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12 Feb 2026, 10:30

Lombard Launches Bitcoin Smart Accounts Linking Custody to DeFi

Lombard unveils Bitcoin Smart Accounts to recognize custodied BTC as onchain collateral, enabling decentralized finance ( DeFi) access without moving custody. Lombard announces Bitcoin Smart Accounts, a rail that lets BTC held in qualified custody, multi‑party computation (MPC) or self‑custody be used as onchain collateral across whitelisted protocols like lending network Morpho, while legal title

12 Feb 2026, 10:20

Cardano Pushes Privacy With Midnight as Market Ignores Fundamentals — Delayed Repricing?

Cardano rolls out its new privacy-focused project, Midnight, aiming to reshape the crypto landscape. Despite this strategic move, market reactions seem muted, overlooking the potential game-changer. Is this a sign of a delayed repricing for promising coins? Discover which cryptocurrencies are on the brink of significant growth. Cardano (ADA) Faces Tough Times but Hopes for a Comeback Source: tradingview Cardano's price is currently fluctuating between 23 to 31 cents. Recently, it's been on a downward trend, losing over a third of its value in a month and nearly three-quarters in six months. Investors are eyeing the nearest resistance at 35 cents. If breached, it might climb towards 43 cents, representing potential growth of around 40% from its current low. Support stands at 18 cents, creating a cushion against further drops. While the price is under pressure, a boost to the next resistance level could spark optimism for Cardano's growth. Conclusion The market currently overlooks Cardano's privacy advancements. Despite the push for enhanced security with Midnight, there's no immediate shift in price. Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Litecoin also experience similar trends where market sentiment lags behind technological upgrades. A delayed repricing might occur once the market fully recognizes the improved privacy features. Until then, fundamental changes remain underappreciated. 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.

12 Feb 2026, 10:17

SHIB Burns Continue as Supply Remains Massive — Symbolic Effort or Long-Term Pressure?

The ongoing reduction of SHIB tokens has captured attention, yet the overall supply stays enormous. Is this more of a gesture or a strategy to influence market dynamics? This article explores the potential impact of these burns and examines whether they can drive significant changes in SHIB value over time. Discover which coins may be poised for growth. Shiba Inu Price Flattens, Eyeing Potential Breakout Source: tradingview Shiba Inu (SHIB) is hovering between five and seven millionths of a dollar. Despite recent losses, it's showing signs of strength. The coin is approaching its next resistance level at just over eight millionths. If SHIB breaks through, it could gain around 30%. On the downside, support levels at four and two millionths provide a cushion. The RSI, under 30, suggests the coin is oversold and might rebound. While the MACD is negative, the gap is minor. SHIB's price has dipped over 13% in a week, and over 30% in a month, but with its very low current standing, any breakout could lead to significant gains. Conclusion The ongoing burning of SHIB tokens aims to reduce supply and potentially increase value. Despite these efforts, the vast number of coins still available may limit immediate effects. Yet, over time, consistent burns might create long-term value pressure. The impact of these burns on the cryptocurrency market remains to be seen. What is clear is that, though initially more symbolic, these actions could theoretically enhance the desirability and price stability of SHIB. 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.

12 Feb 2026, 09:07

UK moves toward blockchain gilt issuance with HSBC digital bond pilot

Britain is preparing to test blockchain technology in its sovereign debt market, appointing HSBC and law firm Ashurst to lead a digital gilt pilot expected later this year. The move puts the UK on course to become the first G7 nation to issue government bonds on a blockchain network. The Treasury’s decision comes as pressure builds to modernise bond infrastructure and respond to competition from financial centres that have already completed tokenised sovereign debt sales. Chancellor Rachel Reeves first unveiled the pilot plan in late 2024. The initiative is designed to explore whether distributed ledger technology can improve how gilts are issued, traded, and settled. Other jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, have already carried out digital sovereign bond issuances, intensifying calls for faster action in London. Digital gilt framework The Treasury has selected HSBC as the banking partner for the trial, with Ashurst advising on legal structure and compliance. According to the Financial Times , the appointments aim to address criticism that Britain has been slow to advance tokenised government bonds. The pilot will test the feasibility of issuing sovereign debt on blockchain infrastructure rather than relying solely on conventional clearing and settlement systems. If successful, it would mark the first blockchain-based sovereign issuance among G7 economies. Officials are positioning the experiment as a technical trial rather than a permanent shift. The results are expected to inform future decisions on whether blockchain could play a larger role in the UK government bond market. Sandbox oversight The programme will operate within the Bank of England’s digital sandbox. This controlled regulatory environment allows financial institutions to test new technology under modified supervisory conditions. Running the pilot in the sandbox enables authorities to monitor operational and legal risks while keeping the broader financial system insulated from disruption. The framework is intended to balance innovation with regulatory oversight. The sandbox structure also allows participants to assess how blockchain-based systems interact with existing market infrastructure and reporting standards. Settlement and efficiency aims One of the main objectives of the digital gilt trial is to reduce settlement times and cut operational costs for market participants. Traditional bond transactions often involve multiple intermediaries and layered back-office processes. Tokenised bonds recorded on a shared digital ledger could, in theory, allow near real-time settlement. This may reduce reconciliation work and streamline administrative functions. The Treasury’s trial will evaluate whether these potential gains translate into measurable efficiencies for issuers and investors in the gilt market. HSBC’s digital track record HSBC has prior experience in blockchain-based debt issuance. The bank has arranged more than $3.5 billion in digital bond offerings through its proprietary Orion blockchain platform. Among those transactions was Hong Kong’s $1.3 billion green bond issued last year, one of the largest tokenised sovereign debt sales globally. That deal demonstrated how public issuers can use blockchain infrastructure for large-scale bond transactions. Hong Kong’s completed digital sovereign issuance underscores the competitive backdrop for the UK pilot. By moving ahead with its own trial, Britain is signalling that it intends to remain active in the evolving market for tokenised government securities. The outcome of the sandbox phase is expected to determine whether blockchain issuance could become a recurring feature of UK sovereign debt operations. The post UK moves toward blockchain gilt issuance with HSBC digital bond pilot appeared first on Invezz

