Blockonomi

TLDR

Senate Democrats urged the Justice Department and Treasury to investigate Binance over alleged Iran sanctions violations.

Lawmakers cited reports that $1.7 billion in digital assets moved to Iranian entities through Binance.

The senators raised concerns that Binance may have breached its 2023 federal settlement obligations.

The letter referenced Binance’s ties to a Trump family-backed stablecoin project.

Binance denied the allegations and said it remains committed to its compliance agreements.

Senate Democrats have urged the Justice Department and Treasury to investigate Binance over Iran sanctions concerns and Trump-linked ties. Lawmakers sent a formal letter requesting a prompt federal review of the crypto exchange’s compliance controls. They cited reports that billions in digital assets flowed to sanctioned Iranian entities through the platform.

Binance Faces Scrutiny Over Iran Sanctions Compliance

Sen. Mark Warner led the letter and secured signatures from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and nine other Democrats. The senators asked Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to open a comprehensive review. They referenced media reports that linked Binance to illicit finance activity tied to Iran.

According to the letter, compliance staff identified $1.7 billion routed to Iranian entities last year. Those entities included the Iran-backed Houthis and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The senators also claimed that a Binance vendor moved $1.2 billion connected to Iran-linked actors.

The lawmakers stated that Iranian users accessed more than 1,500 Binance accounts. They also raised concerns about the possible use of the platform by Russian actors to evade sanctions. They warned that such activity could breach Binance’s 2023 federal settlement obligations.

The letter alleged that Binance dismissed employees who flagged the transactions. It also claimed the exchange became less responsive to law enforcement requests. The senators argued that those actions would conflict with the company’s plea agreement terms.

In 2023, Binance pleaded guilty to violating U.S. sanctions laws and anti-money laundering rules. The company agreed to pay more than $4 billion in penalties. It also committed to enhanced know-your-customer procedures and sanctions screening under U.S. supervision.

Trump Ties and Russia Concerns Add Pressure

The senators also pointed to business links involving President Donald Trump and his family’s crypto ventures. They referenced Binance’s promotion of USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial. Lawmakers stated that the project has ties to the Trump family.

According to the letter, Binance offered interest incentives to users holding USD1. The exchange also assisted with technology related to the token. Lawmakers further cited a $2 billion investment tied to the stablecoin.

The senators referenced Trump’s pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao last fall. Zhao had pleaded guilty to failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. He served a four-month prison sentence before receiving the pardon.

Beyond Iran, the lawmakers cited Binance’s launch of crypto-linked payment cards in parts of the former Soviet Union. They warned that similar products have helped users bypass restrictions on Russia’s financial system. They also noted Binance’s partnership with Kyrgyzstan on a stablecoin and digital currency initiative.

“These allegations raise grave concerns that poor illicit finance controls at Binance remain a threat to national security,” the senators wrote. They urged federal agencies to conduct what they described as a “thorough, impartial” probe.

The post Senate Democrats Urge DOJ to Investigate Binance appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Engie received full commercial approval for the Assu Sol solar complex in Brazil on February 13, 2026.

The project has a peak capacity of 895 MWp and includes 16 plants with over 1.5 million panels.

Brazil has faced recurring curtailment since 2023 due to grid bottlenecks and excess renewable generation.

Engie is studying Bitcoin mining as a flexible offtaker to monetize surplus electricity.

The company estimates it would need about two years to deploy any mining or storage solution.

Engie has secured full approval for its Assu Sol solar complex in Brazil and has begun studying Bitcoin mining to monetize surplus electricity. The project reached commercial clearance on February 13, 2026, and now operates as the company’s largest solar asset worldwide. Engie plans to evaluate mining and battery storage to capture value from recurring grid curtailment.

Brazil Grid Bottlenecks Drive Search for Flexible Demand

Brazil has expanded wind and solar generation faster than its transmission infrastructure has developed, and that gap has led to recurring curtailment since 2023. Grid operators have forced plants to shut down during oversupply periods, and producers have lost revenue on unused megawatt-hours. Engie now seeks a flexible demand solution that can consume excess electricity behind the meter and reduce financial losses.

JUST IN: French government owned energy company Engie is considering installing bitcoin miners at its new solar plant in Brazil "to make the facility more profitable" — Reuters

They said BTC mining could monetize its wasted energy and 'would not be a short-term solution'

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 23, 2026

The Assu Sol complex carries 895 MWp of peak capacity and 753 MW of installed capacity across 16 plants. The BRL 3.3 billion project spans more than 1.5 million photovoltaic panels in northeastern Brazil. Brazilian authorities granted full commercial approval on February 13, 2026, and Engie confirmed operational status.

Bitcoin Mining and Storage Under Review

Engie is assessing whether Bitcoin mining facilities can operate as a flexible offtaker for surplus power. Mining rigs can switch on and off quickly, and operators can match activity with excess generation periods. The company has stated that it does not seek speculative crypto exposure but aims to protect plant revenues.

