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Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT alleges Axiom employee conducted insider trading
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AXIOM EMPLOYEE ACCUSED OF ALLEGEDLY INSIDER TRAINING BY ZACHXBT: Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT said a senior employee at onchain trading platform Axiom Exchange allegedly abused internal access to user data to track private wallets and potentially trade memecoins using inside information. In a thread posted to X, ZachXBT said Broox Bauer, a New York-based senior business development employee at Axiom, used internal dashboards to look up sensitive user information — including linked wallet addresses — and shared that data with a small group that mapped trades of prominent crypto influencers. Axiom, founded in 2024 by Mist and Cal and a member of Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 cohort, has generated more than $390 million in revenue to date, according to the investigator. ZachXBT said he was retained to investigate allegations that internal tools were being misused. He did not say who retained him. In audio clips shared in the thread, a person said to be Bauer allegedly claims he can track “any Axiom user” by referral code, wallet address or UID and “find out anything to do with that person.” In the same recording, he describes initially researching 10–20 wallets and gradually increasing activity “so it does not look that suspicious.” — Oliver Knight Read more.
EF ‘STRAWMAP’ ROADMAP RELEASED: Ethereum Foundation published a roadmap that reads like it’s building for the next decade, not surviving the current quarter. The document, called the “strawmap” and released Wednesday by EF researcher Justin Drake, lays out a plan for seven hard forks through 2029. Hard forks are network-wide software upgrades that every node must implement or get left behind, making them the highest-stakes type of change Ethereum can make. The plan is organized around five goals described as “north stars.” These include a faster layer 1 with transaction finality in seconds; dramatically higher layer-1 throughput capable of around 10,000 transactions per second (referred to as “gigagas” scale); Layer-2 networks reaching “teragas” levels of throughput, or roughly 10 million TPS; post-quantum cryptography and built-in privacy through shielded ETH transfers. — Shaurya Malwa Read more.
ROBINHOOD CHAIN TESTNET UPDATE: Robinhood’s (HOOD) testnet logged 4 million transactions in the first week its testnet chain went live, the investment platform’s CEO Vlad Tenev said on X. The Robinhood Chain, which focuses on tokenization and trading, comes as centralized exchanges are looking to build their own blockchain infrastructure even as the broader Ethereum ecosystem debates its future. “Developers are already building on our L2, designed for tokenized real world assets and onchain financial services,” Tenev wrote. Testnets are risk-free environments for developers to test code and experimental features before the mainnet goes live. The two stages of a network’s development can be compared to a flight simulator and a commercial flight. The Robinhood Chain’s testnet has arrived against the backdrop of a larger reckoning in the Ethereum world. Earlier this month, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin declared that the protocol’s long-held layer-2 (L2) rollup-centric roadmap “no longer makes sense,” arguing that many rollups have fallen short of full decentralization and that Ethereum’s base layer is scaling faster than expected. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.
OPENAI DIPS ITS TOES INTO SMART CONTRACTS: OpenAI is stepping deeper into crypto security with the debut of EVMbench, a testing framework designed to measure how well artificial intelligence can understand and potentially secure smart contracts on Ethereum and similar blockchains. Smart contracts, the self-executing code deployed on blockchains like Ethereum, underpin decentralized exchanges, lending protocols and a wide range of onchain financial applications. Because these contracts are typically immutable once deployed, vulnerabilities can be serious. EVMbench is OpenAI’s attempt to see whether modern AI systems are up to the task of helping prevent those issues. Built in collaboration with crypto investment firm Paradigm, the benchmark draws on real-world smart contract vulnerabilities already uncovered through audits and security competitions. The system measures performance across three core abilities: identifying security bugs, exploiting those bugs in a controlled environment and fixing the vulnerable code without breaking the contracts. OpenAI says the goal is to establish a clear standard for evaluating AI systems in blockchain security, especially as decentralized finance continues to secure billions of dollars in user funds. The stakes for smart contracts are only rising. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.
In Other News
- Meta, the U.S. tech giant helmed by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, aims to enter the stablecoin space later this year, pending successful integration with a third-party firm to facilitate payments using the dollar-pegged token technology, according to three people familiar with the plans. The tech giant, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram and has more than 3 billion users, wants to begin its stablecoin integration early in the second half of this year, said one of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans are not public. Meta is planning to integrate a vendor to help administer stablecoin-backed payments and implement a new wallet, the person said. A second person said that Meta has sent out a request for product (RFP) to third-party firms and mentioned Stripe as a likely candidate for piloting the stablecoin. Introducing stablecoins would let Meta open payment rails to its massive user base while bypassing expensive traditional banking fees, and potentially position it as a global leader in “social commerce” and cross-border remittances. — Ian Allison Read more.
