Finance Police

Global Enterprises Embrace Holistic Risk Strategies in 2026

A comprehensive January 2026 survey by specialist insurer Beazley, involving over 3,500 senior leaders from major companies in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, Germany, France, and Spain, highlights a clear evolution in corporate risk approaches. Traditional isolated risk categories—such as environmental, political, digital, and governance issues—are dissolving into a web of overlapping challenges that demand unified responses.

Nearly all respondents (94%) confirmed intentions to fortify organizational strength using a mix of insurance coverage and proactive risk controls throughout 2026. This widespread commitment reflects growing recognition that disruptions now cascade across operations, supply chains, and financial stability.

Key Investment Priorities for Enhanced Protection

Businesses are channeling resources into multifaceted solutions:

31% aim to fund dedicated risk mitigation and prevention programs.

29% seek out insurance offerings bundled with crisis response and advisory support.

24% target alternative risk transfer (ART) options, such as captives, insurance-linked securities, or structured vehicles.

23% show strong interest in parametric policies, which deliver rapid, predefined payouts based on verifiable triggers rather than traditional loss assessments.

These preferences signal boardroom-level prioritization of innovative tools that address complex, non-traditional exposures efficiently.

Geopolitical and Economic Headwinds Intensify

Against a backdrop of rising protectionism, shifting trade partnerships, sovereign debt strains, and persistent international conflicts, corporate optimism has waned. Beazley’s insights indicate that 88% of executives now expect geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility to constrain expansion strategies—a notable jump from 69% in prior assessments.

This environment pushes companies to integrate broader safeguards into core planning, viewing insurance as essential for navigating uncertainty.

Escalating Focus on Cyber and Energy Transition Vulnerabilities

Cyber threats continue their upward trajectory in executive concerns from 2021 through 2026, fueled by escalating ransomware incidents, widespread service disruptions, and involvement of nation-state actors. The high-profile Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) cyber incident in 2025, which reduced UK GDP by approximately 0.2% in a single month, serves as a stark illustration of potential economic fallout. Analysts warn that 2026 may witness a prominent organization endure lasting operational harm—or even collapse—due to a severe cyber event or related system failure.

Simultaneously, the shift toward sustainable energy sources emerges as a top concern, with roughly one-quarter of leaders identifying energy transition dynamics as their primary business hazard in early 2026.

Insurance as a Strategic Pillar for Long-Term Stability

Paul Bantick, Chief Underwriting Officer at Beazley, emphasized:

Organizations now operate in a landscape of converging disruptions—spanning digital, environmental, and political domains—that exert simultaneous strain across all functions. Leaders who recognize how these forces magnify each other can transform resilience into a competitive edge. In an era where volatility is constant, specialty insurance evolves beyond mere coverage to become integral to sustainable growth.

These early insights from Beazley’s 2026 Risk & Resilience research (conducted January 5–13 in collaboration with Opinion Matters) underscore a pivotal shift: purchasing decisions increasingly hinge on addressing bundled exposures in cyber, climate transition, and geopolitical arenas. This trend elevates parametric triggers and alternative transfer structures from niche tools to essential components of enterprise-wide resilience frameworks.

Capgemini SE (CAP.PA) delivered resilient full-year 2025 results amid a mixed global IT services landscape, highlighted by accelerating Q4 momentum, strategic emphasis on AI-driven transformation, intelligent operations, and sovereignty solutions. The French consulting and technology leader posted full-year revenue of €22.465 billion, reflecting +3.4% growth at constant exchange rates—surpassing upgraded guidance—and +1.7% on a reported basis. Q4 showed particularly robust performance with +10.6% constant currency growth (including M&A contributions) and approximately +4% organic expansion.

Key Financial Metrics for FY 2025

Revenue: €22.465 billion (+3.4% constant currency)

Operating Margin: Stable at 13.3%

Normalized EPS: €12.95 (+5.8% YoY)

Organic Free Cash Flow: €1.95 billion

Bookings: €24.4 billion (+3.9% constant currency), yielding a 1.08 book-to-bill ratio (1.21 in Q4)

Net Profit (Group Share): €1.601 billion

The company maintained profitability resilience despite softness in Continental Europe, supported by disciplined cost management and broad-based recovery across regions, sectors, and business lines. North America (+7.3% constant currency) and the UK/Ireland (+10.5%) led growth, while France and rest of Europe faced headwinds but showed sequential improvement.

Strategic Focus Driving Future Momentum

CEO Aiman Ezzat underscored 2026 as a pivotal year for transitioning AI from proofs-of-concept to scalable, value-generating enterprise adoption. Key growth pillars include:

AI Transformation — Emphasis on addressing data foundations, governance, and human-AI collaboration to unlock measurable impact.

Intelligent Operations — Bolstered by the WNS acquisition; integration on track with expected synergies of €100-140 million revenue and €50-70 million cost annually by 2027. Recent mega-deal (>€600 million) exemplifies Agentic AI-led models delivering cost efficiencies and enhanced outcomes.

Sovereignty Solutions — Rising demand projected to affect >50% of contracts by 2029 (per Gartner); strengthened via Cloud4C acquisition and partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, and SAP.

The group is accelerating capability realignment through country-specific “Fit for Growth” initiatives, involving ~€700 million in restructuring over two years to enhance competitiveness in high-growth areas.

2026 Guidance

Constant currency revenue growth: +6.5% to +8.5% (inorganic contribution ~4.5-5 points)

Operating margin: 13.6% to 13.8%

Organic free cash flow: €1.8-1.9 billion (factoring higher restructuring outflows)

Market Reaction & Valuation Insight

Post-earnings, shares showed cautious movement, trading around €100-105 levels in early February 2026 sessions (near 52-week lows after prior highs above €180). At a P/E of approximately 11.3x (per InvestingPro data), Capgemini appears attractively valued relative to IT services peers, offering potential upside for investors focused on AI, digital transformation, and European sovereignty trends.

This performance positions Capgemini well to capitalize on enterprise demand for AI adoption, intelligent process orchestration, and compliant cloud strategies in a multipolar world.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $66,000 after failing to stay above $68,000 as the markets remain sluggish. The buyers are attempting to take over the market after four consecutive bearish sessions, as Bitcoin price has crept up slightly to $66,800.

Coinbase has taken advantage of the dip as it revealed to have purchased around $39,000,000 of BTC in Q4, 2025. In fact, according to Glassnode, the whales, in general, are buying the dip.

CZ Denies BitMEX Allegations

Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao pushed back against fresh allegations that Binance secretly traded on BitMEX during the March 2020 crash and made 60,000 BTC by hedging customer positions, calling the claims “fake news” with no proof. He said Binance never traded on BitMEX and argued the mechanics of BitMEX’s withdrawal system make the story implausible, even suggesting the rumor was spread to attract unsophisticated users elsewhere.

The accusations come amid broader criticism of Binance, including claims it manipulated bitcoin’s price or dumped large holdings, allegations Zhao has consistently denied, insisting that wallet balance changes reflect user activity, not proprietary trading.

Also, on the Binance topic, Santiment observed the following when it comes to Binance withdrawals.

Santiment noted:

According to exchange flow numbers, there have been a net outflow of 19,162 $BTC from exchanges over the past week. Primarily due to the crowd’s distrust of Binance in relation to its involvement of the October 10, 2025 dump, we may continue to see coins moving back into cold wallets, or on to other exchanges where retail continues to look for opportunities to panic sell.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) price action looks as sluggish as ever. The flagship cryptocurrency tried to stay above $68,000 before a bearish drawdown took bitcoin price back below $66,000. Since then, the price has managed to get back above $68,000.

Source: TradingView

BTC is still trending in a downward channel far below the 50-day SMA curve. Both the relative strength index (RSI) and the moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) tells us that the overall momentum of the market is quite bearish. In the short-term, the buyers must push the BTC price above $72,000 to reverse bearish momentum. However, it currently looks highly unlikely that they will be able to do the same.

According to Glassnode, the 30-day SMA for Bitcoin shows a lack of demand.

