important psychological level of $60,000. A drop below 60,000 could lead to further declines toward 55,000 USDT. On the upside, resistance is expected near 70,000 USDT and then at the 50-day moving average around 79,672 USDT. The 200-day moving average near 98,159 USDT also acts as a major resistance level.

Overall, Bitcoin’s price is in a weak position and shows no clear sign of reversing the recent downward trend.

• Michael Saylor confirmed that the cryptocurrency market is currently in a crypto winter, describing it as milder and shorter than previous cycles.
• Since February 1, Bitcoin and major altcoins have declined, with BTC trading around $68,000 and ETH near $1,980 as of today.

Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor has said the cryptocurrency market is in a “crypto winter,” acknowledging the sustained downturn after earlier statements that such a phase would not return. In a Tuesday interview on Fox Business, Saylor described the current market drawdown as a significant correction, marking what he called the fifth major drawdown for Bitcoin since he entered the space. He characterised this cycle as “milder” and potentially shorter than the downturns seen in past cycles, citing institutional interest and policy support.

Michael Saylor later reiterated similar sentiment in a post on X, saying: “We may be in the middle of a crypto winter, but spring is coming — and Bitcoin is winning.”

Saylor’s comments come as Strategy continues to accumulate Bitcoin. Between Feb. 9 and Feb. 16, the firm acquired 2,486 BTC for approximately $168.4 million at an average price of about $67,710 per coin. The purchase brings its total holdings to 717,131 BTC, as per the 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. This makes Strategy one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, even as its aggregate cost basis remains above current prices, reflecting unrealized paper losses.

Saylor also said Strategy could withstand a further sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price, stating in public remarks that the company could survive even if BTC were to fall as low as $8,000 given its cash reserves and capital structure.

Also, Saylor pointed to what he described as stronger institutional and political support for Bitcoin compared with prior bear markets, citing the development of digital credit networks and a U.S. administration he views as supportive of digital assets.

Feb. 5–6 Liquidations Drive Significant Market Decline Across Major Cryptocurrencies

Over $1.45 billion in leveraged positions were liquidated across major cryptocurrencies within a 24‑hour period on Feb. 5, 2026, marking one of the largest single‑day liquidation events in recent weeks. Bitcoin accounted for roughly $738.83 million of those liquidations, with Ethereum’s long positions near $337.45 million and Solana around $77.28 million. Long positions made up the bulk of these forced closures as prices breached key support levels.

Additionally, Feb. 6 saw an even broader cascade of forced closures, with derivatives platforms showing roughly $2.6 billion future positions in total liquidations as Bitcoin briefly plunged toward $60,000 before rebounding later in the day and the Fear & Greed Index fell into extreme fear territory. Over 580,000 trader positions were reportedly wiped out during that period amid the steep price swings. 

Crypto market performance has started to move downward with mixed results since the beginning of February. The largest single short-term drop occurred on Feb. 6, when Bitcoin fell from around $71,681 to $60,074 intraday, a drop of around 16%. As of today, Bitcoin is trading around $68,000, down approximately 15% from its price near $79,322 on Feb. 1. Data from CMC show BTC’s market cap remains above $1.34 trillion.

Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest token by market cap, traded near $2,400 at the start of February, then fell below $1,748 during the early-month downturn before stabilising. As of today, ETH is trading around $1,970–$1,990, down roughly 27% since Feb. 1. The ETH market cap remains above $237 billion.

Other major tokens such as XRP and Solana (SOL) experienced similar patterns. XRP began February near $1.62, briefly retreating toward $1.15 before recovering slightly to trade near $1.45–$1.50 today, a decrease of more than 10% since the start of the month. SOL started February above $100–$115, dropped below $75 on Feb. 6, and currently trades near $82–$86, down roughly 12–15%.

However, analysts note that upcoming developments, such as potential ETF activity and continued institutional buying, could influence market momentum in the coming weeks.

Highlighted Crypto News:

BlackRock Begins Acquiring Ethereum Ahead of Staking ETF Launch

• BlackRock has begun acquiring Ethereum for its upcoming staking ETF, planning to stake up to 95% of holdings.
• Ethereum is trading below key moving averages, with support near $1,968 and resistance at $2,012 and $2,198.

