White House: Trump Will Not Pardon Sam Bankman-Fried Despite Ongoing Clemency Campaign
The post White House: Trump Will Not Pardon Sam Bankman-Fried Despite Ongoing Clemency Campaign appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
A spokesperson from the White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will offer no clemency to Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct FTX cryptocurrency exchange.
The spokesperson added that Trump is the sole decider on a mercy release, and he is firmly rooted in granting no pardon to SBF.
Bankman-Fried attempts at absolution following FTX collapse
In March 2024, Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after being found guilty of all seven counts of money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud.
In his defense, SBF argued that he and FTX had been strategically targeted by the Biden administration because of his multi-million-dollar pro-Republican donations. His parents (both professors and legal scholars at Stanford Law School) have tried to secure a presidential pardon for their son to no avail.
A week ago, SBF claimed that FTX’s collapse was manufactured by lawyers and his successor, John J. Ray III, who allegedly profited from the exchange’s bankruptcy filings. He also pinpointed the FTX $7.1 billion payback of its investors as a show of goodwill.
Source: X
More recently, Bankman-Fried took to X in a long-shot show of Republican pivot, with hopes of swaying Trump’s resolve. He described the recent tariff policies as “right on crypto” and Trump’s capture and extradition of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as “smart, gutsy, and pro-democracy.” SBF further noted the “political bias” nature of Judge Lewis Kaplan, the man who sentenced him and has been a key player in civil cases against Trump.
Clinton-appointed judge Lewis Kaplan made his political bias very clear when sentencing me and @rsalame7926.Kaplan ranted about how I “set up a vehicle for making political donations to the right.”“The state of our political life in this country is in jeopardy,” he said, and…
— SBF (@SBF_FTX) February 18, 2026
What next for SBF?
Bankman-Fried remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. The 33-year-old man has run into rotten luck with yet another denial of a presidential pardon and a much heavier sentence compared to his associates.
Supporters say SBF should receive a similar pardon to crypto players like Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes. Trump, however, stands his ground, saying the man committed financial fraud worth $8 billion. Bankman-Fried’s last resort is an appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Top 5 Crypto PR Agencies for AI Discovery [With Verified LLM Visibility]
The post Top 5 Crypto PR Agencies for AI Discovery [With Verified LLM Visibility] appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
For years, the logic of brand discovery in crypto was straightforward: more placements, more exposure, more chances to be found. That logic is changing. Discovery now increasingly happens inside AI-generated summaries produced by large language models (LLMs), search overviews, and conversational AI tools. Instead of listing dozens of links, these systems compress information from trusted sources into short explanations, mentioning only a limited set of brands.
That’s why competition is shifting from pure exposure to inclusion. Companies are striving to become one of the few examples an AI system names when summarizing a category. That means moving away from pay-to-play coverage toward deliberate visibility engineering through PR designed specifically for AI discovery.
What PR for AI Discovery Actually Means
PR for AI discovery operates differently from traditional PR or SEO. LLMs learn from repeated patterns across public information and tend to reference brands that appear consistently in credible sources with clear, stable associations to a topic. Over time, those patterns determine which projects become default examples in AI-generated answers.
Visibility inside LLMs is typically influenced by:
Source authority – presence in publications AI systems treat as reliable reference material
Narrative consistency – stable, repeatable descriptions across sources
Citation probability – how easily a brand can serve as an example within a category
Topic-level density – frequency of appearance in explanatory contexts
As AI becomes a primary interface for research and comparison, PR agencies that understand these mechanics are shaping which brands get recognized in this new reality.
Methodology: How PR Agencies for AI Discovery Were Selected
This ranking evaluates crypto PR agencies based on how strongly their work influences AI discovery. The shortlisted teams demonstrated either:
Explicit AI positioning services (AI SEO, AIO, LLM visibility, etc.), or
Structural AI impact, driven by data-based visibility strategies.
Beyond that, the key indicator was how their own brands are referenced and positioned inside LLM-generated answers and AI search environments.
The Best PR Agencies for AI Discovery
1. Outset PR
Outset PR was a visible driver of the shift toward data-driven crypto public relations in 2025. The agency treats PR as a verifiable system in which visibility is measured through distribution depth, syndication quality, and consistent narrative formation across outlets.
This model maps cleanly onto AI discovery, since LLMs tend to reuse contextual patterns. Outset PR reinforces the same interpretation through different angles across the sources that carry weight for AI models and trigger secondary reprints that amplify original signals.
A key tool is the agency’s internal syndication map, which tracks how coverage moves from primary publications into syndication networks and high-distribution platforms. This helps identify which outlets act as sources for LLMs and which placements are most likely to compound into long-term discoverability, including AI outputs.
The methodology is documented in Outset PR’s topical authority case study, showing how engineered narrative density around “data-driven crypto PR” translated into broader LLM visibility. By applying the framework to itself and publishing the results, the agency demonstrated a scalable way to become a reference point in AI summaries.
2. ICODA
ICODA offers AI SEO as part of its broader digital marketing services, including dedicated optimization for ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. Its approach addresses challenges unique to AI-mediated search: limited platform visibi₹lity beyond Google, dynamic conversational responses, and the need for multi-source authority.
ICODA’s services include AI-powered content optimization, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). The team also publishes case studies focused specifically on AI SEO performance.
In addition, ICODA provides AI search performance tracking across platforms, measuring citations, impressions, and AI-driven referral traffic. For brands prioritizing direct optimization for generative search interfaces, it represents an explicitly AI-oriented agency focused on technical alignment and cross-platform authority building.
3. SEO G.O.A.T.
SEO G.O.A.T. offers AI search placements designed to improve visibility across AI-driven search environments. The service is positioned primarily for agencies, SaaS companies, and growing brands seeking scalable authority-building through high-quality editorial placements.
Their model is built around strict site selection criteria that focuses on coverage in established domains with strong authority metrics. The agency prioritizes tier-1 geographies, avoids PBN-style networks (low-quality link farms designed purely for SEO manipulation), and emphasizes contextual relevance.
In addition, SEO G.O.A.T. highlights structured backlink profile vetting, a replacement guarantee, and publishes case studies where it outlines AI-focused visibility campaigns and their outcomes.
4. Coinbound
Coinbound builds its AIO services around helping Web3 brands become “referenceable” inside AI-generated answers. Its framework combines AI query research, answer-first content creation, and entity authority reinforcement. The focus is on building category-defining pages, clarifying positioning, and strengthening third-party credibility so LLMs can correctly interpret and associate the brand.
The agency also incorporates technical optimization and AI-focused reporting, tracking brand mentions, category inclusion, and referral lift from generative search interfaces. This positions Coinbound as a Web3-native player approaching AI discovery through narrative control and credibility layering.
5. MarketAcross
MarketAcross operates at ecosystem scale, with documented work for major blockchain platforms such as Binance, Polygon, and Polkadot. Similar to SEO G.O.A.T., its footprint spans tier-1 crypto and business publications, placing client narratives inside high-authority media frequently referenced in industry coverage.
Although the agency does not explicitly market AI optimization services, its large-scale distribution model can influence AI discovery indirectly. Consistent placements across widely cited outlets increase the likelihood that brand narratives are picked up, repeated, and incorporated into the broader information layer that AI systems draw from when generating summaries.
