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24 Feb 2026, 12:14

Inflation Hits the Poor Hardest, Bitcoin Offers Relief: Coinbase CEO

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has renewed his support for Bitcoin, casting it as both a hedge against inflation and a gateway to financial access. Key Points Brian Armstrong says inflation disproportionately harms those holding cash, widening economic inequality. Visit Website

24 Feb 2026, 12:13

$0.00 Inflows: What’s Happening With Ripple ETFs as XRP Struggles at $1.30?

The cryptocurrency market is in retreat once again as of the start of the current business week, with BTC dumping to a new local low of under $63,000. Most altcoins have followed suit, and Ripple’s cross-border token is no exception. The broader ecosystem’s state, in which over $150 billion left the total market cap in 36 hours, is the most apparent reason behind XRP’s 4.5% correction to $1.33. However, there might be another one lurking. ETFs See No Action Data from SoSoValue shows that investors who opt to gain XRP exposure through the spot Ripple ETFs in the US have seemingly disappeared. Half of the trading days last week saw no reportable net inflows , and the streak continued on February 23. As of now, three of the last five trading days have seen an emphatic “$0.00” next to the total daily net inflow number. Consequently, the cumulative net inflows since the first such product saw the light of day in mid-November have remained flat at $1.23 billion. The current investor behavior is entirely different than the products’ initial days, in which they surpassed the $1 billion mark in precisely a month. Ripple (XRP) ETF Flows. Source: SoSoValue XRP Price Down but Not Out As mentioned above, XRP has declined by over 4.5% in the past 24 hours. It’s also down 8% weekly and a whopping 30% monthly. As such, it currently fights to stay above $1.30, prompting prominent analyst CryptoWZRD to conclude that the asset had, as expected, closed bearish yesterday. However, they explained that the XRP/BTC trading pair “printed bullish,” and predicted more gains for Ripple’s token against the market leader. This, in turn, would help XRP “turn bullish.” Merlijn The Trading said yesterday that the cross-border token was “holding structure while alts bleed.” He outlined the significance of the $1.36 support, but the asset has since broken below it. Nevertheless, he added that the more macro XRP behavior is different than what people expect, as it’s trading less than a speculative altcoin at this point. In fact, it shows more signs of an infrastructure token as it’s being supported by “real utility narratives.” “We are talking about payments, tokenization, on-chain settlement rails, and growing real-world activity on XRP.” XRP IS HOLDING STRUCTURE WHILE ALTS BLEED. Support: $1.36 Range high: $1.60 (no breakout yet) This isn’t hype price action. It’s infrastructure positioning: Payments Tokenization Settlement rails Utility takes time to price in. Accumulation comes before expansion. pic.twitter.com/mGPffvRaG3 — Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) February 23, 2026 The post $0.00 Inflows: What’s Happening With Ripple ETFs as XRP Struggles at $1.30? appeared first on CryptoPotato .

24 Feb 2026, 12:11

MSTR Stock Dips 5% as Michael Saylor’s Strategy Unrealized Loss Hits $9.5B

Michael Saylor’s Strategy unrealized loss has surged to $9.5 billion after the Bitcoin price continued to decline to near $63,000. At press time, the Bitcoin price was trading at $63,096, a 4.5% decline in the last 24 hours and 7% in the last week. Concurrently, Strategy Inc. Class A shares also moved lower in line with the recent decline in Bitcoin. The MSTR stock closed at $123.71, down $7.34 (5.60%) today, and in pre-market trading, the price was $122.17, down $1.54 (1.24%). Strategy’s Position Deepens as Bitcoin Declines Strategy’s latest filings show a sharper gap between its Bitcoin cost basis and market value. The company now holds 717,722 BTC. These coins were purchased for $54.56 billion at an average price of about $76,020 per coin. With Bitcoin trading between $63,000 and $66,000 in recent sessions, the position reflects an unrealized loss of about $9.5 billion. The company’s newest purchase, as we reported, was when it acquired 592 BTC for $39.8 million. This buy was funded through the sale of 297,940 Class A shares. The share sale raised $39.7 million under the firm’s at-the-market program. The company stated that the funds were used to continue its regular accumulation plan. Strategy has been buying Bitcoin each week for nine straight weeks. Its approach has remained steady even when Bitcoin showed weaker price action. The firm now controls about 3.4% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply, which keeps it as the largest corporate holder of the asset. Unrealized Losses Grow Under New Accounting Rules The $9.5 billion figure reflects a market-to-market calculation rather than a cash loss. Accounting standards require companies to report digital asset values based on market prices each quarter. Because of this rule, Strategy’s earnings now move more closely with Bitcoin price swings. The company has not sold its Bitcoin to realize gains or losses. Executives have repeated that the holdings are part of a long-term plan. Michael Saylor has stated many times that the asset is viewed as a long-duration treasury reserve. The company has also said that price moves do not affect its intent to continue acquiring Bitcoin. Strategy’s total Bitcoin value currently sits between $45 billion and $47 billion, depending on market conditions each day. The variation continues to create large quarterly changes in reported earnings. In a recent quarter, the firm reported a large loss driven mainly by Bitcoin’s decline, and the company noted that this was tied to price movements rather than core operations. Funding Strategy and Equity Programs Strategy continues to rely on equity programs to finance its Bitcoin purchases. The company has $37.4 billion in securities available for future sales. This includes about $7.8 billion in MSTR stock and $20.3 billion in STRK preferred stock. Preferred stock issuances have become a key part of the firm’s financing structure. These include STRK, STRF, STRD, STRC, and STRE. Only STRK can be converted into common shares. Dividend payments range from 8 to 10%. A company spokesperson explained that “preferred dividends are discretionary, and non-payment does not require liquidation of Bitcoin.” Source: Polymarket Convertible notes remain another part of the capital stack. Strategy has stated, as we reported , that it can meet its $6 billion debt load even in a lower-price Bitcoin environment. The company said its liquidity position is managed to avoid forced sales of Bitcoin. Meanwhile, on Polymarket, 86% of traders have placed their bets that Strategy will hold its BTC holdings throughout the year.

