Crypto World
Tap to Earn Game Development Guide 2026: Strategy & Growth
Tap to Earn is no longer a novelty mechanic. In 2026, it has matured into a scalable user acquisition & token distribution model built around frictionless onboarding, micro-interactions, and viral network effects, especially within the TON ecosystem and Telegram infrastructure.
Unlike traditional Web3 games that demand high production budgets and long development cycles, Tap to Earn games optimize for speed, distribution, and engagement density. However, while they may appear simple on the surface, building a sustainable Tap to Earn ecosystem on TON requires strategic architecture, disciplined tokenomics, backend scalability, and strong anti-fraud design.
This Tap to Earn game development 2026 guide explores the structural foundation on TON and what it takes to build for long-term growth.
What Is Tap to Earn in 2026?
Tap to Earn in 2026 is not just about tapping a screen to collect tokens. It represents a behavioral reward engine designed around micro-engagement cycles. At its core, Tap to Earn is built on three mechanics:
- Ultra-simple interaction loops
- Instant reward feedback
- Referral-amplified growth
However, what makes it powerful today is not the tap, it is the ecosystem design. Modern Tap to Earn systems integrate:
- On-chain reward validation
- Token-based incentive layers
- Community leaderboard gamification
- Progressive unlock systems
- Hybrid off-chain performance optimization
The reason this model works so effectively on TON is that Telegram removes the largest friction point in gaming that is app installation. Users need not download and they need not register. They simply click and start interacting. This instant participation layer plays a significant role in dramatically improving early retention metrics. In 2026, Tap to Earn is less about “earn by tapping” and more about “engage and amplify within an ecosystem.”
Reason Behind the Explosion of Tap to Earn in 2024–2026
The growth of Tap to Earn is not accidental. It is structurally aligned with current user behavior and Web3 distribution dynamics. Typically, there are four primary reasons for its rapid adoption.
1. Distribution Without Friction
Telegram provides a ready-made network. Every user is already authenticated. Wallet integrations through TON helps reduce onboarding complexity further. No app store policies applicable, no 30% deduction in revenue, and no installation barrier.
2. Viral Referral Loops
Tap to Earn thrives on referral multipliers. Most games are architected to incentivize inviting friends. Every new user increases reward potential for existing participants, which, in turn, creates network compounding effects.
3. Micro-Session Behavior
Modern users prefer short engagement bursts. Tap to Earn sessions often last seconds or minutes, making them highly repeatable. This helps increase daily active usage frequency.
4. Tokenized Incentives
Unlike Web2 games, Tap to Earn integrates token ownership. This adds speculative and financial motivation layered on top of gameplay.
However, growth alone does not guarantee sustainability. Many projects in 2024 collapsed because they were optimized for viral spikes rather than focusing on economic durability.
Tap to Earn vs Play to Earn: Structural Differences
A number of new entrants in the field of gaming tend to get confused between Tap to Earn and Play to Earn model. While both Tap to Earn and Play to Earn fall under the category of Web3 gaming, they are fundamentally different in architecture, user behavior, and scalability potential. Understanding the difference between Tap to Earn and Play to Earn helps businesses and decision-makers choose the right model for their Web3 gaming strategy.
| Factor | Tap to Earn Games | Play to Earn Games |
|---|---|---|
| Core Interaction Model | Built around simple micro-interactions such as tapping, claiming rewards, or completing lightweight tasks. Designed for rapid engagement cycles. | Built around deeper gameplay mechanics such as battles, quests, strategy, or asset management requiring longer sessions. |
| User Onboarding | Extremely low friction. Users can start instantly through Telegram Mini Apps or bots without downloads or complex registration. | Typically requires wallet setup, NFT purchases, or platform onboarding before meaningful participation begins. |
| Development Complexity | Focuses on scalable backend systems, referral engines, and reward validation logic rather than complex gameplay mechanics. | Requires complex gameplay systems, NFT logic, multiplayer infrastructure, and advanced in-game mechanics. |
| Infrastructure Requirements | Lightweight frontend but strong backend validation systems to support large user volumes and prevent bot abuse. | Heavy infrastructure requirements due to complex gameplay, marketplace interactions, and asset ownership tracking. |
| Economic Structure | Growth-driven economies that depend on network expansion and controlled reward distribution. | Asset-driven economies focused on NFT ownership and in-game asset value appreciation. |
| Entry Barrier for Users | Usually free-to-start, allowing rapid user acquisition and viral growth. | Often requires upfront investment in NFTs or tokens to participate meaningfully. |
| User Session Length | Short sessions lasting seconds or minutes, encouraging frequent return visits throughout the day. | Longer sessions require dedicated gameplay time and higher user commitment. |
| Scalability Potential | Highly scalable due to lightweight interaction design and Telegram-based distribution. Can reach millions of users quickly. | Scaling requires significant infrastructure investment and longer development cycles. |
| Primary Growth Driver | Viral distribution and referral mechanics integrated into Telegram ecosystems. | Gameplay quality, asset value, and long-term player engagement. |
| Sustainability Challenges | Requires strong anti-bot protection and controlled token emissions to maintain ecosystem stability. | Requires balanced tokenomics and consistent player demand to prevent economic collapse. |
Strategic Takeaway
Tap to Earn is optimized for speed & distribution, while Play to Earn is optimized for depth and long-term gameplay value.
