Crypto World
Aptos-Based Perp DEX Merkle Trade Shutters Business
The move comes amid a broader Aptos TVL decline and less than two years after Merkle closed a $2 million seed round with participation from Aptos Labs.
Merkle Trade, the largest decentralized perpetual futures exchange on Aptos by trading volume, said in an X post on Feb. 3 that it will begin winding down operations over the coming weeks.
The team said the decision followed “careful consideration” and comes after the platform processed nearly $30 billion in cumulative trading volume since launch. Without specifying a reason for the winddown, the statement concludes: “But we are proud of what we built, and grateful to everyone who was part of it.”
According to the announcement, new positions will be disabled on Feb. 6, with all remaining positions forcibly closed on Feb. 10. Merkle Trade’s native MKL token will become redeemable without fees or withdrawal delays, while a final revenue distribution is scheduled for Feb. 12, after which staked MKL can also be redeemed, the announcement said.
The price of MKL spiked 11.5% in the past 24 hours, though the token is down 90% from its all-time high in December 2024.
Launched in late 2023, Merkle Trade offered non-custodial derivatives trading alongside features such as trading missions and loot boxes, leaning heavily into game-like mechanics.
That approach helped Merkle raise $2.1 million in a seed round in April 2024 led by Hashed and Arrington Capital, with participation from Aptos Labs, Morningstar Ventures, Amber Group and others.
By May 2024, total value locked (TVL) on the platform peaked at more than $7.4 million, according to DefiLlama data. Since then, TVL has fallen by more than half to about $3.47 million, making Merkle Trade the 17th-largest protocol by TVL on Aptos at press time.
Among the four Aptos-based perp DEXs listed on DefiLlama, however, Merkle is the leader by far, accounting for $12.4 million of the total $13.68 million in perp volume on the chain in the past 24 hours.
Aptos Struggles
Merkle’s slide in TVL since 2024 reflects weakness across the broader Aptos ecosystem, where total value locked is currently around $332.6 million, making it the 16th-largest chain by DeFi TVL.
Current TVL across the ecosystem is down more than 70% from December 2024 where it was over $1.2 billion, and back to levels last seen in the summer of 2024.
App revenue on the network, however, increased in 2025, though it remains relatively low. Weekly revenue from decentralized applications (DApps) on Aptos is led by DEX PancakeSwap, with $44,396 followed by Merkle Trade with $29,575.
By comparison, the top-four chains by app revenue today — Solana, Hyperliquid L1, Ethereum and EdgeX — have all recorded over $1 million in the past 24 hours.
The broader perp DEX sector exploded in 2025, with 24-hour volumes now outpacing most centralized exchanges. Hyperliquid has led the sector by trading volume, with rivals Lighter and Aster sometimes taking the lead.
UK banking giant Barclays is reportedly exploring blockchain technology for core banking services, the latest sign that major financial institutions are evaluating digital ledger infrastructure to modernize legacy systems.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported Friday that Barclays is seeking technology providers for a blockchain platform capable of handling payments, deposits and crypto-related applications such as stablecoins and tokenized deposits.
The lender has issued requests for information to several technology suppliers, though the companies were not identified. A vendor selection could be made as early as April, the report said.
The move would align with Barclays’ recent activity in the digital asset space. As Cointelegraph reported last month, the bank made its first stablecoin-related investment in Ubyx, a US-based stablecoin clearing platform, signaling a growing interest in tokenized payment infrastructure.
Separate reports have also suggested that Barclays may play a role in a potential initial public offering by crypto hardware company Ledger, though that involvement has not been confirmed.
Related: Wall Street’s crypto debate is over as banks go all-in on BTC, stablecoins, tokenized cash
Banks and Big Tech accelerate stablecoin push
Bloomberg framed Barclays’ reported blockchain initiative within a broader push by banks and technology companies to evaluate stablecoins, which enable faster, lower-cost and around-the-clock settlement compared to traditional payment rails.
Interest in stablecoins has accelerated as institutions explore tokenized deposits and onchain payment systems that could streamline cross-border transfers and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
The shift isn’t limited to banks. Meta Platforms is reportedly revisiting its stablecoin ambitions years after shelving its high-profile Diem project, signaling renewed Big Tech interest in blockchain-based payments.
For traditional lenders such as Barclays, stablecoins present both an opportunity and a competitive risk. If widely adopted, privately issued digital dollars could weaken banks’ control over deposits and payment flows, two pillars of their business model.
