Crypto World
Cathie Wood: AI and Market Volatility Create Long-Term Opportunities
TLDR:
- Cathie Wood sees AI as the largest investment opportunity for tech companies today.
- Algorithmic trading drives volatility but creates opportunities for well-researched investors.
- Inflation is easing, with monetary velocity stabilizing and unit labor costs contained.
- Bitcoin underperforms gold short-term, yet long-term supply dynamics remain favorable.
Cathie Wood ARK Invest market outlook is drawing attention as volatility intensifies across equities and digital assets.
The ARK Invest founder attributes recent swings to algorithmic trading and maintains that disciplined research during fearful periods can uncover long-term opportunities.
Volatility, AI Spending, and Market Structure
In a recent post on X, ARK Invest wrote, “Fear is high. Volatility is elevated.” The firm added that Cathie Wood would explain why such periods may create long-term opportunities in its “In The Know” segment.
Wood stated that much of the current turbulence is driven by algorithmically generated trading. “This kind of volatility tends to create opportunities for those who are doing deep research,” she said.
She argued that automated strategies are accelerating short-term market swings.
She compared the present backdrop to earlier stress events, including tariff-related turmoil. Wood noted that investors who sold in panic during those episodes later regretted their decisions. “Markets climb a wall of worry in strong bull markets,” she said, describing the current phase.
Wood contrasted today’s climate with the late-1990s tech and telecom bubble. She said the market is less forgiving of spending without productivity gains.
However, she maintained that Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon “should be investing aggressively in AI,” calling it “the biggest opportunity of our lifetime.”
Inflation Trends, Dollar Outlook, and Bitcoin
Wood also addressed fiscal dynamics and productivity. She said the US budget deficit could shift toward surplus by the end of the current presidential term due to stronger-than-expected productivity growth. Citing Palantir, she pointed to data-driven efficiencies supporting that view.
On trade, Wood said concerns about the deficit overlook capital inflows. “We have a capital surplus that offsets the trade deficit,” she stated. She added that a dollar turnaround would be “a powerful anti-inflationary force.”
Turning to inflation metrics, Wood referenced the relationship between CPI and M2. She said inflation “is breaking down,” adding that monetary velocity is likely to flatten or decline. She also noted that unit labor costs are not rising as they did in the 1970s.
Addressing digital assets, Wood discussed Bitcoin and its recent underperformance against gold. She attributed the move to “risk-off sentiment and algorithmic selling.” Despite short-term pressure, she reiterated a long-term constructive outlook on Bitcoin supply dynamics and encouraged investors to consider self-custody.
Crypto World
Kevin O’Leary Wins $2.8 Million Defamation Judgment Against BitBoy Crypto
Kevin O’Leary just walked away with a $2.8 million courtroom win. The Shark Tank investor secured a default judgment against former crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, better known as BitBoy Crypto.
The funny thing? Armstrong did not even properly defend himself. A federal judge in Florida stepped in and awarded heavy punitive damages after claims surfaced that Armstrong publicly called O’Leary a “murderer.”
- Judge Beth Bloom awarded O’Leary $2 million in punitive damages plus $750,000 for emotional distress.
- The court rejected Armstrong’s attempt to blame the default on mental health struggles and incarceration.
- Armstrong previously taunted O’Leary online, posting his personal phone number and alleging a cover-up regarding a 2019 boat crash.
The Feud Behind Kevin O’Leary Lawsuit
This whole fight traces back to a tragic 2019 boat crash involving O’Leary’s wife, Linda, where two people lost their lives. She was fully acquitted in 2021. Case closed.
Years later, Armstrong went online and ignored that outcome completely. He posted claims saying O’Leary and his wife “murdered a couple and covered it up.” Then it escalated. He shared O’Leary’s private phone number and urged followers to call him, throwing out lines like he was a “rabid dog” going after him.

At one point, Armstrong even mocked critics by asking, “What are you gonna do, sue me?”
Turns out, that is exactly what happened. And on March 26, 2025, he got his answer in court.
Breaking Down the $2.8 Million Judgment
The ruling included $78,000 for reputational damage and $750,000 for emotional distress.
O’Leary even pointed to increased security measures and changes to studio access because of fears tied to Armstrong’s online following.
Then came the real blow. An extra $2 million in punitive damages, meant to send a message. Armstrong had already defaulted after failing to respond to the lawsuit in 2025. He later tried to undo that default in early 2026, arguing incarceration and mental health struggles kept him from defending himself.
The court did not buy it.

This judgment adds to what has already been a brutal stretch for Armstrong, who was pushed out of the HIT Network and is now staring at serious financial fallout.
The post Kevin O’Leary Wins $2.8 Million Defamation Judgment Against BitBoy Crypto appeared first on Cryptonews.
