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11 Feb 2026, 09:57

Stripe taps Base to power x402 AI payment handshakes

Stripe has launched x402 payments on Base to enable automated handshakes between AI agents transacting using Circle’s USDC. Jeff Weinstein, the product manager at Stripe, says AI agents are becoming increasingly popular as a new category of users to build for and/or sell to. According to Weinstein, Stripe is rolling out a preview of machine payments, a way for developers to directly charge agents with a few lines of code. The Stripe product manager also announced that his company is releasing an open-source CLI (Command Line Interface) called “Purl” for users and bots to test machine payments in the terminal, along with Python and Node samples. Stripe is building economic infrastructure to help businesses thrive in the near future, where AI agents, humans, and businesses all transact, according to Weinstein. He also observes that while there are currently billions of human users, trillions of autonomous AI agents are expected, some of which are now clawing their way onto Mac minis. Businesses to charge AI agents via Stripe’s PaymentIntents API The flow: 1/ Create a PaymentIntent 2/ Stripe generates a unique deposit address per transaction 3/ Return the address to an agent and instruct it to send funds or a payment token 4/ Track transaction status via API, webhook, or Dashboard 5/ Funds settle in your default balance pic.twitter.com/txX5nGMrtX — Jeff Weinstein (@jeff_weinstein) February 10, 2026 Weinstein says that businesses will now be able to charge AI agents for their API usage, MCP calls, or HTTP requests, and accept machine payments via Stripe’s regular ol’ Payment Intent API. Additionally, there will also be agent-specific pricing plans, alongside traditional subscriptions and invoices. “We’re launching with support for x402 using USDC stablecoins on Base, with more protocols, payment methods, currencies, and chains to come. Let us know which to prioritize.” – Jeff Weinstein , Product Manager at Stripe To charge AI agents, businesses will first be required to create a PaymentIntent, according to Weinstein. Stripe will generate a unique deposit address per transaction and return it to an AI agent together with instructions to send funds or a payment token. Businesses will also be able to track transactions through API, Dashboard, or Webhook before funds are settled in their default Stripe balances. Weinstein also mentioned that the new feature is rolling out to a handful of early developers starting February 11. He requested feedback via email , promising a wider release to all users over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, some claim that session-key spend and merchant allowlists feel like the missing default for AI agent payments. They believe it would be way easier for Stripe to ship the updates “in prod” if that lands early. Stripe increases focus on expanding agent economy Stripe’s newly launched product reflects its growing focus on what it calls the “agent economy”, where software programs operate autonomously and manage their own finances. The company says AI agents are expected to buy data, computing resources, and digital services without human intervention. However, support is now focused on USDC on Base, which offers predictable, stable pricing. On the other hand, industry observers view the move as another sign that AI, Fintech, and crypto are converging more rapidly. Services can now be priced per request, per action, and per second, instead of relying on monthly prepaid credits or plans. Meanwhile, Ahmed Gharib, Stripe’s head of agentic commerce, claims that his company is focused on creating industry standards for agentic transactions. The company announced the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) in September last year, introducing the first live standard that enables programmatic commerce flows between AI agents and businesses. Stripe and OpenAI built ACP to integrate it with existing commerce. Meanwhile, Google introduced AP2 (Agent Payment Protocol), which focuses on authorization rather than payments themselves. According to Google, AI agents need to prove that the money spent reflects the user’s intent. AP2 defines how to express user-granted permissions in a verifiable way, for instance, “This AI can spend a maximum of $100 per day and only on data APIs and Netflix subscriptions.” Google’s AP2 is a significant step toward a future in which AI agents are meaningful economic actors, whether on behalf of humans, businesses, or themselves, according to Sreeram Kannan, the founder and CEO of Eigen Labs. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program

11 Feb 2026, 09:40

Cardano 'Midnight Fixes Everything': Charles Hoskinson

Cardano founder has promoted pivacy protocol Midnight as a network that can solve the blockchain trilemma.

