Crypto.com announced on Monday that it has secured conditional approval for a national bank trust charter from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If the company clears final regulatory hurdles, it would operate as a federally regulated custodian with OCC oversight, enabling custody services for digital asset treasuries, exchange-traded funds, and other tokenized products across the United States. The application, which Crypto.com filed in October, signals a push toward regulated, institution-facing custody solutions as regulators weigh how crypto firms fit within traditional banking structures. The development comes amid a broader policy shift in Washington as regulators assess the path for crypto custody, stablecoins, and related financial services.

Key takeaways

• Crypto.com has won conditional approval from the OCC for a national bank trust charter, positioning it to offer nationwide custody under federal supervision.
• The OCC’s action comes two months after it conditionally approved five other national bank charters for Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos, signaling a growing regulatory pathway for crypto firms seeking bank-like status.
• Coinbase also applied for a national trust charter in October, stating it would not pursue a banking charter if approved.
• The American Bankers Association has urged the OCC to slow the pace of charter approvals for digital-asset firms until the GENIUS Act’s framework is fully implemented, arguing for robust safety and soundness standards.
• Nationally chartered trust companies could, in practice, be exempt from many state licensing requirements, a shift that could alter how crypto custodians operate across state lines.

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The OCC’s charter activity reflects a broader effort by U.S. regulators to define a federal framework for crypto custody and related services. As institutions seek regulated access to digital assets, the agency’s willingness to grant national trust charters signals a pathway for crypto firms to operate with bank-style oversight, while lawmakers debate stablecoins and payment infrastructure within the GENIUS Act and other regulatory constructs.

Why it matters

For Crypto.com, the conditional approval marks a consequential milestone in the company’s strategy to scale regulated custody services beyond traditional exchange models. A federally chartered custodian would offer clients a familiar, bank-like framework backed by OCC oversight, potentially increasing institutional comfort with safekeeping digital assets and related products. The ability to custody digital asset treasuries and exchange-traded funds at scale could reduce fragmentation in the market, offering a single, regulated point of custody for a broad array of tokenized assets. As regulated entities, these custodians may also gain access to mainstream banking services and payments rails that have historically remained out of reach for many crypto firms.

The OCC’s broader pattern — approving multiple national bank charters for crypto-focused firms — suggests a deliberate policy tilt toward integrating digital asset services into the U.S. banking system. This trend aligns with a growing cadre of firms pursuing trust-charter status as a route to credibility and growth within a tightly regulated financial ecosystem. At the same time, it invites ongoing questions about safety, risk management, and consumer protection in a rapidly evolving space. The ABA’s warning underscores the tension between innovation and prudence, highlighting the need for a clear regulatory timetable and robust standards before large-scale approvals are granted.

World Liberty Financial, another crypto-related firm pursuing a national bank charter with ties to the USD1 stablecoin project backed by high-profile political figures, illustrates the intense regulatory scrutiny surrounding these applications. The bank-charter process for World Liberty has drawn attention from lawmakers and regulators who are weighing the implications of native, in-house issuance and custody capabilities for digital-asset stablecoins. The OCC chair and senior staff have signaled a commitment to apolitical, nonpartisan review, even as political signals and stakeholder perspectives continue to shape the conversation.

In parallel, the regulatory dialogue continues to unfold around whether national charters should supersede or complement state-by-state licensing regimes. Legal experts have noted that a nationally chartered trust company could be exempt from much of the licensing friction tied to state rules, potentially streamlining cross-border or cross-state custody arrangements. This possibility adds a layer of strategic importance for issuers and asset managers contemplating multi-jurisdictional operations in the United States.

The ongoing debate also touches on the role of policy in facilitating or constraining innovation. While a federally chartered path can provide clarity and resilience for large-scale custody, regulators must balance that clarity with rigorous safety standards to protect customers and the financial system. As OCC reviews advance, market participants will be watching how quickly final approvals are issued, how the agency applies safety-and-soundness criteria to crypto-adjacent activities, and how the evolving framework interacts with broader legislative developments in the GENIUS Act era.

For more context on the specific filings and related regulatory developments, see the official crypto-company notices and industry coverage linked in this article, including Crypto.com’s conditional approval announcement, historical OCC actions on national bank charters, and related coverage of industry stakeholders urging caution or applauding progress.

What to watch next

• Final OCC approval for Crypto.com’s national bank trust charter and any conditions attached to it.
• Public decisions on the other recently approved national charters (Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, Paxos) and any new applicants.
• Timeline and milestones for GENIUS Act implementation and how it might affect future charter reviews.
• Progress on World Liberty Financial’s charter bid and regulatory feedback from lawmakers and regulators.
• Coinbase’s regulatory status and any statements from the OCC on potential bank-charter interpretations for crypto companies.

