The United Kingdom’s government has appointed HSBC’s tokenization platform to power a pilot issuance of digital government bonds, known as gilts. This historic step marks the institutional validation of blockchain technology, proving that the future of value transfer is on-chain.

Nevertheless, many investors are still focused on identifying the top crypto presale projects. Ahead of Digitap and LivLive, DeepSnitch AI has raised over $1.59 million, and investors believe DeepSnitch AI is likely the top crypto presale to buy now, offering the asymmetric upside that defines generational investment opportunities.

The UK Government moves to the blockchain

According to an announcement, the UK government has appointed HSBC to facilitate the Digital Gilt Instrument (DIGIT) pilot issuance. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernize sovereign debt markets using distributed ledger technology (DLT). The Treasury published a DIGIT pilot update in July 2025, outlining plans to explore blockchain applications in UK sovereign debt issuance and support the development of domestic tokenization infrastructure.

Lucy Rigby, the UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, explained that this pilot will help the UK capitalize on DLT to enhance efficiency and reduce costs for businesses. “We want to attract investment and make the UK the best place to do business,” Rigby stated.

The top crypto presale to invest in

1. DeepSnitch AI ($DSNT): Likely the top crypto presale to buy now

In a market saturated with speculative meme coins and copycat chains, DeepSnitch AI has emerged as the definitive utility project of 2026. The project has successfully raised more than $1,590,000 in Stage 5 of its presale, with the token price rising to $0.03985.

Investors are also exploring the passive income opportunity with staking. As many as 36 million tokens have been staked, allowing people to earn more before the final launch.

Moreover, with speculations of listing on big exchanges, many are positioning for what could be the next crypto to explode. The investment case for DeepSnitch AI centers on its strategic launch mechanism. By postponing the public listing while keeping the platform live for presale buyers, the team has engineered a unique supply-demand dynamic.

For investors seeking the best crypto presales right now, DeepSnitch AI offers the rare combination of immediate utility, institutional alignment, and explosive upside potential. It is the project that transforms a portfolio from average to exceptional.

2. Digitap

Digitap enters the conversation as a formidable competitor among the early entry tokens. The project has drawn significant attention this month after reporting a relatively large presale raise early on. This substantial capital injection puts it on the radar for buyers tracking momentum.

Digitap distinguishes itself by focusing on a utility-first concept rather than leaning into meme culture. This approach aligns well with the current market sentiment, which favors projects with tangible products. However, DeepSnitch AI remains the superior choice for investors seeking the top crypto presale, especially one with both meme energy and tangible utility.

3. LivLive

LivLive takes a different approach to the top crypto presale narrative, placing itself around actual platform activity rather than just early-stage marketing. The project focuses on building visible usage from the start, pointing to active users, partnerships, and clear rollout milestones to support its value.

Instead of leaning on big claims or aggressive token narratives, LivLive focuses on steady, real-world progress as the product develops. This strategy appeals to conservative investors looking for high-upside launches with lower risk profiles. As the presale moves forward, attention around LivLive seems tied to that practical approach.

Final verdict

In this new era, data is the most valuable commodity. DeepSnitch AI is the only project on this list that provides the intelligence tools needed to move through this complex future. For the top crypto presale, DeepSnitch AI is your asymmetrical bet on the future of finance.

Imagine securing a position worth nearly $150,000 for a fraction of the cost simply by applying a special code at checkout. A $12,500 investment at the Stage 5 price of $0.03985 secures roughly 313,676 DSNT tokens. However, using the bonus code DSNTVIP150 grants you a massive 150% bonus.

Visit the official DeepSnitch AI website, join Telegram, and follow on X for more updates.

FAQs

What is likely the top crypto presale to buy now?

DeepSnitch AI ($DSNT) is likely the top crypto presale to buy now because of its strong fundraising.

What are the best early entry tokens for 2026?

The best early entry tokens are those with live utility and strong community backing. DeepSnitch AI fits this profile perfectly with its active SnitchScan platform and over 36 million tokens staked during the presale.

Why is LivLive considered a quiet presale?

LivLive focuses on real-world usage metrics rather than aggressive marketing hype. While this makes it a safer, steadier investment, it may lack the explosive short-term growth potential of high-upside launches like DeepSnitch AI.

Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

XRP price jumped by over 4% today, February 14, reaching its highest level in over a week. It has now rebounded by over 30% from the year-to-date low of $1.1145.

Ripple (XRP) token has soared, mirroring the performance of the broader crypto market. Bitcoin (BTC) jumped to $70,000, while other top cryptocurrencies like Zcash, Morpho, and Pippin soared by over 20%. The market capitalization of all coins rose by over 3.4% to over $2.38 trillion.

XRP jumped as investors reacted to the recent US macro data, which raised the possibility that the Federal Reserve will deliver more interest rate cuts this year. 

The report showed that the headline consumer inflation report 2.4% in January, much lower than December’s 2.6%. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy products, remained at 2.5%. These numbers mean that Trump’s tariffs have not had a major impact on inflation.

