The post CFTC Confirms National Trust Bank Stablecoins as Approved Payment Tokens appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has taken another step toward formalizing stablecoins within the regulated financial system. By revising its guidance, the agency has clarified that stablecoins issued by national trust banks can now qualify as approved payment stablecoins under its existing framework. The move signals growing regulatory comfort with stablecoins as they become more embedded in mainstream financial markets.

What Changed in the CFTC Guidance

The update comes through a reissued version of CFTC Staff Letter 25-40, which outlines how certain digital assets can be used as margin collateral in derivatives markets. When the original letter was released in December 2025, it allowed futures commission merchants to accept qualifying non-securities digital assets, including payment stablecoins, under strict conditions.

However, regulators later acknowledged that the original wording unintentionally left out stablecoins issued by national trust banks, even when those tokens met all the required standards. The revised guidance fixes that gap by explicitly recognizing national trust banks as permitted stablecoin issuers within the no-action framework.

Why National Trust Banks Matter

National trust banks have played a growing role in the stablecoin ecosystem, particularly after earlier regulatory approvals allowed them to custody and issue payment-related digital assets. These institutions operate under federal charters and are subject to strict oversight, which makes their stablecoins attractive for use in regulated markets.

By including these banks in the definition of payment stablecoins, the CFTC is aligning its guidance with existing banking structures rather than creating a parallel system for digital assets. This also reinforces the idea that stablecoins are no longer operating at the fringes of finance but are increasingly part of regulated infrastructure.

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Impact on Futures Markets and Collateral Use

For futures commission merchants, the revised guidance brings much-needed clarity. Firms can now more confidently accept eligible stablecoins issued by national trust banks as customer margin collateral, provided all existing safeguards are met. These safeguards include segregation requirements designed to protect customer funds and limit risk.

Importantly, the update does not loosen compliance standards or change the conditions under which stablecoins can be used. Instead, it removes ambiguity and ensures consistent treatment of qualifying stablecoins across regulated derivatives markets.

A Broader Signal for Stablecoin Adoption

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig framed the move as part of a broader push to position the U.S. as a leader in stablecoin innovation, especially following the passage of the GENIUS Act. Taken together, these developments suggest regulators are shifting from cautious observation to structured integration of stablecoins into the financial system.

For the crypto industry, this marks another sign that payment-focused stablecoins are becoming an accepted tool rather than an experimental one, especially when issued by regulated and federally chartered institutions.

FAQs

The post Vietnam Proposes 0.1% Tax on Crypto Transactions Under New Regulatory Framework appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Vietnam is moving closer to formally regulating cryptocurrency trading, with a new draft policy that treats digital assets similarly to traditional securities. The proposal, circulated by the Ministry of Finance for public feedback, introduces a transaction-based tax system while tightening oversight of crypto exchanges.

0.1% Levy on Crypto Transfers

Under the proposed framework, individuals trading or transferring cryptocurrencies through licensed service providers would be charged a 0.1% personal income tax on the value of each transaction. This mirrors the tax structure currently applied to stock trading in Vietnam. The levy would apply to all investors, regardless of residency, whenever a crypto transfer is executed within the regulated system.

At the same time, the draft clarifies that crypto transfers and trading would be exempt from value-added tax, signaling that the government views digital assets more as financial instruments than consumer goods.

Corporate Investors Face Profit-Based Taxation

Companies and institutional investors would be taxed differently. Profits generated from crypto trading would fall under the standard 20% corporate income tax regime. This tax would be calculated after deducting acquisition costs and related expenses, aligning crypto-related earnings with other business income.

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Clear Definitions and High Entry Barriers

The proposal also formally defines crypto assets as digital assets that rely on cryptographic or similar technologies for issuance, storage, and transaction verification. Alongside this definition, the draft sets strict requirements for exchange operators. Firms seeking to run digital asset trading platforms would need at least 10 trillion Vietnamese dong, or about $408 million, in charter capital. Foreign ownership would be allowed but limited to 49%.

Pilot Program and Licensing Push

These rules come as Vietnam continues its five-year pilot program for a regulated crypto market, launched in September 2025. Despite the country ranking among the top globally for crypto adoption, no firms initially applied, largely due to high capital and compliance hurdles.