Conclusion
AI discovery has become a new competitive arena, where inclusion inside AI summaries increasingly shapes how categories are defined and which brands become default reference points. The abovementioned agencies – from Outset PR to MarketAcross – operate with this shift in mind, each through its own operational model.
In this environment, PR functions as infrastructure, influencing how brands are described, repeated, and reused across authoritative sources. The advantage will belong to those who understand how AI systems structure information and build visibility accordingly.
Dexsport Review 2026: a Licensed, No-KYC Crypto Betting Platform Built Around Privacy
The post Dexsport Review 2026: A Licensed, No-KYC Crypto Betting Platform Built Around Privacy appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
In 2026, anonymity in online betting is no longer a fringe preference — it has become a defining factor for a growing segment of crypto users. At the same time, outright anonymity without regulatory structure raises its own concerns. The balance between privacy and legitimacy is where many platforms struggle.
Dexsport positions itself directly at that intersection: a licensed operator that maintains a strict no-KYC entry model. In a sector often divided between fully regulated but intrusive sportsbooks and anonymous yet unlicensed crypto casinos, this hybrid structure is central to its identity.
This review takes a closer look at how Dexsport combines licensing, privacy, and blockchain infrastructure in today’s Web3 betting landscape.
Licensed Operation in a Privacy-Focused Environment
Unlike many crypto-native betting platforms, Dexsport operates under an Anjouan gaming license. Regulatory oversight remains a meaningful benchmark in 2026, particularly as authorities worldwide continue to scrutinize digital gambling operations.
Licensing does not eliminate risk, but it establishes a legal framework, defined operating standards, and accountability mechanisms that purely offshore or unregistered platforms often lack.
Complementing its licensing status, Dexsport reports completed third-party security audits by CertiK and Pessimistic. External contract verification provides an additional layer of structural transparency — particularly relevant in blockchain-based systems where smart contract vulnerabilities can expose user funds.
The combination of formal licensing and technical audits distinguishes Dexsport from many competitors that offer privacy but little regulatory clarity.
No-KYC Access: How Anonymity Is Implemented
At the core of Dexsport’s model is its no-KYC structure. Users are not required to submit passports, personal information, or any other sensitive data to register, deposit, or withdraw.
Account creation can be completed through email, Telegram, MetaMask and other non-custodial wallets or via WalletConnect.This streamlined entry model reduces friction at two critical stages: onboarding and withdrawals. In traditional sportsbooks, verification procedures can delay payouts or trigger compliance reviews at unpredictable times. Dexsport’s architecture avoids these bottlenecks by design.
Registration methods available on Dexsport. Source: Dexsport.io
From a data protection standpoint, the absence of centralized identity storage lowers exposure to personal data breaches. Instead of maintaining large databases of sensitive documentation, the platform primarily interacts with blockchain wallet addresses and transaction records.
For many crypto-native users, this structure aligns with the broader principle of financial autonomy: users control their funds and minimize disclosure of personal information.
Security Architecture and Operational Stability
Anonymity alone is insufficient if platform integrity is weak. Dexsport addresses this through a combination of audited smart contracts, licensed operation, and continuous service since its launch in 2022.
Sustained operation without widely reported major security incidents is notable in a sector where short-lived platforms are common. While no online betting environment can be considered risk-free, operational continuity often serves as an indirect indicator of structural resilience.
Dexsport’s full casino game library. Source: Dexsport.io
Provably Fair mechanics are also integrated into eligible casino games, allowing users to verify outcomes via cryptographic seed comparisons. This model shifts trust from purely operator-based assurances to mathematically verifiable processes.
Sportsbook and Casino Offering
Dexsport integrates both sportsbook and casino verticals under a single crypto-based account.
The sportsbook covers major global sports — including football, basketball, tennis, hockey, and combat sports — alongside eSports betting markets. Both pre-match and live betting are available, with settlement conducted entirely in cryptocurrency.
The casino segment includes over 10,000 games across slots, table games, and live dealer formats. Content expansion over the past year has broadened the Web3 casino games catalogue, maintaining competitiveness with established crypto platforms.
Crucially, the no-KYC model applies consistently across both verticals. Users can move between sportsbook and casino products without triggering additional verification steps.
Crypto Payments and Asset Flexibility
While privacy and licensing form the foundation of Dexsport’s positioning, its crypto infrastructure remains central to user experience.
The platform supports more than 40 cryptocurrencies across multiple networks. Deposits and withdrawals are processed in digital assets, eliminating reliance on traditional banking intermediaries.
Blockchain-based settlement enables direct wallet-to-platform transactions, typically processed faster than card-based systems, depending on network conditions. For users accustomed to self-custody and decentralized finance, this structure integrates naturally with existing asset management practices.
Bonus Structure and Ongoing Incentives
Dexsport maintains a standard promotional framework structured separately for sportsbook and casino users.
New players are typically offered deposit-based incentives — such as matched bonuses or freebets — depending on their chosen activity. Recurring promotions include weekly cashback and tiered VIP levels.
Cashback is generally calculated based on net losses within defined periods and credited in supported cryptocurrencies. VIP tiers introduce incremental benefits, including adjusted cashback percentages and personalized offers.
The promotional system is integrated into the user dashboard, allowing participants to track progress and eligibility transparently.
Final Assessment
Dexsport’s core differentiation in 2026 is not simply its game catalogue or token support — it is the balance it attempts to strike between anonymity and regulatory structure.
By combining a formal gaming license, third-party smart contract audits, a strict no-KYC onboarding model, blockchain-based payments, and a continuous operational history since 2022, the platform occupies a distinct space within the crypto betting sector.
For users who prioritize privacy but remain cautious about unlicensed operators, Dexsport represents a structured alternative. As always, participation in crypto gambling carries inherent financial risk, and independent due diligence is advisable. Within its category, however, Dexsport demonstrates a deliberate effort to merge regulatory legitimacy with user anonymity rather than treating them as mutually exclusive concepts.
Coinbase Expands Beyond Crypto As It Launches Stock and ETF Trading for U.S. Users
The post Coinbase Expands Beyond Crypto as It Launches Stock and ETF Trading for U.S. Users appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), long recognized as a cryptocurrency trading platform, is expanding its ambitions to become a full-service financial exchange. The company has launched stock and ETF trading for users in the United States and announced a new partnership with Yahoo! Finance. The company now aims at making it easier for investors to add traditional stocks to their crypto portfolios.
Coinbase Expands Beyond Crypto
Coinbase (COIN) has expanded its services beyond crypto assets, introducing stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading for all U.S. customers as part of its push to become what it calls an “everything exchange.”
Trade stocks.Around the clock.→ 24/5 trading→ Zero commission→ One unified portfolio for stocks & crypto→ Buy fractional shares for as little as $1Now available to all eligible U.S. traders on Coinbase. pic.twitter.com/mmDA798gKR
— Coinbase (@coinbase) February 24, 2026
This allows users to trade U.S. stocks and ETFs directly alongside their cryptocurrency. The platform offers commission-free trading 24 hours a day, five days a week. Customers can get started with just $1 using either U.S. dollars or USDC, making it easier to buy small portions of shares.
