Crypto World

Institutions Could Fire Bitcoin Devs Over Quantum Fears

Published

3 hours ago

15 February 2026

Rising concerns about quantum threats to Bitcoin have captured the attention of institutions and veteran investors. In a recent appearance on the Bits and Bips podcast, venture capitalist Nic Carter warned that large holders might grow impatient with developers if action on quantum-resistant cryptography stalls, potentially triggering governance shifts. He argued that a slow pace could prompt major players to replace core contributors with new teams more willing to push forward a solution. The debate centers on risk management, control, and the pace of change at a time when the network remains one of the largest, publicly verifiable assets in the world.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is reported to hold around 761,801 BTC, valued at roughly $50.15 billion at publication, accounting for about 3.62% of the circulating supply. The sheer scale of institutional exposure highlights why the question of security upgrades and governance is no longer purely academic. Carter’s provocative framing asks what happens if a consent-based, volunteer-driven development model cannot keep up with the demands of major participants. “If you’re BlackRock and you have billions of dollars of client assets in this thing and its problems aren’t being addressed, what choice do you have?” he asked during the discussion.

That framing has sparked a broader debate within the industry about whether Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is approaching a tipping point where governance dynamics could shift under institutional pressure. The discussion comes amid a wider conversation about the timing and feasibility of upgrading the network’s cryptographic foundations to resist quantum attacks, a threat some researchers say could become material within the next decade, while others contend the risk is overstated or manageable with incremental steps.

Key takeaways

Institutional stakeholders are explicitly weighing governance and development tempo in response to potential quantum threats to Bitcoin’s security model.
A number of prominent investors and commentators see the risk as real enough to spur calls for faster action or even new development leadership if progress stalls.
One of the largest holders, BlackRock, adds a practical layer of pressure, given the scale of capital that could influence upgrade decisions and strategy for the Bitcoin network.
The industry remains divided: some argue the threat is existential and immediate, while others say the concern is theoretical and can be mitigated through measured research and gradual hardening.
Proposals and discussions around quantum-resistant cryptography are entering mainstream crypto discourse, with researchers pointing to tangible, albeit gradual, paths forward.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Market context: The conversation around quantum risk sits alongside ongoing debates about protocol upgrades, risk management by institutional holders, and the role of governance in a decentralized-but-institutionally-influenced ecosystem. As markets monitor liquidity, macro cues, and regulatory signals, the quantum-resilience question adds a new layer to how investors assess Bitcoin’s security posture and future upgrade trajectories.

Why it matters

The potential for quantum computing to undermine current cryptographic protections touches every layer of Bitcoin—from wallets and transaction verification to the very assumptions underpinning its security model. If the network’s cryptography were shown to be vulnerable, large institutions with significant BTC exposure could demand faster progress toward quantum-resistant schemes, or even push for changes in who controls core development. That possibility — sometimes described as a “corporate takeover” of the upgrade process — would represent a shift in how decentralized networks interact with centralized capital markets and risk managers. Proponents of swifter action argue that delaying a secure upgrade could amplify systemic risk, while skeptics caution against hasty changes that might fracture consensus or introduce new vulnerabilities.

A number of voices in the industry have weighed in on the urgency and feasibility of addressing quantum threats. Austin Campbell, founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, echoed concerns that if a structural problem exists and large players maintain a long view, they will eventually demand reform or louder participation from the governance and development community. In parallel, other industry figures emphasize a more measured approach, warning against overreaction and highlighting the resilience of Bitcoin’s current security margin. Carter’s assertions that a rapid, market-driven shift could occur if developers don’t move quickly enough contrast with more conservative analyses that quantify the actual exposure and the practical timelines for cryptanalytic breakthroughs.

On the other side of the debate, proponents of the status quo point to long-term research cycles, the complexity of hard-fork upgrades, and the importance of broad consensus across a decentralized ecosystem. They note that a handful of publicized vulnerabilities do not automatically translate into imminent risk and that the path to quantum resilience will likely involve multiple layers of defense, from protocol changes to key management practices and architectural diversification. Notably, researchers at CoinShares and others have sought to quantify risk by examining the number of BTC addresses with vulnerable keys and the distribution of assets among holders, offering a more nuanced picture than headlines alone. This spectrum of views helps explain why the conversation remains contentious rather than resolved.

The market backdrop adds further texture to the debate. Bitcoin’s price action has been volatile in recent weeks, trading near the $70,000 mark at the time of reporting after a period of drawdown. This macro context — combined with an evolving risk appetite among institutional buyers — can influence how quickly stakeholders push for any technical changes. If the quantum risk becomes perceived as a credible, near-term threat, capital flows could shift toward safer hedges or more robust security architectures, potentially affecting liquidity, volatility, and the calculus around new product structures that rely on Bitcoin’s security model.