To push the framework forward, Vietnam began accepting license applications for crypto exchanges in January 2026, marking a concrete step toward bringing the fast-growing sector under full regulatory oversight.

FAQs

The post Vitalik Buterin Backs Zcash Upgrade, Signaling Crypto’s Privacy Future appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has quietly made a strong statement about where he thinks crypto should be heading. He recently donated to Shielded Labs, a research group working on a major upgrade for Zcash, signaling his growing focus on privacy and long-term security rather than hype or short-term growth.

The donation supports the development of Crosslink, a proposed upgrade aimed at making Zcash transactions settle faster and more securely. More than the money itself, the move reflects Buterin’s belief that privacy should be treated as core infrastructure, not a bonus feature.

What Crosslink Changes for Zcash

At a simple level, Crosslink adds an extra layer of confirmation on top of Zcash’s existing proof-of-work system. This second layer is designed to lock in transactions more quickly and with stronger certainty. That matters because it reduces the risk of chain reorganizations and double-spend attacks, issues that can be especially costly for exchanges and large transfers.

With stronger finality, exchanges would not need to wait as long before crediting deposits, cross-chain bridges could operate with better security guarantees, and developers would have clearer assumptions when building on the network. For Zcash, this means becoming more practical to use without weakening its privacy model.

Why Shielded Labs Fits Buterin’s Thinking

Shielded Labs is focused entirely on improving Zcash at the protocol level. It is not building apps or chasing user growth. Instead, the team works on deep technical upgrades that improve security, usability, and cryptographic guarantees, especially around shielded transactions.

That approach lines up closely with how Buterin has been speaking lately. He has argued that blockchains should be designed for worst-case scenarios, not ideal conditions. In other words, systems should still protect users even under censorship, attacks, or hostile regulatory pressure.

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Privacy Is Not Optional Anymore

Buterin has become increasingly vocal about the risks of financial systems that are fully transparent without strong privacy protections. He has warned that this kind of openness can lead to surveillance, coercion, and long-term instability.

From that perspective, Zcash stands out because privacy is built directly into the protocol through shielded transactions, rather than added later as an extra feature. Supporting Shielded Labs is effectively an endorsement of that design philosophy.

Crypto Reaction

Crypto analyst Mert argues that crypto cannot truly succeed without strong, built-in financial privacy, saying that a system without encrypted money misses the entire point of decentralization. He suggests that what the market saw late last year was only a preview, and believes momentum is building for a serious revival of Zcash. According to him, the groundwork is already in place for Zcash to accelerate sharply and potentially re-enter the top tier of cryptocurrencies.

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The post Scaramucci Explains Why Bitcoin Fell to $60K This Week appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin fell sharply to $60,000 this week, shaking investor confidence, even though the market has many positive developments. On CNBC’s Closing Bell Overtime, SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci explained why Bitcoin can still have big swings, despite favorable regulation, the approval of ETFs, and growing interest from large investors.

A Rough Week for Bitcoin

This week, Bitcoin saw a steep drop followed by a quick rebound, showing that it remains unpredictable. This happened even though many consider recent events as wins: spot Bitcoin ETFs are now available, institutions are investing, and U.S. regulations are becoming clearer. Still, instead of stable prices, Bitcoin fell hard, leaving investors puzzled.

Scaramucci said the recent drop is uncomfortable but not unusual for Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Is Still an Early-Stage Asset

Scaramucci emphasized that Bitcoin is still in its early adoption phase. He doesn’t call it just “digital gold” or a hedge against inflation, but a new type of technology with characteristics of both money and gold. Early-stage assets often have big ups and downs.

He added that most Bitcoin investors are younger. Older, wealthier investors often prefer traditional safe-haven assets like gold and silver. That’s why those assets rose earlier this year while Bitcoin struggled to stay at its highs.

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Regulatory Clarity Could Boost Confidence

A major factor holding Bitcoin back, according to Scaramucci, is uncertainty around U.S. regulations. He highlighted the importance of the Clarity Act. Even with ETFs, many banks and institutions hesitate to invest fully without clear government guidance.