- American Bitcoin (ABTC), the bitcoin mining company backed by the family of President Donald Trump, said it lost $59 million in the fourth quarter as the plummeting price of the largest cryptocurrency eroded the value of its holdings. The company, which went public in September, less than a month before the largest cryptocurrency hit a record high, is pursuing a dual strategy of mining and purchases, with roughly one-third of its BTC coming from mining operations. The rest comes from open-market purchases and strategic transactions, funded in large part by selling stock. The company, which is 20% owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, generated $150.5 million through an at-the-market stock offering during the quarter. The capital allowed it to boost its per-share bitcoin exposure by nearly 50%. It now holds more than 6,000 BTC, it said. During the quarter, it mined bitcoin at a 53% gross margin, suggesting production costs were significantly below spot prices even as the price of the cryptocurrency fell. Revenue rose 22% from the third quarter. — Francesco Rodrigues & James Van Straten Read more.
Regulatory and Policy
- The Indiana state legislature authorized public retirement and savings plans to gain exposure to digital assets and spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), while affirming residents’ access to crypto investments. Governor Mike Braun is expected to sign HB 1042 into law within the next 10 days. Indiana joins at least seven other states, including Wyoming, Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona, that have moved to integrate crypto-linked products into public investment frameworks. Almost half of the state governments in the U.S. are either on a path toward putting some of their money into crypto or already have, with much of this trend developing since President Donald Trump directed his administration to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. — Olivier Acuna Read more.
- The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned a Russian company, Operation Zero, and the individuals behind it, including Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk, after accusing them of buying stolen cyber tools for millions in cryptocurrency and reselling those technologies, which were created for U.S. government use. The tools were said to be originally stolen by an Australian national, Peter Williams, who once worked at the defense contractor that made the national-security focused software “for the exclusive use of the U.S. government and select allies.” Williams pleaded guilty last year to selling trade secrets. “Treasury will continue to work alongside the rest of the Trump Administration to protect sensitive American intellectual property and safeguard our national security,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in a statement. Zelenyuk and the others are said to be the first people to be sanctioned under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act. — Jesse Hamilton Read more.
Calendar
- Mar. 24-26, 2026: Digital Asset Summit, New York City
- Mar. 30-Apr. 2, 2026: EthCC, Cannes
- Apr.15-16, 2026: Paris Blockchain Week, Paris
- Apr. 29-30, 2026: Token2049, Dubai
- May 5-7, 2026: Consensus, Miami
- Sept. 29-Oct.1, 2026: Korea Blockchain Week, Seoul
- Oct. 7-8, 2026: Token2049, Singapore
- Nov. 3-6, 2026: Devcon, Mumbai
- Nov. 15-17, 2026: Solana Breakpoint, London
Trescon marks 10 years, delivering 500+ government-backed events and scaling from Bengaluru to Dubai-led MEASA expansion.
Summary
- Founded in 2016 in Bengaluru, Trescon now runs 500+ events across 10+ countries, connecting 250k+ attendees and 3.5k+ investors.
- Dubai FinTech Summit under Dubai Future Finance Week has grown past 9,000 participants, cementing Trescon as a key DIFC partner.
- The firm is expanding from Dubai into Riyadh, Saudi, ASEAN and African markets with new AI, cybersecurity, STEM and deeptech platforms.
Trescon, a business events company, has marked its 10-year anniversary as a provider of government-backed business platforms in the Middle East and North Africa region, the company announced.
The company was founded in Bengaluru in 2016 by Mohammed Saleem, Mithun Shetty and Swarnavo Roy, according to company records. Trescon established its UAE office in 2021, designating Dubai as its regional headquarters.
The firm currently manages four events within Dubai Future Finance Week, organized by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Future Islamic Finance Forum, and Reg3 Forum, according to the company.
The Dubai FinTech Summit has grown to more than 9,000 participants, according to event data. Trescon has also provided services for government initiatives including the World Police Summit organized by Dubai Police and Dubai Future Forum organized by Dubai Future Foundation.
Over the past decade, the company has delivered more than 500 events globally across 10-plus countries, attracted over 250,000 attendees, generated more than 1 million business connections, and engaged over 3,500 investors, according to company figures.