For projects launching within the TON ecosystem, Tap to Earn models often provide a faster path to user acquisition and ecosystem expansion. Play to Earn models, on the other hand, require significantly higher investment and longer development timelines but can support deeper gaming experiences.
Want to Build Your Viral Tap to Earn Game on TON?
Why TON Became the Default Ecosystem for Tap to Earn
TON particularly favors Tap to Earn due to its messaging-based ecosystem. Its technical architecture complements Tap to Earn mechanics exceptionally well, thereby making it ideal for Tap to Earn game development.
1. Native Telegram Integration
TON is embedded within Telegram’s infrastructure. This means wallet setup, notifications, and user verification happen inside the same ecosystem.
2. Transaction Efficiency
Low gas fees make micro-reward distribution economically viable. High gas environments would render Tap to Earn unsustainable.
3. Scalability
TON supports high transaction throughput. Viral Tap to Earn games may experience explosive user growth; infrastructure must support it.
4. Community Alignment
Telegram’s user base is already crypto-aware, which reduces user education barriers.
However, simply launching on TON does not guarantee success. Smart contract design, backend validation, and anti-bot systems remain critical.
Technical Architecture of TON Tap to Earn Games
Although Tap to Earn games appear simple to users, production-ready TON Tap to Earn game development relies on a multi-layered technical architecture. Each layer plays a critical role in ensuring scalability, reward validation, and long-term stability. Behind the simplicity lies layered engineering.
| Architecture Layer | Components | Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interaction Layer | Telegram Mini Apps, Bot Interfaces, Lightweight UI Components, Instant Feedback Systems | Provides a frictionless gameplay experience directly inside Telegram without requiring downloads or account creation | Fast and responsive interaction directly affects retention and engagement. Even small delays reduce daily active usage. |
| Application Logic Layer | Game logic engines, Reward calculation modules, Progress tracking systems, Leaderboards | Processes gameplay actions and determines how rewards are generated and distributed. | Ensures fair reward distribution and consistent user progression without manipulation. |
| Backend Infrastructure Layer | User databases, Referral tracking engines, Activity logging systems, API services | Stores player activity, validates interactions, and maintains the state of the game ecosystem. | Without robust backend infrastructure, viral growth can cause system instability and downtime. |
| Reward Validation Layer | Anti-bot detection systems, Rate-limiting controls, Behavioral analysis tools, Fraud monitoring systems | Detects suspicious activity and prevents automated reward farming or exploit attempts. | Tap to Earn ecosystems attract bots quickly. Without protection, token pools can be drained within weeks. |
| Blockchain Integration Layer | TON smart contracts, Token reward logic, Wallet connectivity, On-chain verification | Handles token distribution, asset ownership, and secure blockchain-based validation. | Ensures transparency and trust while keeping transaction costs low enough for micro-rewards. |
| Wallet & Identity Layer | TON Wallet integration, User identity mapping, Secure session handling | Connects players to blockchain assets and enables secure reward distribution. | Seamless wallet interaction reduces onboarding friction and improves user retention. |
| Analytics & Optimization Layer | Player behavior tracking, Retention analytics, Economy monitoring dashboards | Provides data-driven insights into user behavior and token circulation. | Enables continuous optimization and prevents economic imbalance over time. |
| Administration Layer | Admin dashboards, Economy controls, Reward adjustment tools, and User management panels | Allows operators to manage rewards, monitor activity, and maintain system stability. | Without administrative control, adjusting reward systems after launch becomes difficult. |
Architectural Insight
Most failed Tap to Earn projects underestimate the backend and validation layers. The visible interface may be simple, but scalable TON Tap to Earn game development requires disciplined engineering across multiple layers.
Successful projects typically implement hybrid architectures where:
- Frequent user actions are processed off-chain for speed
- Final reward distribution happens on-chain for transparency
- Smart contracts handle ownership and token logic
- Backend systems protect against exploitation
This hybrid model is considered best practice for TON Tap to Earn game development in 2026.
