Crypto News Round-Up — February 2026

The past day in cryptocurrency saw major developments on the regulatory front as well as the continued evolution of market infrastructure and security. Lawmakers in the U.S. pressed ahead with proposed crypto rules while market participants absorbed the impact of new products and security incidents. Below we summarize the key headlines to help you stay informed on how these events may shape the crypto landscape.

• US Senate delays crypto clarity bill after Coinbase objections
• U.S. House passes stablecoin oversight bill
• Massive crypto user data leak strikes thousands of accounts
• Tokenized gold boom chips away at Tether Gold’s market share
• Hong Kong plans launch of first Bitcoin ETFs
• Coinbase and Mastercard in talks to buy stablecoin startup
• Taiwan moves to issue its own central-bank stablecoin

US Senate delays crypto clarity bill after Coinbase objections

The US Senate Banking Committee postponed a scheduled markup of the “Digital Asset Market Clarity Act” this week after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong raised concerns. Armstrong argued that a provision in the bill (known as Title III) would require decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to register with regulators and implement new compliance rules, prompting lawmakers to halt consideration until revisions are made (ernie55ernie.github.io). According to reports, this leaves the crypto legislation’s timeline uncertain as both the Senate and the House work through competing views on regulation (Reuters).

The debate highlights the tension between fostering innovation in DeFi and imposing consumer protections. Industry observers note that if the bill proceeds with Title III intact, many smart-contract protocols would face stricter oversight. Supporters of the delay say it allows for more stakeholder input; opponents say it prolongs regulatory uncertainty. Senators will revisit the bill in coming weeks amid ongoing scrutiny of market structures.

Why it matters:

• Clarity on whether DeFi apps must register as securities or commodities could reshape project development and compliance (Reuters).
• The delay adds uncertainty for crypto firms, which have been eager for clear rules after years of ambiguity.
• A new law in the US could set a global standard, influencing how jurisdictions worldwide regulate digital assets.

U.S. House passes stablecoin oversight bill

In related US regulatory news, the House of Representatives approved legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins as financial products. The bill would require stablecoin issuers to hold reserves fully backing the tokens and to obtain bank charters or FDIC insurance (Reuters). Proponents argue these measures will protect consumers and prevent another stablecoin collapse by ensuring accountability.

With the House’s passage, the stablecoin proposal now heads to the Senate. Industry groups have generally welcomed the move, saying clearer rules could encourage institutional adoption by reducing risk. Critics warn that new requirements could raise costs for issuers and potentially slow innovation in cryptocurrency markets.

Why it matters:

• Stablecoins are already widely used for crypto trading and global payments; formal regulation could integrate them more securely into the financial system.
• Mandatory reserves and oversight may protect users from runs or fraud, boosting trust but also creating compliance costs for issuers (Reuters).
• How the US regulates stablecoins is seen as a bellwether for other countries and could influence global stablecoin practices.

Massive crypto user data leak strikes thousands of accounts

Security firm reports indicate that hackers have dumped personal data for roughly 149 million cryptocurrency users. The breach stemmed from a malicious infostealer that targeted multiple crypto platforms, exposing email addresses, hashed passwords and other account details (Cointelegraph). While no funds were stolen directly in the attack, security experts say the exposed information could be used to orchestrate large-scale phishing scams or further hacks.

Affected users are being urged to reset passwords and enable two-factor authentication on their crypto accounts. The incident underscores persistent security vulnerabilities in the ecosystem. Exchanges and wallet providers face growing pressure to strengthen client data protections as regulators consider new cybersecurity guidelines.

Why it matters:

• Breaches of user data can undermine confidence in crypto services, even if no currencies are directly lost.
• The sheer scale of the leak (nearly 150 million records) highlights how attractive user data is to cybercriminals, not just token balances.
• Such incidents could prompt tighter data security and KYC requirements from regulators to prevent identity theft in crypto.

Tokenized gold boom chips away at Tether Gold’s market share

New tokenized-asset projects are cutting into the market share of Tether Gold (XAUT), a popular stablecoin backed by physical gold. Industry data show that recent launches of competing tokenized gold assets have drawn investor interest, even as overall demand for crypto-backed gold tokens grows (TheBlock). These new tokens offer 24/7 trading and potentially lower fees, enticing some users who favor easily tradable digital commodities.