The tension between urgency and caution also reflects the broader governance challenge that applies to many decentralized networks: when and how to upgrade cryptography in a way that preserves security while maintaining broad participation and network integrity. The debate is not purely academic; it implicates who steers development, how funding is allocated, and what kinds of governance tests are acceptable for a system that prizes decentralization as a foundational principle. As institutions increasingly intersect with Bitcoin’s technical frontier, the next steps—whether they involve formal proposals, research milestones, or new collaboration mechanisms—will be watched closely by miners, custodians, and everyday holders alike.

What to watch next

Progress updates on quantum-resistant cryptography proposals within Bitcoin development discussions and any related roadmap milestones.
Public statements or filings from major institutions referenced in discussions, including BlackRock’s involvement or commentary on Bitcoin governance and security upgrades.
Any new research quantifying quantum risk, particularly metrics around vulnerable keys and potential attack surfaces in exposed wallets.
Emerging viewpoints from prominent figures in the space who advocate for faster or slower adoption of quantum-resilience measures and their rationale.

Sources & verification

BlackRock’s BTC holdings and value reference on iShares Bitcoin Trust page.
CoinShares research outlining the quantum vulnerability landscape for Bitcoin and the count of vulnerable addresses.
Bitcoin price data and 30-day performance cited by CoinMarketCap.
Remarks from Nic Carter on the Bits and Bips podcast and related discussion threads on X (Twitter).

Quantum risk, governance and the future of Bitcoin

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) sits at the center of a fraught debate about how quickly the network should respond to the looming threat of quantum computing. In the Bits and Bips discussion, Nic Carter framed a scenario where institutions with billions of dollars at stake could lose patience with a dev community perceived as dragging its feet on a critical upgrade. He warned that the gatekeepers of capital might push for a reconfiguration of development leadership, arguing that “the corporate takeover” could become a practical reality if cryptographic progress remains slow. The assertion is provocative, but it highlights a real tension: the need to balance rapid risk mitigation with the safeguards that come from broad, consensus-driven protocol evolution.

BlackRock’s reported stake in BTC amplifies the significance of this tension. With around 761,801 BTC behind a $50.15 billion position, the firm’s exposure underscores why governance and upgrade decisions in Bitcoin become questions with market-wide consequences. The argument that institutions might actively influence the upgrade path rests not on ideological appeal but on the leverage that comes from asset ownership and the perceived security of client funds. Carter’s question—what choice do institutions have when problems aren’t being addressed—frames this as a practical policy question as much as a technological one.

Yet the Bitcoin ecosystem remains far from a monolithic front. Other voices argue that large holders are primarily passive investors rather than active governance agents, suggesting that the path of protocol evolution will continue to hinge on a combination of developer consensus, open research, and gradual, tested improvements. Austin Campbell and other observers point to a need for vocal stakeholders to participate in technical discussions, ensuring that any shift toward quantum resilience reflects a broad spectrum of interests rather than a single corporate logic. On the other hand, researchers and market observers have presented data suggesting that the immediate threat may be more manageable than headline risk implies, reinforcing the idea that any upgrade will be incremental and guarded by multiple layers of security review.

As the market digests these perspectives, the next few quarters are likely to feature intensified dialogue around cryptographic resilience, governance mechanisms, and the practicalities of deploying quantum-resistant technologies without destabilizing the network. The discussion also reflects a broader trend: institutions increasingly seeking a measurable, verifiable security posture when engaging with crypto assets, and developers striving to preserve decentralization while addressing evolving risk models. The interplay between capital influence and technical progress will continue to shape how Bitcoin navigates this complex risk landscape—an evolution that could redefine how the network balances security, governance, and growth in a dynamic market environment.

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Crypto World

Vitalik Buterin Warns Prediction Markets Are Becoming Overly Speculative

Published

3 minutes ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Vitalik Buterin Warns Prediction Markets Are Becoming Overly Speculative

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is voicing concern about the current direction of prediction markets, arguing that the sector is drifting away from useful economic tools and toward short-term betting.

Key Takeaways:

Vitalik Buterin warns prediction markets are drifting toward short-term speculation and betting.
He proposes using onchain markets and AI to hedge everyday expenses and inflation risk.
Supporters say platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi can also serve as decentralized market intelligence.

In a recent post on X, Buterin said many platforms are “over-converging” into products centered on rapid price wagers and speculative trading rather than practical applications.

He warned that the trend risks turning prediction markets into little more than gambling venues instead of systems that support real-world economic planning.

Buterin Says Prediction Markets Should Shift From Betting To Hedging

Rather than focusing on event betting or short-term financial outcomes, Buterin suggested prediction markets should evolve into hedging mechanisms designed to protect consumers and businesses from price volatility.

He outlined a model in which onchain prediction markets work alongside large language models (LLMs).

The system would track price indices across categories of goods and services, such as food, housing or transportation, separated by region.

A user’s personal AI assistant would analyze spending patterns and construct a tailored portfolio of prediction-market positions representing expected future expenses.

The idea is to help households and companies offset rising costs. Individuals could hold traditional investments for growth while maintaining a basket of prediction-market shares tied to living expenses, creating a buffer against inflation in fiat currencies.

