Steven Walgenbach

The US government’s Bitcoin strategy just became a little clearer.
During congressional testimony, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will keep the Bitcoin it has seized through legal cases, but it won’t step in to support the market or tell banks to buy more during downturns. He emphasized that neither the Treasury nor the Financial Stability Oversight Council has the authority to “bail out” Bitcoin.
That means the country’s strategic reserve will stay limited to confiscated assets and budget-neutral strategies, rather than direct market purchases. Interestingly, the roughly $500 million in seized Bitcoin the government once held has reportedly grown to more than $15 billion in value while in custody.
The testimony highlights how policymakers are still trying to balance Bitcoin’s growing strategic importance with legal constraints and political skepticism. For now, the US appears to be taking a cautious, hold-what-we-have approach rather than actively accumulating more.
#Bitcoin #CryptoPolicy #DigitalAssets $BTC

Prediction markets just got a major regulatory reprieve in the United States.
The #CFTC has withdrawn a Biden-era proposal that would have banned sports and political event contracts, signaling a shift toward a more innovation-friendly approach. The agency’s new leadership said future rules will be grounded in the Commodity Exchange Act and aimed at promoting responsible innovation rather than outright prohibitions.
That’s a meaningful development for platforms like #Polymarket and #Kalshi , which have faced legal challenges and regulatory uncertainty in recent months. While the decision doesn’t resolve state-level disputes, it removes a significant federal overhang on one of the fastest-growing segments of the derivatives market.
For crypto-linked trading platforms and event-based markets, the move could open the door to new products and broader adoption—depending on how the next round of rulemaking unfolds.
#Regulation #PredictionMarkets

BBVA is stepping deeper into the digital asset space.
Spain’s second-largest bank has joined a consortium of major European lenders working to launch a regulated euro-backed stablecoin under the EU’s MiCA framework. The group, which already includes names like BNP Paribas, ING, and UniCredit, is aiming to build a bank-supported on-chain payment system that can compete with the dominance of dollar-denominated stablecoins.
Right now, the global stablecoin market is overwhelmingly tied to the U.S. dollar, with only a small fraction linked to the euro. Projects like this suggest European banks don’t want to rely on foreign-issued tokens for blockchain payments and settlements in the long run.
If the Qivalis initiative clears regulatory approval, the euro stablecoin is expected to launch in the second half of 2026—potentially marking one of the first large-scale, bank-issued digital currencies in Europe.
#Crypto #Stablecoins #Europe

CME Group may be getting ready to take a much bigger step into crypto.
During its latest earnings call, CEO Terry Duffy revealed that the derivatives giant is exploring the idea of launching its own cryptocurrency. The proposed token could potentially run on a decentralized network and be used by industry participants for margin, settlement, or other market functions.
The comment came while Duffy was discussing tokenized collateral, suggesting #CME is actively thinking about how blockchain-based assets could fit into the core plumbing of financial markets. The firm is already working on a tokenized cash initiative with Google, and this new idea points to an even deeper move into on-chain infrastructure.
If CME moves forward, it would join other major financial institutions experimenting with proprietary tokens to streamline settlement and improve capital efficiency. It also comes as CME prepares to roll out 24/7 crypto futures trading and new contracts tied to assets like Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar.
It’s another sign that #tokenization is moving from theory to real market infrastructure.

#Ecoinimist recently sat down with Greg Osuri, CEO of #Akash Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on decentralized cloud, AI infrastructure, and where blockchain actually makes sense.
One of the biggest takeaways? Decentralized compute isn’t about reinventing virtual machines or running AI “on-chain.” As Osuri put it, the real problem isn’t compute itself — it’s access to compute.
AI researchers and builders don’t want rigid, over-engineered cloud workflows. They want flexibility, fast iteration, and the ability to experiment without jumping through centralized gatekeepers. That’s where Akash is positioning itself: using blockchain as a coordination and access layer, while the heavy lifting happens off-chain.
It’s a refreshingly pragmatic take in a space that often over-promises “on-chain everything.”
As #AI demand continues to strain traditional cloud providers, conversations like this are becoming harder to ignore. Decentralized infrastructure may not replace AWS tomorrow — but it’s increasingly shaping how the next generation of builders thinks about cloud access.

