CryptoPress

LayerZero Labs has officially announced Zero, a new Layer-1 blockchain network scheduled for a fall 2026 launch.

The network utilizes a heterogeneous architecture and the Jolt zkVM to decouple transaction execution from verification, aiming for 2 million transactions per second per zone.

Heavyweight institutional partners including Citadel Securities, ARK Invest, and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) are collaborating on the project.

The ZRO token will serve as the native asset for gas, governance, and cross-zone interoperability.

LayerZero Labs, the team behind the widely used omnichain interoperability protocol, has unveiled its most ambitious project to date: Zero, a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain designed to serve as a decentralized “multi-core world computer.” Announced on Tuesday, the network represents a strategic pivot for the company, moving from a messaging-only service to a full-scale execution environment capable of powering global financial markets.

The network is built to address the fundamental “replication requirement” that constrains traditional blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and the Jolt virtual machine, Zero separates the heavy lifting of block production from the lightweight process of verification. This allows the network to scale horizontally through “Atomicity Zones”—permissionless environments that function like concurrent processes on a modern CPU. At launch, Zero will feature three initial zones: a general-purpose EVM-compatible environment, a privacy-focused payments system, and a dedicated trading matching venue.

LayerZero Labs has secured significant institutional support for the initiative. Citadel Securities and ARK Invest have made strategic investments in the ZRO token, while ARK CEO Cathie Wood will join the project’s newly formed advisory board. Other key collaborators include Google Cloud, which is exploring AI-driven micropayments, and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), which plans to investigate Zero for its tokenization and collateral management services.

“Zero’s architecture moves the industry’s roadmap forward by at least a decade,” said Bryan Pellegrino, CEO of LayerZero Labs. “We believe we can actually bring the entire global economy on-chain with this technology.”

The market reacted sharply to the news, with the ZRO token surging over 40% following the announcement. As an interoperability-native chain, Zero will naturally connect to the 165+ blockchains already supported by the LayerZero protocol, aiming to solve the issue of fragmented liquidity that has long plagued the multi-chain ecosystem. While the technical promises of 2 million TPS and near-zero transaction costs are significant, the project now faces the challenge of maintaining decentralization while meeting these unprecedented performance benchmarks during its 2026 rollout.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post LayerZero Labs Unveils ‘Zero,’ a Heterogeneous Layer-1 Targeting 2 Million TPS appeared first on Cryptopress.

The CFTC reissued Staff Letter 26-05 to include national trust banks as eligible issuers of payment stablecoins.

The guidance allows Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) to accept these tokens as margin collateral for customer accounts.

The update aligns with the GENIUS Act of 2025, providing federal clarity for dollar-pegged digital assets.

Industry leaders like Circle and Ripple, which recently secured national trust charters, stand to benefit from the expanded criteria.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has officially cleared the way for national trust banks to issue “payment stablecoins” for use as collateral in regulated crypto markets. In a move that rectifies a previous regulatory oversight, the agency reissued its staff guidance to ensure federally chartered institutions can participate alongside state-regulated entities in the institutional derivatives space.

The updated guidance, released as Staff Letter 26-05, amends a previous December 2025 letter that had inadvertently excluded national trust banks from the definition of permitted issuers. By expanding this scope, the CFTC now permits Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) to accept stablecoins issued by these banks to satisfy margin requirements for non-securities digital assets.

The shift is a direct response to the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which was signed into law in July 2025. The legislation established a comprehensive federal framework for dollar-pegged tokens, requiring them to be backed 1:1 by high-quality liquid assets like short-term Treasuries and cash deposits. The CFTC’s latest move ensures that the “payment stablecoin” designation is applied consistently across both state and federal banking charters.

“National trust banks play an important role in the payment stablecoin ecosystem,” said CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig in a statement. “I am pleased that the CFTC staff is amending its previously issued no-action letter to expand the list of eligible tokenized collateral to include payment stablecoins issued by these institutions. With the enactment of the GENIUS Act, America is the global leader in payment stablecoin innovation.”

The decision is expected to benefit several major crypto firms that have recently moved toward federal oversight. In late 2025, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) approved national trust charters for firms including Circle and Ripple. Previously, only state-regulated issuers like Paxos were widely recognized for these specific collateral functions under CFTC rules.

Under the new rules, these stablecoins must adhere to strict KYC and AML protocols, and issuers are prohibited from rehypothecating reserve assets. For institutional traders, the ability to use bank-issued stablecoins as margin allows for 24/7 liquidity management and significantly reduces the settlement friction associated with traditional wire transfers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post CFTC clears path for national trust banks to issue payment stablecoins as collateral appeared first on Cryptopress.

U.S. crypto and banking executives met at the White House on February 10, but failed to reach an agreement on stablecoin yields.

Banks circulated a principles document calling for a total ban on yields, exceeding the bill’s draft text.

Crypto representatives expressed optimism for future progress, while the issue may return to the Senate Banking Committee.

A closed-door White House meeting aimed at resolving a key sticking point in U.S. crypto legislation ended without a breakthrough, as banks pushed for broader restrictions on stablecoin yields than currently outlined in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

The session, the second in a series hosted by the White House, involved representatives from major crypto firms including Coinbase, Ripple, Andreessen Horowitz, the Blockchain Association, and the Crypto Council for Innovation. On the banking side, executives from Goldman Sachs, Citi, and JPMorgan Chase participated alongside trade groups like the American Bankers Association and Bank Policy Institute. Patrick Witt, President Trump’s crypto adviser, led the discussions (CoinDesk).

Banks circulated a ‘principles’ document demanding a general prohibition on any form of financial or non-financial consideration to stablecoin holders, including anti-evasion measures and a study on potential deposit impacts. This stance goes beyond the bill’s latest draft, which prohibits yields on passive holdings but allows limited activity-based rewards. Crypto participants arrived ready to compromise, but strongly pushed back, describing the banks’ demands as overly restrictive.

“Productive session at the White House today — compromise is in the air. Clear, bipartisan momentum remains behind sensible crypto market structure legislation,” said Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty. Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal echoed the sentiment, noting “there’s still more work to do”.

The impasse highlights ongoing tensions: banks argue yields could trigger deposit flight, undercutting traditional lending, while crypto advocates warn a ban would stifle innovation in decentralized finance. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are central to this debate, enabling efficient cross-border payments but raising regulatory concerns (Reuters).

Without resolution, the Clarity Act— which seeks to divide oversight between the SEC and CFTC—remains stalled in the Senate. Sources indicate the matter may revert to the Senate Banking Committee, with further meetings uncertain. Balanced analysis from stakeholders suggests risks to financial stability if yields drive unchecked capital shifts, but also opportunities for U.S. leadership in blockchain if innovation is preserved (Yahoo Finance).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post White House Stablecoin Yield Talks End in Impasse as Banks Demand Broader Ban appeared first on Cryptopress.

On-chain metrics show that wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have shifted from distribution to gradual accumulation over the last 48 hours.

While long-term whales are “nibbling” back into the market, institutional demand remains mixed, with some hedge funds unwinding positions due to Federal Reserve policy concerns.