11 Feb 2026, 09:30

Layerzero Unveils Zero Blockchain With Citadel, DTCC, ICE Partnerships

Layerzero announces Zero, a heterogeneous blockchain designed for global finance with strategic partners and ZRO investment from Citadel Securities. Layerzero Labs on Feb. 10, 2026 unveils Zero, a new heterogeneous blockchain claiming four 100x breakthroughs in compute, storage, networking and zero‑knowledge that underpin zones capable of ~2 million transactions per second and near‑zero fees, and

11 Feb 2026, 09:25

Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Cosmos Transactions

BitcoinWorld Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Cosmos Transactions SEOUL, South Korea – February 18, 2025 – In a significant operational update, the prominent South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has announced a temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for the ATOM token. This crucial Bithumb ATOM suspension commenced at 9:00 a.m. UTC today, directly impacting traders and investors within the Cosmos ecosystem. The exchange cites essential network maintenance and upgrade procedures as the primary reason for this planned pause in services. Understanding the Bithumb ATOM Suspension Timeline Bithumb communicated the suspension details clearly to its user base. The halt on ATOM transactions started precisely at the announced time. Consequently, users cannot move ATOM tokens to or from their Bithumb wallets during this period. However, the exchange confirmed that spot trading for ATOM pairs will continue uninterrupted. This allows users to buy and sell ATOM against other cryptocurrencies on the platform. The suspension specifically affects the movement of tokens on the blockchain. Therefore, internal exchange balances remain active for trading purposes. Bithumb has not provided a definitive end time for the maintenance window. Instead, the exchange promises to notify users immediately upon the restoration of full services. This approach is standard for major technical upgrades. The Technical Rationale Behind Cosmos Network Maintenance Such suspensions are not uncommon in the cryptocurrency industry. Exchanges frequently pause services during major blockchain upgrades or hard forks. The Cosmos network, which powers the ATOM token, is a decentralized ecosystem of independent parallel blockchains. Periodically, the network undergoes coordinated upgrades to enhance security, scalability, and functionality. For an exchange like Bithumb, integrating these upgrades requires a meticulous process. First, the exchange must update its internal node software to the latest version. Next, engineers must conduct extensive testing to ensure compatibility and security. Finally, the team must verify that all deposit and withdrawal mechanisms function flawlessly post-upgrade. Pausing services during this window is a critical security measure. It prevents transaction failures or potential fund loss during the system transition. Expert Insight on Exchange Protocol Management Industry analysts note that proactive maintenance reflects responsible exchange management. “A planned, communicated suspension for a network upgrade is a sign of operational maturity,” explains a blockchain infrastructure specialist. “It shows the exchange prioritizes the safety of user assets over uninterrupted availability during sensitive technical procedures.” Data from previous years shows that major South Korean exchanges like Bithumb and Upbit routinely enact similar pauses. For instance, past upgrades for networks like Ethereum, Cardano, and Polkadot have followed identical protocols. This consistency helps build user trust in platform security protocols. Immediate Impact on ATOM Traders and Holders The temporary suspension creates specific, short-term implications for different user groups. Active Traders: Individuals engaged in arbitrage or moving assets between exchanges for trading cannot transfer ATOM into or out of Bithumb. This may temporarily affect liquidity and price discrepancies on other platforms. Long-Term Holders: Users who custody ATOM on the exchange for holding purposes are largely unaffected. Their asset ownership is unchanged, and they can still trade if they choose. Stakers and Validators: Users who delegate ATOM to Cosmos validators through Bithumb’s staking services should see no interruption in reward accrual, as staking operations are typically handled off-chain by the exchange. Historically, such brief, planned suspensions have minimal long-term impact on an asset’s market price. The transparency of the announcement allows the market to absorb the information efficiently. Bithumb’s Position in the South Korean Crypto Landscape Bithumb remains one of the largest and most regulated digital asset exchanges in South Korea. The platform operates under strict guidelines from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Compliance with these regulations mandates high standards for security and user protection. The exchange’s decision to suspend ATOM services follows this regulatory framework. It demonstrates a commitment to operational integrity. Furthermore, Bithumb has a history of promptly resuming services after similar maintenance events. This track record provides context for current users awaiting the restoration of ATOM transfers. The exchange’s communication channels, including official website notices and app alerts, are the primary sources for real-time updates. Comparative Analysis with Global Exchange Practices Globally, other major exchanges often synchronize their maintenance schedules for popular assets. When the Cosmos network announces an upgrade, exchanges worldwide typically plan their node updates around the same time. This can lead to a coordinated, global brief pause in ATOM withdrawals across multiple platforms. However, the timing and duration can vary based on each exchange’s technical team and internal procedures. Bithumb’s announcement aligns with this global standard practice for managing blockchain-native assets. Conclusion The temporary Bithumb ATOM suspension is a standard, precautionary measure for essential blockchain maintenance. It underscores the exchange’s procedural diligence in managing network upgrades for the Cosmos ecosystem. Users should monitor official Bithumb communications for the service restoration notice. This event highlights the ongoing technical evolution underlying major cryptocurrency networks and the responsible role exchanges play in facilitating secure user participation. FAQs Q1: Can I still trade ATOM on Bithumb during the suspension? Yes, spot trading for ATOM markets remains fully operational. The suspension only affects depositing ATOM to your Bithumb wallet or withdrawing it to an external address. Q2: Why did Bithumb suspend ATOM deposits and withdrawals? The suspension is for essential network maintenance and software upgrades related to the Cosmos blockchain, requiring the exchange to update its systems securely. Q3: How long will the ATOM suspension last? Bithumb has not specified an exact duration. The maintenance will continue until the technical upgrade is complete and thoroughly tested. The exchange will notify all users when services resume. Q4: Is my ATOM safe on Bithumb during this time? Yes, the suspension is a procedural action and does not indicate a security issue. User funds remain secure in custody, and the action is taken to prevent errors during the system update. Q5: Will this affect ATOM staking rewards on Bithumb? Typically, staking operations and reward distribution are handled separately and should not be interrupted by a deposit/withdrawal pause. Users should confirm via Bithumb’s official staking information page. This post Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Cosmos Transactions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 09:00