BlackRock Inc. has begun acquiring Ethereum ahead of the planned launch of its iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (expected ticker: ETHB), according to an amended S-1 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

A BlackRock affiliate seeded the trust with 4,000 shares at $25 each — equivalent to $100,000 in initial capital — activating the ETF creation process and enabling the fund to begin building an ETH position. Under the updated filing, the ETF intends to stake between 70% and 95% of its total Ethereum holdings under normal market conditions, with the remainder held in unstaked form to support daily creations, redemptions, and operational liquidity.

Estimated staking rewards based on early 2026 network metrics are around 3% annualized, though BlackRock notes these figures are not fixed and could change with network participation. Of the gross staking rewards generated, investors are projected to receive 82%, with 18% combined going to BlackRock and its execution agent, Coinbase Prime, reflecting the agreed fee structure. On top of this, the ETF will charge an annual sponsor fee of 0.25%, temporarily reduced to 0.12% for the first $2.5 billion of assets under management in the first 12 months after launch.

The product aims to combine traditional price exposure with yield generation from Ethereum’s proof-of-stake ecosystem, providing regulated ETF access to both components. But, ETH price remain in a clear downtrend following a sharp sell-off from the 3,300 region to a recent low near 1,800. 

Ethereum Trades Below Key Moving Averages as Momentum Remains Weak

According to CoinMarketCap data, ETH is trading near $1,995.50 at the time of writing. Intraday range shows a low around $1,941 with a high near $2,037 over the past 24 hours, and market cap above $240 billion. Trading volume and open interest have seen modest increases alongside ETF developments.

On the ETH/USTD chart ETH price trading below the 9-day moving average at $2,012.07 and the 21-day moving average at $2,198.45, indicating continued downward momentum. This shows  ETH forming lower highs and lower lows, with recent trading consolidating just below the $2,000 level.

Zooming in, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 34.55, above the oversold threshold but still indicating weak momentum. If Ethereum continues to the downside, immediate support is found near $1,950.68, with a stronger support level around $1,800. If ETH gains momentum with new ETF inflows, resistance levels are seen at $2,130 and $2,298, with a more distant resistance near $3,136. Unless the price reclaims the short-term moving averages, the prevailing structure remains technically bearish.

• MemeCore (M) went up 19% in 24 hours and is now trading at $1.50, after reaching a high of $1.59 during the day.
• The memecoin is facing resistance at $1.59 and has support around $1.27, showing steady trading activity.

MemeCore (M), a memecoin that recently peaked at $1.60, has seen a strong rebound in the recent days. MemeCore has gained 19% in the past 24 hours and is currently trading around $1.50, holding above its intraday low of $1.27. The token reached an intraday high of $1.59 but faced rejection near that level, causing a slight pullback to the current price.

But, Memecore’s trading volume and active addresses remain solid, reflecting sustained interest despite price fluctuations. The token’s market capitalization stands around $1.92 billion, with a daily trading volume of $10.87 million, up 37%.

MemeCore 24-H Price Outlook

MemeCore’s price has been moving within a range after pulling back from its peak. The 9-day moving average currently sits at $1.41, while the 21-day moving average is slightly higher at $1.46, suggesting some short-term momentum building. The price recently crossed above the 9-day moving average, which signals a positive momentum in the short term.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is near the midpoint at 51.31, indicating that the token is neither overbought nor oversold. This neutral reading suggests that MemeCore still has room to move in either direction depending on market dynamics.

From a technical viewpoint, if MemeCore continues the rally the next resistance level is near $1.59, close to the recent high, which could act as a barrier if buying pressure continues. On the downside, the immediate support appears around $1.27, the recent low, which could provide a floor if sellers gain control again.

Overall, MemeCore’s current price action and technical indicators suggest cautious optimism. If the token breaks above the $1.59 resistance, it may attract further buying, while a fall below $1.27 could lead to deeper correction.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Raydium (RAY) on the Rise: Are Bulls Positioned to Test the $0.75 Resistance?

