Crypto World
ETH, XRP, ADA, BNB, and HYPE
This Friday, we examine Ethereum, Ripple, Cardano, Binance Coin, and Hyperliquid in greater detail.
Ethereum (ETH)
After weeks of bearish price action, Ethereum has finally found support at the $1,800 level, where buyers have shown interest. This allowed ETH to close the week 5% higher, reaching $2,000, which is currently being contested.
If the bulls manage to hold the price above $2,000 and turn this level into a key support, then the cryptocurrency has a good shot at moving much higher and towards $2,400, which is the next resistance on the chart.
Looking ahead, ETH may be entering a relief rally that could take it as high as $2,800. Once there, sellers could step up the pressure again.
Ripple (XRP)
XRP has been flat over the past week and has not made any gains. Nevertheless, there are signs the price wants to move higher since sellers have failed to make lower lows.
This pause in price action could be interpreted as bullish because sellers have lost the initiative, which opens the door for buyers to return and push XRP to the next key level at $1.6. This becomes likely if the current support at $1.4 continues to hold.
Looking ahead, a bounce higher can be expected, but sellers could return at $1.6. Only if that level is broken can bulls hope to reclaim $2 or higher.
Cardano (ADA)
ADA had a good week, closing with a 7% gain. This is the first time in months that ADA is managing to look bullish after a prolonged correction. To consolidate the current gains, buyers will have to push this cryptocurrency above 30 cents, which acts as a resistance.
If 30 cents falls, then the next key target will be found at 36 cents, which is likely to be defended by sellers quite aggressively based on the past price action.
Looking ahead, Cardano may be forming a bottom here, which would be in line with the past. If so, this is an attractive area for buyers, especially since this downtrend lasted for over a year and a reversal is overdue.
Binance Coin (BNB)
Binance Coin closed the week 4% higher and found strong support around $600. It seems sellers ran out of steam and were unable to break lower and hold the price there. Because of this a bounce here is likely.
Should buyers become more active in the days to come, their first target is found at $690. If that level is reclaimed, then they will look at $900 next.
Looking ahead, BNB wants to recover some of the recent losses, and considering most altcoins are turning bullish, it would not be surprising to see this cryptocurrency also make steady gains in the coming days and weeks.
Hype (HYPE)
HYPE is flat on the weekly chart and is trying to return above $30. So far, buyers will need at least one more push to be successful, but sellers may be waiting for that move before they return.
With momentum building up behind bulls across the market, HYPE has a good shot at a breakout beyond $30, especially if the recent test of the $26 support is confirmed as a higher low.
Looking ahead, HYPE has a real chance to rally if the $30 is turned into support. Watch the price action in the next few days, as it will be decisive to where this cryptocurrency goes next.
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The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission is exploring how cryptocurrency could be used for payments at licensed online casinos, as the country prepares to bring more crypto activity under a new regulatory regime led by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Tim Miller, the commission’s executive director for research and policy, said Thursday that the regulator wants to examine “the potential path forward” for allowing “cryptoasset to be used as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling in Great Britain.” Miller made the remarks at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual general meeting in London, according to his published speech.
Companies carrying out regulated crypto activities will require authorization by the FCA under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) when the new regime commences, Miller said.
“And that, as well as the growing appetite we see from punters, means we do now want to start looking at what the potential path forward would be to create a way for cryptoasset to be used as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling in Great Britain.”
Commission asks industry group to map options
Miller said he requested that the Industry Forum, an advisory group representing gambling sector workers, explore the best path towards accepting cryptocurrency payments, without setting a deadline.
Miller said that accepting crypto payments may help protect British gamblers from illegal websites.
“Our illegal markets research also gives us evidence that crypto is one of the two biggest searches that lead British gamblers to illegal sites,” said Miller, adding that this may be an important consumer protection measure.
However, Miller highlighted that allowing crypto payments does not mean that casinos will be regulated by UK lawmakers, as they would struggle to pass customer suitability checks.
Related: UK Lords launch stablecoin inquiry as Bank of England moves to finalize rules
FCA sets 2027 deadline for new crypto framework implementation
The comments follow recent regulatory developments from the FCA, which has released a final consultation setting out 10 proposals covering crypto markets. The regulator is expected to conclude that process in March, with full implementation targeted for October 2027.
At the beginning of January, the FCA set a timeline for its new crypto licensing regime, requiring companies to seek full authorization before the regime goes live on Oct. 25, 2027, Cointelegraph reported.
“We expect the application period will open in September 2026,” the FCA said in a document published on Jan. 8.
Crypto asset service providers (CASPs) that miss this application window will fall under transitional rules, which allow existing products but restrict new offerings.
Magazine: How crypto laws changed in 2025 — and how they’ll change in 2026
Despite rising whale counts, total Bitcoin supply held by stakeholders has not significantly increased yet.
Bitcoin has almost reversed its weekly losses after a recovery near $68,000. At the same time, whale wallet growth now suggests distribution among more large holders.
Santiment reported that the asset is approaching a new milestone, as the number of wallets holding at least 100 BTC is set to surpass 20,000.
