hodler

26 Feb 2026, 14:35

Shiba Inu Whale Sends 50% of SHIB Stack to Binance After Holding For 2 Years

Unknown long-term Shiba Inu coin holder cuts exposure by 50% to remain flexible in "uncertain" 2026 for SHIB.

26 Feb 2026, 14:29

IoTex Foundation pledges full reimbursement after $4.4 million bridge hack

The IoTeX Foundation has committed to providing full compensation to all users affected by last week’s $4.4 million bridge hack, as they pledged to use treasury funds to restore victims, whether or not IoTeX is able to recover the stolen assets from the attacker. The announcement came from their third incident update, following IoTeX’s mainnet resuming full operations on February 24, after two days of security upgrades that permanently blacklisted 29 hacker addresses and froze around 45 million IOTX tokens. The hack led to an immediate price dump of around 22%, dropping from $0.0054 to around $0.0042. The token has staged multiple attempts to reclaim pre-hack valuations, trading around $0.0048 currently. IOTX price has returned in the green since the project committed to $100% refunds to affected users. Source: CoinMarketCap Treasury-funded compensation regardless of recovery outcome In its latest report , the IoTeX project stated that “The IoTeX Foundation will ensure every affected user receives 100% compensation.” They also developed a compensation framework dividing users into two tiers. Tier 1 covers losses up to $10,000, which represents the vast majority of victims. They will receive full compensation immediately in stablecoins or native Ethereum assets. Tier 2 users with losses over $10,000 would receive their first $10,000 immediately, and their balances would be distributed over 12 months. They would also get a 10% bonus in annually staked IOTX, allowing them to receive 110% of their original losses. The compensation process will begin on Friday, February 27, when IoTeX publishes its official Recovery Deposit Address and Claims Portal. Affected users must withdraw any bridged assets from DeFi protocols, transfer them to the Recovery Deposit Address in single transactions by asset type, and then submit claims with wallet addresses and transaction hashes. The Foundation will then verify each claim against on-chain data before issuing compensation on Ethereum. However, users are warned not to split their balances or restructure holdings to circumvent tier thresholds, as such actions will result in flagged claims and loss of eligibility. Mainnet upgrade permanently blocks attacker access IoTeX mainnet has been fully operational since February 24, with Coinbase and MEXC among the first to restore full functionality. Afterwards, Binance and Upbit enabled withdrawals, while Bitget, Gate.io, OKX, Bithumb, KuCoin, HashKey Global, and BitMart are gradually coming back online. IoTeX coordinated with over 20 exchange partners and submitted formal documentation to DAXA (Korean Digital Asset Exchange Association). The security patch froze around 45 million IOTX tokens held in attacker-controlled wallets. According to the project, “These funds are now permanently inaccessible to the attacker. No transaction involving these addresses will ever be processed again.” IoTeX’s team also developed ioTrace to map the movement of stolen funds across blockchains in real time, allowing it to trace critical evidence across multiple chains, exchanges, and years of transaction history. IoTeX also plans to make ioTrace open source so that other projects can launch independent investigations without depending on other vendors. The Foundation also tracked more stolen assets across several chains. Apparently, the attacker swapped some tokens for 2,183 ETH, then converted the funds to Bitcoin (66.78 BTC) through THORChain. IoTeX identified four Bitcoin addresses currently holding the stolen assets and is coordinating with relevant exchanges to monitor for any potential deposit attempts. Mainnet restored with frozen attacker funds in 24 hours When the ioTube bridge hack was detected on February 21, IoTeX went into action immediately. Apparently, the attacker compromised a validator owner’s private key on Ethereum, upgraded the contract to bypass all security checks before draining $4.4 million in reserves, and then minted 410 million CIOTX tokens. Initial reports calculated figures as high as $8.8 million, but IoTeX stated that 99% of the minted tokens were locked or frozen, while only 0.4% were liquidated through DEXs . The CEO of IoTeX, Raullen Chai, also offered the hacker a 10% reward if they returned the other 90% of the stolen funds within two days. No one responded until the deadline passed yesterday. However, by the next day, IoTeX’s mainnet was back online, and the development team deployed Mainnet v2.3.4 on February 24, after coordinating with 36 other network delegates to implement robust security measures. The upgrade permanently blacklisted all 29 identified attacker wallet addresses at the blockchain protocol level, ensuring those addresses can never process another transaction again. Long-term security plans put in place Aside from the immediate mainnet upgrade, IoTeX is also implementing IIP-55, a governance protocol that will move bridge operations to a decentralized validator committee, thus eliminating the point of failure that enabled the attack. The project also put various other measures in place, adding multi-signature and time-lock controls on privileged operations, an independent audit of the ioTube infrastructure, on-chain circuit breakers, credential management programs, and a bigger bug bounty program. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