STON.fi Opens TON DeFi to Bitcoin and Ethereum

Road Town, British Virgin Islands, February 11th, 2026, Chainwire STON.fi , the leading AMM protocol on The Open Network (TON), announced that TON-native representations of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are now available within the ecosystem in a fully non-custodial DeFi format. The integration gives TON users direct access to the two largest crypto assets, including the ability to swap them and provide liquidity, while maintaining full control over their funds. BTC and ETH are represented on TON as wrapped assets issued in TON-native format, each fully backed 1:1 by the underlying tokens and managed through smart contracts. Ethereum is available as wrapped ETH (WETH), while Bitcoin is accessible via cbBTC, a Bitcoin-backed token issued by Coinbase and fully collateralized with BTC on a one-to-one basis. This structure allows both assets to be used across decentralized applications within TON ecosystem without interacting directly with their native blockchains. Through STON.fi, users can deploy WETH and cbBTC across TON DeFi, including swapping and providing liquidity via WETH/USDt and cbBTC/USDt pools. At the same time, Omniston , STON.fi’s liquidity aggregation protocol, enables swaps to WETH and cbBTC from any TON-native token, routing liquidity across the ecosystem. Applications integrated with Omniston instantly gain access to WETH and cbBTC liquidity, enabling swaps across hundreds of TON-based dApps without additional integrations and expanding the range of available DeFi strategies within the ecosystem. “Bringing BTC and ETH into TON DeFi is about expanding real utility, not just asset coverage,” said Slavik Baranov, CEO of STON.fi Dev. “This launch enables users to actively use Bitcoin and Ethereum inside TON ecosystem rather than holding them passively. By making these assets usable in TON-native DeFi, we’re strengthening the overall depth of the ecosystem.” As TON continues to develop as a blockchain closely integrated with Telegram — a messenger used daily by hundreds of millions of people — access to major crypto assets directly within Telegram-native and TON-based applications has become a natural part of the ecosystem’s evolution. Bitcoin and Ethereum sit at the core of the global crypto economy, and their availability on TON allows users to access these assets directly within the apps they already use, without leaving the ecosystem, through decentralized and permissionless infrastructure. To learn more about how WETH and cbBTC integration works on STON.fi, users can visit: https://ston.fi/eth-ton and https://ston.fi/btc-ton . About STON.fi STON.fi is the leading non-custodial swap dApp and a suite of swap-enabling protocols within The Open Network (TON) ecosystem, known for its deep liquidity, wide token coverage, and dominance in total value locked (TVL) and trading volume. With over $6.8 billion in total trading volume and more than 31 million operations, STON.fi dominates TON DeFi ecosystem in token coverage, liquidity depth, and active user participation. Backed by top investors such as CoinFund, Delphi Ventures, The Open Platform, Karatage, TON Ventures, and others, STON.fi continues to advance decentralized finance through open development and innovations such as Omniston — a decentralized liquidity aggregation protocol. ContactHead of [email protected] Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