Sources & verification

• Crypto.com press release confirming conditional OCC charter approval for a national trust charter: https://crypto.com/eea/company-news/cryptocom-receives-conditional-approval-from-occ-for-national-trust-bank-charter
• History of OCC conditional approvals for Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, Paxos: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitgo-circle-fidelity-bitgo-ripple-occ-approval-bank-conversion
• Coinbase application for a national trust charter: https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-exchange-coinbase-national-trust-charter-license
• ABA letter urging delay and safety standards: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bankers-push-occ-slow-crypto-trust-bank-charters
• World Liberty Financial’s charter bid and related coverage: https://cointelegraph.com/news/world-liberty-files-banking-charter-expand-usd1

Crypto.com gains conditional OCC national trust charter, signaling a broader shift in US crypto custody

Crypto.com has moved a step closer to a federally regulated custody framework, announcing conditional approval from the OCC for a national bank trust charter. If final approval is granted, the company would serve as a custodian across the United States, operating under OCC oversight. The company filed its application in October, aiming to provide custody services for digital asset treasuries, exchange-traded funds, and other tokenized products for institutional clients. This milestone comes amid a wave of regulatory activity as policymakers weigh how to integrate crypto-securities and digital assets into traditional banking systems. The OCC’s decision aligns with a broader push that has seen Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos receive conditional approvals in the preceding months, illustrating a concerted effort to establish a regulated pathway for crypto custodians. Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek framed the milestone as a testament to the company’s compliance culture and its commitment to delivering trusted, secure services that meet institutional expectations, a sentiment echoed in the broader industry narrative about formalizing crypto custody under a bank charter regime. Source: Crypto.com The development arrives alongside ongoing regulatory discussions about the balance between innovation and consumer protection in the crypto space, including questions about how national charters interact with state-level licensing regimes and whether a federally chartered custodian might enjoy exemptions from certain state requirements. Recent industry-background coverage highlights that the OCC’s approvals signal a growing appetite among federal regulators to incorporate crypto custody into the mainstream banking framework, a trend that could shape how institutions access custody services, secure settlement rails, and manage risk across digital asset portfolios. The broader policy environment—encompassing the GENIUS Act and related discussions—will influence how quickly such charters are granted and how strict the accompanying safety standards will be. For now, Crypto.com’s milestone stands as a signal that regulated custody is moving from concept to practice, and that the regulatory path for digital asset custodians is becoming more defined, even as scrutiny and debates continue across Washington.

• Toncoin price is up 4% as key metrics like volume and TVL rise.
• A breakout above the $1.50 zone could result in upside momentum.
• If broader sentiment doesn’t invalidate the outlook, the next target could be above $2.

Toncoin (TON) is demonstrating resilience as a challenging crypto market sees several altcoins slump to new lows.

The token trades around $1.37 with a modest 4% gain in 24 hours, and it’s seeing a notable surge in trading volume.

The total value locked is also up and highlights a potential strength that could embolden bulls and allow them to target the $2.00 mark.

Toncoin’s bullish outlook, however, could be tempered by the broader sentiment across major cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin, which trades around $65,800 as bulls struggle with macro headwinds, highlights the bearish dangers.

Toncoin gains amid volume spike

Toncoin’s intraday gains to $1.37 buck the trend that saw BTC dip to under $65k before posting a slight recovery.

Other coins, including Ethereum, BNB and XRP, have notched downward moves amid growing negative sentiment in an increasingly risk-averse environment.

The 25% spike in daily trading volume to $80 million reflects the cryptocurrency’s likely upward strength.

Buyers have also bumped up open interest in TON, currently at $182 million.

While long positions account for nearly 70% of the “rekt” value in the past 24 hours, data shows more shorts have been liquidated in the past 12 hours.

Additionally, TON’s Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols has climbed to $165 million.

The global defi TVL stood at $204 billion at the time of writing, but was less than 0.7% up in the past 24 hours.

In comparison, TON had its TVL up by nearly 2% to signal increased interest in protocols on The Open Network.

Meanwhile, the stablecoin market cap on TON has also risen to $941 million, with USDT dominance at 79%.

These metrics suggest capital rotation into TON, rather than gains being driven by broad speculation.

TON price prediction: Is $2 next?

Toncoin approaches a pivotal technical juncture on the daily chart. Gains to intraday highs have bulls testing resistance from a descending trendline that has capped upside since late 2025.

A successful breakout could allow bulls to target the 50-day EMA. This hurdle currently sits near $1.48, a level aligning with recent consolidation zones and a key resistance line since Dec. 2024.

If the supply zone paves the way amid overall bullish sentiment, momentum could drive TON toward the 200-day EMA around $2.0.

This outlook might strengthen if neutral RSI readings near 43 flip higher and the daily MACD invalidates the bearish hint.

However, Bitcoin’s ongoing selloff pressure amid deleveraging and ETF outflows might pose a downward risk for the token.

Currently, macroeconomic headwinds have dragged BTC back to the $65k area.

A similar outlook for TON could bring the $1.12 support level into view.

USD1, the U.S. dollar stablecoin of World Liberty Financial — a crypto protocol with close links to President Donald Trump’s family — slipped from its $1 peg on Monday amid what the project’s developers described as a “coordinated attack” against the protocol.

The token fell to as low as $0.994 during the day, some 0.6% from its intended $1 anchor, CoinGecko data shows.

In a Monday X post, the team behind USD1 said multiple cofounder accounts were hacked, influencers were paid to sow doubt, and short positions were opened against the protocol’s native token, WLFI, in what they framed as a deliberate effort to stir panic and profit from it.

“It didn’t work,” the post said, saying that a redemption mechanism that allows USD1 holders to exchange their tokens for an equal amount of U.S. dollars as the reason the peg held firm.

However, the token still traded at $0.998, some 0.2% below its intended $1 price anchor, CoinGecko shows, which gathers price data from exchange pairs.

