The crypto market remains pinned just below its early-February ceiling, with bitcoin BTC$71,324.31 hovering at $71,200 and ether (ETH) trading at $2,185. The sideways crawl comes despite a risk-on boost from the recent US-Iran ceasefire, leaving analysts sharply divided on the next leg.

Bloomberg’s Mike McGlone said this week that BTC needs to reclaim $75,000 or risk a meltdown to $10,000. Fundstrat Tom Lee has taken a contrasting view, claiming that the “bottom is in” on Wednesday, although it’s worth noting that his fund holds $10.4 billion worth of ETH.

BTC is up by around 0.3% since midnight UTC while ETH is flat having outperformed the broader market on Wednesday, and while BTC has posted a modest gain, all eyes remain on whether this range-bound stability is a launchpad or a trap.

Derivatives positioning

• Bitcoin’s futures open interest (OI) has increased to 726,000 BTC, a one-week high, bouncing sharply from 693,000 BTC over the weekend. The tally has increased by over 1% in the past 24 hours, a sign of continued capital inflows despite spot price’s stalled ascent.
• BTC’s 24-hour cumulative volume delta (CVD) remains positive for the second straight day and perpetual funding rates hover just above zero. These datasets, coupled with OI increase, suggests a persistent bias for bullish plays.
• OI in ether, XRP and solana futures has also increased by 1% to 2%. However, CVD and funding rates for these tokens are slightly negative, which suggests growing demand for bearish bets.
• CVD readings for top meme coins like DOGE and SHIB remain negative – a signal some see as constructive for the broader market, as heavy bullish positioning in speculative tokens is often viewed as a sign of excess froth.
• Bitcoin and ether volatility indices continue to decline in a sign of market calm. 10x Research said the market is pricing just 2.5% swing in either direction on the back of Friday’s inflation data.
• On Deribit, BTC and ETH continue to show a mild bias for put options, which offer downside protection, although its much weaker than a week ago. Speaking of flows, the $80,000 bitcoin call has seen the biggest increase in number of open positions in the past 24 hours followed by the $82,000 call.

Token talk

• The altcoin market continued to impress on Thursday with the likes of MANA and AERO rising by 6% apiece, while decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens MORPHO and PENDLE rose by 3.7% and 2.7% respectively since midnight UTC.
• It’s worth noting that MANA’s move comes alongside a 25% increase in open interest, suggesting the move was backed by leverage as opposed to spot buying.
• The CoinDesk Computing Select Index (CPUS) and CoinDesk Smart Contract Platform Select Capped Index (SCPXC) were the best performing benchmarks on Thursday, posting gains between 0.4% and 0.5% while the broader CoinDesk 100 (CD100) is unchanged.
• Traders will be keeping a close on on whether bitcoin can break above $75,000 and establish a level of support, which would likely lead to a period of capital rotation into altcoins, many of which are still oversold following a selloff in February and subsequent period of consolidation.

The United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Congress to pass the CLARITY Act without further delay, as Senate floor time is limited.

In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Bessent stressed the importance of the legislation, especially as crypto use was rising across the United States. He highlighted that the crypto market had reached $3 trillion and that nearly one in six Americans now hold digital assets.

“To preserve it and rise to the challenge before us, Congress must pass the Clarity Act. Senate floor time is scarce, and now is the time to act,” he wrote.

Since passing in the House of Representatives in July last year, progress around the CLARITY Act has been delayed in the Senate as industry participants and bankers debated over how stablecoin yields should be treated.

Proponents of stablecoin yield argue that without such incentives, there would be reduced user participation and slower innovation. Bankers, meanwhile, are concerned that the practice could draw deposits away from traditional institutions and impact lending capacity.

White House economists have challenged these concerns in a recent report, where they assessed the impact on traditional lending. The economists found that banning yields on stablecoins could result in an $800 million annual welfare loss for users.

On the other hand, banks would see total US bank lending increase by only $2.1 billion, or just 0.02% of the $12 trillion market.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also backed the legislation, warning that delays risk pushing innovation to China and other jurisdictions.

He also accused banks of trying to hold the CLARITY Act “hostage” and undercut what he described as a “powerful Crypto Agenda.”

Crypto gifting emerges as new trend blending digital assets with real-world experiences.

In the era of information technology, the world of cryptocurrency is becoming more alluring with its own charm and possibilities. As people exchange and create value in the form of digital assets, the emotional power of crypto gifts is not replaceable. 

The fusion of crypto and physical gifts is a sure way to please a gift recipient and make real the connection between the virtual and physical worlds.