Monetization & Sustainability in Tap to Earn
Monetization models must go beyond token distribution. Sustainable Tap to Earn models integrate:
- Token sinks (upgrades, boosts, access rights)
- NFT premium layers
- Sponsored reward campaigns
- Marketplace transaction fees
- Tier-based reward multipliers
The biggest mistake projects make is treating token emission as marketing rather than economic policy. Economic modeling should actually account for:
- User growth velocity
- Token circulation rate
- Secondary market liquidity
- Inflation control mechanisms
Without this, reward dilution erodes value quickly.
Risks & Common Reasons for Failure
The majority of failed Tap to Earn projects tend to share similar weaknesses.
1. Bot Exploitation
If reward validation is shallow, automated systems drain tokens rapidly.
2. Backend Instability
Sudden user spikes overwhelm weak infrastructure.
3. Poor Token Design
High emission with low utility leads to rapid devaluation.
4. Short-Term Hype Mentality
Projects focused solely on viral marketing rarely sustain engagement beyond initial weeks.
Proper engineering and long-term modeling mitigate these risks. This is exactly where the role of the best Tap to Earn game development company comes into play.
Choosing the Best Tap to Earn Game Development Company
Selecting the best Tap to Earn game development company requires evaluating more than just portfolio aesthetics. Key evaluation criteria include:
- TON smart contract expertise
- Proven anti-bot engineering capability
- Backend scalability experience
- Tokenomics advisory understanding
- Telegram Mini App specialization
Antier, as a professional Tap to Earn game development company, understands both blockchain and high-scale backend systems to approach your project as an ecosystem, not just a bot.
Strategic Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Tap to Earn game development is evolving into:
- AI-personalized reward loops
- Dynamic token emission adjustments
- Cross-chain integration models
- Community governance overlays
- Hybrid Web2-Web3 reward systems
The projects that will dominate are those that appropriately integrate growth mechanics, secure architecture, sustainable economic design, and continuous iteration. Tap to Earn is not here to disappear. It is here to mature. Those who engineer for sustainability rather than hype will certainly capture long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. What is Tap to Earn in 2026?
Tap to Earn in 2026 is a behavioral reward engine focused on micro-engagement cycles, featuring ultra-simple interaction loops, instant reward feedback, and referral-amplified growth, all designed to enhance user acquisition and token distribution.
02. How does Tap to Earn leverage the TON ecosystem?
Tap to Earn leverages the TON ecosystem by utilizing Telegram’s infrastructure to eliminate friction points like app installation, allowing users to engage instantly without downloads or registrations, which significantly improves early retention metrics.
03. What are the key components of a successful Tap to Earn ecosystem?
A successful Tap to Earn ecosystem includes on-chain reward validation, token-based incentive layers, community leaderboard gamification, progressive unlock systems, and hybrid off-chain performance optimization, all contributing to sustainable growth.
Update (Feb. 26 at 06:00 UTC): This article has been updated to include commentary from Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether]
US Federal agents in North Carolina seized more than $61 million worth of USDt (USDT) tied to a large‑scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that preyed on victims through fake online relationships and fraudulent trading platforms.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh on Tuesday, the scammers posed as romantic partners and claimed to have special trading expertise.
They then steered their victims toward convincing but fake crypto sites that displayed fictitious investment portfolios showing unusually high returns that enticed them to invest more, before the scammers blocked their withdrawals and demanded extra fees when victims tried to get their money back.
Investigators from Homeland Security Investigations traced the victims’ funds across multiple wallets used to launder the proceeds before identifying several addresses that still held substantial amounts, which were then seized and made subject to forfeiture.
Prosecutors noted that Tether cooperated in the investigation: “The Department of Justice and HSI acknowledges Tether for its assistance in transferring these assets,” the release states, in the latest example of stablecoin issuers working with authorities to freeze and recover funds flowing through US dollar‑pegged tokens like Tether’s USDt.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said that the company’s cooperation with the DOJ highlighted the need for blockchain transparency to “empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively against criminal activity.”
Crypto fraud scams on the rise
This latest case comes at a time of explosive growth in crypto fraud, including pig butchering schemes that blend romance scams with bogus trading opportunities.
Data from Chainalysis’ 2026 Crypto Scams report found that crypto scam losses in 2025 reached $17 billion, with artificial intelligence (AI) driven impersonation and social engineering scams increasing by 1,400% year‑on‑year and becoming far more profitable than traditional phishing or giveaway schemes.
