hodler

26 Feb 2026, 03:34

ETHZilla Drops Ethereum Treasury Label in Rebrand After Share Price Collapse

The move follows investor exits, asset sales and a retreat from holding Ethereum on the public company's balance sheet.

25 Feb 2026, 18:46

Why OM trading is paused: Inside MANTRA’s rebrand, coin upgrade, and exchange suspensions

MANTRA’s OM token is undergoing a major chain upgrade and rebrand, prompting Coinbase to suspend OM perpetual futures trading.

25 Feb 2026, 17:14

OM price soars amid MANTRA chain upgrade, rebrand

OM is in the spotlight after posting strong gains as the MANTRA ecosystem moves toward a major chain upgrade and token rebrand. The token recently climbed by nearly 6% in 24 hours, trading around $0.066, with daily volume surging past $30 million. MANTRA (OM) price chart | Source: Coingecko That spike in activity comes as the project prepares to complete its transition from OM to MANTRA, a move that will reshape the token’s structure and identity. The rally suggests that traders are positioning ahead of the upgrade. It also reflects renewed attention around the project’s long-term direction. MANTRA upgrade and 1:4 token swap The MANTRA team has confirmed that OM will officially transition to MANTRA under a structured upgrade plan scheduled for completion in early March 2026. At the centre of the shift is a 1:4 token redenomination. For every one OM token held, users will receive four MANTRA tokens. The process is designed to be non-dilutive, meaning the overall value of holdings will not change simply because of the swap. Instead, the supply count adjusts while maintaining proportional ownership. The rebrand also marks the final move away from the older ERC-20 version of OM. MANTRA is consolidating around its native chain to simplify liquidity and eliminate confusion caused by multiple token formats. Holders on supported exchanges will see their balances converted automatically once the swap is executed. Those holding OM in private wallets on Ethereum or other EVM networks are required to migrate tokens before the deadline to remain eligible for the upgrade and avoid holding unsupported or stranded tokens after the conversion window closes. This structured migration has drawn attention from major exchanges, several of which have already confirmed support for the swap and rebranding process. As a result, deposits and withdrawals on various crypto exchanges are expected to be paused temporarily around the snapshot date to ensure a smooth transition. Market reaction and price momentum Although the old MANTRA native token, OM, remains down sharply from its all-time high of $8.99 reached in February 2025, the current rebound places it well above its October 2023 low near $0.017. The tight chart timeframes show a clear pickup in momentum over the past two weeks. Seven-day gains have reached double digits, while the 14-day rise has been even stronger. That acceleration aligns closely with renewed discussion around the token swap and final upgrade timeline. Market capitalisation currently sits just under $80 million, with a circulating supply of more than 1.17 billion OM. While the token’s unlimited maximum supply remains a point of debate among investors, especially in a market that often favours capped assets, the immediate narrative is currently focused on the execution of the upgrade. Investors appear to be weighing the risk of holding deprecated tokens against the opportunity presented by a unified chain and brand identity. But whether the upgrading will translate into sustained price appreciation will depend on adoption, liquidity, and broader market conditions. For now, traders are responding to clarity. The defined swap ratio, the confirmed timeline, and exchange coordination have reduced uncertainty. As the countdown to the March 2026 conversion continues, volatility is likely to remain elevated, although the momentum is clearly on the side of the bulls at the moment. The post OM price soars amid MANTRA chain upgrade, rebrand appeared first on Invezz

