SEC Chairman Paul Atkins is officially shifting the agency away from "regulation by enforcement."
Under the new Project Crypto initiative, the SEC has introduced a formal token taxonomy that clarifies that digital commodities, collectibles, and functional tools are not securities.
While over 5,355 merchants in the U.S. accept #Bitcoin directly, many national brands support it through payment processors or specialized integrations
As of early 2026: • 39% of U.S. merchants now accept crypto at checkout • 50% of large enterprises ($500M+ revenue) accept digital assets • Crypto has moved from experiment → everyday commerce
What’s driving it? • 88% of merchants say customers ask to pay with crypto • For adopters, crypto makes up ~26% of total sales • Small businesses: adoption rebounded to 19% in 2026
Top industries adopting crypto: • Hospitality & Travel: 81% • Digital goods, gaming & luxury retail: 76%
What’s next: • 84% of merchants expect crypto payments to be standard within 5 years • 90% of non-adopters would integrate if setup matched credit cards • Lightning Network is making everyday Bitcoin payments fast and practical
While over 5,355 merchants in the U.S. accept #Bitcoin directly, many national brands support it through payment processors or specialized integrations
As of early 2026: • 39% of U.S. merchants now accept crypto at checkout • 50% of large enterprises ($500M+ revenue) accept digital assets • Crypto has moved from experiment → everyday commerce
Phong Le had a clear message for investors after the drawdown: HOLD ON.
He put the move in perspective: 2022: $BTC fell ~75% This cycle: $BTC fell ~50% In the future, even a drop from $1M to $750K will feel like the end again
This is just #Bitcoin doing what it’s always done.
He also pushed back hard on the bear case: ✅️ He says a drop to $10K is extremely unlikely ✅️ Regulatory risk is largely gone ✅️ Strategy has a fortress balance sheet (~10–12% leverage, ~$2.25B cash) #RiskAssetsMarketShock $BTC
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Bitcoin & crypto market structure legislation:
"The digital asset revolution is here, and I am confident that with leadership from both sides of the aisle we can get this across the finish line." #MarketCorrection
🚨 SCHWAB TO LAUNCH SPOT #BITCOIN AND #ETHEREUM TRADING BY MID-2026
Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster announced plans for direct spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in the first half of 2026. Currently, Schwab ($11T+ in assets) only offered crypto exposure via ETFs and futures.
The move is driven by regulatory changes and strong client demand
BIG NAMES, BIG PAPER LOSSES 📉 #MarketCorrection #MarketCorrection Multiple High-Profile Crypto Portfolios Are Showing Heavy Unrealized Losses This Reflects Market Volatility — Not Final Outcomes Or Confirmed Exits #WarshFedPolicyOutlook
🇺🇸 JUST IN: U.S. TREASURY BUYS BACK ANOTHER $2B IN DEBT The U.S. Treasury completed an additional $2 billion buyback of outstanding debt on Feb 6, injecting liquidity that can flow back into broader financial markets. An early signal of liquidity support that could pave the way toward renewed quantitative easing if the trend continues. #RiskAssetsMarketShock #MarketCorrection #WhenWillBTCRebound $BTC $ETH
Michael Saylor says Strategy is launching a #Bitcoin security program to coordinate with the global cyber, crypto, and $BTC security community.
Key points he made: ⚡ Quantum computing is 10+ years away ⚡ The world already relies on the same cryptography Bitcoin uses ⚡ If Bitcoin ever needs an upgrade, it happens via global consensus
Scott Bessent was asked by Cynthia Lummis whether China is using digital assets to challenge U.S. financial leadership.
He said there’s no hard proof yet -- but he wouldn’t be surprised.
He pointed to Hong Kong’s large blockchain sandbox and global outreach by the HKMA, including rumors of digital assets potentially backed by something other than the RMB.
Grant Cardone is calling attention to a regulatory gray area that lets Bitcoin holders harvest tax losses without sitting on the sidelines.
As of 2026, crypto is still classified by the IRS as property, not a security ; meaning the Wash Sale Rule doesn’t apply to directly held cryptocurrencies.