Crypto World
US CLARITY Act To ‘Hopefully’ Pass By April: Bernie Moreno
The US CLARITY Act, a highly anticipated bill aimed at providing greater clarity for the US crypto industry, could make it through Congress in just over a month, according to crypto-friendly US Senator Bernie Moreno.
“Hopefully by April,” Moreno told CNBC during an interview at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property in Florida on Wednesday.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong joined Moreno for the interview, explaining that they were with representatives from the crypto, banking and US Congress at the World Liberty Financial (WLF) crypto forum to reach a solution on market structure.
“A path forward” is in sight, says Moreno
“One of the big issues that did come up in the past was this idea of stablecoins on rewards,” Armstrong said. The banking industry previously raised concerns that offering stablecoin yields could undermine traditional banking and shift deposits and interest away from banks.
While Armstrong had issues with the draft bill and withdrew his support for the CLARITY Act in January, he said there is “now a path forward, where we can get a win-win-win outcome here.”
“A win for the crypto industry, a win for the banks, and a win for the American consumer to get President Trump’s crypto agenda through to the finish line, so we can make America the crypto capital of the world,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the crypto exchange previously couldn’t support the bill because it includes provisions that ban interest-bearing stablecoins and position the US Securities and Exchange Commission as the primary regulator of the crypto industry. The White House was reportedly disappointed by Coinbase’s decision to withdraw its support, describing the move as a “unilateral” action that blindsided administration officials.
Moreno admitted that the delay stems from “getting hung up” on the stablecoin rewards, which he said “shouldn’t be part of this equation.”
Crypto prediction platform Polymarket’s odds of the US CLARITY Act passing in 2026 briefly surged to 90% on Wednesday before falling to 72% at the time of publication.
Moreno shuts down idea of a Democrat-led midterm election
Meanwhile, Moreno dismissed the idea that a Democratic takeover of Congress could threaten the bill when asked. “The House isn’t going to go Democrat, and neither is the Senate,” Moreno said.
“The American people are sick and tired of open borders; that is why we got elected. They were sick and tired of high inflation, and they were sick and tired of an out-of-control government,” he added.
Related: ECB targets 2027 digital euro pilot as provider selection begins in Q1 2026
On Dec. 19, White House crypto and AI czar David Sacks voiced strong confidence that the bill would pass early this year.
“We are closer than ever to passing the landmark crypto market structure legislation that President Trump has called for. We look forward to finishing the job in January,” Sacks said at the time.
Magazine: Bitcoin may take 7 years to upgrade to post-quantum: BIP-360 co-author
Ledn’s latest financing move marks a notable milestone for crypto-backed credit in traditional capital markets. The Bitcoin‑collateralized consumer loan platform is reported to have securitized roughly $188 million in bonds tied to a pool of small-dollar, short‑term loans, packaged as asset‑backed securities (ABS) through a vehicle called Ledn Issuer Trust 2026‑1. The issuance represents one of the first times bitcoin collateral has been embedded into a mainstream ABS structure, signaling growing interest from conventional fixed‑income investors in crypto‑linked credit risk. The deal, described by people familiar with the matter to Bloomberg, has set a precedent for how crypto collateral can be leveraged within regulated securitization channels.
Key takeaways
- The securitization is framed as a first‑of‑its‑kind ABS that pools 5,441 short‑term, fixed‑rate balloon loans extended to 2,914 U.S. borrowers and is secured by 4,078.87 Bitcoin (BTC).
- The deal’s senior tranche totals $160 million and carries a preliminary BBB‑ (sf) rating, while a $28 million subordinated tranche carries a preliminary B‑ (sf) rating, according to S&P Global Ratings’ documentation dated February 9.
- The investment‑grade Class A notes reportedly priced at a spread of about 335 basis points over a benchmark rate, implying an approximate 3.35% yield relative to riskless debt and reflecting investors’ pricing for crypto‑credit risk versus traditional consumer ABS.
- Jefferies Financial Group served as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner, bridging institutional fixed‑income buyers with this novel crypto‑linked exposure.