Michael Burry is back in the spotlight with a blunt warning about bitcoin — and it’s not just crypto investors who should be paying attention.
In a recent note, Burry argued that BTC's sharp pullback may already be forcing investors to sell #gold and #silver to cover losses. If that’s true, it flips the usual “digital gold” narrative on its head. Instead of acting as a hedge, crypto stress could be spilling into assets that are supposed to stabilize portfolios.
What’s interesting isn’t just the price move itself, but the second-order effects. Burry questions whether corporate bitcoin treasuries and institutional #ETF flows provide real, lasting support, or whether they disappear the moment balance sheets come under pressure.
He’s also skeptical that bitcoin has proven itself as a safe haven, pointing out that forced selling and leverage can quickly turn correlated markets into one-way exits.
You don’t have to agree with Burry’s conclusion to find the warning useful. The bigger question is whether crypto’s growing role in portfolios means its downturns now matter far more for traditional markets than most investors are prepared for.

WisdomTree’s crypto strategy is starting to look a lot less like an experiment and a lot more like a business.
At the #Ondo Summit in New York, CEO Jonathan Steinberg said the firm’s digital asset platform has grown from roughly $30 million to more than $750 million in tokenized assets in just a year — and that profitability is now within sight.
What’s interesting isn’t just the growth, but the conviction behind it. Steinberg made it clear that WisdomTree isn’t treating blockchain as a side bet. The firm has been building infrastructure, launching tokenized funds, expanding to chains like Solana, and focusing on real distribution through platforms such as WisdomTree Connect.
The bigger takeaway? This isn’t only about asset management. Steinberg framed crypto as a modernization of financial services themselves — a way to move beyond decades of layered legacy systems and toward programmable, compliant, on-chain finance.
As more traditional asset managers test the waters, #WisdomTree is already focused on scaling what it has built. The message was simple: tokenization is no longer theoretical, and firms that invested early may be the ones best positioned as finance moves on-chain.

Ethereum’s scaling conversation just hit a turning point.
Vitalik Buterin is openly rethinking the role of layer-2 networks, saying the original idea that L2s should be Ethereum’s primary scaling engine no longer holds up. His argument is straightforward: many #L2s haven’t decentralized as promised, while the Ethereum mainnet itself is quietly becoming more capable through gas limit increases and the emergence of native rollups.
What’s interesting isn’t just the technical shift, but what it signals culturally. For years, “#Ethereum scales via L2s” was treated as settled doctrine. Now, the focus is swinging back to strengthening the base layer, with L2s encouraged to specialize in areas like privacy, finance, social apps, and #AI rather than acting as general-purpose throughput machines. Whether you agree or not, this feels like one of those moments that future Ethereum roadmaps will point back to and say: this is where the direction changed.

When Extreme Fear Meets Extreme Valuations in Crypto
#Crypto markets just went through one of their more uncomfortable weeks in recent memory. Heavy #ETF outflows and aggressive futures liquidations combined to push prices sharply lower, reinforcing a sense of exhaustion across the market. #Bitcoin led the move, sliding into a sparsely traded range where prices haven’t spent much time historically, and where investor nerves are clearly being tested.
What stands out, though, is what’s happening beneath the surface. On-chain and valuation metrics are now flashing signals that have rarely appeared outside of major market stress events. Bitcoin’s longer-term valuation measures have fallen to levels that, in past cycles, tended to show up closer to market lows than market tops. At the same time, sentiment indicators have collapsed into extreme fear territory, reflecting just how defensive positioning has become.
This is where the story gets more interesting. Historically, periods of deep pessimism have often coincided with moments when risk-reward dynamics quietly start to shift. That doesn’t mean volatility disappears overnight or that prices can’t move lower in the short term. But it does suggest the market may be transitioning from a momentum-driven sell-off into a phase where longer-term investors start paying closer attention.
There’s also a broader macro angle worth watching. While crypto sentiment remains deeply negative, signals from traditional markets—particularly precious #metals and manufacturing indicators—are beginning to hint at a reflationary backdrop. In previous cycles, improving growth expectations and reflation trends have tended to support risk assets, including bitcoin, once the dust from corrections begins to settle.

