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13 Feb 2026, 18:58

Binance Dismisses Compliance Staff After Flagging Billions in Suspected Iran-Linked Crypto Transfers

Binance dismissed compliance staff after they reported Iran-linked crypto transactions exceeding $1 billion. USDT transfers over Tron blockchain are central to Iran’s alleged attempts to bypass sanctions. Continue Reading: Binance Dismisses Compliance Staff After Flagging Billions in Suspected Iran-Linked Crypto Transfers The post Binance Dismisses Compliance Staff After Flagging Billions in Suspected Iran-Linked Crypto Transfers appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

13 Feb 2026, 18:55

Binance fires several experts from its compliance team, including special investigators

Binance fired an investigator team that may have uncovered over $1B in flows to sanctioned Iranian wallets. The dismissal of the investigators raised questions about Binance’s readiness to remain compliant with sanctioned regions. Binance fired investigators on its internal compliance team after reporting key findings on over $1B received through entities tied to Iran. The discovery was made by multiple sources and internal documents shared with Fortune. Binance’s founder Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao claimed the article held contradictions and was not clear enough on the link between the fired investigators and the discovery of sanctioned transactions. I don't know any details or who, but just reading the article, it's self contradicting 👇. One could also make a narrative "maybe they were fired because they didn't prevent it?" IF it were even true. It would also mean the 3rd party tools (the same used by law enforcement)… https://t.co/VzwvKwmAd4 pic.twitter.com/3JSdGGMcsV — CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) February 13, 2026 According to the magazine, the investigators tracked the flows between March 2024 and August 2025, flagging potential violations of sanctions laws. According to Fortune’s sources, the team members were fired at the end of 2025. Binance still handled USDT on TRON from sanctioned sources Despite the listing of Iran as a banned country, there were still transactions routed through Binance. The findings follow a known pattern of crypto usage in Iran, which utilizes USDT on the TRON network. This version of the token is carried by Binance, turning it into a major liquidity hub for TRC-20 stablecoins. So far, investigators have tracked USDT as a way to circumvent sanctions, but mostly ended up with idle wallets. The internal investigation points to Binance’s ongoing problems with compliance. In 2023, the exchange pleaded guilty to AML and KYC violations, and the exchange’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, was sentenced to four months in prison. Binance agreed to increased government monitoring, widely advertising its new phase of full compliance. Why did Binance fire a batch of employees? According to Fortune, Binance fired at least three investigators with a law enforcement background, focused on the European and Asian markets. The information on the dismissals coincides with a previous cut to Binance’s team. As Cryptopolitan reported, toward the end of 2025, Binance dismissed several team members for alleged insider trading. Around that time, several Binance team members also announced their departures through LinkedIn, without specifying the circumstances. Beyond the firings in the special investigator team, at least four of the top compliance experts left Binance, or were pushed out, according to Fortune’s information. The compliance experts were fired at a time when Binance and Zhao enjoyed peak acceptance for their crypto business, while helping the Trump family World Liberty Fi project and adopting its stablecoin, USD1. Binance USDT flows slow down Binance registered peak USDT flows from the TRON network during the 2021 bull market. Since then, there have been fewer dramatic spikes of inflows. USDT on TRON slowed down its activity on Binance, with fewer record inflows. | Source: Dune Analytics In the past year, USDT on TRON was much less active on Binance. The token’s supply is growing, but it still has a niche use compared to the ERC-20 version. Binance has also been known to swap TRC-20 USDT for its Ethereum version, potentially swaying the available liquidity in the crypto space. TRC-20 USDT is much more rarely used in lending and DeFi, as well as centralized exchanges, and is linked to usage for P2P payments in Southeast Asia. Earn 8% CASHBACK in USDC when you pay with COCA. Order your FREE card.