- The deal underscores Bitcoin as a form of collateral that traditional finance institutions are increasingly willing to accept, a trend highlighted by notable industry voices and ongoing collaboration between crypto lenders and traditional banks.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC
Sentiment: Neutral
Price impact: Neutral. The ABS issuance reflects growing institutional appetite for crypto‑backed credit exposure rather than a direct price move in Bitcoin itself.
Market context: The transaction arrives amid a broader shift toward integrating Bitcoin as usable collateral within regulated finance, a trend reinforced by lenders and banks expanding BTC‑backed products. The piece aligns with broader industry discussions about how liquidity can flow from crypto assets into traditional financing structures, while the market remains attentive to the evolving regulatory backdrop and the resilience of collateral performance during volatility.
Why it matters
The Ledn ABS illustrates a practical bridge between on‑chain asset dynamics and off‑chain credit markets. By securitizing a pool of loans secured by Bitcoin, the structure leverages a transparent, programmable asset class that can be tracked through conventional reporting channels, potentially broadening access to crypto‑backed lending for a wider base of institutions. The use of balloon payments in balloon loan structures is designed to keep near‑term cash outlays manageable for borrowers, while exposing investors to a larger principal balance at maturity. This mechanism can provide a clearer risk profile for buyers of crypto‑linked ABS who seek to diversify their exposure away from direct crypto ownership while retaining the upside of Bitcoin’s collateral cushion.
Industry participants see the inclusion of BTC as collateral in a traditional ABS framework as a signal that crypto assets are moving from speculative use cases into mainstream financial plumbing. In remarks cited by market observers, Andre Dragosch, head of research at Bitwise Europe, noted that packaging such loans into a familiar ABS format implies Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as safe and legitimate collateral by established financial institutions. Dragosch pointed to JPMorgan’s BTC‑backed loan offerings as a corroborating data point, suggesting that large banks are evolving their product menus to accommodate crypto collateral within standard risk frameworks. This sentiment reflects a broader trend: liquidity that was previously constrained within crypto‑native markets could gradually find channels into regulated financing ecosystems, potentially expanding the size and scope of BTC‑collateralized lending over time.
From a research standpoint, observers argue that the on‑chain traceability and programmable liquidation capabilities inherent to Bitcoin‑backed lending reduce opacity around collateral management, which can help attract institutional buyers who demand clear governance around defaults and recoveries. Jinsol Bok, research lead at Four Pillars Global Crypto Research, highlighted the potential for on‑chain transparency to lower information asymmetries for ABS investors and to unlock scalable liquidity as BTC‑collateralized loans diversify beyond boutique, crypto‑focused channels. The dynamic could unlock new lending products and broaden the ecosystem’s capacity to absorb capital against crypto collateral, particularly as issuance volumes in the crypto lending space have drawn attention for their growth and risk management approaches.
The catalytic elements of this transaction extend beyond the initial securitization. Ledn, founded in 2018, has amassed more than $9.5 billion in loan originations across over 100 countries, a figure that signals the company’s ability to scale crypto‑backed lending into traditional capital markets. The relationship with Tether, which invested strategically in Ledn in November 2025, adds a layer of credibility and institutional interest that could spur further collaboration between stablecoin issuers and crypto lenders. The broader implication for traders and borrowers alike is the potential for BTC‑backed lending to become a more common, lower‑cost, and more transparent instrument, with on‑chain asset tracking complementing off‑chain securitization disclosures.
As the market digests this development, analysts caution that investment‑grade ratings still sit at a relatively modest level of comfort, reflective of the embedded credit risk in crypto‑linked debt. BBB‑ (sf) for the senior notes signals adequate capacity to meet financial commitments but indicates heightened sensitivity to adverse conditions compared with higher‑rated debt. The subordinated B‑ (sf) tranche sits in the lower tiers of credit quality, signaling substantially higher risk of default relative to investment‑grade bonds. Yet the mere existence of such ratings demonstrates that risk‑adjusted access to funding can be extended to crypto‑backed assets within a structured finance framework, provided that collateral mechanics and liquidity remain robust enough to support timely repayments and potential liquidations in stressed markets.
What to watch next
- Final ratings and closing terms for Ledn Issuer Trust 2026‑1, including any adjustments to the BBB‑ sf and B‑ sf designations.