#SpaceX has officially acquired xAI, bringing two of Elon Musk’s most ambitious ventures under one roof—and the rationale goes far beyond consolidation.
#Musk says the future of artificial intelligence can’t stay on Earth. As AI models grow more power-hungry, traditional data centers are hitting physical and energy limits. The solution he’s betting on? Space-based AI infrastructure powered by orbital systems and solar energy.
By folding #xAI into SpaceX, the company is now combining rockets, satellites, communications networks, and AI model development into a single, vertically integrated platform. It’s a bold attempt to rethink where—and how—next-generation AI is built.
The move also raises new questions around SpaceX’s long-discussed #IPO and how AI fits into its valuation story. One thing is clear: this isn’t just a merger—it’s a signal of where Musk believes the next frontier of AI will live.
Worth watching closely.

A new report from #JPMorgan Private Bank sheds light on how the world’s wealthiest families are navigating an increasingly uncertain investment landscape—and the findings may surprise some crypto advocates.
Despite years of growing attention around #Bitcoin and digital assets, nearly 90% of global family offices still report no exposure to cryptocurrencies. Even gold, long viewed as a classic hedge during times of geopolitical and economic stress, is missing from many portfolios. That suggests this isn’t just skepticism toward #crypto specifically, but a broader preference for traditional portfolio construction and risk management.
The reasoning is familiar: volatility remains a major hurdle. For investors focused on preserving wealth across generations, sharp drawdowns and inconsistent correlations make it difficult to justify meaningful allocations to digital assets, particularly when those assets are still evolving from a regulatory and market-structure perspective.
What’s especially notable is where family offices are willing to lean in. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a clear priority, with a majority of families planning to increase exposure in the years ahead. Unlike crypto, #AI is seen as a productivity engine with tangible use cases, clearer revenue paths, and the potential to reshape entire industries rather than trade primarily on market sentiment.
The report also highlights how conservative most portfolios remain at their core. Public equities—especially U.S. large-cap stocks—continue to dominate, complemented by private market strategies that allow capital to be deployed gradually and thoughtfully. It’s a reminder that for many family offices, success is less about catching the next big trend and more about disciplined allocation over time.
Taken together, the data paints a clear picture: while crypto remains part of the global conversation, it is still far from a default allocation for the ultra-wealthy.

Senator Elizabeth Warren isn’t holding back.
Following new reporting on a UAE intelligence-linked investment in a #Trump crypto company, Warren is calling the situation “corruption, plain and simple” and demanding congressional hearings. She argues that senior administration officials should testify about whether U.S. national security was compromised to benefit a president-linked crypto venture — and whether anyone personally profited in the process.
Warren’s comments zero in on the broader issue she’s been warning about for years: #crypto operating in the shadows of power, with limited transparency and weak guardrails. In her view, this isn’t just about one deal — it’s about whether #Congress is willing to assert oversight when foreign money, emerging technology, and political influence collide.
The White House denies any wrongdoing, but Warren’s push signals that this story is far from over. If hearings move forward, the crypto industry could find itself at the center of a much larger debate about ethics, foreign influence, and accountability.
#CryptoRegulation #ElizabethWarren