24 Feb 2026, 12:10

Step Finance Shuts Down after $27 Million Security Breach Hits Solana DeFi Scene

Step Finance and affiliates ceased operations after a $27 million security breach in January 2026. The shutdown impacted SolanaFloor and Remora Markets, ending all services by February. Continue Reading: Step Finance Shuts Down after $27 Million Security Breach Hits Solana DeFi Scene The post Step Finance Shuts Down after $27 Million Security Breach Hits Solana DeFi Scene appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

24 Feb 2026, 12:10

BlackRock’s Monumental $160M Bitcoin and Ethereum Deposit to Coinbase Prime Signals Unstoppable Institutional Adoption

BitcoinWorld BlackRock’s Monumental $160M Bitcoin and Ethereum Deposit to Coinbase Prime Signals Unstoppable Institutional Adoption In a landmark move that reverberated through global financial markets, BlackRock Inc. has deposited a staggering $160 million worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum into Coinbase Prime, fundamentally altering the institutional cryptocurrency landscape and signaling unprecedented mainstream adoption of digital assets. This substantial transfer, reported by blockchain analytics firm Onchain Lens on April 10, 2025, represents one of the largest single institutional crypto movements of the year and provides compelling evidence of traditional finance’s accelerating embrace of blockchain-based assets. The transaction’s sheer scale and strategic timing offer critical insights into how major financial institutions are positioning themselves within the evolving digital economy. BlackRock’s Strategic $160M Crypto Deployment to Coinbase Prime Blockchain data reveals that BlackRock transferred precisely 1,814 Bitcoin (BTC) valued at approximately $114.45 million alongside 24,472 Ethereum (ETH) worth roughly $44.57 million to Coinbase’s institutional platform. This dual-asset approach demonstrates a sophisticated diversification strategy within the cryptocurrency sector. Coinbase Prime serves as a specialized prime brokerage platform designed exclusively for institutional investors, offering secure custody, advanced trading tools, and comprehensive reporting services. Consequently, BlackRock’s utilization of this platform indicates a preference for regulated, institutional-grade infrastructure over decentralized alternatives. Furthermore, this transaction follows BlackRock’s successful launch of its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has accumulated billions in assets under management since its 2024 approval. The firm’s consistent crypto initiatives suggest a long-term strategic commitment rather than speculative trading. Market analysts immediately noted the deposit’s potential purposes: treasury diversification, client fund allocation, or preparatory moves for new financial products. Regardless of the specific motive, the action validates cryptocurrency’s role in modern portfolio management. Institutional Cryptocurrency Adoption Reaches Critical Mass The financial industry has witnessed accelerating institutional crypto adoption throughout 2024 and 2025, with BlackRock’s move representing a pivotal acceleration point. Traditional finance giants including Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan have progressively expanded their digital asset offerings. However, BlackRock’s specific choice of Coinbase Prime highlights the growing importance of specialized crypto-native infrastructure for institutional operations. This platform provides essential features including: Enhanced Security Protocols: Multi-signature wallets, cold storage solutions, and institutional-grade insurance Regulatory Compliance: Built-in tools for tax reporting, audit trails, and regulatory adherence Liquidity Access: Direct connections to deep liquidity pools across multiple trading venues Portfolio Management: Comprehensive reporting and analytics tailored for institutional requirements Simultaneously, the cryptocurrency market structure has matured significantly to accommodate such large-scale movements. Institutional trading volumes now regularly surpass retail activity on major exchanges, creating more stable market conditions. Regulatory clarity in key jurisdictions has provided the necessary framework for traditional financial institutions to participate with confidence. This evolving landscape enables seamless billion-dollar transactions that would have been logistically challenging just two years prior. Market Impact and Price Action Analysis Market reactions to BlackRock’s deposit demonstrated the cryptocurrency sector’s growing maturity. Unlike previous periods where large announcements triggered extreme volatility, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices showed measured responses. This stability suggests that institutional participation now provides substantial market depth that absorbs large transactions without disruptive price swings. The table below illustrates key market metrics before and after the announcement: Metric Pre-Announcement (April 9) Post-Announcement (April 11) Change Bitcoin Price $63,150 $63,420 +0.43% Ethereum Price $1,822 $1,835 +0.71% Total Crypto Market Cap $2.41 trillion $2.43 trillion +0.83% Institutional Flow Indicator Moderate Inflow Strong Inflow Significant Increase Notably, the measured price response indicates that markets had partially anticipated institutional accumulation. Blockchain analysts had detected increasing accumulation patterns from large wallets throughout March 2025. Moreover, the deposit’s transparent nature via on-chain visibility represents a departure from traditional finance’s opacity, providing unprecedented transparency for market participants. Regulatory Implications and Compliance Framework BlackRock’s substantial cryptocurrency movement occurs within an increasingly defined regulatory environment. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2024 approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs established crucial precedent for institutional participation. Subsequently, comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation has progressed through multiple jurisdictions globally. BlackRock’s utilization of Coinbase Prime specifically addresses several regulatory considerations: First, Coinbase maintains rigorous compliance with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regulations and Bank Secrecy Act requirements. The platform implements robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols that satisfy institutional due diligence standards. Second, the custody solution provides regulatory clarity regarding asset ownership and control—a persistent concern for institutional investors navigating evolving digital asset classifications. Furthermore, this transaction demonstrates how established financial institutions can operate within existing regulatory frameworks while participating in cryptocurrency markets. The movement of funds between regulated entities (BlackRock to Coinbase) rather than to decentralized protocols reflects a compliance-conscious approach. This pattern likely establishes precedent for other traditional financial institutions considering similar allocations, potentially accelerating broader adoption through proven operational models. The Evolving Institutional Custody Landscape Custody solutions represent the foundational infrastructure enabling institutional cryptocurrency participation. BlackRock’s selection of Coinbase Prime highlights the competitive evolution within this specialized sector. Traditional custody giants like BNY Mellon and State Street have developed digital asset divisions, while crypto-native firms including Coinbase, Anchorage, and BitGo have refined their institutional offerings. This convergence has created a robust ecosystem where institutions can choose between traditional finance providers with new digital capabilities or specialized crypto firms with enhanced traditional finance integration. The custody decision involves multiple considerations beyond basic security. Institutions evaluate insurance coverage, regulatory standing, integration with traditional systems, and disaster recovery protocols. Coinbase Prime’s specific appeal includes its seamless integration with traditional finance operations alongside deep cryptocurrency market access. This hybrid approach appears particularly attractive to institutions like BlackRock that maintain extensive traditional operations while expanding digital asset exposure. Conclusion BlackRock’s $160 million Bitcoin and Ethereum deposit to Coinbase Prime represents a transformative moment in financial history, signaling institutional cryptocurrency adoption’s irreversible momentum. This strategic movement demonstrates how traditional finance giants are methodically integrating digital assets into their operational frameworks through regulated, institutional-grade channels. The transaction’s scale, transparency, and strategic timing provide compelling evidence of cryptocurrency’s maturation as an asset class worthy of substantial institutional allocation. As regulatory frameworks solidify and infrastructure continues evolving, similar movements will likely accelerate, further bridging traditional and digital finance. BlackRock’s decisive action therefore serves not merely as an isolated transaction but as a powerful indicator of financial systems’ ongoing transformation. FAQs Q1: What exactly did BlackRock deposit to Coinbase Prime? BlackRock deposited 1,814 Bitcoin (approximately $114.45 million) and 24,472 Ethereum (approximately $44.57 million) to Coinbase Prime, totaling roughly $160 million in cryptocurrency assets. Q2: Why did BlackRock choose Coinbase Prime for this transaction? Coinbase Prime provides institutional-grade custody, trading, and compliance infrastructure specifically designed for large-scale cryptocurrency operations, offering security features, regulatory adherence, and deep liquidity access that meet BlackRock’s operational requirements. Q3: How does this deposit affect Bitcoin and Ethereum prices? The deposit demonstrated minimal immediate price impact, with Bitcoin and Ethereum increasing approximately 0.4-0.7% following the announcement, indicating mature market absorption of large institutional movements without disruptive volatility. Q4: What regulatory considerations apply to BlackRock’s cryptocurrency deposit? The transaction occurs within established regulatory frameworks including SEC oversight of BlackRock’s operations, FinCEN compliance through Coinbase’s protocols, and adherence to evolving digital asset custody regulations that have developed significantly since 2023. Q5: Does this signal increased institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies? Absolutely. BlackRock’s substantial deposit represents accelerating institutional adoption, following their successful Bitcoin ETF launch and mirroring similar movements by other major financial institutions throughout 2024-2025. This post BlackRock’s Monumental $160M Bitcoin and Ethereum Deposit to Coinbase Prime Signals Unstoppable Institutional Adoption first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 12:08

Morning Crypto Report: Mr. XRP Yoshitaka Kitao Predicts 2026 On-Chain Revolution; Bitcoin Is In ‘Not Digital Gold’ Period: CryptoQuant CEO; Ethereum Foundation ...

February 24 in crypto: SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao forecasts 2026 TradFi-DeFi fusion, Ethereum Foundation stakes 70,000 ETH amid Buterin's $21 million sell-off and CryptoQuant CEO redefines BTC's role.