Gate Insights and Crypto Market Analysis

The Bank of Russia is preparing to study the feasibility of launching a domestic Russian stablecoin in 2026, signaling a major pivot from its longstanding opposition to fiat-pegged digital assets. First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin announced the regulator will reassess risks and prospects this year, citing evolving international practices. The shift comes as Western sanctions intensify, with the EU's 20th package targeting Russian crypto transactions and the \$500 million ruble-b

Fintech innovator Figure Technology Solutions has begun marketing 4.23 million shares of its blockchain-native common stock, a first-of-its-kind offering that lets equity trade on its Provenance Blockchain-based alternative trading system rather than traditional exchanges like Nasdaq. The Feb. 14 announcement, timed with preliminary Q4 earnings showing 131% loan volume growth, arrives alongside confirmation of a customer data breach where hacking group ShinyHunters leaked 2.5 gigabytes o

Recent security incidents linked to wallet software have once again highlighted a central truth of crypto ownership: self-custody comes with responsibility. Following reports tied to a browser extension issue involving Trust Wallet Hack, users across the ecosystem are reassessing how they

Cryptocurrency transactions linked to suspected human trafficking services surged 85% year-over-year in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars across identified networks, according to Chainalysis' 2026 Crypto Crime Report. The growth is concentrated in Southeast Asia-based operations, where Telegram-facilitated escort services, labor placement agents tied to scam compounds, and child sexual abuse material vendors increasingly rely on stablecoins and sophisticated money laundering

Ripple pushes the Federal Reserve to modernize payment account rules to support stablecoin issuers, arguing targeted reforms could strengthen dollar dominance, reduce systemic risk and accelerate compliant digital asset integration into U.S. financial infrastructure. Ripple Urges Fed to Modify

Sam Bankman-Fried, the incarcerated FTX founder serving a 25-year sentence for fraud, has filed a motion requesting a new trial, claiming newly discovered evidence and witness intimidation could overturn his 2023 conviction. The legal maneuver arrives alongside a striking revelation: early investments SBF made before FTX's collapse—including stakes in Anthropic, Solana, and Robinhood—would today be worth approximately \$80 billion had they not been seized by authorities. For the crypto i

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has updated its cryptocurrency regulatory framework, allowing businesses to choose their cryptocurrency partners independently without prior approval. The new regulations will take effect in 2026 and apply to cryptocurrencies used for payment or investment purposes. Companies must comply with token policies and conduct suitability assessments.

Bitcoin faced renewed selling pressure on Thursday as the price retraced from an intraday high near 68,300 dollars. On-chain observations point to ongoing capitulation, with long‑term holders trimming exposure and a broad mix of leverage liquidations fueling the weakness. Several analysts argue

Figure Technology Solutions reported a strong Q4 with improved revenue and profit margins, driven by a 131% increase in consumer loan marketplace transactions. Revenue is estimated at $158–162 million, exceeding market forecasts. The company is also launching a secondary stock offering and plans to buy back shares to support stock price. Analysts see short-term growth from on-chain credit while long-term potential lies in new initiatives. Official results will be shared at the upcoming investor meeting.

The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a proposal to impose a 36% capital gains tax on savings accounts, cryptocurrencies, and other assets. The bill requires approval from the Senate and is scheduled to be implemented in 2028. Opponents fear this will lead to capital outflows and a significant reduction in investors' returns.