XRP price also jumped as the Ripple USD stablecoin continued growing after the recent Binance listing. It now has over $1.5 billion in assets, and its usage is increasing. 

Ripple Labs is working on new features that will lead to more XRP and RLUSD usage. They are working on the upcoming permissioned DEX feature. 

Permissioned DEX resembles that of other popular DEX platforms like Uniswap and PancakeSwap, with the only difference being that it controls who can place and accept offers. It will be a useful tool for institutions on the XRP Ledger.

XRP price technical analysis

The daily timeframe chart shows that the XRP price bottomed at $1.1110 earlier this month and has now rebounded to $1.4700. This rebound has largely mirrored the performance of Bitcoin and other altcoins.

Still, the token remains below the important support level at $1.807, its lowest level in April, October, November, and December last year. It also remains below the 50-day and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages.

The coin has remained below the Supertrend indicator. Therefore, while the Ripple price may have bottomed, there is a risk that the ongoing rebound may be a dead-cat bounce. 

A dead-cat bounce, commonly known as a bull trap, is a situation where an asset in a free fall rebounds briefly and then resumes the downtrend. A complete XRP rebound will be confirmed when it moves above the 50-day moving average and the resistance at $1.807.

Editor’s note: Today’s coverage highlights a pivotal move in regulated digital asset infrastructure. Open World Ltd. and VerifyMe, Inc. have signed a definitive merger agreement that aims to combine institutional-grade real-world asset tokenization with scalable digital asset infrastructure. The merger is positioned to shape governance standards, expand token listings, and support cross-border regulatory alignment as the asset tokenization market matures. While the companies pursue regulatory approvals and a Nasdaq listing, this milestone signals growing strategic collaboration between traditional finance, blockchain technology, and the evolving ecosystem of real-world assets.

Key points

• A definitive merger agreement positions the combined entity as a Nasdaq-listed real-world asset tokenization infrastructure provider.
• The merged company will focus on token listings, regulated digital asset infrastructure, enterprise-grade compliance frameworks and institutional RWA tokenization across multiple jurisdictions.
• Leadership statements emphasize alignment of complementary strengths and long-term shareholder value.
• Regulatory filings and shareholder approvals are anticipated by the second quarter of 2026.

Why this matters

With institutional demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure accelerating, the merger aims to deliver scalable governance and security for digital asset innovation. By uniting Open World’s RWA capabilities with VerifyMe’s authentication and logistics, the combined company could attract institutional clients and support broader adoption of tokenized assets across multiple jurisdictions.

What to watch next

• Regulatory filings with the SEC and Nasdaq, and shareholder approvals, are anticipated by Q2 2026.
• Closing of the transaction and any related governance changes.
• Potential Nasdaq listing on a new ticker symbol after closing.
• Future disclosures regarding transaction structure and timing in filings.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Open World and VerifyMe Sign Definitive Merger Agreement

Feb 12, 2026 5:15 PM Gulf Standard Time

Agreement sets the foundation for a Nasdaq-listed institutional-grade real-world asset tokenization company. LAKE MARY, Fla.–VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) (VerifyMe), a provider of authentication and precision logistics technologies, and Open World Ltd. (Open World), a blockchain infrastructure and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, today announced the execution of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (Agreement). The merger positions the combined entity as a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization sector.

We are pleased to announce the next step in our plan to merge with Open World to align our complementary strengths.

We believe the combined platform will deliver durable infrastructure and governance that supports digital asset innovation and long-term shareholder value.

The combined entity is expected to focus on token listings, regulated digital asset infrastructure, enterprise-grade compliance frameworks and institutional RWA tokenization across multiple jurisdictions.

This agreement represents a meaningful inflection point for both organizations.

As institutional demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure continues to accelerate, bringing together complementary capabilities enables us to operate at the scale and governance standards required for real-world asset tokenization to transition from early adoption into mainstream financial markets.

The announcement builds on Open World’s previously disclosed initiatives, including the establishment of its national-scale RWA Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia, as well as the company’s infrastructure collaboration with Abstract to support regulated, infrastructure-grade assets.

RWA tokenization activity continues to gain momentum in the United States and Saudi Arabia, with significant asset classes expected to be brought onto the Open World platform as regulatory clarity advances and institutional participation expands.

Upon closing, the merger is expected to result in the combined company being listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq) under a new ticker symbol, subject to satisfying certain customary closing conditions, including the receipt of approvals from VerifyMe’s shareholders and the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq. The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the signing of the Agreement. Regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nasdaq, as well as shareholder approvals, are anticipated by the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions and review processes. Additional details regarding transaction structure and timing are expected to be disclosed in future filings.

The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by VerifyMe and Open World, including covenants that both parties exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cause the transactions contemplated by the Agreement to be completed, indemnification of directors and officers, and restrictions on VerifyMe’s and Open World’s conduct of their respective businesses between the date of signing of the Agreement and the closing.