- Performance of the underlying loan pool, including delinquency rates and recovery rates on BTC collateral during market stress.
- Subsequent securitizations or new tranches announced by Ledn or other crypto lenders leveraging BTC collateral in ABS formats.
- Regulatory commentary or disclosures that could influence the appetite for crypto‑backed ABS and the permissible collateral standards for such securitizations.
Sources & verification
- S&P Global Ratings preliminary documentation for Ledn Issuer Trust 2026‑1 (ratings: BBB‑ sf for Class A; B‑ sf for Class B), dated Feb. 9.
- Bloomberg reporting on the transaction and pricing details (Feb. 18, 2026).
- Ledn’s platform history and loan origination figures (Ledn official materials).
- Tether’s strategic investment in Ledn, announced in late 2025.
Ledn’s Bitcoin‑backed ABS signals growing mainstream embrace of BTC collateral
Ledn’s securitization effort, structured through Ledn Issuer Trust 2026‑1, deploys a pool of 5,441 balloon loans to 2,914 U.S. borrowers and backs them with 4,078.87 Bitcoin (BTC). The single senior tranche, consisting of $160 million, carries a preliminary BBB‑ (sf) rating, while the $28 million subordinate class carries a preliminary B‑ (sf) rating, according to S&P Global Ratings’ early assessment published in February. The notes were positioned as an investment‑grade instrument with a spread of roughly 335 basis points above a benchmark rate, implying an all‑in yield around 3.35% for the senior notes, a level that reflects the perceived credit risk of crypto‑backed lending as opposed to traditional consumer ABS.
Jefferies Financial Group acted as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner, coordinating negotiations with fixed‑income investors who are now exposed to a new form of crypto‑linked credit. The approach demonstrates how traditional finance channels can absorb crypto collateral in a regulated setting, offering a pathway for more standardized risk assessment and investor protections. The presence of a clearly delineated pool of loans and collateral helps reduce some of the information asymmetries that have historically characterized crypto credit markets, while also exposing participants to the volatility of the underlying crypto asset under pressure.
From a wider industry perspective, the deal underscores a broader shift in how Bitcoin is viewed by banks and non‑bank lenders alike. Andre Dragosch, head of research Europe at Bitwise, observed that packaging BTC‑backed loans into a conventional ABS framework signals that Bitcoin is increasingly regarded as “safe and legit collateral” by institutional players. He pointed to JPMorgan’s BTC‑backed loan offerings to customers as a corroborating datapoint—an indication that large banks are integrating crypto collateral into their traditional product lines. Four Pillars’ Jinsol Bok added that this could unlock liquidity that has previously been locked up, potentially allowing the BTC‑collateralized lending market to expand far beyond its current scale as more lenders enter the space and refine their risk models.
Ledn’s growth—originating more than $9.5 billion in loans across over 100 countries since its founding in 2018—highlights the capacity of crypto lenders to scale these products to mainstream markets. The strategic investment from Tether in November 2025 further signals investor confidence in the platform’s risk controls and governance, a factor that could influence future securitizations and investor buy‑side demand for crypto‑linked debt. While the broader market remains mindful of regulatory uncertainties and volatility in crypto assets, the emergence of BTC as a credible collateral backbone for ABS demonstrates how the industry is evolving toward more mature, diversified financing structures that integrate crypto with traditional market mechanisms.
As the XTI/USD chart shows, the price of a barrel has today moved above the highs of 4 and 11 February, rising beyond the $66 level and marking its highest point since the start of the month. Bullish sentiment is being driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, primarily linked to Iran. According to media reports:
→ Negotiations between the parties remain inconclusive. Although Tehran stated that a “general agreement” had been reached with Washington on the framework of a potential nuclear deal, US Vice-President JD Vance indicated that Iran had failed to meet US demands.
→ President Donald Trump, in turn, maintains that the use of military force remains an option.
This raises the prospect of Iran attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Any US military action could evolve into a prolonged campaign, unlike the short-lived operation in Venezuela.
Heightened geopolitical risk is therefore pushing oil prices towards fresh yearly highs.