The debate is especially relevant in the United States, where lawmakers are weighing market structure and stablecoin legislation, including discussions around whether issuers should be permitted to offer rewards.
Even without yield-bearing features, however, large-scale stablecoin adoption could shift liquidity away from traditional bank deposits and into tokenized alternatives.
Related: Modern Treasury integrates stablecoin settlement alongside ACH and wires
Shares of Figure Technology Solutions, a blockchain-based consumer lending marketplace, plunged on Friday after the company reported mixed fourth-quarter results the prior day, signaling a more difficult operating environment even as revenue continued to climb.
For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company posted revenue of $159.9 million, up from $83.9 million a year earlier, and net income of $15.1 million, compared with $5.9 million in the same period of 2024. Earnings were $0.06 per diluted share, compared to zero a year earlier.
Analysts polled by Yahoo Finance expected earnings of $0.18 per share on revenue of $157.7 million.
Growth was driven by increased lending activity. Consumer Loan Marketplace volume, which reflects total loans originated and traded on the platform, reached $2.7 billion during the quarter, up from $1.2 billion a year earlier.
For the full year, net income totaled $134.3 million, up from $19.9 million in 2024, while revenue reached $506.9 million, compared with $340.9 million a year earlier.
The company also authorized a share repurchase program allowing it to buy back up to $200 million of its stock over the next 12 months.
Shares fell about 20% to $27.12 in morning trading on Friday following the earnings release.
Related: Figure Technology unveils blockchain platform for direct stock lending: Report
Crypto stocks surged in 2025 before retracing
Figure began trading on the Nasdaq in September after pricing its initial public offering at $25 per share, raising nearly $800 million. The stock rose more than 24% on its first day of trading and climbed to a high near $74 in January, before retreating.
Figure’s post-IPO trajectory mirrors volatility seen across other crypto-linked equities, many of which rallied sharply in late 2025 before surrendering gains amid the broader crypto market pullback.
Shares of crypto exchange Gemini Space Station (GEMI) surged on its Nasdaq debut on Sept. 12 after pricing its IPO at $28 per share. The stock briefly topped $40 on its first day of trading, but has since fallen to around $5.94, at the time of writing.
Stablecoin issuer Circle also experienced a volatile debut. The company went public on June 5, after upsizing its IPO to $1.05 billion, selling 34 million shares at $31 each, above its initial target of 24 million shares priced between $24 and $26.
In its first day of trading, Circle’s shares surged 167%, opening at $69 and climbing as much as 235% intraday before closing at $82. The stock later reached an all-time high of $263.45 on May 25, then retraced nearly 70% to around $83, per Yahoo Finance data.
Magazine: Would Bitcoin really be at $200K if not for Jane Street? Trade Secrets
The White House pushed for a breakthrough on stablecoin yield negotiations for the CLARITY Act this weekend. It did not happen. Instead, fresh reports from sources close to the talks suggest the crypto market structure bill remains far from a final deal.
Banking representatives and crypto lobbyists are still divided over whether stablecoins can generate yield for users. That dispute continues to block progress in the Senate.
The CLARITY Act Nowhere Near a Resolution?
According to Eleanor Terrett, banking-side sources described the negotiations bluntly. Draft language exists, but the sides are “not close.”
Other banking trade groups pushed back on claims the talks are collapsing, saying discussions are ongoing and input on draft text continues.
The split narrative reflects how fragile the negotiations have become.
Where the Bill Stands Now
The House passed the CLARITY Act in July 2025 with bipartisan support. The bill aims to define when digital assets fall under SEC oversight and when they qualify as commodities under the CFTC. It also establishes registration rules for exchanges, brokers, and custodians.
After clearing the House, the bill moved to the Senate Banking Committee. There, it stalled.
No markup has been completed. No floor vote is scheduled.
The legislation remains stuck in committee.
Stablecoin Yield Is the Flashpoint
Originally, the bill focused on regulatory clarity between the SEC and CFTC. But in early 2026, the fight shifted to stablecoins.
Senate negotiators introduced draft language that would restrict interest or yield payments tied to stablecoin holdings. Banks support tighter limits. They argue that yield-bearing stablecoins could function like unregulated bank deposits.
Crypto firms strongly oppose that view. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has publicly argued that stablecoins can generate yield responsibly and that banning rewards would harm innovation.