Michael Saylor is back on traders’ timelines just as Bitcoin enters one of its more uncomfortable phases on the daily chart.
After a sharp selloff pushed $BTC into deeply oversold territory, Saylor posted his now-familiar “More Orange” message — a signal many market participants read as renewed accumulation by Strategy. It came at a moment when Bitcoin dipped below the firm’s estimated cost basis, a rare occurrence after years of largely profitable holdings.
Technically, the picture remains heavy. #Bitcoin is still trading below key daily resistance, momentum indicators continue to favor sellers, and market sentiment has weakened alongside broader risk assets. At the same time, oversold conditions are starting to flash, raising the possibility of a short-term bounce even as the broader trend stays under pressure.
Whether this move ends as another buy-the-dip moment or the start of a deeper correction will likely depend on how Bitcoin behaves around current support — and whether buyers step in with conviction rather than caution.
For now, Saylor’s signal adds an interesting layer to a market that’s clearly still finding its footing.
#Strategy #BTC #MichaelSaylor

A quiet crypto deal is now drawing a lot of attention.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, a UAE-backed investment vehicle agreed to buy a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial — a cryptocurrency startup linked to President Donald #Trump — for $500 million just days before Trump returned to the White House.
The transaction was not publicly disclosed at the time, even as Trump-linked ownership later fell sharply. The timing, the scale of the investment, and the geopolitical backdrop are now raising questions in Washington, particularly as U.S.–UAE relations around AI and advanced technology have shifted since the election.
While the White House and the company deny any wrongdoing, the story highlights how crypto, global capital, and politics are becoming increasingly intertwined — often outside the public spotlight.
As regulators and lawmakers continue to examine crypto’s role in global finance, deals like this show why transparency remains such a critical issue.
#Crypto #GlobalFinance #Politics $WLFI

Strategy just made another move that shows how its bitcoin playbook is evolving.
The company raised the dividend on its #Stretch (STRC) preferred stock to 11.25% for February, marking the sixth increase since the product launched last year. It’s a reminder that while #Strategy is best known for its massive $BTC holdings, it’s also quietly building an income-focused capital stack designed to weather volatility.
The timing is notable. The increase came after #Bitcoin briefly slipped below levels that pushed Strategy’s average cost basis underwater, before rebounding. Rather than pulling back, the company adjusted STRC’s yield higher, reinforcing its message that these preferred offerings are actively managed tools, not set-and-forget products.
By pairing monthly dividend resets with dedicated reserve funding, Strategy is positioning STRC as a way to offer predictable income while keeping long-term conviction in Bitcoin intact. It’s a hybrid approach that blends traditional finance mechanics with a crypto-native balance sheet — and it’s becoming a bigger part of how the company navigates market swings.
For investors watching Strategy, the takeaway is clear: bitcoin may drive the headlines, but capital structure is increasingly part of the story too.

Partial Government Shutdown Begins as Congress Signals Deal Is Within Reach
The U.S. government has entered a partial shutdown after Congress missed a midnight deadline to finalize a spending package, allowing funding to lapse across several major federal departments, including defense, health, and foreign affairs. Federal agencies have begun implementing shutdown procedures, furloughing nonessential workers while maintaining essential services as lawmakers work toward a resolution.
Despite the lapse, congressional leaders emphasized that the shutdown is expected to be temporary. The Senate approved a revised funding package late Friday that would finance most federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two additional weeks to allow further negotiations on proposed reforms.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, which recessed before the deadline and is expected to vote on the package shortly after returning to Washington. The White House has endorsed the deal, adding pressure on House lawmakers to act quickly to restore full funding.
The standoff shows how broader policy disputes—particularly around immigration enforcement—are increasingly shaping budget negotiations, even when Congress appears close to agreement. For now, Washington is bracing for a short-term disruption as both parties seek to break the impasse and prevent a prolonged shutdown.
#USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #Congress