The company’s leadership team includes Madhukar Dudda, Ummer Shameem, Sanjiv Singh, Anil Kumar, Edward Maben, Christine Davidson, Vimal Bhat and Naveen Bharadwaj, who oversee more than 250 professionals across international offices, according to the company.
“With government-entrusted flagship platforms, delivery must be flawless. At this level, the organiser’s credibility and the government’s reputation are inseparable,” Mohammed Saleem stated.
The company has expanded operations to Riyadh and is pursuing growth in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and African markets including Mauritius, according to the announcement. Trescon is developing platforms focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, STEM and deeptech sectors.
“As we enter our second decade, we are scaling that framework across high-growth economies aligned with future technologies, sustainability and capacity building,” Naveen Bharadwaj stated.
Trescon operates with six business divisions across seven global offices. The company’s portfolio includes managed events under Dubai Future Finance Week, alongside event brands including World AI Show, HODL, DATE, CARE for Sustainability and the World FinTech Show, according to company information.
The company focuses on mid-to-large scale leadership platforms, typically hosting 3,000 to 10,000 senior stakeholders, according to its business model description.
MARA Holdings (MARA) reported a fourth quarter 2025 net loss of $1.71 billion, or $4.52 per diluted share, compared with net income of $528.3 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, in the same period a year earlier.
Its shareholder letter filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said revenue in Q4 fell 6% to $202.3 million from $214.4 million in Q4 of 2024, as a lower average Bitcoin (BTC) price outweighed the impact of a higher hashrate.
For the full year 2025, Marathon booked a net loss of $1.31 billion, compared with net income of $541 million in 2024, even though its revenue rose to $907.1 million from $656.4 million a year earlier.
The company said that its Q4 net income was hit by a $1.50 billion negative change in the fair value of digital assets and digital assets receivable, reflecting the decline in Bitcoin’s price from around $114,300 on Sept. 30 to roughly $88,800 on Dec. 31, according to data from CoinGecko.
The company’s share price also took a beating, with MARA stock down 46% in the past six months.
On the production side, Marathon said that it mined 2,011 BTC in Q4 2025, down 6% from 2,144 BTC in the prior quarter and 2,492 BTC in the year-earlier period, and 8,799 BTC for the full year, compared with 9,430 BTC in 2024.
Related: Bitdeer sells all Bitcoin, Metaplanet rejects misconduct claims: Asia Express
The company said that it ended 2025 holding 53,822 BTC, including 15,315 BTC loaned or pledged as collateral, with its balance sheet BTC valued at about $4.7 billion at a quarter‑end spot price of $87,498 per coin.
Marathon’s AI and high‑performance compute push
Alongside the numbers, Marathon used its Q4 shareholder letter to outline a multi‑year shift “from a pure‑play Bitcoin miner into an energy and digital infrastructure company,” announcing a strategic joint venture with Starwood Digital Ventures to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance compute (HPC) data centers at its power‑rich sites.
Marathon said that the Starwood partnership was designed to support more than 1 gigawatt of IT capacity in its initial phase, with a roadmap that could extend above 2.5 gigawatts over time, and giving Marathon the option to invest up to 50% in individual projects while continuing to mine where power remains attractive.
The company also highlighted its acquisition of a 64% stake in Exaion in February to target “sovereign‑grade” and enterprise AI deployments.
Miners diverge on strategy as drawdown bites
Marathon’s hybrid approach comes as other major miners continue to experiment with different playbooks in response to the latest Bitcoin drawdown.
Hut 8 reported a fourth‑quarter net loss of $279.7 million on Wednesday, as it leans into a $7 billion AI data center lease, while Trump‑backed American Bitcoin reported a $59.5 million Q4 2025 loss on Thursday, yet continues to double down on its mine-and-hoard BTC model.
Magazine: South Korea gets rich from crypto… North Korea gets weapons
Cardano has made a defiant return to the crypto top 10, reclaiming its spot on CoinMarketCap after ADA price surged nearly 20% over the last 48 hours.
Summary
- Cardano (ADA) surged nearly 20% in 48 hours, reclaiming a top-10 spot on CoinMarketCap and flipping Bitcoin Cash in market capitalization, though ranking discrepancies remain across platforms.
- ADA is trading near $0.292, with RSI near 51 and the Awesome Oscillator turning positive, signaling strengthening bullish momentum as price tests psychological resistance at $0.30.
