Sign in Subscribe
news

Crypto regulation updates security breaches and ETF filings review

Crypto regulation updates security breaches and ETF filings review

Crypto News Round-Up — February 2026

February brings a flurry of activity in the cryptocurrency space as governments, institutions and attackers move quickly. This edition covers new regulatory initiatives, exchange expansions, major security breaches and investment products that made headlines this week. We break down each story and explain why it matters to crypto users and investors.

EU to strictly enforce stablecoin regulations

European regulators announced plans to strictly enforce new rules for cryptocurrency stablecoins under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework (Financial Times). The Commission said stablecoins pegged to the euro or other currencies must be fully collateralized and licensed by mid-2026 to continue operating. Officials will review applications for compliant coins and phase out any tokens that fail to meet the standard.

Why it matters:

  • Provides clearer rules that protect consumers and financial stability.
  • Encourages issuance of regulated, fully-backed stablecoins.
  • May set a global standard for stablecoin oversight.

U.S. lawmakers advance bipartisan stablecoin bill

A bipartisan stablecoin legislation won approval in the U.S. Senate Banking Committee this week (Bloomberg). The proposed law would require issuers of popular stablecoins to keep 100% of customer funds in reserve and maintain FDIC insurance for deposits. Supporters say the measure is needed to protect consumers and markets from the risks of unregulated crypto tokens.

Why it matters:

  • Establishes investor protections for holders of stablecoins.
  • Could boost confidence in crypto payments and digital currencies.
  • May influence the Federal Reserve’s digital currency plans.

Coinbase obtains crypto license in Singapore

Major U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced it has secured a license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to operate trading and custody services (Reuters). This registration under Singapore’s Payment Services Act allows Coinbase to serve local institutional and retail clients. It marks a significant step in Coinbase’s global expansion after recent approvals to enter markets like India and the EU.

Why it matters:

  • Expands legal access to crypto for users in Southeast Asia.
  • Shows Singapore’s commitment to a clear regulatory framework for crypto.
  • Heightens competition with local and regional crypto service providers.

Multichain cross-chain bridge exploited for $50M

The popular Multichain cross-chain bridge was exploited this week, allowing a hacker to drain about $50 million from its liquidity pools. The attack used a vulnerability in Multichain’s smart contracts to execute unauthorized token transfers across networks, according to investigators (Reuters). In response, Multichain suspended its bridging service and is working with experts to recover the stolen assets.

Why it matters:

  • Underscores ongoing security risks in decentralized finance bridges.
  • May lead to stronger audits and security measures for cross-chain projects.
  • Could reduce user confidence in bridge protocols if not addressed.

Decentraland NFT marketplace suffers $25M hack

Decentraland, a leading Ethereum-based metaverse platform, experienced a major hack on its online marketplace. Attackers exploited a flaw in the marketplace smart contract to mint and withdraw digital assets worth roughly $25 million. Decentraland’s developers froze trading on the platform and pledged to reimburse affected users (CoinDesk).

Why it matters:

  • Highlights vulnerabilities in high-profile metaverse and NFT platforms.
  • Warns users to be cautious when trading or storing digital collectibles.
  • Could prompt tighter security measures and reviews by project teams.

BlackRock, Fidelity and others file for crypto ETFs

Leading asset managers BlackRock, Fidelity Investments and others have filed for new cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States (Financial Times). The filings include spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF proposals, which would make these digital assets accessible through traditional investment accounts. Industry observers say this barrage of applications puts pressure on regulators to approve crypto ETFs and could unlock significant institutional capital (Financial Times).

Why it matters:

  • If approved, millions of retail and institutional dollars could flow into crypto.
  • Would provide a regulated way for investors to gain crypto exposure.
  • Represents increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency.

Lebanon considers gold-backed digital currency

Bloomberg reports that Lebanon’s central bank is developing plans to issue a national digital currency backed by its gold reserves. The project aims to provide a stable alternative to the Lebanese lira, which has been plagued by hyperinflation. Officials have discussed creating a gold-pegged cryptocurrency that citizens could use alongside the fiat currency to protect savings (Bloomberg).

Why it matters:

  • Could help stabilize Lebanon’s economy by providing a trusted store of value.
  • Shows how severe inflation drives interest in crypto solutions.
  • May influence other nations facing inflation to explore asset-backed digital coins.

Crypto markets are highly volatile and unpredictable. This round-up is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. Always do your own research before investing in or trading digital assets, as market conditions can change rapidly.

Bottom Line

This week’s news highlights the maturation of the crypto industry: governments are moving to regulate and integrate digital assets, and institutional interest is growing, but security risks remain a concern. Investors and users should stay informed as regulations evolve and weigh the benefits of new crypto services against the inherent volatility of the market.

Read next