• Polygon earned more in daily transaction fees than Ethereum, reaching over $407k per day.
• The increase in fees was largely driven by activity on Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market on the Polygon network.

Polygon, a blockchain network built to scale Ethereum, has recorded higher daily transaction fee revenue than Ethereum for the first time ever, according to data from Token Terminal. The figures show that on Friday, Polygon earned $407.121K in transaction fees, while Ethereum generated $211.790K in the same 24‑hour period, marking a notable shift in network activity.

Over the following day, the trend continued until Sunday with a record of $303.9923K volume. On the latest close, Polygon’s daily transaction fees slightly slipped to $186.508k compared with about $262.710k on Ethereum.

Analysts and blockchain data observers attribute the surge in Polygon’s fee revenue mainly to heavy usage of Polymarket, a prediction market platform operating on the network. According to Matthias Seidl, co-founder of the analytics platform growthepie, recent increases in activity “have been fully driven by Polymarket,” with the platform generating more than $1 million in fees for Polygon over the past seven days.

Impact of Polymarket and Stablecoin Activity on Polygon’s Fees

Polymarket’s user engagement appears to have contributed considerably to the shift in on‑chain activity, as users place real‑world event wagers that require frequent transactions. Polymarket is a major prediction market platform in the blockchain space, which began operating in 2020 supported by Polygon.  Polygon itself noted that, in one instance related to an Oscars market, more than $15 million in wagers were placed, further driving fee generation.

In addition to prediction market growth, Polygon has seen increased use of stablecoins on its network, particularly USDC, which has reached new weekly highs in transaction counts. This uptick in stablecoin activity suggests broader adoption across decentralized finance use cases.

While Ethereum remains the largest smart contract platform by market value and overall activity, these fee metrics reflect a momentary shift in daily revenue generation. Discussions in the blockchain community now focus on whether such patterns will persist and how they might influence long‑term network competition.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Bundesbank President Urges Development of Euro-Pegged Stablecoins and Retail CBDC

• Joachim Nagel supports euro-pegged stablecoins and a retail digital euro to reduce EU reliance on U.S. dollar payment systems.
• The Bundesbank says any digital euro or stablecoin framework must meet financial stability and regulatory standards.

Germany’s central bank president has urged faster progress on euro-pegged stablecoins and a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), arguing that such tools are necessary to reduce the European Union’s dependence on U.S. dollar-based payment systems.

Speaking at the New Year’s Reception of the American Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt am Main, Joachim Nagel, president of the Deutsche Bundesbank, said Europe must strengthen its monetary sovereignty as digital finance expands. “If we want to remain independent in payments, we need European solutions,” he said, referring to the growing dominance of dollar-denominated stablecoins and non-European infrastructure.

Nagel pointed to ongoing work by the European Central Bank on a retail digital euro, which would allow households and businesses to hold central bank money in digital form. He described the project as an important complement to cash and existing online payment options. “A digital euro would ensure that central bank money remains accessible in the digital age,” he said.

Focus on Stablecoin Regulation and Wholesale CBDC Development

In addition to a public digital currency, Nagel expressed support for properly regulated euro-backed stablecoins issued by private firms. Such instruments, he noted, could ease cross-border transactions within the European Union and help reduce reliance on dollar-linked tokens. He stressed that any stablecoin framework must meet strict standards for financial stability, transparency, and consumer protection.

Nagel also highlighted the potential for a wholesale CBDC designed for financial institutions, particularly for improving settlement efficiency and enabling programmable payments.

His remarks reflect broader concern among European policymakers that heavy dependence on foreign currency payment systems could expose the bloc to external regulatory and geopolitical pressures. Discussions on technical design, privacy safeguards, and regulatory structures for both the digital euro and euro-pegged stablecoins remain ongoing.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Hong Kong Grants Crypto License to Victory Fintech, Expands Regulated Digital Asset Market

• Bittensor (TAO) rose 20% intraday, trading between $160.17 and $208.10 while holding above recent support.
• Short-term indicators show improving momentum, with resistance near $210 and support around $160–$170.

