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OKX is building a social network directly into its trading app after a massive $25 billion valuation

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OKX is building a social network directly into its trading app after a massive $25 billion valuation

Crypto exchange OKX, which was just valued at $25 billion after a strategic investment from New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) parent Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), is launching a social network built directly into its trading app, the latest example of social media and digital asset platforms converging as traders increasingly rely on online communities for market signals.

The feature, called Orbit, allows users to post market commentary, livestream discussions and create trading groups while also displaying verified performance metrics such as portfolio returns, profit and loss and win rates, OKX said Thursday. The company said the feature is designed to help users distinguish credible trading insights from hype or manipulated social media posts.

Orbit will roll out gradually beginning Feb. 26 to a limited group of users before expanding more broadly once its beta testing phase concludes.

The launch comes as social interaction plays a growing role in crypto markets. Many traders now gather ideas from online platforms where screenshots, posts and influencer commentary can quickly shape sentiment around assets such as bitcoin or ether (ETH).

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“People using our app will have a native social channel where ideas are shared with posts, livestreams and group chats,” said Haider Rafique, managing partner at OKX, in a statement.

Several platforms have begun blending trading with social media features. StockTwits, for example, is a social platform focused on equities where traders share ideas using ticker symbols such as $AAPL or $TSLA to create real-time conversations about markets. In crypto, newer networks such as Farcaster had emerged as decentralized alternatives, operating as Ethereum-based social protocols designed to function as blockchain-native versions of platforms like X.

“This is quite popular in equities trading,” Rafique said. “We want to bring similar features and give traders a place where they can share their performance and interpretation of the markets.”

OKX said Orbit aims to add accountability to social trading by allowing users who choose to share metrics to verify them directly within the trading app. The platform also supports market-specific discussions using cashtags such as $BTC, $ETH and $SOL and allows traders to create both public and gated communities.

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The move comes during a period of expansion for the company. OKX just received a strategic investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the global trading giant that owns the New York Stock Exchange. The deal valued the San Jose, California-based firm at about $25 billion.

As part of that partnership, OKX plans to introduce tokenized stocks and crypto futures products, signaling deeper integration between traditional financial markets and digital asset platforms.

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Coinbase, Microsoft and Europol dismantle Tycoon 2FA phishing network

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Coinbase, Microsoft and Europol dismantle Tycoon 2FA phishing network

Crypto exchange Coinbase teamed up with Microsoft and Europol to take down phishing-as-a-service platform Tycoon 2FA.

Summary

  • Coinbase helped trace blockchain transactions linked to the Tycoon 2FA phishing network, allowing investigators to identify the platform’s alleged administrator and several users of the service.
  • Tycoon 2FA offered a subscription toolkit that enabled criminals to intercept authentication sessions and bypass multi-factor protections.
  • Phishing losses dropped nearly 83% in 2025.

In a Wednesday announcement, Coinbase said that it helped trace blockchain-based transactions linked to the platform, and as a result, law enforcement was able to identify the phishing operation’s alleged administrator and several of its customers.

According to Europol, Tycoon 2FA sold a subscription-based toolkit that helped bad actors intercept live authentication sessions and gain unauthorised access to online accounts, “including those protected by additional security layers.”

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Using Tycoon’s phishing toolkit, cybercriminals were able to capture session cookies from authenticated users and therefore access accounts without triggering the multi-factor authentication prompts, Coinbase said.

“We’re actively working to identify Tycoon purchasers and will continue supporting law enforcement efforts focused on the people who bought and used this service to target victims,” it added.

The platform has been active since at least 2023, and by mid-2025, Tycoon 2FA accounted for nearly 62% of all phishing attacks blocked by Microsoft, Europol said.

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“At scale, the platform generated tens of millions of phishing emails each month and facilitated unauthorised access to nearly 100,000 organisations globally, including schools, hospitals, and public institutions,” it added.

As previously reported by crypto.news, losses from phishing attacks dropped 83% in 2025 when compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, attackers have continued to use more advanced techniques, including exploits tied to EIP-7702, Permit and Permit2 signatures, and transfer-based attacks.

A separate report from blockchain security firm CertiK flagged that Phishing attacks remained the third most costly attack vector in 2025.

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Eric Trump calls banks opposing stablecoin yields ‘anti-American’

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Eric Trump calls banks opposing stablecoin yields ‘anti-American’

Eric Trump has accused major U.S. banks of lobbying aggressively against crypto platforms offering higher yields to consumers, escalating tensions between the traditional financial sector and the digital asset industry.

Summary

  • Eric Trump accused major U.S. banks of lobbying against crypto and stablecoin yield products.
  • The comments come as debate intensifies around the CLARITY Act and GENIUS Act.
  • Donald Trump also criticized banks, arguing legislation is needed to keep the U.S. competitive in the crypto sector.

Eric Trump accuses big banks of lobbying against crypto yields

In a post on X, Eric Trump claimed that institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are attempting to block Americans from earning higher returns through crypto-based savings products.