Technical Analysis of the XTI/USD Chart
When analysing the oil price chart on 12 February, we:
→ used WTI price swings to construct a broad ascending channel (shown in purple);
→ identified patterns suggesting that initiative was shifting to the bears.
Since then, oil prices not only retreated to the lower boundary of the channel but also broke below it on the same day. The breakout level later acted as local resistance on 17 February.
Subsequently, a false bearish breakout (indicated by the arrow) signalled that selling pressure had been exhausted. Bulls then capitalised on the tense news backdrop to push prices higher.
It is possible that the 65.20 level will now act as support, with scope for a fresh yearly high in the near term. Should signs of military action emerge, traders should be prepared for a scenario in which WTI prices move well above $66.20.
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TLDR:
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- Japan’s LDP secured over two-thirds of seats, fast-tracking long-delayed crypto tax reform proposals.
- The FSA plans to reclassify Bitcoin and Ethereum as financial instruments, enabling spot ETFs.
- A flat 20% crypto tax rate has bipartisan support and is expected to move forward under the new cabinet.
- STARTALE’s Watanabe says regulatory clarity will draw foreign investment and unlock domestic Web3 growth.
- Japan’s LDP secured over two-thirds of seats, fast-tracking long-delayed crypto tax reform proposals.
Crypto asset tax reform in Japan has moved closer to reality following the inauguration of the second Takaichi Cabinet.
The Liberal Democratic Party secured more than two-thirds of seats in the House of Representatives elections. This strong political base is expected to accelerate long-pending regulatory changes.
STARTALE Group CEO Sota Watanabe told BeInCrypto that the election results could compress the reform timeline by months. Japan’s Web3 industry is now watching closely as key policy changes take shape.
New Administration Sets the Stage for Faster Regulatory Action
The second Takaichi Cabinet was officially inaugurated on the 18th of this month. With a commanding legislative majority, the new government now holds enough political capital to push through stalled reforms.
Watanabe noted that several proposals had already been drafted but were waiting for political prioritization.
Watanabe was direct about what the election outcome means for reform speed. “With Governor Takaichi’s landslide victory, the new administration has gained the political capital necessary to expedite the reforms that had already been drafted but were waiting to be prioritized,” he said.
He added that the outcome is expected to “accelerate the timeline for reform in months compared to divided governments and uncertain outcomes.”
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has signaled its intent to reclassify crypto assets. Bitcoin and Ethereum could shift from “payment methods” to regulated financial instruments.
A flat 20% separate taxation on crypto trading gains is also on the table, with bipartisan support strengthening its chances of passing.
FSA Reclassification Could Unlock Spot ETFs and Institutional Products
If the FSA reclassification moves forward under the revised Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), spot crypto ETFs become a real possibility.
Japan’s ETF market has already shown early momentum in this direction. Formalizing the framework would give institutional investors a regulated entry point into digital assets.
Watanabe described the reclassification as a foundational shift. “The FSA has already indicated its intention to reclassify many crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, from payment methods to regulated financial instruments,” he explained.
“This is a foundational change that allows for institutional entry, ETF development, and a more mature market structure.”
The FIEA revision would also establish a framework for securitized crypto products. This aligns crypto assets with the same legal standing as stocks and other securities.
Watanabe noted that Japan is taking a framework-first approach, unlike the United States, which approved spot Bitcoin ETFs before establishing a unified federal regulatory structure.
Japan’s Position in Asia and Global Crypto Markets
Japan held the most comprehensive crypto regulatory framework in Asia for many years. However, that framework was also viewed as overly restrictive by many in the industry. That perception, according to Watanabe, is now beginning to shift.
On the global comparison, Watanabe was clear about where Japan stands. “If the amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act is passed and the 20% tax rate takes effect, Japan will become one of the countries with the most consistent end-to-end regulatory environment for digital assets in the world,” he said.
He also noted that while Hong Kong promotes its VASP licensing system aggressively, it “does not have the domestic consumer market and corporate ecosystem that Japan provides.”
On the global stage, Japan’s end-to-end regulatory clarity sets it apart from other markets. That consistency is what foreign businesses and institutional investors look for when choosing a base. The upcoming reforms are expected to solidify that position further.