If such legislation passes, it could bring in a new wave of large investors. Until then, uncertainty is likely to keep Bitcoin prices volatile.

Why ETFs Haven’t Made Bitcoin Stable Yet

Even with institutional buying and ETFs, Bitcoin still reacts strongly to market conditions. Scaramucci said the recent price drop was actually smaller than past cycles. For example, a fall like this might have pushed Bitcoin down to $38,000 before, but this time it held near its 200-day moving average. This shows some support from ETFs and big buyers.

He also pointed out that fear is very high in the market. The Fear & Greed Index dropped to 5, one of Bitcoin’s lowest levels ever, which usually happens during major sell-offs rather than market peaks.

Despite the chaos, Scaramucci remains confident. He called the recent drop a “normal correction” and revealed he bought more Bitcoin during the dip. For him, volatility is just part of owning an asset that is still early in global adoption.

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The post Arthur Hayes Links Bitcoin Crash to BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Flows appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies are showing signs of short-term recovery after a recent sharp drop, with prices bouncing off key support levels. Analysts say this rebound may indicate the worst of the recent sell-off is over, at least for now.

Bitcoin found support at $60,000, which is now acting as a short-term floor. Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Chainlink have also bounced, suggesting the recovery is affecting the wider crypto market.

Stock Market Bounce Adds Support to Crypto

The crypto recovery happened at the same time as a small bounce in U.S. stocks. The S&P 500 rose slightly as the week ended, showing that traditional markets and cryptocurrencies often move together. Analysts say this stock market bounce may have helped Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies start to recover.

While the recent rebound is encouraging, some experts caution that the prior crash was influenced by more than just market sentiment.

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Arthur Hayes: ETF Hedging Behind the Crash

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes offered a structural explanation for the decline. He believes the Bitcoin sell-off is not just panic-driven but also linked to dealer hedging related to structured products tied to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). As IBIT shares fell sharply, banks and dealers were forced to rebalance their positions, triggering aggressive selling in Bitcoin and related derivatives.

$BTC dump probably due to dealer hedging off the back of $IBIT structured products. I will be compiling a complete list of all issued notes by the banks to better understand trigger points that could cause rapid price rises and falls. As the game changes, u must as well. pic.twitter.com/9DF8VE9XBL

— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) February 7, 2026

Hayes noted that such mechanical selling can create sudden and dramatic price swings, especially in fragile markets. He is compiling a detailed list of bank-issued notes to identify key triggers that could cause rapid moves in either direction.

ETF Flows Highlight Structural Pressure

Recent spot Bitcoin ETFs have been net sellers, supporting Hayes’ view. Nearly $1.2 billion has flowed out of spot Bitcoin ETFs over the last three trading days, led by BlackRock’s IBIT. Meanwhile, IBIT recorded a record $10 billion in trading volume as its share price fell 13% in a single session, its second-largest daily drop since launch.

Rather than signaling strong demand, this surge in volume reflects stress, hedging, and forced repositioning. It underscores that structural flows are becoming a dominant factor in Bitcoin’s price movements.

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The post Pi Networl News Today: Kraken’s 2026 Roadmap Sparks New Listing Speculation appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Speculation around Pi Coin gained fresh momentum after Kraken added Pi Network to its 2026 asset listing roadmap. While the move does not confirm an imminent spot listing, it marks the first formal signal from a major U.S. exchange that Pi could be under consideration for broader market access. The update arrives at a critical moment for Pi, which has been struggling with heavy price pressure and weakening investor confidence.

What Kraken’s Roadmap Update Really Means

Kraken’s roadmap outlines digital assets that may be listed in the future, subject to regulatory, technical, and liquidity requirements. Pi Network now appears alongside other potential listings such as Conflux and Pepecoin. Importantly, the exchange has not committed to a timeline or guaranteed spot trading support.

This development builds on Kraken’s earlier move to launch Pi perpetual futures in 2025. That product allowed traders to take both long and short positions using more than 40 supported collateral assets, increasing Pi’s exposure within derivatives markets even as spot trading remained limited.