Coinbase said more than 8,000 stocks and ETFs are available at launch. Users can trade them with no commission through the Coinbase app using their existing accounts, allowing them to manage stocks and cryptocurrencies together in one combined portfolio.
Coinbase said, “The traditional financial system shouldn’t stop just because the sun goes down. At Coinbase, we believe everyone should have the ability to react instantly to market-moving news.”
The company described the move as a significant step toward bringing traditional financial markets and the crypto market closer together.
Also read: Goldman Sachs, Coinbase, CFTC Chair Join Trump’s World Liberty Forum as CLARITY Act Eyes April Deadline
Coinbase said the rollout starts with a selection of well-known stocks, with thousands more expected to be added in the coming months.
Coinbase said, “Soon you will be able to trade anywhere in the world, leverage your equity holdings as on-chain collateral, and make instant payments backed by your stock value.”
The company said offering equities trading is part of its broader push to create what it calls a faster and more accessible financial system for its users. The move puts Coinbase in more direct competition with retail brokerage firms like Robinhood (HOOD), which has been expanding its cryptocurrency offerings.
Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Crash As Jane Street Lawsuit Revives ‘Manipulation’ Controversy
The post Bitcoin, Ethereum And XRP Prices Crash as Jane Street Lawsuit Revives ‘Manipulation’ Controversy appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Crypto markets are under pressure once more. Bitcoin is hovering near $62,900, Ethereum is trading around $1,800, and XRP has slipped toward $1.32. The total crypto market cap has dropped to roughly $2.18 trillion, with fear back at extreme levels.
But this time, the conversation is not just about macro conditions or rate policy. A new court filing has brought back a controversial name, Jane Street, and reignited online claims about “10 AM manipulation” in crypto markets.
The Terra Collapse Allegations
In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Jane Street is accused of using insider information during the May 2022 collapse of TerraUSD (UST). The complaint alleges that after Terraform Labs reduced liquidity in Curve’s 3pool and withdrew 150 million UST, Jane Street sold 85 million UST into the thinner pool just minutes later.
That trade, according to the lawsuit, helped trigger a chain reaction that ultimately wiped out $40 billion in value and forced Terraform to deploy its Bitcoin reserves to defend the peg.
Jane Street has denied wrongdoing, and these claims remain allegations. Still, the filing has reopened old wounds across the crypto industry.
From Terra to ‘10 AM Manipulation’
In crypto circles, Jane Street has often been mentioned in connection with what traders call the “10 AM move” — a recurring pattern where Bitcoin experiences sharp price swings around U.S. market open hours.
While no formal findings have linked Jane Street to systematic manipulation, critics argue that large institutional market makers have the scale and liquidity access to influence short-term price action, especially in thinner conditions.
Now, with the Terra lawsuit resurfacing, some traders are connecting dots. The narrative gaining traction online is simple: if a firm could allegedly capitalize on fragile liquidity during Terra’s collapse, could similar tactics be influencing markets today?
Correlation or Coincidence?
It is important to separate speculation from evidence. Terra’s collapse happened in 2022. Today’s crypto weakness is occurring under very different conditions — tighter global liquidity, risk-off sentiment, and regulatory uncertainty.
However, the latest scrutiny around Jane Street highlights a broader concern within crypto markets: the growing influence of institutional players. As crypto matures, market-making firms play a larger role in price discovery. That can mean tighter spreads — but also sharper moves during periods of stress.
Market Reality
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is down nearly 5% on the week, Ethereum has fallen close to 9%, and XRP is also under pressure. The Fear & Greed Index sits at 11, signaling extreme fear.
Are current declines tied to institutional positioning? Or simply the natural ebb and flow of a risk-driven asset class?
For now, there is no proof linking today’s volatility to any coordinated action. But the timing of this lawsuit has reignited a narrative that refuses to disappear.
Who would have thought that the same entity accused in court filings over the Terra collapse would also be at the center of ongoing “10 AM manipulation” debates?
Is Dogecoin Season Loading? DOGE/BTC Hits Trigger As DOGE Price Tests Historic Support
The post Is Dogecoin Season Loading? DOGE/BTC Hits Trigger as DOGE Price Tests Historic Support appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Dogecoin price is down by 6.24% to $0.09115 in the past 24 hours, primarily driven by the sell-offs. The memecoin space is facing renewed selling pressure as the other tokens have also experienced significant losses. With this, the token has reached a crucial turning point, and this time these signals are coming from both DOGE/BTC & DOGE/USDT pairs. Historically, moments like this have preceded strong volatility expansions, either explosive upside or extended underperformance.Now the question arises: What’s next for the Dogecoin price rally?
DOGE/BTC at a Trigger Point
The DOGE/BTC monthly chart reveals a long-term compression pattern that has been building for years. After its explosive 2021 rally, often referred to as “Doge season”, the pair entered a prolonged downtrend marked by consistent lower highs. Since then, volatility has steadily contracted, forming a multi-year compression structure. This type of structure matters because DOGE/BTC measures relative strength. When DOGE/BTC rises, Dogecoin is outperforming Bitcoin, and when it falls, capital prefers BTC.
What the Structure Shows
A clear sequence of lower highs since the 2021 peak
Multi-year consolidation near structural support
Volatility compression similar to pre-2021 expansion
The chart now shows the price sitting near a historical base—a level that previously acted as a launchpad before major upside. This is what traders often call a “trigger zone.” If DOGE/BTC breaks above its compression boundary and begins forming higher highs, it would signal a relative strength shift. That could indicate capital rotation from Bitcoin into Dogecoin, historically the early stage of meme-driven expansion cycles.
If support fails, DOGE could continue to underperform Bitcoin, meaning even if BTC rises, DOGE may lag.
DOGE/USDT Testing Historical Support
While DOGE/BTC tells us about performance versus Bitcoin, DOGE/USDT shows us absolute value. On the monthly timeframe, Dogecoin is currently testing a long-term ascending trendline that dates back to previous cycle lows. Price is hovering near the $0.08–$0.09 region — a zone that historically acted as a strong demand area.
Key Observations
Long-term ascending support is being retested
Price sits near prior accumulation zones
RSI remains neutral to slightly weak, not deeply oversold
This isn’t a euphoric setup. It’s a compression setup. Repeated tests of support increase pressure. Eventually, either buyers defend it decisively, or it breaks. If support holds, a strong bounce from this zone could open the door toward the $0.12 resistance area first. A sustained move above that level would strengthen the bullish case.
If support breaks, a clean breakdown below the trendline could expose DOGE to deeper downside toward the next historical demand pocket.
Conclusion: A Defined Trigger, A Pending Expansion
Dogecoin price is sitting at a clear inflection point across both pairs. On DOGE/BTC, price remains compressed near long-term support. A confirmed breakout above the compression boundary would signal relative strength expansion and potential capital rotation into DOGE. Failure to hold support keeps the broader downtrend intact.
On DOGE/USDT, the $0.08–$0.09 region remains critical. As long as this historical support holds, a rebound toward $0.12 is technically viable. A decisive breakdown below the trendline would invalidate the bullish case and open room for deeper downside.
