Crypto World
Russia Blocks WhatsApp to Push Surveillance App, Company Claims
WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta, is at the center of a high-stakes regulatory clash as Moscow pushes a domestic alternative and tightens control over digital communication. In recent days, the company publicly accused the Russian government of attempting to block access for millions of users to steer them toward a state-owned substitute. The dispute unfolds as Russia advances a homegrown platform, Max, developed by VK, and seeks to entrench it as the official backbone for private messaging inside the country. The government’s aim is amplified by directives to pre-install Max on all smartphones sold in Russia, a move scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1, and by a broader push to curb reliance on Western platforms amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Key takeaways
- WhatsApp alleges Russia is attempting to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication, describing the move as a setback to digital safety.
- Max, announced by VK and described as a state-backed alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, began rolling out in March 2025 and is being mandated for pre-installation on new devices starting Sept. 1.
- Backlinko estimates Russia hosts about 72 million active monthly WhatsApp users, placing the country among the top markets for the app outside the usual leaders.
- Russian authorities have signaled that unblocking WhatsApp would require compliance with local laws and a willingness to negotiate, signaling a potential but uncertain path to access restoration.
- Beyond Russia, authorities in other countries have intermittently restricted messaging services during periods of conflict or political upheaval, highlighting a broader trend in digital sovereignty and governance.
Sentiment: Neutral
Market context: The episode sits at the intersection of tech policy and geopolitical risk, illustrating how regulatory actions aimed at domestic control of communications can ripple through the broader digital ecosystem, including networks that crypto services rely on for open, cross-border activity. It underscores a growing attention to data localization, interoperability, and platform sovereignty that could influence global tech and financial ecosystems.
Why it matters
The confrontation between WhatsApp and Russia’s state-backed messaging initiative underscores a fundamental tension between user safety, privacy, and state interests. By introducing Max as a domestically controlled alternative, Moscow is signaling that access to private communication platforms is not simply a consumer choice but a matter of national policy. The move could reshape how Russians communicate, store sensitive information, and interact with businesses, while also raising questions about data localization, resilience, and security in a landscape where private messaging has become a critical utility for personal and professional life.
For international platforms, the Russian example highlights the costs and friction of compliance in a regulated environment that prizes sovereign control over digital infrastructure. The push to pre-install Max on all devices introduces a form of interoperability risk and raises concerns about interoperability with foreign networks, encryption standards, and user consent. Companies that operate across borders must navigate a patchwork of rules, sometimes in real time, which can affect everything from customer support to data flows and incident response protocols. The situation also hints at potential regulatory spillovers to adjacent technologies, including decentralized and cross-border services that crypto projects rely on to maintain open access and censorship resistance.
From a safety and governance perspective, the Russian case illustrates why policymakers abroad are investing in formal mechanisms to manage online communications. The tension between allowing free, secure messaging and enforcing content or data requests from law enforcement creates a persistent policy dilemma. In markets where crypto and blockchain technologies are gaining traction, observers will be watching to see how such regulatory dynamics influence the development of compliant, privacy-preserving communication tools and infrastructure that can withstand political pressure while preserving user trust.
The broader pattern is not limited to Russia. Reports from other countries describe a spectrum of actions—from partial restrictions to complete takedown attempts—that governments have employed during moments of political contention. The dialogue around messaging sovereignty compounds existing concerns about censorship, access to information, and digital rights. For users, this can mean unpredictability in service availability, the need for alternative channels, or the adoption of independent or decentralized messaging solutions as a hedge against outages or coercive controls.
On the technical front, the unfolding dynamic may accelerate innovation in how platforms approach data localization, compliance tooling, and cross-border interoperability. It also raises practical questions for developers, such as how to design communication apps that can operate seamlessly across multiple legal regimes without compromising user safety or security. While the immediate focus is regional, the implications reverberate through any ecosystem that depends on reliable, private messaging as a backbone for collaboration, financial transactions, or sensitive communications—an area where crypto communities have long stressed the importance of resilient, permissionless networks even as regulators seek to impose order and accountability.