100+ BTC Wallets Surge
At current prices, a wallet containing 100 BTC is worth a minimum of $6.78 million. According to the firm, these wallets are typically owned by high-net-worth individuals, investment funds, long-term holders, or institutions. Santiment also noted that when the number of such large wallets increases during or after price declines, as is currently the case, it can be interpreted as a bullish signal.
However, the blockchain analytics firm also pointed out that the overall percentage of Bitcoin’s total supply held by key stakeholders has not significantly increased so far, which it said helps explain why prices have remained suppressed. This means that the rise in 100+ BTC wallets indicates distribution across a broader group of large holders, rather than a small cluster maintaining tight control.
Such a trend reflects less extreme consolidation at the top tier of holders. At the same time, Santiment stressed that wealth continues to concentrate in stronger hands relative to smaller retail wallets, meaning the trend does not point to decentralization at the smallest ownership level.
In previous instances, increases in whale wallet counts have often occurred during accumulation phases that later supported price recoveries. Santiment added that for a stronger impact, the growth in large wallet numbers needs to be in line with growth in overall supply held, as retail investors gradually sell their coins to larger holders.
Despite the near-term constructive on-chain signals, concerns of further downside risks remain.
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Bears Still in Control?
Market analyst Willy Woo, for one, tilted toward a bearish outlook for Bitcoin. He stated that the bearish sell-off by investors appears to have exhausted, which gives price room to consolidate sideways for about a month or potentially rebound toward the mid-$70,000 range, though he expects such a move would likely be rejected.
Woo explained that the broader market regime remains heavily bearish, with both spot and futures liquidity deteriorating. He added that he has never seen Bitcoin rally sustainably when both liquidity sources are bearish. Based on his assessment, he said Q4 could mark the end of the bearish trend, while bullish momentum may potentially return in Q1 or Q2 of 2027.
The analyst identified $45,000 as a typical bear market bottom. However, if global macro conditions break down, $30,000 would be fallback support, with $16,000 as the final level.
Another prominent market commentator, Doctor Profit, also previously predicted that while the “fastest” BTC crash may be over, the worst is yet to come.
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As the chart of the ASX 200 index (Australia 200 on FXOpen) shows, today’s candle has moved above the 9,210 level, marking a fresh all-time high. Since the start of the year, the benchmark of Australian equities has gained more than 5.6%, supported by:
→ A strong earnings season. A significant number of companies not only exceeded analysts’ expectations but also upgraded their profit forecasts for the 2026 financial year.
→ Economic resilience. The unemployment rate remains low despite the Reserve Bank of Australia maintaining a firm policy stance.
→ Elevated prices for gold, uranium and copper, along with signs of a recovery in China’s economy, which have provided support to the mining sector.
Technical Analysis of the ASX 200 Chart (Australia 200 on FXOpen)
Price action continues to unfold within an ascending channel (highlighted in blue) that has been in place since autumn 2025. Within this structure:
→ The median line acted as support on 24 February, signalling underlying strength.
→ The upper boundary has repeatedly served as resistance during 2026.
It is worth noting that:
→ The psychological 9,100 level had previously capped gains within the channel.
→ The index has now climbed above 9,200 near the upper boundary of the blue channel.
→ The RSI indicator is approaching overbought territory.
Given these factors, it is reasonable to assume that some long-position holders may look to take profits, potentially leading to a pause in bullish momentum. As a result, the following scenario cannot be ruled out:
→ Failure to secure a sustained move above 9,200;
→ The development of a corrective pullback in the ASX 200 (Australia 200 on FXOpen).
In such a case, support may emerge near the lower orange trend line, which reflects the upward trajectory seen during the second half of the month.
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Mutuum Finance, a decentralized lending and borrowing cryptocurrency protocol currently operating on the Sepolia testnet, has reported surpassing $150 million in testnet total value locked (TVL). The team also announced ongoing development activity, including a new feature scheduled for release next week.
Mutuum Finance (MUTM)
The MUTM token is currently priced at $0.04. Out of a capped total supply of 4 billion tokens, approximately 1.82 billion were allocated to the sale phase. According to project disclosures, around 850 million tokens have been sold to more than 19,000 holders, with total funds raised exceeding $20.6 million to date.
The team recently implemented a new feature, announcing on X the launch of Safe-Mode Borrow Presets. Borrowing within the testnet V1 protocol is now structured as a one-click process with predefined risk presets that target specific Stability Factor levels: Safe, Balanced and Aggressive. With the addition of these presets, users can select a predefined risk profile when opening a borrowing position in the test environment.
For example, if a user deposits $1,000 worth of ETH as collateral, and the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is 75%, the user could borrow up to $750 in stablecoins. Under the Safe preset, the system maintains a higher collateral buffer by targeting a stronger Stability Factor, meaning the user borrows below the maximum LTV. This reduces liquidation risk in the event of price volatility. The Balanced and Aggressive presets allow borrowing closer to the maximum LTV, increasing capital efficiency while proportionally increasing exposure to market risk.