STARTALE’s Strategic Role in Japan’s Web3 Infrastructure
STARTALE Group is currently co-developing Soneium, a Layer 2 blockchain, with Sony. The company is also working with SBI Holdings on a JPY-denominated stablecoin and a Layer 1 blockchain called Straivm. These projects reflect the kind of long-term institutional commitment that regulatory clarity makes possible.
Watanabe spoke directly about how regulatory uncertainty has affected operations. “We’ve seen firsthand how regulatory uncertainty can hold back both domestic builders and international partners,” he said.
“The results of this election eliminate that key variable.” He also noted that treating cryptocurrencies as financial instruments “changes the quality of interactions with institutional, bank, and corporate clients.”
For foreign companies, a flat tax rate and clear FIEA classifications make Japan one of the most attractive regulated markets globally. Japan already has one of the most active retail investor bases in the world.
As Watanabe put it, the reforms under consideration will “unleash a wave of domestic innovation and foreign investment that the Japanese Web3 sector has been waiting for.”
ETH fell ~60% from 2025 peak as Bitmine bought 45,759 ETH for $91m, lifting staked holdings to 3.04m.
Summary
- Bitmine bought 45,759 ETH for about $91m near $2k, roughly 62% below the 2025 >$5k peak.
- Total ETH holdings now 4.37m, with 3.04m staked, implying multi‑hundred‑million annualized rewards at current yields.
- ETH trades in a descending channel with liquidity‑driven volatility, while RWA tokenization and DeFi usage support long‑term network demand.
Bitmine Immersion Technologies, led by Tom Lee, purchased 45,759 Ethereum tokens valued at approximately $91 million during a market downturn, according to a company press release.
The acquisition increased Bitmine’s total Ethereum holdings to 4.37 million tokens, the company announced. Of that total, 3.04 million tokens are currently staked, generating ongoing staking rewards for the firm.
Lee stated in the press release that the price decline presented an attractive entry point from an Ethereum fundamentals perspective. The company believes Ethereum’s utility justifies a higher valuation than current market prices, according to the statement.
The purchase was completed as Ethereum experienced a price decline, though specific price levels were not disclosed in the announcement. The transaction represents a significant institutional bet on the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.
Bitmine’s staking operations generate annual income through validator rewards on the Ethereum network. Management expects substantial staking incentives that will contribute to the company’s return on investment, according to the press release.
The Ethereum network has recently seen growth in real-world asset tokenization, with on-chain RWA market capitalization surpassing a multi-billion-dollar milestone, according to blockchain analytics data. This development has reinforced Ethereum’s position in decentralized finance applications.
Bitmine Immersion Technologies recently completed a strategic acquisition, though details of that transaction were not specified in the announcement.
The company’s stock price has declined in recent trading sessions despite the substantial cryptocurrency accumulation. The divergence between stock price and underlying asset value is common among cryptocurrency-holding companies during volatile market periods.
Technical analysts have noted accumulation patterns in Ethereum addresses, with large purchases potentially establishing support levels. The cryptocurrency has traded in a descending channel pattern, with key support levels being monitored by market participants.
Market liquidity conditions could lead to increased price volatility in either direction, according to trading analysts.
The dollar strengthened following the release of the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee, reflecting the regulator’s more hawkish tone. In the document, policymakers highlighted persistent inflationary risks and the need for a cautious approach to any potential policy easing. This reduced expectations of imminent rate cuts and supported demand for the US currency.
At the same time, the market remains focused on upcoming US macroeconomic releases due before the end of the week. Attention is centred on the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, initial jobless claims, trade data, and housing market statistics. These releases could either reinforce the impact of the minutes or partially offset it if the figures come in weaker than expected.
Overall, the dollar has rebounded from support levels after the publication of the minutes. However, the further development of the upward correction in USD/JPY and USD/CAD will depend on incoming data. Market sentiment remains neutral-analytical, as participants assess whether the data will confirm the resilience of the US economy or trigger a deeper dollar correction.
USD/JPY
After testing the support zone near the January lows, USD/JPY has moved into an upward corrective phase. Technical analysis points to the potential for gains towards 155.80–156.30, as a bullish engulfing pattern has formed on the daily timeframe. The upside scenario would be invalidated by a sustained move below 154.00.