USD1, issued in partnership with crypto custodian BitGo (BITG) is among the largest dollar-backed stablecoins. Its value is backed 1:1 by short-term U.S. government treasuries, U.S. dollar deposits and other cash equivalents and reports monthly attestations of its reserve signed by consulting firm Crowe, according to BitGo. The token currently has a $5 billion market capitalization, but it still trails major players like Tether’s USDT USDT$1.0002 and Circle’s (USDC).

Read more: Goldman Sachs, Franklin Templeton, and Nicki Minaj: Inside Trump’s surreal Mar-a-Lago crypto summit

UPDATE (Feb. 23, 16:00 UTC): Adds details about USD1’s backing.

Justin Sun and his numerous cryptocurrency projects feature as both a plaintiff and a defendant in a variety of different lawsuits.

In fact, there are so many that keeping track can almost feel like a full time job. So, for those interested in that sort of thing, Protos has attempted to cut through the clutter and pulled together the suits involving Sun and his firms that we believe are most important.

Justin Sun’s fight with Huobi’s founder

Sun has been engaged in a series of disputes with Huobi founder Li Lin.

Initially, Sun accused Li’s brother, Li Wei, of taking advantage of the Huobi Token, specifically claiming that Li Wei had “received millions of HT tokens for free.”

This tweet was subsequently deleted.

Bitcoin price remains under pressure after rejection at range mid-resistance near $68,000, increasing the probability of a corrective move toward $60,000 support.

Bitcoin (BTC) price action continues to show signs of structural weakness following a rejection from the midrange, reinforcing the ongoing bearish market environment. After attempting to stabilize within the broader range, Bitcoin failed to reclaim a key resistance region near the point of control (POC) around $68,000, a level that has repeatedly dictated market direction.

The recent rejection highlights fragile price conditions, with sellers maintaining control across lower timeframes. Instead of transitioning into an upside expansion, Bitcoin has begun rotating lower within the established trading range, increasing the probability of a move toward the range low support near $60,000, where the yearly low currently sits.

From a broader perspective, Bitcoin remains locked within a corrective phase rather than a confirmed recovery trend, with technical signals favoring downside continuation unless key resistance levels are reclaimed.

Bitcoin price key technical points

• Range mid resistance at $68,000 holding firm: Price continues to reject the point of control zone
• Weak bounce lacking volume confirmation: Buying pressure remains insufficient to reverse structure
• $60,000 range low support in focus: Next major downside target aligned with yearly support

The most important technical development in recent price action is Bitcoin’s inability to hold above the range mid-resistance. This area, located around $68,000, represents the point of control where the majority of recent trading volume has occurred. Acceptance above this level would have signaled a shift toward bullish continuation, but the rejection instead confirms ongoing distribution.

Following the rejection, Bitcoin established another local low near the value area low, reinforcing the bearish internal structure. Markets often trend through a sequence of lower highs and lower lows when sellers maintain dominance, and Bitcoin’s current behavior aligns with this pattern.

Although price managed to produce a short-term bounce after tapping liquidity below recent lows, the recovery lacked strong volume participation. Without a meaningful buying influx, relief rallies tend to act as temporary pauses rather than genuine reversals. This lack of conviction suggests that market participants remain hesitant to aggressively accumulate at current levels.

Liquidity sweep fails to trigger a strong reversal

Bitcoin recently tapped into resting liquidity near the lower boundary of value, a move that typically attracts buyers seeking discounted entries. However, the reaction following this liquidity sweep has been relatively muted. Instead of aggressive bullish expansion, price has continued to compress beneath resistance.

This behaviour indicates that the market may still be in a redistribution phase, where price rotates lower to locate stronger demand. When liquidity grabs fail to produce impulsive upside momentum, it often signals that deeper support levels remain unfinished targets.

As long as Bitcoin continues trading below the $68,000 range mid-resistance, sellers retain structural control. Each failed attempt to reclaim this level increases the likelihood of further downside exploration.

$60,000 range low emerges as key magnet

Technically, the next logical destination for price sits near the range low support at $60,000. This area represents a significant high-timeframe level, aligning with the yearly low and serving as a major liquidity pool within the broader range structure.

Markets frequently rotate between range extremes when equilibrium cannot be established at the midpoint. Given Bitcoin’s continued rejection at range mid and weakening momentum signals, a move toward range low support becomes statistically more probable.

The $60,000 level is expected to act as a major decision zone. Should price reach this region, traders will closely monitor whether buyers step in to defend support or if acceptance below opens the door for a deeper corrective phase.

What to expect in the coming price action

From a technical, price action, and market structure perspective, Bitcoin remains bearish while trading below the $68,000 range mid-resistance. Unless price reclaims and holds above this level, the probability favors continued downside rotation toward $60,000 support.

Short-term bounces may occur, but they are likely to remain corrective until bullish volume returns and structural resistance is decisively reclaimed.

The final week of February has brought another wave of declines, reinforcing expectations among short-term traders that altcoin prices could fall further. However, this outlook carries growing risks. If prices approach strong demand zones, they could stage an unexpected rebound.

Several altcoins are showing a severe imbalance between potential long and short liquidations this week. Such conditions often create an environment for large-scale liquidations.

1. Ethereum (ETH)

The seven-day liquidation map for Ethereum (ETH) shows that many traders are allocating capital and leverage to short positions, betting on continued downside through the end of the month.

As a result, cumulative potential liquidations on the short side now dominate. If ETH unexpectedly rebounds to $2,000 this week, short positions could face up to $2 billion in liquidations.

If ETH climbs further to $2,160, short liquidations could reach $3.6 billion.