“Big banks are lobbying overtime to block Americans from getting higher yields on their savings,” Trump wrote, arguing that traditional lenders offer extremely low annual percentage yields, often between 0.01% and 0.05%, despite benefiting from higher interest rates paid by the Federal Reserve.

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According to Trump, the banking sector is particularly concerned about crypto and stablecoin platforms that are planning to offer yields or rewards in the 4% to 5% range. He alleged that banking lobby groups are spending heavily to restrict those products through legislation and regulatory pressure.

The comments come as lawmakers debate new digital asset legislation in Washington, including the CLARITY Act, which aims to define the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, and the GENIUS Act.

Trump argued that banks are invoking concerns about “fairness” and financial stability while attempting to protect profit margins built on the gap between the interest they receive and the rates paid to depositors.

The criticism echoes remarks made by Donald Trump, who recently said large banks are attempting to undermine crypto legislation that could strengthen the United States’ position in the global digital asset industry.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, the president said Congress must move quickly on market structure legislation to prevent the crypto industry from shifting to other countries.

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The debate highlights growing friction between the banking industry and crypto firms as policymakers weigh how to regulate digital assets while maintaining the competitiveness of the U.S. financial system.

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Bitwise allocates $233K to support Bitcoin core development

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Geopolitical shock showed why finance is moving on-chain soon

Bitwise Asset Management has announced a $233,000 donation to Bitcoin open-source developers, marking the firm’s second annual contribution tied to the success of its spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund.

Summary

  • Bitwise Asset Management donated $233,000 to Bitcoin development groups as part of its commitment to allocate 10% of gross profits from its Bitcoin ETF.
  • The donation will be distributed through Brink, OpenSats, and the Human Rights Foundation Bitcoin Development Fund.
  • The contribution follows continued growth of the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF since its launch.

The funds come from profits generated by the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, which launched with a commitment from Bitwise to allocate 10% of the ETF’s gross profits each year toward supporting the development and security of the Bitcoin network.

According to the firm, the latest contribution reflects strong growth in the ETF during the past year, allowing the company to expand its support for the developers maintaining Bitcoin’s underlying infrastructure.

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The donation will be distributed among three nonprofit organizations focused on sustaining the Bitcoin ecosystem: Brink, OpenSats, and the Human Rights Foundation Bitcoin Development Fund.

These groups provide funding, fellowships, and grants to developers working on critical Bitcoin software, security research, and infrastructure upgrades. Their mission centers on supporting the open-source contributors responsible for maintaining and improving the decentralized network.

Bitwise described the developers as “unsung heroes” who help secure and evolve Bitcoin’s technology stack, noting that the contribution represents a reinvestment into the ecosystem that supports the firm’s investment products.

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The asset manager also credited investors in the ETF for enabling the donation, stating that the contribution would not be possible without the support of those who chose to invest in the fund.

Bitwise added that its donations are expected to grow alongside the ETF’s expansion, reinforcing its pledge to continue directing a portion of profits toward the broader Bitcoin development community.

The initiative reflects a broader trend among crypto firms and investment products that are increasingly channeling funds toward open-source development as institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to rise.

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The signal investors are missing

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America’s crypto future in 2026: The signal investors are missing - 2

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

While market headlines focus on short-term price swings, the real signal shaping America’s crypto future in 2026 lies beneath the surface. Institutional infrastructure, regulatory developments, and a shift toward long-term investor strategy are quietly redefining how digital assets integrate into the U.S. financial system.

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The conversation about digital assets in the United States is becoming increasingly complex as the market enters a new stage of development. Many readers who follow blockchain trends begin their research by exploring the coinspot website, where ongoing discussions about cryptocurrency innovation and market dynamics continue to evolve.

What makes the current situation particularly interesting is that the most important signals shaping the future of crypto in America are not always the ones dominating headlines. While price movements attract attention, deeper structural changes within technology, finance, and regulation are gradually redefining the ecosystem, mentioned on https://coinspot.io/en/

America’s crypto future in 2026: The signal investors are missing - 2

Institutional Strategy Is Quietly Expanding

Financial institutions across the United States are playing a growing role in the evolution of digital assets. What once appeared to be cautious experimentation has gradually transformed into structured long-term strategies.

Investment firms, fintech companies, and payment platforms are building services designed to support cryptocurrency adoption at scale. These initiatives include digital asset custody, blockchain settlement systems, and tokenized financial instruments that connect traditional finance with decentralized technology.

Blockchain Innovation Is Driving Long-Term Growth

Technological development remains one of the strongest forces behind the transformation of the crypto market. Developers continue to improve blockchain networks by increasing scalability, enhancing security protocols, and optimizing transaction performance.

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These improvements are enabling the creation of new decentralized applications. From digital ownership systems to decentralized finance platforms, blockchain technology is expanding its role within the global digital economy.

Investor Attention Is Slowly Shifting

Another notable trend involves the changing mindset of market participants. Earlier cycles of the cryptocurrency industry were often dominated by speculation and rapid trading activity.

Today many investors appear more interested in research, technological fundamentals, and long-term strategic positioning. This shift toward a more analytical approach may contribute to a more stable phase of development for digital assets.