- Large holders have added over 819 million ADA in six months, while Grayscale raised Cardano’s weighting to 20.2% in its Smart Contract Platform Fund.
This rally allowed the “Ethereum-killer” to flip Bitcoin Cash in market capitalization, signaling a renewed appetite for the asset following months of lacklustre price action.
Interestingly, while CoinMarketCap places ADA at #10, the platform CoinGecko currently ranks it 12th. This discrepancy typically arises from how each platform calculates circulating supply and which “wrapped” or staked assets they include in their total market cap valuation.
Regardless of the minor ranking rift, the momentum behind Cardano is undeniable.
ADA price analysis: Bulls eye $0.30 resistance
The attached ADA/USDT daily chart reveals a significant shift in sentiment. After a period of consolidation throughout February, Cardano is currently trading at $0.2921, testing the upper bounds of its recent range.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 50.98, indicating a neutral-to-bullish momentum with plenty of “room to run” before reaching overbought territory.
Meanwhile, the Awesome Oscillator (AO) has printed its first few green bars above the zero line, suggesting that bullish momentum is finally overtaking the previous bearish trend.
The immediate resistance is a psychological barrier at $0.3000. A daily close above this level could clear the path for a move toward $0.34.
On the downside, solid support is established at the $0.25 level, where buyers aggressively stepped in during early February.
The verdict: Can ADA hold its position?
Whether Cardano holds its top 10 position depends on its ability to flip the $0.30 mark into support. With whale accumulation on the rise and technical indicators flashing green, ADA is well-positioned to maintain its comeback, provided the broader market remains stable.
Recent data from Santiment and other analytics providers suggests a clear divergence between large holders and retail traders.
Over the last six months, “sharks” and “whales” have aggressively increased their positions. Specifically, 819.4 million ADA has been accumulated by this group even as prices hit local lows near $0.26.
Meanwhile, institutional interest is also resurfacing. Grayscale recently increased Cardano’s weighting in its Smart Contract Platform Fund to 20.2%, making it the fund’s third-largest holding.
Global money supply surged to a fresh all-time high in December 2025, reinforcing a liquidity backdrop that has historically supported hard assets.
Gold has responded accordingly, maintaining its upward trajectory despite sharp but brief drawdowns. Nonetheless, Bitcoin, often described as “digital gold,” has delivered choppier price action.
Bitcoin’s Dual Identity Weighs on Price as Risk Appetite Fades
Global liquidity has continued to expand at a rapid pace. According to the Kobeissi Letter, global broad money supply rose to a record $144 trillion in December 2025. On a year-over-year basis, it increased by $13.6 trillion or 10.4%.
The December figure marked the third consecutive month of accelerating growth.
“Since the 2020 pandemic alone, money supply has surged +$44 trillion, or +44%. The fastest increase over this period was recorded in February 2021, at +18.7%. Global money creation has never moved this fast outside of a crisis,” the post read.
If global money supply is hitting an all-time high, the classic expectation would be: More liquidity → higher hard assets. Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity, highlighted that gold is behaving according to that script while Bitcoin is not.
Timmer noted that despite volatility and a 21% drawdown earlier this month, gold has remained resilient. He said the metal has behaved as typically seen in a bull market, with sharp but short-lived pullbacks that quickly attract renewed buying interest.
“Gold may be the ultimate hard money asset and it has been following the global money supply in lockstep. Bitcoin is thought to be the same, but as the chart shows below, its price action vis-à-vis global liquidity has been a lot choppier than gold,” he said.
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Timmer explained that the reason for the disconnect is simple. According to him, gold is only one thing, i.e, “hard money.” Bitcoin, meanwhile, occupies a dual identity: a potential hard currency on one hand, and a speculative asset on the other.
The Fidelity executive further added that when the rate of change in the software and SaaS index is added to money supply growth, it becomes clear that when the speculative component of the market turns negative, it can easily override the liquidity tailwind that would otherwise support BTC.
He noted that periods characterized by both expanding liquidity and strong speculative appetite have historically amplified bullish conditions. This often results in powerful bull markets. However, the dynamic works in reverse as well.
“Right now, we have ample liquidity growth but a bear market in speculation. The result: Bitcoin is languishing while gold and the money supply are rallying,” he remarked.
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For now, the gap between gold and Bitcoin illustrates that rising liquidity alone does not guarantee crypto’s performance when speculative appetite is contracting. Whether Bitcoin will regain alignment with global liquidity likely depends on speculative interest returning to crypto markets, something that remains uncertain as February 2026 closes.