What to watch next
- Sept. 1, 2025 — Russia’s mandatory pre-installation of Max on all smartphones takes effect, elevating the platform’s installed base and potentially altering user behavior during the ongoing policy debate.
- End of 2026 — Official signals from Moscow suggest a possible complete blocking of WhatsApp if compliance with national laws does not align with the state’s terms.
- February 2026 — Public commentary and further reporting on whether WhatsApp remains accessible or experiences domain-level restrictions within Russia, including official statements from the presidential administration or regulatory bodies.
- Regulatory actions and negotiations — Any new statements from Russia’s negotiation channels or law-enforcement agencies that clarify the conditions under which foreign messaging services could regain access or be forced to alter operational practices.
- Comparative developments — Monitoring similar moves in other jurisdictions to assess how messaging sovereignty affects global platforms, user experience, and cross-border data flows.
Sources & verification
- Gazeta.ru: Russia reports that WhatsApp’s domain had been blocked and would require VPN or similar workaround to access. https://www.gazeta.ru/tech/news/2026/02/11/27830761.shtml
- TASS: Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented that unblocking WhatsApp would require the app to follow Russian laws and engage in negotiations. https://www.gazeta.ru/tech/news/2026/02/12/27832279.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com&utm_auth=false
- Backlinko: Estimates of Russia’s active WhatsApp user base, highlighting a sizable market. https://backlinko.com/whatsapp-users
- WhatsApp on X: Official status update from the messaging platform regarding Russia’s access measures. https://x.com/WhatsApp/status/2021749165835829485?s=20
- Related coverage and context: Afghanistan internet outage and blockchain decentralization discussion. https://cointelegraph.com/news/afghanistan-internet-outage-blockchain-centralized-web
Digital friction in Russia’s messaging ecosystem: implications for users and global platforms
The dispute over WhatsApp and the push for a state-backed alternative in Russia crystallizes how policy choices can redefine the digital landscape that users rely on every day. The government’s insistence on pre-installation and on maintaining control over messaging channels is rooted in a broader imperative to keep communications within national boundaries, a stance that has long resonated with policymakers across different regions and sectors, including finance and crypto. While the immediate stakes involve access to a popular app and the safety of private conversations, the longer arc concerns how digital infrastructure is governed, who bears responsibility for safeguarding data, and how open networks can survive attempts at centralization.
For users in Russia, the outcome may hinge on a balance between safety assurances and the practicality of maintaining private, secure conversations in a domestic environment. The presence of a government-backed platform could improve certain regulatory alignments but might also introduce new layers of surveillance or compliance expectations. In contrast, WhatsApp’s contention that the move would “isolate over 100 million users” emphasizes concerns about user autonomy and the resilience of cross-border communication in the face of coercive policy changes. The debate has implications that extend beyond messaging to how crypto ecosystems—built on permissionless networks that assume open access—are perceived when governments seek to exert tighter control over digital channels and data flows.
From a business and innovation standpoint, the Max initiative raises questions about interoperability and the economics of protocol choices in a regulatory environment. Domestic platforms can attract usage through convenience and policy compliance, but they may also risk fragmentation, reduced interoperability with global services, and increased costs for developers who must adapt to multiple rule sets. For the broader tech community, the gambit signals a need to design systems and user experiences that maintain robust privacy protections while meeting diverse regulatory requirements. The lessons learned from Russia’s approach could influence the development of new messaging tools, privacy-preserving features, and strategies to ensure user safety without sacrificing openness—an objective that remains central to many crypto advocates who champion secure, censorship-resistant networks.