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Pi Network’s Uneven Exchange Presence

Currently, Pi Coin is already available for spot trading on exchanges like OKX and Bitget, offering some liquidity to the market. However, the absence of listings on top-tier platforms such as Binance, Coinbase, and Robinhood has remained a major hurdle for broader adoption.

In Binance’s case, industry watchers have long speculated about a potential listing, but those expectations have repeatedly stalled. Ongoing leadership controversies within Pi Network appear to be one of the factors dampening progress with major U.S. and global exchanges.

Pi Current Market Sentiment 

Pi Network remains under heavy pressure after sliding 9% on Thursday and breaking below the key $0.1533 support, a level that previously marked the October 10 low. Although the price bounced slightly from a fresh record low near $0.1300, the relief appears limited as bearish momentum still dominates. Technical indicators underline the weakness, with the RSI stuck deep in oversold territory around 20, signaling aggressive selling, while the MACD continues to trend lower in negative territory, reinforcing downside pressure. 

With momentum tilted firmly toward sellers, PI appears to be entering a price-discovery phase, leaving the $0.100 listing price as the next major reference level. Any meaningful recovery would require a clear reclaim of the $0.1533 zone to ease selling pressure and stabilize price action.

FAQs

The post Will XRP Price Crash Below $1 Amid the Crypto Market Sell-Off appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP’s sharp 17% fall did not happen because of bad news from Ripple. The real reason was a broader crypto market crash. Bitcoin price fell quickly, and Ethereum dropped below the important $2,000 level. Investors across the market rushed to sell and cut their risk.

XRP usually moves faster than most large cryptocurrencies. So when the market turned negative, XRP fell harder and faster than others.

Once prices started dropping, panic selling kicked in. More sellers entered the market, pushing the price down even further in a short time.

Heavy Liquidations Triggered the XRP Sell-Off

The biggest reason behind the XRP price drop was forced liquidations. In the last 24 hours alone, nearly $46 million worth of XRP positions were closed automatically. Most of these were traders who had bet on XRP prices going higher.

When XRP fell below the key level near $1.44, many of these trades were shut down by exchanges. This added more selling pressure and caused prices to fall even faster.

In markets with high borrowing and leverage, once selling starts, prices often keep falling until the most risky positions are cleared.

Ripple’s Positive News Couldn’t Save XRP Price

This drop confused many investors because Ripple recently secured important regulatory approvals in Europe, including licenses in the UK and Luxembourg. Normally, such news would help XRP prices.

However, during a market-wide selloff, investors focus more on fear and safety than long-term progress. Right now, XRP is moving based on short-term market emotions rather than Ripple’s business growth.

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Key XRP Support Levels to Watch Next

The $1.00 price level is now the most important support for XRP. If the crypto market stays weak, a move toward this level would not be surprising.

XRP could briefly dip below $1.00 if panic selling returns, but a long-term fall below this level would likely need another major wave of selling across the market.

Meanwhile, analyst Bill Morgan’s comment about XRP possibly dropping below USDC in market value highlights how fragile investor confidence remains.

Why XRP Recovery Is Still Possible

Despite the sharp fall, large investors are not panicking. XRP ETFs are still seeing money flow in, even during the price drop. This is very different from Bitcoin ETFs, which have faced strong outflows.

XRP’s recovery will largely depend on whether Bitcoin and Ethereum stabilize. If the overall market calms down and price swings slow, XRP could bounce back faster than many expect.

With better regulation, steady interest from institutions, and lower risky trading activity, this drop may turn out to be a short-term reset rather than a long-term downtrend.

FAQs

The post Tether Invests $150 Million in Gold.com to Expand Digital Gold Access appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Tether has announced a $150 million investment in Gold.com, marking a major move to bring physical gold and digital assets closer together. The deal gives Tether around a 12% ownership stake in the precious metals company and strengthens its long-term focus on real-world assets and blockchain-based finance.

The investment will happen in two stages. Tether will first buy $125 million worth of Gold.com shares, followed by an additional $25 million, subject to regulatory approval. As part of the agreement, Tether will also be able to appoint a board member, giving it a say in Gold.com’s future plans.

Tether Gold and Physical Bullion: Connecting Digital and Real Assets

A key part of this partnership is the deeper integration of Tether Gold (XAU₮) into Gold.com’s platform. XAU₮ is a gold-backed digital token, with each token supported 1:1 by physical gold stored in secure vaults.