Bitcoin continues to trade in a tight range near $69,000, roughly 45% below its October 2025 peak of $126,000.

Bitcoin on-chain activity is flashing a bullish divergence as the largest class of holders, often referred to as “whales,” have resumed buying despite a broader environment of institutional hesitation. Data from multiple analytics platforms indicates that while retail traders and short-term speculators have been shaken out by recent volatility, “smart money” wallets are positioning for a potential market bottom. According to on-chain tracker Lookonchain, two newly created wallets recently withdrew 3,500 BTC, valued at approximately $249 million, from Binance, signaling a move toward cold storage and long-term holding.

This resurgence in whale activity follows a period of intense distribution that occurred throughout early 2026. As Bitcoin corrected from its six-figure highs, many early-cycle investors took profits, leading to a liquidity sweep that pushed the asset toward the $60,000 support level. However, the current accumulation phase among wallets holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC suggests that large-scale holders view the current sub-$70,000 price point as a value zone. Analysts note that these entities are effectively acting as a “last line of defense” against further bearish momentum.

In contrast, the institutional landscape remains fragmented. While corporate treasuries and spot ETF providers continue to facilitate structural demand, some hedge funds have reportedly reduced their exposure. A report from CryptoQuant suggests that institutional demand has undergone a tactical reversal, with some large-scale investors waiting for clearer signals from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate pivots and global liquidity injections. This caution is reflected in the muted ETF flows compared to the record-breaking surges seen in late 2025.

“Whales appear to have ceased distribution and shifted toward gradual accumulation, which suggests the current price decline is likely being driven by a lack of fresh demand rather than panic selling from long-term investors,” explained Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at XS.com.

Market observers at Cointelegraph highlight that the MVRV Z-score—a metric used to assess whether Bitcoin is overvalued or undervalued relative to its “realized” price—has fallen to levels typically associated with market bottoms. Despite this, the lack of aggressive institutional buying has kept the price range-bound between $68,000 and $71,000. For the bullish trend to regain full momentum, market participants are looking for a decisive break above the $74,000 resistance level, which would signal that the current accumulation has successfully absorbed the prevailing sell-side pressure.

As the market navigates this tactical tug-of-war, the behavior of whales remains a critical indicator for the next major move. While the “crypto winter” fears of early February have begun to thaw, the market’s recovery remains dependent on whether institutional rails can match the conviction shown by the network’s largest private holders.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Whales Accumulate as Institutional Sentiment Remains Fragmented Near $69,000 appeared first on Cryptopress.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $145 million in net inflows on Monday, marking a second consecutive day of positive momentum. The recovery follows a $371 million dip-buying surge last Friday, which halted a multi-week trend of steady institutional selling.

Bitcoin is currently trading just below $69,000, while the Solana-based AI agent token Pippin (PIPPIN) surged 40% in 24 hours.

U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $145 million in net inflows on Monday, reinforcing a timely rebound in institutional sentiment. This positive shift builds on dip-buying momentum established last Friday, when investors poured $371 million into BTC ETFs following weeks of persistent outflows. Market analysts suggest that this stabilization in fund flows could indicate a broader recovery for the digital asset sector as macro uncertainty begins to subside.

According to research from CoinShares, the deceleration of outflows is a significant metric for traders. “Outflows decelerating can signal a potential inflection point,” the firm noted, suggesting that the recent sell pressure may have reached exhaustion. Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $68,900 as of 8:58 a.m. EST, up 0.5% in the past 24 hours. The largest cryptocurrency briefly reclaimed the $71,000 level yesterday, moving in tandem with a rally in U.S. equity markets before settling into its current range.

While the market leader showed stability, speculative interest has pivoted toward niche sectors, specifically AI-driven agents on the Solana blockchain. Pippin (PIPPIN), an AI agent play, has dominated trading charts with a 40% price increase over the last day. The token has doubled to 36 cents since last Tuesday, pushing its market capitalization to $360 million and securing its position as a top-120 coin by market value.

Analysts have highlighted the token’s relative strength in a volatile environment. Observers at AMBCrypto noted that Pippin has been one of the few altcoins to exhibit longer-term strength against both Bitcoin and the wider market. However, investors remain cautious regarding its ownership structure, as the asset is predominantly insider-owned, which may pose liquidity risks if sentiment shifts abruptly.

The stabilization of ETF flows provides a crucial backdrop for Bitcoin as it attempts to break through psychological resistance at $70,000. With institutional products now holding roughly 6.4% of the total Bitcoin supply, the transition from mechanical selling to active accumulation remains a key catalyst for price discovery in the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin ETFs Record $145 Million Monday Inflows as Market Signals Potential Inflection Point appeared first on Cryptopress.

South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service has escalated its inspection of Bithumb into a comprehensive probe following a $43 billion Bitcoin distribution error on February 6.

The incident exposed critical flaws in the exchange’s internal controls, allowing the disbursement of 620,000 BTC despite holding only around 46,000 BTC.

Bithumb recovered 99.7% of the misdistributed assets and plans to compensate affected users at 110% while establishing a $68 million protection fund.

South Korea’s financial watchdog has launched a full-scale investigation into cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb after a major operational error led to the accidental distribution of approximately $43 billion worth of Bitcoin last week.

The mishap occurred on February 6 during a promotional event, where a staff member mistakenly inputted rewards in Bitcoin units instead of Korean won, resulting in 620,000 BTC being credited to hundreds of user accounts (Yonhap News Agency). At the time, Bithumb’s reserves stood at roughly 46,000 BTC, raising questions about the platform’s ledger management and risk controls.

South Korea Probes Bithumb South Korean authorities launched an investigation into Bithumb following a $43 billion trading error incident.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) February 10, 2026

Swift recovery efforts by Bithumb mitigated much of the damage. The exchange froze affected accounts within 35 minutes, recovering 99.7% of the erroneous distributions and 93% of the 1,788 BTC that users managed to sell amid a 15% plunge in the BTC-KRW trading pair. However, about 125 BTC remains unrecovered, prompting Bithumb to pledge 110% compensation for losses and establish a 100 billion won ($68 million) user protection fund.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) escalated its routine inspection to a formal probe on February 10, focusing on potential violations of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which mandates exchanges to hold equivalent assets for user deposits. “We are viewing this issue very seriously and will strictly penalize acts that undermine market order,” an FSS official stated.

Lawmakers have seized on the incident to push for tighter regulations. Opposition lawmaker Na Kyung-won warned that such errors could lead to a “bank run” if exchanges rely solely on internal ledgers without on-chain verification, while the ruling Democratic Party proposed capping individual stakes in exchanges at 15-20% to address governance risks (The Block).

This event underscores broader vulnerabilities in centralized exchanges, particularly in handling promotions and ensuring robust Bitcoin transaction protocols. As South Korea advances its Digital Asset Basic Act, the probe’s findings could shape future oversight, emphasizing the need for enhanced KYC and smart contract-like safeguards to prevent similar fat-finger incidents.