Bittensor (TAO) recorded a strong move higher in the latest session, rising roughly 20% on the day as buyers pushed the token off recent lows. The rally comes after an extended corrective phase that had weighed on price action for several weeks. At the time of writing, TAO priced at $191 with a market cap of $2.04 billion. 

Over the past 24 hours, TAO traded between an intraday low of $160.17 and a high of $208.10, reflecting renewed volatility and increased trading activity.

Daily Chart Shows Strong Single-Day Bounce

On the daily chart, the recovery follows a sustained downtrend that pulled the token from levels above $300 toward the $150–$160 region. The recent bounce marks one of the strongest single-day advances in this corrective cycle. Price is now attempting to stabilize near the $190 area, reducing immediate downside pressure.

Technically, short-term indicators are beginning to improve. The 9-day moving average is turning upward and attempting to cross back above the 21-day moving average, a development often monitored for early signs of momentum shifts. However, TAO price still trades below the longer-term moving average near the $260–$270 region, suggesting that the broader trend remains under pressure despite the rebound.

Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has recovered to around 48 after recently dipping near oversold territory around 30. This indicates that bearish momentum has eased, though the indicator remains below the 50 midpoint, reflecting a market that is still in transition rather than a confirmed uptrend.

If TAO trades on the same page the immediate resistance is now seen near $200–$210, aligned with the session high of $208.10. A sustained move above that zone could open the door toward $220–$240. On the downside, $170–$160 remains key support, with a break below potentially reintroducing selling pressure.

• Humanity Protocol traded between $0.1832 and $0.2428 during the session, remaining above the $0.20 level.
• MACD shows positive momentum while RSI is near 66, with resistance at $0.25 and support around $0.18.

Humanity Protocol (H) has staged a strong comeback this week, climbing back into the $0.20 range and signaling a notable shift in short-term momentum. It has posted a notable intraday rebound, trading between a low of $0.1832 and a high of $0.2428 as buyers return to the market following recent consolidation.

On the daily chart, currently the token is trading around $0.205, marking a weekly gain of more than 70% compared to the previous week, when price action remained capped below the $0.17 level.

The latest rally follows a prolonged corrective phase that saw Humanity Protocol fall from highs above $0.30 into a multi-week consolidation near the $0.08–$0.10 zone. That base formation now appears to have evolved into a rounded bottom pattern, often associated with accumulation and early trend reversals. The breakout above the $0.16 resistance area earlier this week confirmed a change in market structure, with buyers regaining control.

Technical Indicators Signal Short-Term Strength

Technically, Humanity Protocol’s 14-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) has turned upward, with price trading comfortably above it near $0.147, confirming the short-term bullish bias. Momentum indicators further support the move. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has surged to 66.5, approaching overbought territory but still leaving room for upside continuation.

If the current rally continues the immediate resistance sits near $0.22–$0.23, followed by the psychological $0.25 level. On the downside, $0.18 now acts as initial support, with stronger structural backing around $0.15. If bulls maintain control above these levels, Humanity Protocol could extend its recovery toward the $0.25–$0.30 range in the coming sessions.

Highlighted Crypto News:

As Inflation Cools, Bitcoin Investors Face a Reality Check: Pompliano

• Standard Chartered lowered its 2026 Bitcoin price target from $150,000 to $100,000 and said BTC could decline toward $50,000 in the near term.
• BTC is trading near $66,400, below its 50-week moving average, with technical indicators showing continued weakness.

Standard Chartered has lowered its price forecast for Bitcoin (BTC) and warned that the cryptocurrency could decline toward $50,000 before any sustained recovery later in the year. The reduction comes amid ongoing macro headwinds, outflows from exchange-traded products, and continued weakness that led BTC to trade below the $70K zone.

In a research note by Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, the bank cut its 2026 year-end Bitcoin target from $150,000 to $100,000. The revised outlook, the second downgrade in less than three months, includes a near-term projection that Bitcoin could test levels around $50,000. Kendrick cited persistent outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs and a weaker macroeconomic backdrop as key pressures on the market. The $50,000 level was highlighted as a potential downside scenario if selling pressure persists.

