The global digital asset market entered a period of "extreme fear" on February 5, 2026, as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) decisively broke below their most critical psychological and technical support levels. For the first time since the 2024 election cycle, Bitcoin tumbled below the 70,000-dollar threshold, reaching local lows of 69,074 dollars during high-volume afternoon trading in New York. Simultaneously, Ethereum breached the 2,000-dollar mark, a level that had served as the bedrock of the 2025 institutional narrative. This dual breakdown has wiped out approximately 111 billion dollars in total market capitalization in a single 24-hour window, triggering a massive wave of liquidations that has decimated leveraged long positions. Market analysts attribute the severity of the crash to a "perfect storm" of geopolitical deadlock in the Middle East, a strengthening U.S. dollar, and the recent nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, which has signaled a potentially more restrictive monetary regime for speculative assets. The Collapse of the Digital Gold Narrative Amidst Safe Haven Rotation The current rout has fundamentally challenged the long-held belief that Bitcoin serves as a reliable "digital gold" or a non-correlated safe haven. During the February 5 sell-off, investors notably rotated out of crypto and into traditional stores of value, with physical gold and U.S. Treasuries seeing a spike in demand while digital assets were treated as a primary source of liquidity for distressed sales. This "scissors difference" in performance has left many institutional investors feeling the "pinch," particularly those who entered the market during the 100,000-dollar hype of late 2024. The correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq 100 has surged to 0.8, confirming that in the eyes of the broader financial system, crypto is behaving like a high-beta technology stock rather than an independent monetary asset. This "identity crisis" is further compounded by the stagnation of stablecoin expansion, with Tether’s market cap recording negative growth for the first time since 2023, indicating a total withdrawal of the liquidity that typically fuels market recoveries. Technical Breakdown and the Search for a Sustainable Market Bottom With the 70,000 and 2,000-dollar floors now converted into overhead resistance, technical analysts are looking toward deeper support zones to identify a potential bottom for the 2026 cycle. On-chain data from Glassnode reveals a massive "vacuum in demand," with spot trading volumes reaching their lowest levels in 18 months. Some bearish forecasts now suggest that Bitcoin could test the 64,000-dollar range, which represents the 200-week exponential moving average, while Ethereum remains at risk of sliding toward the 1,665-dollar level if the current "inverse-cup-and-handle" pattern completes its technical resolution. The "Coinbase Premium Gap" has also dropped to its lowest level since December 2024, signaling that institutional "whales" are not yet stepping in to support the market. Until there is a clear shift in Federal Reserve policy or a de-escalation of global geopolitical tensions, the path of least resistance for the crypto market remains to the downside, leaving the industry to navigate what many fear could be the onset of a new, prolonged "crypto winter.

In a striking departure from the prevailing "extreme fear" in the digital asset markets, JPMorgan Chase published a research note on February 5, 2026, asserting that Bitcoin (BTC) has become "more attractive than gold" on a risk-adjusted basis. This contrarian call, led by global markets strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, comes as Bitcoin struggles to maintain the 70,000-dollar level while gold continues its historic rally toward 5,500 dollars. JPMorgan’s analysis highlights a "sharp divergence" where gold’s rising volatility and Bitcoin’s recent price reset have compressed the risk gap between the two assets to historic lows. The bank’s proprietary "Bitcoin-to-gold volatility ratio" has drifted to 1.5, suggesting that the "digital gold" narrative is being fundamentally re-priced. According to the report, once the current negative sentiment dissipates, Bitcoin's theoretical market cap would need to rise to a price point of 266,000 dollars to match the private sector's total investment in physical gold. The Breakdown of the "Debasement Trade" and the Shift to Precious Metals The bank’s researchers noted that the "debasement trade"—a strategy where investors buy both Bitcoin and gold to hedge against currency devaluation—has fractured over the past six months. Since August 2025, retail and institutional flows have decisively shifted toward gold and silver ETFs, which saw nearly 60 billion dollars in cumulative inflows, while Bitcoin ETF flows stagnated and eventually turned negative in early 2026. This rotation indicates that investors are currently prioritizing the "analog" security of precious metals over the "digital" potential of crypto in the face of escalating global trade tensions and the Greenland geopolitical crisis. However, JPMorgan argues that this trend has left Bitcoin "significantly oversold" and undervalued relative to its production cost, which the bank calculates to be approximately 87,000 dollars. By falling below its cost of production, Bitcoin is now entering a "capitulation phase" that historically precedes a long-term structural rebound for high-conviction institutional holders. Looking Toward a Trillion Dollar Upside and the "Vol Adjusted" Target While acknowledging that a recovery to 266,000 dollars is "unrealistic" within the current calendar year, JPMorgan maintains a medium-term upside target of 170,000 dollars based on Bitcoin’s improving market structure. The report emphasizes that the recent deleveraging event—which saw nearly 19 billion dollars in liquidations—has flushed out speculative froth, leaving the market in its healthiest state since the 2024 halving. Unlike gold, which is nearing "overbought" territory according to futures positioning data, Bitcoin’s "oversold" status presents a tactical entry point for diversifiers who view the asset as a 21st-century equity hedge. As households replace long-duration bonds with alternative stores of value, JPMorgan expects gold to eventually reach 8,500 dollars, but notes that Bitcoin’s higher "beta" offers a superior growth profile for those willing to withstand short-term turbulence. The bank concludes that as the Federal Reserve’s "higher for longer" stance eventually softens, the capital currently hiding in gold will inevitably seek the higher velocity of the digital asset layer.

The Brazilian financial landscape reached a critical regulatory juncture on February 5, 2026, as the Chamber of Deputies accelerated the progress of Bill 4.308/2024, a legislative move specifically designed to prohibit algorithmic stablecoins from the national market. This bill, which has gained significant momentum following the collapse of several unbacked digital assets in recent years, mandates that all stablecoins operating within Brazil maintain a strict 1:1 reserve in fiat currency or high-quality liquid assets. By requiring the total segregation of client funds from proprietary capital, the proposed law effectively outlaws the "algorithmic" or "rebalancing" models used by assets like Ethena’s USDe and the defunct Terra UST. Brazilian regulators have framed this shift as a necessary step to protect retail investors and maintain systemic stability, ensuring that any asset marketed as a "stablecoin" possesses a verifiable and immediate claim to underlying collateral. Integration with BCB Resolutions and the New VASP Certification Standards The legislative push in Congress is being closely coordinated with the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB), which recently launched its most comprehensive crypto oversight framework to date. As of February 2, 2026, the market transitioned into a new era governed by BCB Instruction No. 701 and Resolution No. 520, which establish rigorous technical certification requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). Under these rules, any institution wishing to facilitate the issuance, trading, or custody of stablecoins must undergo an independent audit of their "mint and burn" mechanisms and reserve management protocols. The BCB has explicitly warned that assets lacking transparent, non-algorithmic stabilization will be subject to delisting or suspension. This regulatory alignment ensures that by the time Bill 4.308/2024 is potentially enacted into law, the central bank will already possess the supervisory tools to enforce a "collateral-first" mandate across all licensed Sociedades Prestadoras de Serviços de Ativos Virtuais (SPSAVs). Strategic Preparation for Drex and the Shift Toward Institutional Grade Assets Beyond consumer protection, Brazil’s tightening stance on algorithmic models is viewed by many analysts as a strategic preparation for the wider rollout of Drex, the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). By narrowing the field of eligible stablecoin designs to only those that are fully backed and highly regulated, authorities are creating a clear, low-risk environment for the integration of digital dollars with the burgeoning Drex ecosystem. This "flight to quality" is already reshaping the local industry, with major Brazilian financial institutions like Itaú and Nubank focusing their efforts on fiat-backed tokens that can serve as reliable bridges for cross-border remittances and on-chain payments. For the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector in Brazil, the new law represents a significant hurdle for experimental constructs that rely on internal arbitrage rather than external reserves. However, for the broader financial system, it signals a decisive move toward treating stablecoins as integral components of the national payment infrastructure, governed by the same prudential standards that protect traditional depositors.