Key events for USD/JPY:
- today at 15:20 (GMT+2): speech by FOMC member Bostic;
- today at 15:30 (GMT+2): Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (US);
- today at 15:30 (GMT+2): US initial jobless claims.
USD/CAD
USD/CAD has also rebounded from the January lows and formed a bullish reversal pattern. The pair is currently approaching the key resistance level at 1.3700. If buyers manage to secure a firm break above this level in the coming sessions, further gains towards 1.3730–1.3800 are possible. Conversely, a move below 1.3630–1.3590 could open the way for a retest of the 1.3500 area.
Key events for USD/CAD:
- today at 15:30 (GMT+2): Canada’s trade balance;
- today at 17:30 (GMT+2): Canadian export data;
- today at 19:00 (GMT+2): US crude oil inventories.
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Crypto World
ICON Amsterdam Reports Record 2025 Performance and Announces Planned U.S. Expansion for 2026
[PRESS RELEASE – Amsterdam, Netherlands, February 18th, 2026]
ICON Amsterdam today announced that it closed 2025 with its strongest financial performance to date, marking a milestone year following a period of internal restructuring and operational realignment. The company also confirmed that it is preparing to explore expansion into the United States in 2026.
According to the company, 2025 revenue reached record levels compared to prior years. Leadership attributes the performance to refined product focus, tighter inventory management, improved departmental accountability, and strengthened coordination between marketing, operations, and product teams.
The milestone follows a period earlier in the decade marked by rapid scaling, rising costs, and internal coordination challenges that affected cash flow and alignment. In response, the company initiated a structured operational review instead of continuing accelerated expansion.
As part of this process, ICON updated its performance tracking systems, clarified departmental responsibilities, and introduced standardized operating procedures to support more consistent execution. According to leadership, the company adjusted its growth strategy to prioritize operational stability and the development of repeatable processes over rapid expansion.
“Growth must be supported by structure,” said Samuel Onuha, Founder of ICON Amsterdam. “The focus over the past two years has been on strengthening the fundamentals of the business.”
In addition to reporting record performance for 2025, ICON confirmed it is evaluating phased entry into the U.S. market in 2026. The company indicated that any expansion would be incremental and aligned with existing operational capacity.
ICON is also preparing for the opening of its first physical retail presence in Amsterdam. While details remain under review, the initiative would represent a transition from a primarily direct-to-consumer model toward a blended retail approach.
Leadership emphasised that the company intends to maintain a measured growth strategy moving forward, prioritising operational discipline and financial sustainability.
Further updates regarding retail development and international expansion are expected to be shared in 2026.
About ICON Amsterdam
Founded in 2018, ICON Amsterdam is a Netherlands-based direct-to-consumer menswear company focused on modern tailoring and stretch-engineered apparel. The company operates primarily online and serves customers across Europe and international markets. ICON emphasises structured operations, product consistency, and disciplined growth strategy.
SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).
[PRESS RELEASE – Denver, Colorado, February 18th, 2026]
CoinFello, an AI agent capable of interacting directly with smart contracts, will be introduced to ETHDenver attendees during the conference’s opening ceremonies. The debut provides attendees with early access to CoinFello through a special preview application called BuffiBot, created by the CoinFello team.
For ETHDenver, CoinFello developed BuffiBot as the event’s official AI assistant for conference information. Attendees can ask about schedules, speakers, workshops, expo vendors, and side events. The experience is accessible through the ETHDenver app and supports both text and real-time voice interactions.
BuffiBot synthesizes ETHDenver’s hundreds of sessions and activities into a single conversational interface. While the ETHDenver deployment highlights a live event use case, CoinFello’s broader functionality extends beyond conference support.
CoinFello is designed as an AI application for executing and automating interactions with smart contract protocols. Through a chat-based interface, the agent interprets context, executes user-defined intents, and manages both synchronous and asynchronous smart contract actions. The system is built to present smart contract functionality in plain language.
The platform analyzes a user’s wallet history to surface relevant tokens, protocols, and potential actions, reducing reliance on traditional browser-based decentralized applications. CoinFello is also launching as an EIP-8004 agent, enabling it to be called by other AI agents within Ethereum’s emerging agent ecosystem.