Bitcoin Slides Toward Two-Month Lows as Warsh Fed Pick Leaves Markets Unconvinced
#Bitcoin traded near its weakest levels in two months after Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, a move that failed to provide the policy clarity or confidence boost many crypto investors had been hoping for. While Warsh has recently aligned with Trump’s calls for lower interest rates, his history as a traditional central banker with a cautious stance on inflation has left markets unsure how aggressively he would ease policy once in office.
The uncertainty comes at a fragile moment for digital assets. Bitcoin remains more than 30% below its recent peak, with sustained outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin #ETFs signaling ongoing institutional caution. Risk sentiment has also deteriorated more broadly, with investors gravitating toward gold and other traditional safe-haven assets as geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures persist. The divergence has reignited debate over Bitcoin’s role as “digital gold,” particularly as its performance continues to lag precious metals.
At the same time, heavy liquidations across crypto derivatives markets underscore how quickly optimism has unwound, amplifying downside pressure during periods of thinning liquidity. While some buyers are emerging at current levels, traders remain wary that a break below key support could open the door to further volatility in the days ahead.
#CryptoMarkets #MacroEconomy $BTC

Tether’s $10B Profit Year Highlights the Rising Power of Stablecoins
#Tether wrapped up 2025 with more than $10 billion in net profit, capping a year defined by rapid growth in USDT circulation and a balance sheet increasingly anchored by traditional financial assets. USDT supply expanded to over $186 billion, reinforcing its position as the dominant digital dollar in global crypto markets and cross-border payments.
A key driver behind Tether’s profitability was its expanding exposure to U.S. Treasuries, which reached historic levels and placed the company among the world’s largest holders of U.S. government debt. The firm also continued to diversify its reserves through significant allocations to gold and bitcoin, highlighting a strategy that blends liquidity, yield, and long-term value preservation.
The latest figures come as stablecoins play a growing role in global finance, moving beyond trading pairs into payments, remittances, and institutional settlement. At the same time, regulators are sharpening their focus on reserve quality and transparency, particularly in the United States. Against that backdrop, Tether is entering 2026 with a strengthened balance sheet and an expanding footprint in the U.S. market, underscoring how stablecoins are becoming a structural component of the digital financial system.
#Stablecoins #CryptoMarkets #DigitalFinance

Gold’s Historic Valuation Signal Raises Late-Cycle Warning
Cathie Wood, CEO of #ARK Invest, says gold may be approaching a late-cycle peak after the metal’s total market value relative to U.S. M2 money supply reached an all-time high. The ratio has now exceeded levels seen during the 1980 inflation crisis and even matched extremes recorded during the Great Depression in 1934 — periods associated with major monetary and market disruptions.
Wood noted that today’s economic environment differs significantly from those historical eras, with neither double-digit inflation nor severe monetary contraction present. She added that while central banks have diversified reserves away from the U.S. dollar in recent years, Treasury yields have cooled from their 2023 highs, which could change the macro balance if the dollar strengthens. According to Wood, parabolic price moves often occur near the end of asset cycles, and in her view, the current bubble risk may be forming in gold rather than in artificial intelligence.
#Gold #MacroMarkets #Investing

Strategy Shares Slide as Bitcoin Selloff Tightens Corporate Treasury Margin
Shares of Strategy dropped more than 9% in the past 24 hours as Bitcoin fell roughly 6% to around $82,000. The decline has pushed Bitcoin to within less than $10,000 of the company’s average purchase price across its long-term BTC accumulation strategy that began in 2020.
The move highlights how closely corporate treasury strategies tied to digital assets remain linked to real-time market sentiment. As the largest public corporate holder of Bitcoin, the company’s share price often reacts more aggressively than the underlying asset during sharp market swings, particularly when price levels approach key psychological thresholds tied to long-term cost basis levels.
The latest market move comes amid broader crypto volatility, reinforcing how corporate balance sheets exposed to Bitcoin can experience amplified equity volatility during periods of rapid downside price action.
#Bitcoin #CryptoMarkets #CryptoNews $BTC #MSTR