Why Schwab Is Open to Prediction Market Signals Charles Schwab is exploring how prediction markets might inform investors without crossing into event-based trading, according to comments from chief executive Rick Wurster. Speaking to Yahoo Finance, Wurster said probability data derived from prediction markets could serve as a useful informational input for clients, even if Schwab never operates such markets itself. Wurster described prediction markets as serving three broad functions, only two of which Schwab views as compatible with its business. The first is informational: markets that aggregate probabilities around future events can provide signals that investors may find helpful when assessing risk. “The first is that prediction markets offer you insights into the probability of different events,” Wurster said. “As an investor, that information is good to know about.” He added that Schwab could eventually surface such probability data directly to clients, positioning it alongside research and market data rather than as a tradable product. The idea reflects growing interest among traditional financial firms in using prediction markets as a data source rather than a trading venue. Investor Takeaway Schwab’s comments suggest prediction markets may gain influence inside mainstream investing tools as data inputs, even where brokers avoid offering the contracts themselves. Where Schwab Sees a Clear Use Case — and Where It Doesn’t The second category Wurster highlighted involves contracts tied to economic and financial outcomes, such as inflation releases or employment data. He said these markets can appeal to investors who want to manage exposure around macro events that directly affect portfolios. “If this inflation report comes in hot, I'm going to get hurt, so I want to hedge myself,” Wurster said, framing such contracts as potentially relevant within an investing context despite their speculative aspects. That tolerance ends when it comes to sports-related contracts. Wurster rejected the idea that sports betting fits within Schwab’s role as a brokerage focused on long-term financial outcomes. “That’s something we really struggle with and is counter to our mission,” he said. “People generally don’t get better off in their financial life via gambling.” Wurster made clear that Schwab has no interest in competing in that segment, even as sports contracts account for much of the activity across prediction markets. “We’ll leave it to the FanDuels and the Robinhoods and others that are positioning themselves as gambling firms,” he said. Sports Contracts Drive Volume as Oversight Tightens Wurster’s comments land as prediction markets continue to expand rapidly while facing uneven regulatory treatment across the United States. Sports-linked contracts dominate volumes on major platforms, even as regulators debate whether such products fall under financial or gaming rules. At the federal level, oversight has recently tilted toward allowing regulated event markets to operate. Earlier this week, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission withdrew a prior proposal that would have barred political event contracts. CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the agency would instead pursue a framework that supports “lawful innovation.” That federal posture contrasts with growing resistance at the state level. Nevada’s gaming regulator recently sued Coinbase, arguing that sports-related event contracts offered by the exchange amount to unlicensed betting under state law. Similar tensions are playing out in other jurisdictions as states assert authority over sports wagering. Despite those clashes, trading activity continues to rise. Data cited by The Block shows combined monthly volumes on Kalshi and Polymarket climbing from roughly $2 billion last summer to nearly $17.5 billion in January, with sports markets accounting for the bulk of that activity. Investor Takeaway Rising volumes alongside fragmented oversight point to ongoing legal risk for platforms tied to sports outcomes, even as demand remains strong. How Brokerages May Engage Without Offering Trading Schwab’s stance highlights a middle ground emerging among traditional financial firms. Rather than hosting prediction markets, brokers may extract value from the data those markets produce, using probabilities as another lens on future outcomes. This approach allows firms to benefit from crowd-based forecasting while avoiding the reputational and regulatory exposure associated with event trading. It also reflects a broader pattern in which financial institutions selectively integrate crypto and alternative-market data without adopting the underlying products. Crypto exchanges, by contrast, are moving more directly into event-based trading. This week, Crypto.com launched a standalone prediction markets app ahead of the Super Bowl, reinforcing how exchanges view sports-linked contracts as a growth area despite regulatory pushback. Wurster suggested that any deeper involvement by Schwab would remain tightly constrained by the firm’s focus on financial planning and investor support. “The main thing is to give our investors the information,” he said, adding that any future offering would need to sit alongside Schwab’s existing research and advisory framework.

Bitcoin cryptocurrency can be expected to fall further toward the next round support level 60000.00 (target price for the completion of the active short-term impulse wave C). Bitcoin broke support area Likely to fall to support level 60000.00 Bitcoin cryptocurrency recently broke the support area located between the powerful support level 74720.00 (previous yearly low from 2025, as can be seen from the daily Bitcoin chart below) and the 61.8% Fibonacci correction of the sharp extended weekly upward price impulse (3) from middle of 2024. The breakout of this support area accelerated the active short-term impulse wave C – which belongs to the medium-term ABC correction (4) from the end of 2025. Given the strength of the active impulse wave C and the widespread bearish sentiment seen across the crypto markets today, Bitcoin cryptocurrency can be expected to fall further toward the next round support level 60000.00 (target price for the completion of the active short-term impulse wave C). [caption id="attachment_189598" align="alignnone" width="800"] Bitcoin Technical Analysis[/caption] The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

According to specialists in the field, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are holding up well throughout a big market drop. Even though the price of Bitcoin has dropped significantly in the last few months, ETF holders seem to be holding on to their investments, suggesting they believe in the asset's long-term potential. Since they launched in January 2024, U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted their largest unrealized losses. ETF expert James Seyffart said, "The ETFs are still hanging in there pretty good." Seyffart said in a recent social media post that holders are dealing with a paper loss of almost 42% because Bitcoin is trading below $73,000. However, the products have not suffered huge outflows. Resilience in Flows During a Downtrend Early data from Farside Investors shows that net inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs reached a high of about $62.11 billion before the market fell in October. Right now, these inflows have dropped to roughly $55 billion. Seyffart said this change was "not too shabby," stressing that the outflows are not as large as past influxes during market highs. Market data shows that Bitcoin's spot price has dropped 24.73% in the last 30 days, finishing at $70,537. Rand, a crypto analytics account, said in a post that this is "the first time in history there have been three consecutive months of outflows," which shows how rare the situation is. Jim Bianco, an investment expert, provided more information on how investors behave. He said that the typical spot Bitcoin ETF holder is currently 24% "underwater and collectively holding." This shows that investors are determined to ride out the storm rather than sell their holdings all at once. Critics of Short-Sighted Views Some analysts say the current negative attitude overlooks Bitcoin's strong performance in the past. Eric Balchunas, an ETF expert, said that the community's reactions are short-sighted. "Bitcoiners are being very short-sighted," Balchunas said.  He pointed out that Bitcoin has risen by more than 400% since 2022, far outpacing gold's 177% gain and silver's 350% climb. He said, "In other words, bitcoin spanked everything so badly in '23 and '24 (which people seem to forget) that those other assets still haven't caught up, even though it was their best year ever and BTC was in a coma." This feeling is similar to other worries about how people feel about the market. Ki Young Ju, the CEO of CryptoQuant, said, "Every Bitcoin analyst is now bearish," suggesting that there is significant negativity around the commodity that may not fully explain its strength. Looking Ahead: Good Things in the Crypto World Even amid problems, the steady flow of Bitcoin ETFs could mean investors are getting better at making decisions in the crypto market. As the market goes through this four-month decline, the relative stability of these funds provides a contrast to Bitcoin's dramatic price drop.  Seyffart and Balchunas, two analysts, say that focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term losses can help us understand what's happening right now. Bitcoin ETFs have shown this level of strength, so the sector may be ready to bounce back when the broader economy stabilizes. For now, holders' faith is a bright spot in an otherwise rough time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Establish comprehensive key management policies that cover lifecycle stages, including replacement and destruction, to ensure systematic security. Use secure key generation methods with strong algorithms and hardware support to create reliable new keys during rotation. Implement rollover processes with transition periods to minimize disruptions during the phase-out of old keys. Encrypt and store backups offline, utilizing seed phrases for recovery in cryptocurrency wallets. Enforce access controls and regular audits to prevent unauthorized use during and after key replacement.   Cryptographic keys are fundamental to securing cryptocurrency transactions, wallets, and data encryption. Private keys give you control over digital assets, making their management an important part of cybersecurity. Key rollover, which means replacing or rotating these keys, is important to reduce the risk of potential compromises, such as long-term exposure or breaches. This process includes creating new keys, switching systems to use them, and safely disposing of old keys.  Drawing on established guidelines such as NIST SP 800-57 and industry analyses, this article examines evidence-based practices for safe key replacement in crypto environments. Research indicates that inadequate key management contributes to significant losses, with improper handling leading to irrecoverable data or asset theft. By adhering to structured protocols, users and organizations can enhance security without disrupting operations. What You Need to Know About Cryptographic Keys  There are two types of cryptographic keys: public keys for encryption and verification, and private keys for decryption and signing. In cryptocurrency, private keys authorize transactions, while seed phrases, sequences of 12-24 words, serve as backups for key regeneration using protocols like BIP-39. Security assessments say that keys should be treated as valuable assets, and their lifecycle should include creation, sharing, use, storage, revocation, and destruction. Compromised keys can expose entire wallets, underscoring the need for periodic replacement. Experts emphasize that keys should never be hardcoded or shared, as this amplifies vulnerability. For example, in mobile and app-based crypto systems, keys need to be protected against memory dumps and side-channel attacks. Why Replace Crypto Keys? Key replacement, or rotation, is driven by the principle of limiting exposure time. Prolonged use of the same key increases the risk of compromise through brute-force attacks, leaks, or quantum threats. According to cryptographic standards, regular rotation reduces the impact of a breach, as attackers can access only data encrypted with the old key.  In crypto wallets, replacement is crucial during device repairs, software updates, or suspected exposures. Research from cybersecurity frameworks shows that lost keys without backups make encrypted assets inaccessible, and poor rotation practices have led to blockchain incidents costing millions of dollars. Analysts recommend rotation intervals based on key strength and usage, e.g., shorter for high-traffic keys, to align with evolving threats. Making Rules for Managing Keys Robust key management policies form the foundation for safe replacement. These policies should cover the entire lifecycle, including secure generation using approved algorithms like AES-256, distribution via encrypted channels, and controlled access. Policies must include procedures for replacing things, such as setting validity periods and automating rotations, as experts have said they should.  For crypto applications, this involves documenting roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability. One key practice is to encrypt keys with key-encryption keys (KEKs) before storage or backup, preventing unauthorized recovery. Analysts say firms risk permanently losing data if they don't have written protocols in place. Secure Key Generation and Algorithm Selection Safe replacement begins with generating strong new keys. Use cryptographically secure random number generators and adhere to standards such as NIST for algorithm selection, e.g., transitioning from 2048-bit to 3072-bit RSA keys for enhanced security. In crypto, don't use the same keys for multiple purposes, as this weakens isolation.  Experts say that to reduce the risk of tampering, you should give keys to specialized tasks, such as signing or encrypting. When replacing keys, use isolated environments such as Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to prevent interception. Research shows that past breaches have exploited weak generation methods, such as insufficient entropy. This shows how important it is to have hardware-backed processes. Implementing Key Rotation and Rollover When you rotate keys, you add a new one and remove the old one. The rollover process typically includes adding the new key to services, allowing a transition period for users to adapt, and then removing the old key at a scheduled time. This means that for crypto wallets, you can change your private keys and seed phrases without losing access.  Analysts recommend automated tools for efficiency, with validity periods set to enforce regular rotations, e.g., every 90 days for sensitive keys. In blockchain applications, use envelope encryption: wrap data encryption keys (DEKs) with master KEKs for secure transmission during rollover. This method, per NIST SP 800-38F, includes integrity checks to ensure keys remain untampered. Secure Storage and Backup During Replacement During key replacement, secure storage is paramount. Put new keys into hardware modules such as TPMs or TEEs. These keep them safe from software bugs. You should encrypt your backups and keep them offline. In crypto wallets, you can use seed phrases to get your money back.  Experts say not to back up your data online because it makes it easier for hackers to get to it. Instead, use physical media or split backups. For private keys, never embed them in source code or share them; load them dynamically from secure vaults. Studies show that using white-box cryptography with storage methods protects against side-channel leaks during transitions. Control of Access and Revocation Restrict key access through role-based controls and audit logs to track usage. During replacement, revoke old keys immediately after rollover to prevent exploitation. In crypto systems, this involves updating wallet configurations and notifying users.  Analysts say that wallets should have strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). If you think someone has compromised your keys, securely destroy them by overwriting the data several times so that it can't be recovered. Regular audits of access permissions are among the best ways to reduce insider threats. Leveraging Hardware and Software Protections Use hardware-backed security for important tasks when replacing. HSMs securely handle generation and storage, offloading risk from software. White-box cryptography hides keys within software code, making it harder to reverse-engineer. In crypto repairs, wipe devices or use temporary keys before service. Experts recommend verifying firmware and using cold wallets for high-value assets to minimize exposure. Risks and Mitigation Strategies When you replace a key, you risk downtime, data loss, or incomplete rollovers that leave you with two keys that can be hacked. Mitigation involves testing in staging environments and maintaining backups.  Research from breach analyses shows that ignoring rotation amplifies losses, with quantum computing posing future threats to current keys. To counter, adopt key management systems (KMS) to automate and comply with standards such as the OWASP guidelines. Analysts urge education on threats, as human error often underlies compromises. FAQs What is key rollover in crypto key management? Key rollover is the process of generating a new key to replace an existing one, allowing a transition period before removing the old key to maintain service continuity. How often should crypto keys be rotated? Rotation frequency depends on usage and risk, but experts recommend intervals like every 90 days for high-sensitivity keys, aligned with validity periods. What role do seed phrases play in key replacement? Seed phrases enable regeneration of private keys using BIP-39 protocols if a wallet is lost, serving as a secure backup during replacement. Why avoid hardcoding keys during replacement? Hardcoding exposes keys to compromise; instead, use dynamic loading from secure storage to protect against memory-based attacks. What standards guide safe key replacement? Standards such as NIST SP 800-57 and the OWASP Key Management Cheat Sheet provide frameworks for lifecycle management, including secure rotation and destruction. References Top 5 Cryptographic Key Protection Best Practices - Zimperium Key Management Best Practices: A Practical Guide - SSL.com Managing cryptographic keys and secrets - Cyber.gov.au

