Focus

US banking groups block Fed crypto access: Associations demand delays for payment accounts while stablecoin firms want access.

The financial landscape in 2026 is being redefined by a transition from speculative trading to functional, utility-driven applications.

China tightens its crypto ban: Eight authorities prohibit yuan stablecoins and RWA tokenization with immediate effect.

The tokenized real-world asset (RWA) market, which dominated the crypto narrative throughout 2025, continues its rapid expansion this year.

UBS adopts a fast-follower strategy for tokenization, says CEO Ermotti. The bank is slowly expanding crypto offerings for private clients.

White House meeting on stablecoin yield ends without agreement: banks and crypto industry continue to clash over the CLARITY Act.

Crypto products on the SIX: Altcoins overtake Bitcoin (BTC) in trading volume. Solana (SOL) and XRP overtake Ethereum (ETH).

The White House mediates stalled CLARITY Act negotiations between the crypto industry and banks ahead of a February 2 meeting.

Standard Chartered predicts a massive outflow of capital from the traditional banking sector due to the rise of stablecoins.

Gemini shuts down NFT marketplace Nifty Gateway on February 23, 2026. Users have one month to withdraw approximately 650,000 NFTs.

McKinsey analysis reveals only USD 390 billion of USD 35 trillion in stablecoin transactions are real payments. B2B segment grows by 733%.

Coinbase assesses quantum computing risks to Bitcoin and establishes a dedicated expert advisory board.

The US Senate introduces counter-proposal to the Clarity Act. The Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act grants the CFTC primary crypto oversight.

Solana integrates over 200 tokenized US stocks and ETFs via Ondo Global Markets – a bridge between TradFi and on-chain finance.

Illegal crypto transactions surged 162 percent in 2025. Bybit hack, North Korea’s Lazarus Group, and Russian sanctions evasion in focus.

Vitalik Buterin announces Ethereum realignment for 2026. Focus on decentralization, privacy, and simpler node operation after centralization.