VerifyMe’s board of directors has approved the termination of its at-the-market equity program, aligning capital structure considerations with the proposed transaction and long-term strategic priorities.

Advisors: Maxim Group LLC, exclusive financial advisor to Open World. Latham & Watkins LLP is counsel to Open World. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is counsel to VerifyMe.

About Open World

Open World has been a major driving force behind many of the most iconic projects in blockchain. Given its expertise, Open World is now expanding its offerings to traditional finance (TradFi). Open World has facilitated the inception and growth of more than 20 companies since 2023 and has helped launch over $65 billion in aggregate network value since (at peak FDV). Open World advises founding teams as they navigate the most complex intersections of financial regulatory, tokenomics, public markets, exchange strategy and governance structuring. The teams Open World advises are partners with leading venture capital firms, including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly and Founders Fund. The firm’s range of services includes token launch advisory, DATs and TradFi strategies, RWA tokenization, stablecoin issuance, policy advocacy and strategic advisory work. To learn more, visit https://www.openworld.dev

About VerifyMe, Inc.

VerifyMe provides specialized logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.verifyme.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words believe, expected, upon, will, anticipate, intend, plan and similar expressions, as they relate to Open World and VerifyMe, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the uncertainty of whether the merger will close and, upon closing, whether the expected benefits of the merger will be realized. These risk factors and uncertainties include those more fully described in VerifyMe’s Annual Report and Quarterly Reports filed with the SEC, including under the heading titled Risk Factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. Any forward-looking statement made herein speaks only as of the date of this release. Factors or events that could cause actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, VerifyMe will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) to register the shares of VerifyMe common stock, par value $0.001 per share, to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction. The Registration Statement will include a proxy statement/prospectus, which, once declared effective by the SEC, will be sent to VerifyMe’s stockholders seeking their approval of the respective transaction-related proposals. Investors and stockholders are urged to read the Registration Statement and the related proxy statement/prospectus, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents and any other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about VerifyMe, Open World, the merger and related matters.

Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, and other documents filed by VerifyMe with the SEC when they become available through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Participants in the Solicitation: VerifyMe and certain of its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from VerifyMe’s stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about VerifyMe’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of VerifyMe’s securities is set forth in VerifyMe’s Revised Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on September 8, 2025 (the 2025 Proxy). To the extent that holdings of VerifyMe securities have changed since the amounts printed in the 2025 Proxy, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the identity of participants in the solicitation of proxies, and a description of their direct or indirect interests in the proposed transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available.

No Offer or Solicitation: This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

Contacts

Media Contact
Company: Open World Ltd.
Email: openworld@wachsman.com
Company: VerifyMe, Inc.
Email: IR@verifyme.com

Editor’s note: As the AI compute era intensifies, the industry is reassessing how and where powerful workloads are hosted. Hive Digital’s BUZZ platform illustrates a practical path: repurposing mining-era campuses into scalable, energy-conscious AI data hubs. By converting existing sites and deploying high-density GPUs, Hive aims to deliver reliable AI capacity more quickly and with renewable energy at the core. This press release highlights a milestone in that transition, underscoring the resilience of regional digital infrastructure and the role of private-sector investment in accelerating AI readiness across North America, Europe, and Latin America.

Key points

• BUZZ signs about $30 million in AI cloud contracts, accelerating expansion of Tier-III data centers globally.
• Converting mining facilities into AI-ready infrastructure across Canada, Sweden, Paraguay, and beyond.
• First deployments include a 2,000-GPU Sweden liquid-cooled facility and a 7.2 MW Toronto site, with Bell and Dell partnerships.
• Conversions are up to 75% faster than traditional builds and powered by 100% renewable energy.

Why this matters

The milestone illustrates a shift toward scalable, energy-efficient high-performance computing capacity as demand for AI compute rises. Hive’s dual‑engine model leverages existing land and facilities to accelerate AI deployments while maintaining renewable energy use. By converting Tier‑I mining sites into Tier‑III AI data centers, Hive aims to strengthen sovereign AI capabilities and regional digital infrastructure across Canada, Sweden, Paraguay, and Latin America. Investors will watch how execution aligns with contracted demand and expansion plans.

What to watch next

• Canada West deployment of the initial 504-GPU phase online by the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
• Projected ARR growth for BUZZ’s AI cloud platform as deployments scale.
• Expansion into Latin America and continued sovereign AI partnerships.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

HIVE’s BUZZ Signs $30 Million in AI Cloud Contracts, Accelerating Global HPC Tier-III Data Center Expansion

San Antonio, Texas, February 13, 2026 — BUZZ High Performance Computing (“BUZZ”), the Canadian Tier-III high-performance computing (“HPC”) data center platform of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. (“HIVE” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: HIVE) (Nasdaq: HIVE) (FSE: YO0) (BVC: HIVECO), today announced a major step forward in its AI cloud strategy, signing customer agreements representing approximately $30 million in total contract value over two-year fixed terms, subject to performance obligations and deployment milestones (all amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated).