Eduardo Sattamini, Engie’s country manager in Brazil, addressed the timeline for any deployment. He said, “We would need around two years to develop and implement a mining or storage solution.” He also confirmed that Engie continues to evaluate utility-scale battery systems as an alternative option.

Brazil’s foreign trade council has reduced import duties to zero on high-efficiency mining equipment through January 2028. That temporary measure lowers capital expenditure requirements for energy-linked mining operations. Engie is reviewing both mining and storage models before making a final investment decision.

The company has framed the initiative as a revenue management strategy tied to curtailed output. Engie plans to operate any mining capacity only during periods of excess supply. Company officials have confirmed that studies remain ongoing and that no final commitment has been announced.

Assu Sol now stands as Engie’s largest solar asset globally, and the company continues to monitor grid conditions in Brazil. Executives have stated that the project must align with regulatory requirements and operational standards.

The post Brazil Solar Mega-Project Studies Bitcoin Mining Plan appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

USDCx este un stablecoin nativ Cardano susținut 1:1 de USDC deținut în contractul inteligent xReserve al Circle.

IOG va subvenționa costurile de pod pentru USDCx în primele 10 zile pentru a reduce costurile de integrare pentru noii utilizatori.

Minswap, Liqwid și SundaeSwap sunt integrații active la lansare, permițând utilitate reală DeFi încă din prima zi.

Utilizatorii cu USDC pe Base pot depune și retrage USDCx fără a interacționa deloc cu Ethereum.

USDCx pe Cardano este acum activ, marcând un pas cheie în efortul rețelei blockchain de a oferi utilitate financiară în lumea reală.

TLDR

XRP a crescut cu 647% de la 0,49 $ la 3,66 $ după ruperea sa din late 2024.

Tokenul acum se tranzacționează aproape de 1,38 $ după o retragere de 70% de la vârful său.

Analistul Javon Marks a spus că obiectivul de mișcare măsurat de 15 $ rămâne neschimbat.

O mișcare către 15 $ ar reprezenta mai mult de 900% creștere față de nivelurile actuale.

XForceGlobal a spus că acțiunea actuală a prețului reflectă comprimarea mai degrabă decât slăbiciunea.

Prețul XRP a revenit în centrul atenției după ce ruperea sa din late 2024 a declanșat o creștere de 647% la 3,66 $ până la mijlocul anului 2025. Activele acum se tranzacționează aproape de 1,38 $ după o retragere de 70% de la vârful său. Analiștii afirmă că structura originală a ruperea încă susține o mișcare mai mare în sus.

TLDR

South Korea’s National Tax Service exposed a crypto wallet seed phrase in an official press release.

Unknown actors used the leaked mnemonic to transfer 4 million PRTG tokens worth about $4.8 million.

Blockchain data showed three inbound transfers followed by a single outbound transfer of the full balance.

Professor Jaewoo Cho confirmed the theft and said the tokens were difficult to cash out.

In a separate case, police found that 22 Bitcoin seized in 2021 had disappeared from a cold wallet.

South Korea’s National Tax Service exposed a crypto wallet seed phrase in an official press release and lost $4.8 million in seized tokens. The disclosure allowed unknown actors to access 4 million PRTG tokens and transfer the full balance. Authorities confirmed the incident after blockchain researchers traced the movements onchain.

South Korea National Tax Service Leak Exposes 4 Million PRTG tokens

South Korea’s National Tax Service published a press release about enforcement actions against tax delinquents, and it included an unmasked wallet mnemonic. The release showed an image of a Ledger cold wallet and a sheet displaying the full seed phrase. Local media outlets, including Naver and Chosun, reported that officials failed to blur the sensitive information.

Soon after publication, blockchain analysts linked the exposed phrase to an Ether address holding 4 million PRTG tokens. Onchain records show three inbound transfers totaling 4 million PRTG into the address. The data then shows one outbound transfer sending exactly 4 million PRTG to another wallet.

Associate professor Jaewoo Cho of Hansung University’s Blockchain Research Center reviewed the flows and confirmed the loss. He wrote on X, “We have confirmed that 4 million PRTG tokens, worth approximately $4.8 million, were stolen from the mnemonic that was leaked.” He also stated that “fortunately, the other exposed mnemonics do not seem likely to cause any major issues.”

Cho added that the stolen tokens were difficult to cash out, and he said “the actual damage is at a negligible level.” However, he confirmed that unknown parties controlled the wallet after the disclosure. The National Tax Service has not publicly detailed recovery efforts.

Bitcoin Custody Case in South Korea Deepens Scrutiny

In a separate case, South Korean police discovered that 22 Bitcoin seized in a 2021 hacking probe had disappeared. Investigators found the loss in February 2026 after reviewing cold wallet holdings stored in a Gangnam police vault. The missing Bitcoin had a market value of about $65,567 per coin at the time of reporting.

Authorities arrested two suspects on Thursday after tracing the wallet movements. Investigators determined that the coins were moved using a mnemonic phrase that police had never controlled. Officials confirmed that internal procedures failed to secure exclusive access to the seed phrase.

