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21 Feb 2026, 12:05

Japan Takes Major Payment Move for XRP. Here’s the Latest

Japan is once again demonstrating why it remains one of the most structurally advanced crypto markets in the world. While many jurisdictions continue refining digital asset rules, Japanese institutions are actively building real-world blockchain infrastructure. A newly announced partnership now signals a decisive step toward integrating XRP-powered systems into regulated financial services. Crypto analyst SMQKE reported the news about an agreement between SBI Ripple Asia and Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, signed on February 20, 2026. The collaboration focuses on delivering technical support for XRP Ledger-based financial services and creating structured frameworks for regulatory-compliant blockchain implementation. A Strategic Institutional Expansion SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture formed in 2016 between SBI Holdings and Ripple, has long promoted XRP-driven cross-border payment solutions across Asia. This partnership expands their focus beyond just remittances to broader financial and industrial uses. JUST IN: JAPAN OFFICIALLY MOVES TO IMPLEMENT XRP FOR REAL-WORLD FINANCIAL SERVICES “Through cooperation with SBI Ripple Asia, we will support the creation of practical use cases that utilize XRPL and contribute to the financial and industrial fields, and aim to realize… pic.twitter.com/BkGVNCiCdt — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) February 20, 2026 Under the partnership, both organizations will support startups and enterprises seeking to deploy solutions on the XRP Ledger. They will provide technical guidance, infrastructure support, and compliance-oriented advisory services. By prioritizing regulatory alignment from the outset, they aim to accelerate practical adoption rather than speculative use. Regulatory Reclassification Adds Momentum The initiative arrives alongside a major regulatory development. Japan plans to reclassify XRP as a financial product under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act by the second quarter of 2026. This move would place XRP more firmly within Japan’s formal financial regulatory framework. Japan has consistently taken a proactive approach towards digital asset regulation. Regulators demand strict rules for exchanges, including licenses, capital requirements, and compliance norms. By reclassifying XRP under established financial legislation, authorities could provide clearer pathways for banks, fintech firms, and institutional investors to engage with XRP-related products. This regulatory clarity strengthens the credibility of blockchain-based financial services emerging from Japan. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Targeting Global Financial Use Cases The partnership explicitly aims to create global financial use cases originating from Japan. SBI’s decade-long collaboration with Ripple provides a mature operational base, while Asia Web3 Alliance Japan contributes ecosystem coordination and startup integration support. Together, they seek to position Japan as a launch hub for compliant XRPL-powered services, particularly in cross-border payments and enterprise blockchain applications. As Asian markets continue to expand digital asset infrastructure, Japan appears determined to lead through structured implementation rather than experimentation. If regulatory reclassification proceeds as expected, Japan will not merely endorse XRP at a policy level but integrate XRP-based infrastructure into traditional finance, backed by institutions and clear regulations. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Japan Takes Major Payment Move for XRP. Here’s the Latest appeared first on Times Tabloid .

21 Feb 2026, 12:05

XRP Price Prediction after Defending 9-Year Lifeline — Is the Road to $10 About to Explode?

XRP on the Brink: Nine-Year Support and Key Resistance Set Stage for $10 Breakout Technical analyst ChartNerd highlights that XRP’s nine-year ascending support trendline is back in play, with price now approaching a potential third major Point of Confluence (POC) on this historic structure. The previous two touches of this long-term support triggered explosive upside expansions, and current price action suggests history could be setting up to repeat itself. Since 2017, XRP has held its macro ascending trendline, serving as a resilient backbone through deep drawdowns and extended consolidations. The asset now compresses against this support, building pressure. With weekly and monthly RSI dipping below 2020 lows, signs point to a potential bottom and reversal. Multi-Year Resistance Could Spark Next Macro Rally All eyes are now on the white descending resistance trendline as shown in the above chart, which has long capped upside attempts. Representing years of lower highs and sustained selling, this barrier is being tested as volatility compresses and higher lows emerge along macro support, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics. Well, a confirmed breakout above this descending resistance would mark a structural shift from contraction to expansion. XRP is coiling within a multi-year wedge, a setup often preceding explosive moves. If bulls flip the trendline into support, momentum could surge as sidelined capital floods back. The token’s rise to a five-week sentiment high defies the broader gloom weighing on Bitcoin and Ethereum. ChartNerd notes that a confirmed breakout could “open the gates for euphoria.” Historically, XRP has compressed years of gains into short bursts during expansion phases. Bullish scenarios are eyeing $10, a key psychological and structural milestone. This outlook depends on validation: until descending resistance is decisively broken with strong volume, the structure remains in consolidation. Yet, respecting nine-year ascending support while tightening beneath resistance sets the stage for a potentially powerful breakout. Markets move in cycles, and XRP’s long-term chart hints it may be nearing a return to expansion. If history holds and support stays intact, a breach above resistance could spark the next major macro leg, turning skepticism into euphoria. Conclusion XRP’s chart is signaling a potentially historic moment. Nine years of ascending support remain intact, while descending resistance nears a critical test. Therefore, a confirmed breakout could trigger a multi-year upward cycle, with $10 in sight.