Supporters of prediction markets say the technology already has broader value beyond speculation.

These platforms crowdsource expectations about events, financial trends and economic conditions, producing signals some researchers argue can rival polling data.

Recently I have been starting to worry about the state of prediction markets, in their current form. They have achieved a certain level of success: market volume is high enough to make meaningful bets and have a full-time job as a trader, and they often prove useful as a…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 14, 2026
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Markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi have gained traction by offering alternative views on political and economic developments.

Advocates say they provide a decentralized source of intelligence that is harder to shape by centralized narratives.

State Opposition to Prediction Markets Builds Over Consumer Concerns

State opposition to prediction markets has been building for months.

In 2025, the SWC urged the CFTC to prohibit sports event contracts, arguing that such products bypass state safeguards such as age verification, responsible gaming rules and anti-money laundering requirements.

As reported, a new legislation to limit the interactions between government officials and the prediction markets is being supported by more than 30 Democrats in the US House of Representatives, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The lure behind new restrictions is a controversial Polymarket bet, which started as a bet of $32,000 but eventually became more than $400,000 shortly before the unexpected detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The bill proposed by the New York Representative Ritchie Torres is the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026.

Last month, Kalshi opened a new office in Washington, D.C., as it ramps up efforts to shape federal and state policy amid growing scrutiny of its products across the United States.

The company also hired veteran political strategist John Bivona as its first head of federal government relations.

The post Vitalik Buterin Warns Prediction Markets Are Becoming Overly Speculative appeared first on Cryptonews.

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Crypto World

Pi Network’s PI Steals the Show as Bitcoin (BTC) Reclaims $70K: Weekend Watch

Published

22 minutes ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

PI’s recent rally has only intensified as the asset flew past $0.20 earlier today.

Bitcoin’s rather impressive and unexpected weekend recovery run has continued as the asset exceeded $70,000 earlier today and hasn’t looked back since.

Many altcoins have produced even more notable gains, including XRP and DOGE, both of which have skyrocketed by double digits. PEPE and PI joined that club.

BTC Taps $70K

It was just over a week ago – February 6, when the primary cryptocurrency’s crash culminated in a nosedive to $60,000. This became its lowest price tag in well over a year after a $30,000 drop in the span of approximately 10 days.

The bulls finally woke up at this point and didn’t allow another decline to the sub-$60,000 levels. Just the opposite, BTC exploded by $12,000 within a day and surged to $72,000, which turned out to be too strong a resistance.

The following few days were sluggish, with bitcoin trading between $68,000 and $72,000. The mid-week rejection at the upper boundary resulted in more pain, as the asset fell to $66,000 on Friday. However, it rebounded strongly in the following days, climbed to $69,000 on Saturday and to $70,800 on Sunday. It faced some resistance there, but still trades above $70,000 as of press time.

Its market capitalization has risen to $1.410 trillion on CG, while its dominance over the alts has decreased slightly to 56.5%.

PI, XRP, DOGE on the Run

While some larger-cap altcoins, such as ETH, BNB, and TRX, have remained sluggish on a daily scale, others, such as XRP and DOGE, have gone on a tear. The OG meme coin has gained 18% daily, perhaps driven by an announcement by Elon Musk, and now sits around $0.115. XRP has reclaimed the $1.60 resistance after an 11% pump.

ADA, ZEC, and XLM are also in the green from the larger caps, while PEPE has soared by 25%. Pi Network’s native token became the top performer in the crypto markets today, surging by over 35% at one point to over $0.20. Although it has lost some traction since then, it’s still up by 20%.

The total crypto market cap has added another $40 billion daily and is close to $2.5 trillion on CG.

Cryptocurrency Market Overview Feb 15. Source: QuantifyCrypto

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Crypto World

Pi Network Pioneers Celebrate PI’s 35% Daily Surge as Important Deadline Approaches

Published

1 hour ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Pi Token Price on February 15. Source: CoinGecko

The PI token has become the most substantial gainer over the past 24 hours.

What a volatile ride it has been for Pi Network’s native token after the calmness experienced during the December holidays. The asset was charting severe losses for several consecutive weeks, but the past few days have been a lot more positive.

This resurgance comes after the team issued an important reminder about a deadline for today.

PI Rockets

As mentioned above, PI was consistently one of the worst performers in the cryptocurrency markets ever since the last correction began in mid-January. The asset marked consecutive all-time lows, with the latest being at $0.1312 on February 11. As the community was lashing out against the project behind it and there were calls for further decline, the trend reversed in the past few days.

PI’s price went on a wild run, gaining more than 30% in the past day alone, and over 55% since its all-time low seen just a few days ago. As such, it now trades above $0.20, which has prompted many Pioneers to celebrate the move and call for further gains.