That disagreement now threatens the broader market structure framework.
White House Pressure, But No Breakthrough
The White House has convened meetings between banks and crypto firms in recent weeks. Officials reportedly wanted a deal on yield before March.
However, sources say key language remains unresolved.
Bank trade groups such as the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America have reportedly rejected claims that negotiations are collapsing. Still, there is no finalized text.
What Is Still Unresolved
Four core issues remain:
- Whether stablecoin rewards count as prohibited interest
- How sharply to limit exchange incentives
- The final boundary between SEC and CFTC authority
- The scope of obligations for DeFi developers
Until yield language is settled, broader market structure reforms cannot move forward.
When Will the CLARITY Act Pass?
The next key step is a Senate Banking Committee markup. No date has been announced.
If negotiators narrow differences in March, a committee vote could follow later in the month. If talks drag on, the bill risks slipping deeper into election-year politics.
For now, the CLARITY Act remains alive — but stalled.
The question is no longer whether Congress wants crypto rules. It is whether banks and crypto firms can agree on who controls stablecoin economics.
ARB is trading ~96% below its 2024 ATH, with analysts framing current demand-zone compression as a potential long-term accumulation phase for a future trend reversal.
Summary
- ARB sits near historic lows, roughly 96% below its 2024 peak and at major wick support in a multi‑year descending channel.
- Price is compressing in a high‑timeframe demand block, with volume absorption signaling weakening sell pressure and possible Wyckoff‑style accumulation.
- Traders watch two key resistance levels for structure confirmation; a breakdown below invalidation would void the accumulation thesis.
Arbitrum’s (ARB) native token is trading near historic lows following a prolonged decline from its 2024 peak, with technical analysts identifying the current price level as a potential long-term entry point, according to market analysis.
The token reached its all-time high in 2024 before entering a sustained downtrend. The asset now trades at approximately 96% below its peak, positioned within what analysts describe as a high-timeframe demand block, according to technical chart analysis.
One market analyst noted the token is positioned at the bottom of a multi-year descending channel inside a high-timeframe demand block. The level holds historical significance, with prior capitulation wicks forming in the same area, according to the analysis. Price action has compressed sideways following the most recent decline.
Technical analysts are treating the current range as a structural accumulation zone. Volume absorption at this level suggests diminishing selling momentum, according to market observers. The compression in volatility supports the possibility that a price base could be forming, analysts stated.
Characteristics of a Wyckoff accumulation cycle appear to be forming on the token’s chart, according to technical analysis. Phase C, which typically marks the final shakeout before a recovery in the classical framework, appears to be in play. Demand absorption signals point to institutional-style accumulation at the current price range, analysts reported.
Two levels stand out as critical confirmation points for traders monitoring the asset. A break above initial resistance would mark the first break of structure favoring buyers, while a move above higher resistance would signal a full trend regime change, according to the technical analysis.
The analyst outlined a multi-stage target path reaching prior resistance zones and longer-term projection targets. A full cycle expansion would represent substantial gains from current levels, according to the analysis. On the downside, a defined invalidation level remains the reference point for the accumulation thesis. A sustained close below that level would void the current technical structure, analysts stated.
The setup draws attention from technically driven traders due to multiple technical confluences, including channel support, historical wick lows, volume absorption, and volatility compression converging at the same zone, according to market analysis.
Arbitrum is classified as a high-beta asset, meaning it tends to move sharply when broader cryptocurrency market conditions shift. This amplified sensitivity creates both downside risk and potential upside opportunity during recovery cycles, analysts noted.
No directional move has been confirmed, and traders are waiting on structure confirmation before taking larger positions, according to market observers.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated further on February 27 after the FBI designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The bureau said it remains committed to returning Americans held captive abroad and bringing their captors to justice.
The FBI highlighted two long-running cases. One involves Robert A. Levinson, a retired FBI special agent who disappeared in 2007 during a trip to Kish Island, Iran.
The US government continues to offer rewards totaling up to $25 million for information leading to his recovery
The second case involves Shayan Kazemi, a US citizen who went missing in Istanbul in 2011. The US government is offering up to $200,000 for information leading to his safe return.
What the FBI’s Designation Means
A “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention” designation signals that the US government believes a country is detaining American citizens unfairly, often for political leverage. It does not automatically trigger military action.
However, it elevates diplomatic pressure and centralizes recovery efforts under the US Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell.