The incidents follow scrutiny over custody practices within public agencies. Regulators also continue a probe into Bithumb after a 620,000 BTC fat finger promotion error. The exchange briefly credited users with about $43 billion in non-existent Bitcoin before correcting the balances.

The Financial Services Commission extended its investigation after criticism over system oversight. Officials have not released final findings on the Bithumb case. Police continue to investigate the missing 22 Bitcoin and the circumstances surrounding the wallet control.

The post South Korea Tax Office Leak Triggers $4.8M Crypto Loss appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Minnesota HF3642 would make it illegal for anyone to place or operate a crypto ATM in the state.

The bill repeals Sections 53B.70–53B.75, erasing all existing kiosk licensing and compliance rules.

New customers currently get full fraud refunds within 72 hours — a protection the ban would eliminate.

Minnesota could become one of the first U.S. states to outright ban virtual currency kiosks entirely.

Virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota face a complete ban under proposed legislation introduced in the 2025–2026 session.

House File 3642 targets all crypto ATM operations in the state. The bill would prohibit any person from placing or operating a virtual currency kiosk in Minnesota.

It also seeks to repeal existing statutes that currently govern kiosk licensing, disclosures, transaction limits, refunds, and compliance requirements. This move marks a dramatic policy shift for the state.

What the Bill Proposes

Minnesota HF3642 introduces a straightforward and sweeping prohibition. Under the proposed Section 53B.691, no person may place or operate a virtual currency kiosk anywhere in Minnesota. The language of the bill leaves no room for exceptions or conditional approvals.

The bill also adds a new subdivision to Section 53B.69 to define terms specifically for the prohibition. This addition provides the legal framework needed to enforce the new ban effectively. It connects existing definitions in state law to the incoming restriction.

Beyond the ban itself, the legislation proposes a full repealer of Sections 53B.70 through 53B.75. These sections currently regulate kiosk operators through licensing, consumer disclosures, and transaction limits.

Their removal would erase the entire regulatory structure that governs crypto ATMs in the state today.

What Current Law Requires of Kiosk Operators

Under existing Minnesota statutes, virtual currency kiosk operators must follow strict disclosure rules. Before any transaction, operators must display all material risks on the kiosk screen for the customer to acknowledge.

These include warnings about price volatility, irreversible transactions, and potential fraud schemes.

Current law also requires operators to display a bold warning about scams. The warning specifically addresses fraudsters impersonating loved ones or government officials. It advises consumers that losses from fraudulent transactions cannot be recovered.

Transaction limits are also part of the existing framework. New customers face a maximum daily transaction limit of $2,000.

Existing customers, defined as those who have transacted for more than 72 hours, are subject to limits set by individual operators in line with federal law.

Refund Rules and Consumer Protections at Stake

Minnesota’s current law offers a refund pathway for new customers who fall victim to fraud. Under Section 53B.75, operators must refund the full transaction amount if a new customer was fraudulently induced.

The customer must contact the operator and a government or law enforcement agency within 14 days.

This protection applies strictly within the 72-hour new customer window. After that period, a customer transitions to “existing customer” status under Section 53B.69. At that point, the full refund obligation no longer applies.

If HF3642 passes, all of these consumer protections would be repealed along with the ban. There would be no licensed operators left to hold accountable, and no regulatory structure to enforce compliance.

Consumers who previously relied on these protections would lose that safety net entirely.

Industry and Regulatory Outlook

The bill’s passage would make Minnesota one of the few states to outright ban crypto ATM operations. Most states have moved toward regulation rather than prohibition. The trend across the country has been to tighten oversight, not eliminate it entirely.

For operators currently licensed in Minnesota, the bill represents a direct threat to existing business models. Many operators have invested in compliance infrastructure to meet the state’s existing requirements. A full ban would render that investment worthless.

The bill is now in the legislative process and has not yet been signed into law. Stakeholders across the crypto industry are expected to monitor its progress closely.

Its outcome could influence how other states approach virtual currency kiosk legislation going forward.

 

The post Minnesota Moves to Fully Ban Crypto ATMs With New 2025 House Bill appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

The UK Gambling Commission is reviewing whether licensed casinos can accept cryptocurrency payments.

Tim Miller said the regulator will examine a clear path for crypto use in online betting.

Companies offering regulated crypto services must obtain FCA authorization under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

The commission asked its Industry Forum to study how crypto payments could work within current gambling rules.

Research shows crypto searches often direct British gamblers to illegal gambling websites.

The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission has started formal talks on allowing cryptocurrency payments at licensed online casinos. The regulator confirmed it will assess how digital assets could fit within existing gambling rules. Officials said the review aligns with the country’s incoming crypto regulatory framework led by the Financial Conduct Authority.

UK Gambling Commission Studies Crypto Payment Framework

Tim Miller addressed the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual meeting in London on Thursday. He said the commission wants to examine “the potential path forward” for cryptoasset payments. He explained that the regulator aims to allow crypto as a consumer payment option for licensed gambling in Great Britain. He linked this move to rising consumer interest and regulatory changes. He also confirmed that companies conducting regulated crypto activities must secure FCA authorization under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

He stated that growing appetite from punters prompted the review. He said, “We do now want to start looking at what the potential path forward would be.” He added that crypto could become a consumer payment option for licensed operators. However, he clarified that accepting crypto would not change casino licensing standards. He noted that operators must still pass customer suitability checks under existing rules.