“Huge congratulations to all Pioneers who recently DCA’d at the bottom around $0.13 – that decision is paying off nicely right now. A special shoutout and big thanks to PiBridge – a project that truly listens to the community and delivered one of the most useful features yet: USDT loans collateralized by PI. Thanks to this, anyone who urgently needed cash but didn’t want to sell their PI at the painful $0.13-$0.14 levels can now avoid massive regret,” commented Cryptoleakvn.

It’s worth noting that today’s surge comes just a day after a popular crypto analyst, Captain Faibik, said they added PI to their portfolio and predicted a massive 500% surge.

Deadline Approaches

Separately, but perhaps somehow related to the recent pump, is the deadline ending today that concerns Pi Network’s “4th role” – Pi Nodes. As reported earlier this week, the Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol is undergoing a series of upgrades, and the deadline for the first one is February 15.

It requires all Mainnet nodes to complete this important step to remain connected to the network. In this article, we reiterated the Core Team’s explanation that nodes must run on laptops or desktop computers, which would allow them to help power PI decentralization by validating transactions, strengthening network security, and supporting global consensus and trust.

Crypto World

Senators urge Bessent to probe $500M UAE stake in Trump-linked WLFI

Published

1 hour ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Two US senators pressed the Treasury Department to examine a UAE-backed investment into World Liberty Financial (WLFI), citing potential national security and data privacy concerns. In a Friday letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim urged the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to determine whether a formal review is warranted into a deal in which a UAE-backed investment vehicle would acquire about 49% of WLFI for roughly $500 million. The arrangement, disclosed days before Donald Trump’s inauguration, would make the foreign investor WLFI’s largest shareholder and its lone publicly known outside investor. The disclosures tie the funding to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and include governance seats for executives linked to the technology firm G42, which has previously drawn scrutiny from U.S. intelligence agencies over potential ties to China.

Key takeaways

The senators have asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who chairs CFIUS, to assess whether the foreign stake should trigger a formal CFIUS investigation, with a response deadline tied to March 5.
The deal would grant a UAE-backed fund a 49% stake in WLFI for about $500 million, positioning the investor as WLFI’s largest shareholder and its only publicly disclosed non-U.S. investor, and it would involve two WLFI board seats held by executives connected to G42.
Officials tied the investment to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, raising concerns about foreign influence over a U.S. company handling financial and personal data.
WLFI’s disclosed data practices include wallet addresses, IP addresses, device identifiers, approximate location data, and certain identity records through service providers—factors that intensify national-security considerations if a foreign government gains access or influence.
Previous inquiries linked WLFI’s token sales to sanctioned or otherwise problematic actors, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of the firm’s governance and funding channels.

Tickers mentioned: $WLFI

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The episode sits within a broader regulatory backdrop in which U.S. authorities are closely examining foreign involvement in fintech, crypto, and data-centric companies, with CFIUS and other agencies increasingly scrutinizing deals that could expose Americans’ sensitive information to non-U.S. entities.

Why it matters

The inquiry highlights a growing tension between ambitious cross-border fintech investments and national-security safeguards. WLFI’s stake sale to a foreign investor—reportedly tied to a figure who serves as the UAE’s national security adviser—touches on questions about how foreign influence could translate into practical control over a U.S. company handling financial data and personal identifiers. The senators’ letter emphasizes that WLFI’s privacy disclosures include data types that could be valuable for both commercial and security purposes, including wallet addresses, IP addresses, device identifiers and location signals collected via service providers. If CFIUS were to determine that foreign access to this information poses a risk, it could lead to remedies ranging from structural changes to divestment or blocking the transaction.

The timing is notable. The deal’s trajectory reportedly unfolded in the period surrounding the transition into the early days of the Trump administration, a moment that further complicates oversight of foreign involvement in U.S. tech and financial platforms. The letter asks for a comprehensive, unbiased assessment, signaling that the matter could become a touchpoint in ongoing debates about foreign capital, data sovereignty, and the boundaries of U.S. national-security review in the digital era.

Meanwhile, WLFI’s governance and fundraising activity have drawn attention from lawmakers who previously raised concerns about the company’s token sales. In a separate thread, senators highlighted alleged connections between WLFI token economics and actors under sanctions or other sensitive watchlists, underscoring the potential for governance risks in a project that straddles traditional finance and blockchain-enabled remittance or exchange services. The convergence of crypto-oriented fundraising with established corporate governance raises practical questions about how future regulatory reviews will treat blended business models and cross-border capital flows.

What to watch next

CFIUS response: Look for a formal reply from Bessent by the March 5 deadline and any indication of whether a full or targeted review will be initiated.
Notifications and disclosures: Monitor whether WLFI or the UAE investor issues additional disclosures or amendments related to the stake, governance seats, or data handling practices.
Governance dynamics: Track updates on WLFI’s board composition and whether the involvement of G42-linked executives persists or evolves in response to regulatory scrutiny.
Regulatory actions: Observe any further actions from U.S. authorities regarding WLFI’s token sales or related governance tokens, and any comparable reviews of foreign investments in fintech platforms.