The move sharply increases political friction. It frames detentions not as isolated incidents but as state-backed tactics.
US Military Posture Tightens
The announcement comes amid heightened military activity in the Middle East. The US has moved advanced fighter jets and additional assets into Israel and the surrounding areas as tensions with Iran rise.
Officials describe the deployment as a deterrence. Yet markets view the buildup as preparation for a potential escalation if nuclear talks collapse or regional clashes intensify.
Cuba Pressure Adds to Global Risk
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested earlier today that the US could pursue a “friendly takeover” of Cuba.
His comment follows weeks of economic pressure on Havana, including oil restrictions that triggered blackouts and fuel shortages.
The combination of Iran escalation and Cuba pressure rattled markets.
Bitcoin, which had been attempting to recover toward $70,000, fell more than 3% on the day to around $65,000. Traders appear to be reducing risk exposure as geopolitical uncertainty rises.
For now, diplomatic channels remain open. But the language from Washington suggests tensions are entering a more dangerous phase.
Morgan Stanley has applied for a de novo national trust bank charter, allowing the bank to hold digital assets on behalf of its clients — a move in rhythm with its recent crypto expansion.
A public filing with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) shows the application for a bank trust charter was received on Feb. 18 under the name “Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, National Association.”
More details of the business plan were released on Friday, according to reports from Bloomberg and Forbes, revealing that the Morgan Stanley subsidiary will custody certain digital assets and execute purchases, sales, swaps and transfers to support client investment activities, along with crypto staking.
A national bank trust charter authorizes a financial institution to engage in fiduciary activities such as trust services, custody and asset safekeeping. “De novo” is a Latin term for “anew,” meaning it is a newly created entity rather than an acquired one.
This is Morgan Stanley’s first trust charter with a specific focus on crypto and follows 14 de novo bank charter applications in 2025. There are approximately 60 national trust banks supervised by the OCC in the US.
Rush for crypto bank charters
In December, the OCC conditionally approved five applications for crypto-related national trust banks, including First National Digital Currency Bank, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets and Paxos.
Stablecoin platform Bridge, owned by payments processor Stripe, said it received conditional approval for a national trust bank earlier this month, which was followed by Crypto.com on Monday.
Related: OCC proposal seeks to settle stablecoin yield debate, clearing way for CLARITY
Days later, Payoneer, a global financial services firm, said it had filed for a national trust bank charter in the US, which could enable it to issue a stablecoin and provide various crypto services.
Morgan Stanley doubling down on crypto
Morgan Stanley has accelerated its moves toward crypto in recent months. In January, the Wall Street bank tapped equity markets executive Amy Oldenburg to lead its new crypto unit.
Job listings on LinkedIn show the $2 trillion investment bank is also looking to expand its crypto team, advertising positions for digital assets strategy director, digital assets strategist and digital assets product lead.
Morgan Stanley also filed to launch spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL) exchange-traded funds in January, and later filed for a staked Ether (ETH) ETF.
Big Questions: Is China hoarding gold so yuan becomes global reserve instead of USD?
BTC ETFs saw ~+$507m net inflow Feb. 25 as BlackRock bought thousands of BTC from Coinbase Prime, but BTC still slipped on profit‑taking.
Summary
- BlackRock shifted multiple 300 BTC batches plus a 108.6 BTC transfer from Coinbase Prime to IBIT wallets around 5:45 PM UTC on Feb. 26.
- U.S. spot BTC ETFs booked about $507m net inflows on Feb. 25, the strongest single‑day inflow in roughly two weeks, led by IBIT’s ~$297m.
- BTC traded near recent highs but dipped on profit‑taking, with on‑chain data showing sellers capping price below key resistance despite renewed ETF demand.
BlackRock purchased a substantial amount of bitcoin during the strongest single-day inflow for U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in two weeks, according to market data.
Data showed BlackRock transferred thousands of bitcoin to its iShares Bitcoin Trust wallets on Feb. 26, according to blockchain analytics firms. The transfers originated from Coinbase Prime hot wallets and occurred in several batches within the same hour, the data showed. Blockchain analytics firms shared logs showing multiple transfers of approximately 300 bitcoins to addresses linked to the iShares trust. The timestamp for these transfers was recorded at approximately 5:45 PM UTC.
BlackRock had purchased additional bitcoin days earlier and had transferred bitcoin to Coinbase the day before, according to transaction records. Market analysts tracked the activity as other ETFs reported outflows during the same period.