Related: How pig-butchering crypto scams turn trust into a financial weapon
In one incident in December 2025, a Bitcoin investor said he lost his retirement savings after being groomed by an online “trader” who used AI‑generated images and a fabricated persona to build trust before convincing him to move his coins into a fake investment platform.
US prosecutors have started to secure major sentences against the perpetrators of these networks.
In February, a key figure in a pig butchering‑linked crypto laundering operation involving over $70 million was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, reflecting how seriously courts are now treating this category of crime.
Magazine: South Korea gets rich from crypto… North Korea gets weapons
Global digital asset banking group Sygnum has announced the launch of an institutional crypto asset management service targeting the $100 billion corporate crypto treasury sector.
Sygnum Select, launched on Thursday, is described as a “discretionary mandate service” that applies Swiss banking’s established portfolio management model to crypto assets.
The service launches with live client mandates, client assets, and $200 million in actively managed portfolios already in place, a Sygnum spokesperson told Cointelegraph.
The move comes amid solid growth in corporate and public digital asset treasury companies (DATs) over the last few years, which now hold over $100 billion in crypto assets.
“Yet many lack the infrastructure for professional, institutional-grade management,” which creates “strong demand” for regulated services offering such products and addressing the gap, stated Sygnum.
There are currently 1.13 million BTC held by public companies and 287,990 BTC held by private firms worth a combined $97 billion, according to BitcoinTreasuries.
Not all DATs have been success stories. Ether treasury ETHZilla rebranded to “Forum” on Wednesday as part of a pivot out from holding crypto, with the new focus on tokenized assets following a 20% stock slide year to date.
Meanwhile, the world’s largest BNB treasury company, CEA Industries, has crashed 94% from its high last year, reportedly blaming the family office of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, YZi Labs, for a “secret side agreement.”
Sygnum said there has been a shift in client needs
Sygnum Select takes full execution authority within a client’s agreed investment framework, handling strategic asset allocation, active rebalancing, and risk oversight.
“As digital assets mature and institutional adoption accelerates, we’re seeing a clear shift in what clients need,” said Sygnum chief investment officer Fabian Dori.
He added that crypto foundations and corporate treasuries are no longer simply looking for custody and trading, “they want a trusted, regulated counterparty who can actively manage their assets with the same discipline and holistic approach as a traditional private bank.”
Related: Sygnum sees tokenization and state Bitcoin reserves taking off in 2026
The live mandates include spot, staking, hedging, derivatives, tokenized securities, and market-neutral strategies, and most portfolios include multiple asset classes across traditional and crypto assets, according to Sygnum.
“Clients can now access bespoke portfolio management that combines what traditional asset managers or crypto-native firms can offer,” explained Markus Haemmerli, Sygnum’s head of portfolio management.
The service is initially available only to Swiss clients, but broader geographic expansion is planned.
Sygnum raised more than 750 BTC in January for its market-neutral Bitcoin (BTC) fund, which posted an annualized return of 8.9% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Swiss crypto bank reached a post-money valuation of more than $1 billion after securing $58 million in an oversubscribed strategic growth round in January 2025.
Magazine: Clarity Act risks repeat of Europe’s mistakes, crypto lawyer warns
South Korean authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of 22 bitcoins that had been held as evidence by the Gangnam Police Station, officials announced on Wednesday.
Summary
- Two suspects were arrested in South Korea for allegedly stealing 22 bitcoins seized as evidence in a 2021 case.
- The missing Bitcoin, worth about $1.5 million, was discovered during a nationwide audit of police custody practices triggered by other digital asset losses.
- Law enforcement plans to implement stronger custody procedures for seized digital assets, including dual custodians and secure storage protocols.
Suspects detained as South Korea police probe disappearance of seized Bitcoin
The digital assets, seized in November 2021 and valued at roughly ₩2.1 billion (about $1.5 million) at current market prices, were discovered missing during a nationwide audit of law enforcement’s virtual asset custody practices.
The Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency apprehended the two individuals on February 25, 2026, on suspicion of embezzling the Bitcoin (BTC) after it was held in connection with a criminal investigation that has since been suspended.
The audit was triggered following a separate high-profile incident in which 320 bitcoins went missing from the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office custody.
Investigators revealed that while the cold wallet device, a USB-based storage intended to secure the private keys, remained physically in police possession, the bitcoins it contained had been transferred out to an external address without authorization.
Police have not confirmed whether the stolen cryptocurrency has been recovered.
Authorities are tightening procedures for handling seized digital assets. New protocols to be introduced will include assigning dual custodians for wallets and sealing both hardware and recovery phrases, with plans to entrust assets to specialized custodians within the year.