Short-term traders have reasons to justify their bearish positioning. A recent report by BeInCrypto revealed that Vitalik Buterin reduced his holdings by more than 8,800 ETH throughout February 2026. Meanwhile, Ethereum inflows to Binance have reached their highest level since November 2025.

However, several bullish indicators are also emerging, increasing the likelihood of a surprise recovery.

ETH ETF flows have turned positive after four consecutive weeks of outflows. In addition, data from CryptoQuant shows that inflows into ETH accumulation addresses over the past six months have reached the most active period in history.

Given these dynamics, short sellers may need to reassess their leverage levels to mitigate the risk of sudden price reversals.

2. Binance Coin (BNB)

Like ETH, Binance Coin (BNB) has faced persistent selling pressure. Six consecutive red weekly candles with no clear signs of recovery have encouraged traders to maintain dominant short positions.

However, this positioning increases the risk of liquidation if BNB rebounds.

If BNB climbs to $640 this week, potential short liquidations could reach $35 million. A further rally to $680 could push short liquidations above $60 million.

Why should short traders remain cautious?

First, BNB is approaching its long-term support trendline established in 2024. Shorting near strong support levels often carries elevated risk.

Second, data from On-Chain Mind, a crypto analytics account, indicates that BNB is currently trading about 37% below its short-term holder realized price equivalent. Historically, this level has signaled meaningful undervaluation and has often preceded strong repricing moves.

“Right now it is trading about 37% below its short-term holder realised price equivalent, a level that historically signals meaningful undervaluation. BNB has a history of sharp repricings from zones like this,” On-Chain Mind reported.

Short sellers who grow overly confident in BNB’s downtrend could face significant losses if momentum shifts.

3. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Bitcoin Cash stands out as one of the few altcoins that has not behaved as if it were in a broader crypto bear market.

Nevertheless, short-term traders have turned increasingly bearish on BCH in the final week of February. Their positioning has pushed potential short liquidations well above those on the long side.

Data from Bitinfocharts shows that whales have actively accumulated BCH in recent months. One whale address accumulated 400,000 BCH within two months, becoming the network’s third-largest holder.

• Cosmos price traded around $2.23 on Monday,
• Bulls eye a rebound to above $3 despite broader crypto market losses.
• A key bullish pattern signals the potential for an upside continuation.

Cosmos (ATOM) faces continued sell-off pressure as overall sentiment threatens a sharper correction for altcoins.

This is due to seller dominance as Bitcoin retests $65,000 amid macroeconomic pressures.

However, while the latest downturn has seen bulls fail to decisively test sellers above $2.50, a potential double bottom formation suggests the altcoin could soon explode to a multi-month high.

ATOM price today

As of February 23, 2026, Cosmos (ATOM) was trading near $2.23, with 24-hour trading volume of about $54 million, up 31%, signalling increased buying interest.

However, broader losses across the cryptocurrency market over the past day have allowed sellers to regain some ground following ATOM’s spike to $2.50 on February 18.

While the token has recovered from lows near $1.70, the rebound remains modest compared with previous peaks near $12 in late 2024 and above $6.00 in mid-2025.

The prolonged downtrend across most altcoins in 2026 continues to pose downside risks, with further weakness likely unless buyers defend key support levels and establish new demand zones.

Cosmos price forecast

The Cosmos price shows recovery potential amid a decent bounce from year-to-date lows near $1.70.

Although an overall negative trend in cryptocurrencies could see Cosmos descend into a deeper drawdown, the opposite suggests a rally past $3.00-$3.50 towards pre-October 2025 crash highs.

The area around $2.50 and $3.00 portends a potential supply‑wall risk.

However, with prices bouncing off recent lows, analysts point to a key technical pattern emerging.

A double bottom is a bullish reversal chart pattern formation that outlines two key support levels in a downtrend.

Typically, this pattern forms after a sharp sell-off to a certain low, with prices rebounding before revisiting the zone.

A neckline formation acts as resistance, and in the case of ATOM, this crucial supply zone lies around $2.70.

In the short‑term, Cosmos could test resistance at the neckline and the $3.13–$3.25 zone.

Should bullish momentum hold amid a broader market upturn, the next major resistance levels would be around $4.50-$6.00.

If ATOM continues to struggle alongside Bitcoin and other altcoins, failure to hold above $2.00 could spell danger for buyers.

The next demand reload area below the Feb. 6 lows lies around $1.20.

This outlook could gain momentum if the RSI flips below the 50 mark and the daily MACD turns bearish.

Prices falling below the Bollinger Bands middle line could also signal fresh weakness.

As noted, the opposite, with the double-bottom pattern, confirms that bulls have the upper hand.

As digital assets become an established part of the financial sector, token-based systems are transitioning from being experimental innovations to being part of a regulated financial system. The regulatory authorities’ ongoing refinement of the classification of digital assets and extension of their oversight to tokenized instruments means that these instruments will need to operate under rapidly changing compliance environments.

Therefore, if immutable smart contracts are deployed without structured adaptations to those environmental changes, and compliance continues to evolve, issuers will be at risk for operational issues, legal liability, and loss of reputation.

Thus, the development of modern asset tokenization platforms should not only include their technical deployment; they also require architectural foresight, an ongoing commitment to governance through disciplined processes, and regulatory intelligence that has been developed at each layer of the development process. Institutions are now expecting future-proofed token development strategies from their tokenization platform developers, rather than just expecting projects to be executed successfully. Future-proofing has ceased to be an area of differentiation for competitive purposes; it has become a structural requirement.