26 Feb 2026, 14:25

Ethereum Price Analysis: Relief Rally or Trend Reversal? ETH At a Crossroads After 20% Surge

Ethereum has staged a notable rebound from the recent capitulation low near the mid-$1,700s, but the broader structure remains corrective after months of persistent downside. The current advance looks more like a short-term relief rally within an established downtrend than a confirmed trend reversal, so the focus is on whether the price can reclaim key resistance zones and invalidate the series of lower highs that has dominated since late 2025. Ethereum Price Analysis: The Daily Chart On the daily timeframe, ETH continues to trade inside a well-defined descending channel, with the latest sell-off driving price from above the $3,000 mark down to the $1,700–$1,800 demand region near the lower boundary. The bounce from this support has pushed RSI out of oversold territory and carried the price back toward the mid-line of the channel, but ETH still sits below the major resistance cluster formed by the $2,300–$2,400 supply zone, while the declining 100-day (yellow) and 200-day (orange) moving averages remain overhead. As long as the channel remains intact and these resistances cap the market, the dominant trend points lower, and any rallies into that band are best viewed as tests of supply rather than evidence of a completed bottom. ETH/USDT 4-Hour Chart The 4-hour chart shows the rebound in greater detail: ETH has recovered sharply from the $1,800 area and is now pressing into the horizontal resistance level at the recent prominent high around $2,150. Short-term momentum has improved, with the RSI breaking out from a prolonged sub-40 regime and now printing an overbought signal. Yet, the market is effectively range-bound between the $1,750–$1,800 support floor and the $2,150 ceiling. A clean breakout and consolidation above the latter would open room toward $2,300–$2,400, whereas a failure here followed by a return below $2,000 would suggest that the rebound is losing steam and that a re-test of the recent lows at $1,700 remains likely. On-Chain Analysis On-chain data from the exchange reserve metric indicate that the amount of ETH held on centralized exchanges has been trending down for many months and is now near multi-year lows. This structural decline in exchange balances, even as price has weakened, implies that a growing share of supply is being moved off-exchange, whether into self-custody, staking, or other long-term holdings, reducing the immediate pool of coins available for spot selling. While this does not guarantee an imminent reversal, it is generally more consistent with an environment of underlying accumulation than one of broad distribution, and it suggests that, once the current downtrend exhausts, the reduced exchange supply could amplify the impact of renewed demand on the price. The post Ethereum Price Analysis: Relief Rally or Trend Reversal? ETH At a Crossroads After 20% Surge appeared first on CryptoPotato .

26 Feb 2026, 14:25

MetaMask Crypto Debit Card Achieves Monumental U.S. Expansion, Unlocking New York Access