Sources & verification

Letter to Bessent requesting CFIUS review (PDF): https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_bessent_re_cfius_wlf.pdf
Report on UAE-backed investment in WLFI and Trump-linked connections: https://cointelegraph.com/news/uae-backed-firm-buys-49-percent-trump-linked-world-liberty-wsj
November 2023 inquiry into WLFI token sales and potential sanctions connections: https://cointelegraph.com/news/senators-trump-linked-wlfi-national-security-threat
Trump denial of involvement in WLFI stake: https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-denies-involvement-500m-uae-wlfi-stake

UAE-backed WLFI stake triggers CFIUS review over data access and security

A federal inquiry into a United Arab Emirates–backed investment in World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has surged into focus for U.S. national-security authorities. In a Friday letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim request a formal assessment by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to determine whether the arrangement warrants a comprehensive review. The deal contemplates a UAE-backed investment vehicle acquiring roughly 49% of WLFI for about $500 million, a stake that would position the foreign fund as WLFI’s largest shareholder and sole outside investor currently disclosed. The outside investor’s ties to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, and the allocation of two WLFI board seats to executives linked to the tech company G42, have attracted scrutiny from lawmakers who emphasize potential foreign influence over sensitive data streams and corporate governance.

The core concern centers on data control and access. WLFI’s disclosed privacy practices indicate that the company collects a spectrum of user data, including wallet addresses, IP addresses, device identifiers and approximate location data, as well as certain identity records obtained through service providers. Warren and Kim argue that such data, if controlled by a foreign government, could be leveraged to influence business decisions or gain strategic insight into American consumers’ financial behaviors. For CFIUS, this represents a classic national-security calculus: do the benefits of foreign investment outweigh the risk of sensitive information flowing beyond U.S. borders or under foreign influence?

The lawmakers’ letter notes that CFIUS’s remit includes evaluating foreign investments that could provide access to sensitive technologies or personal data belonging to U.S. citizens. They request a response by March 5 and advocate for a “comprehensive, thorough, and unbiased” review if warranted. The request follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny of foreign involvement in crypto and fintech ventures—a trend that has intensified as policymakers balance economic openness with the imperative to protect personal data and national security. The situation intertwines elements of geopolitical risk, data privacy, and the evolving regulatory framework governing digital assets and fintech platforms.

Earlier in the year, Warren and Reed also pressed authorities to investigate WLFI’s token sales amid allegations of connections to sanctioned actors, including claims that governance tokens were acquired by addresses associated with the Lazarus Group and other entities linked to Russia and Iran. While those claims remain contested and subject to ongoing debate, they underscore the broader context in which WLFI operates—where tokenization, remittance services, and crypto governance intersect with complex international exposure.

As WLFI and its backers navigate this regulatory landscape, the public record continues to evolve. President Trump, in separate remarks, has indicated that his family is handling the matter and that he does not have direct involvement in the investment. “My sons are handling that — my family is handling it,” he stated, adding that investments come from various individuals. The evolving narrative highlights how political dynamics can intersect with fintech ventures that straddle traditional financial services and blockchain-based offerings, raising questions about transparency, governance, and the safeguards that shield U.S. data from foreign influence.

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Crypto World

Analysts Call for Another Big Move After 16% Surge

Published

1 hour ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

XRP Sees Impressive Recovery Wick With Massive 37% Price Surge: Here's Why

Ripple’s XRP broke the weekend silence with a massive double-digit surge to over $1.65.

Unlike the weekend at the start of the month, in which the cryptocurrency market was hit hard, and multiple assets suffered massive losses, the past 24 hours have benefited almost all digital assets.

Ripple’s cross-border token has emerged as one of the top gainers, having surged by 16% daily to its highest price levels since February 1 at over $1.65.

CryptoWZRD weighed in on XRP’s performance during the weekend, indicating that both charts, against the USD and BTC, closed bullish. The analyst added that “further upside from XRPBTC is very likely.”

Cobb, one of the most vocal XRP bulls on X who made some bold price predictions yesterday with double-digit targets, noted that the cross-border asset might have started to decouple from other larger-cap cryptocurrencies.

This claim has merit at least in the past day. Aside from DOGE, which has soared by over 20% since Saturday, XRP is the only other double-digit gainer from the top 20 alts.

ERGAG CRYPTO indicated that the current two-week candle, which is set to close later today, is “shaping into either a Hammer or a Dragonfly Doji.” The analyst explained that both options are classic reversal candles that appear after a severe downtrend.

XRP has indeed been in a downtrend for the past month and a half. The asset peaked at $2.40 on January 6 but was quickly halted there and pushed south to just over $1.10 on February 6. Nevertheless, it responded well to this calamity and now trades at $1.65, representing a near 50% surge from the local lows.