Crypto Bull Run 2026: Analyst Says AI Bubble, Silent Recession, Record Fear May Trigger a Rally
The post Crypto Bull Run 2026: Analyst Says AI Bubble, Silent Recession, Record Fear May Trigger a Rally appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The crypto fear and greed index dropped to 5 earlier this month, the lowest reading ever recorded. Bitcoin has fallen over 50% from its $126,000 all-time high. But one analyst believes this is exactly the kind of setup that comes before a massive move higher.
Crypto analyst Jesse Eckel laid out a case for why the next crypto bull run could be the biggest one yet, and why AI will be the fuel behind it.
Is the Crypto Bull Run Really Over?
On paper, the economy looks worse than most people realize. Pending home sales are at the lowest level ever recorded. Credit card delinquency has hit 12.7%, the second-highest reading in history after 2008. More than 3 million cars were repossessed in 2025, nearly double what happened during the 2009 crisis.
Eckel calls this a “silent recession” that has been hidden by S&P 500 gains, gains that were almost entirely driven by AI stocks. When priced in gold, both Bitcoin and the S&P 500 have actually been negative since 2022.
“Past bull markets were driven by retail FOMO, by excess and froth in the market in the economy. But this one was basically just institutional structured bid,” he said.
The key shift: business cycle indicators are now crossing back into expansion for the first time since 2022, reaching conditions similar to what existed before the 2013 rally.
Why AI Speculation Could Move Through Crypto
Eckel does not think the next rally will come from NFTs or DeFi. He thinks it will come from AI hype, and that the speculation will play out on crypto networks.
His reasoning is simple. Retail investors want to bet on AI, but they cannot make meaningful gains buying Nvidia at a multi-trillion dollar valuation. Small-cap AI tokens give them the kind of outsized upside they are looking for.
“I think the mania and the hype is really going to be around AI… I think that speculation is going to happen on crypto rails because that’s the best place for rampant low-quality things to propagate,” he said.
He compared the setup to the dot-com bubble and argued that because AI is a more transformative technology, the eventual retail mania should be even larger.
Also Read: SEC ETF Deadline, CLARITY Act, New Fed Chair: 5 Events That Will Define Crypto in 2026
What Grok’s AI Predicts for Bitcoin
Eckel paid $300 for access to Grok 4.2 Heavy, an AI model that has ranked first in live trading competitions. Its Bitcoin price prediction puts BTC at roughly $155,000 by end of 2026 and around $240,000 at its 2027 high.
The model points to ISM expansion, liquidity growth, ETF inflows, and regulatory clarity as the main drivers.
Eckel treats these numbers as directional rather than precise. He expects around 50 days of consolidation before any breakout, which would place a potential move higher around early April.
“I wouldn’t even give it any credibility except for it consistently crushes on the benchmarks when it comes to actually trading,” he said.
Clarity Act Crypto 2026 Odds Crash As Tariffs Rattle Markets
The post Clarity Act Crypto 2026 Odds Crash as Tariffs Rattle Markets appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Clarity Act Crypto 2026 narrative just took a punch to the gut. Polymarket odds collapsed from 82% to 53%, and suddenly the industry’s long-awaited regulatory “holy grail” looks like another stalled promise.
For months, firms across crypto and traditional finance treated this bill as the framework that would finally divide oversight between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Stablecoin issuers were eyeing it as a playbook for compliance. Institutions saw certainty. Now? Institutional Uncertainty is back in charge.
Polymarket Odds Collapsed
The Polymarket Odds Collapse isn’t just a prediction market glitch. It’s a signal. Confidence in regulatory clarity dropped 30 percentage points this week. That’s enough to flip positioning from opportunistic to defensive, as it clearly reveals confidence has taken a huge hit.
Without legislative guardrails, the “regulation by enforcement” fear creeps back in. Big banks hesitate. Treasury desks de-risk. Crypto FUD 2026 becomes the prevailing mood.
And mood matters. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index is sitting in Extreme Fear territory, with readings between 11 and 14. That’s not mild anxiety but that’s felt like capitulation energy.
15% Global Tariff 2026 Shock
As if Washington gridlock wasn’t enough, macro just added fuel to the fire. Despite a Supreme Court of the United States decision striking down earlier tariff authorities, the administration pivoted to Trade Act Section 122 to implement a new 15% Global Tariff 2026 effective February 24.
The result? Renewed inflation fears. “Higher-for-longer” interest rate chatter. Liquidity drains from risk markets.
Crypto, which has increasingly traded like a high-beta tech proxy, doesn’t love macro friction. Bearish Momentum feeds on it.
Bitcoin Support Levels Tested,
The majors tell the story in price.Bitcoin Support Levels slipped $65,000 are under pressure, with $60,000 looming as the psychological floor. It’s stuck in an identity crisis hard money hedge or speculative asset?
Ethereum isn’t faring much better. ETH broke $1890 and is approaching $1750. Without legal clarity, its RWA and stablecoin narrative loses oxygen.
Solana Retrace is underway too, drifting back toward $75 after breaking $80. High developer activity hasn’t insulated it from macro-driven shakeouts.
XRP, despite its unique regulatory history, has slipped as well and trades under $1.35, moving largely in sync with broader market stress.
So what’s next for Clarity Act Crypto 2026? Right now, the market is holding its breath. Until the legislative path reopens or tariff tensions cool, prices across the board are likely to stay compressed under the weight of uncertainty fatigue.
XRP Price Crash Today: Is Clarity Act Delay the Trigger or Aggressive Market Selling?
The post XRP Price Crash Today: Is Clarity Act Delay the Trigger or Aggressive Market Selling? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
XRP price is sliding hard as regulatory optimism takes a sudden hit. A sharp drop in Polymarket odds for the Clarity Act has rattled sentiment, and traders are responding quickly. Beneath the surface, exchange data shows consistent sell-side pressure building while leverage unwinds across futures markets. Is this simply a temporary reaction to shifting expectations, or the start of a deeper XRP price reset?
Clarity Act Odds Drop, Sentiment Reverses
The first negative trigger came from Polymarket data. Odds for the U.S. Clarity Act passing this year fell sharply from 72% to 42%. That is a major shift in expectations in a short time. For many investors, the Clarity Act represents potential regulatory clarity for digital assets in the United States. Clear guidelines around token classification and oversight could remove uncertainty and attract institutional capital.
Odds of Clarity Act passing in 2026 have just fallen from 72% down to 42%Seems like they're just playing games… pic.twitter.com/ij4nSUKRp2
— Dan Gambardello (@dangambardello) February 23, 2026
When the probability of that clarity weakens, assets closely tied to regulatory narratives feel the impact immediately. XRP has long traded in sync with regulatory headlines. The sudden drop in approval odds forced traders to reassess bullish positioning. Sentiment turned cautious, and early sellers began to take control. However, sentiment alone does not sustain downside moves. Exchange data confirms real selling pressure.
Exchange Data Signals Active Distribution
On Binance, XRP price is trading near $1.34 while the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) sits around -728,000 XRP. CVD measures aggressive buying versus aggressive selling. A negative reading of this magnitude shows sellers are dominating. Traders are not simply waiting, they are actively executing market sell orders. The 30-day CVD correlation remains high at 0.68, meaning price is closely following order flow.