Why custom physical gifts work better

Creating a tangible connection to the crypto world

Many of us experience crypto spaces in the virtual, intangible realm of our screens only. Custom physical gifts are a way to bridge that gap by making digital elements tangible. Bitcoin personalized keychains or Ethereum T-shirts, for instance, can help it to build real emotional connections that boost a sense of identity and community.

Personalization and uniqueness

One of the finest benefits of custom physical gifts is the level of personalization, which ensures that someone can give something that meets the personal needs or tastes of the gift recipient. When a gift is personalized, the recipient’s favorite crypto details can be added. Such a present is unique not only in design, but it also shows that someone cares for their loved ones, and the recipient feels truly appreciated and respected.

Practical use and long-term value

Unlike virtual gifts, bespoke physical gifts can be used in daily life. A crypto mug or hat, for instance, is utilitarian and fashionable. Certain products like custom lapel pins and coins can also be collectible and increase in value over time, allowing the owner to have instant use and long-term sentimental and investment value.

Types of custom physical gifts

Custom gifts can be categorized based on purpose and style to better match different recipient needs:

Everyday Practical Items

Mugs

The classic mug is an everyday essential. A custom mug with crypto designs or symbols is functional and thoughtful.

Personalized Keychains

Personalized Keychains are mini space-capable items that can be carried around to show love for crypto and blockchain. They can be made out of metal or plastic, and they can have different shapes. The products can be engraved with crypto symbols and messages, in case someone wants to have a permanent and discreet reminder of the world of crypto.

Stickers

Stickers are versatile, and they can be stuck to laptops, phones, notebooks, and much more. They tend to be popular with younger crypto fans, and are fairly cheap to mass customize, hence really good for community events or promotions.

Wearable and Display Items

Hats

Custom hats like baseball caps or beanies can include embroidered or printed crypto logos and catchphrases. Practical for sun or warmth protection, they also allow us to express ourselves through fashion.

Clothing

Important for everyday life, the likes of T-shirts and hoodies – or jackets – can be personalized with designs and wording. These comfortable and multifaceted pieces allow recipients to take daily life with a touch of crypto culture, or simply appeal to the fashion-savvy.

Socks

While it is niche, custom socks are practical and can even have someone’s crypto token icons, a simple meme, or the recipient’s favorite color. 

Cufflinks

Perfect for professionals and detail-oriented receivers, cufflinks may be made of metal with engraved crypto logos, simple blockchain designs, or even a recipient’s initials. They work well with dress clothes while making a subtle statement about crypto interest, fusing usefulness and sophistication. 

Collectible and decorative items

Custom lapel pins
Custom lapel pins come with collectible value and can be engraved with the recipient’s name, a wallet address abbreviation, or important dates. Custom lapel pins may be added to articles of clothing or backpacks, or they can be collected in albums or frames as mementos of crypto coin memories.

Custom Coins
Custom Coins make great keepsakes. A coin with crypto-related designs can commemorate notable occasions in the crypto world.

Medals
Ideal for community recognition, event prizes, or individual accomplishments. Custom medals can be engraved with award titles, recipient names, and crypto-themed designs. Together with sophisticated packaging, they recognize accomplishment and build enduring crypto memories.

Neon sign
A Neon sign is a one-off decoration item. A neon sign will perfectly complement any home or office environment. With crypto logos or patterns, or words, neon signs bring a colorful mood that best shows the charm of the crypto world.

How to choose the right crypto gift

Choose Based on Recipient Type

Levels of interest people have in cryptocurrency influences cryptocurrency gifting. Beginners in cryptocurrency can be gifted functional and easy-to-understand items that can be used in everyday life, like mugs or keychains with cryptocurrency logos, which help them to slowly understand the cryptocurrency area and bring it into their everyday lives. 

For experienced investors or developers, a collectible or unique token of affection is ideal. These can be custom lapel pins or luxury items that speak to their identity and accomplishments.

Choose based on usage scenario

Take into account the usage environment of the recipient who will be using or wearing the gift. If the recipient is working in an office, they can always be delighted with an office-friendly gift like cryptographically themed notebooks or mugs.

For the one who likes to attend the crypto meetings or clubs, get them items that let them do so more, such as customizable t-shirts, hats, pins, and help them stand out.

If they’re a household fan, choose a gift that doubles as a collector’s item and is household-friendly, like a neon sign for a cozy corner, giving them yet another one of those unique tools they get to play with whenever they transform their own living space.

Choose based on budget

Crypto gift shopping should also consider the budget. Various personalized physical gifts keep changing their prices, be it stickers that cost a few dollars or precious metal commemorative coins that are worth thousands of dollars. For tight budgets, a practical little gift can still be a memorable one; for heftier budgets, luxurious wearable accessories or collectibles can provide a stronger buzz of delight and value.