Bitcoin (BTC) On-Chain Analysis

Let’s look at some charts from various sources to get an understanding of the on-chain analysis. Santiment said about Bitcoin shorting:

According to aggregated funding rate data across crypto exchanges, this latest wave of short positioning is the most extreme seen since August 2024, a period that marked a major bottom for Bitcoin. At that time, funding rates also fell deep into negative territory as traders aggressively bet on further downside. Instead, the market reversed. The liquidations of overcrowded short positions helped ignite a powerful recovery, with Bitcoin climbing roughly +83% over the following four months.

The Realized Profit/Loss Ratio (90D-SMA) for Bitcoin continues to trend lower (~1.32), approaching 1, echoing diminishing liquidity.

Historically, a sustained break below 1 has overlapped with broad-based capitulation, where realized losses outpace profit-taking across the market.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

The DeepSeek breakthrough in early 2025 sent shockwaves through global markets, sparking a sharp rebound in Chinese technology equities as investors rediscovered the region’s potential in artificial intelligence. This surge drew renewed capital inflows, reversing earlier caution tied to regulatory pressures and economic headwinds.

However, according to Eva Lee, who leads Greater China equities research within UBS Global Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Office, the coming year represents a critical inflection point. She emphasizes that 2026 will separate sustainable leaders from the pack, requiring AI-driven enterprises—particularly in China—to demonstrate concrete revenue generation and positive returns on massive prior expenditures.

Lee points out that while excitement around innovative models like DeepSeek has fueled optimism and lifted valuations, the sector now faces scrutiny over monetization. Investors want evidence that heavy spending on infrastructure, model training, and deployment translates into scalable business models, whether through cloud services, enterprise applications, consumer tools, or API ecosystems.

Broader UBS analysis supports a constructive yet cautious stance on the theme. Globally, AI-related capital expenditures are projected to approach significant levels by 2026, with revenues from direct and indirect sources potentially matching that scale. In China specifically, expectations center on cost-efficient advancements driving adoption, though operating margins may trail Western peers due to competitive dynamics.

Lee remains positive on select Greater China tech opportunities, noting that leading players in cloud computing, super-apps, and AI applications could see robust earnings expansion—potentially in the high double digits—into next year. She views current valuations as reasonable compared to global counterparts, suggesting room for further gains if execution delivers.

Still, challenges loom: market volatility could intensify from factors like geopolitical strains, uneven economic recovery, or delays in widespread enterprise AI uptake. The shift from hype to proven cash flows will likely create dispersion, rewarding companies with strong distribution, regulatory alignment, and clear paths to profitability.

For investors eyeing the AI megatrend in emerging markets, Greater China remains a high-conviction area, but 2026 demands a focus on fundamentals over speculation. As Lee underscores, this pivotal period will determine whether the region’s AI momentum evolves into enduring value creation.

Dubai, UAE, February 13th, 2026, FinanceWire

Prop Trading Firm Pairs Industry Recognition With Measured Payout Metrics and System Disclosure

Hola Prime has been named

Fastest Payout Prop Firm – MEA 2026

at the Ultimate Fintech (UF) Awards MEA during iFX EXPO Dubai, one of the region’s leading fintech and trading industry gatherings. Instead of leading with the award alone, the proprietary trading firm released internal payout performance data and its payout control framework – positioning operational transparency as part of its funded trader model.

According to firm-reported payout records, Hola Prime’s average profit split payout is completed in 33 minutes and 48 seconds, with the fastest recorded payout processed in 3 minutes and 37 seconds. The firm reports an average payout size of approximately $4,500, indicating that timelines in the report reflect standard funded account payouts rather than just some nominal transactions. As part of its commitment to transparency, the firm made the reports publicly accessible on its official website. 

In the prop trading industry, payout cycles often extend into multi-day timelines due to post-request account audits, manual checks of rules, compliance and KYC checks, and arranging funds. Hola Prime states that its payout performance comes from moving those controls earlier in the lifecycle of the account, rather than compressing them at the payout stage.

A fundamental factor in the prop trading industry is the planning of funds. The prop firms need to pay attention to the flow of their revenue, against the amounts they owe to traders. Many prop firms fail because of their lack of ability to do this planning and execution effectively.

Hola Prime operates what it describes as a 10-point payout system for funded accounts – a structured pipeline that includes continuous rule-adherence monitoring, real-time profit split calculation, pre-allocated daily payout funds, surge cash flow buffers, ongoing KYC and AML screening, maker–checker authorization, automated payout rail selection by region and method, priority processing for fully verified traders, end-of-day treasury and ledger reconciliation, and full audit-trail generation for every payout. By running verification, compliance readiness, and funds provisioning in parallel, the payout step becomes an execution event rather than a review trigger. All of this runs parallel to their copy trading systems at the back end, which makes them one of the few firms invested in trader success.

Fast payouts don’t come from processing faster – they come from designing the payout pipeline correctly. When rule checks, profit calculations, and cash flow provisioning are engineered upstream, execution time compresses naturally. That’s a systems result, and systems results can be measured,

 said Somesh Kapuria, CEO of Hola Prime.

As prop trading expands globally, traders are increasingly evaluating firms on payout reliability and processing transparency alongside evaluation rules, scaling models, and profit split ratios. In that environment, disclosed payout metrics function as an operational signal – not just a service claim.

About Hola Prime

Hola Prime is a premier proprietary trading firm dedicated to empowering skilled traders with substantial capital and professional-grade tools. Recognized for its commitment to speed and transparency, Hola Prime offers a secure environment for traders across Forex, Futures, and Commodities, backed by a robust payout infrastructure.

https://holaprime.com/

Contact

Manya Bhardwaj
HolaPrime
contactus@holaprime.com

Ebene, Mauritius, February 13th, 2026, FinanceWire

IUX, a global leader in high-performance trading technology, today officially launched its 2026 flagship campaign, “IUX Your edge, Optimized.” The announcement marks a definitive strategic shift for the firm, prioritizing the deployment of sophisticated, customizable technology designed to empower professional traders to reach their peak potential.

As the financial markets evolve in 2026, IUX is refocusing its ecosystem on the “trader’s edge”—the technical advantage required to navigate modern volatility. This initiative centers on the philosophy that professional success is not a one-size-fits-all achievement but is driven by tools that can be precisely optimized to suit diverse trading strategies.

A Year of Technical Evolution and Innovation

The “Your Edge, Optimized” campaign serves as the foundation for a series of major milestones scheduled throughout 2026. Key pillars of the new roadmap include:

10-Year Anniversary Celebration: To honor a decade of market presence, IUX will host an anniversary event. This milestone will celebrate the firm’s journey from a boutique brokerage to a technology-first powerhouse, featuring exclusive networking opportunities for professional clients.

Next-Generation Product Launch: IUX confirmed the upcoming release of a new, highly anticipated trading product later this year. While details remain confidential, the product is engineered to further bridge the trading possibilities.

Omni-Channel Client Engagement: IUX will roll out a comprehensive series of online and offline campaigns. These include technical webinars, regional trade summits, and interactive workshops focused on helping clients optimize their execution speeds and risk management protocols.

Engineering the Future of Trading

The 2026 pivot is underpinned by IUX’s core technical benchmarks, including its 30ms average execution speed and algorithmic spread stability. By utilizing private fiber-optic cross-connects and event-driven architectures, IUX ensures that the underlying technology is a catalyst for strategy execution, rather than a limitation.

“2026 is about more than just market access; it’s about the quality of the interaction with the market,” Alex Delarue, Commercial Director (APAC) stated. “With ‘Your Edge, Optimized,’ we are providing the professional community with a transparent, high-velocity environment where technology is the ultimate equalizer.”

Traders and partners are encouraged to stay tuned to IUX’s official channels for further announcements regarding the anniversary event and the upcoming product release.

About IUX

IUX is a technology-driven brokerage specializing in high-performance trading solutions for professional market participants. Established in 2016, the firm provides low-latency execution, deep-book liquidity, and customizable trading tools designed to optimize the performance of high-volume strategies. IUX remains committed to innovation, transparency, and the continuous advancement of trading infrastructure.

For more information: IUX

Contact

IUX
brand@iux.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 13th, 2026, FinanceWire

PU Prime, a leading global multi-asset broker group, is proud to announce that its Dubai-based entity has officially been granted a licence by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of the United Arab Emirates. The license (No. 20200000388) is issued under PU Prime Financial Services LLC and permits the company to conduct regulated activities of introduction and promotion within the UAE.