What Defines Future-Proof Compliant Token Development

Developing a compliant token that is capable of meeting future needs, entails creating a digital asset infrastructure that can adapt to normal changes in all areas of regulation, technology, and the marketplace. Instead of placing compliance logic inside of a rigid smart contract (i.e., the form in which users interact with the tokens), advanced systems are designed with modularity; governance controls; and are capable of being upgraded to allow for a controlled adaptation of the smart contract.

For example, in regulated capital markets, this allows organizations to continue to e-operate even with changes in their legal framework being made.

In institutional tokenization platform development, future-proofing means being able to anticipate changes in regulations before they disrupt the ecosystem. This requires creating an infrastructure that can handle policy updates, anything relating to cross-border restrictions, and the evolution of reporting standards, without fragmenting the overall ecosystem.

Adaptive Smart Contract Design
Smart contracts are engineered with upgrade-compatible structures, such as modular logic separation. This ensures that compliance rules, administrative functions, and asset representations can evolve independently without altering ownership records or disrupting transaction histories.

Embedded Compliance Logic
Compliance rules such as investor accreditation checks, jurisdictional transfer restrictions, holding limits, and lock-up periods are encoded directly into the token’s operational layer. This transforms compliance from a manual oversight process into automated enforcement.

Governance-Driven Change Management
Any modification to token logic follows predefined governance procedures. This prevents unilateral intervention and aligns contract evolution with institutional oversight standards comparable to traditional securities markets.

Long-Term Regulatory Alignment
Infrastructure is designed with regulatory monitoring in mind, enabling swift adjustments when authorities issue new guidelines or amend securities classifications.

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/asset-tokenization-market#:~:text=By%20offering%2C%20tokenization%20platforms/middleware,%25%20CAGR%20during%202026%2D2031.

Why Upgradability Has Become Foundational in Asset Tokenization Platform Development

The development of digital securities continues to evolve regulatory frameworks are evolving, frequently changing the definitions of disclosure standards, investor eligibility requirements, and reporting obligations. Tokens that cannot be upgraded are in jeopardy of being non-compliant the moment their associated regulations change. In large-scale asset tokenization platform development, immutability without adaptability creates structural rigidity that can undermine institutional trust.

But with the ability to upgrade a smart contract, a smart contract could be updated to reflect improvements without having to move investors from their existing token balances to brand new tokens. In the development of enterprise-grade tokenization development, this would provide for operational efficiency and operational integrity through continued transparency and audit trails.

Proxy-Based Contract Frameworks
A proxy pattern separates the contract’s logic from its storage. When upgrades occur, only the logic layer changes, while token balances and ownership data remain intact. This preserves continuity for investors and exchanges.

Modular Smart Contract Segmentation
Dividing compliance rules, governance functions, and asset logic into distinct modules allows selective upgrades. For example, compliance rules can be modified without altering dividend distribution mechanisms.

Governance-Authorized Upgrades
Upgrades are executed only after approval through predefined governance structures, such as multi-signature validation or board-level authorization, ensuring institutional accountability.

Audit-Validated Implementation
Every upgrade undergoes independent security audits and regression testing to prevent vulnerabilities from entering production environments.

How Governance Architecture Safeguards Institutional Trust in Tokenized Ecosystems

Governance defines the decision-making authority within a tokenized ecosystem. Without structured governance, upgradability may introduce centralization risks. In regulated financial markets, authority must be transparent, controlled, and auditable. Within tokenization platform development, governance ensures that administrative powers mirror the oversight standards of traditional financial systems.

Effective governance models enhance trust among issuers, investors, regulators, and custodians. In enterprise-grade tokenization development, governance frameworks are aligned with corporate compliance policies and regulatory reporting obligations.

Role-Based Access Control Frameworks
Permissions are assigned according to institutional roles, such as issuer administrator, compliance officer, or auditor. This limits operational authority and prevents unauthorized contract modifications.

Multi-Signature Authorization Models
Critical actions require approval from multiple authorized parties. This reduces single-point failure risk and aligns blockchain governance with established financial oversight norms.

Emergency Pause Functions
Tokens may include mechanisms that temporarily halt transfers during investigations, suspected fraud, or regulatory reviews, protecting investors and maintaining compliance.

Transparent On-Chain Audit Trails
All governance actions are recorded immutably, creating verifiable logs that regulators and auditors can review.

How Regulatory Evolution Continues to Reshape Tokenization Platform Development

Across many different laws, the regulation of Digital Assets is constantly evolving. Regulators from various jurisdictions frequently issue or amend guidance on the classification of Securities, the Custody of Digital Assets, the Accreditation of Investors, and the Reports that must be made by Issuers. Therefore, developers of tokenization platforms must anticipate the potential for fragmentation of Regulatory Requirements across jurisdictions.

Global developers of asset tokenization platforms must be designed to function with multiple configurations of compliance at the same time. For example, a Token that is issued in one jurisdiction may have different rules surrounding Transfer and Disclosure when accessing that Token by an investor from another jurisdiction.

Evolving Securities Classification Standards
As regulators clarify distinctions between utility tokens and security tokens, infrastructure must adjust classification logic accordingly.

Investor Protection Mandates
Enhanced identity verification and anti-money laundering protocols require integration with compliant KYC systems and real-time eligibility validation.