This collaboration could allow users to buy physical gold using digital assets, including USDT and XAU₮. By combining Gold.com’s bullion operations with Tether’s global stablecoin network, the companies aim to create a single platform linking traditional gold markets with crypto-based payments.

Gold Price Rally Boosts Demand for Gold-Backed Stablecoins

The timing of the deal comes as gold prices hit record highs, crossing the $5,000 per ounce level. Alongside this rally, interest in gold-backed stablecoins has surged.

Over the past year, the market for gold-backed digital assets has grown from $1.3 billion to $5.5 billion. Tether Gold leads the sector, holding more than half of the total market value. Tether itself reportedly owns around 140 tonnes of physical gold, worth over $23 billion, strengthening its role in hard-asset-backed digital finance.

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How Tether’s Investment Helps Gold.com Go Digital

Founded in 1965, Gold.com operates several well-known precious metals brands, including JMBullion, Monex Precious Metals, GovMint, and Stack’s Bowers Galleries. These platforms have long focused on physical bullion sales and collectibles.

With Tether’s backing, Gold.com plans to expand into digital gold products, stablecoins, and possibly gold leasing and tokenized assets. Company leaders say the partnership supports their goal of becoming a full-service precious metals platform, serving both traditional investors and crypto users.

Tether’s Growing Focus on Real-World Assets

This investment fits into Tether’s broader diversification strategy. The company reported $10 billion in net profit in 2025 and revealed excess reserves of more than $6.3 billion.

Beyond USDT, Tether has been investing in Bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, decentralized communications, and now precious metals. The Gold.com deal highlights Tether’s push to position tokenized gold as a modern store of value, blending the stability of physical gold with the speed and flexibility of digital finance.

FAQs

The post Strategy Posts $12.6B Quarterly Loss as Bitcoin Crash Wipes Out Paper Gains appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has reported a staggering fourth-quarter net loss of roughly $12.6 billion, ranking among the largest quarterly losses ever recorded by a U.S. public company. 

The hit was driven almost entirely by unrealized losses on its Bitcoin holdings, underscoring how deeply the firm’s balance sheet is tied to crypto market movements rather than its underlying software business.

Crypto Market Crash Erases Billions in Paper Gains

The loss followed one of Bitcoin’s sharpest drawdowns in recent history. During the quarter, Bitcoin plunged nearly 15% intraday, sliding from around $73,100 to a low of $62,400. This move pushed Bitcoin below Strategy’s average acquisition price of roughly $76,000, flipping the firm’s position from massive unrealized gains into deep losses. Just a few months earlier, Strategy was sitting on more than $30 billion in paper profits when Bitcoin surged to record highs.

Strategy Stock Feels the Pressure

The market reaction was swift. Strategy shares dropped sharply after the earnings release and continued falling in after-hours trading. Over the past year, the stock has been down more than 70%, erasing much of the premium investors once assigned to the company’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy. Since its November 2024 peak, the stock is now down nearly 80%, highlighting how quickly sentiment has turned.

Bitcoin Exposure Magnifies Financial Impact

Strategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally, with more than 713,000 BTC on its balance sheet as of early February. Much of this position was accumulated during the late-2024 bull run, when Bitcoin briefly climbed above $120,000. With prices now well below those levels, unrealized losses have ballooned, making quarterly results highly sensitive to Bitcoin’s volatility.

Saylor Stays Defiant as Critics Circle

Despite the historic loss, Executive Chairman Michael Saylor showed no sign of wavering, posting a brief “HODL” message on X. However, critics have grown louder. Investors like Michael Burry have warned that sustained declines in Bitcoin could trigger cascading losses for corporate holders, reviving long-standing concerns around leverage and exposure to non-yielding assets.

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Ethereum Slide Hits BitMine Too

Strategy is not alone. BitMine Immersion Technologies is facing roughly $8.2 billion in unrealized losses after Ethereum slipped to around $1,930, well below its average purchase price of $3,826. The company holds about 4.29 million ETH but has cushioned the blow by staking over 2.9 million ETH, generating around $188 million in annual yield, while maintaining strong cash reserves and no debt.