FCA Sets Timeline as UK Gambling Sector Reviews Digital Assets

Miller said he asked the Industry Forum to explore the best route for crypto payments. The advisory group represents workers across the gambling sector. He did not provide a deadline for the review. He said illegal markets research shows crypto searches often lead British gamblers to unlawful websites. He added, “Crypto is one of the two biggest searches that lead British gamblers to illegal sites.”

He explained that allowing regulated crypto payments could help protect consumers. He stated that the commission wants to reduce exposure to illegal platforms. Meanwhile, the Financial Conduct Authority released a final consultation outlining ten proposals for crypto markets. The FCA plans to complete the process in March. It targets full implementation of the new regime by October 2027.

The FCA confirmed that companies must obtain full authorization before October 25, 2027. It stated that the application window will open in September 2026. Crypto asset service providers that miss the deadline will enter transitional rules. Those rules will allow existing products but restrict new offerings. The regulator published the timeline in a document dated January 8.

The post UK Gambling Regulator Weighs Crypto Payments for Casinos appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Bank of America, Fidelity, and Morgan Stanley recommend allocating 1% to 5% of portfolios to Bitcoin.

River reported that major institutions now treat Bitcoin as a portfolio diversifier.

BlackRock advises limiting Bitcoin exposure to between 1% and 2% of total assets.

JPMorgan analysts project Bitcoin could reach $266,000 if it rivals private gold investment.

Bitcoin traded at $67,441 after falling 47% from its October peak of $126,080.

Major Wall Street firms now advise clients to hold small Bitcoin stakes within diversified portfolios. Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley recommend allocations between 1% and 5%. These recommendations formalize Bitcoin’s role as a portfolio diversifier rather than a speculative trade.

River reported that several large institutions issued formal guidance on crypto exposure. The firms outlined allocation ranges that limit risk while allowing participation in price gains. Their guidance reflects structured portfolio models used in wealth management divisions.

Fidelity Investments advises clients to allocate between 2% and 5% to crypto assets, including Bitcoin. Bank of America recommends a 1% to 4% allocation range for diversified portfolios. Morgan Stanley suggests clients hold up to 4% in Bitcoin exposure.

Bank of America and Peers Outline Bitcoin Stakes Strategy

Bank of America placed Bitcoin within its alternative asset framework for private clients. The bank set allocation guidance between 1% and 4% of total portfolio value. The firm structured the guidance around volatility controls and diversification targets.

Fidelity Investments provided a higher allocation band of 2% to 5% for wealth clients. Morgan Stanley capped its recommended exposure level at 4%. BlackRock advised a narrower 1% to 2% range for Bitcoin holdings.

WisdomTree and JPMorgan Chase limited their recommendations to allocations of up to 1%. River compiled these figures in its institutional allocation report. The report described Bitcoin as a diversifier within multi-asset portfolios.

The firms structured their models to balance upside exposure with portfolio stability. They kept allocations limited to preserve overall asset mix targets. The guidance reflects internal research and asset allocation committees.

Price Levels and Long-Term Projections

Bitcoin reached a record high of $126,080 in October last year. The price later declined by 47% from that peak. CoinGecko data showed Bitcoin trading at $67,441 at the time of reporting.

Despite the price decline, several institutions published long-term projections. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said Bitcoin could reach $700,000 per coin. He cited concerns about currency debasement and global financial instability.

Fidelity issued an earlier projection in September 2021. The firm estimated Bitcoin could reach $1 billion per coin by 2038. Jurrien Timmer supported that estimate using stock-to-flow and demand models.

JPMorgan analysts projected Bitcoin could reach $266,000 over time. They based the estimate on Bitcoin competing with gold as a store of value. Analysts compared private-sector gold investment totals with Bitcoin’s market capitalization.

JPMorgan stated that gold outperformed Bitcoin since last October. Analysts reported that the Bitcoin-to-gold volatility ratio fell to about 1.5. They described that level as a record low in their research note.

The bank said Bitcoin would need an $8 trillion market capitalization to reach $266,000. Analysts excluded central bank gold holdings from that comparison.

The post Bank of America, Morgan Stanley Support Bitcoin Stakes appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Over 1.17 million US job cuts were announced in the past year, the highest total recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic era.

The US government led all sectors with 317,000 cuts, followed by UPS at 78,000 and Amazon with 30,000 job reductions.

Companies openly state that AI tools allow smaller teams to handle the same workload, replacing $150K–$200K salary roles.

Analysts warn of a ghost economy where corporate output grows but household income and consumer participation steadily decline.

US job cuts have reached alarming levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1.17 million job cuts were announced across the country in the past year.

Around 600,000 of those cuts came in the first two months of 2026 alone. Companies across multiple sectors openly cite artificial intelligence as a driving force.