As long as CVD remains negative, rallies are likely to face supply. At the same time, the Estimated Leverage Ratio on Binance has fallen to approximately 0.16, with both short-term and mid-term leverage trends declining. This indicates speculative positioning has cooled significantly. The decline is not being driven by forced liquidations. Instead, leverage has already been reduced, suggesting controlled distribution rather than a cascade event. This combination, falling regulatory odds, negative order flow, and lower leverage points toward measured repositioning rather than market panic.
XRP’s chart structure is showing visible signs of weakness after breaking below key moving averages on the daily chart. XRP price is now trading under the 20-day and 50-day EMAs, both of which have started sloping downward, a classic short-term bearish signal.
Adding to the concern, price is struggling to reclaim the mid-channel region, and every minor bounce is facing supply near the declining EMA cluster. This indicates that short-term traders are using rallies as exit opportunities rather than accumulation zones.
The immediate support sits around the $1.28–$1.30 area, where prior consolidation occurred. However, if that zone fails to attract strong demand, the broader chart opens up toward the psychological $1.00 level.
The $1.00 mark is significant for two reasons. First, it aligns with a major horizontal demand area from previous accumulation phases. Second, it represents a psychological support that often attracts liquidity and long-term positioning. The RSI remains in the lower half of the range, showing no clear bullish divergence yet. This suggests downside pressure may persist unless buyers step in decisively.
For XRP to invalidate the immediate bearish structure, price would need to reclaim the $1.45–$1.50 region and close back above the key EMAs. Until that happens, the path of least resistance appears tilted downward. A controlled drift toward deeper support remains possible if selling pressure continues, and that keeps the $1.00 retest firmly on the table.
Final Words
XRP’s weakness appears rooted in regulatory repricing and confirmed by exchange data. The drop in Clarity Act odds triggered the move, while Binance CVD confirms sustained selling pressure. With leverage already reduced, the risk of a violent liquidation event remains low. Recovery now depends on improved regulatory sentiment and a visible shift in order flow. Until buyers absorb supply decisively, XRP may remain under pressure as traders adjust to a more cautious regulatory outlook.
‘XRP to $100 Is Not Crazy,’ Says Finance Insider Here’s Why
The post ‘XRP to $100 Is Not Crazy,’ Says Finance Insider Here’s Why appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The idea of XRP reaching $100 is once again stirring debate across the crypto world. For some, it sounds unrealistic. For others, it’s simply a matter of time.
Right now, the price action tells a different story. XRP has slipped below $1.35 and is trading under its 100-hour Simple Moving Average. After losing support around $1.40, the token is consolidating near $1.33.
Short-term charts show resistance forming around $1.42, with momentum indicators still leaning bearish. If XRP cannot reclaim the $1.37 to $1.40 range, analysts warn another move toward $1.30 is possible.
So why are some investors still talking about triple digits?
The Long-Term Infrastructure Argument
According to a finance insider, the $100 target isn’t hype. It’s based on structural change.
The insider, who spent a decade working inside the financial sector, says most critics underestimate how slow and outdated banking infrastructure still is. He points to the transition from paper-based systems to digital workflows as proof that transformation in finance does not happen overnight, but when it does, it reshapes everything.
From his perspective, XRP is not just another speculative token. It is tied to payment rails, liquidity systems, and institutional settlement layers. Ripple’s expanding banking integrations and updated institutional dashboards signal that modernization is underway. Many traditional wire systems, he argues, still operate with interfaces that feel decades old.
If XRP becomes embedded in cross-border settlement infrastructure at scale, demand could rise structurally, not just speculatively.
The Skeptical View
Critics counter with math. XRP has a circulating supply of roughly 61 billion tokens. For the asset to reach $100, its market capitalization would need to climb into multi-trillion-dollar territory.
Also Read :
Bitcoin Is Safe From Quantum Computing Attacks: Saylor
,
Some analysts argue that in payment-focused networks, transaction velocity increases with adoption. In other words, the token moves faster rather than necessarily becoming dramatically more expensive.
There is also the broader macro backdrop. Risk assets remain under pressure, and regulatory clarity is still evolving. In the short term, XRP faces technical resistance before any major upside conversation can even begin.
Vision Versus Reality
At today’s price levels near $1.33, a move to $100 seems distant. But long-term projections often depend less on current charts and more on structural shifts in technology and regulation.
Whether XRP ever reaches triple digits remains uncertain. What is clear is that the debate reflects two very different ways of looking at crypto. One side focuses on present price action. The other focuses on how financial infrastructure could evolve over the next decade.
For now, XRP sits between those two narratives. The market is cautious. The believers are confident. And the discussion around $100 is far from over.
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
Subscribe to News FAQs Why is XRP price dropping today?
XRP is currently trading below key support levels, specifically under $1.40 and its 100-hour moving average. Momentum indicators are bearish, and if it fails to reclaim the $1.37 to $1.40 range, analysts suggest a further move toward the $1.30 support zone is possible.
What is the main argument for XRP’s long-term value?
The primary argument is infrastructure modernization. Unlike speculative tokens, XRP is built as a liquidity tool for outdated banking rails. As financial institutions digitize settlement layers, demand for XRP could rise structurally based on utility rather than just market hype.
Is XRP a good long-term investment?
XRP sits between two narratives: short-term price action and long-term utility. While current charts show caution, the technology is tied to real-world banking integration. Investors should weigh short-term volatility against the potential for structural shifts in global payments over the next decade.
Hong Kong’s Largest Licensed Crypto Exchange Now Offers End-to-End RWA Tokenization
The post Hong Kong’s Largest Licensed Crypto Exchange Now Offers End-to-End RWA Tokenization appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
HashKey Group (3887.HK), Asia’s first publicly listed crypto exchange, has launched a one-stop Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization platform just two months after its $215M IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The solution, led by HashKey Tokenisation, covers the full lifecycle of converting illiquid assets into globally tradable digital tokens.
The move is a direct response to Hong Kong’s Digital Asset Development Policy Declaration 2.0, which introduced the “LEAP” framework and stamp duty exemptions for tokenized ETFs when it launched in June 2025.
What HashKey’s RWA Platform Does and Who It Serves
The platform integrates institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure through HashKey’s Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) engine. Nexatoken handles full token lifecycle management using the ERC-3643 standard, enabling cross-chain interoperability with HashKey Chain and other mainstream chains.
On the trading side, HashKey Exchange, Hong Kong’s largest licensed virtual asset trading platform, offers primary market subscriptions and secondary trading via Central Limit Order Books or OTC, with instant Delivery versus Payment (DVP) settlement.
The solution targets two groups: asset issuers looking to tokenize previously illiquid holdings, and professional intermediaries like law firms, auditors, and brokers seeking blockchain-powered service infrastructure.
Why Hong Kong Is Positioning as the Global RWA Hub
Dr. Xiao Feng, Chairman and CEO of HashKey Group, said:
“RWA is the essential bridge to the future of finance. Our one-stop solution leverages Hong Kong’s unique institutional strengths to build a high-efficiency channel for asset tokenization.”
HashKey holds licenses across Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Bermuda, and Dubai. Its December IPO drew cornerstone investors including Fidelity, UBS, and CDH Investments, with retail demand 394x oversubscribed.