11 Feb 2026, 08:50

Qtum Price Prediction 2026-2030: Analyzing the Realistic Potential for a Monumental Comeback

BitcoinWorld Qtum Price Prediction 2026-2030: Analyzing the Realistic Potential for a Monumental Comeback As blockchain technology continues evolving in 2025, investors and analysts worldwide are examining Qtum’s potential trajectory through 2030. The Qtum blockchain, which uniquely combines Bitcoin’s security model with Ethereum’s smart contract functionality, presents an intriguing case study for cryptocurrency price analysis. This comprehensive examination explores the technical fundamentals, market dynamics, and adoption metrics that could influence QTUM’s price movement over the coming years. Understanding Qtum’s Technological Foundation Qtum represents a distinctive hybrid blockchain architecture that merges proven technologies. The platform utilizes Bitcoin’s Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) model while incorporating Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. This technical combination provides enhanced security through Bitcoin’s battle-tested consensus mechanism alongside Ethereum’s extensive smart contract ecosystem. Furthermore, Qtum implements a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism that significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional Proof-of-Work systems. The platform’s Account Abstraction Layer enables seamless interaction between these different technological components. Recent developments include Qtum 2.0 upgrades that enhance scalability and interoperability with other blockchain networks. Historical Price Analysis and Market Context Qtum launched in 2017 during a significant cryptocurrency bull market, reaching an all-time high of approximately $106 in January 2018. Subsequently, the token experienced substantial volatility alongside broader market trends. The 2020-2021 bull cycle saw QTUM reach secondary highs around $25 before correcting during the 2022 market contraction. Historical data reveals several important patterns. First, Qtum typically demonstrates correlation with major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, though with amplified volatility during market movements. Second, price surges have historically coincided with technological upgrades and partnership announcements. Third, trading volume and liquidity have shown consistent growth despite price fluctuations, indicating sustained interest from market participants. Market capitalization rankings have fluctuated between positions 50 and 100 among all cryptocurrencies, reflecting Qtum’s position as a mid-cap blockchain project with growth potential. Expert Perspectives on Blockchain Adoption Industry analysts emphasize that Qtum’s success depends heavily on real-world adoption metrics rather than speculative trading alone. Blockchain researcher Dr. Elena Martinez notes, “The hybrid approach offers practical advantages for enterprise adoption, particularly in regions seeking alternatives to dominant blockchain platforms.” Development activity, measured by GitHub commits and contributor growth, has remained consistently active throughout market cycles. The Qtum Foundation has established partnerships across multiple sectors including supply chain management, decentralized finance applications, and Internet of Things integrations. These collaborations demonstrate practical utility beyond theoretical technological advantages. Regulatory developments in key markets like Asia and Europe will significantly impact adoption rates, particularly as governments establish clearer frameworks for blockchain implementation. Technical Analysis and Price Projection Methodology Price predictions utilize multiple analytical frameworks to establish reasonable ranges rather than precise forecasts. Technical analysis examines historical support and resistance levels, moving averages, and trading volume patterns. Fundamental analysis evaluates network metrics including transaction volume, active addresses, staking participation rates, and decentralized application development. Comparative analysis positions Qtum against similar blockchain platforms in terms of technological capabilities, market positioning, and adoption trajectories. The following table presents conservative, moderate, and optimistic scenarios based on these analytical approaches: Year Conservative Scenario Moderate Scenario Optimistic Scenario 2026 $8-12 $12-18 $18-25 2027 $10-15 $15-22 $22-35 2028 $12-18 $18-28 $28-45 2029 $15-22 $22-35 $35-60 2030 $18-28 $28-45 $45-80 These projections assume continued technological development, gradual market adoption, and generally favorable cryptocurrency market conditions. The 10x return scenario from current levels would require achievement of optimistic scenario targets alongside exceptional market conditions and breakthrough adoption milestones. Critical Factors Influencing Future Performance Several interconnected elements will determine Qtum’s trajectory through 