Regulation May Shape The Next Phase

Government policy continues to influence how cryptocurrency evolves within the United States. For several years uncertainty surrounding legal frameworks created obstacles for some blockchain initiatives.

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However, policymakers are increasingly exploring ways to establish clearer rules for digital assets. A more defined regulatory environment could encourage additional investment and provide greater confidence for companies operating in the crypto sector.

The Signal Many Investors May Overlook

The future of cryptocurrency in America may not depend on a single dramatic breakthrough. Instead, it is being shaped by the gradual convergence of multiple forces including institutional adoption, technological innovation, and evolving investor behavior.

These developments may appear subtle in the short term, yet their long-term implications could be profound. As the crypto ecosystem continues to mature, the signals investors overlook today may ultimately define the direction of the market tomorrow.

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.

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XRP price eyes a rebound as ETF inflows rise, exchange outflows rise

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xrp price

XRP’s price remained flat today, March, continuing the consolidation phase that began in February. However, ongoing inflows into exchange-traded funds and declining exchange supply suggest that a rebound may be on the horizon.

Summary

  • XRP price has formed a double-bottom pattern pointing to a strong rebound.
  • The supply of XRP tokens on exchanges has dropped to the lowest level in years.
  • Data shows that spot XRP ETF inflows have continued rising this month.

Ripple (XRP), one of the top cryptocurrencies, was trading at $1.4282 on Thursday, inside a range it has been in the past few weeks. This price is 28% above the year-to-date low of $1.1137.

American investors are still buying XRP ETFs, a sign that they expect it to rebound in the coming weeks. SoSoValue data shows that spot XRP ETFs added $4.2 million in inflows on Wednesday as the crypto market rally restarted. It was the seventh consecutive day of inflows, with the cumulative total rising to $1.26 billion.

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Increased buying by American institutional investors in a time when the price is stuck in a tight range is a sign of accumulation, which often leads to a strong rebound.

Another sign of accumulation is that XRP outflows from exchanges are increasing. Data compiled by CryptoQuant shows that over 7 billion XRP tokens exited exchanges in February. The total amount of XRP tokens in exchanges has dropped to the lowest level in years.

A possible reason why investors are accumulating XRP tokens is its strong fundamentals, including the ongoing Ripple USD growth. The stablecoin has accumulated over $1.5 billion in assets, with its daily volume soaring to over $1.5 billion. 

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RLUSD is benefiting from the rising demand from both retail and institutional investors, a trend that may continue after its integration on Ripple Prime.

XRP price forecast: Technical analysis 

xrp price
Ripple price chart | Source: crypto.news 

The eight-hour chart shows that the XRP price has remained in a narrow range in the past few weeks. 

A closer look shows that it formed a double-bottom pattern at $1.3350 and a neckline at $1.6745. This pattern normally means that short-sellers are largely uncomfortable placing short trades below that level.

The coin has moved slightly above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average. Also, the Percentage Price Oscillator has crossed the zero line, while the Relative Strength Index has jumped above 50.

Therefore, the most likely XRP price forecast is bullish, with the next key target being the neckline at $1.6638. The bullish view will become invalid if it drops below the key support level at $1.3350.

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Iran Strike Bets Usher Moves to Curb Prediction Markets

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Iran Strike Bets Usher Moves to Curb Prediction Markets

Senator Chris Murphy says it’s likely people close to Donald Trump with “inside information” made bets on prediction markets on when the US would strike Iran.

US Democratic lawmakers are working on a bill to police prediction markets after raising insider trading concerns over bets made on the timing of Israeli and US strikes on Iran.

Democrat Senator Chris Murphy said in a video posted to X on Wednesday that what he claimed were White House insiders made a “very specific bet” on Friday that the US would go to war with Iran on Saturday.

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“Obviously, there are people close to Donald Trump who, on Friday, knew what was happening on Saturday, and it is very likely — probable even — that the people that placed those bets were people with inside information,” he said.

Murphy added that allowing bets on war to continue could see those close to the president “pushing us into war because they can cash in.”

A number of bets on Polymarket were widely circulated on Saturday, where six newly-created accounts reportedly earned around $1 million betting on the timing of US strikes on Iran.

In several cases, bets were made just hours before explosions were first reported in Tehran.

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Bets on US strikes in Iran have so far generated $529 million in volume on Polymarket. Last month, a Polymarket trader made about $400,000 from a well-timed wager on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Trading volume on Iran strike bets tops $500 million. Source: Polymarket 

Bill to target prediction market insider trading 

Reuters reported on Thursday that Murphy and Democratic House Representative Mike Levin are working on the bill, intensifying pressure on prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi.

Related: Polymarket user gains $400K betting on ZachXBT investigation

“It’s unbelievably clear to ​me that if anyone is using prior knowledge of military action for financial gain, that ​should be absolutely illegal,” Levin said. 

He added that commodity laws ban event contracts tied to war, terrorism, or other events “contrary to the public interest,” but the rules give prediction markets too much freedom.

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