This trend is unfolding against the weakest white-collar hiring market since 2008, raising concerns about broader economic stability.

Major Companies Lead a Wave of Workforce Reductions

The scale of recent layoffs spans both public and private sectors. The US government alone accounted for 317,000 cuts, the largest single contributor to the total. UPS followed with 78,000 job reductions, while Amazon announced cuts of 30,000 workers.

Other major corporations have also trimmed their workforces considerably. Intel cut 25,000 jobs, and Citigroup reduced staff by 20,000. Nissan matched that figure, while Microsoft announced 15,000 cuts.

Market analyst account Bull Theory posted about the situation on social media platform X. The post noted that Verizon cut 13,000 jobs, Accenture removed 11,000, and Salesforce and Block each reduced headcount by 4,000. The figures paint a broad picture of workforce contraction across industries.

THIS IS CONCERNING.

Over 1.17 million US job cuts were announced in the last year, the highest since the pandemic.

600,000 were cut in just the first two months of 2026.

Major layoffs include:

• US Government: 317,000
• UPS: 78,000
• Amazon: 30,000
• Intel: 25,000
•… https://t.co/1I1EdPGpSE pic.twitter.com/FnlVzWDKY1

— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) February 27, 2026

Companies are now openly stating that smaller teams can perform the same volume of work. This shift reflects how AI tools are replacing roles previously held by high-earning professionals. The pattern suggests a structural change rather than a temporary economic adjustment.

The Ghost Economy Risk and Long-Term Consumer Demand

The concern goes beyond job numbers alone. Higher-income workers earning between $150,000 and $200,000 annually drive a large portion of US consumer spending. When software replaces those roles, corporate margins rise but household income falls.

There is also a secondary effect worth noting. The same companies cutting staff sell products and services to that same income group.

If AI-driven layoffs reduce household income at scale, demand across retail, fintech, travel, and enterprise services weakens over time.

Bull Theory’s post warned of what it called a “ghost economy,” where output grows but broad participation in that growth declines.

Short-term profitability may improve, yet the customer base supporting those profits gradually shrinks. This creates a tension between rising productivity and weakening consumer demand.

Housing, autos, travel, subscriptions, and credit quality all become sensitive under these conditions. The labor market must absorb this transition before demand weakens at the economic core.

Without that absorption, the gap between corporate earnings and household financial health will continue to widen.

The post US Job Cuts Surge to Highest Level Since Pandemic as AI Reshapes the Workforce appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Block reported fourth-quarter operating income of $485 million and raised its 2026 gross profit forecast to $12.2 billion.

Block reduced its workforce to under 6,000 employees as it shifts to a smaller and flatter structure.

Jack Dorsey said the company aims to reach more than 2 million dollars in gross profit per employee.

Block purchased 103 additional bitcoin and now holds 8,883 BTC valued at about $577 million.

Analysts said Square stands to benefit most from Block’s move toward AI-driven tools and automation.

Block reported strong fourth-quarter earnings and raised its 2026 gross profit forecast. The company also announced deep workforce cuts as it restructures operations. Analysts said Square stands to gain most from the company’s shift toward artificial intelligence tools.

Block posted an operating income of $485 million for the fourth quarter, while adjusted operating income reached $588 million. Net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $116 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $930 million. The company lifted its 2026 gross profit guidance to $12.2 billion, which reflects 18% annual growth.

Shares of Block surged more than 22% in after-hours trading following the results. The stock traded near $62.34 at publication, reflecting a 14% gain. However, the shares remain over 70% below their pandemic-era peak.

Block Restructures Workforce and Expands Bitcoin Holdings

Block reduced its workforce from more than 10,000 employees to just under 6,000. Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said the company aims to become “smaller” and “flatter” while operating as AI-first. He stated on X, “Yes, we over-hired during COVID because I incorrectly built two separate company structures.”

Dorsey added that the company corrected its structure in mid-2024. He also said Block now targets more than $2 million in gross profit per employee. He wrote that this goal represents four times its pre-pandemic efficiency, which stayed near $500,000 until 2024.

Block also purchased 103 additional Bitcoins during the quarter. The company now holds 8,883 BTC valued at about $577 million at current prices. This position ranks Block fourteenth among corporate bitcoin treasuries.

Square Expected to Lead Growth Under AI Strategy

Analysts at William Blair maintained an “outperform” rating and set a $67 price target on Block shares. Andrew Jeffrey and Adib Choudhury wrote that the workforce reduction reflects a reassessment of how Block will compete and drive returns. They stated that Square could benefit most from the company’s AI-centered model.

They wrote, “We anticipate that Square will increasingly automate customer functionality.” They added that merchants may build bespoke AI solutions through Square’s tools. The analysts said they believe Square leads competitors in this capability.

Square’s year-to-date gross payment volume growth reached 7.5%, which exceeded the fourth quarter pace by 50 basis points. Management reported that payment volume rose 12% year to date, marking a two-point acceleration. New restaurant-focused products helped drive a 29% increase in new volume, delivering the strongest quarter in nearly five years.