Building on four years of experience operating GPU infrastructure, BUZZ is accelerating its expansion as HIVE’s AI engine, complementing the Company’s established Tier‑I hashrate services provider and reinforcing its position as a twin-engine leader in next-generation digital infrastructure.

The new contracts underpin the initial phase of BUZZ’s AI-optimized GPU deployment at its Canada West location in Manitoba, with compute capacity expected to come online during the quarter ending March 31, 2026. The first phase consists of 504 liquid-cooled Dell server-based GPUs, purpose-built for high-performance AI and HPC workloads.

Based on executed contracts, current pricing, and deployment schedules, management expects this initial phase to generate approximately $15 million in annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) to BUZZ’s cloud business once fully operational. Upon full deployment, management expects total annualized revenue attributable to HIVE’s HPC segment, driven by BUZZ, to grow from approximately $20 million currently to roughly $35 million, reflecting strong contracted demand for BUZZ’s AI cloud platform. These projections are subject to capital expenditures, operating costs, customer utilization levels, and other risk factors described herein, and actual results may vary.

To support this growth, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures related to GPU acquisition, supporting electrical and cooling infrastructure, and working capital requirements. Operating expenses are expected to include power, hosting, maintenance, staffing, and network costs. BUZZ continues to expand capacity at its Canada West site in alignment with executed customer agreements.

Management Commentary

Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman of HIVE, commented: “We are entering 2026 with strong momentum in our HPC and GPU cloud business. HIVE has built a track record as one of the longest-standing publicly traded crypto Tier‑I data center operators, performing through multiple market cycles while protecting cash flow and balance sheet strength. Now, with BUZZ, we are leveraging that foundation to build a high-growth AI cloud platform spanning Canada, Sweden, and Paraguay.”

Tier-I data centers for hashrate services typically require approximately $1 million per megawatt of infrastructure https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-04-cambridge-digital-mining-industry-report.pdf, whereas Tier-III facilities supporting advanced GPU clusters can require materially higher capital intensity due to premium GPU hardware, redundant power architecture, and advanced cooling systems. Industry benchmarks suggest that constructing and equipping a comparable fully self-funded Tier-III facility with similar GPU capacity could require approximately $70 million in capital expenditures, depending on site conditions, financing structure, vendor pricing, and market dynamics.

Through vendor financing arrangements for GPUs and strategic Tier-III data center partnerships, we are scaling efficiently while reducing upfront capital intensity compared to a fully self-funded build. Where HIVE owns land and buildings and operates its Tier-I facilities, we are pursuing selective Tier-III conversions and colocation strategies for HPC. This showcases our vertically integrated model and diversified revenue streams from both HPC co-location and GPU AI cloud services, reinforcing HIVE’s dual-engine strategy of hashrate services and high-performance computing.”

Aydin Kilic, President and Chief Executive Officer of HIVE, added: “Our vision is to scale our HPC GPU AI cloud business toward approximately $140 million in ARR over the next year, subject to market conditions and successful infrastructure deployment. As we execute, this growth will be supported by continued investment in infrastructure and operations. In our previous earnings webcast, we outlined a target deployment of 2,000 AI-optimized GPUs at our Canada West facility this year. The initial 504-GPU deployment is already backed by executed customer agreements representing approximately $30 million in total contract value over two years, subject to performance obligations and deployment milestones.”

This is just the beginning. Demand for long-term access to high-performance, power-efficient AI compute continues to expand globally, and we are excited to further scale our GPU cloud business throughout 2026.”

Craig Tavares, President and Chief Operating Officer of BUZZ HPC, commented: “Canada requires more sovereign AI compute capacity, both to serve domestic workloads and to support global AI companies from a secure Canadian base. With Dell and Bell Canada as key partners, we are scaling GPU capacity with the infrastructure, connectivity, and resiliency needed to compete on a global stage.”

BUZZ was recently recognized by SemiAnalysis for having one of the fastest data center networks globally and earned a Bronze rating in their ClusterMAX report, validating our technical architecture and execution capabilities.

Launching this cluster in Canada West marks a significant milestone. It expands BUZZ’s national footprint and advances our vision of coast-to-coast AI infrastructure, with commercial‑grade clusters operating at scale to serve both sovereign workloads and international demand. Under HIVE’s dual-engine model, BUZZ is positioned to be a powerful growth catalyst as we accelerate into the global AI supercycle.”

About HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

Founded in 2017, HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. is the first publicly listed company to mine digital assets powered by green energy. Today, HIVE builds and operates next-generation Tier‑I and Tier‑III data centers across Canada, Sweden, and Paraguay, serving both Bitcoin and high-performance computing clients. HIVE’s twin-turbo engine infrastructure-driven by hashrate services and GPU-accelerated AI computing-delivers scalable, environmentally responsible solutions for the digital economy.