12 Feb 2026, 08:30

Corporate Crypto Losses: The Staggering $16 Billion Unrealized Deficit Haunting Digital Asset Treasuries

BitcoinWorld Corporate Crypto Losses: The Staggering $16 Billion Unrealized Deficit Haunting Digital Asset Treasuries In a dramatic turn for institutional cryptocurrency adoption, major corporate crypto holders now confront a collective unrealized loss exceeding $16 billion on their digital asset treasury (DAT) investments as of February 11, 2025. This significant financial pressure, revealed by data analytics platform CryptoRank, underscores the volatile reality of corporate blockchain strategy execution during market downturns. Consequently, financial departments worldwide are reassessing their digital reserve policies. Corporate Crypto Losses Reveal Deep Treasury Strategy Flaws Publicly traded companies globally face mounting paper losses on digital asset holdings. These unrealized losses represent the difference between the purchase price and current market value. Therefore, they highlight timing and valuation risks inherent in corporate cryptocurrency investment. The aggregate data paints a concerning picture for balance sheets. For instance, Strategy corporation reports an approximate $6 billion deficit. Meanwhile, Bitcoin trades 12% below its average corporate acquisition price. This situation directly impacts shareholder equity and quarterly financial disclosures. Furthermore, Bitmine experiences an even more severe $8 billion unrealized loss. Specifically, Ethereum has plummeted 49% from its corporate entry point. This drastic decline suggests potential over-concentration in a single altcoin. Other notable firms with substantial deficits include Evernos, holding XRP with a $490 million loss. Additionally, Forward Industry faces a $1 billion shortfall on its SOL holdings. Ton Strategy and Alt Sigma report $430 million and $800 million in losses on TON and WLFI, respectively. Analyzing the Digital Asset Treasury Investment Timeline The current corporate crypto losses stem from acquisition decisions made during different market cycles. Many companies initiated their digital asset treasury programs between 2021 and 2023. During this period, cryptocurrency prices reached historic highs. Corporate treasurers sought diversification and inflation hedging. However, subsequent market corrections have eroded these positions. The timeline of accumulation versus current valuation creates this substantial unrealized loss scenario. Expert Analysis on Treasury Management and Market Cycles Financial analysts emphasize that unrealized losses differ from realized losses. Companies have not sold their assets. Therefore, the losses remain theoretical until liquidation. This distinction is crucial for understanding corporate financial health. Nevertheless, mark-to-market accounting rules may require disclosure. Consequently, these paper losses can affect credit ratings and investor confidence. Seasoned treasury managers note the importance of dollar-cost averaging and long-term horizons. Historical data shows cryptocurrency markets experience extreme volatility cycles. However, corporate balance sheets operate on different reporting schedules than speculative traders. Moreover, regulatory scrutiny of corporate digital asset holdings is increasing. Accounting standards for cryptocurrency remain complex and evolving. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued new guidance on fair value measurement. This change could force more transparent reporting of these unrealized losses in coming quarters. International companies also face varying jurisdictional rules. This regulatory patchwork adds another layer of complexity to treasury management. The Ripple Effect on Corporate Strategy and Innovation Significant unrealized losses influence broader corporate decision-making. Firstly, they may slow further cryptocurrency adoption by other public companies. Boards of directors often become risk-averse after observing substantial paper losses. Secondly, innovation budgets for blockchain integration projects could face reduction. Thirdly, shareholder pressure might force premature liquidation to stop the bleeding. This action would realize the losses and create taxable events. Conversely, some analysts argue this is a natural market test. Corporate commitment to blockchain technology should withstand volatility. The fundamental thesis for holding digital assets—decentralization, programmability, and scarcity—remains unchanged. Therefore, strategic holders may view this as an accumulation opportunity rather than a failure. This perspective separates speculative traders from long-term strategic investors. Key factors influencing the depth of corporate crypto losses include: Entry Timing: Companies buying at cycle peaks face the largest deficits. Asset Allocation: Over-concentration in altcoins versus Bitcoin increases risk. Treasury Policy: The absence of clear rebalancing or hedging strategies. Reporting Standards: How losses are accounted for on financial statements. Comparative Impact Across Different Digital Assets The scale of loss varies significantly by asset type, revealing diversification failures. Bitcoin, often considered “digital gold,” shows relative resilience with a 12% average decline. Ethereum’s deeper 49% fall impacts companies with larger smart contract platform exposure. Altcoins like SOL, XRP, TON, and WLFI demonstrate even higher volatility. This tiered loss structure highlights the risk spectrum within digital asset treasuries. A simplified comparison illustrates the disparity: Asset Example Holder Unrealized Loss % Below Entry Bitcoin (BTC) Strategy ~$6B 12% Ethereum (ETH) Bitmine ~$8B 49% XRP Evernos $490M Data Pending Solana (SOL) Forward Industry $1B Data Pending Conclusion The revelation that major corporate crypto holders face over $16 billion in unrealized losses marks a pivotal moment for institutional adoption. These corporate crypto losses test the resilience of digital asset treasury strategies during sustained bear market conditions. Moving forward, transparency, improved risk management, and clearer regulatory frameworks will be essential. The market now watches to see if these strategic holders maintain conviction or retreat, a decision that will shape corporate blockchain engagement for years to come. FAQs Q1: What does “unrealized loss” mean in corporate cryptocurrency holdings? An unrealized loss, or paper loss, occurs when the current market price of a held asset falls below its purchase price. The loss is not actualized until the asset is sold, but it can still impact financial reporting and investor perception under certain accounting rules. Q2: Which company faces the largest single unrealized loss according to the data? Based on the CryptoRank data from February 11, 2025, Bitmine faces the largest single unrealized loss at approximately $8 billion, primarily due to its Ethereum holdings trading 49% below their average entry price. Q3: How might these losses affect the companies’ daily operations? Unless a company needs to liquidate assets to cover obligations, unrealized losses typically don’t affect cash flow or daily operations directly. However, they can impact balance sheet strength, borrowing capacity, stock market valuation, and investor confidence. Q4: Could these losses force companies to sell their cryptocurrency holdings? It is possible. Shareholder pressure, loan covenants tied to asset values, or internal risk policies could trigger sales to prevent further declines, which would realize the losses. However, many corporations adopt a long-term holding strategy and may choose to wait for a market recovery. Q5: What is a Digital Asset Treasury (DAT)? A Digital Asset Treasury is a corporate strategy where a company holds cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum on its balance sheet as a reserve asset, similar to holding cash, gold, or other financial instruments. The goals often include diversification, inflation hedging, and exposure to innovative technology. This post Corporate Crypto Losses: The Staggering $16 Billion Unrealized Deficit Haunting Digital Asset Treasuries first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