BitcoinWorld MetaMask Crypto Debit Card Achieves Monumental U.S. Expansion, Unlocking New York Access In a landmark move for cryptocurrency adoption, MetaMask has successfully concluded its pilot program and is now rolling out its cryptocurrency debit card service across the entire United States. This pivotal expansion, first reported by CoinDesk, notably includes the crucial state of New York, a market historically restrictive for crypto services. Consequently, millions of U.S. consumers now possess a powerful new tool to bridge digital assets with everyday commerce. MetaMask Crypto Debit Card: From Pilot to Nationwide Rollout The journey for the MetaMask crypto debit card began in December 2024 with a strategic partnership announcement involving Mastercard and a select financial technology provider. Initially, the service operated under a limited pilot program to test infrastructure, compliance, and user adoption. During this phase, certain jurisdictions, including New York and Vermont, remained restricted due to their unique and rigorous regulatory frameworks for digital assets. However, after a rigorous one-year evaluation, MetaMask has secured the necessary regulatory approvals. The company is now activating its service nationwide. This expansion represents a significant milestone, not just for MetaMask but for the broader crypto payment industry. It demonstrates a maturing regulatory landscape and growing institutional confidence in converting crypto holdings into fiat currency at the point of sale. The Technical and Regulatory Hurdle Cleared Gaining approval in New York State, governed by the stringent BitLicense regime, is particularly noteworthy. This approval signals that MetaMask and its partners have successfully navigated complex state-level money transmitter and consumer protection laws. The service functions by instantly converting a user’s selected cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum or stablecoins, into U.S. dollars at the moment of transaction. This process occurs seamlessly through the card network, meaning merchants receive traditional fiat currency without handling crypto directly. How the MetaMask Mastercard Partnership Reshapes Spending The core functionality of the MetaMask crypto debit card leverages existing, robust payment rails. By partnering with Mastercard, one of the world’s largest payment processors, MetaMask ensures its card is accepted at tens of millions of locations globally where Mastercard is accepted. This integration provides a familiar and reliable user experience, removing the technical friction often associated with decentralized finance (DeFi). Key features and mechanics of the service include: Direct Wallet Integration: The card links directly to the user’s self-custodial MetaMask wallet, allowing for real-time balance management and transaction review. Instant Conversion: Cryptocurrency is converted to fiat at the time of purchase using a pre-determined exchange rate, shielding users from market volatility during settlement. Enhanced Security Layers: Transactions utilize Mastercard’s security protocols, while user funds remain in their control within the MetaMask wallet until spent. Rewards and Cashback: Early pilot programs hinted at potential crypto rewards structures, similar to traditional card loyalty programs, though specific details for the national rollout remain to be fully detailed. This model contrasts with earlier crypto card offerings that often required pre-loading a fiat balance from a centralized exchange. The MetaMask approach maintains a stronger connection to the decentralized ethos by pulling funds directly from a non-custodial wallet. The Ripple Effect on Crypto Adoption and Traditional Finance The nationwide availability of a major wallet’s debit card creates tangible real-world utility for digital assets. Analysts observe that such products serve as a critical on-ramp for mainstream users who understand debit cards but may be hesitant about direct crypto trading. It effectively demystifies cryptocurrency by framing it as a spendable asset rather than purely a speculative investment. Furthermore, this expansion exerts competitive pressure on both traditional fintech companies and other crypto-native firms. Traditional banks are now compelled to accelerate their own digital asset strategies, while other wallet providers must match this level of integration or risk losing market share. The move also likely encourages more merchants to explore accepting crypto payments indirectly, as they already accept the fiat proceeds from these card transactions. Expert Analysis on Market Impact Financial technology experts point to the regulatory green light in New York as the most significant aspect of this announcement. “New York’s approval is a bellwether,” notes a fintech regulatory analyst cited in industry reports. “It provides a compliance blueprint that other states often follow. MetaMask clearing this hurdle doesn’t just open one market; it potentially smooths the path for similar services nationwide and signals to regulators that robust, compliant models are operational.” Data from the pilot phase, though not fully public, reportedly showed strong user engagement for everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and subscriptions. This usage pattern indicates the product is fulfilling its purpose of facilitating daily spending, not just large, speculative transactions. Conclusion The nationwide expansion of the MetaMask crypto debit card marks a definitive step toward the normalization of cryptocurrency in everyday financial life. By overcoming key regulatory challenges and leveraging a partnership with Mastercard, MetaMask has successfully built a functional bridge between the decentralized web and the traditional point-of-sale economy. This development not only empowers existing crypto users with greater spending flexibility but also lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers, accelerating the broader integration of digital assets into the global financial mainstream. The inclusion of New York State stands as a particularly powerful testament to the evolving and maturing relationship between innovative crypto services and established regulatory frameworks. FAQs Q1: How does the MetaMask crypto debit card actually work? The card is linked directly to your MetaMask wallet. When you make a purchase, the card network instantly converts your chosen cryptocurrency to U.S. dollars at the current market rate. The merchant then receives dollars, not crypto, so it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Q2: Is the MetaMask card available in all 50 states now? Yes, following the successful pilot, MetaMask has announced a full nationwide rollout in the United States. This includes states previously restricted during the pilot phase, such as New York and Vermont, pending final user activation. Q3: What cryptocurrencies can I spend with the MetaMask debit card? While the final asset list for the national launch may evolve, the pilot program supported major assets like Ethereum (ETH) and USD-pegged stablecoins (e.g., USDC, DAI). The wallet likely converts these to fiat instantly for the transaction. Q4: Are there any fees associated with using the card? Crypto debit cards typically involve fees for currency conversion and sometimes transaction or ATM withdrawal fees. Users should consult MetaMask’s official card program details for the specific fee schedule applicable to the nationwide service. Q5: How is this different from other crypto cards like those from exchanges? The key difference is direct integration with a self-custody wallet like MetaMask. Many exchange cards require you to sell crypto for fiat on their platform first, then load the card. The MetaMask card pulls funds directly from your personal wallet, offering a more seamless experience for users who prefer self-custody. This post MetaMask Crypto Debit Card Achieves Monumental U.S. Expansion, Unlocking New York Access first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

26 Feb 2026, 14:24

BingX TradFi Fully Integrated into the BingX Ecosystem, Forming a Key Pillar for 2026