Cash App generated $865 million in financial services gross profit during the quarter. This result exceeded William Blair’s $770 million estimate. Analysts said short-term consumer liquidity products continue to support Cash App’s growth.

The post Block Earnings Jump as Square Eyes AI-Driven Growth appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Russia plans to launch regulated cryptocurrency trading once lawmakers approve the new digital asset framework.

Moscow Exchange will offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to non-professional investors under a centralized model.

Qualified investors will gain access to Solana, selected stablecoins, and crypto-related derivatives.

Draft legislation sets an annual crypto purchase cap of less than four thousand dollars for ordinary investors.

Authorities will require all investors to pass mandatory tests before buying digital assets.

Russia is preparing to open its regulated cryptocurrency market this summer, yet strict limits will shape the rollout. Financial firms plan to offer access to digital assets once lawmakers approve a new framework. However, draft rules show caps, filters, and blacklists will restrict how citizens use cryptocurrencies.

MOEX plans Bitcoin and Ethereum Launch as Russia Tightens Framework

Moscow Exchange confirmed it will begin cryptocurrency trading once the new law takes effect. The platform expects lawmakers to adopt the framework by July 1. It plans to list Bitcoin and Ethereum for non-professional investors, while qualified investors will access Solana, selected stablecoins, and ETF-based derivatives.

MOEX will operate a centralized model and act as an intermediary for registered users. The exchange will provide custody and settlement services under its existing license. Earlier, it launched four futures tied to ETFs tracking Bitcoin and Ethereum after the central bank approved such products in May 2025.

The exchange also introduced its own Bitcoin and Ethereum indices. In February, the operator announced plans to add indices tracking Solana, XRP, and Tron. Forbes Russia reported the expansion plans, and MOEX confirmed the intention without disclosing dates.

Banking Filter and Caps Outline Limits for Russian Crypto Users

The Central Bank outlined the regulatory concept in December and expanded investor access beyond highly qualified participants. Draft legislation now sets an annual purchase cap of under $4,000 for ordinary investors. Authorities will also require all investors to pass tests before buying digital assets.

Officials plan to introduce a “banking filter” for cryptocurrency transactions. RBC reported that the central bank and finance ministry proposed the mechanism this week. Regulators intend to track every crypto-related fund movement under the new regime.

Russian residents will face limits on domestic and cross-border crypto transfers. The law will continue to prohibit cryptocurrency payments within Russia. Non-residents, qualified investors, and foreign trade entities will receive broader permissions for cross-border settlements.

Traditional financial institutions, including exchanges and brokers, will process crypto transactions under current licenses. Dedicated crypto platforms will operate under separate and stricter requirements. Kommersant reported that operators cannot provide services that help residents bypass restrictions.

Regulators will prohibit platforms from facilitating purchases of anonymous coins. The Central Bank will publish a list of prohibited cryptocurrencies. Authorities will also blacklist crypto businesses that violate the rules and block client transfers to those platforms.

The post Russia Crypto Rollout Faces Tight Curbs Before Launch appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Trump Media announced plans to spin off Truth Social into a separate public entity called SpinCo.

The company said SpinCo would merge with Texas Ventures III under the proposed transaction.

Trump Media plans to distribute shares of the new entity to DJT shareholders before its pending merger with TAE Technologies.

The firm stated that the transaction aims to create shareholder value through focused public companies.

DJT shares fell about 2.10% following the announcement and have declined around 40% in six months.

Trump Media and Technology Group announced plans to separate Truth Social into a standalone public company. The company said it would create a new entity called SpinCo before merging it with Texas Ventures III. However, shares fell 2.10% as markets declined, and the stock has dropped about 40% in six months.

Trump Media Details Planned SpinCo Structure

Trump Media confirmed it is evaluating a transaction that would separate Truth Social and certain businesses. The company said SpinCo would merge with Texas Ventures III under the proposal. However, Trump Media did not specify which assets would remain with the parent company.

The company said it would distribute shares of the new entity to DJT shareholders. It plans to complete that step before its pending merger with TAE Technologies. TAE Technologies continues to pursue fusion power development while the merger remains pending.

Trump Media stated that the structure aims to create focused public companies. The company said, “The contemplated transaction is intended to create shareholder value through the creation of pure play companies, each with distinct strategies.” However, the market reaction remained muted following the announcement.

Shares of DJT traded near $10.73 after the disclosure. The stock declined about 2.10% during the trading session. It has fallen roughly 40% over the past six months.

Trump Media Expands Bitcoin and Crypto ETF Strategy

Trump Media increased its exposure to Bitcoin and related assets last year. The company allocated $2 billion to Bitcoin and Bitcoin-linked securities. It said the move would “protect itself from discrimination from financial institutions.”

The company filed for a Bitcoin ETF in June last year. It later filed for a crypto blue-chip ETF that includes Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. However, regulators have not finalized decisions on those filings.

Earlier this year, Trump Media filed for a joint Truth Social-branded Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF. It also filed for an ETF centered on Crypto.com’s CRO token. The filings signaled continued expansion of its crypto investment strategy.