How HashKey Stacks Up in the $36B RWA Market
The tokenized RWA market exceeded $36B (excluding stablecoins) by late 2025. BlackRock’s BUIDL fund leads the space at $2.85B and recently listed on Uniswap for DeFi trading. HashKey is now positioning as Asia’s regulated alternative to the Securitize/BlackRock infrastructure stack that dominates the West.
Hong Kong has already raised $1.28B through digital green bonds and plans to formalize RWA token issuance under its new regulatory framework.
HashKey Tokenisation will soon release a detailed RWA Issuance Service Manual to support onboarding.
What’s Impacting the Bitcoin Price Today? Why Market Sentiment Has Slipped Into Extreme Fear
The post What’s Impacting the Bitcoin Price Today? Why Market Sentiment Has Slipped Into Extreme Fear appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Bitcoin price is under pressure again. After weeks of choppy trading, selling has picked up, and sentiment has turned sharply negative. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has dropped to 5, placing the market deep into “Extreme Fear” territory. Readings this low are rare. They usually show up during panic-driven sell-offs or extended downtrends.
Derivatives data adds to the story. Open interest has declined, suggesting leverage is being washed out. Funding rates have cooled, showing fewer traders are willing to bet aggressively on a rebound. Large wallet activity has also increased in recent sessions. As a result, the market has turned defensive: buyers are hesitant, while sellers remain active.
Why Is Bitcoin Falling Today?
The Bitcoin price has dropped by 4.71% over the past 24 hours, to $63,171, underperforming a broadly weak crypto market. The sell-off is primarily driven by the uncertainty from President Trump’s 15% global tariff announcement and six straight weeks of ETF outflows. There isn’t just one trigger. Instead, several pressure points are building at the same time.
Extreme Fear Sentiment: When the Fear & Greed Index falls to 5, it reflects broad pessimism. Retail participation tends to slow during these phases.
Derivatives Reset: Open interest has dropped, signaling that leveraged positions are being closed. That removes fuel from the upside and can keep the price heavy.
Whale Transfers: Large wallet movements have increased. While not definitive proof of selling, it often signals strategic repositioning.
Retail Capitulation Signals: Search trends tied to Bitcoin’s decline have climbed, showing anxiety is spreading beyond just professional traders.
Narrative Uncertainty: Concerns around long-term risks, including quantum computing discussions, have resurfaced. These remain theoretical, but in fragile markets, perception matters.
Bitcoin Chart Analysis: A Clear Descending Channel
The Bitcoin price is undergoing a strong bearish phase, with the price trading within the lower range. The price is stuck within a descending parallel channel, specifically within the lower bands of the channel. The Bollinger bands have been squeezed, hinting towards major price action in the coming days. Additionally, the MACD, which is within a negative range, is about to undergo a bearish crossover, which may drag the price lower.
Bitcoin has been forming a clean descending channel with a series of lower highs and lower lows. After the rejection from the highs, here’s how the trend has been and could reach in the next few days.
125K → 82K → 98K → 62K → 79K → 43K
Inside this channel:
Rallies stall near the upper boundary.
Support gets tapped repeatedly.
Volatility compresses over time.
Compression like this doesn’t last forever.
Key Levels to Watch
Major Support: $43K- This marks the lower boundary of the channel. A clean break below it could trigger acceleration.
Upper Channel Resistance: Around $70K- A strong close above this area would begin to invalidate the bearish structure.
Structural Shift Level: $79K—Bitcoin needs to break above this previous lower high to confirm a change in trend.
Breakout or Breakdown Ahead?
Right now, the Bitcoin (BTC) price structure still favors the bears. But compression means a decisive move is getting closer.
If Bitcoin Breaks Higher: A confirmed close above the channel, followed by a successful retest, could shift momentum. The first upside target would sit near $79K, with further room toward $98K if buyers regain control.
If Bitcoin Breaks Lower: A daily close below $43K could open the door toward the $35K–$38K region. That’s where the next major liquidity pocket may sit.
Solana Ecosystem Step Finance Shuts Down After $29M Hack
The post Solana Ecosystem Step Finance Shuts Down after $29M Hack appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Solana ecosystem has suffered a major blow as Step Finance, one of its most important analytics and portfolio platforms, announced it is shutting down all operations.
The shutdown follows a devastating hack this year in January that resulted in the loss of $29 million.Since then, Step finance native token STEP, has crashed 99.12%, trading near $0.000608
Step Finance Shuts Down After $29M Hack
In a recent tweet post on X, Step Finance confirmed that it, along with SolanaFloor and Remora Markets, will wind down operations immediately.
This decision came after the company failed find new funding or a buyer to keep the business running.
Today we are announcing that Step Finance, SolanaFloor, and Remora Markets will be winding down all operations.Following the hack at the end of January we explored every possible path forward, including financing and acquisition opportunities.Unfortunately, we were unable to…
— Step (@StepFinance_) February 23, 2026
Hackers attacked Step Finance’s treasury wallets in January 2026, forcing the platform to shut down. The hacker stole 261,854 SOL, worth around $29 million. This heavy loss made it very difficult for the company to recover.
After exploring all possible options, the team stated that shutting down was the most viable decision under current conditions.
Step Finance Token Crash 99%
After the security breach and the shutdown announcement, the platform’s native token, STEP, has collapsed completely.
The token has lost nearly 99.12% of its value since the hack, now trading around $0.00058, with a market cap of $130K.
What Next for STEP Holders and Users?
Further, in an announcement, Step Finance teams also stated that they are working on a buyback plan for STEP token holders. This buyback will be based on a snapshot taken before the hack happened.
In addition, Remora rToken holders will be able to redeem their tokens, as Remora tokens are still fully backed 1:1.
For users, the focus now shifts to asset security and migration to alternative platforms
What This Means for the Solana Ecosystem
The shutdown of Step Finance is a big loss for the Solana ecosystem. Over 2.4 million users relied on the platform to track investments and manage DeFi assets.
Step Finance also provided important data and tools used across Solana. Its closure removes a major tool that helped users understand and manage their Solana holdings easily.
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Struggle While XRP ETFs Stay Positive During Market Crash
The post Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Struggle While XRP ETFs Stay Positive During Market Crash appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Crypto markets are clearly losing steam in early 2026. Bitcoin is trading around $62,900, stuck in a frustrating $60,000 to $70,000 range. Over the past week alone, major cryptocurrencies have dropped between 8% and 11%. This isn’t the kind of fast crash that sparks aggressive dip-buying. Instead, it feels slow and heavy, like the market is gradually deflating.
Altcoins have taken even more pressure. Sell-side activity has reportedly climbed to levels not seen in five years. Sentiment is cautious. Traders are tired. Volatility hasn’t disappeared, but it has changed shape. It’s no longer explosive. It’s structural.
And yet, when you look at ETF flows, a different story begins to emerge.
Bitcoin and Ethereum See Outflows
Last year, spot ETF inflows were one of the main reasons Bitcoin rallied to $126,000. Regulated investment products now account for more than 6% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization.
But since November, the tide has shifted. Bitcoin ETFs have recorded $7.2 billion in outflows. Ethereum funds have lost another $2.8 billion. Most weeks have ended in the red.