Conclusion

As the world of crypto keeps on growing, physical custom gifts provide a novel and heartfelt way to show affection and support for the culture surrounding crypto. As they bridge the digital world by catering to personal tastes and providing practical and long-term utility, these gifts are gaining recognition in the crypto community.

Whether as birthday presents, holiday gifts, or collector’s items, these customized crypto gifts work as a connection between the virtual and real worlds, capturing feelings and financial worth. They’re more than just a gift – they’re experiences that bring the crypto universe to life, make it unforgettable, and personal.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has published a detailed guidance document detailing how token issuers should operate.

Rather than introducing new legislation, the document interprets VARA’s existing Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook, offering clearer direction on how different types of tokens should be handled in practice. 

The update comes as the regulator continues to refine its bespoke framework for digital assets, distancing itself from jurisdictions that rely on traditional securities or payments laws to govern token launches.

Classifications based on risks

At the core of the guidance is a three-part classification system that separates token issuances based on their structure and risk profile. 

Category 1 covers fiat-referenced and asset-referenced virtual assets, including stablecoins and RWA-style tokens, while Category 2 applies to issuances that must be distributed through VARA-licensed intermediaries. A third group carves out exempt virtual assets with limited functionality, reducing compliance burdens for simpler use cases.

Each pathway comes with clearly defined responsibilities. In Category 2 issuances, licensed distributors are tasked with conducting due diligence and ensuring ongoing compliance, placing accountability not just on issuers but also on entities involved in distribution. The framework moves away from treating all tokens as uniform products, instead aligning oversight with how each asset functions in the market.

The framework includes specific provisions for stablecoins and asset-referenced tokens, setting expectations around reserve assets, redemption rights, and legal structuring.

Speaking to crypto media, Ruben Bombardi, general counsel at Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, said the regime offers “greater regulatory clarity,” as many virtual assets do not map neatly onto existing categories.

Bombardi said the framework is designed to support “informed decision-making” by improving how risks and asset characteristics are disclosed to users.

The update builds on a series of recent moves by the regulator to expand its rulebook in line with market activity. Earlier this month, VARA expanded its framework for exchanges to cover crypto derivatives.

Strategy’s (MSTR) perpetual preferred stock “Stretch” (STRC) traded roughly $333 million in volume on Wednesday, marking its seventh highest daily volume since debuting in July 2025.

Despite the heavy activity, STRC remained tightly anchored around its $100 par value throughout the session. This stability prompted executive chairman Michael Saylor to remark, “one penny of volatility, $330 million of liquidity, closed at par.”

STRC is designed to function as a short-duration, high-yield credit instrument, offering an 11.5% annual dividend paid monthly. Its structure incentivises trading close to par, allowing Strategy to efficiently utilise its at the market (ATM) issuance program to raise capital for additional bitcoin purchases.

The company may have acquired more than 2,000 BTC on Wednesday via the STRC ATM, according to STRC.live estimates.

The broader objective of STRC is to deliver double-digit returns with minimal price volatility, effectively combining income generation with capital stability.

In pre-market trading, Strategy shares were slightly lower at around $127, while STRC continued to trade at par near $100.

South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb has filed for a provisional attachment to freeze assets tied to users who have yet to return 7 BTC that remain missing after a February payout error, a move aimed at supporting a civil lawsuit to recover the funds. The court-backed measure was reported by Chosun Biz on Thursday and marks the latest chapter in a highly visible post-mortem of the incident.

On February 6, the exchange intended to distribute a total of 620,000 won ($420) to 249 event winners. Instead, a system input error sent out 620,000 BTC, briefly valuing the mistaken transfers at roughly 62 trillion won ($42 billion). Bithumb reversed the transactions within minutes, but a portion of the funds had already moved, prompting the recovery effort that continues to this day.

Following the incident, Bithumb announced it had recovered 99.7% of the funds on the same day. The remaining 0.3%, or 1,788 BTC, had already been sold, with the company covering that shortfall from its reserves. As of the latest reporting, the exchange has been contacting affected users individually and recouping most of the proceeds from those sales, though a small number of recipients have refused to return the balance, arguing they are not responsible for the erroneous transfers, according to Chosun Biz’s account.

Cointelegraph reached out to Bithumb for comment but did not receive an immediate response at the time of publication.