This milestone marks a significant step in the group’s strategic global expansion and reinforces its commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and world-class trading environment for investors in the region. Currently, PU Prime already holds licences from several major jurisdictions, including Australia’s ASIC, South Africa’s FSCA, Mauritius’s FSC and Seychelles’s FSA.

The acquisition of the UAE licence serves as a testament to PU Prime’s dedication to regulatory excellence. By meeting the stringent standards set by the UAE’s capital market regulators, PU Prime joins an elite group of financial institutions authorized to operate within one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs.

This is more than just a licence; it is a promise to our clients,

said Mr. Ali Afzaal, Head of Category at PU Prime. The UAE is a pivotal market for us. By securing CMA oversight, we are demonstrating our commitment to supporting the region’s vision of a robust financial ecosystem. We want our traders to know that when they trade with licensed entities within the PU Prime group, they are backed by a brand that values integrity, transparency, and professional conduct above all else.

The expansion into the UAE market forms part of PU Prime’s broader mission to support market participants globally. With this new regulatory authorisation in Dubai, PU Prime plans to strengthen its footprint in the region, host educational seminars, and promote financial awareness within the broader financial markets.

About PU Prime

Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech group and a multi-asset CFD brokerage brand operating through various licensed entities across multiple jurisdictions. Today, the group offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, the PU Prime group provides innovative trading platforms and an integrated copy trading feature, empowering traders worldwide to achieve financial success with confidence.

For media enquiries, users can contact: media@puprime.com 

Contact

Sim
PU Prime
kahlock.sim@puprime.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 13th, 2026, FinanceWire

At iFX EXPO Dubai, STARTRADER highlighted how its rebrand, sponsorship strategy, and market positioning align under one long-term vision

The global multi-asset broker, STARTRADER, recently participated at iFX EXPO Dubai as a Platinum Sponsor.

The event, organized by Ultimate Fintech, is a platform that serves as a great networking point. With over 10K attendees, 150 speakers, from over 130 countries, and 3,800 companies, the conversation about the financial market becomes more alive and engaging.

STARTRADER’s participation in this expo comes as a strategic decision, as it functions as a continuum to the story the broker announced earlier in the year. After announcing its rebranding, STARTRADER sealed sponsorship deals with leading sports entities.

Commenting on STARTRADER’s participation, Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER, said:

Our presence at iFX EXPO Dubai reflects a deliberate continuation of the journey we began with our rebrand. It is about presenting a clearer, more focused identity that aligns with how we build our platforms, partnerships, and long-term direction. This expo provided the right setting to express that evolution in a tangible way. This evolution builds on the trust we have established with our clients, placing their interests at the center of our priorities, and reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening that trust over time.

The refreshed brand identity, introduced to reinforce trust, clarity, and sustainable growth, was clearly reflected in the premium booth design and the use of calmer color palettes. The artwork emphasized the values of clarity over noise and hype that the company has adopted as part of its broader brand evolution.

The reference to STARTRADER’s sports sponsorships, including the NBA, the UAE National Cricket Team under the ICC Men’s T20 framework, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, further highlighted this positioning, reflecting principles of high performance, control, and precision, qualities that have long shaped the company’s relationship with its clients and continue to guide its strategic direction. Regulated by CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC, the company offers traders trusted platforms where they can execute trades with precision while having control over their risk.

The booth attracted visitors who came to learn more about the advantages of trading and partnering with the company. The skilled team at the booth engaged with them and held enriching discussions about the latest updates in the market and the industry.

Aligning with the narrative presented at this expo, STARTRADER introduced exciting promotions for sports enthusiasts, offering participants the chance to win tickets to matches from some of the leading sports entities it has partnered with.

By participating in the expo at this stage, STARTRADER reinforces a unified narrative, where brand evolution, sponsorship strategy, and industry presence operate as connected expressions of the same long-term vision.

About STARTRADER

STARTRADER is a global broker that provides its clients with opportunities to trade financial instruments online. STARTRADER services both Partners and Retail Clients, who can trade using the MetaTrader Platform, the STAR-APP, and STAR-COPY.

As a global broker, STARTRADER holds a client-first approach as our core principle. Regulated in 5 jurisdictions (ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and CMA), STARTRADER upholds strong governance alongside sustainable growth. STARTRADER’s team comprises dedicated professionals working collaboratively to deliver quality service to its Partners and Clients.

Contact

Global PR Manager
Janna Magabilen
STARTRADER
janna.magabilen@startrader.com

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, February 12th, 2026, FinanceWire

Platform surpasses 500,000 users with AI analyzing 10,000+ securities daily to deliver personalized, actionable market analysis

Edgen today announced the launch of its autonomous AI intelligence system, designed to identify complex correlations between macro events and market movements without the need for manual user prompting or traditional chatbot queries.

The launch follows a major milestone for the company, as Edgen’s global user base surpassed 500,000 registered accounts. Unlike conversational AI tools, Edgen’s infrastructure operates continuously to surface data-driven insights and market signals tailored to a user’s specific areas of interest.

“The problem with AI chat interfaces is that you need to know what to ask,” said Sean Tao, CEO and Co-Founder of Edgen. “Most investors don’t have time to check markets daily or understand how a Fed decision might affect assets. Our system does that work autonomously. It finds the correlations, evaluates the impact on specific asset, and delivers signals you can actually use.”

From Reactive Chat to Proactive Intelligence

Edgen’s architecture represents a fundamental shift from reactive AI assistance to autonomous market surveillance. The platform uses a proprietary financial knowledge graph that automatically maps relationships between macroeconomic developments, sector movements, and individual securities across US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, and cryptocurrency markets.

When significant market events occur whether geopolitical shifts, central bank decisions, or large-cap stock movements, Edgen’s system identifies correlated opportunities and risks, then delivers structured analysis without waiting for user input.

This approach addresses critical limitations of general-purpose AI models in finance: hallucinated stock prices, inability to access real-time data, and the requirement for users to constantly monitor and prompt the system.

Institutional Workflows, Personalized Execution

Edgen mirrors how professional investment teams operate, but adapts the process for individuals. The platform divides analytical responsibilities across specialized AI agents, including fundamentals, technicals, sentiment, macro trends, then consolidates their findings into personalized, action-ready analysis.

At launch, the system delivers:

Edgen Picks: Algorithmically identified stocks based on multi-factor screening, with detailed breakdowns of technical patterns, fundamental metrics, and risk parameters. Updated dynamically as market conditions change.

Weekly Earnings Play: Pre-earnings probability modeling that identifies potential price movements based on historical patterns, positioning, and market expectations.

Thematic Discovery: Early identification of emerging market themes and sectors, with asset recommendations.

Each analysis includes actionable parameters designed for execution. Users receive specific entry points, position sizing guidance, and risk considerations.

Built for Users Who Can’t Watch Markets Daily

Edgen targets users who want professional-grade market intelligence without dedicating hours to research, news monitoring, or manual AI prompting. The platform learns from data interactions to refine signal personalization over time.

“We’re not replacing human judgment. We’re augmenting it with a system that never sleeps and sees patterns across thousands of data points that would take a person weeks to connect,” Sean added. “The value is in proactive insight, not on-demand answers.”

The autonomous AI system is available today at https://www.edgen.tech/ through multiple subscription tiers, with a limited free tier for exploration.

About Edgen

Edgen is a leading AI-powered market intelligence operating system. Through its proprietary Efficient Decision Guidance Model (EDGM), the platform transforms high barrier institutional-grade strategies into universally accessible smart tools. Pioneering the “Cognition-as-a-Service” (CaaS) architecture, Edgen integrates modular AI agents, real-time data, and market analytics to empower retail traders and independent analysts to navigate markets with institutional-grade precision.

Backed by Framework Ventures and North Island Ventures, Edgen’s technical team combines former Wall Street quantitative trading experts and AI infrastructure developers, collectively building the cognitive infrastructure for next-generation open finance.

Website: https://www.edgen.tech/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/EdgenTech

Contact

Edgen AI
press@edgen.tech

Bitcoin (BTC) price recovered slightly to $68,000 as it still failed to reclaim $70,000. However, if you zoom out, it should be noted that BTC has recovered from a weekly low of $60,000.