CoinFello was founded by JacobC.eth, previously Lead of Operations for MetaMask at ConsenSys. At MetaMask, he helped develop growth and monetization strategies for the Ethereum wallet.
“The previous model for crypto UX is saturated,” said jacobc.eth. “Agentic AI enables onchain execution and DeFi interactions to become accessible to billions of people through familiar and safer user experiences.”
“We’re pleased to collaborate with the CoinFello team as they bring agent-driven experiences to users through the MetaMask Smart Accounts Kit,” said Ryan McPeck, Product Lead at Consensys for the MetaMask Smart Accounts Kit. “We see a future where AI agents can safely act on behalf of users using granular, transitive permissions that allow individuals to define how activity is executed on-chain.”
ETHDenver attendees will receive exclusive access to CoinFello without joining the public waitlist. Access to CoinFello will continue following the conference, while the BuffiBot experience remains exclusive to ETHDenver.
“ETHDenver has always been where the edges of possibility converge — where builders come to test what the future feels like before the rest of the world catches up,” said John Paller, Founder of ETHDenver. “The fusion of decentralized infrastructure and agentic AI signals a new chapter for coordination itself. When humans and autonomous systems co-create in open networks, we expand who can participate and how value is generated. This is the frontier — and it’s unfolding in real time.”
About CoinFello
CoinFello is an AI agent designed to explain, execute, and automate interactions with smart contracts. Built for self-custody, the platform is currently available in private alpha for end users, with developer versions expected soon. CoinFello supports EVM-compatible networks, leverages EigenAI to enable a self-custodied AI environment, and integrates the MetaMask Smart Accounts Kit to provide users with control over their assets.
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U.S.-listed crypto ETFs are flashing red across the board, with one notable exception.
Bitcoin spot ETFs saw $133.3 million in daily net outflows as of Feb. 18, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, which shed $84.2 million, and Fidelity’s FBTC, which lost $49 million. Total net assets across bitcoin funds stand at $83.6 billion, roughly 6.3% of bitcoin’s market cap, but recent flows suggest institutions are trimming exposure rather than adding on dips.
Ethereum products followed a similar pattern. U.S. ETH spot ETFs recorded $41.8 million in net outflows on the day, with BlackRock’s ETHA losing nearly $30 million. Total net assets across ether funds sit at $11.1 billion, about 4.8% of ETH’s market cap.
The steady bleed comes as ether trades below $2,000 and struggles to build momentum despite broader expectations of rate cuts later this year.
XRP ETFs also slipped into negative territory, posting $2.2 million in daily outflows. Total net assets across XRP funds are just over $1 billion, or roughly 1.2% of XRP’s market cap. Price action in XRP has mirrored the cautious tone, with the token down over 4% on the day.
Solana, however, stood out.
U.S. SOL spot ETFs recorded $2.4 million in net inflows, pushing cumulative inflows to nearly $880 million. Bitwise’s BSOL led with $1.5 million in fresh capital. While modest in absolute terms, the inflow contrasts sharply with the broader risk-off positioning across bitcoin and ether products.
Elsewhere, smaller altcoin ETFs such as LINK saw marginal inflows, but the overall picture remains one of selective exposure rather than broad-based accumulation.
The divergence suggests investors are rotating within crypto rather than exiting entirely. With macroeconomic uncertainty lingering and the dollar firming, ETF flows offer a real-time read on where institutional conviction remains and where it is fading.
Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren has reportedly sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, urging them not to bail out “cryptocurrency billionaires” with taxpayer dollars.
Warren warned that any potential bailout “would be deeply unpopular to transfer wealth from American taxpayers to cryptocurrency billionaires,” adding that it could also “directly enrich President Trump and his family’s cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial, according to CNBC.
The letter comes as Bitcoin (BTC) prices have fallen more than 50% from their all-time high in October, hitting a local low of $60,000 on Feb. 6.
The letter also came on the same day that World Liberty Financial hosted its first “World Liberty Forum” for crypto executives and pro-industry policymakers at the President’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
The US government is retaining seized Bitcoin
Senator Warren also referenced the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s Annual Report hearing on Feb. 4, during which Secretary Bessent was asked about his authority to bail out the crypto industry.