Key Highlights
- 180-day token lock required for WLFI governance participation
- Enhanced voting influence based on stake amount and lock time
- Annual 2% incentive for engaged governance voters
- Node tiers enable USD1 conversions and exclusive benefits
- USD1 stablecoin scales through banking license and multi-chain deployment
World Liberty Financial has unveiled a governance restructuring initiative that connects voting privileges to extended staking commitments. The framework establishes a six-month minimum lock requirement for previously unlocked WLFI tokens to gain governance access. This strategy seeks to enhance protocol commitment and stimulate broader engagement within the USD1 stablecoin ecosystem.
Governance Structure Redesigned Around Mandatory Lock Periods
World Liberty Financial has released details of a governance model requiring unlocked WLFI holders to commit tokens through staking before voting on protocol decisions. The framework mandates a 180-day lock duration and calculates voting influence according to both stake volume and time remaining in the lock period. Tokens already locked retain their governance capabilities without needing further action.
The system offers a baseline incentive of 2% annually for users who cast votes in a minimum of two governance proposals throughout their staking period. The WLFI treasury serves as the funding source for these incentives and supports continued community alignment. According to the project team, this design prioritizes influence among token holders demonstrating long-term commitment.
For the proposal to become active, it must achieve a quorum representing one billion eligible WLFI tokens. Following quorum achievement, passage requires simple majority support. Current market circulation exceeds 27 billion WLFI tokens.
Multi-Tier Staking Structure and USD1 Ecosystem Development
The governance plan establishes multiple tiers offering distinct advantages corresponding to staking volumes. Token holders committing at least 10 million WLFI achieve Node classification and unlock stablecoin conversion capabilities. These services facilitate direct 1:1 exchanges between USDT or USDC and USD1, alongside direct fiat withdrawal options.
Users staking above 50 million WLFI earn Super Node designation. This advanced tier provides partnership opportunities and potential economic benefits tied to protocol collaborations. The tiered approach is designed to encourage deeper participation and broaden WLFI’s institutional footprint.
The framework also integrates staking advantages with USD1 utilization throughout WLFI Markets. Token stakers receive benefits for USD1 deposits plus supplementary incentives facilitated through DeFi platform Dolomite. The development team anticipates this mechanism will generate consistent demand within the lending infrastructure.
Multi-Chain Stablecoin Growth and Regulatory Strategy
USD1 has been expanding its presence across numerous blockchain networks and platform integrations following its 2025 debut. The stablecoin’s backing consists of cash holdings and U.S. Treasury securities, managed by BitGo with monthly verification reports and multi-chain compatibility. Recent circulation growth accelerated following a significant arrangement involving Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund and Binance.
The initiative has also moved forward with its regulatory positioning through a banking license submission. WLTC Holdings submitted an application to create a national trust bank focused exclusively on stablecoin services. This institution would unify issuance, safekeeping, and conversion functions under single oversight.
WLFI has additionally authorized treasury funds to support USD1 integration across major platforms. The team subsequently introduced World Swap to enable international transfers using USD1 as the settlement mechanism. WLFI Markets continues experiencing increased activity, highlighting the stablecoin’s foundational importance throughout the expanding ecosystem.
TLDR
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HEICO achieves best-ever first quarter earnings, yet shares decline in early trading.
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Revenue jumps 14% to reach $1.18B with Flight Support segment leading the charge.
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Flight Support profitability climbs to 24.5% driven by favorable mix and operational gains.
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Electronic Technologies expands revenue but faces margin compression from product mix changes.
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Leverage ratios increase following acquisition activity, though outlook remains optimistic.
Shares of Heico (HEI) experienced downward pressure despite the aerospace and defense supplier delivering its best quarterly earnings performance on record. The stock, which closed at $344.72, retreated to $324.59 during pre-market hours. This pullback came after the company unveiled results demonstrating substantial progress throughout its primary operating divisions.
Company Achieves Best-Ever Quarter With Double-Digit Sales Expansion
Heico’s first-quarter performance demonstrated impressive financial momentum with net income surging to $190.2 million. The company achieved diluted earnings of $1.35 per share, representing a year-over-year advancement. Consolidated net sales jumped 14% to $1.18 billion, showcasing robust demand dynamics.
The company’s operating income climbed to $259.9 million while maintaining healthy profitability levels. EBITDA grew 14% to hit $312 million, demonstrating effective operational leverage. Cash flow from operations declined to $178.6 million, primarily attributable to timing of employee compensation payouts.