BingX , a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, announced the full integration of BingX TradFi into the broader BingX ecosystem, marking a significant step in the convergence of traditional finance and crypto markets. This development reflects a broader industry trend projected for 2026: traditional finance is increasingly embracing cryptocurrencies, while the crypto sector continues to integrate with traditional finance. BingX is positioned at the center of this structural shift: TradFi Perpetual Futures: Continuous and flexible exposure to commodities, forex, stocks, and indices through crypto-native infrastructure, offering competitive fee structures and up to 500x leverage. TradFi in Copy Trading: As the original pioneer of copy trading on Web3, BingX now extends its industry-leading copy trading capabilities to TradFi markets. Users can follow experienced traders and replicate strategies across commodities , forex, stocks, and indices . TradFi & BingX AI Integration: BingX TradFi is fully integrated with BingX AI Bingo, enabling AI-powered trade discovery, execution, and market analysis. Designed for speed and scale, BingX AI Bingo helps traders interpret market movements more effectively and execute with greater confidence. Spot Markets Access: On the spot market, BingX supports assets such as Ondo and xStocks , enabling users to purchase RWA tokens backed by underlying traditional financial instruments. This integration further strengthens the bridge between blockchain infrastructure and real-world financial products. TradFi & BingX VIP: TradFi futures trading is now incorporated into the BingX VIP program , allowing a broader range of users to access VIP privileges, enhanced benefits, and optimized trading conditions across both crypto and traditional asset classes. “The full integration of BingX TradFi into our ecosystem represents a structural evolution in global markets.” said Vivien Lin , Chief Product Officer at BingX. “We are witnessing a two-way convergence: traditional finance is embracing digital assets, while crypto infrastructure is maturing to support real-world financial instruments at scale. By embedding TradFi across perpetual futures , copy trading, AI tools, spot markets , and VIP services, BingX is building a unified platform where users can navigate multiple markets efficiently, intelligently, and without friction.” About BingX Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3-AI company, serving over 40 million users worldwide. Ranked among the top five global crypto derivatives exchanges and a pioneer of crypto copy trading, BingX addresses the evolving needs of users across all experience levels. Powered by a comprehensive suite of AI-driven products and services, including futures, spot, copy trading, and TradFi offerings, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance, confidence, and efficiency. BingX has been the principal partner of Chelsea FC since 2024, and became the first official crypto exchange partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026.

26 Feb 2026, 14:20

Payward Ramp by Kraken is now live on Onramper

Wallets and Web3 dApps can now provide seamless fiat crypto access directly inside their own products. Built by Kraken on more than a decade of resilient and regulated operations, Payward Ramp provides seamless access to 24+ payment methods, 600+ digital assets, and deep liquidity across 30+ markets. This is how fiat crypto access is meant to work. Simple integration. Global scale. Onramps are essential infrastructure for wallets, but their tech stack is often fragmented, operationally intensive, and difficult to scale globally. Payward Ramp addresses this with a single, compliant on- and off-ramp built on Kraken’s proven infrastructure. Wallets gain access to global payment rails, broad asset support, and deep liquidity, without managing the complexities of multiple vendors or building payments and compliance systems from scratch. A proven path for scaling your app without increasing complexity. So you can stay focused on the experience, not the infrastructure. Why we partnered with Onramper Onramper aggregates leading fiat crypto onramps through a single API and provides wallets with flexibility in how they manage user flows. The ability to offer flexible order routing made Onramper a strong launch partner for Payward Ramp. Through this integration, Payward Ramp is now accessible to a broad network of wallets and Web3 applications that value global coverage, user choice, and operational resilience. Together, Payward and Onramper are providing a proven and scalable path to compliant crypto access without compromising control or increasing complexity. What Payward Ramp provides for partners With Payward Ramp, partners can: Access 24+ global and local payment methods including ACH, SEPA, PIX, Apple Pay, and Google Pay Support 600+ digital assets across 100+ blockchains , backed by Kraken’s deep exchange liquidity Operate across 30+ markets with Kraken’s licensed, compliance-ready infrastructure Deploy a production-ready integration with minimal ongoing operational overhead For users with an existing Kraken account, onboarding is streamlined through familiar flows and existing payment methods. For wallets, this reduces friction while preserving full control of the user experience. The Ramp is open. The course is set. This launch is just the beginning. Payward Ramp is purpose-built to meet wallets and Web3 platforms where they are and help them scale. With Onramper as our first partner, we’re expanding access to regulated crypto infrastructure at global scale, and simplifying how developers connect users to the future of finance. As we chart the next phase of this journey, our mission remains clear: accelerate the global adoption of crypto so that everyone can achieve true financial freedom and inclusion. Explore Payward Ramp The post Payward Ramp by Kraken is now live on Onramper appeared first on Kraken Blog .