Trump Media is working with Crypto.com on a digital token project. The company plans to airdrop the token to its shareholders. It seeks to integrate crypto rails across its businesses.

The post Trump Media Eyes Truth Social Split After Bitcoin Moves appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Barclays explorează tehnologia blockchain pentru servicii bancare de bază, inclusiv plăți și depozite.

Banca a solicitat informații de la mai mulți furnizori de tehnologie pentru o potențială platformă blockchain.

Sursele au spus că Barclays ar putea selecta un furnizor de tehnologie încă din aprilie.

Platforma propusă ar putea suporta stablecoins și aplicații de depozit tokenizate.

Barclays a investit recent în Ubyx, o platformă de compensare a stablecoin-urilor cu sediul în SUA.

Barclays a început să exploreze tehnologia blockchain pentru servicii bancare de bază, conform unui raport Bloomberg. Banca a abordat furnizorii de tehnologie despre construirea unei platforme pentru plăți și depozite. Sursele au spus că Barclays ar putea selecta un furnizor încă din aprilie, marcând un pas clar către integrarea registrelor digitale.

Puncte Cheie

Globalstar a obținut 71,96 milioane de dolari în venituri pe trimestru, depășind prognozele analiștilor, chiar și cu pierderi raportate.

Acțiunile au crescut cu 4% pe măsură ce compania conturează planuri de creștere ambițioase până în 2026.

Rezultatele din trimestrul patru demonstrează o performanță robustă în domeniul comunicațiilor prin satelit și al sectorului IoT.

Expansiunea veniturilor continuă în ciuda pierderilor pe acțiune, indicând o traiectorie de creștere sustenabilă.

Analiștii de pe Wall Street mențin o poziție optimistă cu un preț mediu țintă de 66,50 dolari pentru GSAT.

Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) a livrat metrici notabile de performanță pentru trimestrul patru, raportând o pierdere de 0,07 dolari pe acțiune în timp ce demonstrează simultan o expansiune remarcabilă a veniturilor. Firma de comunicații prin satelit a observat o creștere a prețului acțiunilor de 4,00% pentru a ajunge la 60,19 dolari în activitatea de piață de la prânz. Deși pierderile pe trimestru au depășit prognozele analiștilor, traiectoria robustă a veniturilor companiei sugerează o perspectivă promițătoare pentru viitorul său operațional.

Key Takeaways

Shares of Sunrun plummeted 28% to $14.74 following the release of conservative 2026 guidance

Fourth quarter earnings delivered 38 cents per share, significantly surpassing analyst expectations of 3 cents; revenue jumped 124% to reach $1.16 billion

Company forecasts 2026 cash generation between $250M and $450M, representing a potential decrease from 2025’s $377M

Investment firm Jefferies cut its rating on RUN to Hold from Buy while maintaining a $22 price target

Management’s silence on potential dividends or share repurchases left investors disappointed

The solar company delivered impressive fourth quarter results, posting earnings of 38 cents per share—substantially exceeding the analyst consensus of just 3 cents. Revenue reached $1.16 billion, representing a remarkable 124% increase compared to the previous year. Much of this revenue surge stemmed from a strategic decision to sell newly created lease agreements to external parties—marking a fresh approach for the organization.

$RUN @Sunrun just delivered the most overlooked earnings beat of the season.

EPS: $0.76 vs -$0.07 expected → Beat by 1,186%
Revenue: $1.16B — UP 124% YoY
Storage attachment: 71% — record high
1M+ customers — America's largest home battery network
Cash up $248M… pic.twitter.com/cetSouKnOj

— robot2trade (@robot2trade1) February 27, 2026

However, it was the forward-looking guidance that spooked market participants.

Management provided 2026 cash generation estimates ranging from $250 million to $450 million. The midpoint of this forecast—$350 million—falls short of the $377 million achieved in 2025. This apparent regression caught Wall Street’s attention immediately.

Shares declined 28% to close at $14.74 on Friday. The drop is particularly painful considering the stock had rallied 182% over the preceding twelve months and gained 11% year-to-date before the earnings announcement.

Investment bank Jefferies revised its stance, downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold while keeping its $22 price objective intact. Research analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith characterized the company’s approach as adopting a “defensive posture” heading into fiscal 2026.

Analyst Highlights Conservative Stance

Dumoulin-Smith observed a notable contrast: while competing residential solar firms have expressed increasing optimism about market recovery, Sunrun’s management painted a more sobering picture during its earnings conference call—emphasizing extended market weakness and heightened focus on balance sheet discipline.

The company also revealed plans to reduce its affiliate partner network by approximately 40%. Jefferies interprets this restructuring as an indicator that total installations and new customer acquisitions will decelerate.

Market participants had anticipated announcements regarding dividends or stock buyback programs, particularly given the robust cash generation in 2025 and meaningful progress toward the company’s 2x leverage ratio objective. Management declined to commit to either option. Executives clarified that returning capital to shareholders remains under consideration, but current priorities center on safe-harbor investments and reducing outstanding debt.