Leverage indicators moved higher following a recent strategic acquisition that expanded balance sheet commitments. The net debt to EBITDA ratio climbed to 1.79x while total debt relative to net income also increased. Despite these metrics, leadership expressed strong optimism regarding fiscal 2026 trajectory.
Flight Support Division Powers Results With Organic Expansion
The Flight Support Group demonstrated exceptional performance with revenue climbing to $820 million for the period. Organic demand accelerated 12%, reflecting strength across the division’s diverse product portfolio. Recent acquisition contributions supplemented organic gains and bolstered overall segment results.
The division’s operating income surged 21% to $200.7 million during the quarter. Profitability expansion stemmed from reduced selling, general and administrative expense ratios combined with advantageous product mix dynamics. Elevated repair and overhaul activity further enhanced bottom-line results.
Operating margins within the segment reached 24.5%, surpassing the prior-year comparison. Enhanced operational execution drove the improvement alongside robust end-market demand conditions. The division sustained its positive trajectory and remained a key contributor to consolidated results.
Electronic Technologies Division Faces Margin Headwinds Despite Sales Growth
The Electronic Technologies Group reported net sales of $370.7 million, benefiting from strong demand across aerospace and electronic components markets. Organic revenue growth of 6% helped counterbalance softer performance in space-related product lines. Recent acquisitions contributed incremental revenue and diversified the business mix.
Operating income for the segment decreased to $73.2 million as profitability faced challenges from an unfavorable shift in product composition. Weakness in space-oriented offerings pressured gross margins during the period. Stronger aerospace demand partially mitigated these headwinds.
The division’s operating margin came in at 19.8%, reflecting the evolving product portfolio dynamics. Margin compression persisted as defense and space order patterns shifted throughout the quarter. Nevertheless, the segment’s revenue performance remained solid and aligned with management’s longer-term projections.
Bitcoin price has drifted lower in recent sessions, reflecting cautious sentiment across the crypto market. BTC continues to struggle beneath key resistance, limiting upside momentum.
Despite the slow decline, structural signals show accumulation beneath the surface. Whether that conviction translates into price recovery is yet to be seen.
Bitcoin Holders Near New Milestone
Santiment data shows Bitcoin is nearing a significant milestone. The network is about to surpass 20,000 wallets holding at least 100 BTC. At current prices, a 100 BTC wallet represents roughly $6.78 million in value.
Such wallets are typically controlled by high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, funds, or long-term holders. Growth in this category during price pullbacks is often interpreted as a constructive signal. Accumulation during weakness reflects confidence in long-term fundamentals.
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However, the overall percentage of supply held by key stakeholders has not materially increased. This suggests that distribution is occurring across more large holders rather than consolidating within a smaller elite group. While this reduces extreme concentration risk, it also limits aggressive price acceleration. Broader accumulation may stabilize price but not immediately trigger sharp rallies.
Bitcoin Holders Exhibit Mixed Sentiment
Old supply data adds another layer to the outlook. Old supply refers to Bitcoin that has not moved in at least six months. These coins are often associated with patient, long-term holders.
Over the past three weeks, old supply increased by 188,000 BTC, valued at more than $12.75 billion. Rising old supply indicates that mature hands are choosing to hold rather than distribute. Historically, this behavior has supported longer-term recovery phases when selling pressure diminishes.
Derivatives data present a more cautious picture. Aggregate funding rates across Binance show that Bitcoin is currently being shorted. Negative funding rates signal that short positions are dominating longs.
Red funding bars over the last 24 hours indicate traders are positioning for potential downside. If short bias persists, BTC may face continued consolidation. Elevated short interest can cap near-term rallies unless a strong catalyst forces short covering.
BTC Price Is Under Slight Pressure
Bitcoin is trading at $67,867 at the time of writing, remaining below the $68,830 resistance level. The asset has formed a mild downtrend line over the past 20 days. A decisive move above $70,000 would shift momentum and signal renewed bullish strength.
Accumulation growth and expanding large wallet counts provide a supportive backdrop. If conviction strengthens and price responds, BTC could break above $70,000. Crossing $72,294 would mark a structural recovery phase and potentially attract renewed inflows.
However, divergence between spot accumulation and derivatives skepticism may limit upside. Continued formation of lower highs would reinforce the downtrend line. In that scenario, Bitcoin could slide toward the $66,224 support. A sustained move below this level would invalidate the bullish outlook and extend consolidation pressure.