A police official stated that steps will be taken to strengthen safeguards to prevent similar breaches going forward.
The arrests mark a significant escalation in the investigation into internal vulnerabilities related to law enforcement’s management of cryptocurrency evidence, prompting broader scrutiny and calls for overhauled digital asset custody standards.
The crypto market capitalization has moved higher over the past day, with broad gains across major coins reflecting improving investor sentiment.
At the same time, the rebound has squeezed bearish positions, with over $468.5 million in short liquidations recorded during the 24-hour window.
Crypto Liquidation Wave Hits Short Sellers
According to BeInCrypto Markets data, total market capitalization has increased by 4.29%. The majority of the top 10 cryptocurrencies have posted gains over the past 24 hours.
Dogecoin (DOGE) jumped 9.10%, marking the strongest performance among the 10 largest cryptocurrencies. Lido Staked Ether (STETH) followed, advancing 8.83%. Ethereum (ETH) ranked third among the top performers, jumping 8.75% and reclaiming the $2,000 level.
Bitcoin (BTC) also posted notable gains, climbing 4.76% over the past day. The flagship cryptocurrency briefly touched $70,027 on Binance yesterday before retracing slightly to trade at $68,647 at press time.
BeInCrypto reported that the rally benefited some long traders who recorded profits amid ETH’s latest rise. However, traders betting on further downside saw losses.
According to Coinglass, 128,348 traders were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with total liquidations reaching $575.59 million. Short traders bore the brunt of the losses, accounting for $468.53 million in liquidations, compared to $107.06 million in long positions.
Bitcoin alone accounted for roughly 40% of total liquidations, with approximately $194.95 million in short positions liquidated. ETH recorded $203.8 million in total liquidations during the same period, with $175.16 million stemming from short positions.
The largest single liquidation order occurred on Hyperliquid for the BTC-USD pair, valued at $10.41 million.
Analysts Warn Crypto Relief Rally May Not Signal Full Trend Reversal
The recent rally has sparked optimism, but analysts warn it may not mark a full trend reversal. According to XWIN Research Japan, Open Interest has fallen sharply from prior highs, signaling a broad deleveraging phase.
“The recent drop in price was accompanied by falling OI, suggesting that liquidations and derivatives-driven unwinds — rather than aggressive spot selling — played a major role in the decline. This type of reset can stabilize the market, but it does not automatically signal renewed structural demand,” XWIN Research Japan wrote.
At the same time, Binance’s Fund Flow Ratio remains low at around 0.012. Since this metric tracks BTC inflows relative to total exchange holdings, a low reading suggests limited immediate sell pressure.
The analysis added that during the drop toward the mid-$60,000 range, the ratio did not spike. This suggested there was no panic-driven spot selling.
However, XWIN Research Japan noted that weak inflows do not imply strong accumulation. The medium-term trend of the Fund Flow Ratio’s moving averages is trending downward. It indicates that structural demand has not yet shifted upward.
“When leverage remains suppressed, upward price moves can easily trigger short squeezes. In that case, the rally is driven more by position unwinding than by expanding structural demand,” the post read.
Analyst Darkfost also stressed that an increase in spot trading volume will be necessary for any bullish recovery or solid market bottom to develop.
A senior US lawmaker launched a congressional inquiry into crypto exchange Binance following reports that the platform processed about $1.7 billion in transactions tied to sanctioned Iranian entities and Russia’s oil “shadow fleet.”
On Tuesday, Senator Richard Blumenthal, ranking member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Binance CEO Richard Teng requesting documents and internal records related to the exchange’s sanctions controls and compliance practices.
Citing reporting from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Fortune, Blumenthal said Binance compliance staff had identified two partner entities, including Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust, as intermediaries enabling trade with Iranian government-linked organizations. Internal investigators also reportedly traced transfers to wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and payments to crews operating tankers used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
“Binance appears to have ignored clear warning signs, knowingly allowed illicit accounts to operate, and even provided hands-on support to entities engaged in money laundering,” the senator said. He requested communications, account records and internal compliance reports, including any materials related to users connected to Iran and participants in Russian sanction-evasion networks.
Related: Binance stablecoin reserves have sunk 19% since November
Binance denies sanctions allegations
A Binance spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the recent allegations are inaccurate, saying that the platform identified and reported suspicious activity. The exchange disputed earlier media coverage and maintained that it does not allow Iranian users on the platform.
“Over the last several years, Binance has undergone one of the industry’s strongest compliance transformations, which has allowed us to achieve our current regulatory milestones,” the spokesperson said.