Bitcoin Technical Indicators Signal Continued Weakness

Current BTC price action aligns with this cautious outlook. On the weekly BTC/USDT chart, Bitcoin is trading near $66,400, significantly below the 50-week simple moving average, which stands around $99,700. The break below this moving average confirms a loss of medium-term trend support. Price is now approaching the 200-week moving average near $58,200, a level that historically acts as structural support during broader market corrections.

Zooming in, the momentum indicators also reflect weakness. The weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in the high-20s to mid-30s range, indicating oversold conditions. However, oversold readings alone do not confirm a reversal and can persist during sustained downtrends. The moving average structure remains bearish, with shorter-term averages positioned below longer-term ones, reinforcing the prevailing downward bias.

On a technical basis, the $60,000 to $58,000 area has now acted as support. Should this level fail decisively on a weekly close, the next meaningful support sits near the long-term 200-week average. On the upside, resistance is visible between $80,000 and $90,000, where prior consolidation occurred before the recent decline.

Standard Chartered’s note frames the potential drop toward $50,000 as part of a “capitulation” phase prior to a recovery later in 2026. The bank still expects Bitcoin to end the year higher than current levels, but its forecast reflects a more cautious near-term outlook consistent with recent price patterns and technical indicators.

• Prediction markets show the probability of a February 14 government shutdown ranging from 29% to 88%.
• Bitcoin is trading near $67,000, and the total cryptocurrency market capitalization has dropped below $2.3 trillion.

While the global crypto market faces selling pressure, the likelihood of a U.S. federal government shutdown by February 14, 2026, has been moving sharply in recent days as lawmakers work toward a funding agreement. 

Early today, the prediction market Polymarket showed that the probability of a shutdown by midnight on February 14 briefly reached 97%. Later, that probability fell to around 29%, with the market seeing over $7 million in trading volume.

Similarly, Kalshi, another regulated prediction market, currently places the shutdown odds near 88% with $9,350,895 volume. Both sources indicate elevated but volatile expectations that the government might fail to secure funding in time.

A shutdown occurs when lawmakers fail to pass on appropriations bills by a set deadline, forcing a partial halt of non-essential federal services. If unresolved, this could occur later in 2026, echoing a similar impasse in late 2025 that lasted over 40 days.

Now, a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to expire on February 14. The vote was 52–47, short of the 60 votes needed to move forward with the legislation. As a result, because no replacement funding has been approved, a partial shutdown of DHS operations could occur once funding lapses at midnight on February 14.

The most recent U.S. government shutdown started on October 1, 2025, and lasted 43 days, ending on November 12, 2025, making it the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown occurred because lawmakers couldn’t agree on the federal budget, which caused thousands of government workers to be furloughed or work without pay.

Previous Shutdowns and Crypto Market Response

During the October–November 2025 shutdown, Bitcoin (BTC) traded near $125K but later slipped below the key psychological level of $100K. Since then, BTC has failed to regain momentum and is currently trading in the $66K range. It is down more than 23% year to date, erasing recent gains amid heightened fiscal uncertainty.

Other major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH) and XRP, have similarly weakened. With Ethereum recently trading lower at $1.9K and altcoin markets showing greater drawdowns relative to Bitcoin.

Over the past 24 hours, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization has dropped from $2.32 trillion to below $2.28 trillion, reflecting lower buying interest amid broader risk aversion in global financial markets.

Market Outlook If Shutdown Occurs on February 14

If a government shutdown is formally announced by February 14, analysts expect several near‑term effects:

• Economic data such as employment reports and inflation statistics may be delayed, removing key reference points for traders and potentially increasing short‑term price volatility in crypto markets.
• Regulatory agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission would operate with reduced staff, delaying reviews of pending filings that could influence institutional participation in crypto markets.
• Bitcoin and major altcoins may experience additional downward pressure as risk appetite weakens.

Based on current price levels, a shutdown occurring on the deadline could test support zones for Bitcoin near $60,000, while Ethereum may face additional selling pressure below $1.5K if risk‑off dynamics intensify. Wider crypto market conditions could become range-bound until funding clarity is established.

