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22 Feb 2026, 08:15
Vitalik Buterin Dumps Even More ETH as Prices Struggle Below $2K
On-chain data from Arkham Intelligence and Lookonchain showed that Vitalik Buterin has resumed his selling spree of ETH with another multi-million dollar transfer. The analysts explained that he had withdrawn another batch of 3,500 ETH (worth roughly $7 million at the time) from Aave with the likely intention to sell. At the time of the original post a few hours ago, he had already disposed of 571 ETH ($1.13 million). After a two-week break, vitalik.eth( @VitalikButerin ) is selling $ETH again! 8 hours ago, he withdrew 3,500 $ETH ($6.95M) from Aave to sell. So far, he has already sold 571 $ETH ($1.13M). https://t.co/pMvkZHjIyD https://t.co/DYpg3yFecJ pic.twitter.com/jLCKLk6hE9 — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) February 22, 2026 CryptoPotato has reported a few similar instances in February alone, in which on-chain data indicated that he had begun disposing of some of his ETH fortune. A February 5 report showed that the project’s co-founder had sold off 2,961 ETH ($6.6 million at the time) in just three days. A day later, Lookonchain informed that the total sales had grown to 6,183 ETH, which was valued at $13.2 million. The average exit price was $2,140. Arkham Intelligence keeps a close eye on Buterin’s addresses, and a report from earlier this week noted that he still held more than 240,000 ETH, valued at around $467 million. However, that data was before today’s sell-offs. Meanwhile, ETH’s price has been on a consistent downtrend for months. After it peaked at close to $5,000 in late August last year, it was violently rejected and ended 2025 at around $3,000. The late January/early February crash was brutal, pushing the asset to under $1,800. Although it has recovered some ground since then, Ether still struggles below $2,000. Popular analyst Ali Martinez outlined the formation of a bullish flag yesterday for ETH, but with a major catch: the chart was inverted, showing in reality that ETH could be primed for another correction to under $1,400. The post Vitalik Buterin Dumps Even More ETH as Prices Struggle Below $2K appeared first on CryptoPotato .
22 Feb 2026, 08:14
Bitcoin miner Bitdeer dumps entire BTC reserves, holdings drop to zero
Bitcoin miner Bitdeer liquidated 943 BTC from reserves and sold newly mined coins, cutting corporate holdings to zero.
22 Feb 2026, 08:13
SBI Holdings Launches 10B Yen Blockchain Bond With XRP Rewards
Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Holdings is introducing a blockchain-based bond offering for retail investors, blending traditional fixed-income returns with cryptocurrency incentives. Key Takeaways: SBI is issuing 10 billion yen in tokenized bonds recorded on a blockchain platform. Investors will earn fixed interest plus XRP rewards tied to their subscription amount. The launch reflects SBI’s broader push to integrate crypto assets into traditional finance. The new issuance, called the SBI START Bonds , totals 10 billion yen (about $64.5 million) and will be recorded and managed onchain using the “ibet for Fin” platform developed by enterprise blockchain firm BOOSTRY. The three-year securities carry an indicative annual yield ranging from 1.85% to 2.45%, with interest paid twice a year. SBI Bond Investors to Receive XRP Rewards Alongside Interest Payments In addition to fixed returns, eligible investors will receive XRP token rewards. Retail buyers and companies investing at least 100,000 yen (roughly $650) and holding an account with SBI VC Trade qualify for the bonus program. According to the product details, investors will receive XRP equivalent to about 200 yen per 100,000 yen invested. The rewards will be distributed at issuance and again alongside each interest payment through 2029. The bonds are expected to begin secondary trading on March 25 via the Osaka Digital Exchange’s proprietary START trading system, marking another step in Japan’s gradual rollout of tokenized securities markets. SBI’s move reflects its long-standing ties to the XRP ecosystem. The firm partnered with Ripple in 2016 and has since supported XRP-powered remittance services, including cross-border payments between Japan and the Philippines. Chairman and CEO Yoshitaka Kitao has previously said SBI holds roughly 9% of Ripple Labs, underscoring the company’s strategic alignment with the network. Founded in 1999 as part of SoftBank before becoming independent in 2006, SBI has grown into a major financial group with more than $8 billion in annual revenue. BREAKING SBI Ripple Asia just confirmed $XRP Ledger is being implemented by financial institutions worldwide! We're buying this at these prices while global finance is being rebuilt on it When every institution plugs in, the demand won't be quiet YOU ARE STILL EARLY! https://t.co/AuuTxuWu9U pic.twitter.com/TADxEPqiIk — X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) February 21, 2026 Over the years, the company has expanded beyond brokerage and banking into digital assets, stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure. SBI has also worked with Circle to introduce the USDC stablecoin in Japan and signed a memorandum of understanding with Ripple to distribute its RLUSD stablecoin. By pairing bonds with crypto incentives, the firm is testing whether traditional investors will adopt tokenized securities that offer familiar yields alongside blockchain-based settlement and rewards. In August last year, Ripple signed a memorandum of