12 Feb 2026, 07:49

Thailand clears crypto for derivatives trading, opens door to Bitcoin futures

Thailand has formally integrated cryptocurrencies into its financial markets after the Cabinet approved amendments expanding the scope of assets permitted under the country’s Derivatives Act. The decision allows digital assets to be used as underlying instruments for regulated futures and options contracts, bringing cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin into Thailand’s mainstream capital markets framework, according to a Bangkok Post report . The Finance Ministry’s proposal, endorsed at a Cabinet meeting on Feb. 10, is designed to align the domestic derivatives market with international standards while reinforcing supervisory safeguards and investor protection. Following the approval, the Securities and Exchange Commission will amend the Derivatives Act B.E. 2546 and draft detailed rules governing market participation. The regulator said it will revise derivatives business licenses so digital asset operators can offer crypto-linked contracts, review supervisory requirements for exchanges and clearing houses, and work with Thailand Futures Exchange Public Company Limited to determine contract specifications that reflect the volatility and risk characteristics of digital assets. According to SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the expansion of permissible goods and variables under the law would strengthen the status of crypto as an investment asset class and broaden investment opportunities. She noted that the changes are intended to promote market inclusiveness, support portfolio diversification, and improve risk management tools available to investors. In addition to cryptocurrencies, the amendments reclassify carbon credits in a manner that enables the introduction of physically delivered futures contracts alongside cash-settled products. The measure aligns with the country’s draft Climate Change Act and carbon neutrality goals . Nirun Fuwattananukul, CEO of Binance Thailand, said the move signals that digital assets are no longer viewed as speculative tools but are instead seen as assets capable of reshaping capital markets. “It sends a strong signal that Thailand is positioning itself as a forward-looking leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy,” he added. Thailand warms up to crypto The reform builds on a regulatory framework that has steadily evolved since 2018 , when Thailand enacted the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses, granting the SEC licensing and enforcement authority over exchanges and token issuers. Oversight has since expanded to include stricter operational rules, enhanced investor protection measures, and a ban on using cryptocurrencies for payments. Stablecoin trading, however, was approved on local exchanges last year, though consumer use remains restricted and crypto payments continue to be prohibited by the central bank. The SEC’s broader 2026 capital markets roadmap also includes plans to introduce crypto exchange-traded funds as part of a strategy to attract institutional participation. Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul said last month that crypto ETFs could be launched early this year, subject to legal amendments. The post Thailand clears crypto for derivatives trading, opens door to Bitcoin futures appeared first on Invezz