Crypto World

Altcoin Markets Show Recurring 120-Day Downtrend Cycle as Base Formation Begins

Published

2 hours ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

21Shares Introduces JitoSOL ETP to Offer Staking Rewards via Solana

TLDR:

Altcoin markets have experienced two identical 120-day downtrends since January 2024 during peak optimism phases.
Total3 market cap shows rally-distribution-bleed-reset pattern rather than continuous upward bull cycle movement.
Price has returned to major support zone while RSI sits at depressed levels after months of declining momentum.
Historical pattern suggests capitulation windows occur when 120-day cycles repeat within same market structure.

Altcoin markets have consistently followed a 120-day downtrend pattern over the past two years, according to recent market analysis.

The cycle appears during periods of peak optimism and extends into full four-month corrections. Traders holding positions in recent drawdowns may find relief in understanding this recurring timeframe. The pattern suggests markets move in predictable blocks rather than continuous upward momentum.

Recurring Downtrend Structure in Altcoin Markets

Total3 market capitalization data reveals a consistent rhythm since January 2024. Markets experience sharp rallies followed by extended distribution phases.

The first quarter of 2024 saw altcoins surge before entering a 120-day decline. During these periods, bounces get sold, and sentiment turns negative.

Later cycles showed identical behavior. A fourth-quarter rally materialized before another 120-day correction pushed into early 2026. The duration matched previous patterns almost exactly. This repetition indicates structure rather than random volatility.

Market observers from Our Crypto Talk noted how most participants only recognize the rally phases. Successful traders track the reset periods with equal attention.

ALTSEASON COMES IN WAVES
For the last 2 years, we have ignore this 120 day cycle that comes when everyone is giga bullish.
Not “a bad week.”
Not “a red month.”
A full 4-month downtrend.
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If you’re sitting in drawdowns right now, this is the first real reason to feel a bit… pic.twitter.com/OQzwMLzMnm
— Our Crypto Talk (@ourcryptotalk) February 15, 2026

The current environment sits within another reset zone. These blocks follow a sequence: rally, distribution, slow decline, reset, then another rally.

Understanding this rhythm changes how traders approach positioning. Markets don’t move in straight lines during bull cycles.

Instead, they advance through predictable consolidation periods. Recognition of these phases helps separate short-term noise from longer-term trend development.

Technical Setup Points to Potential Base Formation

Current price action has returned to a major support band that previously acted as a floor. The market has repeatedly reacted around this zone in past cycles.

This area represents significant accumulation levels from earlier timeframes. Price behavior near established support often signals exhaustion of selling pressure.

Momentum indicators show complementary signals. RSI has trended downward for months and now sits at depressed levels.

While no single indicator guarantees reversals, compressed momentum after timed downtrends typically precedes shifts. Selling pressure appears to be reaching exhaustion points.

The convergence of time-based cycles and technical levels creates noteworthy conditions. When 120-day downtrends appear twice within the same cycle, they often mark capitulation windows.

Weak positions exit while value-focused buyers begin accumulating. This phase doesn’t guarantee immediate upside but shifts probability distributions.

Market structure suggests a transition from random downside to base building. Bitcoin’s stability could catalyze altcoin bid activity in coming weeks.

The panic phase appears complete based on historical cycle comparison. Patience becomes valuable during these periods as markets digest previous excesses and establish foundations for subsequent moves.

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Is Elon Musk Behind Dogecoin’s Latest Double-Digit Surge?

Published

2 hours ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

DOGE and other meme coins are some of the most impressive gainers during the weekend.

Although most cryptocurrencies have charted notable gains over the past 36 hours or so, Dogecoin is among the top performers, having surged by double digits to over $0.11.

Perhaps the most evident reason behind this rally could be, once again, Elon Musk. This time, though, he hasn’t made a specific DOGE-focused statement as in the past, but rather a broader promise for the entire crypto industry.

In a recent video, the owner of X said the social media platform will allow users to trade stocks and digital assets directly from their timelines. They will be able to interact with ticker symbols in posts and complete trades within the app.

The beta platform is expected to launch within a month or two from X Money, the company’s in-house payments system. Nikita Bier, the firm’s head of product, explained that the goal is to turn the social media behemoth into an “everything app” that allows users to invest, send money, post, and message others.

Given Musk’s history with Dogecoin, it’s no wonder that the OG meme coin has gone on a tear ever since the announcement went live. The asset has consistently risen for the past few days, going from $0.095 to a two-week peak of over $0.115.

It’s worth noting, though, that the billionaire has been quite silent on the Dogecoin endorsement front in the past year or so after some controversial claims that led to lawsuits against him.

Other meme coins have also benefited from the recent market resurgance. PEPE has skyrocketed by 30% daily, while PIPPIN has solidified its spot in the top 100 alts after another 16% surge. Moreover, the asset has rocketed by 270% in the past week.

Crypto World

Solana Company Unveils First Digital Asset Treasury for Institutional Borrowing Against Staked SOL

Published

2 hours ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

TLDR:

Solana Company introduces first tri-party custody model allowing borrowing against natively staked SOL tokens.
Anchorage Digital’s Atlas system provides automated collateral management while assets remain in custody.
Institutions earn 7% staking yields on SOL while accessing on-chain liquidity through Kamino’s platform.
The scalable model serves as blueprint for future treasury companies and institutional DeFi participation.