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded strong net inflows on Feb. 25, marking the highest one-day inflow in two weeks, according to data from SoSoValue. Total cumulative inflows have reached tens of billions of dollars across all issuers, the data showed. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led inflows for the day. Fidelity’s bitcoin ETF, Grayscale’s trust and Bitwise also reported inflows, according to the data. Other issuers recorded smaller inflows, while some smaller ETFs reported no net flows that day.
Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted the renewed inflows followed weeks of withdrawals. Balchunas stated the rise in interest was well timed for the market but that it remained unclear whether the trend would mark a sustained rebound.
Bitcoin traded near recent highs but declined that day, falling even as ETF inflows increased, according to market data. Charts showed bitcoin briefly declined during the trading session. On-chain data indicated recent profit-taking kept bitcoin below certain resistance levels, with demand slowing near that range and recovery attempts in February meeting resistance at similar levels, according to blockchain analysts.
A tense exchange unfolded at a Senate Banking Committee hearing as Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould over a pending bank charter application tied to President Donald Trump’s crypto company, World Liberty.
Summary
- Warren questioned whether Trump-linked crypto firm World Liberty properly disclosed a reported 49% UAE stake in its OCC bank charter application.
- Comptroller Jonathan Gould declined to discuss specifics but pledged to follow standard OCC procedures.
- Warren warned that foreign ownership and presidential conflicts of interest pose risks if the charter is approved.
Elizabeth Warren demands answers on World Liberty’s bank application
Warren cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging that a senior United Arab Emirates official secretly acquired a 49% stake in Trump’s crypto venture shortly before Trump returned to office.
She questioned whether the foreign investor was properly disclosed in World Liberty’s application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which regulates national banks.
“Did World Liberty disclose that the UAE official’s company was a shareholder?” Warren asked.
Gould declined to discuss specifics of any pending application, stating that the OCC would follow established regulatory procedures. Warren countered that OCC rules require full disclosure of any principal shareholder with a 10% or greater stake, arguing that failure to do so would warrant dismissal of the application.
She requested access to an unredacted filing for committee oversight, saying lawmakers needed to verify compliance with disclosure requirements. Gould said he would consider the request consistent with established protocols.
Warren framed the issue as both a national security and conflict-of-interest concern, warning that foreign ownership of a U.S. bank tied to a sitting president posed significant risks. She also accused the OCC of potentially enabling corruption if it approved the charter.
Gould rejected allegations of political influence, saying the only pressure he had felt “is from you,” and maintained that the agency would process the application like any other.
The clash shows escalating political tensions surrounding crypto regulation, bank charters, and the intersection of digital asset ventures with presidential business interests.
Paradigm, the San Francisco-based crypto investment firm, is pursuing a new $1.5 billion fund aimed at backing companies across artificial intelligence, robotics and other frontier technologies. The fundraising plan, reported by the Wall Street Journal, signals the firm’s intention to broaden its mandate while continuing to back crypto-related ventures using its established technical-investment team. Public filings show Paradigm already manages roughly $12.7 billion in assets, underscoring the scale it brings to a fund that blends crypto with cutting-edge tech bets. The strategy reflects a broader industry twist: the convergence of digital assets with AI and automation, a nexus that has attracted increased capital over the past year.
Paradigm will continue to invest in crypto companies, according to familiar sources, but the new vehicle will also evaluate frontier-tech opportunities outside the traditional crypto ecosystem. The Wall Street Journal noted that the firm’s managers sought greater latitude to avoid constraints that could cause them to pass on attractive deals. The approach mirrors a broader trend among crypto-focused funds expanding into adjacent technologies as capital markets prize diversification and cross-disciplinary expertise. The fundraise aligns with Paradigm’s history: it launched its flagship $2.5 billion fund in November 2021, at the time the largest crypto fund in history, and in 2024 publicly announced its third fund—a venture vehicle of about $850 million focused on early-stage crypto projects. These milestones punctuate a firm comfortable with large-scale vehicles and multi-cycle exposure to digital assets.
Beyond capital allocations, Paradigm’s strategy underscores a belief that crypto and AI are not mutually exclusive. The firm’s leadership has argued for a pragmatic view of the two domains, noting substantial overlap in areas such as how autonomous systems can execute transactions. This concept—agentic or autonomous AI agents performing actions within financial networks—has become a focal point in industry conversations about security, efficiency and governance. For readers familiar with the technical dialogue around AI agents and how they interact with decentralized systems, the connection is a natural extension of Paradigm’s investment thesis. The discussion sits at the intersection of risk management, smart-contract integrity and the evolving architecture of programmable money.