A key stakeholder, FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin, emphasized: “If the ghost coin problem is not properly resolved, how can the virtual asset market be incorporated into the institutional system?”.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post South Korea Intensifies Probe into Bithumb After $43 Billion Bitcoin Fat-Finger Fiasco appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bernstein analysts reiterated a **$150,000 price target** for Bitcoin by 2026 despite a recent 45% market correction.

The firm described the current downturn as the “weakest bear case” in the asset’s history, noting a lack of systemic failures or hidden leverage.

Institutional support remains robust, with only 7% net outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded during the price slide.

Research and brokerage firm Bernstein has doubled down on its bullish outlook for Bitcoin, maintaining a $150,000 price target for the end of 2026. In a note to clients on Monday, analysts led by Gautam Chhugani argued that the current market downturn—which has seen the cryptocurrency drop approximately 45% from its highs—represents a “crisis of confidence” rather than a fundamental breakdown of the network’s value proposition or underlying market structure.

According to the report, the typical catalysts for a prolonged “crypto winter” are notably absent in the current cycle. Bernstein pointed out that unlike previous major crashes, there have been no high-profile institutional blowups, revelations of hidden leverage, or systemic failures within the decentralized finance ecosystem. Instead, the analysts suggested that investor sentiment has been dampened by a broader rotation into AI-linked equities and precious metals like gold, leaving Bitcoin to trade as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset in a persistently tight interest rate environment.

“What we are experiencing is the weakest bitcoin bear case in its history,” the analysts wrote. “Nothing broke, no skeletons will show up. When all stars are aligned, the Bitcoin community manufactures a self-imposed crisis of confidence.”

The firm highlighted that the institutional infrastructure surrounding Bitcoin is significantly more resilient than in years past. Despite the steep price decline, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced only a relatively modest 7% net outflow, suggesting that long-term institutional holders are opting to hold through the volatility. Furthermore, Bernstein dismissed emerging fears regarding quantum computing risks and the impact of AI competition, stating that Bitcoin’s transparent codebase and growing network of well-capitalized stakeholders position it to adapt alongside other financial systems.

The analysts also touched on corporate adoption, noting that major holders like MicroStrategy have structured their liabilities to withstand prolonged periods of price pressure. Bernstein’s model suggests that a “tokenization supercycle” and the continued integration of stablecoins into mainstream payments will act as structural tailwinds, potentially pushing Bitcoin to a cycle peak of $200,000 by 2027 as global liquidity conditions eventually improve.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bernstein Reaffirms $150,000 Bitcoin Target, Calling Current Dip ‘Weakest Bear Case’ in History appeared first on Cryptopress.

The crypto market this week was marked by sharp volatility, with a major sell-off erasing significant value before a partial recovery. Bitcoin dominance held at 57%, while Ethereum stayed at 10.1%, and ecosystems like Polkadot and XRP showed relative strength.

The week’s dominant story was the crypto market crash, fueled by ETF outflows, macroeconomic pressures, and a broader risk-off sentiment. Bitcoin plummeted below $70,000, triggering over $1 billion in liquidations and pushing the fear and greed index to extreme fear levels at 15. This downturn, linked to tighter U.S. monetary policy expectations and sell-offs in precious metals, wiped out nearly $410 billion from the market cap in days, raising fears of a new crypto winter. Even permabulls expressed uncertainty over the triggers, with some pointing to global uncertainty and reduced institutional enthusiasm post-ETF hype.

Despite the chaos, signs of bottoming emerged as Bitcoin rebounded 11.1% over seven days to $69,037, suggesting opportunistic buying amid oversold conditions. However, sustained recovery depends on stabilizing macro factors, as ongoing volatility could deter retail investors and amplify regulatory scrutiny.

Other news:

Positive

XRP received bullish forecasts, potentially hitting $12.50 by 2028 per Standard Chartered.

Polkadot and XRP Ledger ecosystems led industry gains.

Neutral

Industry leaders discussed crypto’s identity crisis, with figures like Evgeny Gaevoy criticizing a shift to “number-go-up” focus.

Coinbase’s solo Super Bowl ad emphasized economic freedom through a sing-along format.

U.S. Senate passed a crypto market structure bill in markup vote.

Negative

Bithumb’s $40 billion phantom Bitcoin error sparked scrutiny over exchange controls.

Bitfarms exited Bitcoin mining for AI and Ethereum amid tightening miner margins.

Xinbi highlighted as a major illicit crypto hub despite crackdowns.

Sons of Trump officials’ crypto ventures yielded mixed investor results.

Among top coins, Solana led movers with an 18.4% 7-day gain, followed by BNB at 17.8% and XRP at 13.3%, reflecting rebound strength in altcoins. Bitcoin and Ethereum also rose 11.1% and 10.9% respectively over the week, while stablecoins like Tether and USDC remained flat. Given the recent dip to $65,000, Bitcoin presents a potential buying opportunity for long-term holders betting on recovery above $70,000, amid oversold indicators. No standout altcoin buy signals beyond the rebound, but Solana’s momentum could offer entry if it holds above $80.

Bitcoin Price Evolution (Last 7 Days) Bitcoin Price Evolution (Last 7 Days) Date Price (USD) Feb 3, 2026 $78,766.83 Feb 4, 2026 $76,405.83 Feb 5, 2026 $70,770.99 Feb 6, 2026 $64,856.11 Feb 7, 2026 $69,296.96 Feb 8, 2026 $70,520.40 Feb 9, 2026 $69,557.32

The post Crypto Weekly Snapshot – The Crypto Rebound appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin’s mining difficulty fell 11.16% to 125.86 trillion at block height 935,424.

This represents the biggest single negative adjustment since July 2021 following China’s mining crackdown.

The drop follows a roughly 20% decline in network hashrate over the past month, attributed to falling Bitcoin prices and winter storm-related shutdowns.

Bitcoin’s network has undergone its most significant mining difficulty adjustment in over four years, providing temporary relief to miners amid challenging market conditions.

The difficulty, which measures how hard it is to find a new block, dropped 11.16% to 125.86 trillion on February 7, 2026. This marks the largest downward change since China’s sweeping ban on cryptocurrency mining in July 2021, according to data from Mempool.

The adjustment comes after Bitcoin’s hashrate fell approximately 20% from its recent highs, as miners shut down unprofitable rigs due to a sharp price decline—Bitcoin is trading around $69,000, down from October peaks—and disruptions from Winter Storm Fern. Average block times had stretched to over 11 minutes before the reset.

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops Bitcoin's mining difficulty fell over 11%, the largest since 2021, due to storms and high energy costs forcing miners offline.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) February 9, 2026

“The decrease is historic, the largest since the China ban,” said Harry Sudock, chief business officer at CleanSpark, a major Bitcoin mining company. This sentiment echoes concerns about miner profitability, with hashprice hitting all-time lows around $33 per petahash per second.

While the lower difficulty improves odds for remaining miners to earn rewards, analysts warn it may be short-lived. The next adjustment on February 20 is projected to increase by about 5.6%. Miners continue to face pressures from high energy costs and older equipment becoming uneconomical.