What Has Kraken Launched? Kraken Institutional has rolled out its first managed investment strategy for clients, partnering with Bitwise Asset Management to offer a yield-focused approach built around bitcoin holdings. The product, known as the Bitwise Custom Yield Strategy, allows institutional investors to earn income on crypto assets that would otherwise remain idle. Under the arrangement, Bitwise manages the portfolio strategy while Kraken provides custody, trade execution, and risk oversight. Assets remain within Kraken’s custody throughout the process, addressing a long-standing concern among institutions about moving crypto across multiple platforms to access yield opportunities. The launch represents Kraken Institutional’s initial move beyond core custody and trading services, introducing managed strategies directly within its institutional framework. According to the exchange, additional external managers and investment strategies are expected to follow as the platform expands its offering. Investor Takeaway Institutions holding long-term bitcoin positions can now pursue yield without transferring assets off-platform, reducing operational friction and counterparty complexity. How the Bitwise Strategy Works The Bitwise Custom Yield Strategy focuses initially on bitcoin and uses a covered call options approach. Bitwise sells call options against bitcoin held in custody, collecting option premiums as income. This structure is widely used in traditional markets to generate yield on underlying assets that are expected to trade within a range. The option income can provide a partial buffer during market declines, as premiums earned may offset some losses if bitcoin prices fall. At the same time, the strategy limits upside participation during strong rallies, since gains above the strike price of the sold options are effectively given up. For institutional investors, this trade-off may be acceptable in exchange for predictable income, particularly during periods of lower volatility or sideways markets. The approach is designed for portfolio allocation rather than directional trading, with risk controls handled by the asset manager and operational oversight handled by Kraken. Why Kraken Is Expanding Into Managed Strategies Many institutions now hold crypto assets on balance sheets or within funds but generate little or no yield from those positions. Accessing structured strategies has often required coordinating across custodians, derivatives venues, and asset managers, increasing operational burden and legal complexity. Kraken’s framework is designed to address that gap by allowing external managers to run strategies while client assets remain on the exchange. This reduces the need for asset transfers and simplifies governance for institutions that prefer consolidated infrastructure. The move also reflects a broader trend among large crypto service providers to deepen relationships with institutional clients by offering integrated products rather than stand-alone services. By embedding asset management strategies into its platform, Kraken is positioning itself closer to the role played by prime brokers in traditional markets. “This offering represents the first of multiple strategies as we build the infrastructure institutions need to access diverse crypto opportunities with confidence,” Gurpreet Oberoi, head of Kraken Institutional, said in comments shared with The Block. Investor Takeaway Integrated yield strategies may appeal to institutions seeking income without adding new service providers or operational layers to existing crypto holdings. What This Means for Institutional Crypto Portfolios Covered call strategies are familiar to traditional asset managers, but their application to crypto has often been limited by market structure and custody constraints. By pairing a regulated asset manager with an established exchange, the Kraken–Bitwise setup lowers barriers that have previously kept some institutions on the sidelines. The model also highlights how exchanges are adapting as institutional participation in crypto matures. Rather than focusing solely on transaction volume, platforms are increasingly looking to support longer-term portfolio use cases, including yield generation, risk management, and capital efficiency. Kraken has indicated that more strategies and external managers will be added over time, suggesting a move toward a broader menu of managed products. If adopted at scale, this approach could reduce reliance on bespoke, multi-provider arrangements and bring crypto portfolio construction closer to established institutional norms.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Shorter RSI periods, like 5-7 on 1-5 minute charts, provide the sensitivity needed to capture quick crypto price swings. Widening overbought/oversold thresholds to 80/20 reduces false signals in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Always combine RSI with confirmation tools such as volume or EMAs to improve entry accuracy in scalping strategies. Backtesting customized RSI settings on historical crypto data is crucial for validating performance before live trading. For aggressive scalping, consider 1-3 minute timeframes with RSI levels at 20/80 to target extreme momentum reversals.   The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator invented by J. Welles Wilder in 1978. It measures how fast and how much prices change on a scale from 0 to 100. The RSI is an important tool for cryptocurrency scalping, a high-frequency trading method that seeks to capitalize on small price movements over extremely short periods.  It helps traders find overbought and oversold conditions, possible reversals, and changes in momentum. Because crypto markets are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are quite volatile, normal RSI settings often need to be tweaked to reduce false signals and make entry and exit points more accurate. This post uses well-known trading resources to examine the best RSI settings for crypto scalping and explains why they work, backed by research. How to Understand the RSI Indicator The RSI uses the formula RSI = 100 - (100 / (1 + RS)), where RS is the average gain divided by the average loss, to find the average gains and losses during a certain time period. In traditional circumstances, the lookback time is 14 periods, and the overbought and oversold levels are 70 and 30, respectively. But in scalping, when trades last from seconds to minutes, these defaults can be slow or make too much noise. Research from trading platforms stresses the importance of adjusting the period and levels to fit the asset's volatility. This is because cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can change quickly, and indicators need to be more responsive. Standard RSI Settings vs. Settings Made for Scalping The standard RSI (14-period, 70/30) is good for trading over a longer time frame, but it doesn't perform as well for scalping because signals are delayed in fast markets. Optimized settings minimize the time required to enhance sensitivity, allowing traders to catch sudden swings in momentum. For example, a shorter time frame, such as 5–9, can help identify early reversals in unstable markets, but it also increases the risk of false positives.  Because market conditions change, analysts suggest backtesting these changes using prior crypto data to get a better idea of how well they work. In crypto scalping, you aim to strike the right balance between signal frequency and accuracy. This is often done by widening thresholds to avoid whipsaws when the market is choppy. The Best RSI Times for Crypto Scalping Many people say that intervals of 5 to 7 are best for scalping on 1-minute to 5-minute charts since they respond quickly to price changes and have less latency. A 9-period RSI is a good choice for slightly longer scalps on 5-15 minute periods since it lets you get in on intra-day swings earlier. When it comes to cryptocurrency trading, shorter time frames like 5 or 6 hours work well given the market's 24/7 liquidity and abrupt volatility spikes.  This allows traders to scalp during periods of heavy volume. On the other hand, a 14-period RSI on 1-minute charts reduces the likelihood of false signals for more cautious scalpers, but it can miss short-lived opportunities. Studies show that intervals of less than 10 are best at catching momentum in assets like BTC/USDT, where prices can change by 1% to 2% in a matter of minutes. Why do these things work? Shorter time frames make you more sensitive to recent price fluctuations, which is very important in crypto's mean-reverting ranges or breakout situations. An RSI 5 on a 1-minute chart, for instance, can show that something is oversold faster than an RSI 14, which lets you buy quickly at support levels. Experts, on the other hand, warn that short periods make noise worse, which is why win rates need to be checked on platforms like TradingView. Changing the Levels of Overbought and Oversold For scalping, the default limits of 70 (overbought) and 30 (oversold) are generally too narrow, leading people to exit too soon. Optimized levels range from 80/20 to 75/25 to focus on real extremes and reduce misleading signals in crypto pairs that are moving a lot. For aggressive scalping, 90/10 or 80/20 thresholds let you enter at deeper pullbacks. This works well in moving markets when the RSI stays in extremes. In the world of crypto, settings like 70/30 still work on shorter timeframes, but for highly volatile assets, it's better to go to 80/20 to avoid overtrading. The reason is volatility adaptation: News and emotions affect crypto markets more than forex markets, which makes the RSI go to extremes more often. Wider levels filter out these levels, which improves the signal. Massimo, an analyst, says that "a lower value like 30 for oversold and a higher value like 70 for overbought can work," however, testing with 20/80 on 1-3 minute charts works better for scalping. Studies from trading groups underline that combining adjusted levels with volume confirmation makes them more reliable. Good RSI Strategies for Crypto Scalping When the RSI crosses above 20–30 on a 1-minute chart, a common strategy is to open long trades. A bullish candle and a jump in volume confirm this. For divergence, a bullish divergence (when the price makes lower lows and the RSI makes higher lows) means that a reversal is possible. This is great for scalping ranges in altcoins. In Bitcoin, use the 50-period EMA and other moving averages with the RSI to filter trends. Only enter in the direction of the higher timeframe trend. Why they are successful: These setups take advantage of RSI's ability to find momentum in crypto's fast cycles, where sudden fatigue causes reversals. As we said previously, backtesting is very important: "Backtest your RSI parameters on the exact timeframes and markets you trade before risking real capital." Combining with indicators like MACD helps to fix problems, like how RSI lags behind in strong trends. Using RSI with Other Indicators Combine RSI with other metrics, such as volume, EMA crossovers, or ATR for stops that take volatility into account, to make up for its flaws. Use RSI and Bollinger Bands together to tell breakouts from reversals in crypto scalping. Enter when RSI hits extremes at the edges of the bands. This hybrid technique, which is backed by science, increases accuracy by validating signals across a number of data points. Risks and Best Practices Optimized RSI makes scalping better, but it also comes with hazards like overtrading and slippage in crypto pairs that aren't very liquid. Best techniques include stringent risk control (1% per trade), staying away from news events, and doing regular backtesting. Analysts stress that there is no one-size-fits-all setup; each asset needs its own. FAQs What is the best RSI period for scalping crypto on a 1-minute chart? A 5-7 period RSI is often recommended for its responsiveness, though a 14-period RSI can offer fewer false signals when combined with adjusted thresholds. How do I adjust RSI levels for high-volatility crypto pairs? Widen levels to 80/20 or 75/25 to filter noise, allowing entries only at true extremes in assets like Ethereum or Solana. Can RSI be used alone for crypto scalping? No, it should be paired with other indicators like moving averages or volume to confirm signals and avoid whipsaws. Why is backtesting important for RSI settings in crypto? Crypto markets vary by asset and time, so backtesting ensures settings align with specific volatility patterns for better win rates. What timeframes work best with optimized RSI for scalping? 1-5 minute charts for aggressive scalps, or 5-15 minutes for slightly longer holds, depending on the cryptocurrency's liquidity. References Best RSI Settings for Day Trading - Goat Funded Trader RSI Indicator Settings: The Best Configurations for Maximum Trading Accuracy - Axiory How can I optimize the RSI settings for scalping in cryptocurrency trading? - BYDFi