Cross-Border Compliance Requirements
Tokens distributed internationally must enforce geographically specific restrictions to prevent unauthorized participation.

Licensing and Custody Regulations
Integration with regulated custodians and licensed intermediaries demands interoperability within the token framework.

How Upgradability, Governance, and Regulation Converge in Future-Proof Token Development Strategies

When functioning as a cohesive framework, an integrated system of upgradability, governance, and regulatory adaptability produces sustainable digital asset ecosystems. Future-proof token development strategies consider each pillar (i.e., governance, upgradeability, regulation) to be interconnected rather than separate from one another. For example, upgrades are governed by the governance protocols in place; upgrades are inclusive of regulatory changes; and compliance logic automatically enforces new policies. 

In advanced Enterprise-grade tokenization development, this convergence ensures that tokens remain aligned with legal frameworks while maintaining operational efficiency. Such integration transforms blockchain-based securities into durable financial instruments capable of adapting to policy evolution.

Governance-Triggered Contract Modifications
Regulatory amendments are translated into structured upgrade proposals and executed following institutional approval.

Dynamic Compliance Rule Engines
Real-time validation ensures that transactions comply with updated jurisdictional and investor-specific rules.

Interoperability Across Financial Systems
Tokens integrate with custodians, reporting platforms, exchanges, and regulatory monitoring systems.

Scalable Infrastructure Within Asset Tokenization Platform Development
The platform supports multiple asset classes, enabling expansion without redesigning the compliance core.

What Determines Institutional Readiness in Enterprise-Grade Tokenization Development

Institutional readiness is more than the ability to deploy an asset tokenization platform; it is a reflection of an institution’s ability to sustain compliant operations through the constant change brought about by new regulations and technology advancements. Robust enterprise-grade tokenization development includes governance transparency, upgrade readiness, and regulatory mapping throughout the life cycle of a project.

As digital assets continue to mature, regulatory agencies will be more likely to analyse the infrastructure of the system as opposed to the marketing claims made by asset tokenization providers. This shift in analytical focus will create greater demand for projects that have built-in long-term structural durability.

Documented Upgrade Governance Frameworks
Clearly defined policies outline who can authorize upgrades, under what conditions, and with what oversight controls.

Comprehensive Regulatory Mapping
Token logic is aligned with jurisdiction-specific legal requirements, reducing compliance ambiguity.

Continuous Audit and Monitoring Mechanisms
Automated compliance checks and third-party audits maintain system integrity over time.

Cross-Jurisdictional Deployment Capability
Infrastructure accommodates regional regulatory differences without duplicating systems.

Designing Digital Securities for Enduring Market Evolution

The competitive edge of financial services will be defined by their ability to comply and remain resilient while adapting to digital securities that will begin to be part of the financial infrastructure of the world as markets evolve and do not need to be fundamentally reinvented through the ongoing digitization of the economy. What’s needed is an adaptive governance framework that can enable ongoing use of structured tokenized assets in a rapidly changing regulatory environment with evolving legal systems. Institutions defining a Future-proof tokenization development strategy based on the principles of structured Future-proof token development positioning themselves to be able to effectively operate in the continuously evolving global regulatory landscape as the market for digital assets emerges.

Antier is helping institutions transition from an experimental approach to the deployment of token-based systems to a structured, compliance-driven global ecosystem of digital assets through a deep expertise in developing asset tokenization platforms. Through the development of adaptive infrastructure built upon the foundation of the latest global regulatory standards, Antier is providing institutions with infrastructures that align with current international regulatory standards.

By leveraging governance engineering, upgradeable smart contract design and regulatory-aware design, Antier provides enterprises with the tools needed to implement scalable enterprise-grade tokenized system development strategies and build long-term enterprise resilience.

Recent Buterin-linked ETH sales arrive as ether extends a multi-month downtrend from last year’s highs above $4,900.

Vitalik Buterin has ramped up ETH sales again. On-chain data revealed that the Ethereum co-founder sold 1,869 ETH worth roughly $3.67 million over the past two days.

During the same period, Ethereum’s native token declined from about $1,980 to $1,850, a drop of over 5%.

ETH Sales

The transaction pattern is similar to a previous episode, when Buterin sold 6,958 ETH worth approximately $14.78 million, which coincided with a sharper 22% price slide from $2,360 to $1,825, according to an update shared by blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain.

The latest sales came a day after Lookonchain flagged Buterin’s withdrawal of 3,500 ETH from Aave. ETH has been under pressure as the broader market downtrend continues since the crypto asset reached highs above $4,900 in August last year.

Sales linked to Buterin have exceeded 8,000 ETH since February 2, as per data. Earlier this year, Buterin said he would withdraw and liquidate 16,384 ETH and explained that the funds would be directed toward ecosystem development, open-source software efforts, as well as infrastructure support as the Ethereum Foundation enters what he called a phase of “mild austerity.”

Despite the recent disposals, on-chain intelligence from Arkham Intelligence disclosed that Buterin continues to hold more than 224,000 ETH, which is valued at around $429 million at current market prices. An earlier Arkham analysis of Buterin’s wallet activity revealed that Buterin’s wealth remains overwhelmingly tied to ETH’s price performance, with limited diversification into other assets.

In contrast to Buterin’s recent ETH sales, Erik Voorhees is moving in the opposite direction. The ShapeShift founder has begun buying back ETH after selling a large portion last year.