Ultimately, the case highlights how control over digital communications remains a strategic frontier for governments and tech firms alike. It also serves as a reminder for users and investors to monitor regulatory trajectories and policy signals, as these can have spillover effects on adjacent sectors that depend on stable, accessible online infrastructure. Whether by design or accident, policy choices in one major market can catalyze shifts in how people communicate, how services are delivered, and how new technologies—such as decentralized tools or crypto-enabled platforms—are perceived and adopted in the years ahead.
What to watch next
- Sept. 1, 2025 — Max becomes the default pre-installed option on new smartphones in Russia, solidifying its installed base.
- End-2026 — Official statements or regulatory actions that could signal a complete blocking of WhatsApp if compliance terms are not met.
- February 2026 — Ongoing reporting on access to WhatsApp in Russia, including potential official clarifications or statements from Moscow.
- Regulatory updates — Any new measures that define how foreign messaging platforms must operate within Russia’s legal framework.
Argentine fintech groups had welcomed the possibility that, for the first time, workers could deposit their salaries into virtual wallets. However, lawmakers removed the provision, a move widely seen as favoring traditional banking interests.
During negotiations to secure broader support for the bill, President Javier Milei’s party agreed to exclude the article, despite polls indicating that a large majority of Argentines prefer the freedom to choose where their salaries are deposited.
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Distrust In Banks Drives Wallet Adoption
Argentine law today stipulates that workers must deposit their salaries into traditional bank accounts. Despite that law, digital wallet adoption in Argentina has soared over the past few decades.
In part, that growth reflects limited access to banking. A 2022 Central Bank survey found that only 47% of Argentines had a bank account, a gap largely driven by longstanding distrust of traditional systems.
Decades of financial instability, including the 2001 “corralito” deposit freeze, persistent inflation, and repeated restrictions on access to funds, have eroded public trust in banks and accelerated a shift toward cash and dollar-denominated savings.
In response, fintech-run digital wallets, operated by non-bank payment service providers, have expanded access to financial services across Argentina.
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Platforms such as Mercado Pago, Modo, Ualá, and Lemon now rank among the most widely used. Many users without access to traditional bank accounts rely on these apps as their first point of entry into the formal digital financial system.
That’s why fintech leaders welcomed a provision that would have allowed Argentines to deposit their salaries directly into virtual wallets. However, the article was cut out of the proposed labor reform before it was even debated in Congress.
“The exclusion of Article 35 from the labor reform eliminated the possibility for Argentinians to freely choose where to receive their salary. In practice, the obligation to channel salaries through traditional banks was maintained, following strong pressure from the sector,” Maximiliano Raimondi, CFO of Lemon told BeInCrypto. “Governing involves negotiation, but it’s paradoxical that in a context where economic freedom is a central tenet, there has been a setback on a point that expanded a concrete freedom.”
That setback followed an intense lobbying effort by Argentina’s banking sector, which moved quickly to block the proposal.
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Political Trade Off Favors Banks
Banking associations sent letters to key senators this week outlining their objections to allowing salary deposits into digital wallets.
They argued that digital wallets lack adequate regulation, pose potential systemic risks, and could deepen financial exclusion.
“They do not have a regulatory, prudential or supervisory framework equivalent to that of banks and their approval would generate legal, financial, asset and systemic risks that would directly affect workers and the functioning of the financial system,” said Banco Provincia, a leading Argentine bank, in a statement.
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Fintech organizations pushed back, arguing that these claims were false.
“All Payment Service Providers (PSPs) are regulated and supervised by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA)… digital wallets were the gateway to financial services for millions of people who were able to open a virtual account easily and free of charge, and access better financial solutions,” Lemon said in a statement.
A recent study by consulting firm Isonomía also found that 9 out of 10 Argentines wanted the option to choose where to deposit their salaries. The tendency was even stronger among independent workers and those who work in the informal sector. The report also revealed that 75% of Argentines already use digital wallets daily.
Ultimately, the banking sector prevailed before the bill reached a Senate vote. According to reports, the government removed the provision to avoid straining relations with banks and to improve the bill’s chances of securing final approval.