Binance has repeatedly pushed back against the recent media reports. Last week, the exchange denied a Fortune report alleging it processed over $1 billion in Iran-linked transactions and dismissed investigators who raised concerns.
On Tuesday, Binance CEO Richard Teng also criticized a Wall Street Journal report alleging $1.7 billion in Iran-linked transfers, calling it defamatory and demanding a retraction. In a blog post Monday, Binance said it has sharply cut exposure to sanctioned and high-risk jurisdictions, claiming a roughly 97% drop since January 2024 to about 0.009% of exchange volume.
Related: Binance confirms employee targeted as three arrested in France break-in
Senate probe questions Binance compliance
The inquiry follows Binance’s 2023 settlement with US authorities, in which the company agreed to pay $4.3 billion for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and sanctions violations. Founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down as CEO and later served a four-month prison sentence. Binance also agreed to be monitored and pledged to strengthen compliance controls.
Blumenthal wrote that the newly reported activity could raise questions about the exchange’s adherence to that agreement. He set a March 6 deadline for Binance to provide the requested materials.
Magazine: How crypto laws changed in 2025 — and how they’ll change in 2026
Bitcoin (BTC) rallied toward $66,000 after Tuesday’s gains in the US stock market, as cryptocurrencies sought to halt their 2026 slump.
Key takeaways:
-
Bitcoin rallied above $66,000 on Wednesday, recovering alongside US stocks.
-
Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Index flipped positive amid $258 million in ETF inflows.
-
While BTC’s correlation with stocks and gold is at its weakest since 2022, it historically signaled significant upside upon reversion.
BTC price recovers in tandem with US equities
Bitcoin’s recovery Wednesday aligns closely with similar rebounds in the US stock market, with AI and tech stocks leading the market higher.
The tech-focused Nasdaq led the recovery with 1.05% daily gains, while the S&P 500 rose 0.68%. The Dow locked in a 421-point gain, closing the trading day on Tuesday 0.86% higher.
Related: Bitcoin bounces to $66K as rumors swirl over Jane Street selling algorithm
Crypto-related stocks also saw moderate gains, with crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) rising by 1.12% and Strategy (MSTR) gaining 0.73%.
The swift recovery of US equity markets appears to have played a role in easing negative pressure on crypto investors looking to cut risk asset exposure.
This is evidenced by the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Index, a metric that tracks the price difference between BTC on Coinbase and Binance, which has flipped positive for the first time since Jan. 15.
This means “US buyers are stepping in,” said analyst Nic in a post on Wednesday, adding that the index needs to stay positive to ensure sustained buying pressure.
The return of demand in the US was also reflected by Bitcoin ETFs, which recorded $258 million in net inflows on Tuesday.
Bitcoin won’t stay disconnected forever: Analysis
Bitcoin, which is often viewed as a risk asset in the short term, has frequently moved in tandem with the stock market, particularly the S&P 500.
The past six months have seen a sustained period of this correlation breaking. The daily correlation coefficient index between BTC price and the US benchmark index, the S&P 500 index, is currently 0.32, and -0.45 with gold.
“Since late August, gold has surged +51%, the S&P 500 has gained +7%, and Bitcoin has fallen -43%,” onchain data provider Santiment said in a recent post on X.
This marks the weakest correlation between Bitcoin and stocks since the FTX chaos in late 2022.
“Historically, when an asset that is usually correlated breaks away in this dramatic fashion, it typically does not stay disconnected forever,” Santiment said, adding:
“In the long term, this unusual separation actually argues for significant upside for Bitcoin and altcoins.”
If Bitcoin returns to its historical pattern of tracking equities during economic expansions, “it may have significant room to catch up,” Santiment concluded.
This view was echoed by the founder and CIO of trading company QCP Capital, Darius Sit, who argued that the “Bitcoin vs. gold” debate is often misread as a price contest, when the “more important driver is liquidity and market structure.”
The divergence between stocks and BTC “reflects position unwinds and leverage-driven flows, not a failure of Bitcoin’s longer-term narrative,” Sit said, adding:
“Bitcoin still behaves like a long-term inflation hedge and an increasingly legible form of collateral.”
As Cointelegraph reported, Bitcoin’s adoption by institutions, banks, merchants, public companies and nation-states surged in 2025, confirming it as a maturing asset class for investors.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
A governance dispute inside the Aave ecosystem intensified after two detailed reports offered contrasting interpretations of the protocol’s past funding and contributions ahead of a vote on a proposed $50 million package for Aave Labs.