For context, during China’s 2021 crackdown, difficulty dropped as much as 27.9% in one adjustment as hashrate plummeted 50%. Today’s event, while significant, reflects ongoing market volatility rather than regulatory upheaval.

Bitcoin just experienced an 11.16% drop in difficulty – the largest negative adjustment since the July 2021 china mining ban crash, and the 10th largest negative % adjustment of all time. https://t.co/AVUGsv8mlB pic.twitter.com/Fauykg0d3l

— mononaut (@mononautical) February 7, 2026

A key X post from developer Mononaut highlighted this as the 10th largest negative adjustment in Bitcoin’s history: https://x.com/mononautical/status/2020137801191178398.

The event primarily affects Bitcoin (BTC), but could have ripple effects on other cryptocurrencies like Zcash (ZEC) and DAI, details available at https://cryptopress.site/coins/.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops 11% in Largest Negative Adjustment Since China’s 2021 Ban appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bithumb accidentally distributed approximately 620,000 BTC (worth ~$43 billion) due to a system configuration error during a rewards event.

The glitch credited 2,000 BTC per user instead of the intended 2,000 Korean won ($1.40).

Localized Bitcoin prices on the exchange plunged 17% as recipients immediately attempted to liquidate the unexpected windfall.

The exchange has recovered 99.7% of the assets and pledged to compensate users affected by the resulting price volatility.

Bithumb, South Korea’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, is working to stabilize its operations following a massive internal blunder that saw it accidentally credit hundreds of users with approximately **$43 billion in “ghost” bitcoin**. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, February 6, was triggered by a critical unit-entry error during a routine customer incentive program known as the “Random Box” event.

According to reports from The Chosun Ilbo, the exchange intended to reward 695 participants with small cash prizes of 2,000 Korean won (roughly $1.40). However, the system mistakenly applied the unit of Bitcoin (BTC) instead of fiat currency, resulting in 2,000 BTC being deposited into each recipient’s internal account ledger. At current market rates, the total value of the erroneous distribution reached roughly 60 trillion won.

The massive influx of unintended liquidity led to immediate market turbulence. As recipients discovered the windfall and began selling their balances, Bithumb experienced a localized flash crash. The BTC/KRW pair on the platform slumped by as much as 17%, hitting a low of 81.1 million won while global prices on exchanges like Binance remained stable. Bithumb’s risk management protocols eventually detected the anomaly, leading to a suspension of trading and withdrawals for affected accounts within 35 minutes of the event.

In an official statement, Bithumb clarified that the assets involved were internal ledger entries rather than on-chain transfers, which allowed the platform to recover 99.7% of the distributed funds. “We would like to make it clear that this incident is unrelated to external hacking or security breaches,” the exchange stated in a report carried by Reuters. Bithumb emphasized that there were no vulnerabilities in customer asset management and that the error was purely an internal accounting failure.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) in South Korea has since announced an emergency investigation into Bithumb’s internal controls. To mitigate the impact on its broader user base, the exchange has committed to a compensation plan for those who suffered from “panic selling” or executed trades at unfavorable prices during the crash. Affected users are expected to receive the full price difference plus a 10% bonus. Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won noted that the company would use the incident as a “major lesson” to prioritize internal verification systems over rapid growth.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bithumb Recovers Majority of $43 Billion in Bitcoin After Promotional Distribution Error appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin surged over 11% to reclaim the $71,000 level after hitting a 16-month low near $60,000 during a volatile Thursday session.

The rebound was fueled by a recovery in tech stocks and significant short liquidations in the crypto futures market, totaling over $1 billion in the last 24 hours.

Crypto-tied equities like MicroStrategy and Coinbase saw double-digit gains, with MSTR jumping 25% to lead the Nasdaq.

Analysts at JPMorgan highlighted long-term scarcity, suggesting Bitcoin remains an attractive alternative to gold despite recent volatility.

Bitcoin and the broader digital asset market staged a spectacular recovery on Friday, reversing a multi-day sell-off that had threatened to erase years of gains. The flagship cryptocurrency jumped more than 11%, trading as high as $71,450 after testing psychological support at $60,000 just 24 hours prior. This “relief rally” comes as global equity markets found their footing, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above the 50,000 mark for the first time in history.

The market turnaround was largely technical, according to analysts who tracked a significant decline in open interest as short positions were forcibly closed or liquidated. Data from The Block indicates that the brutal 13% drop on Thursday ang{the largest single-day percentage decline since 2022} had pushed the market into an oversold state, inviting dip-buyers and institutional whales to step in at the $60,000 cost-basis level.

“It seems like a relief rally after the share-price decline of the last few days,” noted Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant. Moreno highlighted that buying volume surged precisely as Bitcoin touched its intraday low, suggesting that large-scale investors viewed the dip as a strategic entry point rather than a fundamental collapse. The Coinbase Premium Gap, which had hit annual lows during the panic, also began to stabilize, signaling a return of U.S. institutional demand.

Equities closely tied to the crypto ecosystem mirrored the asset ang{resurgence}. MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares skyrocketed by 25%, effectively erasing the previous session’s 18% decline. Other major players, including Coinbase (COIN) and MARA Holdings, posted gains of 13% and 22%, respectively, as investors regained confidence in the tech-driven growth narrative. The correlation between the Nasdaq Composite and Bitcoin remains high, sitting at roughly 0.5, as both sectors benefit from a renewed appetite for risk assets following positive commentary from AI industry leaders.

Adding to the bullish sentiment, JPMorgan analysts released a report suggesting that Bitcoin ang{long-term upside} remains intact. The bank noted that Bitcoin ang{production cost}, currently estimated at $87,000, has historically acted as a “soft floor,” and current prices may still represent a significant discount for long-term holders. While the market remains down for the week, the speed of Friday’s rebound has quieted fears of an imminent move toward the $50,000 zone.

#MarketCorrection #whenWillBTCRebound

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Reclaims $71,000 as Relief Rally Triggers Short Squeeze and Equity-Led Recovery appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin has powered back to the $70,000 level, marking a dramatic rebound that has lifted sentiment across the cryptocurrency market.

After briefly dipping below $60,000 earlier in the week, Bitcoin’s resurgence has been swift and decisive. The benchmark cryptocurrency surged nearly 15% in just two days, fueled by strong inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and renewed institutional demand. Traders now view $70,000 as a critical psychological milestone, with momentum suggesting potential retests of all-time highs if buying pressure continues.

Market analysts point to stabilizing macroeconomic conditions—particularly easing U.S. Treasury yields and a softer dollar—as catalysts for renewed risk appetite. Bitcoin’s ability to rebound sharply underscores its growing role as a hedge against monetary uncertainty and a preferred asset in times of global volatility.

Altcoins Ride The Wave

Ethereum rallied back above $3,600, while Solana surged past $120, each posting gains of roughly 10%. Other high-cap tokens, including Avalanche and Cardano, also advanced, reflecting broad-based strength across the sector.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms saw a notable uptick in activity, with total value locked (TVL) climbing sharply according to DefiLlama data. This resurgence signals that investors are once again deploying capital into yield-generating protocols, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s resilience.