TLDR
- 21Shares has expanded its partnership with BitGo to include custody and staking services for its crypto ETPs.
- BitGo will offer regulated custody, trading, execution services, and integrated staking infrastructure for 21Shares’ products.
- The partnership will support 21Shares’ US exchange-traded funds and global crypto ETPs across both the US and Europe.
- BitGo’s services will be delivered through its OCC-approved trust bank in the US and MiCA-licensed operations in Europe.
- 21Shares manages over $5.4 billion in assets across 59 exchange-traded products listed on 13 global exchanges.
21Shares has announced an expansion of its partnership with BitGo to enhance its custody and staking services. The collaboration will support 21Shares’ crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) across the United States and Europe. BitGo will provide regulated custody, trading, execution services, and integrated staking infrastructure for these products.
This agreement allows 21Shares to offer investors seamless access to its US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and global ETPs. BitGo will also provide liquidity across various electronic and over-the-counter markets.
The services will be offered through BitGo’s regulated entities in both the US and Europe. This includes the federally chartered trust bank approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and MiCA-licensed operations authorized by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority.
BitGo to Support 21Shares’ US and Global ETPs
The expanded partnership will enable BitGo to offer a range of services that support 21Shares’ exchange-traded products. BitGo’s services will include both custody and staking solutions for 21Shares’ clients. With a presence in the US and Europe, BitGo’s platform offers strong compliance with regulatory standards. This includes its OCC-approved US trust bank and MiCA-licensed European operations.
21Shares, a subsidiary of FalconX, is one of the world’s largest crypto ETP issuers. As of February 11, the company manages over $5.4 billion in assets across 59 products listed on 13 exchanges. This move marks another milestone in BitGo’s ongoing efforts to provide institutional-grade services to crypto investors.
21Shares Benefits from BitGo’s Custody and Staking Infrastructure
The partnership will also enhance 21Shares’ ability to tap into the growing demand for yield-generating crypto infrastructure. Staking services have become a key feature for institutional investors seeking enhanced returns from their crypto holdings. BitGo’s fully regulated framework will offer these investors access to secure custody and staking services.
This move comes just weeks after BitGo began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BTGO. The crypto industry has seen a rise in staking services, with platforms like Coinbase and Anchorage Digital also expanding their staking offerings. The growing interest in liquid staking, which allows users to stake while maintaining liquidity, further supports the demand for BitGo’s services.
TLDR
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins is under scrutiny for pausing the case against Justin Sun.
- Democratic lawmakers question whether political ties influence the SEC’s enforcement decisions.
- The SEC’s overall legal actions dropped by 30% in 2025, with a 60% decline in crypto-related cases.
- Paul Atkins defends the SEC’s approach, emphasizing a balanced enforcement strategy.
- Lawmakers express concerns about the SEC’s decision to drop high-profile crypto cases like Binance and Ripple.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Paul Atkins, is facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the agency’s shifting approach to cryptocurrency regulation. At a House Financial Services Committee hearing, lawmakers questioned his leadership as the SEC’s enforcement actions have slowed. The hearing focused on the SEC’s decision to pause the case against Tron founder Justin Sun, amid concerns about political connections and the agency’s declining crypto-related actions.
Paul Atkins Faces Lawmaker Scrutiny Over Enforcement Shifts
During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers voiced concerns about the SEC’s decision to pause the case against Justin Sun, founder of Tron. Representative Maxine Waters questioned whether industry ties to former President Donald Trump influenced the agency’s enforcement actions. She also pointed to the broader decline in enforcement efforts after Trump took office, and new leadership under Paul Atkins was appointed to the SEC in 2025.
Waters specifically referenced the SEC’s 2023 lawsuit against Sun. The lawsuit accused him of organizing the unregistered sale of crypto securities related to the TRX and BTT tokens and manipulating trading volumes. However, in February 2025, the SEC requested that a federal court pause the case. Since then, Sun has emerged as a prominent financial backer of Trump-affiliated crypto ventures.