Finding the best crypto to buy now requires analyzing current market conditions against upcoming opportunities. Solana has dropped 7% to $92, breaking below critical support levels with declining network activity. Pi Network trades at $0.156, facing a massive 193 million token unlock this month that threatens further price pressure.  Meanwhile, BlockDAG's Final Private Round offers tokens at $0.00025 with a unique 9-hour trading advantage before public markets open, having raised over $452 million across all presale phases. This comparative analysis examines three distinct cryptocurrency positions for February's best crypto investment opportunities. Solana: Breaking Support Amid Demand Weakness Solana's recent price action signals deeper structural concerns beyond typical market volatility. The cryptocurrency fell sharply on February 4, sliding close to 7% and breaking below the $100 psychological support level. Current trading around $92-93 represents a 26% decline from the $125.66 price recorded just one week earlier. The decline stems from fundamental demand issues rather than external shocks. Network data shows Solana's total value locked (TVL) has slipped by roughly 5-7% over the past week as traders reduced exposure across DeFi protocols. Additionally, stablecoin market capitalization on Solana has flattened, signaling that fresh liquidity is no longer aggressively entering the ecosystem. Despite these challenges, Standard Chartered analyst Kendrick Geoffrey trimmed his 2026 SOL forecast to $250 from $310, yet maintains a long-term target of $2,000 by 2030. The immediate outlook for those seeking the best crypto to buy now appears bearish, with technical analysis suggesting potential further downside toward $88-90 support zones. Pi Network: Facing Historic Token Unlock Pressure Pi Network presents a cautionary case study in supply dynamics for investors evaluating the best crypto to buy now in February 2026. Trading around $0.155-0.158, the token has posted minor 24-hour gains of approximately 4.27%, but remains down 94% from its all-time high reached shortly after exchange listings in 2025.  The critical challenge arrives this month with over 193 million Pi tokens scheduled to unlock, representing the largest monthly distribution until late 2027. This equates to a daily infusion of approximately 7 million tokens valued at $1.1 million entering circulating supply. Historically, scheduled unlocks of this magnitude create significant selling pressure when market demand proves insufficient to absorb new supply. Recent on-chain activity shows the Pi Core Team executed internal transfers totaling 500 million Pi (approximately $80 million) on February 4, 2026. Price prediction models suggest Pi must reclaim the $0.176-0.193 zone for any meaningful recovery, with current action likely capped between $0.155 and $0.170. BlockDAG: The 9-Hour Trading Advantage BlockDAG's Final Private Round introduces a strategic element rarely seen in cryptocurrency presales: a legitimate time advantage over public market participants. In crypto markets where speed directly translates to profit opportunity, this private round delivers tokens at $0.00025 with trading access 9 hours before global public markets open on February 16. The mathematics of this advantage are straightforward but powerful. Private round participants receive their tokens and claiming instructions before public listing goes live, creating a window where they can transfer tokens to exchanges, analyze initial market depth, set limit orders, and execute trading strategies while the broader market remains locked out. This represents genuine alpha in an industry where minutes often determine the difference between capturing pumps and becoming exit liquidity. The front-running capability cannot be overstated. While public buyers wait for the "Buy" button to appear on exchanges, private round holders will already be positioned. They can choose to take immediate profits on the confirmed $0.05 listing price (representing 200x from their $0.00025 entry), provide liquidity to earn fees during initial volatility, or hold positions established before retail FOMO potentially drives prices higher.  Critically, there are no vesting restrictions limiting this advantage. Tokens unlock instantly upon claiming, allowing private round participants to fully utilize the 9-hour window without lockup periods that typically hamper early investors in traditional presales. This structure rewards those who recognize the value of timing over those who simply chase the lowest price without considering market access dynamics. BlockDAG's presale has raised over $452 million across all phases, demonstrating sustained institutional and retail confidence. This capital base positions the project for comprehensive exchange listings and marketing campaigns that will drive awareness when public trading begins. For investors seeking the best crypto to buy now with both mathematical upside (200x spread) and strategic advantages (9-hour head start), the private round offers a compelling risk-reward profile unavailable in traditional exchange purchases. The psychological element matters as much as the technical advantage. Private round buyers won't be the exit liquidity; they'll be the ones executing trades while the rest of the market sits in the waiting room, refreshing exchange pages. Conclusion Evaluating the best crypto to buy now in February 2026 reveals stark contrasts. Solana faces demand weakness with prices breaking support at $92, while Pi Network confronts a 193 million token unloc,k threatening further downside from $0.156 levels. BlockDAG's Final Private Round offers $0.00025 entry against a $0.05 confirmed listing, backed by $452 million in presale funding and a 9-hour trading advantage.  For investors prioritizing both mathematical upside and strategic timing, the best crypto to buy now appears to be the one offering guaranteed early market access. Private Final Round: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, reported strong growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, despite the broader cryptocurrency markets facing downward pressure. According to company figures released this week, USDT’s market cap climbed to around $187 billion, while the stablecoin added an estimated 35 million users during the period. The increasing demand for USDT during a period of wider market slump that saw many tokens weaken in late 2025 suggests that stablecoins continue to play a central role in crypto trading, liquidity provisioning, and digital finance infrastructure. It also emphasizes the continued adoption of USDT, particularly among holders seeking stable dollar-linked exposure during volatile market conditions. Strong Demand and Reserve Expansion Boosted USDT Amid Market Downturn Tether’s Q4 2025 data showed that USDT’s market capitalization rose by roughly $12 billion during the quarter, pushing its total circulation to a new record of around $187.3 billion. Tether attributed this growth to expanding use cases beyond traditional crypto trading, including payments, remittances, and on-chain liquidity operations. Alongside market cap growth, Tether reported a surge in users, estimating that more than 35 million new wallets held the token by the end of Q4. This brought the global user base to over 534 million, marking eight consecutive quarters with significant user expansion. On-chain activity also increased, with more than 139 million unique active wallet addresses holding USDT, representing over 70% of all stablecoin holders globally. Tether’s reserves also expanded during the quarter, with disclosures showing total assets of about $192.9 billion, including diversified holdings such as U.S. Treasuries, gold, and accumulated Bitcoin.  The strong performance was even more impressive considering the market downturn towards the end of 2025, which caused major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to dip in prices. Analysts suggest that stablecoins like USDT often benefit during such periods, as traders and institutions seek low-volatility instruments to manage risk, settle trades, or move assets quickly between platforms. USDT Performance Shows That Stablecoins Are Here to Stay Tether’s reported acceleration in both market cap and users reflects a wider trend in the stablecoin sector. Also, the data compiled suggests that overall stablecoin market capitalization grew significantly more in 2025, with trillions of dollars in transaction volumes as demand for digital dollar equivalents surged worldwide. Some observers interpret the surge in users as a response to market volatility but also as evidence of increasing reliance on dollar-pegged tokens for payments and cross-border transfers instead of using traditional banking rails. The growth of stablecoin adoption in these use cases reflects broader shifts in how digital finance infrastructure is developing, particularly in regions with limited traditional banking access. This suggests that even amid broader market downturns, demand for stable, dollar-linked digital assets remains strong globally. As regulators continue to shape policy frameworks for stablecoins, the sector’s growth trajectory will likely continue to be led by Tether, and the asset class will remain a need for traders and investors.