Institutional flows remain a cornerstone of crypto’s current rally. Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to attract steady inflows, even during periods of heightened volatility. This consistent demand has provided a stabilizing force, cushioning Bitcoin against deeper corrections.

Publicly-traded companies with crypto exposure also benefited from the rally. Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) and MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) both saw their shares rise in tandem with Bitcoin’s surge, reaffirming their status as proxies for broader crypto sentiment.

Macro Tailwinds

The rebound comes amid cautious optimism in global markets. Recent U.S. inflation data showed signs of moderation, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more accommodative stance later this year. Lower interest rates could bolster risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, by reducing borrowing costs and encouraging speculative flows.

Geopolitical tensions and currency instability in several regions have also driven demand for decentralized assets. Bitcoin’s ability to recover quickly from sharp sell-offs reinforces its appeal as a non-sovereign store of value, particularly in economies facing uncertainty.

Market Outlook

With Bitcoin now firmly above $70,000, traders are eyeing resistance levels near $72,000 and $75,000. A sustained break above these thresholds could pave the way for a retest of November’s highs. Support remains strong around $66,000, with institutional inflows likely to provide a buffer against sharp declines.

Altcoins are expected to continue tracking Bitcoin’s momentum, though volatility remains a defining feature of the market. Analysts caution that while sentiment has improved, traders should remain prepared for sharp swings as macroeconomic conditions evolve.

Bitcoin’s surge past $70,000 and the broad-based rally across altcoins have reignited optimism in the crypto market. With institutional inflows, supportive macro signals, and renewed activity in DeFi, the sector appears poised for continued strength. While volatility remains ever-present, the latest rebound underscores the resilience of digital assets and their growing integration into global finance.

The post Bitcoin Recovers to $70,000 As Altcoins Rally appeared first on Cryptopress.

A Founder’s Wake-Up Call to the Ecosystem

Imagine building a skyscraper only to realize the foundation is shifting beneath your feet. That’s the vibe rippling through the Ethereum community after co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s recent bombshell: the original vision of Layer 2 (L2) networks as “branded shards” of Ethereum “no longer makes sense.” In a pointed X post, Buterin highlighted how L2s have stalled on decentralization while Ethereum’s base layer (L1) scales faster than expected. This isn’t just insider drama—it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine how we think about blockchain efficiency, security, and innovation.

Layer 2 solutions emerged as Ethereum’s lifeline against congestion, high fees, and slow speeds, bundling transactions off-chain before settling them on the main network. They’ve powered everything from DeFi explosions to NFT booms, attracting billions in value. But with Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade slashing costs and Vitalik calling for a rethink, is this the end of L2s as we know them? Or a call to evolve? This article unpacks the fundamentals, mechanics, real-world examples, challenges, and future implications, using clear analogies and data to guide beginners and intermediates alike. We’ll explore why L2s matter, where they’ve faltered, and how they might reinvent themselves in a maturing ecosystem.

The Foundations: How Ethereum Layer 2s Work and Why They Exist

Ethereum’s journey to scalability is a tale as old as blockchain itself. Launched in 2015, Ethereum revolutionized the space with smart contracts—self-executing code that powers decentralized apps (dApps). But success bred problems: as adoption surged during the 2017 ICO craze and 2021 DeFi summer, the network buckled under demand. Transactions crawled at 15-30 per second, fees spiked to $50+, and users fled to faster rivals like Solana or Binance Smart Chain.

Enter Layer 2: protocols built atop Ethereum (L1) to handle the heavy lifting off-chain while inheriting its security. Think of L1 as a bustling city center—secure but overcrowded. L2s are like suburbs connected by high-speed trains: they process transactions cheaply and quickly, then “roll up” batches back to the city for final approval.

From Plasma to Rollups

The quest for scaling predates Ethereum 2.0 (now just “Ethereum upgrades”). Early ideas like state channels (e.g., Raiden Network, 2017) allowed off-chain interactions for specific use cases, like payments. Plasma (proposed by Joseph Poon and Vitalik Buterin in 2017) aimed for child chains that periodically synced with Ethereum, but fraud proofs and data availability issues limited adoption.

By 2020, rollups stole the show. These bundle (or “roll up”) hundreds of transactions into one, posting minimal data to L1. Two flavors dominate:

Optimistic Rollups: Assume transactions are valid unless challenged. A “fraud proof” window (usually 7 days) allows disputes. Analogy: A teacher grades homework on trust but spot-checks if suspicions arise. Pros: Easier EVM compatibility, lower computation costs. Cons: Withdrawal delays for security.

ZK-Rollups (Zero-Knowledge): Use cryptographic proofs (zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs) to verify batches instantly. Analogy: Proving you solved a puzzle without showing the steps—math guarantees correctness. Pros: Instant finality, enhanced privacy. Cons: Higher upfront computation, trickier for complex smart contracts.

Vitalik’s 2020 “rollup-centric roadmap” positioned these as Ethereum’s scaling endgame, with L1 focusing on security and data availability.

Technical Breakdown: Sequencers, Stages, and Settlement

At the heart of rollups is the sequencer: a node (or network) that orders and executes L2 transactions. In centralized setups (common today), one entity runs it for speed. Decentralized sequencers distribute this via proof-of-stake or leader election, reducing censorship risks.

L2Beat defines maturity in stages:

Stage 0: Basic rollup with training wheels—upgrades via multisig, potential for operator override.

Stage 1: Fraud/validity proofs enforced; security council can intervene in emergencies.

Stage 2: Fully decentralized—no overrides, L1 governance only.

As of early 2026, only a handful of L2s have reached Stage 2, with many lingering at Stage 0 or 1, per L2Beat data. Transactions settle on L1 via data blobs (post-Dencun upgrade, March 2024), slashing posting costs by 90%+.

Here’s an updated comparison based on recent L2Beat insights and market data:

L2 Project Type Stage (L2Beat) TVL (as of early 2026) Sequencer Status Key Feature Arbitrum Optimistic 1 ~$12.5B Centralized High DeFi TVL, EVM-compatible Optimism Optimistic 1 ~$4.1B Centralized Superchain vision for interoperability Base Optimistic 1 ~$11.1B Centralized Coinbase integration, low fees zkSync Era ZK 0 ~$700M Centralized Native account abstraction Starknet ZK 0 ~$550M Centralized Cairo language for custom logic

This structure keeps Ethereum decentralized while scaling to thousands of TPS.

Ethereum Layer 2 Solutions: Rollup Technologies

As shown in the comparison table above from recent L2Beat data, most projects remain at lower stages with centralized sequencers.

Leading L2 Projects

L2s aren’t theoretical—they’re battle-tested in DeFi, NFTs, and beyond. Let’s examine four heavyweights.

Arbitrum: The DeFi Powerhouse

Launched in 2021 by Offchain Labs, Arbitrum uses optimistic rollups for near-instant, low-cost transactions. It reached Stage 1 by 2025, with fraud proofs live.