Key takeaways

• The provisional attachment targets users who have not returned 7 BTC missing from a February payout error that briefly distributed 620,000 BTC.
• The incident involved a mistaken transfer valued at about 62 trillion won ($42 billion) after an input error in the payout process.
• Bithumb says it recovered 99.7% of the funds on the same day; 1,788 BTC were sold, with reserves used to cover the remaining shortfall.
• Some recipients have refused to return the remaining funds, but South Korean law generally treats mistaken transfers as unjust enrichment and expects return of the assets.
• Regulators have moved quickly to tighten controls, with the Financial Services Commission ordering exchanges to reconcile ledgers with actual holdings every five minutes after the incident.

Provisional measures and the legal path forward

The filing for provisional attachment underscores Bithumb’s intent to press claims ahead of a civil case. By freezing assets tied to non-compliant recipients, the exchange aims to secure a path to full recovery while the broader dispute unfolds in court. The approach reflects a cautious, rule-driven stance common in asset recovery efforts involving mistaken transfers, where the balance between user rights and corporate accountability is tested in real time.

From rapid reversal to regulatory tightening

The February payout debacle prompted broader scrutiny beyond the immediate recovery efforts. In response, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission ordered exchanges to reconcile their internal ledgers with actual holdings at five-minute intervals to accelerate detection of discrepancies and prevent delays in addressing errors. Earlier assessments had found that three of the five major domestic exchanges performed reconciliations on a daily cadence, creating a potential lag between misentries and corrective action.

The rapid regulatory nudge comes as the industry continues to digitize, complicate, and democratize access to crypto markets in a densely regulated environment. While the Bithumb incident centered on a single promotional payout, the reforms are framed as systemic safeguards to minimize spillover risk across exchanges and users alike.

What readers should watch next

Market participants and retail users will want to monitor the court’s handling of the provisional attachment and any subsequent rulings on the remaining unreturned funds. The case could shape how exchanges structure payout processes, how aggressively they pursue mistaken transfers, and how the legal framework delineates responsibility when automated systems misfire. In the near term, observers should also track how the five-minute reconciliation rule influences incident responses and the speed at which authorities and firms close gaps in asset verification and recovery.

TLDR:

• Oceanus and HashKey signed an MOU to deploy stablecoin settlement across Asian trade finance corridors.
• The partnership integrates AI-driven ODIN platform with regulated infrastructure to improve settlement efficiency.
• Stablecoin settlement enables faster, secure transactions for commodity trades including seafood, meats, and wines.
• The initiative targets the $2.5 trillion trade finance gap affecting SMEs in global markets.

Stablecoin settlement is advancing into global trade finance as Oceanus Group Limited and HashKey Group formalize a strategic partnership.

The two firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deploy regulated infrastructure across Asian trade corridors.

The collaboration aims to reduce inefficiencies in cross-border transactions while addressing the persistent funding shortfall affecting small and medium enterprises engaged in commodity trade.

Building Infrastructure for Trade Finance Efficiency

The agreement is executed through Oceanus Digital Intelligence Network Pte. Ltd and HashKey Technology Services Pte Ltd.

Both entities will integrate their platforms to enable stablecoin settlement across commodity transactions. This structure is designed to support faster settlement cycles and reduce counterparty risks in international trade flows.

Oceanus is transitioning from its origins in aquaculture into a technology-focused enterprise. Its ODIN platform uses artificial intelligence to manage trade finance workflows.

By enabling stablecoin-based payments, ODIN connects buyers and sellers through a unified digital system that supports compliance requirements.

Adrian Teo, CEO of ODIN, stated that the partnership marks a shift in Oceanus’s strategic direction. He said it moves beyond a conventional vendor relationship into a peer-level collaboration. He added that Oceanus is strengthening how food trade operates through digital asset integration.

HashKey will serve as the institutional settlement layer within the partnership. Its regulated infrastructure is expected to provide the necessary safeguards for digital asset transactions.

This setup allows stablecoin settlement to function within established financial frameworks while maintaining operational reliability.

Expanding Stablecoin Use in Real-World Asset Markets

The initiative focuses on deploying digital assets into real-world asset transactions. Commodity trades involving seafood, meats, and wines are included in early use cases. These trades demonstrate how stablecoin settlement can handle high-value transactions in traditional industries.

Oceanus is adopting compliant processes to accept and issue payments in stablecoins globally. This transition supports faster settlements compared to conventional banking channels. As a result, trading partners can operate with improved efficiency and reduced transaction delays.

Jason Tay, Managing Director at HashKey Technology Services Pte Ltd, described the partnership as part of a broader strategy.

He stated that HashKey is working to connect traditional finance systems with digital asset infrastructure. He also noted that regulated settlement rails are necessary for institutional adoption.

He added that the collaboration enables stablecoin capital to move into real-world trade environments. This approach supports broader financial access while maintaining security standards.

Through this structure, stablecoin settlement is positioned as a functional tool for modern trade finance systems.