Analysts say the competition could force Tether (the issuer of XAUT) to improve its offerings, such as enhancing transparency around gold reserves or adjusting fees. Meanwhile, success of these projects may pave the way for similar tokenized versions of other real-world assets in the crypto markets.

Why it matters:

• A thriving tokenized gold market demonstrates that investors are increasingly comfortable using blockchain assets tied to real-world commodities.
• Competition in this niche could lead to better terms and security for holders of tokenized gold.
• Interest in asset-backed tokens (beyond just crypto coins) may accelerate development of regulated asset token markets.

Hong Kong plans launch of first Bitcoin ETFs

Financial regulators in Hong Kong have approved the listing of the city’s first Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, with trading expected to begin in early March (Financial Times). These ETFs will allow retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price without owning the coin directly. Each fund will hold Bitcoin on behalf of investors, trading on the stock exchange under a regulated framework.

The approval marks a milestone for crypto investment in Asia. Hong Kong’s move mirrors similar ETFs launched in Europe earlier, and could pressure other markets (such as Singapore or Tokyo) to introduce comparable products. Analysts believe the ETF listings could bring increased liquidity to Bitcoin, as more traditional financial participants enter the market.

Why it matters:

• Bitcoin ETFs provide a familiar investment vehicle for crypto, potentially boosting mainstream adoption.
• Because they are exchange-listed and overseen by regulators, ETFs may lower some barriers (custody, compliance) for new investors in crypto.
• By opening access to Bitcoin through mainstream channels, Hong Kong’s decision could help stabilize the market and draw in institutional capital.

Coinbase and Mastercard in talks to buy stablecoin startup

Industry sources report that Coinbase and Mastercard are in discussions to jointly acquire BVNK, a European banking infrastructure startup specializing in crypto wallets and stablecoins. The proposed deal—valued around $2.5 billion—would give Coinbase access to BVNK’s banking license and would boost Mastercard’s push into crypto payments (Bloomberg). No official announcement has been made yet, but the talks underscore the growing convergence between crypto exchanges and traditional finance.

If the acquisition goes through, it could vault BVNK into an important role: providing custody and accounts for institutional crypto customers under strict banking regulation. Coinbase would also gain a foothold in Europe’s regulated banking system, potentially making it easier to offer services like euro or stablecoin accounts. Industry observers say the large price tag reflects high confidence in future demand for integrated crypto payment platforms.

Why it matters:

• Merging a leading crypto exchange with a global payments network suggests major financial players are betting on crypto’s future (Bloomberg).
• Combining Coinbase’s trading platform with BVNK’s regulated bank status could ease crypto access for corporate and retail clients.
• The size of the deal highlights how valuable crypto payment infrastructure has become, possibly spurring more consolidation.

Taiwan moves to issue its own central-bank stablecoin

Taiwan’s central bank has announced plans to pilot a government-backed stablecoin by 2026, aiming to bring real-time digital payments onto the blockchain. Unlike some earlier CBDC projects, Taiwan intends for the digital currency to operate as a token on public blockchains, allowing programmability and broader financial innovation (CoinDesk).

Officials say the new stablecoin will complement traditional payment systems and help Taiwan keep pace with other countries exploring digital currencies. The project may also involve major domestic banks for distribution. Experts note that a state-run stablecoin would make Taiwan one of the first economies to use blockchain for its official currency, a move that could influence other regional economies.

Why it matters:

• A government-backed stablecoin would signal strong official endorsement of blockchain technology in Taiwan’s financial system.
• This could inspire other governments in Asia to accelerate their own digital currency plans, given heightened global interest in CBDCs.
• Taiwan’s approach may set a precedent for how central banks can safely issue programmable currency while addressing regulatory and security concerns.

Crypto markets remain highly volatile and complex. This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Readers should always conduct their own research and exercise caution when making financial decisions relating to cryptocurrencies, as prices can fluctuate sharply.

Bottom Line

What’s clear is that digital assets continue to occupy the spotlight in policy and markets. In the last 24 hours, lawmakers have edged closer to new rules for stablecoins and DeFi, even as exchanges and institutions forge new partnerships and products. Investors should stay tuned: any significant rule changes or big acquisitions could quickly affect prices. As always in crypto, volatility is high – so thorough research and prudent risk management are essential.