Success Story: During the 2023 inscription craze, Arbitrum handled surges without buckling, unlike some L1s. Its TVL stands around $12.5B, hosting dApps like GMX (perpetual trading) and Radiant Capital (lending). Fees averaged under $0.01 post-Dencun.

Impact: Reduced Ethereum congestion; bridged billions in assets. But outages in 2025 highlighted centralization risks.

Analogy: Arbitrum is like a express lane on a highway—fast for commuters but reliant on the main road’s tollbooth.

Optimism: Building the Superchain

Optimism, live since 2021, pioneered the OP Stack—a modular toolkit for custom L2s. At Stage 1, it emphasizes governance via the Optimism Collective.

Case Study: The Superchain integrates chains like Base and Zora, sharing security and revenue. By 2026, it processes millions of transactions weekly, with TVL around $4.1B. RetroPGF (retroactive public goods funding) has distributed over $100M in grants, fostering ecosystem growth.

Societal Angle: By funding open-source tools, Optimism boosts developer retention, countering brain drain to other chains.

Base: Coinbase’s Gateway to Mass Adoption

Built on OP Stack and launched in 2023, Base leverages Coinbase’s user base for seamless onboarding. TVL: around $11.1B.

Implementation: Integrated with Coinbase Wallet, it saw explosive growth in NFTs and social dApps. Infrastructure dependencies remain a concern.

Economic Impact: Captures low-value transactions post-Dencun, but critics note sequencer centralization funnels fees to Coinbase.

Analogy: Base is Ethereum’s user-friendly app store—accessible but tied to a corporate ecosystem.

zkSync Era: Privacy and Speed with ZK Tech

Matter Labs’ zkSync, a ZK-rollup since 2023, offers account abstraction (e.g., pay fees in any token). Still at Stage 0.

Failure Lesson: Early EVM compatibility issues delayed adoption, but upgrades boosted TVL to around $700M. It powers privacy-focused apps.

Forward-Looking: As a ZK leader, it exemplifies Vitalik’s push for proofs over assumptions.

These cases show L2s driving adoption, but centralization lingers.

A Guide Understanding Blockchain Rollups: ZK vs Optimistic Rollups

The diagram above illustrates the rollup transaction flow, showing user transactions batched and proven before settlement on Ethereum L1.

The Cracks in the L2 Foundation

L2s aren’t perfect. Vitalik’s critique stems from two realities: slow decentralization and L1’s rapid scaling.

Centralization Woes: Sequencers Under Scrutiny

Most sequencers are centralized for performance—near-instant confirmations and low latency.

Pros: Efficiency (e.g., sub-second tx), cost savings.

Cons: Single points of failure, censorship potential, MEV extraction (sequencers reorder tx for profit).

Decentralized alternatives (e.g., shared sequencers like Espresso) promise resilience but add complexity and costs.

Economic and Societal Implications

Post-Dencun, L1 gas fees dropped from around 72 gwei to 2.7 gwei, a 95% reduction, with transaction costs like swaps falling from $86 to $0.39. This erodes L2s’ cost edge. L2s siphon activity from L1, reducing ETH burns (via EIP-1559) and potentially deflating its value. Societally, fragmented liquidity across L2s creates “chain silos,” hindering seamless DeFi.

Risks include regulatory pressures—some L2s stay centralized for compliance—and technical hurdles to Stage 2 (e.g., safe ZK-EVMs). By early 2026, only a few L2s have reached Stage 2.

Ethereum Worries: L1 Revenue Drops 99% Post Dencun Upgrade

As shown in the graph, Ethereum L1 gas fees have plummeted to multi-year lows post-Dencun, impacting the need for generic L2 scaling.

As shown in the graph, Ethereum L1 gas fees have plummeted to multi-year lows post-Dencun, impacting the need for generic L2 scaling.

Future Outlook: Specialization Over Generic Scaling

Vitalik’s “new path” urges L2s to specialize: privacy (e.g., Aztec), ultra-low latency (gaming), or non-financial apps (AI, social). With upcoming upgrades like Pectra boosting gas limits, L1 could handle more, making generic L2s redundant.

Consolidation Ahead: Analysts predict only 5-10 L2s survive by 2030. Winners: Those at Stage 2 with unique value.

Innovations: Native rollups, interop standards (like IBC). Forecasts suggest $1T L2 valuation if niches are captured.

Ethereum’s ecosystem could mirror Cosmos: specialized chains linked securely.

Conclusion: Embracing Change for a Resilient Ethereum

Ethereum’s L2 saga isn’t ending—it’s evolving. From humble scaling fixes to potential specialized hubs, they’ve proven blockchain’s adaptability. Vitalik’s words aren’t a death knell but a challenge: prioritize substance over branding, decentralization over convenience. For users, this means cheaper, faster experiences; for builders, a push toward innovation.

As Ethereum marches toward full scalability, stay informed—explore L2s like Arbitrum or zkSync today. Subscribe to Cryptopress.site for more timeless crypto insights, or dive into related articles on blockchain fundamentals. The future is decentralized, but only if we build it right.

The post Scaling Ethereum: Is this the end of Layer 2s? appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin dropped to $60,000 in a flash crash on Thursday night, marking its lowest level since September 2024.

The plunge triggered over $2 billion in liquidations across the crypto market.

Analysts attribute the selloff to repeated failures at key support levels and a risk-off sentiment in global markets.

In a stunning turn of events, Bitcoin suffered a severe flash crash late Thursday, plummeting to $60,000 before partially recovering, as global market turbulence intensified investor caution.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization fell as low as $60,000 at around 7:20 p.m. ET on February 5, 2026, representing a nearly 17% drop within 24 hours. This marked Bitcoin’s lowest point since September 2024, erasing half its value from the all-time high of $126,000 reached in October 2025. The asset later rebounded to approximately $64,100, highlighting the extreme volatility gripping the market.

Liquidations exceeded $2.6 billion across the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with 578,961 traders affected. The largest single liquidation occurred on Binance, amounting to $12 million. Ethereum also saw significant declines, dropping to $1,750 before recovering to around $1,899. Ethereum (ETH) and Uniswap (UNI) were among the affected assets, as listed on https://cryptopress.site/coins/.

Analysts point to a confluence of factors driving the selloff, including a broader risk-off stance in technology stocks and failures to maintain critical support levels. “Repeated failures to hold key support levels have pushed market sentiment firmly into a risk-off stance,” noted analysts in a recent report. Traders are reportedly hesitant to buy the dip, with some describing the situation as refusing to catch ‘falling knives.’ (Yahoo Finance)

The crash coincided with heightened global market pressures, including selloffs in tech equities. Bitcoin’s decline wiped out nearly $2 trillion in crypto market value since October, fueling fears of a ‘death spiral’ as warned by investor Michael Burry.

On social media platform X, analysts like Crypto Patel highlighted the severity: ‘CRYPTO BLOODBATH: $2.60B LIQUIDATED IN 24HRS #Bitcoin Crashes to $60K, Lowest Since Oct 10, 2024.’ This sentiment echoes broader concerns about leveraged positions and macroeconomic uncertainties.