Volatility, Not Failure

Amid the turmoil, Anthony Pompliano offered a broader perspective, arguing that Bitcoin’s volatility is a feature, not a flaw. He pointed out that repeated 50–85% drawdowns have defined Bitcoin’s history, yet the network has continued to operate flawlessly for over a decade. While critics celebrate downturns, long-term holders remain focused on scarcity, betting that short-term pain is temporary in Bitcoin’s long-term growth story.

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The post Charles Hoskinson Teases Major Cardano Update with Logan AI Bot Upgrade appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has hinted at a rare and notable update tied to the network’s growing AI experimentation. In a recent post on X, Hoskinson revealed plans to upgrade “Logan the Exit Liquidity Lobster,” an open-source AI bot associated with the Cardano ecosystem. Unlike routine protocol updates, this announcement stood out for its direct call to the community, with Hoskinson inviting developers to actively shape the next release.

What Is Logan and Why Does It Matter

Logan is an AI-powered bot designed to post Cardano-related content around the clock on Moltbook, a decentralized social platform. While initially built as a lightweight content engine, Hoskinson now wants to significantly expand its capabilities. The next iteration is expected to make Logan “aware” of Cardano-native projects, effectively turning it into a real-time ecosystem intelligence tool rather than a simple posting bot.

This shift could allow Logan to monitor on-chain activity, track project developments, and surface analytics related to tokens, applications, and network usage across Cardano.

Opening the Door to Developer Integrations

To support this expansion, Hoskinson has invited Cardano builders and project teams to submit technical documentation and integration details. Developers who participate may see their projects embedded directly into Logan’s functionality in the upcoming release.

Hoskinson emphasized that custom integrations are on the table, signaling a hands-on approach to ensuring the AI bot reflects the diversity of Cardano’s ecosystem. Community responses suggest strong interest, with several developers already engaging and signaling readiness to collaborate.

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Community Reaction and Developer-Friendly Signals

The announcement quickly sparked discussion among Cardano supporters. Some community members pointed to the playful naming of the update, reportedly titled “From Shell With Love”, as a reflection of Cardano’s developer-first culture. Others noted that Hoskinson’s open invitation reinforces the network’s emphasis on transparency and collaboration rather than closed development.

This level of engagement is relatively uncommon for ecosystem tooling updates, making the move stand out even amid Cardano’s steady stream of technical progress.

On the other hand, as Ethereum reassesses its heavy reliance on Layer-2 networks, critics argue that fragmented security and bridged assets have exposed structural weaknesses. Cardano supporters see this as validation of Cardano’s original design philosophy, which prioritized Layer-1 security and native scalability from the outset. 

With solutions like Hydra and Leios enhancing throughput without compromising base-layer trust, the renewed focus on Cardano-native innovation, such as Hoskinson’s Logan AI update, underscores the network’s long-term strategy of building scalable, secure systems without sacrificing decentralization.

FAQs

The post Bitwise Expands Into Staking With Chorus One Acquisition appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitwise Asset Management has announced the acquisition of Chorus One, a major institutional staking services provider, marking a strategic expansion into on-chain yield generation. As per the report, the deal brings Chorus One’s staking infrastructure into Bitwise’s ecosystem, which already oversees more than $15 billion in client assets globally. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the move highlights Bitwise’s intent to deepen its role beyond passive crypto exposure.

Why Staking Is Central to Bitwise’s Strategy

Staking has emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in digital asset management, particularly among institutional investors seeking yield in a low-interest-rate environment. By integrating Chorus One, Bitwise can directly support clients who hold spot crypto assets and want to earn rewards through proof-of-stake networks. The acquisition positions staking as a core offering rather than an add-on, aligning with Bitwise’s broader push toward diversified, multi-strategy crypto solutions.

Chorus One Brings Scale and Infrastructure

Chorus One currently manages around $2.2 billion in staked assets and operates validator infrastructure across several major blockchain networks. Its expertise allows institutions to participate in staking without managing technical complexity or security risks themselves. Folding this capability into Bitwise’s platform enables tighter integration between asset management, custody, and yield generation, creating a more streamlined institutional experience.