understanding with SBI Holdings and its crypto arm SBI VC Trade to distribute its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in Japan. Ripple Secures UK Regulatory Approval Amid Global Expansion The rollout comes amid Ripple’s broader expansion across regulated markets. Earlier this month, the company received approval from the UK’s financial regulator for an Electronic Money Institution license and crypto asset registration. Ripple has also secured preliminary approval for a similar license in Luxembourg , positioning the firm to expand its payments services across Europe. In the United States, Ripple applied for a national banking license with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in July 2025, joining a growing list of crypto firms seeking deeper integration with the traditional financial system. In recent months, the company has also secured approvals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and onboarded partners including Zand Bank and Mamo. As reported, Ripple is also weighing whether to bring staking to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) , a move that would push the decade-old blockchain deeper into the rapidly expanding world of decentralized finance. The post SBI Holdings Launches 10B Yen Blockchain Bond With XRP Rewards appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 Feb 2026, 08:10
USDT Whale Transfer: A Staggering $700 Million Moves from HTX to Aave, Signaling Major DeFi Confidence
BitcoinWorld USDT Whale Transfer: A Staggering $700 Million Moves from HTX to Aave, Signaling Major DeFi Confidence In a move that has captured the attention of the global cryptocurrency market, blockchain tracking service Whale Alert reported a monumental transfer of 700,000,001 USDT from the HTX exchange to the Aave lending protocol on March 21, 2025. This transaction, valued at approximately $700 million, represents one of the most significant on-chain movements of stablecoin capital into decentralized finance (DeFi) this year, prompting deep analysis of its potential motivations and market-wide implications. Decoding the $700 Million USDT Whale Transfer The sheer scale of this USDT whale transfer immediately distinguishes it from routine crypto activity. Whale Alert, a trusted on-chain analytics provider, first flagged the transaction. Consequently, the crypto community began scrutinizing its details. The transfer originated from a wallet associated with the HTX exchange, formerly known as Huobi. It then moved directly to a wallet connected with the Aave Protocol, a leading decentralized liquidity market. This action is not merely a large withdrawal. Instead, it represents a strategic capital allocation from a centralized trading venue to a decentralized financial application. Such a move typically indicates a holder’s intent to engage with DeFi’s yield-generating opportunities. These opportunities often surpass the passive holding of assets on an exchange. The transaction executed on the Tron network, known for its low fees and high throughput, which is a common blockchain for USDT transfers. Understanding the Key Players: HTX and Aave To grasp the full context of this whale movement, one must understand the platforms involved. HTX is a major global cryptocurrency exchange with deep roots in the Asian market. It provides users with a platform for trading, staking, and custodial services. Aave, in contrast, operates as a non-custodial, open-source liquidity protocol. Users can participate as depositors to supply liquidity and earn passive income, or as borrowers to obtain overcollateralized loans. The fundamental difference lies in control and utility. On HTX, the exchange controls the private keys to user funds. On Aave, users retain control through self-custody wallets. This transfer, therefore, signifies a shift of capital from a centralized, custodial model to a decentralized, user-controlled financial system. The table below outlines the core distinctions: Feature HTX (Centralized Exchange) Aave (DeFi Protocol) Custody Custodial (Exchange holds funds) Non-Custodial (User holds keys) Primary Function Trading, Spot & Derivatives Lending, Borrowing, Earning Yield Access Requires KYC/Account Permissionless, Global Access Yield Source Staking, Exchange Programs Interest from borrowers’ fees Expert Analysis of Whale Motivation Market analysts and on-chain researchers point to several plausible motivations for such a substantial capital movement. Firstly, the entity likely seeks a competitive yield on its stablecoin holdings. Aave frequently offers attractive supply Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) for USDT, especially during periods of high borrowing demand. Secondly, the whale may be preparing to leverage its position. By supplying USDT as collateral on Aave, the holder can borrow other assets to pursue additional investment strategies, a common practice known as “DeFi leveraging.” Furthermore, this transfer could signal a broader trend of institutional or sophisticated capital migrating toward DeFi’s transparent and programmable financial rails. The timing is also critical. Movements of this magnitude often precede or respond to significant market events, such as anticipated volatility, changes in monetary policy sentiment, or the launch of new DeFi products that require substantial liquidity seeding. Immediate Market Impact and Liquidity Effects The immediate effect of this USDT whale transfer is a direct injection of liquidity into the Aave protocol. A deposit of $700 million significantly boosts the