CRYPTO BLOODBATH: $2.60B LIQUIDATED IN 24HRS#Bitcoin Crashes to $60K, Lowest Since Oct 10, 2024$BTC Lost the 2021 Bull Cycle ATH of $69KNow Trading at $64K After $350B Market Cap Wipeout578,961 Traders LiquidatedLargest Single Liquidation: $12M on BinanceThis is… pic.twitter.com/gspXy7v574

— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) February 6, 2026

Despite the rebound to $65,198.20, up 3.3% after brushing $60,008.52, experts warn of potential further downside if $60,000 support fails. Balanced views suggest that while risks persist, historical patterns indicate possible stabilization in the $60,000-$75,000 range.

The event underscores the interconnectedness of crypto with traditional markets, where tech stock routs can amplify volatility. Investors are advised to monitor upcoming economic indicators for signs of recovery or deeper corrections.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Plunges to $60K in Flash Crash as Market Turmoil Deepens appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin fell below the $70,000 support level for the first time since late 2024, hitting a session low of $69,074.

Total market liquidations exceeded $830 million in 24 hours, with leveraged long positions bearing the brunt of the volatility.

Analysts cite the nomination of Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair and high miner production costs as primary bearish catalysts.

Bitcoin plummeted below the critical $70,000 mark on Thursday, sending the digital asset to its lowest valuation in over 15 months. The sell-off, which accelerated during early trading hours, has forced the market into what analysts describe as a “full capitulation” phase, characterized by massive deleveraging and a collapse in investor sentiment.

According to market data, Bitcoin reached a low of $69,074, a price point not seen since November 2024. The sudden move triggered a cascade of forced liquidations across major exchanges, totaling more than $830 million in a single day. Over the past week, the broader crypto market has seen approximately $6.7 billion in leveraged positions wiped out, as short-term holders and momentum traders exit their positions.

Market observers point to a combination of macroeconomic shifts and structural industry pressure as the primary drivers of the downturn. The recent nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has introduced fresh anxiety regarding a potentially more restrictive monetary regime. Traders are increasingly concerned that Warsh’s history of balance-sheet skepticism could lead to tightened liquidity, weighing heavily on speculative assets like Bitcoin.

“It is clear the crypto market is in full capitulation mode,” noted Nic Puckrin, co-founder of Coin Bureau. “This is no longer a short-term correction, but rather a transition from distribution to reset—and these typically take months, not weeks.”

The pressure is particularly acute for the mining sector. With the average production cost estimated at $87,000, the current price leaves most operators at a significant loss. Reports indicate that miners are liquidating reserves to cover operational overhead and debt obligations, a phenomenon known as “miner capitulation” that adds sustained selling pressure to the order books.

Despite the bearish momentum, some technical indicators suggest a bottom may be forming. On-chain data tracking the “Profit/Loss Supply” metric shows a convergence that has historically preceded cycle lows. While the Crypto Fear & Greed Index has plunged to a reading of 16—indicating “extreme fear”—institutional outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs have begun to show signs of slowing, even as $1.62 billion exited the funds earlier this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Drops Below $70,000 as Liquidations Trigger ‘Full Capitulation’ appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin fell below $70,000, hitting lows near $69,900 on some exchanges amid a broader risk-off move in global markets.

The drop erased much of the post-2024 bull gains, with sentiment plunging into “extreme fear” on the Fear and Greed Index at 11.

Miners face intensified pressure as BTC trades ~20% below estimated production costs around $87,000, while ETF outflows and liquidations add to downside risks.

Bitcoin dropped below $70,000 on Thursday, extending a sharp selloff that has seen the leading cryptocurrency shed over 7% in the past 24 hours and retreat to levels last seen in late 2024.

The decline, which took BTC to as low as $69,917 on CoinDesk data and $69,101 on Bitstamp, aligns with weakness in global technology stocks and a broader deleveraging across risk assets. Precious metals like silver also plunged sharply, underscoring a flight from growth-oriented investments.

Extreme fear has gripped the crypto market, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index falling to 11—a rare level indicating heightened panic. On-chain metrics show fading spot demand, reduced participation, and tightening liquidity, while open interest in BTC futures has contracted significantly. Analysts note this as full bear-market signals, with rebounds proving fragile.

Miner stress has intensified, as Bitcoin’s price hovers roughly 20% below the estimated average production cost of around $87,000. Historically, such conditions have preceded capitulation phases in bear markets, potentially leading to hashrate adjustments despite recent rebounds from drawdowns.

The selloff has also triggered substantial liquidations, wiping out millions in leveraged positions, and contributed to continued outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. Traders are watching for potential deeper corrections toward $67,000 or lower, though some view the reset as healthy before eventual recovery in volatile conditions. (news.bitcoin.com)

“Bears have taken firm control,” noted one market observer, highlighting the breach of $70,000 support as a psychological turning point amid thin liquidity and coordinated selling pressures.

For context on Bitcoin’s price dynamics, see this related overview at Cryptopress.site coins. As the dust settles, the move underscores ongoing correlations with traditional risk assets and the need for caution in leveraged DeFi and futures positions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Breaks $70K Support in Sharp Correction Tied to Global Risk-Off Mood appeared first on Cryptopress.

Binance completed a $100.7 million Bitcoin purchase, marking the start of a $1 billion asset conversion for its SAFU fund.

The exchange plans to shift its entire emergency reserve from stablecoins to Bitcoin over the next 30 days.

On-chain data confirms the acquisition of 1,315 BTC as the asset traded near $77,000.

Binance has officially launched its strategic transition to a Bitcoin-heavy reserve for its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), completing an initial purchase of 1,315 BTC. The transaction, valued at approximately $100.7 million, was confirmed by on-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, which tracked the movement of funds from Binance’s internal wallets to a designated SAFU address.

This move follows a January 30 announcement in which the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume detailed a 30-day plan to convert its $1 billion insurance fund entirely into Bitcoin. The fund was previously held in stablecoins, specifically USDC and USDT, a composition established in 2024 to provide stability. However, the exchange is now pivoting back to the market’s primary cryptocurrency to signal long-term conviction in Bitcoin as a sovereign reserve asset.

According to Cointelegraph, the transaction occurred as Bitcoin faced downward pressure, trading at a significant discount from its 2025 highs. Analysts suggest that Binance is utilizing this period of market volatility to execute its buy-side strategy. The exchange has roughly $900 million in remaining stablecoin liquidity to deploy over the next three weeks to complete the full $1 billion conversion.

“Binance is prepared to manage market uncertainty while supporting Bitcoin’s long-term role as a core asset,” a company representative noted in a statement to the community. To address concerns regarding Bitcoin’s price volatility compared to stablecoins, Binance has committed to maintaining a $1 billion valuation for the fund. If a market downturn causes the value of the BTC holdings to drop below $800 million, the exchange has pledged to replenish the reserve with additional capital to restore its baseline.