25 Feb 2026, 11:00

Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension

BitcoinWorld Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension In a significant move for the Asian cryptocurrency market, leading South Korean exchange Upbit has confirmed its pivotal support for the OM network’s comprehensive rebranding to MANTRA. Consequently, the platform will temporarily suspend all deposit and withdrawal services for the OM token, marking a critical phase in this blockchain evolution. This procedural halt, effective from 2:00 p.m. UTC on March 1, 2025, precedes a fundamental token conversion where one OM will swap for four new MANTRA tokens. Upbit’s Role in the OM to MANTRA Rebranding Process Upbit’s announcement provides essential clarity for its substantial user base. The exchange, a dominant force in South Korea’s digital asset landscape, will manage the technical backend for the ticker change from OM to MANTRA. This support is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition for holders. Typically, such exchange-managed swaps protect users from the complexities of manual token migration on-chain. Furthermore, this institutional endorsement adds a layer of legitimacy and operational security to the rebranding initiative. The temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals is a standard yet vital security measure. It prevents transaction conflicts during the snapshot period and the actual token swap event. Understanding the Token Swap Mechanics and Ratio The core of this event is the token swap at a 1:4 ratio. This means holders will receive four MANTRA tokens for every one OM token held in their Upbit account at the time of the snapshot. Importantly, the total market valuation should remain equivalent post-swap, adjusting the individual token price accordingly. This mechanism is not a stock split but a technical migration to a new token contract under a refreshed brand identity. Swap Ratio: 1 OM = 4 MANTRA Ticker Change: OM transitions to MANTRA. Key Action: No user action is required if tokens are held on Upbit; the swap is automatic. Historically, similar rebrandings and swaps, like Polygon’s migration from MATIC or Solana’s token consolidation, have served strategic purposes. They often align with project expansion, regulatory clarity, or technological upgrades. Expert Analysis on Rebranding Motivations Blockchain analysts frequently note that rebranding efforts aim to reflect a project’s evolved scope. The original OM network focused on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The shift to MANTRA may signal a broader vision, potentially encompassing regulatory-compliant finance (RegTech) or expanded middleware services. Market data from past events shows that successful rebrandings, backed by major exchange support, can renew investor interest and improve market positioning. However, the immediate impact often depends on the underlying technology’s roadmap and post-rebrand announcements. Timeline, User Implications, and Market Context The scheduled suspension begins precisely at 14:00 UTC on March 1. Users must complete any transfers or trades before this deadline. Trading of the OM token on Upbit will likely halt simultaneously. The resumption of services with the new MANTRA token will follow the completion of the swap, a process Upbit will communicate via official channels. Users holding OM on other exchanges or in private wallets must follow those platforms’ specific instructions or perform a manual migration using the project’s official tools. This event occurs within a maturing global regulatory environment. South Korea’s stringent Virtual Asset User Protection Act necessitates that exchanges like Upbit execute such operations with high transparency and user communication. This compliance framework provides added assurance for participants. Moreover, the 1:4 ratio increases the total token supply, a factor that traders and automated market makers will price in upon the relaunch of trading. Conclusion Upbit’s management of the OM to MANTRA rebranding represents a structured, security-focused approach to a significant protocol transition. The temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals is a necessary step to ensure accuracy and safety during the token swap. For investors, understanding the 1:4 conversion ratio and the strategic reasons behind the rebranding from OM to MANTRA is key to evaluating the project’s future trajectory within the competitive blockchain ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What do I need to do if my OM tokens are on Upbit? If your OM tokens are in your Upbit spot wallet at the time of the snapshot, you need to take no action. Upbit will automatically swap your OM for the new MANTRA tokens at the 1:4 ratio. Q2: How long will deposits and withdrawals be suspended? Upbit has announced the suspension starts at 2:00 p.m. UTC on March 1. The duration typically lasts until the swap is complete and the new network is stable, often 24-48 hours. Monitor Upbit’s official announcements for the exact resumption time. Q3: Will the value of my holdings change after the swap? The aggregate market value of your holdings should remain equivalent immediately after the swap, accounting for the 1:4 ratio. The price per MANTRA token will be approximately one-fourth the final price of OM pre-swap. Q4: What if I hold OM in a self-custody wallet (like MetaMask)? You will likely need to use an official migration portal or smart contract interaction provided by the MANTRA team to manually swap your tokens. Always use links from the project’s official website and social media to avoid scams. Q5: Why is the project rebranding from OM to MANTRA? Rebranding often reflects an expanded project vision, technological upgrade, or strategic repositioning. While the official rationale comes from the MANTRA team, such moves commonly aim to attract a wider audience, align with new services, or enhance brand distinction in the market. This post Upbit OM MANTRA Rebranding: Strategic Token Swap Commences with Crucial Deposit Suspension first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 12:45