13 Feb 2026, 18:37

Solana Rises in Tandem with Bitcoin Following US CPI Data

Solana moved higher alongside Bitcoin after January’s U.S. CPI inflation reading came in at 2,4% year-over-year, below expectations of 2,5%. The softer inflation print eased immediate concerns about aggressive Federal Reserve tightening, providing a short-term bid for risk-sensitive assets. Bitcoin rose merely 1%, and Solana followed in tandem. The move reflects macro-driven positioning rather than coin-specific strength. CPI Relief Sparks Temporary Risk Appetite Lower-than-expected inflation reduces pressure on monetary policy expectations, often supporting assets such as equities and cryptocurrencies. However, the broader crypto market remains fragile. The Fear & Greed Index stands at 8, signaling Extreme Fear. In this environment, rallies tend to be reactive rather than structural. Solana’s advance appears to be a beta play tied to Bitcoin’s move rather than an independent breakout. Technical Structure Still Bearish Despite the bounce, Solana’s broader structure remains weak: RSI (14): 25,46, signaling deeply oversold conditions Price trading below all major moving averages Trend defined by lower highs and lower lows Oversold momentum creates room for short-term bounces, but it does not imply trend reversal. The immediate pivot sits at $79,04. Holding above this level supports consolidation, while a break below reinforces downside risk. Why Market Context Shapes Attention Macro-driven moves such as CPI reactions tend to compress narratives across the crypto market. During such periods, attention shifts toward key technical levels, macro signals, and Bitcoin stability. In this environment, relevance depends on timing and data alignment rather than message volume. How Outset PR Aligns Messaging with Market Momentum Outset PR applies a data-driven approach to crypto communications, aligning narratives with measurable market shifts. Founded by PR strategist Mike Ermolaev, the agency structures campaigns around real-time momentum rather than static positioning. Through its proprietary Outset Data Pulse intelligence, Outset PR tracks media trendlines and traffic flows to determine when audiences are most focused on macro triggers such as CPI data, ETF flows, or key technical inflection points. A core component of the workflow is the Syndication Map, an internal analytics system that identifies publications capable of generating strong downstream distribution across platforms like CoinMarketCap and Binance Square. This ensures campaigns gain amplified visibility when market attention intensifies. By aligning narrative timing with market structure, Outset PR helps projects remain visible during sentiment-driven phases. Outlook Solana’s recent uptick reflects macro-driven relief rather than structural strength. Oversold conditions allow for tactical rebounds, but the broader downtrend remains intact. A sustained shift higher requires both: Continued Bitcoin stability above $68,000 Technical confirmation through reclaimed moving averages Absent these signals, the move should be viewed as a short-term reaction within a corrective framework. 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.

13 Feb 2026, 18:17

Dogecoin Explains Fixed Inflation Model as DOGE Price Struggles Below $0.10

Dogecoin has emphasized a unique aspect of its economic design that sets it apart from other cryptocurrencies. The official Dogecoin X account recently shared details about the meme coin's fixed annual issuance and its implications for real-world usage. The cryptocurrency mints five billion DOGE tokens each year. This constant figure means the inflation rate steadily decreases over time as the total supply grows. The project's developers argue that this mechanism creates an ideal environment for spending rather than accumulation. ”More DOGE means less hoarding and more spending,” the official account stated. ”Money is for moving, not collecting like rare Pokemon cards.” Fixed Issuance Creates Declining Inflation Rate The five billion annual issuance serves a critical function within the Dogecoin network. Miners receive these newly created tokens as compensation for validating transactions and maintaining network security. Without this consistent reward structure, the blockchain could become vulnerable to attacks. The inflation model differs significantly from traditional cryptocurrencies with hard caps. Bitcoin , for example, will eventually stop producing new coins entirely. Dogecoin's approach maintains a predictable supply increase that diminishes in percentage terms annually. Developers contend this structure addresses a fundamental problem in cryptocurrency adoption. Hoarding behavior prevents digital assets from functioning as actual currencies. When users treat tokens as investment vehicles rather than mediums of exchange, the ecosystem fails to achieve its intended purpose. The absence of token burning mechanisms also distinguishes Dogecoin from competitors. Many cryptocurrencies periodically destroy portions of their supply to create artificial scarcity. Dogecoin's team believes this practice contradicts the goal of widespread circulation and use. Price Action Shows Mixed Signals Dogecoin's market performance has shown volatility in recent weeks. The token declined by 5 days, bottoming at $0.087 on February 11. A subsequent rebound has failed to reclaim the psychologically important $0.10 level. Current trading places DOGE at $0.09641, up 5.37% over 24 hours. Weekly performance shows a 4.06% decline. The token remains range-bound in the $0.09 zone.

13 Feb 2026, 18:13

Bitcoin Reclaims $69,000 as Cooling US Inflation Sparks Relief Rally

Bitcoin rebounded sharply on Friday, climbing back to $69,000 after U.S. inflation data came in cooler than expected at 2.4%. The move marked a 5% rally in under 24 hours, adding about $70 billion to its market cap and lifting the broader crypto market to $2.42 trillion. Market Resilience and Recovery Bitcoin staged a notable

13 Feb 2026, 17:55

USD/JPY Retreats: Softer US CPI Data Dramatically Caps Dollar Gains as Yen Demand Holds Strong