Open questions about the precise structure of the new fund remain, but the narrative around Paradigm’s pivot away from crypto appears to have evolved. In 2023, the firm faced public speculation after it trimmed crypto-specific language from its website, prompting some observers to wonder if it planned a broader shift toward AI. Co-founder Matt Huang disputed that interpretation, stating that the team had simply been exploring AI while remaining deeply committed to crypto across all stages. In a subsequent note, Huang emphasized that developments in AI are compelling enough to merit parallel exploration alongside ongoing crypto initiatives. This stance captures a pragmatic view in which crypto remains central, but AI opportunities are too consequential to ignore. The firm’s recent collaboration with OpenAI to release EVMbench—a benchmark evaluating how AI models can detect and patch security vulnerabilities in smart contracts—illustrates that the overlap between the two sectors is not theoretical, but operational and testable.
Paradigm’s frontier-tech push comes amid a broader AI funding boom
Industry data cited by the OECD shows venture-capital investments in artificial intelligence reached $258.7 billion in 2025, accounting for about 61% of all VC activity and effectively doubling AI’s share since 2022. Within AI, fundraising for generative AI firms made up roughly 14% of total AI VC investments, with the United States drawing the largest portion of capital. The numbers illustrate a market backdrop where AI is a driving force behind liquidity and deal flow, a context that investors like Paradigm are trying to leverage while maintaining a crypto footprint. The momentum around AI funding complements the evolving crypto landscape, where innovations in on-chain security, scalable infrastructure and tokenized financial assets continue to attract capital from traditional and specialized investors alike.
For readers tracking the practical side of AI-crypto convergence, Paradigm’s activities provide a useful case study. The firm’s involvement in AI benchmarking and security—through collaborative efforts with OpenAI on EVMbench—signals a preference for concrete, talent-driven assessments of risk and opportunity in crypto infrastructure. The project evaluates how AI agents can identify vulnerabilities in smart contracts and suggest patches, a capability that could improve the resilience of programmable money and decentralized applications. This line of work aligns with a broader push to raise the bar on cryptographic and governance standards as AI adoption scales across blockchain-native ecosystems.
In parallel, the market continues to size up the potential for frontier-tech finance to reshape venture ecosystems. The integration of AI with crypto workflows hints at new value propositions for developers, operators and investors who want to combine the speed and automation of intelligent agents with the structural transparency of decentralized networks. The 2025 funding landscape, highlighted by OECD figures, reinforces the idea that technology bets are increasingly pluralistic—funds seek to back teams that can navigate both AI breakthroughs and crypto-market dynamics, a stance Paradigm appears to be formalizing through its latest fundraising efforts.
Why it matters
The strategic timing of Paradigm’s fundraising matters for several reasons. First, it demonstrates how crypto-focused funds are maturing into multi-technology platforms capable of supporting complex portfolios that straddle AI, robotics and digital assets. This evolution could attract a broader set of LPs seeking diversified exposure to frontier tech themes without sacrificing deep domain expertise in crypto risk management. Second, the collaboration with AI researchers and benchmarks like EVMbench signals a willingness to invest not only in companies but in tooling and standards that improve security and efficiency across the crypto stack. If AI-driven testing and patching become mainstream in on-chain development, the resulting improvements in smart-contract safety could raise the confidence of users and institutions alike.
From a market perspective, Paradigm’s move sits at the nexus of two transformative trends. AI funding is surging, while crypto funding cycles remain active as investors wager on improvements in scalability, governance and regulatory clarity. The OECD data cited above illustrate a capital environment where AI is a dominant driver of VC flows, yet the crypto sector still presents material opportunities for those who can blend deep technical risk assessment with strategic portfolio construction. The cross-pollination of these domains could fertilize ecosystems where AI helps automate, audit and optimize crypto infrastructure, while blockchain technologies provide new data-native workloads for intelligent agents and automation platforms.
For the broader user and investor community, Paradigm’s approach signals that the near-term future of crypto funding may increasingly resemble traditional technology venture models: larger raised funds, diversified mandate, and a portfolio approach that prioritizes talent, rigorous due diligence and technical interoperability. The firm’s willingness to maintain its crypto commitments while pursuing frontier tech investments could set a template for other crypto-focused funds confronting the same balance: remaining anchored in digital assets while embracing adjacent advances that could reshape the entire technology stack.