The SAFU fund was established in 2018 as an emergency insurance pool, funded by a portion of trading fees, to protect users during security incidents or system failures. This recent shift marks one of the largest structural shifts in exchange-led Bitcoin demand in early 2026, coinciding with continued accumulation from other major institutional players.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Binance Initiates $1 Billion SAFU Pivot With $100 Million Bitcoin Purchase appeared first on Cryptopress.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 217-214 to pass a $1.2 trillion funding package, ending a partial government shutdown that began on Feb. 1.

The legislation restores funding to major federal agencies, including the SEC and CFTC, through Sept. 30, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) only received a short-term extension.

The shutdown had temporarily halted regulatory progress on crypto frameworks, stablecoin rules, and pending spot ETF applications.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a $1.2 trillion spending package in a narrow 217-214 vote, effectively ending a partial government shutdown that has paralyzed several federal agencies since the weekend. The bill, which now moves to President Donald Trump for his expected signature, provides full-year funding for 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, ensuring that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) return to full operational capacity.

While the majority of federal operations are now funded through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains on a temporary leash. Lawmakers agreed to a short-term patch for the DHS that expires on Feb. 13, buying only ten days for further bipartisan negotiations over immigration enforcement and border accountability measures. This “technical lapse” over the weekend had previously stalled routine operations at the SEC, including the review of corporate disclosures and market oversight.

The brief four-day lapse in funding had immediate consequences for the digital asset industry. During the shutdown, the SEC’s divisions of Corporation Finance and Investment Management were forced to halt the review of registration statements and prospective crypto-linked investment products. Industry analysts warned that continued gridlock could have delayed a highly anticipated wave of stablecoin regulations and decentralized finance (DeFi) frameworks currently under review by the House Financial Services Committee.

“The Republican Party is sticking together because the stakes are so high,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters following the vote. He emphasized that reopening the government was a priority to maintain national stability, even as hard-line conservatives pushed for deeper spending cuts. The vote was nearly derailed by last-minute opposition from a few Republicans but was secured after intensive internal negotiations.

The resolution provides a sigh of relief for crypto market participants who feared a prolonged regulatory vacuum. With the SEC and CFTC back in session, the focus shifts back to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and other legislative efforts aimed at providing a permanent regulatory framework for the U.S. crypto ecosystem. Prior to the shutdown, the American Bankers Association and other stakeholders had been actively meeting with the White House to discuss market structure and the prohibition of interest on payment stablecoins.

Market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic following the news. Bitcoin, which has dipped toward the $73,000, showed signs of stabilization as the threat of a long-term bureaucratic bottleneck receded. Traders are now looking toward the Feb. 13 deadline to see if a broader agreement on the final remaining spending bill can be reached without further disruption to financial regulators.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post US House passes $1.2 trillion funding bill to end partial government shutdown appeared first on Cryptopress.

xAI has posted a job listing for a crypto finance expert to train its AI models on quantitative finance, on-chain analysis, and market microstructure.

The hiring comes as xAI completes its merger with SpaceX, creating a combined company valued at approximately $1.25 trillion ahead of a potential IPO.

The integration seeks to build space-based data centers, potentially reducing costs for AI compute through orbital infrastructure.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is seeking a crypto quantitative expert to bolster its AI training capabilities with specialized knowledge in cryptocurrency markets. The role involves analyzing on-chain data, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and market dynamics to enhance next-generation AI models.

This recruitment effort aligns with the recently announced merger between xAI and SpaceX, which values the unified entity at a reported $1.25 trillion. The deal integrates Musk’s AI ambitions with his space exploration ventures, including Starlink satellites and orbital data centers. Industry observers note that this could position the company to address escalating AI compute costs by shifting infrastructure to space, where energy and cooling are more efficient.

SpaceX has acquired xAI, forming one of the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engines on (and off) Earth → https://t.co/3ODfcYnqfg pic.twitter.com/el40rCUBGe

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 2, 2026

Elon Musk stated in a company update, “This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars.” The merger, executed via a stock swap, brings together xAI’s Grok chatbot with SpaceX’s rocket and satellite technologies, potentially enabling real-time data processing for AI applications.

However, the consolidation raises concerns about regulatory scrutiny, including antitrust issues and national security implications given SpaceX’s government contracts. Analysts suggest the move could face reviews from bodies like the Federal Trade Commission, especially amid Musk’s expanding influence across tech sectors. A source familiar with the deal indicated that the merger supports plans for space-based AI compute, which Musk estimates could become the lowest-cost option within two to three years.

The merger has also spotlighted the combined entity’s cryptocurrency holdings, including approximately 8,300 Bitcoin, which could play a role in future AI-financial integrations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post xAI Opens Crypto Expert Role Amid $1.25 Trillion SpaceX Merger appeared first on Cryptopress.

Hyperliquid is introducing “Outcome Trading” through the HIP-4 upgrade, which is currently active on the protocol’s testnet.

The new primitive supports fully collateralized contracts for prediction markets and bounded options without the need for leverage or the risk of liquidations.

Markets will be denominated in the native USDH stablecoin and utilize the HyperCore engine for high-performance settlement.

Hyperliquid, the decentralized derivatives powerhouse, is broadening its financial reach with the debut of Outcome Trading via the HIP-4 (Hyperliquid Improvement Proposal 4) upgrade. Announced on Monday, the new feature allows the protocol’s core engine, HyperCore, to support range-settled contracts designed specifically for prediction markets and bounded, options-like instruments.

The introduction of Outcome Trading marks a significant architectural shift from the platform’s primary focus on perpetual futures. These new contracts are fully collateralized, meaning they settle within a predefined range and carry no risk of margin calls or forced liquidations. By removing leverage from the equation, Hyperliquid aims to provide a lower-risk environment for event-based trading, a sector that has seen explosive growth and regulatory attention over the past year.

According to the development team, the new primitive is designed to enhance the “expressivity” of the Hyperliquid Layer 1 blockchain. “The outcome primitive expands the expressivity of HyperCore, while composing with other primitives such as portfolio margin and the HyperEVM,” the team noted. The feature is currently undergoing testing on the testnet, with plans to launch canonical markets once technical stability and user feedback have been integrated.

Initial mainnet deployments will focus on standardized markets derived from objective settlement sources, all denominated in USDH, Hyperliquid’s native stablecoin. Over time, the protocol intends to transition the infrastructure toward permissionless deployment, mirroring the success of the HIP-3 framework which allowed users to create custom perpetual markets. This evolution follows a period of record activity for the exchange, which recently saw its total open interest surpass $4.9 billion amid growing demand for on-chain assets.

Market reaction to the announcement was swift, with the protocol’s native HYPE token rising more than 10% to surpass the $32 mark. Investors are increasingly viewing Hyperliquid not just as a decentralized exchange, but as a foundational Layer 1 stack capable of hosting complex DeFi applications. The addition of dated, non-linear contracts further distinguishes the network from its competitors by integrating prediction market capabilities directly into its high-speed settlement layer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Hyperliquid moves into prediction markets with HIP-4 ‘Outcome Trading’ appeared first on Cryptopress.