What Is the Deal Between Tether and Anchorage Digital? Tether has made a $100 million strategic equity investment in Anchorage Digital, extending an existing relationship centered on regulated digital asset infrastructure. The investment was confirmed by both companies and reflects closer ties between the world’s largest stablecoin issuer and one of the few federally regulated digital asset banks in the United States. Anchorage Digital said the transaction values the firm at $4.2 billion. Alongside the investment, the company announced its first employee tender offer, allowing long-tenured staff to sell part of their equity at the same valuation. Anchorage said it chose to prioritize employee liquidity rather than raise additional primary capital. The deal does not change Anchorage’s ownership structure or regulatory status, but it reinforces the firm’s role as a core service provider to large crypto-native institutions operating within US regulatory frameworks. Investor Takeaway The investment highlights growing alignment between stablecoin issuers and regulated US infrastructure providers as compliance expectations rise. Why Regulation Is Central to the Partnership Both companies framed the investment around regulation and operational resilience rather than short-term financial return. Anchorage Digital Bank operates under a federal charter, offering custody, staking, settlement, governance services, and stablecoin issuance to institutional clients. Tether said its own growth has increased the need to work within established legal and regulatory environments, particularly as stablecoins attract closer scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. The company pointed to its existing use of Anchorage’s banking, compliance, and custody services as a key factor behind the equity investment. That relationship has expanded with the launch of USAT, Tether’s federally regulated stablecoin issued through Anchorage Digital Bank. USAT has been positioned as a US-compliant alternative to USDT following the passage of stablecoin legislation under the GENIUS Act last summer. How the Investment Fits Tether’s US Strategy The Anchorage deal comes as Tether increases its US-facing presence. Bo Hines, previously a crypto policy advisor to the White House, became CEO of Tether’s US division last September, signaling a stronger focus on domestic regulatory engagement. In a statement, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino described the investment as aligned with the company’s long-term view of infrastructure and financial systems. “Tether exists to challenge the status quo and build global infrastructure for freedom,” Ardoino said, adding that the partnership reflects a shared belief in secure, transparent, and resilient financial systems. Anchorage Digital co-founder and CEO Nathan McCauley said the investment reinforces the firm’s work in regulated crypto infrastructure and supports further development of services tied to stablecoin issuance and institutional adoption. Investor Takeaway As stablecoin rules take shape in the US, issuers with direct access to federally regulated banking partners may gain an operational edge. What It Means for the Broader Market The transaction also arrives against the backdrop of broader capital market interest in Anchorage Digital. Last month, Bloomberg reported that the firm had explored raising between $200 million and $400 million, though a company representative declined to comment on speculation around a potential public listing. For the wider crypto market, the investment reflects a shift in priorities. Rather than expanding through loosely regulated channels, large issuers and service providers are tying growth to banks, charters, and compliance frameworks that align with US law. While the deal does not alter competitive dynamics overnight, it adds weight to the idea that stablecoin scale increasingly depends on regulated infrastructure. As lawmakers push for clearer rules and enforcement, partnerships like this may become less optional and more structural for firms seeking continued access to US markets.

There’s no shortage of volatility, but few assets offer real clarity. While Ethereum price action remains stalled below resistance and Chainlink price tests a long-term breakdown zone, investor confidence is shifting. Enter Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a project earning attention through utility, not hype. Its $249 Proof Pods generate verifiable AI compute, rewarding users based on real work, not speculation. Combined with a transparent on-chain auction and a hybrid blockchain model, ZKP is emerging as the best crypto to buy now for those seeking substance over slogans. As legacy coins falter, traders are reevaluating what matters: infrastructure, transparency, and systems that reward contribution, not just hope Chainlink Price Holds at $9 as Breakdown Risks Intensify The Chainlink price is hanging by a thread at the $9–$10 neckline of a multi-year head-and-shoulders formation. This zone isn’t just psychological, it’s structural. A weekly close below it could trigger a deep technical unraveling, with immediate targets near $7.15 and long-term potential lows at $4–$5. Volume trends and momentum indicators like MACD are weakening, showing little support for a bullish reversal. If buyers fail to defend this critical zone, liquidation risks could rise sharply, shaking confidence in Chainlink as the best crypto to buy now.  For a bullish case to take hold, LINK must reclaim higher ground quickly and invalidate the bearish structure by forming higher lows. Until that happens, the Chainlink price will likely remain under pressure as traders assess safer entries or shift focus to projects showing stronger near-term upside or clearer utility during this volatile phase in crypto markets. Ethereum Growth Surges, But Price Stalls Below Key Levels Despite explosive growth across its ecosystem, the Ethereum price remains stuck near $2,200, down 25% from its recent highs. On-chain metrics are booming: Ethereum processed over 64 million transactions in the last 30 days, gained 50% more active addresses, and leads both stablecoin ($986B in 30-day volume) and tokenized asset markets (~60% share). Yet, a bearish flag pattern on the chart suggests downside to $2,000 unless ETH reclaims $2,500. ETF outflows and geopolitical jitters are compounding pressure, forcing investors to weigh utility versus market fragility.  While Ethereum remains a pillar of blockchain infrastructure, its price inertia is raising doubts for those seeking the best crypto to buy now. Until technicals catch up with fundamentals, capital may continue rotating toward leaner, more incentivized networks offering tangible rewards and faster upside potential, even as Ethereum’s long-term dominance remains undisputed on paper. ZKP Proof Pods Turn Participation Into Measurable Output While many networks depend on speculation to sustain interest, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is attracting attention through measurable contributions. Its Proof Pods, compact, plug‑and‑play devices priced at $249, are designed to perform real AI compute rather than idle validation. Each completed task generates cryptographic proofs that confirm work was done, creating a direct link between contribution and reward. This model shifts participation away from passive holding and toward activity that can be verified on-chain. At a technical level, Proof Pods rely on zk‑SNARKs and zk‑STARKs to validate results without exposing underlying data. Proofs are confirmed in roughly 2 milliseconds and require about 288 bytes, allowing the network to scale without sacrificing privacy or efficiency. Instead of trusting reported performance, the system verifies outcomes cryptographically. This approach makes compute verifiable, auditable, and repeatable, qualities often missing in incentive-driven networks. Distribution follows the same transparency-first logic. ZKP uses a daily on-chain auction that releases 200 million tokens per cycle through a proportional allocation model. Participants contribute assets such as ETH, USDT, or BNB, and allocations adjust based on total participation rather than preset prices. There are no private rounds or hidden unlocks, which keeps access rules visible and consistent over time. Supporting this structure is a hybrid consensus design combining Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and Proof of Space (PoSp), integrated with Substrate’s BABE and GRANDPA for finality. Compute and storage actively secure the chain, rather than sitting on the sidelines. Paired with a $5M Gleam giveaway and a 20% referral incentive, ZKP’s framework emphasizes repeat engagement, verifiable work, and transparent access, qualities increasingly shaping how long-term value is evaluated. Final Word! When the charts get choppy and the narratives feel recycled, traders begin asking different questions. What am I actually participating in? What’s powering this ecosystem? The Ethereum price may still reclaim strength, and the Chainlink price could hold, yet both currently demand trust in future turnarounds. In contrast, ZKP is rewarding presence and work now: real compute, real distribution, real participation. That’s the foundation behind its Proof Pods and auction model. As narratives shift from hype cycles to utility cycles, infrastructure like ZKP isn’t just riding the wave, it’s building the rails. For those searching for the best crypto to buy now, this redefinition of value may matter more than momentum alone. Explore Zero Knowledge Proof: Website: https://zkp.com/ Buy: https://buy.zkp.com/ X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial

US lawmakers have launched a formal congressional investigation into a reported $500 million investment by an Emirati-linked group in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency venture associated with American US President Donald Trump and his family. The inquiry, led by Representative Ro Khanna, set out to determine whether the deal raises conflict of interest and national security concerns tied to foreign capital flowing into a politically connected crypto business. The reported investment was said to grant about a 49% stake in the firm to a group linked to Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser. And it has intensified scrutiny as lawmakers seek documents and communications related to the transaction and its timing. US Lawmakers Demand Transparency Over Foreign Stake in WLF The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, with Representative Khanna as a leading Democratic voice, sent a letter to World Liberty Financial demanding detailed records on the UAE-linked transaction, ownership structure, payment flows, board appointments, compliance policies, and internal communications. Lawmakers set a March 1, 2026 deadline for responses as part of the inquiry. According to investigative reporting and subsequent congressional filings by the US lawmakers, the deal in question was reportedly signed on January 16, 2025, just days before President Trump re-entered White House. Documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and others indicate that an Abu Dhabi-linked investment firm agreed to pay roughly $500 million for nearly half of World Liberty Financial. Portions of the funds may have flowed into entities controlled by the Trump family members and close associates. Representative Khanna, ranking member on the committee, has publicly framed the investigation as essential for public trust and transparency. In a letter to the company’s management, the US lawmaker said that the arrangement raises questions about whether US laws governing foreign influence, conflict of interest, and national security were upheld. Khanna’s inquiry also seeks to clarify whether regulatory safeguards were applied, given the political connections of key stakeholders. Democratic US lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have also publicly supported deeper oversight, calling for accountability and transparency in what they describe as a potentially opaque foreign investment in a politically connected American firm. Questions Linger Over Investment Timing and Policy Implications The controversy gains further complexity due to the timing of unrelated but adjacent policy actions. Shortly after the reported UAE investment, the US government approved export licenses allowing the UAE to access advanced American-made AI chips that had previously been restricted on national security grounds.  Some US lawmakers and ethics experts have questioned whether the two events are connected or if they merely reflect coincidental timing, though no direct evidence of causation has been established. Still, by demanding detailed records and setting firm deadlines for compliance, US lawmakers are keen to shed more light on the structure of the investment and its broader implications. For now, the inquiry progresses until responses come in.

What Is Changing on Polymarket? Polymarket is preparing to replace its current bridged stablecoin, USDC.e, with a native version of USDC, according to an announcement made jointly with Circle. The move will affect how funds are deposited, settled, and managed across the onchain prediction market’s trading activity. At present, Polymarket relies on USDC.e, a bridged asset used for all order placement and settlement on the platform. Deposits from other blockchains — including Ethereum, Solana, Arbitrum, and Base — are automatically converted into USDC.e once they reach Polygon, the Ethereum scaling network on which Polymarket operates. Circle said the native version of Polymarket USDC will be rolled out in the “coming months,” replacing the bridged structure that has underpinned the platform’s payments and collateral flows since launch. Investor Takeaway Moving from a bridged stablecoin to native USDC reduces reliance on cross-chain wrappers, lowering operational risk for a platform that settles all activity onchain. Why Native USDC Matters for Onchain Markets The shift away from USDC.e addresses a structural issue common to multi-chain applications. Bridged assets depend on third-party infrastructure and smart contracts that introduce additional failure points, whether through exploits, outages, or governance changes affecting the bridge itself. By adopting native USDC on Polygon, Polymarket would rely directly on Circle’s issuance rather than a wrapped representation of the stablecoin. That change simplifies settlement mechanics and aligns Polymarket more closely with how USDC functions on other major networks. Circle framed the move as part of a broader partnership rather than a one-off technical upgrade. “Polymarket has been at the forefront of innovation in marrying the speed of information with the speed of markets, and with the partnership we are building, we bring the utility and speed of USDC to provide the best possible experience for Polymarket users,” Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said in a statement. For Polymarket users, the practical impact is likely to be most visible in reduced friction around deposits and redemptions, particularly as stablecoin usage continues to expand across networks. How This Fits Into Circle’s Broader Stablecoin Strategy USDC is currently the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization and is natively issued on roughly 30 blockchains. Circle has been working to extend direct issuance rather than relying on bridged versions as usage spreads across ecosystems. In its 2026 roadmap, Circle outlined plans to expand native support on what it described as high-impact networks, while improving how USDC moves across chains. That roadmap reflects growing institutional sensitivity to the risks associated with wrapped assets and fragmented liquidity. For Circle, adding native issuance to an active onchain platform like Polymarket provides a visible use case where stablecoin settlement is central to the product rather than ancillary. Prediction markets depend on rapid settlement, tight spreads, and trust in payout mechanics, making the underlying settlement asset critical to user confidence. What This Signals About Polymarket’s Next Phase The stablecoin change comes as Polymarket continues to expand its footprint in onchain event trading. The platform has grown into one of the largest fully onchain prediction markets, offering contracts tied to politics, economics, and global events. Polymarket has previously hinted that the platform could eventually introduce a native POLY token, though no formal launch has been announced. There has also been speculation about whether the platform might pursue an application-specific Layer 2, given its reliance on Polygon today and its sensitivity to transaction costs and settlement speed. While no confirmation has been given on either front, the decision to standardize on native USDC points toward a preference for reducing infrastructure complexity as volumes scale. For onchain markets that handle continuous trading and settlement, even small inefficiencies in the payments layer can compound quickly. Investor Takeaway Infrastructure upgrades at Polymarket suggest a focus on reliability and settlement clarity, both of which become more critical as regulatory and user scrutiny increases. What Comes Next Circle has not provided a precise timeline for the rollout beyond “the coming months,” and it remains unclear whether Polymarket will run native USDC in parallel with USDC.e during a transition period. How that migration is handled may offer insight into how other onchain platforms approach similar upgrades. Polymarket’s move places it among a growing group of applications reassessing earlier design choices made when cross-chain tooling was less mature. Whether that approach extends to tokens, scaling architecture, or additional networks will be watched closely by both users and competitors.

Tokenization—the process of converting physical or financial assets into digital tokens on a blockchain—is poised to reshape the financial landscape. By bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology, tokenization enhances efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, offering both investors and institutions new opportunities to innovate. Below, we explore five significant ways tokenization could transform global financial markets. 1. Unlocking Liquidity in Traditionally Illiquid Assets One of the most immediate impacts of tokenization is the ability to provide liquidity to assets that have historically been difficult to trade. Real estate, fine art, private equity, venture capital, and even luxury collectibles are typically illiquid due to high entry costs and limited market access. Through tokenization, these assets can be fractionalized into smaller, tradable units. For instance, a commercial building valued at $10 million could be split into 10,000 tokens, allowing investors to buy shares for as little as $1,000 each. This fractional ownership enables a wider pool of investors to participate, increasing market depth, reducing volatility, and potentially creating a more accurate price discovery process. Fractionalized token trading also allows investors to exit positions more easily, eliminating long lock-in periods and enabling capital to flow more freely across markets. This democratization of high-value asset markets could fundamentally change investment behavior globally. 2. Accelerating Transactions and Settlements Traditional financial systems are often slowed by intermediaries, clearinghouses, and cross-border settlement processes. International payments, securities trades, and corporate funding activities can take several days to clear, increasing costs and operational complexity. Blockchain-based tokenization, combined with smart contracts, automates transaction execution and settlement. Smart contracts are self-executing digital agreements that automatically enforce the terms of a contract, such as releasing dividends, paying interest, or transferring ownership once predefined conditions are met. For example, in securities trading, tokenized stocks can be traded and settled in near real-time, bypassing traditional clearinghouses. This not only reduces settlement risk but also lowers transaction fees and operational overhead. Faster transactions also improve market efficiency, allowing capital to move more fluidly across global markets. 3. Strengthening Transparency and Trust Tokenized assets carry detailed, immutable records on a blockchain. Every transaction, ownership transfer, and history of the asset is recorded transparently, offering unparalleled visibility for regulators, auditors, and investors. This transparency mitigates risks such as fraud, double-spending, and unauthorized transfers. For example, tokenized bonds can provide regulators with real-time insights into ownership distribution and market activity, simplifying compliance and audit procedures. Moreover, the traceability of blockchain transactions enhances investor confidence, particularly in emerging markets where trust in traditional financial systems may be lower. Transparent record-keeping fosters accountability, builds trust, and ultimately strengthens market integrity. 4. Expanding Access to Global Investors Tokenization removes geographical and economic barriers, opening investment opportunities to a global audience. Traditionally, investing in private equity, commercial real estate, or venture capital often required significant capital and access to local intermediaries. Tokenization allows investors from anywhere in the world to participate in these markets through digital wallets and blockchain platforms. For example, a European investor could purchase fractional tokens of a American real estate development without the need for local bank accounts, intermediaries, or complex paperwork. By lowering the minimum investment threshold, tokenization fosters financial inclusion and democratizes access to high-value markets. This global reach also attracts new capital into markets that were previously underserved or underfunded, stimulating economic growth in emerging economies and creating a more interconnected global financial ecosystem. 5. Enabling Innovative Financial Instruments Tokenization opens the door to new and sophisticated financial products that were difficult to implement in traditional markets. These include tokenized derivatives, programmable debt, synthetic assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) instruments. Programmable financial products allow for automatic execution of complex operations such as yield distribution, risk hedging, or collateral management. For example, a tokenized mortgage could automatically adjust interest payments based on market conditions, or a tokenized derivative could be structured to pay out based on predefined metrics. These innovations not only improve risk management but also allow for entirely new ways of investing, borrowing, and lending. Tokenization, therefore, creates opportunities for both retail and institutional investors to explore financial instruments with greater flexibility, transparency, and efficiency than traditional systems allow. Conclusion Tokenization represents a paradigm shift in global finance. By unlocking liquidity, accelerating transactions, enhancing transparency, broadening access, and enabling innovative financial instruments, tokenization has the potential to reshape markets at every level. As regulators, investors, and financial institutions increasingly embrace tokenized assets, the financial market will become more efficient, inclusive, and resilient. Ultimately, tokenization bridges the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy, creating a future where assets are more accessible, markets more transparent, and financial innovation unbounded.