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About a year ago, Voorhees sold 11,616 ETH for approximately $33.94 million at an average price of $2,922. More recently, he spent around $20.38 million in USDC to repurchase 9,911 ETH at an average price of $2,057.

Fragile Market Condition

Crypto market account Whale Factor warned that Ether is approaching a “massive crossroads” and pointed to a recent breakdown below a long-standing trend line, followed by a sharp 41% sell-off, which was characterized as severe and destabilizing for market structure.

According to Whale Factor, the altcoin is now trading near a critical support zone around $1,750. If this level fails to hold, the downside risk could accelerate and potentially lead to a deeper decline similar to conditions seen earlier in the year. ETH is also facing thin liquidity, meaning fewer buyers are present to absorb selling pressure, which could amplify price moves.

It is February 2026. Two years ago, the industry was obsessed with the mantra of onboarding the next billion users. It was a rallying cry that echoed through every conference hall from Dubai to Tokyo. Today, as the dust finally settles on the implementation of the United States’ GENIUS Act and the European Union’s fully operational Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, the fundamental question has shifted. We are no longer asking if mass adoption will happen, or even when. Instead, we are asking why it doesn’t look like the cyberpunk revolution we once imagined.

To understand this paradox, where crypto is ubiquitous in systemic finance yet still feels like a foreign concept to the layperson, BeInCrypto spoke to a panel of industry leaders who are building the bridges: Fernando Lillo Aranda (Zoomex), Vivien Lin (BingX), Griffin Ardern (BloFin), Dorian Vincileoni (Kraken), Federico Variola (Phemex), and Michael Ivanov (Arcanum Foundation).

Their collective verdict? The technology is ready. The regulations are (mostly) written. The final hurdle is no longer the code, it is the culture.

The UX Revolution: From Seed Phrases to Smart Accounts

For over a decade, the primary barrier to entry was the fear factor. Crypto was notoriously unforgiving. The industry’s greatest strength, sovereignty, was also its greatest weakness. Lose your 24-word seed phrase, and you lose your life savings. Send a transaction to the wrong hex code, and your funds vanish into the ether. In 2026, we have to ask, has the single mistake era finally ended?

Dorian Vincileoni, Head of Regional Growth at Kraken, offers a refreshingly honest assessment that cuts through the marketing hype. While technology has leaped forward, the core ethos of crypto, total individual responsibility, remains a psychological stumbling block that code alone cannot solve.

Vincileoni admits:

“Can we honestly say a non-technical person is safe? Not entirely, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest. The user experience has improved dramatically, but self-custody still carries responsibility, and responsibility is not intuitive for everyone.”

However, Vincileoni notes that the industry has undergone a massive paradigm shift. We have moved away from the binary choice of Centralized Exchange or Dangerous Self-Custody. Instead, we have entered the age of Smart Accounts.

“Better interfaces, account abstraction, and smarter safeguards are reducing the cost of human error,” Vincileoni explains.

“The real shift is not eliminating risk entirely, but giving users choices. Some will prefer full sovereignty, others will accept guardrails. Mass adoption will come from respecting both.”

This technological evolution is best exemplified by the rise of ERC-4337 and similar standards across various chains. Michael Ivanov, CEO of Arcanum Foundation, emphasizes that the entry journey is still being paved, and it requires specialized tools to protect the user from themselves.

“Nowadays we still have a long way to go for simplification of the entry journey,” Ivanov observes.

“From our side, we are working on the easy way to make it happen. We have developed several Telegram Web Apps (TWA) with efficient risk management layers designed specifically to help users avoid losing their funds, even if they make several mistakes.”

Ivanov’s point is crucial. In 2026, the killer UX isn’t a prettier wallet, it’s a safety net. The industry is finally acknowledging that the average person wants the benefits of blockchain, speed, transparency, and global reach, without needing a degree in computer science to keep their money safe.

The Killer App of 2026: Convergence, Not Casinos

If 2021 was defined by the explosive (and often irrational) NFT boom, and 2024 was the year of the Bitcoin ETF, then 2026 is defined by something far more functional, Convergence. The search for a crypto-native application that would change the world has largely been abandoned in favor of making existing financial systems work ten times better.

Fernando Lillo Aranda, Marketing Director at Zoomex, argues that the industry spent too much time looking for a killer app that lived entirely inside the Web3 bubble. The real breakthrough happened when Web3 started leaking into the real world.

“To reach that inflection point, we first need to understand why mass adoption hasn’t happened yet,” Lillo Aranda states.

“One of the key missing pieces has been clear real-world utility beyond speculation. The real ‘killer app’ of 2026 is the convergence between Web3 financial infrastructure and everyday financial use cases.”

Lillo Aranda points out that centralized exchanges (CEXs) are no longer just trading platforms; they are becoming the primary financial interface for the digital generation.

Aranda adds:

“Centralized exchanges face a major challenge here, their traditional Web2 competitors — banks — have spent years adapting and developing crypto-like services. Meanwhile, forward-thinking CEXs have been working in parallel on bringing Web3 closer to daily life.”

What does this look like in practice? It’s not about decentralized social media or on-chain governance for the masses.

Lillo Aranda explains:

“Products such as crypto-linked cards, seamless access to traditional markets like equities, instant profit withdrawals for everyday spending, and high-yield savings alternatives that outperform Web2 offerings are what will truly onboard the next wave of users.”

“When Web3 stops feeling like a separate ecosystem and instead becomes a better financial layer for everyday life, adoption will follow naturally—not because of speculation, but because it simply works better.”