21 Feb 2026, 12:00

XRP Tipped As Central Bank Bridge Asset — Bigger Than Bitcoin?

A seasoned investor’s bold claim about XRP has reignited a common question in crypto markets: could a token built for fast settlement ever outgrow the original store-of-value? Related Reading: Bitcoin Market Bleeds $1 Trillion, Saylor Signals Strongest Crypto Conviction Yet According to posts on X by longtime Bitcoin backer Pumpius, if central banks adopt a single on-chain bridge, XRP could eclipse Bitcoin “by magnitude.” On-Chain Tension And Policy Moves Reports note recent market moves that have worried policy makers and traders. The trading desk at the Federal Reserve requested indicative dollar/yen quotes after a sharp move in the yen, a step that Treasury officials had asked for. That rare check underlines how currency volatility can push officials to consider new tools, and it has renewed talk about faster settlement rails. Every Central Bank will use XRP as the bridge asset. It’s now becoming a reality. When this happens, XRP will surpass Bitcoin by magnitude. Bookmark this. https://t.co/xyWxhVDCLx pic.twitter.com/kFTsXSw6Hn — Pumpius (@pumpius) February 19, 2026 Ripple’s Timeline And Institutional Talk Based on reports from company briefings and executive posts, Ripple’s leadership sees 2026 as the year when larger, regulated players might put real money onto the XRP Ledger. Ripple President Monica Long has sketched out scenarios where banks and asset managers run production systems tied to on-chain liquidity pools. Those views have been picked up across crypto news outlets and have added fuel to bullish narratives. How Would A Bridge Asset Work? Imagine dollar and euro liquidity on a ledger, available for near-instant swaps. In practice, permissioned pools and regulated stablecoins could provide the rails while an on-chain order book or matching engine handles the trades. Settlement times would be measured in seconds. Audit trails would be automatic. That said, large institutions put a premium on rules and oversight; any real rollout would be gradual and cautious. XRP Vs. BTC: The Size Of The Gap Numbers matter. Bitcoin’s market cap sits comfortably in the trillions, while XRP’s market value is under $100 billion dollars, depending on which tracker you consult. That gap is not small. For XRP to “flip” Bitcoin at present values would require trillions more in capital moving into the token — a shift that would likely need broad institutional flows and major regulatory clarity. Related Reading: Saylor Makes Bold $1M Bitcoin Call — “It’s Zero Or A Million” Geopolitics Adds Noise Geopolitical strain and trade frictions, amplified by speeches or decisions from leaders, can make markets jittery. US President Donald Trump has been named in debates over policy shifts and geopolitical risk, which in turn affect capital flows and safe-haven bids. When politics moves markets, technical fixes such as faster settlement can look more attractive on paper; adoption in practice is another matter. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

21 Feb 2026, 12:00

Solana stabilizes after $10.26M SOL whale buy: Will recovery follow?

Whale accumulation and buyer dominance hint at brewing Solana reversal.