For more information, visit http://hivedigitaltech.com, or connect with us on:

X: https://x.com/HIVEDigitalTech

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HIVEDigitalTech

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivedigitaltechnologies/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hiveblockchain

On Behalf of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.
“Frank Holmes”
Executive Chairman

For further information, please contact:
Nathan Fast, Director of Marketing and Branding
Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman
Aydin Kilic, President & CEO

Tel: (604) 664-1078

Forward-Looking Information

Forward-looking information in this news release is based on current expectations, assumptions, and/or beliefs that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Details of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information are included in the Company’s filings with securities regulators.

Coinbase, the largest US-based crypto exchange, is backing a Federal Reserve proposal to grant non-bank financial institutions access to specialized payment accounts.

The San Francisco-based exchange submitted a letter to the U.S. central bank advocating for special-purpose Reserve Bank payment accounts. It argued that these accounts are vital for modernizing the nation’s domestic financial infrastructure.

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Coinbase Challenges Fed Over ‘Restrictive’ Terms for Payment Rails

Coinbase argues the proposal would grant fintech and crypto-native firms direct access to the Federal Reserve’s payment rails.

This change would allow these entities to utilize the global economy’s core “plumbing” without the need for a full commercial banking charter.

Currently, most crypto firms must rely on intermediary banks to settle dollar transactions. This process adds cost, latency, and counterparty risk to these services.

“By reducing reliance upon FDIC-insured partner banks as intermediaries for core payment functions, the Payment Account would allow account-holding institutions to offer safe and efficient services to U.S. consumers and businesses and, at the same time, reduce costs and ensure the ability of emerging payment providers to scale with growing demand,” the exchange remarked.

Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, also noted that similar access is already available in the United Kingdom, the European Union, Brazil, and India.

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Sponsored

Shirzad argued that these jurisdictions have seen accelerated competition and reduced settlement risks, helping their financial sectors remain globally competitive.

However, the crypto giant warns that the current framework risks being “dead on arrival” due to overly restrictive limits.

Coinbase argues that the Federal Reserve’s current proposal contains “unnecessarily constraining” limitations. According to the firm, these restrictions could ultimately undermine the account’s utility for large-scale operations.

“Combining all of the proposed restrictions risks unnecessarily constraining the account in a way that could limit its adoption by eligible institutions for the use intended,” the exchange stated.

Specifically, the exchange criticized the lack of interest paid on end-of-day balances and the imposition of low overnight balance limits.

Coinbase also urged regulators to reconsider the “flawed” logic regarding balance-sheet limits. It noted that risks in payment services are primarily operational rather than credit-related.

“The risks associated with payments processing are operational and not credit, market, or liquidity risks of the sort that generally require a capital cushion anchored to the size of a balance sheet. As such, a balance sheet metric is not fit for purpose,” the firm wrote.

Furthermore, the company advocated for the ability to hold “omnibus” customer balances. The Brian Armstrong-led exchange argued that such moves would enable firms to pool user funds to enable more efficient settlement.

By advocating for a “simplified framework” that ensures commercial viability, Coinbase is positioning itself as a systemic player seeking to move from the periphery of finance into its regulated core.

Bitcoin’s 50% drop to $60K called modest by analysts, who say institutional flows show a maturing crypto market.

Bitcoin (BTC) fell to about $60,000 on February 5 after sliding roughly 50% from its peak near $126,000, according to the latest market note from Binance’s research arm.

The report argues that, compared with prior cycles, the scale and structure of the decline suggest a market shaped more by institutional capital and macro forces than retail speculation.

Drawdown Data and Macro Forces Shaping the Slide

In a post published February 13, Binance Research wrote that the current 50% pullback “represents a modest correction relative to prior cycles,” noting that BTC has logged nine separate drawdowns of that magnitude or larger.

Historical examples listed by the firm include two separate falls of 94% in 2010 and 2011, a 78% dip between November 2021 and November 2022, and an 84% collapse during the 2017 to 2018 bear market.

The report attributed the present decline to macro conditions rather than crypto-specific failures, pointing to firm labor data and policy uncertainty tied to the Federal Reserve as factors that have kept liquidity tight and reduced appetite for risk assets. The researchers added that capital has rotated toward AI-linked equities and defensive sectors, leaving digital assets competing for investor attention.

Price data from CoinGecko shows Bitcoin trading less than 200 bucks below $67,000 at publication time, with the asset barely budging in 24 hours but gaining about 3% over the past week. Momentum is also weak across longer timeframes, with losses of about 19% in two weeks and nearly 30% in a month.

According to Binance Research, altcoins have lagged more sharply, with capital concentrating in large assets. The analysts linked that shift to a crowded token market after more than 11 million new tokens launched in 2025, many of which are no longer actively trading.