SEC Chair Defends Reduced Enforcement in Cryptocurrency Cases
Atkins defended the SEC’s approach, asserting that the agency continues to pursue a robust enforcement effort. He emphasized that the SEC is still active in bringing cases against violators, but the total number of actions has dropped. According to Cornerstone Research, the SEC’s overall legal actions fell 30% in 2025, with crypto-related cases dropping by 60%.
When asked about the SEC’s leniency toward some high-profile crypto cases, including those involving Binance, Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, and Robinhood, Atkins responded cautiously. He declined to discuss specific cases, citing confidentiality concerns. However, he did reiterate his commitment to a balanced approach in overseeing the cryptocurrency market.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns About SEC’s Crypto Enforcement Priorities
Lawmakers were quick to question the SEC’s decisions to drop several high-profile cases against major players in the crypto industry. The SEC dismissed its lawsuit against Binance in May 2025, which had accused the company of offering unlicensed services and misleading investors about its trading controls. The agency also ended litigation involving Ripple, Coinbase, and other firms linked to the crypto industry.
Representative Stephen Lynch expressed frustration, asking how such high-profile cases could end without any enforcement actions. He emphasized the reputational damage the SEC has suffered due to these decisions. Despite these concerns, Paul Atkins maintained that the agency’s overall strategy is focused on ensuring market integrity while maintaining flexibility in enforcement.
Coinbase reported a net loss of $667 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, snapping the crypto exchange’s eight-quarter straight streak of profitability.
In its Q4 earnings released on Thursday, Coinbase said its earnings per share came in at 66 cents, which missed analyst expectations of 92 cents per share by 26 cents.
The company said its net revenue fell 21.5% year-on-year to $1.78 billion, falling short of analyst expectations of $1.85 billion.
Transaction-related revenue dropped nearly 37% year-on-year to $982.7 million, while subscription and services revenue jumped more than 13% from the year prior to $727.4 million.
It’s the first net loss Coinbase has reported since the third quarter of 2023, and comes as the crypto market fell over the quarter, with Bitcoin (BTC) dropping nearly 30% from a high of $126,080 in early October to under $88,500 by Dec. 31.
Bitcoin has fallen 25.6% to $65,760 so far this year, having climbed from a crash to under $60,000 earlier this month.
Despite the earnings miss, shares in Coinbase (COIN) rose 2.9% in after-hours trading on Thursday to $145.18 after a 7.9% decline over the trading day to close at $141.1.
For its Q1 outlook, the crypto platform said that it had generated $420 million in transaction revenue as of Feb. 10 but expects its subscription and services revenue to fall from $727.4 million to the $550 million to $630 million range.
Coinbase added that 2025 was a “strong year” for the company, both operationally and financially, with its full-year 2025 revenues climbing 9.4% from 2024 to $6.88 billion.
Related: Coinbase unveils crypto wallets designed specifically for AI agents
“In 2025, more than 12% of all crypto in the world resided on Coinbase,” the company said. “We’re building and connecting more products to facilitate customers doing more with their assets.”
Coinbase chief financial officer, Aleshia Haas, told investors on an earnings call that the company plans to keep its tech, sales, and marketing expenses relatively flat in comparison in Q4.
“We are going to be nimble as we go through the year and look at the opportunities that we have ahead of ourselves versus our expenses,” she said.
Magazine: The critical reason you should never ask ChatGPT for legal advice
The company blamed it on the most recent violent correction in the crypto market.
Crypto lender BlockFills has temporarily suspended client deposits and withdrawals in response to recent market volatility and financial conditions, according to an official statement released by the firm.
The decision was taken last week as a protective measure for both clients and the company.