Lending and Borrowing Benefits Within the Protocol
Many investors could ask why they should put more collateral to borrow crypto assets. The reason is that instead of selling their current holdings, for example Ethereum, a user can deposit it as collateral without selling it and borrow USDT for other expenses while still maintaining exposure to Ethereum and potentially benefiting from its price increase. In other words, while using the borrowed funds, the Ethereum position remains intact and continues to participate in market movements.
Another factor that will benefit users is lending within the protocol. When users supply assets to Mutuum Finance, those assets are deposited into a liquidity pool and made available to borrowers. In return, the protocol issues mtTokens on a 1:1 basis as proof of deposit. These mtTokens represent the user’s share of the pool and accrue yield over time based on borrowing demand and pool utilization.
For example, if a user supplies $10,000 worth of USDT to the protocol and the average annual percentage yield (APY) is around 5–6%, the position could generate approximately $500 to $600 in yield over a one-year period, depending on utilization levels. The yield is reflected in the increasing value of the mtTokens, allowing users to earn passive income while their assets remain in the liquidity pool.
mtTokens can also be staked within the protocol, allowing users to receive dividends in MUTM tokens. According to the project’s model, a portion of the fees generated by protocol activity is used to purchase MUTM tokens from the open market and distribute them to eligible stakers, linking platform usage to token-based incentives over time.
Mutuum Finance’s recent testnet milestone and feature updates reflect ongoing development ahead of mainnet deployment. The project reports more than $20.6 million raised and over $150 million in testnet total value locked (TVL), alongside continued codebase improvements.
Stablecoin-based payroll infrastructure is entering a regulated growth phase across the United Kingdom and the European Union. The UK and EU represent one of the largest fintech and cross-border employment markets globally. As regulatory clarity around digital assets improves under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, enterprises are accelerating efforts to modernize payroll infrastructure using stablecoins.
For fintech startups, payroll SaaS providers, cross-border payment companies, and embedded finance platforms, this presents a strategic opportunity. Launching a compliant and scalable stablecoin payment platform built specifically for regulated workforce payouts is a major competitive advantage. This guide explains the requirements to design, build, and deploy a stablecoin salary payout infrastructure that meets UK and EU regulatory expectations while remaining commercially viable and technically scalable.
Why Stablecoin Salary Payouts Are Growing in the UK and EU
A stablecoin salary payout platform allows employers to distribute wages using regulated digital currencies such as USD Coin (USDC) or Tether (USDT). These digital assets maintain price stability relative to fiat currencies while enabling programmable and near real-time settlement.
Unlike simple crypto transfers, enterprise payroll systems must include:
- Employer onboarding and identity verification
- Employee wallet provisioning
- Automated recurring payment execution
- Fiat conversion capabilities in GBP and EUR
- Audit logs and compliance reporting
- Risk monitoring and transaction analytics
From the Trenches Insight: Industry experience shows that reconciling fast stablecoin settlement with strict GDPR data privacy standards is often the primary hurdle for modern payout gateways. When structured properly, the system functions as a fully compliant payment gateway seamlessly integrated with traditional HR software and financial institutions.
Core Architecture of a Stablecoin Salary Payout Platform
Building a stablecoin payroll system requires a multi-layered infrastructure designed for resilience and scale.
- Blockchain Settlement Layer: Select a blockchain network that balances scalability, cost efficiency, and ecosystem maturity. Smart contracts must support scheduled payments, multi-recipient distribution, and programmable treasury logic.
- Wallet and Custody Layer: Institutional clients often prefer custodial or hybrid custody models with hardware-backed key management and multi-signature controls.
- Fiat On and Off Ramp Layer: Integration with regulated banks or Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) ensures smooth conversion between stablecoins and GBP or EUR.
- Compliance and Risk Engine: Embed identity verification APIs, AML monitoring tools, transaction analytics, and automated reporting modules.
- Integration Layer: API-first architecture ensures seamless connectivity with HRMS, ERP systems, and payroll software providers.
Talk to a specialist at Antier today to scope the technical requirements.
Once deployed, the infrastructure can evolve into a comprehensive stablecoin remittance platform supporting vendor payouts, contractor settlements, and treasury transfers beyond salary use cases.
Regulatory Considerations in the UK and EU
Compliance is the foundation of any stablecoin payroll solution in these regions. Regulatory readiness is often the deciding factor for enterprise adoption. Failure to design compliance into the architecture from day one can delay licensing approvals and restrict institutional partnerships.
UK vs. EU Regulatory Landscape for Stablecoins:
| Feature | UK (FCA) | EU (MiCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) |
| Primary Framework | E-Money Regulations & Cryptoasset Registration | Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) |
| Stablecoin Rules | Strict focus on fiat-backed stablecoins | Authorization required for E-Money Tokens (EMTs) and Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs) |
| AML & KYC | Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) | AMLD6 and strict Travel Rule compliance |
Businesses must align with anti-money laundering standards, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, Travel Rule data-sharing obligations, and GDPR data privacy regulations. A compliant gateway should include automated onboarding workflows, sanctions screening, risk classification systems, and real-time monitoring dashboards.
Essential Features for Enterprise Adoption
Enterprise clients expect more than just basic blockchain settlement. To compete effectively, a solution should include:
- Multi-stablecoin compatibility: Support for major fiat-pegged assets like USDC, EURC, and USDT.