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Structural Signals Suggest a Different Cycle Profile

Not all indicators paint the same picture, especially considering that analysis from Alphractal reported that Bitcoin’s long-term Realized Cap Impulse has turned negative for the first time in three years. This is a signal that has historically coincided with extended downturns as capital inflows slowed. The firm’s founder, Joao Wedson, said institutional buying and ETF accumulation have not fully offset supply pressure.

Macro uncertainty may also be contributing, with data from CryptoQuant showing its Global Uncertainty Index at a record level, higher than readings during events such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 period. Elevated uncertainty often leads investors to reduce exposure to volatile assets.

However, Binance’s researchers argue that structural participation has deepened. They cited steady assets under management in spot Bitcoin ETFs, stablecoin supply near cycle highs, and rising interest in tokenized real-world assets. One example came this week when BlackRock settled trades for its tokenized Treasury fund through Uniswap infrastructure, a sign that traditional finance firms are still testing blockchain settlement rails.

Editor’s note: Valentine’s Day is a peak time for digital gifting, but gift cards and online offers also attract scammers. This editorial highlights how fraudsters exploit popular gift options and what consumers can do to stay safe. Ahead of the day, the following press release from Kaspersky outlines current scams, risk signals and practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from gift-card related fraud. The aim is to provide clear, actionable context for readers navigating a surge in digital gifting and phishing activity.

Key points

• 80% of respondents consider digital gifts such as gift cards, subscriptions, or gaming credits.
• Scammers forge fake stores and verification portals to steal gift card value.
• Always verify websites, check URLs, and use official brand sites to check balances.
• A fake site mimicking major marketplaces can deploy malware or backdoors; if a deal seems too good to be true, beware.
• Kaspersky Premium offers AI-powered anti-phishing and protection against fraudulent shops.

Why this matters

Valentine’s Day shopping for digital gifts has surged, expanding opportunities for fraud. By understanding common tricks and using trusted sources, readers can reduce the risk of gift-card fraud and protect personal data during peak gift seasons.

What to watch next

• Expect more gift-card related scams around holidays.
• Watch for fake gift card sites mimicking retailers and deceptive verification portals.
• Phishing attempts through fraudulent marketplaces and links may rise; use protection with phishing detection.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

On Saint Valentine’s Day Kaspersky warns against gift card scams

13 February 2026

Looking for a gift for your soulmate on February 14^th and think that a gift card would be a nice option? Just remember that when digital trends rapidly rise in popularity with customers, they are also gaining traction with scammers looking to use them as bait. With Saint Valentine’s Day approaching Kaspersky has identified several phishing and malicious campaigns targeting gift card owners and those who’re looking for a digital present for their loved ones. To help stay safe, the security experts at Kaspersky have also shared practical advice on how not to be tricked.

A “check‑your‑balance” that drains your gift card

Kaspersky’s latest survey* shows that 80% of respondents consider giving digital presents such as subscriptions, gaming credits or gift cards. Scammers are actively exploiting this trend capitalizing on well-known brands, creating fake online stores and even crafting fake verification portals designed specifically to steal gift card value.

Kaspersky’s phishing detection identified deceptive platforms offering victims a “secure” system to check their gift cards validity, status or balance. Targeting those who recently received a gift card, phishers steal the card’s identification data and get an opportunity to activate the certificate before the user themselves.

To stay protected from such scams, Kaspersky recommends double‑checking that a website is real. Look carefully at the web address, any links you’re asked to click, and spot any odd pictures or designs that might hint the site is fake. The safest way to confirm a gift card’s balance is to go straight to the brand’s official website – don’t follow any other links. To prevent clicking on malicious link use a security solution such as Kaspersky Premium with a strong AI-powered anti-phishing component.

Is it a gift card for you or for cybercriminals?

As gift shoppers flood online marketplaces with flash sales and limited-time deals, cybercriminals are watching closely, ready to strike when users are most vulnerable.

Kaspersky experts detected a fake website that mimics Amazon, one of the most famous marketplaces, offering $200 gift card. With this tempting offer, scammers encourage customers to press a “Get your Amazon gift card” button. However, when the user clicks it, they get an MSI installer with a backdoor that cybercriminals use to remotely control the victim’s device.

This fraudulent scheme highlights the importance of complex cybersecurity protection, showing that clicking on a wrong link may result in not only money and data loss, but also device infection or loss of control over it. When a fake site copies the original store’s look exactly, it’s hard to tell which one is real and which is a scam.

Kaspersky Premium protects users from fraudulent online stores through advanced detection technology that analyzes website characteristics and URLs to identify suspicious patterns. For its excellent performance in AV-Comparatives Fake Shops Detection certification in 2025 Kaspersky Premium was awarded an “Approved” certificate, making it the right choice for confident online shopping.

“As Valentine’s Day approaches, cybercriminals may increase their efforts to exploit the emotional vulnerability and romantic spirit that define this holiday. They’re creating fake gift card websites, spoofing popular retailers, and launching phishing campaigns that prey on your desire to make your loved ones happy. The best defense is to stick to well-known retailers, check URLs carefully, apply a security solution with advanced phishing detection and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” comments Anton Yatsenko, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.