Crypto World
Massive 500% PI Surge Forecast as Pi Network Leadership Sends Key Message
The PI token is among the notable gainers in the past 24 hours and has risen far above its recent all-time low.
Despite growing criticism and controversy surrounding the project, many Pioneers continue to publicly praise and support the Pi Network Core Team and the ecosystem they have built.
The underlying asset has finally shown notable signs of recovery, prompting a prominent analyst to hint at buying PI and making bold price predictions.
“Adding Some PI”
Captain Faibik, a renowned cryptocurrency analyst with well over 100,000 followers on X, made a rare call on Pi Network’s native token. In a recent tweet, Faibik outlined their 500% surge expectation for PI after explaining that they had added some of the token for the midterm.
Adding Some $PI for the Midterm..!!
Expecting +500% Bullish Rally..🔜#Crypto #PI #PIUSDT pic.twitter.com/LQppQBAblo
— Captain Faibik 🐺 (@CryptoFaibik) February 14, 2026
PI has performed rather well in the past day, jumping by 10% to over $0.16. This means the asset is now 23% higher than its all-time low of $0.1312, set on February 11. Despite this daily increase, PI remains deep in the red on almost all other scales, down nearly 95% from its all-time low recorded last February.
If Captain Faibik’s 500% surge prediction is to come true, the token could be on its way to $1. However, that seems unlikely at the moment, given the overall market environment and PI’s inability to stage a longer, more profound recovery.
There’s a big elephant in the Pi Network room for the next few weeks. The token unlock schedule from PiScan indicates that, on average, more than 7.2 million PI will be released daily over the next month, but the number will frequently exceed 13.5 million by February 25. The unlocks will ease in March, though.
You may also like:
These large unlocking events are viewed as bearish, as they can increase immediate selling pressure from investors who have been waiting for their tokens for a long time.
Co-Founder Speaks Out
Pi Network’s Core Team has faced significant scrutiny over the past several weeks. However, this didn’t stop them from announcing a new series of upgrades with a February 15 deadline for Mainnet nodes.
One of the project’s co-founders, Dr. Nocolas Kokkalis, also issued the same reminder to his over 120,000 followers on X, claiming that the PI nodes are the “4th role in the PI ecosystem.” He urged users to run the PI node on their laptop or desktop to validate transactions, strengthen network security, and support global consensus and trust.
🚀 Pi Nodes — The 4th Role in the Pi Ecosystem 🌐
💻 Run Pi Node on your laptop or desktop and help power decentralization:
✅ Validate transactions on a distributed ledger
🔐 Strengthen network security
🌍 Support global consensus & trust
⚡ Every node makes the network stronger… pic.twitter.com/jrxy0IKSyM— Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis (@drnicolas_) February 14, 2026
SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).
Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. See Disclaimer for more information.
Crypto World
Figure Blockchain Lender Confirms Customer Data Breach Following Social Engineering Attack
TLDR:
- Figure Technology employee tricked in social engineering attack enabling unauthorized data access
- ShinyHunters published 2.5GB of customer data including names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Attack part of broader campaign targeting companies using Okta single sign-on authentication
- Figure offers free credit monitoring and maintains customer funds remain secure despite breach
Figure Technology disclosed a customer data breach on Friday after an employee fell victim to a social engineering attack.
The blockchain lender confirmed that hackers accessed limited customer files through the compromised account. Hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the incident and published approximately 2.5 gigabytes of stolen data. The company has launched a forensic investigation and implemented additional security measures.
Attack Details and Compromised Information
Figure explained the breach in a statement, noting that attackers manipulated an employee through deceptive tactics to gain unauthorized system access.
“We recently identified that an employee was socially engineered, and that allowed an actor to download a limited number of files through their account,” the company said. Figure identified the incident quickly and responded to contain the threat.
The lender emphasized its swift response to the security incident. “We acted quickly to block the activity and retained a forensic firm to investigate what files were affected,” Figure stated. The company worked to determine the full scope of compromised data following the discovery.
ShinyHunters stated that Figure refused to pay a ransom demand before publishing the stolen data. TechCrunch reviewed portions of the leaked files and confirmed they contained sensitive customer information.
The exposed data includes full names, home addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers of affected individuals.
The New York-based lender specializes in home equity lines of credit using its Provenance blockchain platform. Founded in 2018, Figure went public in September 2025 under ticker symbol FIGR.
The initial public offering raised $787.5 million and valued the company at approximately $5.3 billion.
Broader Campaign and Company Response
A ShinyHunters member told TechCrunch the attack was part of a larger campaign targeting organizations using Okta single sign-on services.
Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania were among other alleged victims in this widespread operation. The connection suggests a coordinated effort exploiting vulnerabilities in shared authentication systems.
Figure is communicating with partners and affected customers about the breach. “We are offering complimentary credit monitoring to all individuals who receive a notice,” the company said. These protective measures aim to help customers guard against potential identity theft or fraud.