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Ethereum Staking Demand Continues to Rise

The timing of the deal is notable as Ethereum staking activity reaches record levels. Roughly 30% of ETH’s circulating supply is now staked, signaling strong long-term confidence in the network. However, the surge in participation has also led to operational bottlenecks, with new validators facing activation delays that stretch beyond two months. Despite these hurdles, demand for Ethereum-based yield remains robust, reinforcing staking’s appeal.

Bitwise’s acquisition fits into a wider trend of consolidation across the crypto sector. In 2025, merger and acquisition activity surged as firms sought scale, efficiency, and end-to-end product offerings. Staking providers, in particular, have become attractive targets as asset managers look to internalize yield generation rather than rely on external partners.

Traditional Finance Moves Toward Crypto Yield

The deal also reflects a shift among traditional financial institutions. Firms such as Morgan Stanley and Grayscale are increasingly exploring staking within ETFs and trust structures, signaling growing acceptance of crypto-native yield strategies. This convergence suggests staking is becoming a standard component of institutional crypto portfolios.

Overall, Bitwise’s acquisition of Chorus One underscores how staking is changing into a foundational pillar of institutional digital asset investing, shaping the next phase of market maturity.

FAQs

The post CLARITY Act Could Become Law by April 2026, Industry Leaders Optimistic appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

U.S. Senate Democrats are preparing to restart discussions on long-awaited legislation for regulating the crypto market, signaling a renewed effort to reduce uncertainty around digital assets. This closed-door meeting is the first formal Democratic engagement since the bill’s markup was delayed last month, raising hopes that progress may resume after weeks of delay.

According to journalist Eleanor Terrett, Democratic lawmakers will use the meeting to review unresolved issues that previously stalled the bill. Discussions are expected to focus on resolving internal disagreements before the legislation moves further through the Senate.

SCOOPLET: Senate Democrats are planning to reconvene tomorrow for a closed-door meeting on crypto market structure, according to two sources familiar with the plans. It will be the first Dem member-level meeting since the @BankingGOP postponed its markup last month.

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 3, 2026

CLARITY Act Back in Focus

The main focus is the CLARITY Act, which seeks to create a clear framework for regulating digital assets in the U.S. A key part of the bill is defining the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an issue that has long divided regulators, lawmakers, and industry participants.

While some parts of the bill have already passed through committees, disagreements over regulatory scope, enforcement authority, and compliance rules continue to slow progress. The renewed Democratic talks are seen as a necessary step to resolve these issues.

White House Push Speeds Up Talks — But Deadlock Remains

Momentum has increased following reported pressure from the White House, which has urged lawmakers and industry groups to settle disputes by the end of February. However, a high-level White House meeting held on February 3 with banks and crypto industry leaders failed to resolve the core disagreements, particularly over whether stablecoin issuers can offer interest or rewards.

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Senate Committee Advances Bill, Partisan Divisions Persist

The Senate Agriculture Committee recently advanced a version of the crypto bill, giving it some legislative traction. However, the vote was along party lines, showing lack of bipartisan support, which remains a key obstacle to advancing it to the full Senate.

At the Ondo Finance Summit, Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the Crypto Council, said he believes President Trump is preparing to sign the CLARITY Act into law by April 3, 2026, if the bill clears Congress soon. This reflects strong optimism among industry leaders, even though the legislative path is not yet finalized.

Limited Time Before Elections

The political calendar adds urgency to the negotiations. As midterm elections approach, experts warn that the window for passing complex legislation will shrink. Lawmakers often slow down legislative work after midyear, making spring a critical period for progress.

FAQs

The post Dubai Brings $280M Worth of Diamonds on the Blockchain appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Dubai is taking a bold step in luxury and finance as Billiton Diamond and Ctrl Alt announce a new initiative to put polished diamonds on the blockchain. The project has already tokenized more than AED 1 billion (over $280 million) worth of certified diamonds held in the UAE, making it one of the largest real-world asset tokenization efforts to date.

The partnership aims to transform diamonds—traditionally illiquid and difficult to verify—into transparent, secure, and easily transferable digital assets. Ctrl Alt is responsible for converting the physical diamonds into blockchain-based tokens, while Ripple’s custody technology ensures ownership remains safe, auditable, and tamper-proof.