* The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in November 2025. 3000 respondents from 15 countries (Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, United Arab Emirates) took part in the survey.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

ProCap Financial chairman Anthony Pompliano predicted Bitcoin will benefit from a “monetary slingshot” as the Federal Reserve prints money to combat deflation.

Speaking on FOX Business, Pompliano said Bitcoin’s value proposition remains intact long-term, but investors must hold through periods when deflation masks currency debasement effects.

Bitcoin (BTC) fell 50% from its $126,000 all-time high to around $70,000 as deflation replaced inflation as the primary economic concern.

Pompliano framed this as a test for Bitcoin holders: “Can you hold an asset when there is not high inflation in your face on a day to day basis? Can you still believe in what Bitcoin’s value proposition is, which is it’s a finite supply asset.”

The analyst urged investors who “liked it at one hundred twenty six thousand, you should love it at seventy thousand.”

Figure Technology, a Nasdaq-listed blockchain-based lending firm, confirmed a data breach after attackers used social engineering to compromise an employee. A spokesperson cited by TechCrunch on February 13, 2026, said investigators found a limited set of files had been accessed and that the firm had begun notifying those affected and offering free credit monitoring. The disclosure comes amid continued scrutiny of security practices in crypto‑enabled financial services, where the value of open networks is matched by the risk of exposed personal data when staff can be manipulated into providing access.

Key takeaways

• Unauthorized access resulted from social engineering targeting an individual employee, yielding a limited quantity of files.
• Leaked material includes customers’ full names, home addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers, which could enable identity fraud or phishing attempts.
• The ShinyHunters group claimed responsibility on its dark‑web site, citing the data exfiltration after a ransom declined by the company and publishing roughly 2.5 gigabytes of data.
• Approximately 2.5 gigabytes of data were published by the attackers as part of the leak.
• Figure Technology announced it began notifying affected customers and offering free credit monitoring; the company had recently listed on the Nasdaq and launched the OPEN platform in January 2026.
• OPEN, short for On‑Chain Public Equity Network, enables issuing real shares on Provenance’s blockchain and allows direct lending of pledged shares, bypassing traditional brokers for certain activities.

Market context: This incident sits within a broader pattern of security episodes affecting crypto lenders and open‑finance platforms. While overall phishing losses in 2025 declined to about $83.85 million across Ethereum Virtual Machine chains, that trend does not imply phishing has ended; attackers adapt to market conditions and target staff or supply chains. The lull followed a mid‑2025 rally in the market, notably amid Ethereum’s strong rally in 2025, but risks remain high for users of on‑chain finance protocols.

Why it matters

For investors, the breach underscores the intertwined risks facing fintechs and crypto lending platforms that rely on open networks and real‑time settlement. The exposure of personal data heightens the potential for identity fraud and phishing campaigns aimed at Figure’s customers, complicating risk management for the company and its users.

For builders and platform operators, the incident highlights the ongoing need for robust authentication, staff training against social engineering, and zero‑trust architectures that limit data access even after a single employee is compromised. The January 2026 OPEN launch signals Figure’s ambition to reimagine the capital‑markets stack by enabling real shares on a blockchain, but the breach shows that security controls must keep pace with product innovation to sustain user trust.

From a market perspective, security incidents like this can influence sentiment around on‑chain equity solutions and related fintech services, especially as regulators scrutinize data privacy and the standards governing tokenized assets and cross‑border lending.

What to watch next

• Figure’s forthcoming disclosures on the scale of the breach, including the number of affected individuals and the exact data types exposed.
• Any regulatory notices or investigations stemming from the incident and their implications for data privacy in blockchain‑driven lending.
• Adoption metrics or governance updates tied to OPEN and its integration with the Provenance blockchain.
• Additional data releases or countermeasures from threat actors and any indications of ransom activity or negotiations.
• Figure’s assurances regarding the integrity of its services and remediation steps across its lending and custody workflows.

Sources & verification

• TechCrunch: Figure confirms data breach, with details on the social‑engineering vector and notification efforts (Feb 13, 2026). https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/13/fintech-lending-giant-figure-confirms-data-breach/
• ShinyHunters’ dark‑web leak page claiming 2.5 GB of Figure data published after the ransom note rejection.
• Figure IPO and valuation details reported by Cointelegraph at the time of the September listing and the IPO price of $25 per share that raised about $787.5 million.
• OPEN launch coverage and its description as a platform for issuing real shares on a blockchain and enabling peer‑to‑peer lending of pledged shares, per Cointelegraph reporting.
• Crypto phishing losses context and the decline in 2025, with data from Scam Sniffer and related Cointelegraph analyses on wallet drains and security trends.