The lender reassured customers about account security despite the data exposure. “We continuously monitor accounts and have strong safeguards in place to protect customers’ funds and accounts,” Figure stated. The company maintains that customer funds remain secure throughout the incident.
Data breaches have become increasingly common across industries in recent years. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse reported over 8,000 notification filings in 2025 tied to more than 4,000 separate incidents. These breaches affected at least 374 million people throughout the year.
Figure announced a secondary public offering on the same day as the breach disclosure. The company plans to offer up to 4.23 million shares of Series A Blockchain Common Stock.
The stock closed Friday up 3.57% at $35.29, though it has declined 37% over the past month.
Crypto World
Memecoin Market Signals Classic Capitulation, Santiment Warns
A reversal in memecoins could be on the horizon even as broader crypto markets remain choppy, according to a contemporary assessment from Santiment, a sentiment analytics platform. The report frames a period of renewed attention on meme-friendly tokens after a prolonged pullback, suggesting that capitulation in a beaten-down niche sometimes creates the setup for a contrarian rebound. While Bitcoin and other major assets waver in recent sessions, chatter around nostalgia for meme assets has grown louder among some traders, who view it as a potential precursor to a bottoming process.
Key takeaways
- Memecoin market capitalization declined 34.04% over the last 30 days to roughly $31.02 billion, amid a broader crypto downturn that pushed Bitcoin near $60,000 on Feb. 3.
- Among the top 100 memecoins, Pippin (PIPPIN) jumped about 243.17% over the past week, with Official Trump (TRUMP) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) up modestly, at around 1.37% and 1.11% respectively.
- Historically, meme-sector capitulation can precede a contrarian rebound, as traders begin to re-enter sectors written off by the crowd.
- Analysts are increasingly debating whether the traditional rotation pattern—Bitcoin to Ethereum to risky altcoins—will repeat in a more mature market environment.
- Market sentiment on social channels has swung toward fear in places, potentially signaling room for a rebound should disappointment translate into renewed demand.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $SHIB, $TRUMP, $PIPPIN, $DOGE
Sentiment: Neutral
Price impact: Negative. The memecoin segment hastrended lower, underscoring broad risk-off conditions even as some tokens show selective strength.
Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. While contrarian signals emerge, the overall risk environment remains unsettled, and selective movers could drive bursts of activity without guaranteeing a sustained recovery.
Market context: The memecoin cycle is navigating a quieter macro backdrop where Bitcoin’s performance has become less predictable, and institutional interest across larger assets is reshaping rotation dynamics. The emerging narrative around nostalgia and capitulation is intersecting with caution around broader price action and liquidity in crowded meme markets.
Why it matters
The memecoin ecosystem has long functioned as a barometer for retail appetite and market psychology. When a segment is broadly dismissed, it can trap participants into a capitulation phase that retests key support levels and creates an attractive entry point for those willing to assume risk. Santiment highlights this phenomenon, arguing that a widespread perception of the “end of memes” can become a contrarian catalyst: as fear ascends and attention wanes, the crowd may underprice the stakes for a rebound. This perspective matters because it shifts the calculus for traders who monitor narrative shifts and social sentiment as leading indicators of turning points.
The current data show that the total memecoin market cap has slipped to about $31.02 billion after a 30-day decline of more than a third, a reminder that meme assets are highly sensitive to liquidity and risk sentiment. While the top tokens have posted a mixed set of movements—PIPPIN experiencing a remarkable spike while others like TRUMP and SHIB have posted modest gains—the broader decline underscores how intrinsic volatility can outpace narrative-driven optimism. In this setting, investors who watch for a bottom rather than a rally may find value in the patience that often precedes a durable recovery, provided macro conditions and on-chain signals align.
Historically, the conventional cycle has seen risk-on capital flow from Bitcoin into Ethereum and then into a suite of altcoins. Yet as Bitcoin matures and institutions become more deeply involved, some analysts question whether this rotation will function in the same way. The possibility of a more selective altseason—where only a subset of coins leads—adds a layer of uncertainty to mid-cycle expectations. In practice, this means that even if Penned narrative of a meme revival gains traction, it could unfold unevenly across the memecoin universe rather than delivering a broad-based uplift.
Beyond price action, the social sentiment surrounding the crypto market has shown a tilt toward bearish commentary in some corners, even as price figures recover in isolated pockets. Santiment cautions that market psychology often moves in opposition to mainstream expectations, and that the crowd’s skepticism may ultimately become a stabilizing force that helps avert parabolic moves before a more sustainable climb materializes. In this framing, the latest data do not promise an immediate bull market but do suggest that the door remains open for a repricing of risk if sentiment shifts and liquidity returns to the space.