One of the project’s co-founders explained the latest introduction by the team, which promises to take a “different approach.”
Although a growing number of its vast online community keeps lashing out at Pi Network’s lack of progress in certain areas, the Core Team continues to introduce new initiatives to improve the ecosystem.
One of the latest was the incorporation of Pi ecosystem tokens on Mainnet, and co-founder Chengdiao Fan explained in a detailed video their idea and purpose.
What Are Pi Ecosystem Tokens?
She began by indicating that these new assets are tokens created by the community itself and issued on Pi. They have already been released on the Testnet, while their launch on the Mainnet is being “finalized.” Fan acknowledged the importance of security and technology for the new tokens, but noted that their design is what will set them apart. She believes there’s a significant misalignment between token design and real innovation.
“Tokens on most other crypto networks function primarily as tools to raise capital. Yet, despite this approach, most projects frequently fail to provide real utility and innovation. We see this as a structural problem.”
She explained that Pi Network is positioned differently and its ecosystem allows its users to integrate crypto tokens for products and innovations. It “strongly encourages” real utility as the team believes this is the main driver for long-term stability and success for any blockchain project.
Utility Tokens for User Acquisitions
These assets, through the Pi launch programs, mean that “projects issue tokens to fulfill the need to acquire users for their products and integrate these tokens for utility-based use cases inside their products.” Users will get full access to these new coins through the launch programs and will be able to use them in the products.
Fan added that developing such user-engaging programs that allow them to operate within a startup ecosystem is typically a long and expensive process. However, they can reduce the costs significantly by using Web3 tools from Pi Network, such as the Pi ecosystem tokens. Simultaneously, they can involve users in their projects.
It’s worth noting that acquired users will be able to hold the products accountable for their services. Consequently, Fan said this would guarantee that users get the most for their funds, as weak products will naturally disappear in time.
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“Pi ecosystem tokens are not about copying existing token models. In fact, we have deliberately sought to avoid the traditional approach. Because many of the problems in Web3 stem from how tokens have been traditionally designed. And this design will also evolve as it gets iterated in practice,” Fan concluded.
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Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin declined 1.5% on Friday to approximately $67,766 while maintaining a modest 0.6% gain for the week within a constrained price channel
- Market observers characterize the downturn as a leverage liquidation event rather than a directional shift, with demand resuming by Friday’s open
- Alternative cryptocurrencies surpassed Bitcoin’s weekly performance — Cardano climbed 7%, Solana rose 5.5%, Ethereum gained 4.8%, BNB advanced 4.3% — while XRP declined 0.1%
- Nvidia (NVDA) dropped 5.5% following quarterly results, weighing on U.S. equity futures and dragging digital assets lower alongside traditional markets
- Asian stock markets are headed for their strongest February performance since 1998, siphoning investment flows from American exchanges
Bitcoin experienced downward pressure Friday as U.S. equity index futures retreated in the wake of Nvidia’s notable share price decline. The cryptocurrency weakness reflects a wider risk-averse sentiment spreading through international financial markets.
Bitcoin was changing hands near $67,766, representing a 1.5% daily decrease. However, the leading digital currency maintains a 0.6% weekly advance.
Ethereum decreased 1.5% over 24 hours to slightly above $2,047. Both leading cryptocurrencies continue trading within tight boundaries established following the Feb. 5 market correction.
Nvidia tumbled 5.5% Thursday despite surpassing fourth-quarter profit forecasts. The decline seemingly captured market skepticism regarding the sustainability of elevated artificial intelligence expenditure justifying current price levels.
Digital currencies mirrored equity weakness as market participants retreated from higher-risk instruments. This correlation has persisted for several weeks, with Bitcoin demonstrating strong sensitivity to Nasdaq movements.
“The current market action shows Bitcoin behaving like a conventional risk asset,” explained Daniel Reis-Faria, CEO of ZeroStack. “The Nasdaq retreated following Nvidia’s results, and cryptocurrency markets tracked that movement.”
He characterized the decline as a technical adjustment rather than a fundamental shift. “Considerable leverage had accumulated during the recent rally, and when equities weaken, crypto typically serves as the initial de-risking outlet for traders.”
By Friday’s trading session, hourly cryptocurrency returns had reversed into positive territory. This recovery pattern indicates renewed buying interest following overnight liquidations that eliminated excessive leveraged positions.