Jefferies identified challenging conditions in tax equity markets and quality issues among Sunrun’s partner ecosystem as further obstacles ahead.

The firm maintained its constructive long-term view on Sunrun but anticipates limited share price appreciation through 2026 until capital market conditions normalize.

Contrarian Voice Emerges

Not all analysts share this pessimistic outlook. Clear Street analyst Tim Moore reaffirmed his Buy recommendation and increased his price objective to $24 from $23.

Moore expressed confidence despite anticipated volume reductions, highlighting Sunrun’s strategic pivot toward channels with superior profit margins. He believes the monetization strategy for newly created subscription agreements will drive improved profitability even if installation volumes decline.

Jefferies also acknowledged that third-party originators such as Sunrun stand to benefit from approximately 25% growth this year following the conclusion of the 25D tax credit—though this potential upside hasn’t yet materialized in official guidance.

Sunrun’s measured outlook contrasts sharply with industry peers like Enphase Energy, which has aggressively pursued prepaid lease and loan products as the sector undergoes transformation.

The stock concluded Friday’s trading session at $14.74, down 28% for the day.

The post Sunrun Shares Plunge 28% Following Disappointing 2026 Cash Flow Forecast appeared first on Blockonomi.

Concluzii Cheie

Profitul net Q4 a ajuns la 894.8 milioane de dolari pentru Nu Holdings (NU), marcând o creștere de 50% față de anul precedent

Veniturile au crescut cu 45% la 4.86 miliarde de dolari, în timp ce numărul de clienți a crescut la 131 milioane în Brazilia, Mexic și Columbia

Acțiunile au scăzut cu 9.55% pe 26 februarie, încheind la 15.06 dolari, chiar și după ce au depășit prognozele de venituri

Participanții de pe piață și-au exprimat îngrijorarea cu privire la creșterea costurilor operaționale și perspectiva neclară a marjei

Compania a obținut aprobarea OCC condiționată în ianuarie 2026 pentru a opera o bancă națională în S.U.A.

Puncte Cheie

Acțiunile Duolingo au scăzut cu peste 20% în urma deciziei conducerii de a pune accent pe extinderea bazei de utilizatori mai degrabă decât pe maximizarea veniturilor imediate.

JPMorgan și BofA Securities au mutat ambele DUOL la ratinguri Neutre, cu ținte de preț care au scăzut brusc la 95$ și 100$ respectiv.

Conducerea a stabilit un obiectiv ambițios de a ajunge la 100 de milioane de utilizatori activi zilnici până în 2028, recunoscând că acest lucru va crea presiuni pe termen scurt asupra rezervărilor și profitabilității.

Un program de răscumpărare a acțiunilor de 400 milioane de dolari a fost aprobat pentru a oferi suport pentru acțiuni pe parcursul acestei perioade strategice de tranziție.

Punctele cheie

Acțiunile IonQ au crescut cu 21,7% joi, după rezultate Q4 mai puternice decât se așteptau și proiecții optimiste pentru 2026

Compania a raportat 130 milioane de dolari în venituri totale pentru 2025, cu obiective pentru 2026 variind între 225 și 245 milioane de dolari

Conducerea a tras paralele între poziția actuală a IonQ și expansiunea timpurie a Nvidia

Un sistem cuantic de 256 qubiți este programat pentru lansare în Q4 2026, în timp ce achiziția SkyWater Technology avansează

Opinia pieței rămâne împărțită: Rosenblatt menține obiectivul de preț de 100 dolari, în timp ce DA Davidson l-a redus la 35 dolari

TLDR

Consiliul Warner Bros Discovery a catalogat propunerea de 111 miliarde de dolari de la Paramount Skydance drept „superioară” în comparație cu oferta concurentă a Netflix

Netflix s-a retras din licitație, afirmând că evaluarea de 31 de dolari pe acțiune face ca achiziția să fie „nu mai atractivă din punct de vedere financiar”

Propunerea Paramount cuprinde portofoliul complet al WBD, inclusiv HBO, CNN și francize iconice precum Harry Potter și Batman

O examinare semnificativă a reglementărilor urmează, cu Procurorul General al Californiei și autoritățile federale/europene care încă revizuiesc tranzacția

Prezentare rapidă

Publicarea câștigurilor Q4 2025 este programată pentru 2 martie, după închiderea pieței

Analiștii proiectează EPS de -$0.11 alături de așteptările de venituri de $217.3M

Jose Crespo preia funcția de CEO pe 1 martie, făcând din aceasta prima sa prezentare de câștiguri

Acțiunile au scăzut cu peste 7% în 2025, cu evaluări de tip Hold din partea Seeking Alpha și Wall Street

Managementul menține obiectivul de venituri de $700M pentru FY25, menționând că profitabilitatea EBITDA este la îndemână

Meta Description: Plug Power (PLUG) se pregătește pentru câștigurile Q4 2025 luni cu noua conducere a CEO-ului, așteptările analiștilor de -$0.11 EPS și proiecțiile de venituri de $217.3M.