In sum, the current landscape presents a paradox: a market that has endured a meaningful retracement in memecoins while simultaneously hosting pockets of strength in specific tokens, alongside contrarian narratives that hinge on capitulation dynamics. The balance between fear-driven selling pressure and recovering demand will likely determine whether the memecoin sector forms a bottom or slides further before any meaningful revival takes hold.
What to watch next
- Monitor whether memecoin market capitalization stabilizes above the recent troughs, or if further declines materialize over the next few weeks.
- Track social sentiment gauges and Santiment’s weekly updates for signs that fear is transitioning toward cautious optimism.
- Observe price action of standout memecoins such as PIPPIN, TRUMP, SHIB, and DOGE for sustained momentum rather than short-lived spikes.
- Watch Bitcoin’s price dynamics around key levels (for example, the $60,000 zone) to gauge broader risk appetite and its influence on altcoin rotations.
- Look for any regulatory or exchange-driven developments tied to meme tokens that could alter liquidity or accessibility for meme-focused projects.
Sources & verification
- Santiment’s weekly insights and commentary on nostalgia in memecoins and contrarian signals as part of This Week in Crypto (W2 February 2026).
- CoinMarketCap memecoin overview page documenting overall market cap declines and relative performance across the top memecoins.
- CoinMarketCap Dogecoin page for price dynamics and historical context within the memecoin ecosystem.
- Bitcoin price context and recent price levels referenced by market data and coverage on BTC price movements.
- Official price indices and trackers used to illustrate specific token movements such as PIPPIN, TRUMP, and SHIB.
Market signals point to a potential memecoin reversal amid a cautious market
In a crypto landscape characterized by fluctuating liquidity and evolving risk appetite, a contrarian view on memecoins is gaining traction. The latest data indicate that the broader memecoin sector has contracted sharply, with a 34.04% decline in market capitalization over the prior 30 days to about $31.02 billion, even as select tokens produced outsized moves. Across the top 100 memecoins, a handful of projects posted notable performance: Pippin (PIPPIN) surged about 243.17% over the past week, outperforming the pack as other meme assets logged much smaller gains. Official Trump (TRUMP) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) registered modest increases of roughly 1.37% and 1.11%, respectively.
From a narrative standpoint, the discussion around a possible “end of the meme era” has evolved into a potential contrarian catalyst. Santiment argues that when a segment becomes visibly written off, it can invite renewed attention from traders who view such capitulation as a sign that the worst is potentially behind them. The logic behind this stance is simple: when the crowd exits a space in force, the subsequent re-entry can generate price discovery that is less about hype and more about selective demand, especially if other indicators align.
Yet the market’s anatomy remains mixed. The memecoin sector’s downbeat price drift fits within a broader risk-off environment, where Bitcoin’s moves have been less tethered to a single direction. In the most recent sessions, the cryptocurrency king traded around the $60,000 mark—an approximate level that critics say has become a touchstone for risk tolerance and liquidity shifts in the ecosystem. The interaction between Bitcoin’s price path and altcoin dynamics remains a critical driver of whether a durable memecoin rebound can take hold. The observed divergence—where a few tokens post sharp gains while the overall segment remains under pressure—suggests that any recovery may be selective rather than universal, with tokens that boast stronger narrative or utility leading the way.
Within this frame, market participants are also weighing the potential impact of longer-term structural factors. As institutional engagement grows and the market matures, some analysts question whether the old rotation—BTC first, ETH next, then a broad ascent in riskiest altcoins—will reassert itself. The prospect of a more solo-driven altseason, anchored by select tokens rather than a broad rally, could define the next phase of meme-market activity. In practice, this means that investors aiming to capitalize on a memecoin revival will need to identify catalysts beyond mere hype—whether through on-chain signals, narrative momentum, or fundamental developments within specific projects.
The social sentiment backdrop adds another layer of nuance. Santiment has pointed to a notable tilt toward bearish commentary in some channels, even as prices rebound in isolated pockets. The juxtaposition of gloom and opportunity highlights a key tension in modern crypto markets: the possibility that fear can coexist with opportunities for meaningful gains if and when buyers return to the space with conviction. Taken together, these factors establish a framework in which a memecoin reversal is plausible but not guaranteed, contingent on liquidity, narrative durability, and the broader macro environment.
Crypto World
Ripple Bulls Reveal Bold Price Predictions as XRP Surges to Weekly Highs
XRP’s price jumped by over 7% in the past day and neared $1.50 for the first time in a week.
The ever-vocal Ripple community has taken the main stage on X again amid the underlying asset’s impressive price performance over the past day.
Here are some of the biggest XRP price predictions, as well as some really mindblowing forecasts about the token’s role in global finance.
Double Digits for XRP?
The past 24 hours have been kinder to the cryptocurrency markets, with BTC going past $70,000 for the first time in a week, and ETH reclaiming the $2,100 resistance. Ripple’s cross-border token has solidified its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency with a 7.5% surge to $1.48.