2030. Technological execution remains paramount, particularly the successful implementation of planned upgrades to scalability, security, and interoperability. Market adoption metrics provide crucial indicators, including: Enterprise partnerships and real-world implementation cases Developer activity and decentralized application growth Network security and staking participation rates Exchange listings and liquidity availability Broader cryptocurrency market conditions significantly influence all digital assets, with Bitcoin dominance and regulatory developments creating important macro trends. Competitive positioning within the blockchain ecosystem requires continuous innovation as newer platforms emerge with alternative technological approaches. Finally, community engagement and governance participation contribute to network resilience and decentralized development. Risk Assessment and Market Considerations Investors must acknowledge substantial risks alongside potential rewards. Technological competition intensifies continuously, with numerous blockchain platforms vying for developer attention and user adoption. Regulatory uncertainty persists across multiple jurisdictions, potentially impacting accessibility and implementation. Market volatility represents an inherent characteristic of cryptocurrency investments, with significant price fluctuations occurring regularly. Security vulnerabilities, though mitigated by Bitcoin’s proven codebase, remain a concern for all blockchain networks. Liquidity constraints could affect price discovery during periods of market stress. These risk factors necessitate careful portfolio allocation and thorough due diligence before investment decisions. Comparative Analysis with Competing Platforms Qtum occupies a distinctive position between established smart contract platforms and newer blockchain solutions. Compared to Ethereum, Qtum offers lower transaction fees and reduced energy consumption, though with a smaller developer ecosystem. Against competitors like Cardano and Polkadot, Qtum provides more immediate EVM compatibility and Bitcoin security integration. The platform’s hybrid approach differentiates it from purely UTXO-based or account-based systems. Market capitalization comparisons reveal Qtum’s current position as a mid-tier blockchain with growth potential if adoption accelerates. Technological roadmap execution will determine whether Qtum can capture market share from both established platforms and emerging competitors. Conclusion Qtum price predictions for 2026 through 2030 present a range of plausible outcomes based on technological execution, market adoption, and broader cryptocurrency trends. The potential for a 10x return exists within optimistic scenarios that assume exceptional adoption growth and favorable market conditions. However, realistic expectations should consider moderate projections that reflect gradual ecosystem development. Investors should prioritize fundamental analysis of network metrics and adoption trends over short-term price speculation. The Qtum blockchain’s unique hybrid architecture provides technological advantages that could facilitate increased adoption as blockchain technology matures. Ultimately, Qtum’s long-term value will reflect its utility in solving real-world problems through decentralized technology. FAQs Q1: What makes Qtum different from other blockchain platforms? Qtum uniquely combines Bitcoin’s UTXO security model with Ethereum’s EVM compatibility, creating a hybrid blockchain that offers enhanced security alongside smart contract functionality through a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. Q2: How realistic are the 10x return predictions for Qtum? While mathematically possible under optimal conditions, 10x returns would require exceptional adoption growth, successful technological execution, and favorable broader market conditions that align with the most optimistic projection scenarios. Q3: What are the main risks associated with investing in Qtum? Primary risks include technological competition from other blockchain platforms, regulatory uncertainty, market volatility characteristic of cryptocurrencies, potential security vulnerabilities, and liquidity constraints during market stress periods. Q4: How does Qtum’s energy consumption compare to other blockchains? Qtum’s Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism requires significantly less energy than Proof-of-Work systems like Bitcoin, making it more environmentally sustainable while maintaining security through Bitcoin’s battle-tested codebase. Q5: What metrics should investors monitor for Qtum’s fundamental health? Key metrics include transaction volume growth, active address counts, staking participation rates, developer activity on GitHub, enterprise partnership announcements, and decentralized application deployment on the network. This post Qtum Price Prediction 2026-2030: Analyzing the Realistic Potential for a Monumental Comeback first appeared on BitcoinWorld .