What to watch next
- Progress toward closing the $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund, including potential fundraising milestones and any anticipated close dates.
- Regulatory filings and disclosures related to the new vehicle, especially as the strategy expands beyond crypto into AI and robotics.
- Portfolio visibility: any announcements of investments or co-investments in AI, robotics or related frontier technologies, alongside crypto companies.
- Updates on EVMbench adoption and results, and whether AI-driven security tooling becomes a standard in crypto development workflows.
- Continued commentary from Paradigm leadership on the crypto-AI overlap and strategic priorities across stages of investment.
Sources & verification
- Wall Street Journal report detailing Paradigm’s $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund and the firm’s expansion into AI and robotics.
- Regulatory filings showing Paradigm’s assets under management at roughly $12.7 billion.
- Cointelegraph coverage discussing Paradigm’s ongoing crypto investments and references to executive commentary.
- Announcement of EVMbench, a joint effort with OpenAI to benchmark AI agents’ ability to detect and patch smart-contract flaws.
- OECD data on AI venture-capital investments through 2025, highlighting the scale of AI funding and cross-sector allocations.
Paradigm widens the lens on frontier tech and crypto
Paradigm’s current fundraising push to assemble a $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund underscores a practical shift in how crypto-focused capital views the technology landscape. While the firm remains firmly rooted in crypto, the new vehicle signals a deliberate strategy to diversify into AI, robotics and other high-potential sectors. At the same time, Paradigm’s public record—$12.7 billion in AUM and a history of large crypto funds—offers a credible backdrop for investors weighing the risks and rewards of a broader tech mandate. The collaboration with OpenAI on EVMbench exemplifies the concrete, value-driven work that can emerge when crypto publics intersect with AI researchers and standards bodies. As the sector contends with regulatory questions and evolving market dynamics, Paradigm’s approach provides a lens into how crypto-focused firms may evolve to participate in the broader tech economy while maintaining a disciplined risk profile.
Key points:
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Bitcoin continues to face selling on minor rallies, indicating a negative sentiment.
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Several altcoins have turned down from the overhead resistance levels, indicating the bears are active at higher levels.
Bitcoin (BTC) continues to face selling on rallies, with bears attempting to sink the price below $66,000. However, some analysts believe the downside may be limited.
Analyst Willy Woo said in a post on X that the selling may have exhausted and BTC is likely to enter a period of consolidation. He expects the rebound to be rejected in the mid $70,000 level. Woo anticipates the bearish trend to end in Q4 of this year and the bullish momentum to begin in Q1 or Q2 2027.
Another positive sign in favor of the bulls is that BTC exchange-traded funds have started attracting investors. The BTC ETFs have recorded $1.01 billion in inflows since Tuesday, according to SoSoValue data.
Analysts also expect Ether (ETH) to remain sideways for some time. Swyftx lead analyst Pav Hundal told Cointelegraph on Thursday that ETH may remain “subdued over the next few weeks” and in the medium term may test even “the most experienced investors.”
Could BTC and select major altcoins hold on to their support levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.
Bitcoin price prediction
BTC’s relief rally is facing selling at the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) ($68,895), indicating a negative sentiment.
The BTC/USDT pair has formed a symmetrical triangle, which usually acts as a continuation pattern. If the Bitcoin price continues lower and breaks below the support line, it puts the $60,000 level at risk of breaking down. If that happens, the pair may plunge to the next major support at $52,500.
The first sign of strength will be a close above the resistance line. The pair may then rally to the breakdown level of $74,508. This is a crucial level for the bears to defend, as a close above $74,508 suggests that the price may have bottomed out at $60,000.
Ether price prediction
Buyers pushed ETH above the $2,111 resistance on Wednesday but could not sustain the breakout.
The Ether price has turned down sharply from the $2,111 resistance, indicating that the bears are vigorously defending the level. That suggests the ETH/USDT pair may extend its stay inside the $1,750 to $2,111 range for a while.
The next trending move is expected to begin on a close above $2,111 or below $1,750. If the $1,750 level cracks, the next stop is likely to be $1,537. Alternatively, a close above $2,111 might thrust the pair toward the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) ($2,494).