This has given the XRP Army wings to post some quite optimistic predictions once again, despite the token being 60% down from its all-time high of $3.65 marked in July last year.
Cobb alleged that the current price slump looks “so fake and orchestrated.” They added that it could have the opposite effect and “end up being one of the greatest fakeouts of all time and then BOOM $10 out of nowhere.”
In a separate tweet responding to John Squire’s $10,000 prediction, Cobb noted that the “real XRP trenchers” are actually hoping for a more modest target of $10-$30. ChartNerd agreed, actually, saying that the 1.618 Fibonacci extension sees the token skyrocketing to $27.
real XRP trenchers are looking for $10-$30 https://t.co/s2mkdyLoHT
— Cobb (@Cobb_XRPL) February 14, 2026
You may also like:
Needless to say, even the lowest of the aforementioned targets – $10 – sounds more than just far-fetched at the moment. Despite XRP’s positive momentum in the past 24 hours, the asset would have to surge by 580% to reach $10 and by a whopping 1,950% to tap $30.
XRP to Bridge Global Finance?
But, for the sake of argument, let’s assume that XRP could indeed surge to $10 or beyond anytime soon. It would need some sort of a major catalyst, right? The SEC legal case conclusion and the hope of spot XRP ETFs in the US managed to send it to as high as $3.65, so there must be something big for a double-digit price target.
Squire, perhaps the most vocal bull within the XRP Army, made another shocking claim, saying the token “will become the bridge asset for global finance.” He believes banks won’t opt for BTC, and would go for XRP because of its speed, liquidity, and compliance.
XRP will become the bridge asset for global finance.
Banks won’t choose Bitcoin.
They will choose speed, liquidity and compliance.Agree or disagree?
— John Squire | Global Finance & Crypto (@TheCryptoSquire) February 14, 2026
SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).
Crypto World
bitcoin claws back to $70,000 after $8.7 billion wipeout
Bitcoin has clawed its way back above $70,000, recovering from a sharp drop near $60,000 earlier in the month.
The cryptocurrency is up nearly 5% in the last 24-hour period, while the broader CoinDesk 20 (CD20) index rose 6.2% in the same period.
The rebound comes as investors react to a cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation print and signs of renewed risk appetite. The Consumer Price Index for January rose 2.4% year-over-year, just below the forecasted 2.5%.
That gave markets a reason to believe interest rate cuts could arrive sooner than expected, lifting both stocks and cryptocurrencies. Lower interest rates make risk assets more attractive, as the rate of return on risk-free or low-risk investments lowers.
Traders on prediction market Kalshi are currently weighing a 26% chance of a 25 bps rate cut in April, up from 19% earlier in the week. On Polymarket, the odds rose from 13% to 20%.
Still, the rally masks deeper fractures beneath the surface.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index continues to reflect deep anxiety, hovering near extreme fear levels last seen during the 2022 bear market over the collapse of FTX. The index has been sitting in “extreme fear” since the beginning of the month.
Bitwise analysts noted that $8.7 billion in bitcoin losses were realized in the last week, second only to the fallout from the 3AC collapse.
“Nevertheless, the rotation of supply from weaker hands to conviction investors has historically been associated with market stabilisation phases, though such redistribution requires time to fully unfold,” Bitwise wrote.
Bitcoin treasury firms were sitting on over $21 billion of unrealized losses, an all-time high. Bitcoin’s recovery has seen that figure drop to $16.9 billion.
Thinner trading volumes are supporting the current rally during the weekend and seller exhaustion. The $8.7 billion in realized losses in the last week could be seen as a “textbook capitulation event.”
Yet, the extreme fear gripping the market poses a challenge. AS Bitwise research analyst Danny Nelson told CoinDesk, the market’s “main driver right now is fear. Fear that we’ll go lower.”
That fear is seeing investors take any coming rally as a chance to sell. Whether that will keep on materializing or the shift to higher-conviction holders will see the market change directions remains to be seen.
Crypto World
Bitcoin layer 2s keep failing because they’re not real L2s
Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial.
Over the past two years, the Bitcoin (BTC) ecosystem has witnessed a proliferation of “layer 2s” that have claimed to bring decentralized finance to the world’s oldest blockchain network. Despite the high hopes many Bitcoin enthusiasts held for these protocols, their results have fallen catastrophically short.
Summary
- Most “Bitcoin L2s” aren’t L2s at all: They’re sidechains with bridges, new tokens, and weaker security models that don’t inherit Bitcoin’s base-layer guarantees.
- Token-first design is the real red flag: When speculation leads, and security inheritance lags, it’s marketing — not scaling.
- Real Bitcoin scaling must preserve L1 assurances: No bridges, no new trust assumptions, no dilution of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work security.