Institutions, at least in BTC and ETH products, appear to be trimming exposure.
XRP and Solana ETFs Stay Positive
Here’s where it gets interesting. Both Solana and XRP ETFs launched right into this broader market slowdown. Yet neither has recorded a single negative month since its debut.
Inflows have slowed significantly. Solana ETF flows fell from $419 million in November to just $19 million in February. XRP dropped from $667 million to $49 million over the same period. But the key point is this: not one red month.
That consistency matters.
According to market analysts, the U.S. spot XRP ETF has seen outflows on only five trading days since launch. That’s a remarkable level of stability during a period when prices have been sliding.
Also Read :
Bitcoin Risks $2.2 Billion in Liquidations if $60K Support Fails, Key Levels to Watch
,
A Different Kind of Downturn
This market feels different from past cycles. Earlier downturns were often driven by retail leverage, leading to sharp collapses followed by violent rebounds. Today’s structure appears more institutionally anchored. Price action is slower. More controlled. More range-bound.
That doesn’t mean weakness is over. Bitcoin’s consolidation near $62,900 shows a balance between buyers and sellers. Altcoins remain under pressure. Liquidity is thinner.
But ETF flows are becoming one of the clearest windows into institutional sentiment. And right now, XRP and Solana are quietly holding their ground.
In a cooling market, staying green every month is not a small detail. It may be one of the more important signals beneath the surface.
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
Subscribe to News FAQs Why are crypto prices falling in early 2026?
The market is experiencing a structural slowdown rather than a crash, with Bitcoin trading sideways. Selling pressure on altcoins has increased, and institutional outflows from Bitcoin ETFs are contributing to the heavy, range-bound price action.
Are investors pulling money out of Bitcoin ETFs?
Yes, Bitcoin ETFs have seen significant outflows recently, totaling $7.2 billion since November. This shift indicates that institutions are trimming their exposure to Bitcoin, moving away from the aggressive buying seen during the 2025 rally.
What makes this crypto downturn different from past crashes?
Unlike past crashes driven by retail leverage and sharp collapses, this downturn feels institutionally anchored. The price action is slower and more controlled, resulting in a gradual deflation rather than violent, quick rebounds.
What is the most important signal in the market right now?
ETF flows have become the clearest window into institutional sentiment. While Bitcoin and Ethereum see outflows, the fact that XRP and Solana ETFs stay positive every month is a significant signal of underlying strength and stability.
WLFI Price in Trouble As Whale Activity Spikes: Is More Downside Ahead?
The post WLFI Price In Trouble as Whale Activity Spikes: Is More Downside Ahead? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
WLFI price is flashing clear signs of weakness as sellers tighten their grip. The token has declined for three straight sessions, repeatedly failing to break above the 20-day EMA, while recent whale transfers to exchanges have added fresh selling pressure. The combination of price rejection and large on-chain movements is keeping sentiment cautious. With WLFI price struggling to regain momentum and distribution signals emerging, the key question now is: What’s next for WLFI price, a deeper correction or a surprise rebound?
Whale Activity Raises Fresh Concerns: More Distribution Ahead?
Recent on-chain data has amplified bearish concerns. According to Lookonchain, wallet address 0x5041 received 26.6 million WLFI tokens, valued at approximately $3.2 million, from a World Liberty Financial-linked wallet. Shortly after, 6 million WLFI tokens, worth around $664,000, were transferred to Binance.
Wallet 0x5041 received 26.6M $WLFI($3.2M) from a @worldlibertyfi-related wallet 2 days ago, then deposited 6M $WLFI($664K) into #Binance 20 minutes ago.https://t.co/c3xbZSm8Sz pic.twitter.com/KcntGRTPlz
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) February 23, 2026
Large deposits to exchanges are closely watched because they often signal preparation for selling. While not every transfer leads to immediate liquidation, such activity typically increases short-term downside risk. The timing of this deposit aligns closely with WLFI’s recent price drop, reinforcing the distribution narrative. When whale movement and technical weakness appear together, markets tend to stay defensive.
WLFI Price Structure Shows Continued Downtrend: Is $0.10 Breakdown Next?
WLFI remains locked in a clear short-term downtrend. The token is currently trading around the $0.107–$0.110 range after multiple failed attempts to reclaim resistance near the 20-day EMA, positioned between $0.115 and $0.118.
Each rejection at this moving average confirms that sellers remain in control. Instead of forming higher highs, WLFI continues to print lower highs, which keeps the bearish structure intact. Immediate support now sits near $0.10. If this level breaks, price could slide toward the $0.095 region, where previous demand emerged. A deeper correction may extend toward $0.090 if broader market weakness persists. On the upside, WLFI must close decisively above $0.118 to shift short-term momentum back to neutral. Without that reclaim, rallies are likely to remain corrective rather than trend-changing.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is trading below the neutral 50 level, signaling that buyers lack strong control. At the same time, WLFI is not yet deeply oversold, meaning additional downside remains possible before a meaningful relief bounce develops.
Outlook: Can WLFI Price Stabilize?
WLFI remains under pressure as technical rejection and whale exchange deposits weigh on sentiment. If price fails to hold above $0.10, further downside toward $0.095 or even $0.090 could follow. For any recovery to gain credibility, WLFI must reclaim and sustain levels above $0.118, turning resistance back into support. Until that shift occurs, the trend remains tilted toward the downside, and traders are likely to stay cautious.
Fact-Check: Will Strategy Be Forced to Liquidate $55B in Bitcoin After a 4% BTC Drop?
The post Fact-Check: Will Strategy Be Forced to Liquidate $55B in Bitcoin After a 4% BTC Drop? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
A viral claim circulating on X has sparked fear across the crypto community, suggesting that Strategy could face a massive $55 billion in margin calls if Bitcoin drops another 4%.This raised concerns among investors, especially as the Bitcoin price has recently droped 5% today, trading near $63,212.
So Coinpedia stepped in to fact-check whether this claim is real or misleading.
Who Made This Claim?
The claim was made by DeFi researcher Crypto Nobler, who warned that a further 4% drop in Bitcoin’s price could trigger a margin call on Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings.
According to the claim, Saylor would be forced to liquidate Strategy’s entire Bitcoin position of over 717,000 BTC, valued at approximately $55 billion.But is all this claim true? Let’s break it down.
Coinpedia’s Key Findings: What’s Actually True?
No Liquidation Risk, even if Bitcoin Drops 4%
Strategy currently holds 717,722 BTC, acquired at an average price of $76,018 per Bitcoin. With Bitcoin trading around $63,233, the company is sitting on an unrealized loss of about 17%.
Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings are primarily funded through convertible notes and corporate financing, not fully through margin-based loans.
This means that a 4% drop to near $60K alone is unlikely to trigger a forced liquidation of its entire holdings.
Unlike margin-based loans, Strategy funded most of its Bitcoin purchases using low-interest convertible notes with maturities extending to 2032.
Michael Saylor has also publicly stated that Strategy plans to gradually convert its debt into equity over time. This strategy helps the company protect its Bitcoin holdings and avoid selling assets during market volatility.