ASX has announced plans to collaborate with Bloomberg Indices on the launch of new exchange-listed futures contracts linked to the Bloomberg AusBond Composite Bond Index and the Bloomberg AusBond Credit Index, marking a significant expansion of Australia’s on-exchange fixed income risk management toolkit. Subject to regulatory clearance and industry readiness, the proposed ASX-Bloomberg AusBond Index Futures will provide market participants with listed instruments designed to track two of the most widely used benchmarks in Australian fixed income. The move reflects growing demand from institutional investors for transparent, capital-efficient ways to manage both interest rate and credit exposure in an increasingly volatile market environment. The contracts will be listed on ASX 24, cash-settled and structured with quarterly expiries, aligning closely with the design of ASX’s existing Treasury Bond Futures. ASX said the new products are intended to complement its established rates complex while broadening the tools available to domestic and global investors active in Australian sovereign and credit markets. Expanding Exchange-Listed Access to Australian Fixed Income Benchmarks The Bloomberg AusBond Composite Bond Index and Bloomberg AusBond Credit Index are widely recognised as representative benchmarks for Australian fixed income markets, covering government, semi-government and credit securities. By referencing these indices, the new futures contracts aim to provide a more direct and efficient way for investors to gain or hedge exposure to broad segments of the Australian bond market. ASX said the ASX-Bloomberg AusBond Index Futures will allow participants to manage interest rate and credit risk, replicate index performance and implement new hedging and liquidity management strategies using exchange-traded instruments. This is expected to be particularly relevant for asset managers, banks, insurers and superannuation funds seeking to adjust portfolio exposure without relying solely on cash bonds or over-the-counter derivatives. Allan McGregor, ASX Head of Rates and Benchmarks, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the launch. “ASX runs the world’s fourth-largest interest rate derivatives market and leads the Asia-Pacific region, providing global access to deep futures liquidity across major trading hours,” he said. “The ASX-Bloomberg AusBond Index Futures expands and diversifies ASX’s fixed income tools, offering an efficient and capital-effective way for participants to manage interest rate and credit risk.” Takeaway By linking futures contracts to the Bloomberg AusBond indices, ASX is targeting a gap in the Australian market for exchange-listed tools that provide broad, benchmark-based exposure to sovereign and credit fixed income. Rising Demand for Hedging Tools Amid Volatility and Growth in Futures Trading The announcement comes against the backdrop of strong growth in interest rate futures trading on ASX 24. During calendar year 2025, ASX 24 interest rate futures volumes reached record levels, growing 17% compared with the previous record year in 2024. ASX said this surge underscores the depth of liquidity and resilience of its rates market during a period of heightened global volatility. Market participants have increasingly turned to futures markets to manage risk as central bank policy shifts, inflation dynamics and global macro uncertainty have driven sharper moves across yield curves. ASX believes that extending its futures offering into fixed income index products will allow participants to apply similar risk management approaches to credit and composite bond exposures. The proposed AusBond index futures are designed to sit alongside ASX’s existing suite of interest rate, equity and commodity derivatives. ASX 24 remains the leading trading venue for Australian and New Zealand futures and options, supported by long trading hours, a diverse trading community and Australia’s AAA-rated sovereign market, which continues to attract international participation. Takeaway Record growth in ASX 24 interest rate futures trading has created a strong foundation for expanding into fixed income index futures as investors seek scalable, liquid hedging instruments. Bloomberg Indices Partnership Signals Broader Evolution of Index-Based Derivatives For Bloomberg Indices, the collaboration reflects a broader trend toward the use of transparent, rules-based indices as the foundation for exchange-traded derivatives. Bloomberg AusBond indices are governed by established methodologies and oversight frameworks, making them well suited for use in listed futures contracts. Fateen Sharaby, Head of Index Derivatives at Bloomberg Index Services Limited, said the partnership represents a natural progression for index-linked products in the Australian market. “Bloomberg Indices is proud to support ASX's launch of futures linked to our Bloomberg AusBond Indices, which serve as leading benchmarks for Australia’s fixed income markets,” Sharaby said. “Pairing our transparent methodologies and robust governance with ASX’s leading derivatives platform will provide market participants with exchange-traded tools for managing credit exposure and represents a natural evolution of index-based solutions.” ASX said the expansion into fixed income index futures enhances its broader cross-asset offering, enabling clients to trade and manage risk across futures, options, cash and over-the-counter markets within a single ecosystem. Subject to regulatory approval and market readiness, the ASX-Bloomberg AusBond Index Futures are positioned as a further step in deepening Australia’s on-exchange fixed income infrastructure. Takeaway The ASX-Bloomberg partnership reflects growing institutional demand for benchmark-linked derivatives that combine index transparency with the liquidity and efficiency of exchange-traded markets.

Why Is Gemini Pulling Back From International Markets? Crypto exchange Gemini said it will withdraw from the UK, European Union, and Australian markets while cutting its workforce by roughly 25%, as the company narrows its scope to focus on the United States. The decision marks another major retrenchment for the exchange after several rounds of layoffs since 2022. In a blog post published Thursday, founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss said the company would reduce operations in regions where demand no longer justified the operational burden. “These foreign markets have proven hard to win in for various reasons, and we find ourselves stretched thin,” the twins wrote, adding that demand in those regions no longer supports continued investment. The move reflects a deliberate decision to concentrate resources in a smaller number of markets rather than continue operating across multiple regulatory regimes. For Gemini, that calculation now clearly favors the US, where it sees better alignment between regulatory clarity, product expansion, and long-term growth potential. Investor Takeaway Gemini’s exit from overseas markets highlights how regulatory cost and market depth are driving exchanges to concentrate activity in jurisdictions where scale and product breadth are more achievable. How Workforce Cuts Fit Into Gemini’s Operating Model Alongside the geographic pullback, Gemini tied the latest layoffs to a broader shift toward automation and internal efficiency. The company said increased use of artificial intelligence across engineering and non-engineering functions has allowed it to operate with fewer staff while continuing to support its core business. “In 2022, our workforce peaked at around 1,100,” the company said. “Heading into the end of 2025, we were about 50% of that size. Today, we are reducing our size again by roughly 25%.” The reduction follows earlier cuts made during the post-2021 downturn, when crypto firms across the industry scaled back after a period of aggressive expansion. For Gemini, the latest round signals that the firm does not expect a return to its prior headcount, even if market conditions improve. Management framed the smaller organization as better suited to execute on its priorities, particularly as product development becomes more software-driven and less dependent on large operational teams. That view mirrors a broader industry trend, where exchanges are using automation to manage compliance, surveillance, and customer support at lower cost. Why the US Is Now the Center of Gemini’s Strategy While retreating abroad, Gemini has been expanding its footprint in the United States. The company recently received approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to launch a regulated prediction market, adding a new line of business beyond spot crypto trading. Gemini has also signaled interest in expanding further into derivatives, an area that offers deeper liquidity and more stable revenue than retail spot trading alone. For US-based exchanges, regulated derivatives are increasingly seen as a way to compete with offshore platforms while staying within domestic rules. The timing of the retrenchment is also linked to legal developments. Gemini said the Securities and Exchange Commission plans to dismiss its lawsuit related to the Gemini Earn program with prejudice, following full recovery for affected customers. The case had been a major overhang for the company since it was filed, tying up resources and complicating regulatory relationships. With that dispute nearing closure, Gemini appears to be resetting its business around fewer products and fewer markets, but with clearer legal footing. The combination of regulatory approvals and litigation resolution gives the firm more room to pursue expansion inside the US without the distraction of legacy issues. Investor Takeaway The shift toward US derivatives and prediction markets suggests Gemini is prioritizing regulated revenue streams over broad international presence. What This Says About the Broader Crypto Exchange Landscape Gemini’s decision reflects wider pressure across the crypto sector. Lower trading volumes, tighter liquidity, and higher compliance costs have forced many firms to reassess where they operate and how large their organizations need to be. Operating in multiple jurisdictions carries overlapping licensing requirements, reporting obligations, and enforcement risk. For mid-sized exchanges, those costs can outweigh the benefits of global reach, particularly when local market share remains limited. At the same time, the growing role of automation is changing how exchanges scale. Rather than hiring ahead of demand, firms are increasingly investing in systems that allow them to add products without proportionally increasing headcount.