Top Updated Crypto News

Coinbase Reports Q4 Loss of $667 Million as it Expands Beyond Crypto Trading

• Humanity Protocol (H) increased about 11% in 24 hours, trading between $0.1404 and $0.1649.
• The token is trading above its 9-day and 21-day moving averages, with RSI near 58.

Humanity Protocol (H) is trading near $0.159–$0.160, up approximately 15% over the past 24 hours, making it one of the day’s top gainers while parts of the global crypto market remain under pressure. During the session, the token recorded an intraday low of $0.1404 and a high of $0.1649, showing strong intraday recovery.

The current price increase follows a rebound from the $0.12 support zone earlier in the week, while open interest (OI) in Humanity Protocol derivatives rose 11.57% to $48.0 million during the move.

Technical Outlook: Momentum Building After Pullback

On the daily chart, H has formed a short-term higher low structure and is now attempting to reclaim mid-range levels after a previous correction from the $0.20 area. The current move shows a higher low formation near $0.12, followed by consecutive bullish candles pushing the Humanity Protocol token back toward the $0.16 region. This structure suggests short-term accumulation after a pullback.

Technically, the Humanity Protocol 9-day moving average has crossed above the 21-day moving average, indicating short-term bullish momentum. Right now, price is trading above both averages, which supports the ongoing upward move.

Zooming in, the Relative Strength Index (RSI 14) is around 57–58, rising but still below the overbought level of 70. This suggests momentum is strengthening without extreme conditions.

Meanwhile, the Bollinger Bands on the daily chart show price moving toward the mid-to-upper band range, reflecting expanding volatility after a period of compression. The earlier downtrend appears to have slowed, and price is attempting to reclaim mid-range levels.

If the Humanity Protocol shows a sustained move above $0.165 could open the path toward resistance at $0.18, with a stronger barrier near $0.20. On the downside, immediate support is located near $0.139–$0.140, followed by stronger support around $0.12. The current breakout attempt remains valid while price holds above short-term moving averages.

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Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid Takes a Dig at Rate Cut, Will Cryptocurrencies Benefit?

• Binance announced the SAFU fund has completed its $1 billion stablecoin-to-Bitcoin conversion and now holds 15,000 BTC.
• The SAFU purchases were made in multiple stages, with an average price near $70,000 per BTC.

The world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance’s Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), has completed its planned conversion of $1 billion in stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin, with Arkham Intelligence tracking a recent transfer of 4,545 BTC, valued at about $304.6 million, into the SAFU wallet. The move follows earlier deposits and brings the fund’s total holdings to around 15,000 BTC, valued at over $1 billion at the current price of $67,138.

The latest transfer is part of a broader initiative Binance announced on January 30, 2026, to convert up to $1 billion of the SAFU fund’s stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin over approximately 30 days. The conversion has been executed through a series of on-chain transfers, with the most recent one adding a large tranche to the fund’s BTC balance.

Earlier Purchases and Total Holdings

Earlier in the month, Binance moved 1,315 BTC (about $100 million) into the SAFU wallet as part of the initial stages of the conversion plan. In the following days, the fund received additional tranches including 3,600 BTC (about $233 million) and 4,225 BTC (about $299.6 million), increasing the reserve’s Bitcoin balance.

The SAFU fund was created as an emergency reserve to protect users in the event of security incidents or operational failures. The recent Bitcoin purchases shift a substantial portion of those reserves into BTC from stablecoins.

At the time the conversion was completed, the total value of SAFU’s Bitcoin holdings was approximately $1.005 billion, using a BTC price of about $67,000. However, Binance’s announcement noted the staggered nature of the purchases and the blended average price, but did not include additional commentary beyond the completion of the plan. 

Highlighted Crypto News Today:

SEC Chair Atkins Signals Crypto Regulatory Coordination, Fraud Focus in 2026 Agenda

• Paul Atkins said the SEC will prioritize traditional fraud enforcement in 2026 while continuing crypto-related cases.
• The SEC will coordinate with the CFTC on crypto regulation and review disclosure rules.

The  U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul S. Atkins used congressional testimony on Wednesday to outline a 2026 regulatory agenda that includes closer coordination with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on digital assets, alongside a renewed emphasis on traditional fraud enforcement.