Kalshi Affiliate Badges Disappear: Strategic Shift Follows X’s Critical Gambling Policy Update

BitcoinWorld Kalshi Affiliate Badges Disappear: Strategic Shift Follows X’s Critical Gambling Policy Update In a significant compliance move, prediction market platform Kalshi has removed affiliate badges from all partner accounts, signaling a strategic response to evolving platform regulations that could reshape influencer marketing across financial prediction industries. This development, first reported by The Block on November 15, 2024, represents a pivotal moment for event contract platforms navigating the complex intersection of financial markets, social media promotion, and gambling-adjacent content policies. Kalshi Affiliate Badges Removal: Immediate Context and Platform Response Kalshi executed the removal of distinctive affiliate badges from influencer accounts this week. These small logos previously appeared next to partner account icons. The badges served as visual identifiers for content creators who promoted Kalshi’s event contracts. These contracts allow users to speculate on real-world outcomes. Partners received revenue shares based on their promotional effectiveness. The removal follows X’s recent policy update restricting paid promotions for gambling and sports betting content. Consequently, Kalshi’s decision demonstrates proactive compliance measures. The platform operates under CFTC regulation as a legal U.S. prediction market. This regulatory status creates unique challenges for marketing financial products that resemble gambling mechanisms. Prediction markets have existed for decades as information aggregation tools. Platforms like Kalshi gained regulatory approval in 2021. They offer contracts on political, economic, and cultural events. The affiliate program launched in 2022 to expand user acquisition. Influencers received badges to maintain transparency about financial relationships. This transparency aligned with FTC endorsement guidelines. However, social media platforms now implement stricter gambling content policies. X’s updated rules specifically target paid promotions. The policy change reflects broader regulatory scrutiny of gambling advertisements. Kalshi’s response shows how regulated entities adapt to platform governance changes. Comparative Analysis: Kalshi Versus Polymarket Approaches Competitor Polymarket continues using similar affiliate badges currently. This divergence highlights different risk assessments and strategic approaches. Polymarket operates from offshore jurisdictions with different regulatory frameworks. The platform accepts cryptocurrency and serves international users primarily. Kalshi maintains U.S. regulatory compliance as its core advantage. The CFTC oversight requires stricter marketing compliance standards. Industry analysts observe this creates fundamental operational differences. Compliance departments weigh platform policy violations against regulatory requirements. Financial platforms increasingly face conflicting governance layers. Prediction Market Platform Comparison: November 2024 Platform Affiliate Badge Status Primary Jurisdiction Regulatory Body Response to X Policy Kalshi Removed United States CFTC Proactive compliance Polymarket Active Offshore Various Continued use X Platform Policy Changes: The Regulatory Catalyst X implemented its updated gambling policy in October 2024. The changes specifically restrict paid promotions for gambling content. This includes sports betting and prediction market promotions. Platform guidelines now require stricter age and location gating. The policy update follows increased regulatory pressure in multiple jurisdictions. Social media platforms face scrutiny over gambling advertisement impacts. Research shows gambling content exposure correlates with increased participation rates. Consequently, platforms implement protective measures for vulnerable users. X’s policy aligns with similar restrictions on Meta and Google platforms. These companies updated advertising policies throughout 2023 and 2024. The policy changes create significant challenges for prediction markets. These platforms occupy a regulatory gray area between financial markets and gambling. Legal prediction markets argue they provide economic utility through price discovery. However, platform policies often categorize them with traditional gambling. This classification affects marketing capabilities substantially. Influencer marketing became a primary user acquisition channel. The badge removal represents a fundamental shift in this strategy. Platforms must now develop alternative marketing approaches. These approaches must comply with both financial regulations and platform policies. Policy Implementation Timeline: X announced changes in September 2024, with October enforcement Key Restrictions: Paid promotions for gambling/sports betting content prohibited Geographic Variations: Policies vary by user location and local regulations Enforcement Mechanisms: Automated detection and manual reporting systems Influencer Marketing Evolution in Prediction Markets Prediction markets developed sophisticated influencer partnerships over recent years. These relationships helped platforms reach new demographic segments. Financial influencers, or finfluencers, provided educational content about prediction markets. They explained contract mechanics and trading strategies. The affiliate badges served multiple important functions. First, they maintained transparency about financial relationships. Second, they provided social proof through platform endorsement. Third, they created visual distinction in crowded social media feeds. The removal eliminates these visibility advantages immediately. Influencers now face uncertainty about future partnership structures. Many creators built content strategies around prediction market education. The policy changes necessitate content adaptation. Some influencers may shift toward general financial education content. Others might explore alternative partnership models. These could include fixed-fee arrangements instead of revenue sharing. Platform