Solana Company (NASDAQ: HSDT) announced a partnership with Anchorage Digital and Kamino on February 13, 2026.

The collaboration introduces the first digital asset treasury enabling borrowing against natively staked SOL in qualified custody.

The tri-party custody model allows institutional investors to earn staking rewards while accessing on-chain liquidity. This structure maintains custody, compliance, and operational control for institutional participants.

Tri-Party Custody Model Connects Institutional Capital to DeFi

The partnership brings institutional capital to Solana’s decentralized finance ecosystem through a novel custody arrangement.

Anchorage Digital serves as the collateral manager for natively-staked SOL held in segregated accounts. Institutions can earn staking rewards while simultaneously unlocking borrowing power through Kamino’s lending platform. All assets remain under qualified custody at Anchorage Digital Bank throughout the borrowing process.

Nathan McCauley, CEO and Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital, addressed the institutional demand for this infrastructure. “Institutions want access to the most efficient sources of on-chain liquidity, but they aren’t willing to compromise on custody, compliance, or operational control,” McCauley stated.

He noted that Atlas collateral management allows institutions to keep natively staked SOL with a qualified custodian while using it productively.

This approach brings institutional-grade risk management to Solana’s lending markets, according to the executive.

Anchorage Digital’s Atlas system provides automated oversight of loan-to-value ratios around the clock. The platform orchestrates margin and collateral movements based on predefined rules.

When necessary, the system executes liquidations to protect lenders and borrowers. These features give institutions familiar risk and compliance controls while enabling direct market participation.

Cheryl Chan, Head of Strategy at Kamino, commented on the partnership’s potential. “This collaboration unlocks meaningful institutional demand to borrow against assets held in qualified custody,” Chan explained.

By partnering with Anchorage Digital, Kamino enables institutions to access on-chain liquidity and yield on Solana. The arrangement allows institutions to custody assets within their existing regulated framework.

This removes a barrier that previously limited institutional participation in decentralized lending markets.

Blueprint for Future Treasury Operations and Network Growth

Cosmo Jiang, General Partner at Pantera Capital Management and Board Member at Solana Company, provided his perspective on the structure. “This structure demonstrates how institutional-grade infrastructure can unlock deeper participation on Solana,” Jiang said.

He described it as a strong example of how regulated custody and on-chain borrowing can work together. Jiang believes this scalable model is the blueprint other treasury companies will follow and institutional investors will demand.

The collaboration extends beyond the initial deployment. Other investors, venture firms, and protocols can replicate the structure.

This repeatability positions the model as a standard for institutional participation in protocol borrowing. The framework accommodates various collateral types, from standard digital assets to reward-bearing positions.

Solana has recorded strong network metrics across multiple dimensions. The blockchain processes more than 3,500 transactions per second. Daily active wallets average around 3.7 million users.

The network has surpassed 23 billion transactions year-to-date. SOL offers a native staking yield of approximately 7 percent.

Solana Company operates as an independent treasury company focused on supporting tokenized networks. The firm serves as a long-term holder of SOL tokens.

HSDT continues developing its neurotech and medical device operations alongside its digital asset treasury activities. The company’s mission centers on supporting the growth and security of blockchain networks.

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Crypto World

Analysis Puts Bitcoin Price ‘Ultimate’ Bear Market Bottom Near $55,000

Published

2 hours ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Analysis Puts Bitcoin Price ‘Ultimate’ Bear Market Bottom Near $55,000

Bitcoin may not have hit true capitulation yet. On chain analytics firm CryptoQuant is warning that the real bear market floor could sit closer to $55,000. That is lower than many bulls want to admit.

If their data is right, the market still has some pain to process before a proper structural base forms. Weak hands may not be fully flushed. And until that final reset happens, calling this the ultimate bottom might be a bit premature.

Key Takeaways

CryptoQuant data suggests the “ultimate” bear market bottom is near $55,000 based on realized price models.
Bitcoin recently saw $5.4 billion in realized losses on Feb. 5, the highest since March 2023.
Key valuation metrics like MVRV and NUPL have not yet reached historical capitulation zones.

Is The Selling Finally Over?

CryptoQuant says we are still in a normal bear phase, not the extreme panic zone that usually marks once in a cycle buying opportunities. In their view, bottoms are not single candles. They are long, messy processes that take time to build.

Meanwhile, price action keeps slipping. ETF outflows are stacking up and Bitcoin losing $66,000 has traders nervous. But according to the data, we still have not seen the kind of pain that typically resets the market.

Bitcoin price is trading more than 25% above its realized price, a level that has historically acted as strong support.

In past cycles like 2018 and the FTX collapse, Bitcoin bottomed 24% to 30% below realized price. If that pattern plays out again, the $55,000 area becomes the zone to watch.

Realized Losses And Valuation Metrics

The latest CryptoQuant data shows real damage under the surface.