Suspending Client Transfers
According to the official announcement, BlockFills said that while transfers in and out of the platform are paused, clients have continued access to trading services, including the ability to open and close positions in spot and derivatives markets, as well as in select other circumstances outlined by the firm.
The suspension potentially affects around 2,000 institutional clients, such as asset managers and hedge funds. BlockFills operates exclusively with investors holding at least $10 million in crypto assets. These clients collectively generated more than $60 billion in trading volume on the platform in 2025.
BlockFills stated that its management team has been working closely with investors and clients to resolve the situation and restore platform liquidity.
“BlockFills is committed to transparency in its communications and to the protection of its clients. Management has been working hand in hand with investors and clients to bring this issue to a swift resolution and to restore liquidity to the platform. The firm has also been in active dialogue with our clients throughout this process, including information sessions and an opportunity to ask questions of senior management.”
Crypto Market Turmoil
The move comes amid a broader crypto market downturn and echoes previous periods of stress in the industry, including the 2022 collapse of FTX and other crypto lenders. Bitcoin prices began falling on October 10 following a social media post by US President Donald Trump on tariffs, which contributed to increased volatility and nearly $20 billion in liquidations across the market.
Bitcoin continued to decline in the months that followed, as it fell under $65,000, over 45% below its October highs, and reached a year-to-date low of $60,008 on February 5. Stalled US crypto legislation has also continued to weigh on market sentiment.
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Crypto World
Asia leapfrogging the West in onchain retail use as regional hubs lead on stablecoin rules
Hong Kong — Asia is outpacing Western markets in the adoption of onchain financial services, driven by a focus on user utility and proactive regulation. While the West remains focused on institutional asset management, Asian markets are prioritizing high-frequency retail applications and cross-border trade.
During a panel discussion at Consensus Hong Kong, industry leaders highlighted how different regional dynamics shape blockchain growth. Suhan Zhao, head of APAC at Aptos Labs, noted a distinct shift toward real-world use cases. “In Asia, there is a high adoption of digital payment, and also there’s a high willingness to deploy new technology at scale,” Zhao said. She pointed to South Korea’s Lotte Group, which issued over 5 million mobile service vouchers on the Aptos network, reaching 1.3 million users in under three months.
Regulatory progress is a primary engine of this growth. Niki Ariyasinghe, vice president for Asia Pacific and Middle East at Chainlink Labs, identified Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates as the most advanced markets for stablecoin regulation. He argued that stablecoin adoption in Asia often stems from a fundamental need for efficiency rather than speculation. “Ultimately, it’s a willingness to use a new form of payment because of the value it delivers. Ultimately, it’s cheaper, it’s quicker, or it’s more convenient at the end of the day,” Ariyasinghe said.
Small businesses engaged in international trade represent a key demographic for these digital assets. These firms use stablecoins to bypass a fragmented traditional payment infrastructure that often takes days to settle. Nick See Tong, APAC regional lead for Base, emphasized that local stablecoins remain essential for mass market penetration. “A merchant selling wonton mee on the side is not going to accept USDT, USDC or any USD stablecoin. They want Hong Kong dollars,” See Tong said.
Crypto World
ETHZilla starts offering tokenized jet engine leasing exposure through newly launched token
ETHZilla (ETHZ) has unveiled a tokenized aviation asset, marking a major step in its plan to bring income-producing real-world assets onto Ethereum.
The new offering, Eurus Aero Token I, gives accredited investors access to lease income from two commercial jet engines currently in use by a major U.S. airline, ETHZilla announced on Thursday.
The deal, run through ETHZilla’s newly formed ETHZilla Aerospace LLC subsidiary, turns a traditionally institutional asset, aircraft engine leasing, into fractional tokens.
Each $100 token represents a claim on monthly lease payments, with expected annual returns around 11%, according to the company. ETHZIlla acquired the jet engines for $12.2 million late last month.
The tokens are issued on Ethereum Layer 2s and distributed through Liquidity.io, a platform that ETHZilla has backed.