XRP price prediction
XRP (XRP) remains stuck between the 20-day EMA ($1.44) and the support line of the descending channel pattern.
Sellers will attempt to sink the XRP price below the support line, but are likely to encounter solid resistance from the bulls. If the price bounces off the support line with strength, the bulls will again try to push the XRP/USDT pair above the 20-day EMA. If they succeed, the pair may rally to the 50-day SMA ($1.67) and then to the downtrend line.
Contrarily, a break and close below the support line puts the Feb. 6 low of $1.11 at risk of breaking down. The pair may then tumble to the psychological support at $1.
BNB price prediction
Sellers are attempting to halt BNB’s (BNB) recovery at the 20-day EMA ($638), but the bulls have kept up the pressure.
That shows a greater potential for a possible breakout above the 20-day EMA in the near term. The BNB/USDT pair may rally to $669 and subsequently to the breakdown level of $730.
This bullish view will be negated in the near term if the price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA and breaks below the $570 support. That signals the resumption of the downtrend toward the psychological support at $500.
Solana price prediction
Solana (SOL) rose above the 20-day EMA ($86) on Wednesday, but the bears halted the recovery at the $95 level.
Sellers have pulled the price below the 20-day EMA, opening the gates for a drop to the $75 level. If the price rebounds off the $75 level with strength, it suggests that the bulls are trying to form a higher low. The SOL/USDT pair may then consolidate between $75 and $95 for a few days.
Contrary to this assumption, a close below the $75 level suggests that the bears remain in control. The Solana price may then plummet to the Feb. 6 low of $67.
Dogecoin price prediction
Dogecoin (DOGE) broke above the 20-day EMA ($0.10) on Wednesday, but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels.
Sellers will attempt to pull the Dogecoin price below the $0.09 support. If they can pull it off, the DOGE/USDT pair may retest the Feb. 6 low of $0.08. A strong rebound off the $0.08 level signals a possible range formation. The pair may swing between $0.08 and $0.12 for some time.
The bulls will be back in the driver’s seat after they thrust the price above the $0.12 resistance. That opens the doors for a rally to $0.16.
Bitcoin Cash price prediction
Buyers pushed Bitcoin Cash (BCH) above the $500 level on Wednesday and Thursday, but the long wick on the candlesticks shows selling at higher levels.
Sellers will attempt to sink the Bitcoin Cash price to the solid support at $443, which is a critical support to watch out for. If the price closes below $443, the BCH/USDT pair will complete a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. That may start a new downtrend toward $380.
Buyers will have to swiftly push the price above the moving averages to prevent the downside. If they do that, the pair may march toward $580.
Related: Bitcoin to $30K? Analysts debate when and at what price BTC will bottom
Hyperliquid price prediction
Hyperliquid (HYPE) has been trading inside a large range of $20.82 to $36.77 for the past few days.
The flattening moving averages and the relative strength index (RSI) near the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price sustains above the 20-day EMA ($29.07), the HYPE/USDT pair may rise to $32.50 and later to the stiff overhead resistance of $36.77.
On the downside, the bears will have to tug the Hyperliquid price below the $25.62 support to gain the upper hand. That clears the path for a drop to the solid support at $20.82. A break above $36.77 or below $20.82 is likely to start the next trending move.
Cardano price prediction
Cardano (ADA) cleared the 20-day EMA ($0.28) hurdle on Wednesday, but the bulls could not pierce the 50-day SMA ($0.31).
A positive sign in favor of the bulls is that they are attempting to arrest the pullback at the 20-day EMA. If the price turns up from the 20-day EMA, buyers will make another attempt to overcome the barrier at the downtrend line. If they succeed, the ADA/USDT pair may rally toward $0.44. Such a move suggests a short-term trend change.
Instead, if the Cardano price breaks and closes below the 20-day EMA, it indicates that the bears are active at higher levels. That may keep the pair inside the descending channel for some more time.
Chainlink price prediction
Chainlink (LINK) broke above the 20-day EMA ($9) on Wednesday, but the bulls are struggling to sustain the higher levels.
Sellers will attempt to pull the Chainlink price to the solid support at $8. Buyers are expected to defend the $8 level with all their might, as a close below it might sink the LINK/USDT pair to the Feb. 6 low of $7.15.
This negative view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns up and closes above the 20-day EMA. The bulls will then attempt to propel the pair to the $10.94 to $11.61 overhead resistance zone.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
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