Testifying before the House Financial Services Committee, Atkins said the SEC is working with CFTC Chair Mike Selig under a joint initiative known as “Project Crypto” to improve regulatory coordination in digital asset markets. The effort is intended to reduce overlapping oversight and clarify how certain tokens and trading platforms are regulated under existing securities and commodities laws.

Atkins referenced the bipartisan CLARITY Act, which proposes clearer jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and CFTC for digital assets. He said the agency is evaluating token taxonomy frameworks and potential exemptions that could allow certain on-chain market activity to operate within defined regulatory parameters while maintaining investor protections.

SEC Moves Toward Coordinated Crypto Oversight and Core Enforcement

The testimony signals a shift from broad crypto-focused enforcement toward structured rulemaking and interagency cooperation. While the SEC will continue pursuing cases involving fraud and misconduct in digital asset markets, Atkins said enforcement resources are being directed toward traditional securities violations, including offering fraud, insider trading and accounting misconduct.

In parallel, the SEC is reviewing corporate disclosure requirements, citing an estimated $2.7 billion annual compliance cost for public companies. The agency is considering ways to streamline reporting while preserving material information for investors. This move could affect token issuers and crypto firms that access U.S. public markets.

The SEC’s 2026 examination priorities, released in late 2025, place less emphasis on standalone crypto-sector examinations compared to prior years, instead integrating digital asset oversight into broader risk-based supervision categories.

Atkins’ remarks outline a regulatory approach for 2026 centered on fraud enforcement, disclosure reform and coordinated digital asset oversight rather than expansive enforcement-driven policymaking.

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US Jobs Data Clarifies Fed Rate Cut Stand, Crypto Prices Fumble Further

• Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $66,551, down 3.33% on the day, with immediate support at $65,000 and resistance near $70,600.
• Price remains below key moving averages and near the lower Bollinger Band at $60,819, indicating continued downside pressure.

Bitcoin (BTC/USDT) slipped sharply today, with the top crypto trading near ~$66,500, down roughly 3.3% on the day in a fresh bout of selling pressure. The 1-day candlestick chart now shows a persistent downtrend, with lower highs and lower lows continuing into mid-February. The session recorded a high of $69,954 and a low of $65,757, showing strong intraday selling pressure. Price is now sitting just above the key $65,000 level.

Major cryptocurrencies including ETH and XRP also slid today, reflecting a risk-off environment across the sector. BTC’s correlation with broader crypto has strengthened, so weakness is not isolated to Bitcoin. 

The crypto market reacted ahead of key U.S. economic data — notably the delayed January jobs report and imminent consumer price index (CPI) release. With inflation expectations in flux, traders are reducing exposure to risk assets like BTC.

BTC Daily Chart Shows Continued Weakness Below $70K

On the daily chart, Bitcoin remains below its key moving averages. BTC’s short-term EMA/MA structure confirms acute weakness — both the 10-period EMA (~$70,627) and the longer 10-period MA (~$76,546) are sloping downward, and price remains well below both. This signals that sellers are firmly in control. Price has stayed under these levels for several sessions.

Meanwhile, the Bollinger Bands (20 SMA) show the midline near $78,166, the upper band around $95,513, and the lower band at approximately $60,819. Bitcoin is trading closer to the lower band, reflecting sustained downside pressure over recent days.

Zooming in, the momentum readings also remain negative. The RSI-based histogram is around –30, and the BBPT indicator is in negative territory near –6, indicating continued selling strength on the daily timeframe.

So, the current market structure shows a sequence of lower highs and lower lows following rejection near the $95,000 region earlier. Since losing support above $90,000, Bitcoin has steadily declined toward the mid-$60,000 range.

If the decline contours, the immediate support is seen at $65,000, followed by the lower Bollinger Band near $60,800. If BTC takes turn the immediate resistance stands at $70,600, then near $78,000.

As long as Bitcoin remains below $70,000 and under its declining moving averages, pressure toward the $65,000 level continues. A daily close below that level would shift focus toward the $60,000–$61,000 area.