- Automated payroll scheduling: Smart contract triggers for bi-weekly or monthly disbursements.
- Bulk payout execution: Batch processing to minimize gas fees and streamline employer operations.
- Treasury management dashboard: Real-time visibility into asset reserves and liquidity.
- FX visibility tools: Transparent conversion rates between crypto and fiat.
- Compliance export modules: One-click report generation for internal audits and tax authorities.
- Role-based administrative controls: Multi-tier access for HR, finance, and executive teams.
- Scalable API endpoints: Easy integration for white-label partners.
Providing full-stack stablecoin remittance platform development enables fintech startups and payroll companies to deploy branded solutions without building the infrastructure internally.
Access the 2026 MiCA & FCA Enterprise Checklist
Monetization Model for Stablecoin Payroll Platforms
A profitable stablecoin payroll solution in the UK and EU should combine recurring revenue with transaction-based income and enterprise services.
- Transaction Fees: Charge per salary payout, bulk disbursement, or contractor transfer. A well-structured system automates fee calculation and provides transparent reporting.
- Subscription Plans: Offer tiered SaaS pricing based on active employees, transaction volume, API access, and compliance features.
- White Label Licensing: Allow payroll SaaS providers and fintech firms to deploy under their own brand. Licensing and setup fees create long-term recurring contracts.
- FX and Conversion Margins: Earn revenue from GBP and EUR conversions. Efficient settlement through secure payment rails ensures competitive spreads.
- API and Compliance Modules: Premium features such as advanced AML tools and reporting dashboards can expand the platform into a scalable cross-border remittance tool, even revenue and recurring platform income in a rapidly growing digital payroll market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is paying salaries in stablecoins legal in the UK and EU?
Yes, paying salaries in stablecoins is legal in both regions, provided the employer and the payment platform comply with local tax laws, employment contracts, and financial regulations (such as FCA guidelines in the UK and MiCA in the EU). Both parties must mutually agree to the payment method in writing.
- What are the tax implications of a stablecoin salary?
In the UK and EU, stablecoin salaries are subject to standard income tax and social security contributions. The fiat value of the stablecoin at the exact time of the payout is used to calculate the tax liability. Employees may also be subject to capital gains tax if the stablecoin fluctuates in value before it is sold or converted to fiat.
- How do stablecoin payroll platforms handle fiat off-ramping?
Enterprise payroll platforms partner with regulated Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) or crypto-friendly banks. This integration allows employees to receive stablecoins into a designated wallet and immediately convert them into GBP or EUR, which is then routed directly to a traditional bank account via SEPA or Faster Payments.
Moving Forward
If evaluating blockchain salary infrastructure as a fintech founder, payroll technology provider, or enterprise, this is a strategic inflection point. The UK and EU are moving toward regulated digital asset integration. Companies that establish compliant and scalable payroll infrastructure today will lead tomorrow’s cross-border workforce economy.
Antier helps businesses design and deploy enterprise-ready solutions tailored for these markets. Whether launching a stablecoin payment platform, integrating a compliant payment system, or optimizing settlement through secure stablecoin payment rails, the development delivered is strictly aligned with regulatory and enterprise standards. Ready to build a regulation-ready stablecoin payroll platform? Connect with Antier’s experts today and start the deployment journey.
Although the market recovery in February remains fragile, it has revealed several notable signals. These signs have led analysts to expect that an altcoin season could emerge in March.
However, investor sentiment remains cautious, with capital still favoring Bitcoin over altcoins, which could hinder a broader recovery.
Hope Returns to the Altcoin Market in March
Data from CryptoQuant shows that only about 5% of altcoins listed on Binance are trading above their 200-day simple moving average (200-day SMA). This means that 95% remain below this level, reflecting the current weak performance of altcoins.
However, historical patterns offer a glimmer of hope. Over the past two years, this ratio typically stayed below 15% for a maximum of five months before rebounding. This pattern appeared during the June–October 2024 period and again from February to June 2025.
The ratio began declining in October last year and has now reached the end of its fifth month. This development raises expectations of a potential demand boost, as investors may view most altcoins as having fallen to attractive price levels.
Meanwhile, several analysts have identified early positive signals on the OTHERS/BTC chart in February, which tracks total altcoin market capitalization excluding Bitcoin against BTC.
Analyst Blade noted that the chart shows potential reversal signs on the monthly timeframe. The MACD indicator has crossed above the signal line and formed its first green histogram bar since early 2024. Similar signals appeared before major altcoin rallies in 2017 and 2020.
“Momentum shift plus structure compression usually precede expansion. The biggest altseason is coming,” Blade predicted.
These factors have strengthened expectations that altcoins could post a recovery in March.
Altcoin Investors Remain Cautious
For a more balanced perspective, data from CryptoQuant indicates that the ratio of altcoin trading volume to Bitcoin trading volume on centralized exchanges (CEXs) has fallen to its lowest level in the past year.
In 2025, the ratio peaked at around 3.5. It then gradually declined, falling below 2.5 by late last year and continuing to hover near 2.2 in early 2026.