Figure breach tests security of blockchain lending and OPEN platform

Figure Technology, a blockchain‑driven lending firm that trades on the Nasdaq, faced a data breach the company described as the result of social engineering aimed at an employee. A spokesperson cited by TechCrunch on February 13, 2026, said investigators found a limited set of files had been accessed and that the firm had begun notifying those affected and offering free credit monitoring. The disclosure comes amid continued scrutiny of security practices in crypto‑enabled financial services, where the value of open networks is matched by the risk of exposed personal data when staff can be manipulated into providing access.

The attackers’ method was not a broad, automated intrusion, but a targeted manipulation of an individual inside Figure’s organization. This distinction matters because it frames the breach not as a systems‑wide hack into a platform but as a social‑engineering incident that created a path to internal files. The information set exposed in some samples reviewed by TechCrunch included personally identifiable details such as full names, home addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers. The potential impact is twofold: identity theft and phishing campaigns that impersonate Figure or its affiliates, complicating the company’s remediation efforts and potentially eroding client trust.

In the wake of the breach, the security ecosystem around Figure has drawn attention to a dark‑web claim of responsibility by a known group. ShinyHunters asserted on its leak site that the operation was successful after the company refused to meet ransom demands and published roughly 2.5 gigabytes of data purportedly taken from Figure’s systems. The veracity and scope of the data remain under investigation, but the assertion underscores the ongoing danger of data exfiltration as a tactic in post‑breach pressure campaigns.

Figure Technology had gone public the previous September, selling shares at $25 each and raising about $787.5 million, with a reported initial valuation in the multi‑billion range. The company has since been pushing an expansion of its business model through new ventures like the On‑Chain Public Equity Network (OPEN), launched in January 2026 on its Provenance blockchain. OPEN is designed to let companies issue real shares and permit investors to lend or pledge those shares directly to one another, sidestepping traditional brokers, custodians, or exchanges. The move signals Figure’s attempt to fuse tokenized, on‑chain equity with a lending marketplace, aiming to create liquidity channels that are not tethered to centralized intermediaries.

As the breach unfolded, the industry watched for how aggressively Figure would respond: how quickly affected customers would be notified, what data would be offered for protection, and what steps the company would take to harden its systems. The incident also emphasizes the broader reality that security incidents in active crypto and fintech ecosystems can influence investor confidence in newly launched products and platforms that aim to shift how assets are issued and transferred on‑chain. While the OPEN platform promises a more direct and less intermediary‑dependent path for equity transactions, the breach invites closer scrutiny of Figure’s internal controls, access governance, and privacy protections for both retail and institutional users.

The incident is part of a larger narrative in which the crypto security landscape continues to evolve. Researchers have noted that phishing and wallet‑draining incidents surged in the past and then contracted in 2025, even as market cycles reignite risk appetites. The data view from Scam Sniffer shows a dramatic year‑over‑year decline in phishing losses and victims across Ethereum Virtual Machine chains, but security incidents remain a persistent threat, especially when attackers exploit human factors and cross‑system dependencies. The breach at Figure highlights that even as markets and technologies mature, operators must remain vigilant against social engineering and insider threats that can expose customer data and undermine trust in innovative financial services.

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Meme coin market capitalization reached $34.5 billion with a 3.5% gain over 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data.

Trading volume hit $2.89 billion as major tokens posted modest recoveries, with Pump.fun leading gains at 9.3% and Shiba Inu climbing 5.7% during the period.

Santiment identified a “nostalgia” narrative forming around meme coins as traders treat the sector as “permanently dead.”

The sentiment analytics platform called this collective acceptance of the “end of the meme era” a classic capitulation signal.

“When the crowd completely writes off a sector, it is often the contrarian time to start paying attention again,” Santiment reported.

Dogecoin leads market cap at $16.3 billion

Dogecoin (DOGE) holds $16.29 billion in market capitalization, accounting for 47% of the total meme coin sector. The token traded at $0.09659 with 4.3% gains over 24 hours.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) ranks second with $3.74 billion in market capitalization at a price of $0.006343. The token posted 5.7% gains over 24 hours and 1.1% over seven days.

MemeCore holds third position at $2.37 billion market capitalization but posted the weakest performance among top tokens. The coin traded at $1.36, down 4.5% over 24 hours and 18.9% over seven days.

Pepe (PEPE) maintains $1.59 billion in market capitalization at $0.003792 per token. The frog-themed coin gained 3.1% over 24 hours but declined 2.5% over seven days.

Pump.fun posts strongest 24-hour gains at 9.3%

Pump.fun recorded the sector’s strongest 24-hour performance with 9.3% gains to reach $0.0021. The token holds $1.24 billion in market capitalization with seven-day gains of 1.3%.

The overall meme sector shows mixed signals. While 24-hour performance appears positive with market cap climbing 3.4%, seven-day charts reveal most tokens remain under pressure.

Only Shiba Inu and Pump.fun posted positive weekly gains among the five largest meme coins tracked.

Santiment’s capitulation signal comes from widespread trader pessimism declaring the meme coin era finished.