As Bitcoin matures into a globally traded asset, Wall Street firms and professional investors increasingly treat it like any other macro instrument. Beyond spot holdings and futures, Bitcoin options have become a key tool for managing risk, protecting portfolios, and controlling volatility. These derivatives allow investors to hedge spot BTC positions without liquidating their holdings, making them particularly attractive for long-term exposure strategies. Key Takeaways Bitcoin options allow institutions to hedge spot BTC without liquidating holdings. Protective puts act as portfolio insurance during volatile periods. Covered calls generate yield on idle BTC in range-bound markets. Collar strategies balance protection and cost-efficiency for conservative investors. Options data, like put-to-call ratios and implied volatility, provide insights into market sentiment. Why Bitcoin Options Matter to Institutional Investors Holding spot Bitcoin exposes institutions to two primary risks: price volatility and potential drawdowns during macroeconomic shocks. Bitcoin options offer solutions that spot holdings and futures alone cannot. Unlike selling spot BTC—which can trigger taxable events or conflict with investment mandates—options allow investors to retain upside potential while limiting downside exposure. Institutional investors use Bitcoin options to protect portfolios against sharp market corrections, strategically manage exposure around macroeconomic events like CPI releases or Federal Reserve announcements, and leverage volatility for potential gains without compromising long-term holdings. As Bitcoin continues to mature, options are increasingly integrated into standard risk management practices on Wall Street. Using Put Options to Hedge Spot Bitcoin The protective put is the most widely used hedging strategy. Investors holding spot Bitcoin purchase put options, granting them the right to sell BTC at a predetermined price within a set timeframe. If Bitcoin’s price drops sharply, profits from the put option offset losses on the spot position, acting as a form of portfolio insurance. For example, a fund holding BTC at $60,000 might buy a put option with a $55,000 strike price. If BTC declines to $50,000, the put gains value, cushioning the loss on the underlying holdings. Protective puts are especially valuable during periods of market uncertainty, offering a risk-managed way to maintain exposure while safeguarding capital. Covered Calls as a Yield Strategy Institutions also employ covered calls to generate additional income on spot Bitcoin holdings. In this approach, investors hold BTC while simultaneously selling call options against their position. The premium collected from selling calls provides income, turning idle assets into yield-generating positions. Covered calls are most effective in sideways or low-volatility markets where limited upward movement is expected. While selling calls caps potential gains above the strike price, it enables investors to profit in neutral markets without leveraging their positions, making it a popular choice for risk-conscious portfolio managers. Collar Strategies for Risk-Controlled Exposure A collar strategy combines the benefits of protective puts and covered calls, balancing downside protection with cost efficiency. By purchasing a downside put and selling an upside call, investors can limit potential losses while partially financing the protective option with the call premium. Collars are favored by institutions that prioritize capital preservation over aggressive upside participation. This strategy defines a predictable price range for Bitcoin holdings and is commonly used during periods of moderate volatility or when investors want to hedge exposure without committing significant additional capital. Why Institutions Prefer Options Over Futures While futures contracts are commonly used in crypto markets, options provide greater flexibility and more precise risk control. Options allow for known maximum loss, avoid the forced liquidation risks inherent in futures during volatile periods, and support complex strategies tailored to specific market outlooks. Futures, in contrast, require margin maintenance and expose traders to liquidation during sudden price swings, which can be a concern for conservative institutional portfolios. For these reasons, options are often the preferred instrument for sophisticated Bitcoin hedging strategies. Where Wall Street Trades Bitcoin Options Most institutional Bitcoin options trading is concentrated on regulated and liquid venues such as the CME Group, Deribit, and select over-the-counter (OTC) desks. CME options are particularly attractive to traditional financial institutions due to regulatory clarity, robust infrastructure, and integration with existing trading systems, allowing firms to manage crypto exposure alongside other asset classes efficiently. Beyond hedging, options activity provides valuable market insights. Rising demand for puts can indicate defensive positioning, while increased call activity often reflects bullish sentiment. Traders and analysts monitor metrics such as put-to-call ratios, implied volatility shifts, and open interest at key strikes to gauge professional investor positioning and market expectations. These signals are closely watched by market participants and often inform broader trading strategies. Conclusion Bitcoin options have evolved from niche derivatives to strategic tools for hedging, yield generation, and volatility management. For Wall Street and professional investors, they offer nuanced ways to manage Bitcoin exposure without sacrificing upside potential. As institutional adoption grows and market infrastructure improves, options will increasingly shape how Bitcoin is integrated into diversified portfolios, bridging traditional finance and crypto-native investment strategies. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What are Bitcoin options?Bitcoin options are financial contracts giving the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell BTC at a set price within a specific timeframe. Why do institutional investors use Bitcoin options?They hedge spot BTC exposure, manage volatility, protect portfolios, and generate income without selling their holdings. How does a protective put work?A protective put lets investors sell BTC at a set price, limiting losses if the market drops while retaining upside potential. What is a covered call strategy?Covered calls involve holding BTC and selling call options, generating premium income and yield in sideways or low-volatility markets. How do Bitcoin options signal market sentiment?Rising put demand indicates defensive positioning, while higher call activity reflects bullish sentiment among professional investors.

Market data and trading technology provider Exegy has announced the launch of the first-ever overnight consolidated Best Bid and Offer (BBO) feed, designed to support price discovery across U.S. equities traded outside standard market hours. The new feed aggregates pricing from all three active after-hours Alternative Trading Systems (ATS), addressing a long-standing structural gap in overnight market transparency. The Overnight Best Bid and Offer (OBBO) feed consolidates data from Bruce ATS™, Blue Ocean ATS, and MOON ATS, delivering a real-time view of the best available prices across these venues. By offering a consolidated feed similar in concept to a Securities Information Processor (SIP), Exegy removes the need for market participants to independently calculate best prices during overnight sessions. The OBBO feed will be delivered via Exegy’s data-as-a-service platform, Axiom, enabling clients to capture liquidity that does not appear on traditional exchange feeds once core trading hours end. The launch reflects growing institutional demand for robust market infrastructure as equity trading continues to extend beyond the standard trading day. Closing the Overnight Price Discovery Gap After-hours equity trading has historically been fragmented, with liquidity spread across multiple ATSs and limited consolidated data available to market participants. Exegy’s new OBBO feed directly addresses this challenge by providing a single, real-time reference point for best prices across all major overnight venues. According to Exegy, the consolidated feed enables more efficient execution and improved decision-making for firms operating across global time zones. With institutional trading desks increasingly active overnight, the ability to access reliable best-price information is becoming critical to managing execution quality and risk. Arnaud Derasse, Chief Technology Officer at Exegy, said the initiative reflects shifting market behaviour. He noted that as participants operate across time zones and extend trading activity, demand for comprehensive after-hours data has accelerated, making consolidated overnight pricing a key infrastructure requirement. Takeaway The OBBO feed provides a single, real-time source of best prices across all major overnight U.S. equity ATS venues. ATS Connectivity Expands Through Axiom In parallel with the OBBO launch, Exegy is expanding direct connectivity to after-hours ATS venues through its Axiom platform. Connectivity to Blue Ocean ATS is already live, while access to Bruce ATS™ and MOON ATS is currently in development and expected to be delivered during the first quarter. All three venues will be accessible via Exegy’s New York point of presence, with clients able to subscribe to either Top-of-Book (Level 1) or Depth-of-Book (Level 2) data. The OBBO service itself will be offered as a standalone feed, built using the Top-of-Book data from each ATS. Industry participants have welcomed the expanded access. Matt Fuchs, EVP of Market Data at OTC Markets Group, said that as markets move toward a 24/5 trading model, reliable access to overnight liquidity is essential, and the integration of MOON ATS data into Axiom helps investors operate across U.S. equities around the clock. Takeaway Axiom will provide direct, low-latency access to all three overnight ATS venues with L1 and L2 data options. Supporting the Shift Toward 24/5 Markets The introduction of an overnight consolidated BBO feed aligns with broader structural changes in global equity markets, where trading activity is gradually shifting toward extended and near-continuous hours. Institutional investors are increasingly seeking infrastructure that supports execution, monitoring, and risk management outside traditional sessions. Exegy positions the OBBO feed as part of its wider strategy to anticipate market evolution and deliver tools that adapt to changing liquidity patterns. By incorporating overnight ATS data into its global market data offering, the firm aims to ensure clients can participate effectively as trading hours continue to expand. The launch builds on recent enhancements to Axiom’s coverage, including the integration of real-time, low-latency Canadian equity data via the TMX Information Processor in late 2025. Together, these initiatives underscore Exegy’s focus on delivering comprehensive, consolidated data solutions as markets move closer to a continuous trading model. Takeaway Exegy’s OBBO feed supports institutional readiness for a future defined by extended and near-continuous equity trading.