total value locked (TVL) in Aave’s markets. This action enhances the protocol’s liquidity depth, which can lead to: Lower borrowing rates: Increased supply can reduce interest rates for borrowers seeking USDT loans. Increased protocol stability: Larger liquidity pools can better handle large withdrawals without impacting rates. Market sentiment shift: Such a confident move can be interpreted as a bullish signal for DeFi’s robustness and utility. Conversely, the withdrawal of $700 million from HTX represents a substantial outflow from the exchange’s reserves. While HTX maintains deep liquidity, large outflows are monitored as indicators of user sentiment and exchange health. This single transaction highlights the fluid nature of capital in the digital asset space, where billions can move between platforms in minutes based on yield differentials and strategic outlooks. The Broader Context of Stablecoin Flows in 2025 This event occurs within a specific macroeconomic and regulatory landscape. In 2025, stablecoins like USDT have solidified their role as the primary settlement and liquidity layer within crypto markets. Their movement between centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized protocols (DeFi) is a key metric for gauging market risk appetite and capital allocation trends. A steady flow into DeFi suggests a preference for yield and self-custody, while flows into CEXs often precede active trading or a flight to simpler custody. The transaction also underscores the maturation of blockchain infrastructure. Transferring $700 million across networks securely and with minimal cost was a significant technical challenge just years ago. Today, it is a routine, albeit notable, event. This reliability builds trust among large-scale participants and is a foundational element for the next phase of institutional adoption of decentralized finance. Conclusion The transfer of 700,000,001 USDT from HTX to Aave is far more than a large number on a blockchain explorer. It is a clear signal of sophisticated capital seeking yield and utility within the decentralized finance ecosystem. This USDT whale transfer underscores the deepening interconnection between centralized and decentralized finance, highlights the competitive dynamics of yield generation, and demonstrates the massive scale that modern blockchain networks can facilitate. As the DeFi sector continues to evolve, monitoring such liquidity movements will remain crucial for understanding market trends, risk sentiment, and the shifting landscape of global digital finance. FAQs Q1: What does a “whale transfer” mean in cryptocurrency? A whale transfer refers to a transaction involving a very large amount of cryptocurrency, typically initiated by an entity or individual (a “whale”) holding substantial funds. These moves are closely watched as they can influence market prices and signal the strategies of major players. Q2: Why would someone move USDT from an exchange like HTX to Aave? The primary reasons are to earn yield and retain self-custody. By supplying USDT to Aave, the holder can earn interest from borrowers. Additionally, moving funds off a centralized exchange to a DeFi protocol like Aave means the user controls the assets via a private key, reducing counterparty risk. Q3: Is a $700 million transfer safe on the blockchain? Blockchain transactions are cryptographically secure. The safety depends on the network’s integrity (e.g., Tron) and the user’s security practices. A transfer of this size would undergo rigorous verification by network validators. The main risks are user error (like sending to a wrong address) or smart contract risk once the funds are deposited into Aave. Q4: How does this transfer affect the price of USDT or other cryptocurrencies? A transfer of this size itself does not directly affect the market price of USDT, as it is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. However, it can indirectly influence the market by signaling whale confidence in DeFi, potentially affecting the prices of governance tokens like AAVE or the general sentiment in the crypto market. Q5: Can anyone see who made this whale transfer? Blockchain transactions are transparent and pseudonymous. Anyone can see the sending and receiving wallet addresses and the transaction amount on a block explorer. However, the real-world identity of the wallet owner is not revealed unless they publicly associate themselves with the address. This post USDT Whale Transfer: A Staggering $700 Million Moves from HTX to Aave, Signaling Major DeFi Confidence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 Feb 2026, 08:02
New HSBC Leak: SWIFT Already Using XRP
Recent developments suggest that XRP is becoming a central part of global financial infrastructure. Crypto analyst BullRunners (@BullRunnersHQ) reported that Ripple’s technology is now integrated into SWIFT’s evolving payment system, signaling a major move toward institutional adoption and practical use. Ripple and SWIFT Collaboration BullRunners explained, “Ripple’s footprint is now baked directly into this new payment stack.” SWIFT, historically the dominant intermediary in cross-border payments, is modernizing its network to incorporate blockchain. HSBC, which has partnered with Ripple through the Medeco Harmonized Platform acquired in 2023, is now a managing partner in SWIFT’s multi-chain blockchain ledger. According to BullRunners, XRP was likely tested on SWIFT rails in Q4 of 2025, further embedding it within large-scale banking operations. The HSBC Leak #XRP is Already Used By