This trend shows that investor expectations for an altcoin season remain weak. Capital continues to concentrate mainly on Bitcoin, leaving altcoins relatively neglected on centralized exchanges. A true altcoin season may require sustained capital rotation and fresh inflows into the market.
At the time of writing, the Altcoin Season Index stands at 43, still far from the 75-point threshold needed to confirm an altcoin season.
A recent report by BeInCrypto stated that the altcoin market has faced 13 consecutive months of net selling. Even if an altcoin season materializes, it is likely to be selective and driven by strong fundamentals.
Crypto World
The worst may lie ahead. BTC price chart revisits historic pattern: Crypto Daybook Americas
By Omkar Godbole (All times ET unless indicated otherwise)
Uh-oh, the bitcoin price pattern that presaged the final and deepest phases of previous bear markets has appeared again.
In mid-November 2018, CoinDesk discussed a bearish flip in long-term averages on a chart that bundles three days of price action into each candle. It warned that a similar occurrence in 2014 deepened the bear market and, within a week, bitcoin crashed to under $4,500 from $6,000, extending the decline from the peak of roughly $20,000.
Cut to April 2022. The same pattern occurred, with the same result. BTC’s bear market deepened and prices cratered to $17,500 from $32,000, having already dropped from the late 2021 record of nearly $70,000.
Now, the pattern’s back again (check the Technical Analysis section). While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, history calls for caution. Some savvy traders are preparing for a deeper crash below $60,000.
Bitcoin recently traded near $66,100, down 3% in 24 hours. Other major tokens and the CoinDesk 20 Index lost even more. Still, U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs have pulled in over $1 billion in three days.
“That breadth of demand signals absorption rather than speculation,” Iliya Kalchev, an analyst at Nexo Dispatch, said in an email. “On-chain data reinforces the shift: wallets holding more than 10,000 Bitcoin have accumulated through the recent pullback from the $70,000 region, suggesting long-term holders are stepping in as supply thins.”
Even so, ETF flows need to persist to lift BTC sustainably higher, Kalchev said.
In traditional markets, oil prices remain supported by U.S.-Iran uncertainty and the potential for an escalation over the weekend. Stay alert!
Read more: For analysis of today’s activity in altcoins and derivatives, see Crypto Markets Today
What to Watch
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead“.
- Crypto
- Macro
- Feb. 27, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. PPI MoM for January est. 0.3% (Prev. 0.5%); Core PPI MoM est. 0.3% (Prev. 0.7%)
- Feb. 27, 8:30 a.m.: U.S. PPI YoY for January est. 2.9% (Prev. 3%)
- Feb. 27, 8:30 a.m.: Canada GDP growth rate annualized for Q4 (Prev. 2.6%); QoQ (Prev. 0.6%)
- Earnings (Estimates based on FactSet data)
Token Events
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead“.
- Governance votes & calls
- 1inch DAO is voting to allocate 2,000,000 USDC from its treasury to the Aave V3 market on Ethereum to generate yield. Voting ends March 1.
- Unlocks
- Token Launches
- Feb. 27: Fabric Protocol (ROBO) to be listed on Binance, Bybit, Bitget, KuCoin, and others.
Conferences
For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead“.
Market Movements
- BTC is unchanged from 4 p.m. ET Thursday at $67,423.09 (24hrs: -0.95%)
- ETH is down 0.89%at $2,012.51 (24hrs: -2%)
- CoinDesk 20 is unchanged at 1,968.26 (24hrs: -2.49%)
- Ether CESR Composite Staking Rate is up 4 bps at 2.89%
- BTC funding rate is at -0.006% (-6.5799% annualized) on Binance
- DXY is unchanged at 97.74
- Gold futures are unchanged at $5,191.50
- Silver futures are up 2.82% at $90.05
- Nikkei 225 closed up 0.16% at 58,850.27
- Hang Seng closed up 0.95% at 26,630.54
- FTSE is up 0.39% at 10,888.78
- Euro Stoxx 50 is unchanged at 6,161.33
- DJIA closed on Thursday up 0.03% at 49,499.20
- S&P 500 closed down 0.54% at 6,908.86
- Nasdaq Composite closed down 1.18% at 22,878.38
- S&P/TSX Composite closed up 1.1% at 34,501.96
- S&P 40 Latin America closed down 1.4% at 3,772.90
- U.S. 10-Year Treasury rate is down 3 bps at 3.987%
- E-mini S&P 500 futures are down 0.28% at 6,900.75
- E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures are down 0.19% at 25,033.75
- E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Average Index futures are down 0.48% at 49,294.00
Bitcoin Stats
- BTC Dominance: 58.49% (-0.11%)
- Ether-bitcoin ratio: 0.02973 (-1.06%)
- Hashrate (seven-day moving average): 1,055 EH/s
- Hashprice (spot): $29.31
- Total fees: 3.43 BTC / $232,808
- CME Futures Open Interest: 107,780 BTC
- BTC priced in gold: 12.8 oz.
- BTC vs gold market cap: 4.46%
Technical Analysis
- The chart shows BTC’s price swings on a three-day time frame in candlestick format from 2024-2025 and 2018-2022. Each candle bundles the price action seen over three days, or 72 hours.