Plus, it looks like institutions are taking advantage of the dip to stock up on Bitcoin.

Binance Bets on Bitcoin

Binance has completed a 30-day transition to convert its SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) reserve entirely into Bitcoin. Previously backed by a mix of assets including stablecoins, the fund is now fully denominated in BTC, with Binance committing to top it up if its value falls below $800 million due to market volatility. 

The shift follows a late-January announcement that it would convert $1 billion in dollar-pegged tokens into bitcoin, reinforcing its stance that BTC is a long-term reserve asset.

The move reflects a broader trend of companies adopting bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset amid inflation concerns and low yields in traditional markets. Binance began the transition on February 2 with an onchain transfer of 1,315 BTC (around $100 million at the time) into SAFU.

Speaking of Binance, here is an interesting chart from Santiment.

Santiment noted, 

According to exchange flow numbers, there have been a net outflow of 19,162 $BTC from exchanges over the past week. Primarily due to the crowd’s distrust of Binance in relation to its involvement of the October 10, 2025 dump, we may continue to see coins moving back into cold wallets, or on to other exchanges where retail continues to look for opportunities to panic sell.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) went up slightly this Thursday as the price went up a bit from $67,000 to $68,000.

Source: TradingView

The relative strength index (RSI) is on the verge of being oversold, showing that the overall retail interest is still low. The price has trended inside the 20-day Bollinger Band, however the jaws are still wide open showing that Bitcoin(BTC) price volatility is still high.

Bitcoin’s bounce from $60,000 looks more like a technical rebound from oversold levels than the start of a strong new uptrend. Retail participation remains muted, with futures open interest slipping to $46 billion from $46.7 billion a day earlier, according to CoinGlass, and continuing its decline from $48 billion on Saturday. 

For the rally to have real momentum, open interest on Bitcoin price needs to trend higher. Without fresh positioning and stronger retail involvement, the chances of a sustained move toward $80,000 remain limited.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Toronto, Canada, February 12th, 2026, FinanceWire

Nour Private Wealth (NPW) announces the expansion of its multi-family office platform to include investment fund management capabilities under Nour Private Management, an affiliate of Nour Private Wealth. This strategic initiative provides ultra-high-net-worth families with additional tailored solutions and structured access to private-market opportunities, all within NPW’s integrated advisory framework.

Family offices are increasingly seeking direct exposure to private markets while maintaining disciplined oversight,

said Elie Nour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NPW. By expanding into fund management, we enable families to access institutional-quality strategies without the need to build a standalone infrastructure. Our approach combines discretion, governance, and sophisticated portfolio coordination to preserve wealth across generations.

The move aligns with a global trend of family offices shifting toward direct investment in private companies, infrastructure, and alternative assets. According to Preqin, the number of family offices with private-market allocations has grown substantially since 2016, reflecting sustained expansion across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. In North America, private markets now account for approximately 29% of the average family office allocation, underscoring their growing role in diversification and long-term capital deployment.

Direct Access and Hybrid Portfolios

Family offices are evolving beyond fund-only models to embrace direct investing strategies that offer greater control, transparency, and influence over investment structures. Common approaches include:

Co-investments alongside established sponsors.

Club deals to access larger or more complex transactions.

Thematic allocations in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare innovation, and technology.

Minority growth investments or participation in buyouts.

Many offices maintain hybrid frameworks that combine primary private funds, secondaries or fund-of-funds, and direct or co-investments. This balance allows families to pursue conviction-driven opportunities while managing liquidity and diversification.

Institutionalization and NPW’s Strategic Response

As family offices institutionalize, multi-family offices are enhancing services to include investment structuring, consolidated reporting, governance coordination, and integrated, tax-aware portfolio construction. Advanced technology platforms now support sophisticated risk management and performance oversight.

NPW’s fund management expansion represents a strategic evolution of its advisory model. Families benefit from coordinated portfolio construction, consolidated reporting, and structured access to private-market strategies—all supported by external legal, tax, and estate professionals.

Ultra-high-net-worth families require both flexibility and rigour in their investment approach,

added Nour. Our platform delivers both, enabling strategic participation in private markets while maintaining governance, compliance, and long-term stewardship.

About Nour Private Wealth

Nour Private Wealth (NPW) is a trade name of Nour Private Wealth Inc., a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). The firm provides multi-family office and private wealth management services to ultra-high-net-worth families, including portfolio management (discretionary), consolidated reporting, governance coordination, and integrated planning solutions across public and private markets.

For additional information: familyoffice@npw.ca

Disclaimer: Investment dealer services are provided by Nour Private Wealth, a CIRO dealer member. Investment fund management services are provided by Goodwood, an affiliated entity under common ownership with Nour Private Wealth. This news release is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offer or solicitation will be made only pursuant to applicable offering documents and in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Certain private-market investments are available only to eligible investors and are subject to suitability/appropriateness determinations, offering restrictions, and other conditions, including minimum investment amounts and limited liquidity. Private-market investments may be speculative, involve a high degree of risk, and are not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Contact

Media Specialist
Nikhil Patel
Nour Private Wealth
media@npw.ca

Victoria, Seychelles, February 12th, 2026, Chainwire

BYDFi, a global cryptocurrency trading platform, announced its participation as a sponsor of Solana Accelerate APAC during Consensus Hong Kong 2026. The event was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre alongside the broader Consensus Hong Kong conference.

The combined gathering brought together founders, institutional representatives, policymakers, and blockchain developers, underscoring Hong Kong’s role as a regional hub and an established meeting point for Web3 and blockchain innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.

BYDFi at Solana Accelerate APAC in Hong Kong

Solana Accelerate APAC convened the Solana community and broader crypto ecosystem around the future of internet capital markets and onchain innovation, set against the backdrop of a global financial center known for clear frameworks and active market participation. BYDFi’s participation marked a first, deeper step into Solana-focused programming and community dialogue. Discussions also reflected ongoing market focus on crypto regulation in Hong Kong and crypto licensing in Hong Kong.

During the event, the BYDFi team was on site to meet attendees, share product context, and distribute limited merchandise, including Newcastle United co-branded items as part of BYDFi’s ongoing brand collaboration with the club. The booth saw strong foot traffic throughout the day.

What BYDFi Is Sharing in Hong Kong

BYDFi used the event to share how a CEX + DEX dual-engine approach can support clearer participation across venues and workflows, particularly for users who want both centralized liquidity and onchain discovery in one connected experience. MoonX, BYDFi’s onchain trading engine, supports Solana and is designed to help users track and navigate fast moving onchain markets with a workflow built for speed, signal clarity, and execution efficiency.

In parallel, BYDFi highlighted reliability foundations that support long term trust in volatile markets, with an emphasis on operational safeguards and service responsiveness. These include over 1:1 Proof of Reserves with periodic public reporting, an 800 BTC Protection Fund, and 24/7 multilingual customer support with timely responses across official channels, including social media.

Why This Matters for BYDFi and the Solana Ecosystem

Solana Accelerate APAC brought ecosystem builders and market infrastructure discussions into the same orbit. BYDFi’s participation centered on two goals: listening closely to Solana-native users and teams, and exploring deeper collaboration opportunities that can strengthen product coverage, user experience, and market access as the crypto market continues to mature.

Michael, Co-Founder and CEO of BYDFi, said: Solana Accelerate APAC creates the right setting for practical conversations between builders, market participants, and policymakers. BYDFi joined to learn, connect, and contribute in a way that holds up over time. Reliability is built through consistent infrastructure, clear safeguards, and responsive support, and BYDFi will continue strengthening all three as engagement across the Solana ecosystem deepens.

About BYDFi

Founded in 2020, BYDFi now serves over 1 million users across 190+ countries and regions. BYDFi is Newcastle United’s Exclusive Official Crypto Exchange Partner. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges In Canada For 2026, BYDFi offers intuitive, low-fee trading across Spot and Perpetual Contracts to Copy Trading, and Automated Crypto Trading Bots, empowering both new and experienced traders to navigate digital assets with confidence.

BYDFi is dedicated to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience for every user.

BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

Website: https://www.bydfi.com

Support email: cs@bydfi.com

Business partnerships: bd@bydfi.com

Media inquiries: media@bydfi.com

Twitter( X ) | LinkedIn | Telegram | YouTube | TikTok | How to Buy on BYDFi

Contact

Senior Marketing Director
Chloe
BYDFi Fintech LTD
chloe@bydfi.com

Dubai, UAE, February 12th, 2026, Chainwire

Flipster, a global cryptocurrency trading platform, has received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) under Flipster FZE. The approval is a key milestone in Flipster’s expansion into the Middle East and reinforces its focus on building safe, compliant access to digital assets in regulated markets.

The in-principle approval allows Flipster FZE to progress toward offering regulated virtual asset services under VARA’s framework, with spot trading as the initial offering. It reflects Flipster’s long-term strategy to operate within established regulatory frameworks in key global markets.

This milestone is a meaningful vote of confidence in our long-term commitment to the region,

said Benjamin Grolimund, General Manager at Flipster FZE. The Middle East has become a blueprint for how digital assets should be regulated and adopted. VARA’s clear framework enables innovation while prioritizing trust and security — and we’re committed to building trading solutions that meet the highest standards globally.

Flipster’s regulatory progress is matched by its continued enhancement of its compliance infrastructure. The platform’s partnership with Chainalysis enhances its capabilities in transaction monitoring and risk management — supporting Flipster’s readiness to meet VARA’s regulatory standards and operate with greater accountability and oversight.

Flipster first announced its entry into the Middle East in May 2025, with the appointment of Benjamin Grolimund, a seasoned fintech executive with prior leadership roles at Rain and Bloomberg. The UAE’s regulatory clarity and maturing digital asset ecosystem continue to position it as a strategic base for Flipster’s global growth plans.

About Flipster FZE

Flipster FZE is a regulated digital asset exchange planning to offer spot trading across leading cryptocurrencies. The platform is engineered for dependable execution, transparent pricing, and a streamlined user experience.

With a strong emphasis on compliance and security, Flipster provides users with a trusted venue to access digital asset markets with confidence.

Users can learn more at flipster.io or follow X.

Contact

Flipster
pr@flipster.io

Ile Du Port, Seychelles, February 11th, 2026, Chainwire

Over 100 million users can now fund their TON Wallet using crypto from the most popular blockchains – no additional bridges, swaps or manual conversions required.

Wallet in Telegram today announced the launch of cross-chain deposits in its self-custodial TON Wallet, enabling users to fund their wallets with crypto from the most popular blockchains. Powered by MoonPay, the integration manages cross-chain transfers behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth deposit experience in TON Wallet.

With this launch, more than 100 million users can transfer their stablecoins from other chains to TON without friction or losing value. TON Wallet users can now deposit USDC or USDT from Ethereum, Solana, TRON, BSC, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base – converted at a 1:1 rate to USDT (TON) – directly in Wallet in Telegram. This removes the need to already hold TON-native assets, opening the ecosystem to users across the broader crypto landscape. As part of the integration, users will soon be able to withdraw USDT on TON to USDT or USDC on popular blockchains with a fee and deposit BTC, ETH, and SOL, which are automatically converted into Toncoin.

This Launch Introduces the Following Functionality

Stablecoin deposits from leading blockchains, allowing users to deposit USDC or USDT with automatic 1:1 conversion into USDT (TON)

Stablecoin withdrawals from USDT (TON) to USDT or USDC on other major blockchains, processed at a 1:1 rate, subject to applicable network and service fees. Will be available soon.

Crypto deposits from BTC, ETH, and SOL, which are automatically converted into Toncoin upon arrival in TON Wallet

Removing Barriers to Web3 Adoption on Telegram

Funding a self-custodial wallet has traditionally been a complex, multi-step process. Through its collaboration with MoonPay, Wallet in Telegram removes this friction by introducing a single, seamless deposit flow that works across blockchains and assets. As a result, cross-chain transfers are now as simple as custodial ones, significantly streamlining onboarding into TON Ecosystem – while preserving value by minimizing unnecessary conversion losses and fees.

One of the biggest challenges in crypto adoption is the first step – getting users funded and ready to participate. Until now, using TON Wallet meant already having assets on TON, which created unnecessary friction and limited access to the broader ecosystem. Now, we’re removing that barrier entirely. Users can bring their funds directly into TON Wallet from other networks, without unnecessary conversions, exchanges or lock-ins,

said Andrew Rogozov, Founder and CEO of The Open Platform and Wallet in Telegram. Our goal is simple: make entering, and exiting, TON ecosystem as seamless as using a custodial wallet, while preserving the freedom and control of self-custody.

Powered by MoonPay Deposits and built on MoonPay’s infrastructure, the solution supports the end-to-end flow, from deposit detection to final asset delivery, and is integrated natively into partner environments

Users shouldn’t have to buy new assets or navigate complex steps just to fund an account,

said Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay. We simplify the process by letting people use the crypto they already have while we handle the technicalities behind the scenes, making it easier to move value across the ecosystem and access a broader range of applications.

Funding a TON Wallet now takes just a few steps

The Deposit section includes two options: Stablecoins (for 1:1 stablecoin deposits) and Other Crypto (for converting BTC, ETH, or SOL to TON).

After selecting the token and the originating network, a deposit address is generated automatically.

The deposit address can be copied or accessed via QR code.

This address is entered on the withdrawal page of the external wallet or exchange.

The transfer amount must meet the minimum deposit requirement.

Once the details are verified, the transfer is confirmed on the sending platform.

Funds arrive in the user’s selected asset, fully compatible with TON ecosystem and Telegram’s growing network of decentralized applications.

Built for Scale, Native to Telegram

The new deposit experience is available exclusively in the self-custodial TON Wallet, part of Wallet in Telegram’s dual-wallet setup, and is fully integrated into the Telegram interface. By abstracting away cross-chain complexity, Wallet in Telegram makes it easier for users to participate in DeFi, gaming, payments, and on-chain apps – without needing deep crypto expertise.

This launch marks a major step toward making Telegram the most accessible Web3 gateway in the world, combining mass-market distribution with self-custody and open blockchain infrastructure.

About Wallet in Telegram

Wallet in Telegram is a digital asset solution natively embedded into Telegram’s interface. Backed by The Open Platform, Wallet in Telegram has gained 150M+ registered users to date and continues to grow. The company offers a dual-wallet experience with Crypto Wallet (a multi-chain wallet for trading and sending crypto to contacts) and TON Wallet (a self-custodial wallet with access to TON ecosystem of apps and TON-based digital assets).

About MoonPay

Founded in 2019, MoonPay is a global financial technology company that helps businesses and consumers move value across fiat and digital assets. MoonPay has more than 30 million customers across 180 countries and supports more than 500 enterprise customers spanning crypto and fintech.

Through a single integration, MoonPay powers on- and off-ramps, trading, crypto payments, and stablecoin infrastructure, connecting traditional payment rails with blockchains. MoonPay maintains a broad regulatory footprint, including a New York BitLicense, a New York Limited Purpose Trust Charter, and money transmitter licenses across the United States, as well as MiCA authorization in the EU.

MoonPay is how the world moves value.

Contact

Masha Balanovich
Wallet in Telegram
masha@wallet.tg

Bitcoin (BTC) slumped over 3% on Wednesday after failing to reclaim $70,000 as markets tried to digest expectations of a hawkish shift in the Federal Reserve’s macro outlook.

Analysts have flagged Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next Fed Chair as a key reason for the market’s current price action. Traders expect tighter liquidity and fewer rate cuts under Warsh. 

Bitcoin traded between $68,500 and $70,000 on Tuesday but lost momentum on Wednesday as markets reacted to expectations of a more hawkish macro outlook. As a result, the flagship cryptocurrency slumped below $67,000, down 3.51% over the past 24 hours. 

Goldman Sachs Trims Bitcoin ETF Holdings By 40% 

Goldman Sachs has significantly reduced its exposure to spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the investment bank reduced its spot Bitcoin ETF holdings by 39.4% in the fourth quarter. Goldman Sachs held 21.2 million shares across several spot Bitcoin ETFs as of December 31, 2025. According to its Form 13F, the combined value of the shares was around $1.06 billion. Additionally, Goldman Sachs held 40.7 million shares of spot Ethereum ETFs, valued at around $1 billion. The investment banking giant reduced its spot Ethereum ETF holdings by 27%, while adding positions in spot XRP and Solana ETFs. 