Aave Chan Initiative (ACI) founder Marc Zeller on Wednesday published what he called a transparency report reviewing Aave Labs’ historical funding and applied a return-on-investment framework to past DAO grants. Hours earlier, Aave Labs released its own contributions report outlining its role in building the protocol since 2017.
The dispute centers on the “Aave Will Win” framework, a proposal asking tokenholders to approve funding worth up to $42.5 million in stablecoins and 75,000 AAVE (AAVE) tokens. In return, Aave Labs would route 100% of revenue from Aave-branded products to the Aave DAO treasury under a DAO-funded operating model, according to the proposal and related forum posts.
The debate has broadened beyond the size of the funding request to include questions about accountability standards, revenue attribution and who maintains the protocol’s core infrastructure.
It follows the recent announcement that BGD Labs, a core technical contributor, will conclude its involvement with the DAO on April 1.
Competing views on funding and value
Zeller’s report said Aave Labs has received about $86 million in lifetime capitalization, including its 2017 initial coin offering (ICO) proceeds, venture funding and DAO payments.
He argued that future DAO grants should be evaluated using measurable revenue impact and clearer disclosure standards.
ACI, a service provider to the Aave DAO and not a neutral party in the debate, questioned whether governance votes should be unbundled to separate funding, revenue alignment and V4 ratification.
Zeller wrote that funding decisions should be tied to performance benchmarks and transparent reporting.
Aave Labs, in its contributions report, highlighted its role in designing and shipping Aave V1, V2 and V3, and highlighted features it said underpin the protocol’s current revenue model, including flash loans, the Safety Module and Efficiency Mode.
Aave Labs argued that counting governance proposals or forum posts does not reflect the full scope of research, development, security and infrastructure work required to maintain a protocol used by millions of users.
What tokenholders are voting on
Under the “Aave Will Win” framework, Aave Labs would transition to a DAO-funded operating model while directing product-level revenue, including from aave.com and planned consumer-facing products, to the DAO.
Related: Curve Finance founder says disagreement within a DAO is a healthy sign
The proposal also seeks ratification of Aave V4 as the protocol’s long-term technical foundation and outlines plans for a new foundation to steward the Aave brand.
Some community members have previously raised concerns about the size of the funding package and the inclusion of 75,000 AAVE tokens, which carry voting power.
On Feb. 13, critics called for clearer definitions of revenue and greater transparency around governance holdings.
The Snapshot vote, scheduled for Thursday, is an initial offchain vote that gauges community sentiment before any binding onchain proposal is submitted.
Magazine: Hong Kong stablecoins in Q1, BitConnect kidnapping arrests: Asia Express
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) selected four companies to join a dedicated stablecoin cohort within its long‑running Regulatory Sandbox.
In a Wednesday press release, the FCA said it chose Monee Financial Technologies, ReStabilise, Revolut and VVTX from a pool of 20 applicants to test how their stablecoin services perform under the UK’s proposed rules in a “safe environment.”
The UK regulator said that its testing would focus primarily on stablecoin issuance and that the four companies would pilot a range of use cases, including payments, wholesale settlement and crypto trading, with findings intended to inform the UK’s final stablecoin rules.
Matthew Long, director of payments and digital assets at the FCA, said that the regulator would support UK stablecoin issuers to ensure that they could “be trusted for payments, settlement and trading.”
He said that the FCA’s involvement would “benefit consumers and financial transactions,” and that it would help to “deliver the FCA’s strategy and the Government’s National Payments Vision.”
Sandbox permits testing in controlled environment
The FCA’s sandbox was launched in 2016 under Project Innovate, and the stablecoin‑specific cohort opened for applications in November 2025, aimed at prospective UK stablecoin issuers wanting to pilot pound or other fiat‑backed tokens and related payment use cases while the country’s permanent stablecoin regime is being finalized.
The four companies chosen for the cohort are expected to begin testing in the first quarter of 2026, and their findings will “help shape the UK’s final stablecoin rules later in 2026,” the release states.
Related: Gemini exit a ‘blow for policymakers’ with UK crypto hub ambitions
All companies will need to be authorized under the new regime once it goes live in October 2027.
The regulator had previously flagged sterling‑denominated stablecoin payments as a priority for everyday use and has already brought in projects like regulatory technology firm Eunice to explore disclosure standards and market data frameworks for crypto markets.
FCA’s stablecoin plans face industry criticism
Despite the FCA’s efforts, industry leaders such as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong have warned that the UK’s emerging stablecoin regime risks undercutting the country’s competitiveness in the digital economy.