On February 5, Bitcoin holders locked in $5.4 billion in daily losses as price slid 14% to $62,000. That was the biggest single day loss since March 2023.

But even with those numbers, key valuation metrics are not flashing full bottom yet.

The MVRV ratio has not dropped into the extreme undervalued zone that usually shows up at cycle lows. The NUPL metric also has not hit the deep unrealized loss levels that typically mark capitulation.

Long term holders tell a similar story. Right now, many are selling around breakeven. In past bear market bottoms, they were sitting on losses of 30% to 40%.

If history is any guide, the final phase of capitulation may require a deeper reset before a durable floor forms. Until then, patience may prove more valuable than premature bottom calls.

If Bitcoin Needs Another Reset, Bitcoin Hyper Does Not

When analysts start talking about “true capitulation,” it means one thing. Bitcoin could stay slow and heavy for longer than bulls expect.

That is not the environment for explosive base-layer moves.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is built for momentum regardless of where BTC chops. This Bitcoin-focused Layer-2, powered by Solana technology, adds speed, lower fees, and real on-chain utility without touching Bitcoin core security.

Bitcoin Hyper is already gaining traction. The presale has raised over $31 million so far, with $HYPER priced at $0.0136751 before the next increase, plus staking rewards up to 37%.

If Bitcoin needs more time to bottom, Bitcoin Hyper is positioned to move during the wait.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post Analysis Puts Bitcoin Price ‘Ultimate’ Bear Market Bottom Near $55,000 appeared first on Cryptonews.

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Crypto World

Elon Musk’s X to Launch Smart Cashtags Enabling In-App Stock and Crypto Trading

Published

2 hours ago

15 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Elon Musk’s X to Launch Smart Cashtags Enabling In-App Stock and Crypto Trading

Elon Musk’s social media platform X is preparing to roll out a feature that could transform the app from a discussion forum into a trading venue.

Key Takeaways:

X plans to launch Smart Cashtags allowing users to trade stocks and cryptocurrencies directly in posts.
The feature advances Musk’s vision of turning X into an all-in-one financial and social platform.
It will roll out alongside X Money, a peer-to-peer payments system currently in beta testing.

Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, said the company plans to introduce “Smart Cashtags,” a tool that will allow users to buy and sell stocks and cryptocurrencies directly from their timelines.

The feature is expected to arrive within weeks, according to a post published Saturday.

X To Roll Out Smart Cashtags Enabling Stock And Crypto Trades From Posts

“We are launching a number of features in a couple of weeks, including Smart Cashtags that will enable you to trade stocks and crypto directly from the timeline,” Bier wrote.

Bier had previously hinted at the feature in January, sharing an image showing trading functionality embedded in posts, but the company had not confirmed the details at the time.

X previously experimented with financial features. In 2022, it added a basic Cashtag system that displayed price charts and market data for major assets such as Bitcoin and Ether.

Users could view market movements inside posts, though the feature only tracked prices and did not enable transactions. The earlier system was later discontinued.

The planned trading capability would mark a major shift for the platform, which already hosts a large share of online crypto conversation. Allowing direct transactions would move X beyond information sharing and into financial services.

I genuinely want crypto to proliferate on X, but applications that create incentives to spam, raid, and harass random users is not the way.
It meaningfully degrades the experience for millions of people — only to enrich a few people.
And yes, we are launching a number of…
— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) February 14, 2026

The development aligns with Musk’s long-standing plan to turn X into an “everything app,” comparable to China’s WeChat, where messaging, payments and services operate in one place.

The trading feature comes alongside X Money, a peer-to-peer payments system. Speaking during a presentation at his artificial intelligence company xAI, Musk said the payment tool is currently in limited beta testing and could expand globally after the trial period.

“This is intended to be the place where all money is — the central source of monetary transactions,” Musk said.

According to Musk, the platform reaches roughly 600 million monthly users.

X Cracks Down on Crypto-Linked Engagement Apps

As reported, X has recently come under scrutiny after restricting API access for so-called InfoFi and engagement-reward projects, many of which were tied to crypto incentives.

The company said it would no longer allow apps that reward users for posting or interacting on X, citing concerns over AI-generated spam and manipulation.

Beyond crypto, X’s broader AI strategy has drawn regulatory attention, particularly in Europe, where authorities have raised concerns about Grok’s image-generation features.

The platform has since limited certain capabilities and introduced safeguards after investigations were launched.

X’s decision to clamp down on so-called InfoFi applications sent fresh shockwaves through the crypto market, dragging several tokens sharply lower and forcing a rethink across a niche that had grown tightly intertwined with the social media platform.

The immediate market reaction was led by KAITO, the token linked to the Kaito platform, which slid roughly 20% in a single day as investors digested what many saw as a structural threat rather than a short-term policy tweak.

The post Elon Musk’s X to Launch Smart Cashtags Enabling In-App Stock and Crypto Trading appeared first on Cryptonews.

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