Various firms buy and lease jet engines to aircraft operators. The firms lease these engines as spares to ensure their operations can continue in case their primary engines fail. Firms including AerCap, Willis Lease, and SMBC Aero Engine Lease are involved in the business.
This marks a shift from ETHZilla’s prior focus as a crypto treasury. The company sold over $114 million in ETH last year and redirected its capital toward tokenized assets like home loans, car loans and now aerospace equipment. The firm still owns 69,802 ETH ($136.5 million).
The Eurus tokens are secured by the engines, lease contracts and insurance, with distribution built directly into the smart contracts.
The leases run through 2028 and include a buy-sell agreement that could return additional capital to investors at term’s end. ETHZilla plans to expand this model into other asset classes, the firm wrote.
Prediction platform Polymarket recently launched a new feature that lets users bet on cryptocurrency price movements every five minutes.
The event signals rising demand for real-time crypto sentiment data among traders and investors.
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Real-Time Sentiment Drives Short-Term Contracts
For now, the new market is limited to Bitcoin, though support for major altcoins is expected to follow.
Price will update dynamically, in tune with market sentiment and immediate price reaction. All trades will be executed on-chain to ensure transparency and security.
The feature targets day traders and crypto enthusiasts looking for a fast-paced experience. With Bitcoin’s recent dip, price swings have grown increasingly erratic, amplifying short-term volatility.
The initiative builds on existing contracts with varying durations, ranging from 15-minute and hourly intervals to four-hour time frames. It also comes as prediction markets are seeing exponential growth in usage, with individual polls recording trading volumes in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
It also reflects growing concern that shifting attention toward these platforms could distort crypto’s core purpose and use cases.
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Market Weakness Fuels Betting Activity
Among the wide range of polls offered by prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, a significant share involves crypto bets. More specifically, many of these contracts focus on forecasting the future price of major digital assets.
Interest in these wagers has surged in recent months.
Tens of millions in trading volume have been directed toward Bitcoin’s February price alone, alongside heavily traded contracts linked to Ethereum, XRP, and Solana.
These forecasts have gained traction as the broader crypto market struggles to regain momentum. In this environment, volatility itself appears to be fueling participation, with traders using market weakness as an opportunity to place short-term bets.
While the proliferation of such polls has generated substantial trading activity, it is also drawing capital and attention away from underlying fundamentals.
Instead of sustained focus on integration or real-world use cases, crypto narratives risk shifting toward probabilities and crowd positioning.
Polymarket’s new five-minute betting feature further amplifies that dynamic.
If price-based wagering continues to attract more capital than long-term allocation, the market could increasingly revolve around price movements rather than durable value creation.
TLDR
- Crypto PAC Fairshake has launched a $1.5 million ad campaign against Texas Democrat Al Green in the primary race.
- Fairshake is targeting Green due to his opposition to cryptocurrency policies and his critical stance on digital assets.
- The PAC aims to replace Green with Christian Menefee, who has a favorable position on blockchain technology.
- Fairshake has committed to supporting candidates who advocate for crypto-friendly legislation across both political parties.
- The PAC also plans to spend $5 million to support U.S. Representative Barry Moore in the Alabama Senate primary.
Crypto PAC Fairshake has launched a $1.5 million ad campaign against Texas Democrat Al Green. The PAC is seeking to influence Green’s bid for re-election, aiming to replace him with a candidate more favorable to cryptocurrency policies. Green, a senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, has long criticized cryptocurrency’s potential risks to the financial system.
Fairshake Launches Attack Ads Against Green
Fairshake’s $1.5 million ad campaign against Al Green represents the PAC’s first major move in Texas this election cycle. Green, who represents a newly redrawn Texas district, has been vocal in opposing crypto legislation. The PAC, which has access to a $193 million war chest, intends to influence Green’s primary contest, which includes rising Democratic challenger Christian Menefee.