Alternative Tokens Show Weekly Strength Over Bitcoin
Cardano topped major cryptocurrency performance with a 7% weekly increase. Solana advanced 5.5%, Ethereum gained 4.8%, and BNB rose 4.3%, each surpassing Bitcoin’s weekly results.
XRP represented the sole major token posting negative seven-day returns, declining 0.1% weekly and 3.7% over 24 hours. This relative weakness proved notable considering most alternative cryptocurrencies weathered identical macroeconomic headwinds while preserving gains.
Equity Index Futures and International Capital Movements
Dow futures retreated approximately 0.6%, S&P 500 futures fell 0.4%, and Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.3% during Friday’s overnight session.
Asian stock markets are positioned for their most robust February showing since 1998. South Korean technology equities surged approximately 20% this month as capital flows favored AI infrastructure companies.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index appears set to exceed S&P 500 returns for a third consecutive month. This geographical rotation has redirected investment capital from American markets.
Block shares surged over 23% in after-hours trading following CEO Jack Dorsey’s announcement of nearly 50% workforce reduction, attributing the restructuring to artificial intelligence capabilities transforming company operations.
Market attention now shifts to Friday’s producer price index release, with economic forecasters projecting a 0.3% monthly increase for both headline and core wholesale inflation metrics.
Ripple is transforming how funding and support are distributed across the XRP Ledger ecosystem, shifting toward a more distributed model.
The company announced the changes on February 26. It positions 2026 as a transition point in how builders access capital, mentorship, and technical support on XRPL.
XRP Ledger Enters New Phase as Ripple Expands Funding Channels in 2026
In a recent blog, Ripple noted that since 2017, it has deployed more than $550 million into XRP Ledger ecosystem initiatives, including non-equity grants, builder incentives, strategic partnerships, and growth programs.
The firm noted that 2026 introduces a transition toward a broader, more distributed funding structure. The stated goal is to give builders multiple funding channels.
“As the ecosystem matures, the focus is shifting toward expanding access to funding through more distributed and independent pathways so builders have multiple avenues to scale,” the blog read.
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As part of the plan, the organization introduced several new and scaled-up initiatives planned for 2026.
XAO DAO is a hybrid Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) built for the XRP Ledger. It will empower members to collectively allocate resources through community grants, feedback loops, and direct DAO proposals. Additionally, this enables fast, low-friction funding for developers and early-stage projects.
“By shifting decision-making power toward a broader group of stakeholders, XAO DAO represents a significant step toward a more resilient and community-led governance model for the XRPL,” the firm said.
XRPL Commons, an independent organization, will continue supporting builders through initiatives like the GLOW program and The Aquarium, a 9-week incubator in Paris that has operated since 2023. The firm is also developing a new regional entity, XRP Asia, to serve the APAC builder community with localized funding and support.
In addition, the University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX), which launched its inaugural cohort with UC Berkeley in fall 2025, is expanding in 2026 to Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo, the University of Oxford, and UC Berkeley again in the fall.
On the institutional side, Ripple is launching a FinTech Builder Program to support startups building institutional-grade financial applications on XRPL.
The blog also revealed that a growing number of venture capital firms are mentoring teams, investing in startups, and connecting XRPL builders with global capital networks. Partner organizations include a100x Ventures, Superscrypt, Reforge, New Form Capital, Dragonfly, Pantera, Franklin Templeton, and Tenity. Their involvement signals broader institutional confidence in XRPL.
To enable access to this expanding ecosystem, Ripple announced that a new dedicated XRPL funding hub will soon launch. This will serve as a single entry point for builders to discover grants, accelerators, and support programs across the entire ecosystem.
XRP Price Slides Despite Ripple’s 2026 Expansion
The new initiatives come as XRP’s performance continues to track the broader market. BeInCrypto Markets data shows that the altcoin declined 2.24% over the past day. At press time, XRP was trading at $1.41.
In the short term, the funding shift is unlikely to move XRP’s price. Market performance is typically driven by liquidity conditions, macro trends, and regulatory developments rather than ecosystem restructuring.
Over the medium- to long-term, the impact depends on execution. If the FinTech Builder Program, XAO DAO, and venture participation translate into higher on-chain activity, institutional pilots, and real financial applications, sentiment could strengthen.
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Sustained adoption, transaction growth, and deeper integration of XRP into payment or tokenization flows would be required for any structural price effect to occur. Ultimately, usage metrics, not funding headlines, will determine whether this shift supports long-term valuation.
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