SWIFT! pic.twitter.com/kH7lFp9bPX — BULLRUNNERS (@BullrunnersHQ) February 20, 2026 Institutional Adoption and Security The integration of XRP into SWIFT’s network could accelerate adoption by major banks. JP Morgan is reportedly participating in the making of SWIFT’s blockchain ledger . BullRunners highlighted that this setup is built for institutional compliance. The XRPL permissioned DEX amendment, which recently passed , provides KYC and AML controls, enabling banks to operate securely. BullRunners noted, “Although this might not feel truly decentralized… at the end of the day, this is what institutions demand before they integrate and operate.” Regulatory Momentum and Market Opportunity Regulatory clarity is enhancing XRP’s position. BullRunners cited Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, stating there is a “ 90% certainty ” that the Clarity Act, a landmark crypto legislation, will pass by April. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has also indicated that regulators should focus on providing clear frameworks rather than reacting to daily market swings. These developments create a more predictable environment for XRP’s integration into mainstream finance. BullRunners emphasized the scale of the opportunity. He referenced Brian Armstrong, Coinbase CEO, noting that the addressable market for crypto spans multiple trillions of dollars, covering payments, lending, and institutional financial services. XRP’s integration into SWIFT and partnerships with major banks position it to capture significant revenue and adoption. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What to Expect from XRP While broader crypto markets have faced consistent pressure, XRP’s institutional positioning suggests resilience. BullRunners highlighted that major financial players choosing XRP over other assets could drive substantial price growth. The combination of SWIFT integration, HSBC involvement, and the permissioned DEX amendment indicates that XRP is moving beyond speculation into practical, on-chain utility for banks and regulated institutions. The integration of Ripple’s blockchain with SWIFT, combined with institutional backing and regulatory clarity, points to a new phase for XRP. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post New HSBC Leak: SWIFT Already Using XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .
22 Feb 2026, 08:00
Bitcoin OTC Balance Records Rapid Outflows — What’s Next For Price?
Over the past two weeks, the Bitcoin market saw an overwhelming sellers’ dominance, with no significant input from the bulls influencing the price. As the flagship cryptocurrency slipped into a downturn, investors increasingly fled the market out of fear, further pushing prices downwards. However, as the Bitcoin price seems to have found stability, an interesting on-chain revelation has also surfaced. If this change proves sustainable, it could mean something positive for the world’s leading cryptocurrency. Related Reading: Bitcoin Trades Below ETF Cost-Basis As MVRV Signals Mounting Pressure Accelerating OTC Outflows, Sign Of Possible Reversal? In their latest post on the CryptoQuant platform, CoinNiel shares an exciting hypothesis for the Bitcoin price, based on data from the Bitcoin: Total OTC Desk Balance. The analyst points out that the Bitcoin price might be at a point where a reversal is imminent. For context, the Bitcoin: Total OTC Desk Balance metric measures the total amount of Bitcoin currently being held in wallets associated with over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks. When the balance is rising, it often implies that more BTC is being moved to these OTC desks. This is also a telltale sign of increasing sell appetite among Bitcoin’s large holders. On the contrary, falling values on this metric typically indicate that Bitcoin is being withdrawn from OTC desks. By extension, it could imply that institutional demand is growing, or that large holders are no longer positioning for sales. According to the chart shared below, the Total OTC Desk Balance has taken on a sharp downtrend, meaning that there has been a significant amount of BTC sent out of the OTC market. Notably, this switch in investor behavior is happening around the same time as when Bitcoin regained its $68,000 footing. As a result, the BTC market sentiment appears to be shifting from pessimistic to slightly optimistic: instead of accumulating BTC for sale, OTC balances are instead contracting. This could be caused by increased buying from large holders or due to reduced selling appetite among Bitcoin’s market participants. In the scenario where there is increased institutional accumulation of Bitcoin, it could be a sign that the Bitcoin price would soon make a big upside move. On the other hand, reduced selling activity is also good for the Bitcoin price, as it translates as reduced selling pressure, allowing for the short-term recovery of the flagship cryptocurrency’s price. CoinNiel, therefore, states as a caveat that the true drivers behind this dynamic remain to be confirmed. As a result, investors and other market participants should be alert when engaging with the Bitcoin market. Related Reading: Saylor Makes Bold $1M Bitcoin Call — “It’s Zero Or A Million” Bitcoin Price At A Glance At press time, Bitcoin holds a value of $67,953, reflecting a 24-hour devaluation of 0.17% per CoinMarketCap data. Since the past seven days, the flagship cryptocurrency has so far lost about 2.81% of its value. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from Tradingview