This pattern reveals the core reason behind the constant failure, and it’s not what you think. Instead of selling a scaling solution for Bitcoin, they were selling speculative tokens about Bitcoin. The difference is critical, and it’s exposed by the one test that matters. Do they meet the architectural standards of a true layer 2?
What real layer 2s actually look like
Ethereum’s (ETH) mature layer-2 ecosystem provides the gold standard for what scaling solutions should accomplish. Real layer 2s require three non-negotiable features: data availability on layer 1 (the base layer must hold data needed to reconstruct the state), verifiable execution through fraud or validity proofs, and permissionless exits based solely on layer-1 data.
By this definition, which focuses on security inheritance rather than marketing claims, almost nothing in the Bitcoin ecosystem meets the criteria. Despite 73 Bitcoin scaling solutions in development, most are sidechains masquerading as L2s, running parallel to Bitcoin rather than on top of it.
Judge the difference and risk-reward of using any Bitcoin L2 to just using Ethereum. Any so-called Bitcoin L2 that fails to meet this standard asks you to accept its novel security model, whereas using Ethereum’s genuine L2s allows you to simply inherit Ethereum’s.
Three fatal flaws
Every major Bitcoin L2 shares the same architectural failures that doom it from the start. First, each project relies on bridges or federations to facilitate the movement of BTC in and out of the network. This creates a centralized chokepoint and massive custodial risk. You’re reintroducing the exact “trusted third party” that Bitcoin was created to eliminate.
Second, these projects are “token first.” They lead with tokens that have no necessary function for the protocol’s core operation. This creates perverse incentives and turns the project into a speculative go-to-market approach rather than a utility-first scaling strategy.
Third, users must sacrifice the security of Bitcoin to use these networks. They must leave Bitcoin’s sovereign, proof-of-work security model and submit to a new, often proof-of-stake consensus run by a small set of validators. You’re trading the world’s most robust and decentralized security for a weaker, novel one.
Taken together, these three flaws are fatal for “Bitcoin layer 2s.” They turn the claim of Bitcoin scalability into a mere marketing ploy. If it doesn’t preserve L1 assurances, it’s not actually scaling Bitcoin.
The graveyard is already full
The numbers tell the story better than any technical argument. Merlin Chain once topped Bitcoin L2 total value locked (TVL) rankings, but now it is bleeding value daily. Babylon promised the “Bitcoin staking revolution” and delivered an 84% loss. These projects raised millions, launched with fanfare, and collapsed within months.
Meanwhile, legitimate developments like Tether (USDT) on the Lightning Network show what real Bitcoin scaling looks like. Lightning processes real payments, while these L2s process exit liquidity. The pattern is clear for new pump-and-dumps. Announce a Bitcoin L2, launch a token, pump on a “Bitcoin scaling” narrative, and dump when the reality hits that you’ve built another sidechain with extra steps.
Build on Bitcoin, not beside it
As research shows, projects like BitVM are working toward realistic rollups that actually inherit Bitcoin security. Others are exploring metaprotocol approaches, systems that use Bitcoin’s base layer as an immutable data ledger and settlement layer, where all activity is ultimately rooted in standard Bitcoin transactions.
Start on layer 1, prove product-market fit, then scale with techniques that keep users within Bitcoin’s trust domain. There’s no bridge custody, and users retain their L1 exit guarantees.
The “SlowFi” advantage directly addresses the speed critique. For core financial primitives, stablecoins, lending, and decentralized exchanges, Bitcoin’s deliberate finality and security create stickier liquidity and more sustainable growth, avoiding the farm-and-dump cycles of high-speed chains. Speed is the enemy of stability.
The future of Bitcoin scaling isn’t about creating faster, separate systems; it’s about using Bitcoin’s own finality and security to create a more stable and sovereign form of finance.
The return to first principles
Bitcoin DeFi’s potential is real, with institutions increasingly interested in Bitcoin-native yield opportunities. The current L2 boom is a distraction, building fragmented, high-risk sidechains instead of unifying and strengthening the Bitcoin network.
The future of Bitcoin is about making the base layer itself more powerful and programmable. Any solution that requires a bridge, a new token, or a new consensus mechanism is considered a legacy approach.
As VCs pour hundreds of millions into Bitcoin sidechains, let’s remember that funding doesn’t equal innovation. The projects that will define Bitcoin’s next decade are those building genuine L1 enhancements and true security inheritance, not repackaged sidechains with Bitcoin branding.
The L2 solution trend must end. Bitcoin deserves better than extraction disguised as innovation. The builders who understand this distinction will inherit the future. The rest will join the growing graveyard of failed tokens that promised to “unlock Bitcoin” and instead unlocked only losses.
Crypto World
Is Trump Media Good for Crypto After All? Files for Bitcoin, Ether, and Cronos ETFs
Trump Media is stepping deeper into crypto, and this time it is not subtle.