- On this chart, moving averages of 50- and 200-candles have crossed bearish.
- Similar patterns led to deeper slides in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Crypto Equities
- Coinbase Global (COIN): closed on Thursday at $181.06 (-1.57%), unchanged in pre-market
- Circle Internet (CRCL): closed at $87.21 (+4.90%), unchanged in pre-market
- Galaxy Digital (GLXY): closed at $21.94 (-3.90%)
- Bullish (BLSH): closed at $32.73 (-0.49%), unchanged in pre-market
- MARA Holdings (MARA): closed at $8.45 (-1.40%), +15.98% at $9.80
- Riot Platforms (RIOT): closed at $17.09 (+0.06%), +0.12% at $17.11
- Core Scientific (CORZ): closed at $17.98 (-0.55%), -1.50% at $17.71
- CleanSpark (CLSK): closed at $10.44 (-0.10%), -0.77% at $10.36
- CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI): closed at $42.17 (-0.40%)
- Exodus Movement (EXOD): closed at $10.45 (-1.69%)
Crypto Treasury Companies
- Strategy (MSTR): closed at $133.40 (-1.66%), +0.62% at $134.23
- Strive (ASST): closed at $8.19 (-4.10%), +0.24% at $8.21
- SharpLink Gaming (SBET): closed at $7.21 (-3.09%), +0.55% at $7.25
- Upexi (UPXI): closed at $0.76 (-7.87%), +0.22% at $0.76
- Lite Strategy (LITS): closed at $1.14 (-3.39%)
ETF Flows
Spot BTC ETFs
- Daily net flows: $254.4 million
- Cumulative net flows: $54.81 billion
- Total BTC holdings ~1.27 million
Spot ETH ETFs
- Daily net flows: $6.6 million
- Cumulative net flows: $11.68 billion
- Total ETH holdings ~5.72 million
Source: Farside Investors
While You Were Sleeping
As the XTI/USD chart shows, the price of a barrel:
→ set fresh 2026 highs above $67 earlier this week;
→ but yesterday posted a sharp reversal lower (as indicated by the blue arrow).
The spike in volatility was driven by conflicting reports from Geneva, where talks between the United States and Iran were taking place:
→ some sources suggested negotiations had reached an impasse, as Washington insists on a complete halt to uranium enrichment;
→ meanwhile, according to Omani mediators, progress has been made and another round of talks is scheduled for next week.
Technical Analysis of the XTI/USD Chart
When analysing the oil price chart on the morning of 19 February, we suggested that:
→ the market could soon set a new high for the year (which materialised, with a series of highs formed between 19 and 23 February);
→ the 65.20 level would act as support (confirmed on 23 February).
Today’s chart indicates growing bearish pressure, reflected in the following:
→ WTI struggled to hold above its yearly highs, forming signs of potential bull traps;
→ yesterday’s candle (marked with a red arrow) shows a pronounced upper wick.
At the same time, bulls clearly defended the former resistance level at $63.73. The lower boundary of the ascending trajectory that has defined WTI price movements in 2026 also supports the bullish case.
It is worth noting that an OPEC+ meeting is scheduled for the weekend. According to media reports, analysts expect an increase in output from April, which could heighten concerns about oversupply — particularly after US crude inventories rose on Wednesday. As a result, Monday’s trading may open with elevated volatility.
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Tether (USDT) Price Prediction
Tether’s USDT peg persists amid competition from yield-bearing stablecoins and evolving regulations. Reserve accumulation and cross-chain volume growth reinforce its market position. Analysts monitor depeg potential through quarterly attestations, futures open interest, and macroeconomic developments. Price scenarios for 2026 to 2030 appear next, covering base, stress, and premium cases informed by reserve structures, transaction flows, and external variables.
2026-2030 Price Scenarios
Base case projects a $0.99-$1.01 range through 2030. Annual supply growth of 8–10% tracks reserve expansion, keeping coverage modestly above 100% to maintain peg stability. Tokenization demand and emerging market absorption prevent sustained premium formation.
Stress scenarios anticipate temporary declines to $0.96-$0.98 during 2026-2027. Coverage falling below 1.01x prompts $5-10 billion in redemptions, mirroring 2022 patterns. Burns and arbitrage restore equilibrium within 30-60 days.
Premium scenarios target $1.02-$1.05 by 2030 during scarcity phases. Yield-bearing alternatives claim less than 10% market share as real-world asset tokenization accelerates. Regulatory simplification drives institutional inflows.
| Year | Base Range | Stress Range | Premium Range | Base Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.99-1.00 | $0.96-0.98 | $1.01-1.02 | 85% |
| 2027 | $0.99-1.00 | $0.95-0.97 | $1.01-1.03 | 82% |
| 2028 | $1.00-1.01 | $0.96-0.98 | $1.02-1.04 | 84% |
| 2029 | $1.00-1.01 | $0.97-0.99 | $1.02-1.04 | 87% |
| 2030 | $0.99-1.01 | $0.97-0.99 | $1.02-1.05 | 88% |
Reserves and Peg Stability
Latest attestations show reserves modestly exceeding liabilities, with coverage approaching parity historically triggering several billion dollars in redemptions. U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents represent the dominant allocation, typically accounting for roughly 70–80% of total reserves, while the remainder includes secured loans, precious metals, and a limited Bitcoin position. Excess reserves fluctuate quarterly and function as a liquidity buffer rather than a fixed structural surplus.