BitcoinWorld USD/JPY Retreats: Softer US CPI Data Dramatically Caps Dollar Gains as Yen Demand Holds Strong The USD/JPY currency pair experienced notable easing in Thursday’s Asian session, trading at 154.80 as softer-than-expected US Consumer Price Index data capped recent Dollar gains while Japanese Yen demand remained surprisingly firm. Market participants globally watched this critical currency cross closely, particularly after the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released April 2025 inflation figures showing a 0.2% month-over-month increase in core CPI, below the 0.3% consensus forecast. Consequently, this development immediately influenced Federal Reserve policy expectations and triggered significant repositioning across major currency pairs. USD/JPY Technical Analysis and Immediate Market Reaction Traders witnessed the USD/JPY pair retreat from Wednesday’s high of 155.45 to current levels around 154.80, representing a 0.4% decline during the Asian trading session. Market analysts observed substantial selling pressure emerging after the US CPI release, with the Dollar Index (DXY) itself falling 0.3% to 104.15. Meanwhile, Japanese financial institutions demonstrated consistent Yen buying throughout the session, particularly around the 155.00 psychological level. Technical indicators showed the pair breaking below its 20-day moving average for the first time in two weeks, suggesting potential near-term weakness. Foreign exchange desks reported increased volatility during the London-New York overlap, with trading volumes exceeding 30-day averages by approximately 18%. Market participants noted that option-related flows contributed to the downward pressure, especially as barrier options at 155.50 remained untested. The price action created a bearish engulfing pattern on the daily chart, typically indicating potential reversal momentum. Furthermore, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) declined from overbought territory above 70 to a more neutral 58, reducing immediate selling pressure but maintaining downward bias. US Inflation Data Breakdown and Federal Reserve Implications The April 2025 US Consumer Price Index report revealed several critical details influencing currency markets. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy components, increased just 0.2% month-over-month, bringing the annual rate to 2.8%—the lowest reading since August 2023. Shelter costs, representing approximately one-third of the CPI basket, rose 0.3% monthly, showing continued moderation from earlier in the year. Goods inflation remained negative for the third consecutive month, while services inflation decelerated to 0.25% from 0.4% in March. Federal Reserve officials immediately responded to the data, with several regional bank presidents noting the progress toward their 2% inflation target. According to CME FedWatch Tool probabilities, markets now price just a 15% chance of a July 2025 rate hike, down from 35% before the CPI release. The terminal rate expectation shifted downward by 5 basis points to 3.75%, reflecting reduced inflationary pressures. This recalibration directly impacted Dollar valuation across all major pairs, not just USD/JPY, as lower rate expectations typically diminish currency attractiveness. Comparative Inflation Metrics: United States vs Japan Metric United States (April 2025) Japan (March 2025) Headline Inflation 2.6% YoY 2.2% YoY Core Inflation 2.8% YoY 2.1% YoY Monthly Change 0.2% 0.1% Central Bank Target 2.0% 2.0% Policy Rate 3.50-3.75% -0.10% This comparative analysis reveals narrowing differentials between US and Japanese inflation rates, reducing one fundamental support pillar for USD/JPY appreciation. The convergence trend began in late 2024 and has accelerated through the first quarter of 2025, according to International Monetary Fund data. Consequently, interest rate differentials between the two countries have compressed by approximately 40 basis points year-to-date, directly impacting currency valuation models. Japanese Yen Fundamentals and Bank of Japan Policy Stance Despite the Bank of Japan maintaining its ultra-accommodative monetary policy, several factors supported Yen demand during the session. Japanese institutional investors demonstrated consistent repatriation flows ahead of the fiscal year-end, while retail margin traders reduced short Yen positions by 12% according to Tokyo Financial Exchange data. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance reported stronger-than-expected current account surplus figures for March, reaching ¥2.8 trillion ($18.2 billion), providing fundamental support for the currency. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated the central bank’s patient approach to policy normalization during Wednesday’s parliamentary testimony. However, he acknowledged that sustainable achievement of their 2% inflation target appears increasingly likely by late 2025 or early 2026. Market participants interpreted these comments as slightly hawkish relative to previous communications, contributing to Yen strength. The central bank’s quarterly outlook report, scheduled for release next week, may provide further clarity on their policy trajectory. Yield Curve Control Adjustments: The BoJ widened its tolerance band for 10-year JGB yields to ±1.0% in January 2025 Inflation Expectations: Japan’s 5-year, 5-year forward inflation swap rate reached 1.8% in April Foreign Investment Flows: Overseas investors purchased ¥1.2 trillion in Japanese equities last week Energy Import Costs: Japan’s import bill declined 15% year-over-year due to lower LNG prices Global Macroeconomic Context and Risk Sentiment The broader financial market environment significantly influenced USD/JPY dynamics