Green’s stance on cryptocurrency has earned him an “F” grade from Stand With Crypto, a group that tracks lawmakers’ positions on digital assets. The Texas representative has frequently warned of the potential dangers cryptocurrencies pose to investors and the broader economy. Fairshake aims to elect lawmakers more supportive of crypto by opposing incumbents like Green, who resist industry-friendly policy changes.
Protect Progress Super PAC Supports Menefee
Christian Menefee, Green’s primary challenger, has taken a more favorable stance on blockchain technology. His position has earned him an “A” grade from Stand With Crypto, which is supporting him as a pro-crypto candidate. Protect Progress, the super PAC affiliated with Fairshake, has voiced its commitment to backing candidates who support cryptocurrency innovation.
Menefee’s recent victory in a special election has put him in a strong position as he competes against Green for the newly drawn district seat. Texas’ primaries are scheduled for next month, setting the stage for a crucial race between Green and Menefee. Fairshake believes Menefee’s support for crypto will help drive economic growth in the state and beyond.
Fairshake’s involvement in congressional elections this cycle goes beyond the Green-Menefee race. The PAC has also pledged $5 million to support U.S. Representative Barry Moore of Alabama, a Republican who is pro-crypto. Moore faces a competitive Senate primary in Alabama, and Fairshake aims to boost his candidacy to further its cryptocurrency-friendly agenda.
The PAC’s strategy involves supporting candidates across both parties who are aligned with the crypto industry’s goals. Fairshake’s ads focus on broader political messages rather than crypto-specific policies, ensuring that they remain independent from candidates’ campaigns.
TLDR
- Coinbase users are currently unable to buy, sell, or transfer cryptocurrencies due to a significant service disruption.
- The outage has impacted essential trading and transaction functions, leaving many users unable to manage their crypto holdings.
- Coinbase confirmed that internal teams are investigating the issue and working to restore full service as quickly as possible.
- The disruption comes at a difficult time for Coinbase, with many users reporting failed transactions during active market conditions.
- Coinbase has advised users to monitor its official channels for real-time updates as the company works on resolving the issue.
Coinbase users are experiencing a major disruption that prevents them from buying, selling, or transferring cryptocurrencies. The issue has significantly impacted the platform’s ability to process essential transactions. The company confirmed that its internal teams are investigating the problem and working to restore full service as quickly as possible.
Coinbase Struggles with Trading and Transaction Failures
The service disruption has disrupted key functions, including the ability to place orders or move funds. Many users have reported failed transactions, restricting access to their accounts during active market conditions. This issue has led to a wave of complaints from users who are unable to manage their crypto holdings effectively.
“We are aware of the current issues affecting users’ ability to trade and transfer funds,” Coinbase said in a statement.
The company added that its technical team is investigating the root cause of the problem, and users are advised to stay updated through the platform’s official channels. Coinbase has not yet shared any specific technical details about what caused the disruption.
Ongoing Investigation and User Impact
As of now, the cause of the outage remains unclear. Coinbase has promised to resolve the issue, though no specific timeline has been provided for full restoration of services. The disruption comes at a challenging time for the company, with users actively trading in volatile market conditions.
This service failure has left many users unable to execute trades or manage their portfolios. During periods of heightened market activity, such interruptions can result in substantial inconvenience and financial loss for traders. Coinbase’s response will be closely scrutinized as it works to regain user trust.
Market and Company Impact
The timing of the outage also raises concerns about Coinbase’s operational reliability. The company is already under pressure due to the broader weakness in the digital asset market. This outage may further damage its reputation, especially among institutional investors who rely on reliable platforms for trading.
In the wake of the disruption, Coinbase has advised users to monitor its status page for updates. Although the company has not provided details on when the issue will be resolved, it remains committed to restoring services as soon as possible.
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Smart energy pays enters the US market, targeting scalable financial infrastructure
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