Composition favors short-duration Treasuries, which yield compression from Fed policy affects minimally. Quarterly burns offset mints, limiting supply growth to 8% annualized. USDC trails at $75 billion circulation with similar transparency standards.
| Component | Allocation ($B) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasuries | 112.4 | 80% |
| Reverse Repos | 21.0 | 15% |
| Cash Equivalents | 6.4 | 5% |
| Excess Coverage | 6.8 | 4% |
Redemption queues process within 48 hours under normal conditions. During May 2022 volatility, USDT briefly traded well below $1 on secondary markets, with intraday prints near $0.95 on some venues before arbitrage restored parity. Emerging market holdings concentrate 40% of issuance, amplifying velocity over domestic flows.
Chain Trends Driving Volume
Tron and Ethereum dominate USDT transfers. Tron leads in low-cost, high-velocity transfers, while Ethereum anchors DeFi liquidity. Solana handles a smaller share (~8%) through high throughput. Emerging markets account for ~40% of TRC20 activity, prioritizing transaction speed over smart contract depth.
Market participants use USDT TRC20 swap tools to capture fee arbitrage during Ethereum congestion, preserving liquidity across protocols without premium costs.
| Chain | Volume Share | Average Fee | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRC20 | 45% | $0.001 | High-velocity transfers |
| ERC20 | 50% | $0.50 | DeFi liquidity pools |
| Solana | 8% | $0.0005 | Rapid settlement trades |
Tron issuance exceeds 80 billion tokens, reflecting sustained adoption in dollar-scarce regions. ERC20 maintains pricing anchor despite fee disadvantage. Volume distribution signals preference for cost efficiency over ecosystem lock-in.
Platform Execution for Traders
USDT pairs account for 60% of exchange volume, with futures open interest steady at $26 billion across major platforms. Binance remains the primary venue for USDT liquidity, while Coinbase lists USDT but structurally prioritizes USDC in U.S. markets. Execution differences emerge in liquidity depth and order book resilience during volatility spikes.
Traders compare Coinbase vs Binance metrics when selecting USDT pair venues, weighing spread tightness against regulatory exposure for range-bound positioning.
| Platform | USDT Volume Share | Open Interest ($B) | Spread (bps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | 45% | 15 | 1.2 |
| Coinbase | 22% | 6 | 2.1 |
| Others | 33% | 5 | 1.8 |
Funding rates average 0.01% daily, signalling low leverage risk. Platform choice influences slippage on $1-2 billion daily rotations, particularly during attestation windows. Concentration on two venues exposes systemic liquidity risks if outflows coincide.
Technical Indicators Now
USDT trades in a narrow $0.998-$1.002 range under recent market conditions, indicating low volatility. Technical indicators, such as Bollinger Bands and RSI, suggest range-bound positioning, consistent with peg stability.
Futures open interest remains at $26 billion with funding rates near 0.01%. MACD lines converge without histogram divergence, pointing to consolidation ahead of quarterly reports. Volume profiles flatten week-over-week, consistent with range-bound positioning.
- Support levels sit near $0.997 (50-day EMA) and around $0.99 for historical stress periods.
- Resistance caps at $1.002 (upper band) and $1.005 (recent high).
Breakouts below $0.997 signal deeper tests of psychological support. Upper breaches require sustained mints exceeding $2 billion daily. Current setup favors mean reversion over directional bets.
Catalysts and Headwinds
Real-world asset tokenization eyes $400 billion by 2028, channeling demand to USDT pairs. Emerging markets generate 35-40% circulation growth via TRC20 in Latin America and Southeast Asia. U.S. regulatory easing curbs NYAG scrutiny, supporting $20 billion annual institutional inflows.
Yield-bearing stablecoins take 6-8 DeFi TVL points:
- USDe yields 4.8-5.5% APY on $12 billion.
- PYUSD hits $1.8 billion through merchants.
Fed rate paths squeeze Treasury yields on 80% reserves. Coverage margins tighten. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework imposes stricter reserve transparency and liquidity standards for compliant issuers, increasing scrutiny on stablecoin structures operating within the bloc.
A visible decline in reserve coverage toward parity would likely accelerate institutional redemptions, with magnitude driven by liquidity conditions rather than a fixed numerical trigger. RWA gains offset this, locking in 62-65% dominance through 2027.
Trader Tactics and Storage
Position USDT within 20-30% portfolio limits to manage concentration risk. Review reserve attestations each quarter for coverage trajectory. Store amounts over $100,000 in multi-signature or hardware wallets, keeping recovery phrases offline.
Chain preferences vary by use case:
- TRC20 suits transfers below $50,000 where fees stay under $0.001.
- ERC20 fits DeFi positions despite $0.50 average costs.