Crypto, Banking Executives Still At An Impasse 

US crypto and banking officials met at the White House to discuss the stablecoin yield deadlock. While the meeting ended at an impasse, officials described the talks as productive, but conceded that a satisfactory outcome remains elusive. The meeting is part of a series of closed-door discussions underway to resolve the deadlock between the crypto and banking industries over stablecoin yields. 

Banks argue that allowing stablecoin yields would drain deposits from savings accounts, potentially causing liquidity issues. However, crypto firms argue that prohibiting stablecoin yields stifles innovation. Several key figures from the crypto and banking industries participated in the discussion. This included executives from Ripple, Coinbase, the Blockchain Association, and the Crypto Council for Innovation, representing the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Executives from banking institutions, including Citi, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and the American Bankers Association, represented banking interests. 

According to a leaked document, banks took an inflexible stance on stablecoin yields during the meeting. The document revealed that banks laid out several “prohibition principles” on yield and interest, and called for a ban on any financial or non-financial benefits linked to holding, owning, or using stablecoins. They also called for the strict enforcement of anti-evasion measures and restrictions on marketing or representations implying yields represent deposits or insured interests. A source familiar with the meeting stated that crypto stakeholders pushed back strongly against the proposals. 

It seemed like there was a pretty strong and negative reaction from the crypto side on a lot of them, particularly like anti-evasion and enforcement, and that kind of line of thinking.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Extend Inflow Streak 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs extended their inflow streak to offset last week’s outflows. According to CoinGlass data, the ETFs recorded $371 million in inflows on Friday, followed by $144 million on Monday and $166.5 million on Tuesday. The inflows have nearly offset last week’s $318 million in outflows after nearly three weeks of losses. Momentum has returned in recent sessions despite Bitcoin’s struggle to register a meaningful uptrend. The flagship cryptocurrency failed to reclaim the $70,000 mark on Tuesday. Renewed selling pressure has pushed the price below $67,000 during the ongoing session. 

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas revealed on Tuesday that most Bitcoin ETF investors held their positions during the recent downturn. The analyst estimates only 6% of the total assets exited the funds despite Bitcoin’s sharp downturn. 

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped sharply on Wednesday as investors came to terms with the harsh reality of a hawkish US macro outlook. The flagship cryptocurrency slumped below the $67,000 mark and remained down by over 3%, trading around $66,653. 

Analysts attributed the downturn to shifting expectations around US macro policy. Markets have interpreted the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair as a hawkish signal, expecting tighter liquidity and fewer rate cuts in the months ahead. Andri Fauzan Adziima, research lead at Bitrue, stated that Bitcoin could stabilize between the $60,000 and $65,000 mark. 

Traders now watch for stabilization around $60,000-$65,000 support or renewed macro easing to spark any rebound.

Vincent Liu, CIO of Kronos Research, stated that excess leverage has been flushed out of the market, and institutional capital is waiting for clearer signals before re-entering the market. 

BTC and ETH dipped as exchanges saw deep deleveraging, with funding rates signaling most leveraged positions have been cleared.

Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows have also picked up, recording a third consecutive day of inflows on Tuesday with $166.6 million. Price action in recent sessions does not look too promising for Bitcoin, despite it starting the previous week in positive territory. Momentum couldn’t last, and the flagship cryptocurrency fell nearly 4% to $75,661 on Tuesday. Sellers retained control on Wednesday as the price fell 3.52% to $72,998. Selling pressure intensified on Thursday as BTC slipped below $70,000, falling nearly 14% to $62,791.

Source: TradingView

Selling pressure initially intensified on Friday as BTC fell to a low of $60,000. However, dip buyers entered the fray, and the price rose over 12% to reclaim $70,000 and settle at $70,527. Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC fell 1.82% on Saturday before rallying to an intraday high of $72,232 on Sunday. It ultimately settled around $70,279, up 1.49%. Selling pressure and volatility returned on Monday, with the price registering a marginal decline. Sellers retained control on Tuesday as BTC fell 1.85%, slipping back below $70,000 to $68,803. BTC is down over 3% during the ongoing session, trading around $66,484 after failing to reclaim the $70,000 mark.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

In an era where financial surveillance is becoming the global norm, the demand for true digital anonymity has never been higher. As our lives migrate further into the digital realm, the “privacy-by-default” ethos is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. While many blockchain projects attempt to strike a balance between transparency and security, few have achieved the rigorous standards required for total transactional confidentiality. Enter Zano (ZANO), a leading privacy-centric Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for the modern digital economy.

Providing the technology is only half the battle; accessibility is the other. To bring these privacy tools to the masses, a bridge must exist that respects the user’s anonymity. This is why the availability of ZANO on StealthEX, a premier instant crypto exchange, is a landmark development. Users worldwide can now acquire and swap ZANO tokens easily, simply, and without the invasive hurdles of traditional finance.

What Is Zano? The Privacy Evolution

Zano is not just another privacy coin; it is the culmination of years of cryptographic research and development. To understand its importance, one must look at its lineage. Zano’s lead developer, Andrey Sabelnikov, was the creator of the original CryptoNote protocol, the very foundation upon which Monero was built. With ZANO, the team has evolved that original vision into a scalable, ecosystem-friendly platform.

The Technical Edge: Hybrid Consensus

Unlike traditional blockchains that rely solely on mining or staking, Zano employs a unique Hybrid Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism. This dual-layer approach enhances network security by making it prohibitively expensive to launch a 51% attack. In this system:

Network Security=Hashrate (PoW)+Staked Capital (PoS)

This hybrid model ensures that the network remains decentralized and resistant to the centralization often seen in pure PoW or PoS chains.

Groundbreaking Features: Zarcanum and Confidential Assets

Zano differentiates itself through several industry-first innovations:

Zarcanum: This is the world’s first hidden-amount PoS scheme. While other PoS blockchains reveal how much a validator is staking, Zarcanum allows for staking while keeping the amounts and the addresses completely confidential.

Confidential Assets: The Zano ecosystem allows developers to create private tokens on its chain. Whether it’s a stablecoin or a utility token, these assets inherit Zano’s privacy features, ensuring that transfers are hidden from prying eyes.

Aliases: Long, complex wallet addresses are a barrier to mass adoption. Zano solves this by allowing users to register Aliases — human-readable names (e.g., @username) that are linked to their encrypted addresses, making the user experience as seamless as a traditional payment app.

Why Use StealthEX for ZANO Swaps?

When dealing with a privacy-focused blockchain like Zano, the method of acquisition matters. Using a centralized exchange (CEX) often requires extensive KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, which link your real-world identity to your private wallet. StealthEX provides a powerful alternative that aligns with the core values of the Zano community.

A No KYC Crypto Swap Experience

The primary advantage of using StealthEX for Zano swaps is the commitment to user privacy. As a non-custodial service, StealthEX allows you to exchange your assets without requiring registration or account creation. This means:

No personal data collection.

No lengthy verification processes.

Full control over your swap at every step.

Security and Non-Custodial Trading

StealthEX acts as a gateway, sourcing the best Zano price and liquidity from major providers like Binance, Huobi, and MEXC. Because the platform is non-custodial, StealthEX never holds your funds. You send your crypto, the swap is processed, and the ZANO is sent directly to your private wallet. Your private keys remain yours alone.

Limitless and Efficient

Whether you are a small-scale investor or a “whale” looking for significant liquidity, StealthEX offers a limitless exchange environment. There are no upper caps on the amount of ZANO you can swap, and the algorithm ensures you get a competitive market rate with total transparency regarding network fees.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Swap ZANO on StealthEX

Exchanging your existing assets for ZANO is a streamlined process that takes only a few minutes. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Select Currencies and Enter Amount: Visit the StealthEX homepage. Choose the pair you want to exchange — for instance, USDT to ZANO.

Input the amount of crypto you wish to exchange. The platform will automatically calculate the estimated amount of ZANO you will receive based on the current market rate.

Provide Wallet Address: Click the “Start Exchange” button and enter your Zano recipient address. Double-check the information, as blockchain transactions cannot be reversed. Once you’re ready, click “Next” to continue.