The company just filed with the SEC to launch two new crypto linked ETFs tied to Bitcoin, Ether, and even Cronos.
This is not just about tracking price either. The plan targets active traders who want exposure plus potential yield through staking rewards. It is an expansion of the so called America First strategy straight into digital assets.
- TMTG filed for a blended Bitcoin/Ether fund and a specialized Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF.
- Both funds propose a 0.95% management fee, with Crypto.com providing custody and liquidity services.
- The move defies current trends, as Bitcoin ETFs recently saw heavy outflows totaling over $360 million.
Truth Social Expands Crypto ETFs Footprint Amid Desperate Market
The new ETFs would be managed by Yorkville America Equities and offered through Foris Capital. More interesting though is the deeper link with Crypto.com.
Back in September, they teamed up to build a treasury vehicle focused on accumulating CRO. So this is not random.
The timing is intersting. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen four straight weeks of outflows. That tells you institutions are cautious right now.
Big asset managers are not leaving the space. Some are still quietly increasing exposure, treating this dip as a longer term opportunity. Trump Media seems to be doing exactly that.
Staking Rewards and The Cronos Surprise
These are not basic spot ETFs. The structure is built for yield. The Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF would hold roughly 60% BTC and 40% ETH, with a clear plan to stake the ETH portion and generate rewards.
Then there is the Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF. Pretty sound name if you ask me. It is designed to track CRO while also earning income through staking on the Cronos network.
That puts a direct spotlight on Crypto.com ecosystem exposure, not just Bitcoin and Ethereum.

With a projected 0.95% management fee, these funds are positioning themselves as more active, premium vehicles rather than low cost, passive spot trackers.
The post Is Trump Media Good for Crypto After All? Files for Bitcoin, Ether, and Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptonews.
Crypto World
Did Bitcoin Bottom at $60K? Poll Results Say Otherwise
The majority of voters in a recent poll believes there’s more pain ahead for bitcoin. But, that could be a blessing in disguise.
The past several months have been a consistent struggle for the primary cryptocurrency, which traded above $126,000 in early October – not that long ago.
However, it was rejected there, and the October 10 crash that wiped out over $19 billion in leveraged positions started something that it seems hasn’t ended yet. Although bitcoin didn’t collapse below $100,000 at the time, it did so in November and hasn’t been within a six-digit price territory ever since.
It ended 2025 in the red, making it the first post-halving year to do so. Although it started 2026 on the right foot and neared $100,000 by the middle of January, it faltered there, and the subsequent rejection was more than just a healthy correction.
In the span of just a few weeks, the cryptocurrency plunged by almost $40,000 and dumped to $60,000 on February 6. This meant that the asset had crashed by more than 50% since its October all-time high.
Although this is a massive price calamity that brought down the entire market and the overall sentiment with it, especially in times when other financial industries were thriving, most people in a recent survey voted that the bottom is not actually in.
A poll by Ali Martinez shows that only 22.7% of the voters responded that $60,000 was the lowest BTC will ever go in this market cycle. The answer with the most votes – 30.4% – was actually $38,000, which, given bitcoin’s price of $70,000 now, would mean another near-50% crash.
Price Prediction: $BTC Market Bottom
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) February 12, 2026
You may also like:
Some recent reports agree with the aforementioned results, indicating that the overall market structure has fundamentally changed and the bears are now in control. Analysts are split on trying to determine whether the bottom lies, but most believe it could be somewhere around $50,000.
On the other hand, Warren Buffett has repeatedly reasserted that investors should be greedy when others are fearful, and vice versa. Additionally, the analytics company Santiment has frequently noted that BTC typically moves in the opposite direction of the crowd’s expectations, so there might be a surprise rally hidden somewhere in this pile of fear.
SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).
Crypto World
China Deploys Blockchain for Green Energy Certification in 2030 Market Reform
TLDR:
- China mandates blockchain technology for full-chain green electricity certification by 2030.
- Market-based electricity trading will reach 70% of national consumption under unified system.
- Green certificates will integrate with carbon emission accounting through blockchain tracking.
- China seeks to promote domestic green power consumption standards as international benchmarks.
China will deploy blockchain technology across its national green electricity certification system under new State Council guidelines released in February 2026.
The reform document mandates full-chain certification for green electricity production and consumption using distributed ledger technology.
Blockchain integration represents a central component of the country’s unified electricity market reform scheduled for completion by 2030.
The certification mechanism aims to establish transparent tracking of renewable energy from generation through end-user consumption.
China seeks to transform its green electricity consumption standards into international benchmarks through this technological infrastructure.
Blockchain Powers National Green Certificate Tracking Infrastructure
The green electricity market reform introduces blockchain as the technical foundation for certification processes. The policy directs authorities to “fully introduce blockchain and other technologies” into the national system.