During the hearing, Congressman Brad Sherman asked Bessent if the Treasury Department “has the authority to bail out Bitcoin?” or instruct banks to buy Bitcoin or Trumpcoin (TRUMP).
A bemused Bessent asked for clarification on the question, stating that “within the context of asset diversification within banks, they could hold many assets.”
Related: Senators ask Bessent to probe $500M UAE stake in Trump-linked WLFI
Sherman also expressed concern that US tax dollars might be invested in crypto assets. “Why would a private bank be your tax dollars?” asked the Treasury secretary.
Bessent confirmed that “we are retaining seized Bitcoin,” which is not tax money, but an “asset of the US government.”
Senator Warren claims response was deflection
Warren saw the exchange differently, stating in her letter that Bessent “deflected.”
“It’s deeply unclear what, if any, plans the US government currently has to intervene in the current Bitcoin selloff,” she wrote.
“Ultimately, any government intervention to stabilize Bitcoin would disproportionately benefit crypto billionaires.”
“Your agencies must refrain from propping up Bitcoin and transferring wealth from taxpayers to crypto billionaires through direct purchases, guarantees, or liquidity facilities,” the letter reportedly stated.
Cointelegraph reached out to Warren and the Treasury for comment, but did not receive an immediate response. A Federal Reserve spokesman confirmed they had received the letter but declined to comment.
Magazine: Chinese New Year boosts interest, TradFi buying crypto exchanges: Asia Express
Analysts are expecting a volatile near-term future for BTC, with some questioning whether new lows are on their way.
Bitcoin went through some intense trading sessions at the end of January and the beginning of February, plunging from over $90,000 to a 15-month low at $60,000 in under ten days. However, it has been rather sluggish since then, mostly trading below $70,000, with little sign of a breakout.
Founder and CIO of MN Fund, Michaël van de Poppe, outlined the recent stagnation, indicating that BTC’s volatility is “the lowest it has been since the crash.” Consequently, he determined that “there’s a big move on the horizon” and outlined his plan for buying or selling.
Sub-$60K or Above $80K?
The volatility on #Bitcoin is the lowest it has been since the crash.
That means; there’s a big move on the horizon.
If we dip, I’ll be a big buyer, for sure.
If we go back upwards, I’ll start taking some profits on a test at $80-85K to be trading the trend.
Volatility is… pic.twitter.com/7Irp4iTzT9
— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) February 18, 2026
The popular analyst said he would be a “big buyer for sure” if bitcoin dips again. In contrast, he would “start taking some profits” if the cryptocurrency tests the $80,000-$85,000 range.
Merlijn The Trader also weighed in on BTC’s recent performance, highlighting the significance of the current $67,000 level. If lost, the analyst believes $60,000 will come into focus again. His worst-case scenario envisions a massive drop below $50,000 if the February 6 bottom gives in.
BITCOIN IS AT THE CRUX: $67K.
Reclaim $73K the trend repair begins.
Lose $60K liquidity vacuum opens below.Next real demand zone:
$48K–$49K (0.618 retrace)This isn’t volatility.
It’s the market choosing a direction. pic.twitter.com/FQfrBNYrTe— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) February 18, 2026
Glassnode was slightly less bearish, predicting that bitcoin could drop to as low as $55,000 if the landscape worsens again soon.
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Year of the Metals
Doctor Profit, who has been among the few analysts to predict BTC’s crash below $100,000 at the end of 2025, said the cryptocurrency now trades around 50% lower than its October all-time high. He noted that “it’s bad to lose money, but it’s even worse to lose it in terms of USD.”
The analyst predicted that 2026 will be the year of precious metals, such as gold and silver. Both assets experienced intense volatility in 2026 as well. Gold, for example, skyrocketed to a new all-time high of $5,600/oz in late January before it crumbled to $4,400 days later. It has managed to rebound to $5,000 as of press time.
Silver, on the other hand, exploded to over $120, dumped to $64, and now sits close to $80. Both metals are slightly in the green on a year-to-date scale, while BTC is deep in the red.
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