Send Funds: StealthEX will generate a unique deposit address for you. Transfer the “Send” currency (e.g., your USDT) from your wallet to this address.

Receive Coins: Once the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, StealthEX will process the swap and send the ZANO directly to your provided wallet. You can track the status of your swap in real-time on the website.

Conclusion: A Privacy Powerhouse at Your Fingertips

The integration of Zano (ZANO) into the StealthEX ecosystem represents a significant leap forward for financial sovereignty. By combining Zano’s sophisticated privacy technology, such as Zarcanum and Confidential Assets, with StealthEX’s seamless, non-custodial exchange platform, the barriers to entry for secure digital finance have been eliminated.

Whether you are looking to protect your wealth from prying eyes or simply want to support the next generation of privacy-centric blockchain development, the tools are now more accessible than ever. There is no longer a need to sacrifice your personal data to participate in the ZANO ecosystem.Ready to experience the future of private transactions? Head over to StealthEX.io and swap for Zano (ZANO) today.

Barcelona, Spain, February 11th, 2026, FinanceWire

The International Trading Institute (ITI) and Westcliff University have announced a new academic partnership to offer a Master’s in Trading degree taught by ITI and awarded by Westcliff University under its institutional accreditation, creating a structured, graduate-level pathway for aspiring and experienced trading professionals.

This two-year program brings together the strengths of both institutions, combining ITI’s practitioner-led trading education with Westcliff University’s academic oversight, quality assurance, and degree conferral. Students complete the program through online coursework, expert mentoring, and immersive trading simulations, gaining real-world trading experience while earning a formally recognized graduate degree.

Westcliff University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All degree programs offered by the institution, including the Master’s in Trading, are reviewed and approved by WSCUC as part of Westcliff’s institutional accreditation.

The first cohort of the accredited Master’s in Trading program is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Bridging Professional Practice and Accredited Higher Education

For decades, trading education has largely existed outside formal academic frameworks. Aspiring traders have often relied on informal courses, bootcamps, or unregulated online content, while traditional finance degrees typically emphasize theory over the practical realities of professional trading.

The ITI–Westcliff partnership addresses this long-standing gap by delivering practitioner-led trading education within an accredited higher-education framework. ITI’s curriculum provides real-world relevance and market-driven expertise, while Westcliff University ensures academic rigor, institutional oversight, and degree conferral.

Together, the institutions share a commitment to excellence, diversity, and challenging students to exceed expectations, offering a program that balances professional credibility with academic legitimacy.

A Comprehensive, Graduate-Level Trading Curriculum

The Master’s in Trading curriculum is designed to reflect the full scope of professional trading performance, integrating technical skill, disciplined process, and human decision-making.

Core areas of study include market structure, execution, risk management, and performance analysis. In addition, the program features dedicated Master’s-level coursework in trading psychology, focused on:

Cognitive performance

Decision-making under pressure

Behavioral awareness and self-management

These courses complement the technical and analytical components of the program and recognize the critical role psychology plays in consistent trading performance. By addressing both strategy and mindset, the curriculum supports the development of disciplined, reflective, and resilient trading professionals.

A Structured Pathway for Long-Term Professional Growth

A foundational principle of the Accredited Trading Program is that professional trading is built through structure, progression, and disciplined practice, rather than ad-hoc learning or isolated tactics.

ITI’s practitioner-led approach emphasizes repeatable processes and real-world application, while Westcliff University’s academic framework ensures the program meets established graduate-level standards. Together, this model provides students with a coherent, credible pathway for long-term development within the trading profession.

As Julie Cook, CEO of the International Trading Institute, explains:

Even for traders who never intend to work within a traditional institution, rigor matters. This partnership ensures students receive an education that is structured, disciplined, and grounded in both professional practice and accredited academic standards.

Looking Ahead

The collaboration between ITI and Westcliff University represents a meaningful step forward in the evolution of trading education, one that aligns industry expertise with accredited higher education.

Both institutions are excited about the opportunities this program creates for future trading professionals seeking depth, legitimacy, and sustained growth in an increasingly complex global market.

Now Accepting Applications 

Applications for the October 2026 Master’s in Trading cohort are now open. Scholarship opportunities may be available to qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

About the International Trading Institute (ITI)

The International Trading Institute (ITI) is an academic institution dedicated to professional trader development, offering a groundbreaking Master’s in Trading program that blends theory with live market application and expert mentorship. With industry veterans as faculty and a rigorous, real-world curriculum, ITI is setting a new standard in trading education.

About Westcliff University

Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. The university offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today’s students require while providing innovative and affordable programs online and in classrooms across the globe.

Press & Contact Information

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional details, users can contact:

Brand: International Trading Institute 

Website: https://internationaltradinginstitute.com/

Social Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-trading-institute

X: https://x.com/ITI_TradingEdu

Contact

Jasman Mann
International Trading Institute (ITI)
marketing@InternationalTradingInstitute.com

AstraZeneca has unveiled a major strategic push into China, committing $15 billion through 2030 to accelerate drug discovery, clinical development, and advanced production capabilities. This move positions the Cambridge-based biopharma powerhouse to capitalize on China’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape while reinforcing its role as a key player in global healthcare.

The announcement came on January 29, 2026, coinciding with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s high-profile visit to Beijing, highlighting strengthened UK-China ties in the life sciences sector. CEO Pascal Soriot described the initiative as a “landmark” step that will enhance AstraZeneca’s ability to pioneer breakthrough treatments, particularly in high-potential areas like cell therapies and radioconjugates for oncology, autoimmune conditions, and other serious diseases.

Scaling Operations and Infrastructure in Key Chinese Hubs

AstraZeneca will build on its established presence by upgrading R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, expanding manufacturing plants in Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao, and Beijing, and introducing additional new facilities across the country. These sites already supply high-quality medicines to patients in China and over 70 international markets.

The company’s prior $2.5 billion commitment to its Beijing R&D hub in March 2025 marked the largest single greenfield foreign direct investment in China’s biopharma sector to date, according to fDi Markets data. The broader $15 billion plan encompasses the full value chain—from early-stage discovery to large-scale production—while fostering collaborations with local universities, biotechs, and partners.

Since 2023, AstraZeneca has secured 16 global licensing agreements with 15 Chinese entities, underscoring its deepening integration into the local ecosystem.

Workforce Growth and Talent Development

The expansion is expected to increase AstraZeneca’s Chinese employee base from over 17,000 to more than 20,000, generating thousands of skilled jobs in research, manufacturing, and related healthcare fields. This growth aligns with China’s “Healthy China 2030” agenda, which emphasizes improved access to innovative therapies, preventive care, and early disease detection.

Experts note China’s advantages in cost-effective, accelerated clinical trials and a more streamlined regulatory environment compared to the US and Europe. “China has emerged as a powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation,” observed Shaun Rein of the China Market Research Group. Over 60 licensing deals linked Chinese firms with Western drugmakers in 2025, with momentum continuing into 2026.

Despite ongoing geopolitical considerations, analysts view China as indispensable. “It’s not just about market size—China offers unmatched R&D speed, cost efficiencies, and a vibrant biotech startup scene,” said Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau of the Mercator Institute for China Studies. As AstraZeneca’s second-largest sales market, China also ensures reliable global supply chains through its export-oriented facilities.

Dual-Track Global Strategy: NYSE Listing and Balanced Footprint

In a complementary move, AstraZeneca completed a direct listing of its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange on February 2, 2026, under the ticker AZN. This harmonizes trading across the NYSE, London Stock Exchange, and Nasdaq Stockholm, broadening access for US investors and strengthening ties to American capital markets.

This bifurcated approach—deepening innovation roots in China while enhancing visibility in the US—offers a blueprint for biopharma firms navigating a divided global landscape, according to industry observers. While scaling back certain UK projects, including a proposed vaccine site near Liverpool and additional Cambridge R&D, AstraZeneca continues to support high-skilled roles in its home country through interconnected global operations.

China represents the world’s second-largest pharma market (around 7.5% of global sales in recent estimates), trailing the dominant US share. However, its true value lies in affordable, high-speed research and novel molecule development rather than pure sales volume.

With this ambitious China strategy, AstraZeneca aims to fuel its long-term revenue goals, deliver next-generation therapies to patients worldwide, and solidify partnerships that drive sustainable innovation in one of the most dynamic healthcare markets.

