Crypto News Round-Up — February 2026

The cryptocurrency market experienced significant developments this week, from new regulations to surging prices. We highlight key stories about regulatory shifts, exchange innovations, security breaches, and price movements shaping the crypto landscape.

• Global crypto regulation crackdown intensifies
• China broadens its crypto ban
• Phemex launches 24/7 futures trading
• Step Finance platform hack
• Bitcoin surpasses $70,000
• Crypto Expo Europe announces speakers

Global crypto regulation crackdown intensifies

Regulators worldwide are stepping up crypto oversight. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is finalizing new capital requirements for crypto assets, while Canada’s FINTRAC reported record enforcement actions against unlicensed crypto services. In addition, more than 40 countries have started implementing the OECD’s new Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for tax reporting (makecryptomakesense.com). These coordinated actions aim to bring cryptocurrencies into existing financial and tax systems, signaling that crypto firms will face tighter compliance demands (Make Crypto Make Sense).

• Coordinated rules may boost legitimacy of crypto but add compliance costs for startups.
• Enhanced tax reporting frameworks could deter illicit use and increase transparency.
• Clearer regulations may attract institutional investors, knowing oversight is in place.

China broadens its crypto ban

Chinese authorities have expanded their prohibition on crypto activities. The People’s Bank of China issued a new circular banning the tokenization of real-world assets overseas and cracking down on crypto-related advertising and internet traffic (www.tomshardware.com). These measures extend Beijing’s existing 2021 crypto ban to close loopholes, including offshore tokenization of domestic assets. The announcement underscores that China will tolerate neither domestic nor indirect overseas crypto transactions, deepening the firewall around its financial system (Tom’s Hardware).

• Chinese businesses and users will find fewer legal channels for crypto, likely pushing activity offshore.
• The tighter ban on advertising and traffic makes it harder for exchanges to serve Chinese customers.
• Signals that other regulators in Asia may also adopt stricter rules, adding to global fragmentation in crypto policy.

Phemex launches 24/7 traditional futures trading

Crypto derivatives exchange Phemex announced a new round-the-clock trading platform for traditional U.S. stock and commodity futures (cointelegraph.com). Dubbed the “0-Fee Carnival,” this service allows users to trade futures on indices like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and commodity contracts 24/7 with zero fees. By blending traditional finance (TradFi) assets into its exchange, Phemex aims to attract a broader base of traders. The move highlights how crypto exchanges are diversifying their offerings in a competitive market (Cointelegraph).

• Enables crypto investors to hedge or gain exposure using stock/commodity futures at any time.
• May pressure other exchanges to launch similar products or zero-fee structures to stay competitive.
• Blurs the line between crypto and traditional markets, indicating growing integration of financial worlds.

Step Finance DeFi platform hacked for $40M

Decentralized finance platform Step Finance announced it was the victim of a major security breach. Hackers compromised devices used by Step Finance executives and stole around $40 million in crypto assets (www.tomshardware.com). The attackers exfiltrated popular tokens (like wrapped Bitcoin and stablecoins) from the platform’s liquidity pools. Step Finance has alerted law enforcement and is working to recover the funds. This incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the DeFi space, as even well-known projects remain vulnerable to targeted attacks (Tom’s Hardware).

• Breaches like this shake confidence in DeFi and could slow new user growth on affected platforms.
• Investors may demand stronger security measures (audits, multisig, insurance) for crypto projects.
• Regulators might use such hacks as justification to impose stricter controls on crypto platforms.

Bitcoin surpasses $70,000 amid market rally

Bitcoin surged above $70,000 this week, marking its highest level in over a year. The jump came as global stock markets rebounded and risk appetite returned (apnews.com). Analysts attribute the rise to bullish tech markets and renewed institutional interest in crypto assets. According to reports, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rallied in tandem, helping lift Bitcoin’s price. The cryptocurrency’s volatility remains high, but the recent rally highlights how broader market sentiment can rapidly drive crypto prices (AP News).

• Rapid price swings underscore crypto volatility; gains can reverse if market sentiment changes.
• Sustained rallies may draw more institutional investors, seeing crypto as a portfolio diversifier.
• Higher prices also attract regulatory scrutiny, as policy makers monitor market stability and retail investor risk.

Crypto Expo Europe announces speakers for 2026 event

The organizers of Crypto Expo Europe unveiled the first batch of speakers for their 2026 conference in Bucharest. Keynote roles will be filled by executives from major blockchain firms, exchanges, and policymakers (Cointelegraph). The event will cover topics like decentralized finance, digital identity, and evolving crypto regulations. By bringing together industry leaders and regulators, the Expo highlights Europe’s growing interest in blockchain technology and its bid to become a digital assets hub.

• Industry conferences like this signal mainstream business interest in crypto and blockchain.
• They provide a platform for dialogue between startups, investors, and regulators on crypto policy and innovation.
• Such events can foster partnerships and investments, boosting the crypto ecosystem in Europe.

Note: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and subject to rapid fluctuations. This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any investment decisions.

Bottom Line

The crypto industry continues to evolve quickly under the pressure of regulation and innovation. Global regulators are tightening rules and requiring more transparency, even as exchanges and projects expand their offerings and user base. Market movements (like Bitcoin’s surge) remain dramatic, reflecting both strong investor enthusiasm and ongoing risk. Going forward, stakeholders should watch regulatory developments closely and approach new crypto opportunities with caution.