Michael Ivanov sees the killer app as a multi-pronged spear, with different tools for different demographics. For the younger, digital-native generation, the entry point isn’t banking, it’s entertainment.

“At first glance, there is no single killer app near, but for a specific audience, it could be new Web3-integrated MMO games,” Ivanov suggests.

“We still believe that each audience needs their own way into Web3. For some, it’s crypto banking; for others, it’s an immersive economy where they actually own their digital progress.”

The Stablecoin Economy: Are We Done With Fiat?

The most successful product in the history of crypto isn’t Bitcoin, it’s the stablecoin. In 2025, stablecoin transaction volume surpassed that of major credit card networks in several key corridors. This has led many to wonder: are we approaching the “End of Fiat” for daily spending?

Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX, sees a world where the lines are blurring, but warns against expecting a sudden overnight revolution. The transition is stealthy.

“We are moving in that direction, but it will be gradual rather than absolute,” Lin observes.

“Stablecoins are increasingly being used for payments because they are fast, low-cost, and global, especially for cross-border commerce and online services. For many merchants, accepting stablecoins already makes more sense than dealing with traditional payment rails.”

However, Lin injects a dose of realism into the hyper-bitcoinization narrative.

“Fiat will not disappear from daily spending anytime soon. Over time, as infrastructure and regulation mature, the distinction between the two will matter less to the end user.”

In other words, in 2026, the user might be paying with a digital dollar, and they won’t necessarily care if it’s a CBDC, a bank-issued stablecoin, or a decentralized one like LUSD, as long as the transaction clears.

Griffin Ardern from BloFin offers a more cautious, macro-economic perspective. He argues that the perceived stability of a nation’s sovereign credit is the ultimate decider of stablecoin adoption.

“This is unlikely to happen in the short term,” Ardern says of a complete shift away from fiat.

“While many merchants are starting to accept stablecoins, they are currently treated more like ‘money market funds’ than fiat alternatives. Although the collateral risk of stablecoins is among the lowest in the crypto market, it is still significant compared to traditional tier-one assets.”

Ardern notes that the fiat-free dream is largely a product of geography.

“In countries with relatively poor sovereign credit, users are willing to take on this collateral risk because the alternative is worse. But in countries with good sovereign credit, users are usually only willing to convert a limited amount of cash into stablecoins for specific use cases.”

He also points out the merchant-side friction:

“Merchants will also accept stablecoins only in limited quantities to avoid introducing extra operating risks to their balance sheets.”

Despite these hurdles, for the power users and digital nomads, the transition is already complete. Michael Ivanov serves as a living example of this reality. “The future is here,” he says.

“I use crypto-linked cards almost everywhere in the world with no need to pay with fiat. However, we still need to push through government and regulatory issues in many countries to make this the standard, not the exception.”

The Final Boss: Perception and the Trust Deficit

If the technology is robust, the products are useful, and the regulations provide a framework, why aren’t we seeing 100% adoption? The answer, according to our experts, lies in the Final Boss of the industry – public perception.

Federico Variola, CEO of Phemex, believes that we have reached a point where building more tech won’t solve the problem. The industry is no longer limited by its rails, but by its reputation.

“Mass adoption is closer than many think,” Variola asserts.

“Most younger users have already interacted with crypto in some form, and access has become much easier through centralized exchanges and intuitive wallets. The remaining challenge is perception.”

Variola argues that the scars of the 2022-2023 era still haunt the collective consciousness.

“The barriers are no longer technological or regulatory; the rails are already in place. What’s needed now is a more constructive public narrative so skeptical users feel comfortable engaging. Adoption is less about building new tools and more about the market being in the right psychological conditions.”

This sentiment is echoed by Mike Williams (Toobit), who emphasizes that the industry must move from selling dreams to providing education. Trust, in 2026, is built through transparency and understanding, not through celebrity endorsements or price-action hype.

Michael Ivanov summarizes the multi-faceted nature of the hurdle:

“It is a complex web of reasons. Surely including regulation issues, a lingering lack of trust, and the fact that many Web3 apps still have a complicated usability profile for someone used to the simplicity of Instagram or Amazon.”

Conclusion: The Era of Invisible Crypto

As we navigate the landscape of 2026, the insights from Zoomex, BingX, BloFin, Kraken, Phemex, and Arcanum paint a picture of an industry that has finally matured beyond its rebellious, speculative adolescence. We have stopped trying to destroy the banks and have instead started the arduous task of upgrading the world’s financial operating system.

The Killer App of this era isn’t a single platform, it is the Seamless Experience. It is the crypto-linked debit card that pays out yield in real-time (Zoomex). It is an MMO game where your legendary sword is a liquid asset (Arcanum). It is the cross-border payment that settles in seconds for a fraction of a cent without the user ever seeing a blockchain explorer (BingX).

Mass adoption doesn’t look like a revolution led by people waving private keys in the streets. It looks like a quiet, efficient migration to better tools. It looks like convenience. As Federico Variola correctly notes, the tools are ready. The world just needs to decide it’s ready to trust them.

The transition to a Web3-powered world is happening one invisible transaction at a time. By the time we reach the end of 2026, the question won’t be when will crypto be used in everyday life? The answer will simply be: Look around, it already is.

Special thanks to Fernando Lillo Aranda, Vivien Lin, Griffin Ardern, Dorian Vincileoni, Federico Variola, and Michael Ivanov for their contributions to this report.