Dubai Brings Diamonds On-Chain

The tokenized diamonds are issued on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), chosen for its fast settlement speeds and low transaction costs—key advantages when handling high-value luxury assets. Each token is backed by a certified physical diamond stored securely in the UAE, with full traceability and real-time verification.

Billiton plans to launch a dedicated digital platform where buyers and sellers can view diamond inventory, certification records, and ownership details instantly. The platform may later enable regulated secondary trading, opening the door for improved liquidity and faster settlement for manufacturers, traders, and investors.

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DMCC has played a central role by connecting stakeholders and guiding the regulatory framework, reinforcing Dubai’s growing leadership in blending physical commodities with advanced financial technology.

Executives from Billiton, Ctrl Alt, DMCC, and Ripple describe the initiative as a new benchmark for bringing high-value assets on-chain. Crypto analyst WrathofKahneman called it a major step forward for real-world asset adoption, while Bill Morgan joked that although his wife can’t wear a tokenized diamond, she might still want one.

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The post BitMine Share Price Falls as Ethereum Treasury Losses Cross $6 Billion appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

BitMine Immersion Technologies is facing fresh pressure after reporting over $6 billion in unrealized losses linked to its Ethereum-focused treasury strategy. As the Ethereum price fell along with the broader crypto market, BitMine shares (BMNR) dropped another 5% on Monday, trading near $23.83, their lowest level since the stock jumped in July 2025 following the ETH treasury announcement.

The decline has raised concerns among investors, but company leadership says the reaction is missing the bigger picture.

Tom Lee Says Losses Are Part of the Plan

BitMine Chairman Tom Lee rejected claims that the losses show a failed strategy. In posts shared on X, Lee explained that the company is not trying to time the crypto market.

These tweets miss the point of an ethereum treasury:
– BitMine is designed to track the price of $ETH
– outperform over the cycle (think up ETH)
– crypto is in a downturn, so naturally ETH is down$BMNR will see “unrealized” losses on our holdings of ETH during these times:
-… https://t.co/VpoNjAnJdC

— Thomas (Tom) Lee (not drummer) FSInsight.com (@fundstrat) February 3, 2026

Instead, BitMine is designed to track and outperform Ethereum over a full market cycle, similar to how long-term index funds work in traditional markets. According to Lee, losses during market downturns are expected, not accidental.

He added that index funds are rarely criticized during bear markets — and BitMine should be viewed the same way.

Heavy Ethereum Holdings Increase Price Impact

BitMine’s large Ethereum holdings make the company especially sensitive to price swings. It currently owns around 4.24 million ETH, worth about $9.6 billion, down from nearly $14 billion at last year’s peak.

Despite the price drop, BitMine continues to buy more Ethereum. The company added 41,788 ETH in just the past week, showing strong confidence in ETH’s long-term value.

Because of this scale, even small ETH price moves can have a big impact on BitMine’s reported losses, especially during periods of market stress and forced selling.

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Ethereum Staking Helps Offset Market Volatility

Rather than selling assets during downturns, BitMine earns income through Ethereum staking. The company expects to generate about $164 million per year from staking, with an average return of 2.81%.

As of February 1, around 2.9 million ETH — valued at nearly $6.7 billion — is actively staked. This provides steady income even when prices are weak.

Strong Balance Sheet With No Debt

One key advantage for BitMine is its debt-free balance sheet. The company reports:

• 193 Bitcoin holdings
• $586 million in cash
• $200 million stake in Beast Industries
• No outstanding debt

This financial position allows BitMine to hold through market downturns without being forced to sell Ethereum at lower prices.

Long-Term Ethereum Strategy Remains Unchanged

Looking ahead, BitMine plans to launch its MAVAN validator network in 2026, partnering with three staking providers to expand operations. Despite short-term pressure, Lee says the company’s belief in Ethereum remains strong.

His message is clear: price volatility is temporary, but Ethereum’s role in the future of finance is long-term. For BitMine, current losses are not a warning sign; they are the cost of sticking with a long-term Ethereum investment strategy.

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