Strategy Can Survive Even If Bitcoin Drops To $8,000
Saylor earlier stated that even in an extreme scenario where Bitcoin drops sharply to $8,000, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings would still be valued at around $6 billion, which is close to its total net debt of $5.6 billion.
Summary Table: Coinpedia’s Evidence Against the Theory
Claim Made by Theory Coinpedia’s Counter-Evidence Will Strategy face a margin call if BTC drops 4% No official filing or confirmation supports this. Michael Saylor must liquidate $55 billion in BTC The company has financial flexibility and collateral options, so it won’t be required to liquidate $55 billion in BTC Can Strategy Survive If BTC Drops To $8K Yes, Strategy can survive even if BTC drops To $8K
Conclusion
Claim Will Strategy face forced liquidation if Bitcoin drops another 4%? Verdict Misleading Fact-Check by Coinpedia Based on available financial disclosures and the strategy’s funding structure, there is no verifiable evidence that a 4% Bitcoin drop would trigger a $55 billion liquidation of its entire holdings.The claim appears to exaggerate liquidation risk without considering the company’s financial structure and flexibility
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
Grayscale Buys $43M LINK As SEC Signals Clearer Crypto Rules
The post Grayscale Buys $43M LINK as SEC Signals Clearer Crypto Rules appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Grayscale Investments has quietly accumulated about 5.258 million LINK worth roughly $43 million, even as the token trades nearly 70% below last year’s high. The move comes as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission hires a former deputy general counsel from Chainlink Labs following the departure of Gary Gensler.
‘Never Thought I’d Buy XRP Below $1 Again’: Analyst Reveals Why Institutions Are Already in
The post ‘Never Thought I’d Buy XRP Below $1 Again’: Analyst Reveals Why Institutions Are Already In appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Crypto analyst Austin Hilton says the current XRP sell-off is masking a story most retail investors are not tracking. In a recent video breakdown, he argued that institutional players are already building on the XRP Ledger while prices bleed, and the window to accumulate may not stay open long.
Institutions Want the Tech, Not the Token Pump
Hilton drew a line that rarely gets attention. Financial institutions are integrating Ripple’s infrastructure, but they are not buying XRP in bulk to push the spot price higher.
“Do I believe institutions are buying XRP? Sure. Do I believe they’re buying it in mass to move the price of the token? No, that’s not my point.”
The XRP Ledger activated XLS-81 this month, launching permissioned DEXs with built-in KYC and AML controls designed for banks and regulated firms. Ripple also expanded escrow tools to cover stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. Combined, these give institutions a compliance-ready on-chain toolkit.
“Ripple is not trying to win open DeFi. It’s building a fast lane for institutional capital.”
The signals extend beyond the ledger. Aviva Investors partnered with Ripple to tokenize funds on XRPL, cumulative XRP ETF inflows have crossed $1.23 billion, and Bank of America recently disclosed XRP ETF holdings in an SEC filing.
Tariffs, Iran, and the Macro Drag on Crypto
Hilton connected the sell-off to forces well outside crypto. The Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s tariff framework, and the White House immediately pivoted to impose more. The EU is publicly refusing to accept the hikes, and Iran-US tensions continue escalating.
These pressures are suppressing price action across the board, regardless of what is being built underneath.
Also Read: Why Is XRP Price Outperforming Bitcoin After the 2026 Crypto Crash?
XRP Below $1? Hilton Sees a Buying Window
With Bitcoin at risk of dropping to $55K or below $50K, Hilton expects XRP to follow and potentially fall under $1.
“I never thought I’d be able to buy XRP below a dollar again, simply put.”
He frames that scenario as accumulation, not panic. The infrastructure is live, institutional names are moving, and the CLARITY Act carries 80% odds of passing by April, according to Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. Polymarket bettors price it at 85%.
If the regulatory green light and macro relief arrive together, the gap between XRP’s infrastructure reality and its price could close fast.
Upbit Listing News Sends ESP Soaring 120% to New High
The post Upbit Listing News Sends ESP Soaring 120% to New High appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Upbit listing news wasn’t just a whisper because it led to a massive explosion. And that’s exactly what happened in the ESP token when South Korea’s top exchanges, Upbit first and then Bithumb, listed it.
The result? A vertical move. Over 120% surge to a fresh all-time high. Where we saw 24-hour volume balloon to $374.46 million. That’s not casual interest, that’s traders piling in because of listing news.
Upbit Listing News Ignites ESP Demand
Before the listing, on-chain metrics were already picking up steadily. Development activity climbed this week. Daily active addresses rose to 2,019. That’s not noise that’s the reflection of usage and development of its ecosystem.
And usage do matters. Espresso Systems isn’t pitching itself as just another altcoin. It’s official website shows that its building shared sequencing infrastructure for Ethereum Layer 2s. Fast finality of roughly six seconds. Cross-rollup interoperability. Decentralized block space ordering.
In plain terms? Rollups don’t have to rely on a single centralized sequencer anymore. That’s infrastructure-level utility. And the ESP token sits right in the middle of it.
Utility Narrative Meets Speculation Frenzy
now governance, the holders of ESP tokens operate the DAO. For the purpose of staking, Validators are required to lock their ESP tokens to enhance network security. Consequently, the Rollups compensate in ESP’s as fees for sequencing services.
So rising on-chain metrics especially active addresses and development growth align directly with token utility. More usage means more demand pressure. That’s the theory.
Now layer that with enhanced liquidity from a major South Korean listing, like the upbit listing news and bitthumb listing news. Accessibility increases. Price discovery becomes sharper. Rollup developers who need ESP operationally now have deeper markets to source it.
And derivatives traders didn’t sit this one out either. Proof is its Futures volume that exploded 687% to $1.98 billion. Open interest climbed 177% to $86.44 million. The long-short ratio sits at 1.0665, leaning bullish.
Liquidations tell the real story. Shorts lost $8.68 million in the past 24 hours. Long liquidations? Just $1.39 million. That’s a classic squeeze of short positions.
ESP Price Chart After The Surge
On the 4-hour ESP price chart, the token rocketed from $0.0933 to a peak of $0.2200. That’s a dramatic move in a compressed time window.
Of course, profit-taking followed. Price has already cooled back to $0.1933 not unusual after a 120% spike. Momentum traders got their payday. Long-term holders are probably watching carefully.
So now, what happens next is on its Adoption and demand, which will decide that. If rollup utilization continues rising and staking demand strengthens, the utility loop could sustain interest. But if volume fades post-listing, volatility may take over.
For now, one thing is clear: this Upbit listing news and Bitthumb listing news didn’t just bump liquidity but it flipped the ESP price chart into overdrive.
The post Upbit Lists Seeker (SKR) and Espresso (ESP) appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
South Korea’s top exchange, Upbit, has added Seeker (SKR) and Espresso (ESP), while imposing temporary trading restrictions to stabilize early volatility. Buy orders are blocked for the first five minutes after trading begins, and sell orders below 10% of the previous day’s close are restricted during the same window. Only limit orders are allowed for the first two hours. Upbit also warned users to deposit ESP only via the Ethereum network and verify the official contract address before transfers. Seeker (SKR) jumped about 62%, while Espresso (ESP) surged roughly 50% shortly after the announcement.