In a Wednesday X post, Armstrong pointed to proposals from the Bank of England to cap the amount of stablecoin individuals and businesses can hold, arguing that such caps would act as an “innovation blocker” at a time when other jurisdictions are moving quickly to attract stablecoin and blockchain businesses.
He urged UK residents to support a pro‑innovation strategy for blockchain and stablecoins by signing a petition coordinated by advocacy group Stand With Crypto UK that has already garnered over 80,000 signatures, highlighting the tension between the UK’s cautious, payments‑first approach and industry calls for looser limits on stablecoin use.
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Crypto exchange-traded product (ETP) provider 21Shares has launched an investment product giving European investors access to a preferred stock issued by Michael Saylor’s Strategy, the world’s largest public holder of Bitcoin.
The asset manager will list its 21Shares Strategy Yield ETP under the ticker “STRC NA” on Euronext Amsterdam on Thursday, the company said Wednesday.
The ETP is available to institutional and retail investors, offering a dividend backed by Strategy’s Bitcoin (BTC) treasury, which currently holds 717,722 BTC, valued at around $47 billion. With dividends set at a variable 11.25% annualized rate, the ETP represents one of the earliest structured, BTC-backed corporate securities available to European investors.
How the STRC ETP Works
The 21Shares Strategy Yield ETP with exposure to Strategy’s preferred stock STRC, officially known as Variable Rate Series A Perpetual “Stretch” Preferred Stock, is designed to act as a “cash-flow bridge” between traditional finance and Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury.
21Shares said the ETP structure is intended to make the instrument easier to access for European investors through standard brokerage accounts, rather than requiring investors to buy the preferred shares directly.
“By combining high income potential with a familiar exchange traded structure, STRC offers both institutional and retail investors an efficient and accessible way to add yield to their portfolios,” 21shares president Duncan Moir said.
21Shares enters equity-linked ETPs
The company positioned the launch as its first equity-linked product, expanding beyond its traditional lineup of crypto-only ETPs, Moir noted.
He added that the move reflects the company’s broader mission to provide accessible exposure to digital assets.
“Since our inception, we have focused on providing straightforward access to digital assets,” Moir said. “With this product, we are extending that expertise into equity-linked exposure tied to the Bitcoin ecosystem,” he added.
Related: Bitcoin ETFs post $258M inflows as institutional Q4 selling hits 25,000 BTC
Operating since 2018, 21Shares is one of the largest crypto ETP providers globally, managing about $5.3 billion across 60 ETPs on 13 exchanges as of Monday.
The company has continued its global expansion, launching a new exchange-traded fund in the US on Tuesday: the 21Shares Spot SUI ETF (TSUI), which has started trading on the Nasdaq.
This follows a series of ETP launches by 21Shares, as asset managers continue to broaden the menu of regulated products tied to crypto markets for both institutional and retail investors.
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BlockFills co-founder and CEO Nicholas Hammer has stepped down from his leadership role, with the company’s website now listing Joseph Perry as interim CEO.
Summary
- BlockFills co-founder and CEO Nicholas Hammer has stepped down, with Joseph Perry appointed as interim CEO.
- The firm halted deposits and withdrawals earlier this month after suffering a reported $75 million lending loss.
- BlockFills is now exploring a potential sale or strategic partnership as it navigates liquidity pressures during the ongoing crypto bear market.
Leadership shakeup at BlockFills as firm seeks buyer after market stress
The leadership change comes as the Chicago-based crypto lending and liquidity firm grapples with significant financial stress, operational freezes and strategic uncertainty.
On February 11, 2026, BlockFills temporarily suspended client deposits and withdrawals, a decision attributed to challenging market conditions and liquidity pressures. The suspension remains in place with no clear timeline for resumption, prompting concern among its roughly 2,000 institutional clients, which include hedge funds, asset managers and mining firms.
According to media reports, the company also has an approximate $75 million loss linked to its crypto lending business after the value of collateral backing loans declined sharply during the recent downturn in digital asset prices.
Some clients were privately advised to withdraw assets before the full freeze was implemented, a move that industry watchers see as indicative of deeper liquidity stress.
BlockFills’ management and investors are now reportedly actively seeking a buyer or strategic partner to stabilize operations, with Joseph Perry stepping in to lead these efforts. The firm, which processed more than $60 billion in trading volume in 2025, is supported by backers including Susquehanna Private Equity, CME Ventures, Simplex, C6E and Nexo.
Amid a persistent bear market, capital constraints and broader risk aversion in crypto markets, the company’s fate remains uncertain. Prolonged freezes on liquidity could damage confidence and hinder institutional participation, echoing patterns seen in previous crypto downturns where lenders faced severe solvency challenges.
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