during the trading session. Global equity markets exhibited mixed performance, with the S&P 500 declining 0.5% while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.8%. Treasury yields retreated across the curve, with the 10-year benchmark falling 7 basis points to 4.05%, reducing the interest rate advantage supporting the Dollar. Commodity markets showed limited movement, with Brent crude oil trading around $82 per barrel and gold prices steady at $2,350 per ounce. Risk sentiment indicators displayed moderate improvement, with the VIX volatility index declining to 15.2 from 16.8 earlier in the week. However, currency volatility measures specifically for USD/JPY increased to 9.8%, reflecting uncertainty around monetary policy divergence trajectories. Geopolitical developments remained relatively calm, though market participants continued monitoring US-China trade discussions and Middle East tensions for potential impacts on safe-haven flows. Historical USD/JPY Performance Around CPI Releases Analysis of the past twelve US CPI releases reveals consistent patterns in USD/JPY behavior. The currency pair has declined following seven of the last twelve inflation reports, with an average movement of 0.6% in either direction. Notably, reactions have grown more pronounced since the Federal Reserve shifted to data-dependent policy guidance in late 2024. When CPI surprises to the downside by 0.1 percentage points or more, USD/JPY has fallen an average of 0.8% in the subsequent 24-hour period, according to Bloomberg data. This historical context helps explain Thursday’s market reaction, particularly given the 0.1 percentage point miss on core CPI. The pattern suggests that inflation data has become increasingly influential for USD/JPY direction, surpassing even employment reports in immediate impact. Market microstructure analysis indicates algorithmic trading systems now respond more aggressively to CPI deviations, amplifying moves that might have been more moderate in previous years. Market Positioning and Future Technical Levels Commitment of Traders reports revealed that leveraged funds maintained substantial net short Yen positions totaling $8.2 billion as of last Tuesday. This positioning created vulnerability to short-covering rallies, which materialized following the CPI release. Options market data showed increased demand for USD/JPY puts at the 154.50 and 154.00 strike prices, suggesting expectations for further downside. The risk reversal skew shifted toward Yen calls, indicating growing concern about Dollar weakness. Technical analysts identified several critical levels for USD/JPY in coming sessions. Immediate support resides at 154.50, followed by more substantial support at 153.80—the 50-day moving average. Resistance levels appear at 155.20 (previous support) and 155.50 (recent high). Bollinger Band analysis shows the pair moving toward the middle band at 154.30, which may provide temporary support. Fibonacci retracement levels from the March low to May high suggest potential pullback targets at 154.15 (38.2%) and 153.40 (50%). Conclusion The USD/JPY currency pair eased significantly as softer US CPI data capped recent Dollar gains while Yen demand remained surprisingly firm throughout the trading session. This development reflects evolving monetary policy expectations, with markets reducing Federal Reserve tightening probabilities following the inflation report. The narrowing differential between US and Japanese inflation rates continues to undermine one fundamental support pillar for USD/JPY appreciation. Looking forward, traders will monitor upcoming Bank of Japan communications and additional US economic data for further directional cues. The 154.50 level represents immediate technical support, while sustained breaks below could signal deeper correction toward 153.80. Ultimately, USD/JPY dynamics will remain highly responsive to inflation developments and central bank policy signals from both nations. FAQs Q1: What caused USD/JPY to decline following the US CPI report? The USD/JPY pair declined because softer-than-expected US inflation data reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, diminishing the Dollar’s yield advantage. Simultaneously, Japanese Yen demand remained firm due to institutional repatriation flows and slightly hawkish Bank of Japan communications. Q2: How significant was the US CPI miss relative to expectations? The core CPI reading showed 0.2% month-over-month growth versus 0.3% consensus expectations. While seemingly small, this 0.1 percentage point miss triggered substantial market repositioning because it suggested accelerating disinflation toward the Fed’s 2% target. Q3: Why did Yen demand remain firm despite Japan’s negative interest rates? Japanese Yen demand persisted due to several factors: institutional repatriation ahead of fiscal year-end, reduced speculative short positions, a strong current account surplus, and growing expectations for eventual Bank of Japan policy normalization. Q4: What technical levels should traders watch for USD/JPY? Traders should monitor immediate support at 154.50, followed by 153.80 (50-day moving average). Resistance appears at 155.20 and 155.50. Sustained breaks below 154.50 could signal further correction toward 153.40. Q5: How might upcoming Bank of Japan communications affect USD/JPY? The Bank of Japan’s quarterly outlook report next week may provide clues about their policy normalization timeline. Any hints of earlier-than-expected rate hikes or yield curve control adjustments could strengthen the Yen further, potentially pushing USD/JPY lower. This post USD/JPY Retreats: Softer US CPI Data Dramatically Caps Dollar Gains as Yen Demand Holds Strong first appeared on BitcoinWorld .