Beast Industries, led by YouTube sensation Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, has taken a bold step into the fintech world by purchasing Step, a mobile-first platform tailored for teenagers and young adults. This strategic move, revealed on February 9, 2026, seeks to equip millions with essential money management skills and tools from an early age.

Donaldson emphasized his personal motivation in a social media update, highlighting how he missed out on early guidance in investing and budgeting during his youth. Now, leveraging his massive influence, he aims to deliver accessible resources that promote responsible habits and long-term stability for his primarily young audience.

Step stands out in the neobank space by offering no-fee accounts, credit-building features via a Visa card (functioning like a debit with safeguards), savings options, and cash advances—partnered with FDIC-insured Evolve Bank & Trust. The app has attracted over 7 million users and secured significant backing from celebrities like Stephen Curry, Will Smith, and Charli D’Amelio, plus investors such as Stripe, General Catalyst, and Coatue. It previously raised around $500 million in funding, peaking at a near-$1 billion valuation in 2021.

The acquisition follows closely on the heels of a substantial $200 million equity injection from BitMine Immersion Technologies in January 2026. BitMine, the leading corporate holder of Ethereum (with over 4.3 million ETH tokens valued in the billions, plus significant cash reserves), views the partnership as a bridge between creator-driven platforms and evolving digital finance ecosystems.

BitMine’s chair, Tom Lee, described the initial investment as aligning values between the world’s top content creator and a premier Ethereum infrastructure player, positioning both for growth where entertainment, blockchain, and everyday finance intersect.

Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold highlighted the synergy: the deal combines Step’s advanced tech and expertise with Beast’s unparalleled reach to deliver meaningful, user-friendly innovations that enhance financial outcomes. Step’s founder and CEO, CJ MacDonald, echoed this, noting shared commitments to empowerment and positive impact.

Financial details of the Step purchase remain confidential, but analysts see it as a cost-effective way to gain a ready user base and regulated infrastructure—bypassing lengthy partnerships for faster rollout of services.

This development builds on earlier signals, including Donaldson’s October 2025 trademark filing for “MrBeast Financial” with the USPTO, covering mobile banking, investment tools, and potentially crypto-related offerings under Beast Holdings LLC. Combined with Beast Industries’ existing ventures—like Feastables snacks, philanthropy via Beast Philanthropy, and its 466+ million YouTube subscribers—this positions the company as a multifaceted entertainment and lifestyle brand venturing deeper into practical financial solutions.

Public reactions vary: supporters praise the potential to boost widespread financial awareness and security, while skeptics raise concerns about introducing complex tools to impressionable users without sufficient risk education.

As Beast Industries integrates Step, the focus remains on blending engaging content with real-world utility to foster better financial futures for Gen Z and beyond. This acquisition underscores a growing trend of creators expanding into fintech, leveraging trust and audience loyalty to disrupt traditional banking.

Bitcoin’s (BTC) sharp recovery stalled between $70,000 and $71,000 as selling pressure prevented a sustained recovery. Analysts stated that the move was a classic bear-market relief rally rather than the beginning of a sustained rally. 

The flagship cryptocurrency dropped to a low of $68,446 on Monday before rebounding to reclaim $70,000 and moving to $71,003. However, it lost momentum after reaching this level and dropped below $70,000 again. The flagship cryptocurrency is marginally down during the ongoing session, trading around $68,970. 

Some analysts have warned that weak investor sentiment, thin liquidity, and overhead supply could prevent a sustained uptrend and potentially trigger a retest of the $60,000 level. 

Hype Around Crypto Is Fading: Chris Waller 

Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller believes the hype around crypto that began with President Trump’s election victory is fading as it becomes increasingly entangled with traditional finance. Waller stated during a conference on Monday, 

I think some of the euphoria that came into the crypto world with the current administration is fading. A lot of it has been brought into mainstream finance. Then, you know, things have to happen there, so I think there was a lot of sell-off just because firms that got into it from mainstream finance had to adjust their risk positions.

Waller also stated that the failure to pass the crypto market structure bill had also deterred investors, as uncertainty around crypto regulation persisted. The Federal Reserve Governor also brushed aside Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market’s steep decline, stating it was “part of the game” with crypto. 

You get in, you make some money, you might lose some money — that’s the nature of the beast. Look, prices go up, prices go down — it’s just the nature of the business. If you don’t like it, don’t get in it, that’s my advice to everybody.

Bitcoin ETFs Extend Rebound 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs continued their recovery, registering a second day of inflows. The ETFs recorded $371 million in inflows on Friday, and followed it up with another $144.9 million in inflows on Monday. However, the inflows are yet to offset last week’s outflows and the over $1.9 billion in redemptions year-to-date. However, returning inflows could indicate a potential trend reversal. CoinShares’ head of research, James Butterfill, stated in an update on Monday, 

Outflows slowed sharply to $187 million despite heavy price pressure, with the deceleration in flows historically signaling a potential inflection point.

Butterfill also stated that early Bitcoin holders were unfazed by rising institutional inflows, even as heavy ETF outflows dragged BTC towards the October 2024 price levels. Bernstein analysts described Bitcoin’s latest downturn as the “weakest bear case” scenario in the cryptocurrency’s history, highlighting the absence of industry failures associated with deep downturns. With the absence of a catalyst, some analysts have linked the volatility and downturn to the growing institutional presence in Bitcoin. The analysts also highlighted investor concerns about ETFs and broader financialization diluting Bitcoin’s scarcity narrative. 

Trump Administration Could Buy Bitcoin For Strategic Reserve 

Market commentator Jim Cramer has claimed that the Trump administration plans to buy Bitcoin for the US Strategic Reserve. According to Cramer, the administration is targeting a $60,000 entry price. 

I heard that at $60,000, the President is gonna fill the Bitcoin Reserve.

According to data from Arkham, the US government holds 328,372 BTC, valued at around $23 billion. However, March 2025’s executive order states that Bitcoin for the reserve will come from criminal and civil forfeitures, and that deposits cannot be sold. 

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis 

Bitcoin (BTC) slumped below the $70,000 mark again as its recovery stalled between $70,000 and $71,000. Analysts stated that the rebound was part of a classic bear market relief rally and not the beginning of another uptrend. Currently, any uptrend is hitting a wave of supply around the $70,000 mark as investors look to exit their positions. FxPro chief market analyst Alex Kuptsikevich stated, 

There is still a huge supply in the markets from those who want to exit the first cryptocurrency on the rebound. In such conditions, it is worth being prepared for a new test of the 200-week moving average soon. We remain very sceptical about the near future, as the recovery momentum lost steam over the weekend, encountering a sell-off near the $2.4T level. Perhaps we have only seen a bounce on the way down, which is not yet complete.

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index slumped to its lowest level since 2022, dropping to 6 before recovering to 14 late on Monday. The index currently sits at 10, still firmly in “extreme fear” territory. According to Kuptsikevich, the index is too low for investors to make confident purchases. Thin liquidity conditions are adding to investor concerns. Low liquidity means even modest selling pressure can have a substantial impact on market conditions, triggering additional liquidations and creating more selling pressure. 

Kaiko described current market conditions as a “broader risk-off unwind,” adding that aggregate trading volumes across exchanges have declined 30% since October and November. Monthly spot volumes have also dropped from around $1 trillion to $700 billion. 

Bitcoin (BTC) ended the previous weekend in the red, dropping over 2% to $76,895. The flagship cryptocurrency began the previous week in positive territory despite selling pressure, rising over 2% to $78,666. However, selling pressure returned on Tuesday as the price fell nearly 4% to a low of $82,859 before settling at $75,661. Sellers retained control on Wednesday as BTC fell 3.52% to $72,998. Selling pressure intensified on Thursday as BTC plunged nearly 14% to $62,791.

Source: TradingView

BTC plunged to a low of $60,000 on Friday as bearish sentiment persisted. However, it rebounded from this level to reclaim $70,000 and move to $70,259. Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC fell 1.825 on Saturday before rising 1.49% on Sunday to settle at $70,279. The price reached an intraday high of $71,380 on Monday before eventually settling at $70,101. BTC is down over 2% during the ongoing session, trading around $68,693.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.