policies typically allow educational content without direct promotion. However, the distinction between education and promotion remains ambiguous. Content creators must navigate this ambiguity carefully. Missteps could result in account restrictions or demonetization. Regulatory Landscape: CFTC Oversight and Marketing Boundaries The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates Kalshi’s operations. This regulatory framework imposes specific marketing restrictions. Platforms must avoid misleading claims about profit potential. They must provide balanced risk disclosures prominently. The CFTC monitors marketing materials for compliance violations. Prediction markets operate under event contract designations. These differ from traditional securities or commodities. The regulatory distinction affects permissible marketing approaches. Platforms cannot guarantee returns or minimize risks inappropriately. Influencer content must reflect these regulatory requirements. The badge removal may simplify compliance monitoring. Without official badges, the platform maintains greater distance from influencer content. Regulatory experts note increasing convergence between financial and platform regulations. The SEC recently highlighted social media promotion concerns. Regulatory bodies monitor influencer marketing across financial products. Prediction markets represent a particularly sensitive category. Their gambling-adjacent nature attracts additional scrutiny. Platforms must balance user acquisition with regulatory compliance. This balancing act becomes more complex with platform policy changes. Kalshi’s response demonstrates regulatory prioritization. The platform maintains its CFTC-approved status as paramount. Marketing adaptations support this primary regulatory objective. Industry Impact and Future Trajectories The badge removal signals broader industry shifts. Prediction markets face mounting pressure on multiple fronts. Regulatory scrutiny increases in various jurisdictions. Platform policies restrict traditional marketing channels. User acquisition costs rise as alternatives develop. The industry must innovate marketing approaches substantially. Potential strategies include educational content partnerships without direct promotion. Platforms might develop proprietary content channels. Some may explore traditional advertising with strict compliance measures. Others could focus on institutional and professional user segments. Market data shows prediction market growth despite these challenges. Total value locked across platforms increased 40% year-over-year. User numbers continue expanding across demographic groups. The fundamental value proposition remains compelling for many users. Price discovery mechanisms provide unique information aggregation. Platforms emphasize these economic utilities in marketing materials. The shift away from influencer badges may refocus messaging. Educational content about market mechanics could replace promotional content. This approach aligns better with both regulatory and platform requirements. User Acquisition Shift: From influencer marketing to educational content Compliance Priority: Regulatory requirements over marketing optimization Industry Adaptation: Development of alternative partnership models Platform Strategy: Divergence based on jurisdictional approaches Conclusion Kalshi’s removal of affiliate badges represents a strategic compliance decision with industry-wide implications. The move responds directly to X’s updated gambling promotion policies while maintaining alignment with CFTC regulatory requirements. This development highlights the complex governance landscape prediction markets navigate, balancing financial regulations, platform policies, and marketing effectiveness. The divergent approaches between Kalshi and Polymarket illustrate how jurisdictional differences shape platform strategies. As prediction markets continue evolving, marketing adaptations will play crucial roles in sustainable growth while maintaining regulatory compliance and platform access. The Kalshi affiliate badges removal marks a significant moment in this ongoing industry maturation process. FAQs Q1: Why did Kalshi remove affiliate badges from influencer accounts? Kalshi removed affiliate badges in response to X’s updated policy restricting paid promotions for gambling and sports betting content. The badges identified influencers who promoted Kalshi’s event contracts for revenue share, potentially violating X’s new guidelines. Q2: How does Kalshi’s response differ from competitor Polymarket? Polymarket continues using similar affiliate badges, highlighting different strategic approaches. Kalshi prioritizes compliance with platform policies and maintains its CFTC-regulated status, while Polymarket operates from offshore jurisdictions with different risk assessments. Q3: What are the regulatory implications for prediction market marketing? Prediction markets face overlapping regulations from financial authorities and platform policies. The CFTC requires specific disclosures and prohibits misleading claims, while social media platforms increasingly restrict gambling-adjacent content promotions, creating complex compliance challenges. Q4: How will this affect influencers who promoted prediction markets? Influencers must adapt their content strategies, potentially shifting from direct promotion to educational content about prediction market mechanics. Partnership models may evolve toward fixed-fee arrangements rather than revenue sharing to comply with platform policies. Q5: What does this mean for the future of prediction market user acquisition? Platforms will likely develop alternative marketing approaches, including educational content partnerships, proprietary content channels, and refined targeting of professional user segments, while maintaining strict compliance with both financial regulations and platform policies. This post Kalshi Affiliate Badges Disappear: Strategic Shift Follows X’s Critical Gambling Policy Update first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Feb 2026, 16:15