• Monero rebounds ~5% today, trading around $357, finding short-term support near the 7-day SMA at $326.
• Key resistance remains at the 200-day SMA around $363, with stronger levels between $430–$470 for any sustained upside.

Monero (XMR), the privacy‑focused cryptocurrency, showing signs of stabilization on the daily chart after a significant sell-off from its January highs near $790. As of today, XMR trades around $340.26, consolidating in the $320 to $350 range following a sharp downtrend over the past week.

After being triggered by a technical break‑and‑fail pattern, the current pattern reflects a rebound from recent intra‑week lows. This move follows a surge earlier in the year and subsequent correction.

Monero Shows Bearish Trend, Key Levels in Focus

Technical indicators from Binance’s daily chart highlight a predominantly bearish trend. The XMR price remains below critical moving averages, including the 30-day SMA at $470.47, 50-day SMA at $464.86, 100-day SMA at $431.80, and 200-day SMA at $363.14. However, it is holding just above the short-term 7-day SMA at $326.43, which currently provides immediate support.

Zooming in, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows that momentum is still oversold, with a reading near -20.27, but recent RSI movements suggest a slight easing of bearish pressure, indicating a possible short-term recovery or consolidation phase.

If XMR continues the uptrend the Key resistance lies at the 200-day SMA around $363, with stronger resistance expected between $430 and $470, where it failed to boost the bull earlier. A break above these levels would be necessary to signal a sustained reversal from the current bearish trend.

If the price fails to maintain support near the 7-day SMA, it may retest recent lows near $270, marking another critical support zone.

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‌Ethereum Slips Toward $1,900 as Selling Pressure Intensifies

• Ethereum trades below key moving averages, signaling ongoing short-term weakness.
• Bitmine Immersion Technologies continues accumulating and staking ETH, holding over 2.97 million staked and a total 4.366 million ETH.

Ethereum (ETH) traded lower on Wednesday, sliding further into negative territory amid broad crypto market pressure and bearish technical signals. At the time of writing, ETH is changing hands near $1,951.90, marking a 3.09% drop in the past 24 hours as sellers dominate the short-term trend.

Intraday price activity showed an early low of $1,932.36 and an intraday high of $2,045.21. On the ETH daily chart, long red candlesticks outnumber green bars over the past sessions, a pattern consistent with sustained selling pressure. The altcoin has also seen key moving averages flatten and converge, prop up short-term bearish bias as trend lines slope downward.

Analyzing the ETH/USDT 1 day char, technical indicators show ETH trading below its key simple moving averages. The 50-day SMA stands near $2,839.37, the 100-day SMA around $2,967.94, and the 200-day SMA near $3,582.45. Price remains significantly below all three averages, indicating sustained medium- and long-term weakness. The downward slope of the 50-day and 100-day averages suggests continued bearish trend alignment.

Meanwhile, the RSI histogram reading is approximately -32.23, remaining in negative territory and signaling weak buying momentum. Zooming in, the immediate support is seen around the $1,930–$1,950 zone, aligning with today’s intraday low. A break below that level could expose the psychological $1,900 area and a deeper loss could pull ETH to $1,700 zone. On the upside, near-term resistance is forming around $2,020–$2,050, in tune with today’s intraday high and recent breakdown levels. Broader resistance levels remain near the 50-day moving average at $2,839.

Bitmine Keeps Buying and Staking Ethereum

Despite Ether’s negative price action, institutional interest in Ethereum persists in other forms. Bitmine Immersion Technologies, the publicly listed Ethereum treasury firm chaired by Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee, continues to accumulate and stake large amounts of ETH, a sign of long-term conviction. 

According to on-chain data, Bitmine staked an additional ~140,400 ETH, valued at roughly $282 million, bringing its total staked balance to over 2.97 million ETH. This represents more than 68.7% of its total ETH holdings.

In the past week, Bitmine also acquired over 40,000 ETH, lifting total holdings to about 4.366 million. Bitmine’s total ETH inventory is now approximately worth about $8.5 billion in value, indicating ongoing accumulation even amid weakness in ETH price.

While short-term price action remains weak, the backdrop of significant institutional accumulation and staking underlines continued long-term interest in Ethereum among major holders.