- Solana handles sub-second needs for high-frequency execution.
Primary redemptions typically settle within 1–2 business days under normal conditions. Cross-chain swaps capture fee savings during Ethereum spikes. Avoid leverage entirely. Shift 10-15% to yield options only in stable conditions. Track funding rates exceeding 0.02% daily as outflow warnings. Coverage drops below 1.02x demand immediate position cuts.
USDT Peg Outlook
Reserve buffers slightly above parity support the $0.99–$1.01 range under normal market conditions, bolstered by TRC20 efficiencies and RWA flows. Technical ranges and volume shifts confirm resilience. Yield rivals plus MiCA test margins, but redemptions cap stress at $0.96-$0.98 with rapid recovery.
Platform tactics and storage limit slippage risks. USDT continues to hold a majority share of the global stablecoin market, with dominance dependent on liquidity depth, regulatory positioning, and cross-chain accessibility. Prioritize quarterly attestations, 20-30% caps, and chain rotations before Fed yield squeezes. Premiums over $1.02 require rival erosion below 10%, unlikely by 2030.
FAQ
Will USDT maintain its $1 peg through 2030?
Base scenarios project 85-88% probability within $0.99-$1.01. Stress cases limit breaches to $0.96-$0.98 with burn-driven recovery.
What drives TRC20’s volume dominance?
TRC20 leads in low-cost, high-velocity transfers (~45% of USDT activity), while ERC20 supports DeFi liquidity despite higher fees (~50%). Emerging markets prioritize transaction speed in dollar-scarce regions, contributing to TRC20’s practical advantage.
How do yield rivals impact USDT?
USDe and PYUSD erode 6-8 DeFi TVL points at 4.8-5.5% APY. Liquidity depth restricts share loss below 10%.
What triggers a 2026 stress depeg?
Coverage approaching parity can trigger several billion dollars in redemptions, historically absorbed by arbitrage and reserve buffers. Fed yield compression or MiCA collateral caps may accelerate outflows.
Should portfolios hold USDT long-term?
Cap exposure at 20-30% for peg reliability. Allocate 10-15% to yields during stable periods.
Can USDT trade above $1.02 sustainably?
Premium scenarios need rival erosion below 10% share. RWA scarcity supports this at 5-10% odds by 2030.
How reliable are these projections?
Ranges derive from attestation trends and historical patterns, with coverage consistently above parity. Black swans alter probabilities.
Why prefer TRC20 over ERC20?
TRC20 suits transfers under $50,000. ERC20 anchors DeFi despite fee disadvantage.
What storage secures larger USDT positions?
Multi-signature or hardware wallets for over $100,000. Keep phrases offline; enable direct Treasury redemption.
When do Fed rates affect reserves?
Treasury yield drops on 80% allocation narrow coverage. Monitor before rate cuts for rotation signals.
Disclaimer
This article offers informational analysis only. It does not constitute investment, financial, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency markets exhibit high volatility, and historical patterns do not predict future outcomes. Readers must conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals before making decisions. The publisher assumes no liability for any losses incurred.
A United States federal judge ruled that Binance cannot force a group of US customers to arbitrate claims over losses on crypto tokens they bought on its global platform before Feb. 20, 2019, keeping a major class action in open court.
The decision on Thursday by District Judge Andrew Carter Jr. in the Southern District of New York held that those claims were not bound by Binance.com’s 2019 arbitration clause because users lacked sufficient notice when the company unilaterally shifted its terms of use away from the 2017 version, which contained no arbitration or class action waiver provisions.
According to the judge, Binance relied on a general change‑of‑terms clause and the posting of updated 2019 terms on its website, and there was no evidence that the exchange provided any individual notice or formally “announced” the new arbitration provision to users.
Carter found that Binance’s “new world” rhetoric about operating in a decentralized manner did not change the basic contract law analysis for internet‑based agreements.
He concluded that the 2019 arbitration clause could not be applied retroactively to claims that arose before its Feb. 20 effective date, because the contract never clearly said it would cover earlier conduct.
Related: US senator launches probe into Binance over Iran, Russia sanctions claims
Carter also held that a purported US class action waiver embedded in a section heading of the 2019 terms was unenforceable in federal court because the contract never actually sets out the terms of any such waiver and had to be interpreted narrowly against Binance as the drafter.
Binance says post‑2019 claims already dismissed
The case, Williams v. Binance, is a proposed class action brought by five US investors from California, Nevada and Texas who claim that Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) illegally sold unregistered securities on Binance.com and failed to register as a broker‑dealer.
The case was previously dismissed in 2022 before the Second Circuit revived the investors’ claims in 2024, sending the dispute back to Carter’s court.
In a statement to Cointelegraph, a Binance spokesperson said that “in response to our motion on this issue plaintiffs voluntarily and correctly dismissed all claims that accrued on or after Feb. 20, 2019.” They added that Binance would “vigorously defend the limited claims that remain in this meritless case.”
The remaining claims will now proceed in a federal US court rather than private arbitration in Singapore, as judges, rather than arbitrators, assess whether crypto platforms can rely on unilaterally updated online terms to limit investor lawsuits.
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