Mantra’s OM jumps 45% despite looming Hyperliquid delisting vote

OM, Mantra’s native token, is in the middle of an unlikely rally, rising more than 45% in the last seven days. The market-defying rally comes amid potential delisting from the Hyperliquid exchange market, a consequence of the recent rebranding of the protocol, as it moves from an ERC-20-based token to an independent Layer 1 blockchain. Source: CoinMarketCap The token suffered a massive drop in April 2025 in a matter of minutes, eventually causing top exchanges like KuCoin to delist token pairs . However, the sudden increase suggests that investors are not moved by the turbulence and back the protocol’s position and regulatory compliance. When will Hyperliquid vote to delist Mantra’s OM token? Hyperliquid validators are scheduled to vote on the delisting of the OM token on February 23, 2026. The voting will make use of the platform’s new on-chain voting system , added earlier this year, allowing permissionless stake-based delisting decisions that kick in immediately when a quorum is reached. With the new voting system, once enough validators decide to remove an asset, the asset’s trading contracts are closed using the last average market price before it is removed. Once the token is removed, all active trades are automatically settled, and all open orders on the token are canceled. After the decision is finalized, traders will be given an hour to close their positions themselves or leave them to be closed automatically. The vote takes place just as Mantra is undergoing major changes in its ecosystem, which has caused other major exchanges like KuCoin to delist the OM token effective on February 20. Additionally, Digitalexchange.id also made similar moves in December 2025, informing users to close their positions by January 15. Why is Mantra rebranding? Mantra’s rebrand was inspired by its switch from a multi-chain DeFi platform to an independent Layer 1 blockchain dedicated to real-world asset tokenization. The project is switching from its Ethereum-based ERC-20 OM tokens to its native MANTRA token , introducing a 1:4 token split to ensure no one loses asset value on the transition. The move (initially set for January 19) was pushed back to March 2 for exchanges to complete their system integrations and allow the project to complete security checks on its smart contracts. This allows users who hold OM as an ERC-20 token to convert it using the Mantra bridge portal. On the other hand, users who already hold the OM token on the Mantra don’t need to bother, as the token will be automatically converted. OM rising despite delisting risks The price movement may be regarded as investors’ belief in Mantra’s future plans and regulatory compliance since securing its VASP license from Dubai’s VARA. Investors on that side of the aisle believe that Mantra’s key value outweighs the short-term risks from being removed from a couple of exchanges. For Hyperliquid, the validator vote is a test of how well decentralized governance actually works. The vote allows users who have a stake in the outcome to choose what works best for the system. Whatever is decided shows how well community-led platforms deal with controversial assets. Whichever way the result goes, Mantra’s strong surge while facing possible delisting suggests that certain investors have more faith in its long-term strategy than in the short-term exchange benefits. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program