Full-chain certification will track renewable energy across production, transmission, and consumption stages. The technology deployment ensures transparency and prevents double-counting in green electricity claims.
Green certificates will function as basic identification tools for renewable energy environmental attributes. The national unified green certificate market will expand in scale and functionality.
Blockchain implementation supports monitoring of certificate prices to maintain reasonable market levels. The system combines compulsory consumption requirements with voluntary participation options for market participants.
Multi-year purchase agreements between renewable energy issuers and users will operate on blockchain infrastructure. The technology enables automated verification and settlement of long-term contracts.
Inter-provincial new energy priority generation plans can be implemented through blockchain-tracked green power trading.
Various trading models including aggregation transactions will leverage the distributed ledger framework for enhanced efficiency.
Carbon Accounting Integration Targets International Recognition
China will study feasible pathways for including green certificates in carbon emission accounting systems. Blockchain traceability features support accurate measurement of emission reductions from renewable energy consumption.
The certification mechanism connects green electricity markets with carbon trading frameworks. Agricultural and forestry biomass power generation projects may participate in voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction markets.
The reform strengthens international communication regarding green certificate application and accounting methods.
China aims to promote domestic green electricity consumption standards as international norms. Blockchain-based certification provides verifiable data for cross-border recognition of renewable energy attributes.
The technology addresses growing demand from multinational corporations for auditable clean energy procurement.
Green power standard systems will undergo improvements to align with global practices. Full-chain blockchain certification offers third-party verification capabilities without central authority dependencies.
This approach appeals to international stakeholders requiring independent validation of environmental claims. The distributed architecture supports integration with emerging global carbon accounting protocols.
Unified Market Framework Enables Blockchain Deployment Scale
The broader electricity market reform creates necessary conditions for blockchain technology adoption. By 2030, market-based trading will reach 70% of total electricity consumption nationwide.
All power sources and users except guarantee customers will participate directly in market transactions. This scale provides sufficient transaction volume to justify distributed ledger infrastructure investments.
Cross-provincial and intra-provincial joint transactions will operate through interconnected platforms. Blockchain technology facilitates information sharing and mutual recognition across regional boundaries.
The system enables registration in one location with nationwide data sharing for electricity market operators. Standardized data models and information interaction protocols support blockchain interoperability requirements.
New business entities including virtual power plants will participate in blockchain-enabled markets. These operators must meet technical standards for operation monitoring and information interaction.
Distributed energy resources can aggregate and trade through blockchain smart contracts. The technology reduces transaction costs for smaller participants while maintaining security and transparency.
Market participants will access unified credit systems built on blockchain infrastructure. Credit information collection and sharing will operate through distributed networks.
Power generation enterprises, electricity sales companies, and users will receive credit evaluations using blockchain-verified transaction histories.
The tamper-resistant nature of distributed ledgers enhances trust in market operations and regulatory compliance.
-
Politics6 days agoWhy Israel is blocking foreign journalists from entering
-
Business6 days agoLLP registrations cross 10,000 mark for first time in Jan
-
NewsBeat5 days agoMia Brookes misses out on Winter Olympics medal in snowboard big air
-
Sports3 days agoBig Tech enters cricket ecosystem as ICC partners Google ahead of T20 WC | T20 World Cup 2026
-
Business6 days agoCostco introduces fresh batch of new bakery and frozen foods: report
-
Tech3 days agoSpaceX’s mighty Starship rocket enters final testing for 12th flight
-
NewsBeat6 days agoWinter Olympics 2026: Team GB’s Mia Brookes through to snowboard big air final, and curling pair beat Italy
-
Sports5 days agoBenjamin Karl strips clothes celebrating snowboard gold medal at Olympics
-
Video1 day agoThe Final Warning: XRP Is Entering The Chaos Zone
-
Sports7 days ago
Former Viking Enters Hall of Fame
-
Politics6 days agoThe Health Dangers Of Browning Your Food
-
Business6 days agoJulius Baer CEO calls for Swiss public register of rogue bankers to protect reputation
-
Business5 days agoWeight-loss jabs threaten Greggs’ growth, analysts warn
-
Crypto World3 days agoPippin (PIPPIN) Enters Crypto’s Top 100 Club After Soaring 30% in a Day: More Room for Growth?
-
Crypto World10 hours agoBhutan’s Bitcoin sales enter third straight week with $6.7M BTC offload
-
Crypto World4 days agoBlockchain.com wins UK registration nearly four years after abandoning FCA process
-
Crypto World4 days agoU.S. BTC ETFs register back-to-back inflows for first time in a month
-
Video2 days agoPrepare: We Are Entering Phase 3 Of The Investing Cycle
-
NewsBeat5 days agoResidents say city high street with ‘boarded up’ shops ‘could be better’
-
Sports5 days ago
Kirk Cousins Officially Enters the Vikings’ Offseason Puzzle