21 Feb 2026, 11:54

Aave’s “Civil War” Claims First Casualty as Key Developer Walks Away

A long-running governance dispute inside the Aave ecosystem has escalated after a core engineering firm announced it will step aside. Key Takeaways: Core developer BGD will not renew its contract, deepening a governance dispute between Aave DAO and Aave Labs. The conflict centers on plans to push users from Aave v3 to the upcoming v4 upgrade. The announcement rattled the market, with the Aave token dropping over 6%. Bored Ghosts Developing (BGD), a software company contracted by Aave DAO to build and maintain key components of the lending protocol, said Friday it will not renew its agreement when the current term expires in April. In a post on Aave’s governance forum, the team blamed Aave Labs, the company founded by protocol creator Stani Kulechov, for pushing a strategic shift tied to the upcoming Aave v4 upgrade . Aave Developer Refuses to Support V3 Amid Push Toward V4 BGD said it could not continue work on Aave v3 while efforts were underway to steer users toward the new version. “We believe even proposing this on the main revenue-maker & fully functional engine of Aave is borderline outrageous,” the group wrote. The market reacted quickly. The Aave token fell more than 6% following the announcement. Kulechov acknowledged the departure, writing on social media that the team had played a critical role in the protocol’s development. BGD co-founder Ernesto Boado previously served as chief technology officer at Aave Labs. “Aave V3 would not be what it is today without their contributions,” Kulechov said. Delegate Marc Zeller called the move “devastating,” noting that much of the platform’s revenue depends on BGD’s code. BGD Labs are rage quitting Aave DAO after 4 years. They built Aave v3, governance infra, Umbrella, and most core systems. Why they're leaving: – Aave Labs pivoted from independent company to central contributor pushing v4 – Aave Labs controls the brand, comms, and has voting… pic.twitter.com/MqRR105eEK — Ignas | DeFi (@DefiIgnas) February 20, 2026 Aave, with more than $26 billion in user deposits, is the largest decentralized finance lending protocol. It is governed by tokenholders through a DAO structure, but tensions have been building for months over the role of Aave Labs and control of the brand. Delegates recently sought to transfer brand assets, including naming rights, social media accounts and the aave.com website, from Labs to the DAO, though the proposal narrowly failed. Labs later offered to redirect revenue from Aave-branded services to the DAO but tied the plan to recognizing Aave v4 as the project’s future technical foundation. That clause alarmed BGD, which described Aave v3 as the ecosystem’s “crown jewel” and warned that altering lending parameters could pressure users to migrate prematurely. Aave Labs Says V3 Will Remain Supported With No Immediate Migration Aave Labs said there is no immediate timeline for migration and that v3 will remain supported. Kulechov added the company can assume maintenance duties if needed, and that the protocol will continue operating normally. BGD’s contract ends April 1. The firm has offered a short-term transition arrangement to help the DAO find a replacement, marking the first tangible break in what was once viewed as one of DeFi’s most stable governance models. Meanwhile, the US Securities and Exchange Commission formally concluded its multi-year investigation into the Aave Protocol without recommending any enforcement action. The action ends nearly four years of regulatory uncertainty surrounding one of decentralized finance’s most widely used lending platforms. The post Aave’s “Civil War” Claims First Casualty as Key Developer Walks Away appeared first on Cryptonews .

21 Feb 2026, 11:53

Robert Kiyosaki predicts when Bitcoin will surpass gold

Financial author Robert Kiyosaki has predicted that Bitcoin ( BTC ) will likely overtake gold once the cryptocurrency reaches a critical supply milestone. In an X post on February 21, Kiyosaki said Bitcoin will become superior to gold when the 21 millionth coin is mined. He argued that this milestone will cement Bitcoin’s scarcity advantage, as its supply is permanently capped by code, unlike gold, which can still see increases in output through discoveries and mining activity. Although Bitcoin is crashing I bought one more whole Bitcoin for $67k. Why? Two reasons: # 1: Because the Big Print will begin when the US debt crashes the dollar and “The Marxist Fed” begins printing trillions in fake dollars. #2: The magical 21 millionth Bitcoin is… — Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) February 20, 2026 Notably, gold continues to dominate global asset rankings with a market capitalization of about $35.7 trillion, far ahead of Bitcoin’s roughly $1.36 trillion valuation. While Bitcoin trades near $68,200, the cryptocurrency remains well below gold’s scale, highlighting the significant gap between traditional safe-haven assets and digital alternatives. At the same time, Kiyosaki, best known for Rich Dad Poor Dad , disclosed that he bought another whole Bitcoin at $67,000 despite the cryptocurrency’s recent price decline. His decision was driven by expectations of a major shift in the global financial system and Bitcoin’s approaching supply ceiling. Increased demand for Bitcoin Notably, the financial educator warned that mounting U.S. debt could weaken the dollar and prompt large-scale money printing by the Federal Reserve, a scenario he believes would accelerate demand for hard assets. In that environment, he sees Bitcoin’s fixed supply as a defining edge over traditional safe havens. Overall, Kiyosaki remains a big advocate for Bitcoin and alternative assets such as gold and silver, noting that they are ideal for protecting wealth. As reported by Finbold, Kiyosaki has predicted what he calls the biggest stock market crash in history. In this regard, the author has blamed surging U.S. debt, estimated at $38 trillion officially and far higher when including entitlements, along with continued money printing and currency devaluation, arguing that stocks, bonds, and cash will suffer most. Rather than fear a downturn, Kiyosaki sees it as a buying opportunity. He has urged investors to shift from paper assets to “real” assets such as gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum ( ETH ), citing their long-term advantage. Featured image via The Rich Dad Youtube Channel The post Robert Kiyosaki predicts when Bitcoin will surpass gold appeared first on Finbold .